A microplate-based DCFH-DA assay for the evaluation of oxidative stress in whole semen

Sulfasalazine-loaded nanoframes: A new frontier in bladder cancer therapy through ferroptosis induction

Promoting ferroptosis in tumor cells has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, the heightened antioxidant activity within tumor cells hampers this approach, diminishing its effectiveness and fostering drug resistance. In this study, a new type of sulfasalazine (SAS) loaded nanoframe self-etched Pt-Co nanodendrites (Pt/Co-BNN@SAS) was developed, presenting a novel avenue for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells by depleting glutathione (GSH) for cancer treatment. Pt/Co-BNN exhibits notable peroxidase (POD) activity, catalyzing the production of abundant oxygen radicals through the consumption of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the concurrent depletion of GSH. Simultaneously, the liberated sulfasalazine (SAS) from Pt/Co-BNN@SAS effectively obstructs system xc-, impeding the absorption of cystine by tumor cells and thereby expediting GSH depletion. The expeditious reduction of GSH markedly stimulates the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) and suppresses glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), consequently triggering ferroptosis in bladder cancer cells and inhibiting the migration ability of bladder cancer cells effectively. This research contributes to a more profound comprehension of nano-drug-biological interactions and provides a prospective outlook on treating bladder cancer by instigating ferroptosis in tumor cells through GSH depletion.

Metal Ruthenium Complexes Treat Spinal Cord Injury By Alleviating Oxidative Stress Through Interaction With Antioxidant 1 Copper Chaperone Protein

Oxidative stress is a major factor affecting spinal cord injury (SCI) prognosis. A ruthenium metal complex can aid in treating SCI by scavenging reactive oxygen species via a protein-regulated mechanism to alleviate oxidative stress. This study aimed to introduce a pioneering strategy for SCI treatment by designing two novel half-sandwich ruthenium (II) complexes containing diverse N^N-chelating ligands. The general formula is [(η6-Arene)Ru(N^N)Cl]PF6, where arene is either 2-phenylethanol-1-ol (bz-EA) or 3-phenylpropanol-1-ol (bz-PA), and the N^N-chelating ligands are fluorine-based imino-pyridyl ligands. This study shows that these ruthenium metal complexes protect neurons by scavenging reactive oxygen species. Notably, η6-Arene substitution from bz-PA to bz-EA significantly enhances reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and neuroprotective effect. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the ruthenium metal complex increases Antioxidant 1 Copper Chaperone protein expression, reduces oxidative stress, and protects neurons during SCI treatment. Furthermore, ruthenium metal complex protected spinal cord neurons and stimulated their regeneration, which improves electrical signals and motor functions in mice with SCI. Thus, this treatment strategy using ruthenium metal complexes can be a new therapeutic approach for the efficient treatment of SCI.

Blocking μ-opioid receptor by naltrexone exaggerates oxidative stress and airway inflammation via the MAPkinase pathway in a murine model of asthma

Opioids regulate various physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. They have been used for centuries as a treatment for severe pain, binding to opioid receptors a specific G protein-coupled receptor. Common opioids, like β-endorphin, [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), and dynorphins, have analgesic effects. The use of a potent antagonist, like naltrexone hydrochloride, to block the effects of mu Opioid Receptor (μOR) may result in the withdrawal of physiological effects and could potentially impact immune responses in many diseases including respiratory disease. Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, stress generation and release of various cytokines. Airway inflammation leads recruitment and activation of immune cells releasing mediators, including opioids, which may modulate inflammatory response by binding to their respective receptors. The study aims to explore the role of μOR antagonist (naltrexone) in regulating asthma pathophysiology, as the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in asthma remains unclear. Balb/c mice were sensitized intranasally by 1% TDI and challenged with 2.5% TDI. Naltrexone hydrochloride (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered through intraperitoneal route 1 h before TDI induction. Blocking μOR by naltrexone exacerbates airway inflammation by recruiting inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils), enhancing intracellular Reactive oxygen species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inflammatory mediator (histamine, Eosinophil peroxidase and neutrophil elastase) in lungs. Naltrexone administration modulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A), and enhanced IgE and CRP levels. Naltrexone administration also increased the expression of NF-κB, and phosphorylated p-P38, p-Erk, p-JNK and NF-κB by inhibiting the μOR. Docking study revealed good binding affinity of naltrexone with μOR compared to δ and κ receptors. In future it might elucidate potential therapeutic against many respiratory pathological disorders. In conclusion, μOR blocking by naltrexone regulates and implicates inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and lung physiology.

Effect of crocin supplementation in the extender on the quality of chilled canine semen

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of crocin on canine sperm quality parameters during prolonged storage at 4 °C. Ejaculates from 10 dogs were diluted in a TRIS- egg yolk extender supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.5, 1, and 2 mM crocin and stored at 4 °C. Sperm membrane functional integrity, motility, and kinetics were assessed after 3 h, 24 h, 4 days and 7 days of storage. Based on the results, the more efficient concentration of crocin (0.5 mM) was chosen to evaluate sperm intracellular ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation vs. the control. Semen with the addition of 0.5 mM crocin with respect to the control exhibited: i) increased (P < 0.05) sperm membrane functionality at 4 and 7 days of storage; ii) higher (P < 0.05) average path (VAP), straight-line velocities (VSL), and beat cross frequency (BCF) at 4 d of storage at 4 °C; iii) decreased (P < 0.05) intracellular ROS levels after 3 and 24 h storage. No differences in lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation were recorded between the control and C0.5 groups at any time point. Lipid peroxidation did not increase over time, while DNA fragmentation increased (P < 0.05) in both groups after 4 days of storage. The results demonstrated that the enrichment of extender with crocin improves to a certain extent canine semen quality, particularly after 4 days of storage at 4 °C.

Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Folic acid and zinc supplements have been used to treat male infertility, but their efficacy is still debated.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men.

Methods

An online systematic search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases from inception to August 1, 2022. The goal was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used folic acid or folic acid plus zinc to improve sperm characteristics of infertile men. Data were extracted by two investigators who independently screened the literature and assessed for quality according to the criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

A total of 8 RCT studies involving 2168 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the controls, folic acid significantly increased sperm motility (MD, 3.63; 95% CI, -1.22 to 6.05; P = 0.003), but did not affect the sperm concentration (MD, 2.53; 95% CI, -1.68 to 6.73; P = 0.24) and sperm morphology (MD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.29 to 0.24; P = 0.86) in infertile men. Folic acid plus zinc did not affect sperm concentration (MD, 1.87; 95% CI, -1.39 to 5.13; P = 0.26), motility (MD, 1.67; 95% CI, -1.29 to 4.63; P = 0.27), and morphology (MD, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.27 to 0.18; P = 0.69) in infertile men. Secondary results showed that compared with a placebo, folic acid alone had a higher rate of pregnancy in transferred embryos (35.6% vs. 20.4%, P = 0.082), but the difference was not significant. Folic acid plus zinc did not affect pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

Based on the meta-analysis, no significant improvements in sperm characteristics with folic acid plus zinc supplements were seen. However, folic acid alone has demonstrated the potential to improve sperm motility and in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) outcomes. This indicates that folic acid supplements alone may be a viable treatment option for male infertility.