Oxidative stress, glutathione status, sirtuin and cellular stress response in type 2 diabetes

RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling of Nile rat livers reveals novel insights on the anti-diabetic mechanisms of Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract

Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) has been shown to confer anti-diabetic effects in the Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus). Liquid and powder WSPFE both deterred diabetes onset in NRs fed a high-carbohydrate (hiCHO) diet, but the liquid form provided better protection. In this study, NRs were fed either a hiCHO diet or the same diet added with liquid or powder WSPFE. Following feeding of the diets for 8 weeks, random blood glucose levels were measured to categorize NRs as either diabetes-resistant or diabetes-susceptible, based on a cut-off value of 75 mg/dL. Livers were then obtained for Illumina HiSeq 4000 paired end RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the data were mapped to the reference genome. Consistent with physiological and biochemical parameters, the gene expression data obtained indicated that WSPFE was associated with protection against diabetes. Among hepatic genes upregulated by WSPFE versus controls, were genes related to insulin-like growth factor binding protein, leptin receptor, and processes of hepatic metabolism maintenance, while those downregulated were related to antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor, inflammation- and cancer-related processes. WSPFE supplementation thus helped inhibit diabetes progression in NRs by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing both the inflammatory effects of a hiCHO diet and the related DNA-damage compensatory mechanisms contributing to liver disease progression. In addition, the genetic permissiveness of susceptible NRs to develop diabetes was potentially associated with dysregulated compensatory mechanisms involving insulin signaling and oxidative stress over time. Further studies on other NR organs associated with diabetes and its complications are warranted.

Comparative Analysis of Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With and Without Comorbidities: Insights Into the Role of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are 90% of diabetes cases, and its prevalence and incidence, including comorbidities, are rising worldwide. Clinically, diabetes and associated comorbidities are identified by biochemical and physical characteristics including glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and tests for cardiovascular, eye and kidney disease.

Objectives

Diabetes may have a common etiology based on inflammation and oxidative stress that may provide additional information about disease progression and treatment options. Thus, identifying high-risk individuals can delay or prevent diabetes and its complications.

Design

In patients with or without hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as part of progression from no diabetes to T2DM, this research studied the changes in biomarkers between control and prediabetes, prediabetes to T2DM, and control to T2DM, and classified patients based on first-attendance data. Control patients and patients with hypertension, cardiovascular, and with both hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are 156, 148, 61, and 216, respectively.

Methods

Linear discriminant analysis is used for classification method and feature importance, This study examined the relationship between Humanin and mitochondrial protein (MOTSc), mitochondrial peptides associated with oxidative stress, diabetes progression, and associated complications.

Results

MOTSc, reduced glutathione and glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH/GSSG), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and 8-isoprostane were significant (P < .05) for the transition from prediabetes to t2dm, highlighting importance of mitochondrial involvement. complement component 5a (c5a) is a biomarker associated with disease progression and comorbidities, gsh gssg, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (mcp-1), 8-isoprostane being most important biomarkers.

Conclusions

Comorbidities affect the hypothesized biomarkers as diabetes progresses. Mitochondrial oxidative stress indicators, coagulation, and inflammatory markers help assess diabetes disease development and provide appropriate medications. Future studies will examine longitudinal biomarker evolution.

The analgesic effects of insulin and its disorders in streptozotocin-induced short-term diabetes

Evidence suggests that insulin resistance plays an important role in developing diabetes complications. The association between insulin resistance and pain perception is less well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of peripheral insulin deficiency on pain pathways in the brain. Diabetes was induced in 60 male rats with streptozotocin (STZ). Insulin was injected into the left ventricle of the brain by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection, then pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin. Samples were collected at 4 weeks after STZ injection. Dopamine (DA), serotonin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial glutathione (mGSH) were measured by ELISA, and gene factors were assessed by RT-qPCR. In diabetic rats, the levels of DA, serotonin, and mGSH decreased in the nuclei of the thalamus, raphe magnus, and periaqueductal gray, and the levels of ROS increased. In addition, the levels of expression of the neuron-specific enolase and receptor for advanced glycation end genes increased, but the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was reduced. These results support the findings that insulin has an analgesic effect in non-diabetic rats, as demonstrated by the formalin test. ICV injection of insulin reduces pain sensation, but this was not observed in diabetic rats, which may be due to cell damage ameliorated by insulin.

Brazil nut consumption reduces DNA damage in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disease, which occurs largely due to unhealthy lifestyle. As oxidative stress is believed to promote T2D, by inducing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, appropriate dietary interventions seem critical to prevent, manage, and even reverse this condition. Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) are nature's richest source of selenium, a mineral that has shown several health benefits. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of selenium consumption, through Brazil nuts, on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, and genomic instability in T2D patients. We recruited 133 patients with T2D, registered in the Integrated Clinics of the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Brazil). Participants consumed one Brazil nut a day for six months. Blood samples and exfoliated buccal cells were collected at the beginning and the end of the intervention. The glycemic profile, lipid profile, renal profile and hepatic profile, DNA damage and selenium content were evaluated. A total of 74 participants completed the intervention. Brazil nut consumption increased selenium and GSH levels, GPx, and CAT activity while DCF and nitrites levels decreased. Total thiols increased, and protein carbonyl and MDA levels decreased. Levels of baseline and oxidative DNA damage in T2D patients were significantly decreased, as well as the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear buds. The fasting glucose levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and GGT levels that increased significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced with nut consumption. Our results show an increase in antioxidant activity, along with reductions of protein and lipid oxidation as well as DNA damage, suggesting that Brazil nut consumption could be an ally in reducing oxidative stress and modulating the genomic instability in T2D patients.

Glutathione Induces Keap1 S-Glutathionylation and Mitigates Oscillating Glucose-Induced β-Cell Dysfunction by Activating Nrf2

Glutathione (GSH), a robust endogenous antioxidant, actively participates in the modulation of the redox status of cysteine residues in proteins. Previous studies have indicated that GSH can prevent β-cell failure and prediabetes caused by chronic oscillating glucose (OsG) administration. However, the precise mechanism underlying the protective effect is not well understood. Our current research reveals that GSH is capable of reversing the reduction in Nrf2 levels, as well as downstream genes Grx1 and HO-1, in the islet β-cells of rats induced by chronic OsG. In vitro experiments have further demonstrated that GSH can prevent β-cell dedifferentiation, apoptosis, and impaired insulin secretion caused by OsG. Additionally, GSH facilitates the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, resulting in an upregulation of Nrf2-targeted genes such as GCLC, Grx1, HO-1, and NQO1. Notably, when the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 is employed, the effects of GSH on OsG-treated β-cells are abrogated. Moreover, GSH enhances the S-glutathionylation of Keap1 at Cys273 and Cys288, but not Cys151, in OsG-treated β-cells, leading to the dissociation of Nrf2 from Keap1 and facilitating Nrf2 nuclear translocation. In conclusion, the protective role of GSH against OsG-induced β-cell failure can be partially attributed to its capacity to enhance Keap1 S-glutathionylation, thereby activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of β-cell failure in the context of prediabetes/diabetes, highlighting the potential of GSH.

A copper metal-organic framework-based electrochemical sensor for identification of glutathione in pharmaceutical samples

The construction of a new electrochemical sensing platform based on a copper metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) heterostructure is described in this paper. Drop-casting Cu-MOF suspension onto the electrode surface primed the sensor for glutathione detection. The composition and morphology of the Cu-MOF heterostructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The Cu-MOF heterostructure can identify glutathione (GSH) with an enhanced sensitivity of 0.0437 μA μM-1 at the detection limit (LOD; 0.1 ± 0.005 μM) and a large dynamic range of 0.1-20 μM. Boosting the conductivity and surface area enhances electron transport and promotes redox processes. The constructed sensors were also adequately selective against interference from other contaminants in a similar potential window. Furthermore, the Cu-MOF heterostructure has outstanding selectivity, long-term stability, and repeatability, and the given sensors have demonstrated their capacity to detect GSH with high accuracy (recovery range = 98.2-100.8%) in pharmaceutical samples.

