Prospective role of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in mediating GMG-ITC to reduce cytotoxicity in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells

In silico exploration of 4(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate: A promising phytochemical-based drug discovery approach for combating multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus infections significantly threaten global health. With rising resistance to current antibiotics and limited solutions, the urgent discovery of new, effective, and affordable antibacterials with low toxicity is imperative to combat diverse MDR S. aureus strains. Hence, in this study, we introduce an in silico phytochemical-based approach for discovering novel antibacterial agents, underscoring the potential of computational approaches in therapeutic discovery. Glucomoringin Isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) from Moringa oleifera Lam. is one of the phytochemical compounds with several biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and is also effective against S. aureus. This study focuses on screening GMG-ITC as a potential drug candidate to combat MDR S. aureus infections through a molecular docking approach. Moreover, interaction amino acid analysis, in silico pharmacokinetics, compound target prediction, pathway enrichment analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted for further investigation. Molecular docking and interaction analysis showed strong binding affinity towards S. aureus lipase, dihydrofolate reductase, and other MDR S. aureus proteins, including penicillin-binding protein 2a, MepR, D-Ala:D-Ala ligase, and RPP TetM, through hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. GMG-ITC also showed a strong binding affinity to cyclooxygenase-2 and FAD-dependent NAD(P)H oxidase, suggesting that it is a potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant candidate that may eliminate inflammation and oxidative stress associated with S. aureus infections. MD simulations validated the stability of the GMG-ITC molecular interactions determined by molecular docking. In silico pharmacokinetic analysis highlights its potency as a drug candidate, showing strong absorption, distribution, and excretion properties in combination with low toxicity. It acts as an active protease and enzyme inhibitor with moderate activity against GPCR ligands, ion channels, nuclear receptor ligands, and kinases. Enrichment analysis further elucidated its involvement in important biological, molecular, and cellular functions with potential therapeutic applications in diseases like cancer, hepatitis B, and influenza. Results suggest that GMG-ITC is an effective antibacterial agent that could treat MDR S. aureus-associated infections.

Protective Effect of Arzanol against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Differentiated and Undifferentiated SH-SY5Y Cells

Oxidative stress can damage neuronal cells, greatly contributing to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). In this study, the protective activity of arzanol, a natural prenylated α-pyrone-phloroglucinol heterodimer, was evaluated against the H2O2-induced oxidative damage in trans-retinoic acid-differentiated (neuron-like) human SH-SY5Y cells, widely used as a neuronal cell model of neurological disorders. The pre-incubation (for 2 and 24 h) with arzanol (5, 10, and 25 μM) significantly preserved differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and morphological changes induced by 0.25 and 0.5 mM H2O2. Arzanol reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by 2 h oxidation with H2O2 0.5 mM, established by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. The 2 h incubation of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with H2O2 determined a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells versus control cells, evaluated by propidium iodide fluorescence assay (red fluorescence) and NucView® 488 assay (green fluorescence). Arzanol pre-treatment (2 h) exerted a noteworthy significant protective effect against apoptosis. In addition, arzanol was tested, for comparison, in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells for cytotoxicity and its ability to protect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the PubChem database and freely accessible web tools SwissADME and pkCSM-pharmacokinetics were used to assess the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of arzanol. Our results qualify arzanol as an antioxidant agent with potential neuroprotective effects against neuronal oxidative stress implicated in NDs.

Platinum-Loaded Cerium Oxide Capable of Repairing Neuronal Homeostasis for Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Therapy

Effective neuroprotective agents are required to prevent neurological damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) following an acute ischemic stroke. Herein, it is aimed to develop the neuroprotective agents of cerium oxide loaded with platinum clusters engineered modifications (Ptn-CeO2). The density functional theory calculations show that Ptn-CeO2 could effectively scavenge ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (·O2 -). In addition, Ptn-CeO2 exhibits the superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like enzyme activities, which is capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The in vitro studies show that Ptn-CeO2 could adjust the restoration of the mitochondrial metabolism to ROS homeostasis, rebalance cytokines, and feature high biocompatibility. The studies in mice CIRI demonstrate that Ptn-CeO2 could also restore cytokine levels, reduce cysteine aspartate-specific protease (cleaved Caspase 3) levels, and induce the polarization of microglia to M2-type macrophages, thus inhibiting the inflammatory responses. As a result, Ptn-CeO2 inhibits the reperfusion-induced neuronal apoptosis, relieves the infarct volume, reduces the neurological severity score, and improves cognitive function. Overall, these findings suggest that the prominent neuroprotective effect of the engineered Ptn-CeO2 has a significant neuroprotective effect and provides a potential therapeutic alternative for CIRI.

