Protective effects of 6-Gingerol on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by high glucose via activation of PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Effect of Cerebralcare Granule® combined with memantine on Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In elderly people, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It has been shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on phytomedicines enhances the therapeutic effects of modern medicine when taken in conjunction with them. Modern medicine N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) antagonist memantine (Mm) are mainly used in the clinical treatment of AD. TCM Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) has long been an effective treatment for headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. In this study, we employ a blend of CG and Mm to address Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms and explore their impacts and underlying mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of our study was to observe the effects of CG combined with Memantine (Mm) on learning and memory impairment of AD mice induced by D-galactose and to explore the mechanism at work.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CG and Mm were combined to target multiple pathological processes involved in AD. For a thorough analysis, we performed various experiments such as behavioral detection, pathological detection, proteomic detection, and other experimental methods of detection.

RESULTS

It was found that the combination of CG and Mm was significantly effective for improving learning and memory in AD mice as well as brain pathology. The serum and hippocampal tissue of AD mice were significantly enhanced with catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased with this treatment. In AD mice, a combination of Mm and CG (CG + Mm) significantly increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), improved synaptic plasticity by restoring synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) expression in the hippocampus, enhanced Aβ phagocytosis of microglia in AD mice, and increased mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexes I, II, III, and IV, lead to an increase in the number of functionally active NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. Proteomic analysis GO analysis showed that the positive regulation gene H3BIV5 of G protein coupled receptor signal pathway and synaptic transmission was up-regulated, while the transsynaptic signal of postsynaptic membrane potential and regulation-related gene Q5NCT9 were down-regulated. Most proteins showed significant enriched signal transduction pathway profiles after CG + Mm treatment, based on the KEGG pathway database.

CONCLUSION

The data supported the idea that CG and Mm could be more effective in treating AD mice induced by D-galactose than Mm alone. We provided a basis for the clinical use of CG with Mm.

Natural supplements in antiphospholipid syndrome: A case for further study

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events and/or pregnancy complications in the presence of persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Although long-term anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists is considered standard of care, there is an unmet need for safe therapeutics as primary thromboprophylaxis or adjuncts to standard of care in APS. APS is driven by oxidative stress, procoagulant, proinflammatory and angiogenic pathways. For these reasons there has been an increased interest into the investigation of antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of natural supplements in APS. The objective of this review is to summarize the mechanistic, epidemiologic and clinical evidence behind the use of natural supplements in APS, with a specific focus on vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, gingerol, and isoquercetin. This review should serve as a compelling argument for the future study of natural supplements in APS.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Activates PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway to Improve Replicative Senescence in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Background

Endothelial cell senescence is one of the key mechanistic factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In terms of molecules, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (PI3K/Akt/eNOS) signaling plays an important role in the prevention and control of endothelial cell senescence, while hydrogen sulfide (H2S) improves the induced precocious senescence of endothelial cells through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Comparatively, replicative senescence in endothelial cells is more in line with the actual physiological changes of human aging. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which H2S improves endothelial cell replicative senescence and the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

Methods

we established a model of replicative senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explored the effect of 200 μmol/L sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; a donor of H2S) on senescence, which was determined by cell morphology, the expression level of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and the positive rate of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay to evaluate the effect of NaHS and the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Meanwhile, the protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and eNOS in endothelial cells of each group was detected by Western blot.

Results

the replicative senescence model was established in HUVECs at the passage of 16 cumulative cell population doubling values (CPDL). Treatment with NaHS not only significantly reduced the expression of PAI-1 and the positive rate of SA-β-Gal in HUVEC's replicative senescence model but also notably increased the expression of PI3K, p-Akt, p-eNOS, and the content of nitric oxide(NO). However, the effects of NaHS on the expression of the pathway and the content of NO in HUVECs were abolished when LY294002 specifically inhibited PI3K.

Conclusion

NaHS improves the replicative senescence of HUVECs with the contribution of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

Bioactive Compounds from the Zingiberaceae Family with Known Antioxidant Activities for Possible Therapeutic Uses

The Zingiberaceae family is a rich source of diverse bioactive phytochemicals. It comprises about 52 genera and 1300 species of aromatic flowering perennial herbs with characteristic creeping horizontal or tuberous rhizomes. Notable members of this family include ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), Javanese ginger (Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.), and Thai ginger (Alpinia galanga L.). This review focuses on two main classes of bioactive compounds: the gingerols (and their derivatives) and the curcuminoids. These compounds are known for their antioxidant activity against several maladies. We highlight the centrality of their antioxidant activities with notable biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. We also outline various strategies that have been applied to enhance these activities and make suggestions for research areas that require attention.