Uncovering the roles of sirtuin activity and food availability during the onset of the heat shock response in the California mussel (Mytilus californianus): Implications for antioxidative stress responses

Sirtuins are a class of NAD+-dependent deacylases, with known regulatory roles in energy metabolism and cellular stress responses in vertebrates. Previous work using marine mussels have suggested a similar role in invertebrates, providing a potential mechanism linking food availability and thermal sensitivity in Mytilids. Sirtuin inhibitors affect mussels' recovery from environmental stressors, including acute heat shock and well-fed mussels exposed to sirtuin inhibitors and/or acute heat shock respond differently than poorly fed mussels, at the protein and whole-organism levels. While this implies a relationship between sirtuins, food availability, and temperature, the direct effects of sirtuin inhibitors (nicotinamide and suramin) on sirtuin activity or their putative effectors have not been explicitly tested. In this study, adult Mytilus californianus were acclimated to a low or high food availability and exposed to one of the following treatments: control, acute heat shock, sirtuin inhibitors, or acute heat shock and sirtuin inhibitors. Mussels increased sirtuin activity during early recovery (5 h) from sirtuin inhibition and acute heat shock, but only if acclimated to a high food availability. Redox balance was also impacted in mussels acclimated to high food availability and exposed to sirtuin inhibitors, signifying interactions between ration, acute heat shock, and sirtuin inhibitors. Additionally, we found a correlation between sirtuin and superoxide dismutase activities, suggesting a potential regulatory role of oxidative stress by sirtuins. Following prolonged recovery (17 h), we found increased sirtuin activity in mussels acclimated to low food availability, indicating that endogenous sirtuin activity may be related to food availability in mussels.

Saxagliptin, a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, alleviates somatic cell aneugenicity and clastogenicity in diabetic mice

Diabetes-related complications are becoming increasingly common as the global prevalence of diabetes increases. Diabetes is also linked to a high risk of developing cancer. This raises the question of whether cancer vulnerability is caused by diabetes itself or the use of antidiabetic drugs. Chromosomal instability, a source of genetic modification involving either an altered chromosomal number or structure, is a hallmark of cancer. Saxagliptin has been approved by the FDA for diabetes treatment. However, the detailed in vivo effects of prolonged saxagliptin treatment on chromosomal instability have not yet been reported. In this study, streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in mice, and both diabetic and non-diabetic mice received saxagliptin for five weeks. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was conducted in combination with a bone marrow micronucleus test for measuring chromosomal instability. Our results indicated that saxagliptin is neither mutagenic nor cytotoxic, under the given treatment regimen. Diabetic mice had a much higher incidence of micronuclei formation, and a centromeric DNA probe was present inside the majority of the induced micronuclei, indicating that most of these were caused by chromosome nondisjunction. Conversely, diabetic mice treated with saxagliptin exhibited a significant decrease in micronuclei induction, which were centromeric-positive and centromeric-negative. Diabetes also causes significant biochemical changes indicative of oxidative stress, such as increased lipid peroxidation and decreased reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio, which was reversed by saxagliptin administration. Overall, saxagliptin, the non-mutagenic antidiabetic drug, maintains chromosomal integrity in diabetes and reduces micronuclei formation by restoring redox imbalance, further indicating its usefulness in diabetic patients.

Changes to insulin sensitivity in glucose clearance systems and redox following dietary supplementation with a novel cysteine-rich protein: A pilot randomized controlled trial in humans with type-2 diabetes

We recently developed a novel keratin-derived protein (KDP) rich in cysteine, glycine, and arginine, with the potential to alter tissue redox status and insulin sensitivity. The KDP was tested in 35 human adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a 14-wk randomised controlled pilot trial comprising three 2×20 g supplemental protein/day arms: KDP-whey (KDPWHE), whey (WHEY), non-protein isocaloric control (CON), with standardised exercise. Outcomes were measured morning fasted and following insulin-stimulation (80 mU/m2/min hyperinsulinaemic-isoglycaemic clamp). With KDPWHE supplementation there was good and very-good evidence for moderate-sized increases in insulin-stimulated glucose clearance rate (GCR; 26%; 90% confidence limits, CL 2%, 49%) and skeletal-muscle microvascular blood flow (46%; 16%, 83%), respectively, and good evidence for increased insulin-stimulated sarcoplasmic GLUT4 translocation (18%; 0%, 39%) vs CON. In contrast, WHEY did not effect GCR (-2%; -25%, 21%) and attenuated HbA1c lowering (14%; 5%, 24%) vs CON. KDPWHE effects on basal glutathione in erythrocytes and skeletal muscle were unclear, but in muscle there was very-good evidence for large increases in oxidised peroxiredoxin isoform 2 (oxiPRX2) (19%; 2.2%, 35%) and good evidence for lower GPx1 concentrations (-40%; -4.3%, -63%) vs CON; insulin stimulation, however, attenuated the basal oxiPRX2 response (4%; -16%, 24%), and increased GPx1 (39%; -5%, 101%) and SOD1 (26%; -3%, 60%) protein expression. Effects of KDPWHE on oxiPRX3 and NRF2 content, phosphorylation of capillary eNOS and insulin-signalling proteins upstream of GLUT4 translocation AktSer437 and AS160Thr642 were inconclusive, but there was good evidence for increased IRSSer312 (41%; 3%, 95%), insulin-stimulated NFκB-DNA binding (46%; 3.4%, 105%), and basal PAK-1Thr423/2Thr402 phosphorylation (143%; 66%, 257%) vs WHEY. Our findings provide good evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation with a novel edible keratin protein in humans with T2DM may increase glucose clearance and modify skeletal-muscle tissue redox and insulin sensitivity within systems involving peroxiredoxins, antioxidant expression, and glucose uptake.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Tuberculosis Meningitis Infection in Diabetics

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is a result of the invasion of the meninges with the bacilli of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), leading to inflammation of the meninges around the brain or spinal cord. Oxidative stress occurs when the body's cells become overwhelmed with free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of TBM due to their toxic nature, resulting in impairment of the body's ability to fight off infection. ROS damages the endothelial cells and impairs the defense mechanisms of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which contributes to CNS susceptibility to the bacteria causing TBM. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common condition that is characterized by the impairment of the hormone insulin, which is responsible for modulating blood glucose levels. The increased availability of glucose in individuals with diabetes results in increased cellular activity and metabolism, leading to heightened ROS production and, in turn, increased susceptibility to TBM. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of oxidative stress and its role in both TBM and DM. We further discuss how increased oxidative stress in DM can contribute to the likelihood of developing TBM and potential therapeutic approaches that may be of therapeutic value.

Effect of Repeated Bolus and Continuous Glucose Infusion on DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Healthy Male Volunteers

Glucose variability (GV), which describes fluctuations in blood glucose levels within the day, is a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming the target of scientific attention when it comes to increased risk of coronary heart disease. Effects of GV may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia can lead to oxidative stress resulting in molecular damage due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To discover more about the immediate effects of GV, continuous vs. bolus intravenous glucose administration was applied to 10 healthy men aged 21-30 years over a time frame of 48 h. Whole blood and plasma were analyzed for DNA damage using a comet assay with 3 different treatments (lysis buffer, H2O2, and the lesion-specific enzyme formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG)) as well as for the oxidative stress markers protein carbonyls (PC), unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). A significant time effect was found in the three DNA damage treatments as well as in PC and UCB possibly due to circadian changes on oxidative stress, but no intervention group effect was observed for any of the markers. In conclusion, bolus vs. continuous glucose administration had no significant acute effect on DNA damage and markers of oxidative stress in healthy men.

