Oxidative stress and diabetes: antioxidative strategies

Life on Magnet: Long-Term Exposure of Moderate Static Magnetic Fields on the Lifespan and Healthspan of Mice

All living organisms on the Earth live and evolve in the presence of the weak geomagnetic field, a quasi-uniform static magnetic field (SMF). In the meantime, although the effects of moderate and high SMFs have been investigated on multiple aspects of a living organism, a long-term SMF exposure of more than 1 year has never been reported. Here, we investigated the influence of a moderate SMF (70-220 mT head-to-toe) long-term continuous exposure (1.7 years) to two different SMF directions on healthy male C57BL/6 mice. We found that not only was the lifespan of the mice prolonged, but their healthspan was also improved. The elevated plus maze test and open field test show that SMFs could significantly improve the exploratory and locomotive activities of the aged mice. The Morris water maze test shows that SMFs could improve their spatial learning ability and spatial memory. Tissue examinations reveal that SMFs have an ameliorative effect on oxidative stress in the brain of aged mice, which was reinforced by the cellular assays, showing that SMFs could protect the PC12 cells from D-gal-induced senescence by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reducing the malonaldehyde levels. Therefore, our data show that the 1.7-year SMF exposure can improve both the lifespan and healthspan of naturally aged mice due to reduced oxidative stress, which indicates that SMFs have the potential to be used as an adjuvant physical therapy to reduce the ageing-induced health risks to benefit animals, and even humans.

The role of dietary antioxidants in type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders: An assessment of the benefit profile

Healthy diet is vital to cellular health. The human body succumbs to numerous diseases which afflict severe economic and psychological burdens on the patient and family. Oxidative stress is a possible crucial regulator of various pathologies, including type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. It generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger the dysregulation of essential cellular functions, ultimately affecting cellular health and homeostasis. However, lower levels of ROS can be advantageous and are implicated in a variety of signaling pathways. Due to this dichotomy, the terms oxidative "eustress," which refers to a good oxidative event, and "distress," which can be hazardous, have developed. ROS affects multiple signaling pathways, leading to compromised insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction in diabetes. ROS is also associated with increased mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, aggravating neurodegenerative conditions in the body, particularly with age. Treatment includes drugs/therapies often associated with dependence, side effects including non-selectivity, and possible toxicity, particularly in the long run. It is imperative to explore alternative medicines as an adjunct therapy, utilizing natural remedies/resources to avoid all the possible harms. Antioxidants are vital components of our body that fight disease by reducing oxidative stress or nullifying the excess toxic free radicals produced under various pathological conditions. In this review, we focus on the antioxidant effects of components of dietary foods such as tea, coffee, wine, oils, and honey and the role and mechanism of action of these antioxidants in alleviating type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. We aim to provide information about possible alternatives to drug treatments used alone or combined to reduce drug intake and encourage the consumption of natural ingredients at doses adequate to promote health and combat pathologies while reducing unwanted risks and side effects.

In vitro comparative evaluation of Tamarix gallica extracts for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity

Tamarix gallica known as Jhau is traditionally used as expectorant, liver tonic, laxative, astringent, and antidiarrheal. The current study was proposed to determine the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic properties of the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Tamarix gallica arial part, subsequently the phytochemical evaluation. Hence, Tamarix gallica arial part extracts were extracted with methanol (MthTg), ethanol (EthTg), and distilled water (AqTg). Extracts phytochemical analysis were accomplished to identify the phenolic components (TPC and TFC). Extracts antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay. For antidiabetic property, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were assessed. One Way ANOVA was applied statistically by means of software SPSS Statistics 23 and attained data were definite as mean ± standard deviation. Result revealed that EthTg have the maximum TPC and TFC levels than MthTg and AqTg. Antioxidant property in relations of DPPH (lowest IC₅₀ = 1.309 ± 0.31), FRAP (323.51 ± 2.32), and ABTS (266.97 ± 25.14) assay was also highest in EthTg. EthTg was also exposed highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with lower IC₅₀ (1.116 ± 0.051; 0.402 ± 0.2, respectively). The extracts antioxidant and antidiabetic activities order was as EthTg > MthTg > AqTg. TFC and TPC also revealed directly proportional correlation with antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the Tamarix gallica arial part extracts. Results noticeably stated that the ethanolic extract of Tamarix gallica have the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Tamarix gallica has competency to reduce the oxidative stress and can be utilized in the management of diabetes.

Association of Serum Antioxidant Minerals and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Urban Residents

Antioxidant minerals including zinc, copper and selenium play critical roles in the maintenance of the redox balance in the body. However, their influences on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are still inconclusive in Chinese populations. To elucidate the relationship between antioxidant minerals and T2DM, serum zinc, copper and selenium concentrations were measured in 1443 Chinese urban residents using a 1:2 matched case-control study. Conditional logistic regression models (CLR) were used to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to examine their dose−response associations. Serum zinc (OR = 0.52 [0.35, 0.77]) and copper concentrations (OR = 0.25 [0.17, 0.37]) were negatively associated with T2DM in a fully adjusted model. An L-shaped zinc-T2DM association (Poverall association = 0.003, and Pnonlinearity = 0.005) and a negative linear copper-T2DM association (Poverall association < 0.0001, and Pnonlinearity = 0.395) were observed. No association was found between serum selenium and T2DM in fully adjusted CLR or RCS models. In addition, joint associations with T2DM were identified between serum zinc and copper and between serum selenium and copper. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the importance of an adequate intake of antioxidant minerals for T2DM prevention in the Chinese population.

Extraction and Identification of Antioxidant Ingredients from Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS-Based Molecular Networking

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (LCP) leaves have been widely employed in food and traditional medicine for treating hyperlipidaemia and its complications, possibly owing to their antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study is to identify the chemical ingredients of antioxidant extracts from LCP by using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS-based molecular networking, a very recent and useful tool for annotation of chemical constituents in mixtures. The extraction conditions of antioxidant extracts from LCP were optimised by single-factor analysis and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimised conditions were a methanol concentration of 32%, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 0.4 ml/mg, an extraction temperature of 25°C, and an extraction time of 32 min. Under these conditions, the antioxidant yield was 516.20 ± 28.52 μmol TE/ml. The main active ingredients in the antioxidants were identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS-based molecular networking. In total, 42 compounds were identified, including 20 flavonoids, 16 quinic acid derivatives, 4 caffeoyl derivatives, and 2 coumaroyl derivatives. The findings of the present work suggest that LCP could be a suitable source of natural antioxidant compounds, which might be applicable in the development of potential pharmaceutical drugs targeting diseases related to oxidative stress.

Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol (‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Relation to Molecular Pathways Controlling Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis

(‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. Thanks to multiple interactions with cell surface receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and nuclear transcription factors, EGCG possesses a wide variety of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-remodelation, and tissue-protective properties which may be useful in the treatment of various diseases, particularly in cancer, and neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders. This article reviews current information on the biological effects of EGCG in the above-mentioned disorders in relation to molecular pathways controlling inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis.

