Isoliquiritigenin Ameliorates Acute Pancreatitis in Mice via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Isoliquiritigenin alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/SLC7a11/GPX4 axis in mice

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, a multifaceted pathological process, occurs when the prolongation of reperfusion duration triggers ferroptosis-mediated myocardial damage. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a single flavonoid from licorice, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological impacts, but its function in ferroptosis caused by myocardial I/R injury remains unclear. This study delved into the protective effect of ISL on myocardial I/R injury-induced ferroptosis and its mechanism. Neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM) underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate the pathological process of myocardial I/R. ISL significantly attenuated H/R-triggered production of reactive oxygen species in NMCM, reduced the expression of malondialdehyde and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and increased the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), thereby mitigating oxidative stress damage. CCK8 experiment revealed that the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 significantly improved myocardial cell viability after 24 h of reoxygenation, and ISL treatment showed a similar effect. ISL reduced intracellular free iron accumulation, up-regulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression, and inhibited lipid peroxidation accumulation, thereby alleviating ferroptosis. The Nrf2-specific inhibitor ML385 counteracted ISL's defensive role against H/R-triggered oxidative stress damage and ferroptosis. In vivo experiments further confirmed that by regulating the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, ISL treatment increased the levels of HO-1, GPX4, and SLC7A11, inhibited the expression of ACSL4, Drp1 to exert the antioxidant role, alleviated mitochondrial damage, and ferroptosis, ultimately reducing myocardial infarction area and injury induced by I/R. ML385 nearly abolished ISL's protective impact on the I/R model by inhibiting Nrf2 function. In summary, ISL is capable of mitigating oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and cardiomyocyte ferroptosis caused by I/R, thereby reducing myocardial injury. A key mechanism includes triggering the Nrf2/HO-1/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway to prevent oxidative stress damage and cardiomyocyte ferroptosis caused by I/R.

Urolithin A-mediated augmentation of intestinal barrier function through elevated secretory mucin synthesis

Maintaining the mucus layer is crucial for the innate immune system. Urolithin A (Uro A) is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite; however, its effect on mucin production as a physical barrier remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of Uro A on mucin production in the colon. In vivo experiments employing wild-type mice, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-deficient mice, and wild-type mice treated with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist were conducted to investigate the physiological role of Uro A. Additionally, in vitro assays using mucin-producing cells (LS174T) were conducted to assess mucus production following Uro A treatment. We found that Uro A thickened murine colonic mucus via enhanced mucin 2 expression facilitated by Nrf2 and AhR signaling without altering tight junctions. Uro A reduced mucosal permeability in fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran experiments and alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Uro A treatment increased short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and propionic acid concentration. LS174T cell studies confirmed that Uro A promotes mucus production through the AhR and Nrf2 pathways. In conclusion, the enhanced intestinal mucus secretion induced by Uro A is mediated through the actions of Nrf-2 and AhR, which help maintain intestinal barrier function.

Identification of Biomarkers Associated with Oxidative Stress and Immune Cells in Acute Pancreatitis

Purpose

Oxidative stress promotes disease progression by stimulating the humoral and cellular immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and immune responses in acute pancreatitis (AP) have not been extensively studied.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the GSE194331 dataset and oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs). We identified differentially expressed immune cell-associated OSRGs (DE-ICA-OSRGs) by overlapping key module genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis, OSRGs, and DEGs between AP and normal samples. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of DE-ICA-OSRGs. We then filtered diagnostic genes using receiver operating characteristic curves and investigated their molecular mechanisms using single-gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also explored the correlation between diagnostic genes and differential immune cells. Finally, we constructed a transcription factor-microRNA-messenger RNA (TF-miRNA-mRNA) network of biomarkers.

Results

In this study, three DE-ICA-OSRGs (ARG1, NME8 and VNN1) were filtered by overlapping key module genes, OSRGs and DEGs. Functional enrichment results revealed that DE-ICA-OSRGs were involved in the cellular response to reactive oxygen species and arginine biosynthesis. Latterly, a total of two diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were derived and their expression was higher in the AP group than in the normal group. The single-gene GSEA enrichment results revealed that diagnostic genes were mainly enriched in macroautophagy and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that CD8 T cells, resting memory T CD4 cells, and resting NK cells were negatively correlated with ARG1, and neutrophils were positively correlated with ARG1, which was consistent with that of VNN1. The TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network included 11 miRNAs, 2 mRNAs, 10 transcription factors (TFs), and 26 pairs of regulatory relationships, like NFKB1-has-miR-2909-VNN1.

Conclusion

In this study, two immune cell oxidative stress-related AP diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were screened to offer a new reference for the diagnosis of patients with AP.

Gene Regulation of Neutrophils Mediated Liver and Lung Injury through NETosis in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies, often resulting in self-digestion, edema, hemorrhage, and even necrosis of pancreatic tissue. When AP progresses to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), it often causes multi-organ damage, leading to a high mortality rate. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SAP-mediated organ damage remain unclear. This study aims to systematically mine SAP data from public databases and combine experimental validation to identify key molecules involved in multi-organ damage caused by SAP. Retrieve transcriptomic data of mice pancreatic tissue for AP, lung and liver tissue for SAP, and corresponding normal tissue from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Conduct gene differential analysis using Limma and DEseq2 methods. Perform enrichment analysis using the clusterProfiler package in R software. Score immune cells and immune status in various organs using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Evaluate mRNA expression levels of core genes using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Validate serum amylase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and detect the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in mice pancreatic, liver, and lung tissues using immunofluorescence. Differential analysis reveals that 46 genes exhibit expression dysregulation in mice pancreatic tissue for AP, liver and lung tissue for SAP, as well as peripheral blood in humans. Functional enrichment analysis indicates that these genes are primarily associated with neutrophil-related biological processes. ROC curve analysis indicates that 12 neutrophil-related genes have diagnostic potential for SAP. Immune infiltration analysis reveals high neutrophil infiltration in various organs affected by SAP. Single-cell sequencing analysis shows that these genes are predominantly expressed in neutrophils and macrophages. FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1 are identified as key genes involved in the formation of NETs and activation of neutrophils. qPCR and IHC results demonstrate upregulation of FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1 expression in pancreatic, liver, and lung tissues of mice with SAP. Immunofluorescence staining shows increased levels of neutrophils and NETs in SAP mice. Inhibition of NETs formation can alleviate the severity of SAP as well as the levels of inflammation in the liver and lung tissues. This study identified key genes involved in the formation of NETs, namely FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1, which are upregulated during multi-organ damage in SAP. Inhibition of NETs release effectively reduces the systemic inflammatory response and liver-lung damage in SAP. This research provides new therapeutic targets for the multi-organ damage associated with SAP.