Dietary glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates: chemical properties, metabolism and their potential in prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive, irreversible, and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the synaptic communication between millions of neurons, resulting in neuronal death and functional loss due to the abnormal accumulation of two naturally occurring proteins, amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. According to the 2018 World Alzheimer's Report, there is no single case of an Alzheimer's survivor; even 1 in 3 people die from Alzheimer's disease, and it is a growing epidemic across the globe fruits and vegetables rich in glucosinolates (GLCs), the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), have long been known for their pharmacological properties and recently attracted increased interest for the possible prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence from systematic research findings and clinical trials suggests that nutritional and functional dietary isothiocyanates interfere with the molecular cascades of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and prevent neurons from functional loss. The aim of this review is to explore the role of glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates in various molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease and their potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It also covers the chemical diversity of isothiocyanates and their detailed mechanisms of action as reported by various in vitro and in vivo studies. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters and effectiveness in humans.

Apoptotic Potential of Glucomoringin Isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) Isolated from Moringa oleifera Lam Seeds on Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3)

Inhibition of several protein pathways involved in cancer cell regulation is a necessary key in the discovery of cancer chemotherapy. Moringa oleifera Lam is often used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. The plant contains glucomoringin isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) with therapeutic potential against various cancer cells. Therefore, GMG-ITC was evaluated for its cytotoxicity against the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line and its potential to induce apoptosis. GMG-ITC inhibited cell proliferation in the PC-3 cell line with IC50 value 3.5 µg/mL. Morphological changes as a result of GMG-ITC-induced apoptosis showed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Additionally, Annexin V assay showed proportion of cells in early and late apoptosis upon exposure to GMG-ITC in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, GMG-ITC induced a time-dependent G2/M phase arrest, with reduction of 39.1% in the PC-3 cell line. GMG-ITC also activates apoptotic genes including caspase, tumor suppressor gene (p53), Akt/MAPK, and Bax of the proapoptotic Bcl family. Early apoptosis proteins (JNK, Bad, Bcl2, and p53) were significantly upregulated upon GMG-ITC treatment. It is concluded that apoptosis induction was observed in PC-3 cells treated with GMG-ITC. These phenomena suggest that GMG-ITC from M. oleifera seeds could be useful as a future cytotoxic agent against prostate cancer.

Multiple low-dose radiation-induced neuronal cysteine transporter expression and oxidative stress are rescued by N-acetylcysteine in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells

Recently, several studies have demonstrated that low-dose radiation (LDR) therapy has positively impacts on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). LDR suppresses the production of pro-neuroinflammation molecules and improves cognitive function in AD. However, it is unclear whether direct exposure to LDR causes beneficial effects and what mechanism is involved in neuronal cells. In this study, we first determined the effect of high-dose radiation (HDR) alone on C6 cells and SH-SY5Y cells. We found that SH-SY5Y cells were more vulnerable than C6 cells to HDR. Moreover, in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells exposed to single or multiple LDR, N-type cells showed decreased cell viability with increasing radiation exposure time and frequency, but S-type cells were unaffected. Multiple LDR increased proapoptotic molecules such as p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased anti-apoptotic molecule (Bcl₂). Multiple LDR also generated free radicals in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. We detected a change in the expression of the neuronal cysteine transporter EAAC1. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) rescued the increased in EAAC1 expression and the generation of ROS in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells after multiple LDR. Furthermore, we verified whether the increased in EAAC1 expression induces cell defense or cell death promotion signaling. We showed that transient overexpression of EAAC1 reduced the multiple LDR-induced p53 overexpression in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Our results indicate that neuronal cells can be injured by increased production of ROS not only by HDR but also by multiple LDR, which suggests that combination treatment with anti-free radical agents such as NAC may be useful in multiple LDR therapy.

