Ethanol-induced oxidative stress: basic knowledge

Microbial conversion of ethanol to high-value products: progress and challenges

Industrial biotechnology heavily relies on the microbial conversion of carbohydrate substrates derived from sugar- or starch-rich crops. This dependency poses significant challenges in the face of a rising population and food scarcity. Consequently, exploring renewable, non-competing carbon sources for sustainable bioprocessing becomes increasingly important. Ethanol, a key C2 feedstock, presents a promising alternative, especially for producing acetyl-CoA derivatives. In this review, we offer an in-depth analysis of ethanol's potential as an alternative carbon source, summarizing its distinctive characteristics when utilized by microbes, microbial ethanol metabolism pathway, and microbial responses and tolerance mechanisms to ethanol stress. We provide an update on recent progress in ethanol-based biomanufacturing and ethanol biosynthesis, discuss current challenges, and outline potential research directions to guide future advancements in this field. The insights presented here could serve as valuable theoretical support for researchers and industry professionals seeking to harness ethanol's potential for the production of high-value products.

Protein aggregation monitoring in cells under oxidative stress: a novel fluorescent probe based on a 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative

The development of new fluorescent probes as molecular sensors is a critical step for the understanding of molecular mechanisms. BODIPY-based probes offer versatility due to their high fluorescence quantum yields, photostability, and tunable absorption/emission wavelengths. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a novel 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative to probe hydrophobic proteins as well as protein misfolding and aggregation. In organic solvents, this compound shows two efficiently interconverting emissive excited states. In aqueous environments, it forms molecular aggregates with unique photophysical properties. The complex photophysics of the 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative was explored for sensing applications. In the presence of albumin, the compound is stabilized in hydrophobic protein regions, significantly increasing its fluorescence emission intensity and lifetime. Similar effects occur in the presence of protein aggregates but not with other macromolecules like pepsin, DNA, Ficoll 40, and coconut oil. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and two-photon fluorescence microscopy on breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells incubated with this compound display longer fluorescence lifetimes and higher emission intensity under oxidative stress. Synchrotron FTIR micro spectroscopy confirmed that the photophysical changes observed were due to protein misfolding and aggregation caused by the oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that this compound can serve as a fluorescent probe to monitor protein misfolding and aggregation triggered by oxidative stress.

Metallofullerenol alleviates alcoholic liver damage via ROS clearance under static magnetic and electric fields

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common chronic redox disease caused by increased alcohol consumption. Abstinence is a major challenge for people with alcohol dependence, and approved drugs have limited efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to explore a new treatment strategy for ALD using ferroferric oxide endohedral fullerenol (Fe3O4@C60(OH)n) in combination with static magnetic and electric fields (sBE). The primary hepatocytes of 8-9-week-old female BALB/c mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed combination treatment. A mouse chronic binge ethanol feeding model was established to determine the alleviatory effect of Fe3O4@C60(OH)n on liver injury under sBE exposure. Furthermore, the ability of Fe3O4@C60(OH)n to eliminate •OH was evaluated. Alcohol-induced hepatocyte and mitochondrial damage were reversed in vitro. Additionally, the combination therapy reduced liver damage, alleviated oxidative stress by improving antioxidant levels, and effectively inhibited liver lipid accumulation in animal experiments. Here, we used a combination of magnetic derivatives of fullerenol and sBE to further improve the ROS clearance rate, thereby alleviating ALD. The developed combination treatment may effectively improve alcohol-induced liver damage and maintain redox balance without apparent toxicity, thereby enhancing therapy aimed at ALD and other redox diseases.

Restoring energy metabolism by NAD+ supplement prevents alcohol-induced liver injury and boosts liver regeneration

Our previous clinical metabolomics study illustrated that energy metabolism disorder is an underlying pathogenesis mechanism for the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Supplementation of nicotinamide (NAM), the precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), may restore the energy metabolism homeostasis of ALD and thus serves as potential therapeutics to treat ALD. In this bedside-to-bench study, the protective effect of NAM against ALD was investigated by using the NIAAA mice model (chronic-plus-binge ethanol), and the liver regeneration boosting capability of NAM was evaluated by the partial hepatectomy mice model. Our results showed that NAM supplements not only protected the liver from alcohol-induced injury and improved alcohol-induced mitochondrial structure and function change, but also boosted liver regeneration in postpartial hepatectomy mice by increasing liver NAD+ content. These findings suggested that NAM, a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, can promote liver regeneration and improves liver function by alleviating alcohol-induced energy metabolism disorder.

PGC-1a mediated mitochondrial biogenesis promotes recovery and survival of neuronal cells from cellular degeneration

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of structure and function of neurons, often including the death of the neuron. Previously, we reported that, by removing the cell death stimulus, dying/injured neurons could survive and recover from the process of regulated cell death, even if the cells already displayed various signs of cellular damage. Now we investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics (fission/fusion, biogenesis, mitophagy) in both degeneration and in recovery of neuronal cells. In neuronal PC12 cells, exposure to ethanol (EtOH) induced massive neurite loss along with widespread mitochondrial fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, reduced ATP production, and decreased total mitochondrial volume. By removing EtOH timely all these mitochondrial parameters recovered to normal levels. Meanwhile, cells regrew neurites and survived. Study of the mitochondrial dynamics showed that autophagy was activated only during the cellular degeneration phase (EtOH treatment) but not in the recovery phase (EtOH removed), and it was not dependent on the Parkin/PINK1 mediated mitophagy pathway. Protein expression of key regulators of mitochondrial fission, phospho-Drp1Ser616 and S-OPA1, increased during EtOH treatment and recovered to normal levels after removing EtOH. In addition, the critical role of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in cellular recovery was revealed: inhibition of PGC-1α using SR-18292 after EtOH removal significantly impeded recovery of mitochondrial damage, regeneration of neurites, and cell survival in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our study showed reversibility of mitochondrial morphological and functional damage in stressed neuronal cells and revealed that PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis played a critical role in the cellular recovery. This molecular mechanism could be a target for neuroprotection and neurorescue in neurodegenerative diseases.

Acetic Acid: An Underestimated Metabolite in Ethanol-Induced Changes in Regulating Cardiovascular Function

Acetic acid is a bioactive short-chain fatty acid produced in large quantities from ethanol metabolism. In this review, we describe how acetic acid/acetate generates oxidative stress, alters the function of pre-sympathetic neurons, and can potentially influence cardiovascular function in both humans and rodents after ethanol consumption. Our recent findings from in vivo and in vitro studies support the notion that administration of acetic acid/acetate generates oxidative stress and increases sympathetic outflow, leading to alterations in arterial blood pressure. Real-time investigation of how ethanol and acetic acid/acetate modulate neural control of cardiovascular function can be conducted by microinjecting compounds into autonomic control centers of the brain and measuring changes in peripheral sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in response to these compounds.