Urolithin A's Role in Alleviating Severe Acute Pancreatitis via Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Calcium Channel Modulation

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), characterized by pancreatic acinar cell death, currently lacks effective targeted therapies. Ellagic acid (EA), rich in pomegranate, shows promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in SAP treatment. However, the roles of other forms of EA, such as plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from pomegranate, and Urolithin A (UA), converted from EA through gut microbiota metabolism in vivo, have not been definitively elucidated. Our research aimed to compare the effects of pomegranate-derived EVs (P-EVs) and UA in the treatment of SAP to screen an effective formulation and to explore its mechanisms in protecting acinar cells in SAP. By comparing the protective effects of P-EVs and UA on injured acinar cells, UA showed superior therapeutic effects than P-EVs. Subsequently, we further discussed the mechanism of UA in alleviating SAP inflammation. In vivo animal experiments found that UA could not only improve the inflammatory environment of pancreatic tissue and peripheral blood circulation in SAP mice but also revealed that the mechanism of UA in improving SAP might be related to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the results including pancreatic tissue transcriptomics and transmission electron microscopy. Further research found that UA could regulate ER-mitochondrial calcium channels and reduce pancreatic tissue necroptosis. In vitro experiments of mouse pancreatic organoids and acinar cells also confirmed that UA could improve pancreatic inflammation by regulating the ER-mitochondrial calcium channel and necroptosis pathway proteins. This study not only explored the therapeutic effect of plant EVs on SAP but also revealed that UA could alleviate SAP by regulating ER-mitochondrial calcium channel and reducing acinar cell necroptosis, providing insights into the pathogenesis and potential treatment of SAP.

A Comprehensive Review of Licorice: The Preparation, Chemical Composition, Bioactivities and Its Applications

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a medicinal and food homologue of perennial plants derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family. In recent years, the comprehensive utilization of licorice resources has attracted people's attention. It is widely utilized to treat diseases, health food products, food production, and other industrial applications. Furthermore, numerous bioactive components of licorice are found using advanced extraction processes, which mainly include polyphenols (flavonoids, dihydrostilbenes, benzofurans, and coumarin), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and volatile oils, all of which have been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological characteristics, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressive, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antisex hormone, skin effects, anticariogenic, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Thereby, all of these compounds promote the development of novel and more effective licorice-derived products. This paper reviews the progress of research on extraction techniques, chemical composition, bioactivities, and applications of licorice to provide a reference for further development and application of licorice in different areas.

Isoliquiritigenin reduces experimental autoimmune prostatitis by facilitating Nrf2 activation and suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) lead to severe irritation and impaired sperm quality in males. However, current therapeutic options often fail to achieve satisfactory effects. Consequently, the investigation of novel treatment strategies or remedies holds substantial clinical importance. As a flavonoid monomer, isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity, especially in several chronic nonspecific-inflammatory conditions. Thus, an exploration of the possible anti-inflammatory effects of ISL on CP/CPPS, a chronic aseptic inflammation of the prostate, has significant potential.

METHODS

An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) model was used for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of ISL. It was found that ISL treatment could reduce the secretion and invasion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in prostate tissue. In EAP mice, ISL treatment also reduced oxidative stress (OS) and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vitro, ISL upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

RESULTS

Treatment with ISL treatment relieved prostate inflammation and pelvic pain in EAP mice. Both in vivo and in vitro, ISL treatment activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, which in turn inhibited oxidative stress and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Blockade of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling abolished the inhibitory effects of ISL on oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Isoliquiritigenin reduced experimental autoimmune prostatitis by facilitating Nrf2 activation and suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Targeting Nrf2 to treat thyroid cancer

Oxidative stress (OS) is recognized as a contributing factor in the development and progression of thyroid cancer. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal transcription factor involved in against OS generated by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). It governs the expression of a wide array of genes implicated in detoxification and antioxidant pathways. However, studies have demonstrated that the sustained activation of Nrf2 can contribute to tumor progression and drug resistance in cancers. The expression of Nrf2 was notably elevated in papillary thyroid cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, indicating that Nrf2 may play an oncogenic role in the development of papillary thyroid cancer. Nrf2 and its downstream targets are involved in the progression of thyroid cancer by impacting the prognosis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, the inhibition of Nrf2 can increase the sensitivity of target therapy in thyroid cancer. Therefore, Nrf2 appears to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of thyroid cancer. This review summarized current data on Nrf2 expression in thyroid cancer, discussed the function of Nrf2 in thyroid cancer, and analyzed various strategies to inhibit Nrf2.

Isoliquiritin can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and regulate Nrf2 to affect the development of mouse oocytes

IsoliQuirtigenin (ILG) has been widely studied in somatic cells and tissues, but less in reproductive development. It is a kind of widely used food additive. In this study, it was found that ILG could significantly increase the levels of ROS,GSH and MMP in mouse oocytes (P < 0.01). In order to explore the cause of this phenomenon, it was found that the abnormal distribution of mitochondria and ATP synthesis levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At this time, we made a reasonable hypothesis that ILG affected mitochondrial function. In subsequent studies, it was found that the endogenous ROS accumulation level in mitochondria was significantly increased. After continuous RT-PCR screening, it was found that the expression of Nrf2 was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). Its upstream and downstream FOXO3 GPX1, CAT, SOD2, SIRT1 gene also appear different degree of significant change (P < 0.05), in which the lower expression of NADP + (P < 0.05) illustrates the mitochondrial ATP synthesis electronic chain were suppressed, it also has the reason, By inhibiting electron chain and ATP synthesis, ILG leads to oocyte apoptosis and initiation of autophagy, reducing oocyte and its subsequent developmental potential.

Isoliquiritigenin attenuates neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage through inhibition of NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Neuroinflammation contributes to neurological dysfunction in the patients who suffer from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a bioactive component extracted from Genus Glycyrrhiza. This work is to investigate whether ISL ameliorates neuroinflammation after SAH. In this study, intravascular perforation of male Sprague-Dawley rats was used to establish a SAH model. ISL was administered by intraperitoneal injection 6 h after SAH in rats. The mortality, SAH grade, neurological score, brain water content, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were examined at 24 h after the treatment. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, Iba-1, and MPO were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Besides, the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were analyzed by western blot. The experimental data suggested that ISL treatment could ameliorate neurological impairment, attenuate brain edema, and ameliorate BBB injury after SAH in rats. ISL treatment repressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and meanwhile inhibited the expression of Iba-1 and MPO. ISL also repressed NF-κB p65 expression as well as the transport from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, ISL significantly suppressed the expression levels of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. These findings suggest that ISL inactivates NLRP3 pathway by inhibiting NF-κB p65 translocation, thereby repressing the neuroinflammation after SAH, and it is a potential drug for the treatment of SAH.

Network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification unveil glycyrrhizin from glycyrrhiza glabra alleviates acute pancreatitis via modulation of MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathways

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe gastrointestinal inflammatory disease with increasing mortality and morbidity. Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Liquorice, is a widely used plant containing bioactive compounds like Glycyrrhizin, which possesses diverse medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the active components, relevant targets, and underlying mechanisms of the traditional Chinese medicine Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of AP. Utilizing various computational biology methods, we explored the potential targets and molecular mechanisms through Glycyrrhizin supplementation. Computational results indicated that Glycyrrhizin shows promising pharmacological potential, particularly with mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) protein (degree: 70), forming stable complexes with Glycyrrhizin through ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions, with a binding free energy (ΔGbind) of -33.01 ± 0.08 kcal/mol. Through in vitro experiments, we validated that Glycyrrhizin improves primary pancreatic acinar cell injury by inhibiting the MAPK/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway. Overall, MAPK3 emerges as a reliable target for Glycyrrhizin's therapeutic effects in AP treatment. This study provides novel insights into the active components and potential targets and molecular mechanisms of natural products.

