Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and inflammation: Molecular mechanisms, diseases and promising therapies

An Updated View on the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Human Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Light of Novel Crystallographic Evidence

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH, E3) deficiency is a rare (autosomal, recessive) genetic disorder generally presenting with an onset in the neonatal age and early death; the highest carrier rate has been found among Ashkenazi Jews. Acute clinical episodes usually involve severe metabolic decompensation and lactate acidosis that result in neurological, cardiological, and/or hepatological manifestations. Clinical severity is due to the fact that LADH is a common E3 subunit to the alpha-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, alpha-ketoadipate, and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes, and is also a constituent in the glycine cleavage system, thus a loss in LADH function adversely affects multiple key metabolic routes. However, the severe clinical pictures frequently still do not parallel the LADH activity loss, which implies the involvement of auxiliary biochemical mechanisms; enhanced reactive oxygen species generation as well as affinity loss for multienzyme complexes proved to be key auxiliary exacerbating pathomechanisms. This review provides an overview and an up-to-date molecular insight into the pathomechanisms of this disease in light of the structural conclusions drawn from the first crystal structure of a disease-causing hE3 variant determined recently in our laboratory.

Central obesity transition increased urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in male adults: A 3-year follow up study

OBJECTIVE

Association of oxidative DNA damage with gain in anthropometric indices has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

In this study, participants (n = 1151) were derived from the baseline visit of Wuhan residents in the Wuhan-Zhuhai Cohort Study. The participants finished the physical examinations at both baseline and 3-year follow up. Urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured by gradient-elution high performance liquid chromatography method and then calibrated by urinary creatinine (Cr) values.

RESULTS

Generalized linear models showed that after adjusted for confounding factors, baseline central obesity individuals with a ≥2.5% hip circumference (HC) loss or >5% HC gain had a 0.290 μmol/mol Cr (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.108, 0.472) or 0.553 μmol/mol Cr (95% CI: 0.273, 0.833) increase in urinary 8-OHdG levels compared with those with a -2.5%-2.5% HC gain (both P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with non-central obesity at both baseline and 3-year follow-up, we observed that central obese men at both baseline and 3-year follow-up had a 0.46 μmol/mol Cr (95% CI: 0.16, 0.75) increased in urinary 8-OHdG levels.

CONCLUSIONS

HC gain showed dose-dependent associations with urinary 8-OHdG levels. Moreover, male central obesity at both baseline and 3-year follow-up had an increased risk for urinary 8-OHdG levels.

GPER and ERα mediate estradiol enhancement of mitochondrial function in inflamed adipocytes through a PKA dependent mechanism

Obesity is associated with inflammation, dysregulated adipokine secretion, and disrupted adipose tissue mitochondrial function. Estradiol (E2) has been previously reported to increase mitochondrial function and biogenesis in several cell lines, but neither the type of oestrogen receptor (ERα, ERβ and GPER) involved nor the mechanism whereby such effects are exerted have been fully described. Considering the anti-inflammatory activity of E2 as well as its effects in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, the aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of ERα, ERβ, and GPER signaling to the E2-mediated enhancement of adipocyte mitochondrial function in a pro-inflammatory situation. 3T3-L1 cells were treated for 24 h with ER agonists (PPT, DPN, and G1) and antagonists (MPP, PHTPP, and G15) in the presence or absence of interleukin 6 (IL6), as a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Inflammation, mitochondrial function and biogenesis markers were analyzed. To confirm the involvement of the PKA pathway, cells were treated with a GPER agonist, a PKA inhibitor, and IL6. Mitochondrial function markers were analyzed. Our results showed that activation of ERα and GPER, but not ERβ, was able to counteract the proinflammatory effects of IL6 treatment, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis and function indicators. Inhibition of PKA prevented the E2- and G1-associated increase in mitochondrial function markers. In conclusion E2 prevents IL6 induced inflammation in adipocytes and promotes mitochondrial function through the combined activation of both GPER and ERα. These findings expand our understanding of ER interactions under inflammatory conditions in female rodent white adipose tissue.