Influence of Nitrosyl Iron Complex with Thiosulfate Ligands on Therapeutically Important Targets Related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the lack of effective therapy, determine the need for new treatment options. The present study is focused on the NO-donors drug class as effective antidiabetic agents. Since numerous biological systems are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM, the most promising approach to the development of effective drugs for the treatment of T2DM is the search for pharmacologically active compounds that are selective for a number of therapeutic targets for T2DM and its complications: oxidative stress, non-enzymatic protein glycation, polyol pathway. The nitrosyl iron complex with thiosulfate ligands was studied in this work. Binuclear iron nitrosyl complexes are synthetic analogues of [2Fe-2S] centers in the regulatory protein natural reservoirs of NO. Due to their ability to release NO without additional activation under physiological conditions, these compounds are of considerable interest for the development of potential drugs. The present study explores the effects of tetranitrosyl iron complex with thiosulfate ligands (TNIC-ThS) on T2DM and its complications regarding therapeutic targets in vitro, as well as its ability to bind liposomal membrane, inhibit lipid peroxidation (LPO), and non-enzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as aldose reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reduction in glucose to sorbitol in the polyol pathway. Using the fluorescent probe method, it has been shown that TNIC-ThS molecules interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of model membranes. TNIC-ThS inhibits lipid peroxidation, exhibiting antiradical activity due to releasing NO (IC50 = 21.5 ± 3.7 µM). TNIC-ThS was found to show non-competitive inhibition of aldose reductase with Ki value of 5.25 × 10^-4 M. In addition, TNIC-ThS was shown to be an effective inhibitor of the process of non-enzymatic protein glycation in vitro (IC50 = 47.4 ± 7.6 µM). Thus, TNIC-ThS may be considered to contribute significantly to the treatment of T2DM and diabetic complications.

Oxidative stress, inflammation and hormesis: The role of dietary and lifestyle modifications on aging

Oxidative stress (OS) is primarily caused by the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species; it is considered as one of the prominent factors in slowing down and degrading cellular machinery of an individual, and it eventually leads to aging and age-related diseases by its continuous higher state. The relation between molecular damage and OS should be particularized to understand the beginning of destruction at the cellular levels, extending outwards to affect tissues, organs, and ultimately to the organism. Several OS biomarkers, which are established at the biomolecular level, are useful in investigating the disease susceptibility during aging. Slowing down the aging process is a matter of reducing the rate of oxidative damage to the cellular machinery over time. The breakdown of homeostasis, the mild overcompensation, the reestablishment of homeostasis, and the adaptive nature of the process are the essential features of hormesis, which incorporates several factors, including calorie restriction, nutrition and lifestyle modifications that play an important role in reducing the OS. In the current review, along with the concept and theories of aging (with emphasis on free radical theory), various manifestations of OS with special attention on mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related diseases have been discussed. To alleviate the OS, hormetic approaches including caloric restriction, exercise, and nutrition have also been discussed.

Justicia carnea extracts ameliorated hepatocellular damage in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic male rats via decrease in oxidative stress, inflammation and increasing other risk markers

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus is still a raging disease not fully subdued globally, especially in Africa. Our study aims to evaluate the anti-diabetic potentials of Justicia carnea extracts [crude (JCC), free (JFP) and bound phenol (JBP) fractions], in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type-1 diabetes in male albino rats.Materials and MethodsAbout thirty (30) animals were induced for type 1 diabetes with STZ; thereafter, treatment began for 14 days, after which the animals were euthanized, blood/serum was collected, the liver was removed and divided into two portions, for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Standard procedures were used to evaluate the liver biomarkers, like alanine transaminase (ALT), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6- phosphatase, hexokinase activities, albumin, bilirubin, hepatic glucose concentrations; antioxidant status and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were similarly assessed.ResultsThese results revealed that the extracts ameliorated the harmful effects of STZ-induced diabetes in the liver by enhancing the activities of liver-based biomarkers, reducing the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine.DiscussionThe results agreed with previous research, and the free phenol fraction showed excellent results compared to othersConclusionThese suggested that J. carnea could serve as an alternative remedy in ameliorating liver complications linked to oxidative damage and inflammation in STZ-induced type-1 diabetes.

The efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), since their introduction in the late 1990s, have proven their efficacy in treating several conditions, predominantly pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction where they remain the first-line therapeutic option. However, in the recent years, growing evidence from both animal and human studies has emerged to suggest the additional benefits of PDE5i in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This is of specific interest to the diabetes population where prevalent cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysregulation significantly contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the available data on the non-standard, pleiotropic effects of PDE5i in patients with diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review of the published background research, preclinical studies and clinical trials.

RESULTS

In human studies, PDE5 inhibition appeared to be associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and overall improved clinical outcomes in those with established cardiovascular disease. PDE5i were also consistently found to reduce albuminuria in subjects with diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, animal data suggest a plausible effect of this group of medication on sensory function and neuropathic symptoms in diabetic neuropathy as well as improved wound healing. A decrease in insulin resistance and augmentation of beta cell function seen in preclinical studies has not been consistently demonstrated in human trials.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In animal models, PDE5 inhibition appears to decrease oxidative stress and reduce some of the micro- and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes. However, data from human trials are limited and largely inconsistent, highlighting the need for adequately powered, randomised-controlled trials in diabetic cohorts in order to fully assess the benefits of PDE5i in this group of patients.

Role of Sirtuins in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease leading to joint destruction. The causes of RA are not fully known. Most likely, the development of the disease depends on the coexistence of many factors, such as hereditary factors, immune system defects, gender, infectious agents, nicotine, and stress. Various epigenetic changes have been identified and correlated with the aggressive phenotype of RA, including the involvement of sirtuins, which are enzymes found in all living organisms. Their high content in the human body can slow down the aging processes, reduce cell death, counteract the appearance of inflammation, and regulate metabolic processes. Sirtuins can participate in several steps of RA pathogenesis. This narrative review presents, collects, and discusses the role of all sirtuins (1-7) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The sirtuin family in health and disease

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are nicotine adenine dinucleotide(+)-dependent histone deacetylases regulating critical signaling pathways in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and are involved in numerous biological processes. Currently, seven mammalian homologs of yeast Sir2 named SIRT1 to SIRT7 have been identified. Increasing evidence has suggested the vital roles of seven members of the SIRT family in health and disease conditions. Notably, this protein family plays a variety of important roles in cellular biology such as inflammation, metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, etc., thus, it is considered a potential therapeutic target for different kinds of pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other conditions. Moreover, identification of SIRT modulators and exploring the functions of these different modulators have prompted increased efforts to discover new small molecules, which can modify SIRT activity. Furthermore, several randomized controlled trials have indicated that different interventions might affect the expression of SIRT protein in human samples, and supplementation of SIRT modulators might have diverse impact on physiological function in different participants. In this review, we introduce the history and structure of the SIRT protein family, discuss the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of seven members of the SIRT protein family, elaborate on the regulatory roles of SIRTs in human disease, summarize SIRT inhibitors and activators, and review related clinical studies.

Oxidative Regulation of Vascular Cav1.2 Channels Triggers Vascular Dysfunction in Hypertension-Related Disorders

Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. The L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_v1.2) channel in small arteries and arterioles plays an essential role in regulating Ca²⁺ influx, vascular resistance, and blood pressure. Hypertension and preeclampsia are characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, diabetes has a high prevalence of hypertension. The etiology of these disorders remains elusive, involving the complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Common to these disorders are oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and mitochondria are primary sources of vascular oxidative stress, whereas dysfunction of the Ca_v1.2 channel confers increased vascular resistance in hypertension. This review will discuss the importance of ROS derived from NOXs and mitochondria in regulating vascular Ca_v1.2 and potential roles of ROS-mediated Ca_v1.2 dysfunction in aberrant vascular function in hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) As a Novel Target in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a major health burden worldwide. Among all neoplasms, gastric cancer is the fifth most common and the third most deadly type of cancer. It is known that sirtuins (SIRTs), are NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylases regulating important metabolic pathways. High expression of SIRTs in the human body can regulate metabolic processes; they prevent inflammation but also resist cell death and aging processes. The seven members of this family enzymes can also play a fundamental role in process of carcinogenesis by influencing cell viability, apoptosis and metastasis. This review collects and discusses the role of all seven sirtuins (SIRT1-SIRT7) in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC).

Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Oxidative Stress in a Sample of Patients Recruited in a Dietary Center in a Southern University Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Background and objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption on oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by analyzing the increase in lipid peroxidation, the reduction of antioxidant defenses and the alteration of the oxidation/antioxidant balance after the administration of ethanol in 25% aqueous solution (v/v) at a concentration of 0.76 g/kg of body weight daily in two doses for 3 days. The changes in oxidative stress indices were investigated by standard methods previously described. Results: Ethanol administration has determined a significant increase in plasma levels of lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), malonilaldehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSH), and a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH/GSSH ratio. Conclusions: In the proposed experimental condition, the excessive and repeated consumption of ethanol causes oxidative damage, as shown by the increase in lipid peroxidation, the reduction of antioxidant defenses and the alteration of the oxidation/antioxidant balance, which, at least in part, are responsible for the harmful effects of excess ethanol.

Recent Developments in the Understanding of Immunity, Pathogenesis and Management of COVID-19

Coronaviruses represent a diverse family of enveloped positive-sense single stranded RNA viruses. COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2, is a highly contagious respiratory disease transmissible mainly via close contact and respiratory droplets which can result in severe, life-threatening respiratory pathologies. It is understood that glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant known for its role in immune response and cellular detoxification, is the target of various proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factors resulting in the infection, replication, and production of reactive oxygen species. This leads to more severe symptoms of COVID-19 and increased susceptibility to other illnesses such as tuberculosis. The emergence of vaccines against COVID-19, usage of monoclonal antibodies as treatments for infection, and implementation of pharmaceutical drugs have been effective methods for preventing and treating symptoms. However, with the mutating nature of the virus, other treatment modalities have been in research. With its role in antiviral defense and immune response, glutathione has been heavily explored in regard to COVID-19. Glutathione has demonstrated protective effects on inflammation and downregulation of reactive oxygen species, thereby resulting in less severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection and warranting the discussion of glutathione as a treatment mechanism.

Elevated plasma level of the glycolysis byproduct methylglyoxal on admission is an independent biomarker of mortality in ICU COVID-19 patients

Biomarkers to identify ICU COVID-19 patients at high risk for mortality are urgently needed for therapeutic care and management. Here we found plasma levels of the glycolysis byproduct methylglyoxal (MG) were 4.4-fold higher in ICU patients upon admission that later died (n = 33), and 1.7-fold higher in ICU patients that survived (n = 32),compared to uninfected controls (n = 30). The increased MG in patients that died correlated inversely with the levels of the MG-degrading enzyme glyoxalase-1 (r² = - 0.50), and its co-factor glutathione (r² = - 0.63), and positively with monocytes (r² = 0.29). The inflammation markers, SSAO (r² = 0.52), TNF-α (r² = 0.41), IL-1β (r² = 0.25), CRP (r² = 0.26) also correlated positively with MG. Logistic regression analysis provides evidence of a significant relationship between the elevated MG upon admission into ICU and death (P < 0.0001), with 42% of the death variability explained. From these data we conclude that elevated plasma MG on admission is a novel independent biomarker that predicts mortality in ICU COVID-19 patients.

A novel role of Nano selenium and sildenafil on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by modulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic pathways

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nano selenium, sildenafil, and their combination on inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Herein, a new anti-inflammatory pathway for sildenafil as a high-mobility group box (HMGB1) inhibitor was proposed using the molecular docking technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into 7 groups: normal control, control nano selenium, control sildenafil, control diabetic, diabetic+ nano selenium, diabetic+ sildenafil, diabetic+ nano selenium+ sildenafil. The effects of drugs were evaluated by measuring serum urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), HMGB1, receptor advanced glycation end product (RAGE), malondialdehyde (MDA), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) by biochemical assays, nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-κB), toll-like receptor (TLR4) by immunohistochemistry, gene expressions of caspase 3 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) besides histopathological investigations of renal cells.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed beneficial effects of 8 weeks of treatment by nano selenium and sildenafil supported by improvement in kidney function, histopathological changes, and reduction in all of these parameters. These results supported molecular docking that indicated sildenafil had a high binding score and interactions with the HMGB1 receptor.

SIGNIFICANCE

The current study demonstrated a renoprotective effect of nano‑selenium and sildenafil by interfering at multiple pathways, especially the HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The Promising Role of Microbiome Therapy on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic and Narrative Review

Background

One in 10 adults suffer from type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of the gut microbiome, its homeostasis, and dysbiosis has been investigated with success in the pathogenesis as well as treatment of T2D. There is an increasing volume of literature reporting interventions of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on T2D patients.

Methods

Studies investigating the effect of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in T2D populations were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane from inception to January 2022.

Results

From an initial screening of 5,984 hits, 47 clinical studies were included. Both statistically significant and non-significant results have been compiled, analyzed, and discussed. We have found various promising pro-, pre-, and synbiotic formulations. Of these, multistrain/multispecies probiotics are found to be more effective than monostrain interventions. Additionally, our findings show resistant dextrin to be the most promising prebiotic, followed closely by inulin and oligosaccharides. Finally, we report that synbiotics have shown excellent effect on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes. We further discuss the role of metabolites in the resulting effects in biomarkers and ultimately pathogenesis of T2D, bring attention toward the ability of such nutraceuticals to have significant role in COVID-19 therapy, and finally discuss few ongoing clinical trials and prospects.

Conclusion

Current literature of pro-, pre- and synbiotic administration for T2D therapy is promising and shows many significant results with respect to most markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and related complications: Current therapeutics strategies and future perspectives

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a persistent metabolic disorder rising rapidly worldwide. It is characterized by pancreatic insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Hyperglycemia induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress are correlated with the pathogenesis and progression of this metabolic disease. To counteract the harmful effects of ROS, endogenous antioxidants of the body or exogenous antioxidants neutralise it and maintain bodily homeostasis. Under hyperglycemic conditions, the imbalance between the cellular antioxidant system and ROS production results in oxidative stress, which subsequently results in the development of diabetes. These ROS are produced in the endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytic cells and peroxisomes, with the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) playing a pivotal role. The exacerbated ROS production can directly cause structural and functional modifications in proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. It also modulates several intracellular signaling pathways that lead to insulin resistance and impairment of β-cell function. In addition, the hyperglycemia-induced ROS production contributes to micro- and macro-vascular diabetic complications. Various in-vivo and in-vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidative effects of natural products and their derived bioactive compounds. However, there is conflicting clinical evidence on the beneficial effects of these antioxidant therapies in diabetes prevention. This review article focused on the multifaceted role of oxidative stress caused by ROS overproduction in diabetes and related complications and possible antioxidative therapeutic strategies targeting ROS in this disease.

Effects of Selenium as a Dietary Source on Performance, Inflammation, Cell Damage, and Reproduction of Livestock Induced by Heat Stress: A Review

Heat stress as a result of global warming has harmful consequences for livestock and is thus becoming an urgent issue for animal husbandry worldwide. Ruminants, growing pigs, and poultry are very susceptible to heat stress because of their fast growth, rapid metabolism, high production levels, and sensitivity to temperature. Heat stress compromises the efficiency of animal husbandry by affecting performance, gastrointestinal health, reproductive physiology, and causing cell damage. Selenium (Se) is an essential nutritional trace element for livestock production, which acts as a structural component in at least 25 selenoproteins (SELs); it is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, and plays a key role in the antioxidant defense system. Dietary Se supplementation has been confirmed to support gastrointestinal health, production performance, and reproductive physiology under conditions of heat stress. The underlying mechanisms include the regulation of nutrient digestibility influenced by gastrointestinal microorganisms, antioxidant status, and immunocompetence. Moreover, heat stress damage to the gastrointestinal and mammary barrier is closely related to cell physiological functions, such as the fluidity and stability of cellular membranes, and the inhibition of receptors as well as transmembrane transport protein function. Se also plays an important role in inhibiting cell apoptosis and reducing cell inflammatory response induced by heat stress. This review highlights the progress of research regarding the dietary supplementation of Se in the mitigation of heat stress, addressing its mechanism and explaining the effect of Se on cell damage caused by heat stress, in order to provide a theoretical reference for the use of Se to mitigate heat stress in livestock.