Activation of sigma-1 receptor ameliorates sepsis-induced myocardial injury by mediating the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway to attenuate mitochondrial oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a condition that triggers the release of large amounts of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factors in the body, leading to myocardial injury and cardiovascular dysfunction - an important contributor to the high mortality rate associated with sepsis. Although it has been demonstrated that the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is essential for preventing oxidative stress, its effectiveness in treating sepsis is yet unknown.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of S1R activation in sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

METHODS

A model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury was constructed by performing cecum ligation and puncture(CLP) surgery on rats. Flv or BD1047 were intraperitoneally injected into rats for one consecutive week before performing CLP, and then intraperitoneally injected into the rats again 1 h after the surgery.The effects of Flv and BD1047 were detected by HE staining, immunofluorescence staining, IHC staining, echocardiography measurements,TUNEL, oxidative stress detection, TEM, flow cytometry and western blot. We further validated the mechanism in vitro using neonatal rat cardiomyocites and H9C2 cells.

RESULTS

S1R protein level was reduced in the hearts of septic rats, whereas administration of Flv, an S1R activator, ameliorated myocardial injury, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and pathological manifestations of sepsis. On the other hand, administration of the S1R inhibitor BD1047 exacerbated the mitochondrial oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as symptoms and pathological manifestations of sepsis. In addition, we found that up-regulation of S1R activated the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which activated downstream proteins to generate antioxidant factors, such as HO1, in turn alleviating oxidative stress and countering myocardial damage.

CONCLUSION

By scavenging ROS accumulation and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway, activation of S1R improves cardiac function, mitigates death of cardiomyocytes, and attenuates sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

KAN0438757, a novel PFKFB3 inhibitor, prevent the progression of severe acute pancreatitis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in infiltrated macrophage

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a non-infectious pancreatic enzyme-induced disorder, a life-threatening inflammatory condition that can cause multi-organ dysfunction, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Several therapies have been employed to target this disorder; however, few happen to be effectively employable even in the early phase. PFKFB3(6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase-3) is a critical regulator of glycolysis and is upregulated under inflammatory, mitogenic, and hypoxia conditions. Essential information on the targeting of the inflammatory pathway will present the termination of the disorder and recovery. Herein we investigated the protective function of KAN0438757, a potent inhibitor of PFKFB3, and its mechanism of impeding AP induced in mice. KAN0438757 was confirmed to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 inflammatory signaling pathways in response to caerulein induced acute pancreatitis (CAE-AP) and fatty acid ethyl ester induced severe acute pancreatitis (FAEE-SAP). Additionally, KAN0438757 alleviated the inflammatory process in infiltrated macrophage via the Nrf2/HO-1 inflammatory signaling pathway and demonstrated a significant effect on the growth of mice with induced AP. And more importantly, KAN0438757 displayed negligible toxicity in vivo. Taken together our data suggest KAN0438757 directly suppresses the inflammatory role of PFKFB3 and induces a protective role via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which could prove as an excellent therapeutic platform for SAP amelioration.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis

The mechanism of cell damage during acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been fully elucidated, and there is still a lack of specific or effective treatments. Increasing evidence has implicated mitochondrial dysfunction as a key event in the pathophysiology of AP. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely related to calcium (Ca2+) overload, intracellular adenosine triphosphate depletion, mitochondrial permeability transition pore openings, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitophagy damage and inflammatory responses. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early triggering event in the initiation and development of AP, and this organelle damage may precede the release of inflammatory cytokines, intracellular trypsin activation and vacuole formation of pancreatic acinar cells. This review provides further insight into the role of mitochondria in both physiological and pathophysiological aspects of AP, aiming to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism which may lead to the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for AP.

The role of iron and ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. Iron is an essential element for life and is involved in many metabolic processes. Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death that is triggered by iron and oxidative stress. A well-established mouse AP model was adopted to study the role of iron and ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Mice were injected with cerulein to induce AP, and pancreatic tissue samples were analyzed to determine the pathology, cell death, iron deposition, expression of iron transporters, and lipid peroxidation. The role of iron was studied by giving mice extra iron or iron chelator. In vitro studies with acinar cells with ferroptosis activator and inhibitor were also performed to assess the inflammatory response. Iron was found accumulated in the pancreatic tissue of mice who suffered cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Cell death and lipid peroxidation increased in these tissues and could be further modulated by iron dextran or iron chelator. Mice given Hemin through gavage had reduced levels of GSH in pancreatic tissue and increased inflammatory response. Studies with acinar cells showed increased levels of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis-specific mitochondrial damage when treated with ferroptosis inducer and inflammatory cytokines.

Isoliquiritigenin in combination with visceral adipose tissue and related markers as a predictive tool for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world. New non-invasive diagnostic tools are needed to promptly treat this disease and avoid its complications. This study aimed to find key metabolites and related variables that could be used to predict and diagnose NAFLD. Ninety-eight subjects with NAFLD and 45 controls from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study (NCT03183193) were analyzed. NAFLD was diagnosed and graded by ultrasound and classified into two groups: 0 (controls) and ≥ 1 (NAFLD). Hepatic status was additionally assessed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), elastography, and determination of transaminases. Anthropometry, body composition (DXA), biochemical parameters, and lifestyle factors were evaluated as well. Non-targeted metabolomics of serum was performed with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS). Isoliquiritigenin (ISO) had the strongest association with NAFLD out of the determinant metabolites. Individuals with higher concentrations of ISO had healthier metabolic and hepatic status and were less likely to have NAFLD (OR 0.13). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated the predictive power of ISO in panel combination with other NAFLD and IR-related variables, such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (AUROC 0.972), adiponectin (AUROC 0.917), plasmatic glucose (AUROC 0.817), and CK18-M30 (AUROC 0.810). Individuals with lower levels of ISO have from 71 to 82% more risk of presenting NAFLD compared to individuals with higher levels. Metabolites such as ISO, in combination with visceral adipose tissue, IR, and related markers, constitute a potential non-invasive tool to predict and diagnose NAFLD.

Heme oxygenase-1: The roles of both good and evil in neurodegenerative diseases

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the only way for cells to decompose heme. It can cleave heme to produce carbon monoxide (CO), ferrous iron (Fe2+ ), and biliverdin (BV). BV is reduced to bilirubin (BR) by biliverdin reductase(BVR). In previous studies, HO-1 was considered to have protective effects because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and antiproliferation functions. However, emerging experimental studies have found that the metabolites derived from HO-1 can cause increase iin intracellular oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, iron death, and autophagy. Because of its particularity, it is very meaningful to understand its exact mechanism. In this review, we summarized the protective and toxic effects of HO-1, its potential mechanism, its role in neurodegenerative diseases and related drug research. This knowledge may be beneficial to the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and is crucial to the development of new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers.

Long non-coding RNA MM2P suppresses M1-polarized macrophages-mediated excessive inflammation to prevent sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis by blocking SHP2-mediated STAT3 dephosphorylation

M1 macrophage-mediated excessive inflammatory response plays a key role in the onset and progression of acute pancreatitis (AP), and this study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms by which the macrophage polarization-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MM2P participated in the regulation of AP progression. By performing quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay, lncRNA MM2P was found to be downregulated in both sodium taurocholate-induced AP model mice tissues and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and gain-of-function experiments confirmed that overexpression of lncRNA MM2P counteracted inflammatory responses, reduced macrophage infiltration and facilitated M1-to-M2 transformation of macrophages to ameliorate AP development in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanical experiments revealed that lncRNA MM2P inhibited Src homology 2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2)-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) dephosphorylation to activate the STAT3 signaling, and silencing of SHP2 suppressed M1 type skewing in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Interestingly, our rescuing experiments verified that lncRNA MM2P-induced suppressing effects on M1-polarization of LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells were abrogated by co-treating cells with STAT3 inhibitor stattic. Collectively, our data for the first time revealed that lncRNA MM2P suppressed M1-polarized macrophages to attenuate the progression of sodium taurocholate-induced AP, and lncRNA MM2P might be an ideal biomarker for AP diagnosis and treatment.

