Redox modulation of cellular stress response and lipoxin A4 expression by Coriolus versicolor in rat brain: Relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

Transgenerational hormesis in healthy aging and antiaging medicine from bench to clinics: Role of food components

Neurodegenerative diseases have multifactorial pathogenesis, mainly involving neuroinflammatory processes. Finding drugs able to treat these diseases, expecially because for most of these diseases there are no effective drugs, and the current drugs cause undesired side effects, represent a crucial point. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have been concentrated on various aspects related to neurons (e.g. neuroprotection), however, there has not been focus on the prevention of early stages involving glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that nutritional phytochemicals including polyphenols, the main active constituents of the Mediterranean diet, maintain redox balance and neuroprotection through the activation of hormetic vitagene pathway. Recent lipidomics data from our laboratory indicate mushrooms as strong nutritional neuronutrients with strongly activity against neuroinflammation in Meniere' diseaseas, a model of cochleovestibular neural degeneration, as well as in animal model of traumatic brain injury, or rotenone induced parkinson's disease. Moreover, Hidrox®, an aqueous extract of olive containing hydroxytyrosol, and Boswellia, acting as Nrf2 activators, promote resilience by enhancing the redox potential, and thus, regulate through hormetic mechanisms, cellular stress response mechanisms., Thus, modulation of cellular stress pathways, in particular vitagenes system, may be an innovative approach for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.

Impact of dietary selenium and blood concentration on liver function: a population-based study

Background

Evidence on the association between selenium and liver function parameters is limited and controversial.

Methods

Data on dietary selenium intake, blood selenium concentration, and liver function parameters were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. Associations between selenium (dietary intake and blood concentration) and liver function parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the ALT/AST ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were assessed using multivariate linear regression models. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to examine differences in associations according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and physical activity.

Results

The study included 6,869 participants after screening. The multivariate linear regression model revealed that dietary selenium intake was positively associated with ALT (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.041, 0.183) and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.004) after adjustment for covariates. Results of blood selenium concentration also showed that higher blood selenium levels were positively associated with ALT (β = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.308, 0.564), AST (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.015, 0.208), and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.015). However, ALP decreased with increasing blood selenium concentration (β = -0.207, 95% CI = -0.414, -0.000). In addition, we found significant differences in the effect of selenium on liver function parameters according to age, gender, and BMI.

Conclusion

Dietary selenium intake and blood concentration affect liver function parameters. These findings suggest that further research is needed to explore these associations to promote liver health and disease prevention.

Hormetic Nutrition and Redox Regulation in Gut-Brain Axis Disorders

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of hormetic nutrition for enhancing stress resilience and overall human health have received much attention. Recently, the gut-brain axis has attracted prominent interest for preventing and therapeutically impacting neuropathologies and gastrointestinal diseases. Polyphenols and polyphenol-combined nanoparticles in synergy with probiotics have shown to improve gut bioavailability and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, thus inhibiting the oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction and inflammation linked to gut dysbiosis and ultimately the onset and progression of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In accordance with hormesis, polyphenols display biphasic dose-response effects by activating at a low dose the Nrf2 pathway resulting in the upregulation of antioxidant vitagenes, as in the case of heme oxygenase-1 upregulated by hidrox® or curcumin and sirtuin-1 activated by resveratrol to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, microbiota dysfunction and neurotoxic damage. Importantly, modulation of the composition and function of the gut microbiota through polyphenols and/or probiotics enhances the abundance of beneficial bacteria and can prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Interestingly, dysregulation of the Nrf2 pathway in the gut and the brain can exacerbate selective susceptibility under neuroinflammatory conditions to CNS disorders due to the high vulnerability of vagal sensory neurons to oxidative stress. Herein, we aimed to discuss hormetic nutrients, including polyphenols and/or probiotics, targeting the Nrf2 pathway and vitagenes for the development of promising neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies to suppress oxidative stress, inflammation and microbiota deregulation, and consequently improve cognitive performance and brain health. In this review, we also explore interactions of the gut-brain axis based on sophisticated and cutting-edge technologies for novel anti-neuroinflammatory approaches and personalized nutritional therapies.

Modulation of TLR4/NFκB Pathways in Autoimmune Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammatory and oxidative disorder characterized by immune cell recruitment in the damaged tissue and organ dysfunction. In this paper, we evaluated the molecular pathways involved in myocarditis using a natural compound, Coriolus versicolor, in an experimental model of autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Animals were immunized with an emulsion of pig cardiac myosin and complete Freund's adjuvant supplemented with mycobacterium tuberculosis; thereafter, Coriolus versicolor (200 mg/Kg) was orally administered for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, blood pressure and heart rate measurements were recorded and the body and heart weights as well. From the molecular point of view, the Coriolus versicolor administration reduced the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-2) and restored the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). These anti-inflammatory effects were accompanied with a reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels and restored the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) and GSH levels. Additionally, it reduced the histological injury and the immune cell recruitment (CD4+ and CD68+ cells). Moreover, we observed an antiapoptotic activity in both intrinsic (Fas/FasL/caspase-3) and extrinsic (Bax/Bcl-2) pathways. Overall, our data showed that Coriolus versicolor administration modulates the TLR4/NF-κB signaling in EAM.

Mechanism of Action of Natural Compounds in Peripheral Multiorgan Dysfunction and Hippocampal Neuroinflammation Induced by Sepsis

Bacterial sepsis induces the production of excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, resulting in tissue injury and hyperinflammation. Patients recovering from sepsis have increased rates of central nervous system (CNS) morbidities, which are linked to long-term cognitive impairment, such as neurodegenerative pathologies. This paper focuses on the tissue injury and hyperinflammation observed in the acute phase of sepsis and on the development of long-term neuroinflammation associated with septicemia. Here we evaluate the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration as a novel approach to treat polymicrobial sepsis. Rats underwent cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), and Coriolus versicolor (200 mg/kg in saline) was administered daily by gavage. Survival was monitored, and tissues from vital organs that easily succumb to infection were harvested after 72 h to evaluate the histological changes. Twenty-eight days after CLP, behavioral analyses were performed, and serum and brain (hippocampus) samples were harvested at four weeks from surgery. Coriolus versicolor increased survival and reduced acute tissue injury. Indeed, it reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream, leading to a reduced chronic inflammation. In the hippocampus, Coriolus versicolor administration restored tight junction expressions, reduce cytokines accumulation and glia activation. It also reduced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components expression. Coriolus versicolor showed antioxidant activities, restoring glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reducing lipid peroxidation, nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Importantly, Coriolus versicolor reduced amyloid precursor protein (APP), phosphorylated-Tau (p-Tau), pathologically phosphorylated tau (PHF1), phosphorylated tau (Ser202 and Thr205) (AT8), interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) expression, and β-amyloid accumulation induced by CLP. Indeed, Coriolus versicolor restored synaptic dysfunction and behavioral alterations. This research shows the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration on the long-term development of neuroinflammation and brain dysfunction induced by sepsis. Overall, our results demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor administration was able to counteract the degenerative process triggered by sepsis.

Natural Compounds Such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress and Lipoxin A4 Expression in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mice

BACKGROUND

A growing body of research suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic features of neurodegenerative disorders. In recent years, the vitagene system has emerged as a potential target, as it has been shown to have a high neuroprotective power. Therefore, the discovery of molecules capable of activating this system may represent a new therapeutic target to limit the deleterious consequences induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, such as neurodegeneration. Lipoxins are derived from arachidonic acid, and their role in the resolution of systemic inflammation is well established; however, they have become increasingly involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Our study aimed at activating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) redox system and increasing lipoxin A4 for the modulation of antioxidant stress and neuroinflammation through the action of two fungi in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's model.

