1.Clinical, metabolic, and autoimmune characteristics of newly diagnosed young Filipino adults with diabetes mellitus.
Elizabeth Paz-Pacheco ; Angelique Bea C. Uy ; Angelique Love Tiglao-Gica ; Anna Elvira S. Arcellana ; Aura Bree Dayo-Lacdao ; Cynthia P. Cordero ; Cecilia A. Jimeno ; Ma. Cecille Añ ; onuevo-Cruz ; Noel R. Juban
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(2):41-49
OBJECTIVES
In Asia, younger individuals (below age 45) are diagnosed to have type 2 diabetes with increased rates of obesity defined by lower BMI yet with greater visceral adiposity (waist circumference and waisthip ratios). The prevalence data on type 1 diabetes is not well established, considered to be low, but is seen to be increasing as well. This changing phenotype therefore, presents a clinical dilemma in terms of correctly classifying diabetes and deciding on the consequent appropriate treatment. Distinguishing type 1 from type 2 diabetes has become more difficult with type 2 diabetes dramatically increasing in young adults and children. This study aims to define the characteristics of diabetes among young adults in the Philippines to provide a basis for appropriate management amidst changes in diabetes phenotypes seen globally.
METHODSIn this cross-sectional analytic study, we characterized the demographic, metabolic, and autoimmune features of diabetes among young adult Filipinos aged 18 to 45 years old consulting at a tertiary referral center in Manila, Philippines. Baseline serum A1c, FBS, 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, insulin, serum C-peptide, insulin autoantibodies, leptin, adiponectin, lipid profile, and thyroid function tests were obtained from the participants and analyzed. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to estimate the insulin sensitivity.
RESULTSA total of 348 patients with diabetes were included, with females comprising two-thirds of the participants. The mean age at diagnosis of diabetes was 35.9±7.22 years. The mean BMI was 28.12 kg/m2, with median waist to hip ratio (WHR) of 0·93. Metabolic syndrome was found in 60% of participants and 67.82% were obese by body mass index. The mean A1c was 9.07±2.52%. Good glucose control (A1c less than 7.0%) was seen in 23% of participants while nearly half (48%) had HbA1c which was >9.0%. The median levels of fasting insulin and C-peptide were 12.62 (range 1.33–90.42) mIU/L and 0.78 ng/mL (range 0–16.2), respectively.
Included participants were diagnosed with diabetes within a year and as such, majority did not have any micro- or macrovascular complications. The most common diabetes complication was sensory neuropathy detected by monofilament testing, which was found in 28% of participants, followed by non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 13%. A history of previous diabetic ketoacidosis was found in 10 patients (2.87%). Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and insulin auto-antibodies were found in 3.2% and 19.3% of participants, respectively. Approximately half (51.73%) of the participants were insulin resistant by HOMA-IR.
CONCLUSIONIn contrast with Caucasians and other Asians, diabetes among young Filipino adults is associated with lower BMI but with a similarly high visceral adiposity as shown by an elevated WHR. Metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance as defined by a variety of indices is predominant. Type 1 diabetes with autoantibodies occur in only a small fraction of this population. Data derived from this work can provide a framework for cluster analysis towards personalized management specific to this population.