Infrared spectroscopy of the α-hydroxyethyl radical isolated in cryogenic solid media

The α-hydroxyethyl radical (CH3·CHOH, 2A) is a key intermediate in ethanol biochemistry, combustion, atmospheric chemistry, radiation chemistry, and astrochemistry. Experimental data on the vibrational spectrum of this radical are crucially important for reliable detection and understanding of the chemical dynamics of this species. This study represents the first detailed experimental report on the infrared absorption bands of the α-hydroxyethyl radical complemented by ab initio computations. The radical was generated in solid para-H2 and Xe matrices via the reactions of hydrogen atoms with matrix-isolated ethanol molecules and radiolysis of isolated ethanol molecules with x rays. The absorption bands with maxima at 3654.6, 3052.1, 1425.7, 1247.9, 1195.6 (1177.4), and 1048.4 cm-1, observed in para-H2 matrices appearing upon the H· atom reaction, were attributed to the OHstr, α-CHstr, CCstr, COstr + CCObend, COstr, and CCstr + CCObend vibrational modes of the CH3·CHOH radical, respectively. The absorption bands with the positions slightly red-shifted from those observed in para-H2 were detected in both the irradiated and post-irradiation annealed Xe matrices containing C2H5OH. The results of the experiments with the isotopically substituted ethanol molecules (CH3CD2OH and CD3CD2OH) and the quantum-chemical computations at the UCCSD(T)/L2a_3 level support the assignment. The photolysis with ultraviolet light (240-300 nm) results in the decay of the α-hydroxyethyl radical, yielding acetaldehyde and its isomer, vinyl alcohol. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical results suggests that the radical adopts the thermodynamically more stable anti-conformation in both matrices.

Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress, ER stress and apoptosis in rat gastric tissue

Consuming alcohol affects almost all organs. Acetaldehyde, formed as the main product as a result of alcohol metabolism, causes the production of free superoxide radicals when oxidized, and accordingly oxidative and apoptotic processes are triggered. There are studies showing that carnitine has effects on oxidative and apoptotic processes that occur in various conditions. However, the mechanisms showing the effects of L-carnitine on these effects of alcohol have not been fully elucidated. In our study, the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine administration on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptotic parameters in gastric tissue of rats chronically exposed to alcohol were investigated. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for histopathological studies. Endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were detected with immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Apoptotic index was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were examined by ELISA. Our results showed that chronic alcohol administration caused a significant increase in TOS levels, an indicator of oxidative stress, the levels of ER-stress-associated proteins XBP1, GRP78, and CHOP, and % apoptotic index values in rat gastric tissues. Additionally, it was determined that acetyl-L-carnitine administration caused an improvement in those values. Based on our data, we can conclude that acetyl-L-carnitine has a tissue protective effect by scavenging free oxygen radicals and reducing ER stress-related proteins XBP1, GRP78, and CHOP and apoptosis in chronic ethanol-administered rats, and that this natural antioxidant may be beneficial in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Evaluation of cinnamaldehyde derivatives as potential protective agents against oxidative-stress induced myotube atrophy using chemical, biological and computational analysis

Skeletal muscle atrophy, associated with increased morbidity, mortality and poor quality of life, is a metabolic disorder with no FDA approved drug. Oxidative stress is one of the key mediators of atrophy that influences various cell signaling molecules. The goal of this study is to identify potential antioxidant agents that could be used to treat atrophy. In this study in vitro and in situ screening of different cinnamaldehyde (CNA) derivatives for their antioxidant effects was done along with computational analysis to understand the relationship between their chemical structure and biological activity. Data show that 2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (2HCNA) worked better than other CNA analogues at physiological pH, while 4-Fluoro-2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (4FoCNA) showed the maximum antioxidant activity under acidic conditions. However, these derivatives (2HCNA and 4FoCNA) were found to be toxic to the cultured myotubes (mature myofiber) under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Immunofluorescence, bright-field microscopic and biochemical studies conducted using live C2C12 cells showed that pre-incubation with other CNA analogues i.e. 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (2MeCNA) and 2-benzyloxycinnamaldehyde (2BzCNA) not only maintained the normal morphology of myotubes but also protected them from H2O2-induced atrophy. These compounds (2MeCNA and 2BzCNA) showed higher stability and antioxidant potential, as indicated by computer simulation data analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) based molecular modeling. Overall, the chemical, biological, and computational studies reveal the therapeutic potential of CNA analogues (BzCNA and MeCNA) against oxidative-stress induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells.

Essential oil from Artemisia argyi alleviated liver disease in zebrafish (Danio rerio) via the gut-liver axis

The popularity of intensive fish farming has led to the emergence of fish diseases characterized by hepatobiliary syndrome. Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, their alleviating effects and mechanism on liver disease in fish are still unclear. Thus, adult zebrafish were used to construct an animal model to observe histopathological damages, determine biochemical parameters and expression of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, and conduct 16 S sequencing of intestinal microbiota. The results found that after treatment with A. argyi essential oil, the histopathological damage caused by ethanol was relieved; the CAT, SOD, and GSH levels were remarkably elevated, while the MDA level was obviously lowered (P < 0.05); the expression levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNAs were enhanced, but the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, PPAR-γ, NF-κB, and TNF-α mRNAs were reduced (P < 0.05) relative to the EtOH group. A. argyi essential oil remarkably attenuated the damage to intestinal tissue structure, and elevated the levels of Muc2, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin mRNA (P < 0.05). Sequencing of the gut flora showed that A. argyi essential oil significantly altered the composition of gut microbes compared with the EtOH group. In addition, KEGG and COG analyses also showed significant (P < 0.05) changes in acetate cycling metabolism in the EtOH group, catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and nitroreductase were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and lipid metabolism and terpenoid synthesis were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in A. argyi essential oil group. The results indicate that A. argyi essential oil could effectively relieve ethanol-caused histopathological damage of livers by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, thus inhibiting the level of IL-1β and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, increasing the IL-10 level, reducing the oxidative stress. This may offer a rationale for further research on the rationality of A. argyi as a substitute for feed antibiotics in aquaculture.

Description of Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligately anaerobic, hydrogen-producing bacterium isolated from Aravali hot spring in India

An obligately anaerobic bacterium XHS1971T, capable of degrading cellulose and xylan, was isolated from a sediment sample of Aravali hot spring, Ratnagiri, India. Cells of strain XHS1971T were Gram-stain-negative, spore-forming, motile, long-rods. Growth was observed at temperatures 30-50 °C (optimum 40-45 °C), pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and NaCl concentrations 0-0.5% (optimum 0%). Generation time of strain XHS1971T was 5 h under optimised growth conditions. Strain XHS1971T showed the ability to metabolise different complex and simple sugars constituting lignocellulosic biomass. Glucose was fermented majorly into hydrogen, formic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol, whereas carbon dioxide, butyric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid were produced in traces. 16S rRNA gene analysis of strain XHS1971T revealed < 94.5% homology with Cellulosilyticum lentocellum DSM5427T followed by Cellulosilyticum ruminicola JCM14822T, identifying strain as a distinct member of family Lachnospiraceae. The major cellular fatty acids (> 5%) were C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, and C16:1 ω7c. The genome size of the strain was 3.74 Mb with 35.3 mol% G + C content, and genes were annotated to carbohydrate metabolism, including genes involved in the degradation of cellulose and xylan and the production of hydrogen, ethanol and acetate. The uniqueness of strain was further validated by digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH), Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI), and Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI) values of 22%, 80%, and 63%, respectively, with nearest phylogenetic affiliates. Based on the detailed analyses, we propose a new genus and species, Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans gen. nov., sp. nov., for strain XHS1971T (= MCC3498T = KCTC15729T = JCM32657T) within family Lachnospiraceae.

