Hedysari Radix Polysaccharide Regulates Apoptosis of Smooth Muscle Cells in Gastric Antrum of Rat Model of Diabetic Gastroparesis via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide on the apoptosis of gastric sinus smooth muscle cells and explore the underlying mechanism via the insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/serine-threonine kinase （Akt） pathway in the rat model of diabetic gastroparesis （DGP）. MethodSixty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into a blank group （n=12） and a modelling group （n=50）. The rat model of DGP was established by small-dose multiple intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin combined with an irregular high-fat and high-sugar diet for 4 weeks. The modeled rats were randomized into model group， mosapride citrate （1.35 mg·kg-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （200， 100， and 50 mg·kg-1， respectively） Hedysari Radix polysaccharide groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage， and those in the blank and model groups with equal volumes of pure water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. The random blood glucose and body mass were measured every 2 weeks， and gastric emptying rate was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of smooth muscle in gastric antrum， and terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to detect the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum. The expression of IGF-1， phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， and p-Akt in the smooth muscle of gastric sinus tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in the smooth muscle of the gastric antrum. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated random blood glucose at all time points （P<0.01）， decreased body mass and gastric emptying rate （P<0.01）， increased apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and up-regulated protein level of Bax （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the 8 weeks of drug administration lowered the random blood glucose， increased the body mass and gastric emptying rate （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and down-regulated the protein level of Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the mosapride citrate group，the administration of low-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide for 6 and 8 weeks lowered the random blood glucose and decreased the body mass （P<0.05， P<0.01），low and medium-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide decreased the gastric emptying rate and the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the astragaloside low-dose group decreased （P<0.05）. The protein levels of IGF-1，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt and Bcl-2（low dose）were down-regulated and the protein level of Bax was up-regulated by low doses of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with high-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide， low-dose Hedysari Radix polysaccharide elevated random blood glucose and reduced body mass after 6 and 8 weeks of administration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the low and medium doses decreased the gastric emptying rate， increased the apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in the gastric antrum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of IGF-1， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2， and up-regulated the protein level of Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the medium-dose group，the low-dose group of Hedysari Radix polysaccharide had lower body mass，lower gastric emptying rate in rats，higher apoptotic index of smooth muscle cells in gastric sinus tissue after 6 and 8 weeks of administration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and lower protein expression of IGF-1，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt. ConclusionHedysari Radix polysaccharide protects the smooth muscle cells in gastric antrum against apoptotic injury and promotes gastric motility by activating the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， as manifested by the up-regulated expression of IGF-1， p-PI3K， p-Akt， and Bcl-2 and down-regulated expression of Bax.

Factor de crecimiento análogo a insulina-1 y cardiotrofina-1 inducido por ejercicio y su relación con hipertrofia miocárdica en maratonistas

Antecedentes: El ejercicio de alta intensidad induce hipertrofia miocárdica necesaria para adaptar al corazón a la mayor demanda de trabajo. Se desconoce si correr una maratón induce de forma aguda factores humorales asociados al desarrollo de hipertrofia miocárdica en atletas. Objetivo: Evaluar cardiotrofina-1 (CT1) y el factor de crecimiento análogo a insulina-1 (IGF-1), conocidos inductores de hipertrofia, en maratonistas previo y justo después de correr una maratón y su relación con hipertrofia cardíaca. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo ciego simple de atletas hombres que corrieron la maratón de Santiago. Se incluyó un grupo control sedentario. En todos los sujetos se realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico estándar. Los niveles de CT1 e IGF-1 se determinaron en plasma obtenidos antes (basal) y justo después de haber terminado (antes de 15 minutos) la maratón, usando test de ELISA. Resultados: Los atletas tenían frecuencias cardíacas menores que los controles, asociado con una mayor hipertrofia miocárdica, determinado por el grosor del septo y pared posterior del corazón, y volúmenes del ventrículo y aurícula izquierda. Los niveles basales de CT1 e IGF-1 fueron similares entre atletas y controles sedentarios. El correr la maratón aumentó los niveles de estas dos hormonas en un subgrupo de atletas. Solo los atletas que incrementaron los niveles de IGF-1, pero no de CT1, tenían volúmenes de ventrículo izquierdo y derecho más grandes que los otros atletas. Conclusiones: IGF-1 que se incrementa de forma aguda por el ejercicio, pero no CT1, estaría asociado con el aumento de los volúmenes ventriculares observado en los atletas.

