Recent insights on modulation of infl ammasomes by adipokines: a critical event for the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolism-associated diseases

Duc‑Vinh Pham,Pil‑Hoon Park 대한약학회 2020 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.43 No.10

Aberrant production of adipokines, a group ofadipocytes-derived hormones, is considered one of the mostimportant pathological characteristics of obesity. In individualswith obesity, beneficial adipokines, such as adiponectinare downregulated, whereas leptin and other pro-inflammatoryadipokines are highly upregulated. Hence, the imbalancein levels of these adipokines is thought to promote thedevelopment of obesity-linked complications. However, themechanisms by which adipokines contribute to the pathogenesisof various diseases have not been clearly understood. Inflammasomes represent key signaling platform that triggersthe inflammatory and immune responses through theprocessing of the interleukin family of pro-inflammatorycytokines in a caspase-1-dependent manner. Beyond theirtraditional function as a component of the innate immunesystem, inflammasomes have been recently integrated intothe pathological process of multiple metabolism- and obesity-related disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes,fatty liver disease, and cancer. Interestingly, emergingevidence also highlights the role of adipokines in the modulationof inflammasomes activation, making it a promisingmechanism underlying distinct biological actions of adipokinesin diseases driven by inflammation and metabolicdisorders. In this review, we summarize the effects of adipokines,in particular adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and apelin,on inflammasomes activation and their implications in thepathophysiology of obesity-linked complications.

Adipokines at the crossroads of obesity and mesenchymal stem cell therapy

Pham Duc-Vinh,Nguyen Thi-Kem,Park Pil-Hoon 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an emerging treatment strategy to counteract metabolic syndromes, including obesity and its comorbid disorders. However, its effectiveness is challenged by various factors in the obese environment that negatively impact MSC survival and function. The identification of these detrimental factors will provide opportunities to optimize MSC therapy for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. Dysregulated production of adipokines, a group of cytokines and hormones derived from adipose tissue, has been postulated to play a pivotal role in the development of obesity-associated complications. Intriguingly, adipokines have also been implicated in the modulation of viability, self-renewal, proliferation, and other properties of MSC. However, the involvement of adipokine imbalance in impaired MSC functionality has not been completely understood. On the other hand, treatment of obese individuals with MSC can restore the serum adipokine profile, suggesting the bidirectionality of the adipokine–MSC relationship. In this review, we aim to discuss the current knowledge on the central role of adipokines in the crosstalk between obesity and MSC dysfunction. We also summarize recent advances in the use of MSC for the treatment of obesity-associated diseases to support the hypothesis that adipokines modulate the benefits of MSC therapy in obese patients.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Saponins Isolated from Vernonia gratiosa Hance

Cong Pham Van,Anh Hoang Le Tuan,Vinh Le Ba,Han Yoo Kyong,Trung Nguyen Quang,Minh Bui Quang,Duc Ngo Viet,Ngoc Tran Minh,Hien Nguyen Thi Thu,Manh Hoang Duc,Lien Le Thi,Lee Ki Yong 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.6

Species belonging to the Vernonia (Asteraceae), the largest genus in the tribe Vernonieae (consisting of about 1,000 species), are widely used in food and medicine. These plants are rich sources of bioactive sesquiterpene lactones and steroid saponins, likely including many as yet undiscovered chemical components. A phytochemical investigation resulted in the separation of three new stigmastane-type steroidal saponins (1 – 3), designated as vernogratiosides A–C, from whole plants of V. gratiosa. Their structures were elucidated based on infrared spectroscopy  (IR), one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and electronic circular dichroism analyses (ECD), as well as chemical reactivity. Molecular docking analysis of representative saponins with αglucosidase inhibitory activity was performed. Additionally, the intended substances were tested for their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in a laboratory setting. The results suggested that stigmastane-type steroidal saponins from V. gratiosa are promising candidate antidiabetic agents.

