Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in BCR Signaling as a Second Messenger

Prospects of phycoerythrin: Structural features, antioxidation and applications in food

Phycoerythrin (PE) is a naturally occurring plant protein of algal origin. The colour, bioactivity and stability of PE are inextricably linked to its structure. PE has powerful antioxidant properties that effectively prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage, for which the chromophore structure plays a key role. However, the relationship between the chromophore and thermal stability is unclear in PE. The environmental factors affecting the thermal stability of PE are mainly light, high temperature and extreme pH. PE stability can be enhanced through various techniques, including the incorporation of additives, cross-linking processes, and the formation of complexes. Improving the stability of PE is of significant importance for its applications within the food industry. This paper outlines the structural characteristics of PE, discusses the relationship between its structure and antioxidant activity, and focuses on the application of PE in the food industry, as well as the factors affecting its stability and strategies for its improvement.

Reactive oxygen species-scavenging biomaterials for neural regenerative medicine

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism. As signaling molecules, ROS can regulate various physiological processes in the body. However excessive ROS may be a major cause of inflammatory diseases. In the field of neurological diseases, ROS cause neuronal apoptosis and neurodegeneration, which severely impede neuroregeneration. Currently, ROS-scavenging biomaterials are considered as a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological injuries due to their ability to scavenge excessive ROS at defects and modulate the oxidative stress microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the generation and sources of ROS, briefly describes the dangers of generating excessive ROS in nervous system diseases, and highlights the importance of scavenging excessive ROS for neuroregeneration. We have classified ROS-scavenging biomaterials into three categories based on the different mechanisms of ROS clearance. The applications of ROS-responsive biomaterials for neurological diseases, such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, and peripheral nerve injury, are also discussed. Our review contributes to the development of ROS-scavenging biomaterials in the field of neural regeneration.

Boron in wound healing: a comprehensive investigation of its diverse mechanisms

Chronic wounds present a significant clinical challenge due to their prolonged healing time and susceptibility to infection. Boron, a trace element with diverse biological functions, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in wound healing. This review article comprehensively investigates the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of boron compounds in wound healing. Boron exerts its healing properties through multiple pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pro-proliferative effects. Inflammation is a crucial component of the wound-healing process, and boron has been shown to modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the resolution of inflammation. Furthermore, boron exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens commonly associated with chronic wounds, thereby reducing the risk of infection and promoting wound closure. The antioxidant properties of boron help protect cells from oxidative stress, a common feature of chronic wounds that can impair healing. Additionally, boron stimulates cell proliferation and migration, as well as essential tissue regeneration and wound closure processes. Overall, this review highlights the potential of boron as a novel therapeutic approach for treating chronic wounds, offering insights into its diverse mechanisms of action and clinical implications.

B cell expression of the enzyme PexRAP, an intermediary in ether lipid biosynthesis, promotes antibody responses and germinal center size

The qualities of antibody (Ab) responses provided by B lymphocytes and their plasma cell (PC) descendants are crucial facets of responses to vaccines and microbes. Metabolic processes and products regulate aspects of B cell proliferation and differentiation into germinal center (GC) and PC states as well as Ab diversification. However, there is little information about lymphoid cell-intrinsic functions of enzymes that mediate ether lipid biosynthesis, including a major class of membrane phospholipids. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) results had indicated that concentrations of a number of these phospholipids were substantially enhanced in GC compared to the background average in spleens. However, it was not clear if biosynthesis in B cells was a basis for this finding, or whether such cell-intrinsic biosynthesis contributes to B cell physiology or Ab responses. Ether lipid biosynthesis can involve the enzyme PexRAP, the product of the Dhrs7b gene. Using combinations of IMS and immunization experiments in mouse models with inducible Dhrs7b loss-of-function, we now show that B lineage-intrinsic expression of PexRAP promotes the magnitude and affinity maturation of a serological response. Moreover, the data revealed a Dhrs7b -dependent increase in ether phospholipids in primary follicles with a more prominent increase in GC. Mechanistically, PexRAP impacted B cell proliferation via enhanced survival associated with controlling levels of ROS and membrane peroxidation. These findings reveal a vital role of this peroxisomal enzyme in B cell homeostasis and the physiology of humoral immunity.