Background: High intensity exercise induces the development of myocardial hypertrophy necessary to adapt the heart to the increased work demand. Whether running a marathon is associated with acutely induced humoral factors responsible for the development of myocardial hypertrophy observed in athletes is not known. Objective: To evaluate the levels of cardiotrophin-1 (CT1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), known hypertrophy inducers, in marathon runners before and just after running a marathon and their relationship with cardiac hypertrophy. Methodology: Single-blind prospective study of male athletes who ran the Santiago's marathon. A sedentary control group was included. All subjects underwent a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. CT1 and IGF-1 levels were determined in plasma obtained before (basal) and just after finishing (within 15 min) the marathon using ELISA assays. Results: Athletes had lower heart rates than controls, associated with greater myocardial hypertrophy, as determined by thickness of the heart's septum and posterior wall, and left atrial and ventricular volumes. Basal CT1 and IGF-1 levels were similar between athletes and sedentary controls. Marathon running increased the levels of these two hormones in a subgroup of athletes. Only the athletes who increased IGF-1 levels, but not CT1, had larger left and right ventricular volumes. Conclusion: IGF-1 acutely increased by exercise, but not CT1, was associated with the augmented ventricular volumes observed in athletes.

The relationship between serum leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels and clinical parameters in primary fibromyalgia patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of leptin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and their relations with clinical parameters in patients with primary fibromyalgia and healthy controls. METHODS: Our study was performed on 30 female patients with primary fibromyalgia and 30 healthy controls. The levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 were measured by a two-site immunoradiometric assay. The serum level of leptin was measured by the ELISA kit. RESULTS: The serum level of leptin was significantly higher, but the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome than healthy controls (p<0.001). The leptin level was positively correlated with the Visual Analog Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score, Beck Depression Inventory score, tender point count, age, and duration of disease (p<0.001), but it was negatively correlated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (p<0.001). The insulin-like growth factor-1 level was negatively correlated with age, Visual Analog Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory scores, duration of disease, and tender point count (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that high levels of serum leptin and low levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 may play a role in the physiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia and may be related to some symptoms.

Lenvatinib down-regulates IGF1R/Mek/Erk signaling pathway in the treatment of regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of lenvatinib on regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods: CCK-8 and clone formation assay were used to observe the inhibitory effect of lenvatinib on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with lenvatinib. The expression levels of related proteins were detected by western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The inhibitory effect of lenvatinib on the tumor formation ability of regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo was observed by subcutaneous tumor formation experiment in mice. Results: CCK-8 and clone formation assay showed that lenvatinib could inhibit the proliferation of regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The number of clones of HepG2, SMMC7721 and regorafenib-resistant HepG2, SMMC7721 cells in lenvatinib group (120.67±11.06, 53.00±11.14, 55.00±9.54, 78.67±14.64) were all lower than those in control group (478.00±24.52, 566.00±27.87, 333.67±7.02, 210.00±12.77, all P<0.05). Flow cytometry showed that lenvatinib could promote apoptosis of regorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells, the apoptosis rates of HepG2, SMMC7721 and regorafenib-resistant HepG2, SMMC7721 cells in lenvatinib group [(12.30±0.70)%, (9.83±0.38)%, (15.90±1.32)%, (10.60±0.00)%] were all higher than those in control group [(7.50±0.87)%, (5.00±1.21)%, (8.10±1.61)%, (7.05±0.78)%, all P<0.05]. The apoptosis-related protein levels suggested that apoptosis was increased in the treatment of lenvatinib. The animal study showed that lenvatinib can inhibit the growth of regorafenib-resistant cells in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blot results showed that lenvatinib could down-regulate the abnormally activated IGF1R/Mek/Erk signaling pathway in regorafenib-resistant cells. Conclusion: Lenvatinib can reverse regorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma, possibly by down-regulating IGF1R/Mek/Erk signaling pathway.