Human ; Acids ; Adiponectin ; Adiposity ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies ; Asia ; Asian ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Autoantibodies ; Body Mass Index ; C-peptide ; Carboxy-lyases ; Child ; Cluster Analysis ; Demography ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Ketoacidosis ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; Diagnosis ; Fasting ; Female ; Glucose ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Glutamate Decarboxylase ; Glutamic Acid ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Ketosis ; Leptin ; Lipids ; Metabolic Syndrome ; Obesity ; Patients ; Peptides ; Phenotype ; Philippines ; Population ; Prevalence ; Serum ; Therapeutics ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Young Adult
2.Effects of Garcinia mangostana Peel Extract on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Human Studies
Yosef Purwoko ; K Heri Nugroho ; Siti Setiati ; Banundari Rachmawati
Acta Medica Indonesiana 2026;58(1):52-58
Abstract
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and chronic inflammation. Interest in natural adjunctive therapies has increased, particularly in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), which contains xanthone compounds in the peel with potential antidiabetic properties. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalKey up to December 2022 for studies assessing mangosteen peel extract (MPE) or α-mangostin in diabetic human subjects. Eligible studies included randomized controlled and quasi-experimental trials reporting glycemic or metabolic outcomes. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB tool. The primary result of this study is to evaluate the effects of mangosteen peel extract supplementation on key glycemic outcomes in patients with T2DM, specifically fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Results: A total of two studies (n=2) met the inclusion criteria. A randomized controlled pilot trial reported significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR −53.2% vs −15.2%; p = 0.004) after 26 weeks of standardized mangosteen extract. A small quasi-experimental study reported a significant reduction in FBG following 7 days of mangosteen peel decoction. Discussion: Limited clinical evidence indicates that mangosteen peel extract may improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting glucose in T2DM. However, the conclusions are limited by the small number of available studies, the short follow-up duration in one trial, and variability in extract preparation. Conclusion: Mangosteen peel extract demonstrates promising glycemic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting glucose. However, the available evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and heterogeneity in extract formulations. Larger randomized controlled trials using standardized preparations are required before clinical recommendations can be made.
Garcinia mangostana
;
mangosteen peel extract
;
&alpha
;
-mangostin
;
type 2 diabetes mellitus
;
insulin resistance
;
oxidative stress
3.Association of Testosterone With Insulin Resistance and Beta-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Khoirun Mukhsinin Putra ; Yulianto Kusnadi ; Ratna Maila Dewi ; Alwi Shahab
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):56-57
Introduction:
Insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction
are key components of the pathophysiology of type
2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The triglyceride-to-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio has been
widely used as a marker of insulin resistance. In addition,
testosterone deficiency has been associated with adverse
metabolic profiles and T2DM. However, the relationship
between testosterone levels, insulin resistance, and betacell function in patients with T2DM remains incompletely
understood.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 25 male
patients with T2DM attending the diabetic clinic at Dr.
Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital. Serum testosterone,
C-peptide, TG, and HDL levels were obtained from routine
clinical data. The TG/HDL ratio was calculated as an index
of insulin resistance. Normality was assessed using the
Shapiro–Wilk test, and due to the non-normal distribution
of key variables, Spearman correlation analysis was
applied.
Results:
A strong inverse correlation was observed between
testosterone levels and TG/HDL ratio (r = -0.860, p <0.001),
indicating that higher insulin resistance was associated
with lower testosterone levels. In addition, TG/HDL ratio
showed a strong negative correlation with C-peptide levels
(r = -0.741, p <0.001), suggesting reduced beta-cell function
in the presence of increased insulin resistance.
Conclusion
In patients with T2DM, increased insulin resistance is
strongly associated with lower testosterone levels and
reduced beta-cell function. These findings highlight the
interaction between metabolic dysfunction and hormonal
status in middle-aged and elderly patients with T2DM
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Testosterone
4.When Hypoglycemia Speaks Louder Than the Chest: A Decade-Late Recurrence of IGF-2-Mediated Non-Islet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia
Li Li Kwan ; Deviga Lachumanan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):67-68
Introduction:
Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare
paraneoplastic syndrome caused by tumor secretion of
insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2), leading to recurrent
hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia. It is most commonly
associated with large mesenchymal tumors, such as solitary fibrous tumor, particularly those arising from the pleura
or lungs. This phenomenon, also known as Doege–Potter
syndrome, may precede tumor detection or signal tumor
recurrence. We report a striking case of late malignant
recurrence presenting solely with hypoglycemia after
a decade of remission.
Case:
A 68-year-old female was initially presented in 2016
with respiratory symptoms and recurrent symptomatic
fasting and post-prandial hypoglycemia, and was found
to have a large left upper lobe mass. Tumor resection in
2017 resulted in complete resolution of hypoglycemia.
