Gastrodin protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes against oxidative injury by ameliorating imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial dysfunction

Gastrodin exerts perioperative myocardial protection by improving mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin pathway to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Although blood flow is restored after treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) can cause cardiac injury, which is a leading cause of heart failure. Gastrodin (GAS) exerts protective effects against brain, heart, and kidney I/R. However, its pharmacological mechanism in myocardial I/R injury (MIRI) remains unclear.

PURPOSE

GAS regulates autophagy in various diseases, such as acute hepatitis, vascular dementia, and stroke. We hypothesized that GAS could repair mitochondrial damage and regulate autophagy to protect against MIRI.

STUDY DESIGN

Male C57BL/6 mice and H9C2 cells were subjected to I/R and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury after GAS administration, respectively, to assess the impact of GAS on cardiomyocyte phenotypes, heart, and mitochondrial structure and function. The effect of GAS on cardiac function and mitochondrial structure in patients undergoing cardiac surgery has been observed in clinical practice.

METHODS

The effects of GAS on cardiac structure and function, mitochondrial structure, and expression of related molecules in an animal model of MIRI were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and gene sequencing. Its effects on the morphological, molecular, and functional phenotypes of cardiomyocytes undergoing H/R were observed using immunohistochemical staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting.

RESULTS

GAS significantly reduces myocardial infarct size and improves cardiac function in MIRI mice in animal models and increases cardiomyocyte viability and reduces cardiomyocyte damage in cellular models. In clinical practice, myocardial injury was alleviated with better cardiac function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery after the application of GAS; improvements in mitochondria and autophagy activation were also observed. GAS primarily exerts cardioprotective effects through activation of the PINK1/Parkin pathway, which promotes mitochondrial autophagy to clear damaged mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

GAS can promote mitophagy and preserve mitochondria through PINK1/Parkin, thus indicating its tremendous potential as an effective perioperative myocardial protective agent.

Gastrodin ameliorates synaptic impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in N2a/APP cells

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by abnormal β-amyloid and tau accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction. Here, we aimed to assess the mechanisms and signalling pathways in the neuroprotective effect of gastrodin, a phenolic glycoside, on murine neuroblastoma N2a cells expressing human Swedish mutant APP (N2a/APP). We found that gastrodin increased the levels of presynaptic-SNAP, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic-PSD95 and reduced phospho-tau Ser396, APP and Aβ1-42 levels in N2a/APP cells. Gastrodin treatment reduced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial fragmentation and DNA oxidation; restored mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP production. Upregulated phospho-GSK-3β and reduced phospho-ERK and phospho-JNK were involved in the protective effect of gastrodin. In conclusion, we demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of gastrodin in the N2a/APP cell line by ameliorating the impairment on synaptic and mitochondrial function, reducing tau phosphorylation, Aβ1-42 levels as well as reactive oxygen species generation. These results provide new mechanistic insights into the potential effect of gastrodin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Preparation and evaluation of gastrodin microsphere-loaded Gastrodia elata polysaccharides composite hydrogel on UVB-induced skin damage in vitro and in vivo

Skin damage from sun exposure is a common issue among outdoor workers and is primarily caused by ultraviolet rays. Upon absorption of these rays, the skin will experience inflammation and cell apoptosis. This study explored the concept of 'Combination of medicine and adjuvant' by utilizing Gastrodia elata polysaccharide, a key component of Gastrodia elata Bl.‌, to develop a new hydrogel material. Oxidized Gastrodia elata polysaccharide (OGEP) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was use to prepare a biocompatible, biodegradable and self-healing hydrogel OGEP/CMCS (OC). And this hydrogel was further loaded with Gastrodin-containing microspheres (GAS/GEL) to create GAS/GEL/OGEP/CMCS (GGOC) hydrogel. Characterization studies revealed that OC and GGOC hydrogels exhibited favorable mechanical properties, antioxidant activity and biocompatibility. The experiments showed that OC and GGOC hydrogels could regulate mitochondrial membrane potential, prevent mitochondrial breakage, inhibit proinflammatory factors, prevent NF-κB protein activation and regulate apoptosis-related pathways. This study highlighted the application potential of Gastrodia elata polysaccharide as a 'Combination of medicine and adjuvant' and the anti-UVB damage effect of the prepared hydrogel.