Role of microRNAs in COVID-19 with implications for therapeutics

COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like disease with highly transmittable and pathogenic properties caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which infects both animals and humans. Although many efforts are currently underway to test possible therapies, there is no specific FDA approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 yet. miRNA-directed gene regulation controls the majority of biological processes. In addition, the development and progression of several human diseases are associated with dysregulation of miRNAs. In this regard, it has been shown that changes in miRNAs are linked to severity of COVID-19 especially in patients with respiratory diseases, diabetes, heart failure or kidney problems. Therefore, targeting these small noncoding-RNAs could potentially alleviate complications from COVID-19. Here, we will review the roles and importance of host and RNA virus encoded miRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenicity and immune response. Then, we focus on potential miRNA therapeutics in the patients who are at increased risk for severe disease.

Quantitative trait mapping in Diversity Outbred mice identifies novel genomic regions associated with the hepatic glutathione redox system

The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is instrumental to antioxidant protection and xenobiotic metabolism, and the ratio of its reduced and oxidized forms (GSH/GSSG) indicates the cellular redox environment and maintains key aspects of cellular signaling. Disruptions in GSH levels and GSH/GSSG have long been tied to various chronic diseases, and many studies have examined whether variant alleles in genes responsible for GSH synthesis and metabolism are associated with increased disease risk. However, past studies have been limited to established, canonical GSH genes, though emerging evidence suggests that novel loci and genes influence the GSH redox system in specific tissues. The present study marks the most comprehensive effort to date to directly identify genetic loci associated with the GSH redox system. We employed the Diversity Outbred (DO) mouse population, a model of human genetics, and measured GSH and the essential redox cofactor NADPH in liver, the organ with the highest levels of GSH in the body. Under normal physiological conditions, we observed substantial variation in hepatic GSH and NADPH levels and their redox balances, and discovered a novel, significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on murine chromosome 16 underlying GSH/GSSG; bioinformatics analyses revealed Socs1 to be the most likely candidate gene. We also discovered novel QTL associated with hepatic NADP⁺ levels and NADP⁺/NADPH, as well as unique candidate genes behind each trait. Overall, these findings transform our understanding of the GSH redox system, revealing genetic loci that govern it and proposing new candidate genes to investigate in future mechanistic endeavors.

Echinacea purpurea Ethanol Extract Improves Male Reproductive Dysfunction With Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

As lifestyle changes, the prevalence of diabetes increases every year. Diabetes-induced male reproductive dysfunction is predominantly due to increased oxidative stress and then results in sperm damage and infertility. Echinacea purpurea is a traditional medicinal herb and is well-known for its immune-modulatory, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role in innate immune responses leading to nuclear factor (NF)-κB phosphorylation and release of proinflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. However, the relation between Echinacea purpurea extract and TLR4 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects on male reproduction of Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EPE) against diabetic rats and whether the anti-inflammatory effects were through the TLR4 pathway. Diabetic male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). EPE was tested in three doses (93, 279, and 465 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. Besides, metformin administration (100 mg/kg/day) was treated as a positive control. Results indicated that EPE administration for about 4 weeks improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, EPE increased sperm motility, protected sperm morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as protein for testosterone synthesis enzyme. In sperm superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione antioxidants were increased, whereas proinflammatory cytokines, such as NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased. The testis protein content of TLR4 and downstream phospho-NF-κB p65 also were reduced. The EPE might reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines via TLR4 pathways and improve diabetes-induced male infertility.

Molecular and Supramolecular Structure of the Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation System: Implications for Pathology

Under aerobic conditions, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) converts the energy released by nutrient oxidation into ATP, the currency of living organisms. The whole biochemical machinery is hosted by the inner mitochondrial membrane (mtIM) where the protonmotive force built by respiratory complexes, dynamically assembled as super-complexes, allows the F1FO-ATP synthase to make ATP from ADP + Pi. Recently mitochondria emerged not only as cell powerhouses, but also as signaling hubs by way of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, when ROS removal systems and/or OXPHOS constituents are defective, the physiological ROS generation can cause ROS imbalance and oxidative stress, which in turn damages cell components. Moreover, the morphology of mitochondria rules cell fate and the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the mtIM, which, most likely with the F1FO-ATP synthase contribution, permeabilizes mitochondria and leads to cell death. As the multiple mitochondrial functions are mutually interconnected, changes in protein composition by mutations or in supercomplex assembly and/or in membrane structures often generate a dysfunctional cascade and lead to life-incompatible diseases or severe syndromes. The known structural/functional changes in mitochondrial proteins and structures, which impact mitochondrial bioenergetics because of an impaired or defective energy transduction system, here reviewed, constitute the main biochemical damage in a variety of genetic and age-related diseases.

Simultaneous determination of three endogenous chiral thiol compounds in serum from humans at normal and stress states using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

Measurement of chiral thiol compounds such as glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys), and homocysteine (Hcy) in human serum plays an important role in the early diagnosis and warning of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. We developed a novel chiral mass spectrometry derivatization reagent, (R)-(5-(3-isothiocyanatopyrrolidin-1-yl)-5-oxopentyl) triphenylphosphonium (NCS-OTPP), with triphenylphosphine (TPP) as a basic structure carrying a permanent positive charge for the diastereomeric separation of chiral thiol compounds by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). A novel method was developed for simultaneous determination of three kinds of chiral thiol compounds based on the NCS-OTPP derivatization method. Three kinds of chiral thiol compounds on a YMC Triart C18 (2.0 × 150 mm, 1.9 μm) column with Rs were 1.56-1.68. The protonated precursor to product ion transitions monitored for GSH was m/z 780.16→747.24/473.18, Cys was m/z 594.20→561.18/473.18, and Hcy was m/z 608.21→575.19/473.18. An excellent linearity for all the analytes with correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9995 and suitable precision with inter-day and intra-day coefficients of variation RSDs was 0.83-4.06% and 0.95-3.11%. Satisfactory accuracy with recoveries between 83.73 and 103.35% was observed. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) was 2.4-7.2 fmol. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of three kinds of free and total thiol compounds in serum from 10 healthy volunteers at normal and stress states.

Association between glycation biomarkers, hyperglycemia, and micronucleus frequency: A meta -analysis

Micronucleus assay has been used as a biomarker of DNA damage, chromosomal instability, cancer risk and accelerated aging. In this review, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between micronuclei (MNi) and diseases with increased advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and HbA1c. The review identified eight studies with 632 subjects with disease and 547 controls. The Mean Ratio (MRi) for AGE levels (MRi = 2.92, 95 %CI: 2.06-4.13, P < 0.00001) and HbA1c levels (MRi = 1.32, 95 %CI: 1.12-1.56, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the disease group compared to healthy controls. The meta-analysis indicated that the overall estimates of MRi for MNi was 1.83 (95 %CI: 1.38-2.42, p < 0.0001) in subjects with disease compared to controls. Significant increases in MRi for MNi were also observed in the following sub-groups: subjects with disease for elevated AGEs (MRi = 1.62, 95 %CI: 1.12-2.35, P = 0.01), elevated HbA1c (MRi = 2.13, 95 %CI: 1.33-3.39, P = 0.002), lymphocytes MNi (MRi = 1.74, 95 %CI: 1.29-2.33, P = 0.0003), exfoliated buccal cells MNi (MRi = 2.86, 95 %CI: 1.19-6.87, P = 0.02), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (MRi = 1.99, 95 %CI: 1.17-3.39, P = 0.01), chronic renal disease (MRi = 1.68, 95 %CI: 1.18-2.38, P = 0.004) and other disease groups (MRi = 2.52, 95 %CI: 1.28-4.96, P = 0.008). The results of this review suggest that MNi could be used as a biomarker of DNA damage and chromosomal instability in degenerative disease where increased AGEs and HbA1c are implicated. The lack of heterogeneity for MN frequency when considered either for all studies or subgroup strengthened the MRi of the meta-analysis. However, the lack of significant association between MRi for MNi and MRi for AGEs or HbA1c indicates that the case-control studies investigated may be confounded by other variables. Thus, larger studies with long term AGE exposure is warranted to further understand the role of MN formation in the initiation and progression of diseases caused by excessive glycation.

