Dietary nicotinic acid supplementation improves hepatic zinc uptake and offers hepatoprotection against oxidative damage

Hepatoprotective Effect of Nicotinamide Versus Lead-Motivated Hepatotoxicity in Rats via Correcting Effect on Nuclear Factor-kβ Pathway and Glutathione Metabolism

Lead (Pb) poisoning is one of the pivotal environmental issues and prompts liver dysfunction by elevating oxidative stress and inflammation. Nicotinamide (NA) deficiency enhances sensitivity to Pb toxicity. So, we investigated the effect of nicotinamide (NA) on the rat's liver histopathological and biochemical profiles in a rat model of Pb toxicity. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups (nine rats at each): normal (N), lead toxicity (Pbt), and NA-treated N and Pbt groups. Treated groups took NA (180 mg/L in drinking water for one month). Pb intoxication was motivated in rats by acquiring 50 mg/L lead acetate in drinking water. Oxidative stress markers (advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde), antioxidant markers (total glutathione, reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione ratio, ferric ion reducing power, catalase, and paraoxonase-1), and inflammatory markers (hepatic nuclear factor-kβ expression, interleukin 1β level, and myeloperoxidase activity) in sera and liver homogenates were determined. In addition, the biochemical parameters of the liver function were measured. Finally, the liver of rats was evaluated by histopathological observation. NA corrected lead-persuaded biochemical and histopathological changes in the rat's liver. In addition, treatment decreased Pb, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in the sera and liver homogenates of N and Pbt groups. In addition, it elevated antioxidant markers (p < 0.001). NA prevented Pb-induced liver histopathological alternations and reduced liver dysfunction by reducing Pb, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Moreover, raising GSH/GSSG and diminishing the hepatic NF-kβ pathway are cardinal mechanisms of the treatment against Pb-motivated hepatotoxicity in rats.

Phytochemical Screening and Bioactivities of Cactaceae Family Members Endemic to Mexico

Mexico is a center of diversification for the Cactaceae family, with 69% of the species recorded as endemic. Certain members of the Cactaceae family have been chemically analyzed to relate their medicinal use with their phytochemistry. Here, the phytochemistry and bioactivity of ethanol extracts of Ferocactus echidne, F. latispinus, and Mammillaria geminispina were evaluated. A preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed, detecting the presence of saponins, tannins, cardiotonic glycosides, and sesquiterpene lactones. The presence of nicotinic acid in F. echidne and F. latispinus was identified by GC-MS. Other compounds found in the extracts of these three species were gentisic acid, diosmetin, chlorogenic acid, N-methyltyramide, and hordenine. The antioxidant activity was estimated with the DPPH free radical scavenging test. To determine the toxicity of the extracts, the in vivo model of Artemia spp. was used. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the extract was tested on C6, HaCaT, THP-1, and U937 cell lines, while the inflammatory activity was tested by measuring the secretion of cytokines using macrophage cells. The three species showed different bioactivities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. To the best of our knowledge, the results presented here are the first described for these species.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Five Medicinal Mushrooms of the Genus Pleurotus

Within the group of higher fungi, edible medicinal mushrooms have a long history of being used as food and in folk medicine. These species contain biologically active substances with many potential beneficial effects on human health. The Pleurotus genus is representative of medicinal mushrooms because Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most commonly cultivated culinary mushrooms. In our study, we focused on lesser-known species in the genus Pleurotus and measured their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. We prepared extracts of the mushrooms and analyzed them using HPLC−HRMS, GC−MS, and ¹H-NMR. Significant differences in biological activities were found among the Pleurotus spp. extracts. A MeOH extract of P. flabellatus was the most active as a radical scavenger with the highest ORAC, while a chloroform extract had significant anti-inflammatory COX-2 activity. The 80% MeOH extract of P. flabellatus contained the highest amounts of ergosterol, ergothioneine, and mannitol. The 80% MeOH extract of P. ostreatus Florida was the most active in the NF-κB inhibition assay and had the highest content of β-glucans (43.3% by dry weight). Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of P. flabellatus, the potential therapeutic usefulness of this species is worth evaluating through in-depth investigations and confirmation by clinical trials.

