Protective effects of PGC-1α via the mitochondrial pathway in rat brains after intracerebral hemorrhage

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during porcine oocyte in vitro maturation improves oocyte quality and embryonic development by enhancing the homeostasis of energy metabolism

Although supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during porcine oocyte IVM is well-established, the available data are limited due to the lack of consistency. Moreover, to our knowledge, the anti-oxidant effects of DHA on porcine oocytes have not been reported. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effects of DHA supplementation on the regulation of energy metabolism during porcine oocyte maturation to improve oocyte maturation and embryonic development. By supplementing the IVM medium with various DHA concentrations, 25 μM DHA was identified as the optimal concentration which improved intraoocyte glutathione content and enhanced embryonic development after parthenogenesis. Compared to embryos derived from the control group, those derived from SCNT or IVF showed significantly improved blastocyst formation upon DHA supplementation during IVM. In addition, various transcription factors associated with oocyte development and apoptosis in mature oocytes were beneficially regulated in the DHA-treated oocytes. Moreover, DHA improved the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-regulatory ability of porcine oocytes and ameliorated nuclear maturation and embryonic development, which were decreased by artificially downregulating AMPK. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of DHA as an AMPK regulator on oocyte maturation and embryo development in pigs. Furthermore, DHA addition to the IVM medium upregulated the relative expression of genes associated with mitochondrial potential and lipid metabolism. Therefore, the membrane potential of mitochondria (evaluated based on the JC-1 aggregate/JC-1 monomer ratio) and the levels of fatty acids and lipid droplets in matured oocytes increased, resulting in increased ATP synthesis. In conclusion, the DHA treatment of porcine oocytes with 25 μM DHA during IVM enhances the homeostasis of energy metabolism by improving mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism, leading to improved quality of matured oocytes and enhanced embryonic developmental potential of in vitro produced (IVP) embryos. Thus, 25 μM DHA supplementation could serve as a tool for improving the quality of IVP embryos. The study findings provide a basis for further research on improving the production efficiency of cloned animals by securing high-quality matured oocytes and enhancing energy metabolism in mammalian oocytes, including those of pigs.

Mechanism and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage focus on mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the second most common subtype of stroke, characterized by high mortality and a poor prognosis. Despite various treatment methods, there has been limited improvement in the prognosis of ICH over the past decades. Therefore, it is imperative to identify a feasible treatment strategy for ICH. Mitochondria are organelles present in most eukaryotic cells and serve as the primary sites for aerobic respiration and energy production. Under unfavorable cellular conditions, mitochondria can induce changes in permeability through the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributing to various diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that mPTP plays a role in the pathological processes associated with several neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, ischemic stroke and ischemia-reperfusion injury, among others. However, there is limited research on mPTP involvement specifically in ICH. Therefore, this study comprehensively examines the pathological processes associated with mPTP in terms of oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and other related mechanisms to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying mPTP involvement in ICH. This research aims to provide novel insights for the treatment of secondary injury after ICH.

Mitophagy in intracerebral hemorrhage: a new target for therapeutic intervention

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition with a high fatality rate and severe sequelae. However, there is currently no treatment available for intracerebral hemorrhage, unlike for other stroke subtypes. Recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy likely relate to the pathophysiology of intracerebral hemorrhage. Mitophagy, or selective autophagy of mitochondria, is an essential pathway to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis by clearing up damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy markedly contributes to the reduction of secondary brain injury caused by mitochondrial dysfunction after intracerebral hemorrhage. This review provides an overview of the mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs after intracerebral hemorrhage and the underlying mechanisms regarding how mitophagy regulates it, and discusses the new direction of therapeutic strategies targeting mitophagy for intracerebral hemorrhage, aiming to determine the close connection between mitophagy and intracerebral hemorrhage and identify new therapies to modulate mitophagy after intracerebral hemorrhage. In conclusion, although only a small number of drugs modulating mitophagy in intracerebral hemorrhage have been found thus far, most of which are in the preclinical stage and require further investigation, mitophagy is still a very valid and promising therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage in the long run.