Cellular senescence in liver diseases: From mechanisms to therapies

Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest, characterized by a gradual decline in cell proliferation, differentiation, and biological functions. Cellular senescence is double-edged for that it can provoke organ repair and regeneration in physiological conditions but contribute to organ and tissue dysfunction and prime multiple chronic diseases in pathological conditions. The liver has a strong regenerative capacity, where cellular senescence and regeneration are closely involved. Herein, this review firstly introduces the morphological manifestations of senescent cells, the major regulators (p53, p21, and p16), and the core pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying senescence process, and then specifically generalizes the role and interventions of cellular senescence in multiple liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, this review focuses on interpreting the importance of cellular senescence in liver diseases and summarizes potential senescence-related regulatory targets, aiming to provide new insights for further researches on cellular senescence regulation and therapeutic developments for liver diseases.

Protective Effect of Commercial Grade Vitamin C against Alcohol-induced Testicular Damage in Male Wistar Rats

Background

Alcohol consumption has a negative effect on male fertility, but Vitamin C may be able to alleviate this effect.

Aims

In this study, the protective effect of Vitamin C against alcohol-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats was evaluated.

Settings and Design

This study was conducted in a University setting. Following a 14-day acclimatisation period, forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats. The control group received only food and water, test group B received alcohol only, test group C to E received different doses of Vitamin C, test group F to G received different doses of Vitamin C and alcohol.

Materials and Methods

After a 21-day treatment period, the testis were harvested and analysed for sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, level of lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes.

Statistical Analysis Used

All analyses was performed using SPSS (version 16) and Microsoft Excel (2019) using Student's t-test.

Results

The results showed that in groups administered with alcohol only, there was a decrease in sperm count. Sperm motility, morphology, viability and antioxidant enzyme activity, but increase in the level of lipid peroxidation. In groups treated with Vitamin C and alcohol, there was improvement in the sperm parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity and a decrease and decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, in the histology of the testis, regenerative changes were seen.

Conclusion

The chronic consumption of alcohol can have a deleterious effect on the testis, but commercial-grade Vitamin C can reverse these effects.

Vitamin B12 administration prevents ethanol-induced learning and memory impairment through re-establishment of the brain oxidant/antioxidant balance, enhancement of BDNF and suppression of GFAP

There are growing evidence indicating that the adolescent brain is persistently affected by the use of psychostimulant agents. In this regard, alcohol drinking has become rather common among the adolescents in many societies during the last decade. It is currently well known that long-term ethanol exposure deteriorates various cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Mechanistically, these adverse effects have been shown to be mediated by oxidative damage to central nervous system. On the other hand, Vit-B12 is known to improve cognitive performance by suppression of oxidative parameters. Thus, in the present study we aimed to test whether treatment by Vit-B12 could prevent ethanol-induced complications in mice using behavioral and biochemical methods. Different groups of male Syrian mice received ethanol, ethanol+Vit-B12, Vit-B12 alone, or saline during adolescence and then learning and memory functions were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and Passive Avoidance (PA) tests. Finally, mice were sacrificed for measurement of biochemical factors. Results indicated that, adolescent ethanol intake impairs learning and memory function through exacerbation of oxidative stress and Vit-B12 treatment improves these complications by re-establishment of oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in CNS. Moreover, we found that Vit-B12 prevents ethanol-induced reduction of BDNF and enhancement of GFAP and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In conclusion, it seems that Vit-B12 supplementation could be used as an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent learning and memory defects induced by chronic alcohol intake during adolescence.

Phosphodiesterase 4 mRNA Level Suppression is Important for Extract of Black Carrot to Protect Against Hepatic Injury Induced by Ethanol

Excessive alcohol use often results in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). An early change in the liver due to excessive drinking is hepatic steatosis, which may ultimately progress to hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among these debilitating processes, hepatic steatosis is reversible with the appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important to find treatments and foods that reverse hepatic steatosis. Black carrot has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of black carrot extract (BCE) on hepatic steatosis in in vivo and in vitro ethanol-induced liver injury models. For the in vivo experiments, serum aminotransferase activities enhanced by ethanol- and carbon tetrachloride were significantly suppressed by the BCE diet. Furthermore, morphological changes in the liver hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were observed in the in vivo ethanol-induced liver injury model, however, BCE feeding resulted in the recovery to an almost normal liver morphology. In the in vitro experiments, ethanol treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in hepatocytes at 9 h. Conversely, ROS production was suppressed to control levels and hepatic steatosis was suppressed when hepatocyte culture with ethanol were treated with BCE. Furthermore, we investigated enzyme activities, enzyme protein levels, and messenger RNA levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) using enzyme assays, western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses. We found that the activities of ADH, CYP2E1, and ALDH were regulated through the cAMP-PKA pathway at different levels, namely, translational, posttranslational, and transcriptional levels, respectively. The most interesting finding of this study is that BCE increases cAMP levels by suppressing the Pde4b mRNA and PDE4b protein levels in ethanol-treated hepatocytes, suggesting that BCE may prevent ALD.

Do Circulating Redox Biomarkers Have Diagnostic Significance in Alcohol-Intoxicated People?

The toxic properties of ethanol are inextricably linked to oxidative stress. Despite many reports on the effects of alcohol dependence on blood redox homeostasis, there are no data on the oxidative stress profile in alcohol-poisoned cases. There are also no data on the diagnostic usefulness of redox biomarkers determined post-mortem in various biological fluids. This work investigates the utility of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in different biological fluids (such as blood, urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid) in the post-mortem study of patients with acute alcohol intoxication. The study group included those who died due to acute ethanol intoxication (n = 22). The research showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant status, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and tryptophan concentration only in the study group’s urine compared to the control. In other circulating fluids, both antioxidant enzyme activities and glycoxidation product concentrations were not significantly different in individuals who died of alcohol overdose compared with those who died suddenly. We also did not observe a connection between oxidation–reduction balance and the amount of alcohol consumed before death. These unexpected observations may be caused by irreversible post-mortem changes occurring at the cellular level due to autolysis and putrefaction. In summary, the use of circulating body fluids to assess redox homeostasis is limited in the post-mortem analysis. Our results indicate the increased stability of urine collected post mortem compared to other circulating bioliquids. Further studies are needed to assess the intensity of oxidative and carbonyl stress in ethanol-damaged organs and the effects of post-mortem processes on cellular redox balance.