METHODS

During the experiment, mice received Hericium erinaceus, Coriolus versicolor or a combination of the two (200 mg/kg, orally) concomitantly with rotenone (5 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days.

RESULTS

The results obtained highlighted the ability of these two fungi and, in particular, their ability through their association to act on neuroinflammation through the nuclear factor-kB pathway and on oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway. This prevented dopaminergic neurons from undergoing apoptosis and prevented the alteration of typical Parkinson's disease (PD) markers and α-synuclein accumulation. The action of Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor was also able to limit the motor and non-motor alterations characteristic of PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since these two mushrooms are subject to fewer regulations than traditional drugs, they could represent a promising nutraceutical choice for preventing PD.

Brain-immune interaction mechanisms: Implications for cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction has been identified as a major symptom of a series of psychiatric disorders. Multidisciplinary studies have shown that cognitive dysfunction is monitored by a two‐way interaction between the neural and immune systems. However, the specific mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in immune response and brain immune remain unclear.

Materials and methods

In this review, we summarized the relevant research to uncover our comprehension of the brain–immune interaction mechanisms underlying cognitive decline.

Results

The pathophysiological mechanisms of brain‐immune interactions in psychiatric‐based cognitive dysfunction involve several specific immune molecules and their associated signaling pathways, impairments in neural and synaptic plasticity, and the potential neuro‐immunological mechanism of stress.

Conclusions

Therefore, this review may provide a better theoretical basis for integrative therapeutic considerations for psychiatric disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction.

Searching for a Longevity Food, We Bump into Hericium erinaceus Primordium Rich in Ergothioneine: The “Longevity Vitamin” Improves Locomotor Performances during Aging

Phenotypic frailty is characterized by a progressive decline in physical functioning. During ageing, morphological and functional alterations involve the brain, and chief theories involve oxidative stress, free radical accumulation, and reduced antioxidant defenses as the most implicated mechanisms. From boosting the immune system to fighting senescence, medicinal mushrooms have been found to have a number of health and longevity benefits. Among them, Hericium erinaceus (He) has been demonstrated to display a variety of physiological effects, including anti-aging properties. Thus, He represents an attractive natural source for developing novel medicines and functional foods, based on the identification of its active ingredients and metabolites. Particularly, H. erinaceus primordium (He2) extract contains a high amount of Ergothioneine (ERGO), the longevity vitamin. Herein, we revealed the preventive effect of ERGO-rich He2 extract in a preclinical model, focusing on locomotor decline during ageing monitored through spontaneous behavioral test. This effect was accompanied by a significant decrease in some oxidative stress markers (NOS2, COX2) paralleled by an increase in P53, showed in cerebellar cortex cells and fibres by immunohistochemistry. In summary, we demonstrated the neuro-protective and preventive effects of He2 extract during aging, probably due to its peculiarly high ERGO content.

Coriolus Versicolor Downregulates TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Cascade in Dinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Treated Mice: A Possible Mechanism for the Anti-Colitis Effect

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. The focus of the present study was to examine the effect of the fungus Coriolus versicolor (CV), underlining its correlation with Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); we aim to evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in mice exposed to experimental colitis. The model was induced in mice by colon instillation of dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), CV was administered orally (200 mg per kg) daily for 4 days. On day 4, the animals were killed, and the tissues collected for histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Four days after DNBS administration, CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production increased in association with damage to the colon. Neutrophil infiltration, as assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, in the mucosa was associated with overexpression of P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and poly-(ADP-Ribose)-polymerase (PARP) showed evident stain in the inflamed colon. Treatment with CV significantly reduced the appearance of colon changes and weight loss. These effects were associated with a remarkable ability of CV to reduce the expression of TLR4 and modulate the pathway of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB). This improved the colon architecture, reduced MPO activity, the release of proinflammatory cytokines, the presence of nitrotyrosine, and the hyperactivation of PARP, as well as the up-regulation of P-selectin and ICAM1. Furthermore, we studied the action of CV on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which is important for maintaining redox balance, demonstrating that CV by significantly increasing both enzymes is able to counteract the oxidative stress induced by DNBS. Taken together, our results clearly show that this natural compound can be considered as a possible dietary supplement against colitis.

Lipoxins in the Nervous System: Brighter Prospects for Neuroprotection

Lipoxins (LXs) are generated from arachidonic acid and are involved in the resolution of inflammation and confer protection in a variety of pathological processes. In the nervous system, LXs exert an array of protective effects against neurological diseases, including ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, neonatal hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy, brain and spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Lipoxin administration is a potential therapeutic strategy in neurological diseases due to its notable efficiency and unique superiority regarding safety. Here, we provide an overview of LXs in terms of their synthesis, signaling pathways and neuroprotective evidence. Overall, we believe that, along with advances in lipoxin-related drug design, LXs will bring brighter prospects for neuroprotection.

Redox modulation by plant polyphenols targeting vitagenes for chemoprevention and therapy: Relevance to novel anti-cancer interventions and mini-brain organoid technology

The scientific community, recently, has focused notable attention on the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of dietary polyphenols for human health. Emerging evidence demonstrates that polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins counteract and neutralize genetic and environmental stressors, particularly oxidative stress and inflammatory process closely connected to cancer initiation, promotion and progression. Interestingly, polyphenols can exert antioxidant or pro-oxidant cytotoxic effects depending on their endogenous concentration. Notably, polyphenols at high dose act as pro-oxidants in a wide type of cancer cells by inhibiting Nrf2 pathway and the expression of antioxidant vitagenes, such as NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutathione transferase (GT), GPx, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) and thioredoxin (Trx) system which play an essential role in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), detoxification of xenobiotics and inhibition of cancer progression, by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest according to the hormesis approach. Importantly, mutagenesis of Nrf2 pathway can exacerbate its "dark side" role, representing a crucial event in the initiation stage of carcinogenesis. Herein, we review the hormetic effects of polyphenols and nanoincapsulated-polyphenols in chemoprevention and treatment of brain tumors via activation or inhibition of Nrf2/vitagenes to suppress carcinogenesis in the early stages, and thus inhibit its progression. Lastly, we discuss innovative preclinical approaches through mini-brain tumor organoids to study human carcinogenesis, from basic cancer research to clinical practice, as promising tools to recapitulate the arrangement of structural neuronal tissues and biological functions of the human brain, as well as test drug toxicity and drive personalized and precision medicine in brain cancer.

PLGA-Based Curcumin Delivery System: An Interesting Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive degeneration and dysfunction of the nervous system because of oxidative stress, aggregations of misfolded proteins, and neuroinflammation are the key pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder driven by uncontrolled extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the amyloid plaques and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol with noticeable neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it is widely studied for the alleviation of inflammatory and neurological disorders. However, the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to its low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Recently, nano-based curcumin delivery systems are developed to overcome these limitations effectively. This review article discusses the effects and potential mechanisms of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in Alzheimer's disease.