Insights into Manganese Superoxide Dismutase and Human Diseases

Redox equilibria and the modulation of redox signalling play crucial roles in physiological processes. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupts the body's antioxidant defence, compromising redox homeostasis and increasing oxidative stress, leading to the development of several diseases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a principal antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage by converting superoxide anion radicals to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen in mitochondria. Systematic studies have demonstrated that MnSOD plays an indispensable role in multiple diseases. This review focuses on preclinical evidence that describes the mechanisms of MnSOD in diseases accompanied with an imbalanced redox status, including fibrotic diseases, inflammation, diabetes, vascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The potential therapeutic effects of MnSOD activators and MnSOD mimetics are also discussed. Targeting this specific superoxide anion radical scavenger may be a clinically beneficial strategy, and understanding the therapeutic role of MnSOD may provide a positive insight into preventing and treating related diseases.

The Influence of Lifestyle and Treatment on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Diabetes

Diabetes is considered a new pandemic of the modern world, and the number of sufferers is steadily increasing. Sustained hyperglycemia promotes the production of free radicals and leads to persistent, low-grade inflammation. Oxidative stress causes mitochondrial destruction, which along with activation of the hexosamine pathway, nuclear factor-κB (Nf-κb), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c-jun NH2 terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) or toll-like receptors (TLRs), leads to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. However, there is also the protective mechanism that counteracts oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes, mitophagy, which is a mitochondrial autophagy. An important part of the strategy to control diabetes is to lead a healthy lifestyle based on, among other things, regular physical activity, giving up smoking, eating a balanced diet containing ingredients with antioxidant potential, including vegetables and fruits, and using hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy. Tobacco smoke is a recognized modifiable risk factor for many diseases including diabetes, and it has been shown that the risk of the disease increases in proportion to the intensity of smoking. Physical activity as another component of therapy can effectively reduce glucose fluctuations, and high intensity interval exercise appears to have the most beneficial effect. A proper diet not only increases cellular sensitivity to insulin, but is also able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Pharmacotherapy for diabetes can also affect oxidative stress and inflammation. Some oral drugs, such as metformin, pioglitazone, vildagliptin, liraglutide, and exenatide, cause a reduction in markers of oxidative stress and/or inflammation, while the new drug Imeglimin reverses pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. In studies of sitagliptin, vildagliptin and exenatide, beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation were achieved by, among other things, reducing glycemic excursions. For insulin therapy, no corresponding correlation was observed. Insulin did not reduce oxidative stress parameters. There was no correlation between glucose variability and oxidative stress in patients on insulin therapy. The data used in this study were obtained by searching PubMed online databases, taking into account recent studies.

The association of maternal fat-soluble antioxidants in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress is linked to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Maternal antioxidant vitamins in early pregnancy may play a role in GDM occurrence. We aimed to investigate the associations of vitamins A and E in early pregnancy with the risk of GDM and to explore whether these antioxidant vitamins can be biomarkers for the early prediction of GDM.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective cohort study conducted in Beijing and enrolled pregnant women (n = 667) with vitamins A and E measurements at 9 weeks (IQR 8-10) of gestation and having one-step GDM screened with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

The vitamin A levels in early pregnancy were significantly higher in women with GDM than in those without GDM (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with fasting blood glucose. In multivariate models, vitamin A levels were significantly associated with GDM (OR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.14-1.88; p = 0.0032) per SD. A significant trend of risk effect on GDM risk across quartiles of vitamin A was observed (p_trend = 0.016). No significant association of serum vitamin E with GDM was observed overall. However, a noted trend of protective effect on GDM risk across quartiles of vitamin E/cholesterol ratio was observed (p_trend = 0.043). In ROC analysis, the multivariate model consisting of vitamin A and other risk factors showed the best predictive performance (AUC: 0.760; 95% CI: 0.705-0.815; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of vitamin A in early pregnancy were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM. Vitamin A has the potential to be a biomarker indicating pathogenesis of GDM.

Diabetes mellitus impacts on expression of DNA mismatch repair protein PMS2 and tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The mismatch repair (MMR) protein recognizes DNA replication errors and plays an important role in tumorigenesis, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although PMS2, a MMR protein, is degraded under oxidative stress, the effects of diabetes are still unclear. Herein, we focused on whether diabetes affected MMR protein expression in PDAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tissues from 61 surgically resected PDAC subjects were clinicopathologically analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for MMR protein expression, oxidative stress, and immune cell infiltration. The change of MMR protein expression was assessed in PDAC cell lines under stimulation with 25 mM glucose and 500 μM palmitic acid. Survival curves were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Diabetes complicated with dyslipidemia significantly decreased the expression of PMS2 in PDAC tissues with an inverse correlation with the degree of oxidative stress. Palmitic acid combined with high glucose induced degradation of PMS2 protein, enhancing oxidative stress in vitro. CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration was associated with a short duration of type 2 diabetes (≤4 years) and a low expression of PMS2 in PDAC tissues, while CD163⁺ tumor-associated macrophage infiltration was increased with a long duration of diabetes (>4 years). A short duration of diabetes exhibited a better prognosis than nondiabetic subjects with PDAC (P < 0.05), while a long duration of diabetes had a worse prognosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The different phases of diabetes have a major impact on PDAC by altering PMS2 expression and the tumor immune microenvironment, which can be targeted by an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Oxidatively Damaged Nucleic Acid: Linking Diabetes and Cancer

Significance: Our current knowledge of the mechanism between diabetes and cancer is limited. Oxidatively damaged nucleic acid is considered a critical factor to explore the connections between these two diseases. Recent Advances: The link between diabetes mellitus and cancer has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Emerging evidence supports that oxidatively damaged nucleic acid caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species generation and elimination is a bridge connecting diabetes and cancer. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine assume important roles as biomarkers in assessing the relationship between oxidatively damaged nucleic acid and cancer. Critical Issues: The consequences of diabetes are extensive and may lead to the occurrence of cancer by influencing a combination of factors. At present, there is no direct evidence that diabetes causes cancer by affecting a single factor. Furthermore, the difficulty in controlling variables and differences in detection methods lead to poor reliability and repeatability of results, and there are no clear cutoff values for biomarkers to indicate cancer risk. Future Directions: A better understanding of connections as well as mechanisms between diabetes and cancer is still needed. Both diabetes and cancer are currently intractable diseases. Further exploration of the specific mechanism of oxidatively damaged nucleic acid in the connection between diabetes and cancer is urgently needed. In the future, it is necessary to further take oxidatively damaged nucleic acid as an entry point to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and cancer. Experimental drugs targeting the repair process of oxidatively generated damage require an extensive preclinical evaluation and could ultimately provide new treatment strategies for these diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1153-1167.

