Ammonia-induced excess ROS causes impairment and apoptosis in porcine IPEC-J2 intestinal epithelial cells

Maslinic acid supplementation prevents di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced apoptosis via PRDX6 in peritubular myoid cells of Chinese forest musk deer

Chinese forest musk deer (FMD), an endangered species, have exhibited low reproductive rates even in captivity due to stress conditions. Investigation revealed the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, in the serum and skin of captive FMDs. Feeding FMDs with maslinic acid (MA) has been observed to alleviate the stress response and improve reproductive rates, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) through MA intake. Primary PMCs were isolated and exposed to DEHP in vitro. The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly suppressed antioxidant levels and promoted cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Moreover, interfering with the expression of PRDX6 was found to induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Supplementation with MA significantly upregulated the expression of PRDX6, thereby attenuating DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for mitigating stress levels and enhancing reproductive capacity of in captive FMDs.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Mitophagy and Cell Apoptosis are Involved in the Toxicity of Aluminum Chloride Exposure in GC-2spd

Aluminum chloride is an inorganic polymeric coagulant commonly found in daily life and various materials. Although male reproductive toxicity has been associated with AlCl3 exposure, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of AlCl3 exposure on mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis in testicular tissue and mouse spermatocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels were measured in GC-2spd after AlCl3 exposure using a multifunctional enzyme labeler. The changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and TUNEL were observed through confocal laser microscopy, and the expression of proteins associated with mitophagy and apoptosis was analyzed using Western blot. Our results demonstrated that AlCl3 exposure disrupted mitophagy and increased apoptosis-related protein expression in testicular tissues. In the in vitro experiments, AlCl3 exposure induced ROS production, suppressed cell viability and ATP production, and caused a decrease in MMP, leading to mitophagy and cell apoptosis in GC-2spd cells. Intervention with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduced ROS production and partially restored mitochondrial function, thereby reversing the resulting mitophagy and cell apoptosis. Our findings provide evidence that ROS-mediated mitophagy and cell apoptosis play a crucial role in the toxicity of AlCl3 exposure in GC-2spd. These results contribute to the understanding of male reproductive toxicity caused by AlCl3 exposure and offer a foundation for future research in this area.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce apoptosis through ROS-Ca2+-p38/AKT/mTOR pathway in TM4 cells

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) can cause apoptosis in TM4 cells; however, the underlying mechanism has not been entirely elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TiO2 NPs on ROS, Ca2+ level, p38/AKT/mTOR pathway, and apoptosis in TM4 cells and to evaluate the role of Ca2+ in p38/AKT/mTOR pathway and apoptosis. After exposure to different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/mL) of TiO2 NPs for 24 h, cell viability, ROS, Ca2+ level, Ca2+-ATPase activity, p38/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins, apoptosis rate, and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and p53) were detected. The ROS scavenger NAC was used to determine the effect of ROS on Ca2+ level. The Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM was used to evaluate the role of Ca2+ in p38/AKT/mTOR pathway and apoptosis. TiO2 NPs significantly inhibited cell viability, increased ROS level, and elevated Ca2+ level while suppressing Ca2+-ATPase activity. TiO2 NPs regulated the p38/AKT/mTOR pathway via increasing p-p38 level and decreasing p-AKT and p-mTOR levels. TiO2 NPs significantly enhanced the apoptosis. NAC attenuated Ca2+ overload and reduction in Ca2+-ATPase activity caused by TiO2 NPs. BAPTA-AM alleviated TiO2 NPs-induced abnormal expression of p38/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins. BAPTA-AM assuaged the apoptosis caused by TiO2 NPs. Altogether, this study revealed that TiO2 NPs elevated intracellular Ca2+ level through ROS accumulation. Subsequently, the heightened intracellular Ca2+ level was observed to exert regulation over the p38/AKT/mTOR pathway, ultimately culminating in apoptosis. These results provides a complementary understanding to the mechanism of TiO2 NPs-induced apoptosis in TM4 cells.

Identification of TFG- and Autophagy-Regulated Proteins and Glycerophospholipids in B Cells

Autophagy supervises the proteostasis and survival of B lymphocytic cells. Trk-fused gene (TFG) promotes autophagosome-lysosome flux in murine CH12 B cells, as well as their survival. Hence, quantitative proteomics of CH12tfgKO and WT B cells in combination with lysosomal inhibition should identify proteins that are prone to lysosomal degradation and contribute to autophagy and B cell survival. Lysosome inhibition via NH4Cl unexpectedly reduced a number of proteins but increased a large cluster of translational, ribosomal, and mitochondrial proteins, independent of TFG. Hence, we propose a role for lysosomes in ribophagy in B cells. TFG-regulated proteins include CD74, BCL10, or the immunoglobulin JCHAIN. Gene ontology (GO) analysis reveals that proteins regulated by TFG alone, or in concert with lysosomes, localize to mitochondria and membrane-bound organelles. Likewise, TFG regulates the abundance of metabolic enzymes, such as ALDOC and the fatty acid-activating enzyme ACOT9. To test consequently for a function of TFG in lipid metabolism, we performed shotgun lipidomics of glycerophospholipids. Total phosphatidylglycerol is more abundant in CH12tfgKO B cells. Several glycerophospholipid species with similar acyl side chains, such as 36:2 phosphatidylethanolamine and 36:2 phosphatidylinositol, show a dysequilibrium. We suggest a role for TFG in lipid homeostasis, mitochondrial functions, translation, and metabolism in B cells.