She remained asymptomatic for several years. In
2023, she developed recurrent hypoglycemia without
respiratory or constitutional symptoms. Biochemical
evaluation demonstrated hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia
with suppressed insulin and C-peptide, low IGF-1, and
markedly elevated IGF-2, resulting in an IGF-2:IGF-1 ratio
of 25, consistent with IGF-2-mediated NICTH. Computed
tomography imaging revealed a large left thoracic mass
with invasion into the intercostal muscles and diaphragm
with extension toward the stomach, associated with
contralateral lung nodules and possible liver metastases,
suggesting recurrent malignant disease. Hypoglycemia
improved with glucocorticoid therapy, and the patient
was referred for oncological assessment. Despite initiation
of systemic chemotherapy, her disease progressed and she
succumbed during treatment.
Conclusion
This case highlights several important lessons: Firstly,
recurrent hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia warrants
evaluation for NICTH even in the absence of tumor-related
symptoms. Secondly, solitary fibrous tumors may recur
or undergo malignant transformation after prolonged
disease-free intervals; and glucocorticoids provide effective
metabolic control but do not alter oncologic prognosis.
Long-term surveillance should be considered in patients
with prior solitary fibrous tumors due to the risk of delayed
recurrence and paraneoplastic complications.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
;
Hypoglycemia
;
Neoplasms
5.When IGF-1 Misleads: Discordant Biochemical Findings in Acromegaly
Ashwini Chandrasekaran ; Subashini Rajoo ; Gayathri Devi Krishnan ; Shazatul Reza ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla ; Xe Hui Lee
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):90-
Introduction:
Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder caused by excess
growth hormone (GH), causing somatic overgrowth,
multiple comorbidities, and premature mortality. It is
confirmed biochemically by an elevated GH level, which
is not suppressed post oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
The serum level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is
recommended for diagnosis, monitoring, and screening,
and a normal level effectively excludes the disease. We
report a patient with acromegaly who presented with
normal IGF-1.
Case:
A 21-year-old female, with no known medical illness,
presented with a persistent, progressive headache and
amenorrhea for the past 6 months. She also noticed
a change in facial appearance and an increase in the
size of her hands and feet. Blood parameters revealed
raised GH level of >50 ng/mL, normal IGF-1 30.3 nmol/L
(12.17–44.80), mildly raised prolactin 692 mIU/L, low am
cortisol 62 nmol/L (166–507), thyroid-stimulating hormone
of 0.63 mIU/L (0.27–4.20), free thyroxine 4 11 pmol/L
(12–22), low follicle-stimulating hormone 0.90 IU/L,
luteinizing hormone <0.30 IU/L, estradiol <18.4 pmol/L,
and fasting blood sugar of 17.7 mmol/L with hemoglobin
A1c 9%. In view of normal IGF-1 with a high index of
suspicion for acromegaly, she underwent OGTT which
showed unsuppressed GH. Magnetic resonance imaging
pituitary showed sellar mass 2.4 × 2.9 × 2.1 cm with
suprasellar extension as well as extension into the right
cavernous sinus, suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma.
She was diagnosed with acromegaly with secondary
adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism with
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, complicated with
poorly controlled diabetes. She was started on thyroxine
and hydrocortisone replacement and required basal bolus
insulin of 1.3 u/kg/day. Repeated IGF-1 showed a raised value, 85.4 nmol/L, after optimization of diabetes. She
underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with
normalization of blood sugar post-surgery. Blood pressure
was normal throughout.
Conclusion
False negative or normal IGF-1 levels may result in patients
with hepatic or renal failure, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, use of oral estrogen, severe infection, and poorly
controlled diabetes mellitus. Hence, a low or normal IGF1 does not exclude acromegaly in patients with a high
index of suspicion and warrants further investigation.