The relationship of redox signaling with the risk for atherosclerosis

Oxidative balance plays a pivotal role in physiological homeostasis, and many diseases, particularly age-related conditions, are closely associated with oxidative imbalance. While the strategic role of oxidative regulation in various diseases is well-established, the specific involvement of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis remains elusive. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by plaque formation within the arteries. Alterations in the oxidative status of vascular tissues are linked to the onset, progression, and outcome of atherosclerosis. This review examines the role of redox signaling in atherosclerosis, including its impact on risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle, along with dysregulation, vascular homeostasis, immune system interaction, and therapeutic considerations. Understanding redox signal transduction and the regulation of redox signaling will offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Interactions between oxidative stress and senescence in cancer: Mechanisms, therapeutic implications, and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Recently, numerous studies have reported the interaction between senescence and oxidative stress in cancer. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the precise mechanisms involved.

AIM

Therefore, our review aims to summarize the current findings and elucidate by presenting specific mechanisms that encompass functional pathways, target genes, and related aspects.

METHODS

Pubmed and Web of Science databases were retrieved to search studies about the interaction between senescence and oxidative stress in cancer. Relevant publications in the reference list of enrolled studies were also checked.

RESULTS

In carcinogenesis, oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence acts as a barrier against the transformation of stimulated cells into cancer cells. However, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is positively linked to tumorigenesis. In the cancer progression stage, targeting specific genes or pathways that promote oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence can suppress cancer progression. In terms of treatment, many current clinical therapies combine with novel drugs to overcome resistance and reduce side effects by attenuating oxidative stress-induced senescence. Notably, emerging drugs control cancer development by enhancing oxidative stress-induced senescence. These studies highlight the complacted effects of the interplay between oxidative stress and senescence at different cancer stages and among distinct cell populations. Future research should focus on characterizing the roles of distinct senescent cell types in various tumor stages and identifying the specific components of SASP.

CONCLUDSION

We've summarized the mechanisms of senescence and oxidative stress in cancer and provided illustrative figures to guide future research in this area.

Gut microbial metabolites in MASLD: Implications of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis and treatment

With an increasing prevalence, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a major global health problem. MASLD is well-known as a multifactorial disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction and alterations in the gut bacteria are 2 vital events in MASLD. Recent studies have highlighted the cross-talk between microbiota and mitochondria, and mitochondria are recognized as pivotal targets of the gut microbiota to modulate the host's physiological state. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in MASLD and is associated with multiple pathological changes, including hepatocyte steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Metabolites are crucial mediators of the gut microbiota that influence extraintestinal organs. Additionally, regulation of the composition of gut bacteria may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for MASLD. This study reviewed the potential roles of several common metabolites in MASLD, emphasizing their impact on mitochondrial function. Finally, we discuss the current treatments for MASLD, including probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These methods concentrate on restoring the gut microbiota to promote host health.

An analysis of the prognostic role of reactive oxygen species-associated genes in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to type breast cancer in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS), clinical indicators, single nucleotide variant (SNV) mutations, functional differences, immune infiltration, and predictive responses to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, and constructing a prognostic model.

METHODS

We used uniCox analysis, ConsensusClusterPlus, and the proportion of ambiguous clustering (PAC) to analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to determine optimal groupings and obtain differentially expressed ROS-related genes. Clinical indicators were then combined with the classification results and the Chi-square test was used to assess differences. We further examined SNV mutations, and functional differences using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, immune cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. A prognostic model for breast cancer was constructed using these differentially expressed genes, immunotherapy or chemotherapy responses, and survival curves. RT-qPCR was used to detect the differences in the expression of LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A in breast cancer cell lines and normal breast epithelial cell line.

RESULTS

We identified two distinct tumor types with significant differences in ROS-related gene expression, clinical indicators, SNV mutations, functional pathways, and immune infiltration. The response to specific chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy treatments also documented significant differences. The prognostic model constructed with 16 genes linked to survival could efficiently divide patients into high- and low-risk groups. The high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis, higher tumor purity, distinct immune microenvironment, and lower immunotherapy response. RT-qPCR results showed that LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A are highly expressed in breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our methodical examination presented an enhanced insight into the molecular and immunological heterogeneity of breast cancer. It can contribute to the understanding of prognosis and offer valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies. Further, the prognostic model can potentially serve as a powerful tool for risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in clinical settings.

Dysfunctional mitochondria, disrupted levels of reactive oxygen species, and autophagy in B cells from common variable immunodeficiency patients

Introduction

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) patients are characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and poor response to vaccination due to deficient generation of memory and antibody-secreting B cells. B lymphocytes are essential for the development of humoral immune responses, and mitochondrial function, hreactive oxygen species (ROS) production and autophagy are crucial for determining B-cell fate. However, the role of those basic cell functions in the differentiation of human B cells remains poorly investigated.