Whole-plant foods and their macromolecules: untapped approaches to modulate neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Recently, sustained neuroinflammatory response in microglia and astrocytes has been found to cause the deposition of amyloid beta plaques and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, thereby accelerating AD progression. The lipoxin A4-transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory processes. There is growing research-based evidence suggesting that dietary whole-plant foods, such as mushrooms and berries, may be used as inhibitors for anti-neuroinflammation. The beneficial effects of whole-plant foods were mainly attributed to their high contents of functional macromolecules including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and bioactive peptides. This review provides up-to-date information on important molecular signaling pathways of neuroinflammation and discusses the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of whole-plant foods. Further, a critical evaluation of plants' macromolecular components that have the potential to prevent and/or relieve AD is provided. This work will contribute to better understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of neuroinflammation in AD and provide new approaches for AD therapy.

Redox modulation of vitagenes via plant polyphenols and vitamin D: Novel insights for chemoprevention and therapeutic interventions based on organoid technology

Polyphenols are chemopreventive through the induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated proteins and anti-inflammatory pathways. These pathways, encoding cytoprotective vitagenes, include heat shock proteins, such as heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as well as glutathione redox system to protect against cancer initiation and progression. Phytochemicals exhibit biphasic dose responses on cancer cells, activating at low dose, signaling pathways resulting in upregulation of vitagenes, as in the case of the Nrf2 pathway upregulated by hydroxytyrosol (HT) or curcumin and NAD/NADH-sirtuin-1 activated by resveratrol. Here, the importance of vitagenes in redox stress response and autophagy mechanisms, as well as the potential use of dietary antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of multiple types of cancer are discussed. We also discuss the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2, inflammation and cancer, exploiting innovative therapeutic approaches with HT-rich aqueous olive pulp extract (Hidrox®), a natural polyphenolic formulation, as well as the rationale of Vitamin D supplementation. Finally, we describe innovative approaches with organoids technology to study human carcinogenesis in preclinical models from basic cancer research to clinical practice, suggesting patient-derived organoids as an innovative tool to test drug toxicity and drive personalized therapy.

Neuroprotective Metabolites of Hericium erinaceus Promote Neuro-Healthy Aging

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with both locomotor and cognitive decline, typically linked to chronic systemic inflammation, i.e., inflammaging. In the current study, we investigated the effect of a two-month oral supplementation with standardized extracts of H. erinaceus, containing a known amount of Erinacine A, Hericenone C, Hericenone D, and L-ergothioneine, on locomotor frailty and cerebellum of aged mice. Locomotor performances were monitored comparing healthy aging and frail mice. Cerebellar volume and cytoarchitecture, together with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, were assessed focusing on senescent frail animals. H. erinaceus partially recovered the aged-related decline of locomotor performances. Histopathological analyses paralleled by immunocytochemical evaluation of specific molecules strengthened the neuroprotective role of H. erinaceus able to ameliorate cerebellar alterations, i.e., milder volume reduction, slighter molecular layer thickness decrease and minor percentage of shrunken Purkinje neurons, also diminishing inflammation and oxidative stress in frail mice while increasing a key longevity regulator and a neuroprotective molecule. Thus, our present findings demonstrated the efficacy of a non-pharmacological approach, based on the dietary supplementation using H. erinaceus extract, which represent a promising adjuvant therapy to be associated with conventional geriatric treatments.

Selenium Status in Diet Affects Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Interruption of Redox Environment

Aims: Drug-induced liver injury, especially acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury, is a leading cause of liver failure worldwide. Mouse models were used to evaluate the effect of microelement selenium levels on the cellular redox environment and consequent hepatotoxicity of APAP. Results: APAP treatment affected mouse liver selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity and glutathione (GSH) level in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Decrease of mouse liver TrxR activity and glutathione level was an early event, and occurred concurrently with liver damage. The decreases in the GSH/glutathione disulfide form (GSSG) ratio and TrxR activity, and the increase of protein S-glutathionylation were correlated with the APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, in APAP-treated mice both mild deprivation and excess supplementation with selenium increased the severity of liver injury compared with those observed in mice with normal dietary selenium levels. An increase in the oxidation state of the TrxR-mediated system, including cytosolic thioredoxin1 (Trx1) and peroxiredoxin1/2 (Prx1/2), and mitochondrial Trx2 and Prx3, was found in the livers from mice reared on selenium-deficient and excess selenium-supplemented diets upon APAP treatment. Innovation: This work demonstrates that both Trx and GSH systems are susceptible to APAP toxicity in vivo, and that the thiol-dependent redox environment is a key factor in determining the extent of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Dietary selenium and selenoproteins play critical roles in protecting mice against APAP overdose. Conclusion: APAP treatment in mice interrupts the function of the Trx and GSH systems, which are the main enzymatic antioxidant systems, in both the cytosol and mitochondria. Dietary selenium deficiency and excess supplementation both increase the risk of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Molecular and Biochemical Changes after Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health and socioeconomic problem affecting the world. This condition results from the application of external physical force to the brain which leads to transient or permanent structural and functional impairments. TBI has been shown to be a risk factor for neurodegeneration which can lead to Parkinson's disease (PD) for example. In this study, we wanted to explore the development of PD-related pathology in the context of an experimental model of TBI and the potential ability of Coriolus versicolor and Hericium erinaceus to prevent neurodegenerative processes. Traumatic brain injury was induced in mice by controlled cortical impact. Behavioral tests were performed at various times: the animals were sacrificed 30 days after the impact and the brain was processed for Western blot and immunohistochemical analyzes. After the head injury, a significant decrease in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and the dopamine transporter in the substantia nigra was observed, as well as significant behavioral alterations that were instead restored following daily oral treatment with Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor. Furthermore, a strong increase in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress emerged in the vehicle groups. Treatment with Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor was able to prevent both the neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes typical of PD. This study suggests that PD-related molecular events may be triggered on TBI and that nutritional fungi such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor may be important in redox stress response mechanisms and neuroprotection, preventing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.

Dichloroacetic acid-induced dysfunction in rat hippocampus and the protective effect of curcumin

The present study was designed to evaluate the role of cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling in mediating the neuroprotective effects of curcumin against DCAA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired synaptic plasticity in rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, and we assessed the histomorphological, behavioral and biochemical characteristics to investigate the beneficial effects of different concentrations of curcumin against DCAA-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus. The results indicated that animal weight gain and food consumption were not significantly affected by DCAA. However, behavioral tests, including morris water maze and shuttle box, showed varying degrees of alterations. Additionally, we found significant changes in hippocampal neurons by histomorphological observation. DCAA exposure could increase lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation factors while reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level accompanied by DNA damage in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we found that DCAA exposure could cause a differential modulation of mRNA and proteins (cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), p-CREB, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), synaptophysin (SYP)). Conversely, various doses of curcumin attenuated DCAA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation response and impaired synaptic plasticity, while elevating cAMP, PKA, p-CREB, BDNF, PSD-95, SYP levels. Thus, curcumin could activate the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway, conferring neuroprotection against DCAA-induced neurotoxicity.

Moringa oleifera Protects SH-SY5YCells from DEHP-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a medicinal plant that has been shown to possess antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antibiotic activities. In a rat model, MO extract (MOe) has been shown to have a protective effect against brain damage and memory decline. As an extending study, here, we have examined the protective effect of MOe against oxidative stress and apoptosis caused in human neuroblastome (SH-SY5Y) cells by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer known to induce neurotoxicity. Our data show that MOe prevents oxidative damage by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, restoring mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, and, in addition, by modulating the expression of vitagenes, i.e., antioxidant proteins Nrf2 and HO-1. Moreover, MOe prevented neuronal damage by partly inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, as indicated by decreased expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) proteins. MOe also protected SH-SY5Y cells from DEHP-induced apoptosis, preserving mitochondrial membrane permeability and caspase-3 activation. Our findings provide insight into understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in neuroprotective effects by MOe against DEHP damage.