Mechanism and Prospect of Gastrodin in Osteoporosis, Bone Regeneration, and Osseointegration

Gastrodin, a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, is widely used to treat vascular and neurological diseases. However, recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that gastrodin has anti-osteoporosis effects, and its mechanisms of action include its antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory effect, and anti-apoptotic effect. In addition, gastrodin has many unique advantages in promoting bone healing in tissue engineering, such as inducing high hydrophilicity in the material surface, its anti-inflammatory effect, and pro-vascular regeneration. Therefore, this paper summarized the effects and mechanisms of gastrodin on osteoporosis and bone regeneration in the current research. Here we propose an assumption that the use of gastrodin in the surface loading of oral implants may greatly promote the osseointegration of implants and increase the success rate of implants. In addition, we speculated on the potential mechanisms of gastrodin against osteoporosis, by affecting actin filament polymerization, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and ferroptosis, and proposed that the potential combination of gastrodin with Mg2+, angiotensin type 2 receptor blockers or artemisinin may greatly inhibit osteoporosis. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for more in-depth research and application of gastrodin in the treatment of osteoporosis and implant osseointegration in the future.

Research progress on ncRNAs regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are major health concerns worldwide that should be routinely monitored for evaluating disease progression. And there is currently much evidence to suggest a critical role for mitochondria in the common pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of diabetes through mediating insulin signaling and insulin resistance, and in the development of diabetes and its complications through mediating endothelial impairment and other closely related pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are closely linked to mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the expression of mitochondrial dynamic-associated proteins, or by regulating key proteins in related signaling pathways. Therefore, this review summarizes the research progress on the regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by ncRNAs in diabetes and its complications, which is a promising area for future antibodies or targeted drug development.

Recent Advances in the Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Kidney Diseases

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The treatment of DKD is strongly associated with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Traditional therapeutic strategies focus on the control of major risk factors, such as blood glucose, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors have been the main therapeutic measures in the past, but the emergence of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists has provided more options for the management of DKD. Simultaneously, with advances in research on the pathogenesis of DKD, some new therapies targeting renal inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress have gradually entered clinical application. In addition, some recently discovered therapeutic targets and signaling pathways, mainly in preclinical and early clinical trial stages, are expected to provide benefits for patients with DKD in the future. This review summarizes the traditional treatments and emerging management options for DKD, demonstrating recent advances in the therapeutic strategies for DKD.

Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review

The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.

Compounds purified from edible fungi fight against chronic inflammation through oxidative stress regulation

Chronic inflammation is associated with various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer, which severely affect the health and quality of life of people. Oxidative stress induced by unbalanced production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the essential risk factors for chronic inflammation. Recent studies, including the studies of mushrooms, which have received considerable attention, report that the antioxidant effects of natural compounds have more advantages than synthetic antioxidants. Mushrooms have been consumed by humans as precious nourishment for 3,000 years, and so far, more than 350 types have been identified in China. Mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, peptides, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids and are associated with several healthy biological functions, especially antioxidant properties. As such, the extracts purified from mushrooms could activate the expression of antioxidant enzymes through the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway to neutralize excessive ROS and inhibit ROS-induced chronic inflammation through the NF-κB pathway. Recently, the antioxidant properties of mushrooms have been successfully applied to treating cardiovascular disease (CAD), neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. The present review summarizes the antioxidant properties and the mechanism of compounds purified from mushrooms, emphasizing the oxidative stress regulation of mushrooms to fight against chronic inflammation.

The effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models

Introduction

Oxidative stress is involved in the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. Acupuncture shows an excellent clinical efficacy in practical application but its mechanism remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science database were retrieved for randomized controlled trials about acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models from inception to August 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used the mean difference (MD)/standardized mean difference (SMD) to perform an effect size analysis and selected fixed-effect or random-effect models to pool the data, depending on a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 12 studies comprising 125 samples were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture (manual acupuncture, electropuncture, and laser acupuncture) reduced the level of malondialdehyde (SMD, −3.03; CI, −4.40, −1.65; p < 0.00001) and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SMD, 3.39; CI, 1.99, 4.79; p < 0.00001), glutathione peroxidase (SMD, 2.21; CI, 1.10, 3.32; p < 0.00001), and catalase (SMD, 2.80; CI, 0.57, 5.03; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture can regulate oxidative stress by lowering the lipid peroxidation and activating the antioxidant enzyme system. In consideration of heterogeneity between studies, future studies should be performed by complying with strict standards and increasing sample size in animal experiments to reduce bias.

Extending the Bioavailability of Hydrophilic Antioxidants for Metal Ion Detoxification via Crystallization with Polysaccharide Dopamine

Although metal ions, such as silver and gold, have been shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, their potential to have toxic effects on human and environmental health has gained interest with an improved understanding of their mechanisms to promote oxidative stress. Redox control is a major focus of many drug delivery systems and often incorporates an antioxidant as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to neutralize overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, there are still limitations with bioavailability and extended redox control with regard to antioxidant drug delivery. Herein, this study develops a colloidal antioxidant crystal system that dissolves sustainably through polymer stabilization using sodium hyaluronate conjugated with dopamine (HA-dopa). We explore the role of dopamine incorporation into crystal-stabilizing polymers and quantify the balance between drug-polymer interactions and competing polymer-polymer interactions. We propose that this type of analysis is useful in the engineering of and provides insight into the release behavior of polymer-crystal complexes. In developing our crystal complex, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as the model antioxidant to protect against silver ion toxicity. We found that our optimized HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals prolong the release time of NAC 5-fold compared to a polymer-free NAC crystal. Therefore, following sublethal exposure to AgNO₃, the extended lifetime of NAC was able to maintain normal intracellular ROS levels, modulate metabolic function, mitigate fluctuations in ATP levels and ATP synthase activity, and preserve contraction frequency in engineered cardiac muscle tissue. Furthermore, the protective effects of the HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals were extended to a Daphnia magna model where silver-ion-induced change to both cell-level biochemistry and organ function was alleviated. As such, we propose that the packaging of hydrophilic antioxidants as colloidal crystals drastically extends the lifetime of the API, better maintains ROS homeostasis post metal ion exposure, and therefore preserves both intracellular biochemistry and tissue functionality.

Reactive Oxygen Species and Long Non-Coding RNAs, an Unexpected Crossroad in Cancer Cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have recently been identified as key regulators of oxidative stress in several malignancies. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) must be constantly regulated to maintain cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance and to prevent apoptosis. This review will discuss how lncRNAs alter the ROS level in cancer cells. We will first describe the role of lncRNAs in the nuclear factor like 2 (Nrf-2) coordinated antioxidant response of cancer cells. Secondly, we show how lncRNAs can promote the Warburg effect in cancer cells, thus shifting the cancer cell’s “building blocks” towards molecules important in oxidative stress regulation. Lastly, we explain the role that lncRNAs play in ROS-induced cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation.