Platycodin D ameliorates ammonia-induced pulmonary fibrosis by repressing TGF-β1-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling

Ammonia can induce pulmonary fibrosis in humans and animals. Platycodin D (PLD) possesses various bioactive activities including anti-fibrotic properties. In this study, we aimed to explore the activity and mechanism of PLD in pulmonary fibrosis induced by ammonia. The mouse model of ammonia-induced lung fibrosis was established, and the role of PLD was assessed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq and subjected to GO and KEGG pathway analyses. BEAS-2B cells were treated with NH4 Cl alone or along with PLD. Results showed that PLD attenuated ammonia-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in vivo. The extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway was predicted as a prominent pathway underlying the anti-fibrotic function of PLD. In ammonia-induced mouse models and NH4 Cl-treated BEAS-2B cells, PLD could repress the activation of the TGF-β1 pathway. By incubating lung fibroblast HFL1 cells with the conditioned medium of BEAS-2B cells treated with NH4Cl alone or along with PLD, PLD was confirmed to attenuate NH4 Cl-induced ECM deposition in HFL1 cells. Our findings demonstrate that PLD exerts a protective function in ammonia-induced pulmonary fibrosis by repressing TGF-β1-mediated ECM remodeling, suggesting the potential therapeutic value of PLD in this disease.

Ferrite bismuth-based nanomaterials: From ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties to nanomedicine applications

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), a perovskite-type oxide, possesses unique morphology and multiferroicity, rendering it highly versatile for various applications. Recent investigations have demonstrated that BiFeO3 exhibits enhanced Fenton-like and photocatalytic behaviors, coupled with its piezoelectric/ferroelectric properties. BiFeO3 can catalytically generate highly oxidative reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to hydrogen peroxide or light irradiation. Consequently, bismuth ferrite-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for various biomedical applications. However, the precise fabrication of BiFeO3-based materials with controllable features and applications in diverse biomedical scenarios remains a formidable challenge. In this review, we initially summarize the Fenton reaction property, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of BiFeO3. We further survey the current methodologies for synthesizing BiFeO3 nanomaterials with diverse morphologies. Subsequently, we explore the effects of element doping and heterojunction formation on enhancing the photocatalytic activity of BiFeO3, focusing on microstructural, electronic band structure, and modification approaches. Additionally, we provide an overview of the recent advancements of BiFeO3-based nanomaterials in biomedicine. Finally, we discuss the prevailing obstacles and prospects of BiFeO3 for biomedical applications, offering valuable insights and recommendations for forthcoming research endeavors.

The role of ROS-pyroptosis in PM2.5 induced air-blood barrier destruction

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has attracted increasing attention due to its health-threatening effects. Although numerous studies have investigated the impact of PM2.5 on lung injuries, the specific mechanisms underlying the damage to the air-blood barrier after exposure to PM2.5 remain unclear. In this study, we established an in vitro co-culture system using lung epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells. Our findings indicated that the tight junction (TJ) proteins were up-regulated in the co-cultured system compared to the monolayer-cultured cells, suggesting the establishment of a more closely connected in vitro system. Following exposure to PM2.5, we observed damage to the air-blood barrier in vitro. Concurrently, PM2.5 exposure induced significant oxidative stress and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis pathway. When oxidative stress was inhibited, we observed a decrease in pyroptosis and an increase in TJ protein levels. Additionally, disulfiram reversed the adverse effects of PM2.5, effectively suppressing pyroptosis and ameliorating air-blood barrier dysfunction. Our results indicate that the oxidative stress-pyroptosis pathway plays a critical role in the disruption of the air-blood barrier induced by PM2.5 exposure. Disulfiram may represent a promising therapeutic option for mitigating PM2.5-related lung damage.