Expression of antimicrobial peptides associated with different susceptibilities to environmental chemicals in Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila suzukii is a serious agricultural pest. The evolved morphology of the female D. suzukii assists in penetrating the surface of fresh fruit and spawns eggs with its unique ovipositor. Conversely, Drosophila melanogaster, a taxonomically close species with D. suzukii, largely inhabits decaying and fermenting fruits and is consistently exposed to extensive environmental chemicals, such as 2-phenylethanol, ethanol, and acetic acid, produced by microorganisms. Considering the distinct habitats of the two flies, D. suzukii is thought to be more susceptible to environmental chemicals than D. melanogaster. We investigated the significantly higher survival rate of D. melanogaster following exposure to 2-phenylethanol, ethanol, and acetic acid. A comparison of the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) between the two flies treated with chemicals established that AMPs were generally more abundantly induced in D. melanogaster than in D. suzukii, particularly in the gut and fat body. Among the AMPs, the induction of genes (Diptericin A, Diptericin B, and Metchnikowin), which are regulated by the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway, was significantly higher than that of Drosomycin, which belongs to the Toll pathway in chemical-treated D. melanogaster. A transgenic RNAi fly (D. melanogaster) with silenced expression of AMPs and Relish, a transcription factor of the IMD pathway, exhibited significantly reduced survival rates than the control fly. Our results suggest that AMPs regulated by the IMD pathway play an important role in the chemical tolerance of D. melanogaster, and these flies are adapted to their habitats by physiological response.

Acquired resistance to severe ethanol stress-induced inhibition of proteasomal proteolysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

Although the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, produces ethanol via alcoholic fermentation, high-concentration ethanol is harmful to yeast cells. Severe ethanol stress (> 9% v/v) inhibits protein synthesis and increases the level of intracellular protein aggregates. However, its effect on proteolysis in yeast cells remains largely unknown.

METHODS

We examined the effects of ethanol on proteasomal proteolysis in yeast cells through the cycloheximide-chase analysis of short-lived proteins. We also assayed protein degradation in the auxin-inducible degron system and the ubiquitin-independent degradation of Spe1 under ethanol stress conditions.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that severe ethanol stress strongly inhibited the degradation of the short-lived proteins Rim101 and Gic2. Severe ethanol stress also inhibited protein degradation in the auxin-inducible degron system (Paf1-AID*-6FLAG) and the ubiquitin-independent degradation of Spe1. Proteasomal degradation of these proteins, which was inhibited by severe ethanol stress, resumed rapidly once the ethanol was removed. These results suggested that proteasomal proteolysis in yeast cells is reversibly inhibited by severe ethanol stress. Furthermore, yeast cells pretreated with mild ethanol stress (6% v/v) showed proteasomal proteolysis even with 10% (v/v) ethanol, indicating that yeast cells acquired resistance to proteasome inhibition caused by severe ethanol stress. However, yeast cells failed to acquire sufficient resistance to severe ethanol stress-induced proteasome inhibition when new protein synthesis was blocked with cycloheximide during pretreatment, or when Rpn4 was lost.

CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Our results provide novel insights into the adverse effects of severe ethanol stress on proteasomal proteolysis and ethanol adaptability in yeast.

Genetic Instability among Hitnü People Living in Colombian Crude-Oil Exploitation Areas

Oil exploitation, drilling, transportation, and processing in refineries produces a complex mixture of chemical compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may affect the health of populations living in the zone of influence of mining activities (PZOI). Thus, to better understand the effects of oil exploitation activities on cytogenetic endpoint frequency, we conducted a biomonitoring study in the Hitnü indigenous populations from eastern Colombia by using the cytokinesis micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-cyt). PAH exposure was also measured by determine urine 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) using HPLC. We also evaluated the relationship between DNA damage and 1-OHP levels in the oil exploitation area, as well as the modulating effects of community health factors, such as Chagas infection; nutritional status; and consumption of traditional hallucinogens, tobacco, and wine from traditional palms. The frequencies of the CBMN-cyt assay parameters were comparable between PZOI and Hitnü populations outside the zone of influence of mining activities (POZOI); however, a non-significant incremental trend among individuals from the PZOI for most of the DNA damage parameters was also observed. In agreement with these observations, levels of 1-OHP were also identified as a risk factor for increased MN frequency (PR = 1.20) compared to POZOI (PR = 0.7). Proximity to oil exploitation areas also constituted a risk factor for elevated frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and APOP-type cell death. Our results suggest that genetic instability and its potential effects among Hitnü individuals from PZOI and POZOI could be modulated by the combination of multiple factors, including the levels of 1-OHP in urine, malnutrition, and some traditional consumption practices.

Sonochemical decomposition of noble metal oxides and sonochemical alloying of gold-silver systems

Recently, environmental problems, such as global warming, have become more severe; thus, there is a requirement to implement sustainable development goals in materials processing. In this study, we investigated a low-cost and environmentally-friendly sonochemical process for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles with large specific surface areas and catalysis effects. Au₂O₃ hydrate and Ag₂O were reduced to Au and Ag, respectively, at room temperature in a short time when irradiated with ultrasound in ethanol. Furthermore, when a mixed powder of Au₂O₃ hydrate and Ag₂O was irradiated in ethanol, Au-Ag alloys were obtained in only 10 min. This fast and environmentally friendly alloying technique, known as sonochemical alloying, is promising for alloy syntheses.

Acetaldehyde makes a distinct mutation signature in single-stranded DNA

Acetaldehyde (AA), a by-product of ethanol metabolism, is acutely toxic due to its ability to react with various biological molecules including DNA and proteins, which can greatly impede key processes such as replication and transcription and lead to DNA damage. As such AA is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Previous in vitro studies have shown that AA generates bulky adducts on DNA, with signature guanine-centered (GG→TT) mutations. However, due to its weak mutagenicity, short chemical half-life, and the absence of powerful genetic assays, there is considerable variability in reporting the mutagenic effects of AA in vivo. Here, we used an established yeast genetic reporter system and demonstrate that AA treatment is highly mutagenic to cells and leads to strand-biased mutations on guanines (G→T) at a high frequency on single stranded DNA (ssDNA). We further demonstrate that AA-derived mutations occur through lesion bypass on ssDNA by the translesion polymerase Polζ. Finally, we describe a unique mutation signature for AA, which we then identify in several whole-genome and -exome sequenced cancers, particularly those associated with alcohol consumption. Our study proposes a key mechanism underlying carcinogenesis by acetaldehyde—mutagenesis of single-stranded DNA.

Alcoholic liver disease: a new insight into the pathogenesis of liver disease

Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to a broad clinical spectrum of liver diseases, from simple steatosis to end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver is the primary organ that metabolizes ingested alcohol and is exquisitely sensitive to alcohol intake. Alcohol metabolism is classified into two pathways: oxidative and non-oxidative alcohol metabolism. Both oxidative and non-oxidative alcohol metabolisms and their metabolites have toxic consequences for multiple organs, including the liver, adipose tissue, intestine, and pancreas. Although many studies have focused on the effects of oxidative alcohol metabolites on liver damage, the importance of non-oxidative alcohol metabolites in cellular damage has also been discovered. Furthermore, extrahepatic alcohol effects are crucial for providing additional information necessary for the progression of alcoholic liver disease. Therefore, studying the effects of alcohol-producing metabolites and interorgan crosstalk between the liver and peripheral organs that express ethanol-metabolizing enzymes will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. This review focuses on alcohol-metabolite-associated hepatotoxicity due to oxidative and non-oxidative alcohol metabolites and the role of interorgan crosstalk in alcoholic liver disease pathogenesis.

