Heme oxygenase and the cardiovascular-renal system

Mitochondria fission accentuates oxidative stress in hyperglycemia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts in vitro by regulating fatty acid oxidation

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous studies have revealed that inhibition of mitochondrial fission suppressed oxidative stress and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice. However, no research has confirmed whether mitochondria fission accentuates hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyoblast oxidative stress through regulating fatty acid oxidation (FAO). We used H9c2 cardiomyoblasts exposed to high glucose (HG) 33 mM to simulate DCM in vitro. Excessive mitochondrial fission, poor cell viability, and lipid accumulation were observed in hyperglycemia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Also, the cells were led to oxidative stress injury, lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and apoptosis. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) short interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased targeted marker expression, inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation and lipid accumulation, suppressed oxidative stress, reduced cardiomyoblast apoptosis, and improved cell viability and ATP levels in HG-exposed H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, but not in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) inhibitor etomoxir treatment cells. We also found subcellular localization of CPT1 on the mitochondrial membrane, FAO, and levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were suppressed after exposure to HG treatment, whereas Drp1 siRNA normalized mitochondrial CPT1, FAO, and NADPH. However, the blockade of FAO with etomoxir abolished the above effects of Drp1 siRNA in hyperglycemia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The preservation of mitochondrial function through the Drp1/CPT1/FAO pathway is the potential mechanism of inhibited mitochondria fission in attenuating oxidative stress injury of hyperglycemia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.

Silver nanoparticle-induced cell damage via impaired mtROS-JNK/MnSOD signaling pathway

This study investigated the mechanism of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) cytotoxicity from a mitochondrial perspective. The effect of AgNP on manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, against oxidative stress has not been studied in detail. We demonstrated that AgNP decreased MnSOD mRNA level, protein expression, and activity in human Chang liver cells in a time-dependent manner. AgNP induced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), particularly superoxide anion. AgNP was found to increase mitochondrial calcium level and disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to reduced ATP level, succinate dehydrogenase activity, and mitochondrial permeability. AgNP induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, attenuated the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins phospho Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, and induced the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Bax. In addition, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation was significantly increased by AgNP. Treatment with elamipretide (a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant) and SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) showed the involvement of MnSOD and JNK in these processes. These results indicated that AgNP damaged human Chang liver cells by destroying mitochondrial function through the accumulation of mtROS.

Emerging perspectives: unraveling the anticancer potential of vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, a fat-soluble vitamin known for its critical function in calcium homeostasis and bone health, is gaining interest for its anticancer properties. Observational studies have suggested a negative relationship between vitamin D levels and the incidence of some malignancies throughout the years, prompting substantial investigation to find its anticancer effects. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to investigate the diverse function of vitamin D3 in cancer prevention and therapy. We explored the molecular mechanism underlying its effects on cancer cells, which range from cell cycle control and death to angiogenesis and immune response modulation. Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies provide valuable evidence supporting its anticancer potential. Furthermore, we look at epidemiological and clinical studies that investigate the relationship between vitamin D3 levels and cancer risk or treatment results. Vitamin D3 supplementation's safety profile and cost-effectiveness increase its attractiveness as an adjuvant therapy in conjunction with traditional treatment regimens. Our critical review of the current literature provides an in-depth understanding of vitamin D3's anticancer effect, covering the obstacles and possibilities in realizing its promise for cancer prevention and therapy. The findings of this study might pave the way for the development of innovative treatment techniques that take use of the advantages of vitamin D3 to fight cancer and improve patient care. As research progresses, a better understanding of vitamin D3's anticancer processes will surely simplify its incorporation into personalized cancer care techniques, hence enhancing patient outcomes in the battle against cancer.

Identification and Verification of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Keratoconus Using Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective

Keratoconus is a commonly progressive and blinding corneal disorder. Iron metabolism and oxidative stress play crucial roles in both keratoconus and ferroptosis. However, the association between keratoconus and ferroptosis is currently unclear. This study aimed to analyze and verify the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the pathogenesis of keratoconus through bioinformatics.

Methods

We first obtained keratoconus-related datasets and FRGs. Then, the differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs) associated with keratoconus were screened through analysis, followed by analysis of their biological functions. Subsequently, the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms were used to screen for diagnostic biomarkers. GSEA was performed to explore the potential functions of the marker genes. Finally, the associations between these biomarkers and immune cells were analyzed. qRT‒PCR was used to detect the expression of these biomarkers in corneal tissues.

Results

A total of 39 DE-FRGs were screened, and functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DE-FRGs were closely related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the immune response. Then, using multiple algorithms, 6 diagnostic biomarkers were selected, and the ROC curve was used to verify their risk prediction ability. In addition, based on CIBERSORT analysis, alterations in the immune microenvironment of keratoconus patients might be associated with H19, GCH1, CHAC1, and CDKN1A. Finally, qRT‒PCR confirmed that the expression of H19 and CHAC1 was elevated in the keratoconus group.

Conclusion

This study identified 6 DE-FRGs, 4 of which were associated with immune infiltrating cells, and established a diagnostic model with predictive value for keratoconus.

Targeting myocardial inflammation: investigating the therapeutic potential of atrial natriuretic peptide in atrial fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a prevalent arrhythmic condition, is intricately associated with atrial fibrosis, a major pathological contributor. Central to the development of atrial fibrosis is myocardial inflammation. This study focuses on Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and its role in mitigating atrial fibrosis, aiming to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which ANP exerts its effects, with an emphasis on fibroblast dynamics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study involved forty Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four groups: control, Angiotensin II (Ang II), Ang II + ANP, and ANP only. The administration of 1 µg/kg/min Ang II was given to Ang II and Ang II + ANP groups, while both Ang II + ANP and ANP groups received 0.1 µg/kg/min ANP intravenously for a duration of 14 days. Cardiac fibroblasts were used for in vitro validation of the proposed mechanisms. The study observed that rats in the Ang II and Ang II + ANP groups showed an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in body weight, more pronounced in the Ang II group. Diastolic dysfunction, a characteristic of the Ang II group, was alleviated by ANP. Additionally, ANP significantly reduced Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis, myofibroblast proliferation, collagen overexpression, macrophage infiltration, and the elevated expression of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Tenascin-C (TN-C). Transcriptomic sequencing indicated enhanced PI3K/Akt signaling in the Ang II group. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that ANP, along with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, effectively reduced PI3K/Akt pathway activation and the expression of TN-C, collagen-I, and collagen-III, which were induced by Ang II.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates ANP's potential in inhibiting myocardial inflammation and reducing atrial fibrosis. Notably, ANP's effect in countering atrial fibrosis seems to be mediated through the suppression of the Ang II-induced PI3K/Akt-Tenascin-C signaling pathway. These insights enhance our understanding of AF pathogenesis and position ANP as a potential therapeutic agent for treating atrial fibrosis.