Prospects of ultrasonically extracted food bioactives in the field of non-invasive biomedical applications - A review

Foods incorporated with bioactive compounds, called nutraceuticals, can fight or prevent or alleviate diseases. The contribution of nutraceuticals or phytochemicals to non-invasive biomedical applications is increasing. Although there are many traditional methods for extracting bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites, these processes come with many disadvantages like lower yield, longer process time, high energy consumption, more usage of solvent, yielding low active principles with low efficacy against diseases, poor quality, poor mass transfer, higher extraction temperature, etc. However, nullifying all these disadvantages of a non-thermal technology, ultrasound has played a significant role in delivering them with higher yield and improved bio-efficacy. The physical and chemical effects of acoustic cavitation are the crux of the output. This review paper primarily discusses the ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) of bioactives in providing non-invasive prevention and cure to diseases and bodily dysfunctions in human and animal models. The outputs of non-invasive bioactive components in terms of yield and the clinical efficacy in either in vitro or in vitro conditions are discussed in detail. The non-invasive biomedical applications of USAE bioactives providing anticancer, antioxidant, cardiovascular health, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial benefits are analyzed in-depth and appraised. This review additionally highlights the improved performance of USAE compounds against conventionally extracted compounds. In addition, an exhaustive analysis is performed on the role and application of the food bioactives in vivo and in vitro systems, mainly for promoting these efficient USAE bioactives in non-invasive biomedical applications. Also, the review explores the recovery of bioactives from the less explored food sources like cactus pear fruit, ash gourd, sweet granadilla, basil, kokum, baobab, and the food processing industrial wastes like peel, pomace, propolis, wine residues, bran, etc., which is rare in literature.

Gut microbiota: A new therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy seriously affects quality of life and even threatens life safety of patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex and multifactorial, and it is widely accepted that its mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, apoptosis, and autophagy. Some studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. Gut microbiota and its metabolites can affect the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, apoptosis, and autophagy. Here, the mechanisms of gut microbiota and its metabolites resulting in diabetic cardiomyopathy are reviewed. Gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

The Impact of Severe COVID-19 on Plasma Antioxidants

Several studies suggested the association of COVID-19 with systemic oxidative stress, in particular with lipid peroxidation and vascular stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant signaling in the plasma of eighty-eight patients upon admission to the Clinical Hospital Dubrava in Zagreb, of which twenty-two died within a week, while the other recovered. The differences between the deceased and the survivors were found, especially in the reduction of superoxide dismutases (SOD-1 and SOD-2) activity, which was accompanied by the alteration in glutathione-dependent system and the intensification of the thioredoxin-dependent system. Reduced levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, especially tocopherol, were also observed, which correlated with enhanced lipid peroxidation (determined by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and neuroprostane levels) and oxidative modifications of proteins assessed as 4-HNE-protein adducts and carbonyl groups. These findings confirm the onset of systemic oxidative stress in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2, especially those who died from COVID-19, as manifested by strongly reduced tocopherol level and SOD activity associated with lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we propose that preventive and/or supplementary use of antioxidants, especially of lipophilic nature, could be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Search for compounds with antioxidant and antiradical activity among N9-substituted 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]benzimidazoles

Introduction: Biphenyl and imidazobenzimidazole derivatives attract ongoing attention as a combination of these two privileged substructures with promising pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to synthesize and investigate in vitro antioxidant activity of promising novel compounds: 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]benzimidazoles.

Materials and methods: The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and CHBr(Cl)NO analyses. All newly synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity: inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical cation decolorization and inhibition of hemoglobin (Hb)-H2O2-induced luminol chemiluminescence.

Results and discussion: 2-Amino-3-[(2-biphenyl-4-yl)-2-oxo-ethyl)]-1-R-1Н-benzimidazolium bromides were synthesized, and their cyclization into functionalized imidazo[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives was studied. The resulting compounds showed LPO inhibitory activity comparable to that of dibunol. Compounds 1a and 1d (see graphical abstract), containing a methyl or dimethylaminoethyl substituent in the N9 position also proved to be equally highly active in the Hb-H2O2-induced luminol chemiluminescence model, while compound 1a was somewhat more active than 1d in the ABTS• radical scavenging assay.

Conclusion: The study showed that compounds 1a and 1d have the highest antioxidant activity. Thus, this new class of 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives represents a valuable leading series with great potential for use as antioxidants and as promising candidates for further efficacy evaluation.

Graphical abstract:

Potential role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetic bladder dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease, posing a considerable threat to global public health. Treating systemic comorbidities has been one of the greatest clinical challenges in the management of diabetes. Diabetic bladder dysfunction, characterized by detrusor overactivity during the early stage of the disease and detrusor underactivity during the late stage, is a common urological complication of diabetes. Oxidative stress is thought to trigger hyperglycaemia-dependent tissue damage in multiple organs; thus, a growing body of literature has suggested a possible link between functional changes in urothelium, muscle and the corresponding innervations. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of oxidative stress could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to restore the redox equilibrium and scavenge excessive free radicals to normalize bladder function in patients with diabetes.

Anti-Diabetic Therapy, Heart Failure and Oxidative Stress: An Update

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) are two chronic disorders that affect millions worldwide. Hyperglycemia can induce excessive generation of highly reactive free radicals that promote oxidative stress and further exacerbate diabetes progression and its complications. Vascular dysfunction and damage to cellular proteins, membrane lipids and nucleic acids can stem from overproduction and/or insufficient removal of free radicals. The aim of this article is to review the literature regarding the use of antidiabetic drugs and their role in glycemic control in patients with heart failure and oxidative stress. Metformin exerts a minor benefit to these patients. Thiazolidinediones are not recommended in diabetic patients, as they increase the risk of HF. There is a lack of robust evidence on the use of meglinitides and acarbose. Insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors may have a neutral cardiovascular effect on diabetic patients. The majority of current research focuses on sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. SGLT2 inhibitors induce positive cardiovascular effects in diabetic patients, leading to a reduction in cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization. GLP-1 receptor agonists may also be used in HF patients, but in the case of chronic kidney disease, SLGT2 inhibitors should be preferred.

Juvenile patients with the homozygous MTHFR C677T genotype develop ischemic stroke 5 years earlier than wild type

To compare age at 1st ischaemic stroke (IS) in a cohort of juvenile (< 46 years of age) IS patients evaluated for the rs1801133 polymorphism (C → T677) of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene; to identify predictors of age at IS and of type of cerebral vessel involvement, small vessel disease (SVD) vs large vessel disease (LVD) responsible for the IS; to evaluate possible associations between other clinical and laboratory variables. Retrospective cohort study on 82 MTHFR TT, 54 MTHFR TC and 34 MTHFR CC participants; data regarding age, sex, age at IS, history of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking, migraine and homocysteine (HC) as well as neuroimaging were collected. Age at IS was lower in MTHFR TT than MTHFR TC and CC (35 ± 4 vs 38 ± 0 vs 40 ± 3 years, respectively, p = 0.002); plasma HC (median, interquartile range) was higher in MTHFR TT than in the other groups [16.7 (11.8, 28.6) vs 11.4 (8.2, 16.1) vs 9.8 (7.9, 1.3) respectively, p < 0.0001)] and was higher in SVD than LVD [17.4 (12.4, 32.5) vs  11.4 (8.8, 16.4) p < 0.0001]. MTHFR TT independently predicted age at IS (p = 0.0008) alongside smoking both as a categorical (p = 0.003) or continuous variable (p = 0.02), whereas HC independently predicted SVD as categorical (p = 0.01) and continuous variable (p < 0.0001). Smoking positively predicted plasma HC (p = 0.005) and negatively the activated partial thromboplastin ratio (aPTTr) (p = 0.02). Juvenile IS carriers of the MTHFR TT genotype develop their 1st occlusion on average 5 years earlier compared to the CC genotype; smoking contributes to this prematurity adversely affecting plasma HC and coagulation whereas plasma HC predicts IS secondary to SVD. Public health campaigns against smoking should highlight the prematurity of IS in the juvenile population.