Chrysoeriol Improves the Early Development Potential of Porcine Oocytes by Maintaining Lipid Homeostasis and Improving Mitochondrial Function

Our previous study established that chrysoeriol (CHE) can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, apoptosis, and autophagy in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine embryos. However, the role of CHE in oocyte maturation and lipid homeostasis is unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the effect of CHE on porcine oocyte competence in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryo development. The study chooses parthenogenetic activated porcine oocytes as the research model. The study revealed that the cumulus expansion index and related gene expressions are significantly elevated after supplementing 1 μM CHE. Although there were no significant differences in nuclear maturation and cleavage rates, the blastocyst formation rate and total cell numbers were significantly increased in the 1 μM CHE group. In addition, CHE improved the expression of genes related to oocyte and embryo development. ROS was significantly downregulated in all CHE treatment groups, and intracellular GSH (glutathione) was significantly upregulated in 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM CHE groups. The immunofluorescence results indicated that mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lipid droplet (LD), fatty acid (FA), ATP, and functional mitochondria contents significantly increased with 1 μM CHE compared to the control. Furthermore, CHE increased the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and β-oxidation.

PGC-1α Inhibits Schwann Cell Dedifferentiation and Delays Peripheral Nerve Degeneration by Targeting PON1

PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) is an essential transcription factor co-activator that regulates gene transcription and neural regeneration. Schwann cells, which are unique glial cells in peripheral nerves that dedifferentiate after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and are released from degenerative nerves. Wallerian degeneration is a series of stereotypical events that occurs in response to nerve fibers after PNI. The role of PGC-1α in Schwann cell dedifferentiation and Wallerian degeneration is not yet clear. As Wallerian degeneration plays a crucial role in PNI, we conducted a study to determine whether PGC-1α has an effect on peripheral nerve degeneration after injury. We examined the expression of PGC-1α after sciatic nerve crush or transection using Western blotting and found that PGC-1α expression increased after PNI. Then we utilized ex vivo and in vitro models to investigate the effects of PGC-1α inhibition and activation on Schwann cell dedifferentiation and nerve degeneration. Our findings indicate that PGC-1α negatively regulates Schwann cell dedifferentiation and nerve degeneration. Through the use of RNA-seq, siRNA/plasmid transfection and reversal experiments, we identified that PGC-1α targets inhibit the expression of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) during Schwann cell dedifferentiation in degenerated nerves. In summary, PGC-1α plays a crucial role in preventing Schwann cell dedifferentiation and its activation can reduce peripheral nerve degeneration by targeting PON1. PGC-1α inhibits Schwann cell dedifferentiation and peripheral nerve degeneration. PGC-1α negatively regulates Schwann cell dedifferentiation and peripheral nerve degeneration after injury by targeting PON1.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions induce PANoptosis and ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: from pathology to therapeutic potential

Ischemic stroke (IS) accounts for more than 80% of the total stroke, which represents the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) is a cascade of pathophysiological events following the restoration of blood flow and reoxygenation, which not only directly damages brain tissue, but also enhances a series of pathological signaling cascades, contributing to inflammation, further aggravate the damage of brain tissue. Paradoxically, there are still no effective methods to prevent CI/RI, since the detailed underlying mechanisms remain vague. Mitochondrial dysfunctions, which are characterized by mitochondrial oxidative stress, Ca²⁺ overload, iron dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) disruption, are closely relevant to the pathological process of CI/RI. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunctions play vital roles in the regulation of programmed cell deaths (PCDs) such as ferroptosis and PANoptosis, a newly proposed conception of cell deaths characterized by a unique form of innate immune inflammatory cell death that regulated by multifaceted PANoptosome complexes. In the present review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunctions and how this key event contributes to inflammatory response as well as cell death modes during CI/RI. Neuroprotective agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunctions may serve as a promising treatment strategy to alleviate serious secondary brain injuries. A comprehensive insight into mitochondrial dysfunctions-mediated PCDs can help provide more effective strategies to guide therapies of CI/RI in IS.

