A nonpolar blueberry fraction blunts NADPH oxidase activation in neuronal cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor-α

Optimization of the Brewing Process and Analysis of Antioxidant Activity and Flavor of Elderberry Wine

Fruit wines have high nutritional value and good palatability. However, fruit wine made from a single fruit type does not have good enough flavor and nutritional quality. Therefore, flavorsome fruit wines made from a variety of fruits should be developed as a matter of urgency. In this study, the raw material of elderberry wine was used to explore the production technology of mixed juice wines; the fruits selected were apple, lychee, pear, blueberry, and elderberry. We utilized a single-factor experiment and the response surface method (RSM) approach to optimize the fermentation procedures; the results show that the solid–liquid ratio was 1:7.5, the amount of yeast inoculation was 0.68 g/L, the fermentation temperature was 20 °C, and the added sugar content was 120 g/L. Under these process conditions, a verification test was carried out in a 35 L fermenter. The results showed that the alcohol content, residual sugar content, total acidity, total phenol content, and total flavonoid content of the elderberry wine were, respectively, 7.73% vol, 8.32 g/L, 9.78 g/L, 8.73 mg/mL, and 1.6 mg/mL. In total, 33 volatile components were identified in the resulting elderberry wine. It achieved a harmonious aroma and fruit flavor, a homogeneous and transparent liquid phase, a pleasant taste, and a sensory evaluation score of 95. The antioxidant activity experiments showed that elderberry had a certain antioxidant capacity, and that fermented elderberries had significantly higher antioxidant ability than unfermented ones.

Structure, Activation, and Regulation of NOX2: At the Crossroad between the Innate Immunity and Oxidative Stress-Mediated Pathologies

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a multisubunit enzyme complex that participates in the generation of superoxide or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and plays a key role in several biological functions. Among seven known NOX isoforms, NOX2 was the first identified in phagocytes but is also expressed in several other cell types including endothelial cells, platelets, microglia, neurons, and muscle cells. NOX2 has been assigned multiple roles in regulating many aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, and human and mouse models of NOX2 genetic deletion highlighted this key role. On the other side, NOX2 hyperactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases with different etiologies but all are characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory process. From this point of view, the modulation of NOX2 represents an important therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing the damage associated with its hyperactivation. Although pharmacological strategies to selectively modulate NOX2 are implemented thanks to new biotechnologies, this field of research remains to be explored. Therefore, in this review, we analyzed the role of NOX2 at the crossroads between immunity and pathologies mediated by its hyperactivation. We described (1) the mechanisms of activation and regulation, (2) human, mouse, and cellular models studied to understand the role of NOX2 as an enzyme of innate immunity, (3) some of the pathologies associated with its hyperactivation, and (4) the inhibitory strategies, with reference to the most recent discoveries.

Redox Properties, Bioactivity and Health Effects of Indicaxanthin, a Bioavailable Phytochemical from Opuntia ficus indica, L.: A Critical Review of Accumulated Evidence and Perspectives

Phytochemicals from plant foods are considered essential to human health. Known for their role in the adaptation of plants to their environment, these compounds can induce adaptive responses in cells, many of which are directed at maintaining the redox tone. Indicaxanthin is a long-known betalain pigment found in the genus Opuntia of cactus pear and highly concentrated in the edible fruits of O. ficus indica, L. whose bioactivity has been overlooked until recently. This review summarizes studies conducted so far in vitro and in vivo, most of which have been performed in our laboratory. The chemical and physicochemical characteristics of Indicaxanthin are reflected in the molecule's reducing properties and antioxidant effects and help explain its ability to interact with membranes, modulate redox-regulated cellular pathways, and possibly bind to protein molecules. Measurement of bioavailability in volunteers has been key to exploring its bioactivity; amounts consistent with dietary intake, or plasma concentration after dietary consumption of cactus pear fruit, have been used in experimental setups mimicking physiological or pathophysiological conditions, in cells and in animals, finally suggesting pharmacological potential and relevance of Indicaxanthin as a nutraceutical. In reporting experimental results, this review also aimed to raise questions and seek insights for further basic research and health promotion applications.