Methods

We used flow cytometry to evaluate mitochondrial function, ROS production and autophagy processes in human naïve and memory B-cell subpopulations in unstimulated and stimulated PBMCs cultures. We aimed to determine whether any alterations in these processes could impact B-cell fate and contribute to the lack of B-cell differentiation observed in CVID patients.

Results

We described that naïve CD19+CD27- and memory CD19+CD27+ B cells subpopulations from healthy controls differ in terms of their dependence on these processes for their homeostasis, and demonstrated that different stimuli exert a preferential cell type dependent effect. The evaluation of mitochondrial function, ROS production and autophagy in naïve and memory B cells from CVID patients disclosed subpopulation specific alterations. Dysfunctional mitochondria and autophagy were more prominent in unstimulated CVID CD19+CD27- and CD19+CD27+ B cells than in their healthy counterparts. Although naïve CD19+CD27- B cells from CVID patients had higher basal ROS levels than controls, their ROS increase after stimulation was lower, suggesting a disruption in ROS homeostasis. On the other hand, memory CD19+CD27+ B cells from CVID patients had both lower ROS basal levels and a diminished ROS production after stimulation with anti-B cell receptor (BCR) and IL-21.

Conclusion

The failure in ROS cell signalling could impair CVID naïve B cell activation and differentiation to memory B cells. Decreased levels of ROS in CVID memory CD19+CD27+ B cells, which negatively correlate with their in vitro cell death and autophagy, could be detrimental and lead to their previously demonstrated premature death. The final consequence would be the failure to generate a functional B cell compartment in CVID patients.

Role of reactive oxygen species in ultraviolet-induced photodamage of the skin

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxides (O2 •-) and hydroxyl groups (OH·), are short-lived molecules containing unpaired electrons. Intracellular ROS are believed to be mainly produced by the mitochondria and NADPH oxidase (NOX) and can be associated with various physiological processes, such as proliferation, cell signaling, and oxygen homeostasis. In recent years, many studies have indicated that ROS play crucial roles in regulating ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage of the skin, including exogenous aging, which accounts for 80% of aging. However, to the best of our knowledge, the detailed signaling pathways, especially those related to the mechanisms underlying apoptosis in which ROS are involved have not been reviewed previously. In this review, we elaborate on the biological characteristics of ROS and its role in regulating UV-induced photodamage of the skin.

The role of CD180 in hematological malignancies and inflammatory disorders

Toll-like receptors play a significant role in the innate immune system and are also involved in the pathophysiology of many different diseases. Over the past 35 years, there have been a growing number of publications exploring the role of the orphan toll-like receptor, CD180. We therefore set out to provide a narrative review of the current evidence surrounding CD180 in both health and disease. We first explore the evidence surrounding the role of CD180 in physiology including its expression, function and signaling in antigen presenting cells (APCs) (dendritic cells, monocytes, and B cells). We particularly focus on the role of CD180 as a modulator of other TLRs including TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9. We then discuss the role of CD180 in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as in hematological malignancies of B cell origin, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Based on this evidence we produce a current model for CD180 in disease and explore the potential role for CD180 as both a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Throughout, we highlight specific areas of research which should be addressed to further the understanding of CD180 biology and the translational potential of research into CD180 in various diseases.

Co-Targeting of BTK and TrxR as a Therapeutic Approach to the Treatment of Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a haematological malignancy representing the most diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) subtype. Despite the approved chemotherapies available in clinics, some patients still suffer from side effects and relapsed disease. Recently, studies have reported the role of the Trx system and the BCR signalling pathway in cancer development and drug resistance. In this regard, we assessed a potential link between the two systems and evaluated the effects of [Au(d2pype)₂]Cl (TrxR inhibitor) and ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor) alone and in combination on the cell growth of two DLBCL lymphoma cell lines, SUDHL2 and SUDHL4. In this study, we show higher expression levels of the Trx system and BCR signalling pathway in the DLBCL patient samples compared to the healthy samples. The knockdown of TrxR using siRNA reduced BTK mRNA and protein expression. A combination treatment with [Au(d2pype)₂]Cl and ibrutinib had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of lymphoma cell proliferation, the activation of apoptosis, and, depending on lymphoma cell subtype, ferroptosis. Decreased BTK expression and the cytoplasmic accumulation of p65 were observed after the combination treatment in the DLBCL cells, indicating the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Thus, the co-targeting of BTK and TrxR may be an effective therapeutic strategy to consider for DLBCL treatment.