Effects of triclosan on the RedoximiRs/Sirtuin/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Triclosan (TCS) has been widely used in daily life for its broad-spectrum antibacterial property and subsequently detected frequently in aquatic waterborne. Environmental relevant concentrations of TCS in water (ng-μg/L) may pose potential unexpected impact on non-target aquatic organisms. In the present work, we investigated the transcriptional responses of Nrf2 as well as its downstream genes, sirtuins and redox-sensitive microRNAs (RedoximiRs) in livers of the small freshwater fish mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) which were exposed to environmental relevant concentrations of TCS (0.05 μg/L, 0.5 μg/L and 5 μg/L for 24 h and 168 h). Results showed there were similar up-regulations in Nrf2 and its target genes (e. g. NQO1, CAT and SOD) at transcriptional, enzymatic and protein levels, reflecting oxidative stress of TCS to mosquitofish. Meanwhile, up-regulations of Sirt1, Sirt2 and down-regulations of miR-34b, miR-200b-5p and miR-21 could modulate antioxidant system via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway by the post-transcriptional regulations. Some oxidative stress-related biomarkers displayed in concentration-dependent manners (e. g. NQO1 mRNA, CAT mRNA) and/or time-dependent manners (e. g. GSH contents). This study indicated that the RedoximiRs/Sirtuin/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway played a crucial role in mosquitofish exposed to TCS, and there might be potentially profound effects for TCS on the aquatic ecological safety.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates glycemic variability-induced oxidative stress and platelet activation in HUVECs and DM rats

Glycemic variability (GV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Paeoniflorin is an effective Chinese traditional medicine with anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects. Previous studies implicated the beneficial effects of paeoniflorin in treatment for diabetic complications, such as type 2 diabetic nephropathy and diabetes with myocardial ischemic injury. Current evidence suggests that oxidative stress and platelet activation, as well as their interaction, are potentially associated with GV and involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes-associated vascular complications. This study aimed to explore the effects of paeoniflorin on oxidative stress and platelet activation, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured with different glucose concentrations, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed different glycemic index diets. Paeoniflorin treatment effectively improved the morphology and cell viability of HUVECs under glucose fluctuation. Moreover, the platelet aggregation rate, CD62p expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration decreased, while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels increased in paeoniflorin-treated groups. In conclusion, our study found that paeoniflorin ameliorates oxidative stress and platelet activation induced by glycemic variability both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a novel potential strategy for treatment of diabetic complications.

Glycemic variability (GV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Graphene Oxide Ameliorates the Cognitive Impairment Through Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway to Induce Autophagy in AD Mouse Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system characterised by cognitive impairment. Its major pathological feature is the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, which triggers a series of pathological cascades. Autophagy is a main pathway to eliminate abnormal aggregated proteins, and increasing autophagy represents a plausible treatment strategy against relative overproduction of neurotoxic Aβ. Graphene oxide (GO) is an emerging carbon-based nanomaterial. As a derivative of graphene with neuroprotective effects, it can effectively increase the clearance of abnormally aggregated protein. In this article, we investigated the protective function of GO in an AD mouse model. GO (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered for 2 weeks. The results of the Morris water maze test and the novel object recognition test suggested that GO ameliorated learning and memory impairments in 5xFAD mice. The long-term potentiation and depotentiation from the perforant path to the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus were increased with GO treatment in 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, GO upregulated the expression of synapse-related proteins and increased the cell density in the hippocampus. Our results showed that GO up-regulated LC3II/LC3I and Beclin-1 and decreased p62 protein levels in 5xFAD mice. In addition, GO downregulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway to induce autophagy. These results have revealed the protective potential of GO in AD.

Enzymatic antioxidant system and endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

This study examined the relationship between serum glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) activity and endothelial dysfunction in the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted on 76 subjects, 38 were patients with MetS and 38 were without MetS. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of the subjects were measured and then compared. The MetS was diagnosed according to the definitions of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Serum GPx-1 activity was measured by standard methods. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique.

RESULTS

In case-control study of 76 subjects, all of MetS risk factors including abdominal obesity, triglyceride (TG), low serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertension (HTN), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were significantly higher than healthy individuals (P < 0.050). FMD was significantly lower than normal subjects (P < 0.050). Serum GP-1 activity was significantly lower in patients with MetS compared to normal subjects (21.7 ± 13.5 vs. 79.0 ± 38.6, respectively) (P = 0.001). The value of GPx-1 was significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = -0.249, P = 0.040), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = -0.409, P = 0.014), and FMD (r = 0.293, P = 0.050) in patients with MetS. The results of logistic regression showed that a unite increase in CRP (mg/dl), FMD (%), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) (pg/ml) and a unit decrease in GPx significantly increased the odds ratio (OR) of MetS; after adjusting for age and sex the results remained significant except for FMD (P < 0.050)

CONCLUSION

Endothelial dysfunction is related to serum GPx-1 activity in patients with MetS. GPX-1 activity is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs) in patients with MetS.

(+)-Catechin & Proanthocyanidin Fraction of Uncaria gambir Roxb. Improve Adipocytes Differentiation & Glucose Uptake of 3T3-L1 Cells Via Sirtuin-1, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPAR γ), Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT-4) Expressions

Purpose: To improve adipocytes differentiation & glucose uptake activity of 3T3-L1 cells through sirtuin-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ), glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) of (+)-catechin & proanthocyanidin fraction Uncaria gambir Roxb.

Methods: Adipocytes differentiation activity of (+)-Catechin of Uncaria gambir Roxb. was determined by oil red O staining method & glucose uptake activity was determined by measuring 2-deoxyglucose uptake on 3T3-L1 cells. The ability of (+) - catechin as an activator of sirtuin-1 was assessed by administration of (+) - catechin with the presence of a specific inhibitor of sirtuin-1, nicotinamide. Metformin 1 mM & 5 mM were used as positive control. Sirtuin-1, PPAR γ & GLUT-4 expressions were determined by RT-PCR.

Results: (+)-Catechin & proanthocyanidin fraction of Uncaria gambir Roxb. were found to increase adipocyte differentiation & glucose uptake by increasing activity of sirtuin-1 as well as metformin (P ≤0.05). PPAR γ, GLUT-4 and sirtuin-1 expressions were known to be responsible for this activities.

Conclusion: These results indicate that (+)–catechin & proanthocyanidin fraction of Uncaria gambir Roxb. could be utilized as a renewable bioresource to develop potential antidiabetic and antiobesity agents.

S-glutathionylation, friend or foe in cardiovascular health and disease

Glutathione is a low molecular weight thiol that is present at high levels in the cell. The high levels of glutathione in the cell make it one of the most abundant antioxidants contributing to cellular redox homeostasis. As a general rule, throughout cardiovascular disease and progression there is an imbalance in redox homeostasis characterized by reactive oxygen species overproduction and glutathione underproduction. As research into these imbalances continues, glutathione concentrations are increasingly being observed to drive various physiological and pathological signaling responses. Interestingly in addition to acting directly as an antioxidant, glutathione is capable of post translational modifications (S-glutathionylation) of proteins through both chemical interactions and enzyme mediated events. This review will discuss both the chemical and enzyme-based S-glutathionylation of proteins involved in cardiovascular pathologies and angiogenesis.

