FoxO1-mediated autophagy plays an important role in the neuroprotective effects of hydrogen in a rat model of vascular dementia

Potential application of natural compounds in ischaemic stroke: Focusing on the mechanisms underlying "lysosomocentric" dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway

Ischaemic stroke (IS) is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Currently, the clinical management of IS still depends on restoring blood flow via pharmacological thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy, with accompanying disadvantages of narrow therapeutic time window and risk of haemorrhagic transformation. Thus, novel pathophysiological mechanisms and targeted therapeutic candidates are urgently needed. The autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), as a dynamic cellular lysosome-based degradative process, has been comprehensively studied in recent decades, including its upstream regulatory mechanisms and its role in mediating neuronal fate after IS. Importantly, increasing evidence has shown that IS can lead to lysosomal dysfunction, such as lysosomal membrane permeabilization, impaired lysosomal acidity, lysosomal storage disorder, and dysfunctional lysosomal ion homeostasis, which are involved in the IS-mediated defects in ALP function. There is tightly regulated crosstalk between transcription factor EB (TFEB), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and lysosomal function, but their relationship remains to be systematically summarized. Notably, a growing body of evidence emphasizes the benefits of naturally derived compounds in the treatment of IS via modulation of ALP function. However, little is known about the roles of natural compounds as modulators of lysosomes in the treatment of IS. Therefore, in this context, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying IS-mediated ALP dysfunction, from a lysosomal perspective. We also provide an update on the effect of natural compounds on IS, according to their chemical structural types, in different experimental stroke models, cerebral regions and cell types, with a primary focus on lysosomes and autophagy initiation. This review aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of natural compounds that target lysosomal and ALP function for IS treatment.

FoxO1 silencing in Atp7b-/- neural stem cells attenuates high copper-induced apoptosis via regulation of autophagy

Wilson disease (WD) is a severely autosomal genetic disorder triggered by dysregulated copper metabolism. Autophagy and apoptosis share common modulators that process cellular death. Emerging evidences suggest that Forkhead Box O1 over-expression (FoxO1-OE) aggravates abnormal autophagy and apoptosis to induce neuronal injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. Herein, the aim of this study was to investigate how regulating FoxO1 affects cellular autophagy and apoptosis to attenuate neuronal injury in a well-established WD cell model, the high concentration copper sulfate (CuSO4, HC)-triggered Atp7b-/- (Knockout, KO) neural stem cell (NSC) lines. The FoxO1-OE plasmid, or siRNA-FoxO1 (siFoxO1) plasmid, or empty vector plasmid was stably transfected with recombinant lentiviral vectors into HC-induced Atp7b-/- NSCs. Toxic effects of excess deposited copper on wild-type (WT), Atp7b-/- WD mouse hippocampal NSCs were tested by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Subsequently, the FoxO1 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay, western blot (WB) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Meanwhile, the cell autophagy and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry (FC), TUNEL staining, 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), JC-1, WB, and qRT-PCR. The current study demonstrated a strong rise in FoxO1 levels in HC-treated Atp7b-/- NSCs, accompanied with dysregulated autophagy and hyperactive apoptosis. Also, it was observed that cell viability was significantly decreased with the over-expressed FoxO1 in HC-treated Atp7b-/- WD model. As intended, silencing FoxO1 effectively inhibited abnormal autophagy in HC-treated Atp7b-/- NSCs, as depicted by a decline in LC3II/I, Beclin-1, ATG3, ATG7, ATG13, and ATG16, whereas simultaneously increasing P62. In addition, silencing FoxO1 suppressed apoptosis via diminishing oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial dysfunction in HC-induced Atp7b-/- NSCs. Collectively, these results clearly demonstrate the silencing FoxO1 has the neuroprotective role of suppressing aberrant cellular autophagy and apoptosis, which efficiently attenuates neuronal injury in WD.

Identification of toll-like receptor 2 as a key regulator of neuronal apoptosis in vascular dementia by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Vascular dementia (VaD), the second most prevalent type of dementia, lacks a well-defined cause and effective treatment. Our objective was to utilize bioinformatics analysis to discover the fundamental disease-causing genes and pathological mechanisms in individuals diagnosed with VaD.

METHODS

To identify potential pathogenic genes associated with VaD, we conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The exploration of potential biological mechanisms involved the utilization of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Moreover, a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model of VaD was established, and the expression of the hub gene, its relationship with cognitive function and its potential pathogenic mechanism were verified by cognitive behavior tests, cerebral blood flow measurement, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence experiments.

RESULTS

This study identified 293 DEGs from the brain cortex of VaD patients and healthy controls, among these genes, the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene was identified as hub gene, and it was associated with the apoptosis-related pathway PI3K/AKT.The BCAS model demonstrated that the use of TLR2 inhibitors greatly enhanced the cognitive function of the mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the brain cortex of the mice (p < 0.01). Moreover, significant alterations in the levels of proteins related to the PI3K/AKT pathway and cleaved-caspase3 proteins were detected (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TLR2 plays a role in the pathophysiology of VaD by enhancing the neuronal apoptotic pathway, suggesting it could be a promising therapeutic target.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Priming: Potential Benefits of Administration of Molecular Hydrogen

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising avenue for regenerative medicine, offering the potential to treat a wide range of debilitating diseases and injuries. Among the various types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and therapeutic potential. In recent years, researchers have been exploring novel approaches to enhance the effectiveness of MSC-based therapies. One such approach that has gained traction is the priming of MSCs with molecular hydrogen (H2). This article delves into the fascinating world of mesenchymal stem cell priming with molecular hydrogen and the potential benefits it holds for regenerative medicine.