Pharmacological evaluation of Thuja occidentalis for the attenuation of neuropathy via AGEs and TNF-α inhibition in diabetic neuropathic rats

When diabetes neuropathy occurs, the oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia may result in chronic neuronal damage. To mitigate the effects of hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage, it may be beneficial to address oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The current study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of Thuja occidentalis in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic neuropathy in male Wistar rats. A single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Serum insulin, glucose, hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were evaluated for neuropathy. Wistar rats were treated with varying doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of Thuja occidentalis (HAETO) and gabapentin for 30 days. Thuja occidentalis considerably corrected the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia; also, it led to the restoration of neuronal functions, indicating that it is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, the molecular docking of thujone at the active pockets of various inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α) has shown good interactions with critical amino acid residues. These findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis effectively inhibits the development of diabetic neuropathy. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-hyperalgesia, and anti-inflammatory properties of Thuja occidentalis are thought to be responsible for the neuroprotective benefit.

Hibiscus sabdariffa in Diabetes Prevention and Treatment—Does It Work? An Evidence-Based Review

Diabetes is currently a global health problem that is already reported as an epidemic. This metabolic disease, characterized by a disturbance in the carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, is often accompanied by disorders of several organs. Its treatment is expensive and often difficult to control. Therefore, it seems necessary to search for new drugs and solutions to facilitate therapy and reduce treatment costs. Herbal medicines are becoming more and more popular. Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) is a plant that grows wild in a tropical climate. It has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Thanks to the numerous active compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, organic acids, or pectins, it is reported to exhibit hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and anti-lipidemic activities and numerous indirect effects that are related to them. The aim of this review was to update the knowledge about the therapeutic effects of roselle in diabetes and its comorbidities based on in vitro, animal, and human studies. After a careful analysis of the scientific literature, it can be stated that roselle is a promising product that can be used either on its own or as an addition to the conventional treatment regimens to prevent or treat diabetes and its accompanying diseases.

Recent Progress in Fluorescent Probes for Diabetes Visualization and Drug Therapy

Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic diseases that threaten human health, and it is accompanied by serious complications. Therefore, it is vital and pressing to develop novel strategies or tools for prewarning and therapy of diabetes and its complications. Fluorescent probes have been widely applied in the detection of diabetes due to the fact of their attractive advantages. In this report, we comprehensively summarize the recent progress and development of fluorescent probes in detecting the changes in the various biomolecules in diabetes and its complications. We also discuss the design of fluorescent probes for monitoring diabetes in detail. We expect this review will provide new ideas for the development of fluorescent probes suitable for the prewarning and therapy of diabetes in future clinical transformation and application.

Discovering the Potential Value of Coenzyme Q10 in Oxidative Stress: Enlightenment From a Synthesis of Clinical Evidence Based on Various Population

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with ferroptosis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as an adjuvant treatment, has shown to be beneficial against OS. However, the efficacy of CoQ10 as a therapeutic agent against OS has not been promptly updated and systematically investigated.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, CBM, Science direct and clinical trial. gov to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on OS parameters. Standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for net changes in OS parameters using a random-effects model.

Results: Twenty-one randomized clinical studies met the eligibility criteria to be included in the meta-analysis. Overall, CoQ10 supplementation increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes [including superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.88; p < 0.001), catalase (CAT) (SMD = 0.44; 95% CI:0.16 to 0.72; p = 0.002)] significantly and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD = -0.68; 95% CI: 0.93 to -0.43; p < 0.001) was decreased considerably. However, significant associations were not observed between this supplement and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.

Conclusion: CoQ10 can improve OS as indicated by statistical significance in CAT and MDA concentrations, as well as SOD activity. Future studies focusing on long-term results and specific valuation of OS parameters are required to confirm the efficacy of CoQ10 on OS. We also believe that with the further research on ferroptosis, CoQ10 will gain more attention.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/], identifier [INPLASY2021120123].

Biological Activities of Seven Medicinal Plants Used in Chiapas, Mexico

Seven medicinal plants from Chiapas, Mexico, used by Native Americans were analyzed, aiming to improve the understanding of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of various biological activities, i.e., bactericidal, antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition, and toxicity, to provide a scientific basis for the management of infectious and hyperglycemic diseases in the Mexican southeast. Plant extracts were obtained from Cordia dodecandra, Gaultheria odorata, Heliotropium angiospermum, Justicia spicigera, Leucaena collinsii spp. collinsii, Tagetes nelsonii, and Talisia oliviformis through maceration techniques using methanol and chloroform (1:1). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was employed to determine the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter faecalis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa. The antiradical/antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays and antihemolytic activity using the 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride radical (APPH). The anti-α-glucosidase activity was evaluated in vitro through the chromogenic PNPG assay. The toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The highest antimicrobial activity was displayed by T. nelsonii, mainly against E. faecalis and P. aeuroginosa. The extracts of L. collinsii, J. spicigera, and T. nelsonii possess antioxidant properties with EC50 < 50 μg/mL. J. spicigera and T. nelsonii extracts showed the highest antihemolytic activity with IC50 < 14 μg/mL. T. nelsonii exhibited a remarkable inhibitor effect on the α-glucosidase enzyme and the greatest toxic effect on Artemia salina with IC50 = 193 ± 20 μg/mL and LD50 = 14 ± 1 μg/mL, respectively. According to our results, G. odorata, J. spicigera, T. nelsonii, and T. oliviformis extracts contained active antimicrobial compounds. At the same time, T. nelsonii stands to be a possible source of effective antineoplastic and antihyperglycemic compounds.