Albumin infusion ameliorates liver injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We investigated the effect of an albumin infusion on the enzyme activity, expression level of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and oxidative stress in the serum and liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The STZ treatment enhanced the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the rat serum compared with those in the untreated rats. Treatment with STZ elevated the expression and catalytic activity of CYP2E1, and the oxidative stress, and decreased the reducing potentials in the liver, suggesting the possibility of diabetes-induced liver injury. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the serum albumin decreased in the diabetic rats. In contrast, the administration of purified albumin from the intact rats to the diabetic rats restored these deleterious liver indices in an albumin concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that an exogenous albumin infusion alleviates liver damage induced by type 1 diabetes.

Potential deleterious effects of paracetamol dose regime used in Nigeria versus that of the United States of America

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, APAP) is the world's most used over-the-counter analgesic-antipyretic drug. Despite its good safety profile, acetaminophen can cause severe hepatotoxicity in overdose, and poisoning from paracetamol has become a major public health concern. Paracetamol is now the major cause of acute liver failure in the United States and Europe. This systematic review aims at examining the likelihood of paracetamol use in Nigeria causing more liver toxicity vis-à-vis the reduced maximum recommended daily adult dose of 3 g for the 500 mg tablet. Online searches were conducted in the databases of PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE for publications using terms like "paracetamol toxicity," "acetaminophen and liver toxicity," "paracetamol and liver diseases in Nigeria," and other variants. Further search of related references in PubMed was carried out, and synthesis of all studies included in this review finalized. There were 94 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation of hepatic disorder was predicated mostly on a constellation of clinical features and limited clinical laboratory investigations. Determination of blood paracetamol concentration was rarely reported, thus excluding paracetamol poisoning as one of the likely causes of liver disorders in Nigeria. In Nigeria and elsewhere, several factors are known to increase paracetamol's predisposition to liver injury. They include: the over-the-counter status of paracetamol, use of fixed-dose combinations of paracetamol with other drugs, malnutrition, dose miscalculations, and chronic alcohol consumption. The tendency to exceed the new paracetamol maximum daily dose of 3 g in Nigeria may increase its risk for hepatotoxicity than observed in the United States of America known for emphasizing lower dose of the drug. In addition to recommending the new maximal daily paracetamol dose allowance, the historical maximum daily adult dose of 4 g should be de-emphasized in Nigeria.

A Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Hepatocyte-like Cells and HepG2 Cells for Use in Drug-Induced Liver Injury Studies

Liver cell lines obtained from hepatomas, for example, HepG2 cells, are commonly used in drug toxicity studies. However, functional hepatocyte-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a better option for use in the study of drug metabolism and toxicity. Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) and excess alcohol consumption are common causes of liver damage. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of MSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells (MSCdH) in the assessment of drug-induced liver injury (by using APAP and ethanol), and to compare the toxic effects observed in the MSCdH with those exhibited by HepG2 cells. MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord and their functionality confirmed by their ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and hepatocyte-like cells. It was shown that the MSCs successfully differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells, and these cells were further characterised by using various enzyme assays and by assessing albumin secretion and urea synthesis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in the HepG2 and MSCdH after exposure to ethanol and APAP, with cell viability being determined by using the MTT assay. After exposure to ethanol and to APAP, cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner for both types of hepatocytes. The respective EC50 values of ethanol-induced toxicity for HepG2 and MSCdH cells were 2.5% and 1.3% v/v ( p < 0.001); for APAP-induced toxicity they were 19.1 mM and 12.6 mM ( p < 0.001). These findings show that there is a distinct difference between the two types of hepatocytes in terms of APAP-induced and ethanol-induced liver injury.

Pterostilbene Promotes Mean Lifespan in Both Male and Female Drosophila Melanogaster Modulating Different Proteins in the Two Sexes

Aging is a multifactorial phenomenon characterized by degenerative processes closely connected to oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. Recently, many studies have shown that natural bioactive compounds are useful in delaying the aging process. In this work, we studied the effects of an in vivo supplementation of the stilbenoid pterostilbene on lifespan extension in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that the average lifespan of flies of both sexes was increased by pterostilbene supplementation with a higher effect in females. The expression of longevity related genes (Sir2, Foxo, and Notch) was increased in both sexes but with different patterns. Pterostilbene counteracted oxidative stress induced by ethanol and paraquat and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes Ho e Trxr-1 in male but not in female flies. On the other hand, pterostilbene decreased the inflammatory mediators dome and egr only in female flies. Proteomic analysis revealed that pterostilbene modulates 113 proteins in male flies and only 9 in females. Only one of these proteins was modulated by pterostilbene in both sexes: vacuolar H[+] ATPase 68 kDa subunit 2 (Vha68-2) that was strongly down-regulated. These findings suggest a potential role of pterostilbene in increasing lifespan both in male and female flies by mechanisms that seem to be different in the two sexes, highlighting the need to conduct nutraceutical supplementation studies on males and females separately in order to give more reliable results.

Antioxidant defense of fish collagen peptides attenuates oxidative stress in gastric mucosa of experimentally ulcer-induced rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of fish collagen peptides (FCP) from the skin of great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) to avert the occurrence of gastric ulcer in experimental rats. FCP treatment prevented the formation of ulcerative lesions on gastric tissues with 86% of inhibition. The histopathology analysis of gastric tissue revealed that the FCP intake prevented the occurrence of hemorrhage and erosion in gastric tissue with formation of mild edema and necrosis, as well as normalized the pH and volume of gastric juice. It also downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory marker interferon-ɤ (IFN-ɤ) and upregulated the anti-inflammatory marker interleukin-4 (IL-4) in gastric tissue. FCP is capable to modulate the oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and by lowering the levels of membrane lipid peroxidation.

Combined Water Extracts from Oxidation-Treated Leaves and Branches of Hovenia dulcis Has Anti-Hangover and Liver Protective Effects in Binge Alcohol Intake of Male Mice

Hovenia dulcis, known as the oriental raisin tree, is used for food supplements and traditional medicine for the liver after alcohol-related symptoms. However, little information exists about the use of its leaves and branches. In this study, we established a method to use the leaves and branches to develop anti-hangover treatment and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Oxidation-treated leaves (OL) exhibited high antioxidant content comparable to that of the peduncles and showed an anti-hangover effect in male mice. The branch extract (BE) was enriched in the flavonoid catechin, approximately five times more than OL extract. The mixture of OL and BE (OLB) was formulated in a 2:1 ratio with frozen-dried extract weight and was tested for anti-hangover effects and protective properties against binge alcohol-induced liver injury. OLB showed better anti-hangover effect than OL. In addition to this anti-hangover effect, OLB protected the liver from oxidative/nitrosative damage induced by binge alcohol intake.

