Search

The present study aimed to explore the effect of carnitine supplementation on body weight in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and predict an appropriate dosage schedule using a machine-learning approach. Data were obtained from literature mining and the rates of body weight change from the initial values were selected as the therapeutic index. The maximal effect (Emax) model was built up as the machine-learning model. A total of 242 patients with PCOS were included for analysis. In the machine-learning model, the Emax of carnitine supplementation on body weight was −3.92%, the ET50 was 3.6 weeks, and the treatment times to realize 25%, 50%, 75%, and 80% (plateau) Emax of carnitine supplementation on body weight were 1.2, 3.6, 10.8, and 14.4 weeks, respectively. In addition, no significant relationship of dose-response was found in the dosage range of carnitine supplementation used in the present study, indicating the lower limit of carnitine supplementation dosage, 250 mg/day, could be used as a suitable dosage. The present study first explored the effect of carnitine supplementation on body weight in patients with PCOS, and in order to realize the optimal therapeutic effect, carnitine supplementation needs 250 mg/day for at least 14.4 weeks.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important causes that leads to end-stage renal disease and the efficacy of strategies currently available for the prevention of DN remains unsatisfactory. Sitagliptin (SIT), which is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, exhibited a modest beneficial effect on glycated hemoglobin levels and is capable of ameliorating renal ischemia reperfusion injury. By determining the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen type IV (ColIV) and fibronectin (FN) levels in high glucose-cultured glomerular mesangial cells (MCs), the present study aimed to assess the anti-proliferative and anti-fibrotic effects of SIT on the therapeutic potential for the prevention of DN and its mechanism. Specifically, cell proliferation was determined via cell counting kit-8 assay, and the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and CTGF mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Furthermore, the secretion of TGF-ß1, CTGF, ColIV and FN proteins was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results demonstrated that high glucose induced the proliferation of MCs and enhanced the expression of TGF-ß1, CTGF, ColIV and FN. Furthermore, treatment with SIT inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of TGF-ß1, CTGF, ColIV and FN induced by high glucose. In conclusion, SIT inhibits cell proliferation and the expression of the major extracellular matrix proteins induced by high glucose, indicating its value for treating or relieving DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) exhibits a deteriorating course that may lead to end-stage renal failure. Astragalosides have been clinically tested for the treatment of DN, but the mechanism is unclear at present. In this study, the effects of astragalosides were investigated on high glucose-induced proliferation and expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), type IV collagen (colIV) and fibronectin (FN) in glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). Cell proliferation was determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine assay, and the expression of TGF-β1, CTGF, colIV and FN mRNA and proteins in MCs was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and ELISA assay, respectively. The results showed that high glucose clearly induced the proliferation of MCs and increased the expression of TGF-β1, CTGF, colIV and FN. Treatment with 50, 100, 200 μg/ml astragalosides inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of TGF-β1, CTGF, colIV and FN induced by high glucose. Thus, it is concluded that astragalosides inhibit the increased cell proliferation and expression of major extracellular matrix proteins that are induced by high glucose, indicating their value for the prophylaxis and therapy of DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]