Effect of overweight / obesity on serum immunoglobulin and IGF-1 levels in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the effect of overweight / obesity on the levels of serum immunoglobulin and IGF-1 in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection and its clinical preventive value. Methods In the study, 126 children with recurrent respiratory tract infection admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were included in the analysis, and the BMI standard levels of different age groups were compared to distinguish the children's body types, and then compared with the overweight/obese patients. The information of serum IGF-1 and immunoglobulin levels in infants, obese patients and normal children were analyzed and discussed, and the factors of body type, the expression of serum IGF-1 and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and the relationship between repeated respiratory tract infection in children were analyzed and discussed. The association between occurrence and disease in order to guide prevention and clinical work. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. Results The average age of 126 children with recurrent respiratory tract infection was (5.24±2.09) years old, including 71 male children and 55 female children, 79 mild children and 47 severe children. According to the BMI standard level of age group, 39 overweight and obese children were detected in this study, 16 were thin children, and the remaining 71 children were normal. The expression levels of IGF-1 and IgG, IgA, and IgM were the lowest among the children with different disease states (P<0.05). The expression of -1, IgG, IgA, and IgM was positively correlated with the children's height, weight and BMI (all P<0.05). Conclusion The decreased expression of IGF-1, IgG, IgA and IgM was associated with the aggravation of recurrent respiratory tract infection, especially in emaciated children. It may be associated with low expression of IGF-1 and poor growth and development, low expression of IgG, IgA and IgM and poor immune level. It can actively prevent recurrent respiratory tract infection, especially severe syndrome recurrent respiratory tract infection, in children with high-risk body type, low growth and development level and immune status.

Activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) promotes growth of colorectal cancer through triggering the MEX3A-mediated degradation of RIG-I

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been made an attractive anticancer target due to its overexpression in cancers. However, targeting it has often produced the disappointing results as the role played by cross talk with numerous downstream signalings. Here, we report a disobliging IGF-1R signaling which promotes growth of cancer through triggering the E3 ubiquitin ligase MEX3A-mediated degradation of RIG-I. The active β-arrestin-2 scaffolds this disobliging signaling to talk with MEX3A. In response to ligands, IGF-1Rβ activated the basal βarr2 into its active state by phosphorylating the interdomain domain on Tyr64 and Tyr250, opening the middle loop (Leu130‒Cys141) to the RING domain of MEX3A through the conformational changes of βarr2. The models of βarr2/IGF-1Rβ and βarr2/MEX3A could interpret the mechanism of the activated-IGF-1R in triggering degradation of RIG-I. The assay of the mutants βarr2Y64A and βarr2Y250A further confirmed the role of these two Tyr residues of the interlobe in mediating the talk between IGF-1Rβ and the RING domain of MEX3A. The truncated-βarr2 and the peptide ATQAIRIF, which mimicked the RING domain of MEX3A could prevent the formation of βarr2/IGF-1Rβ and βarr2/MEX3A complexes, thus blocking the IGF-1R-triggered RIG-I degradation. Degradation of RIG-I resulted in the suppression of the IFN-I-associated immune cells in the TME due to the blockade of the RIG-I-MAVS-IFN-I pathway. Poly(I:C) could reverse anti-PD-L1 insensitivity by recovery of RIG-I. In summary, we revealed a disobliging IGF-1R signaling by which IGF-1Rβ promoted cancer growth through triggering the MEX3A-mediated degradation of RIG-I.

PROSTATE CANCER AND DIABETES BIOLOGY OR DETECTION BIAS

Prostate cancer and diabetes are the two highly prevalent health problems in men worldwide and have a high mortality rates but their association is quite complex and contradictory. This review reported several population based studies which tried to establish a possible association and explains the mechanism by which diabetes exhibits its effect on prostate cancer progression. It also explores the literature around the expression of various receptors and genes which enlightens the possible molecular basis of association and the effect of current antidiabetic drugs like metformin and insulin on the growth and advancement of prostate cancer in diabetic men. Masking of early tumor detection by diabetes might be the possible explanation for the reported inverse association with worse prognosis and shorter survival rate in diabetic prostate cancer patients.

The state of Sergipe contribution to GH research: from Souza Leite to Itabaianinha syndrome

ABSTRACT In the late 19th century, José Dantas de Souza Leite, a physician born in Sergipe, published the first detailed clinical description of acromegaly under the guidance of the French neurologist Pierre Marie. In 2014, the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism created the "José Dantas de Souza Leite Award", which is granted every two years to a Brazilian researcher who has contributed to the development of endocrinology. In 2022, the award was given to another physician from Sergipe, Manuel Hermínio de Aguiar Oliveira, from the Federal University of Sergipe for the description of "Itabaianinha syndrome" in a cohort of individuals with isolated GH deficiency due to a homozygous inactivating mutation in the GH-releasing hormone receptor gene. This research, which was carried out over almost 30 years, was performed in partnership with Roberto Salvatori from Johns Hopkins University and in collaboration with other researchers around the world. This review article tells the story of Souza Leite, some milestones in the history of GH, and summarizes the description of Itabaianinha syndrome.