Effect of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor C on Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Induced by High d-Glucose in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker for cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia induces endothelial dysfunction, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Platelet-derived growth factor C stimulates angiogenesis and revascularization in ischemic tissues of diabetic mice and promotes the migration of progenitors and mature ECs to injury sites; however, the molecular mechanisms of its actions are not described yet. Here, we evaluated the effect of PDGF-C on oxidative stress induced by HG. Human aortic endothelial cells were grown in glucose concentrations ranging from 5 mmol/L to 35 mmol/L for 1 to 24 h. Treatment with 50 ng/mL PDGF-C was done for 1 to 3 h. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS were measured by fluorometry, and the expression of antioxidant enzymes was evaluated by Western blot. Nrf2 and Keap1 expression was assessed by real-time PCR. High glucose induced mitochondrial ROS production. PDGF-C diminished the oxidative stress induced by high glucose, increasing SOD2 expression and SOD activity, and modulating the Keap1 expression gene. These results give new evidence about the mitochondrial antioxidant effect that PDGF-C could exert on endothelial cells exposed to high glucose and its considerable role as a therapeutic target in diabetes.

Metformin attenuates high glucose-induced injury in islet microvascular endothelial cells

As one of the most frequently prescribed antidiabetic drugs, metformin can lower glucose levels, improve insulin resistance manage body weight. However, the effect of metformin on islet microcirculation remains unclear. In the present study, to explore the effect of metformin on islet endothelial cells and investigated the underlying mechanism, we assessed the effects of metformin on islet endothelial cell survival, proliferation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our results suggest that metformin stimulates the proliferation of pancreatic islet endothelial cells and inhibits the apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by high glucose levels. By activating farnesoid X receptor (FXR), metformin increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), improves the production of nitric oxide (NO) and decreases the production of ROS. After the inhibition of FXR or VEGF-A, all of the effects disappeared. Thus, metformin appears to regulate islet microvascular endothelial cell (IMEC) proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by activating the FXR/VEGF-A/eNOS pathway. These findings provide a new mechanism underlying the islet-protective effect of metformin.

Free Radicals and Actinobacteria as a Misexplored Goldmine of Antioxidant Compounds

Free radicals are highly reactive unstable molecules, which can be synthesized in different ways, considered harmful and threatening to humans; these chemical species have free traffic throughout the human body, interacting with biological molecules and human body organ tissues. The interaction between free radicals and biological molecules is the main factor for disease development or pre-existing disease symptoms aggravation. Antioxidants are chemical compounds able to donate electric charge to stabilize molecules such as free radicals. Recent studies have proved the benefits of antioxidants intake in health improvement. In this way, the search for natural sources of antioxidants has become an ascending trend. In this field, the microbial sources are considered poorly explored compared to the numerous amount of other compounds obtained from them, especially from Actinobacteria. The searched literature about Actinobacteria highlights an important capacity of producing natural antioxidants; however, there is a lack of in vivo studies of these isolated compounds. In this review, we gathered information that supports our point of view that Actinobacteria is a truly renewable and superficially explored source of natural antioxidants. Furthermore, our purpose is also to point this limitation and stimulate more researches in this area.

The Protective Effect of Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside on High Glucose-Induced Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway and Regulation of Bcl-2/Bax

Endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in the patho-genesis of diabetic vascular complications. 2,3,5,4'-tetra-hydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, has been shown to have strong antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of TSG on apoptosis induced by high glucose in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the possible mechanisms. Our data demonstrated that TSG significantly reversed the high glucose-induced decrease in cell viability, suppressed high glucose-induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of caspase-3, and decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that TSG not only increased the expression of Bcl-2, while decreasing Bax expression, but also activated phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with subsequent nitric oxide production and ultimately reduced high glucose-induced apoptosis. However, the antiapoptotic effects of TSG were abrogated by pretreatment of the cells with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or eNOS inhibitor NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, respectively. These results suggest that TSG inhibits high glucose-induced apoptosis in HUVECs through inhibition of ROS production, activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, and upregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and thus may demonstrate significant potential for preventing diabetic cardiovascular complications.

Vasculoprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and underlying molecular mechanisms

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a common and widely used spice. It is rich in various chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibers. Herein, we reviewed its effects on the vascular system. Studies utilizing cell cultures or animal models showed that ginger constituents alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, increase nitric oxide synthesis, suppress vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, promote cholesterol efflux from macrophages, inhibit angiogenesis, block voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and induce autophagy. In clinical trials, ginger was shown to have a favorable effect on serum lipids, inflammatory cytokines, blood pressure, and platelet aggregation. Taken together, these studies point to the potential benefits of ginger and its constituents in the treatment of hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial diseases, and other vascular diseases.

Study on Damage Mechanism and Repair of Vascular Endothelial Cells Based on Ultrasound Technology

OBJECTIVE

To detect the endothelial function of external iliac artery in rats with different stages of atherosclerosis by high-resolution ultrasound, so as to provide experimental methodological basis for evaluating the function of vascular endothelial cells by ultrasound.

METHODS

The animals were randomly divided into the control group (n = 6) and the atherosclerosis model group (n = 15). The atherosclerosis group was further divided into 4-week group, 8-week group, and 12-week group, with 5 animals in each group. After separating and grinding rat spleen, the obtained cells were cultured by density gradient centrifugation. After the cells adhered, the morphology of the cells was observed under a microscope and identified by DiI-Ac-LDL and FITC-UEA-I double staining. The activities of LDH and SOD, the contents of MDA and GSH, and the contents of NO in plasma were detected by biochemical methods.

RESULTS

The protective effect of rosanilin on brain injury in rats with acute hypobaric hypoxia and its regulation on the expression of pAkt protein; ox-LDL inhibited the proliferation activity of EPCs in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of KLF2 and S1PR1 in HAEC can be knocked down by small interfering RNA, and knocking down KLF2 can not only downregulate the expression of S1PR1 but also downregulate HAVEN. With the development of atherosclerosis, the endothelium-dependent relaxation function and endothelium-independent relaxation function of the control group and the atherosclerosis model at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were damaged in different degrees and gradually aggravated.

CONCLUSION

Atherosclerosis is a disease with both morphological and functional damage, and vascular endothelial function is damaged in the early stage with corresponding pathological changes. Ultrasound is an effective method to evaluate vascular endothelial function.

Hydrogen Sulfide Protects Against High Glucose-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Injury Through Activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway

Purpose

Dysfunction of endothelial cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic atherosclerosis. High glucose (HG) has been found as a key factor in the progression of diabetic complications, including atherosclerosis. PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway has been shown to involve in HG-induced vascular injuries. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been found to exhibit protective effects on HG-induced vascular injuries. Moreover, H₂S activates PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in endothelial cells. Thus, the present study aimed to determine if H₂S exerts protective effects against HG-induced injuries of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling.

Materials and Methods

The endothelial protective effects of H₂S were evaluated and compared to the controlled groups. Cell viability, cell migration and tube formation were determined by in vitro functional assays; protein levels were evaluated by Western blot assay and ELISA; cell apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining; Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by the ROS detection kit.

Results

HG treatment significantly inhibited PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling in HUVECs, which was partially reversed by the H2S treatment. HG treatment inhibited cell viability of HUVECs, which were markedly prevented by H₂S or PI3K agonist Y-P 740. HG treatment also induced HUVEC cell apoptosis by increasing the protein levels of cleaved caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2, which were significantly attenuated by H₂S or 740 Y-P. ROS production and gp91^phox protein level were increased by HG treatment in HUVECs and this effect can be blocked by the treatment with H₂S or Y-P 740. Moreover, HG treatment increased the protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, caspase-1 and phosphorylated JNK, which was significantly attenuated by H₂S or Y-P 740. Importantly, the cytoprotective effect of H₂S against HG-induced injury was inhibited by LY294002 (an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that exogenous H₂S protects endothelial cells against HG-induced injuries by activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Based on the above findings, we proposed that reduced endogenous H₂S levels and the subsequent PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling impairment may be the important pathophysiological mechanism underlying hyperglycemia-induced vascular injuries.

