Methyl caffeate and some plant constituents inhibit age-related inflammation: effects on senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) formation

Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. attenuates ulcerative colitis through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. (C. heracleifolia) has demonstrated efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including splenasthenic diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, shares similarities with splenasthenic diarrhea. However, the pharmacological effects of C. heracleifolia on UC and the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of C. heracleifolia in UC.

METHODS

Initially, network pharmacology analysis, encompassing ingredient screening, target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and enrichment analysis, was employed to predict the mechanisms of C. heracleifolia. The findings were further validated using transcriptomics and functional assays in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. Additionally, bioactive compounds were identified through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, molecular docking, and cell-based assays.

RESULTS

A total of 52 ingredients of C. heracleifolia were screened, and 32 key targets were identified within a PPI network comprising 285 potential therapeutic targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the anti-UC effects of C. heracleifolia are mediated through immune response modulation and the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed that C. heracleifolia mitigated histological damage in the colon, reduced the expression of phosphorylated Akt1, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and inhibitor of Kappa B kinase α/β (IKKα/β), suppressed the content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, cimigenoside, caffeic acid, and methyl caffeate were identified as the bioactive constituents responsible for the UC treatment effects of C. heracleifolia.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that C. heracleifolia exerts therapeutic effects on UC by enhancing the intestinal mucosal barrier and inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical application of C. heracleifolia for UC management.

Addition of Polyphenols to Drugs: The Potential of Controlling "Inflammaging" and Fibrosis in Human Senescent Lung Fibroblasts In Vitro

The combination of a polyphenol, quercetin, with dasatinib initiated clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease associated with the presence of senescent cells. Another approach to senotherapeutics consists of controlling inflammation related to cellular senescence or "inflammaging", which participates, among other processes, in establishing pulmonary fibrosis. We evaluate whether polyphenols such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, quercetin, or resveratrol combined with different senotherapeutics such as metformin or rapamycin, and antifibrotic drugs such as nintedanib or pirfenidone, could present beneficial actions in an in vitro model of senescent MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. A senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was evaluated by the measurement of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β. The senescent-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and cellular proliferation were assessed. Fibrosis was evaluated using a Picrosirius red assay and the gene expression of fibrosis-related genes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was assayed in the A549 cell line exposed to Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β in vitro. The combination that demonstrated the best results was metformin and caffeic acid, by inhibiting IL-6 and IL-8 in senescent MRC-5 cells. Metformin and caffeic acid also restore cellular proliferation and reduce SA-β-gal activity during senescence induction. The collagen production by senescent MRC-5 cells was inhibited by epicatechin alone or combined with drugs. Epicatechin and nintedanib were able to control EMT in A549 cells. In conclusion, caffeic acid and epicatechin can potentially increase the effectiveness of senotherapeutic drugs in controlling lung diseases whose pathophysiological component is the presence of senescent cells and fibrosis.

Integrating network pharmacology with experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of Wuwei Zishen formula in improving perimenopausal syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of the Wuwei Zishen formula (WWZSF) in treating and preventing perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to understand its mechanism.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking was used to predict active compounds, potential targets, and pathways for PMS treatment using WWZSF. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced with D-galactose (D-gal) to establish a PMS model and treated with Kunbao pill (KBP) and WWZSF. Estrus cycles were observed using vaginal smears. Serum sex hormones were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological changes in the uterus and ovaries were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). Western blot was used to assess the protein expression levels of Cleaved Caspase-3, p62, BAX/Bcl-2, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR in the uterus and ovaries.

RESULTS

A total of 70 active compounds and 440 potential targets were screened out. Important targets and pathways, including AKT1, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, mTOR, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, and molecular docking verified their high affinities to key WWZSF components. In vivo experiments showed that WWZSF can ameliorate the morphological abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries, increase sex hormone levels and organ index, and restore the estrus cycles in PMS rats. Moreover, the western blot results showed decreased Cleaved Caspase-3 and BAX/Bcl-2 protein levels in the ovarian and uterine tissues after WWZSF therapy. Concurrently, there was an increase in the expression of p62 and the ratios of p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-PI3K/PI3K.

