The protective effect of betanin and copper on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cuproptosis and copper deficiency in ischemic vascular injury and repair

Ischemic vascular diseases are on the rise globally, including ischemic heart diseases, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, and ischemic peripheral arterial diseases, posing a significant threat to life. Copper is an essential element in various biological processes, copper deficiency can reduce blood vessel elasticity and increase platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of ischemic vascular disease; however, excess copper ions can lead to cytotoxicity, trigger cell death, and ultimately result in vascular injury through several signaling pathways. Herein, we review the role of cuproptosis and copper deficiency implicated in ischemic injury and repair including myocardial, cerebral, and limb ischemia. We conclude with a perspective on the therapeutic opportunities and future challenges of copper biology in understanding the pathogenesis of ischemic vascular disease states.

Encapsulation of Selenium Nanoparticles and Metformin in Macrophage-Derived Cell Membranes for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is an impact-induced disabling condition. A series of pathological changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) are usually associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. These pathological changes eventually lead to paralysis. The short half-life and low bioavailability of many drugs also limit the use of many drugs in SCI. In this study, we designed nanovesicles derived from macrophages encapsulating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and metformin (SeNPs-Met-MVs) to be used in the treatment of SCI. These nanovesicles can cross the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and deliver SeNPs and Met to the site of injury to exert anti-inflammatory and reactive oxygen species scavenging effects. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the SeNPs-Met-MVs particle size was approximately 125 ± 5 nm. Drug release assays showed that Met exhibited sustained release after encapsulation by the macrophage cell membrane. The cumulative release was approximately 80% over 36 h. In vitro cellular experiments and in vivo animal experiments demonstrated that SeNPs-Met-MVs decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and reduced the expression of inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3) cytokines in spinal cord tissue after SCI. In addition, motor function in mice was significantly improved after SeNPs-Met-MVs treatment. Therefore, SeNPs-Met-MVs have a promising future in the treatment of SCI.

Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in cardiovascular disease therapeutics

Copper (Cu) homeostasis is gaining increasing attention in human health as both Cu overload and deficiency evokes pathological changes including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cu supplementation, nanocarriers, and chelators have all exhibited therapeutic promise in some human diseases, although how Cu dyshomeostasis and cuproptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, contribute to CVD pathology remains elusive. Here, we discuss Cu dyshomeostasis and the potential role of cuproptosis in various CVDs. We evaluate underlying cellular mechanisms, aiming to provide some insights regarding the utility of targeting Cu dyshomeostasis and cuproptosis as a novel strategy in the management of CVDs.

Neuroprotective effects of betanin in mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury as found in stroke is a complex and heterogeneous disorder and closely related to disability and death. Today, nutraceuticals and protective therapy to increase neuronal integrity and prevent pathological complication are common. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of betanin against cerebral IR injury in mice. Forty male institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were divided into Sham-veh, IR-veh, IR-Bet50 and IR-Bet100 groups. After 2 weeks of oral administration of normal saline (vehicle; veh) or 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of betanin (Bet), mice were subjected to IR induction using 30-min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Brain infarction, oxidative status, cortical and hippocampal neurons and white matter pathologies were evaluated. Results showed that IR significantly increases brain infarction, Cornus Ammonis 1 (CA1) hippocampal and corpus callosum (CC) and internal capsule (IC) white matter degeneration (P<0.05). Brain oxidative status revealed significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) together with a significant decrease in catalase (CAT) activity, induced by IR (P<0.05). Pretreatment with betanin 100 mg/kg led to a significant reduction in brain infarction and MDA, CA1 hippocampus, CC and IC white matter degeneration. Betanin also led to a significant increase in CAT activity (P<0.05), with enhancing effect on reduced glutathione levels (GSH, P<0.05). The present study revealed the neuroprotective efficacy of betanin against IR injury in mice's brains, including its inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and boosting of GSH and CAT activity.

Copper homeostasis and copper-induced cell death in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and therapeutic strategies

Copper is a vital mineral, and an optimal amount of copper is required to support normal physiologic processes in various systems, including the cardiovascular system. Over the past few decades, copper-induced cell death, named cuproptosis, has become increasingly recognized as an important process mediating the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atherosclerosis, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis in CVD may be useful for improving CVD management. Here, we review the relationship between copper homeostasis and cuproptosis-related pathways in CVD, as well as therapeutic strategies addressing copper-induced cell death in CVD.

lncRNA HOTAIR Inhibition by Regulating HMGB1/ROS/NF-κB Signal Pathway Promotes the Recovery of Spinal Cord Function

