scholarly journals The Lipocalin Apolipoprotein D Functional Portrait: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Sanchez ◽  
Maria D. Ganfornina
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lipid Management ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Apolipoprotein D ◽  
Extracellular Structures ◽  
Cellular Compartments

Apolipoprotein D is a chordate gene early originated in the Lipocalin protein family. Among other features, regulation of its expression in a wide variety of disease conditions in humans, as apparently unrelated as neurodegeneration or breast cancer, have called for attention on this gene. Also, its presence in different tissues, from blood to brain, and different subcellular locations, from HDL lipoparticles to the interior of lysosomes or the surface of extracellular vesicles, poses an interesting challenge in deciphering its physiological function: Is ApoD a moonlighting protein, serving different roles in different cellular compartments, tissues, or organisms? Or does it have a unique biochemical mechanism of action that accounts for such apparently diverse roles in different physiological situations? To answer these questions, we have performed a systematic review of all primary publications where ApoD properties have been investigated in chordates. We conclude that ApoD ligand binding in the Lipocalin pocket, combined with an antioxidant activity performed at the rim of the pocket are properties sufficient to explain ApoD association with different lipid-based structures, where its physiological function is better described as lipid-management than by long-range lipid-transport. Controlling the redox state of these lipid structures in particular subcellular locations or extracellular structures, ApoD is able to modulate an enormous array of apparently diverse processes in the organism, both in health and disease. The new picture emerging from these data should help to put the physiological role of ApoD in new contexts and to inspire well-focused future research.

scholarly journals Current Explorations of Nutrition and the Gut Microbiome: A Systematic Review (P20-032-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh Frame ◽  
Elise Costa ◽  
Scott Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intestinal Transit Time ◽  
Food Components ◽  
Health And Disease

Abstract Objectives The ability to measure and describe the microbiome has led to a surge in information about the gut microbiome and its role in health and disease. The relationship between nutrition and the gut microbiome is central, as the diet is a source of microbiota, a source of fuel for the microbiota, and an indicator of the composition of the gut microbiome. We aim to assess the current understanding of the interactions between nutrition and the gut microbiome in healthy adults. A solid understanding of the interactions between nutrition and a healthy gut microbiome will form the foundation for understanding the role in disease prevention and treatment. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar searches for review articles relating to nutrition and the gut microbiome in healthy adults led to the inclusion of 38 articles in this systematic review. Results Much of the research has focused on carbohydrates in the form of dietary fiber, which are fuel for the gut microbiota. The beneficial effects of fiber have centered on Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) that are required by colonocytes (barrier function), improve absorption (minerals, water), and reduce intestinal transit time (colon cancer). Contrastingly, a low fiber, high protein diet promotes microbial protein metabolism, leading to potentially dangerous by-products that can stagnate in the gut. The bidirectional relationship between micronutrition and the gut microbiome is emerging. The microbiota utilize and produce micronutrients, leading to confounding relationships between nutritional status and biologic micronutrient concentrations, chiefly the B and K vitamins. While promising, the study of non-nutritive food components (polyphenols) and the gut microbiome is in its infancy. The role of other food components (food additives, contaminants) warrant exploration and are a significant research gap to-date. Conclusions Diet and nutrition have profound effects on the gut microbiome composition. This, in turn, affects a wide array of metabolic, hormonal, and neurological processes that influence our health and disease. Currently, there is no consensus in the scientific community on what defines a “healthy” gut microbiome. Future research must consider individual responses to diet and the role of diet in the response of the gut microbiome to interventions. Funding Sources N/A. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

scholarly journals Role of Insulin in Health and Disease: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6403
Author(s):  
Md Saidur Rahman ◽  
Khandkar Shaharina Hossain ◽  
Sharnali Das ◽  
Sushmita Kundu ◽  
Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health And Disease

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone mainly secreted by β cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. The hormone potentially coordinates with glucagon to modulate blood glucose levels; insulin acts via an anabolic pathway, while glucagon performs catabolic functions. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream and induces glucose storage in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue, resulting in overall weight gain. The modulation of a wide range of physiological processes by insulin makes its synthesis and levels critical in the onset and progression of several chronic diseases. Although clinical and basic research has made significant progress in understanding the role of insulin in several pathophysiological processes, many aspects of these functions have yet to be elucidated. This review provides an update on insulin secretion and regulation, and its physiological roles and functions in different organs and cells, and implications to overall health. We cast light on recent advances in insulin-signaling targeted therapies, the protective effects of insulin signaling activators against disease, and recommendations and directions for future research.

