Decrease in ATP biosynthesis and dysfunction of biological membranes. Two possible key mechanisms of phenoptosis

Antioxidant Alternatives in the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that produces a selective loss of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. Oxidative stress (OS) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the deterioration of the electron transport chain has been shown to be a factor that contributes to neurodegeneration and plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of ALS. The regions of the central nervous system affected have high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidant defenses. Scientific studies propose treatment with antioxidants to combat the characteristic OS and the regeneration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels by the use of precursors. This review examines the possible roles of nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene as therapeutic strategies in ALS.

(+)-Usnic Acid Inhibits Migration of c-KIT Positive Cells in Human Colorectal Cancer

Inhibition of tumor cell migration is a treatment strategy for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). SCF-dependent activation of c-KIT is responsible for migration of c-KIT positive [c-KIT(+)] cells of CRC. Drug resistance to Imatinib Mesylate (c-KIT inhibitor) has emerged. Inhibition of mTOR can induce autophagic degradation of c-KIT. (+)-usnic acid [(+)-UA], isolated from lichens, has two major functions including induction of proton shuttle and targeting inhibition of mTOR. To reduce hepatotoxicity, the treatment concentration of (+)-UA should be lower than 10 μM. HCT116 cells and LS174 cells were employed to investigate the inhibiting effect of (+)-UA (<10 μM) on SCF-mediated migration of c-KIT(+) CRC cells. HCT116 cells were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms. The results indicated that firstly, 8 μM (+)-UA decreased ATP content via uncoupling; secondly, 8 μM (+)-UA induced mTOR inhibition, thereby mediated activation suppression of PKC-A, and induced the autophagy of the completed autophagic flux that resulted in the autophagic degradation and transcriptional inhibition of c-KIT and the increase in LDH release; ultimately, 8 μM (+)-UA inhibited SCF-mediated migration of CRC c-KIT(+) cells. Taken together, 8 μM could be determined as the effective concentration for (+)-UA to inhibit SCF-mediated migration of CRC c-KIT(+) cells.

Increased Incidence of Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase 1 Gene Mutations in Patients with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure (POF), is defined as more than six months of cessation of menses before the age of 40 years, with two serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (at least 1 month apart) falling in the menopause range. The cause of POI remains undetermined in the majority of cases, although some studies have reported increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in idiopathic POF. The role of mitochondrial DNA in the pathogenesis of POI has not been studied extensively. This aim of this study was to uncover underlying mitochondrial genetic defects in patients with POI. The entire region of the mitochondrial genome was amplified in subjects with idiopathic POI (n=63) and age-matched healthy female controls (n=63) using nine pair sets of primers, followed by screening of the mitochondrial genome using an Illumina MiSeq. We identified a total of 96 non-synonymous mitochondrial variations in POI patients and 93 non-synonymous variations in control subjects. Of these, 21 (9 in POI and 12 in control) non-synonymous variations had not been reported previously. Eight mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase 1 (MT-CO1) missense variants were identified in POI patients, whereas only four missense mutations were observed in controls. A high incidence of MT-CO1 missense variants were identified in POI patients compared with controls, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (13/63 vs. 5/63, p=0.042). Our results show that patients with primary ovarian insufficiency exhibit an increased incidence of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene mutations, suggesting that MT-CO1 gene mutation may be causal in POI.

Effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on brain and behavior

Age is the greatest universal risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, these conditions progress from minor loss of function to major disruptions in daily life, loss of independence and ultimately death. Because approximately 25% of the world population is expected to be older than age 65 by 2050, and no treatments exist to halt or reverse ongoing neurodegeneration, the need for effective prevention strategies is more pressing that ever before. A growing body of research supports the role of diet in healthy aging, particularly diets rich in bioactive phytochemical compounds. Recently, stilbenes such as resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene) and its analogue, pterostilbene, have gained a significant amount of attention for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of stilbenes on cerebral function is just beginning to emerge. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of resveratrol and pterostilbene in improving brain health during aging, with specific focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling and behavioral outcomes.