Sestrin2 induction contributes to anti-infl ammatory responses and cell survival by globular adiponectin in macrophages

Sumin Lee,Duc-Vinh Pham,Pil-Hoon Park 대한약학회 2022 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.45 No.1

Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone,exhibits a modulatory eff ect on cell death/survivaland possesses potent anti-infl ammatory properties. However,the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Sestrin2, a stress-inducible metabolic protein, has showncytoprotective and infl ammation-modulatory eff ects understressful conditions. In this study, we examined the role ofsestrin2 signaling in the modulation of cell survival andinfl ammatory responses by globular adiponectin (gAcrp)in macrophages. We observed that gAcrp induced a significant increase in sestrin2 expression in both RAW 264.7murine macrophages and primary murine macrophages. Notably, gAcrp treatment markedly increased expression ofhypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) and gene silencingof HIF-1α blocked sestrin2 induction by gAcrp. In addition,pretreatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of ERKor PI3K abrogated both sestrin2 and HIF-1α expression bygAcrp, indicating that ERK/PI3K-mediated HIF-1α signalingpathway plays a critical role in sestrin2 induction bygAcrp. Furthermore, sestrin2 induction is implicated inautophagy activation, and knockdown of sestrin2 preventedenhanced cell viability by gAcrp. Moreover, gene silencing of sestrin2 caused restoration of gAcrp-induced expressionof anti-inflammatory genes in a gene-selective manner. Taken together, these results indicate that sestrin2 inductioncritically contributes to cell survival and anti-infl ammatoryresponses by gAcrp in macrophages.

Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam

Han Thi Vo,Tien Duc Dao,Tuyen Van Duong,Tan Thanh Nguyen,Binh Nhu Do,Tinh Xuan Do,Khue Minh Pham,Vinh Hai Vu,Linh Van Pham,Lien Thi Hong Nguyen,Lan Thi Huong Le,Hoang Cong Nguyen,Nga Hoang Dang,Trung 질병관리청 2024 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.15 No.1

Objectives: The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnam from December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (using the 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions.Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD. Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p<0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p=0.001). Compared to those with long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p=0.001).Conclusion: Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

Effect of hydrothermal time on the structure and property of graphene oxide membrane

Tran Van Khai,Pham Thuy Trang,Le Ngoc Long,Le Van Thang,Tran Duc Chau,Vuong Vinh Dat,Mai Thanh Phong 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2021 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.22 No.4

Two dimensional graphene oxide (GO) has potential application in membrane separation owing to its unique structure andphysicochemical properties. In this study, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized from GO via hydrothermaltreatment at 160 oC for 1, 2, 3 and 4 h, and the rGO membranes were prepared on cellulose nitrate supporting membranesby vacuum filtration. The structural change and chemical composition of GO were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD),Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) andcontact angle measurements. The result shows that uniformly intact rGO membranes with good hydrophobicity could beachieved by adjusting the reduction degree of GO through changing the hydrothermal reaction time. The huge improvementof the hydrophobic property of rGO could be attributed to the removal of the most the hydrophilic oxygen-containingfunctional groups on the surface of GO. Additionally, the structure, chemical composition, and d-spacing of the GO can alsobe controlled by adjusting the reduction time. This method holds great potential because it can be prepared in large quantitiesat low cost, and suitable for applications in membrane technologies.

Effect of Temperature and Humidity on the Performance Factors of a 15-W Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

( Dien Minh Vu ),( Binh Hoa Pham ),( Duc Pham Xuan ),( Dung Nguyen Dinh ),( Vinh Nguyen Duy ) 한국공업화학회 2023 공업화학 Vol.34 No.3

Fuel cells are one of the renewable energy sources that have sparked a lot of scientific attention for solving problems related to the energy crisis and environmental pollution. One of the most crucial subjects concerning the utilization of fuel cells is modeling. Therefore, an analytical steady-state and dynamic fuel cell model was described in this study. The parameter for the identification process was investigated, and the MATLAB/Simulink implementation was demonstrated. A 15-W proton exchange membrane fuel cell was used to apply the suggested modeling methodology. Comparing experimental and simulation findings indicated that the model error was constrained to 3%. This study showed that temperature and humidity affect fuel cell performance.