Suppressing mitochondrial inner membrane protein (IMMT) inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells through mitochondrial remodeling and metabolic regulation

Metabolic reprogramming is widely recognized as a hallmark of malignant tumors, and the targeting of metabolism has emerged as an appealing approach for cancer treatment. Mitochondria, as pivotal organelles, play a crucial role in the metabolic regulation of tumor cells, and their morphological and functional alterations are intricately linked to the biological characteristics of tumors. As a key regulatory subunit of mitochondria, mitochondrial inner membrane protein (IMMT), plays a vital role in degenerative diseases, but its role in tumor is almost unknown. The objective of this research was to investigate the roles that IMMT play in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC), as well as to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms that drive these effects. In this study, it was confirmed that the expression of IMMT in BC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that IMMT can serve as an independent prognostic factor for BC patients. Additionally, verification in clinical specimens of BC demonstrated a positive association between high IMMT expression and larger tumor size (> 2 cm), Ki-67 expression (> 15%), and HER-2 status. Furthermore, in vitro experiments have substantiated that the suppression of IMMT expression resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation and alterations in mitochondrial cristae, concomitant with the liberation of cytochrome c, but it did not elicit mitochondrial apoptosis. Through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis, we have predicted the associated metabolic genes and discovered that IMMT potentially modulates the advancement of BC through its interaction with 16 metabolic-related genes, and the changes in glycolysis related pathways have been validated in BC cell lines after IMMT inhibition. Consequently, this investigation furnishes compelling evidence supporting the classification of IMMT as prognostic marker in BC, and underscoring its prospective utility as a novel target for metabolic therapy.

Gastrodin: a comprehensive pharmacological review

Tianma is the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), which is frequently utilized in clinical practice as a traditional Chinese medicine. Gastrodin (GAS) is the main active ingredient of Tianma, which has good pharmacological activity. Therefore, for the first time, this review focused on the extraction, synthesis, pharmacological effects, and derivatives of GAS and to investigate additional development options for GAS. The use of microorganisms to create GAS is a promising method. GAS has good efficacy in the treatment of neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, and liver diseases. GAS has significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, vascular protective, blood sugar lowering, lipid-regulating, analgesic, anticancer, and antiviral effects. The mechanism involves various signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK. In addition, the derivatives of GAS and biomaterials synthesized by GAS and PU suggested a broader application of GAS. The research on GAS is thoroughly summarized in this paper, which has useful applications for tackling a variety of disorders and exhibits good development value.

Mitochondria-Associated Organelle Crosstalk in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Organelle damage is a significant contributor to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This damage often leads to disruption of endoplasmic reticulum protein regulatory programs and dysfunction of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are seamlessly connected through the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM), which serves as a crucial site for the exchange of organelles and metabolites. However, there is a lack of reports regarding the communication of information and metabolites between mitochondria and related organelles, which is a crucial factor in triggering myocardial I/R damage. To address this research gap, this review described the role of crosstalk between mitochondria and the correlative organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomal and nuclei involved in reperfusion injury of the heart. In summary, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crosstalk between organelles in myocardial I/R injury, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the development of targeted therapies based on this knowledge.

Ramelteon alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) through Sirt3--dependent regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Reperfusion stands as a pivotal intervention for ischemic heart disease. However, the restoration of blood flow to ischemic tissue always lead to further damage, which is known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Ramelteon is an orally administered drug used to improve sleep quality, which is famous for its high bioadaptability and absence of notable addictive characteristics. However, the specific mechanism by which it improves MIRI is still unclear. Sirtuin-3 (Sirt3), primarily located in mitochondria, is crucial in mitigating many cardiac diseases, including MIRI. Based on the structure of Sirt3, we simulated molecular docking and identified several potential amino acid binding sites between it and ramelteon. Therefore, we propose a hypothesis that ramelteon may exert cardioprotective effects by activating the Sirt3 signaling pathway. Our results showed that the activation levels and expression level of Sirt3 were significantly decreased in MIRI tissue and H2O2 stimulated H9C2 cells, while ramelteon treatment upregulated Sirt3 activity and expression. After treat with 3-TYP, a classic Sirt3 activity inhibitor, we constructed myocardial ischemia/reperfusion surgery in vivo and induced H9C2 cells with H2O2 in vitro. The results showed that the myocardial protection and anti-apoptotic effects of ramelteon were antagonized by 3-TYP, indicating that the activation of Sirt3 is a key mechanism for ramelteon to exert myocardial protection. In summary, our results confirm a novel mechanism by which ramelteon improves MIRI by activating Sirt3 signaling pathway, providing strong evidence for the treatment of MIRI with ramelteon.