Determination of Benzopyrene-Induced Lung Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Injury in a Chemical Gradient-Integrated Microfluidic Bronchial Epithelium System

Environmental pollution is one of the largest sources responsible for human diseases and premature death worldwide. However, the methodological development of a spatiotemporally controllable and high-throughput investigation of the environmental pollution-induced biological injury events is still being explored. In this study, we describe a chemical gradient generator-aided microfluidic cell system for the dynamic study of representative environmental pollutant-induced bronchial epithelium injury in a throughput manner. We demonstrated the stability and reliability of operation-optimized microfluidic system for precise and long-term chemical gradient production. We also performed a microenvironment-controlled microfluidic bronchial epithelium construction with high viability and structure integration. Moreover, on-chip investigation of bronchial epithelium injury by benzopyrene stimulation with various concentrations can be carried out in the single device. The varying bronchial inflammatory and cytotoxic responses were temporally monitored and measured based on the well-established system. The benzopyrene directionally led the bronchial epithelium to present observable cell shrinkage, cytoskeleton disintegration, Caspase-3 activation, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, and various inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) secretion, suggesting its significant inflammatory and cytotoxic effects on respiratory system. We believe the microfluidic advancement has potential applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical development.

Mitochondrial calcium transport and the redox nature of the calcium-induced membrane permeability transition

Mitochondria possess a Ca²⁺ transport system composed of separate Ca²⁺ influx and efflux pathways. Intramitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentrations regulate oxidative phosphorylation, required for cell function and survival, and mitochondrial redox balance, that participates in a myriad of signaling and damaging pathways. The interaction between Ca²⁺ accumulation and redox imbalance regulates opening and closing of a highly regulated inner membrane pore, the membrane permeability transition pore (PTP). In this review, we discuss the regulation of the PTP by mitochondrial oxidants, reactive nitrogen species, and the interactions between these species and other PTP inducers. In addition, we discuss the involvement of mitochondrial redox imbalance and PTP in metabolic conditions such as atherogenesis, diabetes, obesity and in mtDNA stability.

The role of mitochondria in NLRP3 inflammasome activation

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein platform which is activated upon cellular infection or stress. Its activation leads to caspase-1-dependent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, and an inflammatory form of cell death termed as pyroptosis. Recent studies have unveiled the pivotal roles of mitochondria in initiation and regulation of the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome. NLRP3 activators induce mitochondrial destabilization, NLRP3 deubiquitination, linear ubiquitination of ASC, and externalization or release of mitochondria-derived molecules such as cardiolipin and mitochondrial DNA. These molecules bind to NLRP3 that is translocated on mitochondria and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here we review recently described mechanisms by which mitochondria regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

OxInflammation: From Subclinical Condition to Pathological Biomarker

Inflammation is a complex systemic response evolved to cope with cellular injury, either due to infectious agents or, in general, with sporadic events challenging tissue integrity and function. Researchers involved in different fields have the tendency to look at the inflammatory response with different angles, according to their specific interest. Established its complexity, one of the most evident features of the inflammatory response is the generation of a pro-oxidative environment due to the production of high fluxes of pro-oxidant species. This production begins locally, close to the sites of tissue damage or infection, but eventually becomes a chronic challenge for the organism, if the inflammatory response is not properly controlled. In this review, we focus on this specific aspect of chronic, low-level sub-clinical inflammatory response. We propose the term "OxInflammation" as a novel operative term describing a permanent pro-oxidative feature that interact, in a positive feed-back manner, to a not yet clinically detectable inflammatory process, leading in a long run (chronically) to a systemic/local damage, as a consequence of the cross talk between inflammatory, and oxidative stress mediators. Therefore, it could be useful to analyze inflammatory markers in pathologies where there is an alteration of the redox homeostasis, although an inflammatory status is not clinically evident.

Regulation of Metabolic Disease-Associated Inflammation by Nutrient Sensors

Visceral obesity is frequently associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a highly prevalent chronic disease that features insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction as important hallmarks. Recent evidence indicates that the chronic, low-grade inflammation commonly associated with visceral obesity plays a major role connecting the excessive visceral fat deposition with the development of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which nutrients modulate obesity-associated inflammation.