Molecular Hydrogen: Emerging Treatment for Stroke Management

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. However, only intravenous thrombolysis using mechanical thrombectomy or tissue plasminogen activator is considered an effective and approved treatment. Molecular hydrogen is an emerging therapeutic agent and has recently become a research focus. Molecular hydrogen is involved in antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic functions in normal physical processes and may play an important role in stroke management; it has been evaluated in numerous preclinical and clinical studies in several administration formats, including inhalation of hydrogen gas, intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of hydrogen-enriched solution, or drinking of hydrogen-enriched water. In addition to investigation of the underlying mechanisms, the safety and efficacy of using molecular hydrogen have been carefully evaluated, and favorable outcomes have been achieved. All available evidence indicates that molecular hydrogen may be a promising treatment option for stroke management in the future. This review aimed to provide an overview of the role of molecular hydrogen in the management of stroke and possible further modifications of treatment conditions and procedures in terms of dose, duration, and administration route.

Melatonin Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Inducing Autophagy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate how melatonin administration for 3 days or 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) injury would affect autophagy and, therefore, survival in neurons of the penumbra region. Moreover, it was also aimed at determining how this melatonin treatment would affect the neurological deficit score and rotarod and adhesive removal test durations.

METHODS

Focal CI (90 min) was achieved in a total of 105 rats utilizing a middle cerebral artery occlusion model. After the start of reperfusion, the groups were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days or 7 days. In all groups, neurological deficit scoring, rotarod, and adhesive removal tests were executed during reperfusion. Infarct areas were determined by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining at the end of the 3rd and 7th days of reperfusion. Beclin-1, LC3, p62, and caspase-3 protein levels were assessed using Western blot and immunofluorescence methods in the brain tissues. Moreover, penumbra areas were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

Following CI, it was observed that melatonin treatment improved the rotarod and adhesive removal test durations from day 5 and reduced the infarct area after CI. It also induced autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. According to TEM findings, melatonin treatment partially reduced the damage in neurons after CI.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin treatment following CI reduced the infarct area and induced the autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 by inhibiting the apoptotic caspase-3 protein. The functional reflection of melatonin treatment on neurological test scores was became significant from the 5th day onward.

The Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise Regulating the PI3K/Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway Intervenes in Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis in Vascular Dementia Rats

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanism of aerobic exercise regulating autophagy through the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and its participation in apoptosis, to protect the hippocampal nerves from damage in vascular dementia rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, and a model exercise group. A neurobehavioral assessment was used to determine the memory and exploration abilities of the rats. A TUNEL assay was used to detect hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were used to analyze LC3Ⅱ and the beclin-1 protein. An RT-PCR detected the differential expression of mRNA.

RESULTS

The results of the neurobehavioral tests showed that the platform latency time of the rats with vascular dementia was prolonged. Aerobic exercise significantly shortens the swimming time of rats in platform latency. The TUNEL results showed that the TUNEL-positive cells of the hippocampal neurons in the model group increased; the expression of pro-apoptotic genes caspase-3 and Bax mRNA was up-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA was down-regulated. Aerobic exercise reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, up-regulated Bcl-2 mRNA, and down-regulated caspase-3 and Bax mRNA. The LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 proteins, detected by immunohistochemistry and a Western blot analysis, showed that the protein expression in the hippocampi of rats with vascular dementia increased. Aerobic exercise reduced LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 protein expression. The results of the RT-PCR showed similar changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic exercise could improve the learning and memory abilities of vascular dementia rats, moderately regulate the process of autophagy, reduce the TUNEL-positive cells of hippocampal neurons, repair damaged hippocampal neurons by regulating the autophagy signaling pathway PI3K/Akt-mTOR, and improve hippocampal function.

Effect of water diuresis with hydrogen saturation on the course of acute kidney damage during the separation of oxidation and phosphorylation

Molecular hydrogen has the ability to penetrate cells, easily reach mitochondria, overcome body barriers, penetrate areas of ischemia, edema and inflammation, improve energy supply by supplying additional electrons and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by neutralizing highly reactive hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite. In this experiment, we included 60 nonlinear male rats weighing 0.16-0.18 kg and investigated the effect of a negative redox potential solution -297.3±5.27 mV with a molecular hydrogen saturation of 1.2 ppm on the functional-biochemical processes of the kidneys in tissue hypoxia in moderately resistant rats during the separation of oxidation and phosphorylation with the introduction of 2,4-dinitrophenol at a dose of 3 mg/kg. All studies were performed on moderately stable rats. Experimental, functional, biochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, physicochemical, histoenzymochemical, and statistical research methods were used. Under conditions of renal hypoxia in the separation of oxidation and phosphorylation, the use of a solution of negative redox reabsorption of sodium ions in the distal nephron reduces the manifestations of tubular proteinuria, increases the activity of succinate dehydrogenase in the proximal nephron and reduces the redox potential of urine to negative values. Negative redox potential solution with molecular hydrogen saturation has a protective effect on the kidneys and reduces elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1-β, and interleukin-6 in blood plasma, and causes oxidative modification of proteins in the renal cortex for their hypoxia in the separation of oxidation and phosphorylation.