Oxygen control of nitrogen oxide respiration, focusing on α-proteobacteria

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. Shapleigh
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Reductase ◽  
Nitrogen Oxide ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Oxygen Control ◽  
Anoxic Conditions ◽  
Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase

Denitrification is generally considered to occur under micro-oxic or anoxic conditions. With this in mind, the physiological function and regulation of several steps in the denitrification of model α-proteobacteria are compared in the present review. Expression of the periplasmic nitrate reductase is quite variable, with this enzyme being maximally expressed under oxic conditions in some bacteria, but under micro-oxic conditions in others. Expression of nitrite and NO reductases in most denitrifiers is more tightly controlled, with expression only occurring under micro-oxic conditions. A possible exception to this may be Roseobacter denitrificans, but the physiological role of these enzymes under oxic conditions is uncertain.

Future Research on the Role of the Mesentery in Health and Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 507-512
Author(s):  
Eli D. Ehrenpreis ◽  
Steven D. Wexner ◽  
John C. Alverdy ◽  
David H. Kruchko
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Health And Disease

scholarly journals The Influence of Religion on Sustainable Consumption: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 7901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabel Orellano ◽  
Carmen Valor ◽  
Emilio Chuvieco
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Moral Emotions ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Responsible Consumption

Background: Due to the current environmental crisis, sustainable consumption (SC) behaviour and its drivers has gained significant attention among researchers. One of the potential drivers of SC, religion, have been analysed in the last few years. The study of the relationship between religion and adoption of SC at the individual level have reached mixed and inconclusive results. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of articles published between 1998 and 2019 was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Search terms included sustainable consumption, green consumption, ethical consumption, responsible consumption, pro-environmental behaviour and religion. Results: This systematic review reveals that contradictory results are due to methodological and theoretical reasons and provides a unifying understanding about the influence of religion on SC practices. Results highlight the role of religion as a distal or background factor of other proximal determinants of environmental behaviour. Conclusions: This paper contributes to the literature concerning SC by synthesising previous scholarship showing that religion shapes SC indirectly by affecting attitudes, values, self-efficacy, social norms and identity. The review concludes with a research agenda to encourage scholars the study of other unexamined mediating constructs, such as beliefs in after life, cleansing rituals and prayer, moral emotions, moral identity, the role of virtues and self-restrain.

Understanding the role of acculturative stress on refugee youth mental health: A systematic review and ecological approach to assessment and intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana d’Abreu ◽  
Sara Castro-Olivo ◽  
Sarah K. Ura
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
Future Research Directions

In this article, we conduct a systematic review of the extant literature on the risk and protective factors that impact the healthy resettlement of refugee children around the world. We identify acculturative stress as a main risk factor to consider for assessment and intervention given that is often overlooked in the literature for refugee children, but has been found to strongly impact their socio-emotional development. In addition, we discuss ecologically framed/culturally responsive interventions and assessment practices that could aid in the successful resettlement of refugee children. We also discuss the limitations of the extant research on refugee children and make recommendations for future research directions.

scholarly journals Exploring the Role of Endothelial Cell Resilience in Cardiovascular Health and Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunling Gao ◽  
Zorina S. Galis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Disease Understanding

Traditionally, much research effort has been invested into focusing on disease, understanding pathogenic mechanisms, identifying risk factors, and developing effective treatments. A few recent studies unraveling the basis for absence of disease, including cardiovascular disease, despite existing risk factors, a phenomenon commonly known as resilience, are adding new knowledge and suggesting novel therapeutic approaches. Given the central role of endothelial function in cardiovascular health, we herein provide a number of considerations that warrant future research and considering a paradigm shift toward identifying the molecular underpinnings of endothelial resilience.