Iron-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis—Preventive Effects of Nutrients

The liver is a primary organ that stores body iron, and plays a central role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. Hepatic iron overload (HIO) is a prevalent feature among patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including alcoholic/nonalcoholic liver diseases and hepatitis C. HIO is suggested to promote the progression toward hepatocellular carcinoma because of the pro-oxidant nature of iron. Iron metabolism is tightly regulated by various factors, such as hepcidin and ferroportin, in healthy individuals to protect the liver from such deteriorative effects. However, their intrinsic expressions or functions are frequently compromised in patients with HIO. Thus, various nutrients have been reported to regulate hepatic iron metabolism and protect the liver from iron-induced damage. These nutrients are beneficial in HIO-associated CLD treatment and eventually prevent iron-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. This mini-review aimed to discuss the mechanisms and hepatocarcinogenic risk of HIO in patients with CLDs. Moreover, nutrients that hold the potential to prevent iron-induced hepatocarcinogenesis are summarized.

Integration of Untargeted Metabolomics with Transcriptomics Provides Insights into Beauvericin Biosynthesis in Cordyceps chanhua under H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress

Cordyceps chanhua is an important cordycipitoid mushroom widely used in Asia and beyond. Beauvericin (BEA), one of the bioactive compounds of C. chanhua, has attracted much attention because of its medicinal value and food safety risk. In order to clear up the relationship between oxidative stress and BEA synthesis, we investigated the impact of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress on the secondary metabolism of C. chanhua using untargeted metabolomics and a transcript profiling approach. Metabolic profiling of C. chanhua mycelia found that in total, 73 differential metabolites were identified, including organic acids, phospholipids, and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), especially the content of BEA, increasing 13-fold under oxidative stress treatment. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we found that the genes and metabolites associated with the NRP metabolism, especially the BEA biosynthesis, were highly significantly enriched under H₂O₂-induced stress, which indicated that the BEA metabolism might be positive in the resistance of C. chanhua to oxidative stress. These results not only aid in better understanding of the resistance mechanisms of C. chanhua against oxidative stress but also might be helpful for molecular breeding of C. chanhua with low BEA content.

Nicotinic Acid against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Sirt1/Nrf2 Antioxidative Pathway in Mice

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) overdose causes hepatotoxicity, even liver failure, and oxidative stress plays pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Nicotinic acid (NA) is one form of vitamin B3, which has been used to treat a series of diseases in clinic for decades. To date, several studies have evidenced that NA has anti-oxidative property. Therefore, NA may have the hepatoprotective potential against APAP-induced toxicity. Here, our aim was to investigate the beneficial effect of NA against hepatotoxicity induced by APAP and its mechanism in vivo. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with NA (100 mg/kg) 3 times at 24, 12 and 1 h before APAP (600 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) challenge. The results showed that pretreatment of NA markedly improved the survival rate, alleviated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and mitigated the histopathological injuries compared to APAP-exposed mice. Furthermore, NA significantly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) content, while reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Finally, the signaling pathway was probed. The western blot revealed that NA up-regulated Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase-1 (NQO-1) expression and down-regulated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) level in liver followed APAP exposure, implying Sirt1/Nrf2 axis exerted an essential role in the protective mechanism of NA on APAP toxicity. In brief, pretreatment of NA effectively protects liver against hepatotoxicity due to overdose of APAP through an antioxidant dependent manner modulated by Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Supplementation with Niacin during in vitro maturation improves the quality of porcine embryos

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has a pivotal role in energy metabolism, cellular signaling cascades regulating gene expression, and apoptosis. However, the effect of Niacin on porcine early embryo developmental competence remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Niacin treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent development of in vitro embryos. In addition, the expression profiles of selected genes related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed. The IVM medium was supplemented with different concentrations of Niacin (0, 300, 600, and 900 μM). The results showed that a high concentration of Niacin (900 μM) significantly decreased cumulus expansion compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed among the experimental groups for nuclear maturation rate. Niacin treatments (300, 600, and 900 μM) during IVM significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced glutathione levels. Treatment with 300 and 600 μM significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the reactive oxygen species levels compared to treatment with 900 μM and the control group. Niacin supplementation to the IVM media significantly improved the cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to the control group. Supplementation with 300 and 600 μM of Niacin significantly increased the total cell number of blastocysts compared to supplementation with 900 μM or the control groups. Cytoplasmic lipid droplets were significantly reduced after 600 μM treatment. Supplementation of Niacin to IVM media positively affected the relative expression of genes related to energy and oxidative status (SIRT1), pro-apoptosis (BAX), anti-apoptosis (BCL2), and lipid metabolism (ACACA and PNPLA2) in cumulus cells and oocytes. Taken together, Niacin supplementation to porcine IVM media improved the developmental competence of early embryos mainly through protection against oxidative stress and its influence on energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways.