Preparation, structural characterization and neuroprotective effects to against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus

Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most common edible and medicinal fungi in life, and its polysaccharide has been a hot research topic in recent years. In this paper, a new intracellular polysaccharide component named P. ostreatus polysaccharide (POP-W) was obtained from the mycelium of P. ostreatus, and its structure was analyzed. The results showed that its molecular weight was Mw = 3.034 × 10³ kDa, and it did not contain protein and nucleic acid. POP-W was composed of mannose, glucose, galactose and xylose in a molar ratio of 40.34:47.60:7.97:4.09. The backbone of POP-W was α-D-Glcp(1→,→3,4)-α-D-Glcp(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Manp(1→,→3)-α -D-Galp(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp(1→, →3)-α-D-Glcp(1→, →2)-β-D-Manp(1→, →4) -β-D-Xylp(1 →. SEM and TGA analysis showed the structure of POP-W and good thermal stability. In addition, POP-W showed significant antioxidant activity in vitro. More importantly, POP-W protected PC12 cells induced by H₂O₂ by inhibiting the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Western blot detection of Caspase-3, BAX, Bcl-2, PI3K/Akt protein expression. The results showed that POP-W inhibited the expression of caspase-3 and BAX, while promoting the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, POP-W can also promote the phosphorylation of Akt. In conclusion, POP-W pretreatment can protect PC12 cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulation of apoptosis-related pathway proteins. It provided a theoretical basis for the practical application of the polysaccharide of P. ostreatus in production.

Molecular mechanisms of neuronal death in brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a common cerebrovascular disease with high disability and mortality rates worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in an aneurysm rupture in SAH are complex and can be divided into early brain injury and delayed brain injury. The initial mechanical insult results in brain tissue and vascular disruption with hemorrhages and neuronal necrosis. Following this, the secondary injury results in diffused cerebral damage in the peri-core area. However, the molecular mechanisms of neuronal death following an aneurysmal SAH are complex and currently unclear. Furthermore, multiple cell death pathways are stimulated during the pathogenesis of brain damage. Notably, particular attention should be devoted to necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Thus, this review discussed the mechanism of neuronal death and its influence on brain injury after SAH.

Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.

Nobiletin, a hexamethoxyflavonoid from citrus pomace, attenuates G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells of JEG-3 and BeWo via regulating the p53 signaling pathway

Background

Hypoxia is associated with abnormal cell apoptosis in trophoblast cells, which causes fetal growth restriction and related placental pathologies. Few effective methods for the prevention and treatment of placenta-related diseases exist. Natural products and functional foods have always been a rich source of potential anti-apoptotic drugs. Nobiletin (NOB), a hexamethoxyflavonoid derived from the citrus pomace, shows an anti-apoptotic activity, which is a non-toxic constituent of dietary phytochemicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, their effects on hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells have not been fully studied.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of human trophoblast JEG-3 and BeWo cells, and their underlying mechanisms.

Design

First, the protective effect of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of JEG-3 and BeWo cells was studied. Cell viability and membrane integrity were determined by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of HIF1α. Propidium iodide (PI)-labeled flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining, and the expression of apoptosis marker protein cl-PARP was detected by Western blot analysis. Then, the molecular mechanism of NOB against apoptosis was investigated. Computer molecular docking and dynamics were used to simulate the interaction between NOB and p53 protein, and this interaction was verified in vitro by Ultraviolet and visible spectrum (UV-visible spectroscopy), fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Furthermore, the changes in the expression of p53 signaling pathway genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

Hypoxia treatment resulted in a decreased cell viability and cell membrane integrity in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines, and an increased expression of HIF1α, cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and massive cell apoptosis, which were alleviated after NOB treatment. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations found that NOB spontaneously bonded to human p53 protein, leading to the change of protein conformation. The intermolecular interaction between NOB and human p53 protein was further confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. After the treatment of 100 μM NOB, a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels of p53 and p21 and an up-regulation of BCL2/BAX mRNA and protein ratio were observed in JEG-3 cells; however, there was also a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels observed for p53 and p21 in BeWo cells after the treatment of NOB. The BCL2/BAX ratio of BeWo cells did not change after the treatment of 100 μM NOB.

Conclusion

NOB attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines and might be a potential functional ingredient to prevent pregnancy-related diseases caused by hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These findings would also suggest the exploration and utilization of citrus resources, and the development of citrus industry.