Therapeutic applications of mushrooms and their biomolecules along with a glimpse of in silico approach in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent a common neurological pathology that determines a progressive deterioration of the brain or the nervous system. For treating NDs, comprehensive and alternative medicines have attracted scientific researchers' attention recently. Edible mushrooms are essential for preventing several age-based neuronal dysfunctions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Mushroom such as Grifola frondosa, Lignosus rhinocerotis, Hericium erinaceus, may improve cognitive functions. It has also been reported that edible mushrooms (basidiocarps/mycelia extracts or isolated bioactive compounds) may reduce beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. Medicinal mushrooms are being used for novel and natural compounds that help modulate immune responses and possess anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties. Compounds such as polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, and metal chelating agents are validated in different ND treatments. This review aims to assess mushrooms' role and their biomolecules utilization for treating different kinds of NDs. The action mechanisms, presented here, including reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and modulation of acetylcholinesterase activity, protecting neurons or stimulation, and regulating neurotrophins synthesis. We also provide background about neurodegenerative diseases and in-silico techniques of the drug research. High costs associated with experiments and current ethical law imply efficient alternatives with limited cost value. In silico approaches provide an alternative method with low cost that has been successfully implemented to cure ND disorders in recent days. We also describe the applications of computational procedures such as molecular docking, virtual high-throughput screening, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, quantum-mechanical methods for drug design. They were reported against various targets in NDs.

Vitamin K2 Alleviates Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle by Improving Mitochondrial Function Via SIRT1 Signaling

Aims: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance (IR) impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and functions, adversely affecting human health and lifespan. Vitamin K2 (VK2) has a beneficial role in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of VK2 on insulin sensitivity have not been well established. We investigated VK2's modulation of mitochondrial function to protect against IR in mice and cell models. Results: VK2 supplementation could effectively ameliorate the development of IR by improving mitochondrial function in both HFD-fed mice and palmitate acid-exposed cells. We revealed for the first time that HFD-caused mitochondrial dysfunction could be reversed by VK2 treatment. VK2 enhanced the mitochondrial function by improving mitochondrial respiratory capacity, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and the enzymatic activities of mitochondrial complexes through SIRT1 signaling. The benefits of VK2 were abrogated in C₂C₁₂ transfected with SIRT1 siRNA but not in C₂C₁₂ transfected with AMPK siRNA. VK2 and SRT1720, a specific agonist of SIRT1, had the same effect on improving mitochondrial function via SIRT1 signaling. Thus, SIRT1 is required for VK2 improvement in skeletal muscle. Further, the beneficial effects of both VK2 and geranylgeraniol contribute to inhibited IR in skeletal muscle via SIRT1. Innovation and Conclusion: These studies demonstrated a previously undiscovered mechanism by which VK2 alleviates IR in skeletal muscle by improving mitochondrial function via SIRT1. Naturally occurring VK2 prevents IR by improving mitochondrial function through SIRT1 signaling. These results could provide a foundation to identify new VK2-based preventive and therapeutic strategies for IR.

Hydrogen Sulfide and Carnosine: Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Kidney and Brain Axis

Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of cellular redox homeostasis and chronic inflammatory processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney and brain disorders. In this light, endogenous dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) exert cytoprotective actions through the modulation of redox-dependent resilience pathways during oxidative stress and inflammation. Several recent studies have elucidated a functional crosstalk occurring between kidney and the brain. The pathophysiological link of this crosstalk is represented by oxidative stress and inflammatory processes which contribute to the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, and dementia during the natural history of chronic kidney disease. Herein, we provide an overview of the main pathophysiological mechanisms related to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and neurotoxins, which play a critical role in the kidney–brain crosstalk. The present paper also explores the respective role of H₂S and carnosine in the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney–brain axis. It suggests that these activities are likely mediated, at least in part, via hormetic processes, involving Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-like 2), Hsp 70 (heat shock protein 70), SIRT-1 (Sirtuin-1), Trx (Thioredoxin), and the glutathione system. Metabolic interactions at the kidney and brain axis level operate in controlling and reducing oxidant-induced inflammatory damage and therefore, can be a promising potential therapeutic target to reduce the severity of renal and brain injuries in humans.

Lipoxin A4-Mediated p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway Protects Mice Against Collagen-Induced Arthritis

The aim of the article was to study the mechanism of Lipoxin A4 (LXA4)-mediated p38 MAPK pathway protecting mice against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The impact of LXA4 (0, 5, 10, 15 nM) on synoviocytes proliferation of CIA mice was detected using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CIA mice were treated with LXA4, SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), and/or anisomycin (a p38 agonist), and the arthritis severity score in each mouse was determined. The gene or protein expressions were detected with Western Blotting, ELISA, or qRT-PCR. LXA4 inhibited the synoviocytes proliferation of CIA mice with decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ and reduced p-p38/total p38 expression in synoviocytes in a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 levels were decreased in synovial tissues and plasma of CIA mice, but p-p38/total p38 expression was increased in synovial tissues. LXA4 could downregulate p-p38/total p38 expression in synovial tissues of CIA mice. Both LXA4 and SB203580 reduced arthritis severity score of CIA mice with the reduction of synovial tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. CIA mice treated with LXA4 and SB203580 had lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, accompanying decreased MDA as well as increased SOD, CAT,and GPx. However, anisomycin could reverse the protect effects of LXA4 on CIA mice regarding the abovementioned inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes. LXA4 protected mice against collagen-induced arthritis via inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling pathway, which may be a potential new therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis.

Ozone: a natural bioactive molecule with antioxidant property as potential new strategy in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders

Systems medicine is founded on a mechanism-based approach and identifies in this way specific therapeutic targets. This approach has been applied for the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 plays a central role in different pathologies including neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which are characterized by common pathogenetic features. We here present wide scientific background indicating how a natural bioactive molecule with antioxidant/anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagy properties such as the ozone (O₃) can represent a potential new strategy to delay neurodegeneration. Our hypothesis is based on different evidence demonstrating the interaction between O₃ and Nrf2 system. Through a meta-analytic approach, we found a significant modulation of O₃ on endogenous antioxidant-Nrf2 (p < 0.00001, Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.71 95%CI:1.17-2.25) and vitagene-Nrf2 systems (p < 0.00001, OR = 1.80 95%CI:1.05-2.55). O₃ activates also immune, anti-inflammatory signalling, proteasome, releases growth factors, improves blood circulation, and has antimicrobial activity, with potential effects on gut microbiota. Thus, we provide a consistent rationale to implement future clinical studies to apply the oxygen-ozone (O₂-O₃) therapy in an early phase of aging decline, when it is still possible to intervene before to potentially develop a more severe neurodegenerative pathology. We suggest that O₃ along with other antioxidants (polyphenols, mushrooms) implicated in the same Nrf2-mechanisms, can show neurogenic potential, providing evidence as new preventive strategies in aging and in NDs.