Study on the synergistic protective effect of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharides and zinc sulfate on chronic alcoholic liver injury in rats

Both Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharides (LBP) and zinc have protective effects on liver injuries. In this paper, LBP and ZnSO4 were combined to study the effects on the prevention of alcoholic liver injury. The rats were divided into six groups, the normal group, alcohol group, zinc sulfate group, LBP group, low-dose group of ZnSO4, and high-dose group of ZnSO4 and LBP, used to explore the impact of LBP and ZnSO4 complex on liver lipid metabolism of alcohol, alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, oxidative damage, and inflammation of the liver. The experimental model was established by gavage treatment, observation, and determination of indexes of rats. The results showed that the combination of LBP and ZnSO4 could significantly decrease the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-ɑ), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the activity of enzyme subtype 2E1 (CYP2E1). It also significantly increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione peptide (GSH), and alcohol dehydrogenase, effectively improved the liver tissue lesion. What is more, the combination of LBP and ZnSO4 had a synergistic effect on the remission of alcoholic fatty liver, and alleviated chronic alcoholic liver injury by promoting lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, controlling inflammatory responses, and regulating the expression and activity of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in rats.

Niacin improves maturation and cryo-tolerance of bovine in vitro matured oocytes: An experimental study

Background

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a broad-spectrum lipid-modifying agent that has potent antioxidant properties and reduces the production of lipid peroxidation.

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the maturation, embryo development and cryo-tolerance merit, and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status, and total antioxidant capacity following the supplementation of bovine oocytes maturation medium with different concentrations of niacin.

Materials and Methods

Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in tissue culture medium-199 maturation media supplemented with 0, 100, 200, and 400 µM niacin under a standard in vitro culture condition. After 24 hr of culture, the nuclear maturation rate was assessed. Then, two groups of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199 either with or without 400 µM niacin and evaluated for embryo development. Also, matured cumulus-oocyte complexes in both groups were frozen using a standard vitrification procedure. After vitrification, oocytes were warmed in two steps and evaluated for embryo development. In addition, the level of total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and MDA were measured.

Results

The results indicated that although the treatment with 400 µM niacin increased in vitro nuclear maturation (87.6±5.3), it did not improved the embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Higher cleavage and blastocyst rates were observed in vitrified oocytes that were cultured with supplemented 400 µM niacin compared to the control group (without niacin) (53.6±2.7 and 10.6±1.6 vs. 46.2±4.1 and 6.3±2.4, respectively). Also, the addition of 400 μM niacin to the maturation media could decrease MDA levels after maturation.

Conclusion

Niacin could improve the quality of in vitro embryo production (IVP) embryos and tolerance of bovine oocytes to vitrification.

Effect of nicotinic acid on the plasma membrane function and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition during cryopreservation in boar sperm

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nicotinic acid on plasma membrane integrity and fatty acid composition in frozen-thawed boar sperm. Boar semen was cryopreserved using freezing extender containing nicotinic acid (NA), then plasma membrane integrity, osmotic equilibration, lipid peroxidation and fatty acid were analysed. The plasma membrane integrity of frozen-thawed sperm was significantly higher in the 10 mM NA than in the 0 and 20 mM NA treatment groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the osmotic equilibration ability was not different in treatment groups, but lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in the 10 mM NA treatment group (p < 0.05). The saturated fatty acids were significantly decreased in the 10 mM NA treatment group, and C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, C22:5n-6 and C22:6n-3, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly increased in the 10 mM NA treatment groups (p < 0.05). In summary, 10 mM NA improved plasma membrane integrity, inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased PUFAs in frozen-thawed boar sperm. These results suggest that NA may be useful to protect the plasma membrane and inhibit the loss of PUFAs for sperm cryopreservation in pigs.

Vernonia Amygdalina Del. stimulated glucose uptake in brain tissues enhances antioxidative activities; and modulates functional chemistry and dysregulated metabolic pathways

Brain glucose uptake is usually reduced in type 2 diabetes owing to downregulation of brain glucose transporters. The ability of Vernonia amygdalina to stimulate glucose uptake as well as ameliorate glucose-induced oxidative stress and proinflammation were investigated in rat brain. Hot infusion of V. amygdalina leaves was incubated with rat brain tissues for 2 h in the presence of glucose. Another incubation with glucose only, served as negative control while metformin served as positive control. Incubation of brain tissues with V. amygdalina led to significant (p < 0.05) increase in glucose uptake, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide and non-thiol proteins levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ATPase activities, while concomitantly decrease in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level compared to the negative control. Incubation with glucose only, led to the development of nitrate, amide II and amide I functional groups which were removed on incubation with the infusion. LC-MS analysis revealed depletion of oxidative stress-induced 2-keto-glutaramic acid and cysteinyl-tyrosine metabolites in brain tissues, with concomitant generation of S-formylglutathione and adenosine tetraphosphate by the infusion. Pathway analysis of the metabolites revealed an activation of pyruvate metabolism pathway in the negative control, with the infusion reducing the intensity fold. LC-MS analysis of the infusion revealed the presence of l-serine, l-cysteine, l-proline, nicotinic acid, cumidine, salicylic acid, isoquinoline, 3-methyl-, and γ-octalactone. Except for l-serine, l-cysteine and l-proline, the other compounds were predicted to be permeable across the blood brain barrier. These results indicate the brain glucose uptake stimulatory and neuroprotective effect of V. amygdalina.

Niacin prevents mitochondrial oxidative stress caused by sub-chronic exposure to methylmercury

Humans and animals can be exposed to different chemical forms of mercury (Hg) in the environment. For example, methylmercury (MeHg)-contaminated fish is part of the basic diet of the riparian population in the Brazilian Amazon Basin, which leads to high total blood and plasma Hg levels in people living therein. Hg induces toxic effects mainly through oxidative stress. Different compounds have been used to prevent the damage caused by MeHg-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to investigate the in vivo effects of sub-chronic exposure to low MeHg levels on the mitochondrial oxidative status and to evaluate the niacin protective effect against MeHg-induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, treated with drinking water on a daily basis; group exposed to MeHg at a dose of 100 µg/kg/day; group that received niacin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day in drinking water, with drinking water being administered by gavage; group that received niacin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day in drinking water as well as MeHg at a dose of 100 µg/kg/day. After 12 weeks, the rats, which weighed 500-550 g, were sacrificed, and their liver mitochondria were isolated by standard differential centrifugation. Sub-chronic exposure to MeHg (100 µg/kg/day for 12 weeks) led to mitochondrial swelling (p < 0.05) and induced ROS overproduction as determined by increased DFCH oxidation (p < 0.05), increased gluthatione oxidation (p < 0.05), and reduced protein thiol content (p < 0.05). In contrast, niacin supplementation inhibited oxidative stress, which counteracted and minimized the toxic MeHg effects on mitochondria.

Aloysia triphylla in the zebrafish food: effects on physiology, behavior, and growth performance

Dietary supplements are commonly used by animals and humans and play key roles in diverse systems, such as the immune and reproductive systems, and in metabolism. Essential oils (EOs), which are natural substances, have potential for use in food supplementation; however, their effects on organisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we examine the effects of dietary Aloysia triphylla EO supplementation on zebrafish behavior, metabolism, stress response, and growth performance. We show that fish fed diets containing A. triphylla EO presented an anxiolytic response, with reduced exploratory activity and oxygen consumption; no changes were observed in neuroendocrine stress axis functioning and growth was not impaired. Taken together, these results suggest that the A. triphylla EO supplementation is a strong candidate for use in feed, since it ensures fish welfare (anxiolytic behavior) with decreased oxygen consumption. This makes it suitable for use in high-density production systems without causing damage to the neuroendocrine stress axis and without growth performance being impaired.