CONCLUSION

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis and autophagy pathways may be how WWZSF efficiently reduces PMS.

Fatsia japonica extract exerts antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects on neuronal cells and a zebrafish model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fatsia japonica is a traditional medicine used to treat various diseases, including inflammation-related disorders. However, its antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of F. japonica extract to identify the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components of F. japonica extract were profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of F. japonica extract were investigated in BV2 microglia and HT22 hippocampal cells. Furthermore, in vivo effects of F. japonica extract were assessed using zebrafish models treated with H2O2 and LPS to evaluate the effects of in vivo.

RESULTS

We identified 27 compounds in the F. japonica extract. F. japonica extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing LPS-induced inflammatory responses in both BV2 cells and zebrafish, along with inhibiting the activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) pathway. The protective effects of this extract were also observed on glutamate-treated HT22 cells and in H2O2-induced zebrafish. Furthermore, F. japonica extract upregulated nuclear factor E2-related (Nrf) 2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression in BV2 and HT22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

F. japonica extract exerted anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects through Nrf2/HO-1 and the NF-κB pathway.

Mitigative potential of rhoifolin against cisplatin prompted testicular toxicity: biochemical, spermatogenic and histological based analysis

Rhoifolin (ROF) is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound with diverse pharmacological and therapeutic benefits. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the curative potential of Rhoifolin (ROF) against Cisplatin (CP) induced testicular damage. Mature male albino rats (n = 48) were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups: control, CP (10 mg/kg), CP + ROF (10 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) and ROF (20 mg/kg) supplemented group. Following 56 days of the trial, biochemical, inflammatory markers, spermatogenic, steroidogenic, hormonal, apoptotic, anti-apoptotic, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. The exposure to CP markedly (p < 0.05) lowered the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione reductase (GSR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in testicular tissues of male albino rats. Besides the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were considerably augmented in CP exposed rats. The administration of CP also increased the level of inflammatory cytokines i.e. IL-6, TNF-α, 1L-1β and NF-κβ as well as COX-2 activity. Additionally, a notable (p < 0.05) upsurge was observed in dead sperms count, abnormality in the tail, midpiece as well as head of sperms along with a notable decline in sperm motility in CP treated rats. Moreover, the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes were also lowered in CP administered group. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and plasma testosterone as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) were decreased in CP treated group. Moreover, the expression of Bax as well as Caspase-3 (apoptotic markers) were increased. On the other hand, Bcl-2 expression (anti-apoptotic marker) was reduced. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis showed that CP considerably (p < 0.05) damaged the testicular tissues. However, the administration of ROF significantly reduced the damaging effects of CP in testicular tissues. The results of our study suggested that ROF can potentially alleviate CP-induced testicular damages due to its androgenic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic nature.

Unripe Carica papaya Fresh Fruit Extract Protects against Methylglyoxal-Mediated Aging in Human Dermal Skin Fibroblasts

The glycolytic metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO) initiates the formation of advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress, leading to cellular senescence and skin aging. This study focuses on the anti-aging properties of unripe Carica papaya L. (UCP) fresh fruit extract on MGO-induced human dermal fibroblast senescence. We pretreated human foreskin fibroblasts with UCP before incubating them with MGO (400 μM) for 72 h. We used the glycation inhibitor aminoguanidine hydrochloride (AG) as the positive control. Senescent fibroblasts were detected using senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity and collagen type I expression (COL1A1). We investigated the changes in the Akt, JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways using Western blotting. UCP significantly suppressed MGO-induced senescent fibroblasts (from 20.90±2.00% to 11.78±2.04%) when compared with the baseline level at 7.10±0.90% (P<0.05). While COL1A1 was diminished by 43.35±1.56% (P<0.001) in the MGO-treated fibroblasts, UCP and AG could recover COL1A1 to 63.22±4.78% and 64.39±3.34%, respectively. MGO triggered overactivation of Akt, JNK/p38 MAPK, c-Jun, and NF-κB by 2.10±0.09, 8.10±0.37, 6.60±0.29, 2.18±0.23, and 3.74±0.37 folds, respectively. UCP and AG significantly abolished these changes. Consistently, MGO increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels by 2.58±0.04 folds, which was significantly suppressed by UCP and AG pretreatment to 1.87±0.11 and 1.69±0.07 folds, respectively. In summary, UCP controlled MGO-induced fibroblast senescence by suppressing the JNK/c-Jun/MMP and p38/NF-κB/COL1A1 pathways, similar to the action of the glycation inhibitor AG. Therefore, UCP can be considered a functional fruit for preventing and delaying skin aging.