Role of tRNA-Derived Fragments in Neurological Disorders: a Review

tRFs are small tRNA derived fragments that are emerging as novel therapeutic targets and regulatory molecules in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders. These are derived from precursor or mature tRNA, forming different subtypes that have been reported to be involved in neurological disorders like stroke, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Parkinson's, MELAS, autism, and Huntington's disorder. tRFs were earlier believed to be random degradation debris of tRNAs. The significant variation in the expression level of tRFs in disease conditions indicates their salient role as key players in regulation of these disorders. Various animal studies are being carried out to decipher their exact role; however, more inputs are required to transform this research knowledge into clinical application. Future investigations also call for high-throughput technologies that could help to bring out the other hidden aspects of these entities. However, studies on tRFs require further research efforts to overcome the challenges posed in quantifying tRFs, their interactions with other molecules, and the exact mechanism of function. In this review, we are abridging the current understanding of tRFs, including their biogenesis, function, relevance in clinical therapies, and potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of these neurological disorders.

Targeting the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in intracerebral hemorrhage and therapeutic prospects

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe, life-threatening subtype of stoke that constitutes a crucial health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. However, the current clinical treatment can only reduce the mortality of patients to a certain extent, but cannot ameliorate neurological dysfunction and has a high recurrence rate. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the early stages of brain injury and participates in all stages of secondary brain injury (SBI) after ICH. As the energy source of cells, various pathobiological processes that lead to SBI closely interact with the mitochondria, such as oxidative stress, calcium overload, and neuronal injury. In this review, we discussed the structure and function of mitochondria and the abnormal morphological changes after ICH. In addition, we discussed recent research on the involvement of mitochondrial dynamics in the pathological process of SBI after ICH and introduced the pathological variations and related molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in the occurrence of brain injury. Finally, we summarized the latest progress in mitochondrion-targeted agents for ICH, which provides a direction for the development of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the mitochondria after ICH.

Melatonin Regulates Lipid Metabolism in Porcine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes via the Melatonin Receptor 2

Previous studies suggest that the inclusion of melatonin (MTn) in in vitro maturation protocols improves the developmental competence of oocytes by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the molecular mechanisms integrating melatonin receptor (MT)-mediated lipid metabolism and redox signaling during in vitro cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) development still remain unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the potential role of MTn receptors in lipid metabolic adjustments during in vitro porcine COC development. We observed that MTn-mediated Gsα-cAMP/PKA signaling facilitated lipolysis primarily through the MT2 receptor and subsequently increased fatty acid (FA) release by hydrolyzing intracellular triglycerides (TGs) in cumulus cells. Furthermore, CD36 was a critical FA transporter that transported available FAs from cumulus cells to oocytes and promoted de novo TG synthesis in the latter. In addition, MTn regulated lipogenesis and intracellular lipolysis to maintain lipid homeostasis and limit ROS production, thereby supporting oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and the subsequent embryo development. Taken together, these findings provide insight into the possible mechanism integrating MT2-mediated lipid homeostasis and redox signaling, which limits ROS production during in vitro COC development. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of the interactions between lipid homeostasis and redox signaling driven by MT2 is necessary in order to predict drug targets and the effects of therapeutics used to improve female reproductive health.

Mitochondrial quality control in stroke: From the mechanisms to therapeutic potentials

Mitochondrial damage is a critical contributor to stroke‐induced injury, and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is the cornerstone of restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and plays an indispensable role in alleviating pathological process of stroke. Mitochondria quality control promotes neuronal survival via various adaptive responses for preserving mitochondria structure, morphology, quantity and function. The processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion allow for damaged mitochondria to be segregated and facilitate the equilibration of mitochondrial components such as DNA, proteins and metabolites. The process of mitophagy is responsible for the degradation and recycling of damaged mitochondria. This review aims to offer a synopsis of the molecular mechanisms involved in MQC for recapitulating our current understanding of the complex role that MQC plays in the progression of stroke. Speculating on the prospect that targeted manipulation of MQC mechanisms may be exploited for the rationale design of novel therapeutic interventions in the ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. In the review, we highlight the potential of MQC as therapeutic targets for stroke treatment and provide valuable insights for clinical strategies.