Centella asiatica alleviates diabetes-induced changes in fatty acid profile and oxidative damage in rat testis

The in vivo effects of Centella asiatica L. Urban (Family: Apiaceae; CA) on diabetes-induced testicular fatty acid misdistribution and oxidative injury were investigated. Diabetic rats were treated with vehicle, CA or metformin daily for 14 days by oral gavage. Fatty acid (FA) content in testis was analysed using gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection while redox indices were measured as peroxide value (PV), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Diabetes increased omega-6 (61%), and decreased omega-3 (23%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; 18%) compared to non-diabetic controls. Oxidative injury in diabetic rats was confirmed by increases in PV (112%) and MDA (77%) in addition to decreases in GSH (41%) and activities of GST (19%) & GPx (24%) compared to non-diabetic controls. CA treatment led to 17% reduction in omega-6 and 33% rise in MUFA compared to diabetic controls. Additionally, CA ameliorated the oxidative injury and improved antioxidant capacity by increasing GSH (49%), GST (16%) and GPx (23%) when compared to diabetic controls. Data suggest CA potential in alleviating the alterations caused by diabetes in testes through effects on omega-6 and MUFA; and via increased GSH level and dependent enzyme activities.

Carnosine Activates Cellular Stress Response in Podocytes and Reduces Glycative and Lipoperoxidative Stress

Carnosine improves diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy, in in vivo models. To further understand the underlying mechanism of nephroprotection, we studied the effect of carnosine under glucose-induced stress on cellular stress response proteins in murine immortalized podocytes, essential for glomerular function. High-glucose stress initiated stress response by increasing intracellular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), thioredoxin (Trx), glutamate-cysteine ligase (gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase; γ-GCS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in podocytes by 30–50% compared to untreated cells. Carnosine (1 mM) also induced a corresponding upregulation of these intracellular stress markers, which was even more prominent compared to glucose for Hsp70 (21%), γ-GCS and HO-1 (13% and 20%, respectively; all p < 0.001). Co-incubation of carnosine (1 mM) and glucose (25 mM) induced further upregulation of Hsp70 (84%), Sirt-1 (52%), Trx (35%), γ-GCS (90%) and HO-1 (73%) concentrations compared to untreated cells (all p < 0.001). The glucose-induced increase in 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) and protein carbonylation was reduced dose-dependently by carnosine by more than 50% (p < 0.001). Although podocytes tolerated high carnosine concentrations (10 mM), high carnosine levels only slightly increased Trx and γ-GCS (10% and 19%, respectively, compared to controls; p < 0.001), but not Hsp70, Sirt-1 and HO-1 proteins (p not significant), and did not modify the glucose-induced oxidative stress response. In podocytes, carnosine induced cellular stress tolerance and resilience pathways and was highly effective in reducing high-glucose-induced glycative and lipoperoxidative stress. Carnosine in moderate concentrations exerted a direct podocyte molecular protective action.

Healthspan Enhancement by Olive Polyphenols in C. elegans Wild Type and Parkinson's Models

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent late-age onset neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 1% of the population after the age of about 60 years old and 4% of those over 80 years old, causing motor impairments and cognitive dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that Mediterranean diet (MD) exerts beneficial effects in maintaining health, especially during ageing and by the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, olive oil and its biophenolic constituents like hydroxytyrosol (HT) have received growing attention in the past years. Thus, in the current study we test the health-promoting effects of two hydroxytyrosol preparations, pure HT and Hidrox® (HD), which is hydroxytyrosol in its "natural" environment, in the established invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. HD exposure led to much stronger beneficial locomotion effects in wild type worms compared to HT in the same concentration. Consistent to this finding, in OW13 worms, a PD-model characterized by α-synuclein expression in muscles, HD exhibited a significant higher effect on α-synuclein accumulation and swim performance than HT, an effect partly confirmed also in swim assays with the UA44 strain, which features α-synuclein expression in DA-neurons. Interestingly, beneficial effects of HD and HT treatment with similar strength were detected in the lifespan and autofluorescence of wild-type nematodes, in the neuronal health of UA44 worms as well as in the locomotion of rotenone-induced PD-model. Thus, the hypothesis that HD features higher healthspan-promoting abilities than HT was at least partly confirmed. Our study demonstrates that HD polyphenolic extract treatment has the potential to partly prevent or even treat ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases and ageing itself. Future investigations including mammalian models and human clinical trials are needed to uncover the full potential of these olive compounds.

A Translational In Vivo and In Vitro Metabolomic Study Reveals Altered Metabolic Pathways in Red Blood Cells of Type 2 Diabetes

Clinical parameters used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) diagnosis and monitoring such as glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) are often unable to capture important information related to diabetic control and chronic complications. In order to search for additional biomarkers, we performed a pilot study comparing T2D patients with healthy controls matched by age, gender, and weight. By using ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolomics profiling of red blood cells (RBCs), we found that the metabolic signature of RBCs in T2D subjects differed significantly from non-diabetic controls. Affected metabolites included glutathione, 2,3-bisphophoglycerate, inosinic acid, lactate, 6-phosphogluconate, creatine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and several amino acids such as leucine, glycine, alanine, lysine, aspartate, phenylalanine and tyrosine. These results were validated by an independent cohort of T2D and control patients. An analysis of the pathways in which these metabolites were involved showed that energetic and redox metabolism in RBCs were altered in T2D, as well as metabolites transported by RBCs. Taken together, our results revealed that the metabolic profile of RBCs can discriminate healthy controls from T2D patients. Further research is needed to determine whether metabolic fingerprint in RBC could be useful to complement the information obtained from HbA1c and glycemic variability as well as its potential role in the diabetes management.

Serum carotenoid concentrations and their association with ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes within the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study

OBJECTIVE

Studies have reported an inverse association between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but data on high-risk ethnic minority groups is limited. We investigated whether serum carotenoids, as biomarkers for fruit and vegetable intake, mediate ethnic differences in the prevalence of T2D.

DESIGN

Age-adjusted serum carotenoid concentrations were compared using ANCOVA. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using Cox regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95 % CI of the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and T2D. To study whether serum carotenoids potentially mediate the differences in the prevalence of T2D across ethnic groups, we compared PR of the model including known risk factors and the model additionally adjusted for serum carotenoid concentrations using the Dutch group as reference.

SETTING

A study among six ethnic groups living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Data on 204 Dutch, 203 South Asian Surinamese, 204 African Surinamese, 203 Turkish and 200 Moroccan-origin participants from the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study were used.

RESULTS

Serum carotenoid concentrations differed across ethnic groups. After adjusting for confounders, the serum concentrations of total carotenoids (PR 0·67, 95 % CI 0·54, 0·84), α-carotene (PR 0·57, 95 % CI 0·42, 0·77), β-carotene (PR 0·45, 95 % CI 0·32, 0·63) and β-cryptoxanthin (PR 0·73, 95 % CI 0·58, 0·92) were inversely associated with T2D. Despite the associations, serum carotenoids did not mediate the ethnic differences in the prevalence of T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited contribution of serum carotenoids to ethnic differences in T2D suggests that a focus on increasing fruit and vegetable intake alone will not likely eliminate ethnic differences in T2D prevalence.

Hericium Erinaceus Prevents DEHP-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in PC12 Cells

Hericium Erinaceus (HE) is a medicinal plant known to possess anticarcinogenic, antibiotic, and antioxidant activities. It has been shown to have a protective effect against ischemia-injury-induced neuronal cell death in rats. As an extending study, here we examined in pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells, whether HE could exert a protective effect against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer known to cause neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that pretreatment with HE significantly attenuated DEHP induced cell death. This protective effect may be attributed to its ability to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, preserving the activity of respiratory complexes and stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, HE pretreatment significantly modulated Nrf2 and Nrf2-dependent vitagenes expression, preventing the increase of pro-apoptotic and the decrease of anti-apoptotic markers. Collectively, our data provide evidence of new preventive nutritional strategy using HE against DEHP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential pyridine nucleotide that is present in all living cells. NAD+ acts as an important cofactor and substrate for a multitude of biological processes including energy production, DNA repair, gene expression, calcium-dependent secondary messenger signalling and immunoregulatory roles. The de novo synthesis of NAD+ is primarily dependent on the kynurenine pathway (KP), although NAD+ can also be recycled from nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide riboside (NR). NAD+ levels have been reported to decline during ageing and age-related diseases. Recent studies have shown that raising intracellular NAD+ levels represents a promising therapeutic strategy for age-associated degenerative diseases in general and to extend lifespan in small animal models. A systematic review of the literature available on Medline, Embase and Pubmed was undertaken to evaluate the potential health and/or longevity benefits due to increasing NAD+ levels. A total of 1545 articles were identified and 147 articles (113 preclinical and 34 clinical) met criteria for inclusion. Most studies indicated that the NAD+ precursors NAM, NR, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and to a lesser extent NAD+ and NADH had a favourable outcome on several age-related disorders associated with the accumulation of chronic oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired mitochondrial function. While these compounds presented with a limited acute toxicity profile, evidence is still quite limited and long-term human clinical trials are still nascent in the current literature. Potential risks in raising NAD+ levels in various clinical disorders using NAD+ precursors include the accumulation of putative toxic metabolites, tumorigenesis and promotion of cellular senescence. Therefore, NAD+ metabolism represents a promising target and further studies are needed to recapitulate the preclinical benefits in human clinical trials.