Acromegaly
;
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
6.Biochemical Discordance in Acromegaly Complicated by Pituitary Apoplexy and Severe Insulin Resistance
Jean Mun Cheah ; Fei Bing Yong ; K.J. Lingeswary ; Jen Hoong Oon ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla binti Long Mohd Noor Affendi ; Gayathri Devi A/P Krishnan ; Shazatul Reza binti Mohd Redzuan ; Subashini Rajoo
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):100-
Introduction:
Acromegaly is usually diagnosed by elevated age- and
sex-adjusted insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels
reflecting chronic growth hormone (GH) excess. IGF-1 is
preferred as a screening biomarker due to its longer half-life
and reduced pulsatility compared with GH. However, IGF1 levels may be disproportionately low or only modestly
elevated in certain clinical contexts, leading to diagnostic
uncertainty. Pituitary apoplexy is one such condition in
which acute tumor hemorrhage or infarction may disrupt
sustained GH secretion and attenuate IGF-1 production
Case:
A 48-year-old female with hypertension, type 2 diabetes
mellitus, and dyslipidemia presented with a 2-day history
of severe headache, vomiting, and visual disturbance, on a
background of progressive acral enlargement over 2 years.
Examination revealed coarse facial features, prognathism,
enlarged hands, and cranial nerve involvement. Magnetic
resonance imaging demonstrated an invasive sellar–
suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma with optic chiasmal
compression and cavernous sinus encasement. Intravenous
dexamethasone was initiated pre-operatively due to a
significant mass effect.
Biochemical evaluation showed markedly elevated
random GH levels (>50 ng/mL) with only mildly elevated
IGF-1 at 1.19 times the upper limit of normal, below the
threshold at which confirmatory oral glucose tolerance
testing may be omitted according to current guidelines.
Other pituitary axes suggested evolving hypopituitarism.
During admission, she developed severe hyperglycemia
with marked insulin resistance, requiring high-dose insulin
therapy (approximately 1.5 U/kg/day). She underwent
urgent transsphenoidal surgery, with histopathology
confirming a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor with extensive
hemorrhage and infarction, consistent with pituitary
apoplexy. Postoperatively, GH levels were suppressed to
<5 ng/mL, insulin requirements decreased markedly, and
hormone replacement was initiated for secondary adrenal
insufficiency and central hypothyroidism.
Conclusion
This case highlights that IGF-1 levels below conventional
diagnostic thresholds do not exclude clinically significant
acromegaly, particularly in the setting of pituitary
apoplexy. Integration of clinical phenotype, GH levels, and
imaging findings is essential to avoid diagnostic delay and
ensure timely management.
Acromegaly
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Pituitary Apoplexy
7.Abnormal elevation of growth hormone in patients with pituitary adenoma combined with cirrhosis: A case report.
Yanlei WANG ; Min DUAN ; Jianzhong XIAO ; Wenhui ZHAO
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):400-402
The oral glucose growth hormone suppression test is commonly used in the clinical diagnosis of acromegaly, but its results can be influenced by a variety of factors. This case report discusses a patient with a pituitary tumor and concurrent liver cirrhosis, highlighting the complexities in interpreting test results under such conditions. The patient, a 54-year-old male, presented with blurred vision as his primary complaint. Notably, the physical examination revealed no changes in facial features, no enlargement of hands or feet, and no other symptoms typically associated with acromegaly, which might otherwise suggest excessive growth hormone activity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland indicated that the gland was within normal size parameters, but a small low-intensity lesion mea-suring approximately 3 mm×2 mm identified. This finding was consistent with a pituitary microadenoma. The patient's fasting growth hormone levels were significantly elevated at 8.470 μg/L, compared with the normal range of less than 2.47 μg/L. Conversely, fasting insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were notably low, recorded at 41 and 52 μg/L, whereas the normal range for a person of his age was between 87 and 234 μg/L. Other pituitary hormones, including those regulating the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and sex hormones, were found to be within normal ranges. Despite this, during the glucose growth hormone suppression test, an abnormal elevation of growth hormone was observed. To investigate further, the patient was administered branched-chain amino acids, and the suppression test was repeated. However, the abnormal elevation of growth hormone persisted, indicating a failure to normalize the response. Given the patient's lack of clinical signs typically associated with elevated growth hormone secretion, the history of liver cirrhosis became a significant consideration. The disparity between elevated growth hormone levels and reduced IGF-1 levels suggested that the pituitary lesion was a non-functional adenoma rather than a source of excess hormone production. Consequently, it was concluded that the abnormal response of growth hormone to the glucose suppression test was likely related to the patient's liver cirrhosis. In addition to chronic liver disease, various other conditions could influence the results of the oral glucose tolerance growth hormone suppression test. According to the literature, factors such as puberty, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, and protein malnutrition could also affect test outcomes. These conditions could cause similar abnormalities in growth hormone dynamics, complicating the diagnosis. Therefore, clinicians must be vigilant and consider these potential influences when interpreting test results.For an accurate diagnosis of acromegaly, it is essential to combine clinical symptoms, detailed medical history, and imaging studies. The presence of conditions like liver cirrhosis should prompt careful interpretation of the test results, ensuring that other contributing factors are not overlooked. This comprehensive approach is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure that appropriate treatment strategies are implemented based on a thorough understanding of the patient's overall health status.