Exogenous Proline Enhances Systemic Defense against Salt Stress in Celery by Regulating Photosystem, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant System

This study aimed to explore how exogenous proline induces salinity tolerance in celery. We analyzed the effects of foliar spraying with 0.3 mM proline on celery growth, photosystem, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant system under salt stress (100 mM NaCl), using no salt stress and no proline spraying as control. The results showed that proline-treated plants exhibited a significant increase in plant biomass due to improved growth physiology, supported by gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, and Calvin cycle enzyme activity (Ketosasaccharide-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase and Fructose-1,6-diphosphate aldolase) results. Also, proline spraying significantly suppressed the increase in relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content caused by salt stress, suggesting a reduction in biological membrane damage. Moreover, salt stress resulted in hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions and 4-coumaric acid accumulation in celery, and their contents were reduced after foliar spraying of proline. Furthermore, proline increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced ascorbic acid, glutathione, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, total phenolic acids, and total flavonoids). Additionally, proline increased the activity of key enzymes (ascorbate oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase) in the ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle, activating it to counteract salt stress. In summary, exogenous proline promoted celery growth under salt stress, enhanced photosynthesis, increased total phenolic acid and flavonoid contents, and improved antioxidant capacity, thereby improving salt tolerance in celery.

Combined FRET-FLIM and NAD(P)H FLIM to Analyze B Cell Receptor Signaling Induced Metabolic Activity of Germinal Center B Cells In Vivo

Affinity maturation of B cell clones within germinal centers constitutes an important mechanism for immune memory. During this process, B cell receptor signaling capacity is tested in multiple rounds of positive selection. Antigen stimulation and co-stimulatory signals mobilize calcium to switch on gene expression leading to proliferation and survival and to differentiation into memory B cells and plasma cells. Additionally, all these processes require adaption of B cell metabolism, and calcium signaling and metabolic pathways are closely interlinked. Mitochondrial adaption, ROS production, and NADPH oxidase activation are involved in cell fate decisions, but it remains elusive to what extent, especially because the analysis of these dynamic processes in germinal centers has to take place in vivo. Here, we introduce a quantitative intravital imaging method for combined measurement of cytoplasmic calcium concentration and enzymatic fingerprinting in germinal center B cells as a possible tool in order to further examine the relationship of calcium signaling and immunometabolism.

Application and prospect of ROS-related nanomaterials for orthopaedic related diseases treatment

The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the occurrence and development of orthopaedic related diseases is becoming increasingly prominent. ROS regulation has become a new method to treat orthopaedic related diseases. In recent years, the application of nanomaterials has become a new hope for precision and efficient treatment. However, there is a lack of reviews on ROS-regulated nanomaterials for orthopaedic related diseases. Based on the key significance of nanomaterials for the treatment of orthopaedic related diseases, we searched the latest related studies and reviewed the nanomaterials that regulate ROS in the treatment of orthopaedic related diseases. According to the function of nanomaterials, we describe the scavenging of ROS related nanomaterials and the generation of ROS related nanomaterials. In this review, we closely integrated nanomaterials with the treatment of orthopaedic related diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, wound infection and osteosarcoma, etc., and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of existing nanomaterials. We also looked forward to the design of ROS-regulated nanomaterials for the treatment of orthopaedic related diseases in the future.

Essential Protective Role of Catalytically Active Antibodies (Abzymes) with Redox Antioxidant Functions in Animals and Humans

During the life of aerobic organisms, the oxygen resulting from numerous reactions is converted into reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many ROS are dangerous due to their high reactivity; they are strong oxidants, and react with various cell components, leading to their damage. To protect against ROS overproduction, enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems are evolved in aerobic cells. Several known non-enzymatic antioxidants have a relatively low specific antioxidant activity. Superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, thioredoxin, and the peroxiredoxin families are the most important enzyme antioxidants. Artificial antibodies catalyzing redox reactions using different approaches have been created. During the past several decades, it has been shown that the blood and various biological fluids of humans and animals contain natural antibodies that catalyze different redox reactions, such as classical enzymes. This review, for the first time, summarizes data on existing non-enzymatic antioxidants, canonical enzymes, and artificial or natural antibodies (abzymes) with redox functions. Comparing abzymes with superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxide-dependent peroxidase, and H₂O₂-independent oxidoreductase activities with the same activities as classical enzymes was carried out. The features of abzymes with the redox activities are described, including their exceptional diversity in the optimal pH values, dependency and independence on various metal ions, and the reaction rate constants for healthy donors and patients with different autoimmune diseases. The entire body of evidence indicates that abzymes with redox antioxidant activities existing in the blood for a long time compared to enzymes are an essential part of the protection system of humans and animals from oxidative stress.