Gastrodin alleviates premature senescence of vascular endothelial cells by enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway

Endothelial dysfunction is an independent risk factor for stroke. The dysfunction of endothelial cells (EC) is closely concerned with EC senescence. Gastrodin (GAS) is an organic compound extracted from the dried root mass of the Orchidaceae plant Gastrodiae gastrodiae. It is used clinically to treat diseases such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency, vestibular neuronitis and vertigo. In the present study, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to establish an in vitro EC senescence model and to investigate the role and mechanism of GAS in EC senescence. It's found that H2 O2 -treated HUVECs increased the proportion of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) positive cells and the relative protein expression levels of senescence-associated cyclin p16 and p21. In addition, GAS reduced the proportion of SA β-gal positive cells and the relative protein expression levels of p16 and p21, and increased the proliferation and migration ability of HUVECs. Meanwhile, GAS increased the expression of the anti-oxidative stress protein HO-1 and its nuclear expression level of Nrf2. The anti-senescence effect of GAS was blocked when HO-1 expression was inhibited by SnPPIX. Furthermore, absence of HO-1 abolished the effect of GAS on HUVEC proliferation and migration. In conclusion, GAS ameliorated H2 O2 -induced cellular senescence and enhanced cell proliferation and migration by enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 signalling in HUVECs. These findings of our study expanded the understanding of GAS pharmacology and suggested that GAS may offer a potential therapeutic agent for stroke.

Gastrodin alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cisplatin (CP) results in acute kidney injury (AKI) and negatively affects patients' therapy and survival. The dried rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume has been used to treat clinical kidney diseases. Gastrodin (GAS) is an active ingredient of the G. elata tuber. It is unknown whether GAS can alleviate CP-induced AKI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate whether GAS, an active ingredient of G. elata Blume, can alleviate CP-induced AKI and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were conducted with a CP-induced AKI mouse model and an immortalized human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2). Serum creatinine, Periodic acid-Schiff staining, tissue iron, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and 4-Hydroxynonenal were detected in serum and kidney samples to observe whether GAS inhibits CP-induced tubule ferroptosis. The drug target was verified by detecting the effects of GAS on sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activity in vitro. Transcriptional regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) by forkhead box O3A (FOXO3A) was verified by siRNA knockdown, overexpression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The effects of FOXO3A, SIRT1, and GAS on CP-induced ferroptosis were measured with propidium iodide, dihydroethidium, monobromobimane, and dipyrromethene boron difluoride staining in HK-2 cells. The relationship between GAS and the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 pathway was studied using Western blotting.

RESULTS

GAS treatment inhibited CP-induced reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and tubule death in the cell and animal models. GAS activated SIRT1 in vitro. The SIRT1 inhibitor blocked the protective role of GAS in reducing lipid peroxidation in HK-2 cells. FOXO3A transcriptionally regulated GPX4 expression and inhibited CP-induced cell ferroptosis. Compared to CP-damaged mouse kidneys, GAS-treated mice demonstrated significantly increased SIRT1 and GPX4 expression levels, decreased CP-induced acetylation of FOXO3A, and inhibited lipid peroxidation and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

GAS alleviated CP-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway. The results offer new insights into the development of new anti-AKI drugs from traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, applications, and quality control of Gastrodia elata Blume: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) has a long historical application in Asian countries and its tubers, seeds, and stalks are capable of being utilized for medicine, food, or health care products.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study aimed to offer a systematic and up-to-date analysis of the current review of the G. elata research advances in traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, applications, and quality control, as well as a scientific reference for the development and utilization of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and CNKI were used for the collection of publications on G. elata. The following keywords of G. elata were used truncated with other relevant topic terms, such as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycosides, neuroprotection, learning and memory improvement effects, cardioprotection, applications, and quality control.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 134 chemical components mainly categorizing as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycosides, organic acids, and sterols were reported from this plant. Moreover, preclinical studies indicated that G. elata performs several functions, including neuroprotection, learning and memory improvement effects, cardioprotection, vaso-modulatory effect, anti-depression, anti-cancer, and other effects. Currently, G. elata has been widely applied to clinics and foods. The available literature shows that the quality of G. elata might be affected by factors such as origin, fungus, and harvest time, which will have an impact on the drug efficacy. According to past research, G. elata is a potential medicinal and edible plant with several active components and pharmacological activity that has a high application value in medicine and the food business. Nevertheless, few studies have concentrated on characterization of polysaccharides structure and study of non-medicinal parts, implying that further comprehensive research on its polysaccharides structure and non-medicinal parts is critical for full utilization of resources of G. elata.