Hydrogen helps to ameliorate Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in mice

Many studies have shown that hydrogen has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Because of its ability to quickly pass through cell membranes, hydrogen has become a hot spot in the research of inflammatory diseases. Vitamin E glycerin (VEG) and hydrogen-rich Vitamin E glycerin (HR-VEG) were prepared, aiming to explore their anti-inflammatory activities in mice mastitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In the early part of this study, the prepared vitamin E medium (VEM) and hydrogen-rich vitamin E medium (HR-VEM) were added to mammary epithelial cells infected with S. aureus. HR-VEM was found to be more effective in reducing the phosphorylation of p65 and p38 and in reducing the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) than VEM. Whereafter, the mice model of mastitis was established by injecting S. aureus from the mammary duct. Then VEG and HR-VEG were applied to the mammary gland for seven consecutive days. After that, the clinical symptoms, histopathology, bacterial load, inflammatory factors, as well as the related pathway were analyzed. The results showed that HR-VEG can more significantly alleviate the damage of mammary tissue than VEG, and reduce the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β and interleukin 6 (IL-6). In addition, HR-VEG inhibited the TLR2 and Nod2 signaling pathways and reduced the phosphorylation level of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in S. aureus-induced murine mastitis. This study indicates that hydrogen helps to ameliorate S. aureus-induced mastitis in mice through attenuating TLR2 and Nod2 mediated NF-κB and MAPK activation.

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrogen/oxygen inhalation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide with increasing incidence consistent with obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. No approved medication was currently available for NAFLD treatment. Molecular hydrogen (H₂), an anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory biomedical agent is proved to exhibit therapeutic and preventive effect in various diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen/oxygen inhalation on NAFLD subjects and explore the mechanism from the perspective of hepatocyte autophagy. We conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of 13‐week hydrogen/oxygen inhalation (China Clinical Trial Registry [#ChiCTR‐IIR‐16009114]) including 43 subjects. We found that inhalation of hydrogen/oxygen improved serum lipid and liver enzymes. Significantly improved liver fat content detected by ultrasound and CT scans after hydrogen/oxygen inhalation was observed in moderate–severe cases. We also performed an animal experiment based on methionine and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet‐induced mice model to investigate effect of hydrogen on mouse NASH. Hydrogen/oxygen inhalation improved systemic inflammation and liver histology. Promoted autophagy was observed in mice inhaled hydrogen/oxygen and treatment with chloroquine blocked the beneficial effect of hydrogen. Moreover, molecular hydrogen inhibited lipid accumulation in AML‐12 cells. Autophagy induced by palmitic acid (PA) incubation was further promoted by 20% hydrogen incubation. Addition of 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) partially blocked the inhibitory effect of hydrogen on intracellular lipid accumulation. Collectively, hydrogen/oxygen inhalation alleviated NAFLD in moderate–severe patients. This protective effect of hydrogen was possibly by activating hepatic autophagy.

Hydrogen-Rich Medium Regulates Cr(VI)-Induced ER Stress and Autophagy Signaling in DF-1 Cells

Related studies have shown that chromium (Cr) is toxic to cells, and hydrogen can protect cells by regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. However, there are few reports on the protective effects of hydrogen on heavy metal-induced cell damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the protection of hydrogen-rich medium (HRM) on Cr(VI)-induced ER stress and autophagy in DF-1 cells. Therefore, HRM were pretreated for 30 min before Cr(VI) treatment, and detected the autophagy and ER stress-related indicators to determine the role of HRM. The results showed that HRM could reduce the cell damage caused by Cr(VI), and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could protect cells by inhibiting over autophagy. HRM can reverse the changes of ER stress- and autophagy-related indexes caused by Cr(VI), and inhibit the excessive autophagy caused by Cr(VI). In conclusion, HRM can protect cells from damage induced by Cr(VI), and play a role by inhibiting ER stress-mediated autophagy.

Echinacoside alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by activating FOXO1-mediated autophagy

The current study aimed to examine the effects of echinacoside on cognitive impairment in mice after exposure to sevoflurane. To examine the role of FOXO1, si-FOXO1 and si-con were injected into the hippocampus through the left lateral cerebral ventricles. Sevoflurane-induced mice had serious cognitive dysfunction. However, pretreatment with echinacoside alleviated the cognitive dysfunction, as measured by a shortened escape latency time, and increased platform crossing times, the percentage of distance in the target quadrant and Y-maze spontaneous alternations. In addition, we found that echinacoside elevated FOXO1 expression in the hippocampus, increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins including Beclin 1, ATG5, ATG7 and LC3, and reduced P62 expression. Silencing of FOXO1 aggravated the cognitive deficits and reduced expression of the autophagy-related markers, while the effects of si-FOXO1 on memory were abrogated by echinacoside. Echinacoside attenuated the cognitive impairment in sevoflurane-induced mice through FOXO1-mediated autophagy.

Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Ageing and Ageing-Related Diseases

Ageing is a physiological process of progressive decline in the organism function over time. It affects every organ in the body and is a significant risk for chronic diseases. Molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various organs. It has antioxidative properties as it directly neutralizes hydroxyl radicals and reduces peroxynitrite level. It also activates Nrf2 and HO-1, which regulate many antioxidant enzymes and proteasomes. Through its antioxidative effect, hydrogen maintains genomic stability, mitigates cellular senescence, and takes part in histone modification, telomere maintenance, and proteostasis. In addition, hydrogen may prevent inflammation and regulate the nutrient-sensing mTOR system, autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria, which are all factors related to ageing. Hydrogen can also be used for prevention and treatment of various ageing-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cancer. This paper reviews the basic research and recent application of hydrogen in order to support hydrogen use in medicine for ageing prevention and ageing-related disease therapy.

