Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 21979

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hyperglycemia, a marked elevation in blood glucose, is widely observed in humans. Many factors may induce the increase in blood sugar, particularly food intake. However, metabolic disorders are also associated with it, and even enhance the progress of hyperglycemia. Therefore, an understanding of hyperglycemia is important and useful in life science. This Special Issue is open to articles targeting hyperglycemia, from pathophysiology to therapeutics. Before now, low levels of insulin and/or higher glucagon were known to contribute to the induction of hyperglycemia. Recently, many novel endogenous substances that may also contribute to hyperglycemia have been identified, such as incretins, hepatokines, microRNAs, and others. The role of these substance in glycemic regulation remains obscure. Therefore, we wish to initiate the interest of researchers focusing on this topic. The pathophysiology of hyperglycemia mediated by endogenous substances could be clarified in advance. Moreover, the treatment of hyperglycemia through natural products or others is also widely applied around the world. Considering the high interest in the development of new method(s) and/or substance(s) for the reduction of hyperglycemia as an emerging challenge for modern therapies, this Special Issue will cover a wide variety of areas, aiming to contribute to the overall knowledge of therapeutics from various aspects including local traditional medicines and/or alternative medications. Research on humans or animals should include the approval of the relevant Ethical Committee in each submission. Additionally, sample sizes in human research need to reach the standards necessary to draw meaningful conclusions. We welcome scientific papers including reviews, opinions, communications, original research articles, and others, from everywhere around the world.

Prof. Dr. Juei-tang Cheng
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • hyperglycemia
  • metabolic disorders
  • pathophysiology
  • animal models
  • therapeutics

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 1689 KiB  
Communication
Upregulation of VSIG4 in Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease
by Sang Youb Han, Jung Yeon Ghee, Jin Joo Cha, Young Sun Kang, Dae Young Hur, Han Seong Kim and Dae Ryong Cha
Life 2022, 12(7), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12071031 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1590
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common finding in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease. V-set Ig domain containing 4 (VSIG4) is related to fibrosis in several diseases. It also contributes to fibrosis under high-glucose conditions in renal tubule cells. To determine the role of [...] Read more.
Fibrosis is the final common finding in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease. V-set Ig domain containing 4 (VSIG4) is related to fibrosis in several diseases. It also contributes to fibrosis under high-glucose conditions in renal tubule cells. To determine the role of VSIG4 in type 2 diabetes, we examined VSIG4 expression in a type 2 diabetic animal model and podocyte. Urinary excretion of albumin and VSIG4 was significantly higher in db/db mice than in the control group. Urine VSIGs levels for 6 h were about three-fold higher in db/db mice than in db/m mice at 20 weeks of age: 55.2 ± 37.8 vs. 153.1 ± 74.3 ng, p = 0.04. Furthermore, urinary VSIG4 levels were significantly correlated with urinary albumin levels (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Intrarenal VSIG4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in db/db mice than in control mice (1.00 ± 0.35 vs. 1.69 ± 0.77, p = 0.04). Further, VSIG4 expression was almost twice as high in db/db mice at 20 weeks of age. Intrarenal VSIG immunoreactivity in db/db mice was also significantly higher than that in control mice. In cultured podocytes, both high glucose and angiotensin II significantly upregulated the expression of VSIG4 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, VSIG4 was upregulated in an animal model of type 2 diabetes and was related to albuminuria and pro-fibrotic markers. Considering these relationships, VSIG4 may be an important mediator of diabetic nephropathy progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics)
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6 pages, 225 KiB  
Communication
Differences in Hemodynamic, Hormonal and Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Complication-Free Pregnancies Compared to Individuals with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia: An Observational Retrospective Analysis
by Max L. Eckstein, Othmar Moser, Andreas Rössler, Manfred G. Moertl, Andreas Jantscher, Ilona Papousek, Johann Wagner, Karin Schmid-Zalaudek, Harald Sourij, Gerlies Treiber and Helmut K. Lackner
Life 2021, 11(7), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11070626 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1794
Abstract
To investigate differences in hemodynamic, hormonal and heart rate variability parameters in women following complication-free pregnancies (healthy), preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after giving childbirth. Data of 60 women (healthy: n = 29, age 32.7 ± 4.5 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.3 [...] Read more.
To investigate differences in hemodynamic, hormonal and heart rate variability parameters in women following complication-free pregnancies (healthy), preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after giving childbirth. Data of 60 women (healthy: n = 29, age 32.7 ± 4.5 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2; preeclampsia: n = 16, age 35.3 ± 4.4 years, 28.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2; GDM, n = 15, age 32.3 ± 6.0 years, BMI 26.4 ± 6.2 kg/m2) were included. Two visits were conducted 16 and 48 weeks after giving childbirth. Hair samples were taken for analysis of cortisol and testosterone. ECG and blood pressure were recorded at each visit. Data were analyzed via RM-ANOVA and post-hoc testing (p ≤ 0.05). Heart rate increased from visit 1 to visit 2, whereas SDNN decreased (both p = 0.03). RMSSD showed an increased trend for groups (p = 0.06). Testosterone in the GDM group was significantly higher compared to the other groups (p = 0.002). Cortisol levels were significantly higher following post-hoc testing GDM was different compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.02). Hemodynamic changes from week 16 to week 48 did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). No differences between individuals with preeclampsia and healthy individuals were found for all hemodynamic parameters (p > 0.05). The study showed higher levels of chronic stress indicators in GDM measured via heart rate variability and cortisol compared to women with a history of preeclampsia and healthy women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics)

