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El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L. Effects of Walnut and Pumpkin on Selective Neurophenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4564. [PMID: 37960217 PMCID: PMC10647375 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Special diets or nutritional supplements are regularly given to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The increased consumption of particular foods has been demonstrated in numerous trials to lessen autism-related symptoms and comorbidities. A case study on a boy with moderate autism who significantly improved after three years of following a healthy diet consisting of pumpkin and walnuts was examined in this review in connection to a few different neurophenotypes of ASD. We are able to suggest that a diet high in pumpkin and walnuts was useful in improving the clinical presentation of the ASD case evaluated by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered gut microbiota, all of which are etiological variables. Using illustrated figures, a full description of the ways by which a diet high in pumpkin and nuts could assist the included case is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 110281, United Arab Emirates
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Moratilla-Rivera I, Sánchez M, Valdés-González JA, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Natural Products as Modulators of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Neuroprotection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043748. [PMID: 36835155 PMCID: PMC9967135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect the West due to the increase in life expectancy. Nervous cells accumulate oxidative damage, which is one of the factors that triggers and accelerates neurodegeneration. However, cells have mechanisms that scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviate oxidative stress (OS). Many of these endogenous antioxidant systems are regulated at the gene expression level by the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). In the presence of prooxidant conditions, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and induces the transcription of genes containing ARE (antioxidant response element). In recent years, there has been an increase in the study of the Nrf2 pathway and the natural products that positively regulate it to reduce oxidative damage to the nervous system, both in in vitro models with neurons and microglia subjected to stress factors and in vivo models using mainly murine models. Quercetin, curcumin, anthocyanins, tea polyphenols, and other less studied phenolic compounds such as kaempferol, hesperetin, and icariin can also modulate Nrf2 by regulating several Nrf2 upstream activators. Another group of phytochemical compounds that upregulate this pathway are terpenoids, including monoterpenes (aucubin, catapol), diterpenes (ginkgolides), triterpenes (ginsenosides), and carotenoids (astaxanthin, lycopene). This review aims to update the knowledge on the influence of secondary metabolites of health interest on the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and their potential as treatments for NDs.
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Astaxanthin Protection against Neuronal Excitotoxicity via Glutamate Receptor Inhibition and Improvement of Mitochondrial Function. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20100645. [PMID: 36286468 PMCID: PMC9605357 DOI: 10.3390/md20100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is known to associate with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease, as well as aging, stroke, trauma, ischemia and epilepsy. Excessive release of glutamate, overactivation of glutamate receptors, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation are a few of the suggested key mechanisms. Astaxanthin (AST), a carotenoid, is known to act as an antioxidant and protect neurons from excitotoxic injuries. However, the exact molecular mechanism of AST neuroprotection is not clear. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of AST in neuroprotection in excitotoxicity. We utilized primary cortical neuronal culture and live cell fluorescence imaging for the study. Our results suggest that AST prevents neuronal death, reduces ROS formation and decreases the abnormal mitochondrial membrane depolarization induced by excitotoxic glutamate insult. Additionally, AST modulates intracellular calcium levels by inhibiting peak and irreversible secondary sustained calcium levels in neurons. Furthermore, AST regulates the ionotropic glutamate subtype receptors NMDA, AMPA, KA and mitochondrial calcium. Moreover, AST decreases NMDA and AMPA receptor protein expression levels, while KA remains unaffected. Overall, our results indicate that AST protects neurons from excitotoxic neuronal injury by regulating ionotropic glutamate receptors, cytosolic secondary calcium rise and mitochondrial calcium buffering. Hence, AST could be a promising therapeutic agent against excitotoxic insults in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Hosseini A, Samadi M, Baeeri M, Rahimifard M, Haghi-Aminjan H. The neuroprotective effects of melatonin against diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review of non-clinical studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984499. [PMID: 36120309 PMCID: PMC9470957 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy (DN), a nerve injury. High blood sugar (glucose) levels can harm nerves all over your body. The nerves in your legs and feet are the most commonly affected by DN. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of melatonin’s potential neuroprotective properties against DN. Method: A full systematic search was conducted in several electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) up to March 2022 under the PRISMA guidelines. Forty-seven studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the current systematic review included nine publications that met the inclusion criteria. Result: According to in vivo findings, melatonin treatment reduces DN via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. However, compared to the diabetes groups alone, melatonin treatment exhibited an anti-oxidant trend. According to other research, DN also significantly produces biochemical alterations in neuron cells/tissues. Additionally, histological alterations in neuron tissue following DN were detected. Conclusion: Nonetheless, in the majority of cases, these diabetes-induced biochemical and histological alterations were reversed when melatonin was administered. It is worth noting that the administration of melatonin ameliorates the neuropathy caused by diabetes. Melatonin exerts these neuroprotective effects via various anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asieh Hosseini
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahedeh Samadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Baeeri
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahban Rahimifard
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mahban Rahimifard, ; Hamed Haghi-Aminjan,
| | - Hamed Haghi-Aminjan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mahban Rahimifard, ; Hamed Haghi-Aminjan,
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Identification and Characterization of Novel Small-Molecule SMOX Inhibitors. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10030047. [PMID: 36135832 PMCID: PMC9504029 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The major intracellular polyamines spermine and spermidine are abundant and ubiquitous compounds that are essential for cellular growth and development. Spermine catabolism is mediated by spermine oxidase (SMOX), a highly inducible flavin-dependent amine oxidase that is upregulated during excitotoxic, ischemic, and inflammatory states. In addition to the loss of radical scavenging capabilities associated with spermine depletion, the catabolism of spermine by SMOX results in the production of toxic byproducts, including H2O2 and acrolein, a highly toxic aldehyde with the ability to form adducts with DNA and inactivate vital cellular proteins. Despite extensive evidence implicating SMOX as a key enzyme contributing to secondary injury associated with multiple pathologic states, the lack of potent and selective inhibitors has significantly impeded the investigation of SMOX as a therapeutic target. In this study, we used a virtual and physical screening approach to identify and characterize a series of hit compounds with inhibitory activity against SMOX. We now report the discovery of potent and highly selective SMOX inhibitors 6 (IC50 0.54 μM, Ki 1.60 μM) and 7 (IC50 0.23 μM, Ki 0.46 μM), which are the most potent SMOX inhibitors reported to date. We hypothesize that these selective SMOX inhibitors will be useful as chemical probes to further elucidate the impact of polyamine catabolism on mechanisms of cellular injury.
