Exercise is a recognized non-pharmacological treatment for improving glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with resistance exercise (RE) showing promising results. However, the mechanism of RE improving T2DM has not been clarified. This study aims to investigate the effects of RE on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, and mitochondrial function in T2DM mice, with a focus on the regulatory role of miR-30d-5p. Our results confirmed that RE significantly improved fasting blood glucose, IPGTT, and ITT in T2DM mice. Enhanced expression of IRS-1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt indicated improved insulin signaling. RE improved glycolipid metabolism, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in skeletal muscle of T2DM mice. We also found that miR-30d-5p was upregulated in T2DM, and was downregulated after RE. Additionally, in vitro, over-expression of miR-30d-5p significantly increased lipid deposition, and reduced glucose uptake and mitochondrial biogenesis. These observations were reversed after transfection with the miR-30d-5p inhibitor. Mechanistically, miR-30d-5p regulates glycolipid metabolism in skeletal muscle by directly targeting SIRT1, which affects the expression of PGC-1α, thereby influencing mitochondrial function and glycolipid metabolism. Taken together, RE effectively improves glucose and lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in T2DM mice, partly through regulating the miR-30d-5p/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis. miR-30d-5p could serve as a potential therapeutic target for T2DM management.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily total intake of water (DTIW) and handgrip strength (HGS) among US adults and to explore the impact of water intake on muscle function and health, providing a reference for public health policies and health education. Using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted to analyze 5427 adults (48.37% female and 51.63% male) aged 20 years and above. DTIW was assessed using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recall interviews, and the HGS level was measured using a Takei Dynamometer. Weighted generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic spline plots were used to analyze the linear and nonlinear associations between DTIW and HGS level and to conduct a gender subgroup analysis and an interaction effect test. The results showed that there were significant differences in HGS and other characteristics among different quartile groups of DTIW (p < 0.05). There was a significant nonlinear trend (exhibiting an inverted U-curve) between DTIW and HGS (p for nonlinear = 0.0044), with a cut-off point of 2663 g/day. Gender subgroup analysis showed that the nonlinear trend (exhibiting an inverted U-curve) was significant only in males (p for nonlinear = 0.0016), with a cut-off point of 2595 g/day. None of the stratified variables had an interaction effect on the association between DTIW and HGS (p for interaction > 0.05). In conclusion, this study found a nonlinear association between DTIW and HGS levels, as well as a gender difference. This finding provides new clues and directions for exploring the mechanism of the impact of DTIW on muscle function and health and also provides new evidence and suggestions for adults to adjust their water intake reasonably.

Rao Z, et al. Korean Circ J. 2016 Sep;48:e93. https://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2018.0084

Fibrosis represents a terminal pathological manifestation encountered in numerous chronic diseases. The process involves the persistent infiltration of inflammatory cells, the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) within damaged tissues, all of which are characteristic features of organ fibrosis. Extensive documentation exists on fibrosis occurrence in vital organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, and skeletal muscles, elucidating its underlying pathological mechanisms. Regular exercise is known to confer health benefits through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. Notably, exercise exerts anti-fibrotic effects by modulating multiple pathways, including transforming growth factor-β1/small mother decapentaplegic protein (TGF-β1/Samd), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), microRNAs (miR-126, miR-29a, miR-101a), and exerkine (FGF21, irisin, FSTL1, and CHI3L1). Therefore, this paper aims to review the specific role and molecular mechanisms of exercise as a potential intervention to ameliorate organ fibrosis.

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with significant bioaccumulation potential, posing a growing threat to global health through multi-organ toxicity. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on MPs-induced organ-specific damage and its systemic health implications. We detail the accumulation of MPs in major organ systems, including the liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, intestines, heart, and reproductive organs. Furthermore, we emphasize the critical role of inter-organ communication in amplifying toxicity, such as gut-liver axis-mediated hepatotoxicity and gut-brain axis-driven neurotoxicity. Emerging evidence on the transgenerational adverse effects of parental MPs exposure is also discussed. The core cellular and molecular mechanisms across these organs are examined, with a particular focus on oxidative stress, inflammatory activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and programmed cell death. This review is distinct in its integrative approach, offering a novel perspective by synthesizing organ-specific pathologies with cross-organ communication networks and transgenerational effects, thereby providing a more holistic understanding of MPs’ systemic toxicity. Collectively, this review elucidates the exposure-organ damage correlation, analyzes the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and aims to provide a scientific foundation for public health risk assessment and informed environmental policy formulation.