Quercetin ameliorates oxidative stress‑induced cell apoptosis of seminal vesicles via activating Nrf2 in type 1 diabetic rats

It was known that diabetes may affect the male reproductive function by inhibiting the secretion of male accessory glands including seminal vesicles. Increased cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is thought to be an important pathological change in the seminal vesicles in diabetic patients. Quercetin is a potent anti-oxidative bioflavonoid. In this study, we explore the effect of quercetin on cell apoptosis of seminal vesicles and its underlying mechanism. The STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rat model was established. Three doses (low, medium and high) of quercetin were administrated to the STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rats for 4 months. Fasting blood glucose, the fructose in seminal plasma, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal vesicles were determined by colorimetric method. Nuclear transcription factor- Nrf2 was observed by immunofluorescent staining. Biomarkers related to cell apoptosis, such as Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved -Caspase3 were measured by Western blotting and immumohistochemical staining. The body weight and seminal vesicle weight indexes were also determined. The results showed that T-AOC and Nrf2 were decreased, the levels of MDA were increased, the cleaved Caspase-3 was increased and the ratio of Bax to BCL-2 was decreased in seminal vesicles of diabetic rats, along with the severe hyperglycemia. When diabetic rats were treated by quercetin for 4 months, all the indexes were reversed at different degree except the fasting blood glucose. Our results suggested that quercetin could ameliorate oxidative stress‑induced cell apoptosis of seminal vesicles via inhibiting Nrf2 in type 1 diabetic rats, which indicated that quercetin could be used for preventing lesions of seminal vesicles in type 1 diabetes.

Association between lipid peroxidation and risk of type 2 diabetes in women

In-vitro and animal studies demonstrate that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, human data from prospective studies are limited and contradictory. We used data originally collected in two nested case-control studies of cancer to prospectively evaluate whether systemic levels of lipid peroxidation were associated with incidence of T2D in 1917 women who were 40-70 years old and diabetes-free at baseline. Lipid peroxidation was measured by urinary F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs) and its major metabolite 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F_2t-IsoP (F₂-IsoP-M) with GC/NICI-MS assays. The Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident T2D. After a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 187 women were diagnosed with T2D. Urinary concentrations of both F₂-IsoPs and F₂-IsoP-M were significantly higher in T2D cases than in non-cases. Both biomarkers were positively associated with subsequent risk of T2D in multivariable-adjusted Cox models. When further adjusted for body mass index (BMI), the positive association with F₂-IsoP-M was attenuated and no longer statistically significant, whereas the association with F₂-IsoPs remained (P for overall significance < 0.001). HR for T2D was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.51) for the highest vs the lowest quartile of F₂-IsoPs. Moreover, this association appeared more pronounced among women with higher BMI. In summary, our study suggests that F₂-IsoPs could be of significance in T2D risk prediction among middle-aged and elderly women.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Their Association with Mortality among Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico

Background

Activation of the immune system response is associated with the generation of oxidative stress (OS). Several alterations are involved in OS, such as excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant activity, which together lead to an imbalance in redox status. The role of OS during SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine OS biomarkers and assess their usefulness as a predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Baseline characteristics and serum samples were collected from hospitalized COVID-19 patients and compared with healthy controls. The serum OS biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were assessed by spectrophotometric and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods, respectively.

Results

A total of 152 individuals were analyzed (COVID-19 patients vs. healthy controls). Compared with healthy controls (n = 76), patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 76) presented higher levels of MDA (p < 0.001) and decreased TAC (p < 0.001). A total of 37 (49%) patients with COVID-19 died. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) estimated that the combination of the OS biomarkers (MDA+TAC) (AUC = 0.6394, p = 0.037) was a significant predictor of mortality. A higher level of MDA was associated with mortality (HR, 1.05, 95% CI, 1.00-1.10, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

This study concludes that OS is increased in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with mortality. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the expression of OS biomarkers and their association with mortality among the Mexican population.

Micronized Dietary Okara Fiber: Characterization, Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Pancreato-Protective Effects in High Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifelong devastating and debilitating disease with serious chronic complications. Okara is a byproduct generated from soymilk or tofu production and it has been reported to have antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. However, the antidiabetic effects and pancreatic β-cells' secretory functions of micronized okara fiber (MOF) have not been reported. Therefore, this study explored the antidiabetic effects and modulatory potentials of MOF on pancreatic β-cells' secretory functions in a high fat/high sugar/streptozotocin rat model of diabetes mellitus. Fiber-rich okara was prepared by removing fat and proteins from freshly obtained okara, followed by micronization. Fiber-rich okara was prepared, micronized, and characterized for hydrophobicity, thermal stability, structure-function relationship, and antioxidant potentials. We then established a rat model of DM and MOF and two doses (100 and 400 mg kg^-1) were administered to see its anti-DM effect. Four weeks of MOF supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose, increased serum insulin level, improved hepatorenal functions, glucose tolerance, and regenerated pancreatic β-cells in the treated DM rats. Furthermore, MOF significantly improved the pancreatic antioxidant defense system by significantly elevating glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities while depleting the malonaldehyde level in the pancreas of the treated diabetic rats. Our results indicated that MOF ameliorated DM by impeding hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress and enhancing the secretory functions of the beta cells, suggesting that MOF might be used as a protective nutrient in DM.

The Role of Polyphenol in Modulating Associated Genes in Diabetes-Induced Vascular Disorders

Diabetes-induced vascular disorder is considered one of the deadly risk factors among diabetic patients that are caused by persistent hyperglycemia that eventually leads to cardiovascular diseases. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to high blood glucose levels activate signaling pathways such as AGE/RAGE, PKC, polyol, and hexosamine pathways. The activated signaling pathway triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis which later lead to vascular dysfunction induced by diabetes. Polyphenol is a bioactive compound that can be found abundantly in plants such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. This compound exerts therapeutic effects in alleviating diabetes-induced vascular disorder, mainly due to its potential as an anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent. In this review, we sought to summarize the recent discovery of polyphenol treatments in modulating associated genes involved in the progression of diabetes-induced vascular disorder.

Effects of natural dihydrochalcones in sweet tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus) on diabetes: a systematical review and meta-analysis of animal studies

Sweet tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd.), a natural functional food highly rich in dihydrochalcones including trilobatin, phlorizin and phloretin, is reported to possess numerous biological activities especially for treating diabetes. Here, the aim of this systematical review and meta-analysis is to assess the effect of dihydrochalcones in sweet tea (DST) on diabetes and summarize their possible mechanisms. We searched in eight databases including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, WanFang database, VIP database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and China Biology Medicine from Jan 2000 to Nov 2021 and ultimately included 21 animal studies in this review. A total of 10 outcome measurements including blood lipid indexes, blood glucose, insulin resistance indicators and oxidative stress biomarkers were extracted for meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. DST significantly decreased the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), blood glucose (BG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in diabetic animal models. In summary, DST could treat diabetes by regulation of blood glucose/lipid metabolism, oxidative/carbonyl stress, inflammatory response etc.