Pantao Pill Improves the Learning and Memory Abilities of APP/PS1 Mice by Multiple Mechanisms

Background: To explore the effect and mechanisms of Pantao Pill (PTP) on cognitive impairment. Methods: Network pharmacology was performed to analyze the mechanism of PTP treating cognitive impairment. The targets of PTP and cognitive impairment were predicted and used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The intersection network was selected, and the core network was obtained through topological analysis. Enrichment analysis was conducted to obtain the GOBP terms and KEGG pathways. We then performed experiments to validate the results of the network pharmacology by using an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. The APP/PS1 mice were divided into four groups: the model group, the high-dose PTP (3.6 g/kg·d) group, the low-dose PTP (1.8 g/kg·d) group, and the positive control group (donepezil hydrochloride, 2 mg/kg·d). Wild-type (WT) C57 mice served as a normal control group. PTP and donepezil were administered by gavage for 8 weeks. Results: Network pharmacology showed that PTP might improve cognitive impairment by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. For the Morris water maze test, a significant difference was shown in the total swimming distance among groups (p < 0.05) in the positioning navigation experiment, and with training time extension, the swimming speed increased (p < 0.01). In the space probe test, PTP administration significantly reduced the swimming path length and the escape latency of APP/PS1 mice (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), whereas it had no effect on the swimming speed (p > 0.05). PTP (3.6 g/kg/d) rescued the reduction of norepinephrine and acetylcholine levels (p < 0.05), and increased the acetylcholinesterase concentration (p < 0.05) in the brain tissue. PTP (1.8 g/kg/d) increased the norepinephrine level (p < 0.01). PTP rescued the activity reduction of superoxide dismutase in the brain tissue (p < 0.01) and the neuron cell pyknosis in the hippocampal CA region (p < 0.05). PTP reduced ATG12 and PS1 expression (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and increased Bcl-2 expression in the brain tissue (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PTP can significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, and the mechanism may be related to the increase of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels, the reduction of the excessive autophagic activation, and the suppression of oxidative stress and excessive apoptotic activity.

DL-3-n-butylphthalide suppressed autophagy and promoted angiogenesis in rats with vascular dementia by activating the Shh/Ptch1 signaling pathway

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has neuroprotective effect on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion animals. Here, we explored the role and underlying mechanism of NBP on autophagy and angiogenesis in rats with vascular dementia (VD). Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2VO) to establish VD model. These rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, model, NBP₁₂₀ (120 mg/kg), Shh siRNA (50 nM), and NBP₁₂₀ + Shh siRNA groups. Our results showed that NBP treatment attenuated memory damage in rats with VD, as demonstrated by Morris water maze tests. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay revealed that NBP induced neuronal process length and neuronal activity in hippocampus, which were reversed by Shh silencing. Furthermore, NBP treatment also reduced the expression of autophagy marker proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 interacting protein 1 (Beclin 1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), which were further enhanced by Shh silencing. Meanwhile, NBP promoted the angiogenesis, which was accompanied by upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, and Angiopoietin (Ang) expression in the hippocampus. And Shh siRNA co-treatment blocked the angiogenesis induced by NBP. Altogether, our results established that NBP treatment suppressed autophagy and improved angiogenesis and neurobehavioral recovery in VD rats partly by activating the Shh/Ptch1 signaling pathway.

Uncovering the mechanism of the Shenzhi Jiannao formula against vascular dementia using a combined network pharmacology approach and molecular biology

BACKGROUND

Shenzhi Jiannao formula (SZJNF) is a herbal prescription which is used for detoxification, dredging collaterals, and activating blood circulation and Qi flow in traditional Chinese medicine. SZJNF is a clinical effective prescription for the treatment of vascular dementia (VD) first formulated based on the classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine, but its anti-VD mechanism remains ambiguous.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the multi-target mechanisms of SZJNF against VD using a network pharmacology approach and verify its effects through biological experiments.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We utilized network pharmacology-based prediction and molecular docking techniques to uncover the potential micro-mechanism of SZJNF against VD. We identified active components and potential targets, and performed network analysis, functional annotation, and pathway enrichment analysis. Subsequently, glutamate-induced PC12 cells and VD rats were used to verify the molecular mechanisms of SZJNF.

RESULTS

Seventeen active compounds were identified in SZJNF rat plasma; moreover, 773 predicted targets and 1544 VD-related targets were found. Various networks, including the PPI, herb-compound-target, and compound-target-pathway network were constructed. A total of 188 shared targets were identified by network topological analysis, which were closely associated to the anti-VD effects of SZJNF. They were also enriched in various biological processes through hypoxia reaction, promotion of cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and calcium signaling pathway, as evaluated by the analysis of advanced functions and pathways. SZJNF components docked well with the key targets. Treatment with SZJNF promoted cell proliferation, ameliorated apoptosis and oxidative stress injury, and improved neurological and cognitive abilities.

CONCLUSION

This study comprehensively demonstrated the multi-target mechanisms of SZJNF in VD using network pharmacology and molecular biology experiments. This provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and for the development of SZJNF as a potential treatment for patients with VD.

Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate-I Inhibits Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis by Activating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Vascular Dementia Mice

INTRODUCTION

Vascular dementia (VaD), one of the brain injuries, is difficult to be cured, so it is important to take active neuroprotective treatment after its occurrence. Many studies have shown that apoptosis serves an important role in VaD occurrence; therefore, inhibition of apoptosis may contribute to the recovery of neurological function after VaD occurrence. Cerebroprotein hydrolysate-I (CH-I), a neuropeptide preparation which consists of several amino acids and small molecular peptides as the main active constituent, is extracted using a method similar to cerebrolysin (CBL) which has neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects.

METHODS

In the present study, a VaD model which was constructed using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in Kunming mice was applied to examine the neuroprotective effects of CH-I.

RESULTS

The results show that CH-I treatment could attenuate the decrease of learning and memory ability, cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and inhibit the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in VaD mice. Furthermore, CH-I treatment could also upregulate Bcl-2 protein levels and activate PI3K and Akt.

DISCUSSION

We speculate that CH-I may induce a neuroprotective effect activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in VaD mice.

Dimethyl fumarate improves cognitive deficits in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats by alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis via NRF2/ARE/NF-κB signal pathway

Cerebrovascular disease and its risk factors cause persistent decrease of cerebral blood flow, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is the major foundation of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The hippocampus is extremely vulnerable to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation injury are important pathophysiological mechanisms of this process, which is closely related to hippocampal neurons damage and loss. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an FDA-approved therapeutic for multiple sclerosis (MS), plays a protective role in multiple neurological disorders. Studies have shown that DMF exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via the NRF2/ARE/NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of DMF in the CCH rat model. Ferroptosis, a novel defined iron-dependent cell death form, were found to be strongly associated with the pathophysiology of CCH. Emerging evidences have shown that inhibition of ferroptosis by targeting NRF2 exerted neuroprotective effect in neurodegeneration diseases. We also investigated whether DMF can alleviate cognitive deficits through inhibition of ferroptosis by the NRF2 signaling pathway in this study. DMF was intragastric for consecutive five weeks (100 mg/kg/day). Then behavior test and histological, molecular, and biochemical analysis were performed. We found that DMF treatment significantly improved cognitive deficits and partially reversed hippocampus neuronal damage and loss caused by CCH. And DMF treatment decreased hippocampus IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines concentration, and mediated the NF-κB signaling pathway. And DMF also alleviated hippocampus oxidative stress through reducing MDA, and increasing GSH and SOD levels, which are also closely associated with ferroptosis. Besides, DMF treatment reduced the expression of PTGS2, and increased the expression of FTH1 and xCT, and the iron content is also reduced, which were the important features related to ferroptosis. Furthermore, DMF activated the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of HO-1, NQO1 and GPX4. These outcomes indicated that DMF can improve cognitive impairment in rats with CCH, possibly through alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress damage and inhibiting ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons. Overall, our results provide new evidence for the neuroprotective role of DMF.

Ginkgolide B Alleviates Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats With Vascular Dementia by Reducing Neuroinflammation via Regulating NF-κB Pathway

Ginkgobalide B (GB) as the main active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine Ginkgo biloba extract is reported to reduce neuroinflammation, protect neurons and promote cognitive learning ability. To explore that GB can reduce neuroinflammation through regulating nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and overcome cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD), we aim at investigating the potential effect of GB on enhancing cognitive function in rats with VD. It was found that GB improved survival of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) treated SH-SY5Y cells by attenuating inflammatory response via Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway. When rats were treated with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 24 h, saline and GB were administered in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats via a single intraperitoneal injection for consecutive 14 days. The behavioral changes of VD like rats treated with GB were observed through open field test, Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze electric maze. Nissl staining and immunofluorescence were used to observe changes of neurons in the hippocampus of rats. Western blot analysis was performed by detecting NF-κB pathway related inflammatory factors. The results found that GB can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of VD rats by reducing TLR4/NF-κB mediated neuroinflammation. In conclusion, GB seemed to be a potential drug for amelioration of learning and memory impairment in rats with VD.

Hypoxic postconditioning-induced neuroprotection increases neuronal autophagy via activation of the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway in rats with global cerebral ischemia

Hypoxic postconditioning (HPC) has been reported to be a beneficial and promising treatment for global cerebral ischemia (GCI). However, its neuroprotective mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the protective effects of HPC in a rat model of GCI were due to the upregulation of autophagy via the silent information regulator transcript-1 (SIRT1)/Forkhead box protein 1 (FoxO1) pathway. Morris water maze test revealed that HPC attenuated cognitive damage in GCI rats. HPC also significantly increased the levels of the autophagy-related protein LC3-II, SIRT1 and FoxO1 compared with those in the GCI group. However, the HPC-induced LC3-II upregulation was blocked by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. These results suggested that the beneficial effects of HPC on GCI rats were due to the upregulation of ischemiainduced autophagy and involved the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Hydrogen-saturated saline mediated neuroprotection through autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in early and medium stages of rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease rats