A review: Mechanism and prospect of gastrodin in prevention and treatment of T2DM and COVID-19

Gastrodin is an extract from the dried tuber of the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata (Tian ma), with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Recent studies have shown that, compared to commonly used diabetes drugs, gastrodin has antidiabetic effects in multiple ways, with characteristics of low cost, high safety, less side effects, protection of β-cell function, relieving insulin resistance and alleviating multiple complications. In addition, it is confirmed that gastrodin can protect the function of lung and other organs, enhance antiviral activity via upregulating the type I interferon (IFN-I), and inhibit angiotensin II (AngII), a key factor in "cytokine storm" caused by COVID-19. Therefore, we reviewed the effect and mechanism of gastrodin on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and speculated other potential mechanisms of gastrodin in alleviating insulin resistance from insulin signal pathway, inflammation, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum and its potential in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. We hope to provide new direction and treatment strategy for basic research and clinical work: gastrodin is considered as a drug for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and COVID-19.

Review on pharmacological effects of gastrodin

Gastrodia elata Blume is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used to treat diseases related to the nervous system, such as stroke, epilepsy, and headache. Gastrodin is the main bioactive component of Gastrodia elata Blume, and studies have shown that it has extensive pharmacological activity. This narrative review aims to systematically review relevant studies on the pharmacological effects of gastrodin to provide researchers with the latest and most useful information. Studies have shown that gastrodin has prominent neuroprotective effects and can treat or improve epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, emotional disorders, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, cognitive impairment, and neuropathic pain. Gastrodin can also improve myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, gastrodin can mitigate liver, kidney, and bone tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. In short, gastrodin is expected to treat many diseases, and it is worth investing more effort in research on this compound.

Flt3 Activation Mitigates Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Heart Dysfunction through Rebalanced L-OPA1 Processing by Hindering the Interaction between Acetylated p53 and PHB2 in Cardiac Remodeling

Recent studies have shown that FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) has a beneficial effect on cardiac maladaptive remodeling. However, the role and mechanism of Flt3 in mitochondrial dynamic imbalance under cardiac stress remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate how Flt3 regulates p53-mediated optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) processing and mitochondrial fragmentation to improve cardiac remodeling. Mitochondrial fragmentation in cardiomyocytes was induced by isoprenaline (ISO) and H2O2 challenge, respectively, in vitro. Cardiac remodeling in mice was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery or by chronic ISO challenge, respectively, in vivo. Our results demonstrated that the protein expression of acetylated-p53 (ac-p53) in mitochondria was significantly increased under cell stress conditions, facilitating the dissociation of PHB2-OPA1 complex by binding to prohibitin 2 (PHB2), a molecular chaperone that stabilizes OPA1 in mitochondria. This led to the degradation of the long isoform of OPA1 (L-OPA1) that facilitates mitochondrial fusion and resultant mitochondrial network fragmentation. This effect was abolished by a p53 K371R mutant that failed to bind to PHB2 and impeded the formation of the ac-p53-PHB2 complex. The activation of Flt3 significantly reduced ac-p53 expression in mitochondria via SIRT1, thereby hindering the formation of the ac-p53-PHB2 complex and potentiating the stability of the PHB2-OPA1 complex. This ultimately inhibits L-OPA1 processing and leads to the balancing of mitochondrial dynamics. These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which Flt3 activation mitigates mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction through the reduction of L-OPA1 processing by dampening the interaction between ac-p53 and PHB2 in cardiac maladaptive remodeling.