Zerumbone ameliorates the inflammatory response and organ damage in severe acute pancreatitis via the ROS/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to determine the mechanism by which Zerumbone (ZER) ameliorates inflammation and organ damage in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

Different concentrations of ZER (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered by femoral vein puncture 30 min prior to establishment of the SAP model. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess pathological changes in the pancreatic tissue of SAP-induced rats. The lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio was assessed and serum levels of amylase (AMY), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (Cr), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were measured. Western blot analysis was used to examine changes in the expression of ROS/NF-κB pathway-associated proteins.

RESULTS

SAP was confirmed by significant histopathological damage to the pancreas. ZER (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) was found to alleviate pancreatitis and decrease ascites volume, lung W/D ratio, pancreatic pathology score, oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. High concentrations (20 and 40 mg/kg) of ZER were shown to increase levels of hepatorenal toxicity. In contrast, 10 mg/kg ZER was found to attenuate liver enzyme levels, reduce pathological damage to the liver, and protect against extrapancreatic organ damage to the liver in SAP-induced rats. Moreover, ZER showed no significant side effects in normal rats. Finally, we demonstrated that ZER mediated its anti-inflammatory effects on SAP through the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

ZER alleviated SAP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury via the ROS/NF-κB pathway, and had a protective effect on lung injury and liver damage.

Curcumin-Loaded Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Effectively Improve Wound Healing

This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from macrophages loaded with curcumin (Exos-cur) on the healing of diabetic wounds. As a new type of biomaterial, Exos-cur has better stability, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation biological activity. In in vitro experiments, Exos-cur can promote the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) while reducing the ROS (reactive oxygen species) produced by HUVECs induced by high glucose, regulating the mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing cell oxidative damage, and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. In the in vivo experiment, the Exos-cur treatment group had an increased percentage of wound closure and contraction compared with the diabetic wound control group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining showed that the Exos-cur treatment group had more advanced re-epithelialization, and the generated mature granulation tissue was rich in a large number of capillaries and newly deposited collagen fibers. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that Exos-cur can inhibit inflammation by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, upregulate the expression of wound healing-related molecules, promote angiogenesis, and accelerate wound healing in diabetic rats. These results show that Exos-cur has a good therapeutic effect on diabetic skin defects and provide experimental evidence for the potential clinical benefits of Exos-cur.

Effects of albiflorin on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats with acute spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are often the predominant detrimental factors associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects of albiflorin (AF) on alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat model with SCI.

METHODS

Initially, the behavior of SCI-induced rats is examined by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score and the inclined plane examination. Then, the immunohistochemical staining of inflammasome-related protein (for instance, NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3, NLRP3) is performed in combination with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of corresponding proinflammatory factors to assess the immunomodulatory effects of AF. Further, the markers involved in oxidative stress are examined by ELISA and western blot analysis analyses.

RESULTS

These findings indicated that AF could alleviate motor dysfunction and the loss of neuron cells in SCI-induced rats. Mechanistically, AF could attenuate the inflammatory responses by reducing oxidative stress and activating nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in SCI rats. Depleting the antioxidant capacity by inhibiting glutathione biosynthesis could counteract the anti-inflammatory activity of AF in SCI rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data suggested that AF could serve as a potential therapeutic agent against the aggravation of SCI in rats.

PIAS1 upregulation confers protection against Cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis via FTO downregulation by enhancing sumoylation of Foxa2

OBJECTIVE

This research discussed the specific mechanism by which PIAS1 affects acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

PIAS1, Foxa2, and FTO expression was assessed in Cerulein-induced AR42J cells and mice. Loss- and gain-of-function assays and Cerulein induction were conducted in AR42J cells and mice for analysis. The relationship among PIAS1, Foxa2, and FTO was tested. Cell experiments run in triplicate, and eight mice for each animal group.

RESULTS

Cerulein-induced AP cells and mice had low PIAS1 and Foxa2 and high FTO. Cerulein induced pancreatic injury in mice and inflammation and oxidative stress in pancreatic tissues, which could be reversed by PIAS1 or Foxa2 upregulation or FTO downregulation. PIAS1 elevated SUMO modification of Foxa2 to repress FTO transcription. FTO upregulation neutralized the ameliorative effects of PIAS1 or Foxa2 upregulation on Cerulein-induced AR42J cell injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

PIAS1 upregulation diminished FTO transcription by increasing Foxa2 SUMO modification, thereby ameliorating Cerulein-induced AP.

Resolvin D1 Attenuates Inflammation and Pelvic Pain Associated with EAP by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Background

Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a member of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators family, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect and alleviates tissue damage. The purpose of the current research was to study the effect of RvD1 on CP/CPPS and the underlying mechanisms using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mice.

Materials and Methods

The EAP mouse model was successfully established, and was used to test the therapeutic effect of RvD1. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and dihydroethidium staining were used to evaluate the histological changes and oxidative stress levels of prostate tissues. Chronic pelvic pain was assessed by applying von Frey filaments to the lower abdomen. The superoxide dismutase enzyme and malondialdehyde levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of inflammation-related cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected by ELISA.

Results

RvD1 treatment ameliorated prostatic inflammation and the pelvic pain of EAP mice. RvD1 treatment could inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress. RvD1 treatment could activate Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in mice with EAP. Blockade of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling abolished the RvD1-mediated inhibition of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the anti-inflammatory effect of RvD1 in EAP.

Conclusion

RvD1 treatment can reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in prostate tissue and attenuate pelvic pain associated with EAP by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These results provide new insights that RvD1 has the potential as an effective agent in the treatment of EAP.

AKBA alleviates experimental pancreatitis by inhibiting oxidative stress in Macrophages through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation in its pathophysiology. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is an active triterpenoid with antioxidant activity. This article seeks to assess the impact of AKBA on AP and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

AP was induced in wild-type, Lyz2+/cre Nrf2fl/fl mice and Pdx1+/cre Nrf2fl/fl mice by caerulein. Serum amylase and lipase levels, along with histological grading, were utilized to evaluate the severity of AP. Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated, cultured, and polarized to the M1 subtype. Flow cytometry and ELISA were utilized to identify the macrophage phenotype. Alterations in oxidative stress damage and intracellular ROS were observed. Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In a caerulein-induced mouse model of AP, treatment with AKBA reduced blood amylase and lipase activity and ameliorated pancreatic tissue histological and pathological features. Furthermore, AKBA significantly mitigated oxidative stress-induced damage and induced the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein. Additionally, by using conditional knockout mice (Lyz2+/cre Nrf2fl/fl and Pdx1+/cre Nrf2fl/fl mice), we verified that Nrf2 primarily functions in macrophages rather than acinar cells. In vitro, AKBA inhibits pro-inflammatory M1-subtype macrophage polarization and reduces ROS generation through Nrf2/HO-1 oxidative stress pathway. Moreover, the protective effects of AKBA against AP were abolished in myeloid-specific Nrf2-deficient mice and BMDMs. Molecular docking results revealed interactions between AKBA and Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that AKBA exerts protective effects against AP in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress in macrophages through the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway.