Molecular mechanisms of endolysosomal Ca2+ signalling in health and disease

2011 ◽  
Vol 439 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Morgan ◽  
Frances M. Platt ◽  
Emyr Lloyd-Evans ◽  
Antony Galione
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Late Endosomes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Lysosome Related Organelles ◽  
Cellular Compartments ◽  
Endosomal Vesicles ◽  
Intracellular Targets

Endosomes, lysosomes and lysosome-related organelles are emerging as important Ca2+ storage cellular compartments with a central role in intracellular Ca2+ signalling. Endocytosis at the plasma membrane forms endosomal vesicles which mature to late endosomes and culminate in lysosomal biogenesis. During this process, acquisition of different ion channels and transporters progressively changes the endolysosomal luminal ionic environment (e.g. pH and Ca2+) to regulate enzyme activities, membrane fusion/fission and organellar ion fluxes, and defects in these can result in disease. In the present review we focus on the physiology of the inter-related transport mechanisms of Ca2+ and H+ across endolysosomal membranes. In particular, we discuss the role of the Ca2+-mobilizing messenger NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate) as a major regulator of Ca2+ release from endolysosomes, and the recent discovery of an endolysosomal channel family, the TPCs (two-pore channels), as its principal intracellular targets. Recent molecular studies of endolysosomal Ca2+ physiology and its regulation by NAADP-gated TPCs are providing exciting new insights into the mechanisms of Ca2+-signal initiation that control a wide range of cellular processes and play a role in disease. These developments underscore a new central role for the endolysosomal system in cellular Ca2+ regulation and signalling.

Systematic Review of Literature: Social Capital and Adolescents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-332
Author(s):  
Timothy J Byatt ◽  
Kerry Dally ◽  
Jill Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Psychosocial Development ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Future Research Directions

Abstract Outcomes have improved for adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in recent years in areas such as language and speech; however, outcomes such as pragmatic and psychosocial development are still not equal to adolescents with typical hearing. This systematic review of literature explored recent research as it pertains to social capital and adolescents who are DHH. The inclusion criteria were extended to include other populations who are DHH and adolescents with other disabilities to identify future research directions. Themes identified in the reviewed literature viewed through social capital theory included psychosocial outcomes; the importance of language; the benefit of online social networking sites; the role of the family; the role of the school; inclusion and identity; role models; and post-school transition. Results demonstrated that social capital is an area with much promise as it relates to buffering outcomes for adolescents who are DHH. More empirical evidence is required in the form of quantitative research using validated social capital instruments and qualitative research that gives a voice to adolescents who are DHH. The role of social capital in facilitating inclusion, identity, and friendships, were identified as possible future research directions.

Role of autophagy in cancer prevention, development and therapy

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 133-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Vignir Helgason ◽  
Tessa L. Holyoake ◽  
Kevin M. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Anticancer Therapy ◽  
Substantial Progress ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Made In

Autophagy is a process that takes place in all mammalian cells and ensures homoeostasis and quality control. The term autophagy [self (auto)-eating (phagy)] was first introduced in 1963 by Christian de Duve, who discovered the involvement of lysosomes in the autophagy process. Since then, substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism and signalling regulation of autophagy and several reviews have been published that comprehensively summarize these findings. The role of autophagy in cancer has received a lot of attention in the last few years and autophagy modulators are now being tested in several clinical trials. In the present chapter we aim to give a brief overview of recent findings regarding the mechanism and key regulators of autophagy and discuss the important physiological role of mammalian autophagy in health and disease. Particular focus is given to the role of autophagy in cancer prevention, development and in response to anticancer therapy. In this regard, we also give an updated list and discuss current clinical trials that aim to modulate autophagy, alone or in combination with radio-, chemo- or targeted therapy, for enhanced anticancer intervention.

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