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Xiong Y, Zhou D, Zheng K, Bi W, Dong Y. Extracellular Adenosine Triphosphate Binding to P2Y1 Receptors Prevents Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity: Involvement of Erk1/2 Signaling Pathway to Suppress Autophagy. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:901688. [PMID: 35747207 PMCID: PMC9209742 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.901688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate-induced neuroexcitotoxicity could be related to the pathophysiology of some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Extracellular ATP exerts a wide variety of functions, such as attenuating Aβ-mediated toxicity, inhibiting N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit combinations, and aggravating ischemic brain injury. However, the effect of extracellular ATP on glutamate-induced neuroexcitotoxicity remains largely unknown. Herein, we showed that extracellular ATP prevented the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity via binding to its P2Y1 receptors. We found that excessive glutamate triggered cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial membrane potential damage, which were significantly attenuated by extracellular ATP. Besides, glutamate activated autophagy, as illustrated by the increased protein level of autophagic marker LC3II and decreased level of p62, and glutamate-induced neuroexcitotoxicity could be completely abolished by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. In addition, we revealed that extracellular ATP activated Erk1/2 signaling to suppress autophagy and to exert its neuroprotective effects, which was further reduced by autophagy agonist rapamycin and the selective Erk1/2 inhibitor PD0325901. Taken together, our findings suggest that extracellular ATP binding to P2Y1 receptors protected against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity via Erk1/2-mediated autophagy inhibition, implying the potential of ATP for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Duanyang Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenchuan Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Dong, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-5658-3896
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Liu X, Liu J, Liu C, Zhang X, Zhao Z, Xu J, Zhang X, Zhou K, Gao P, Li D. Selenium-containing polysaccharides isolated from Rosa laevigata Michx fruits exhibit excellent anti-oxidant and neuroprotective activity in vitro. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1222-1233. [PMID: 35472363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Selenium-containing polysaccharides have potential as an organic selenium dietary supplement, owing to their low toxicity, few side effects, and easy absorption attributes. In this study, we isolated two novel homogeneous selenium-containing polysaccharides from Rosa laevigata Michx fruits (Se-RLFPs). Results from primary structural analysis revealed that Se-RLFPs were α - pyranose, and were both composed of rhamnose, xylose, glucose with an average molecular weight of 24 and 16 KDa, respectively. Selenium contents in Se-RLFP-I and Se-RLFP-II were 16.49 μg/g and 21.61 μg/g, respectively. Results from analysis of antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of the polysaccharides revealed that Se-RLFPs had a radical scavenging effect. Specifically, they effectively protected SH-SY5Y cells from H2O2-induced damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Western blots showed that the underlying mechanisms of action may be related to the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggested that Se-RLFPs have potential as a pharmaceutical agent for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) or as a selenium-complementary ingredient in functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuegui Liu
- Institute of Functional Molecules, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Development of Boron and Magnesium Resources and Fine Chemical Technology, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Changfeng Liu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Jianing Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Xingyue Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Ke Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China
| | - Pingyi Gao
- Institute of Functional Molecules, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China; College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China.
| | - Danqi Li
- Institute of Functional Molecules, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, Liaoning 110142, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Green Functional Molecular Design and Development, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, PR China.