Comparing MitoQ10 and heat therapy: Evaluating mechanisms and therapeutic potential for polycystic ovary syndrome induced by circadian rhythm disruption

Environmental factors, such as sleep restriction, contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by causing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo- or anovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on reproductive and metabolic functions and investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of MitoQ10 and hot tub therapy (HTT). Sixty female rats were divided into six groups: control, MitoQ10, HTT, and three groups with PCOS induced by continuous light exposure(L/L). The reproductive, endocrine, and structural manifestations ofL/L-induced PCOS were confirmed by serum biochemical measurements, ultrasound evaluation of ovarian size, and vaginal smear examination at week 14. Subsequently, the rats were divided into the L/L (untreated), L/L+MitoQ10-treated, andL/L+HTT-treated groups. At the end of week 22, all rats were sacrificed. Treatmentwith MitoQ10 or HTT partially reversed the reproductive, endocrine, and structural features of PCOS, leading to a decreased amplitude of isolated uterine contractions, ovarian cystic changes and size, and endometrial thickness. Furthermore, both interventions improved the elevated serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), kisspeptin, Fibulin-1, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS-19), lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress markers, androgen receptors (AR) and their transcription target genes, FKBP52 immunostaining in ovarian tissues, and uterine estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and PRimmunostaining. In conclusion, MitoQ10 supplementation and HTT demonstrated the potential for ameliorating metabolic, reproductive, and structural perturbations associated with PCOS induced by circadian rhythm disruption. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these interventions in managing PCOS in women.

Irisin inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps formation and protects against acute pancreatitis in mice

INTRODUCTION

Irisin is a newly discovered myokine which links exercise to inflammation and inflammation-related diseases through macrophage regulation. However, the effect of irisin on the activity of inflammation related immune cells (such as neutrophils) has not been clearly described.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of our study was to explore the effect of irisin on the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation.

METHODS

Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) was used to construct a classic neutrophil inflammation model that was used to observe the formation of NETs in vitro. We studied the effect of irisin on NETs formation and its regulation mechanism. Subsequently, acute pancreatitis (AP) was used to verify the protective effect of irisin in vivo, which was an acute aseptic inflammatory response disease model closely related to NETs.

RESULTS

Our study found that addition of irisin significantly reduced the formation of NETs via regulation of the P38/MAPK pathway through integrin αVβ5, which might be the one of key pathways in NETs formation, and which could theoretically offset the immunoregulatory effect of irisin. Systemic treatment with irisin reduced the severity of tissue damage common in the disease and inhibited the formation of NETs in pancreatic necrotic tissue of two classical AP mouse models.

CONCLUSION

The findings confirmed for the first time that irisin could inhibit NETs formation and protect mice from pancreatic injury, which further elucidated the protective effect of exercise on acute inflammatory injury.

Insights into SGLT2 inhibitor treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy: focus on the mechanisms

Among the complications of diabetes, cardiovascular events and cardiac insufficiency are considered two of the most important causes of death. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of SGLT2i for improving cardiac dysfunction. SGLT2i treatment benefits metabolism, microcirculation, mitochondrial function, fibrosis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, programmed cell death, autophagy, and the intestinal flora, which are involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms of SGLT2i for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Phytochemicals targeting lncRNAs: A novel direction for neuroprotection in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders with various etiologies impacting the nervous system are prevalent in clinical practice. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules are functional RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode proteins, but participate in essential activities. Research indicates that lncRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and may be potential targets for their treatment. Phytochemicals in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been found to exert neuroprotective effects by targeting lncRNAs and regulating gene expression and various signaling pathways. We aim to establish the development status and neuroprotective mechanism of phytochemicals that target lncRNAs through a thorough literature review. A total of 369 articles were retrieved through manual and electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI databases from inception to September 2022. The search utilized combinations of natural products, lncRNAs, neurological disorders, and neuroprotective effects as keywords. The included studies, a total of 31 preclinical trials, were critically reviewed to present the current situation and the progress in phytochemical-targeted lncRNAs in neuroprotection. Phytochemicals have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies of various neurological disorders by regulating lncRNAs. These disorders include arteriosclerotic ischemia-reperfusion injury, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioma, peripheral nerve injury, post-stroke depression, and depression. Several phytochemicals exert neuroprotective roles through mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, autophagy regulation, and antagonism of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Some phytochemicals targeted lncRNAs and served a neuroprotective role by regulating microRNA and mRNA expression. The emergence of lncRNAs as pathological regulators provides a novel direction for the study of phytochemicals in CHM. Elucidating the mechanism of phytochemicals regulating lncRNAs will help to identify new therapeutic targets and promote their application in precision medicine.

The Potential of Flavonoids and Flavonoid Metabolites in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Pathology in Disorders of Cognitive Decline

Flavonoids are a biodiverse family of dietary compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial cell protective profiles. They have received considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in biomedicine and have been widely used in traditional complimentary medicine for generations. Such complimentary medical herbal formulations are extremely complex mixtures of many pharmacologically active compounds that provide a therapeutic outcome through a network pharmacological effects of considerable complexity. Methods are emerging to determine the active components used in complimentary medicine and their therapeutic targets and to decipher the complexities of how network pharmacology provides such therapeutic effects. The gut microbiome has important roles to play in the generation of bioactive flavonoid metabolites retaining or exceeding the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the intact flavonoid and, in some cases, new antitumor and antineurodegenerative bioactivities. Certain food items have been identified with high prebiotic profiles suggesting that neutraceutical supplementation may be beneficially employed to preserve a healthy population of bacterial symbiont species and minimize the establishment of harmful pathogenic organisms. Gut health is an important consideration effecting the overall health and wellbeing of linked organ systems. Bioconversion of dietary flavonoid components in the gut generates therapeutic metabolites that can also be transported by the vagus nerve and systemic circulation to brain cell populations to exert a beneficial effect. This is particularly important in a number of neurological disorders (autism, bipolar disorder, AD, PD) characterized by effects on moods, resulting in depression and anxiety, impaired motor function, and long-term cognitive decline. Native flavonoids have many beneficial properties in the alleviation of inflammation in tissues, however, concerns have been raised that therapeutic levels of flavonoids may not be achieved, thus allowing them to display optimal therapeutic effects. Dietary manipulation and vagal stimulation have both yielded beneficial responses in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety, establishing the vagal nerve as a route of communication in the gut-brain axis with established roles in disease intervention. While a number of native flavonoids are beneficial in the treatment of neurological disorders and are known to penetrate the blood–brain barrier, microbiome-generated flavonoid metabolites (e.g., protocatechuic acid, urolithins, γ-valerolactones), which retain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of the native flavonoid in addition to bioactive properties that promote mitochondrial health and cerebrovascular microcapillary function, should also be considered as potential biotherapeutic agents. Studies are warranted to experimentally examine the efficacy of flavonoid metabolites directly, as they emerge as novel therapeutic options.

Protective effect and mechanism of Polygonatum kingianum against hypoxia-induced injury

Background

Hypoxia is an essential cause of fatigue and aging, and is associated with the occurrence and development of many diseases. Polygonatum kingianum (PK) is a deficiency-nourishing Chinese herbal medicine utilized as both medicine and food, and it has long been used to ameliorate human conditions associated with fatigue and aging over 2000 years in China. PK is an important genuine-medicinal-materials cultivated in Yunnan, China, and is used by the Bai, Wa, and Zhuang nationalities as a traditional medicine for enhancing immunity, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging, while the preventive effect of PK on hypoxia-induced injury and the underlying mechanism are indefinite.