Role of EGFR/ErbB2 and PI3K/AKT/e-NOS in Lycium barbarum polysaccharides Ameliorating Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) are the major ingredients of wolfberry. In this study, we investigated the role of LBP in endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress and the underlying mechanisms using thoracic aortic endothelial cells of rat (RAECs) as a model. We found that Ang II inhibits cell viability of RAECs with 10-6mol/L of Ang II treatment for 24h most potential (P<0.05), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased by Ang II treatment (P<0.01), and the expression of Occludin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is decreased by Ang II treatment (P<0.05). However, preincubation of cells with LBP could inhibit the changes caused by Ang II, LBP increased cell viability (P<0.05), decreased the level of ROS (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of Occludin (P<0.05) and ZO-1. In addition, Ang II treatment increased the expression of EGFR and p-EGFR (Try1172) and which can be inhibited by LBP. On the contrary, expression of ErbB2, p-ErbB2 (Try1248), PI₃K, p-e-NOS (Ser1177) (P<0.05), and p-AKT (Ser473) (P<0.05) was inhibited by Ang II treatment and which can be increased by LBP. Treatment of the cells with inhibitors showed that the regulation of p-e-NOS and p-AKT expression by Ang II and LBP can be blocked by PI₃K inhibitor wortmannin but not EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitor AC480. Taken together, our results suggested that LBP plays a critical role in maintaining the integrality of blood vessel endothelium through reduced production of ROS via regulating the activity of EGFR, ErbB2, PI₃K/AKT/e-NOS, and which may offer a novel therapeutic option in the management of endothelial dysfunction.

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Vaccarin on Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Angiopathy

Cardiovascular complications are a major leading cause of mortality in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a core pathophysiological event in the early stage of T2DM and eventually leads to cardiovascular disease. Vaccarin (VAC), an active flavonoid glycoside extracted from vaccariae semen, exhibits extensive biological activities including vascular endothelial cell protection effects. However, little is known about whether VAC is involved in endothelial dysfunction regulation under high glucose (HG) or hyperglycemia conditions. Here, in an in vivo study, we found that VAC attenuated increased blood glucose, increased glucose and insulin tolerance, relieved the disorder of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, and improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in STZ/HFD-induced T2DM mice. Furthermore, in cultured human microvascular endothelial cell-1 (HMEC-1) cells, we showed that pretreatment with VAC dose-dependently increased nitric oxide (NO) generation and the phosphorylation of eNOS under HG conditions. Mechanistically, VAC-treated HMEC-1 cells exhibited higher AMPK phosphorylation, which was attenuated by HG stimulation. Moreover, HG-triggered miRNA-34a upregulation was inhibited by VAC pretreatment, which is in accordance with pretreatment with AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC). In addition, both reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and VAC abolished HG-evoked dephosphorylation of AMPK and eNOS, increased miRNA-34a expression, and decreased NO production. These results suggest that VAC impedes HG-induced endothelial dysfunction via inhibition of the ROS/AMPK/miRNA-34a/eNOS signaling cascade.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on diethylnitrosamine toxicity in rats

Context: Chronic liver damage has serious medical consequences. Objective: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of dry Zingiber officinale (ginger) and its essential (volatile) oil against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) toxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Phenols and flavonoids components were characterized in dry ginger using HPLC-UV instrument while ginger essential oil (E.O.) was investigated via GC-MS technique. Antioxidant activity was determined in vitro. In rat model, ginger was administrated for 2 months. Lipid profile, antioxidant biomarkers, liver functions and histopathology were assessed. Results: Chlorogenic acid (63.85 ppm) and hesperidin (156.91 ppm) are among the major phenolic and flavonoid constituents in dry ginger. Curcumene (15.21%) and linalool (13.47%) represent the main E.O. constituents. In rats treated with ginger E.O., a significant elevation in serum HDL (31.14%) was accompanied by a decrease in LDL (55.14%). A significant decrease in serum ALT and ALP was reported (56.85% and 53.84%, respectively). Serum GSH-Px activity has significantly increased 75.06%. Meanwhile, E.O. showed anticancer potential against HepG2 cell line (IC50 = 40 µg/mL). Liver histopathological examinations confirmed the protective effect against abnormalities. Conclusion: Ginger was able to reduce the severity of DEN-cytotoxicity in rats, which suggests a novel antioxidant role originating from this medicinal plant.