Krüpple-like factors in cardiomyopathy: emerging player and therapeutic opportunities

Cardiomyopathy, a heterogeneous pathological condition characterized by changes in cardiac structure or function, represents a significant risk factor for the prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research conducted over the years has led to the modification of definition and classification of cardiomyopathy. Herein, we reviewed seven of the most common types of cardiomyopathies, including Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), diabetic cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), desmin-associated cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (ICM), and obesity cardiomyopathy, focusing on their definitions, epidemiology, and influencing factors. Cardiomyopathies manifest in various ways ranging from microscopic alterations in cardiomyocytes, to tissue hypoperfusion, cardiac failure, and arrhythmias caused by electrical conduction abnormalities. As pleiotropic Transcription Factors (TFs), the Krüppel-Like Factors (KLFs), a family of zinc finger proteins, are involved in regulating the setting and development of cardiomyopathies, and play critical roles in associated biological processes, including Oxidative Stress (OS), inflammatory reactions, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and cellular autophagy and apoptosis, particularly in diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, research into KLFs in cardiomyopathy is still in its early stages, and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of some KLF members in various types of cardiomyopathies remain unclear. This article reviews the roles and recent research advances in KLFs, specifically those targeting and regulating several cardiomyopathy-associated processes.

Increased Expression of PHGDH Under High-Selenium Stress In Vivo

The purpose of this study is to explore the glycolytic remodeling under high-selenium (Se) stress. Three groups of male C57BL/6J mice were fed on diets with different Se contents (0.03, 0.15, and 0.30 mg Se/kg). Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured at the third month. Mice were killed at the fourth month. Plasma, liver, and muscle tissues were fetched for biochemistry and Se analysis. The expressions of insulin signaling pathway (PI3K-AKT-mTOR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), selenoprotein N (SELENON), 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), serine hydroxymethyltransferases 1 (SHMT1), 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and methionine synthase (MS) were analyzed by western blotting (WB) in liver and muscle tissues. The results of GTT and ITT showed that glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were both abnormal in the 0.03 mg Se/kg and 0.3 mg Se/kg groups. Se concentrations in plasma, liver, and muscle of 0.03 mg Se/kg group were significantly lower than that of 0.15 mg Se/kg and 0.30 mg Se/kg groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The expressions of P-Akt (Thr-308) in muscle (p < 0.05) and PI3K and mTOR in liver (p < 0.001) of 0.30 mg Se/kg group were downregulated. The expressions of GPX1 in liver and muscle (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), SELENON in muscle (p < 0.05), PHGDH in liver and muscle (p < 0.05), and SHMT1 (p < 0.05), MTHFR (p < 0.001), and MS (p < 0.001) in muscle of 0.3 mg Se/kg group were upregulated. The de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP) was found to be activated in liver and muscle tissues of mice with a high-Se diet for the first time.

Autophagy receptor OsNBR1 modulates salt stress tolerance in rice

KEY MESSAGE

Autophagy receptor OsNBR1 modulates salt stress tolerance by affecting ROS accumulation in rice. The NBR1 (next to BRCA1 gene 1), as important selective receptors, whose functions have been reported in animals and plants. Although the function of NBR1 responses to abiotic stress has mostly been investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana, the role of NBR1 under salt stress conditions remains unclear in rice (Oryza sativa). In this study, by screening the previously generated activation-tagged line, we identified a mutant, activation tagging 10 (AC10), which exhibited salt stress-sensitive phenotypes. TAIL-PCR (thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR) showed that the AC10 line carried a loss-of-function mutation in the OsNBR1 gene. OsNBR1 was found to be a positive regulator of salt stress tolerance and was localized in aggregates. A loss-of-function mutation in OsNBR1 increased salt stress sensitivity, whereas overexpression of OsNBR1 enhanced salt stress resistance. The osnbr1 mutants showed higher ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, whereas the OsNBR1 overexpression (OsNBR1OE) lines showed lower ROS production, than Kitaake plants under normal and salt stress conditions. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that expression of OsRBOH9 (respiratory burst oxidase homologue) was increased in osnbr1 mutants, resulting in increased ROS accumulation in osnbr1 mutants. Together our results established that OsNBR1 responds to salt stress by influencing accumulation of ROS rather than by regulating transport of Na+ and K+ in rice.

Harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants against adrenal hormone imbalance-associated oxidative stress

Oxidative stress, resulting from dysregulation in the secretion of adrenal hormones, represents a major concern in human health. The present review comprehensively examines various categories of endocrine dysregulation within the adrenal glands, encompassing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Additionally, a comprehensive account of adrenal hormone disorders, including adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors, is presented, with particular emphasis on their intricate association with oxidative stress. The review also delves into an examination of various nutritional antioxidants, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and probiotics, and elucidates their role in mitigating the adverse effects of oxidative stress arising from imbalances in adrenal hormone levels. In conclusion, harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants has the potential to help with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in adrenal hormones. This could lead to new research and therapeutic interventions.

Current progress of ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of nonapoptotic regulated cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Biological processes, such as iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and amino acid metabolism, are involved in the process of ferroptosis. However, the related molecular mechanism of ferroptosis has not yet been completely clarified, and specific and sensitive biomarkers for ferroptosis need to be explored. Recently, studies have revealed that ferroptosis probably causes or exacerbates the progress of cardiovascular diseases, and could be the potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, inducers or inhibitors of ferroptosis, and the current progresses of ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging challenges and future perspectives, which may provide novel insights into the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Ferroptosis as an emerging target in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Due to the rise in the incidence rate of RA and the limitations of existing therapies, the search for new treatment strategies for RA has become a global focus. Ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, with distinct differences from apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. Under the conditions of iron accumulation and the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity loss, the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxide is the direct cause of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis mediates inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid oxidative damage processes, and also participates in the occurrence and pathological progression of inflammatory joint diseases including RA. This review provides insight into the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in RA and discusses the potential and challenges of ferroptosis as a new therapeutic strategy for RA, with an effort to provide new targets for RA prevention and treatment.

Structural optimization and prospect of constructing hemoglobin oxygen carriers based on hemoglobin

The current global shortage of organ resources, the imbalance in donor-recipient demand and the increasing number of high-risk donors make organ preservation a necessity to consider appropriate storage options. The current method of use often has risks such as blood group mismatch, short shelf life, and susceptibility. HBOCs have positive effects such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative, which have significant advantages in organ storage. Therefore, it is the common pursuit of researchers to design and synthesize HBOCs with safety, ideal oxygen-carrying capacity, easy storage, etc. that are widely applicable and optimal for different organs. There has been a recent advancement in understanding HBOCs mechanisms, which is discussed in this review.