Endothelial Mechanotransduction, Redox Signaling and the Regulation of Vascular Inflammatory Pathways

The endothelium that lines the interior of blood vessels is directly exposed to blood flow. The shear stress arising from blood flow is “sensed” by the endothelium and is “transduced” into biochemical signals that eventually control vascular tone and homeostasis. Sensing and transduction of physical forces occur via signaling processes whereby the forces associated with blood flow are “sensed” by a mechanotransduction machinery comprising of several endothelial cell elements. Endothelial “sensing” involves converting the physical cues into cellular signaling events such as altered membrane potential and activation of kinases, which are “transmission” signals that cause oxidant production. Oxidants produced are the “transducers” of the mechanical signals? What is the function of these oxidants/redox signals? Extensive data from various studies indicate that redox signals initiate inflammation signaling pathways which in turn can compromise vascular health. Thus, inflammation, a major response to infection or endotoxins, can also be initiated by the endothelium in response to various flow patterns ranging from aberrant flow to alteration of flow such as cessation or sudden increase in blood flow. Indeed, our work has shown that endothelial mechanotransduction signaling pathways participate in generation of redox signals that affect the oxidant and inflammation status of cells. Our goal in this review article is to summarize the endothelial mechanotransduction pathways that are activated with stop of blood flow and with aberrant flow patterns; in doing so we focus on the complex link between mechanical forces and inflammation on the endothelium. Since this “inflammation susceptible” phenotype is emerging as a trigger for pathologies ranging from atherosclerosis to rejection post-organ transplant, an understanding of the endothelial machinery that triggers these processes is very crucial and timely.

Reactive Oxygen Species in Metabolic and Inflammatory Signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well known for their role in mediating both physiological and pathophysiological signal transduction. Enzymes and subcellular compartments that typically produce ROS are associated with metabolic regulation, and diseases associated with metabolic dysfunction may be influenced by changes in redox balance. In this review, we summarize the current literature surrounding ROS and their role in metabolic and inflammatory regulation, focusing on ROS signal transduction and its relationship to disease progression. In particular, we examine ROS production in compartments such as the cytoplasm, mitochondria, peroxisome, and endoplasmic reticulum and discuss how ROS influence metabolic processes such as proteasome function, autophagy, and general inflammatory signaling. We also summarize and highlight the role of ROS in the regulation metabolic/inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. In order to develop therapies that target oxidative signaling, it is vital to understand the balance ROS signaling plays in both physiology and pathophysiology, and how manipulation of this balance and the identity of the ROS may influence cellular and tissue homeostasis. An increased understanding of specific sources of ROS production and an appreciation for how ROS influence cellular metabolism may help guide us in the effort to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Glucose-6-Phosphatase Catalytic Subunit 3 (G6PC3) Deficiency Associated With Autoinflammatory Complications

G6PC3 deficiency typically causes severe congenital neutropenia, associated with susceptibility to infections, cardiac and urogenital abnormalities. However, here we describe two boys of Pakistani origin who were found to have G6PC3 deficiency due to c.130 C>T mutation, but who have clinical phenotypes that are typical for a systemic autoinflammatory syndrome. The index case presented with combination of unexplained fevers, severe mucosal ulcers, abdominal symptoms, and inflammatory arthritis. He eventually fully responded to anti-TNF therapy. In this study, we show that compared with healthy controls, neutrophils and monocytes from patients have reduced glycolytic reserve. Considering that healthy myeloid cells have been shown to switch their metabolic pathways to glycolysis in response to inflammatory cues, we studied what impact this might have on production of the inflammatory cytokines. We have demonstrated that patients’ monocytes, in response to lipopolysaccharide, show significantly increased production of IL-1β and IL-18, which is NLRP3 inflammasome dependent. Furthermore, additional whole blood assays have also shown an enhanced production of IL-6 and TNF from the patients’ cells. These cases provide further proof that autoinflammatory complications are also seen within the spectrum of primary immune deficiencies, and resulting from a wider dysregulation of the immune responses.