Coptisine ameliorates renal injury in diabetic rats through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway

The present study has been designed and carried out to evaluate the potential of coptisine on diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes was induced in SD rats through one single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) method, and then diabetic rats were orally administered with 25 mg/kg/day coptisine or 50 mg/kg/day coptisine for 8 weeks. Severe impairment of renal function in rats with diabetes was observed as indicated by increased urine protein excretion, kidney hypertrophy index, serum creatinine level, and blood urea nitrogen level. Oxidative stress damage was observed as indicated by increased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and decreased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. However, these alterations in kidneys of rats with diabetes were alleviated by administration of coptisine. Furthermore, the expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its targeted antioxidative genes heme oxygenase 1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 in the diabetic kidneys were significantly increased after coptisine treatment. These results suggested that coptisine ameliorated oxidative renal injury in diabetic rats, and the possible mechanisms for the renoprotective effects of coptisine may be related to activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Processed Meat Protein Promoted Inflammation and Hepatic Lipogenesis by Upregulating Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway in Glrx-Deficient Mice

Oxidative stress may play a critical role in the progression of liver disorders. Increasing interest has been given to the associations among diet, oxidative stress, gut-liver axis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we investigated the effects of processed meat proteins on biomarkers of lipid homeostasis, hepatic metabolism, antioxidant functions, and gut microbiota composition in glutaredoxin1 deficient (Glrx1^-/-) mice. The wild-type (WT) and Glrx1^-/- mice were fed a soy protein diet (SPD), a dry-cured pork protein diet (DPD), a braised pork protein diet (BPD), and a cooked pork protein diet (CPD) at a dose of 20% of protein for 3 months. Serum and hepatic total cholesterol, serum endotoxin, hepatic liver droplet %, and antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in the CPD fed WT mice. In addition, CPD fed Glrx1^-/- mice significantly increased total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and pro-inflammatory cytokines which are accompanied by higher steatosis scores, intrahepatic lipid accumulation, and altered gene expression associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, hepatic gene expression of Nrf2/keap1 signaling pathway and its downstream signaling targets were determined using RT-qPCR. Glrx1 deficiency increased Nrf2 activity and expression of its target genes (GPx, catalase, SOD1, G6pd, and Bbc3), which was exacerbated by intake of CPD. Metagenomic analyses revealed that Glrx1^-/- mice fed meat protein diets had higher abundances of Mucispirillum, Oscillibacter, and Mollicutes but lower abundances of Bacteroidales S24-7 group_norank, Blautia, and Anaerotruncus than their wild-type counterparts. In summary, Glrx1 deficiency induced an increase in serum biomarkers for lipid homeostasis, gut microbiota imbalance, and upregulation of Nrf2/Keap1 and antioxidant defense genes, which was aggravated by cooked meat protein diet.

microRNA-200c regulates KLOTHO expression in human kidney cells under oxidative stress

KLOTHO deficiency is associated with the progression of kidney dysfunction, whereas its overexpression exerts renoprotective effects. Oxidative stress suppresses KLOTHO expression in renal epithelial cells but upregulates microRNA-200c (miR-200c) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated whether oxidative stress-induced miR-200c is implicated in KLOTHO downregulation in human renal tubular epithelium (HK-2) cells. HK-2 cells were stimulated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to examine the effect of oxidative stress. A luciferase reporter containing the KLOTHO 3′-UTR was used to investigate the effect of miR-200c on KLOTHO mRNA metabolism. The expressions of KLOTHO, oxidative stress markers, and miR-200c were determined in human kidney biopsy specimens. H₂O₂ suppressed KLOTHO expression without a reduction in KLOTHO mRNA levels but upregulated miR-200c expression. Similarly, transfection of a miR-200c mimic reduced KLOTHO levels and luciferase activity without a reduction in KLOTHO mRNA levels. In contrast, transfection of a miR-200c inhibitor maintained KLOTHO expression. Immunofluorescent assay revealed KLOTHO was present in the cytosol and nuclei of HK-2 cells. In human kidney biopsies, KLOTHO expression was inversely correlated with levels of oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine: ρ = −0.38, P = 0.026; 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal: ρ = −0.35, P = 0.038) and miR-200c (ρ = −0.34, P = 0.043). Oxidative stress-induced miR-200c binds to the KLOTHO mRNA 3′-UTR, resulting in reduced KLOTHO expression.

Ingestion of resistant starch by mice markedly increases microbiome-derived metabolites

Recent research has shown significant health benefits deriving from high-dietary fiber or microbiome-accessible carbohydrate consumption. Compared with native starch (NS), dietary resistant starch (RS) is a high microbiome-accessible carbohydrate that significantly alters the gut microbiome. The aim of this study was to determine the systemic metabolic effects of high microbiome-accessible carbohydrate. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 2 groups and fed either NS or RS for 18 wk (n = 20/group). Metabolomic analyses revealed that plasma levels of numerous metabolites were significantly different between the RS-fed and NS-fed mice, many of which are microbiome-derived. Most strikingly, we observed a 22-fold increase in gut microbiome-derived tryptophan metabolite indole-3-propionate (IPA), which was positively correlated with several gut microbiota, including Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Lachnospiraceae, with Allobaculum having the most consistently increased abundance of all the IPA-associated taxa across all RS-fed mice. In addition, major changes were observed for metabolites solely or primarily metabolized in the gut (e.g., trimethylamine-N-oxide), metabolites that have a significant entero-hepatic circulation (i.e., bile acids), lipid metabolites (e.g., cholesterol sulfate), metabolites indicating increased energy turnover (e.g., tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and ketone bodies), and increased antioxidants such as reduced glutathione. Our findings reveal potentially novel mediators of high microbiome-accessible carbohydrate-derived health benefits.-Koay,Y. C., Wali. J. A., Luk, A. W. S., Macia, L., Cogger, V. C., Pulpitel, T. J., Wahl, D., Solon-Biet, S. M., Holmes, A., Simpson, S. J., O'Sullivan, J. F. Ingestion of resistant starch by mice markedly increases microbiome-derived metabolites.

Overview and recent advances in electrochemical sensing of glutathione - A review

The present paper is aimed at providing an overview of the recent advances in the electrochemical sensing of glutathione (GSH), an important electrochemically and biologically active molecule, for the period 2012-2018. Herein, the analytical performances of newly developed electrochemical methods, procedures and protocols for GSH sensing are comprehensively and critically discussed with respect to the type of method, electrodes used (new electrode modifications, advanced materials and formats), sample matrices, and basic validation parameters obtained (limit of detection, linear dynamic range, precision, selectivity/evaluation of interferences). This paper considers electrochemical methods used alone as well as the hyphenated methods with electrochemical detection (ECD), such as HPLC-ECD or CE-ECD. The practical applicability of the platforms developed for GSH detection and quantification is mostly focused on pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. The most significant electrochemical approaches for GSH detection in multicomponent analyte samples and multicomponent matrices and for real-time in vivo GSH analysis are highlighted. The great variability in the electrochemical techniques, electrode approaches, and obtainable performance parameters, discussed in this review, brought new insights not only on current GSH and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) determinations, but, along with this, on the advances in electrochemical analysis from a more general point of view.