Some cardiovascular symptoms in the early stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) were related to degeneration of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) catecholaminergic neurons. To date, little is known about the effects of hydrogen water on early stage of PD. Here, protective actions of hydrogen-saturated saline (HS) on rotenone-induced PD rats, as well as its underlying mechanisms were investigated. HS was used to treat PD rats at three general stages; early, medium and late, which were represented by rotenone induced rats for 0, 7 and 14 days. HS treatment significantly alleviated the cardiovascular and motor symptoms in rotenone-induced PD rats, improved the survival number of RVLM catecholaminergic neurons and nigral dopamine neurons only in early and medium stages of PD rats. Decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), transformation of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I/II and degradation of sequestosome 1 (p62) were detected, as well as increased expression level of autophagy related protein 5 (ATG5) and B-cell lymphoma-2 interacting protein 1 (Beclin-1) in the RVLM and substantia nigra (SN) after HS treatment in early and medium stages of PD rats. In addition, phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian rapamycin target protein (mTOR) decreased after HS treatment in early and medium stages of PD rats. The results suggested that HS treatment exerted beneficial effects in early and medium stages before motor impairments emerged but not in the late stage of rotenone-induced PD rats. It exerted neuroprotection with RVLM catecholaminergic neurons and nigral dopamine neurons, mediated in part by decreasing levels of ROS and α-Syn through increasing autophagy machinery which were partly via inhibiting PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway.

Rapamycin alleviates cognitive impairment in murine vascular dementia: The enhancement of mitophagy by PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis

There are no approved symptomatic treatments for vascular dementia (VaD). Rapamycin (RAPA) improves cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease rats. To explore whether RAPA improves cognitive impairment after VaD and its possible molecular mechanisms. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham (received sham-operation), VaD model (received permanent ligation of bilateral carotid arteries) and RAPA (7.5 mg/kg) treatment. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze test. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Mitophagy was assessed by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), ATP level, transmission electron microscope and mitophagy-associated proteins. Proteins were quantified by Western blot and immunofluorescence. BV2 cells were exposed to RAPA or/and MHY1485 (mTOR activator) to verify in vivo results. Compared to VaD rats, the escape latency of RAPA-treated rats was significantly decreased, and time spent in target quadrant was longer. Pathologic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, increase of neuronal apoptosis and related proteins in VaD rats were remarkably alleviated by RAPA. After RAPA treatment, an increase in number of autophagosomes was observed, along with up-regulation of mitophagy-related proteins. Overexpression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were suppressed by RAPA treatment. In vitro experiments confirmed effects of RAPA, and demonstrated that MHY1485 addition reversed the RAPA-caused apoptosis inhibition and mitophagy enhancement. Overall, RAPA improved the cognitive impairment of VaD rats, alleviated neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction. We proposed a potential mechanism that RAPA may play improving role by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and enhancing mitophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Findings provided an exciting possibility for novel treatment strategy of VaD.

Gastrodin ameliorates learning and memory impairment in rats with vascular dementia by promoting autophagy flux via inhibition of the Ca2+/CaMKII signal pathway

Vascular dementia (VD) is a common disease that occurs during human aging. Gastrodin (GAS) has potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of VD. In the present study, we investigated the effects of GAS on cognitive dysfunction in rats with VD induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and explored the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses revealed that GAS attenuated hippocampal levels of LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3), p62, and phosphorylated CaMKII (Ca²⁺-calmodulin stimulated protein kinase II) in VD rats. Additionally, our results revealed that cobalt chloride blocked autophagic flux in HT22 cells, which was confirmed by increased levels of LC3 and p62 when combined with chloroquine. Notably, GAS ameliorated the impaired autophagic flux. Furthermore, we confirmed that GAS combined with KN93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or CaMKII knockdown did not impact the reduced p62 levels when compared with GAS treatment alone. Furthermore, a co-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that endogenous p62 bound to CaMKII, as confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis after the immunoprecipitation of p62 from HT22 cells. These findings revealed that GAS attenuated autophagic flux dysfunction by inhibiting the Ca²⁺/CaMKII signaling pathway to ameliorate cognitive impairment in VD.

Neuroprotective Effects of Molecular Hydrogen: A Critical Review

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a physiologically inert gas. However, during the last 10 years, increasing evidence has revealed its biological functions under pathological conditions. More specifically, H2 has protective effects against a variety of diseases, particularly nervous system disorders, which include ischemia/reperfusion injury, traumatic injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive dysfunction induced by surgery and anesthesia, anxiety, and depression. In addition, H2 plays protective roles mainly through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, the regulation of autophagy, and preservation of mitochondrial function and the blood-brain barrier. Further, H2 is easy to use and has neuroprotective effects with no major side-effects, indicating that H2 administration is a potential therapeutic strategy in clinical settings. Here we summarize the H2 donors and their pharmacokinetics. Meanwhile, we review the effectiveness and safety of H2 in the treatment of various nervous system diseases based on preclinical and clinical studies, leading to the conclusion that H2 can be a simple and effective clinical therapy for CNS diseases such as ischemia-reperfusion brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and diseases characterized by cognitive dysfunction. The potential mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of H2 are also analyzed.