Exploration of multi-target effects of 3-benzoyl-5-hydroxychromen-2-one in Alzheimer's disease cell and mouse models

Microtubule-associated protein Tau, abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), plays crucial roles in microtubule assembly and stabilization. Abnormal Tau phosphorylation and aggregation are a common pathogenic hallmark in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hyperphosphorylation of Tau could change its conformation and result in self-aggregation, increased oxidative stress, and neuronal death. In this study, we examined the potential of licochalcone A (a natural chalcone) and five synthetic derivatives (LM compounds) for inhibiting Tau misfolding, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and providing neuroprotection in human cells expressing proaggregant ΔK280 Tau_RD -DsRed. All test compounds were soluble up to 100 μM in cell culture media and predicted to be orally bioavailable and CNS-active. Among them, licochalcone A and LM-031 markedly reduced Tau misfolding and associated ROS, promoted neurite outgrowth, and inhibited caspase 3 activity in ΔK280 Tau_RD -DsRed 293 and SH-SY5Y cells. Mechanistic studies showed that LM-031 upregulates HSPB1 chaperone, NRF2/NQO1/GCLC pathway, and CREB-dependent BDNF/AKT/ERK/BCL2 pathway in ΔK280 Tau_RD -DsRed SH-SY5Y cells. Decreased neurite outgrowth upon induction of ΔK280 Tau_RD -DsRed was rescued by LM-031, which was counteracted by knockdown of NRF2 or CREB. LM-031 further rescued the downregulated NRF2 and pCREB, reduced Aβ and Tau levels in hippocampus and cortex, and ameliorated cognitive deficits in streptozocin-induced hyperglycemic 3 × Tg-AD mice. Our findings strongly indicate the potential of LM-031 for modifying AD progression by targeting HSPB1 to reduce Tau misfolding and activating NRF2 and CREB pathways to suppress apoptosis and promote neuron survival, thereby offering a new drug development avenue for AD treatment.

Caveolin-1 Ablation Imparts Partial Protection Against Inner Retinal Injury in Experimental Glaucoma and Reduces Apoptotic Activation

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration is a characteristic feature of glaucoma, and accordingly, protection of these cells constitutes a major therapeutic objective in the disease. Here, we demonstrate the key influence of caveolin (Cav) in regulating the inner retinal homeostasis in two models of experimentally elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Two groups of Cav-1^-/- and wild-type mice were used in the study. Animals were subjected to experimentally induced chronic and acutely elevated IOP and any changes in their retinal function were assessed by positive scotopic threshold response recordings. TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3 assays were performed to evaluate apoptotic changes in the retina while Brn3a immunostaining was used as a marker to assess and quantify ganglion cell layer (GCL) changes. H&E staining was carried out on retinal sections to evaluate histological differences in retinal laminar structure. Cav-1 ablation partially protected the inner retinal function in both chronic and acute models of elevated IOP. The protective effects of Cav-1 loss were also evident histologically by reduced loss of GCL density in both models. The phenotypic protection in Cav-1^-/- glaucoma mice paralleled with increased TrkB phosphorylation and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and apoptotic activation in the inner retinas. This study corroborated previous findings of enhanced Shp2 phosphorylation in a chronic glaucoma model and established a novel role of Cav-1 in mediating activation of this phosphatase in the inner retina in vivo. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical involvement of Cav-1 regulatory mechanisms in ganglion cells in response to increased IOP, implicating Cav-1 as a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma.

Hericium Erinaceus Prevents DEHP-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in PC12 Cells

Hericium Erinaceus (HE) is a medicinal plant known to possess anticarcinogenic, antibiotic, and antioxidant activities. It has been shown to have a protective effect against ischemia-injury-induced neuronal cell death in rats. As an extending study, here we examined in pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells, whether HE could exert a protective effect against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer known to cause neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that pretreatment with HE significantly attenuated DEHP induced cell death. This protective effect may be attributed to its ability to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, preserving the activity of respiratory complexes and stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, HE pretreatment significantly modulated Nrf2 and Nrf2-dependent vitagenes expression, preventing the increase of pro-apoptotic and the decrease of anti-apoptotic markers. Collectively, our data provide evidence of new preventive nutritional strategy using HE against DEHP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Healthy Effects of Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms

The increasing extension in life expectancy of human beings in developed countries is accompanied by a progressively greater rate of degenerative diseases associated with lifestyle and aging, most of which are still waiting for effective, not merely symptomatic, therapies. Accordingly, at present, the recommendations aimed at reducing the prevalence of these conditions in the population are limited to a safer lifestyle including physical/mental exercise, a reduced caloric intake, and a proper diet in a convivial environment. The claimed health benefits of the Mediterranean and Asian diets have been confirmed in many clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. These diets are characterized by several features, including low meat consumption, the intake of oils instead of fats as lipid sources, moderate amounts of red wine, and significant amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. In particular, the latter have attracted popular and scientific attention for their content, though in reduced amounts, of a number of molecules increasingly investigated for their healthy properties. Among the latter, plant polyphenols have raised remarkable interest in the scientific community; in fact, several clinical trials have confirmed that many health benefits of the Mediterranean/Asian diets can be traced back to the presence of significant amounts of these molecules, even though, in some cases, contradictory results have been reported, which highlights the need for further investigation. In light of the results of these trials, recent research has sought to provide information on the biochemical, molecular, epigenetic, and cell biology modifications by plant polyphenols in cell, organismal, animal, and human models of cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative pathologies, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease. The findings reported in the last decade are starting to help to decipher the complex relations between plant polyphenols and cell homeostatic systems including metabolic and redox equilibrium, proteostasis, and the inflammatory response, establishing an increasingly solid molecular basis for the healthy effects of these molecules. Taken together, the data currently available, though still incomplete, are providing a rationale for the possible use of natural polyphenols, or their molecular scaffolds, as nutraceuticals to contrast aging and to combat many associated pathologies.

Fair-Weather Friends: Evidence of Lipoxin Dysregulation in Neurodegeneration

Lipoxins (LXs) are autacoids, specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) acting locally in a paracrine or autocrine fashion. They belong to a complex superfamily of dietary small polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-metabolites, which direct potent cellular responses to resolve inflammation and restore tissue homeostasis. Together, these SPM activities have been intensely studied in systemic inflammation and acute injury or infection, but less is known about LX signaling and activities in the central nervous system. LXs are derived from arachidonic acid, an omega-6 PUFA. In addition to well-established roles in systemic inflammation resolution, they have increasingly become implicated in regulating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. In particular, chronic inflammation plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology, and dysregulated LX production and activities have been reported in a variety of AD rodent models and clinical tissue samples, yet with complex and sometimes conflicting results. In addition, reduced LX production following retinal injury has been reported recently by the authors, and an intriguing direct neuronal activity promoting survival and homeostasis in retinal and cortical neurons is demonstrated. Here, the authors review and clarify this growing literature and suggest new research directions to further elaborate the role of lipoxins in neurodegeneration.