Neurochemical and Behavioral Consequences of Ethanol and/or Caffeine Exposure: Effects in Zebrafish and Rodents

Zebrafish are increasingly being utilized to model the behavioral and neurochemical effects of pharmaceuticals and, more recently, pharmaceutical interactions. Zebrafish models of stress establish that both caffeine and ethanol influence anxiety, though few studies have implemented co-administration to assess the interaction of anxiety and reward-seeking. Caffeine exposure in zebrafish is teratogenic, causing developmental abnormalities in the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and nervous systems of embryos and larvae. Ethanol is also a teratogen and, as an anxiolytic substance, may be able to offset the anxiogenic effects of caffeine. Co-exposure to caffeine and alcohol impacts neuroanatomy and behavior in adolescent animal models, suggesting stimulant substances may moderate the impact of alcohol on neural circuit development. Here, we review the literature describing neuropharmacological and behavioral consequences of caffeine and/or alcohol exposure in the zebrafish model, focusing on neurochemistry, locomotor effects, and behavioral assessments of stress/anxiety as reported in adolescent/juvenile and adult animals. The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) describe the work in zebrafish documenting the effects of ethanol and/or caffeine exposure and (2) compare these zebrafish studies with comparable experiments in rodents. We focus on specific neurochemical pathways (dopamine, serotonin, adenosine, GABA, adenosine), anxiety-type behaviors (assessed with novel tank, thigmotaxis, shoaling), and locomotor changes resulting from both individual and co-exposure. We compare findings in zebrafish with those in rodent models, revealing similarities across species and identifying conservation of mechanisms that potentially reinforce co-addiction.

Hydrogen sulfide prevents ethanol-induced ZO-1 CpG promoter hypermethylation-dependent vascular permeability via miR-218/DNMT3a axis

Ethanol (ET) causes cerebrovascular dysfunction by altering homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and by causing oxidative stress. However, there are no strategies to prevent ET-induced epigenetic deregulation of tight junction protein (hyper-methylation) and endothelial cell permeability to date. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) has an antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effect. Here, we investigated the protective role of H₂ S in ET-induced endothelial permeability through epigenetic changes in mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd3). The bEnd3 cells were exposed to 50 mM ET treatment in the presence or absence of 50 μM NaHS (H₂ S donor). The result demonstrates that ET-induced cellular toxicity increased intracellular Hcy levels, which further intensified mitochondrial dysfunction and energy defects. Using miScript microRNA (miRNA) polymerase chain reaction array-based screening, we identified a particular miRNA, miR-218, as a novel target of ET-induced DNA methyltransferase-3a (DNMT3a) activation. miR-218 influences CpG island methylation of the zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) promoter in the endothelial cells. We discovered that ET suppressed miR-218 levels and induced endothelial permeability via DNMT3a-mediated ZO-1 hyper-methylation. Treatment with mito-TEMPO (mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), 5'-azacitidine (DNMT inhibitor), or miR-218 overexpression was shown to protect endothelial cells against ET-induced permeability. Also, bEnd3 cells pretreated with NaHS attenuated ET-induced vascular permeability and prevented CpG island methylation at the promoter. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that H₂ S treatment protects vascular integrity from ET-induced stress by mitigating CpG (ZO-1 promoter) DNA hyper-methylation. This finding uncovers a new mechanistic understanding of NaHS/H₂ S, that may have therapeutic potential in preventing or diminishing ET-induced brain vascular permeability and dysfunction induced by alcoholism.

Biomarkers for alcohol abuse/withdrawal and their association with clinical scales and temptation to drink. A prospective pilot study during 4-week residential rehabilitation

A bulk of evidence in the field of translational medicine applied to clinical toxicology and rehabilitation has highlighted the possibility of using biomarkers as a support in the diagnosis of alcohol-related diseases and in monitoring of alcohol withdrawal. In a cohort of 55 subjects admitted to a 4-week residential rehabilitation period for alcohol detoxification, we applied a complementary approach correlating novel and conventional peripheral blood and urine parameters in combination with clinical and functional evaluation, contextually considered with the patient's history. Biomarkers of oxidative, inflammatory, hepatic, and neurochemical effects paralleled by alcohol craving and clinical scale measurements were determined at two specific time points, i.e., admission and discharge. Concerning the post-discharge assessment (i.e., relapse evaluation one month after discharge), a follow-up oral interview during a clinical examination was applied to evaluate alcohol abstinence.Selected biomarkers, i.e., MCP1, F2-IsoPs, and SOD1, were altered in chronic alcoholics at admission, and then showed a clearly changing trend during hospitalization. Our findings demonstrated that these specific non-traditional biomarkers, measured together with more conventional ones (e.g., CDT, EtG, IL8, ALT, AST, GGT), could represent novel key parameters for monitoring alcohol use disorders and withdrawal, being also suggestive of the complexity of the psychoneuroimmune response to alcohol. A general improvement in psychological functioning (i.e., decreases in anxiety, depression, and psychological distress) was also revealed during the 4-week rehabilitation treatment, paralleled by an increase of well-being and positive changes in terms of scores. Moreover, a positive association between SOD1 and drink craving at admission was evidenced. Notably, both SOD1 and well-being displayed a significant relation with lower risk of alcohol relapse one month after discharge, indicating that SOD1 is a good predictor of reduced relapse probability. This 4-week residential rehabilitation protocol represents a sound strategy enabling identification of alcohol use disorders and monitoring of alcohol addiction state and withdrawal. However, it has to be emphasized that results derived from this pilot study need to be extensively validated in large and independent cohorts of subjects.

Melanoidins, extracted from Chinese traditional vinegar powder, inhibit alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages via activation of SIRT1 and SIRT3

Alcohol induces inflammation and oxidative stress with the dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury. Melanoidins are known to exert an antioxidant effect, however, their function in inhibiting alcohol-induced inflammation is unclear. In this study, we examined the role of melanoidins from Chinese traditional vinegar powder in terms of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in RAW 264.7 macrophages and elucidated their mechanisms of function. In macrophages, melanoidins significantly suppress the mRNA expression of interleukin (Il)-6, Il-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnf-α) with a concomitant inhibitory effect on IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα secretion, which are increased by ethanol. In addition, ethanol significantly increases the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression of cytochrome β-245 and beta polypeptide (Cybb), which are repressed by melanoidins to basal level. However, the expression of genes related to oxidative stress significantly decreases in response to ethanol, while it is significantly increased by melanoidins. Importantly, treatment with ethanol led to significant decreases in SIRT1 and SIRT3 transcription, translation, and activation, as well as the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) levels. Interestingly, all the decreases were markedly attenuated by melanoidins. Ethanol promoted the expression of proinflammatory genes, whereas coincubation with resveratrol (a potent SIRT agonist) inhibited this effect. Conversely, the addition of sirtinol (a known SIRT inhibitor) augmented the proinflammatory gene expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that melanoidins exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions via abolishing decreases in SIRT1 and SIRT3 expression and cellular NAD⁺ levels in ethanol-induced macrophages and may serve as a new therapeutic agent for the prevention of alcohol-induced cell damage.