Hydrogen and therapeutic gases for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: potential neuroprotective adjuncts in translational research

Numerous studies have examined the potential use of therapeutic gases for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Hydrogen gas, a promising neuroprotective agent, has been a focus of study due to its potent antioxidative properties. In translational research into adult diseases, hydrogen has been shown to be neuroprotective in disorders such as cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury, and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Animal and human studies have verified the safety and feasibility of molecular hydrogen. However, despite extensive research on its efficacy in adults, only a few studies have investigated its application in pediatric and neonatal medicine. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is characterized by damage to neurons and other cells of the nervous system. One of the major contributing factors is excessive exposure to oxidative stress. Current research interest in HIE is shifting toward new neuroprotective agents, as single agents or as adjuncts to therapeutic hypothermia. Here, we review therapeutic gases, particularly hydrogen, and their potentials and limitations in the treatment of HIE in newborns. IMPACT: Translational animal models of neonatal HIE are a current focus of research into the therapeutic usefulness of various gases. Hydrogen ventilation as a single agent or in combination with therapeutic hypothermia shows short- and long-term neuroprotection in neonatal translational HIE models. The optimal target severity for therapeutic interventions should be well established to improve outcomes.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Associated with Effects of Molecular Hydrogen in Cardiovascular and Central Nervous Systems

The increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are important factors contributing to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Molecular hydrogen is recognized as an emerging therapeutic, and its positive effects in the treatment of pathologies have been documented in both experimental and clinical studies. The therapeutic potential of hydrogen is attributed to several major molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on the effects of hydrogen on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and summarizes current knowledge about its actions, including the regulation of redox and intracellular signaling, alterations in gene expressions, and modulation of cellular responses (e.g., autophagy, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling). We summarize the functions of hydrogen as a regulator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated redox signaling and the association of hydrogen with mitochondria as an important target of its therapeutic action. The antioxidant functions of hydrogen are closely associated with protein kinase signaling pathways, and we discuss possible roles of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, which are mediated through glycogen synthase kinase 3β and its involvement in the regulation of cellular apoptosis. Additionally, current knowledge about the role of molecular hydrogen in the modulation of autophagy and matrix metalloproteinases-mediated tissue remodeling, which are other responses to cellular stress, is summarized in this review.

Astaxanthin protects cognitive function of vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on cognition function, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in vascular dementia (VD) mice.

METHOD

VD mice model was established by left unilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (LUCCAO). Following LUCCAO, AST was intragastrically administered for 30 days. Object recognition test and morris water maze test were used to evaluate cognitive function. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the hippocampal neuron structure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and bicinchoninic acid kit were respectively adopted to measure IL-1β and IL-4 protein expression and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

RESULTS

AST improved the discrimination ability of VD mice. The escape latency and path length of VD mice treated with AST were dramatically reduced. Besides, AST 200 mg/kg enhanced crossing platform time and the number of times crossing the platform quadrant, and alleviated the morphological impairment in VD mice. Moreover, we found that AST inhibited IL-1β expression and MDA content, whereas promoted IL-4 expression and SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

AST could improve cognitive impairment and hippocampal neurons in VD mice, which may be related to suppression of inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Past Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Aggravates Cognitive Impairment in a Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via Neuroinflammation

Smoking is a risk factor for dementia. Cognitive function can be partially restored after quitting smoking, but still lower than never smoked group. The underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. The effects of smoking cessation combined with cerebral chronic hypoperfusion (CCH) on cognitive function have never been described. Here, we established a cigarette smoking cessation model, a CCH model, and a cigarette smoking cessation plus CCH model. We investigated cognitive function in these models and the mechanisms of the neuroinflammation, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific proteinase (caspase-1)/interleukin- 1β (IL-1β) pathway, and eucaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) /autophagy pathway. We used morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) test to evaluate cognitive function in rats. Nissl staining was performed to observe cell morphology in the hippocampal CA1 area. A neuroinflammatory marker (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of NLRP3/caspase-1/ IL-1β and eIF2α/autophagy pathway were evaluated by Western blot analysis. LC3 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. CCH can affect cognitive function by influencing neuroinflammation, NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway, and eIF2α/autophagy pathway. Past exposure to cigarette smoke can also affect cognitive function by influencing neuroinflammation and NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway, which may be induced by smoking and may not be alleviated after smoking cessation. Past exposure to cigarette smoke does not influence autophagy, which may be increased by smoking and then decrease to normal levels after smoking cessation. Past exposure to smoking can further aggravate cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in VaD animals: cognitive impairment induced by CCH via neuroinflammation, NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β, and eIF2α/autophagy pathway and cognitive impairment induced by past exposure to cigarette smoke via neuroinflammation and NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. The combined group had the worst cognitive impairment because of harmful reasons.

Osteoblast-derived lipocalin-2 regulated by miRNA-96-5p/Foxo1 advances the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Aim: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid peptides in plaques and vessel walls. This study proposed a hypothesis of an inhibitory role of miR-96-5p in AD via regulating Foxo1. Methods & methods: AD mouse models were established by injecting with 1% pentobarbital. Results: Knockdown of miR-96-5p in the presence of naringin was shown to reduce the expression of Foxo1 and contents of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, yet increase lipocalin-2 expression as well as hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde contents. Also, Foxo1-mediated lipocalin-2 inhibition attenuated AD. Conclusion: Our study shows downregulating miR-96-5p limited AD progression, highlighting miR-96-5p a potential therapeutic target in treating AD.