Nutritional Mushroom Treatment in Meniere's Disease with Coriolus versicolor: A Rationale for Therapeutic Intervention in Neuroinflammation and Antineurodegeneration

Meniere's disease (MD) represents a clinical syndrome characterized by episodes of spontaneous vertigo, associated with fluctuating, low to medium frequencies sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), tinnitus, and aural fullness affecting one or both ears. To date, the cause of MD remains substantially unknown, despite increasing evidence suggesting that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation may be central to the development of endolymphatic hydrops and consequent otholitic degeneration and displacement in the reuniting duct, thus originating the otolithic crisis from vestibular otolithic organs utricle or saccule. As a starting point to withstand pathological consequences, cellular pathways conferring protection against oxidative stress, such as vitagenes, are also induced, but at a level not sufficient to prevent full neuroprotection, which can be reinforced by exogenous nutritional approaches. One emerging strategy is supplementation with mushrooms. Mushroom preparations, used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, are endowed with various biological actions, including antioxidant, immunostimulatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, as well as antiviral effects. For example, therapeutic polysaccharopeptides obtained from Coriolus versicolor are commercially well established. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that neurotoxic insult represents a critical primary mediator operating in MD pathogenesis, reflected by quantitative increases of markers of oxidative stress and cellular stress response in the peripheral blood of MD patients. We evaluated systemic oxidative stress and cellular stress response in MD patients in the absence and in the presence of treatment with a biomass preparation from Coriolus. Systemic oxidative stress was estimated by measuring, in plasma, protein carbonyls, hydroxynonenals (HNE), and ultraweak luminescence, as well as by lipidomics analysis of active biolipids, such as lipoxin A4 and F2-isoprostanes, whereas in lymphocytes we determined heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp72), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thioredoxin (Trx), and γ-GC liase to evaluate the systemic cellular stress response. Increased levels of carbonyls, HNE, luminescence, and F2-isoprostanes were found in MD patients with respect to the MD plus Coriolus-treated group. This was paralleled by a significant (p < 0.01) induction, after Coriolus treatment, of vitagenes such as HO-1, Hsp70, Trx, sirtuin-1, and γ-GC liase in lymphocyte and by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the plasma ratio-reduced glutathione (GSH) vs. oxidized glutathione (GSSG). In conclusion, patients affected by MD are under conditions of systemic oxidative stress, and the induction of vitagenes after mushroom supplementation indicates a maintained response to counteract intracellular pro-oxidant status. The present study also highlights the importance of investigating MD as a convenient model of cochlear neurodegenerative disease. Thus, searching innovative and more potent inducers of the vitagene system can allow the development of pharmacological strategies capable of enhancing the intrinsic reserve of vulnerable neurons, such as ganglion cells to maximize antidegenerative stress responses and thus providing neuroprotection.

Inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in CNS diseases

Introduction: Inflammation resolution induced by specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) is a new concept. The application of SPMs is a promising therapeutic strategy that can potentially supersede anti-inflammatory drugs. Most CNS diseases are associated with hyperreactive inflammatory damage. CNS inflammation causes irreversible neuronal loss and permanent functional impairments. Given the high mortality and morbidity rates, the investigation of therapeutic strategies to ameliorate inflammatory damage is necessary.Areas covered: In this review, we explore inflammation resolution in CNS disorders. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and dynamic changes of SPMs and their precursors in neurological diseases and examine how this can potentially be incorporated into the clinic. References were selected from PubMed; most were published between 2010 and 2019.Expert opinion: Inflammation resolution is a natural process that emerges after acute or chronic inflammation. The evidence that SPMs can effectively ameliorate hyperreactive inflammation, shorten resolution time and accelerate tissue regeneration in CNS disorders. Adjuvants and nanotechnology offer opportunities for SPM drug design; however, more preclinical studies are necessary to investigate basic, critical issues such as safety.

Inflammatory and Pro-resolving Mediators in Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Chronic inflammation contributes to neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here we evaluated inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators in AD and behavioural variant of FTD (bvFTD) patients compared with controls, since neuroinflamamtion is a common feature in both diseases. Ninety-eight subjects were included in this study, divided into AD (n = 32), bvFTD (n = 30), and control (n = 36) groups. The levels of hsCRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, and TGF-β1, as well as annexin A1 (AnxA1) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) were measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The expression profile of AnxA1 was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well the distribution of ANXA1 rs2611228 polymorphism. We found reduced peripheral levels of hsCRP and TNF in AD compared with bvFTD patients and controls, and increased levels of TGF-β1 in AD compared to controls. Moreover, reduced plasma levels of AnxA1 were observed in bvFTD compared to AD and controls. There was a significant cleavage of AnxA1 in PBMCs in both dementia groups. The results suggest differential regulation of inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators in bvFTD and AD, while AnxA1 cleavage may impair pro-resolving mechanisms in both groups.

Curcumin, Hormesis and the Nervous System

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn (family Zingiberaceae) commonly used as a spice to color and flavor food. Several preclinical studies have suggested beneficial roles for curcumin as an adjuvant therapy in free radical-based diseases, mainly neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, curcumin belongs to the family of hormetins and the enhancement of the cell stress response, mainly the heme oxygenase-1 system, is actually considered the common denominator for this dual response. However, evidence-based medicine has clearly demonstrated the lack of any therapeutic effect of curcumin to contrast the onset or progression of neurodegeneration and related diseases. Finally, the curcumin safety profile imposes a careful analysis of the risk/benefit balance prior to proposing chronic supplementation with curcumin.

Redox signaling in aging kidney and opportunity for therapeutic intervention through natural products

Kidney diseases are serious public problems with high morbidity and mortality in the general population and heavily retard renal function with aging regardless of the cause. Although myriad strategies have been assigned to prevent or harness disease progression, unfortunately, thus far, there is a paucity of effective therapies partly due to an insufficient knowledge of underlying pathological mechanisms, indicating deeper studies are urgently needed. Additionally, natural products are increasingly recognized as an alternative source for disease intervention owing to the potent safety and efficacy, which might be exploited for novel drug discovery. In this review, we primarily expatiate the new advances on mediators that might be amenable to targeting aging kidney and kidney diseases, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), renin-angiotensin system (RAS), nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated γ receptor (PPARγ), advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) as well as microRNAs and vitagenes. Of note, we conclude by highlighting some natural products which have the potential to facilitate the development of novel treatment for patients with myriad renal diseases.

Antioxidant Defence Systems and Oxidative Stress in Poultry Biology: An Update

Poultry in commercial settings are exposed to a range of stressors. A growing body of information clearly indicates that excess ROS/RNS production and oxidative stress are major detrimental consequences of the most common commercial stressors in poultry production. During evolution, antioxidant defence systems were developed in poultry to survive in an oxygenated atmosphere. They include a complex network of internally synthesised (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, (glutathione) GSH, (coenzyme Q) CoQ) and externally supplied (vitamin E, carotenoids, etc.) antioxidants. In fact, all antioxidants in the body work cooperatively as a team to maintain optimal redox balance in the cell/body. This balance is a key element in providing the necessary conditions for cell signalling, a vital process for regulation of the expression of various genes, stress adaptation and homeostasis maintenance in the body. Since ROS/RNS are considered to be important signalling molecules, their concentration is strictly regulated by the antioxidant defence network in conjunction with various transcription factors and vitagenes. In fact, activation of vitagenes via such transcription factors as Nrf2 leads to an additional synthesis of an array of protective molecules which can deal with increased ROS/RNS production. Therefore, it is a challenging task to develop a system of optimal antioxidant supplementation to help growing/productive birds maintain effective antioxidant defences and redox balance in the body. On the one hand, antioxidants, such as vitamin E, or minerals (e.g., Se, Mn, Cu and Zn) are a compulsory part of the commercial pre-mixes for poultry, and, in most cases, are adequate to meet the physiological requirements in these elements. On the other hand, due to the aforementioned commercially relevant stressors, there is a need for additional support for the antioxidant system in poultry. This new direction in improving antioxidant defences for poultry in stress conditions is related to an opportunity to activate a range of vitagenes (via Nrf2-related mechanisms: superoxide dismutase, SOD; heme oxygenase-1, HO-1; GSH and thioredoxin, or other mechanisms: Heat shock protein (HSP)/heat shock factor (HSP), sirtuins, etc.) to maximise internal AO protection and redox balance maintenance. Therefore, the development of vitagene-regulating nutritional supplements is on the agenda of many commercial companies worldwide.