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Pituitary Neoplasms/blood*
;
Liver Cirrhosis/blood*
;
Adenoma/blood*
;
Human Growth Hormone/blood*
;
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism*
;
Acromegaly/etiology*
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
8.Huanglian-Renshen-Decoction Maintains Islet β-Cell Identity in T2DM Mice through Regulating GLP-1 and GLP-1R in Both Islet and Intestine.
Wen-Bin WU ; Fan GAO ; Yue-Heng TANG ; Hong-Zhan WANG ; Hui DONG ; Fu-Er LU ; Fen YUAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(1):39-48
OBJECTIVE:
To elucidate the effect of Huanglian-Renshen-Decoction (HRD) on ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus by maintaining islet β -cell identity through regulating paracrine and endocrine glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in both islet and intestine.
METHODS:
The db/db mice were divided into the model (distilled water), low-dose HRD (LHRD, 3 g/kg), high-dose HRD (HHRD, 6 g/kg), and liraglutide (400 µ g/kg) groups using a random number table, 8 mice in each group. The db/m mice were used as the control group (n=8, distilled water). The entire treatment of mice lasted for 6 weeks. Blood insulin, glucose, and GLP-1 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The proliferation and apoptosis factors of islet cells were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Then, GLP-1, GLP-1R, prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), PC2, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A (MafA), and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) were detected by Western blot, IHC, IF, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
RESULTS:
HRD reduced the weight and blood glucose of the db/db mice, and improved insulin sensitivity at the same time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HRD also promoted mice to secrete more insulin and less glucagon (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, it also increased the number of islet β cell and decreased islet α cell mass (P<0.01). After HRD treatment, the levels of GLP-1, GLP-1R, PC1/3, PC2, MafA, and PDX1 in the pancreas and intestine significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
HRD can maintain the normal function and identity of islet β cell, and the underlying mechanism is related to promoting the paracrine and endocrine activation of GLP-1 in pancreas and intestine.
Animals
;
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/metabolism*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism*
;
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/metabolism*
;
Insulin-Secreting Cells/pathology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Blood Glucose/metabolism*
;
Insulin/blood*
;
Mice
;
Intestinal Mucosa/pathology*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Islets of Langerhans/pathology*
9.Triptolide Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats by Suppressing IGF1-Mediated Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition.
Pei-Pei LU ; Lan YAN ; Qi GENG ; Lin LIN ; Lu-Lu ZHANG ; Chang-Qi SHI ; Peng-Cheng ZHAO ; Xiao-Meng ZHANG ; Jian-Yu SHI ; Cheng LYU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(12):1069-1077
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the common mechanisms among collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and CIA+BLM to evaluate the therapeutic effect of triptolide (TP) on CIA+BLM.
METHODS:
Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups according to a random number table (n=6 per group): normal control (NC), CIA, BLM, combined CIA+BLM model, TP low-dose (TP-L, 0.0931 mg/kg), and TP high-dose (TP-H, 0.1862 mg/kg) groups. The CIA model was induced by intradermal injection at the base of the tail with emulsion of bovine type II collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (1:1), with 200 µL administered on day 0 and a booster of 100 µL on day 7. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced via a single intratracheal injection of BLM (5 mg/kg). The CIA+BLM model combined both protocols, and TP was administered orally from day 14 to 35. After successful modeling, arthritis scores were recorded every 3 days, and pulmonary function was assessed once at the end of the treatment period. Lung tissues were collected for histological analysis (hematoxylin eosin and Masson staining), immunohistochemistry, measurement of hydroxyproline (HYP) content, and calculation of lung coefficient. In addition, HE staining was performed on the ankle joint. Total RNA was extracted from lung tissues for transcriptomic analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared with those from the RA-associated interstitial lung diseases patient dataset GSE199152 to identify overlapping genes, which were then used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Hub genes were identified using multiple topological algorithms.