Review

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23 pages, 2848 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in the Diagnosis and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Era of COVID-19 and Single Cell Multi-Omics Technologies
by Krisztina Kupai, Tamás Várkonyi, Szilvia Török, Viktória Gáti, Zsolt Czimmerer, László G. Puskás and Gábor J. Szebeni
Life 2022, 12(8), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081205 - 08 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4418
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the world’s leading causes of death and life-threatening conditions. Therefore, we review the complex vicious circle of causes responsible for T2DM and risk factors such as the western diet, obesity, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the world’s leading causes of death and life-threatening conditions. Therefore, we review the complex vicious circle of causes responsible for T2DM and risk factors such as the western diet, obesity, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The prevalence and economic burden of T2DM on societal and healthcare systems are dissected. Recent progress on the diagnosis and clinical management of T2DM, including both non-pharmacological and latest pharmacological treatment regimens, are summarized. The treatment of T2DM is becoming more complex as new medications are approved. This review is focused on the non-insulin treatments of T2DM to reach optimal therapy beyond glycemic management. We review experimental and clinical findings of SARS-CoV-2 risks that are attributable to T2DM patients. Finally, we shed light on the recent single-cell-based technologies and multi-omics approaches that have reached breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathomechanism of T2DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics)
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17 pages, 535 KiB  
Review
Up-Date on Diabetic Nephropathy
by Maria Chiara Pelle, Michele Provenzano, Marco Busutti, Clara Valentina Porcu, Isabella Zaffina, Lucia Stanga and Franco Arturi
Life 2022, 12(8), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081202 - 08 Aug 2022
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5079
Abstract
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide, and it is linked to an increase in cardiovascular (CV) risk. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) increases morbidity and mortality among [...] Read more.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide, and it is linked to an increase in cardiovascular (CV) risk. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) increases morbidity and mortality among people living with diabetes. Risk factors for DN are chronic hyperglycemia and high blood pressure; the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade improves glomerular function and CV risk in these patients. Recently, new antidiabetic drugs, including sodium–glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, have demonstrated additional contribution in delaying the progression of kidney disease and enhancing CV outcomes. The therapeutic goal is regression of albuminuria, but an atypical form of non-proteinuric diabetic nephropathy (NP-DN) is also described. In this review, we provide a state-of-the-art evaluation of current treatment strategies and promising emerging treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics)
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20 pages, 1307 KiB  
Review
Role of a Dual Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP)/Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (Twincretin) in Glycemic Control: From Pathophysiology to Treatment
by Maria Chiara Pelle, Michele Provenzano, Isabella Zaffina, Roberta Pujia, Federica Giofrè, Stefania Lucà, Michele Andreucci, Angela Sciacqua and Franco Arturi
Life 2022, 12(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12010029 - 25 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7349
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are two gut hormones, defined incretins, responsible for the amplification of insulin secretion after oral glucose intake. Unlike GLP-1, GIP has little acute effect on insulin secretion and no effect on food intake; instead it [...] Read more.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are two gut hormones, defined incretins, responsible for the amplification of insulin secretion after oral glucose intake. Unlike GLP-1, GIP has little acute effect on insulin secretion and no effect on food intake; instead it seems that the GIP may be an obesity-promoting hormone. In patients with type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) some studies found a downregulation of GIP receptors on pancreatic β cells caused by hyperglycemic state, but the glucagonotropic effect persisted. Agonists of the receptor for the GLP-1 have proven successful for the treatment of diabetes, since they reduce the risk for cardiovascular and renal events, but the possible application of GIP as therapy for T2DM is discussed. Moreover, the latest evidence showed a synergetic effect when GIP was combined with GLP-1 in monomolecular co-agonists. In fact, compared with the separate infusion of each hormone, the combination increased both insulin response and glucagonostatic response. In accordance with theseconsiderations, a dual GIP/GLP-1receptor agonist, i.e., Tirzepatide, known as a “twincretin” had been developed. In the pre-clinical trials, as well as Phase 1–3 clinical trials, Tirzepatideshowedpotent glucose lowering and weight loss effects within an acceptable safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hyperglycemia: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics)
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