Correlation of body mass index to Ghrelin and IGF-1 among children with short stature

Abstract Objective: To assess the BMI among children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) and its correlation to ghrelin, Growth Hormone (GH), and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients attending the Pediatric endocrine clinic were enrolled, allocated into two groups: group I: GHD children; group II: ISS children. Ghrelin, IGF-1 and GH in both groups were measured. Results: Ghrelin was significantly higher among GHD group (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a strong negative correlation between IGF-1 and ghrelin (r = -0.977, p-value = < 0.001) while a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.419, p-value = 0.006). There was a weak positive non-significant correlation between IGF-1 and BMI (r = 0.276, p-value = 0.077). In GHD group, there was a weak positive non-significant correlation between ghrelin and GHmax measurement (r = 0.052, p-value = 0.824), while a weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.243, p-value = 0.288). In GHD group, there was a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.500, p-value = 0.021), but weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.255, p-value = 0.265). Conclusion: There was a negative feedback loop between ghrelin and IGF-1, whereas a positive feedback between ghrelin and BMI. BMI was more affected in the ISS group but was non-signifi-cantly correlated with ghrelin. There was no significant compensatory response of ghrelin suggesting its contribution to the pathogenesis of ISS.

Investigation on the IGF-1 and lipid level in term small for gestational age infants within 24 hours postnatally / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) and lipid level of term small for gestational age (SGA) infants within 24 hours postnatally and to explore the correlation between IGF-1 and blood lipids.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on singleton term SGA and appropriate for gestational age infant (AGA) who were delivered and admitted to the neonatal ward of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital within 24 hours after birth from May 2020 to January 2021, and the infants were divided into SGA and AGA groups to compare the differences in IGF-1 and lipid levels within 24 hours after birth and to analyze the correlation between IGF-1 and lipids.Results:A total of 95 cases in the SGA group and 84 cases in the AGA group were included in the study. The proportion of infants with IGF-1 <25 ng/ml was significantly higher in SGA group (87.4%) than in the AGA group (52.4%). It was also found that the proportion of infants with IGF-1 <25 ng/ml in SGA was significantly higher than that in AGA within different gender composition groups, early-term and full-term births groups. The triglyceride (TG) level was higher in the SGA group than that in the AGA group, but the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was lower than that in the AGA group ( P<0.05). IGF-1 level within 24 hours postnatally in SGA and AGA was positively correlated with HDL-C levels ( P<0.01) and negatively correlated with TG ( P<0.01), and HDL-C level was a predictor of IGF-1. Conclusions:Compared with term AGA, SGA term infants showed insufficient IGF-1 and HDL-C secretion and high TG within 24 hours after birth. Nutritional support for SGA should be given promptly after birth to avoid hypoglycemia and to stimulate IGF-1 secretion.

LINC00649 Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-mediated Cervical Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis via miR-424-5p/IGF1R Axis / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the effects of LINC00649/miR-424-5p/IGF1R on ERs-mediated apoptosis of cervical carcinoma (CC) cells. Methods CC-related data was obtained from GEO database, then the differentially-expressed miRNAs were analyzed. The bioinformatics database was used to predict the upstream and downstream targets of miR-424-5p. LINC00649 and IGF1R were included. Dual luciferase reporter assay was adopted to confirm the targeting relationship. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of LINC00649, miR-424-5p and IGF1R in CC tissue and cells. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of CC cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of ERs-related proteins GRP78, CHOP and Caspase-12. Results Compared with paracancerous tissue and H8 cells, LINC00649 and IGF1R were up-regulated in CC tissue and cells, while miR-424-5p was down-regulated (both P < 0.05). The abnormally high expression of LINC00649 in CC was related to poor prognosis. The knockdown of LINC00649 inhibited CC cell viability and induced cell apoptosis by promoting ERs (all P < 0.05). LINC00649 upregulated the expression of IGF1R via absorbing miR-424-5p. miR-424-5p inhibitor or IGF1R overexpression partially reversed the effects of LINC00649 knockdown on CC cells (both P < 0.05). Conclusion LINC00649 could reduce cell apoptosis and improve cell viability by inhibiting the ERs process via regulating miR-424-5p/IGF1R axis in CC.