Ethyl pyruvate, a versatile protector in inflammation and autoimmunity

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has potent influence on redox processes, cellular metabolism, and inflammation. It has been intensively studied in numerous animal models of systemic and organ-specific disorders whose pathogenesis involves a strong immune component. Here, basic chemical and biological properties of EP are discussed, with an emphasis on its redox and metabolic activity. Further, its influence on myeloid and T cells is considered, as well as on intracellular signaling beyond its effect on immune cells. Also, the effects of EP on animal models of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders are presented. Finally, a possibility to apply EP as a treatment for such diseases in humans is discussed. Scientific papers cited in this review were identified using the PubMed search engine that relies on the MEDLINE database. The reference list covers the most important findings in the field in the past twenty years.

A novel halogenated adenosine analog 5'-BrDA displays potent toxicity against colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro

Adenosine, as a naturally occurring nucleoside, plays an important role in human health maintenance. In recent years, many studies have shown that adenosine has the effect of cancer inhibition, and some of its analogs have been successfully marketed as anticancer drugs. This report mainly describes the anti-colon cancer activities and mechanism of a novel halogenated adenosine analog named 5'-bromodeoxyadenosine (5'-BrDA). As a result, 5'-BrDA concentration-dependently inhibited colon cancer cells proliferation, induced autophagy without disruption of lysosomal stability, and promoted autophagy-independently cellular mitochondrial apoptosis by increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, 5'-BrDA inhibited the tumor growth of colon cancer in CT26 inbred mice without affecting the body weight in vivo. Collectively, the above-mentioned mechanisms contributed to the anticancer activity of 5'-BrDA. It is rare to discover novel anticancer adenosine analogs during the past couple of decades. We believe that our work will enrich the understanding of adenosine analogs, also, pave the way for adenosine analogs product based anticancer drug development.

Apigenin alleviates neomycin-induced oxidative damage via the Nrf2 signaling pathway in cochlear hair cells

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss and represents a promising target for treatment. We tested the potential effect of apigenin, a natural flavonoid with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, on neomycin-induced ototoxicity in cochlear hair cells in vitro. Results showed that apigenin significantly ameliorated the loss of hair cells and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species upon neomycin injury. Further evidence suggested that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was activated by apigenin treatment. Disruption of the Nrf2 axis abolished the effects of apigenin on the alleviation of oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis of hair cells. This study provided evidence of the protective effect of apigenin on cochlear hair cells and its underlying mechanism.

Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus agilis feeding regulates intestinal stem cells activity by modulating crypt niche in hens

Previously, we found that Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus agilis, and Lactobacillus aviarius were associated with excellent egg nutrition in native chicken. Next, the optimal Lactobacillus combination is worth studying. Here, a total of 120 HyLine hens (30 hens per group contained 3 replicate cells, 10 hens/cell) in the laying peak period were randomly divided into (1) control, (2) L. salivarius + L. agilis, (3) L. salivarius + L. aviarius, and (4) L. agilis + L. aviarius groups, fed with diet only or with corresponding Lactobacilli (10⁸ colony-forming units/hen/day) for 30 days. As a result, L. salivarius + L. agilis feeding could (1) improve egg-laying rate, egg weight, and albumen's amino acid levels; (2) increase Lactobacillus abundance, decrease Escherichia coli abundance, upregulate the tryptophan metabolism pathway-related molecules, and downregulate the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway-related molecules in intestinal contents; and (3) upregulate oxidative-phosphorylation pathway-related genes, reactive oxygen species levels, and mRNA abundance of Wnt3a, Dll1, Lgr5, CCDN1, and CDK2 in the crypt. Collectively, L. salivarius + L. agilis feeding in hens could improve intestinal microflora and metabolism profile, promote crypt's local energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species levels, and thus enhance Paneth cells and intestinal stem cells activity.Key points• Lactobacilli co-feeding could improve laying performance and egg nutrition.• Lactobacilli co-feeding could improve intestinal microflora and metabolism profile.• Lactobacilli co-feeding could enhance Paneth cells and intestinal stem cells activity.

