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Akter R, Morshed MN, Awais M, Kong BM, Oh SW, Oh JH, Alrefaei AF, Yang DC, Yang DU, Ali S. Exploring the synergistic potential of pomegranate fermented juice compounds against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity through computational docking and experimental analysis in human neuroblastoma cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34993. [PMID: 39157308 PMCID: PMC11327604 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored the neuroprotective potential of fermented pomegranate (PG-F) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The fermentation process, involving probiotics, transforms the hydrolyzable tannins in pomegranate juice into ellagic acid (EA) and gallic acid (GA), which are believed to contribute to its health benefits. Molecular docking simulations confirmed the stable interactions between EA, GA, and proteins associated with the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways. PG-F significantly enhanced the viability of H2O2-treated cells, as evidenced by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, cell morphology observations, and Hoechst 33342 staining. PG-F mitigated the H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated antioxidant gene expression. The PG-F treatment also attenuated the H2O2-induced imbalance in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and reduced the cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 levels, suppressing the apoptotic pathways. Further insights showed that PG-F inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and facilitated the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), highlighting its role in modulating the key signaling pathways. A combined treatment with equivalent concentrations of EA and GA, as found in PG-F, induced remarkable cellular protection. Drug combination analysis using the Chou-Talalay method revealed a synergistic effect between EA and GA, emphasizing their combined efficacy. In conclusion, PG-F has significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity by modulating the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways. The synergistic action of EA and GA suggests the therapeutic potential of PG-F in alleviating oxidative stress-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Akter
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Niaj Morshed
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Awais
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Man Kong
- Department of Oriental Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Woung Oh
- SMART FRUIT CO., LTD., Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyung Oh
- Fruitycompany Co., Ltd., Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdulwahed F Alrefaei
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deok Chun Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
- AIBIOME, 6, Jeonmin-ro 30beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34214, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Uk Yang
- AIBIOME, 6, Jeonmin-ro 30beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34214, Republic of Korea
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Republic of Korea
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Mateș L, Banc R, Zaharie FA, Rusu ME, Popa DS. Mechanistic Insights into the Biological Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Walnut ( Juglans regia L.) Ellagitannins: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:974. [PMID: 39199220 PMCID: PMC11351988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are an important source of ellagitannins. They have been linked to positive effects on many pathologies, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative syndromes, and cancer. The limited bioavailability of ellagitannins prevents them from reaching significant circulatory levels, despite their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. Urolithins are ellagitannin gut microbiota-derived metabolites. They have better intestinal absorption and may be responsible for the biological activities of ellagitannins. Recent evidence showed that walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites, urolithins, could have positive outcomes for human health. This study aims to synthesize the current literature on the antioxidant activity and mechanistic pathways involved in the therapeutic potential of walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites. In the eligible selected studies (n = 31), glansreginin A, pedunculagin, and casuarictin were the most prevalent ellagitannins in walnuts. A total of 15 urolithins, their glucuronides, and sulfate metabolites have been identified in urine, blood, feces, breast milk, and prostate tissue in analyzed samples. Urolithins A and B were associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, and anti-aging activities, both in preclinical and clinical studies. Despite the promising results, further well-designed studies are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms and confirm the therapeutic potential of these compounds in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letiția Mateș
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.M.); (D.-S.P.)
| | - Roxana Banc
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Flaviu Andrei Zaharie
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Marius Emil Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangǎ Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Daniela-Saveta Popa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.M.); (D.-S.P.)
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An L, Lu Q, Wang K, Wang Y. Urolithins: A Prospective Alternative against Brain Aging. Nutrients 2023; 15:3884. [PMID: 37764668 PMCID: PMC10534540 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of host-microbiome interactions on cognitive health and disease has received increasing attention. Microbial-derived metabolites produced in the gut are one of crucial mechanisms of the gut-brain axis interaction, showing attractive perspectives. Urolithins (Uros) are gut microbial-derived metabolites of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, whose biotransformation varies considerably between individuals and decreases greatly with age. Recently, accumulating evidence has suggested that Uros may have specific advantages in preventing brain aging including favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, selective brain distribution, and increasingly supporting data from preclinical and clinical studies. However, the usability of Uros in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive. In this review, we aim to present the comprehensive achievements of Uros in age-related brain dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases and discuss their prospects and knowledge gaps as functional food, drugs, or biomarkers against brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei An
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.A.); (Q.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Qiu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.A.); (Q.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.A.); (Q.L.); (K.W.)
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Rizhao Huawei Institute of Comprehensive Health Industries, Shandong Keepfit Biotech. Co., Ltd., Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Yousheng Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Microbiota-Derived Natural Products Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Inside the Gut Pharma Factory. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054997. [PMID: 36902427 PMCID: PMC10003410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have drawn much attention as important tumour-initiating cells that may also be crucial for recurrence after chemotherapy. Although the activity of CSCs in various forms of cancer is complex and yet to be fully elucidated, opportunities for therapies targeting CSCs exist. CSCs are molecularly distinct from bulk tumour cells, so they can be targeted by exploiting their signature molecular pathways. Inhibiting stemness has the potential to reduce the risk posed by CSCs by limiting or eliminating their capacity for tumorigenesis, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence. Here, we briefly described the role of CSCs in tumour biology, the mechanisms involved in CSC therapy resistance, and the role of the gut microbiota in cancer development and treatment, to then review and discuss the current advances in the discovery of microbiota-derived natural compounds targeting CSCs. Collectively, our overview suggests that dietary intervention, toward the production of those identified microbial metabolites capable of suppressing CSC properties, is a promising approach to support standard chemotherapy.
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Correia AS, Cardoso A, Vale N. Oxidative Stress in Depression: The Link with the Stress Response, Neuroinflammation, Serotonin, Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:470. [PMID: 36830028 PMCID: PMC9951986 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent, complex, and highly debilitating disease. The full comprehension of this disease is still a global challenge. Indeed, relapse, recurrency, and therapeutic resistance are serious challenges in the fight against depression. Nevertheless, abnormal functioning of the stress response, inflammatory processes, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity are known to underlie the pathophysiology of this mental disorder. The role of oxidative stress in disease and, particularly, in depression is widely recognized, being important for both its onset and development. Indeed, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species and lack of efficient antioxidant response trigger processes such as inflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuronal death. Keeping in mind the importance of a detailed study about cellular and molecular mechanisms that are present in depression, this review focuses on the link between oxidative stress and the stress response, neuroinflammation, serotonergic pathways, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity's imbalances present in depression. The study of these mechanisms is important to lead to a new era of treatment and knowledge about this highly complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Cardoso
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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