The path from mitochondrial ROS to aging runs through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) is strongly associated with mitochondrial and cellular oxidative damage, aging, and degenerative diseases. However, mROS also induces pathways of protection of mitochondria that slow aging, inhibit cell death, and increase lifespan. Recent studies show that the activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), which is triggered by mROS and mitochondrial calcium overloading, is enhanced in aged animals and humans and in aging-related degenerative diseases. mPTP opening initiates further production and release of mROS that damage both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, proteins, and phospholipids, and also releases matrix NAD that is hydrolyzed in the intermembrane space, thus contributing to the depletion of cellular NAD that accelerates aging. Oxidative damage to calcium transporters leads to calcium overload and more frequent opening of mPTP. Because aging enhances the opening of the mPTP and mPTP opening accelerates aging, we suggest that mPTP opening drives the progression of aging. Activation of the mPTP is regulated, directly and indirectly, not only by the mitochondrial protection pathways that are induced by mROS, but also by pro-apoptotic signals that are induced by DNA damage. We suggest that the integration of these contrasting signals by the mPTP largely determines the rate of cell aging and the initiation of cell death, and thus animal lifespan. The suggestion that the control of mPTP activation is critical for the progression of aging can explain the conflicting and confusing evidence regarding the beneficial and deleterious effects of mROS on health and lifespan.

European contribution to the study of ROS: A summary of the findings and prospects for the future from the COST action BM1203 (EU-ROS)

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks. COST Action BM1203 (EU-ROS) represents a consortium of researchers from different disciplines who are dedicated to providing new insights and tools for better understanding redox biology and medicine and, in the long run, to finding new therapeutic strategies to target dysregulated redox processes in various diseases. This report highlights the major achievements of EU-ROS as well as research updates and new perspectives arising from its members. The EU-ROS consortium comprised more than 140 active members who worked together for four years on the topics briefly described below. The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is an established hallmark of our aerobic environment and metabolism but RONS also act as messengers via redox regulation of essential cellular processes. The fact that many diseases have been found to be associated with oxidative stress established the theory of oxidative stress as a trigger of diseases that can be corrected by antioxidant therapy. However, while experimental studies support this thesis, clinical studies still generate controversial results, due to complex pathophysiology of oxidative stress in humans. For future improvement of antioxidant therapy and better understanding of redox-associated disease progression detailed knowledge on the sources and targets of RONS formation and discrimination of their detrimental or beneficial roles is required. In order to advance this important area of biology and medicine, highly synergistic approaches combining a variety of diverse and contrasting disciplines are needed.

Mitochondrial NUDIX hydrolases: A metabolic link between NAD catabolism, GTP and mitochondrial dynamics

NAD+ catabolism and mitochondrial dynamics are important parts of normal mitochondrial function and are both reported to be disrupted in aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and acute brain injury. While both processes have been extensively studied there has been little reported on how the mechanisms of these two processes are linked. This review focuses on how downstream NAD+ catabolism via NUDIX hydrolases affects mitochondrial dynamics under pathologic conditions. Additionally, several potential targets in mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation are discussed, including the roles of mitochondrial poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1(mtPARP1), AMPK, AMP, and intra-mitochondrial GTP metabolism. Mitochondrial and cytosolic NUDIX hydrolases (NUDT9α and NUDT9β) can affect mitochondrial and cellular AMP levels by hydrolyzing ADP- ribose (ADPr) and subsequently altering the levels of GTP and ATP. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is activated after DNA damage, which depletes NAD+ pools and results in the PARylation of nuclear and mitochondrial proteins. In the mitochondria, ADP-ribosyl hydrolase-3 (ARH3) hydrolyzes PAR to ADPr, while NUDT9α metabolizes ADPr to AMP. Elevated AMP levels have been reported to reduce mitochondrial ATP production by inhibiting the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), allosterically activating AMPK by altering the cellular AMP: ATP ratio, and by depleting mitochondrial GTP pools by being phosphorylated by adenylate kinase 3 (AK3), which uses GTP as a phosphate donor. Recently, activated AMPK was reported to phosphorylate mitochondria fission factor (MFF), which increases Drp1 localization to the mitochondria and promotes mitochondrial fission. Moreover, the increased AK3 activity could deplete mitochondrial GTP pools and possibly inhibit normal activity of GTP-dependent fusion enzymes, thus altering mitochondrial dynamics.