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCII) is one of the most serious complications of clinical aortic aneurysm and vascular malformation surgery. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the progression of SCII, whereas long noncoding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) is unclear in SCII. This study is aimed at confirming the role and related mechanism of HOTAIR in SCII. Later on, a model of SCII was established by clamping the aortic arch for 14 minutes. RNA expression of HOTAIR was detected via qRT-PCR at 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h after SCII. The Tarlov scoring system and TUNEL assay were used to evaluate neurological function and neuronal apoptosis. Oxidative stress factor levels were assessed according to the instructions of the kit. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect levels of p65, p-p65, I-κBα, and p-I-κBα. We found HOTAIR was raised in SCII rats. si-HOTAIR was able to reverse SCII-induced oxidative stress in SCII rats. The HMGB1 expression was upregulated in SCII tissues and negatively correlated with HOTAIR. HMGB1 was able to partially reverse si-HOTAIR inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and neuronal cell apoptosis in SCII. In addition, the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in HOTAIR/HMGB1 regulation of SCII. In a word, HOTAIR inhibition is able to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and neuronal apoptosis in SCII through downregulation of the high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1), which is achieved by inhibiting the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway. The HOTAIR/HMGB1/ROS/NF-κB molecular pathway may be a new mechanism for the treatment of SCII.

Inhibition of scopolamine-induced memory and mitochondrial impairment by betanin

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are identified to contribute to the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Scopolamine (SCO) as a potent drug for inducing memory and learning impairment is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. In AD clinical trials molecules with antioxidant properties have shown modest benefit. Betanin as a multifunctional molecule with powerful antioxidative properties may be effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of betanin against SCO-induced AD on Wistar rats. SCO (1 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally to induce the AD in Wistar rats. The rats were treated with betanin doses (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 9 consecutive days. At the end of the 9th day, the animals were subjected to behavioral examination such as novel object recognition and passive avoidance tests and killed to study the mitochondrial and histological parameters. The results showed attenuation of SCO-induced memory and learning impairment by betanin at 50 mg/kg dose. Also, mitochondrial toxicity parameters such as mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, mitochondrial swelling, decreased activity of succinate dehydrogenase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were reversed by betanin (50 mg/kg) compared to the SCO group. In addition, the ameliorative effect of betanin against SCO was demonstrated in histopathological results of hippocampus. The present investigation established that the betanin ameliorates the SCO-induced memory impairments, tissue injuries, and mitochondrial dysfunction by reducing mitochondrial ROS, which may be due to the potent antioxidant action of betanin.

Restoration of olfactory dysfunctions by nanomaterials and stem cells-based therapies: Current status and future perspectives

Dysfunction in the olfactory system of a person can have adverse effects on their health and quality of life. It can even increase mortality among individuals. Olfactory dysfunction is related to many factors, including post-viral upper respiratory infection, head trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although some clinical therapies such as steroids and olfactory training are already available, their effectiveness is limited and controversial. Recent research in the field of therapeutic nanoparticles and stem cells has shown the regeneration of dysfunctional olfactory systems. Thus, we are motivated to highlight these regenerative approaches. For this, we first introduce the anatomical characteristics of the olfactory pathway, then detail various pathological factors related to olfactory dysfunctions and current treatments, and then finally discuss the recent regenerative endeavors, with particular focus on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and stem cells. This review offers insights into the development of future therapeutic approaches to restore and regenerate dysfunctional olfactory systems.

Supplementation With Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper Re-Establishes T-Cell Function and Improves Motor Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a dysfunction of sympathetic nervous system innervation that affects the immune system, leading to immunosuppression syndrome (ISS) and contributing to patient degeneration and increased risk of several infections. A possible therapeutic strategy that could avoid further patient deterioration is the supplementation with Vitamin E or trace elements, such as Zinc, Selenium, and Copper, which individually promotes T-cell differentiation and proliferative responses. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper supplementation preserves the number of T-lymphocytes and improves their proliferative function after traumatic SCI. Sprague–Dawley female rats were subjected to moderate SCI and then randomly allocated into three groups: (1) SCI + supplements; (2) SCI + vehicle (olive oil and phosphate-buffered saline); and (3) sham-operated rats. In all rats, the intervention was initiated 15 min after SCI and then administered daily until the end of study. Locomotor recovery was assessed at 7 and 15 days after SCI. At 15 days after supplementation, the quantification of the number of T-cells and its proliferation function were examined. Our results showed that the SCI + supplements group presented a significant improvement in motor recovery at 7 and 15 days after SCI. In addition, this group showed a better T-cell number and proliferation rate than that observed in the group with SCI + vehicle. Our findings suggest that Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper supplementation could be part of a therapy for patients suffering from acute SCI, helping to preserve T-cell function, avoiding complications, and promoting a better motor recovery. All procedures were approved by the Animal Bioethics and Welfare Committee (Approval No. 201870; CSNBTBIBAJ 090812960).