Sphingolipids as Regulators of Neuro-Inflammation and NADPH Oxidase 2

Neuro-inflammation accompanies numerous neurological disorders and conditions where it can be associated with a progressive neurodegenerative pathology. In a similar manner, alterations in sphingolipid metabolism often accompany or are causative features in degenerative neurological conditions. These include dementias, motor disorders, autoimmune conditions, inherited metabolic disorders, viral infection, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, psychiatric conditions, and more. Sphingolipids are major regulators of cellular fate and function in addition to being important structural components of membranes. Their metabolism and signaling pathways can also be regulated by inflammatory mediators. Therefore, as certain sphingolipids exert distinct and opposing cellular roles, alterations in their metabolism can have major consequences. Recently, regulation of bioactive sphingolipids by neuro-inflammatory mediators has been shown to activate a neuronal NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) that can provoke damaging oxidation. Therefore, the sphingolipid-regulated neuronal NOX2 serves as a mechanistic link between neuro-inflammation and neurodegeneration. Moreover, therapeutics directed at sphingolipid metabolism or the sphingolipid-regulated NOX2 have the potential to alleviate neurodegeneration arising out of neuro-inflammation.

Complex interaction of dietary fat and Alaskan bog blueberry supplementation influences manganese mediated neurotoxicity and behavioral impairments

Dietary fat modulates neuronal health and contributes to age-related nervous system disorders. However, the complex interaction between dietary fat and supplementation and its consequences on neurotoxic pathophysiology has been sparsely explored. The indigenous Alaskan bog blueberry (BB), Vaccinum uliginosum, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly attributed to its rich polyphenolic content. Here, we evaluate the interplay between dietary fat and BB supplementation on sub-chronic manganese (Mn) exposure that inflicts neurotoxicity and behavioral impairments. In both low-fat and normal-fat diets, BB supplementation attenuated the behavioral and the molecular hallmarks of Mn-induced neurotoxicity. On the contrary, a high-fat diet was found to exacerbate these Mn-induced pathological features. Furthermore, BB supplementation failed to recover the behavioral deficits in mice subjected to a high fat diet in Mn-treated mice. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of including a dietary regimen comprised of polyphenolic rich supplements with low-fat content in combating age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Sir-2.1 mediated attenuation of α-synuclein expression by Alaskan bog blueberry polyphenols in a transgenic model of Caenorhabditis elegans

Misfolding and accumulation of cellular protein aggregates are pathological hallmarks of aging and neurodegeneration. One such protein is α-synuclein, which when misfolded, forms aggregates and disrupts normal cellular functions of the neurons causing Parkinson's disease. Nutritional interventions abundant in pharmacologically potent polyphenols have demonstrated a therapeutic role for combating protein aggregation associated with neurodegeneration. The current study hypothesized that Alaskan bog blueberry (Vaccinum uliginosum), which is high in polyphenolic content, will reduce α-synuclein expression in a model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We observed that blueberry extracts attenuated α-synuclein protein expression, improved healthspan in the form of motility and restored lipid content in the transgenic strain of C. elegans expressing human α-synuclein. We also found reduced gene expression levels of sir-2.1 (ortholog of mammalian Sirtuin 1) in blueberry treated transgenic animals indicating that the beneficial effects of blueberries could be mediated through partial reduction of sirtuin activity. This therapeutic effect of the blueberries was attributed to its xenohormetic properties. The current results highlight the role of Alaskan blueberries in mediating inhibition of sir-2.1 as a novel therapeutic approach to improving pathologies of protein misfolding diseases. Finally, our study warrants further investigation of the structure, and specificity of such small molecules from indigenous natural compounds and its role as sirtuin regulators.

Combinatorial Efficacy of Quercitin and Nanoliposomal Ceramide for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with limited treatment options. Inflammation is often a contributing factor to the development and progression of AML, and related diseases, and can potentiate therapy failure. Previously, we had identified anti-inflammatory roles and anti-AML efficacy for blueberry extracts. The present study extended these observations to determine that the polyphenol quercetin inhibited neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) activity and exerted anti-AML efficacy. Moreover, quercetin was shown to exert combinatorial anti-AML efficacy with nanoliposomal ceramide. Overall, this demonstrated that quercetin could block the pro-inflammatory actions of N-SMase and augment the efficacy of anti-AML therapeutics, including ceramide-based therapeutics.