Methylene blue inhibits NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and non-canonical inflammasome activation

Methylene blue (MB), which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mitochondria protective effects, has been widely used as a dye and medication. However, the effect of MB on inflammasome activation has not yet been studied. Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that induce maturation of interleukins (ILs)-1β and -18 as well as caspase-1-mediated cell death, known as pyroptosis. Dysregulation of inflammasomes causes several diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and gout. In this study, we assess the effect of MB on inflammasome activation in macrophages. As the result, MB attenuated activation of canonical inflammasomes such as NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 as well as non-canonical inflammasome activation. In addition, MB inhibited upstream signals such as inflammasome assembly, phagocytosis, and gene expression of inflammasome components via inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, MB reduced the activity of caspase-1. The anti-inflammasome properties of MB were further confirmed in mice models. Thus, we suggest that MB is a broad-spectrum anti-inflammasome candidate molecule.

Proteasomal and Autophagic Degradation Systems

Autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system are the two major quality control pathways responsible for cellular homeostasis. As such, they provide protection against age-associated changes and a plethora of human diseases. Ubiquitination is utilized as a degradation signal by both systems, albeit in different ways, to mark cargoes for proteasomal and lysosomal degradation. Both systems intersect and communicate at multiple points to coordinate their actions in proteostasis and organelle homeostasis. This review summarizes molecular details of how proteasome and autophagy pathways are functionally interconnected in cells and indicates common principles and nodes of communication that can be therapeutically exploited.

Human dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) deficiency: Novel insights into the structural basis and molecular pathomechanism

This review summarizes our present view on the molecular pathogenesis of human (h) E3-deficiency caused by a variety of genetic alterations with a special emphasis on the moonlighting biochemical phenomena related to the affected (dihydro)lipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH, E3, gene: dld), in particular the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). E3-deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder frequently presenting with a neonatal onset and premature death; the highest carrier rate of a single pathogenic dld mutation (1:94-1:110) was found among Ashkenazi Jews. Patients usually die during acute episodes that generally involve severe metabolic decompensation and lactic acidosis leading to neurological, cardiological, and/or hepatological manifestations. The disease owes its severity to the fact that LADH is the common E3 subunit of the alpha-ketoglutarate (KGDHc), pyruvate (PDHc), and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes and is also part of the glycine cleavage system, hence the malfunctioning of LADH simultaneously incapacitates several central metabolic pathways. Nevertheless, the clinical pictures are usually not unequivocally portrayed through the loss of LADH activities and imply auxiliary mechanisms that exacerbate the symptoms and outcomes of this disorder. Enhanced ROS generation by disease-causing hE3 variants as well as by the E1-E2 subcomplex of the hKGDHc likely contributes to selected pathogeneses of E3-deficiency, which could be targeted by specific drugs or antioxidants; lipoic acid was demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of ROS generation by hE3 in vitro. Flavin supplementation might prove to be beneficial for those mutations triggering FAD loss in the hE3 component. Selected pathogenic hE3 variants lose their affinity for the E2 component of the hPDHc, a mechanism which warrants scrutiny also for other E3-haboring complexes.