let-7b-5p suppresses the proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via down-regulating IGF1

Abstract Objectives Some previous studies indicated that the excessive proliferation and migration of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells (PASMCs) could be observed in pulmonary artery intima after Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occurred. In addition, recent studies identified some miRNAs that are differentially expressed in the blood of PE patients, which might be used as a diagnostic biomarker for PE, including let-7a-5p, let-7b-5p, and miR-150-5p. Hence, the authors sought to explore the effects of let-7b-5p in PASMC proliferation and migration and the corresponding regulatory mechanism. Methods Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) was utilized to induce the hyper-proliferation model in PASMCs. The mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. The proliferation of PASMCs was evaluated by the detection of PCNA expression, as well as CCK-8 and Edu assays. Wound healing and Transwell assays were exploited to assess the migration ability of PASMCs. The targets of let-7b-5p were predicted based on two bioinformatics online tools. Dual-luciferase and Ago2 pull-down assays were applied to confirm the interaction between let-7b-5p and IGF1. Results 40 ng/mL PDGF was selected as the optimal concentration to induce PASMCs. let-7b-5p mimics suppressed the proliferation and migration of PDGF-induced PASMCs, while let-7b-5p inhibitor led to the opposite result. In further mechanism exploration, IGF1 was predicted and confirmed as the direct target gene of let-7b-5p. The promotion role of IGF1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of PDGF-induced PASMCs was dramatically countered by let-7b-5p mimics. Conclusion let-7b-5p prohibits the proliferation and migration of PDGF-induced PASMCs by modulating IGF1.

Wide Pulse Width Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Rats via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of the pulse width of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rats and examine the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway during EA.@*METHODS@#Sciatic nerve functional index (SFI), muscle wet weight and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed after treatment in model rats with EA of various pulse widths (0.5, 50, 100 and 200 ms). The apoptosis index (AI) and paired box (PAX)3 and PAX7 protein expression were also determined. Further, the mRNA and protein expressions of components of IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and their downstream targets were determined, along with the inhibiting effect of the pathway with a PI3-specific inhibitor.@*RESULTS@#EA with a pulse width of 200 ms was found to have the best effect with regard to increasing SFI, CSA and muscle weight, decreasing AI, and increasing the expression of PAX3 and PAX7. The IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway was found to be activated by denervation, although the downstream forkhead box O (FoxO) pathway was not suppressed by its activation. The PI3K/Akt pathway and its downstream molecule mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were up-regulated further by EA to promote muscle protein synthesis. Meanwhile, the expressions of downstream FoxO and F-box protein 32 (ATROGIN-1) were down-regulated to reduce protein degradation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA with 200-ms pulse width was found to have a more significant effect than 0.5-ms EA. The positive effects of EA disappeared after inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Efficacy of Baxian Xiaoyaotang Against Ankylosis of Wind-Cold-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery and Its Influences on TGF-β1， IGF-1， and EGF / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Baxian Xiaoyaotang （BXT） in treating ankylosis of wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome after acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery and its effects on transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）， and epidermal growth factor （EGF）. Method:According to the visiting sequence， 66 patients with fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture were included and randomly divided into a treatment group （<italic>n</italic>=33） and a control group （<italic>n</italic>=33）. Patients in both groups underwent surgical repair， followed by immobilization in long-leg brace， which was then replaced by the boot brace in the fourth week， with the plantar-flexion angle adjusted correspondingly. Six weeks later， the brace was removed for accelerated functional rehabilitation training. On this basis， patients in the treatment group were further instructed to fumigate and wash the affected Achilles tendon with BXT， twice a day， for 45 d. The Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance scores and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society （AOFAS） ankle-hindfoot scores between the two groups were compared at the time of brace removal and the third， sixth， and twelfth months after surgery. The strength of triceps surae on the affected side was evaluated at the last follow-up visit. The serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels were detected before and after treatment. The wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome scores， symptom scores， the changes in foot dorsiflexion angle， and the overall clinical efficacy were compared. Result:The changes in scores of patients receiving different treatment measures did not synchronize. After the removal of brace， the Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score determined at three time points in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. At the last follow-up visit， the good-to-excellent rate of muscle strength in the treatment group was 93.94% （31/33）， higher than 72.73% （24/33） in the control group （χ²=0.031，<italic>P</italic><0.05）， implying that the strength of triceps surae in the treatment group was better recovered. After treatment， the serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels in both groups were increased in contrast to those before treatment （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and these levels in the treatment group were all higher than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The foot dorsiflexion angle and the wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome score in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The overall response rate of the treatment group was 90.91% （30/33）， higher than 75.76% （25/33） of the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=6.981， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment. Conclusion:The external fumigation and washing with BXT alleviates both the clinical symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome， improves the joint function score， triceps surae strength， and other indicators， elevates the serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels， and enhances the strength and toughness of Achilles tendon of patients with ankylosis due to wind-cold-dampness obstruction after the acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery. Its clinical efficacy is better than that of functional rehabilitation training.

