Hericium erinaceus Inhibits TNF-α-Induced Angiogenesis and ROS Generation through Suppression of MMP-9/NF-κB Signaling and Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes in Human EA.hy926 Endothelial Cells

Neuroprotective Effects of Erinacine A on an Experimental Model of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

Erinacine A (EA), a natural neuroprotectant, is isolated from a Chinese herbal medicine, Hericium erinaceus. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of EA in a rat model of traumatic optic neuropathy. The optic nerves (ONs) of adult male Wistar rats were crushed using a standardized method and divided into three experimental groups: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS control)-treated group, standard EA dose-treated group (2.64 mg/kg in 0.5 mL of PBS), and double EA dose-treated group (5.28 mg/kg in 0.5 mL of PBS). After ON crush, each group was fed orally every day for 14 days before being euthanized. The visual function, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density, and RGC apoptosis were determined using flash visual-evoked potentials (fVEP) analysis, retrograde Fluoro-Gold labelling, and TdT-dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Macrophage infiltration of ON was detected by immunostaining (immunohistochemistry) for ED1. The protein levels of phosphor-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase1 (pRIP1), caspase 8 (Cas8), cleaved caspase 3 (cCas3), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, tumour necrosis factor receptor1 (TNFR1), interleukin (IL)-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were evaluated by Western blotting. When comparing the standard EA dose-treated group and the double EA dose-treated group with the PBS-treated group, fVEP analysis showed that the amplitudes of P1−N2 in the standard EA dose group and the double EA dose-treated group were 1.8 and 2.4-fold, respectively, higher than that in the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). The density of RGC in the standard EA dose-treated group and the double EA dose-treated group were 2.3 and 3.7-fold, respectively, higher than that in the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). The TUNEL assay showed that the standard EA dose-treated group and the double EA dose-treated group had significantly reduced numbers of apoptotic RGC by 10.0 and 15.6-fold, respectively, compared with the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). The numbers of macrophages on ON were reduced by 1.8 and 2.2-fold in the standard EA dose-treated group and the double EA dose-treated group, respectively (p < 0.01). On the retinal samples, the levels of pRIP, Cas8, cCas3, TNF-α, TNFR1, IL-1β, and iNOS were decreased, whereas those of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD1 were increased in both EA-treated groups compared to those in the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). EA treatment has neuroprotective effects on an experimental model of traumatic optic neuropathy by suppressing apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress to protect the RGCs from death as well as preserving the visual function.

Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus

Health concern of dogs is the most important issue for pet owners. People who have companied the dogs long-term provide the utmost cares for their well-being and healthy life. Recently, it was revealed that the population and types of gut microbiota affect the metabolism and immunity of the host. However, there is little information on the gut microbiome of dogs. Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus; HE) is one of the well-known medicinal mushrooms and has multiple bioactive components including polyphenol, β-glucan, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, hericerin, erinacines, etc. Here we tested a pet food that contained H. erinaceus for improvement in the gut microbiota environment of aged dogs. A total of 18 dogs, each 11 years old, were utilized. For sixteen weeks, the dogs were fed with 0.4 g of H. erinaceus (HE-L), or 0.8 g (HE-H), or without H. erinaceus (CON) per body weight (kg) with daily diets (n = 6 per group). Taxonomic analysis was performed using metagenomics to investigate the difference in the gut microbiome. Resulting from principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) to confirm the distance difference between the groups, there was a significant difference between HE-H and CON due to weighted Unique fraction metric (Unifrac) distance (p = 0.047), but HE-L did not have a statistical difference compared to that of CON. Additionally, the result of Linear discriminate analysis of effect size (LEfSe) showed that phylum Bacteroidetes in HE-H and its order Bacteroidales increased, compared to that of CON, Additionally, phylum Firmicutes in HE-H, and its genera (Streptococcus, Tyzzerella) were reduced. Furthermore, at the family level, Campylobacteraceae and its genus Campylobacter in HE-H was decreased compared to that of CON. Summarily, our data demonstrated that the intake of H. erinaceus can regulate the gut microbial community in aged dogs, and an adequate supply of HE on pet diets would possibly improve immunity and anti-obesity on gut-microbiota in dogs.

Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion's Mane Extracts

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular every day. For this reason, this work investigates the properties of mushroom extracts, which are not as widely used in the cosmetics industry as plant ingredients. Water extracts of Grifolafrondosa (Maitake), Hericiumerinaceus (Lion's Mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) were tested for their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances content, skin cell toxicity, ability to limit TEWL, effect on skin hydration and pH, and skin irritation. Our research showed that Maitake extract contained the highest amount of flavonoids and phenols, and also showed the most effective scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals as well as Chelation of Fe2+ and FRAP radicals, which were 39.84% and 82.12% in a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, respectively. All tested extracts did not increase the amount of ROS in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The addition of mushroom extracts to washing gels reduced the irritating effect on skin, and reduced the intracellular production of free radicals, compared with the cosmetic base. Moreover, it was shown that the analyzedcosmetics had a positive effect on the pH and hydration of the skin, and reduced TEWL.

Nrf2 signaling pathway in trace metal carcinogenesis: A cross-talk between oxidative stress and angiogenesis

A large number of people worldwide are affected by chronic metal exposure, which is known to be associated with different type of malignancies. The mechanisms of metal carcinogenicity are complex in nature, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by chronic metal exposure, among the other factors, has been proposed as one of the major mechanisms involved in that process. In tumor cells, ROS buildup may lead to cell death through intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways. Furthermore, ROS-mediated redox signaling has a crucial role in angiogenesis, which is recognized as an essential step in tumor progression. There are several redox-modulating pathways and among them, the nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor2 (Nrf2), as a sensor of oxidative or electrophilic stress, has introduced as a master regulator of cellular response against environmental stresses. Activation of Nrf2 signaling induces expression of wide variety of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes genes. Thus, this transcription factor has recently received much attention as a target for cancer chemoprevention. But meanwhile, constitutive Nrf2 activation in cancerous cells may promote cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy. The current review describes the major underlying mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis of trace metals: copper, silver, and cadmium, with a special focus on the Nrf2 signaling pathway as a crossroad between oxidative stress and angiogenesis.

Ribophorin II promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aerobic glycolysis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via regulating reactive oxygen species-mediated Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B activation

Ribophorin II (RPN2), a part of an N-oligosaccharyl transferase complex, plays vital roles in the development of multiple cancers. Nevertheless, its biological role in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unclear. The RPN2 expression levels in LSCC tissues and cell lines (AMC-HN-8 and TU212) were measured using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot. The influences of RPN2 on the proliferation, migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and aerobic glycolysis of LSCC cells were investigated after upregulation or downregulation of RPN2 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we assessed the impact of RPN2 on the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. We found that compared with the control, RPN2 was highly expressed in LSCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of RPN2 elevated the proliferation, migration, glucose uptake, lactate production release, and levels of Vimentin, hexokinase-2 (HK-2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and ROS, but inhibited E-cadherin expression in AMC-HN-8 cells. Knockdown of RPN2 in TU212 cells showed opposite effects on the above indexes. Meanwhile, RPN2 upregulation increased the levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt, which were attenuated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an ROS inhibitor. Both NAC and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could reverse the effects of RPN2 overexpression on the malignant phenotypes of LSCC cells. In xenografted mice, silencing RPN2 expression reduced tumor growth, ROS production, and levels of Ki-67, Vimentin, LDHA, and p-Akt/Akt, but enhanced E-cadherin expression. In conclusion, our data suggested that RPN2 promoted the proliferation, migration, EMT, and glycolysis of LSCC via modulating ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt activation.

Curcumin Attenuates the PERK-eIF2α Signaling to Relieve Acrylamide-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH‑SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound with neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. Acrylamide (ACR) is a by-product of food processing that produces neurotoxicity in humans and animals. The pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α) signaling is involved in the occurrence of neurotoxicities. This study is aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on ACR-induced cytotoxicity and explore the role of PERK-eIF2α signaling in this process. ACR exposure at 2.5 mM for 24 h caused oxidative stress as revealed by the distinct increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. ACR induced phosphorylated tau aggregation, phosphorylated cAMP response elements binding protein (CREB) reduction, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio up-regulation in SH-SY5Y cells. ACR also activated the PERK-eIF2α signaling in SH-SY5Y cells and triggered the activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), up-regulated activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Curcumin pretreatment significantly attenuated ACR-induced neuronal toxicity as revealed by the ameliorated cell viability, mitigated intracellular ROS and MDA level, and elevated GSH content. Moreover, curcumin pretreatment inhibited PERK-dependent eIF2α phosphorylation, further suppressed GSK-3β and ATF4 function, and abolished abnormal tau phosphorylation, P-CREB reduction, and CHOP-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. These results provided empirical evidence between curcumin and PERK-eIF2α signaling in ACR-induced neurotoxicity.