Therapeutic Effect of Blueberry Extracts for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with high incidence in the aging population. In addition, AML is one of the more common pediatric malignancies. Unfortunately, both of these patient groups are quite sensitive to chemotherapy toxicities. Investigation of blueberries specifically as an anti-AML agent has been limited, despite being a prominent natural product with no reported toxicity. In this study, blueberry extracts are reported for the first time to exert a dietary therapeutic effect in animal models of AML. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that blueberry extracts exerted anti-AML efficacy against myeloid leukemia cell lines as well as against primary AML, and specifically provoked Erk and Akt regulation within the leukemia stem cell subpopulation. This study provides evidence that blueberries may be unique sources for anti-AML biopharmaceutical compound discovery, further warranting fractionation of this natural product. More so, blueberries themselves may provide an intriguing dietary option to enhance the anti-AML efficacy of traditional therapy for subsets of patients that otherwise may not tolerate rigorous combinations of therapeutics.

Mechanosensory Neuron Aging: Differential Trajectories with Lifespan-Extending Alaskan Berry and Fungal Treatments in Caenorhabditis elegans

Many nutritional interventions that increase lifespan are also proposed to postpone age-related declines in motor and cognitive function. Potential sources of anti-aging compounds are the plants and fungi that have adapted to extreme environments. We studied the effects of four commonly consumed and culturally relevant Interior Alaska berry and fungus species (bog blueberry, lowbush cranberry, crowberry, and chaga) on the decline in overall health and neuron function and changes in touch receptor neuron morphology associated with aging. We observed increased wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and improved markers of healthspan upon treatment with Alaskan blueberry, lowbush cranberry, and chaga extracts. Interestingly, although all three treatments increased lifespan, they differentially affected the development of aberrant morphologies in touch receptor neurons. Blueberry treatments decreased anterior mechanosensory neuron (ALM) aberrations (i.e., extended outgrowths and abnormal cell bodies) while lowbush cranberry treatment increased posterior mechanosensory neuron (PLM) aberrations, namely process branching. Chaga treatment both decreased ALM aberrations (i.e., extended outgrowths) and increased PLM aberrations (i.e., process branching and loops). These results support the large body of knowledge positing that there are multiple cellular strategies and mechanisms for promoting health with age. Importantly, these results also demonstrate that although an accumulation of abnormal neuron morphologies is associated with aging and decreased health, not all of these morphologies are detrimental to neuronal and organismal health.

NOX Modifiers-Just a Step Away from Application in the Therapy of Airway Inflammation?

SIGNIFICANCE

NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes, which are widely expressed in different airway cell types, not only contribute to the maintenance of physiological processes in the airways but also participate in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic diseases. Therefore, the understanding of NOX isoform regulation, expression, and the manner of their potent inhibition might lead to effective therapeutic approaches.

RECENT ADVANCES

The study of the role of NADPH oxidases family in airway physiology and pathophysiology should be considered as a work in progress. While key questions still remain unresolved, there is significant progress in terms of our understanding of NOX importance in airway diseases as well as a more efficient way of using NOX modifiers in human settings.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Agents that modify the activity of NADPH enzyme components would be considered useful tools in the treatment of various airway diseases. Nevertheless, profound knowledge of airway pathology, as well as the mechanisms of NOX regulation is needed to develop potent but safe NOX modifiers.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Many compounds seem to be promising candidates for development into useful therapeutic agents, but their clinical potential is yet to be demonstrated. Further analysis of basic mechanisms in human settings, high-throughput compound scanning, clinical trials with new and existing molecules, and the development of new drug delivery approaches are the main directions of future studies on NOX modifiers. In this article, we discuss the current knowledge with regard to NOX isoform expression and regulation in airway inflammatory diseases as well as the aptitudes and therapeutic potential of NOX modifiers.