Coriolus versicolor biomass increases dendritic arborization of newly-generated neurons in mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus

Brain cognitive reserve refers to the ability of the brain to manage different challenges that arise throughout life, making it resilient to neuropathology. Hippocampal adult neurogenesis has been considered to be a relevant contributor for brain cognitive reserve and brain plasticity. Coriolus versicolor (CV), a common healthful mushroom, has been receiving increasing attention by its antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties, including in the hippocampus. Herein, we evaluated whether CV biomass oral administration for 2.5 months enhances hippocampal neurogenic reserve under normal/physiological conditions, by quantifying hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) granular cell layer (GCL) and subgranular zone (SGZ) volumes, proliferation, number and dendritic complexity features of hippocampal newly-generated neurons. We also analyzed β-catenin levels in DG newly-generated immature neurons, because it plays a major role in neurogenesis. Although no differences were observed in the volume of GCL and SGZ layers, in proliferation and in the number of newly-generated neurons of controls and CV-administered mice, we found that CV administration promotes a significant increase in dendritic length and branching and total dendritic volume of immature neurons, suggesting a positive effect of oral CV administration in the hippocampal neurogenic reserve. We also observed that β-catenin levels are increased both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of DG immature neurons, suggesting that Wnt/β-catenin signalling may play an important role in the CV positive effect on the differentiation of these cells. These data unveil a so far unexplored neurogenic potential of CV supplementation, which emerges as a possible preventive strategy for different neurological conditions.

Essential Dietary Bioactive Lipids in Neuroinflammatory Diseases

SIGNIFICANCE

Under physiological conditions, neurons and glia are in a healthy, redox-balanced environment; when injury perturbs this equilibrium, a neuroinflammatory state is established by activated microglia that triggers pro-inflammatory responses and alters the oxidant/antioxidant balance, thus leading to neuronal loss and neurodegeneration. In neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyothrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis), the brain is in a constitutively self-sustaining cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress that prompts and amplifies brain damage. Recent Advances: Recently, an increasing amount of scientific data highlight the ability of specific nutrients to cross the blood-brain barrier, and to modulate inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Therefore, nutritional approaches may contribute to restore the lost equilibrium among factors accounting for neurodegeneration.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Herein, we critically examine how essential lipids (including fatty acids, liposoluble vitamins and phytosterols) might contribute to accelerate or prevent the onset and progression of such pathologies. In particular, we highlight that experimental and clinical findings, although promising, are still inadequate to draw definitive conclusions.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

More research is warranted in order to establish the real impact of lipid intake on brain health, especially when redox balance and inflammatory responses have been already compromised. In the future, it would be hoped to gain a detailed knowledge of chemical modifications and dynamic properties of such nutrients, before planning to exploit them as potential therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 37-60.

Neuroprotective effect of a new variant of Epo nonhematopoietic against oxidative stress

Human erythropoietin is mainly recognized for its hematopoietic function; however, by binding to its receptor (EpoR), it can activate different signaling pathways as STAT, PI3K, MAPK and RAS to increase cellular differentiation or provide neuroprotective effects, among others. A recombinant human erythropoietin variant with low glycosylation and without hematopoietic effect (EpoL) was purified from skimmed goat milk. Recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) was obtained from CHO cell line and used as control to compare EpoL effects. Neuroprotection studies were performed in PC12 cells and rat hippocampal slices. Cells were pretreated during 1h with EpoL or Epo and exposed to oxidative agents (H2O2 or FCCP); cell viability was assayed at the end of the experiment by the MTT method. Hippocampal slices were exposed to 15min of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and the neuroprotective drugs EpoL or Epo were incubated for 2h post-OGD in re-oxygenated medium. Cell cultures stressed with oxidative agents, and pretreated with EpoL, showed neuroprotective effects of 30% at a concentration 10 times lower than that of Epo. Moreover, similar differences were observed in OGD ex vivo assays. Neuroprotection elicited by EpoL was lost when an antibody against EpoR was present, indicating that its effect is EpoR-dependent. In conclusion, our results suggest that EpoL has a more potent neuroprotective profile than Epo against oxidative stress, mediated by activation of EpoR, thus EpoL represents an important target to develop a potential biopharmaceutical to treat different central nervous system pathologies related to oxidative stress such as stroke or neurodegenerative diseases.

Poor cognitive ageing: Vulnerabilities, mechanisms and the impact of nutritional interventions

BACKGROUND

Ageing is a highly complex process marked by a temporal cascade of events, which promote alterations in the normal functioning of an individual organism. The triggers of normal brain ageing are not well understood, even less so the factors which initiate and steer the neuronal degeneration, which underpin disorders such as dementia. A wealth of data on how nutrients and diets may support cognitive function and preserve brain health are available, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their biological action in both normal ageing, age-related cognitive decline, and in the development of neurodegenerative disorders have not been clearly elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarise the current state of knowledge of vulnerabilities that predispose towards dysfunctional brain ageing, highlight potential protective mechanisms, and discuss dietary interventions that may be used as therapies. A special focus of this paper is on the impact of nutrition on neuroprotection and the underlying molecular mechanisms, and this focus reflects the discussions held during the 2nd workshop 'Nutrition for the Ageing Brain: Functional Aspects and Mechanisms' in Copenhagen in June 2016. The present review is the most recent in a series produced by the Nutrition and Mental Performance Task Force under the auspice of the International Life Sciences Institute Europe (ILSI Europe).

CONCLUSION

Coupling studies of cognitive ageing with studies investigating the effect of nutrition and dietary interventions as strategies targeting specific mechanisms, such as neurogenesis, protein clearance, inflammation, and non-coding and microRNAs is of high value. Future research on the impact of nutrition on cognitive ageing will need to adopt a longitudinal approach and multimodal nutritional interventions will likely need to be imposed in early-life to observe significant impact in older age.

Neuroinflammation and neurohormesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer-linked pathologies: modulation by nutritional mushrooms

Human life develops and expands not only in time and space, but also in the retrograde permanent recollection and interweaving of memories. Therefore, individual human identity depends fully on a proper access to the autobiographical memory. Such access is hindered or lost under pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, including recently associated oxidant pathologies, such as ocular neural degeneration occurring in glaucoma or neurosensorial degeneration occurring in Menière’s disease. Oxidative stress and altered antioxidant systems have been suggested to play a role in the aetiology of major neurodegenerative disorders, and altered expression of genes sensing oxidative stress, as well as decreased cellular stress response mechanisms could synergistically contribute to the course of these oxidant disorders. Thus, the theory that low levels of stress can produce protective responses against the pathogenic processes is a frontier area of neurobiological research focal to understanding and developing therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we discuss cellular mechanisms underlying AD neuroinflammatory pathogenesis that are contributory to Alzheimer’s disease. We describe endogenous cellular defence mechanism modulation and neurohormesis as a potentially innovative approach to therapeutics for AD and other neurodegenerative conditions that are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Particularly, we consider the emerging role of the inflammasome as an important component of the neuroprotective network, as well as the importance of Coriolus and Hericium nutritional mushrooms in redox stress responsive mechanisms and neuroprotection.