Targeting Hub Genes Involved in Muscle Injury Induced by Jumping Load Based on Transcriptomics

The purpose of this study was to find hub genes that may play key roles in skeletal muscle injury induced by jumping load. Twelve female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the normal control (NC) group and the jumping-induced muscle injury (JI) group. After 6 weeks of jumping, transmission electron microscopy, hematoxylin-eosin staining, transcriptomics sequencing and genes analysis, interaction network prediction of multiple proteins, real-time PCR detection, and Western blotting were performed on gastrocnemius muscles from NC and JI groups. As compared with NC rats, excessive jumping can result in notable structural damage and inflammatory infiltration in JI rats. A total of 112 differentially expressed genes were confirmed in NC rats versus JI rats, with 59 genes upregulated and 53 genes downregulated. Using the online String database, four hub genes in the transcriptional regulatory network were targeted, including FOS, EGR1, ATF3, and NR4A3. All expression levels of FOS, EGR1, ATF3, and NR4A3 mRNAs were decreased in JI rats compared with NC rats (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). All expression levels of c-Fos, EGR1, ATF3, and NOR1 proteins were upregulated in JI rats (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p > 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively). Collectively, these findings indicate that FOS, EGR1, ATF3, and NR4A3 genes may be functionally important in jumping-induced muscle injury.

HTRA1 from OVX rat osteoclasts causes detrimental effects on endplate chondrocytes through NF-κB

Endplate osteochondritis is considered one of the major causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and low back pain. Menopausal women have a higher rate of endplate cartilage degeneration than similarly aged men, but the related mechanisms are still unclear. Subchondral bone changes, mainly mediated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, are considered an important reason for the degeneration of cartilage. This work explored the role of osteoclasts in endplate cartilage degeneration, as well as its underlying mechanisms. A rat ovariectomy (OVX) model was used to induce estrogen deficiency. Our experiments indicated that OVX significantly promoted osteoclastogenesis and anabolism and catabolism changes in endplate chondrocytes. OVX osteoclasts cause an imbalance between anabolism and catabolism in endplate chondrocytes, as shown by a decrease in anabolic markers such as Aggrecan and Collagen II, and an increase in catabolic markers such as a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP13). Osteoclasts were also confirmed in this study to be able to secrete HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1), which resulted in increased catabolism in endplate chondrocytes through the NF-κB pathway under estrogen deficiency. This study demonstrated the involvement and mechanism of osteoclasts in the anabolism and catabolism changes of endplate cartilage under estrogen deficiency, and proposed a new strategy for the treatment of endplate osteochondritis and IVDD by targeting HTRA1.

Characterization, antimicrobial and antitumor activity of superoxide dismutase extracted from Egyptian honeybee venom (Apis mellifera lamarckii)

BACKGROUND

Superoxide dismutase is an important antioxidative stress enzyme which is found in honeybee venom and has a wide pharmaceutical and medical applications.

RESULTS

We reported the purification and characterization of venom SOD from Egyptian honeybee Apis mellifera lamarckii and termed BVSOD. It was purified to homogeneity from the Egyptian honeybee venom. The purification procedures included crude extraction, DEAE-cellulose anion exchange column chromatography, and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration column chromatography. The purified BVSOD is found to be homogeneous as investigated by native PAGE. It exhibited homodimeric structure with a molecular weight of native form of 32 kDa and subunits of 16.0 kDa. It displayed the maximum activity at pH 7.4. CuCl₂, ZnCl₂, and MgCl₂ and elevated the activity of BVSOD, while CoCl₂, FeCl₂, and NiCl₂ inhibited BVSOD activity. Potassium cyanide and hydrogen peroxide were most potent inhibitors for BVSOD activity suggesting that it is a Cu/Zn-SOD type.

CONCLUSIONS

The purified BVSOD is found to have antimicrobial and antitumor activities which can be used for various medical and clinical applications.

Emerging role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in inflammatory autoimmune diseases: A comprehensive review

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a primary metabolic sensor, and is expressed in different immune cells, such as macrophage, dendritic cell, neutrophil, T cell, and non-immune cells, for instance, synovial fibroblast, and islet β cell. HIF-1α signaling regulates cellular metabolism, triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells proliferation. It is known that microenvironment hypoxia, vascular proliferation, and impaired immunological balance are present in autoimmune diseases. To date, HIF-1α is recognized to be overexpressed in several inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and function of HIF-1α is dysregulated in these diseases. In this review, we narrate the signaling pathway of HIF-1α and the possible immunopathological roles of HIF-1α in autoimmune diseases. The collected information will provide a theoretical basis for the familiarization and development of new clinical trials and treatment based on HIF-1α and inflammatory autoimmune disorders in the future.

Adverse effects of pristine and aged polystyrene microplastics in mice and their Nrf2-mediated defense mechanisms with tissue specificity

Health hazards associated with microplastics (MPs) remain largely unknown, and the effects of aged MPs, one of their persistent forms, are poorly characterized. Male ICR mice were intratracheally instilled with 0.01 and 1 mg/day pristine and ultraviolet (UV)-aged polystyrene microplastics (PS and APS) with an average diameter of 4 - 5 μm daily for 1 week. UV irradiation caused the PS to have a rough surface, become fragmented, and increase their carbonyl groups. Both PS and APS caused structural damage to the mouse gut, liver, spleen, and testis. Inflammatory infiltration in liver, swollen and congested gut, and loose spleen globules, as well as the loose interstitium of the seminiferous tubules in testis were found in 1 mg/day APS group. Increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin A levels in 1 mg/day APS group (p < 0.05) demonstrated that APS exposure could induce greater liver and spleen functional damage than PS. Meanwhile, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in liver were enhanced in 1 mg/day APS group (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione contents in 0.01 and 1 mg/day APS groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), which suggesting that PS and APS could interfere with the antioxidant capacity in mice. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in the PS and APS groups showed significant increases in the liver and testis (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease in the spleen (p < 0.05), which were analyzed to get a first survey for Nrf2/HO-1-mediated tissue-specific defense mechanisms. In conclusion, acute exposure to PS and APS induced potential metabolic disorders, and APS could produce more serious immune damage and reproductive toxicity. These findings provide new insights in health risk assessment of aged MPs.

Palmatine Protects Against MSU-Induced Gouty Arthritis via Regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2 Pathways

Purpose

Gouty arthritis could be triggered by the deposition of monosodium uric acid (MSU) crystals. Palmatine (PAL), a protoberberine alkaloid, has been proven to possess compelling health-beneficial activities. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of PAL on LPS plus MSU crystal-stimulated gouty arthritis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages were primed with LPS and then stimulated with MSU crystal in the presence or absence of PAL. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related biomarkers and signal pathway key targets were determined by ELISA kit, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of PAL on MSU-induced arthritis mice were also evaluated.

Results

The results indicated that PAL (20, 40 and 80 μM) dose-dependently decreased the mRNA expression and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were remarkably enhanced, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced. Western blot analysis revealed that PAL appreciably inhibited NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways through inhibiting the phosphorylation of p-65 and IκBα, blocking the expression of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and Caspase-1, as well as enhancing the antioxidant protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. In vivo, PAL attenuated MSU-induced inflammation in gouty arthritis, as evidenced by mitigating the joint swelling, and decreasing the productions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and MDA, while enhancing the levels of SOD and GSH. Moreover, PAL further attenuated the infiltration of neutrophils into joint synovitis.