Network pharmacology-based exploration identified the antiviral efficacy of Quercetin isolated from mulberry leaves against enterovirus 71 via the NF-κB signaling pathway

Introduction: Mulberry leaf (ML) is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, historically documented in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica". This study aimed to investigate the effects of ML on enterovirus 71 (EV71) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. Methods: We successfully pinpointed shared targets between mulberry leaves (ML) and the EV71 virus by leveraging online databases. Our investigation delved into the interaction among these identified targets, leading to the identification of pivotal components within ML that possess potent anti-EV71 properties. The ability of these components to bind to the targets was verified by molecular docking. Moreover, bioinformatics predictions were used to identify the signaling pathways involved. Finally, the mechanism behind its anti-EV71 action was confirmed through in vitro experiments. Results: Our investigation uncovered 25 active components in ML that targeted 231 specific genes. Of these genes, 29 correlated with the targets of EV71. Quercetin, a major ingredient in ML, was associated with 25 of these genes. According to the molecular docking results, Quercetin has a high binding affinity to the targets of ML and EV71. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, the antiviral effect of Quercetin against EV71 was found to be closely related to the NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed that Quercetin significantly reduced the expression levels of VP1, TNF-α, and IL-1β in EV71-infected human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was reduced, and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was suppressed by Quercetin. Furthermore, our results showed that Quercetin downregulated the expression of JNK, ERK, and p38 and their phosphorylation levels due to EV71 infection. Conclusion: With these findings in mind, we can conclude that inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway is a critical mechanism through which Quercetin exerts its anti-EV71 effectiveness.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the differences between Abrus cantoniensis Hance and Abrus mollis Hance

BACKGROUND

Abrus cantoniensis Hance. (Ac) and Abrus mollis (Am), two edible and medicinal plants with economic value in southern China, belong to the Abrus genus. Due to its growth characteristics, Am often replaces Ac in folk medicine. However, the latest National Pharmacopeia of China only recommends Ac. The differences in the metabolite composition of the plants are directly related to the differences in their clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

The difference in metabolites were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒ESI‒MS/MS). The roots (R), stems (S) and leaves (L) of the two varieties were examined, and 635 metabolites belonging to 8 classes were detected. A comparative study revealed clear variations in the metabolic profiles of the two plants, and the AmR group had more active ingredients (flavonoids and terpenoids) than the AcR group. The metabolites classified as flavonoids and triterpene saponins showed considerable variations among the various samples. Both Ac and Am had unique metabolites. Two metabolites (isovitexin-2''-xyloside and soyasaponin V) specifically belong to Ac, and nine metabolites (vitexin-2"-O-galactoside, ethyl salicylate, 6-acetamidohexanoic acid, rhein-8-O-glucoside, hederagenin-3-O-glucuronide-28-O-glucosyl(1,2)-glucoside, methyl dioxindole-3-acetate, veratric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside) specifically belong to Am.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolite differences between Ac and Am cause the differences in their clinical efficacy. Our findings serve as a foundation for further investigation of biosynthesis pathways and associated bioactivities and provide guidance for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.

Towards prevention of aneuploidy-associated cellular senescence and aging: more questions than answers?