Antidepressant Effect of n-Butyl Alcohol Extracts from Xiaoyaosan via IGF-1Rβ/PI3K/Akt Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the intervention effect of <italic>n</italic>-butyl alcohol extracts from Xiaoyaosan against depression-like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） in model mice and the role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor <italic>β</italic> （IGF-1R<italic>β</italic>）/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway in such intervention. Method:The effective dose of n-butyl alcohol extracts from Xiaoyaosan was preliminarily determined in model mice with behavioral despair. Then the male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group， model group， fluoxetine group， Xiaoyaosan group， and the low- （20 g·kg^-1） and high-dose （40 g·kg^-1） <italic>n</italic>-butyl alcohol extract groups. The mice in all groups except for the blank group were exposed to CUMS for inducing the depression-like behavior， which was judged by the sucrose preference test （SPT）. The successfully modeled mice in the medication groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs， whereas those in the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of solvent for five successive weeks. Following the SPT， tail suspension test （TST）， and novelty suppressed feeding test （NSFT） at the end of the fifth week， the insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） levels in mouse serum and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The average optical density （<italic>IA</italic>） of Nissl bodies in mouse hippocampal CA3 region was detected by toluidine blue staining. The 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine （Brdu） and doublecortin （DCX） expression in the dentate gyrus （DG） was assayed using immunofluorescence method. The protein expression levels of IGF-1R<italic>β</italic>， PI3K， phosphorylated-PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， p-Akt， cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 3 （Caspase-3）， and cleaved Caspase-3 in the hippocampus were determined by Western blot. Result:The results of forced swimming test and TST showed that n-butyl alcohol extracts from Xiaoyaosan at 9.1 and 40 g·kg^-1 both significantly shortened the immobility time of mice （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， indicating that the effective dose ranged from 9.1-40 g·kg^-1. Compared with the model control， the n-butyl alcohol extracts from Xiaoyaosan at 20 and 40 g·kg^-1 significantly increased the sucrose preference percentage （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， shortened the immobility time in TST （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and the feeding latency in NSFT （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， reversed the down-regulated IGF-1 content in mouse serum and hippocampus （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， increased the AOD of Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA3 region （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， promoted the expression of Brdu and DCX in DG （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and down-regulated the protein expression levels of IGF-1R<italic>β</italic> （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， p-PI3K/PI3K （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， p-Akt/Akt （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of CUMS mice. Conclusion:The n-butyl alcohol extracts from Xiaoyaosan are equivalent to Xiaoyaosan in inhibiting expression. They alleviate the depression-like behavior in CUMS mice， induce the production of Nissl bodies in hippocampal CA3 region， enhance neuronal proliferation and differentiation in DG， and facilitate neurogenesis. All these may be related to the inhibition of over-activated IGF-1R<italic>β</italic>/PI3K/Akt pathway and the reduction of neuronal apoptosis.

