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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a cluster of metabolic dysregulations, which include insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertension. The complex pathogenesis of MetS encompasses the interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Environmental factors such as excessive nutrients and sedentary lifestyle are modifiable and could be improved by lifestyle modification. However, genetic susceptibility to MetS, a non-modifiable factor, has attracted the attention of researchers, which could act as the basis for future diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for MetS. Several cholesterol-related genes associated with each characteristic of MetS have been identified, such as apolipoprotein, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and adiponectin. This review aims to summarize the genetic information of cholesterol-related genes in MetS, which may potentially serve as biomarkers for early prevention and management of MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormality in myocardial copper homeostasis is believed to contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy. Trientine, a copper-chelating drug used in the management of patients with Wilson's disease, demonstrates beneficial effects in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This review aims to present the updated development of the roles of trientine in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug has been demonstrated in animal studies to restore myocardial intracellular copper content. However, its mechanisms for improving the medical condition remain unclear. Thus, comprehending its mechanistic aspects in cardiomyopathy is crucial and could help to expedite future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebselen is an organoselenium compound developed as an antioxidant and subsequently shown to be a glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimetic. Ebselen shows some efficacy in post-stroke neuroprotection and is currently in trial for the treatment and prevention of hearing loss, Meniere's Disease and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In vitro screening studies show that ebselen is also an effective inhibitor of the enzyme inositol monophosphatase (IMPase), which is a key target of the mood-stabilising drug lithium. Further, in animal experimental studies, ebselen produces effects on the serotonin system very similar to those of lithium and also decreases behavioural impulsivity. The antidepressant effects of lithium in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have been attributed to its ability to facilitate presynaptic serotonin activity; this suggests that ebselen might also have a therapeutic role in this condition. Human studies utilising magnetic resonance spectroscopy support the notion that ebselen, at therapeutic doses, inhibits IMPase in the human brain. Moreover, neuropsychological studies support an antidepressant profile for ebselen based on positive effects on emotional processing and reward seeking. Ebselen also lowers a human laboratory measure of impulsivity, a property that has been associated with lithium's anti-suicidal effects in patients with mood disorders. Current clinical studies are directed towards assessment of the neuropsychological effects of ebselen in TRD patients. It will also be important to ascertain whether ebselen is able to lower impulsivity and suicidal behaviour in clinical populations. The objective of this review is to summarise the developmental history, pre-clinical and clinical psychopharmacological properties of ebselen in psychiatric disorders and its potential application as a treatment for TRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the current treatments for stroke and myocardial infarction contribute to an improvement in mortality rates, the consequences of reperfusion therapy have remained a challenge. Tocotrienols have been shown to exert beneficial effects on the brain and heart. This review aimed to determine the effects of tocotrienols in cerebral and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We retrieved articles from Scopus, MEDLINE and PubMed from inception to June 2021, and included any studies using tocotrienols as a treatment for cerebral or myocardial I/R injury therapy. Observational studies and review articles were excluded, and the risk of bias was conducted using a specific tool for animal study (SYRCLE). The data were analyzed qualitatively. Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Tocotrienols significantly improved the structural, functional, and biochemical parameters in both cerebral and myocardial I/R injury models. In contrast, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were markedly attenuated by tocotrienol treatment. Limitations to the analysis included marked differences in animal models, disease inductions, forms of tocotrienols, and an unclear risk of bias in certain types of bias. However, tocotrienols have the potential to serve as a supplement for reducing the impact of reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkia speciosa is a food plant that grows indigenously in Southeast Asia. A great deal of interest has been paid to this plant due to its traditional uses in the treatment of several diseases. The pods contain many beneficial secondary metabolites with potential applications in medicine and cosmetics. However, studies on their phytochemical properties are still lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to profile the bioactive compounds of P. speciosa pods collected from six different regions of Malaysia through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. This study applied metabolomics to elucidate the differences between P. speciosa populations found naturally in the different locations and to characterize potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from P. speciosa pods. P. speciosa collected from different regions of Malaysia showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.45–0.76 μg/mL. The samples from the northern and northeastern parts of Peninsular Malaysia showed the highest activity. Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, 25 metabolites were identified in the pods of P. speciosa. The findings unveiled that the pods of P. speciosa collected from different locations exhibit different levels of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The pods are a natural source of potent antidiabetic bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The currently available bone turnover markers are mostly derived from osteoblasts or osteoclasts. Protein markers derived from osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells that can regulate bone turnover activities by other cells, are less explored., Objective: This study aimed to compare the circulating markers of osteocytes and calcium homeostasis between Malaysian postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis., Methods: Postmenopausal women with (n=20) or without osteoporosis (n=20) as determined by dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry were randomly drawn from a bone health cohort. Their fasting blood was collected and assayed by a multiplex immunoassay panel., Results: The results showed that osteoprotegerin and sclerostin levels were significantly lower among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis than the normal control. No significant differences in other markers were observed between the two groups. Sclerostin level correlated positively with spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD), while 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated negatively with hip BMD in the control group. No significant correlation was observed between other markers with spine or hip BMD., Conclusion: These data provide an insight into the possible roles of osteocyte markers, especially osteoprotegerin and sclerostin, in classifying subjects with osteoporosis. However, the lack of association between these markers and BMD indicates that osteoporosis is a complex and multifactorial condition., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) derived from the secretory activities of osteoblasts and the matrix-degrading activities of osteoclasts are useful in monitoring the progression of osteoporosis and the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic treatment. However, the usefulness of BTMs in predicting osteoporosis remains elusive. Osteocytes play a central role in regulating bone formation and resorption. The proteins secreted by osteocytes, such as fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), sclerostin (SOST), and dickkopf-1 (DKK1), could be candidates for osteoporosis screening and fracture prediction. This review summarizes the current evidence on the potential of osteocyte-related proteins as biomarkers for osteoporosis and fracture prediction. The literature reports that SOST may be a potential marker for osteoporosis screening but not for fracture prediction. FGF23 is a potential marker for increased fracture risk, but more studies are needed to confirm its usefulness. The role of DKK1 as a marker to predict osteoporosis and fracture risk cannot be confirmed due to a lack of consistent evidence. In conclusion, circulating osteocyte markers are potential osteoporosis biomarkers, but more studies are warranted to validate their clinical use.