Secondary Metabolites with Antioxidant Activities for the Putative Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): "Experimental Evidences"

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disorder that is characterized by progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons at the spinal or bulbar level. Oxidative stress (OS) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the deterioration of the electron transport chain are factors that contribute to neurodegeneration and perform a potential role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Natural antioxidant molecules have been proposed as an alternative form of treatment for the prevention of age-related neurological diseases, in which ALS is included. Researches support that regulations in cellular reduction/oxidation (redox) processes are being increasingly implicated in this disease, and antioxidant drugs are aimed at a promising pathway to treatment. Among the strategies used for obtaining new drugs, we can highlight the isolation of secondary metabolite compounds from natural sources that, along with semisynthetic derivatives, correspond to approximately 40% of the drugs found on the market. Among these compounds, we emphasize oxygenated and nitrogenous compounds, such as flavonoids, coumarins, and alkaloids, in addition to the fatty acids, that already stand out in the literature for their antioxidant properties, consisting in a part of the diets of millions of people worldwide. Therefore, this review is aimed at presenting and summarizing the main articles published within the last years, which represent the therapeutic potential of antioxidant compounds of natural origin for the treatment of ALS.

Neuroprotective Effects of 7-Geranyloxycinnamic Acid from Melicope lunu ankenda Leaves

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are chronic conditions that have drawn robust interest from the scientific community. Phytotherapeutic agents are becoming an important source of chemicals for the treatment and management of NDDs. Various secondary metabolites have been isolated from Melicope lunu-ankenda plant leaves, including phenolic acid derivatives. However, their neuroprotective activity remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to elucidate the in vitro neuroprotective activity of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid isolated from Melicope lunu-ankenda leaves. The neuroprotective activity was evaluated in differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells by monitoring cell viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Moreover, the potential to impair apoptosis in differentiated cells was investigated employing the Annexin V-FITC assay, acridine orange and propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining, and fluorescence microscopy. Morphological assessment and ultrastructural analysis were performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the effect of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid on surface morphology and internal features of the differentiated cells. Pre-treatment of neuronal cells with 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid significantly protected the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced apoptosis. Cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic inclusion were similarly protected by the 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid treatment. The present findings demonstrate the neuroprotective potential of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells, which is an established hallmark of neuronal disorders.

GSK-3β inhibition by curcumin mitigates amyloidogenesis via TFEB activation and anti-oxidative activity in human neuroblastoma cells

The translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) to the nucleus plays a pivotal role in the regulation of basic cellular processes, such as lysosome biogenesis and autophagy. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that delivers cytoplasmic constituents to the lysosome, which is important in maintaining cellular homeostasis during environmental stress. Furthermore, oxidative stress is a critical cause for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, and is expected to have potential therapeutic effects in various diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that curcumin regulated TFEB export signalling via inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β); GSK-3β was inactivated by curcumin, leading to reduced phosphorylation of TFEB. We further showed that H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress was reduced by curcumin via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in human neuroblastoma cells. In addition, we showed that curcumin induced the degradation of amyloidogenic proteins, including amyloid-β precursor protein and α-synuclein, through the TFEB-autophagy/lysosomal pathway. In conclusion, curcumin regulates autophagy by controlling TFEB through the inhibition of GSK-3β, and increases antioxidant gene expression in human neuroblastoma cells. These results contribute to the development of novel cellular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Berberine attenuated the cytotoxicity induced by t-BHP via inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction in PC-12 cells

Neurodegenerative diseases all share several common features such as involvement of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in pathogenesis. Oxidative stress induced by overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) or impairment of the antioxidant deficiency results in mitochondrial dysfunction and initiation of the cell death cascade. Berberine (BBR), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to exert anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis effect in CNS diseases. However, the mechanism of BBR on regulating mitophagy and protecting mitochondrial function under oxidative stress remains unclear. In present study, we evaluated the beneficial effects of BBR on the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we explored the protective role of BBR in mitochondrial function and mitophagy under oxidative stress in PC-12 cells. Our results demonstrated that BBR effectively inhibited t-BHP-induced apoptosis which is associated with the decreased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ROS overproduction. Moreover, BBR significantly suppressed cytochrome c expression, upregulated the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction by optimizing mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) status and ATP production. In addition, BBR reduced the expression of autophagy-specific marker LC3, SQTM1/p62, and maintained lysosome normal function which involved the restoration of upstream signaling pathway AKT and mTOR phosphorylation level. Collectively, these findings suggested that BBR protects PC-12 cells from oxidative injury through inhibiting ROS level, mitochondria dysfunction, and mitophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, which suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress and neurotoxic damages.