Conclusion

PAL protected against MSU-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2 pathways. PAL may represent a potential candidate for the treatment of gouty arthritis.

Tanreqing Injection Attenuates Macrophage Activation and the Inflammatory Response via the lncRNA-SNHG1/HMGB1 Axis in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury

The etiology of acute lung injury (ALI) is not clear, and the treatment of ALI presents a great challenge. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of ALI and to define the target gene of Tanreqing (TRQ), which is a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of five medicines, scutellaria baicalensis, bear bile powder, goat horn powder, honeysuckle and forsythia. Macrophage activation plays a critical role in many pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation. Although the regulation of macrophage activation has been extensively investigated, there is little knowledge of the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process. In this study, we found that lncRNA-SNHG1 expression is distinctly regulated in differently activated macrophages in that it is upregulated in LPS. LncRNA-SNHG1 knockdown attenuates LPS-induced M1 macrophage activation. The SNHG1 promoter was bound by NF-κB subunit p65, indicative of SNHG1 being a direct transcriptional target of LPS-induced NF-κB activation. SNHG1 acts as a proinflammatory driver that leads to the production of inflammatory cytokines and the activation of macrophages and cytokine storms by physically interacting with high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in ALI. TRQ inhibited NF-κB signaling activation and binding of NF-κB to the SNHG1 promoter. In conclusion, this study defined TRQ target genes, which can be further elucidated as mechanism(s) of TRQ action, and provides insight into the molecular pathogenesis of ALI. The lncRNA-SNHG1/HMGB1 axis is an ideal therapeutic for ALI treatment.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB1 Alleviates Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-Induced Adverse Effects in Piglets by Improving Host Immune Response and Anti-Oxidation Stress and Restoring Intestinal Integrity

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common enteric pathogen that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB1 (formerly named Lactobacillus zeae LB1) has been shown to reduce ETEC infection to Caenorhabditis elegans and Salmonella burden in pigs. This study was to evaluate the effect of L. rhamnosus LB1 on the gut health of lactating piglets that were challenged with ETEC. Six-four piglets at 7 days of age were equally assigned into 8 groups (8 piglets per group): 1) control group (basal diet, phosphate buffer saline); 2) CT group (basal diet + 40 mg/kg colistin); 3) LL group (basal diet + 1 × 10⁷ CFU/pig/day LB1); 4) HL group (basal diet + 1 × 10⁸ CFU/pig/day LB1); 5) ETEC group: (basal diet + ETEC challenged); 6) CT + ETEC group (basal diet + CT + ETEC); 7) LL + ETEC group (basal diet + 1 × 10⁷ CFU/pig/day LB1 + ETEC); 8) HL + ETEC group (basal diet + 1 × 10⁸ CFU/pig/day LB1 + ETEC). The trial lasted ten days including 3 days of adaptation. Several significant interactions were found on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, gene, and protein expression. ETEC infection disrupted the cell structure and biochemical indicators of blood, undermined the integrity of the intestinal tract, and induced oxidative stress, diarrhoea, intestinal damage, and death of piglets. The supplementation of L. rhamnosus LB1 alleviated ETEC’s adverse effects by reducing pig diarrhoea, oxidative stress, and death, modulating cell structure and biochemical indicators of blood, improving the capacity of immunity and anti-oxidation stress of pigs, and restoring their intestinal integrity. At the molecular level, the beneficial effects of L. rhamnosus LB1 appeared to be mediated by regulating functional related proteins (including HSP70, Caspase-3, NLRP3, AQP3, and AQP4) and genes (including RPL4, IL-8, HP, HSP70, Mx1, Mx2, S100A12, Nrf2, GPX2 and ARG1). These results suggest that dietary supplementation of L. rhamnosus LB1 improved the intestinal functions and health of piglets.

Cys-SH based quantitative redox proteomics of salt induced response in sugar beet monosomic addition line M14

BACKGROUND

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth, development and productivity. Studying the molecular mechanisms of salt stress tolerance may help to enhance crop productivity. Sugar beet monosomic addition line M14 exhibits tolerance to salt stress.

RESULTS

In this work, the changes in the BvM14 proteome and redox proteome induced by salt stress were analyzed using a multiplex iodoTMTRAQ double labeling quantitative proteomics approach. A total of 80 proteins were differentially expressed under salt stress. Interestingly, A total of 48 redoxed peptides were identified for 42 potential redox-regulated proteins showed differential redox change under salt stress. A large proportion of the redox proteins were involved in photosynthesis, ROS homeostasis and other pathways. For example, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activase changed in its redox state after salt treatments. In addition, three redox proteins involved in regulation of ROS homeostasis were also changed in redox states. Transcription levels of eighteen differential proteins and redox proteins were profiled. (The proteomics data generated in this study have been submitted to the ProteomeXchange and can be accessed via username: reviewer_pxd027550@ebi.ac.uk, password: q9YNM1Pe and proteomeXchange# PXD027550.) CONCLUSIONS: The results showed involvement of protein redox modifications in BvM14 salt stress response and revealed the short-term salt responsive mechanisms. The knowledge may inform marker-based breeding effort of sugar beet and other crops for stress resilience and high yield.

Hydroperoxide-Reducing Enzymes in the Regulation of Free-Radical Processes

The review presents current concepts of the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress development and describes main stages of the free-radical reactions in oxidative stress. Endogenous and exogenous factors of the oxidative stress development, including dysfunction of cell oxidoreductase systems, as well as the effects of various external physicochemical factors, are discussed. The review also describes the main components of the antioxidant defense system and stages of its evolution, with a special focus on peroxiredoxins, glutathione peroxidases, and glutathione S-transferases, which share some phylogenetic, structural, and catalytic properties. The substrate specificity, as well as the similarities and differences in the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, are discussed in detail. The role of peroxiredoxins, glutathione peroxidases, and glutathione S-transferases in the regulation of hydroperoxide-mediated intracellular and intercellular signaling and interactions of these enzymes with receptors and non-receptor proteins are described. An important contribution of hydroperoxide-reducing enzymes to the antioxidant protection and regulation of such cell processes as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis is demonstrated.