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-hypoxia efficacy and understand the corresponding mechanism of PK water extract.

Materials and methods

The main active ingredients and targets of PK were predicted using network pharmacology, and the anti-hypoxia activities of Gracillin and Liquiritigenin were verified by in vitro experiments. The pharmacodynamic experiments were conducted to evaluate the major signal pathways of PK for detecting anti-hypoxia activity.

Results

Fifty active ingredients and 371 potential targets were screened by network pharmacology, then, we confirmed that Gracillin and Liquiritigenin were the main active components of PK to exert anti-hypoxia effect in vitro. The pharmacodynamic experiments revealed that PK enhanced the extension rate of the survival time (ERST) and regulated the targets-related biochemical parameters of rats under hypoxia, showing significant anti-hypoxia effects on rats.

Conclusion

The network pharmacology results suggested that PK exerts its anti-hypoxia effect through a multi-component and multi-target manner. Simultaneously, we also observed that Gracillin (saponins) and Liquiritigenin (flavonoids) are the main active components of PK to play a role in anti-hypoxia. The anti-hypoxia effect of PK could be associated with scavenging excess free radicals, maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and inhibiting oxidative stress due to lipid peroxidation. These findings provide insight into the Polygonatum kingianum as promising medicines or healthcare products for preventing and treating hypoxia.

Bicarbonated Ringer's solution improves L-arg-induced acute pancreatitis in rats via the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways

OBJECTIVE

Bicarbonated Ringer's solution (BRS), as a new generation of crystalline fluid, has been widely used for intravenous fluid resuscitation in patients with shock diseases. The purpose of our study is to investigate the intervention effects and potential mechanisms of BRS on L-arg-induced AP in rats.

METHODS

The AP model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 20% L-arg. BRS was infused immediately following the previous L-arg injection. The pancreatic tissue was harvested for histological examination. The serum levels of amylase and lipase activity, lactic acid, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined. The peroxide and antioxidant activities in the pancreatic tissue were measured. The protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB, TNF-α, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related Factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 were determined by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Pancreatic tissue injuries were obviously alleviated, with a significant increase in normal acinar cells after BRS treatment. The serum levels of amylase, lipase, lactic acid, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly decreased, while IL-10 was obviously increased by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and TNF-α. Moreover, Nrf2 pathway and HO-1 were promoted by BRS treatment, which resulted in significantly reduced malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. In contrast, antioxidant activities, including glutathione peroxidase and so on, were markedly increased after BRS treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Bicarbonated Ringer's solution improves L-arg-induced acute pancreatitis in rats through the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, indicating that BRS holds promise as a priority in fluid resuscitation to treat acute pancreatitis.

Carnosol inhibits KGN cells oxidative stress and apoptosis and attenuates polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in mice through Keap1-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 activation

Excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells lead to abnormal follicular development and ovulation disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Carnosol is a plant-derived polyphenol that has been proven to exhibit several cell protective effects. In this study, we established hyperandrogenic PCOS models both in vitro and in vivo. In the human ovarian granulosa cell line, KGN cells, decreased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis induced by DHT were partly reversed by carnosol. Western blotting results showed that carnosol treatment inhibited the DHT-activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by activating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Knockdown of Nrf2 by transfecting with siRNA or inhibiting HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) blocked the protective effects of carnosol. Computational modeling and pull-down assay results confirmed the direct binding of carnosol to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). In vivo results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (50 and 100 mg/kg) improved estrous cycle disorders, polycystic ovary, and decreased elevated androgen in the PCOS mice. In summary, Carnosol has an effective role in inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in DHT-treated KGN cells and protecting against mouse PCOS phenotypes through the Keap1-mediated activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Pharmacological Modulations of Nrf2 and Therapeutic Implications in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

An aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a subtype of stroke with high morbidity and mortality. The main causes of a poor prognosis include early brain injury (EBI) and delayed vasospasm, both of which play a significant role in the pathophysiological process. As an important mechanism of EBI and delayed vasospasm, oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of aSAH by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the mitochondria, hemoglobin, or enzymatic pathways in the early stages of aSAH. As a result, antioxidant therapy, which primarily targets the Nrf2-related pathway, can be employed as a potential strategy for treating aSAH. In the early stages of aSAH development, increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and detoxifying enzymes can relieve oxidative stress, reduce brain damage, and improve prognosis. Herein, the regulatory mechanisms of Nrf2 and related pharmacological compounds are reviewed, and Nrf2-targeted drugs are proposed as potential treatments for aSAH.

Corynoline ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by modulating Nrf2/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Corynoline is an active substance extracted from Corydalis bungeana Turcz and exerts a therapeutic effect in multiple diseases by alleviating inflammatory response. The present study sought to elucidate the role of corynoline in ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

The experimental colitis models were induced in BALB/c mice via receiving a drinking water supplemented with 3.5% (I) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) ad libitum for 7 days.

RESULTS

Corynoline administration inhibited body weight loss, colon shortening, disease activity index and colonic pathomorphological changes in DSS-treated mice. Besides, corynoline down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor Alpha (TNF-α), as well as decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the colon of DSS-treated mice. In addition, severe oxidative stress in the colonic tissues of DSS-treated was mitigated by corynoline treatment. However, these beneficial effects were reversed by a specific nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor ML385 intervention. Further evidence confirmed that corynoline promoted Nrf2 nuclear migration and heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in the colonic tissues of UC mice. Besides, corynoline treatment restrained colonic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation as proved by the decrease in phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Corynoline ameliorates DSS-induced mouse colitis, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for UC treatment.

Paricalcitol Ameliorates Acute Kidney Injury in Mice by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling

Effective and targeted prevention and treatment methods for acute kidney injury (AKI), a common clinical complication, still needs to be explored. Paricalcitol is a biologically active chemical that binds to vitamin D receptors in the body to exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanism of the effect of paricalcitol on AKI remains unclear. The current study uses a paricalcitol pretreatment with a mouse AKI model induced by cisplatin to detect changes in renal function, pathology and ultrastructure. Results showed that paricalcitol significantly improved renal function in mice and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and mitochondrial damage in renal tissue. Furthermore, paricalcitol markedly suppressed reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the kidneys of AKI mice and increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, Catalase and total anti-oxidant capacity. In addition, we detected renal necrosis and inflammation-related proteins in AKI mice by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and found that their levels were markedly decreased after paricalcitol pretreatment. Moreover, paricalcitol promotes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the nucleus and activates the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway; while HO-1 is inhibited, the protective effect of paricalcitol on the kidney is attenuated. In conclusion, paricalcitol exerts a renoprotective effect by decreasing renal oxidative injury and inflammation through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, providing a new insight into AKI prevention.

Phytochemicals with protective effects against acute pancreatitis: a review of recent literature

CONTEXT

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute abdominal inflammatory disease with episodes ranging from mild to fulminant symptoms which could include necrosis, systemic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction. Increasing experimental evidence demonstrates that specific bioactive ingredients from natural plants have a favourable therapeutic effect on AP.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize the protective effects and potential mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on the attenuation of AP.