Trans-repression of NFκB pathway mediated by PPARγ improves vascular endothelium insulin resistance

Previous study has shown that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improved endothelium insulin resistance (IR) induced by high glucose concentration (HG)/hyperglycaemia through a PPARγ‐dependent‐NFκB trans‐repression mechanism. However, it is unclear, whether changes in PPARγ expression affect the endothelium IR and what the underlying mechanism is. In the present study, we aimed to address this issue. HG‐treated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were transfected by either PPARγ‐overexpressing (Ad‐PPARγ) or PPARγ‐shRNA‐containing (Ad‐PPARγ‐shRNA) adenoviral vectors. Likewise, the rats fed by high‐fat diet (HFD) were infected by intravenous administration of Ad‐PPARγ or Ad‐PPARγ‐shRNA. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and cytokines (TNFα, IL‐6, sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1) and the expression levels of PPARγ, eNOS, AKT, p‐AKT, IKKα/β and p‐IKKα/β and IκBα were examined; and the interaction between PPARγ and NFκB‐P65 as well as vascular function were evaluated. Our present results showed that overexpression of PPARγ notably increased the levels of NO, eNOS, p‐AKT and IκBα as well as the interaction of PPARγ and NFκB‐P65, and decreased the levels of ET‐1, p‐IKKα/β, TNFα, IL‐6, sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1. In contrast, down‐expression of PPARγ displayed the opposite effects. The results demonstrate that the overexpression of PPARγ improves while the down‐expression worsens the endothelium IR via a PPARγ‐mediated NFκB trans‐repression dependent manner. The findings suggest PPARγ is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic vascular complications.

Branched-chain amino acids promote endothelial dysfunction through increased reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine and valine) are essential amino acids implicated in glucose metabolism and maintenance of correct brain function. Elevated BCAA levels can promote an inflammatory response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, there are no studies analysing the direct effects of BCAA on endothelial cells (ECs) and its possible modulation of vascular function. In vitro and ex vivo studies were performed in human ECs and aorta from male C57BL/6J mice, respectively. In ECs, BCAA (6 mmol/L) increased eNOS expression, reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria and NADPH oxidases, peroxynitrite formation and nitrotyrosine expression. Moreover, BCAA induced pro‐inflammatory responses through the transcription factor NF‐κB that resulted in the release of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin conferring endothelial activation and adhesion capacity to inflammatory cells. Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 intracellular signalling pathway decreased BCAA‐induced pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory effects in ECs. In isolated murine aorta, BCAA elicited vasoconstrictor responses, particularly in pre‐contracted vessels and after NO synthase blockade, and triggered endothelial dysfunction, effects that were inhibited by different antioxidants, further demonstrating the potential of BCAA to induce oxidative stress with functional impact. In summary, we demonstrate that elevated BCAA levels generate inflammation and oxidative stress in ECs, thereby facilitating inflammatory cells adhesion and endothelial dysfunction. This might contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in patients with elevated BCAA blood levels.

Antioxidant and glucose metabolizing potential of edible insect, Brachytrupes orientalis via modulating Nrf2/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway

Brachytrupes orientalis (Gryllidae) is a common edible insect species eaten by the different tribes of North East India. This study investigated the potentiality of Brachytrupes orientalis extracts in different solvent hydro-alcoholic (AEBO), hexane (HEBO) and ethyl acetate (EEBO) on glucose utilization and cell viability in high glucose (HG) treated myotubes. It has been observed that AEBO supplementation significantly increased the glucose utilization against HG exposure; however, treatment HEBO and EEBO have no significant effect. AEBO also increased the intercellular glucose-6-phosphate level and the protein expression of both phospho-AMPK and GLUT4 in HG treated myotubes in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, supplementation with AEBO decreased the intercellular ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and up-regulated the protein expression of Nrf2 and GST. Chromatography and Spectroscopic analyses of AEBO also suggest that Ursolic acid may be one of the bioactive principles with rich potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium content.

Ginger Phytochemicals Inhibit Cell Growth and Modulate Drug Resistance Factors in Docetaxel Resistant Prostate Cancer Cell

Ginger has many bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities. However, few studies are known about these bioactive compounds activity in chemoresistant cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer properties of ginger phytochemicals in docetaxel-resistant human prostate cancer cells in vitro. In this study, we isolated 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 4-shogaol, 6-shogaol, 10-shogaol, and 6-dehydrogingerdione from ginger. Further, the antiproliferation activity of these compounds was examined in docetaxel-resistant (PC3R) and sensitive (PC3) human prostate cancer cell lines. 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 10-shogaol at the concentration of 100 μM significantly inhibited the proliferation in PC3R but 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 10-shogaol displayed similar activity in PC3. The protein expression of multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) and glutathione-S-transferase (GSTπ) is higher in PC3R than in PC3. In summary, we isolated the bioactive compounds from ginger. Our results showed that 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 10-shogaol inhibit the proliferation of PC3R cells through the downregulation of MRP1 and GSTπ protein expression.