Ferroptosis: A Trigger of Proinflammatory State Progression to Immunogenicity in Necroinflammatory Disease

Until recently, necrosis is generally regarded as traumatic cell death due to mechanical shear stress or other physicochemical factors, while apoptosis is commonly thought to be programmed cell death, which is silent to immunological response. Actually, multiple modalities of cell death are programmed to maintain systematic immunity. Programmed necrosis, such as necrosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, are inherently more immunogenic than apoptosis. Programmed necrosis leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines, defined as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), resulting in a necroinflammatory response, which can drive the proinflammatory state under certain biological circumstances. Ferroptosis as a newly discovered non-apoptotic form of cell death, is characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation and overload iron, which occurs in cancer, neurodegeneration, immune and inflammatory diseases, as well as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It is triggered by a surplus of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced in an imbalanced redox reaction due to the decrease in glutathione synthesis and inaction of enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Ferroptosis is considered as a potential therapeutic and molecular target for the treatment of necroinflammatory disease, and further investigation into the underlying pathophysiological characteristics and molecular mechanisms implicated may lay the foundations for an interventional therapeutic strategy. This review aims to demonstrate the key roles of ferroptosis in the development of necroinflammatory diseases, the major regulatory mechanisms involved, and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Effects induced by a 50 Hz electromagnetic field and doxorubicin on Walker-256 carcinosarcoma growth and hepatic redox state in rats

We compare the effects of an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) on tumor growth and the hepatic redox state in Walker-256 carcinosarcoma-bearing rats. Animals were divided into five groups with one control (no tumor) and four tumor-bearing groups: no treatment, DOX, DOX combined with EMF and EMF. While DOX and DOX + EMF provided greater inhibition of tumor growth, treatment with EMF alone resulted in some level of antitumor effect (p < .05). Superoxide dismutase, catalase activity and glutathione content were significantly decreased in the liver of tumor-bearing animals as compared with the control group (p < .05). The decreases in antioxidant defenses accompanied histological findings of suspected liver damage. However, hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were three times lower in EMF and DOX + EMF groups than in no treatment and DOX (p < .05). EMF and DOX + EMF showed significantly lower activity of serum ALT than DOX alone (p < .05). These results indicate that EMF treatment can inhibit tumor growth, causing less pronounced oxidative stress damage to the liver. Therefore, EMF can be used as a therapeutic strategy to influence the hepatic redox state and combat cancer with reduced side-effects.

Evaluation of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate as a Radioprotective Agent During Radiotherapy of Lung Cancer Patients: A 5-Year Survival Analysis of a Phase 2 Study

Background

Previous analysis of the study (NCT02577393) had demonstrated the application of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could be safe and effective in the prevention and treatment of acute radiation esophagitis in patients with advanced lung cancer. EGCG seemed to improve the response rate of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to radiotherapy in a subgroup analysis. This research continued to analyze the impact of EGCG application on cancer-radiation efficacy and patient survival.

Methods

All patients with SCLC in the NCT02577393 study were included. Patients were randomized into EGCG group or conventional therapy group as protocol. The primary endpoints of the study were radiation response rate and progression-free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS) and the efficacy of EGCG in the treatment of esophagitis were assessed as secondary endpoints.

Results

A total of 83 patients with lung cancer in the NCT02577393 study were screened, and all 38 patients with SCLC were eligible for analysis. No significant differences with regard to baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were observed between the two groups. The objective response rate (ORR) was higher than that of conventionally treated patients (84.6 vs 50%, P = 0.045), while the median PFS and OS were not significantly prolonged. At data cut-off (1 January 2021), 5-year PFS was 33% with EGCG versus 9.3% with conventional treatment, and 5-year OS was 30.3% versus 33.3%, respectively. The mean adjusted esophagitis index and pain index of patients with EGCG application were lower than conventional treatment (5.15 ± 2.75 vs 7.17 ± 1.99, P = 0.030; 8.62 ± 5.04 vs 15.42 ± 5.04, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study indicates EGCG may alleviate some esophagitis-related indexes in SCLC patients exposed to ionizing radiation without reducing survival. However, this conclusion should be confirmed by further studies with large sample size.

Regulatory Effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are antitumor drugs that are being developed for use in clinical settings. HDACIs enhance histone or nonhistone acetylation and promote gene transcription via epigenetic regulation. Importantly, these drugs have cytotoxic or cytostatic properties and can directly inhibit tumor cells. However, how HDACIs regulate immunocytes in the tumor microenvironment, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), has yet to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the effects of different HDACIs on the immunosuppressive function and expansion of MDSCs based on the findings of relevant studies.

HMGB1 downregulation in retinal pigment epithelial cells protects against diabetic retinopathy through the autophagy-lysosome pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and currently one of the major causes of blindness. Several previous studies have demonstrated that autophagy, which is regulated by HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1), is involved in DR development. However, the role of autophagy in DR is quite complicated in that it promotes pericyte survival in early DR, whereas excessive autophagy causes excess stress and leads to necrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between HMGB1, the macroautophagy/autophagy-lysosome pathway, and DR, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. In brief, the relationship between high glucose (HG) and the autophagy-lysosome pathway was examined in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The relationship was studied by detecting classical autophagic features, and siRNAs targeting HMGB1 and pharmacological regulators were used to explore the role of the autophagy-lysosome pathway in DR development. The results demonstrated that HG inhibited autophagy and diminished the degradative capacity of autophagy due to lysosome membrane permeabilization (LMP). In addition, HMGB1 was found to be involved in LMP via the CTSB (cathepsin B)-dependent pathway, but not the CTSL (cathepsin L)-dependent pathway. Knockdown of HMGB1 expression rescued LMP, restored the degradative capacity of autophagy, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and protected against apoptosis in RPE cells in the early stages of DR.

Global Research Trends of Ferroptosis: A Rapidly Evolving Field With Enormous Potential

Background: Ferroptosis is a newly proposed form of programmed cell death, and accumulating evidence suggests that it plays an essential role in the development of multiple diseases, especially cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Since officially named in 2012, research on ferroptosis has grown rapidly. There are previous reviews focused on the research progress of ferroptosis from a certain aspect, but no bibliometric studies summarizing this field as a whole. This study aimed to assess the scientific output and activity regarding ferroptosis research from a global perspective. Methods: Publications related to ferroptosis from 2012 to 2020 were identified and selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Excel 2019 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 was used to analyze quantitative variables including number of publications and citations, H-index, and journal citation reports. VOS viewer and CiteSpace were used to perform co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analysis of countries/institutes/authors/keywords. Results: A total of 1,285 publications on ferroptosis research were identified. The literature on ferroptosis had been continuously growing since 2012, and the expansion might continue at a rapid pace in the following years. China contributed the greatest proportion (43.74%) of ferroptosis publications, and the United States ranked first in the number of citation frequency (20,980 times) and H-index (70). B. R. Stockwell, D. L. Tang, and R. Kang were key researchers. The journal Cell Death Disease published the highest number of articles, with 42 articles. All the keywords could be divided into two clusters: cluster 1 (pathway and mechanism) and cluster 2 (treatment and effect). In terms of potential hotspots, keywords with the strong bursts and still ongoing recently were "neurodegeneration" (2017-2020), "chemotherapy" (2017-2020), "NF-kappa B" (2017-2020), and "photodynamic therapy" (2018-2020). Conclusion: There will be a dramatically increasing number of publications on ferroptosis research based on the current global trends. China has made significant progress in ferroptosis research, but the United States is actually dominated in this field. More focus will be placed on neurodegeneration, chemotherapy, nuclear factor κB, and photodynamic therapy, which may be the next popular topics in ferroptosis research.

The Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate-I Plays a Neuroprotective Effect on Cerebral Ischemic Stroke by Inhibiting MEK/ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway in Rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of cerebroprotein hydrolysate-I (CH-I) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODS

A total of 100 adult healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, model group, CH-I treated group, and cerebrolysin (CBL) positive group, consisting of 20 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model of rats was built by inserting a suture into the left external carotid artery (ECA) through the internal carotid artery (ICA). Treatment was performed by intraperitoneal injection of CH-I (20 mg/kg). The neurobehavioral function of rats was evaluated by modified neurological severity scores (mNSS). TTC staining was used to detect the cerebral infarction volume (CIV) of rats. The morphological and structural changes of nerve cells were observed by HE staining and the neuronal apoptosis was counted by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was used to detect BDNF and pMEK1/2 expressions. The expressions of BDNF, pMEK1/2, pERK1/2, and pCREB were determined with Western blotting.

RESULTS

After treatment with CH-I, the mNSS and CIV of rats were improved (P<0.05). And the CH-I can reduce the degeneration and apoptosis of nerve cells in rats (P<0.01). Western blotting showed that the expressions of pMEK1/2, pERK1/2, and pCREB in rats were increased, while the expression of BDNF was decreased after modeling (P<0.05). After treatment, the expressions of pMEK1/2, pERK1/2, and pCREB in the CH-I group were decreased (P<0.05), while the expression of BDNF was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with the model group. IHC showed that the expression of BDNF and pMEK1/2 was consistent with Western blotting.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the CH-I might play a neuroprotective role by inhibiting the expression of MEK-ERK-CREB and enhancing the expression of BDNF after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, thus improving the neurobehavioral function of MCAO/R rats.

Network Pharmacology-Based and Experimental Identification of the Effects of Quercetin on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative brain disorders inducing nearly half of dementia cases, and the diagnosis and treatment of AD are the primary issues clinically. However, there is a lack of effective biomarkers and drugs for AD diagnosis and therapeutics so far. In this study, bioinformatics analysis combined with an experimental verification strategy was used to identify the biomarkers and the quercetin targets for AD diagnosis and treatment. First, differentially expressed genes in the AD brain were identified by microarray data analysis. Second, quercetin, a predominant flavonoid, was used to screen the target genes. Third, the drug–disease network was determined, and the target genes of quercetin treatment were obtained in AD-related HT-22 cell-based assay. Six genes, including MAPT, PIK3R1, CASP8, DAPK1, MAPK1, and CYCS, were validated by the system pharmacology analysis in the hippocampus samples of AD patients. The results suggested that MAPT, PIK3R1, CASP8, and DAPK1 were significantly increased, but MAPK1 and CYCS were significantly decreased in HT-22 cells after Aβ1-42 treatment. Moreover, MAPK1 and CYCS were markedly increased, but MAPT, PIK3R1, CASP8, and DAPK1 were markedly decreased after quercetin treatment in these HT-22 cells. Altogether, MAPT, PIK3R1, CASP8, DAPK1, MAPK1, and CYCS are all the biomarkers for AD diagnosis and the targets of quercetin treatment, and our findings may provide valuable biomarkers for AD diagnosis and treatment.

Paeonol Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion and Induces Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating miR-21-5p/KLF6 Axis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors with high mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were reported as crucial markers for the diagnosis of HCC. Paeonol exerted many pharmacological effects on tumor progression. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of paeonol in HCC progression.

Methods

Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were detected by Western blot assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) were measured by Western blot. The expression of miR-21-5p and kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyze the interaction between miR-21-5p and KLF6. The enrichment of miR-21-5p was determined by RNA pull-down assay. Xenograft assay was conducted to analyze tumor growth in vivo.

Results

The results demonstrated that cell viability of Hep3B and Huh-7 cells was inhibited, while cell apoptosis was promoted after treatment with paeonol. Transwell assay indicated that cell migration and invasion were blocked in paeonol-treated cells. Moreover, miR-21-5p expression was markedly decreased in paeonol-treated cells and its knockdown suppressed cell viability, migration and invasion, but contributed to cell apoptosis. MiR-21-5p targeted KLF6 and its silencing prominently elevated KLF6 level. Furthermore, the restoration experiment determined that miR-21-5p and KLF6 were antagonisms on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Also, paeonol abated the decrease in KLF6 level caused by miR-21-5p up-regulation. Besides, paeonol suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Paeonol impeded cell viability, migration and invasion and triggered apoptosis by regulating miR-21-5p/KLF6 axis in HCC cells. Xenograft assay confirmed that paeonol inhibited tumor growth through miR-21-5p/KLF6 axis in HCC in vivo.

Exercise-Related Oxidative Stress as Mechanism to Fight Physical Dysfunction in Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a group of often severely disabling disorders characterized by dysfunction in one of the main constituents of the motor unit, the cardinal anatomic-functional structure behind force and movement production. Irrespective of the different pathogenic mechanisms specifically underlying these disease conditions genetically determined or acquired, and the related molecular pathways involved in doing that, oxidative stress has often been shown to play a relevant role within the chain of events that induce or at least modulate the clinical manifestations of these disorders. Due to such a putative relevance of the imbalance of redox status occurring in contractile machinery and/or its neural drive in NMDs, physical exercise appears as one of the most important conditions able to positively interfere along an ideal axis, going from a deranged metabolic cell homeostasis in motor unit components to the reduced motor performance profile exhibited by the patient in everyday life. If so, it comes out that it would be important to identify a proper training program, suitable for load and type of exercise that is able to improve motor performance in adaptation and response to such a homeostatic imbalance. This review therefore analyzes the role of different exercise trainings on oxidative stress mechanisms, both in healthy and in NMDs, also including preclinical studies, to elucidate at which extent these can be useful to counteract muscle impairment associated to the disease, with the final aim of improving physical functions and quality of life of NMD patients.

Fish Lipid against Prostate Cancer (PC-3) through Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest

Anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of different concentrations (10-50 μg/ml) of total lipid of the freshwater fish, Labeo rohita against human prostate cancer cells (PC3) were assessed using cells viability analysis by MTT assay, intracellular ROS generation and nuclear condensation. The cell cycle analysis for DNA content was performed by flow cytometry. The fish lipid was found to be effective which changed the characteristic morphology of PC3cells and also decreased their cells number. The fish lipid significantly induced the cell cycle arrest and level of ROS which caused apoptosis in PC3cells. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic roles of the fish lipid against the cells of prostate cancer may be helpful for the prevention and development of anticancer drug.