Impacto del consumo de carne magra de cerdo sobre el riesgo cardiovascular / The impact of lean pork meat consumption on cardiovascular risk

Resumen Introducción: El valor nutritivo de las proteínas derivadas de la carne magra de cerdo ha cambiado ostensiblemente con la tecnificación en la producción y la posibilidad de obtener productos que conserven un alto valor nutritivo. No obstante, en nuestro medio su consumo se ha estigmatizado por un posible aumento de riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del consumo de la carne magra de cerdo sobre algunos parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos de riesgo cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de seguimiento a un grupo de 47 personas sanas que consumieron 200 gramos de carne magra de cerdo durante un periodo de ocho semanas, durante las cuales se valoraron parámetros bioquímicos, antropométricos, nutricionales y de riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados: Se observó que, tanto a las cuatro como a las ocho semanas, los niveles de colesterol LDL y triglicéridos no variaron. No obstante, los niveles de colesterol HDL y los micronutrientes zinc, hierro y vitamina B12 aumentaron en plasma luego de ocho semanas de consumo de carne magra de cerdo. De igual forma, marcadores metabólicos, como la adiponectina y el IGF-1, incrementaron luego de ocho semanas de consumo. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con estas observaciones la carne magra de cerdo puede mejorar el aporte de algunos micronutrientes y parámetros metabólicos sin que se haya evidenciado un efecto adverso sobre ciertos parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular en individuos sanos.

Abstract Introduction: The nutritional value of proteins derived from lean pork meat has essentially changed with the introduction of technology in the production and the possibility of obtaining products that retain a high nutritional value. However, its consumption has been stigmatised in this country due to a possible increase in cardiovascular risk. Objective: To evaluate the impact of consuming lean pork meat on some anthropometric and biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk. Methods: A follow-up study was conducted on a population of 47 healthy subjects that consumed 200 grammes of lean pork meat for a period of 8 weeks. An evaluation was made of some biochemical, anthropometric, nutritional and cardiovascular risk parameters. Results: No changes were observed in the LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride levels. However, the plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol, as well as those of micronutrients such as zinc, iron and vitamin B12, increased after 8 weeks of consuming lean pork meat. Furthermore, metabolic markers, like adiponectin and IGF-1, also increased after eight weeks of consumption. Conclusions: According to these observations, lean pork meat may improve the supply of some micronutrients, as well as some metabolic parameters, with no evidence of any adverse effects on certain cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals.

Thyroid gland changes in patients with acromegaly

ABSTRACT Objective Acromegaly is characterized by high neoplastic morbidity as a side effect of growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion. Increased incidence of goiter, thyroid carcinoma, and thyroid dysfunction is also reported. The aim of the present study was to find the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and goiter in patients with acromegaly and determine its relationship to disease activity, disease duration, and the presence of secondary hypothyroidism. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study of the period 2008-2012 were included 146 patients with acromegaly (56 men, 90 women) of mean age 50.3 ± 12.4 years. Acromegaly disease activity and thyroid function were evaluated in all patients. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to calculate thyroid volume and detect the presence of nodular goiter. Results Ninety-one patients were determined to have an active disease, and 55, a controlled disease. The mean thyroid volume in patients without previous thyroid surgery was 37.6 ± 38.8 mL. According to disease activity, thyroid volume was significantly higher in patients with active disease (38.5 ± 45.4 mL vs. 27.2 ± 18.4 mL, p = 0.036). A weak positive correlation was found between thyroid volume and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the whole group and in females (R = 0.218; p = 0.013, and R = 0.238; p = 0.037, respectively). There was no significant correlation of thyroid volume with disease duration and GH level in the whole group and in both sexes. The patients with secondary hypothyroidism had twofold smaller thyroid volume, relative to the rest of the group. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 39%, with a female to male percentage ratio of 1.73. Goiter was diagnosed in 87% of patients, including diffuse goiter (17.1%) and nodular (69.9%), with no significant difference between patients with active and controlled disease or the presence of secondary hypothyroidism. Conclusions Thyroid volume in patients with acromegaly depends on disease activity and the presence of secondary hypothyroidism as a complication. The increased prevalence of nodular goiter determines the need of regular ultrasound thyroid evaluation in the follow-up of patients with acromegaly. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):269-75

Insulina e IGF-1 no meio extensor de criopreservação seminal bovina / Insulin and IGF-I in extender medium for bovine semen cryopreservation