Antioxidant for treatment of diabetic complications: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Antioxidants may provide a complementary treatment for patients with chronic diseases. Nevertheless, studies that have measured the effects of antioxidant on diabetes complications have provided conflicting results. This study aimed to elucidate the association between antioxidant and diabetic complications and to develop robust evidence for clinical decisions by systematic reviews and meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus databases were searched to collect clinical studies related to the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of diabetes complications from inception to May 5, 2021. Statistical meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Stata16 software was used to detect publication bias. The data of diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and diabetic periodontitis were collected to analyze the effect of antioxidant on diabetes and the above three complications. The meta-analysis results showed that antioxidant treatment was associated with significantly changes in the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: - 0.21 [95% confidence interval [CI]: - 0.33, -0.10], p < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: - 0.41 [95% CI: - 0.63, -0.18], p < 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.24, 0.63], p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD: - 0.82 [95% CI: - 1.24, -0.41], p < 0.001) than the control group. Antioxidant supplements have the potential to treat three complications of diabetes. In conclusion, the meta-analysis results indicate that antioxidant treatment is effective clinically for diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Effects of arbutin on glucose uptake by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and its cytoprotective properties in L6 skeletal muscle cell line

It has been well known that oxidative stress and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a pivotal role in disrupting the insulin signaling pathways leading to cellular insulin resistance. In this study, we evaluated arbutin's effects on glucose uptake by GLUT4 and cytoprotective properties in the L6 skeletal muscle cell line. The effect of arbutin and tertiary butyl hydrogen peroxide (t-BHP) on glucose uptake in cultured L6 cells was investigated by flow cytometry. We also evaluated gene expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in the L6 cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that the optimum ROS generation occurred 3 h after 100 µM t-BHP treatment and pretreatment with arbutin (500 and 1000 µM) significantly inhibited the t-BHP induced ROS generation (p < .05). Our result indicated that 3 h pretreatment of L6 cells with 1000 μM of arbutin before 50 μM t-BHP significantly increased glucose uptake than the 50 μM t-BHP alone group (p < .05). Our findings may suggest that an increase in the uptake of 2-NBDG by L6 cells with arbutin pretreatment can be associated with increased expression of GLUT4 and GLUT1 under oxidative stress.

The Antioxidant Properties of Mushroom Polysaccharides can Potentially Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Beta-Cell Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic and endocrine illness affecting people all over the world and is of serious health and financial concern. Antidiabetic medicine delivered through pharmacotherapy, including synthetic antidiabetic drugs, are known to have several negative effects. Fortunately, several natural polysaccharides have antidiabetic properties, and the use of these polysaccharides as adjuncts to conventional therapy is becoming more common, particularly in underdeveloped nations. Oxidative stress has a critical role in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). The review of current literature presented here focusses, therefore, on the antioxidant properties of mushroom polysaccharides used in the management of diabetic complications, and discusses whether these antioxidant properties contribute to the deactivation of the oxidative stress-related signalling pathways, and to the amelioration of β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the relevant information concerning the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of mushrooms from electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus or Google Scholar, for the period 1994 to 2021. In total, 104 different polysaccharides from mushrooms have been found to have antidiabetic effects. Most of the literature on mushroom polysaccharides has demonstrated the beneficial effects of these polysaccharides on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) levels. This review discuss the effects of these polysaccharides on hyperglycemia and other alternative antioxidant therapies for diabetic complications through their applications and limits, in order to gain a better understanding of how they can be used to treat DM. Preclinical and phytochemical investigations have found that most of the active polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms have antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress and preventing the development of DM. Further research is necessary to confirm whether mushroom polysaccharides can effectively alleviate hyperglycemia, and the mechanisms by which they do this, and to investigate whether these polysaccharides might be utilized as a complementary therapy for the prevention and management of DM in the future.

Pharmacological action and underlying molecular mechanism of Callistemon: A genus of promising medicinal herbs

INTRODUCTION

The genus Callistemon belongs to a group of medically significant plants which have found tremendous use in traditional medicine across the globe. They are reported for anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and many other significant medicinal attributes. However, the current use of this genus is limited mainly to ornamental and recreational purposes. Recent studies have reported several novel compounds like phloroglucinol derivatives, terpenes, phenolics, etc., from Callistemon spp., which have great medical significance. Further, there is a surge of recent studies reporting novel pharmacological properties of Callistemon. The number of review studies discussing the underlying molecular mechanism behind the pharmacological action of Callistemon is quite limited.

METHODS

The literature search for studies published from 1991 to 2021 using Google scholar and PubMed were selected. The review documented relevant literature focused on Callistemon spp exhibiting significant pharmacological effects.

RESULTS

This review deals with the pharmacological properties of Callistemon and the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for protective effect in several pathophysiological conditions. This study updated the current information regarding the medicinal importance of Callistemon spp. for research and the public community.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary studies, interrogating pharmacological properties of Callistemon spp., hold great promise and demand further research to decipher the mode of action. More and more research are needed in this direction to explore the full potential of the genus Callistemon as a medicinal herb.

Cyclo(His-Pro) Exerts Protective Carbonyl Quenching Effects through Its Open Histidine Containing Dipeptides

Cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is a cyclic dipeptide which is endowed with favorable pharmacokinetic properties combined with a variety of biological activities. CHP is found in a number of protein-rich foods and dietary supplements. While being stable at physiological pH, CHP can open yielding two symmetric dipeptides (His-Pro, Pro-His), the formation of which might be particularly relevant from dietary CHP due to the gastric acidic environment. The antioxidant and protective CHP properties were repeatedly reported although the non-enzymatic mechanisms were scantly investigated. The CHP detoxifying activity towards α,β unsaturated carbonyls was never investigated in detail, although its open dipeptides might be effective as already observed for histidine containing dipeptides. Hence, this study investigated the scavenging properties of TRH, CHP and its open derivatives towards 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. The obtained results revealed that Pro-His possesses a marked activity and is more reactive than l-carnosine. As investigated by DFT calculations, the enhanced reactivity can be ascribed to the greater electrophilicity of the involved iminium intermediate. These findings emphasize that the primary amine (as seen in l-carnosine) can be replaced by secondary amines with beneficial effects on the quenching mechanisms. Serum stability of the tested peptides was also evaluated, showing that Pro-His is characterized by a greater stability than l-carnosine. Docking simulations suggested that its hydrolysis can be catalyzed by serum carnosinase. Altogether, the reported results evidence that the antioxidant CHP properties can be also due to the detoxifying activity of its open dipeptides, which might be thus responsible for the beneficial effects induced by CHP containing food.

The Selenoprotein Glutathione Peroxidase 4: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

The selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is one of the main antioxidant mediators in the human body. Its central function involves the reduction of complex hydroperoxides into their respective alcohols often using reduced Glutathione (GSH) as a reducing agent. GPX4 has become a hotspot therapeutic target in biomedical research following its characterization as a chief regulator of ferroptosis, and its subsequent recognition as a specific pharmacological target for the treatment of an extensive variety of human diseases including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Several recent studies have provided insights into how GPX4 is distinguished from the rest of the glutathione peroxidase family, the unique biochemical properties of GPX4, how GPX4 is related to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, and how the enzyme may be modulated as a potential therapeutic target. This current report aims to review the literature underlying all these insights and present an up-to-date perspective on the current understanding of GPX4 as a potential therapeutic target.