Protective effect of ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide, a novel unsymmetrical divinyl sulfide, on an oxidative stress model induced by sodium nitroprusside in mouse brain: involvement of glutathione peroxidase activity

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the antioxidant action of ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide, a novel unsymmetrical divinyl sulfide, against oxidative damage induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in brains of mice was investigated.

METHODS

Mice received SNP (0.335 μmol/site, intracerebroventricular) 30 min after administration of sulfide (10 mg/kg, intragastrically). After 1 h, animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed to biochemistry analysis. Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), protein carbonyl (PC) and non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels, as well as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined.

KEY FINDINGS

SNP increased TBARS and PC levels, CAT, GPx, GR and GST activities and reduced NPSH levels. Administration of the sulfide attenuated the changes produced by SNP and increased per se GPx activity in brains of mice. Toxicological parameters revealed that this compound did not cause acute renal or hepatic damage.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide protected against oxidative damage caused by SNP in mouse brain. GPx activity is involved, at least in part, in the cerebral antioxidant action of this compound.

Oxygen radicals elicit paralysis and collapse of spinal cord neuron growth cones upon exposure to proinflammatory cytokines

A persistent inflammatory and oxidative stress is a hallmark of most chronic CNS pathologies (Alzheimer's (ALS)) as well as the aging CNS orchestrated by the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Loss of the integrity and plasticity of neuronal morphology and connectivity comprises an early step in neuronal degeneration and ultimate decline of cognitive function. We examined in vitro whether TNFα or IL-1β impaired morphology and motility of growth cones in spinal cord neuron cultures. TNFα and IL-1β paralyzed growth cone motility and induced growth cone collapse in a dose-dependent manner reflected by complete attenuation of neurite outgrowth. Scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity rescued loss of neuronal motility and morphology. TNFα and IL-1β provoked rapid, NOX-mediated generation of ROS in advancing growth cones, which preceded paralysis of motility and collapse of morphology. Increases in ROS intermediates were accompanied by an aberrant, nonproductive reorganization of actin filaments. These findings suggest that NADPH oxidase serves as a pivotal source of oxidative stress in neurons and together with disruption of actin filament reorganization contributes to the progressive degeneration of neuronal morphology in the diseased or aging CNS.

Natural compounds as modulators of NADPH oxidases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cellular signals generated ubiquitously by all mammalian cells, but their relative unbalance triggers also diseases through intracellular damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. NADPH oxidases (NOX) are the only known enzyme family with the sole function to produce ROS. The NOX physiological functions concern host defence, cellular signaling, regulation of gene expression, and cell differentiation. On the other hand, increased NOX activity contributes to a wide range of pathological processes, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, organ failure, and cancer. Therefore targeting these enzymatic ROS sources by natural compounds, without affecting the physiological redox state, may be an important tool. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the role of NOX enzymes in physiology and pathology and provides an overview of the currently available NADPH oxidase inhibitors derived from natural extracts such as polyphenols.

Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside attenuates neuroinflammation through the inhibition of microglia activation

Neuroinflammation is closely implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. The hallmark of neuroinflammation is the microglia activation. Upon activation, microglia are capable of producing various proinflammatory factors and the accumulation of these factors contribute to the neuronal damage. Therefore, inhibition of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation might hold potential therapy for neurological disorders. 2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, is reported to be beneficial for human health with a great number of pharmacological properties including antioxidant, free radical-scavenging, anti-inflammation, antilipemia, and cardioprotective effects. Recently, TSG-mediated neuroprotective effects have been well demonstrated. However, the neuroprotective actions of TSG on microglia-induced neuroinflammation are not known. In the present study, microglia BV2 cell lines were applied to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of TSG. Results showed that TSG reduced LPS-induced microglia-derived release of proinflammatory factors such as TNFα, IL-1β, and NO. Moreover, TSG attenuated LPS-induced NADPH oxidase activation and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Further studies indicated that TSG inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB signaling pathway activation. Together, TSG exerted neuroprotection against microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, suggesting that TSG might present a promising benefit for neurological disorders treatment.