Activation of AhR-NQO1 Signaling Pathway Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Improving Redox Balance

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a liver-enriched xenobiotic receptor that plays important role in detoxification response in liver. This study aimed to investigate how AhR signaling may impact the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).

METHODS

Chronic alcohol feeding animal studies were conducted with mouse models of hepatocyte-specific AhR knockout (AhR^Δhep) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) overexpression, and dietary supplementation of the AhR ligand indole-3-carbinol. Cell studies were conducted to define the causal role of AhR and NQO1 in regulation of redox balance and apoptosis.

RESULTS

Chronic alcohol consumption induced AhR activation and nuclear enrichment of NQO1 in hepatocytes of both alcoholic hepatitis patients and ALD mice. AhR deficiency exacerbated alcohol-induced liver injury, along with reduction of NQO1. Consistently, in vitro studies demonstrated that NQO1 expression was dependent on AhR. However, alcohol-induced NQO1 nuclear translocation was triggered by decreased cellular oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-to-NADH ratio, rather than by AhR activation. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo overexpression NQO1 prevented alcohol-induced hepatic NAD⁺ depletion, thereby enhancing activities of NAD⁺-dependent enzymes and reversing alcohol-induced liver injury. In addition, therapeutic targeting of AhR in the liver with dietary indole-3-carbinol supplementation efficiently reversed alcoholic liver injury by AhR-NQO1 signaling activation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that AhR activation is a protective response to counteract alcohol-induced hepatic NAD⁺ depletion through induction of NQO1, and targeting the hepatic AhR-NQO1 pathway may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for ALD.

Ethanol Enhances Hyperthermia-Induced Cell Death in Human Leukemia Cells

Ethanol has been shown to exhibit therapeutic properties as an ablative agent alone and in combination with thermal ablation. Ethanol may also increase sensitivity of cancer cells to certain physical and chemical antitumoral agents. The aim of our study was to assess the potential influence of nontoxic concentrations of ethanol on hyperthermia therapy, an antitumoral modality that is continuously growing and that can be combined with classical chemotherapy and radiotherapy to improve their efficiency. Human leukemia cells were included as a model in the study. The results indicated that ethanol augments the cytotoxicity of hyperthermia against U937 and HL60 cells. The therapeutic benefit of the hyperthermia/ethanol combination was associated with an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9. Apoptosis triggered either by hyperthermia or hyperthermia/ethanol was almost completely abolished by a caspase-8 specific inhibitor, indicating that this caspase plays a main role in both conditions. The role of caspase-9 in hyperthermia treated cells acquired significance whether ethanol was present during hyperthermia since the alcohol enhanced Bid cleavage, translocation of Bax from cytosol to mitochondria, release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors, and decreased of the levels of the anti-apoptotic factor myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1). The enhancement effect of ethanol on hyperthermia-activated cell death was associated with a reduction in the expression of HSP70, a protein known to interfere in the activation of apoptosis at different stages. Collectively, our findings suggest that ethanol could be useful as an adjuvant in hyperthermia therapy for cancer.

Plasma membrane integrity: implications for health and disease

Plasma membrane integrity is essential for cellular homeostasis. In vivo, cells experience plasma membrane damage from a multitude of stressors in the extra- and intra-cellular environment. To avoid lethal consequences, cells are equipped with repair pathways to restore membrane integrity. Here, we assess plasma membrane damage and repair from a whole-body perspective. We highlight the role of tissue-specific stressors in health and disease and examine membrane repair pathways across diverse cell types. Furthermore, we outline the impact of genetic and environmental factors on plasma membrane integrity and how these contribute to disease pathogenesis in different tissues.

Association between chronic psychoactive substances use and systemic inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the change in inflammation biomarkers level among chronic psychoactive substance users. To meet the required inclusion criteria, all studies had to describe human participants with an age ≥18y., experiencing chronic psychostimulant (nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine), sedative (benzodiazepine, opioids) and/or cannabinoid use. The comparison group was defined as healthy participants. Studies where included if they reported at least one of the pro/inflammatory biomarkers. Study bias was examined by Funnel plots and heterogeneity by computing the I² statistics. Only 21 eligible studies were selected based on 26,216 study participants. A small and significant effect size of 0.18 mg/l (95 % CI:0.10-0.27) was detected in favour of chronic smokers (z = 4.33;P < 0.0001). There was evidence of publication bias for studies measuring IL-6 and IL-10 association with cocaine and IL-6 in association with cannabis. In summary, except for chronic tobacco users, there was no evidence of association between other chronic substances abuse and inflammatory levels. More studies are needed to inform policy and decision makers about the utility of anti-inflammatory based targeted intervention programmes.

Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviates alcoholic steatohepatitis via SirT1/NF-κB signaling pathway

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. In patients with ALD, an increased level of hepatic inflammasome components was observed, together with an increased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (Cy-3-G) is a bioactive compound belonging to the anthocyanin group, which widely exists in deep-colored fruits and vegetables. Consumption of Cy-3-G is associated with lower risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. However, whether Cy-3-G has effects on inflammasome formation and activation thereby protects against alcohol-induced liver damage remain elusive. In this study, we identified that dietary provision of Cy-3-G remarkably attenuated liver damage caused by excess energy intake and alcohol consumption. Supplement with Cy-3-G mediated NAD⁺ homeostasis, which stimulated SirT1 activity, resulting in suppressed NF-κB acetylation. Interestingly, Cy-3-G treatment suppressed NF-κB acetylation when SirT1 action was blunted by selective antagonist, and subsequently suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and proinflammatory cytokines release in hepatic cell lines. Our findings first demonstrate that Cy-3-G at a physiologically achievable dosage alleviates alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome and deacetylation of NF-κB, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage.

Wine's Phenolic Compounds and Health: A Pythagorean View

In support of the J curve that describes the association between wine consumption and all-cause mortality, researchers and the lay press often advocate the health benefits of (poly)phenol consumption via red wine intake and cite the vast amount of in vitro literature that would corroborate the hypothesis. Other researchers dismiss such evidence and call for total abstention. In this review, we take a skeptical, Pythagorean stance and we critically try to move the debate forward by pointing the readers to the many pitfalls of red wine (poly)phenol research, which we arbitrarily treat as if they were pharmacological agents. We conclude that, after 30 years of dedicated research and despite the considerable expenditure, we still lack solid, "pharmacological", human evidence to confirm wine (poly)phenols' biological actions. Future research will eventually clarify their activities and will back the current recommendations of responsibly drinking moderate amounts of wine with meals.

Acetaldehyde-induced oxidative modifications and morphological changes in isolated human erythrocytes: an in vitro study

Acetaldehyde is a toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolite of alcohol which can bind to proteins, DNA and several other cellular macromolecules. Chronic alcohol consumption increases intracellular acetaldehyde levels which enhances the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). In this study, we have examined the effect of acetaldehyde on human erythrocytes under in vitro conditions. Treatment of human erythrocytes with different concentrations of acetaldehyde (0.05-2 mM) for 24 h at 37 °C increased intracellular generation of ROS and RNS. It also increased oxidation of proteins and lipids but decreased glutathione, total sulphhydryl and free amino group content. Methemoglobin level was increased accompanied by a decrease in methemoglobin reductase activity. Acetaldehyde impaired the antioxidant defence system and lowered the total antioxidant capacity of the cell. It decreased the activity of metabolic and membrane-bound enzymes and altered erythrocyte morphology. Our results show that acetaldehyde enhances the generation of ROS and RNS that results in oxidative modification of cellular components. This will lower the oxygen transporting ability of blood and shorten erythrocyte lifespan (red cell senescence).