The aim of this review is to discuss how aneuploidy contributes to the aging process, and to identify plausible strategies for its prevention. After an overview of mechanisms leading to aneuploidy and the major features of cellular senescence, we discuss the link between (i) aneuploidy and cellular senescence; (ii) aneuploidy and aging; and (iii) cellular senescence and aging. We also consider (i) interactions between aneuploidy, micronuclei, cellular senescence and aging, (ii) the potential of nutritional treatments to prevent aneuploidy-associated senescence and aging, and (iii) knowledge and technological gaps. Evidence for a causal link between aneuploidy, senescence and aging is emerging. In vitro, aneuploidy accompanies the entry into cellular senescence and can itself induce senescence. How aneuploidy contributes in vivo to cellular senescence is less clear. Several routes depending on aneuploidy and/or senescence converge towards chronic inflammation, the major driver of unhealthy aging. Aneuploidy can induce the pro-inflammatory Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), either directly or as a result of micronucleus (MN) induction leading to leakage of DNA into the cytoplasm and triggering of the cGAS-STING pathway of innate immune response. A major difficulty in understanding the impact of aneuploidy on senescence and aging in vivo, results from the heterogeneity of cellular senescence in different tissues at the cytological and molecular level. Due to this complexity, there is at the present time no biomarker or biomarker combination characteristic for all types of senescent cells. In conclusion, a deeper understanding of the critical role aneuploidy plays in cellular senescence and aging is essential to devise practical strategies to protect human populations from aneuploidy-associated pathologies. We discuss emerging evidence, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, that adequate amounts of specific micronutrients are essential for prevention of aneuploidy in humans and that precise nutritional intervention may be essential to help avoid the scourge of aneuploidy-driven diseases.

Isolation and cytotoxic activities of undescribed iridoid and xanthone glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)

Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae) is used in internal traditional therapy as an anthelmintic, hypotensive, antipyretic, and antidiabetic. It is used externally for the treatment of wounds. Ursolic acid, maslinic acid, secologanin, secologanin dimethyl acetal, centauroside A, erythraeaxanthone I, erythraeaxanthone II, and demethyleustomin were isolated from aerial parts of Centaurium erythraea and were identified using spectroscopic methods, including NMR and mass spectrometry. The cytotoxic potency of undescribed compounds was evaluated by the XTT assay against human breast cancer MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and mouse fibroblast 3T3-L1 cell lines. Erythraeaxanthone II was found to have the most potent cytotoxic activity.

The risk of carrageenan-induced colitis is exacerbated under high-sucrose/high-salt diet

As a common used food additive, the threat of carrageenan to colon health is controversial, and is inseparable from personal eating habits. However, no detailed descriptions are available concerning the influence of different dietary patterns on the risk of carrageenan-induced colitis. In this study, we explored the risk of κ-carrageenan-induced colitis under high-sucrose or high-salt diet in mice. Intervention with carrageenan under high-sucrose diet significantly reduced colon length and induced more serious deepening of the crypts. In addition, the intake of carrageenan under high-sucrose/high-salt diet induced more serious goblet cell reduction and increased intestinal permeability. 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS based metabonomic approaches were conducted to explore the changes of gut microbiota and metabolites. It was found that the intake of carrageenan under high-sucrose/high-salt diet significantly reduced the abundance of anti-inflammatory bacterium and increased the abundance of harmful bacterium, which was significantly related to the decrease of anti-inflammatory metabolites in colon, such as methyl caffeate, spermine, oleanolic acid and senecionine. Overall, high-sucrose or high-salt diet increased the risk of carrageenan-induced colitis. This reminds us to maintain good eating habits, do not prefer high-sugar or high-salt foods, and try not to consume large amounts of carrageenan continuously to maintain gut health.