Pterostilbene attenuates microglial inflammation and brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in an OPA1-dependent manner

Microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory responses are critical processes in aggravating secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Pterostilbene (3', 5'-dimethoxy-resveratrol) features antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties and has been proven neuroprotective. In this study, we aimed to explore whether Pterostilbene could attenuate neuroinflammation after experimental ICH, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, a collagenase-induced ICH in mice was followed by intraperitoneal injection of Pterostilbene (10 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily. PTE-treated mice performed significantly better than vehicle-treated controls in the neurological behavior test after ICH. Furthermore, our results showed that Pterostilbene reduced lesion volume and neural apoptosis, and alleviated blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and brain edema. RNA sequencing and subsequent experiments showed that ICH-induced neuroinflammation and microglial proinflammatory activities were markedly suppressed by Pterostilbene treatment. With regard to the mechanisms, we identified that the anti-inflammatory effects of Pterostilbene relied on remodeling mitochondrial dynamics in microglia. Concretely, Pterostilbene reversed the downregulation of OPA1, promoted mitochondrial fusion, restored normal mitochondrial morphology, and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and superoxide in microglia after OxyHb treatment. Moreover, conditionally deleting microglial OPA1 in mice largely countered the effects of Pterostilbene on alleviating microglial inflammation, BBB damage, brain edema and neurological impairment following ICH. In summary, we provided the first evidence that Pterostilbene is a promising agent for alleviating neuroinflammation and brain injury after ICH in mice, and uncovered a novel regulatory relationship between Pterostilbene and OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion.

The multifaceted roles of natural products in mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production in cells, supporting the metabolic demand of tissue. The dysfunctional mitochondria are implicated in various diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Therefore, regulating dysfunctional mitochondria offers a new therapeutic opportunity for diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction. Natural products are pleiotropic and readily obtainable sources of therapeutic agents, which have broad prospects in new drug discovery. Recently, many mitochondria-targeting natural products have been extensively studied and have shown promising pharmacological activity in regulating mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, we summarize recent advances in natural products in targeting mitochondria and regulating mitochondrial dysfunction in this review. We discuss natural products in terms of their mechanisms on mitochondrial dysfunction, including modulating mitochondrial quality control system and regulating mitochondrial functions. In addition, we describe the future perspective and challenges in the development of mitochondria-targeting natural products, emphasizing the potential value of natural products in mitochondrial dysfunction.

Effects and mechanism of gastrodin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice

Gastrodin reportedly exerts various pharmacological and health effects. However, the function of gastrodin in reducing exercise-induced fatigue remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the anti-fatigue effects of gastrodin on male mice and explored its possible mechanism of action. At 50 and 100 mg per kg per day, gastrodin significantly reduced fatigue in mice, confirmed using the forced swimming test, whereas no effect was noted at 20 mg per kg per day. Gastrodin preserved muscle and liver glycogen, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased malondialdehyde, blood lactate, and blood urea nitrogen levels. Notably, gastrodin upregulated the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1. Gastrodin also regulated the composition of intestinal flora. These results confirmed that gastrodin activated AMPK and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways and regulated intestinal flora to improve performance in exhaustive exercise, suggesting that gastrodin is an effective functional food to alleviate exercise-induced fatigue.

Asiatic acid attenuates tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease by regulating mitochondrial dynamics via the Nrf-2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dynamics plays a crucial role in tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Asiatic acid (AA) has demonstrated renal protective effects in DKD; however, its therapeutic effect on tubular injury in DKD remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to verify the effects of AA on tubular injury in DKD and underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

In the present study, the effects of AA on tubular injury were assessed in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-stimulated HK-2 cells models.

METHODS

After oral administration with or without AA for ten weeks, body weight and levels of fast blood glucose, serum creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary albumin, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were detected. Histological analysis was performed to evaluate the renal function of rats. Moreover, the expression of proteins associated with the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics was analyzed. AGEs-stimulated HK-2 cells were examined to evaluate the tubular protection and the mechanism of AA in vitro.

RESULTS

AA remarkably decreased albumin levels, KIM-1 levels in urine, and serum Cr, and BUN levels. In addition, AA prevented tubular injury and mitochondrial injury by regulating the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics. Furthermore, the effects of AA on mitochondrial dynamics and tubular protection were eliminated after treatment with ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that AA might be developed as a potential candidate for the treatment of tubular injury in DKD, and its effects are potentially mediated via the regulation of the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics.