Melatonin treatment improves human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy in a mouse model of type II diabetes mellitus via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue regeneration and disease treatment. However, long-term in vitro passaging leads to stemness loss of MSCs, resulting in failure of MSC therapy. This study investigated whether the combination of melatonin and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) was superior to hUC-MSCs alone in ameliorating high-fat diet and streptozocin (STZ)-induced type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a mouse model.

Methods

Mice were divided into four groups: normal control (NC) group; T2DM group; hUC-MSCs treatment alone (UCMSC) group and pretreatment of hUC-MSCs with melatonin (UCMSC/Mel) group.

Results

RNA sequence analysis showed that certain pathways, including the signaling pathway involved in the regulation of cell proliferation signaling pathway, were regulated by melatonin. The blood glucose levels of the mice in the UCMSC and UCMSC/Mel treatment groups were significantly reduced compared with the T2DM group without treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hUC-MSCs enhance the key factor in the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in T2DM mouse hepatocytes.

Conclusion

The pretreatment of hUC-MSCs with melatonin partly boosted cell efficiency and thereby alleviated impaired glycemic control and insulin resistance. This study provides a practical strategy to improve the application of hUC-MSCs in diabetes mellitus and cytotherapy.

Graphical abstract

Overview of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. (A) Underlying mechanism of UCMSC/Mel inhibition of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance T2DM mice via regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway. hUC-MSCs stimulates glucose uptake and improves insulin action thus should inhibition the clinical signs of T2DM, through activation of the p-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and then regulates glucose transport through activating AS160. UCMSC/Mel increases p53-dependent expression of BCL2, and inhibit BAX and Capase3 protein activation. Leading to the decrease in apoptosis. (B) Melatonin modulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Melatonin activated PI3K/AKT response pathway through binding to MT1and MT2 receptor. Leading to the increase in hUC-MSCs proliferation, migration and differentiation. → (Direct stimulatory modification); ┴ ( Direct Inhibitory modification); → ┤ (Multistep inhibitory modification); ↑ (Up regulate); ↓ (Down regulate); PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase); AKT ( protein kinase B); PDK1 (Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1); IR, insulin receptor; GLUT4 ( glucose transporter type 4); ROS (reactive oxygen species); BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2); PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1) BAX (B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein); PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen); Cell cycle-associated proteins (KI67, cyclin A, cyclin E)

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02832-0.

Effect of vitamin D on oxidative stress and serum inflammatory factors in the patients with type 2 diabetes

The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an urgent global health problem. T2DM patients are in a state of high oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin D and glutathione (GSH) play crucial roles in antioxidation and anti‐inflammation. However, T2DM patients have lower vitamin D and GSH levels than healthy persons. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to see the effect of the vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in T2DM patients. In this study, a total of 178 T2DM patients were randomly enrolled, 92 patients received regular treatment (T2DM group) and 86 patients in Vitamin D group received extra vitamin D 400 IU per day in addition to regular treatment. Serum vitamin D, GSH, GSH metabolic enzyme GCLC and GR, inflammatory factor MCP‐1, and IL‐8 levels were investigated. We found that the T2DM group has significantly higher concentrations of MCP‐1 and IL‐8 than those in the healthy donor group. After vitamin D supplementation for 90 days, T2DM patients had a 2‐fold increase of GSH levels, from 2.72 ± 0.84 to 5.76 ± 3.19 μmol/ml, the concentration of MCP‐1 decreased from 51.11 ± 20.86 to 25.42 ± 13.06 pg/ml, and IL‐8 also decreased from 38.21 ± 21.76 to 16.05 ± 8.99 pg/ml. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that vitamin D could regulate the production of GSH, thereby reducing the serum levels of MCP‐1 and IL‐8, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, providing evidence of the necessity and feasibility of adjuvant vitamin D treatment among patients with T2DM. On the other hand, vitamin D and GSH levels have important diagnostic and prognostic values in T2DM patients.

Earlier onset of peripheral arterial thrombosis in homozygous MTHFR C677T carriers than in other MTHFR genotypes: a cohort study

To investigate whether age at first presentation of pure peripheral arterial thrombosis (PAT) in lower and upper limbs and in the splanchnic circulation occurs earlier in carriers of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) T677T genotype compared to the heterozygous and wild type and to identify predictors of a possible earlier onset. Retrospective cohort study on 27 MTHFR TT, 29 MTHFR TC and 29 MTHFR CC participants; data regarding age, sex, age at PAT, clinical history (dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking, obesity) and homocysteine (HC) measured by immunoassay were collected. Age at PAT was lower in MTHFR TT than MTHFR TC and CC (43 ± 9 vs 47 ± 9 vs 51 ± 4 years, respectively, p = 0.02); plasma HC was higher in MTHFR TT than in the other groups (25 ± 19 vs 12.7 ± 6.7 vs 11.3 ± 3.3 μmol/l, respectively, p < 0.001) while the activated partial thromboplastin ratio (aPTTr) was lower in MTHFR TT than in other genotypes (0.90 ± 0.10 vs 0.97 ± 0.12 vs 0.97 ± 0.08 μmol/L p < 0.001). Among categorical variables, MTHFR TT and dyslipidaemia independently predicted age at AT (p = 0.01 & p = 0.03, respectively) whereas among the continuous variables HC independently predicted age at PAT (p = 0.02) as well as the aPTTr (p = 0.001); smoking predicted lower limb PAT (p = 0.005). MTHFR TT carriers develop their first PAT an average of 4 and 8 years earlier than MTHF CT and CC genotypes; MTHFR TT, dyslipidaemia and plasma HC contribute to the prematurity of the PAT while the interplay between elevated HC and smoking may affect type of arterial district occlusion.

CTRP9 decreases high glucose‑induced trophoblast cell damage by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

C1q/TNF-α-related protein 9 (CTRP9) is downregulated in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and may exert a protective effect against GDM, although its mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. To investigate the specific role of CTRP9 in GDM, the human placental trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo was treated with high glucose (HG) to simulate the environment of GDM in vitro. The effects of CTRP9 on the HTR8/SVneo cells and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were analyzed before and after CTRP9 overexpression using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The results obtained demonstrated that CTRP9 alleviated ER stress in the trophoblast cell line. After treating with the ER-stress inducer tunicamycin, cell viability was investigated by performing Cell Counting Kit-8, TUNEL and western blotting assays, which revealed that CTRP9 increased the activity of HTR8/SVneo cells induced by HG through the alleviation of ER stress. Subsequently, ELISA and western blotting assay results demonstrated that CTRP9 inhibited HG-induced inflammation of the HTR8/SVneo cells by the reduction in ER stress. Finally, the detection of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide (NO) synthase and NO levels confirmed that CTRP9 inhibited the oxidative stress of HTR8/SVneo cells induced by HG through the reduction of ER stress. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that CTRP9 may decrease trophoblast cell damage caused by HG through the suppression of ER stress, and therefore, CTRP9 may potentially be a therapeutic target in the treatment of GDM.