Benefits of betanin in rotenone-induced Parkinson mice

The present study aimed to investigate betanin's neuroprotective effect in mice with rotenone-induced Parkinson-like motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Forty male ICR mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham-veh, Rot-veh, Rot-Bet100 and Rot-Bet200. Rotenone at 2.5 mg/kg/48 h was subcutaneous injected in Rot groups, and betanin at 100 and 200 mg/kg/48 h were given alternately with the rotenone injections in Bet groups for 6 weeks. Motor dysfunctions were evaluated weekly using hanging wire and rotarod tests. Brain oxidative status including malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, with neuronal degeneration in the motor cortex, striatum and substantia nigra par compacta were evaluated. The immunohistochemical densities of tyrosine hydroxylase in striatum and in substantia nigra par compacta were also measured. We found that rotenone significantly decreased the time to fall in a hanging wire test after the 4^th week and after the rotarod test at the 6^th week (p < 0.05). The percentage of neuronal degeneration in substantia nigra par compacta, striatum and motor cortex significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the tyrosine hydroxylase density in substantia nigra par compacta and in striatum significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Betanin at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly prevented substantia nigra par compacta, striatum and motor cortex neuronal degeneration (p < 0.05) and maintained tyrosine hydroxylase density in substantia nigra par compacta and in striatum (p < 0.05). These findings appeared concurrently with improved effects on the time to fall in hanging wire and rotarod tests (p < 0.05). Treatment with betanin significantly prevented increased malondialdehyde levels and boosted reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.05). Betanin exhibits neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced Parkinson in mice regarding both motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Betanin's neurohealth benefit relates to its powerful antioxidative property. Therefore, betanin use in neurodegenerative disease is interesting to study.

The neuroprotective effect of betanin in trimethyltin-induced neurodegeneration in mice

Betanin, a natural food colorant with powerful antioxidative properties, has not been studied in terms of neurodegenerative disease intervention. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of betanin against trimethyltin chloride (TMT) -induced neurodegeneration in mice. Forty male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-veh, TMT-veh, TMT-Bet50 and TMT-Bet100. In the TMT groups, neurodegeneration was induced with a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 2.6 mg/kg TMT. Betanin-treated groups (Bet) were given oral doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg dissolved in normal saline solution. Administrations were started 24 h prior to TMT injection and continued for 2 weeks. Anxious behavior and spatial cognition were evaluated, respectively. After behavioral tests, brain oxidative status, hippocampal histology and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity were evaluated. Results showed that TMT significant induce anxious behavior and spatial learning and memory deficits (p < 0.05). These were found concurrently with significant decreases in CA1 ChAT activity, brain tissue catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities with significant increase in hippocampal CA1 degeneration (p < 0.05). Betanin 100 mg/kg exhibited significant anxiolytic effect, preventive effect on CA1 degeneration and CA1 ChAT activity alteration as well as improvement of spatial learning and memory deficits (p < 0.05). These were found concurrently with significant increases of reduced glutathione, CAT and SOD activities as well as the decrease in malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). We conclude that betanin 100 mg/kg exhibits neuroprotective effects against TMT-induced neurodegeneration in mice via its anti-oxidative properties, protective against hippocampal CA1 degeneration and ChAT activity alteration. Therefore, betanin is interesting in further neurodegenerative therapeutic study and applications.

Betanin as a multipath oxidative stress and inflammation modulator: a beetroot pigment with protective effects on cardiovascular disease pathogenesis

Oxidative stress is a common physiopathological condition enrolled in risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Individuals in such a redox imbalance status present endothelial dysfunctions and inflammation, reaching the onset of heart disease. Phytochemicals are able to attenuate the main mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation and should be considered as supportive therapies to manage risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including betanin (betanidin-5-O-β-glucoside), a pigment displaying the potential to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammantion, as previously demonstrated in preclinical trials. Betanin resists gastrointestinal digestion, is absorbed by the epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa and reaches the plasma in its active form. Betanin displays free-radical scavenger ability through hydrogen or electron donation, preserving lipid structures and LDL particles while inducing the transcription of antioxidant genes through the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and, simultaneously, suppressing the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B pathways. This review discusses the anti-radical and gene regulatory cardioprotective activities of betanin in the pathophysiology of endothelial damage and atherogenesis, the main conditions for cardiovascular disease. In addition, betanin influences on these multipath cellular signals and aiding in reducing cardiovascular disorders is proposed.