β2-adrenoreceptor agonist ameliorates mechanical allodynia in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain via induction of mitochondrial biogenesis

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a debilitating and common side effect of cancer treatment and so far no effective drug is available for treatment of the serious side effect. Previous studies have demonstrated β2-adrenoreceptor (ADRB2) agonists can attenuate neuropathic pain. However, the role of ADRB2 in paclitaxel -induced neuropathic pain (PINP) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of formoterol, a long-acting ADRB2 agonist, and related mechanisms in PINP. A rat model of PINP was established by intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) every other day with a final cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg. Hind paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) in response to von Frey filament stimuli were used to evaluate mechanical allodynia. Western blot was used to examine the expression of ADRB2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factors 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and the immunofluorescence was to detect the cellular localization of ADRB2 and PGC-1α in the spinal cord. Moreover, we measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number by qPCR. In our study, formoterol attenuated established PINP and delayed the onset of PINP. Formoterol restored ADRB2 expression as well as mtDNA copy number and PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM protein expression, which are major genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, in the spinal cord of PINP rats. Moreover, we found the analgesic effect of formoterol against PINP was partially abolished by PGC-1α inhibitor SR-18292. Collectively, these results demonstrated the activation of ADRB2 with formoterol ameliorates PINP at least partially through induction of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Tannin Supplementation Improves Oocyte Cytoplasmic Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Development in Pigs

To investigate the effects of tannins (TA) on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), different concentrations of TA (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL) were supplemented with a maturation medium and the COCs and subsequent embryonic development were examined. The results showed that 10 µg/mL TA significantly improved the cumulus expansion index (CEI), cumulus-expansion-related genes (PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3, TNFAIP6 and HAS2) expression and blastocyst formation rates after parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) compared to the control groups, but not oocyte nuclear maturation. Nevertheless, 10 µg/mL TA dramatically enhanced the mRNA expression of oocyte-development-related genes (BMP15, GDF9, CDC2 and CYCLIN B1), GSH, ATP, SOD1, PGC1α, BMP15, GDF9 and CDC2 levels and reduced intracellular ROS level in porcine oocytes. These results indicated that porcine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation was improved by 10 µg/mL TA treatment during IVM. In contrast, a high concentration of TA (100 μg/mL) significantly decreased the CEI and PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3 and HAS2 mRNA expressions in cumulus cells, and reduced oocyte nuclear maturation and the total cell numbers/blastocyst. In general, these data showed that 10 μg/mL TA supplementation has beneficial effects on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development in pigs.

SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling activation by mangiferin attenuates cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in neuroblastoma cells

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is associated with poor prognoses in the setting of ischemic brain diseases. Silence information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is a member of the third class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent sirtuins. Recently, the role of SIRT1/peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) pathway in organ (especially the brain) protection under various pathological conditions has been widely investigated. Mangiferin (MGF), a natural C-glucosyl xanthone polyhydroxy polyphenol, has been shown to be beneficial to several nervous system diseases and the protective effects of MGF can be achieved through the regulation of SIRT1 signaling. This study is designed to investigate the protective effects of MGF treatment in the setting of cerebral IRI and to elucidate the potential mechanisms. We first evaluated the toxicity of MGF and chose the safe concentrations for the following experiments. MGF exerted obvious neuroprotection against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced injury, indicated by restored cell viability and cell morphology, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species generation. MGF also restored the protein expressions of SIRT1, PGC-1α, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, NRF1, UCP2, and Bcl2 down-regulated by HR treatment. However, SIRT1 siRNA could reverse MGF-induced neuroprotection and decrease the expressions of molecules mentioned above. Taken together, our findings suggest that MGF treatment exerts neuroprotection against HR injury via activating SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the exploitation of MGF as a potential neuroprotective drug candidate, which may be beneficial for the ischemic stroke patients in clinic.

Mitochondria: Novel Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Secondary Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a destructive form of stroke that often results in death or disability. However, the survivors usually experience sequelae of neurological impairments and psychiatric disorders, which affect their daily functionality and working capacity. The recent MISTIE III and STICH II trials have confirmed that early surgical clearance of hematomas does not improve the prognosis of survivors of ICH, so it is vital to find the intervention target of secondary brain injury (SBI) after ICH. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be induced by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and autophagy, among others, is considered to be a novel pathological mechanism of ICH. Moreover, mitochondria play an important role in promoting neuronal survival and improving neurological function after a hemorrhagic stroke. This review summarizes the mitochondrial mechanism involved in cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory activation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and brain edema underlying ICH. We emphasize the potential of mitochondrial protection as a potential therapeutic target for SBI after stroke and provide valuable insight into clinical strategies.