Mechanism and Prospect of Gastrodin in Osteoporosis, Bone Regeneration, and Osseointegration

Gastrodin, a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, is widely used to treat vascular and neurological diseases. However, recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that gastrodin has anti-osteoporosis effects, and its mechanisms of action include its antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory effect, and anti-apoptotic effect. In addition, gastrodin has many unique advantages in promoting bone healing in tissue engineering, such as inducing high hydrophilicity in the material surface, its anti-inflammatory effect, and pro-vascular regeneration. Therefore, this paper summarized the effects and mechanisms of gastrodin on osteoporosis and bone regeneration in the current research. Here we propose an assumption that the use of gastrodin in the surface loading of oral implants may greatly promote the osseointegration of implants and increase the success rate of implants. In addition, we speculated on the potential mechanisms of gastrodin against osteoporosis, by affecting actin filament polymerization, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and ferroptosis, and proposed that the potential combination of gastrodin with Mg2+, angiotensin type 2 receptor blockers or artemisinin may greatly inhibit osteoporosis. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for more in-depth research and application of gastrodin in the treatment of osteoporosis and implant osseointegration in the future.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates deoxynivalenol-induced kidney oxidative damage and mitochondrial injury in weaned piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin that pollutes food crops and adversely affects the health of animals, even humans. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can alleviate intestinal injury, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the potential of LGG in alleviating kidney injury induced by DON in piglets remains to be studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the adverse effect of DON on kidney injury and the protective ability of LGG. A total of twenty-seven weaned piglets were divided into three groups: CON group, DON group (3.11 mg kg^-1 feed) and LGG + DON group (LGG powder 1 g kg^-1 + DON 3.15 mg kg^-1 feed). DON increased the MDA content, and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, DON activated the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. However, LGG supplementation alleviated the damage of DON to the kidney antioxidant system of piglets. Notably, DON significantly reduced the Sirt3 expression (P < 0.05), which was alleviated by LGG addition. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis related factors such as VDAC1 and Cyt C was up-regulated by DON (P < 0.05), and LGG could improve mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, LGG mitigated DON-induced mitochondrial fusion inhibition, and prevented DON-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. In conclusion, LGG play a protective role in DON-induced kidney toxicity, and dietary intervention may be a strategy to reduce mycotoxins.

Roxadustat (FG-4592) Facilitates Recovery From Renal Damage by Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Folic Acid

Incomplete recovery from acute kidney injury induced by folic acid is a major risk factor for progression to chronic kidney disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been considered a crucial contributor to maladaptive repair in acute kidney injury. Treatment with FG-4592, an inhibitor of hypoxia inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase, is emerging as a new approach to attenuate renal damage; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The current research demonstrated the protective effect of FG-4592 against renal dysfunction and histopathological damage on the 7th day after FA administration. FG-4592 accelerated tubular repair by promoting tubular cell regeneration, as indicated by increased proliferation of cell nuclear antigen-positive tubular cells, and facilitated structural integrity, as reflected by up-regulation of the epithelial inter-cellular tight junction molecule occludin-1 and the adherens junction molecule E-cadherin. Furthermore, FG-4592 ameliorated tubular functional recovery by restoring the function-related proteins aquaporin1, aquaporin2, and sodium chloride cotransporter. Specifically, FG-4592 pretreatment inhibited hypoxia inducible factor-1α activation on the 7th day after folic acid injection, which ameliorated ultrastructural abnormalities, promoted ATP production, and attenuated excessive reactive oxygen species production both in renal tissue and mitochondria. This was mainly mediated by balancing of mitochondrial dynamics, as indicated by down-regulation of mitochondrial fission 1 and dynamin-related protein 1 as well as up-regulation of mitofusin 1 and optic atrophy 1. Moreover, FG-4592 pretreatment attenuated renal tubular epithelial cell death, kidney inflammation, and subsequent interstitial fibrosis. In vitro, TNF-α-induced HK-2 cells injury could be ameliorated by FG-4592 pretreatment. In summary, our findings support the protective effect of FG-4592 against folic acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction; therefore, FG-4592 treatment can be used as a useful strategy to facilitate tubular repair and mitigate acute kidney injury progression.