Protective effects of niacin against methylmercury-induced genotoxicity and alterations in antioxidant status in rats

This study investigates the potential beneficial effects of niacin (NA; vitamin B3) supplementation in rats chronically exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). Animals were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups (n = 6): Group I, control, received distilled water by gavage; Group II, received MeHg (100 µg/kg/d) by gavage; Group III, received NA (50 mg/kg/d) in drinking water; Group IV, received MeHg (100 µg/kg/d) by gavage + NA (50 mg/kg/d) in drinking water. Biochemical parameters levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions, and enzyme activities aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were determined. Further, oxidative stress markers activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activity, as well as levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide, were examined, and the comet assay was performed, using blood/plasma. Hg levels were measured in blood, brain, and kidneys of animals. Our results demonstrated that NA reduced adverse effects produced by MeHg. The mechanism underlying these effects appears to be related to the intrinsic antioxidant potential of NA. Considering the beneficial effects attributed to NA following MeHg exposure and that fish are the main source of both NA and MeHg, future studies need to evaluate the potential counteractive effect of NA against the adverse consequences of MeHg exposure in fish-eating populations.

Zinc treatment prevents type 1 diabetes-induced hepatic oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and cell death, and even prevents possible steatohepatitis in the OVE26 mouse model: Important role of metallothionein

Whether zinc is able to improve diabetes-induced liver injury remains unknown. Transgenic type 1 diabetic (OVE26) mice develop hyperglycemia at 3 weeks old; therefore therapeutic effect of zinc on diabetes-induced liver injury was investigated in OVE26 mice. Three-month old OVE26 and age-matched wild-type mice were treated by gavage with saline or zinc at 5mg/kg body-weight every other day for 3 months. Hepatic injury was examined by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level with liver histopathological and biochemical changes. OVE26 mice at 6 months old showed significant increases in serum ALT level and hepatic oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress and associated cell death, mild inflammation, and fibrosis. However, all these hepatic morphological and functional changes were significantly prevented in 3-month zinc-treated OVE26 mice. Mechanistically, zinc treatment significantly increased hepatic metallothionein, a protein with known antioxidant activity, in both wild-type and OVE26 mice. These results suggest that there were significantly functional, structural and biochemical abnormalities in the liver of OVE26 diabetic mice at 6 months old; however, all these changes could be prevented with zinc treatment, which was associated with the upregulation of hepatic metallothionein expression.

Metabolomic tissue signature in human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease identifies protective candidate metabolites

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder in industrialized countries, yet its pathophysiology is incompletely understood. Small-molecule metabolite screens may offer new insights into disease mechanisms and reveal new treatment targets.

METHODS

Discovery (N = 33) and replication (N = 66) of liver biopsies spanning the range from normal liver histology to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were ascertained ensuring rapid freezing under 30 s in patients. 252 metabolites were assessed using GC/MS. Replicated metabolites were evaluated in a murine high-fat diet model of NAFLD.

RESULTS

In a two-stage metabolic screening, hydroquinone (HQ, p(combined) = 3.0 × 10(-4)) and nicotinic acid (NA, p(combined) = 3.9 × 10(-9)) were inversely correlated with histological NAFLD severity. A murine high-fat diet model of NAFLD demonstrated a protective effect of these two substances against NAFLD: Supplementation with 1% HQ reduced only liver steatosis, whereas 0.6% NA reduced both liver fat content and serum transaminase levels and induced a complex regulatory network of genes linked to NALFD pathogenesis in a global expression pathway analysis. Human nutritional intake of NA equivalent was also consistent with a protective effect of NA against NASH progression.

