Large, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK), comprised of alpha- and beta-subunits, mediate K(+) secretion during high flow rates in distal nephron segments. Because the BK-beta1 subunit enhances Ca(2+) sensitivity of BK in a variety of cells, we determined its role in flow-induced K(+) secretion and its localization in the mammalian nephron. To determine the role of BK-beta1 in the kaliuretic response to volume expansion, the rate of K(+) excretion (U(K)V) vs. varied urinary flow rates were determined in wild-type and BK-beta1 knockout mice (BK-beta1(-/-)). When flow rate was varied by volume expansion (2 ml.h(-1).25 g body wt(-1)) for 30 to 60 min in wild-type mice, we found that the U(K)V increased significantly with increasing urine flow rates (r(2) = 0.50, P < 0.00001, n = 31), as demonstrated previously in distal nephron of rats and rabbits. However, in BK-beta1(-/-) mice, U(K)V did not vary with changing flow rates (r(2) = 0.15, P = 0.08, n = 20). Using immunohistochemical techniques, we found that BK-beta1 was strongly expressed in the apical membrane of the murine distal nephron and that 98% of BK-beta1 protein detected by histochemistry colocalized with NCX, a marker of connecting tubules (CNT). Both BK-beta1 and NCX colocalized with BK-alpha in separate experiments. Furthermore, we confirmed BK-beta1 protein expression in the apical membrane of connecting tubules in rabbits. BK-beta1 RNA from rabbit CNT was sequenced and was identical to previously published rabbit muscle sequences. These data show that the BK-beta1 accessory subunit is present in the CNT segment of the mammalian distal nephron and has a significant role in the kaliuretic response to increased urinary flow induced by volume expansion.

Sarcopenic obesity and diabetes are two increasing health problems worldwide, which both share many common risk factors, such as aging, and general obesity. The pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity includes aging, physical inactivity, malnutrition, low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal changes. Nevertheless, there are two major reasons to cause diabetes: impaired insulin secretion and impaired insulin action. Furthermore, the individual diagnosis of obesity and sarcopenia should be combined to adequately define sarcopenic obesity. Also, the diagnosis of diabetes includes fasting plasma glucose test (FPG), 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (A1C), and random plasma glucose coupled with symptoms. Healthy diet and physical activity are beneficial to both sarcopenic obesity and diabetes, but there are only recommended drugs for diabetes. This review consolidates and discusses the latest research in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatments of diabetes and sarcopenic obesity.

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As a chronic metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) is broadly characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. Novel epidemiological studies demonstrate that some diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing dementia compared with healthy individuals. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and leads to major progressive deficits in memory and cognitive function. Multiple studies have identified an increased risk for AD in some diabetic populations, but it is still unclear which diabetic patients will develop dementia and which biological characteristics can predict cognitive decline. Although few mechanistic metabolic studies have shown clear pathophysiological links between DM and AD, there are several plausible ways this may occur. Since AD has many characteristics in common with impaired insulin signaling pathways, AD can be regarded as a metabolic disease. We conclude from the published literature that the body’s diabetic status under certain circumstances such as metabolic abnormalities can increase the incidence of AD by affecting glucose transport to the brain and reducing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, due to its plentiful lipid content and high energy requirement, the brain’s metabolism places great demands on mitochondria. Thus, the brain may be more susceptible to oxidative damage than the rest of the body. Emerging evidence suggests that both oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are related to amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology. Protein changes in the unfolded protein response or endoplasmic reticulum stress can regulate Aβ production and are closely associated with tau protein pathology. Altogether, metabolic disorders including glucose/lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein changes caused by DM are associated with an impaired insulin signal pathway. These metabolic factors could increase the prevalence of AD in diabetic patients via the promotion of Aβ pathology.