Abnormal Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Communication Promotes Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is characterized by cardiomyocyte death, and can be exacerbated by mitochondrial damage and endoplasmic reticulum injury. In the present study, we investigated whether communication between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum contributes to cardiomyocyte death after myocardial infarction. Our data demonstrated that hypoxia treatment (mimicking myocardial infarction) promoted cardiomyocyte death by inducing the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. The activation of JNK under hypoxic conditions was dependent on overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in cardiomyocytes, and mitochondrial division was identified as the upstream inducer of mtROS overproduction. Silencing mitochondrial division activators, such as B cell receptor associated protein 31 (BAP31) and mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1), repressed mitochondrial division, thereby inhibiting mtROS overproduction and preventing JNK-induced cardiomyocyte death under hypoxic conditions. These data revealed that a novel death-inducing mechanism involving the BAP31/Fis1/mtROS/JNK axis promotes hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte damage. Considering that BAP31 is localized within the endoplasmic reticulum and Fis1 is localized in mitochondria, abnormal mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum communication may be a useful therapeutic target after myocardial infarction.

microRNA-454-mediated NEDD4-2/TrkA/cAMP axis in heart failure: Mechanisms and cardioprotective implications

The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which miR-454 influences the progression of heart failure (HF) in relation to the neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4-2 (NEDD4-2)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA)/cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) axis. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish a HF animal model via ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were treated with H₂ O₂ to stimulate oxidative stress injury in vitro. RT-qPCR and Western blot assay were subsequently performed to determine the expression patterns of miR-454, NEDD4-2, TrkA, apoptosis-related proteins and cAMP pathway markers. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay coupled with co-immunoprecipitation was performed to elucidate the relationship between miR-454, NEDD4-2 and TrkA. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments as well as rescue experiments were conducted via transient transfection (in vitro) and adenovirus infection (in vivo) to examine their respective functions on H9c2 cell apoptosis and myocardial damage. Our results suggested that miR-454 was aberrantly downregulated in the context of HF, while evidence was obtained suggesting that it targeted NEDD4-2 to downregulate NEDD4-2 in cardiomyocytes. miR-454 exerted anti-apoptotic and protective effects on cardiomyocytes through inhibition of NEDD4-2, while NEDD4-2 stimulated ubiquitination and degradation of TrkA protein. Furthermore, miR-454 activated the cAMP pathway via the NEDD4-2/TrkA axis, which ultimately suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis and attenuated myocardial damage. Taken together, the key findings of the current study highlight the cardioprotective role of miR-454, which is achieved through activation of the cAMP pathway by impairing NEDD4-2-induced TrkA ubiquitination.

GRK2 deletion improves the function of skin flap following ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating Drp1

Skin flap ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the key factor to the success rate of skin transplantation, the molecular mechanism of flap IR injury needs to be continuously explored to provide new ideas for its clinical treatment. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was reported to be involved in regulating mitochondrial function, and mitochondria were essential in the process of flap IR. Thus, we aimed to investigate the function of GRK2 in flap ischemia-reperfusion injury and further explore the underlying mechanism. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham, IR+sh-NC, IR+sh-GRK2 and IR+sh-GRK2+ dynamin-related GTPase 1 (Drp1). Flap function and mitochondrial function were determined after ischemia for 3 hours and reperfusion for 72 hours. Comparing with sham group, GRK2 was increased in flap after IR injury. Loss of GRK2 inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation of flap after IR injury. And deficiency of GRK2 promoted mitochondrial function in flap after IR injury. IR injury up-regulated Drp1 expression in flap, while sh-GRK2 down-regulated Drp1 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of Drp1 removed the protective effect of sh-GRK2. In conclusion, our study revealed that GRK2 deletion improved flap function and mitochondrial function by inhibiting Drp1 expression, which may provide a new insight for the clinical treatment of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury.

CLIC1 Inhibition Protects Against Cellular Senescence and Endothelial Dysfunction Via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is a sensor of oxidative stress in endothelial cells (EC). However, the mechanism by which CLIC1 mediate the regulation of endothelial dysfunction has not been established. In this study, overexpressed CLIC1 impaired the ability of the vascular cells to resist oxidative damage and promoted cellular senescence. Besides, suppressed CLIC1 protected against cellular senescence and dysfunction in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. We also found that ROS-activated CLIC1-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. Nrf2 nuclear translocation was inhibited by CLIC1 overexpression, but was enhanced by IAA94 (CLICs inhibitor) treatment or knockdown of CLIC1. The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway plays a critical role in the anti-oxidative effect of suppressing CLIC1. And inhibition of CLIC1 decreases oxidative stress injury by downregulating the levels of ROS, MDA, and the expression of EC effectors (ICAM1 and VCAM1) protein expression and promotes the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The AMPK-mediated signaling pathway activates Nrf2 through Nrf2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, which is also regulated by CLIC1. Moreover, the activation of CLIC1 contributes to H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of mitochondrial fission. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms by which CLIC1 is involved in these pivotal pathways may uncover its therapeutic potential in alleviating ECs oxidative stress and age-related cardiovascular disease development.

