The role of polydatin in inhibiting oxidative stress through SIRT1 activation: A comprehensive review of molecular targets

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Reynoutria japonica Houtt is a medicinal plant renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, including heat-clearing, toxin-removing, blood circulation promotion, blood stasis removal, diuretic action, and pain relief. The plant is commonly utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its major bioactive constituents consist of polydatin (PD) and resveratrol (RES).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To summarize the relevant targets of PD in various oxidative stress-related diseases through the activation of Silence information regulator1 (SIRT1). Furthermore, elucidating the pharmacological effects and signaling mechanisms to establish the basis for PD's secure clinical implementation and expanded range of application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature published before November 2023 on the structural analysis and pharmacological activities of PD was collected using online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. The keywords were "polydatin", "SIRT1" and "oxidative stress". The inclusion criteria were research articles published in English, including in vivo and in vitro experiments and clinical studies. Non-research articles such as reviews, meta-analyses, and letters were excluded.

RESULTS

PD has been found to have significantly protective and curative effects on diseases associated with oxidative stress by regulating SIRT1-related targets including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), p38/p53, as well as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOs), among others. Strong evidence suggests that PD is an effective natural product for treating diseases related to oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

PD holds promise as an effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, with SIRT1-mediated oxidative stress as its potential pathway.

Research progress on the role and mechanism of Sirtuin family in doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely utilized anthracycline chemotherapy drug in cancer treatment, yet its efficacy is hindered by both short-term and long-term cardiotoxicity. Although oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are established factors in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, the precise molecular pathways remain elusive. Further exploration of the pathogenesis and identification of novel molecular targets are imperative. Recent studies have implicated the Sirtuins family in various physiological and pathological processes, suggesting their potential in ameliorating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Moreover, research on Sirtuins has discovered small-molecule compounds or medicinal plants with regulatory effects, representing a notable advancement in preventing and treating DOX-induced cardiac injury.

PURPOSE

In this review, we delve into the pathogenesis of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and explore the therapeutic effects of Sirtuins in mitigating this condition, along with the associated molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we delineate the roles and mechanisms of small-molecule regulators of Sirtuins in the prevention and treatment of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

STUDY-DESIGN/METHODS

Data for this review were sourced from various scientific databases (such as Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct) up to March 2024. Search terms included "Sirtuins," "DOX-induced cardiotoxicity," "DOX," "Sirtuins regulators," "histone deacetylation," among others, as well as several combinations thereof.

RESULTS

Members of the Sirtuins family regulate both the onset and progression of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, as well as by maintaining mitochondrial stability. Moreover, natural plant-derived active compounds such as Resveratrol (RES), curcumin, berberine, along with synthetic small-molecule compounds like EX527, modulate the expression and activity of Sirtuins.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic role of the Sirtuins family in mitigating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity represents a potential molecular target. However, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the relevant molecular mechanisms and to assess the safety and biological activity of Sirtuins regulators. This review offers an in-depth understanding of the therapeutic role of the Sirtuins family in mitigating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, providing a preliminary basis for the clinical application of Sirtuins regulators in this condition.

Comprehensive review of resveratrol as a feed additive in dairy cows: exploring its potential diverse effects and implications

Heat stress and growing demand for dairy products in tropical regions exert metabolic pressure on dairy cows, leading to metabolic diseases and economic losses. Resveratrol (RSV) is known for its numerous beneficial health effects and can be used as a barrier against metabolic abnormalities and prevent economic losses. Several studies have investigated the effects of RSV in humans and various animal species. In this review, we attempted to investigate the effects of RSV from different aspects so that we could have a practical proposal for its utilization in dairy cows. RSV was found to have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial effects, leading to improved reproductive performance. It is interesting that the effect of RSV on the microbial population leads to a significant decrease in methane emissions. However, high doses of RSV have been associated with possible adverse effects, underscoring the dose dependence of its efficacy. In conclusion, RSV polyphenol at optimal doses is a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of metabolic abnormalities in dairy cows, based on our literature review and study results.

Natural Phytochemicals as SIRT Activators-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms

Sirtuins are a family of proteins with enzymatic activity. There are seven mammalian sirtuins (SIRT1-SIRT7) that are found in different cellular compartments. They are a part of crucial cellular pathways and are regulated by many factors, such as chemicals, environmental stress, and phytochemicals. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented their involvement in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic processes. Recent findings imply that phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, fisetin, berberine, and kaempferol may regulate the activity of sirtuins. Resveratrol mainly activates SIRT1 and indirectly activates AMPK. Curcumin influences mainly SIRT1 and SIRT3, but its activity is broad, and many pathways in different cells are affected. Quercetin mainly modulates SIRT1, which triggers antioxidant and antiapoptotic responses. Fisetin, through SIRT1 regulation, modifies lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory processes. Berberine has a wide spectrum of effects and a significant impact on SIRT1 signaling pathways. Finally, kaempferol triggers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through SIRT1 induction. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the properties of phytochemicals in the modulation of sirtuin activity, with a particular focus on biochemical aspects.

Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle

In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20-30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry.

Improvement of oocyte quality through the SIRT signaling pathway

Background

Oocyte quality is one of the major deciding factors in female fertility competence.

Methods

PubMed database was searched for reviews by using the following keyword "oocyte quality" AND "Sirtuins". The methodological quality of each literature review was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement.

Main Findings

Oxidative stress has been recognized as the mechanism attenuating oocyte quality. Increasing evidence from animal experiments and clinical studies has confirmed the protective roles of the sirtuin family in improving oocyte quality via an antioxidant effect.

Conclusion

The protective roles in the oocyte quality of the sirtuin family have been increasingly recognized.

NAD+, Sirtuins and PARPs: enhancing oocyte developmental competence

Oocyte quality is the limiting factor in female fertility. It is well known that maternal nutrition plays a role in reproductive function, and manipulating nutrition to improve fertility in livestock has been common practice in the past, particularly with respect to negative energy balance in cattle. A deficiency in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) production has been associated with increased incidences of miscarriage and congenital defects in humans and mice, while elevating NAD⁺ through dietary supplements in aged subjects improved oocyte quality and embryo development. NAD⁺ is consumed by Sirtuins and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) within the cell and thus need constant replenishment in order to maintain various cellular functions. Sirtuins and PARPs play important roles in oocyte maturation and embryo development, and their activation may prove beneficial to in vitro embryo production and livestock breeding programs. This review examines the roles of NAD⁺, Sirtuins and PARPs in aspects of fertility, providing insights into the potential use of NAD⁺-elevating treatments in livestock breeding and embryo production programs.

SIRT1 provides new pharmacological targets for polydatin through its role as a metabolic sensor

The SIRT family of proteins constitutes highly conserved deacetylases with diverse and extensive functions. These proteins have specific biological functions, including regulation of transcription, cell cycle, cell differentiation, apoptosis, stress, metabolism, and genomic stability. Polydatin is a monocrystalline compound isolated from a Chinese herb, Polygonum cuspidatum. The pharmacological mechanisms of polydatin are mostly unclear but involve members of the SIRT protein family, among which SIRT1 plays a vital role. Polydatin is usually considered a potential SIRT1 activator. This review summarizes the signaling mechanism of polydatin involving SIRT1 and discusses the roles of related signal molecules such as PGC-1α, Nrf2, p38-MAPK, NLPR3 inflammasome, and p53. Further, we describe the metabolic regulation of related biological macromolecules and demonstrate that SIRT1, as a metabolic sensor, may act as a new pharmacological target for polydatin.

Mechanisms of Oocyte Maturation and Related Epigenetic Regulation

Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction. In female mammals, meiosis of oocytes starts before birth and sustains at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I before gonadotropins-induced ovulation happens. Once meiosis gets started, the oocytes undergo the leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene stages, and then arrest at the dictyate stage. During each estrus cycle in mammals, or menstrual cycle in humans, a small portion of oocytes within preovulatory follicles may resume meiosis. It is crucial for females to supply high quality mature oocytes for sustaining fertility, which is generally achieved by fine-tuning oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption progression. Anything that disturbs the process may result in failure of oogenesis and seriously affect both the fertility and the health of females. Therefore, uncovering the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression illuminates not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but how mis-regulation of these steps result in infertility. In order to provide an overview of the recently uncovered cellular and molecular mechanism during oocyte maturation, especially epigenetic modification, the progress of the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption induced by gonadotropins is summarized. Then, advances in the epigenetic aspects, such as histone acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation related to the quality of oocyte maturation are reviewed.

Effect of antioxidants on preimplantation embryo development in vitro: a review

In vitro culture of the embryo is a useful method to treat infertility that shows embryo potential for selecting the best one to transfer and successfully implantation. However, embryo development in vitro is affected by oxidative stresses such as reactive oxygen species that may damage embryo development. Antioxidants are molecules found in fruits, vegetables, and fish that play an important role in reducing oxidative processes. In the natural environment, there is a physiological antioxidant system that protects embryos against oxidative damage. This antioxidant system does not exist in vitro. Antioxidants act as free radical scavengers and protect cells or repair damage done by free radicals. Various studies have shown that adding antioxidants into embryo culture medium improves embryo development in vitro. This review article emphasizes different aspects of various antioxidants, including types, functions and mechanisms, on the growth improvement of different species of embryos in vitro.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mammalian Reproduction

Resveratrol is one of the most investigated natural polyphenolic compounds and is contained in more than 70 types of plants and in red wine. The widespread interest in this polyphenol derives from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Several studies have established that resveratrol regulates animal reproduction. However, the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of resveratrol in male and female reproductive functions, with a focus on animals of veterinary interest. In females, resveratrol has been considered as a phytoestrogen due to its capacity to modulate ovarian function and steroidogenesis via sirtuins, SIRT1 in particular. Resveratrol has also been used to enhance aged oocyte quality and as a gametes cryo-protectant with mainly antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. In males, resveratrol enhances testes function and spermatogenesis through activation of the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, resveratrol has been supplemented to semen extenders, improving the preservation of sperm quality. In conclusion, resveratrol has potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function.

Effect of nicotinamide supplementation in in vitro fertilization medium on bovine embryo development

Increased oxidative stress is one of the main causes of poorly developed embryos in assisted reproductive technologies. Nicotinamide (NAM) has been shown to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through its potent antioxidative and anti-senescent effects. In the present study, we explored the effects of short-term NAM-treatment (3 and 5 h) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the development of bovine embryos. Treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 h significantly increased the blastocyst formation but extending the treatment to 5 h did not enhance the benefits any further. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 h decreased the expression of intracellular ROS, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, caspase-3, and increased the expression of Sirt1, and incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine in one-cell stage embryos. Similarly, the level of H3K56ac significantly increased in the NAM-treated (3 and 5 h) one-cell stage embryos. Contrastingly, the treatment with 10 mM NAM for 5 h increased the caspase-9 level in blastocysts. Collectively, these findings suggest that NAM possesses antioxidant activity and supplementation of IVF medium with 10 mM NAM for 3 h improves the in vitro developmental competence of bovine embryos.

Nicotinamide-induced mouse embryo developmental defect rescued by resveratrol and I-CBP112

Cell cycle of mouse embryo could be delayed by nicotinamide (NAM). Histone H3 lysine 56 (H3K56ac) acetylation plays an important role in mammalian genomic stability and the function of this modification in mouse embryos is not known. Hence, we designed to study the effects of NAM-induced oxidative stress on the developmental ability of mouse embryos, on the acetylation of H3K56ac and the possible functions of this modification related to mouse embryo development. Treatment with NAM (10, 20, or 40 mmol/L for 24 or 48 hr) during in vitro culture significantly decreased developmental rate of blastocyst (24 hr: 90.2 vs. 81.2, 43.2, and 18.2, with p > .05, p < .01, respectively; 48 hr: 89.3 vs. 53.2%, 12.1%, and 0% with p < .05, respectively). NAM treatment (20 mmol/L) for 6 and 31 hr resulted in increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in two-cell embryos, and apoptotic cell numbers in blastocysts. Resveratrol (RSV) and I-CBP112 rescued the 20 mmol/L NAM-induced embryo developmental defects. RSV and I-CBP112 increased the level of Sirt1 and decreased the level of H3K56ac induced by NAM in two-cell embryos (p < .05). These data suggest that NAM treatment decreases the expression of Sirt1, which induces high levels of H3K56 acetylation that may be involved in oxidative stress-induced mouse embryo defects, which can be rescued by RSV and I-CBP112.

DNA damage and repair in the female germline: contributions to ART

BACKGROUND

DNA integrity and stability are critical determinants of cell viability. This is especially true in the female germline, wherein DNA integrity underpins successful conception, embryonic development, pregnancy and the production of healthy offspring. However, DNA is not inert; rather, it is subject to assault from various environment factors resulting in chemical modification and/or strand breakage. If structural alterations result and are left unrepaired, they have the potential to cause mutations and propagate disease. In this regard, reduced genetic integrity of the female germline ranks among the leading causes of subfertility in humans. With an estimated 10% of couples in developed countries taking recourse to ART to achieve pregnancy, the need for ongoing research into the capacity of the oocyte to detect DNA damage and thereafter initiate cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or DNA repair is increasingly more pressing.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review documents our current knowledge of the quality control mechanisms utilised by the female germline to prevent and remediate DNA damage during their development from primordial follicles through to the formation of preimplantation embryos.

SEARCH METHODS

The PubMed database was searched using the keywords: primordial follicle, primary follicle, secondary follicle, tertiary follicle, germinal vesical, MI, MII oocyte, zygote, preimplantation embryo, DNA repair, double-strand break and DNA damage. These keywords were combined with other phrases relevant to the topic. Literature was restricted to peer-reviewed original articles in the English language (published 1979-2018) and references within these articles were also searched.

OUTCOMES

In this review, we explore the quality control mechanisms utilised by the female germline to prevent, detect and remediate DNA damage. We follow the trajectory of development from the primordial follicle stage through to the preimplantation embryo, highlighting findings likely to have important implications for fertility management, age-related subfertility and premature ovarian failure. In addition, we survey the latest discoveries regarding DNA repair within the metaphase II (MII) oocyte and implicate maternal stores of endogenous DNA repair proteins and mRNA transcripts as a primary means by which they defend their genomic integrity. The collective evidence reviewed herein demonstrates that the MII oocyte can engage in the activation of major DNA damage repair pathway(s), therefore encouraging a reappraisal of the long-held paradigm that oocytes are largely refractory to DNA repair upon reaching this late stage of their development. It is also demonstrated that the zygote can exploit a number of protective strategies to mitigate the risk and/or effect the repair, of DNA damage sustained to either parental germline; affirming that DNA protection is largely a maternally driven trait but that some aspects of repair may rely on a collaborative effort between the male and female germlines.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The present review highlights the vulnerability of the oocyte to DNA damage and presents a number of opportunities for research to bolster the stringency of the oocyte's endogenous defences, with implications extending to improved diagnostics and novel therapeutic applications to alleviate the burden of infertility.

Supplementation of insulin-transferrin-sodium selenite in culture medium improves the hypothermic storage of bovine embryos produced in vitro

Hypothermic storage of gametes and embryos at 4 °C can be used as an alternative to cryopreservation, but hypothermic preservation can maintain embryo viability for a short duration only. This study investigated the effect of insulin-transferrin-sodium selenite (ITS) in embryo culture medium on hypothermic storage of bovine embryos at 4 °C. Day 7 bovine embryos were subjected to hypothermic storage in tissue culture medium 199 supplemented with 50% fetal bovine serum and 25 mM HEPES for different time durations. After recovery, the embryos were assessed for survival and hatching rate and gene and protein expression levels. Supplementation of embryo culture medium with ITS significantly increased (P < 0.05) the survival and hatching ability of blastocysts stored at 4 °C for 72 h compared to the control group (100% and 76.3% vs 68.5% and 40.5%, respectively). Furthermore, the beneficial effects of ITS on embryos were associated with greater (P < 0.05) total cell number per blastocyst and lesser apoptotic cells number. Moreover, embryos cultured in ITS had lower intracellular lipid content. The protein expression of sirt1 was greater (P < 0.05) in the ITS group, however, caspase3 protein expression was significantly lesser (P < 0.05) in the ITS group. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR indicated that the mRNA levels of SIRT1 and HSP70 were (P < 0.05) increased upon culture with ITS; however, the mRNA levels of the pro-apoptotic genes BAX and CASP3 were reduced (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that supplementation of embryo culture medium with ITS improves in vitro bovine embryo quality and survival following hypothermic storage.

A novel role of SIRT2 in regulating gap junction communications via connexin-43 in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes

SIRT2, the predominantly cytosolic sirtuin, plays important role in multiple biological processes, including metabolism, stress response, and aging. However, the function of SIRT2 in gap junction intercellular communications (GJICs) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is not yet known. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect and underlining mechanism of SIRT2 on GJICs in COCs. Here, we found that treatment with SIRT2 inhibitors (SirReal2 or TM) inhibited bovine oocyte nuclear maturation. Further analysis revealed that SIRT2 inactivation disturbed the GJICs of COCs during in vitro maturation. Correspondingly, both the Cx43 phosphorylation levels and MEK/MER signaling pathways were induced by SIRT2 inhibition. Importantly, SIRT2-mediated Cx43 phosphorylation was completely abolished by treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor (Trametinib). Furthermore, treatment with SIRT2 inhibitors resulted in the high levels of MEK1/2 acetylation. Functionally, downregulating the MER/ERK pathways with inhibitors (Trametinib or SCH772984) could attenuate the closure of GJICs caused by SIRT2 inactivation in partly. In addition, inhibition of SIRT2 activity significantly decreased the membrane and zona pellucida localization of Cx43 by upregulating the levels of Cx43 acetylation. Taken together, these results demonstrated a novel role that SIRT2 regulates GJICs via modulating the phosphorylation and deacetylation of Cx43 in COCs.

SIRT2 functions in aging, autophagy, and apoptosis in post-maturation bovine oocytes

AIMS

Sirtuins have been implicated in the aging process, however, the functions of SIRT2 in post-maturation aging of oocytes are not fully understood. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the roles of SIRT2 in aged oocytes and mechanisms involved.

MAIN METHODS

The fresh MII oocytes were aging in vitro, and treated with SIRT2 inhibitor (SirReal2), autophagy activator (Rapamycin), and autophagy inhibitor (3-Ma) for 24 h, respectively. Oocyte activation, cytoplasmic fragmentation, and spindle defects, mitochondrial distribution, ROS levels, ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and early apoptosis were investigated. Western blotting was performed to determine LC3-II accumulation, SQSTM1 degradation, and caspase-3 activity.

KEY FINDINGS

SIRT2 expression gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner during oocyte aging. Treatment with SirReal2 significantly increased the rates of oocyte activation, cytoplasmic fragmentation, and spindle defects. In particular, the high ROS levels, abnormal mitochondrial distribution, low ATP production, and lost ΔΨm were observed in SirReal2-exposed oocytes. Further analysis revealed that LC3-II accumulation and SQSTM1 degradation were induced by SIRT2 inhibition. By performing early apoptosis analysis showed that oocyte aging was accompanied with cellular apoptosis, and SIRT2 inhibition increased apoptosis rates of aged oocytes. Importantly, upregulating autophagy with Rapamycin could mimic the effects of SIRT2 inhibition on apoptosis by increasing caspase-3 activation, whereas downregulating autophagy with 3-MA could abolish those effects by blocking caspase-3 activation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that SIRT2 inactivation is a key mechanism underlying of cellular aging, and SIRT2 inhibition contributes to autophagy-dependent cellular apoptosis in post-maturation oocytes.

Polydatin and I-CBP112 protects early bovine embryo against nicotinamide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction

The mammalian Sirtuin family of seven enzymes, members of the NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylase family that modify histones via direct deacetylation, is involved in the regulation of many antioxidant and oxidative stresses. In the present study, we explored the effects of nicotinamide (NAM)-induced oxidative stress on the in vitro development of bovine embryos, on the acetylation of histone H3 lysine 56 (H3K56ac) and on expression of apoptosis-related genes. Treatment with NAM (10, 20 or 40 mM for 24, 48 or 196 h) during IVC resulted in significantly decreased blastocyst formation (24 h: 38.8 vs. 33.1, 27.3 and 10.2%, with P > 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively; 48 h: 37.5 vs. 28.2, 13.4 and 0%, with P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively; 196 h: 35.8 vs. 23.4, 0 and 0%, with P < 0.05, respectively). Treatment with NAM (20 and 40 mM for 24 h) resulted in increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 2-cell and blastocysts, and apoptotic cell numbers in blastocysts and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) in 2-cell embryos (P < 0.05). Polydatin (PD) and I-CBP112 rescued the 20 mM NAM-induced embryo developmental defects and reduced ROS levels and apoptotic cell numbers in blastocysts (P < 0.05). The gene expression of NF-κB, COX2 and p53 was significantly increased in the NAM-treated group. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) decreased significantly after PD and I-CBP112 treatment compared with the control (P < 0.05). High level of H3K56ac induced by NAM was decreased after PD and I-CBP112 treatment (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that NAM treatment induces high levels of H3K56 acetylation that may be involved in oxidative stress-induced bovine developmental defects, which can be tolerated by PD and I-CBP112 treatment.