Hypertensive Rats Treated Chronically With Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) Induced Disorder of Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism and Intestinal Pathophysiology

N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, results in hypertension and liver injury. This study aimed at investigating the changes of liver lipometabonomics and exploring the underlying mechanisms of liver injury in the L-NAME-treated rats. The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 8 weeks. After that, the liver, aorta, fecal, and serum were collected for analysis. The results showed that L-NAME induced hypertension and disordered the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO pathway in the treated rats. L-NAME could also increase the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST). The multidimensional mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics (MDMS-SL) analysis showed that L-NAME could induce significant changes of the total hepatic lipids and most hepatic triglycerides, as well as fatty acid (FA). A positive correlation was found between the blood pressure and TAG. Immunofluorescence and Western-Blot experiments indicated that the L-NAME treatment significantly influenced some FA β-oxidation, desaturation, and synthesis-related proteins. The increase of intestinal inflammation, decrease of microcirculation and tight junction proteins, as well as alterations of microbial communities were observed in the L-NAME induced hypertensive rats, as well as alterations of microbial communities were notable correlation to TAG and FA species. This study demonstrated that the L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats exhibiting liver injury were the joint action of hepatic abnormal fatty acid metabolism and microcirculation disorder. Furthermore, the gut microflora, as well as the changes of FA β-oxidation (ACOX, CPT1α), desaturation (SCD-1), and synthesis (FAS) may be the potential mechanisms for abnormal fatty acid metabolism.

Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Link Between Inflammation and Hydrogen Sulfide

Endothelial cells are important constituents of blood vessels that play critical roles in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating blood fluidity and fibrinolysis, vascular tone, angiogenesis, monocyte/leukocyte adhesion, and platelet aggregation. The normal vascular endothelium is taken as a gatekeeper of cardiovascular health, whereas abnormality of vascular endothelium is a major contributor to a plethora of cardiovascular ailments, such as atherosclerosis, aging, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by imbalanced vasodilation and vasoconstriction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and proinflammatory factors, as well as deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The occurrence of endothelial dysfunction disrupts the endothelial barrier permeability that is a part of inflammatory response in the development of cardiovascular diseases. As such, abrogation of endothelial cell activation/inflammation is of clinical relevance. Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an entry as a gasotransmitter, exerts diverse biological effects through acting on various targeted signaling pathways. Within the cardiovascular system, the formation of H₂S is detected in smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. Disrupted H₂S bioavailability is postulated to be a new indicator for endothelial cell inflammation and its associated endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we will summarize recent advances about the roles of H₂S in endothelial cell homeostasis, especially under pathological conditions, and discuss its putative therapeutic applications in endothelial inflammation-associated cardiovascular disorders.

Melatonin modulates airway smooth muscle cell phenotype by targeting the STAT3/Akt/GSK-3β pathway in experimental asthma

Among the troika of clinicopathologic features of asthma, airway remodelling has gained sufficient attention for its contribution to progressive airway narrowing. Much effort has been directed at the management of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), but few attempts have proven to prevent the progression of remodelling. Recently, accumulating data have shown the anti-inflammatory/anti-proliferative potency of melatonin (a crucial neurohormone involved in many physiological and pathological processes) in diverse cells. However, no evidence has confirmed its effect on ASMCs. The present study investigates the benefits of melatonin in asthma, with an emphasis on airway remodelling. The results indicated that melatonin significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation and remodelling in a house dust mite (HDM) model. Melatonin markedly alleviated goblet cell hyperplasia/metaplasia, collagen deposition and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia/hypertrophy, implying the achievement of remodelling remission. The data obtained in vitro further revealed that melatonin notably inhibited ASMCs proliferation, VEGF synthesis and cell migration induced by PDGF, which might depend on STAT3 signalling. Moreover, melatonin remarkably relieved ASMCs contraction and reversed ASMCs phenotype switching induced by TGF-β, probably via the Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Altogether, our findings illustrated for the first time that melatonin improves asthmatic airway remodelling by balancing the phenotypic proportions of ASMCs, thus highlighting a novel purpose for melatonin as a potent option for the management of asthma.

Xiaochaihutang Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cell Line T6 Through the Nrf2 Pathway

Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) is one of classic prescriptions in Treatise on Febrile Diseases in China which was reported to have the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is now well established as a central driver of fibrosis in liver injury. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important element for anti-oxidative damage which is one of the key factors responsible for occurrence. This study was to investigate the effect of XCHT compound serum on HSCs activation and focus on the Nrf2 pathway. Rats in treatment groups were given the appropriate doses of XCHT granules (5 g/kg) and Silybin (50 mg/kg) for 6 days, and the serum were obtained. The compound serum was used to intervene HSCs. The results found that XCHT compound serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of HSCT6 cells. The number of α-SMA positive stained cells in HSCT6 cells and the content of Collagen type I (collagen-I) in supernatant were significantly decreased indicating suppression of activated HSCs. Compared with the control group, the nuclear transcription of Nrf2 and the expressions of Nqo1, GCLC, and GCLM were significantly increased in XCHT group. However, the effects of XCHT were inhibited in Nrf2-siRNA transfected HSCT6 cells. These studies demonstrated that XCHT could inhibit HSCT6 cell proliferation and activation. The mechanism might be related to up-regulation of the Nrf2 pathway against oxidative stress.

Inflammasome: A Double-Edged Sword in Liver Diseases

Inflammasomes have emerged as critical innate sensors of host immune that defense against pathogen infection, metabolism syndrome, cellular stress and cancer metastasis in the liver. The assembly of inflammasome activates caspase-1, which promotes the maturation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and initiates pyroptotic cell death (pyroptosis). IL-18 exerts pleiotropic effects on hepatic NK cells, priming FasL-mediated cytotoxicity, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-dependent responses to prevent the development of liver diseases. However, considerable attention has been attracted to the pathogenic role of inflammasomes in various acute and chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, nanoparticle-induced liver injury, alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances on the physiological and pathological roles of inflammasomes for further development of inflammasome-based therapeutic strategies for human liver diseases.

Docking of THPDTPI: to explore P-selectin as a common target of anti-tumor, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory agent

The impact of soluble P-selectin on tumor growth, thrombosis and inflammation has been individually documented. Whether the down-regulation of P-selectin expression can simultaneously slow the tumor growth, inhibit the thrombosis and attenuate the inflammatory response remains unknown. In this context, (2'S,5'S)- tetrahydropyrazino[1',2':1,6]-di{2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole}-1',4'-dione (THPDTPI) was designed as an inhibitor of P-selectin. The suitable docking of THPDTPI towards the active site of P-selectin, the significant down-regulation of THPDTPI to P-selectin expression, and the direct action of THPDTPI on P-selectin suggest that P-selectin could be a target of THPDTPI. In vivo THPDTPI possesses the anti-tumor activity, the anti-thrombotic activity and the anti-inflammatory activity. This implies that targeting P-selectin is of essential importance for this triple activity. The minimal effective doses of THPDTPI inhibiting the tumor growth, the rat arterial thrombosis and the mouse ear edema are 0.01 μmol/kg, 0.1 μmol/kg and 0.001 μmol/kg, respectively. Atomic force microscopy images and FT-MS spectra showed that the adhesion of THPDTPI onto the surfaces of the platelets may be the first step of P-selectin targeting. Besides, the dependence of the triple action of THPDTPI inhibiting the tumor growth, the thrombosis and the inflammation on the decrease of the soluble P-selectin led to the correlation of the soluble P-selectin with the serum TNF-α and serum IL-8.