Adolescent Binge Alcohol Exposure Affects the Brain Function Through Mitochondrial Impairment

In the young population, binge drinking is a pattern of problematic alcohol consumption, characterized by a short period of heavy drinking followed by abstinence which is frequently repeated over time. This drinking pattern is associated with mental problems, use of other drugs, and an increased risk of excessive alcohol intake during adulthood. However, little is known about the effects of binge drinking on brain function in adolescents and its neurobiological impact during the adulthood. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of alcohol on hippocampal memory, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial function in adolescent rats after a binge drinking episode in vivo. These effects were analyzed at 1, 3, or 7 weeks post alcohol exposure. Our results showed that binge-like ethanol pre-treated (BEP) rats exhibited early alterations in learning and memory tests accompanied by an impairment of synaptic plasticity that was total and partially compensated, respectively. These changes could be attributed to a rapid increase in oxidative damage and a late inflammatory response induced by post ethanol exposure. Additionally, BEP alters the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and modifies the expression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) components, such as cyclophilin D (Cyp-D) and the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). These mitochondrial structural changes result in the impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics, decreasing ATP production progressively until adulthood. These results strongly suggest that teenage alcohol binge drinking impairs the function of the adult hippocampus including memory and synaptic plasticity as a consequence of the mitochondrial damage induced by alcohol and that the recovery of hippocampal function could implicate the activation of alternative pathways that fail to reestablish mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis and cell death

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria cannot be considered as static structures, as they intimately communicate, forming very dynamic platforms termed mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). In particular, the ER transmits proper Ca²⁺ signals to mitochondria, which decode them into specific inputs to regulate essential functions, including metabolism, energy production and apoptosis. Here, we will describe the different molecular players involved in the transfer of Ca²⁺ ions from the ER lumen to the mitochondrial matrix and how modifications in both ER-mitochondria contact sites and Ca²⁺ signaling can alter the cell death execution program.

ROS homeostasis, a key determinant in liver ischemic-preconditioning

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are key mediators of ischemia-reperfusion injury but also required for the induction of the stress response that limits tissue injury and underlies the protection provided by ischemic-preconditioning protocols. Liver steatosis is an important risk factor for liver transplant failure. Liver steatosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive mitochondrial ROS production. Studies aiming at decreasing the sensibility of the steatotic liver to ischemia-reperfusion injury using pre-conditioning protocols, have shown that the steatotic liver has a reduced capacity to respond to these protocols. Recent studies indicate that these effects are related to a reduced capacity of the steatotic liver to respond to elevated ROS levels following reperfusion by inducing a compensatory response. This failure to respond to ROS is associated with reduced levels of antioxidants, mitochondrial damage, hepatocyte cell death, activation of the immune system and induction of pro-fibrotic mediators.

Metal uptake, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in gills and hepatopancreas of Callinectes amnicola exposed to industrial effluent

Metal uptake by biota due to elevated environmental concentrations elicits oxidative stress and could lead to pathological outcomes. The relationship between the histopathological profile of hepatopancreas and gills and altered biochemical features (antioxidant enzymes i.e. GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and serum protein) in the blue crab, Callinectes amnicola from contaminated parts of the Lagos Lagoon was investigated. Monthly crab, sediment and surface water samples were taken from effluent receiving areas of the Lagos lagoon i.e. Makoko, Okobaba, Iddo, Ikoyi and Mid-lagoon (control site) over an 18-month period and analyzed for metal levels (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu). Significantly higher levels of GPx and lower levels of Pb, Zn and Cu was recorded in gills and hepatopancreas of crabs from the mid-lagoon compared to crabs from other sites. Reaction patterns of gills across the different sites of the lagoon included regressive (ranging from epithelial lifting, disruption of pilaster cells, detached cuticle to focal necrosis) and circulatory disruptions (oedema); increased activity of GSH and GPx in gills were positively correlated with lesions of lower importance factor. Reaction patterns in hepatopancreas were more regressive including vacuolation/infiltration of fatty lobules, necrosis, granuloma, disintegrated lumen, atrophied tubules and loss of lobular hepatocyte structure; increased activity of GSH, GPx and CAT were positively correlated with lesions of low importance factor in the hepatopancreas. Findings show that lesions in both gills and hepatopancreas of the blue crab could be associated with uptake of metals, depleted antioxidant activity and incidence of lipid peroxidation in tissue.