Production of high purity rare earth mixture from iron-rich spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst using acid leaching and two-step solvent extraction process

Le-Phuc Nguyen,Yen Thi Hai Pham,Phuong Thuy Ngo,Tri Van Tran,Loc Vinh Tran,Nam Thi Hoai Le,Luong Huu Nguyen,Tung Thanh Dang,Duc Anh Nguyen,Marco Wenzel,David Hartmann,Karsten Gloe,Jan J. Weigand,Klaus 한국화학공학회 2018 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.35 No.5

Acid leaching and a two-step solvent extraction procedure were developed to produce high purity mixture of La and Ce from iron-rich spent FCC catalyst discharged from Dzung Quat refinery (Vietnam). Acid leaching of the spent catalyst with 2M HNO3 and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1/3 at 80 oC in 1 h dissolved almost 90% of La while 12% of Al and 25% of Fe were transferred to the leachate. The extraction of RE metals and main impurities such as Al and Fe by a mixture of di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) was investigated. Experiments showed that it was necessary to remove Fe before extracting RE and the optimum extraction conditions for a high recovery of RE while 0% of Al extraction were pH1, contact time=10min, and D2EHPA/TBP volume ratio= 4 : 1. At these conditions, the extraction yields of La(III) and Ce(III) were 72% and 89%, respectively. A two-step solvent extraction was developed to achieve a high purity of RE mixture, which included (1) the removal of impurity Fe by 25% (v/v) diisooctyl phosphinic acid (DiOPA) in n-octane for 140 min, (2) the extraction of rare earths by a mixture of di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) in n-octane for 10 min without the need for adjusting the pH of the leaching solution.

Phenolic Constituents from Balanophora laxiflora with their Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Effects

Nguyen Thi Hong Anh,Nguyen Thuy Duong,Pham Duc Vinh,Do Thi Ha 한국생약학회 2021 Natural Product Sciences Vol.27 No.1

Balanophora laxiflora Hemsl. (Balanophoraceae) is a traditional medicinal plant with a diverse array of biological activities. In our exploration of new bioactive constituents from B. laxiflora, we isolated five compounds, including a new lignan, balanophorone (5), and four known phenolic compounds (1–4). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and CD. In addition, we evaluated the effects of each of the isolates (1–5) on the messenger RNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Compound 2 showed significant inhibition of LPS-induced COX-2 and TNF-α expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages, while compound 4 showed moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values of 18.3 and 30.7 μM, respectively. No significant effects on the viability of normal mammary epithelial cells were observed.

An improvement of real-time polymerase chain reaction system based on probe modification is required for accurate detection of African swine fever virus in clinical samples in Vietnam

Tran Ha Thi Thanh,Dang Anh Kieu,Ly Duc Viet,Vu Hao Thi,Hoang Tuan Van,Nguyen Chinh Thi,Chu Nhu Thi,Nguyen Vinh The,Nguyen Huyen Thi,Truong Anh Duc,Pham Ngoc Thi,Dang Hoang Vu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.10

Objective: The rapid and reliable detection of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) plays an important role in emergency control and preventive measures of ASF. Some methods have been recommended by FAO/OIE to detect ASFV in clinical samples, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, mismatches in primer and probe binding regions may cause a false-negative result. Here, a slight modification in probe sequence has been conducted to improve the qualification of real-time PCR based on World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) protocol for accurate detection of ASFV in field samples in Vietnam. Methods: Seven positive confirmed samples (four samples have no mismatch, and three samples contained one mutation in probe binding sites) were used to establish novel real-time PCR with slightly modified probe (Y = C or T) in comparison with original probe recommended by OIE. Results: Both real-time PCRs using the OIE-recommended probe and novel modified probe can detect ASFV in clinical samples without mismatch in probe binding site. A high correlation of cycle quantification (Cq) values was observed in which Cq values obtained from both probes arranged from 22 to 25, suggesting that modified probe sequence does not impede the qualification of real-time PCR to detect ASFV in clinical samples. However, the samples with one mutation in probe binding sites were ASFV negative with OIE recommended probe but positive with our modified probe (Cq value ranked between 33.12-35.78). Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that a mismatch in probe binding regions caused a false negative result by OIE recommended real-time PCR, and a slightly modified probe is required to enhance the sensitivity and obtain an ASF accurate diagnosis in field samples in Vietnam.