Protective effects of Nebivolol against interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced type II collagen destruction mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13)

The pathological progression of osteoarthritis (OA) involves degradation of articular cartilage matrix. Type II collagen is the main component of cartilage matrix, which is degraded by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β mediated by MMP-13. Nebivolol, a licensed drug used for the treatment of hypertension in clinics, displays its anti-inflammatory capacity in various conditions. However, whether Nebivolol has a protective effect on cartilage matrix degradation has not been reported before. In this study, we investigated the effects of Nebivolol on regulating the expression of MMP-13 and degradation of type II collagen. Our results indicate that Nebivolol alleviated the increase in gene expression, protein expression, and activity of MMP-13 induced by IL-1β. Importantly, IL-1β strikingly reduced the levels of type II collagen in cell culture supernatants, which was reversed by treatment with Nebivolol in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, Nebivolol was found to alleviate the increased levels of phosphorylated IκBα and reduced levels of total IκBα induced by IL-1β, which subsequently mitigated p65 nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Furthermore, our results indicated that IL-1β treatment resulted in a significant increase in expression of the transcriptional factor interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) at both the mRNA and protein levels, which was significantly ameliorated by treatment with Nebivolol. The combination of these findings suggests that Nebivolol can potentially be applied in human OA treatment.

The apoptotic inducible effects of salicylic acid on hepatoma cell line: relationship with nitric oxide signaling

Clinical and experimental data suggest that salicylic acid (SA) is tumor preventive and NO has a multitude of effects on tumor biology. Therefore, firstly, the aim of our study is to explore the important role of SA in apoptotic induction of liver cancer cells. Secondly, we investigate whether SA mediates the anti-tumor effects by NO signaling pathway. The liver cancer cell line was treated with different concentrations of SA. Cell proliferation was tested using MTS assay and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. NO content and NOS activities were measured by biochemical assay. The anti- or pro-apoptotic regulator gene expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR. Our data illustrated that high concentration of SA significantly inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis induction. In addition, SA led to the release of NO and the increase of NOS activities in above process. Importantly, SA up-regulated a series of apoptosis-related gene expression and reduced the mRNA level of HMGB1. Meanwhile, we also found that NOS inhibitor L-NAME and NO scavenger cPTIO attenuated the above SA-induced effects. Thus, we provided the evidence that SA exerted anti-tumor effects in liver cancer cell in part mediated by the NO pathway.

Redox interplay between mitochondria and peroxisomes

Reduction-oxidation or “redox” reactions are an integral part of a broad range of cellular processes such as gene expression, energy metabolism, protein import and folding, and autophagy. As many of these processes are intimately linked with cell fate decisions, transient or chronic changes in cellular redox equilibrium are likely to contribute to the initiation and progression of a plethora of human diseases. Since a long time, it is known that mitochondria are major players in redox regulation and signaling. More recently, it has become clear that also peroxisomes have the capacity to impact redox-linked physiological processes. To serve this function, peroxisomes cooperate with other organelles, including mitochondria. This review provides a comprehensive picture of what is currently known about the redox interplay between mitochondria and peroxisomes in mammals. We first outline the pro- and antioxidant systems of both organelles and how they may function as redox signaling nodes. Next, we critically review and discuss emerging evidence that peroxisomes and mitochondria share an intricate redox-sensitive relationship and cooperate in cell fate decisions. Key issues include possible physiological roles, messengers, and mechanisms. We also provide examples of how data mining of publicly-available datasets from “omics” technologies can be a powerful means to gain additional insights into potential redox signaling pathways between peroxisomes and mitochondria. Finally, we highlight the need for more studies that seek to clarify the mechanisms of how mitochondria may act as dynamic receivers, integrators, and transmitters of peroxisome-derived mediators of oxidative stress. The outcome of such studies may open up exciting new avenues for the community of researchers working on cellular responses to organelle-derived oxidative stress, a research field in which the role of peroxisomes is currently highly underestimated and an issue of discussion.

Beneficial effect of butyrate, Lactobacillus casei and L-carnitine combination in preference to each in experimental colitis

AIM: To investigate the beneficial effect of the combination of butyrate, Lactobacillus casei, and L-carnitine in a rat colitis model.

METHODS: Rats were divided into seven groups. Four groups received oral butyrate, L-carnitine, Lactobacillus casei and the combination of three agents for 10 consecutive days. The remaining groups included negative and positive controls and a sham group. Macroscopic, histopathological examinations, and biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interlukin-1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase (MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ferric reduced ability of plasma (FRAP) were determined in the colon.

RESULTS: The combination therapy exhibited a significant beneficial effect in alleviation of colitis compared to controls. Overall changes in reduction of TNF-α (114.66 ± 18.26 vs 171.78 ± 9.48 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), IL-1β (24.9 ± 1.07 vs 33.06 ± 2.16 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), TBARS (0.2 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.04 μg/mg protein, P < 0.01), MPO (15.32 ± 0.4 vs 27.24 ± 3.84 U/mg protein, P < 0.05), and elevation of FRAP (23.46 ± 1.2 vs 15.02 ± 2.37 μmol/L, P < 0.05) support the preference of the combination therapy in comparison to controls. Although the monotherapies were also effective in improvement of colitis markers, the combination therapy was much better in improvement of colon oxidative stress markers including FRAP, TBARS, and MPO.

CONCLUSION: The present combination is a suitable mixture in control of experimental colitis and should be trialed in the clinical setting.

Role of NADPH oxidase family members in promoting liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is one of hepatic wound-repair responses to a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Increasing evidence indicates that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species play a key role in liver fibrosis. NADPH oxidase is a multi-subunit complex. In the liver, both phagocytic and non-phagocytic NADPH oxidases are functionally expressed. They have a significant fibrogenic effect on the hepatic stellate cells, the main cell type causing liver fibrosis. In this paper, we review the recent advances in understanding the role of the NADPH oxidase family in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis.

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors regulate redox signaling in the cardiovascular system

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) comprise three subtypes (PPARα, δ and γ) to form a nuclear receptor superfamily. PPARs act as key transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and anti-oxidant defense. While their roles in regulating lipid metabolism have been well established, the role of PPARs in regulating redox activity remains incompletely understood. Since redox activity is an integral part of oxidative metabolism, it is not surprising that changes in PPAR signaling in a specific cell or tissue will lead to alteration of redox state. The effects of PPAR signaling are directly related to PPAR expression, protein activities and PPAR interactions with their coregulators. The three subtypes of PPARs regulate cellular lipid and energy metabolism in most tissues in the body with overlapping and preferential effects on different metabolic steps depending on a specific tissue. Adding to the complexity, specific ligands of each PPAR subtype may also display different potencies and specificities of their role on regulating the redox pathways. Moreover, the intensity and extension of redox regulation by each PPAR subtype are varied depending on different tissues and cell types. Both beneficial and adverse effects of PPAR ligands against cardiovascular disorders have been extensively studied by many groups. The purpose of the review is to summarize the effects of each PPAR on regulating redox and the underlying mechanisms, as well as to discuss the implications in the cardiovascular system.