Mitochondrial Control of Innate Immunity and Inflammation

Mitochondria are key organelles involved in energy production, functioning as the metabolic hubs of cells. Recent findings emphasize the emerging role of the mitochondrion as a key intracellular signaling platform regulating innate immune and inflammatory responses. Several mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species have emerged as central players orchestrating the innate immune responses to pathogens and damaging ligands. This review explores our current understanding of the roles played by mitochondria in regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between autophagy, mitochondria, and inflammasome activation are also briefly discussed. A comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial role in toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune responses and NLRP3 inflammasome complex activation, will facilitate development of novel therapeutics to treat various infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from smokers release higher levels of IL-1-like cytokines after exposure to combustion-generated ultrafine particles

Ultrafine particles (UFP) generated by combustion processes are often associated with adverse health effects. However, little is known about the inflammatory processes generated by UFP that may underlie their toxicological activity. Murine macrophages (J774.1 cells) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the pro-inflammatory activity of UFP. The addition of soot particles to J774.1 cells induced a concentration-dependent release of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-33 This effect was not associated with cell death and, in contrast to literature, was pronounced at very low concentrations (5–100 pg/ml). Similarly, UFP induced the release of IL-1α, IL-18 and IL-33 by PBMCs. However, this effect was solely observed in PBMCs obtained from smokers, as the PBMCs from non-smokers instead released higher levels of IL-10. The release of these cytokines after UFP exposure was caspase-1- and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent in PBMCs from healthy smokers, whereas IL-1α release was calpain-dependent. These results show that UFP at very low concentrations are able to give rise to an inflammatory process that is responsible for IL-1α, IL-18 and IL-33 release, which is pronounced in PBMCs from smokers, confirming that these individuals are especially susceptible to inflammatory-based airway diseases once exposed to air pollution.

Acetaminophen attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment through antioxidant activity

Background

Considerable evidence has shown that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathophysiology of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and other progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that acetaminophen (APAP) has unappreciated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the impact of APAP on the cognitive sequelae of inflammatory and oxidative stress is unknown. The objective of this study is to explore whether APAP could have neuroprotective effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

Methods

A mouse model of LPS-induced cognitive impairment was established to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of APAP against LPS-induced cognitive impairment. Adult C57BL/6 mice were treated with APAP half an hour prior to intracerebroventricular microinjection of LPS and every day thereafter, until the end of the study period. The Morris water maze was used to assess cognitive function from postinjection days 1 to 3. Animal behavioural tests as well as pathological and biochemical assays were performed to evaluate LPS-induced hippocampal damage and the neuroprotective effect of APAP.

Results

Mice treated with LPS exhibited impaired performance in the Morris water maze without changing spontaneous locomotor activity, which was ameliorated by treatment with APAP. APAP suppressed the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation induced by LPS in the hippocampus. In addition, APAP increased SOD activity, reduced MDA levels, modulated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. Moreover, APAP significantly decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus of LPS-treated mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that APAP may possess a neuroprotective effect against LPS-induced cognitive impairment and inflammatory and oxidative stress via mechanisms involving its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to inhibit the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore and the subsequent apoptotic pathway.

A Review on the Pharmacological Activities and Phytochemicals of Alpinia officinarum (Galangal) Extracts Derived from Bioassay-Guided Fractionation and Isolation

The rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance have been used conventionally for the treatment of various ailments, triggering a wide interest from the scientific research community on this ethnomedicinal plant. This review summarizes the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the extracts and fractions from A. officinarum, a plant species of the Zingiberaceae family. Different parts of the plant – leaves, roots, rhizomes, and aerial parts – have been extracted in various solvents – methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, dichloromethane, aqueous, chloroform, and petroleum ether, using various techniques – Soxhlet extraction, maceration, ultrasonication, and soaking, whereas fractionation of the plant extracts involves the solvent–solvent partition method. The extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds have been studied for their biological activities – antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, inhibition of enzymes, as well as the inhibition of nitric oxide production. More findings on A. officinarum are certainly important to further develop potential bioactive drug compounds.