Rhoifolin ameliorates osteoarthritis via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis: in vitro and in vivo experiments

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative disease accompanied by an increasing number of senescent cells and chronic low-grade inflammation. Rhoifolin (ROF) showed considerable inhibition to inflammation, but its role in chondrocyte senescence and OA progress has not been fully characterized. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ROF on OA through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

The role of ROF in the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors was investigated using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA. Chondrocyte senescence was assessed by SA-β-gal staining. We applied molecular docking to screen candidate proteins regulated by ROF. Meanwhile, SASP factors and cellular senescence were further assessed after the transfection of Nrf2 siRNA. In the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat model, X-ray, hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and Masson's staining were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ROF on OA.

RESULTS

We found that ROF inhibited SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Furthermore, ROF suppressed IL-1β-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway cascades. Also, molecular docking and knock-down studies demonstrated that ROF might bind to Nrf2 to suppress the NF-κB pathway. In vivo, ROF ameliorated the OA process in the ACLT rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

ROF inhibits SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in chondrocytes and ameliorates the progression of OA via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, which supports ROF as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

Nutrition Interventions of Herbal Compounds on Cellular Senescence

When cells undergo large-scale senescence, organ aging ensues, resulting in irreversible organ pathology and organismal aging. The study of senescence in cells provides an important avenue to understand the factors that influence aging and can be used as one of the useful tools for examining age-related human diseases. At present, many herbal compounds have shown effects on delaying cell senescence. This review summarizes the main characteristics and mechanisms of cell senescence, age-related diseases, and the recent progress on the natural products targeting cellular senescence, with the aim of providing insights to aid the clinical management of age-related diseases.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng and Hedysarum neglectum root crop extracts

In order to ensure the timely and uninterrupted supply of medicinal plant raw materials, the methods of cultivation of plant cell cultures, namely, the production of plant root cultures, are relevant. In this paper, the geroprotective potential of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey root cultures is studied. They were cultured under in vitro conditions by transforming the rhizome (H. neglectum) and seed seedlings (P. ginseng) with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834 Swiss. To identify the geroprotective potential, the antimicrobial disc-diffusion method and the antioxidant activity were analyzed by titration of KMnO4 extracts of plant root cultures. The qualitative and quantitative composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. In the course of the work, the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of plant root culture extracts was established. Biologically active substances contained in extracts of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb root crops and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey are characterized by geroprotective potential, so they can act as a source of natural antioxidants in the functional nutrition of the geroprotective orientation.

Application of Quality by Design Approach to the Pharmaceutical Development of Anticancer Crude Extracts of Crocus sativus Perianth

The application of the Quality by Design (QbD) concept to extracts obtained from Crocus sativus perianth with potential anticancer activity will ensure the safety, efficiency, and quality control of the entire technological process, as well as determine the critical factors affecting the quality of extracts. Potentially critical points of the production of the plant extracts, including the cultivation and processing of the plant materials, the extraction process, and the choice of solvents, were identified using the Ishikawa diagram and FMEA risk assessment methods as well as the corrective actions proposed. The Herbal Chemical Marker Ranking System (HerbMars) approach was used to justify the Q-markers choice of Crocus, which takes into account bioavailability, pharmacological activity, and the presence of the selected standard. An experimental design (DoE) was used to assess the influence of potentially critical factors on the efficiency of the compound extraction from raw materials with water or ethanol. The presence of 16 compounds in Crocus perianth was determined by HPLC and their quantitative assessment was established. Selected compounds (ferulic acid, mangiferin, crocin, rutin, isoquercitrin) can be used for the quality control of Crocus perianth. In addition, the stigmas from the Volyn region met the requirements of ISO 3632 for saffron as a spice (category I). The cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines of the hydroethanolic extract of C. sativus perianth was significantly more pronounced than the water extract, probably due to the chemical composition of the constituent components. The results show that the QbD approach is a powerful tool for process development for the production of quality herbal drugs.