A topical formulation containing quercetin-loaded microcapsules protects against oxidative and inflammatory skin alterations triggered by UVB irradiation: enhancement of activity by microencapsulation

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation causes free radical production, increase inflammation and oxidative stress, thus, supporting the use of antioxidants by topical administration as therapeutic approaches. Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid with antioxidant activity, however, high liposolubility makes it difficult to remain in the viable skin layer. Thus, this study evaluated whether microencapsulation of QC would enhance its activity in comparison with the same dose of free QC (non-active dose) and unloaded-microcapsules added in formulation for topical administration in a mouse model of UVB irradiation targeting the skin. Topical formulation containing Quercetin-loaded microcapsules (TFcQCMC) presents physico-chemical (colour, consistence, phase separation and pH) and functional antioxidant stability at 4 °C, room temperature and 40 °C for 6 months. TFcQCMC inhibited the UVB-triggered depletion of antioxidants observed by GSH (reduced glutathione), ability to reduce iron, ability to scavenge 2,2'-azinobis radical and catalase activity. TFcQCMC also inhibited markers of oxidation (lipid hydroperoxides and superoxide anion production). Concerning inflammation, TFcQCMC reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, skin edoema, collagen fibre damage, myeloperoxidase activity/neutrophil recruitment, mast cell and sunburn cell counts. The pharmacological activity of TFcQCMC was not shared by the same pharmaceutical form containing the same dose of free QC or unloaded control microcapsules.

Protective Effects of Total Saponins of Aralia elata (Miq.) on Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by TNF-α via Modulation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB Signalling Pathways

Atherosclerosis is an arterial disease associated with inflammation. Hence, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for suppressing inflammatory responses is urgent and vital for the treatment of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. The total saponins of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (TAS) are the main components extracted from the Chinese traditional herb Longya Aralia chinensis L., a folk medicine used in Asian countries for treating numerous diseases, enhancing energy and boosting immunity. However, the protective effects of TAS against inflammation-triggered vascular endothelial dysfunction, a critical early event during the course of atherosclerosis, and the potential mechanisms of this protection have been not demonstrated. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and the protective mechanisms of TAS, and show how TAS ameliorates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) damage caused by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The results indicated that TAS exerted cytoprotective effects by inhibiting TNF-α-triggered HUVEC apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarisation, and the regulation of inflammatory factors (IL-6, MCP-1, and VCAM-1) while suppressing NF-κB transcription. Furthermore, this phenomenon was related to activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathway. Blocking the Akt pathway with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, reversed the cytoprotective effect of TAS against TNF-α-induced endothelial cell death. Moreover, LY294002 partially abolished the effects of TAS on the upregulation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins and the downregulation of Bax protein expression. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that TAS suppresses the inflammation and apoptosis of HUVECs induced by TNF-α and that PI3K/Akt signalling plays a key role in promoting cell survival and anti-inflammatory reactions during this process.

Antrodia salmonea-induced oxidative stress abrogates HER-2 signaling cascade and enhanced apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells

Antrodia salmonea is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus and has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer activity of A. salmonea against human ovarian cancer is still elusive. Therefore, we investigated the antiovarian tumor activity of a fermented culture broth of A. salmonea and exhibits its underlying molecular mechanism. A. salmonea shows a significant effect on cell viability in human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 or A2780) cell lines with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells and annexin V-propidium iodide stained cells indicate that A. salmonea induces late apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells. Notably, treatment with A. salmonea induced the following events: Apoptosis; caspase-3, -8, -9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation; first apoptosis signal (Fas) and Fas ligand activation; Bid cleavage; and Bax2-B-cell lymphoma 2 dysregulation. The results show that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by both mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. An increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also observed in A. salmonea-treated cells, whereas the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented A. salmonea-induced cell death and DNA fragmentation, indicating that A. salmonea-induced apoptosis was mediated by ROS generation. Interestingly, A. salmonea-induced apoptosis is associated with the suppression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) expression in HER-2/neu overexpressing SKOV-3 cells. NAC significantly prevented A. salmonea-induced HER-2/neu depletion and PI3K/AKT inactivation, indicating that A. salmonea-triggered apoptosis is mediated by ROS-inhibited HER-2/neu signaling cascades. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the anticancer activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human ovarian carcinoma.