CONCLUSION

This first small-molecular screen of human liver tissue identified two replicated protective metabolites. Either the use of NA or targeting its regulatory pathways might be explored to treat or prevent human NAFLD.

mTOR: on target for novel therapeutic strategies in the nervous system

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the key component of the protein complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2, plays a critical role in cellular development, tissue regeneration, and repair. mTOR signaling can govern not only stem cell development and quiescence but also cell death during apoptosis or autophagy. Recent studies highlight the importance of both traditional and newly recognized interactors of mTOR, such as p70S6K, 4EBP1, GSK-3β, REDD1/RTP801, TSC1/TSC2, growth factors, wingless, and forkhead transcription factors, that influence Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, tuberous sclerosis, and epilepsy. Targeting mTOR in the nervous system can offer exciting new avenues of drug discovery, but crucial to this premise is elucidating the complexity of mTOR signaling for robust and safe clinical outcomes.

Targeting disease through novel pathways of apoptosis and autophagy

INTRODUCTION

Apoptosis and autophagy impact cell death in multiple systems of the body. Development of new therapeutic strategies that target these processes must address their complex role during developmental cell growth as well as during the modulation of toxic cellular environments.

AREAS COVERED

Novel signaling pathways involving Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), β-catenin and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) govern apoptotic and autophagic pathways during oxidant stress that affect the course of a broad spectrum of disease entities including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, myocardial injury, skeletal system trauma, immune system dysfunction and cancer progression. Implications of potential biological and clinical outcome for these signaling pathways are presented.

EXPERT OPINION

The CCN family member WISP1 and its intimate relationship with canonical and non-canonical wingless signaling pathways of PI3K, Akt1, β-catenin and mTOR offer an exciting approach for governing the pathways of apoptosis and autophagy especially in clinical disorders that are currently without effective treatments. Future studies that can elucidate the intricate role of these cytoprotective pathways during apoptosis and autophagy can further the successful translation and development of these cellular targets into robust and safe clinical therapeutic strategies.

Oxidant stress and signal transduction in the nervous system with the PI 3-K, Akt, and mTOR cascade

Oxidative stress impacts multiple systems of the body and can lead to some of the most devastating consequences in the nervous system especially during aging. Both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cerebral ischemia, trauma, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and tuberous sclerosis through programmed cell death pathways of apoptosis and autophagy can be the result of oxidant stress. Novel therapeutic avenues that focus upon the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K), Akt (protein kinase B), and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade and related pathways offer exciting prospects to address the onset and potential reversal of neurodegenerative disorders. Effective clinical translation of these pathways into robust therapeutic strategies requires intimate knowledge of the complexity of these pathways and the ability of this cascade to influence biological outcome that can vary among disorders of the nervous system.

Erythropoietin: new directions for the nervous system

New treatment strategies with erythropoietin (EPO) offer exciting opportunities to prevent the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders that currently lack effective therapy and can progress to devastating disability in patients. EPO and its receptor are present in multiple systems of the body and can impact disease progression in the nervous, vascular, and immune systems that ultimately affect disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, retinal injury, stroke, and demyelinating disease. EPO relies upon wingless signaling with Wnt1 and an intimate relationship with the pathways of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Modulation of these pathways by EPO can govern the apoptotic cascade to control β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, mitochondrial permeability, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. Yet, EPO and each of these downstream pathways require precise biological modulation to avert complications associated with the vascular system, tumorigenesis, and progression of nervous system disorders. Further understanding of the intimate and complex relationship of EPO and the signaling pathways of Wnt, PI 3-K, Akt, and mTOR are critical for the effective clinical translation of these cell pathways into robust treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

SIRT1: new avenues of discovery for disorders of oxidative stress

INTRODUCTION

The sirtuin SIRT1 is expressed throughout the body, has broad biological effects and can significantly affect both cellular survival and longevity during acute and long-term injuries, which involve both oxidative stress and cell metabolism.

AREAS COVERED

SIRT1 has an intricate role in the pathology, progression, and treatment of several disease entities, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, tumorigenesis, cardiovascular disease with myocardial injury and atherosclerosis, metabolic disease, and aging-related disease. New areas of study in these disciplines, with discussion of the cellular biology, are highlighted.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel signaling pathways for SIRT1, which can be targeted to enhance cellular protection and potentially extend lifespan, continue to emerge. Investigations that can further determine the intracellular signaling, trafficking and post-translational modifications that occur with SIRT1 in a variety of cell systems and environments will allow us to further translate this knowledge into effective therapeutic strategies that will be applicable to multiple systems of the body.