Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

A biomimetic upconversion nanoreactors for near-infrared driven H2 release to inhibit tauopathy in Alzheimer's disease therapy

Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein is a principal pathological hallmark in the onset of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), which can be induced by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As an antioxidant, hydrogen gas (H2) has the potential to mitigate AD by scavenging highly harmful ROS such as •OH. However, conventional administration methods of H2 face significant challenges in controlling H2 release on demand and fail to achieve effective accumulation at lesion sites. Herein, we report artificial nanoreactors that mimic natural photosynthesis to realize near-infrared (NIR) light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution in situ. The nanoreactors are constructed by biocompatible crosslinked vesicles (CVs) encapsulating ascorbic acid and two photosensitizers, chlorophyll a (Chla) and indoline dye (Ind). In addition, platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) serve as photocatalysts and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) act as light-harvesting antennas in the nanoreacting system, and both attach to the surface of CVs. Under NIR irradiation, the nanoreactors release H2 in situ to scavenge local excess ROS and attenuate tau hyperphosphorylation in the AD mice model. Such NIR-triggered nanoreactors provide a proof-of-concept design for the great potential of hydrogen therapy against AD.

Astragaloside IV reduces mutant Ataxin-3 levels and supports mitochondrial function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV (AST) on spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), a neurodegenerative disorder. Human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells expressing mutant ataxin-3 protein with 78 CAG repeats (MJD78) were employed as an in vitro model. Protein expression analysis demonstrated that AST treatment reduced mutant ataxin-3 protein expression and aggregation by enhancing the autophagic process in MJD78 cells. Elevated oxidative stress levels in MJD78 cells were significantly reduced following AST treatment, which also enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by flow cytometry and antioxidant enzyme activity assays. Furthermore, AST treatment ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in MJD78 cells, including improvements in mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and mitochondrial dynamics. In conclusion, AST administration increased antioxidant capacity, reduced both cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial quality control processes through fusion, fission, and autophagy. These mechanisms collectively reduced intracellular mutant ataxin-3 protein aggregation, thereby achieving therapeutic efficacy in the SCA3 model.

Limonin (LM) and its derivatives: Unveiling the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of LM and V-A-4 in the management of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

Neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis are central pathogenic consequences associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Limonin (LM), a tetracyclic triterpenoid available in citrus fruits, has anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective actions. LM derivative, V-A-4 emerged as a potential neuroprotective drug due to their ability to target multiple molecular pathways intertwined with neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. To date, the treatment of AD and PD is not successful even though the understanding of the mechanism of neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis is vast in the literature. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel neuroprotective drugs that could target the multiple molecular pathways associated with neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. The various online databases (Google scholar, Pubmed, Scopus) were searched via keywords: limonin, limonin derivatives and neuroprotection. This review highlights the multifunctional nature of LM and derivatives in combating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis by stimulating PI3K/AKT and downregulating TLR4/NF-κB critical pathways. By intervening in the secretion of NO and TNF-α from glial cells, V-A-4 attenuates the damaging cascade of neuroinflammation by suppressing IKK-α and IKK-β. Furthermore, V-A-4 demonstrates its versatility by suppressing the manifestation of miR-146a and miR-155, both intimately linked to neuroinflammation, this review summarized the activities of LM and its derivatives against AD and PD, with a special focus on V-A-4 as an effective neuroprotective drug. V-A-4's ability to stimulate PI3K/AKT signaling further underscores its neuroprotective effect in combating AD and PD. More in-vitro cell line studies are needed to develop V-A-4 as an upcoming neuroprotective compound.

Causal associations of physical activity and leisure sedentary behaviors with age at onset of Huntington's disease: A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which effective therapies are currently lacking. Studies suggest that increasing physical activity (PA) and reducing leisure sedentary behavior (LSB) mitigate the progression of HD, but their causal relationship with the age at onset (AAO) of HD remains uncertain. To investigate this, we conducted the Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR).

METHODS

Exposure were retrieved from the UK BioBank's (UKB) Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). PA included accelerometer-based average PA, vigorous PA, self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and light do-it-yourself activity. LSB included television (TV) time, computer time, and driving time. Outcome came from the GWAS of the GEM-HD Consortium. We applied several MR methods such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median (WM) for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Increases in light PA (β = 8.53 years, 95 % CI = 10.64 to 44.09, P = 0.001) and accelerometer-based vigorous PA (β = 5.18, 95 % CI = 0.92 to 9.43, P = 0.017) delayed AAO of HD, while longer TV time was associated with earlier AAO of HD (β = -2.88 years, 95 % CI = -4.99 to -0.77, P = 0.007). However, other PA and LSB phenotypes did not significantly affect AAO of HD.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a unidirectional causality between PA, LSB and the AAO of HD. Increasing PA and reducing TV time delay HD onset. Therefore, we recommend increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior to delay the occurrence of motor symptoms for premanifest HD individuals.

Evaluation of changes in carbonyl stress markers with treatment in male patients with bipolar disorder manic episode: A controlled study

BACKGROUND

Carbonyl stress, a metabolic state characterized by elevated production of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs), is closely related to oxidative stress and has been implicated in various diseases. This study aims to investigate carbonyl stress parameters in drug-free bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls, explore their relationship with clinical features, and assess the effect of treatment on these parameters.

METHODS

Patients with a primary diagnosis of a manic episode of BD and healthy controls were recruited. Exclusion criteria included intellectual disability, presence of neurological diseases, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, and clinical signs of inflammation. Levels of serum carbonyl stress parameters were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Levels of glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) did not differ between pre- and post-treatment patients, but malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly post-treatment. Pre-treatment MGO and MDA levels were higher in patients compared to controls, and these differences persisted post-treatment. After adjusting for BMI and waist circumference, only MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients compared to controls.

LIMITATIONS

The study's limitations include the exclusion of female patients, which precluded any assessment of potential gender differences, and the lack of analysis of the effect of specific mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to focus on carbonyl stress markers in BD, specifically GO, MGO, and MDA. MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients, suggesting a potential role in BD pathophysiology. MGO levels were influenced by metabolic parameters, indicating a potential link to neurotoxicity in BD. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to better understand the role of RCCs in BD and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of BBB-Penetrating Phytochemicals With p38 MAPK Modulatory Activity in Addressing Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurodegenerative Disorders, With a Focus on Alzheimer's Disease

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies indicate a strong connection between oxidative stress, inappropriate activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Although antioxidant therapy is a valid strategy to alleviate these problems, the most important limitation of this approach is the ineffectiveness of drug administration due to the limited permeability of the BBB. Therefore, BBB-penetrating p38 MAPK modulators with proper antioxidant capacity could be useful in preventing/reducing the complications of neurodegenerative disorders. The current manuscript aims to review the therapeutic capabilities of some recently reviewed naturally occurring p38 MAPK inhibitors in the management of neurodegenerative problems such as Alzheimer's disease. In data collection, we tried to use more recent studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and so on, but no specific time frame was considered due to the nature of the study. Our evaluations indicate that natural compounds tanshinones, protoberberines, pinocembrin, osthole, rhynchophylline, oxymatrine, schisandrin, piperine, paeonol, ferulic acid, 6-gingerol, obovatol, and trolox have significant potential for use as supplements/adjuvants in the reduction of neurodegenerative-related problems. Our findings emphasize the usefulness of BBB-penetrating phytochemicals with p38 MAPK modulatory activity as potential therapeutic options against neurodegenerative disorders. Of course, the proper use of these compounds depends on considering their toxicity/safety profile and pharmacokinetic characteristics as well as the clinical conditions of users.

Exploring the neuroprotective potential of KC14 peptide from Cyprinus carpio against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration by regulating antioxidant mechanism

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress, a condition characterized by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), can cause significant damage to cellular macromolecules, leading to neurodegeneration. This underscores the need for effective antioxidant therapies that can mitigate oxidative stress and its associated neurodegenerative effects. KC14 peptide derived from liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 A (LEAP 2 A) from Cyprinus carpio L. has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent. This study focuses on the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of the KC14 peptide is to evaluate its effectiveness against oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.

METHODS

The antioxidant capabilities of KC14 were initially assessed through in silico docking studies, which predicted its potential to interact with oxidative stress-related targets. Subsequently, the peptide was tested at concentrations ranging from 5 to 45 µM in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vivo studies involved treating H2O2-induced zebrafish larvae with KC14 peptide to analyze its effects on oxidative stress and neuroprotection.

RESULTS

KC14 peptide showed a protective effect against the developmental malformations caused by H2O2 stress, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced neuronal damage, and lowered lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in H2O2-induced larvae. It enhanced acetylcholinesterase activity and significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels (p < 0.05) dose-dependently. Gene expression studies showed up-regulation of antioxidant genes with KC14 treatment under H2O2 stress.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potent antioxidant activity of KC14 and its ability to confer neuroprotection against oxidative stress can provide a novel therapeutic agent for combating neurodegenerative diseases induced by oxidative stress.

Bioactivated Glucoraphanin Modulates Genes Involved in Necroptosis on Motor-Neuron-like Nsc-34: A Transcriptomic Study

Research on bioactive compounds has grown recently due to their health benefits and limited adverse effects, particularly in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. According to these observations, this study investigates the activity of sulforaphane (RS-GRA) on an in vitro model of differentiated NSC-34 cells. We performed a transcriptomic analysis at various time points (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) and RS-GRA concentrations (1 µM, 5 µM, and 10 µM) to identify molecular pathways influenced by this compound and the effects of dosage and prolonged exposure. We found 39 differentially expressed genes consistently up- or downregulated across all conditions. Notably, Nfe2l2, Slc1a5, Slc7a11, Slc6a9, Slc6a5, Sod1, and Sod2 genes were consistently upregulated, while Ripk1, Glul, Ripk3, and Mlkl genes were downregulated. Pathway perturbation analysis showed that the overall dysregulation of these genes results in a significant increase in redox pathway activity (adjusted p-value 1.11 × 10-3) and a significant inhibition of the necroptosis pathway (adjusted p-value 4.64 × 10-3). These findings suggest RS-GRA's potential as an adjuvant in neurodegenerative disease treatment, as both increased redox activity and necroptosis inhibition may be beneficial in this context. Furthermore, our data suggest two possible administration strategies, namely an acute approach with higher dosages and a chronic approach with lower dosages.

Genetic Modifiers of ALS: The Impact of Chromogranin B P413L in a Bulgarian ALS Cohort

This study investigated the role of the CHGB P413L variant (rs742710) in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) within the Bulgarian population. We analyzed 150 patients with sALS (85 male and 65 female) for the presence of this variant, its potential impact on disease susceptibility, and age of onset. Genotyping was performed using PCR amplification and direct Sanger sequencing. Statistical analyses included comparisons with control data from GnomAD v2.1.1, one-way ANOVA, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results revealed a higher frequency of the minor T allele in patients with sALS compared to all control groups and a statistically significant increase in carrier genotypes compared to non-Finnish Europeans (χ2 = 15.4572, p = 0.000440). However, the impact on age of onset was less clear, with no statistically significant differences observed across genotypes or between carriers and non-carriers of the T allele. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested a potential 2.5-year-earlier onset in T allele carriers, but the small sample size of carriers limits the reliability of this finding. Our study provides evidence for an association between the CHGB P413L variant and sALS susceptibility in the Bulgarian population, while its effect on age of onset remains uncertain, highlighting the need for further research in larger, diverse cohorts.

Zn0-Induced Cytotoxicity and Mitochondrial Stress in Microglia: Implications of the Protective Role of Immunoglobulin G In Vitro

Background

Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient, regulates and maintains neurological functions. However, both Zn deficiency and excess can cause oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. As previously reported, immunoglobulin G (IgG) can modulate oxidative stress in various disorders.

Aims

To investigate whether IgG treatment can alleviate oxidative stress caused by Zn0 on microglia in vitro.

Study Design

In vitro study.

Methods

The feasibility of Zn0 treatment was evaluated using the MTS assay. Oxidative stress following treatment with Zn0, either alone or with IgG supplementation, was determined with dihydrorhodamine 123 staining. Flow cytometry was employed to ascertain the intracellular protein levels of TRIM21, PINK, PARKIN, MFN2, Beclin-1, and active LC3B.

Methods

The feasibility of Zn0 treatment was evaluated using the MTS assay. Oxidative stress following treatment with Zn0, either alone or with IgG supplementation, was determined with dihydrorhodamine 123 staining. Flow cytometry was employed to ascertain the intracellular protein levels of TRIM21, PINK, PARKIN, MFN2, Beclin-1, and active LC3B. Results: In silico screening confirmed the association between Zn0 cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Furthermore, oxidative stress was identified as a critical mechanism that underlies Zn0 neurotoxicity. The in silico analysis revealed that Zn can interact with the constant region of the Ig heavy chain, suggesting a potential role for IgG in alleviating Zn0-induced cytotoxicity. Experimental findings supported this hypothesis, as IgG administration significantly reduced Zn0-induced mitochondrial stress in a dose-dependent manner. The upregulation of PINK1 levels by Zn0 exposure suggests that mitochondrial injury promotes mitophagy. Interestingly, Zn0 decreased TRIM21 levels, which is reversed by IgG administration.

Conclusion

These findings elucidate the cellular responses to Zn0 and highlight the potential use of intravenous immunoglobulin in mitigating the adverse effects of acute Zn0 exposure.

Paraoxonase I Activity and Its Relationship with Nutrition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration, with oxidative stress playing a key role. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme that may influence ALS progression. This study aimed to establish a predictive model for the influence of PON1 activity on functionality in ALS patients and explore its relationship with nutrition. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 70 ALS patients underwent assessments of PON1 activity, lipid profile, functional capacity, respiratory function, and heart rate variability. A structural equation model was developed to determine the relationships between variables. Nutritional intake was analyzed in 65 patients. Results: The predictive model showed that PON1 activity and LDL levels positively influenced functionality, both directly and indirectly through respiratory capacity. Heart rate variability moderately predicted functionality independently. HDL levels were not significantly associated with functionality. Weak to moderate correlations were found between PON1 activity and intake of certain nutrients, with positive associations for monounsaturated fats and vitamin D, and negative associations for carbohydrates, proteins, and some micronutrients. Conclusions: PON1 activity appears to play an important role in ALS patient functionality, both directly and through effects on respiratory capacity. However, its relationship with nutritional intake was not strongly evident in this sample population.

Predictive role of oxidative stress-related genes in colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study based on The Cancer Genome Atlas

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the predictive role of an oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) model in colon cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, OSRGs that were differentially expressed between tumor and normal tissues were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-(Colorectal Adenocarcinoma) COAD dataset. Then, Lasso COX regression was performed to develop an optimal prognostic model patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the expression patterns of these genes. The model's validity was confirmed through Kaplan-Meier survival curves and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Additionally, enrichment analyses were performed using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to uncover underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

A totally of 115 differentially expressed OSRGs were identified within the TCGA cohort, with 17 significantly linked to overall survival. These 17 genes were used to formulate a prognostic model that differentiated patients into distinct risk groups, with the high-risk group demonstrating a notably inferior overall survival rate. The risk score, when integrated with clinical and pathological data, emerged as an independent prognostic indicator of colon cancer. Further analyses revealed that the disparity in prognostic outcomes between risk groups could be attributed to the reactive oxygen species pathway and the p53 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

A new prediction model was established based on OSRGs. CYP19A1, NOL3 and UCN were found to be highly expressed in tumor tissues and substantial clinical predictive significance. These findings offer new insights into the role of oxidative stress in colon cancer.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The primary pathological features of PD include the presence of α-synuclein aggregates and Lewy bodies, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Recently, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have been under investigation as a preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for PD, primarily owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature, focusing on studies that assessed the effects of ω-3 PUFAs in rodent models mimicking human PD. The search was performed using the terms "Parkinson's disease," "fish oil," "omega 3," "docosahexaenoic acid," and "eicosapentaenoic acid" across databases PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar. Following analysis based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 studies were included. Considering behavioral parameters, pathological markers of the disease, quantification of ω-3 PUFAs in the brain, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, it can be observed that ω-3 PUFAs exhibit a potential neuroprotective effect in PD. In summary, this systematic review presents significant scientific evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of ω-3 PUFAs, offering valuable insights for the development of future clinical investigations.

Cannabidiol protects mouse hippocampal neurons from neurotoxicity induced by amyloid β-peptide25-35

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide, is a significant health concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The neuropathological diagnostic criteria for AD are based on the deposition of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and the formation of intracellular tau protein tangles. These proteins are associated with several overlapping neurodegenerative mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, reduced neuronal viability, and cell death. In this context, our study focuses on the potential therapeutic use of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We aim to evaluate CBD's neuroprotective role, particularly in protecting hippocampal neurons from Aβ25-35-induced toxicity. Our findings indicate that CBD significantly improves cell viability and decreases levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The results demonstrate that CBD possesses a robust potential to rescue cells from induced neurotoxicity through its antioxidant properties. Additionally, the neuroprotective effect of CBD may be associated with the modulation of the endocannabinoid system. These findings suggest that CBD could be a promising compound for adjuvant treatments in neurodegenerative processes triggered by amyloid-β peptide.

Genus Sambucus: Exploring Its Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient with Neuroprotective Properties Mediated by Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

The genus Sambucus, mainly Sambucus nigra, has emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties. This review explores the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroregenerative effects of Sambucus-derived compounds and their implications for brain health and cognitive function. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of Sambucus extracts to mitigate oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and promote neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In vivo studies using animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, have shown that Sambucus compounds can improve cognitive function, motor performance, and neuronal survival while attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. The neuroprotective effects of Sambucus are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, which exert their benefits through multiple mechanisms, including the modulation of signaling pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the potential of Sambucus as a functional food ingredient is discussed, highlighting its application in various food products and the challenges associated with the stability and bioavailability of its bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the neuroprotective potential of Sambucus and its derivatives, offering valuable insights for the development of dietary strategies to promote brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

The protective effect of parthenolide in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease through its regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, and is due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. It is multifactorial, caused by genetic and environmental factors and currently has no definitive cure. We have investigated the protective effects of parthenolide (PTN), a compound with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in an in vitro model of PD, that is induced by 6-OHDA, and that causes neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with PTN to assess its protective effects in 6-OHDA-induced cellular damage. Cell viability was measured using Alamar blue. Apoptosis was evaluated using an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified, and expression levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, p53) and NF-κB were analyzed via Western blotting and Quantitative real-time- (qRT-) PCR. We found that 6-OHDA reduced cell viability, that was inhibited significantly by pre-treatment with PTN (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed that PTN reduced apoptosis induced by 6-OHDA. PTN also reduced the ROS levels raised by 6-OHDA (p < 0.05). Moreover, PTN decreased the expression of Bax, p53, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB that were increased by treatment with 6-OHDA.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the potential beneficial effects of PTN in an in vitro model of PD via mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, suggested PTN as a promising agent to be used for PD therapy, warranting further investigation in preclinical and clinical studies.

Manipulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species alters survival in unexpected ways in a Drosophila Cdk5 model of neurodegeneration

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with aging and neurodegeneration, but the significance of this association remains obscure. Here, using a Drosophila Cdk5 model of age-related neurodegeneration, we probe this relationship in the pathologically relevant tissue, the brain, by quantifying three specific mitochondrial ROS and manipulating these redox species pharmacologically. Our goal is to ask whether pathology-associated changes in redox state are detrimental for survival, whether they may be beneficial responses to pathology, or whether they are covariates of pathology that do not alter viability. We find, surprisingly, that increasing mitochondrial H2O2 correlates with improved survival. We also find evidence that drugs that alter the mitochondrial glutathione redox potential modulate survival primarily through the compensatory effects they induce rather than through their direct effects on the final mitochondrial glutathione redox potential. We also find that the response to treatment with a redox-altering drug varies depending on the age and genotype of the individual receiving the drug as well as the duration of the treatment. These data have important implications for the design and interpretation of studies investigating the effect of redox state on health and disease as well as on efforts to modify the redox state to achieve therapeutic goals.

Regulation of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in health and diseases

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) functions as a central regulator in modulating the activities of diverse antioxidant enzymes, maintaining cellular redox balance, and responding to oxidative stress (OS). Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) serves as a principal negative modulator in controlling the expression of detoxification and antioxidant genes. It is widely accepted that OS plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. When OS occurs, leading to inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils, increased secretion of proteases, and the generation of large quantities of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS). These ROS can oxidize or disrupt DNA, lipids, and proteins either directly or indirectly. They also cause gene mutations, lipid peroxidation, and protein denaturation, all of which can result in disease. The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway regulates the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in vivo, maintains the stability of the intracellular environment, and promotes cell growth and repair. However, the antioxidant properties of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway are reduced in disease. This review overviews the mechanisms of OS generation, the biological properties of Keap1-Nrf2, and the regulatory role of its pathway in health and disease, to explore therapeutic strategies for the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway in different diseases.

Whole-exome sequencing identifies protein-coding variants associated with brain iron in 29,828 individuals

Iron plays a fundamental role in multiple brain disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of brain iron and its implications for these disorders are still lacking. Here, we conduct an exome-wide association analysis of brain iron, measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping technique, across 26 brain regions among 26,789 UK Biobank participants. We find 36 genes linked to brain iron, with 29 not being previously reported, and 16 of them can be replicated in an independent dataset with 3,039 subjects. Many of these genes are involved in iron transport and homeostasis, such as FTH1 and MLX. Several genes, while not previously connected to brain iron, are associated with iron-related brain disorders like Parkinson's (STAB1, KCNA10), Alzheimer's (SHANK1), and depression (GFAP). Mendelian randomization analysis reveals six causal relationships from regional brain iron to brain disorders, such as from the hippocampus to depression and from the substantia nigra to Parkinson's. These insights advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of brain iron and offer potential therapeutic targets for brain disorders.

Development of a Nomogram Model Based on Lactate-To-Albumin Ratio for Prognostic Prediction in Hospitalized Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a nomogram model incorporating lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) to predict the prognosis of hospitalized patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and demonstrate its excellent predictive performance.

METHODS

A total of 226 patients with ICH from the Medical information mart for intensive care III (MIMIC Ⅲ) database were randomly split into 8:2 ratio training and experimental groups, and 38 patients from the eICU-CRD for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with ICH, and multivariate Cox regression was used to construct nomograms for 7-day and 14-day overall survival (OS). The performance of nomogram was verified by the calibration curves, decision curves, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Our study identified LAR, glucose, mean blood pressure, sodium, and ethnicity as independent factors influencing in-hospital prognosis. The predictive performance of our nomogram model for predicting 7-day and 14 -day OS (AUCs: 0.845 and 0.830 respectively) are both superior to Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score, Simplified acute physiology score II, and SIRS (AUCs: 0.617, 0.620 and 0.591 and AUCs: 0.709, 0.715 and 0.640, respectively) in internal validation, and also demonstrate favorable predictive performance in external validation (AUCs: 0.778 and 0.778 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LAR as a novel biomarker is closely associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality of patients with ICH. The nomogram model incorporating LAR along with glucose, mean blood pressure, sodium, and ethnicity demonstrate excellent predictive performance for predicting the prognosis of 7- and 14-day OS of hospitalized patients with ICH.

Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1 as a Regulator of Neuronal GSH Synthesis

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) is a cytokine known to play important roles in cell survival under stressful conditions, maintenance of cellular growth homeostasis, and activation of the immune system. However, the impact of Erdr1 on neurons remains undefined. In this study, we present novel evidence that Erdr1 plays a role in regulating glutathione (GSH) synthesis via glutamate transporter-associated protein 3-18 (GTRAP3-18), an anchor protein in the endoplasmic reticulum that holds excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) in neurons. Both DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed an approximately 2-fold increase in Erdr1 levels in the hippocampus of GTRAP3-18-deficient mice compared to those of wild-type mice. Knockdown of Erdr1 in vitro resulted in a decrease in GTRAP3-18 levels, leading to an increase in EAAC1 expression and intracellular GSH levels, and subsequently, cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress. Our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms involving Erdr1, GTRAP3-18, EAAC1, and GSH in the context of neuronal defense against oxidative stress. Understanding the intricate interplay among these molecules may pave the way for the development of promising therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Comprehensive Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome: How Nutrition, Dietary Polyphenols, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle Modifications Address Diabesity, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Several hallmarks of metabolic syndrome, such as dysregulation in the glucose and lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, low-to-medium systemic inflammation, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, represent a pathological bridge between metabolic syndrome and diabesity, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review aims to highlight some therapeutic strategies against metabolic syndrome involving integrative approaches to improve lifestyle and daily diet. The beneficial effects of foods containing antioxidant polyphenols, intestinal microbiota control, and physical activity were also considered. We comprehensively examined a large body of published articles involving basic, animal, and human studie, as well as recent guidelines. As a result, dietary polyphenols from natural plant-based antioxidants and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, along with physical exercise, are promising complementary therapies to delay or prevent the onset of metabolic syndrome and counteract diabesity and cardiovascular diseases, as well as to protect against neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive decline. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota reduces the risks associated with MS, improves diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and exerts neuroprotective action. Despite several studies, the estimation of dietary polyphenol intake is inconclusive and requires further evidence. Lifestyle interventions involving physical activity and reduced calorie intake can improve metabolic outcomes.

Biological, phytochemical and molecular docking characteristics of Laurus nobilis L. fresh leaves essential oil from Palestine

BACKGROUND

The historical use of Laurus nobilis L., the plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used as a flavoring agent in cooking and for their potential therapeutic properties.

METHODS

The purpose of the current investigation was to characterize the essential oil composition of the fresh L. nobilis leaves from Palestine by using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), p-nitrophenyl butyrate, and 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid (DNSA) methods were employed to estimate the antioxidant, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects of the essential oil. While MTS assay were used to evaluate their antiproliferative activities on panels of cell lines. Moreover, the docking studies were aided by the Prime MM GBSA method for estimating binding affinities.

RESULTS

The GC-MS investigation demonstrated that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has a variety of chemicals, about 31 different biochemicals were identified, and the major compounds were 1,8-cineole (48.54 ± 0.91%), terpinyl acetate (13.46 ± 0.34%), and α-terpinyl (3.84 ± 0.35%). Furthermore, the investigated oil demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and candidal strains and significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cells more than the chemotherapeutic drug Doxorubicin. Furthermore, it contains robust DPPH free radicals, as well as porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase enzymes. Using the 1,8-cineole compound as the predominant biomolecule found in the L. nobilis essential oil, molecular docking studies were performed to confirm these observed fabulous results. The molecular docking simulations proposed that these recorded biological activities almost emanated from its high ability to form strong and effective hydrophobic interactions, this led to the getting of optimal fitting and interaction patterns within the binding sites of the applied crystallographic protein targets.

CONCLUSION

The results of these experiments showed that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has outstanding pharmacological capabilities, making this oil a potential source of natural medications.

Bioanalysis of Stress Biomarkers through Sensitive HILIC-MS/MS Method: A Stride toward Accurate Quantification of MDA, ACR, and CTA

Quantifying reactive aldehyde biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde, is the most preferred approach to determine oxidative stress. However, reported analytical methods lack specificity for accurately quantifying these aldehydes as certain methodologies may produce false positive results due to harsh experimental conditions. Thus, in this research work, a novel HILIC-MS/MS method with endogenous histidine derivatization is developed, which proves to have higher specificity and reproducibility in quantifying these aldehydes from the biological matrix. To overcome the reactivity of aldehyde, endogenous histidine is used for its derivatization. The generated adduct is orthogonally characterized by NMR and LC-HRMS. The method employed a hydrophilic HILIC column and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to accurately quantify these reactive aldehydes. The developed method is an unequivocal solution for quantifying stress in in vivo and in vitro studies.

Microglial lipid droplet accumulation in tauopathy brain is regulated by neuronal AMPK

The accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) in aging and Alzheimer's disease brains is considered a pathological phenomenon with unresolved cellular and molecular mechanisms. Utilizing stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, we observed significant in situ LD accumulation in microglia of tauopathy mouse brains. SRS imaging, combined with deuterium oxide (D2O) labeling, revealed heightened lipogenesis and impaired lipid turnover within LDs in tauopathy fly brains and human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Transfer of unsaturated lipids from tauopathy iPSC neurons to microglia induced LD accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired phagocytosis. Neuronal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibits lipogenesis and promotes lipophagy in neurons, thereby reducing lipid flux to microglia. AMPK depletion in prodromal tauopathy mice increased LD accumulation, exacerbated pro-inflammatory microgliosis, and promoted neuropathology. Our findings provide direct evidence of native, aberrant LD accumulation in tauopathy brains and underscore the critical role of AMPK in regulating brain lipid homeostasis.

Altered Metabolic Signaling and Potential Therapies in Polyglutamine Diseases

Polyglutamine diseases comprise a cluster of genetic disorders involving neurodegeneration and movement disabilities. In polyglutamine diseases, the target proteins become aberrated due to polyglutamine repeat formation. These aberrant proteins form the root cause of associated complications. The metabolic regulation during polyglutamine diseases is not well studied and needs more attention. We have brought to light the significance of regulating glutamine metabolism during polyglutamine diseases, which could help in decreasing the neuronal damage associated with excess glutamate and nucleotide generation. Most polyglutamine diseases are accompanied by symptoms that occur due to excess glutamate and nucleotide accumulation. Along with a dysregulated glutamine metabolism, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels drop down, and, under these conditions, NAD+ supplementation is the only achievable strategy. NAD+ is a major co-factor in the glutamine metabolic pathway, and it helps in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Thus, strategies to decrease excess glutamate and nucleotide generation, as well as channelizing glutamine toward the generation of ATP and the maintenance of NAD+ homeostasis, could aid in neuronal health. Along with understanding the metabolic dysregulation that occurs during polyglutamine diseases, we have also focused on potential therapeutic strategies that could provide direct benefits or could restore metabolic homeostasis. Our review will shed light into unique metabolic causes and into ideal therapeutic strategies for treating complications associated with polyglutamine diseases.

Exploring the Comprehensive Neuroprotective and Anticancer Potential of Afzelin

Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and others) and cancer, seemingly disparate in their etiology and manifestation, exhibit intriguing associations in certain cellular and molecular processes. Both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases involve the deregulation of cellular processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, and DNA repair and pose a significant global health challenge. Afzelin (kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside) is a flavonoid compound abundant in various plant sources. Afzelin exhibits a diverse range of biological activities, offering promising prospects for the treatment of diseases hallmarked by oxidative stress and deregulation of cell death pathways. Its protective potential against oxidative stress is also promising for alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy. This review explores the potential therapeutic implications of afzelin, including its capacity to mitigate oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and promote cellular regeneration in neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.

The Role of NRF2 in Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion Disorders

Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders, a diverse group of neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by abnormal expansions within specific genes. These expansions trigger a cascade of cellular damage, including protein aggregation and abnormal RNA binding. A key contributor to this damage is oxidative stress, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species that harms cellular components. This review explores the interplay between oxidative stress and the NRF2 pathway in these disorders. NRF2 acts as the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, orchestrating the expression of enzymes that combat oxidative stress. Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders often exhibit impaired NRF2 signaling, resulting in inadequate responses to excessive ROS production. NRF2 activation has been shown to upregulate antioxidative gene expression, effectively alleviating oxidative stress damage. NRF2 activators, such as omaveloxolone, vatiquinone, curcumin, sulforaphane, dimethyl fumarate, and resveratrol, demonstrate neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress in experimental cell and animal models of these diseases. However, translating these findings into successful clinical applications requires further research. In this article, we review the literature supporting the role of NRF2 in the pathogenesis of these diseases and the potential therapeutics of NRF2 activators.

Research on the signaling pathways related to the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in Parkinson's disease:A literature review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of Daergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been reported that signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, while the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been found to possess a protective effect against PD. TCM has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of DA neurons via the regulation of signaling pathways associated with PD.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study discussed and analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of PD and the mechanism of active ingredients of TCM regulating PD via signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With "Parkinson's disease", "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease", "Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease", "Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson's disorders", "Parkinsonism syndrome", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "active ingredients", "medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval.

RESULTS

PD exhibits a close association with various signaling pathways, including but not limited to MAPKs, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, TLR/TRIF, NLRP3, Notch. The therapeutic potential of TCM lies in its ability to regulate these signaling pathways. In addition, the active ingredients of TCM have shown significant effects in improving OS, neuroinflammation, and DA neuron apoptosis in PD.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients of TCM have unique advantages in regulating PD-related signaling pathways. It is suggested to combine network pharmacology and bioinformatics to study the specific targets of TCM. This not only provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of PD with the active ingredients of TCM, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection and development of TCM preparations.

Unraveling the link between neuropathy target esterase NTE/SWS, lysosomal storage diseases, inflammation, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, and leaky brain barrier

Mutations in Drosophila Swiss cheese (SWS) gene or its vertebrate orthologue neuropathy target esterase (NTE) lead to progressive neuronal degeneration in flies and humans. Despite its enzymatic function as a phospholipase is well established, the molecular mechanism responsible for maintaining nervous system integrity remains unclear. In this study, we found that NTE/SWS is present in surface glia that forms the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and that NTE/SWS is important to maintain its structure and permeability. Importantly, BBB glia-specific expression of Drosophila NTE/SWS or human NTE in the sws mutant background fully rescues surface glial organization and partially restores BBB integrity, suggesting a conserved function of NTE/SWS. Interestingly, sws mutant glia showed abnormal organization of plasma membrane domains and tight junction rafts accompanied by the accumulation of lipid droplets, lysosomes, and multilamellar bodies. Since the observed cellular phenotypes closely resemble the characteristics described in a group of metabolic disorders known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), our data established a novel connection between NTE/SWS and these conditions. We found that mutants with defective BBB exhibit elevated levels of fatty acids, which are precursors of eicosanoids and are involved in the inflammatory response. Also, as a consequence of a permeable BBB, several innate immunity factors are upregulated in an age-dependent manner, while BBB glia-specific expression of NTE/SWS normalizes inflammatory response. Treatment with anti-inflammatory agents prevents the abnormal architecture of the BBB, suggesting that inflammation contributes to the maintenance of a healthy brain barrier. Considering the link between a malfunctioning BBB and various neurodegenerative diseases, gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing inflammation due to a defective BBB could help to promote the use of anti-inflammatory therapies for age-related neurodegeneration.

Oxidative stress in the brain-lung crosstalk: cellular and molecular perspectives

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of brain and lung-related diseases. This review comprehensively examines the intricate mechanisms by which oxidative stress influences cellular and molecular pathways, contributing to neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Emphasizing the detrimental effects on both brain and lung health, we discuss innovative diagnostic biomarkers, such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and the potential of antioxidant therapies. For these topics, we provide insights into future research directions in the field of oxidative stress treatment, including the development of personalized treatment approaches, the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers, and the development of new drug delivery systems. This review not only provides a new perspective on understanding the role of oxidative stress in brain and lung-related diseases but also offers new insights for future clinical treatments.

The neuroprotective effects of baobab and black seed on the rat hippocampus exposed to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field

This study investigated the potential effects on the hippocampus of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) disseminated by mobile phones and the roles of baobab (Adansonia digitata) (AD) and black seed (Nigella sativa) (BS) in mitigating these. Fifty-six male, 12-week-old Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups of seven animals each. No EMF exposure was applied to the control, AD or BS groups, while the rats in the Sham group were placed in an EMF system with no exposure. A 900-MHz EMF was applied to the EMF+AD, EMF+BS, EMF+AD+BS and EMF groups for 1 hour a day for 28 days. Pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus were subsequently counted using the optical fractionator technique, one of the unbiased stereological methods. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically under light and electron microscopy. The activities of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also determined in blood serum samples. Analysis of the stereological data revealed no statistically significant differences between the EMF and control or sham groups in terms of pyramidal neuron numbers (p>0.05). However, stereological examination revealed a crucial difference in the entire hippocampus between the control group and the AD (p<0.01) and BS (p<0.05) groups. Moreover, exposure to 900-MHz EMF produced adverse changes in the structures of neurons at histopathological analysis. Qualitative examinations suggest that a combination of herbal products such as AD and BS exerts a protective effect against such EMF side-effects.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a Potential Source of Phytochemicals for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a medicinal plant belonging to the traditional Indian medical system, showing various therapeutic effects such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective activity. Of great interest is W. somnifera's potential beneficial effect against neurodegenerative diseases, since the authorized medicinal treatments can only delay disease progression and provide symptomatic relief and are not without side effects. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the applications of W. somnifera in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Only English articles and those containing the keywords (Withania somnifera AND "neurodegenerative diseases", "neuroprotective effects", "Huntington", "Parkinson", "Alzheimer", "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis", "neurological disorders") in the title or abstract were considered. Reviews, editorials, letters, meta-analyses, conference papers, short surveys, and book chapters were not considered. Selected articles were grouped by pathologies and summarized, considering the mechanism of action. The quality assessment and the risk of bias were performed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions checklist. This review uses a systematic approach to summarize the results from 60 investigations to highlight the potential role of W. somnifera and its specialized metabolites in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Key Player in Brain Aging and Diseases

Mitochondria are thought to have become incorporated within the eukaryotic cell approximately 2 billion years ago and play a role in a variety of cellular processes, such as energy production, calcium buffering and homeostasis, steroid synthesis, cell growth, and apoptosis, as well as inflammation and ROS production. Considering that mitochondria are involved in a multitude of cellular processes, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to play a role within several age-related diseases, including cancers, diabetes (type 2), and neurodegenerative diseases, although the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood. The significant increase in lifespan and increased incidence of age-related diseases over recent decades has confirmed the necessity to understand the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction impacts the process of aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we will offer a brief overview of mitochondria, along with structure and function of this important organelle. We will then discuss the cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging process, with a particular focus on its role in inflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. We will offer insight into therapies and interventions currently used to preserve or restore mitochondrial functioning during aging and neurodegeneration.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of spirulina and thymoquinone mitigate the methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the neurotoxic effects caused by methotrexate (MTX), a frequently used chemotherapy drug, could be improved by administering Spirulina platensis (SP) and/or thymoquinone (TQ). Seven groups of seven rats were assigned randomly for duration of 21 days. The groups consisted of a control group that was given saline only. The second group was given 500 mg/kg of SP orally; the third group was given 10 mg/kg of TQ orally. The fourth group was given a single IP dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX on the 15th day of the experiment. The fifth group was given both SP and MTX, the sixth group was given both TQ and MTX, and the seventh group was given SP, TQ, and MTX. After MTX exposure, the study found that AChE inhibition, depletion of glutathione, and increased levels of MDA occurred. MTX also decreased the activity of SOD and CAT, as well as the levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. MTX induced apoptosis in brain tissue. However, when MTX was combined with either SP or TQ, the harmful effects on the body were significantly reduced. This combination treatment resulted in a faster return to normal levels of biochemical, oxidative markers, inflammatory responses, and cell death. In conclusion, supplementation with SP or TQ could potentially alleviate MTX-induced neuronal injury, likely due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Computational and physicochemical insight into 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal induced structural and functional perturbations in human low-density lipoprotein

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is a biological process that frequently occurs under physiological conditions. Undue oxidative stress increases the level of LPO; which may further contribute to the development of cancer. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), one of the principal by-products of LPO, is present in high concentrations in oxidatively stressed cells. HNE rapidly reacts with various biological components, including DNA and proteins; however, the extent of protein degradation by lipid electrophiles is not well understood. The influence of HNE on protein structures will likely have a considerable therapeutic value. This research elucidates the potential of HNE, one of the most researched phospholipid peroxidation products, in modifying low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In this study, we tracked the structural alterations in LDL by HNE using various physicochemical techniques. To comprehend the stability, binding mechanism and conformational dynamics of the HNE-LDL complex, computational investigations were carried out. LDL was altered in vitro by HNE, and the secondary and tertiary structural alterations were examined using spectroscopic methods, such as UV-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid-reactive-substance (TBARS) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assays were used to examine changes in the oxidation status of LDL. Thioflavin T (ThT), 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic (ANS) binding assay and electron microscopy were used to investigate aggregates formation. According to our research, LDL modified by HNE results in changes in structural dynamics, oxidative stress and the formation of LDL aggregates. The current investigation must characterize HNE's interactions with LDL and comprehend how it can change their physiological or pathological functions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Hexavalent Chromium Induces Neurotoxicity by Triggering Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ROS-Mediated Signals

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), one of the most detrimental pollutants, has been ubiquitously present in the environment and causes serious toxicity to humans, such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and cardiotoxicity. However, Cr (VI)-induced neurotoxicity in primary neuron level has not been well explored yet. Herein, potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) was employed to examine the neurotoxicity of Cr (VI) in rat primary hippocampal neurons. MTT test was used to examine the neural viability. Mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed by the JC-1 probe and Mito-Tracker probe. DCFH-DA and Mito-SOX Red were utilized to evaluate the oxidative status. Bcl-2 family and MAPKs expression were investigated using Western blotting. The results demonstrated that Cr (VI) treatment dose- and time-dependently inhibited neural viability. Mechanism investigation found that Cr (VI) treatment causes mitochondrial dysfunction by affecting Bcl-2 family expression. Moreover, Cr (VI) treatment also induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, and MAPKs activation in neurons. However, inhibition of ROS by glutathione (GSH) effectually balanced Bcl-2 family expression, attenuated DNA damage and the MAPKs activation, and eventually improved neural viability neurons. Collectively, these above results above suggest that Cr (VI) causes significant neurotoxicity by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS-mediated oxidative damage and MAKPs activation.

The role of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes in the central nervous system: A review

Tumour necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2) is a gene induced by tumor necrosis factor in endothelial cells. TNFAIP2 has important functions in physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, tunneling nanotube (TNT) formation and tumorigenesis. Moreover, TNFAIP2 is the key factor in the formation of TNTs. TNTs are related to signal transduction between different cell types and are considered a novel means of cell-to-cell communication. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells that exhibit self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, paracrine function and immune-regulating ability. MSCs can transfer mitochondria through TNTs to improve the functions of target cells. This review revealed that TNFAIP2 promotes the formation of TNTs and that MSCs rely on TNTs for mitochondrial transfer to ameliorate cell dysfunction.

New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.

Antioxidant Metabolism Pathways in Vitamins, Polyphenols, and Selenium: Parallels and Divergences

Free radicals (FRs) are unstable molecules that cause reactive stress (RS), an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the body and its ability to neutralize them. These species are generated by both internal and external factors and can damage cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA. Antioxidants prevent or slow down the oxidation process by interrupting the transfer of electrons between substances and reactive agents. This is particularly important at the cellular level because oxidation reactions lead to the formation of FR and contribute to various diseases. As we age, RS accumulates and leads to organ dysfunction and age-related disorders. Polyphenols; vitamins A, C, and E; and selenoproteins possess antioxidant properties and may have a role in preventing and treating certain human diseases associated with RS. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the potential benefits of dietary supplementation and investigate the intricate connection between SIRT1, a crucial regulator of aging and longevity; the transcription factor NRF2; and polyphenols, vitamins, and selenium. Finally, we discuss the positive effects of antioxidant molecules, such as reducing RS, and their potential in slowing down several diseases.

Missing Puzzle Pieces in Dementia Research: HCN Channels and Theta Oscillations

Increasing evidence indicates a role of hyperpolarization activated cation (HCN) channels in controlling the resting membrane potential, pacemaker activity, memory formation, sleep, and arousal. Their disfunction may be associated with the development of epilepsy and age-related memory decline. Neuronal hyperexcitability involved in epileptogenesis and EEG desynchronization occur in the course of dementia in human Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and animal models, nevertheless the underlying ionic and cellular mechanisms of these effects are not well understood. Some suggest that theta rhythms involved in memory formation could be used as a marker of memory disturbances in the course of neurogenerative diseases, including AD. This review focusses on the interplay between hyperpolarization HCN channels, theta oscillations, memory formation and their role(s) in dementias, including AD. While individually, each of these factors have been linked to each other with strong supportive evidence, we hope here to expand this linkage to a more inclusive picture. Thus, HCN channels could provide a molecular target for developing new therapeutic agents for preventing and/or treating dementia.

Effects of Valproic Acid Therapy on Rats with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of valproic acid (VPA) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) to reduce the risk of clinical conversion and provide a valuable reference for future animal and clinical studies.

METHODS

We searched scientific databases, including PubMed, Ovid-Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The relevant literature was searched from the establishment date of the database to June 28, 2023. The search results were screened, data were extracted, and the quality of the literature was evaluated independently by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

Among 656 nonduplicated references, 14 articles were included for meta-analysis. The summary results showed that the overall Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores of the VPA intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 1-6 weeks after VPA intervention. Subgroup analysis showed that the injury model, administration dose, rat strain, country of study, or follow-up duration had no significant effect on the efficacy of VPA on rats with SCI. In addition, mesh analysis showed that high doses of the VPA group had a better effect on SCI rats, compared with the low dose group and the medium dose group.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, this is the first systematic evaluation of the potential effects of VPA on motor recovery in rats with SCI. We concluded that VPA can promote motor recovery in rats with SCI, and higher doses of VPA seem to be more effective in rats with SCI. However, the limited quality and sample of included studies reduced the application of this meta-analysis. In the future, more high-quality, direct comparative studies are needed to explore this issue in depth.

SkQ3 Exhibits the Most Pronounced Antioxidant Effect on Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria and Yeast Cells

Oxidative stress is involved in a wide range of age-related diseases. A critical role has been proposed for mitochondrial oxidative stress in initiating or promoting these pathologies and the potential for mitochondria-targeted antioxidants to fight them, making their search and testing a very urgent task. In this study, the mitochondria-targeted antioxidants SkQ1, SkQ3 and MitoQ were examined as they affected isolated rat liver mitochondria and yeast cells, comparing SkQ3 with clinically tested SkQ1 and MitoQ. At low concentrations, all three substances stimulated the oxidation of respiratory substrates in state 4 respiration (no ADP addition); at higher concentrations, they inhibited the ADP-triggered state 3 respiration and the uncoupled state, depolarized the inner mitochondrial membrane, contributed to the opening of the mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore), did not specifically affect ATP synthase, and had a pronounced antioxidant effect. SkQ3 was the most active antioxidant, not possessing, unlike SkQ1 or MitoQ, prooxidant activity with increasing concentrations. In yeast cells, all three substances reduced prooxidant-induced intracellular oxidative stress and cell death and prevented and reversed mitochondrial fragmentation, with SkQ3 being the most efficient. These data allow us to consider SkQ3 as a promising potential therapeutic agent to mitigate pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

Chlorophytum borivilianum aqueous root extract prevents deterioration of testicular function in mice and preserves human sperm function in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chlorophytum borivilianum (C. borivilianum) (CB) has traditionally been used to treat male sexual dysfunctions and has been claimed to possess aphrodisiac properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the ability of CB to ameliorate H2O2-induced oxidative stress in testes and sperm in mice and prevent H2O2-induced oxidative in human sperm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oxidative stress was induced in male mice by pre-exposure to 2% H2O2 orally for seven consecutive days, followed by 100 and 200 mg/kg b. w. administration. CB for another seven days. At the end of treatment, mice were sacrificed and testes and epididymal sperm were harvested. Serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels were measured and sperm parameters were obtained. Meanwhile, oxidative stress levels in mice testes and sperm, steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis markers in mice testes were assessed by molecular biological techniques. In another experiment, sperm from thirty-two healthy fertile men were incubated with 200 μM H2O2 and CB (100 and 200 μg/ml) simultaneously and were then evaluated for sperm parameter changes.

RESULTS

In mice, CB administration ameliorates persistent increases in oxidative stress and decreases in anti-oxidative enzyme levels in testes and sperm following H2O2 pre-exposure. Additionally, CB also helps to ameliorate deterioration in sperm parameters and testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and restores the serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels near normal in mice. In humans, CB helps to prevent deterioration in sperm parameters following H2O2 exposure.

CONCLUSION

CB is potentially useful to preserve the male reproductive capability and subsequently male fertility in high oxidative stress conditions.

Biomaterials-Based Antioxidant Strategies for the Treatment of Oxidative Stress Diseases

Oxidative stress is characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species or a decrease in antioxidants in the body. This imbalance leads to detrimental effects, including inflammation and multiple chronic diseases, ranging from impaired wound healing to highly impacting pathologies in the neural and cardiovascular systems, or the bone, amongst others. However, supplying compounds with antioxidant activity is hampered by their low bioavailability. The development of biomaterials with antioxidant capacity is poised to overcome this roadblock. Moreover, in the treatment of chronic inflammation, material-based strategies would allow the controlled and targeted release of antioxidants into the affected tissue. In this review, we revise the main causes and effects of oxidative stress, and survey antioxidant biomaterials used for the treatment of chronic wounds, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases (focusing on cardiac infarction, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis) and osteoporosis. We anticipate that these developments will lead to the emergence of new technologies for tissue engineering, control of oxidative stress and prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

D-Pinitol improves cognitive dysfunction and neuronal damage induced by isoproterenol via modulation of NF-κB/BDNF/GFAP signaling in Swiss albino mice

Objectives

Neurological disorders are the world's most distressing problem. The adverse effects of current medications continue to compel scientists to seek safer, more effective, and economically affordable alternatives. In this vein, we explored the effect of D-Pinitol on isoproterenol-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

Materials and Methods

Forty-two mice were randomly distributed into 7 groups each having 6 animals. Group I; received saline. Group II; received isoproterenol (ISO) 15 mg/kg/day, s.c. for 20 days. Group III, IV; received 50 and 100 mg/kg/day/oral of D-Pinitol, respectively along with ISO for 20 days. Group V; received D-Pinitol 100 mg/kg/day/oral for 20 days. Group VI; received propranolol 20 mg/kg/day/oral and ISO for 20 days. Group VII; received propranolol 20 mg/kg/day/oral for 20 days. On the 21st day after behavioral tests, blood was collected and mice were sacrificed for various biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

Chronic administration of isoproterenol caused neurotoxicity, cognitive dysfunction, and histopathological changes in the brain as evidenced by increase in GFAP, oxidative stress (via SOD, CAT, TBARS, and GSH), neuroinflammation (NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), and decrease in AchE and BDNF. Co-administration of D-Pinitol (100 mg/kg) significantly prevented these pathological alterations. The cognitive improvement was also observed through the forced swim test, elevated plus maze test, and rotarod test.

Conclusion

Our findings on D-Pinitol thus clearly established its neuroprotective role in ISO-induced neurodegeneration in Swiss albino mice.

Revisiting the Mitochondrial Function and Communication in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are distinguished by the progressive loss of anatomically or physiologically relevant neural systems. Atypical mitochondrial morphology and metabolic malfunction are found in many neurodegenerative disorders. Alteration in mitochondrial function can occur as a result of aberrant mitochondrial DNA, altered nuclear enzymes that interact with mitochondria actively or passively, or due to unexplained reasons. Mitochondria are intimately linked to the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and ER-mitochondrial communication governs several of the physiological functions and procedures that are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders. Numerous researchers have associated these disorders with ER-mitochondrial interaction disturbance. In addition, aberrant mitochondrial DNA mutation and increased ROS production resulting in ionic imbalance and leading to functional and structural alterations in the brain as well as cellular damage may have an essential role in disease progression via mitochondrial malfunction. In this review, we explored the evidence highlighting the role of mitochondrial alterations in neurodegenerative pathways in most serious ailments, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD).

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Antioxidant Derivatives: Pharmacological Insights for Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders, characterized by oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, have become a major global health concern. Redox reactions play a vital role in regulating the balance of the neuronal microenvironment. Specifically, the imbalance leads to a significant weakening of the organism's natural defensive mechanisms. This, in turn, causes the development of harmful oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The quest for effective therapeutic agents has led to significant advancements in the synthesis of antioxidant derivatives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the use of novel antioxidant compounds with potential pharmacological applications in the management of neurological disorders. The discussed compounds encompass a diverse range of chemical structures, including polyphenols, vitamins, flavonoids, and hybrid molecules, highlighting their varied mechanisms of action. This review also focuses on the mechanism of oxidative stress in developing neurodegenerative disease. The neuroprotective effects of these antioxidant derivatives are explored in the context of specific neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. The ultimate goal is to provide effective treatments for these debilitating conditions and improve the quality of life for patients.

Sesamol: A Phenolic Compound of Health Benefits and Therapeutic Promise in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Sesamol, one of the key bioactive ingredients of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), is responsible for many of its possible nutritional benefits. Both the Chinese and Indian medical systems have recognized the therapeutic potential of sesame seeds. It has been shown to have significant therapeutic potential against oxidative stress, inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, and mental disorders. Sesamol is a benign molecule that inhibits the expression of inflammatory indicators like numerous enzymes responsible for inducing inflammation, protein kinases, cytokines, and redox status. This review summarises the potential beneficial effects of sesamol against neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Recently, sesamol has been shown to reduce amyloid peptide accumulation and attenuate cognitive deficits in AD models. Sesamol has also been demonstrated to reduce the severity of PD and HD in animal models by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The mechanism of sesamol's pharmacological activities against neurodegenerative diseases will also be discussed in this review.

Role of Network Pharmacology in Prediction of Mechanism of Neuroprotective Compounds

Network pharmacology is an emerging pioneering approach in the drug discovery process, which is used to predict the therapeutic mechanism of compounds using various bioinformatic tools and databases. Emerging studies have indicated the use of network pharmacological approaches in various research fields, particularly in the identification of possible mechanisms of herbal compounds/ayurvedic formulations in the management of various diseases. These techniques could also play an important role in the prediction of the possible mechanisms of neuroprotective compounds. The first part of the chapter includes an introduction on neuroprotective compounds based on literature. Further, network pharmacological approaches are briefly discussed. The use of network pharmacology in the prediction of the neuroprotective mechanism of compounds is discussed in detail with suitable examples. Finally, the chapter concludes with the current challenges and future prospectives.