Chondroprotective Effects of a Standardized Extract (KBH-JP-040) from Kalopanax pictus, Hericium erinaceus, and Astragalus membranaceus in Experimentally Induced In Vitro and In Vivo Osteoarthritis Models

The aim of this study was to investigate the chondroprotective effect of a standardized extract (KBH-JP-040) of the Korean traditional herbs Kalopanax pictus Castor-Aralia, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Persoon, and Astragalus membranaceus Schischkin on in vivo and in vitro osteoarthritis (OA) models. Cultured rat chondrocytes were pre-treated with KBH-JP-040 (50, 100 and 200 μg/mL) for 1 h, then recombinant human IL-1α (rhIL-1α) for 24 h. For the in vivo model, rabbits (n = 60) were equally divided into experimental groups: normal control (NC), a collagenase-induced OA group, and OA groups treated with KBH-JP-040 (75, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight) and celecoxib (Cx, 100 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Treatment with KBH-JP-040 significantly attenuated inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), suppressed the expression of IκBα, NF-κB, and JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and upregulated aggrecan and collagen type-II expression in rhIL-1α-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, the serum and synovial levels of inflammatory cytokines of rabbits also decreased in the treatment groups when compared with the OA group. Improved magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological findings further confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of KBH-JP-040 against OA. In conclusion, these results indicate that KBH-JP-040 possesses chondroprotective effects, suppressing inflammation and MMPs, and downregulating IκBα, NF-κB, and JNK/p38 MAP kinase-signaling pathways. This might be a potential therapeutic candidate for OA treatment.

Antihemolytic and antioxidant properties of pearl powder against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis and oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids and proteins

Pearl powder, a well-known traditional mineral medicine, is reported to be used for well-being and to treat several diseases from centuries in Taiwan and China. We investigated the in vitro antihemolytic and antioxidant properties of pearl powder that could protect erythrocytes against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage to membrane proteins/lipids. Human erythrocytes were incubated with different concentrations of pearl powder (50–200 μg/mL) for 30 minutes and then exposed to AAPH for 2–6 hours. We found that AAPH alone time dependently increased the oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes, while pearl powder pretreatment substantially inhibited the hemolysis in a concentration-/time-dependent manner. AAPH-induced oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids was evidenced by the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, pearl powder remarkably inhibited the malondialdehyde formation, and the 200 μg/mL concentration showed almost similar malondialdehyde values to the control. Furthermore, pearl powder suppressed the AAPH-induced high-molecular-weight protein formation and concomitantly increased the low-molecular-weight proteins in erythrocytes. Antioxidant potential that was measured as superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content was significantly dropped by AAPH incubation, which suggests the vulnerability of erythrocytes to AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Noteworthy, erythrocytes pretreated with pearl powder showed restored superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels against AAPH-induced loss. Our findings conclude that pearl powder attenuate free radical-induced hemolysis and oxidative damage to erythrocyte membrane lipids/proteins. The potent antioxidant property of pearl powder may offer protection from free radical-related diseases.

The Role of Nrf2 in Cardiovascular Function and Disease

Free radicals, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), hydrogen sulphide, and hydrogen peroxide play an important role in both intracellular and intercellular signaling; however, their production and quenching need to be closely regulated to prevent cellular damage. An imbalance, due to exogenous sources of free radicals and chronic upregulation of endogenous production, contributes to many pathological conditions including cardiovascular disease and also more general processes involved in aging. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2; commonly known as Nrf2) is a transcription factor that plays a major role in the dynamic regulation of a network of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes, through binding to and activating expression of promoters containing the antioxidant response element (ARE). Nrf2 activity is regulated by many mechanisms, suggesting that tight control is necessary for normal cell function and both hypoactivation and hyperactivation of Nrf2 are indicated in playing a role in different aspects of cardiovascular disease. Targeted activation of Nrf2 or downstream genes may prove to be a useful avenue in developing therapeutics to reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease. We will review the current status of Nrf2 and related signaling in cardiovascular disease and its relevance to current and potential treatment strategies.