METHODS

Experimental studies in vivo or in vitro between January 2016 and June 2021 were sought in PubMed and Web of Science using the following search terms: ('phytochemicals' OR 'medicinal plant' OR 'traditional medicine') AND ('pancreatitis' OR 'pancreatic damage' OR 'pancreatic injury'). Data concerning the basic characteristics of phytochemicals, therapeutic dose and potential molecular mechanisms related to AP were extracted in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 30 phytochemicals with potential therapeutic effects were reviewed and summarized systematically. According to their molecular pathways in AP, the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals were illustrated in detail.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities may be efficient candidate drugs for AP treatment. Importantly, more preclinical investigations are needed to illustrate the efficacy of future phytochemicals.

Metabolic targeting of NRF2 potentiates the efficacy of the TRAP1 inhibitor G-TPP through reduction of ROS detoxification in colorectal cancer

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial homolog of HSP90 chaperones. It plays an important role in protection against oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating reactive oxidative species (ROS). To further elucidate the mechanistic role of TRAP1 in regulating tumor cell survival, we used gamitrinib-triphenylphosphonium (G-TPP) to inhibit TRAP1 signaling pathways in colon cancer. Inhibition of TRAP1 by G-TPP disrupted redox homeostasis and induced cell death. However, colon cancers show a wide range of responses to G-TPP treatment through the induction of variable ER stress responses and ROS accumulation. Interestingly, a strong inverse correlation was observed between the expression of TRAP1 and antioxidant genes in colon tumor tissues using the GSE106582 database. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we detected increased transcriptional activation of antioxidant response elements (AREs) in G-TPP-treated DLD1 and RKO cells but not in SW48 cells. We found that G-TPP induced upregulation of GRP78, CHOP and PARP cleavage in G-TPP-sensitive cells (SW48). In contrast, G-TPP treatment of G-TPP-resistant cells (DLD1 and RKO) resulted in excessive activation of the antioxidant gene NRF2, leading to ROS detoxification and improved cell survival. The NRF2 target genes HO1 and NQO1 were upregulated in G-TPP-treated DLD1 cells, making the cells more resistant to G-TPP treatment. Furthermore, treatment with both a NRF2 inhibitor and a TRAP1 inhibitor led to excessive ROS production and exacerbated G-TPP-induced cell death in G-TPP-resistant cells. Taken together, dual targeting of TRAP1 and NRF2 may potentially overcome colon cancer resistance by raising cellular ROS levels above the cytotoxic threshold.

Isoliquiritigenin mitigates oxidative damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro by regulating Nrf2-dependent Signaling Pathway via Targeting of SIRT1

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI). Isoliquiritigenin has been verified as a powerful anti-oxidant in a variety of diseases models and can activate sirtuin 1 and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. However, the effects of isoliquiritigenin against EBI after SAH and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

PURPOSE

The primary goal of this study is to verify the therapeutic effects of isoliquiritigenin on EBI after SAH and the possible molecular mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

A prechiasmatic cistern SAH model in rats and a hemoglobin incubation SAH model in primary neurons were established. Isoliquiritigenin was administered after SAH induction. EX527 was employed to inhibit sirtuin 1 activation and ML385 was used to suppress Nrf2 signaling.

METHODS

In our study, neurological scores, brain edema, biochemical estimation, western blotting, and histopathological study were performed to explore the therapeutic action of isoliquiritigenin against SAH.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that isoliquiritigenin significantly mitigated oxidative damage after SAH as evidenced by decreased reactive oxygen species overproduction and enhanced intrinsic anti-oxidative system. Concomitant with the reduced oxidative insults, isoliquiritigenin improved neurological function and reduced neuronal death in the early period after SAH. Additionally, isoliquiritigenin administration significantly enhanced Nrf2 and sirtuin 1 expressions. Inhibition of Nrf2 by ML385 reversed the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin against SAH. Moreover, inhibiting sirtuin 1 by EX527 pretreatment suppressed isoliquiritigenin-induced Nrf2-dependent pathway and abated the cerebroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin. In primary cortical neurons, isoliquiritigenin treatment also ameliorated oxidative insults and repressed neuronal degeneration. The beneficial aspects of isoliquiritigenin were attributed to the promotion of sirtuin 1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways and were counteracted by EX527.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin exerts cerebroprotective effects against SAH-induced oxidative insults by modulating the Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant signaling in part through sirtuin 1 activation. Isoliquiritigenin might be a new potential drug candidate for SAH.

Echinacoside alleviates pancreatic injury via exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities in a rat model of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Echinacoside (ECH) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and can improve multiple organ injuries. However, the effect and potential mechanism of action of ECH on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) are still unclear.

AIM

To investigate the protective effect of ECH on the pancreas of SAP model rats and the potential mechanism involved.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into sham group (Sham), ECH control group (Sham + ECH), SAP model group (SAP), and ECH treatment group (SAP + ECH), with 10 rats each. Ascites volume and the activities of amylase and lipase in serum were determined. HE staining was used to analyze the histological changes in each group, and TUNEL assay was used to observe the apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in pancreatic tissues were measured by tissue biochemistry. The expression levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF-2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins in pancreatic tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the SAP group, ascites volume and serum amylase and lipase activities in the SAP + ECH group were decreased (P < 0.05); pancreatic tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and necrosis scores and total histological score were decreased (P < 0.05); the number of TUNEL positive cells was reduced; the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, and MPO activity in pancreatic tissue homogenate were decreased (P < 0.05), and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were increased (P < 0.05); the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, TLR-4, and NF-κB p65 were decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of Bcl-2 and NRF-2 were increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ECH has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-injury effects in pancreatic tissues of SAP model rats, which may be related to the downregulation of TLR-4, NF-κB p65, and Bax expression and the upregulation of NRF-2 and Bcl-2 expression.

Therapeutic Intervention in Cancer by Isoliquiritigenin from Licorice: A Natural Antioxidant and Redox Regulator

Oxidative stress could lead to a variety of body dysfunctions, including neurodegeneration and cancer, which are closely associated with intracellular signal transducers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been suggested that ROS is the upstream regulator of autophagy, and that it provides a negative feedback regulation to remove oxidative damage. Defects in the ROS-autophagic redox homeostasis could lead to the increased production of ROS and the accumulation of damaged organelles that in turn promote metabolic reprogramming and induce tumorigenesis. One significant characteristic of pancreatic cancer is the reprogramming of cellular energy metabolism, which facilitates the rapid growth, invasiveness, and the survival of cancer cells. Thus, the rectification of metabolic dysfunction is essential in therapeutic cancer targeting. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is a powdered root licorice that has been consumed for centuries in different regions of the world. ISL is known to be a natural antioxidant that possesses diversified functions, including redox regulation in cells. This review contains discussions on the herbal source, biological properties, and anticancer potential of ISL. This is the first time that the anticancer activities of ISL in pancreatic cancer has been elucidated, with a coverage of the involvement of antioxidation, metabolic redox regulation, and autophagy in pancreatic cancer development. Furthermore, some remarks on related compounds of the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway of ISL will also be discussed.