Ginseng Stem-and-Leaf Saponins Mitigate Chlorpyrifos-Evoked Intestinal Toxicity In Vivo and In Vitro: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis

In recent years, the phenomenon of acute poisoning and organ damage caused by organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has been a frequent occurrence. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphorus pesticides. The main active components of ginseng stems and leaves are total ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLSs), which have various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities. We speculate that these could have great potential in the treatment of severe diseases and the relief of organophosphorus-pesticide-induced side effects; however, their mechanism of action is still unknown. At present, our work aims to evaluate the effects of GSLSs on the antioxidation of CPF in vivo and in vitro and their potential pharmacological mechanisms. Mice treated with CPF (5 mg/kg) showed severe intestinal mucosal injury, an elevated diamine oxidase (DAO) index, the decreased expression of occlusive protein-1 (ZO-1) and occlusive protein, an impaired intestinal mucosal oxidation system and intestinal villi relaxation. In addition, chlorpyrifos exposure significantly increased the contents of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the oxidative-stress-related indicators superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione SH (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC); elevated the level of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA); reversed the expression of Bax and caspase; and activated NF-κB-related proteins. Interestingly, GSLS supplementation at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reversed these changes after treatment. Similar results were observed in cultured RAW264.7 cells. Using flow cytometry, Hoechst staining showed that GSLSs (30 μg/mL, 60 μg/mL) could improve the cell injury and apoptosis caused by CPF and reduce the accumulation of ROS in cells. In conclusion, GSLSs play a protective role against CPF-induced enterotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated apoptosis and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Di (2-ethyl) hexyl phthalate induces liver injury in chickens by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via reactive oxygen species

Di (2-ethyl) hexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common environmental endocrine disruptor that induces oxidative stress, posing a significant threat to human and animal health. Oxidative stress can activate the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is closely related to cell apoptosis. However, it is unclear whether DEHP induces apoptosis of chicken liver cells by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway through oxidative stress. In this experiment, male laying hens were continuously exposed to 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1600 mg/kg DEHP for 14 d, 28 d, and 42 d. The results showed that liver injury was aggravated with the dose of DEHP gavage, and the ROS/MDA levels in L, M, and H DEHP exposure groups were significantly increased, while the T-AOC/T-SOD/GSH-PX levels were decreased. Meanwhile, DEHP exposure up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN/Bax/Caspase-9/Caspase-3 and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K/AKT/BCL-2, indicating that DEHP may lead to hepatocyte apoptosis through ROS regulation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis. In order to further clarify the relationship between oxidative stress and liver injury, we treated chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (LMH) with 2.5 mM N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC attenuated these phenomena. In summary, our study suggests that DEHP can induce apoptosis of chicken liver through ROS activation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis.

A possible but unrecognized risk of acceptable daily intake dose triazole pesticides exposure-bile acid disturbance induced pharmacokinetic changes of oral medication

Triazole antifungal pesticides work by inhibiting the activity of lanosterol-14-α-demethylase, a member of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), but this effect is non-specific. Bile acids (BAs) are important physical surfactants for lipids absorption in intestine, and synthesized by CYPs 7A1/27A1. Thus, we presume that triazole exposure might influence the therapeutic effect or safety of oral medication through disturbing the BAs pool, even though the exposure is under an acceptable daily intake (ADI) dose. Short- and long-term of ADI dose tebuconazole (TEB) exposure animal models were established through various routes, and statins with different hydrophilic and lipophilic properties were gavaged. It exhibited that the activity of CYP7A1/27A1 was indeed inhibited but the expression was up-regulated, the BAs pool was changed either the content and the composition, and the absorption behavior of statins with strong and medium degree of lipid-solubility were significantly changed. A series of experiments performed on models of intestinal mucus, Caco-2 cell monolayer and Caco-2/HT29 co-culture system revealed that the TEB-exposure induced BAs disturbance made impacts on drug absorption in many aspects, including drug solubility and the structure of intestinal barriers. This study suggests us to be more alert about the hazard of pesticides residues for elderly and chronically ill groups.

Network pharmacology-based and experimental identification of the effects of Renshen Yangrong decoction on myocardial infarction

Objective: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, the drugs used to treat MI have various side effects. Emerging evidence supports the protective effects of Renshen Yangrong Decoction (RSYRD) in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) treatments, with few side effect reports. However, the role of RSYRD in MI remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacological analysis was combined with experiments in vivo and in vitro to validate the effects of RSYRD in the treatment during the early stage of MI.

Methods: Firstly, network pharmacology analysis was performed to search for the potential targets and signaling pathways of RSYRD in the early stage of MI. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the core genes of RSYRD that may play a key role in MI. At last, the treatment effectiveness of RSYRD on MI was verified via experiments in vitro and in vivo.

Results: RSYRD contained fifty-six bioactive components. Eighty-eight intersections between RSYRD and MI targets and thirteen core genes were screened. KEGG and GO functional enrichment analyses predicted that RSYRD might play a therapeutic role in MI through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune-inflammatory signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro experiment results revealed that significant apoptosis occurred in myocardial tissue in the early stage of MI. Moreover, the levels of reactive oxide species (ROS), TNF-α, and IL-6 increased markedly. After RSYRD administration, they significantly decreased. At the mechanistic level, RSYRD could reduce ROS production to alleviate cell apoptosis.

Conclusion: RSYRD could reduce neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) apoptosis by lowering ROS production induced by hypoxia and improve the cardiac function of mice 3 days post-MI. RSYRD could also reduce the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice.