PGAM5 expression levels in heart failure and protection ROS-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis by Keap1/Nrf2

Cu-Doping Layered Double Hydroxides Nanozyme Integrated with Nitric Oxide Donor for Enhanced Antioxidant Therapy in Retinopathy

The prevalence of retinal neovascular diseases necessitates novel treatments beyond current therapies like laser surgery or anti-VEGF treatments, which often carry significant side effects. A novel therapeutic approach is introduced using copper-containing layered double hydroxides (Cu-LDH) nanozymes integrated with nitric oxide-releasing molecules (GSHNO), forming Cu-LDH@GSHNO aimed at combating oxidative stress within the retinal vascular system. Combination of synthetic chemistry and biological testing, Cu-LDH@GSHNO are synthesized, characterized, and assessed for curative effect in HUVECs and an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. The results indicate that Cu-LDH@GSHNO demonstrates SOD-CAT cascade catalytic ability, accompanied with GSH and nitric oxide-releasing capabilities, which significantly reduces oxidative cell damage and restores vascular function, presenting a dual-function strategy that enhances treatment efficacy and safety for retinal vascular diseases. The findings encourage further development and clinical exploration of nanozyme-based therapies, promising a new horizon in therapeutic approaches for managing retinal diseases driven by oxidative stress.

KEAP1 overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the most common type of liver cancer, but there is a lack of effective indicators for its early diagnosis and prognosis, so we explored the role of KEAP1 in LIHC patients in this study.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to investigate the relationship between KEAP1 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of LIHC patients. KEAP1 expression related pathways were enriched by Gene Ontology (GO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Besides, KEAP1 expression-related immune infiltration was performed by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA), and function of immune cells was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

It was found that KEAP1 expression was significantly increased and correlated with overall survival of LIHC patients. A total of 231 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LIHC patients with high- and low-KEAP1 expression were found, which associated with various biological pathways. Besides, KEAP1 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration level of T helper cells and Th2 cells but negatively correlated with DCs and cytotoxic cells. Functional analysis revealed that the expression of IL 4 in Th2 cells and CD107a, GrA and GrB in cytotoxic cells was significantly greater in LIHC patients than in HCs. In addition, KEAP1 expression was closely correlated with liver function in LIHC patients.

Conclusion

Highly expressed KEAP1 was closely related to the diagnosis, prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and liver function of LIHC, which might promote the progression of LIHC through regulating cell development, signal transduction, and abnormal immune response. The current study partially revealed the role of KEAP1 in LIHC and provided a potential biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of LIHC.

Capsaicin pretreatment attenuates salt-sensitive hypertension by alleviating AMPK/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Background

Long term hypertension seriously promotes target organ damage in the brain and heart, and has increasingly become serious public health problem worldwide. The anti-hypertensive effects of capsaicin has been reported, however, the role and mechanism of capsaicin within the brain on salt-induced hypertension have yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that capsaicin attenuates salt-induced hypertension via the AMPK/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN).

Methods

Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats were used as animal model for the present study. Rats were randomly divided into four groups based on their dietary regimen (0.3% normal salt diet and 8% high salt diet) and treatment methods (infusion of vehicle or capsaicin in the PVN). Capsaicin was chronically administered in the PVN throughout the animal experiment phase of the study that lasted 6 weeks.

Results

Our results demonstrated that PVN pretreatment with capsaicin can slow down raise of the blood pressure elevation and heart rate (HR) of Dahl S hypertensive rats given high salt diet. Interestingly, the cardiac hypertrophy was significantly improved. Furthermore, PVN pretreatment with capsaicin induced decrease in the expression of mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NOX4, p-IKKβ and proinflammatory cytokines and increase in number of positive cell level for Nrf2 and HO-1 in the PVN of Dahl S hypertensive rats. Additionally, the protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase-B (p-AKT) were decreased, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) were increased after the PVN pretreatment with capsaicin.

Conclusion

Capsaicin pretreatment attenuates salt-sensitive hypertension by alleviating AMPK/Akt/iNOS pathway in the PVN.

Targeting Nrf2 signaling pathway: new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, with oxidative stress (OS) identified as a primary contributor to their onset and progression. Given the elevated incidence and mortality rates associated with CVDs, there is an imperative need to investigate novel therapeutic strategies. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), ubiquitously expressed in the cardiovascular system, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for CVDs due to its role in regulating OS and inflammation. This review aims to delve into the mechanisms and actions of the Nrf2 pathway, highlighting its potential in mitigating the pathogenesis of CVDs.

Emerging regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular disease: Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and other types of cell death, is a novel iron-dependent regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and redox imbalance with distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic features. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis, the disruption of antioxidative stress pathways and lipid peroxidation are crucial in ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and heart failure. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases will enhance the prevention and treatment of these diseases. This review discusses the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and its regulation in cardiovascular diseases, the application of ferroptosis modulators in cardiovascular diseases, and the role of traditional Chinese medicines in ferroptosis regulation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and identify new prevention and treatment options.

Meta-analysis on performance of ABC and GARFIELD-AF compared to CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients

BACKGROUND

When high thromboembolic and bleeding risks coexist, the former tends to influence physicians' decision making for anti-coagulation therapy. However, the ideal is to weigh the risk of major bleeding and stroke together to ensure effective anti-coagulation treatment, which is a limitation of traditional guideline recommended CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED. This meta-analysis assesses the performance of the two new scores - ABC and GARFIELD-AF compared to CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED for major bleeding and stroke outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on anticoagulation therapy.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Cochrane central were searched from 2010 to February 2023 that compared GARFIELD-AF and/or ABC with CHA2DS2-VASc and/or HAS-BLED scores using C-statistics to assess their discriminative ability.

RESULTS

12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. When assessing stroke risk prediction, GARFIELD-AF stroke (C-Statistic: 0.71; 95 % CI: 0.70-0.72; I2 = 0 %, p < 0.05) was found to be significantly better than ABC-stroke (C-Statistic: 0.67; 95 % CI: 0.65-0.68; I2 = 0 %, p < 0.05), and CHA2DS2-VASc (C-Statistic: 0.64; 95 % CI: 0.60-0.67; I2 = 92 %, p < 0.05). Additionally, when assessing bleeding risk prediction, ABC-bleeding (C-Statistic: 0.66; 95 % CI: 0.61-0.70; I2 = 84 %, p < 0.05), GARFIELD-AF (C-Statistic: 0.64; 95 % CI: 0.60-0.68; I2 = 95 %, p < 0.05), and HAS-BLED (C-Statistic: 0.64; 95 % CI: 0.62-0.66; I2 = 85 %, p < 0.05) all showed equivalent performances.

CONCLUSION

The GARFIELD-AF stroke score showed superior performance to the well-established CHA2DS2-VASc score as well as the ABC-stroke score. Therefore, new guidelines should favor GARFIELD-AF use in clinical practice.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates ferroptosis following hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by upregulating Nrf2/GPx4-dependent antioxidant responses

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) adversely affects liver transplant and resection outcomes. Recently, ferroptosis has been associated with HIRI. Dexmedetomidine (Dex), a potent sedative with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, protects organs from hypoxic or ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect against I/R-induced liver injury remain unclear. This study evaluated the effect of Dex on HIRI in mouse models and the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) AML12 cell model. We examined ferroptosis-related markers, including Fe2+ levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, mitochondrial morphology, GPX4 protein expression, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and Nrf2. The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was used in combination with Dex to treat HIRI mice and OGD/R-induced cellular models to explore the pathways by which Dex counteracts ferroptosis. Our results showed that Dex treatment significantly ameliorated OGD/R-induced ferroptosis in AML12 cells, including reduced Fe2+, ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 4-HNE levels. Dex also ameliorated liver tissue damage and reduced serum AST, ALT, and inflammatory factor levels in HIRI mice. Additionally, Dex increased the levels of GSH, an antioxidative stress marker, and GPX4 expression in HIRI mice. Mechanistically, Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation were significantly inhibited in both HIRI mice and OGD/R-treated AML12 cells. Dex treatment also restored the I/R-induced inhibition of Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation. ML385 significantly inhibited Dex-promoted Nrf2 nuclear aggregation with Gpx4 protein expression, hindering the efficacy of Dex. In conclusion, Dex ameliorates ferroptosis in HIRI by positively regulating the Nrf2/GPx4 axis, potentially presenting a therapeutic avenue for addressing HIRI.

Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenoside Rb1-PLGA Nanoparticles for Heart Failure Treatment via the ROS/PPARα/PGC1α Pathway

(1) Background: Ginsenoside Rb1-PLGA nanoparticles (GRb1@PLGA@NPs) represent a novel nanotherapeutic system, yet their therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms for treating heart failure (HF) remain unexplored. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GRb1@PLGA@NPs in HF treatment; (2) Methods: The left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was employed to establish a HF model in Sprague-Dawley rats, along with an in vitro oxidative stress model using H9c2 myocardial cells. Following treatment with GRb1@PLGA@NPs, cardiac tissue pathological changes and cell proliferation were observed. Additionally, the serum levels of biomarkers such as NT-proBNP, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured, along with the expression of the ROS/PPARα/PGC1α pathway; (3) Results: GRb1@PLGA@NPs effectively ameliorated the pathological status of cardiac tissues in HF rats, mitigated oxidative stress-induced myocardial cell damage, elevated SOD and MMP levels, and reduced LDH, MDA, ROS, NT-proBNP, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. Furthermore, the expression of PPARα and PGC1α proteins was upregulated; (4) Conclusions: GRb1@PLGA@NPs may attenuate myocardial cell injury and treat HF through the ROS/PPARα/PGC1α pathway.

Targeting epigenetic and posttranslational modifications regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of diseases

Ferroptosis, a unique modality of cell death with mechanistic and morphological differences from other cell death modes, plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis and offers a new opportunity for modulating anticancer drug resistance. Aberrant epigenetic modifications and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) promote anticancer drug resistance, cancer progression, and metastasis. Accumulating studies indicate that epigenetic modifications can transcriptionally and translationally determine cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis and that ferroptosis functions as a driver in nervous system diseases (NSDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases. In this review, we first summarize the core molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then, the roles of epigenetic processes, including histone PTMs, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA regulation and PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, are concisely discussed. The roles of epigenetic modifications and PTMs in ferroptosis regulation in the genesis of diseases, including cancers, NSD, CVDs, liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases, as well as the application of epigenetic and PTM modulators in the therapy of these diseases, are then discussed in detail. Elucidating the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation mediated by epigenetic modifications and PTMs in cancer and other diseases will facilitate the development of promising combination therapeutic regimens containing epigenetic or PTM-targeting agents and ferroptosis inducers that can be used to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer and could be used to prevent other diseases. In addition, these mechanisms highlight potential therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in cancer or halt the genesis of other diseases.

Research progress on post-translational modification of proteins and cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, myocardial remodeling, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, heart failure, and oxidative stress are among the greatest threats to human health worldwide. Cardiovascular pathogenesis has been studied for decades, and the influence of epigenetic changes on CVDs has been extensively studied. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, ubiquitin-like and nitrification, play important roles in the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Over the past decade, with the application of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), an increasing number novel acylation modifications have been discovered, including propionylation, crotonylation, butyrylation, succinylation, lactylation, and isonicotinylation. Each change in protein conformation has the potential to alter protein function and lead to CVDs, and this process is usually reversible. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying several common PTMs involved in the occurrence and development of CVDs.