Very low doses of muscimol and baclofen ameliorate cognitive deficits and regulate protein expression in the brain of a rat model of streptozocin-induced Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies devoted to neuroprotection have focused on the role of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in regulating neuroinflammatory processes which play a key role in the neurodegenerative processes observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inducing glial cell overactivation and impairing neurotransmission. Data on the efficacy of classical GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists (muscimol and baclofen, respectively) in animal models of AD are not available. Moreover, no published studies have examined the ability of optimal doses of these compounds to prevent neuroinflammation, the alterations in neurotransmission and cognitive deficits. In the present study, we used a non-transgenic rat model of AD obtained by intracerebroventricular streptozocin (STZ) injection and assessed the effects of muscimol and baclofen at very low doses (0.01-0.05mg/kg) on spatial memory and the expression of cortical and hippocampal proteins related to neuroinflammation, namely proteins involved in astroglial functions (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), GABA synthesis (GABA synthesizing enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, GAD67) and acetylcholine degradation (acetylcholine esterase). The presented study demonstrated that in a rat model of STZ-induced AD both muscimol and baclofen at the tested doses exerted memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as normalization of acetylcholine esterase and GABA expression. We suggested that the function of very low doses of GABA receptor agonists differs from typical GABA-related inhibition and may be mediated by the allosteric sites of GABA receptors or other non-specific cell regulatory pathways.

Highly Selective Activation of Heat Shock Protein 70 by Allosteric Regulation Provides an Insight into Efficient Neuroinflammation Inhibition

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is widely involved in immune disorders, making it as an attractive drug target for inflammation diseases. Nonselective induction of Hsp70 upregulation for inflammation therapy could cause extensive interference in inflammation-unrelated protein functions, potentially resulting in side effects. Nevertheless, direct pharmacological activation of Hsp70 via targeting specific functional amino acid residue may provide an insight into precise Hsp70 function regulation and a more satisfactory treatment effect for inflammation, which has not been extensively focused. Here we show a cysteine residue (Cys306) for selective Hsp70 activation using natural small-molecule handelin. Covalent modification of Cys306 significantly elevates Hsp70 activity and shows more satisfactory anti-neuroinflammation effects. Mechanism study reveals Cys306 modification by handelin induces an allosteric regulation to facilitate adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis capacity of Hsp70, which leads to the effective blockage of subsequent inflammation signaling pathway. Collectively, our study offers some insights into direct pharmacological activation of Hsp70 by specially targeting functional cysteine residue, thus providing a powerful tool for accurately modulating neuroinflammation pathogenesis in human with fewer undesirable adverse effects.

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Cys306 is a druggable residue for direct pharmacological activation of Hsp70.

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Covalent modification of Cys306 promotes direct Hsp70 activation via allosteric effect.

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Pharmacological activation of Hsp70 exerts satisfactory inhibition on neuroinflammation with fewer side effects.

Accumulated evidence reveals that Hsp70, a stress response protein, is highly involved in various neuroimmunological diseases. Hsp70 herein serves as a tempting target for anti-inflammation therapy. In this work, we identified an herb-derived guaianolide dimer compound handelin as a potent activator of Hsp70 with anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Handelin covalently modified Cys306 residue of Hsp70, and then activated Hsp70 by allosteric effect. These results can provide an insight into the direct pharmacological regulation of Hsp70 function by targeting specific amino acid residue and also guide future rational drug design to treat human neuroimmunological diseases.

Resolution of inflammation, n-3 fatty acid supplementation and Alzheimer disease: A narrative review

In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a persistent and unresolved neuroinflammatory process can contribute to neuronal loss and a decline in their cognitive and functional abilities. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ability to resolve inflammation is impaired in the brains of patients with AD. Preclinical evidence demonstrates the potential of therapeutic interventions on the resolution phase of inflammation in AD. Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), precursors for specialized pro-resolving mediators, emerged as a possibility for prevention and management of AD. Here, we provide a narrative review of resolving inflammation in AD and the role of n-3 FA supplementation in AD.

Autoimmune Ear Disease: Clinical and Diagnostic Relevance in Cogan's Sydrome

The autoimmune inner ear disease is a clinical syndrome with uncertain pathogenesis that is often associated to rapidly progressive hearing loss that, especially at the early stages of disease, may be at monoaural localization, although more often it is at binaural localization. It usually occurs as a sudden deafness, or a rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. In this study a particular form of autoimmune inner ear disease is described, Cogan’s syndrome. Cogan’s syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most commonly affects young adults. Clinical hallmarks are interstitial keratitis, vestibular and auditory dysfunction. Associations between Cogan’s syndrome and systemic vasculitis, as well as aortitis, also exist. We report a case of a young woman who presented audiological and systemic characteristics attributable to Cogan’s syndrome. In the description of the case we illustrate how the appearance and evolution of the disease presented.

The lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (1920): a promising natural source of antiradical and AChE inhibitory agents

This study aimed to determine antiradical (DPPH^• and ^•OH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities along with chemical composition of autochtonous fungal species Trametes versicolor (Serbia). A total of 38 phenolic compounds with notable presence of phenolic acids were identified using HPLC/MS-MS. Its water extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity against ^•OH (3.21 μg/mL), among the rest due to the presence of gallic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids. At the concentration of 100 μg/mL, the same extract displayed a profound AChE inhibitory activity (60.53%) in liquid, compared to donepezil (89.05%), a drug in clinical practice used as positive control. The flavonoids baicalein and quercetin may be responsible compounds for the AChE inhibitory activity observed. These findings have demonstrated considerable potential of T. versicolor water extract as a natural source of antioxidant(s) and/or AChE inhibitor(s) to be eventually used as drug-like compounds or food supplements in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory-enhancing and brain protein expression-stimulating effects of novel calcium antagonist in Alzheimer's disease transgenic female mice

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher in females than in males, and causes more severe cognitive, memory and behavioral impairments. Previously, in male transgenic (Tg) APPSweDI mice, we reported that the novel lipophilic 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) derivative AP-12 crossed the blood-brain barrier, blocked neuronal and vascular calcium channels, changed brain protein expression and improved behavior. In this study, we used female Tg APPSweDI mice to assess the effects of AP-12 on behavior, and brain protein expression, with a particular focus on those of the GABAergic system. The results showed that in female Tg mice, similar to male Tg mice, AP-12 improved spatial learning/memory performance in the water maze test and demonstrated anxiolytic effect in the elevated zero maze (after single administration of AP-12) and elevated plus maze (after chronic injections of AP-12). In addition, we demonstrated upregulated expression of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) in the cingulate cortex and hippocampus, pointing to the role of the GABAergic system as one of the neural networks dysregulated in AD. In both female and male mice, AP-12 did not change the expression of hippocampal Homer-1, a protein which is involved in synaptic plasticity. However, in cingulate cortex, the staining density of Homer-1 was significantly increased in female mice. Further, female mice (similar to male mice) did not show changes in brain AChE expression and in the amyloid beta load in the hippocampus and cingulate cortex. In conclusion, the memory enhancing, anxiolytic and protein expression effects of AP-12 did not show sex specificity in APPSweDI mice. Considering the ability of AP-12 to block brain calcium channels and improve memory by enhancing the GABAergic and synaptic plasticity processes, AP-12 is a promising compound which merits further pre-clinical studies to investigate its usefulness in the treatment of AD.