RESULTS:
The successfully established CIA+BLM rat model exhibited significantly increased arthritis scores and severe pulmonary fibrosis (P<0.01). By intersecting the DEGs obtained from transcriptomic analysis of lung tissues in CIA, BLM, and CIA+BLM rats with DEGs from rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease patients (GSE199152 dataset), 50 upregulated and 44 downregulated genes were identified. Through integrated PPI network analysis using multiple topological algorithms, IGF1 was identified as a central hub gene. TP intervention significantly improved pulmonary function by increasing peak inspiratory flow (P<0.01), and reduced lung index and HYP content (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis showed that TP alleviated alveolar collapse, interstitial thickening, and collagen deposition in the lung tissues (P<0.01). Moreover, TP treatment reduced the expression of collagen type I and α-SMA and increased E-cadherin levels (P<0.01). TP also significantly reduced arthritis scores and ameliorated synovial inflammation (P<0.05). Both transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that IGF1 expression was elevated in the CIA+BLM group and downregulated following TP treatment (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
TP exerts protective effects in the CIA+BLM model by alleviating arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis through the inhibition of IGF1-mediated EMT.
Animals
;
Pulmonary Fibrosis/complications*
;
Bleomycin/adverse effects*
;
Phenanthrenes/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Diterpenes/pharmacology*
;
Epoxy Compounds/therapeutic use*
;
Arthritis, Experimental/complications*
;
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Lung/physiopathology*
10.Pseudolaric Acid B Alleviates Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Targeting PPARα to Regulate Lipid Metabolism and Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis.
Shu-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Wei ZHANG ; Gai GAO ; Chang-Xin LIU ; Hui CHEN ; Zhong-Xue FU ; Jiang-Yan XU ; Zhen-Zhen WANG ; Zhen-Qiang ZHANG ; Zhi-Shen XIE
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(10):877-888
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the therapeutic potential of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (n=32) were fed either a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. The HFD mice were divided into 3 groups according to a simple random method, including HFD, PAB low-dose [10 mg/(kg·d), PAB-L], and PAB high-dose [20 mg/(kg·d), PAB-H] groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance were assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Biochemical assays were used to measure the serum and cellular levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). White adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver tissue were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining or Oil Red O staining to observe the alterations in adipose tissue and liver injury. PharmMapper and DisGeNet were used to predict the NAFLD-related PAB targets. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway involvement was suggested by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and search tool Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) analyses. Luciferase reporter assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS) were conducted to confirm direct binding of PAB with PPARα. Molecular dynamics simulations were applied to further validate target engagement. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to assess the downstream genes and proteins expression, and validated by PPARα inhibitor MK886.
RESULTS:
PAB significantly reduced serum TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, and ALT levels, and increased HDL-C level in HFD mice (P<0.01). Target prediction analysis indicated a significant correlation between PAB and PPARα pathway. PAB direct target binding with PPARα was confirmed through luciferase reporter assay, CETSA, and DARTS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The target engagement between PAB and PPARα protein was further confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations and the top 3 amino acid residues, LEU321, MET355, and PHE273 showed the most significant changes in mutational energy. Subsequently, PAB upregulated the genes expressions involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis downstream of PPARα (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Significantly, the PPARα inhibitor MK886 effectively reversed the lipid-lowering and PPARα activation properties of PAB (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
PAB mitigates lipid accumulation, ameliorates liver damage, and improves mitochondrial biogenesis by binding with PPARα, thus presenting a potential candidate for pharmaceutical development in the treatment of NAFLD.
Animals
;
PPAR alpha/metabolism*
;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology*
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Diterpenes/therapeutic use*
;
Organelle Biogenesis
;
Diet, High-Fat
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation


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