Antioxidant and Mitochondria-Targeted Activity of Caffeoylquinic-Acid-Rich Fractions of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) and Silver Wormwood (Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.)

Caffeoylquinic acids are some of the chemophenetically significant specialized metabolites found in plants of the family Asteraceae Dumort., possessing a broad spectrum of biological activities. As they might be potential mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, effective preparation methods—including extraction, isolation, and purification of caffeoylquinic acids from plant sources—are in great demand. The aim of this study was to fractionate the caffeoylquinic acids from cultivated wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) and silver wormwood (Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.) herb acetone extracts and evaluate their phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activity (radical scavenging and reducing activities), effects on kidney mitochondrial functions, and cytochrome-c-reducing properties. The main findings of our study are as follows: (1) Aqueous fractions purified from wormwood and silver wormwood herb acetone extracts are rich in monocaffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid), while methanolic fractions purified from wormwood and silver wormwood herb acetone extracts are rich in dicaffeoylquinic acids (4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). Aqueous fractions purified from wormwood and silver wormwood herb acetone extracts were solely composed of monocaffeoylquinic acids. Methanolic fractions purified from wormwood and silver wormwood herb acetone extracts contained only dicaffeoylquinic acids. (2) Fractions purified from silver wormwood herb acetone extracts stood out as having the greatest content of caffeoylquinic acids. (3) The greatest radical scavenging activity was determined in the dicaffeoylquinic-acid-rich fraction purified from silver wormwood herb acetone extract; the greatest reducing activity was determined in the dicaffeoylquinic-acid-rich fraction purified from wormwood herb acetone extract. (4) The effect of both fractions on mitochondrial functions was dose-dependent; lower concentrations of caffeoylquinic-acid-rich fractions had no effect on mitochondrial functions, whereas higher concentrations of caffeoylquinic-acid-rich fractions reduced the state 3 respiration rate (with the complex-I-dependent substrate glutamate/malate). (5) Both monocaffeoylquinic- and dicaffeoylquinic-acid-rich fractions possessed cytochrome-c-reducing properties; the greatest cytochrome c reduction properties were determined in the dicaffeoylquinic-acid-rich fraction purified from wormwood herb acetone extract. In summary, these findings show that caffeoylquinic acids might be beneficial as promising antioxidant and cytochrome-c-reducing agents for the modulation of mitochondria and treatment of various mitochondrial-pathway-associated pathologies.

Regulation of Metabolic Processes by Hydrogen Peroxide Generated by NADPH Oxidases

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important oxidizing molecule that regulates the metabolisms of aerobic organisms. Redox signaling comprises physiological oxidative stress (eustress), while excessive oxidative stress causes damage to molecules. The main enzymatic generators of H2O2 are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases or NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and mitochondrial respiratory chains, as well as various oxidases. The NOX family is constituted of seven enzyme isoforms that produce a superoxide anion (O2−), which can be converted to H2O2 by superoxide dismutase or spontaneously. H2O2 passes through the membranes by some aquaporins (AQPs), known as peroxyporins. It diffuses through cells and tissues to initiate cellular effects, such as proliferation, the recruitment of immune cells, and cell shape changes. Therefore, it has been proposed that H2O2 has the same importance as Ca2+ or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to act as modulators in signaling and the metabolism. The present overview focuses on the metabolic processes of liver and adipose tissue, regulated by the H2O2 generated by NOXs.

Implications of Altered Endosome and Lysosome Biology in Space Environments

Space exploration poses multiple challenges for mankind, not only on a technical level but also to the entire physiology of the space traveller. The human system must adapt to several environmental stressors, microgravity being one of them. Lysosomes are ubiquitous to every cell and essential for their homeostasis, playing significant roles in the regulation of autophagy, immunity, and adaptation of the organism to changes in their environment, to name a few. Dysfunction of the lysosomal system leads to age-related diseases, for example bone loss, reduced immune response or cancer. As these conditions have been shown to be accelerated following exposure to microgravity, this review elucidates the lysosomal response to real and simulated microgravity. Microgravity activates the endo-lysosomal system, with resulting impacts on bone loss, muscle atrophy and stem cell differentiation. The investigation of lysosomal adaptation to microgravity can be beneficial in the search for new biomarkers or therapeutic approaches to several disease pathologies on earth as well as the potential to mitigate pathophysiology during spaceflight.