Melanocortin 1 receptor attenuates early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage by controlling mitochondrial metabolism via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in rats

Mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis contribute greatly to early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study hypothesized that activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), using BMS-470539, attenuates EBI by controlling mitochondrial metabolism after SAH. Methods: We utilized BMS-470539, MSG-606, selisistat, and PGC-1α to verify the neuroprotective effects of MC1R. We evaluated short- and long-term neurobehavior after SAH. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and Golgi staining techniques were performed to assess changes in protein levels. Results: The results of western blotting suggested that the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α were increased, reaching their peaks at 24 h following SAH. Moreover, BMS-470539 treatment notably attenuated neurological deficits, and also reduced long-term spatial learning and memory impairments caused by SAH. The underlying neuroprotective mechanisms of the BMS-470539/MC1R system were mediated through the suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial fission by increasing the levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, UCP2, SOD, GPx, Bcl-2, cyto-Drp1, and ATP, while decreasing the levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, mito-Drp1, ROS, GSH/GSSG, and NADPH/NADP+ ratios. The neuroprotective effects of the BMS-470539/MC1R system were significantly abolished by MSG-606, selisistat, and PGC-1α siRNA. Conclusions: The activation of MC1R with BMS-470539 significantly attenuated EBI after SAH by suppressing the oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial fission through the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Integrative analysis of transcriptomes highlights potential functions of transfer-RNA-derived small RNAs in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage

Transfer-RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a novel class of short non-coding RNAs, that possess regulatory functions. However, their biological roles in hemorrhagic stroke are not understood. In this study, by RNA sequencing, we investigated the tsRNA expression profiles of intracerebral hemorrhagic rat brains in the chronic phase. A total of 331 tsRNAs were identified (308 in sham and 309 in intracerebral hemorrhage). Among them, the validation revealed that 7 tsRNAs (1 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated) were significantly changed. Subsequently, we predicted the target mRNAs of the 7 tsRNAs. Through integrative analysis, the predicted targets were validated by mRNA microarray data. Moreover, we confirmed the functions of tsRNAs targeting mRNAs in vitro. Furthermore, using bioinformatics tools and databases, we developed a tsRNA-mRNA-pathway interaction network to visualize their potential functions. Bioinformatics analyses and confirmatory experiments indicated that the altered genes were mainly enriched in several signaling pathways. These pathways were interrelated with intracerebral hemorrhage, such as response to oxidative stress, endocytosis, and regulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway. In summary, this study systematically revealed the profiles of tsRNAs after an experimental intracerebral hemorrhage. These results may provide novel therapeutic targets following a hemorrhagic stroke in the chronic phase.

Tannic Acid Provides Neuroprotective Effects Against Traumatic Brain Injury Through the PGC-1α/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

The present research was conducted to elucidate a possible molecular mechanism related to neuromodulatory effects of tannic acid (TA) supplementation against traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a rodent model. Oxidative damage and neuroinflammation play a critical role in TBI and lead to behavioral alterations and neuronal dysfunction and death. These changes suggest a potential avenue in neurotherapeutic intervention. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of TA and potential mechanism of these effects in a controlled cortical impact injury model of TBI in Wistar rats that were treated with TA (50 mg/kg body weight. i.p.) before 30 min and 6 and 18 h after TBI. TBI-induced rats were examined after 24 h for behavioral dysfunction, Nissl stain, lipid peroxidation rate, glutathione level, activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), the expression level of 4-hydroxynonenal, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta, as well as brain edema and immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein. Results indicated that TA supplementation significantly modulated above mentioned alterations. Moreover, TA treatment effectively upregulated the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) as well as mitochondrial transcription factor A and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) following TBI. Overall, our results suggest that TA effectively ameliorates the behavioral alterations, oxidative damage, mitochondrial impairment, and inflammation against TBI that may be attributed to activation of PGC-1α/Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Long-term chemogenetic activation of M1 glutamatergic neurons attenuates the behavioral and cognitive deficits caused by intracerebral hemorrhage

Acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening disease. It is often accompanied by severe neurological sequelae largely caused by the loss of integrity of the neural circuits. However, these neurological sequelae have few strong medical interventions. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are important chemogenetic tools capable of precisely modulating the activity of neural circuits. They have been suggested to have therapeutic effects on multiple neurological diseases. Despite this, no empirical research has explored the effects of DREADDs on functional recovery after ICH. We aimed to explore whether the long-term excitation of glutamatergic neurons in primary motor cortex (M1) by DREADD could promote functional recovery after ICH. We used CaMKII-driven Gq/Gi-DREADDs to activate/inhibit M1 glutamatergic neurons for 21 consecutive days, and examined their effects on behavioral and cognitive deficits caused by ICH in a mouse model of ICH targeting striatum. Long-term chemogenetic activation of the M1 glutamatergic neurons increased the spatial memory and sensorimotor ability of mice suffering from ICH. It also attenuated the mitochondrial dysfunctions of striatal neurons by raising the ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential while decreasing the 8-OHdG levels. These results strongly suggest that selective stimulation of the M1 glutamatergic neurons contributes to functional recovery after ICH presumably through alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunctions.

AdipoRon Protects Against Secondary Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage via Alleviating Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Possible Involvement of AdipoR1-AMPK-PGC1α Pathway

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype that is associated with high mortality and disability rate. Mitochondria plays a crucial role in neuronal survival after ICH. This study first showed that activation of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) by AdipoRon could attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction after ICH. In vivo, experimental ICH model was established by autologous blood injection in mice. AdipoRon was injected intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg). Immunofluorescence staining were performed to explicit the location of AdipoR1, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1a (PGC1α). The PI staining was used to quantify neuronal survival. The expression of AdipoR1 and its downstream signaling molecules were detected by Western blotting. In vitro, 10 μM oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) was used to induce the neuronal injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was measured by a JC-1 kit and mitochondrial mass was quantified by mitochondrial fluorescent probe. In vivo, PI staining showed that the administration of AdipoRon could reduce neuronal death at 72 h after ICH in mice. AdipoRon treatment enhanced ATP levels and reduced ROS levels in perihematoma tissues, and increased the protein expression of AdipoR1, P-AMPK, PGC1α, NRF1 and TFAM. In vitro, the JC-1 staining and Mito-tracker™ Green showed that AdipoRon significantly alleviated OxyHb-induced collapse of Δψm and enhanced mitochondrial mass. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis indicated that the neurons treated with AdipoRon showed low necrotic and apoptotic rate. AdipoRon alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction after intracerebral hemorrhage via the AdipoR1-AMPK-PGC1α pathway.

Peroxisomal Acyl-CoA Oxidase Type 1: Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Aging Properties with a Special Emphasis on Studies with LPS and Argan Oil as a Model Transposable to Aging

To clarify appropriateness of current claims for health and wellness virtues of argan oil, studies were conducted in inflammatory states. LPS induces inflammation with reduction of PGC1-α signaling and energy metabolism. Argan oil protected the liver against LPS toxicity and interestingly enough preservation of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (ACOX1) activity against depression by LPS. This model of LPS-driven toxicity circumvented by argan oil along with a key anti-inflammatory role attributed to ACOX1 has been here transposed to model aging. This view is consistent with known physiological role of ACOX1 in yielding precursors of specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) and with characteristics of aging and related disorders including reduced PGC1-α function and improvement by strategies rising ACOX1 (via hormonal gut FGF19 and nordihydroguaiaretic acid in metabolic syndrome and diabetes conditions) and SPM (neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, and stroke). Delay of aging to resolve inflammation results from altered production of SPM, SPM improving most aging disorders. The strategic metabolic place of ACOX1, upstream of SPM biosynthesis, along with ability of ACOX1 preservation/induction and SPM to improve aging-related disorders and known association of aging with drop in ACOX1 and SPM, all converge to conclude that ACOX1 represents a previously unsuspected and currently emerging antiaging protein.