Identification of transcriptional responsive genes to acetic acid, ethanol, and 2-phenylethanol exposure in Drosophila melanogaster

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is predominantly found in overripe, rotten, fermenting, or decaying fruits and is constantly exposed to chemical stressors such as acetic acid, ethanol, and 2-phenylethanol. D. melanogaster has been employed as a model system for studying the molecular bases of various types of chemical-induced tolerance. Expression profiling using Illumina sequencing has been performed for identifying changes in gene expression that may be associated with evolutionary adaptation to exposure of acetic acid, ethanol, and 2-phenylethanol. We identified a total of 457 differentially expressed genes that may affect sensitivity or tolerance to three chemicals in the chemical treatment group as opposed to the control group. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed that the genes involved in metabolism, multicellular organism reproduction, olfaction, regulation of signal transduction, and stress tolerance were over-represented in response to chemical exposure. Furthermore, we also detected a coordinated upregulation of genes in the Toll- and Imd-signaling pathways after the chemical exposure. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of nine genes within the set of genes identified by RNA sequencing were up- or downregulated owing to chemical exposure. Taken together, our data suggest that such differentially expressed genes are coordinately affected by chemical exposure. Transcriptional analyses after exposure of D. melanogaster with three chemicals provide unique insights into subsequent functional studies on the mechanisms underlying the evolutionary adaptation of insect species to environmental chemical stressors.

Alcohol associated liver disease 2020: A clinical practice guideline by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)

Alcohol use disorder which includes alcohol abuse and dependence represents one of the leading risk factors for premature mortality in Europe and it is responsible of over 200 conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders, chronic diseases, cancers and accidents leading to permanent disability. Alcohol use disorder represents the most common cause of liver damage in the Western world, with a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. The present clinical practice guidelines by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) are focused on the current knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of alcohol associated liver disease, aiming to provide practical recommendations on the management of this complex pathological condition.

Alcohol and Human Health: What Is the Evidence?

Alcohol consumption has long been a part of human culture. However, alcohol consumption levels and alcohol consumption patterns are associated with chronic diseases. Overall, light and moderate alcohol consumption (up to 14 g per day for women and up to 28 g per day for men) may be associated with reduced mortality risk, mainly due to reduced risks for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. However, chronic heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse lead to alcohol-use disorder, which results in physical and mental diseases such as liver disease, pancreatitis, dementia, and various types of cancer. Risk factors for alcohol-use disorder are largely unknown. Alcohol-use disorder and frequent heavy drinking have detrimental effects on personal health.

Ceftriaxone Attenuated Anxiety-Like Behavior and Enhanced Brain Glutamate Transport in Zebrafish Subjected to Alcohol Withdrawal

Chronic and/or excessive consumption of alcohol followed by reduced consumption or abstention can result in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. A number of behavioral changes and neurological damage result from ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal. Ceftriaxone (Cef) modulates the activity of excitatory amino acid transporters by increasing their gene expression. Zebrafish are commonly used to study alcohol exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Cef (100 µM) on behavior patterns, glutamate transport activity, and oxidative stress in zebrafish brains subjected to EtOH (0.3% v/v) withdrawal. The exploratory tests using Novel tank showed that EtOH withdrawal promoted a decrease in the time spent and number of entries of in the bottom displaying an anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, treatment with Cef resulted in recovery of exploratory behavioral patterns. Ceftriaxone treatment resulted in increased glutamate uptake in zebrafish subjected to EtOH withdrawal. Furthermore, EtOH withdrawal increased reactive species, as determined using thiobarbituric acid and dichlorodihydrofluorescein assays. Treatment with Cef reversed these effects. Ceftriaxone promoted a significant reduction in brain sulfhydryl content in zebrafish subjected to EtOH withdrawal. Therefore, Cef treatment in conjunction with EtOH withdrawal induced anxiolytic-like effects due to possible neuromodulation of glutamatergic transporters, potentially through mitigation of oxidative stress.

The effects of n-butanol on oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebra fish (Danio rerio) larvae

In recent years, n-butanol has growing use in many areas, including the food industry. In this study, acute toxic effects of n-butanol to zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by applying different concentrations (10, 50, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 mg/L) to embryos were evaluated. For this purpose the data of oxidative stress, antioxidant - acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activities, malondialdehyde level and apoptosis were taken into consideration. At the end of the 96 h, antioxidant (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities were decreased, however lipid peroxidation level, apoptotic cells, and reactive oxygen species increased (p < .05). As a result, it has been observed that high concentrations of n-butanol with its amphiphilic structure causes quite intense toxic effects in zebrafish embryos.

Effects of curcumin on mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) result from progressive deterioration of selectively susceptible neuron populations in different central nervous system (CNS) regions. NDs are classified in accordance with the primary clinical manifestations (e.g., parkinsonism, dementia, or motor neuron disease), the anatomic basis of neurodegeneration (e.g., frontotemporal degenerations, extrapyramidal disorders, or spinocerebellar degenerations), and fundamental molecular abnormalities (e.g., mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and its related molecular alterations). NDs include the Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, among others. There is a growing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and its related mutations in the form of oxidative/nitrosative stress and neurotoxic compounds play major roles in the pathogenesis of various NDs. Curcumin, a polyphenol and nontoxic compound, obtained from turmeric, has been shown to have a therapeutic beneficial effect in various disorders especially on the CNS cells. It has been shown that curcumin has considerable neuro- and mitochondria-protective properties against broad-spectrum neurotoxic compounds and diseases/injury-associating NDs. In this article, we have reviewed the various effects of curcumin on mitochondrial dysfunction in NDs.

Modification of stem cell states by alcohol and acetaldehyde

Ethanol (EtOH) is a recreationally ingested compound that is both teratogenic and carcinogenic in humans. Because of its abundant consumption worldwide and the vital role of stem cells in the formation of birth defects and cancers, delineating the effects of EtOH on stem cell function is currently an active and urgent pursuit of scientific investigation to explicate some of the mechanisms contributing to EtOH toxicity. Stem cells represent a primordial, undifferentiated phase of development; thus encroachment on normal physiologic processes of differentiation into terminal lineages by EtOH can greatly alter the function of progenitors and terminally differentiated cells, leading to pathological consequences that manifest as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and cancers. In this review we explore the disruptive role of EtOH in differentiation of stem cells. Our primary objective is to elucidate the mechanisms by which EtOH alters differentiation-related gene expression and lineage specifications, thus modifying stem cells to promote pathological outcomes. We additionally review the effects of a reactive metabolite of EtOH, acetaldehyde (AcH), in causing both differentiation defects in stem cells as well as genomic damage that incites cellular aging and carcinogenesis.