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Brasil FB, de Almeida FJS, Luckachaki MD, Dall'Oglio EL, de Oliveira MR. A Pretreatment with Isoorientin Attenuates Redox Disruption, Mitochondrial Impairment, and Inflammation Caused by Chlorpyrifos in a Dopaminergic Cell Line: Involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1043-1056. [PMID: 35583593 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The C-glucosyl flavone isoorientin (ISO) is obtained by humans from the diet and exhibits several cytoprotective effects, as demonstrated in different experimental models. However, it was not previously shown whether ISO would be able to prevent mitochondrial impairment in cells exposed to a chemical stressor. Thus, we treated the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with ISO (0.5-20 µM) for 18 h before a challenge with chlorpyrifos (CPF) at 100 µM for additional 24 h. We observed that ISO prevented the CPF-induced lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation and nitration in the membranes of mitochondria extracted from CPF-treated cells. ISO also attenuated the CPF-elicited increase in the production of reactive species in this experimental model. Moreover, ISO prevented the CPF-induced disruption in the activity of components of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in the SH-SY5Y cells. ISO also promoted an anti-inflammatory action in the cells exposed to CPF. CPF caused a decrease in the activity of the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective agent. On the other hand, ISO upregulated HO-1 activity in SH-SY5Y cells. Inhibition of HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX) suppressed the cytoprotection induced by ISO in the CPF-treated cells. Besides, silencing of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) abolished the ISO-induced HO-1 upregulation and mitochondrial benefits induced by this flavone on the CPF-challenged cells. Thus, ISO protected mitochondria of the CPF-treated cells by an Nrf2/HO-1-dependent fashion in the SH-SY5Y cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Bittencourt Brasil
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Campus Universitário de Rio das Ostras - Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fhelipe Jolner Souza de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.,Grupo de Estudos Em Neuroquímica E Neurobiologia de Moléculas Bioativas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, CEP 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dargesso Luckachaki
- Grupo de Estudos Em Neuroquímica E Neurobiologia de Moléculas Bioativas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, CEP 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Evandro Luiz Dall'Oglio
- Grupo de Estudos Em Neuroquímica E Neurobiologia de Moléculas Bioativas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, CEP 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto de Oliveira
- Grupo de Estudos Em Neuroquímica E Neurobiologia de Moléculas Bioativas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, CEP 78060-900, Brazil.
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Study of the potential neuroprotective effect of Dunaliella salina extract in SH-SY5Y cell model. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 414:5357-5371. [PMID: 34923590 PMCID: PMC9242911 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia caused by a progressive loss of neurons from different regions of the brain. This multifactorial pathophysiology has been widely characterized by neuroinflammation, extensive oxidative damage, synaptic loss, and neuronal cell death. In this sense, the design of multi-target strategies to prevent or delay its progression is a challenging goal. In the present work, different in vitro assays including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinergic activities of a carotenoid-enriched extract from Dunaliella salina microalgae obtained by supercritical fluid extraction are studied. Moreover, its potential neuroprotective effect in the human neuron-like SH-SY5Y cell model against remarkable hallmarks of AD was also evaluated. In parallel, a comprehensive metabolomics study based on the use of charged-surface hybrid chromatography (CSH) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS) was applied to evaluate the effects of the extract on the metabolism of the treated cells. The use of advanced bioinformatics and statistical tools allowed the identification of more than 314 metabolites in SH-SY5Y cells, of which a great number of phosphatidylcholines, triacylglycerols, and fatty acids were significantly increased, while several phosphatidylglycerols were decreased, compared to controls. These lipidomic changes in cells along with the possible role exerted by carotenoids and other minor compounds on the cell membrane might explain the observed neuroprotective effect of the D. salina extract. However, future experiments using in vivo models to corroborate this hypothesis must be carried out.
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Yang M, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Astaxanthin Prevents Diet-Induced NASH Progression by Shaping Intrahepatic Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011037. [PMID: 34681695 PMCID: PMC8541356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary change leads to a precipitous increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from simple steatosis to the advanced form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), affecting approximately 25% of the global population. Although significant efforts greatly advance progress in clarifying the pathogenesis of NAFLD and identifying therapeutic targets, no therapeutic agent has been approved. Astaxanthin (ASTN), a natural antioxidant product, exerts an anti-inflammation and anti-fibrotic effect in mice induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligation (BDL); thus, we proposed to further investigate the potential effect of ASTN on a diet-induced mouse NASH and liver fibrosis, as well as the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. By treating pre-development of NASH in mice induced with a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD), we have demonstrated that oral administration ASTN preventively ameliorated NASH development and liver fibrosis by modulating the hepatic immune response, liver inflammation, and oxidative stress. Specifically, ASTN treatment led to the reduction in liver infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, oxidative stress response, and hepatocyte death, accompanied by the decreased hepatic gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-1β. In vitro studies also demonstrated that ASTN significantly inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine CCL2 in macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Overall, in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that ASTN functions as a promising therapeutic agent to suppress NASH and liver fibrosis via modulating intrahepatic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (M.Y.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (M.Y.); (E.T.K.)
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (M.Y.); (E.T.K.)
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Correspondence: (K.F.S.-O.); (G.L.)
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (M.Y.); (E.T.K.)
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Correspondence: (K.F.S.-O.); (G.L.)
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