Aneuploidy, inflammation and diseases

This review discusses how numerical aneuploidy may trigger inflammation in somatic cells and its consequences. Therefore we: i) summarized current knowledge on the cellular and molecular pathological effects of aneuploidy; ii) considered which of these aspects are able to trigger inflammation; iii) determined the genetic and environmental factors which may modulate the link between aneuploidy and inflammation; iv) explored the rôle of diet in prevention of aneuploidy and inflammation; v) examined whether aneuploidy and inflammation are causes and/or consequences of diseases; vi) identified the knowledge gaps and research needed to translate these observations into improved health care and disease prevention. The relationships between aneuploidy, inflammation and diseases are complex, because they depend on which chromosomes are involved, the proportion of cells affected and which organs are aneuploid in the case of mosaic aneuploidy. Therefore, a systemic approach is recommended to understand the emergence of aneuploidy-driven diseases and to take preventive measures to protect individuals from exposure to aneugenic conditions.

Cellular senescence and acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical complication characterized by a sudden deterioration of the kidney's excretory function, which normally occurs secondary to another serious illness. AKI is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurrence and progression to kidney failure. It is, therefore, crucial to block the development of AKI as early as possible. To date, existing animal studies have shown that senescence occurs in the early stage of AKI and is extremely critical to prognosis. Cellular senescence is an irreversible process of cell cycle arrest that is accompanied by alterations at the transcriptional, metabolic, and secretory levels along with modified cellular morphology and chromatin organization. Acute cellular senescence tends to play an active role, whereas chronic senescence plays a dominant role in the progression of AKI to CKD. The occurrence of chronic senescence is inseparable from senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and senescence-related pathways. SASP acts on normal cells to amplify the senescence signal through senescence-related pathways. Senescence can be improved by initiating reprogramming, which plays a crucial role in blocking the progression of AKI to CKD. This review integrates the existing studies on senescence in AKI from several aspects to find meaningful research directions to improve the prognosis of AKI and prevent the progression of CKD.

Camphorquinone Promotes the Antisenescence Effect via Activating AMPK/SIRT1 in Stem Cells and D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice

Terpenoids are a wide class of secondary metabolites with geroprotective properties that can alter the mechanism of aging and aging-related diseases. Camphorquinone (CQ) is a bicyclic monoterpenoid compound that can be efficiently synthesized through the continuous bromination and oxidation reaction of camphor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of CQ on oxidative-stress-induced senescence and its underlying mechanisms. To generate oxidative stress in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and mice, we used hydrogen peroxide (200 μM twice) and D-galactose (D-Gal) (150 mg/kg for 10 weeks), respectively. Our findings suggest that CQ potentially reduces senescence in hBM-MSCs and mouse heart tissue. In addition, we found that CQ boosted AMPK/SIRT1 activation and autophagy in both models. These results were subsequently verified in hBM-MSCs using compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) but AMPK inhibition by CC did not significantly reduce the SIRT1 and the autophagy markers. CQ treatment also reduced the gene expression of inflammation markers in D-Gal-induced aging mouse heart tissue. Furthermore, we determined that CQ fits all of the pharmacological parameters using the freely available SwissADME Web tool. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CQ possesses antisenescence and cardioprotective properties, and that oxidative-stress-induced senescence could be suppressed by AMPK/SIRT1 and autophagy mechanisms.

Rhoifolin Ameliorates Osteoarthritis via Regulating Autophagy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common age-related joint disease. Its development has been generally thought to be associated with inflammation and autophagy. Rhoifolin (ROF), a flavanone extracted from Rhus succedanea, has exhibited prominent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in several diseases. However the exact role of ROF in OA remains unclear. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects as well as the underlying mechanism of ROF on rat OA. Our results indicated that ROF could significantly alleviate the IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses, cartilage degradation, and autophagy downregulation in rat chondrocytes. Moreover, administration of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could reverse the anti-inflammatory and anti-cartilage degradation effects of ROF. Furthermore, P38/JNK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathways were involved in the protective effects of ROF. In vivo, intra-articular injection of ROF could notably ameliorate the cartilage damage in rat OA model. In conclusion, our work elucidated that ROF ameliorated rat OA via regulating autophagy, indicating the potential role of ROF in OA therapy.

Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Potential therapeutic targets for renal fibrosis

Renal fibrosis plays a crucial role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. However, because the aetiology of this pathological process is complex and remains unclear, there is still no effective treatment. Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) have been reported to lead to renal fibrosis. This review first discusses the relationships among cellular senescence, the SASP and renal fibrosis. Then, the key role of the SASP in irreversible renal fibrosis, including fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation, is discussed, with the results of studies having indicated that inhibiting cellular senescence and the SASP might be a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis. Finally, we summarize promising therapeutic strategies revealed by existing research on senescent cells and the SASP, including emerging interventions targeting the SASP, caloric restriction and mimetics, and novel regeneration therapies with stem cells.

Activation of 4-1BB signaling in bone marrow stromal cells triggers bone loss via the p-38 MAPK-DKK1 axis in aged mice

Senile osteoporosis can cause bone fragility and increased fracture risks and has been one of the most prevalent and severe diseases affecting the elderly population. Bone formation depends on the proper osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in the bone marrow microenvironment, which is generated by the functional relationship among different cell types in the bone marrow. With aging, bone marrow provides signals that repress osteogenesis. Finding the signals that oppose BMSC osteogenic differentiation from the bone marrow microenvironment and identifying the abnormal changes in BMSCs with aging are key to elucidating the mechanisms of senile osteoporosis. In a pilot experiment, we found that 4-1BBL and 4-1BB were more abundant in bone marrow from aged (18-month-old) mice than young (6-month-old) mice. Meanwhile, significant bone loss was observed in aged mice compared with young mice. However, very little data have been generated regarding whether high-level 4-1BB/4-1BBL in bone marrow was associated with bone loss in aged mice. In the current study, we found upregulation of 4-1BB in the BMSCs of aged mice, which resulted in the attenuation of the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs from aged mice via the p38 MAPK-Dkk1 pathway. More importantly, bone loss of aged mice could be rescued through the blockade of 4-1BB signaling in vivo. Our study will benefit not only our understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related trabecular bone loss but also the search for new targets to treat senile osteoporosis.

Crystal Engineering Construction of Caffeic Acid Derivatives with Potential Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Degradable Polymeric Materials

Natural products are precious feedstock in drug discovery and sustainable materials. This work using crystal engineering strategy, visible light, and solvent-free cycloaddition successfully constructed two caffeic acid derivatives, rel-(1R,2R,3S,4S)-2,4-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)cyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylate and rel-(1R,2R,3S,4S)-2,4-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)cyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. Because of the multiple stereocenters, it is challenging to prepare those compounds using traditional organic synthesis methods. The crystal engineering Hirshfeld surface analysis and 2D intermolecular interaction fingerprints were applied to synthetic route design. The light resources used in this work was visible LED or free, clean, and renewable sunlight. The evidence suggested that pure stereoisomer was obtained demonstrating the stereospecificity and efficiency of the topochemical cycloaddition reaction. The derivatives exhibited free radical scavenging and antioxidant biological activities, as well as the potential inhibitory activity of fatty acid binding proteins. One of the derivatives is the precursor of the natural product Shimobashiric acid C which paves the way for the total synthesis and further study of Shimobashiric acid C. In addition, the derivatives possess photodegradability at a specific wavelength, which is very attractive for "green" degradable polymeric materials.

Neuroprotective Effects of Methyl Caffeate against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Damage: Involvement of Caspase 3 and Cathepsin D Inhibition