ShenmaYizhi Decoction Improves the Mitochondrial Structure in the Brain and Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in VCI Rats via the AMPK/UCP2 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

ShenmaYizhi decoction (SMYZD) is an effective prescription of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat vascular dementia (VD). Modern research methods have identified its active ingredients clearly as gastrodin, ferulic acid, ginsenosides, and β-sitosterol. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a driving factor or risk factor for VD, which leads to the disturbance of mitochondrial structure and function.

PURPOSE

To observe whether SMYZD improves cognitive impairment by improving mitochondrial structure and function.

METHODS

Forty adult rats with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) caused by the bilateral ligation of common carotid arteries were divided into four groups randomly, including the model group, donepezil group, and low-dose and high-dose SMYZD groups, with 10 rats in each group. Additionally, a sham group was established with 10 rats as the control group. The treatment groups were administered donepezil and two different dosages of SMYZD. The donepezil group was administered 0.45 mg/kg/d donepezil, and the SMYZ-L group was administered 2.97 g/kg/d SMYZ, which were equivalent to the clinical dosage. The SMYZ-H group was administered 11.88 g/kg/d SMYZ, which is 4 times higher than the clinically equivalent dosage. A sham-operated group was used as the control group and administered an equal volume of distilled water. The rats were treated by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory ability. The mitochondria of brain tissue were extracted from brain for further test. Mitochondrial morphology and the signal path of AMPK/PPARα/PGC-1α/UCP2 in mitochondria were detected.

RESULTS

With the SMYZD intervention, behavioral performance of rats and pathological changes of mitochondria of brain tissue were significantly improved. In the serum, SOD, GSH-Px, and GSH activities were increased, and the MDA content was decreased. Moreover, the AMPK, PPARα, PGC-1α, UCP2, and ATP5A mRNA and protein expression levels were also reversed by SMYZD.

CONCLUSION

SMYZD may provide a potential therapeutic strategy via activating the AMPK/PPARα/PGC-1α/UCP2 signal pathway to improve mitochondrial structure and energy metabolism thereby alleviate vascular cognitive impairment.

Regulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control by Natural Drugs in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential and Advantages

Mitochondria are double-membraned cellular organelles that provide the required energy and metabolic intermediates to cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial respiratory chain defects, structure abnormalities, and DNA mutations can affect the normal function of cardiomyocytes, causing an imbalance in intracellular calcium ion homeostasis, production of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is an important process that maintains mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes and involves multi-level regulatory mechanisms, such as mitophagy, mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial antioxidant system, and mitochondrial respiratory chain. Furthermore, MQC plays a role in the pathological mechanisms of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In recent years, the regulatory effects of natural plants, drugs, and active ingredients on MQC in the context of CVDs have received significant attention. Effective active ingredients in natural drugs can influence the production of energy-supplying substances in the mitochondria, interfere with the expression of genes associated with mitochondrial energy requirements, and regulate various mechanisms of MQC modulation. Thus, these ingredients have therapeutic effects against CVDs. This review provides useful information about novel treatment options for CVDs and development of novel drugs targeting MQC.

Mitochondria: Potential Targets for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and disabling joint disorder that is mainly characterized by cartilage degeneration and narrow joint spaces. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in promoting the development of OA has gained much attention. Targeting endogenous molecules to improve mitochondrial function is a potential treatment for OA. Moreover, research on exogenous drugs to improve mitochondrial function in OA based on endogenous molecular targets has been accomplished. In addition, stem cells and exosomes have been deeply researched in the context of cartilage regeneration, and these factors both reverse mitochondrial dysfunctions. Thus, we hypothesize that biomedical approaches will be applied to the treatment of OA. Furthermore, we have summarized the global status of mitochondria and osteoarthritis research in the past two decades, which will contribute to the research field and the development of novel treatment strategies for OA.