Objetivou-se avaliar a condição metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas bovinas após congelação, com adição prévia de IGF-I e insulina no meio diluidor seminal. Os ejaculados de seis touros Nelore foram submetidos a quatro tratamentos: controle; insulina (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) e insulina + IGF-I (50µUI/mL e 75ng/mL, respectivamente). Após a congelação, realizaram-se os testes de termorresistência rápida, coloração pelo corante azul de tripan e Giemsa, além da análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, da integridade das membranas plasmática e acrossomal, e da peça intermediária por meio de sondas fluorescentes. O teste de termorresistência rápida apresentou efeito dentro do tempo de cada tratamento, mas não entre os tratamentos. Na análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, foram observados movimento, motilidade e velocidade espermáticos; não houve efeitos dos tratamentos sobre qualquer uma dessas variáveis. Respostas iguais foram obtidas com as sondas fluorescentes e o corante azul de tripan/Giemsa. A adição de insulina e IGF-I, de forma isolada ou combinada, ao meio diluidor para congelação de sêmen não produziu efeitos sobre as condições metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and structural condition of the spermatic bovine cells after the freezing, with addition, previously, of IGF-I and Insulin in the seminal thinner medium. The semen of 6 Nellore bulls were submitted to four treatments: Control, Insulin (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) and Insulin + IGF-I (50µUI/mL and 75ng/mL, respectively). After freezing, rapid resistance tests, Tripan and Giemsa Blue staining, and computerized analysis of sperm motility and integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes and the intermediate part were performed by fluorescent probes. The term rapid resistance test had effect within the time of each treatment, but not between treatments. In the computer analysis of sperm motility, sperm movement, motility and velocity no effects of treatments were observed on any of these variables. The same results were obtained with the fluorescent probes and the Blue dye Trypan / Giemsa. The addition of Insulin and IGF-I, alone or in combination, to the semen freezing dilution medium had no effect on the metabolic and structural condition of sperm cells.(AU)

IGF-1 Gene Polymorphism in Migratory Gaddi Goats of Western Himalayan Region, India

Goat production is a predominant livestock activity in harsh climatic regions of the country particularly hilly regions. ‘Gaddi’ is a prominent goat breed of Himachal Pradesh constituting 60-65% of total goat population of 11.20 lakh (19th Livestock Census, 2012). The somatotropic axis has a key role in postnatal growth and metabolism. IGF-1 gene encodes the protein that is structurally and functionally similar to insulin and regulates cellular synthesis of DNA as well as cellular growth and development, especially in neurons and also mediates the effect of GH gene. The present study was carried onÊ»Gaddiʼ, a distinct goat breed of high altitude areas of Western Himalayan region, for molecular characterization of IGF-1 gene and further analyse its association with growth traits. Blood samples from 63 genetically unrelated animals of Gaddi goat breed were taken from the migratory flocks under AICRP and Gaddi goat unit of CSKHPKV, Palampur and subjected to DNA isolation. 363 bp amplicon was generated and PCR-RFLP analysis using HaeIII restriction enzyme (RE) revealed two variants (AB and BB) however, no significant association could be established. Allele frequencies for A and B alleles were 0.25 and 0.75. The estimates obtained for Ne, Hobs, Hexp and PIC were 1.61, 0.51, 0.38 and 0.31, respectively. PIC value of 0.31 implies the effectiveness of the marker in population studies and also revealed median level of polymorphism. Sequencing confirmed one nucleotide mutation (C264G), however, no significant association were found at IGF-1 genotype with biometric traits in screened Gaddi goats

Insulin-like growth factor 1 modulates the phosphorylation, expression, and activity of organic anion transporter 3 through protein kinase A signaling pathway

Organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) plays a vital role in removing a broad variety of anionic drugs from kidney, thus avoiding their possible toxicity in the body. In the current study, we investigated the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the regulation of OAT3. We showed that IGF-1 induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in OAT3 transport activity, which correlated well with an increase in OAT3 expression. The IGF-1-induced increase in OAT3 expression was blocked by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. Moreover, IGF-1 induced an increase in OAT3 phosphorylation, which was also blocked by H89. These data suggest that the IGF-1 modulation of OAT3 occurred through PKA signaling pathway. To further confirm the involvement of PKA, we treated OAT3-expressing cells with PKA activator Bt2-cAMP, followed by examining OAT activity and phosphorylation. We showed that OAT3 activity and phosphorylation were much enhanced in Bt2-cAMP-treated cells as compared to that in control cells. Finally, linsitinib, an anticancer drug that blocks the IGF-1 receptor, abrogated IGF-1-stimulated OAT3 transport activity. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that IGF-1 regulates OAT3 expression and transport activity through PKA signaling pathway, possibly by phosphorylating the transporter.