Finding effective neuroprotective strategies to combat various neurodegenerative disorders still remain a clinically unmet need. Methyl caffeate (MC), a naturally occurring ester of caffeic acid, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its role in neuroprotection is less investigated. In order to better characterize neuroprotective properties of MC, we tested its effectiveness in various models of neuronal cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and in mouse primary neuronal cell cultures. MC at micromolar concentrations attenuated neuronal cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in undifferentiated and neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y cells as well as in primary cortical neurons. This effect was associated with inhibition of both caspase-3 and cathepsin D but without involvement of the PI3-K/Akt pathway. MC was neuroprotective when given before and during but not after the induction of cell damage by H2O2. Moreover, MC was protective against 6-OHDA-evoked neurotoxicity in neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y cells via inhibition of necrotic and apoptotic processes. On the other hand, MC was ineffective in models of excitotoxicity (induced by glutamate or oxygen-glucose deprivation) and even moderately augmented cytotoxic effects of the classical apoptotic inducer, staurosporine. Finally, in undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells MC at higher concentrations (above 50 microM) induced cell death and when combined with the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, it increased the cell damaging effects of the latter compound. Thus, neuroprotective properties of MC appear to be limited to certain models of neurotoxicity and depend on its concentrations and time of administration.

Nanodelivery of phytobioactive compounds for treating aging-associated disorders

Aging population presents a major challenge for many countries in the world and has made the development of efficient means for healthspan extension a priority task for researchers and clinicians worldwide. Anti-aging properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cardioprotective activities have been reported for various phytobioactive compounds (PBCs) including resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, catechin, etc. However, the therapeutic potential of orally administered PBCs is limited by their poor stability, bioavailability, and solubility in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, innovative nanotechnology-based approaches have been developed to improve the bioactivity of PBCs and enhance their potential in preventing and/or treating age-associated disorders, primarily those caused by aging-related chronic inflammation. PBC-loaded nanoparticles designed for oral administration provide many benefits over conventional formulations, including enhanced stability and solubility, prolonged half-life, improved epithelium permeability and bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and minimized side effects. The present review summarizes recent advances in this rapidly developing research area.

Stem cell derived exosomes: microRNA therapy for age-related musculoskeletal disorders

Age-associated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been historically overlooked by mainstream biopharmaceutical researchers. However, it has now been recognized that stem and progenitor cells confer innate healing capacity for the musculoskeletal system. Current evidence indicates that exosomes are particularly important in this process as they can mediate sequential and reciprocal interactions between cells to initiate and enhance healing. The present review focuses on stem cells (SCs) derived exosomes as a regenerative therapy for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. We discuss mechanisms involving exosome-mediated transfer of RNAs and how these have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo to affect signal transduction pathways in target cells. We envision that standardized protocols for stem cell culture as well as for the isolation and characterization of exosomes enable GMP-compliant large-scale production of SCs-derived exosomes. Hence, potential new treatment for age-related degenerative diseases can be seen in the horizon.

MicroRNA-31a-5p from aging BMSCs links bone formation and resorption in the aged bone marrow microenvironment

The alteration of age‐related molecules in the bone marrow microenvironment is one of the driving forces in osteoporosis. These molecules inhibit bone formation and promote bone resorption by regulating osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, contributing to age‐related bone loss. Here, we observed that the level of microRNA‐31a‐5p (miR‐31a‐5p) was significantly increased in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from aged rats, and these BMSCs demonstrated increased adipogenesis and aging phenotypes as well as decreased osteogenesis and stemness. We used the gain‐of‐function and knockdown approach to delineate the roles of miR‐31a‐5p in osteogenic differentiation by assessing the decrease of special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2 (SATB2) levels and the aging of BMSCs by regulating the decline of E2F2 and recruiting senescence‐associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF). Notably, expression of miR‐31a‐5p, which promotes osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, was markedly higher in BMSCs‐derived exosomes from aged rats compared to those from young rats, and suppression of exosomal miR‐31a‐5p inhibited the differentiation and function of osteoclasts, as shown by elevated RhoA activity. Moreover, using antagomiR‐31a‐5p, we observed that, in the bone marrow microenvironment, inhibition of miR‐31a‐5p prevented bone loss and decreased the osteoclastic activity of aged rats. Collectively, our results reveal that miR‐31a‐5p acts as a key modulator in the age‐related bone marrow microenvironment by influencing osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation and that it may be a potential therapeutic target for age‐related osteoporosis.