Estrogen Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in Vascular Dementia Rats by Suppressing Autophagy and Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Vascular dementia (VD) is a clinical syndrome of acquired cognitive dysfunction caused by various cerebrovascular factors. Estrogen is a steroid hormone involved in promoting neuronal survival and in regulating many signaling pathways. However, the mechanism by which it confers neuroprotective effects in VD remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of estrogen on neuronal injury and cognitive impairment in VD rats. Adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups (sham, model, estrogen early and estrogen later treatment) and received sham surgery or bilateral ovariectomy and permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (BCCAO). The early treatment group received daily intraperitoneal injections of 17β-estradiol (100 µg/kg/day) for 8 weeks starting the day after BCCAO. The later treatment group was administered the same starting 1 week after BCCAO. Learning and memory functions were assessed using the Morris water maze. Morphological changes within the hippocampal CA1 region were observed by hematoxylin/eosin staining and electron microscopy. Expression of proteins associated with autophagy and signaling were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. We found that estrogen significantly alleviated cognitive damage and neuronal injury and reduced the expression of Beclin1 and LC3B, indicating a suppression of autophagy. Moreover, estrogen enhanced expression of β-catenin and Cyclin D1, while reducing glycogen synthase kinase 3β, suggesting activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results indicate that estrogen ameliorates learning and memory deficiencies in VD rats, and that this neuroprotective effect may be explained by the suppression of autophagy and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Molecular hydrogen: current knowledge on mechanism in alleviating free radical damage and diseases

Ever since molecular hydrogen was first reported as a hydroxyl radical scavenger in 2007, the beneficial effect of hydrogen was documented in more than 170 disease models and human diseases including ischemia/reperfusion injury, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and cancer. All these pathological damages are concomitant with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) where molecular hydrogen has been widely demonstrated as a selective antioxidant. Although it is difficult to construe the molecular mechanism of hydrogen's biomedical effect, an increasing number of studies have been helping us draw the picture clearer with days passing by. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on systemic and cellular modulation by hydrogen treatment. We discussed the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects of hydrogen, as well as its protection on mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and balancing of the immune cell subtypes. We hope that this review will provide organized information that prompts further investigation for in-depth studies of hydrogen effect.

Iron dysregulation in vascular dementia: Focused on the AMPK/autophagy pathway

Recent researches suggested that iron dysregulation play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD). Iron deposition had been found in hippocampus in vascular dementia model in recent research. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of iron deposition and its neurotoxicity in vascular dementia was still unclear. Thus, our research was aimed at whether the neurotoxicity of iron was associated with autophagy regulation. We established a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model in the rat brain in order to mimic the vascular dementia using permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). The preparation of iron overloaded rats model by intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran. Following, we tested the learning and memory function of each group using Morris Water Maze. Consequently, we analyzed the iron content and iron transport related molecules (TFR1, DMT1) in hippocampus. Furthermore, we examined the effect of iron deposition on autophagy-related molecules including AMPK, Beclin1 and LC3 and the number of autophagosomes in hippocampus. Last, we tested the apoptosis of neurons in hippocampus. We found that iron deposition in hippocampus in model groups which accompanied the decline of learning and memory function. And the expression of TFR1 and DMT1 were up-regulated in model groups. Moreover, iron deposition up-regulated the expression of AMPK, Beclin1 and LC3 and increase the number of autophagosomes in hippocampus. And the expression of Bax was up-regulated and Bcl-2 was down-regulated in iron deposition groups. To sum up, our data suggested that iron deposition increased AMPK/autophagy pathway associated molecules in the hippocampus and promoted neuronal apoptosis, which might be a new pathogenesis in vascular dementia.

The FoxO-Autophagy Axis in Health and Disease

Autophagy controls cellular remodeling and quality control. Dysregulated autophagy has been implicated in several human diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Current evidence has revealed that FoxO (forkhead box class O) transcription factors have a multifaceted role in autophagy regulation and dysregulation. Nuclear FoxOs transactivate genes that control the formation of autophagosomes and their fusion with lysosomes. Independently of transactivation, cytosolic FoxO proteins induce autophagy by directly interacting with autophagy proteins. Autophagy is also controlled by FoxOs through epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, FoxO proteins can be degraded directly or indirectly by autophagy. Cutting-edge evidence is reviewed that the FoxO-autophagy axis plays a crucial role in health and disease.

Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorated LPS-induced acute lung injury via autophagy inhibition through the ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway in mice

IMPACT STATEMENT

Acute lung injury (ALI), a common complication of many serious health issues, such as serious infection, burns, and shock, is one of the most common critical illnesses in clinical practice with a high mortality rate of 30-40%. There are still short of effective prevention and treatment measures. Evidence is growing that hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) may be an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of ALI. However, the mechanisms involved in have not been clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the underling mechanisms by focusing on autophagy regulation. The results showed that HRS ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI in mice by inhibiting autophagy over-activation through ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway. HRS may be a new therapeutic strategy for ALI prevention and treatment in the future.

Ambiguous Effects of Autophagy Activation Following Hypoperfusion/Ischemia

Autophagy primarily works to counteract nutrient deprivation that is strongly engaged during starvation and hypoxia, which happens in hypoperfusion. Nonetheless, autophagy is slightly active even in baseline conditions, when it is useful to remove aged proteins and organelles. This is critical when the mitochondria and/or proteins are damaged by toxic stimuli. In the present review, we discuss to that extent the recruitment of autophagy is beneficial in counteracting brain hypoperfusion or, vice-versa, its overactivity may per se be detrimental for cell survival. While analyzing these opposite effects, it turns out that the autophagy activity is likely not to be simply good or bad for cell survival, but its role varies depending on the timing and amount of autophagy activation. This calls for the need for an appropriate autophagy tuning to guarantee a beneficial effect on cell survival. Therefore, the present article draws a theoretical pattern of autophagy activation, which is hypothesized to define the appropriate timing and intensity, which should mirrors the duration and severity of brain hypoperfusion. The need for a fine tuning of the autophagy activation may explain why confounding outcomes occur when autophagy is studied using a rather simplistic approach.