The Mechanism of Lung and Intestinal Injury in Acute Pancreatitis: A Review

Acute pancreatitis (AP), as a common cause of clinical acute abdomen, often leads to multi-organ damage. In the process of severe AP, the lungs and intestines are the most easily affected organs aside the pancreas. These organ damages occur in succession. Notably, lung and intestinal injuries are closely linked. Damage to ML, which transports immune cells, intestinal fluid, chyle, and toxic components (including toxins, trypsin, and activated cytokines to the systemic circulation in AP) may be connected to AP. This process can lead to the pathological changes of hyperosmotic edema of the lung, an increase in alveolar fluid level, destruction of the intestinal mucosal structure, and impairment of intestinal mucosal permeability. The underlying mechanisms of the correlation between lung and intestinal injuries are inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and endocrine hormone secretion disorders. The main signaling pathways of lung and intestinal injuries are TNF-α, HMGB1-mediated inflammation amplification effect of NF-κB signal pathway, Nrf2/ARE oxidative stress response signaling pathway, and IL-6-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These pathways exert anti-inflammatory response and anti-oxidative stress, inhibit cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis. The interaction is consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine theory of the lung being connected with the large intestine (fei yu da chang xiang biao li in Chinese). This review sought to explore intersecting mechanisms of lung and intestinal injuries in AP to develop new treatment strategies.

Ginsenoside Rg3 ameliorates acute pancreatitis by activating the NRF2/HO‑1‑mediated ferroptosis pathway

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder that has been associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Ginsenoside Rg3 is a major active component of Panax ginseng, which has been demonstrated to exert potent protective effects on hyperglycemia and diabetes. However, it remains to be determined whether Rg3 ameliorates AP. Thus, an in vitro AP cell model was established in the present study by exposing AR42J cells to cerulein (Cn). AR42J cell viability was increased in the Rg3‑treated group as compared with the Cn‑exposed group. Simultaneously, the number of dead AR42J cells was decreased in the Rg3‑treated group compared with the group treated with Cn only. Furthermore, following treatment with Rg3, the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferrous ion (Fe2+) in the AR42J cells was reduced, accompanied by increased glutathione (GSH) levels. Western blot analysis revealed that the decrease in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT) levels induced by Cn were reversed by Rg3 treatment in the AR42J cells. Mice treated with Cn exhibited increased serum amylase levels, as well as increased levels of TNFα, IL‑6, IL‑1β, pancreatic MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Fe2+ production. Following Rg3 treatment, ROS accumulation and cell death were decreased in the pancreatic tissues compared with the AP group. Furthermore, in the pancreatic tissues of the AP model, the expression of nuclear factor‑erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1)/xCT/GPX4 was suppressed. In comparison, the NRF2/HO‑1/xCT/GPX4 pathway was activated in pancreatic tissues following Rg3 administration. Taken together, the present study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to reveal a protective role for Rg3 in mice with AP by suppressing oxidative stress‑related ferroptosis and the activation of the NRF2/HO‑1 pathway.

Maackiain protects against sepsis via activating AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition caused by infection-triggered aberrant immune responses, leading to host tissue and organ injury. Despite advances in medical interventions, the mortality rate for septic shock remains high. Recent studies highlight the role of oxidative stress in the occurrence and development of sepsis, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing sepsis-associated organ injury. In this study, we showed that Maackiain, a natural compound isolated from Sophora flavescens, exerted a protective role in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced murine model of sepsis. Maackiain treatment reduced organ injury, and mitigated systematic inflammation and oxidative stress in septic mice. Maackiain also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We further demonstrated that Maackiain initiated activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in RAW264.7 cells in an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent way. Moreover, inhibition of AMPK/Nrf2 axis abrogated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Maackiain both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study indicates that Maackiain treatment inhibits inflammatory response and oxidative stress via activation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thus exerting a protective effect against sepsis, providing an alternative option for sepsis prevention.

Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal the Protective Effect of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction on Obesity-Related Alcohol-Induced Acute Pancreatitis via Oxidative Stress and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Obesity-related acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by increasing prevalence worldwide and worse clinical outcomes compared to AP of other etiologies. Chaiqin chengqi decoction (CQCQD), a Chinese herbal formula, has long been used for the clinical management of AP but its therapeutic actions and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study has investigated the pharmacological mechanisms of CQCQD in a novel mouse model of obesity-related alcohol-induced AP (OA-AP). The mouse OA-AP model was induced by a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and subsequently two intraperitoneal injections of ethanol, CQCQD was administered 2 h after the first injection of ethanol. The severity of OA-AP was assessed and correlated with changes in transcriptomic profiles and network pharmacology in the pancreatic and adipose tissues, and further docking analysis modeled the interactions between compounds of CQCQD and their key targets. The results showed that CQCQD significantly reduced pancreatic necrosis, alleviated systemic inflammation, and decreased the parameters associated with multi-organ dysfunction. Transcriptomics and network pharmacology analysis, as well as further experimental validation, have shown that CQCQD induced Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant protein response and decreased Akt phosphorylation in the pancreatic and adipose tissues. In vitro, CQCQD protected freshly isolated pancreatic acinar cells from H₂O₂-elicited oxidative stress and necrotic cell death. The docking results of AKT1 and the active compounds related to AKT1 in CQCQD showed high binding affinity. In conclusion, CQCQD ameliorates the severity of OA-AP by activating of the antioxidant protein response and down-regulating of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the pancreas and visceral adipose tissue.

Selenium Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through Nrf2-NLRP3 Pathway

Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient for humans, has been reported to possess cardioprotective effect. However, the protective effects of Se against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanism are rarely reported. In this study, we sought to explore whether Se protected against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting Nrf2-NLRP3 pathway. We found that Se treatment effectively alleviated DOX-induced myocardial dysfunctions, decreasing plasma markers associated with myocardial injury. Moreover, Se treatment significantly inhibited DOX-induced oxidative damages and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in heart tissues. Furthermore, Se treatment markedly promoted the expression of Nrf2 and prevented the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, suppression of Nrf2 abolished the cardioprotective effects of Se and diminished the inhibition of Se on NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, our study demonstrated that Se might protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via regulating Nrf2-NLRP3 pathway. Se supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect against DOX-induced cardiac injury.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting oxidative stress in rats

To investigate whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) attenuate pancreatic injury via mediating oxidative stress in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The SAP model was established in rats. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or BMSCs were injected into the rats by tail veins. ML385 was used to down-regulate Nrf2 expression in rats. Pancreatic pathological score was used to evaluated pancreatic injury. Inflammatory-associated cytokines, serum lipase and amylase, levels of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase, as well as catalase activity were measured for injury severity evaluation. ML385 aggravates oxidative stress in SAP + ML385 group, compared with SAP + PBS group. BMSCs transplantation alleviated pancreatic injury and enhance antioxidant tolerance in SAP + BMSCs group, while ML385 administration weakened this efficacy in SAP + BMSCs + ML385 group. In addition, BMSCs promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, BMSCs reduced inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in SAP. BMSCs can inhibit oxidative stress and reduce pancreatic injury via inducing Nrf2 nuclear translocation in SAP.

Isoliquiritigenin Ameliorates Ischemia-Induced Myocardial Injury via Modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Mice

Background

Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction play critical roles in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid monomer extracted from licorice, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cancer studies. Here, we tested the effect and underlying mechanisms of ISL on ischemia-induced myocardial injury in a mouse AMI model.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6 mice were pre-treated by intraperitoneal injection of ISL and/or a specific nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor ML385 for 3 days, respectively. Then, the AMI model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Myocardial oxidative stress status, inflammatory response, cardiac function and infarction size were assessed after 7th day of surgery.

Results

Compared with sham group, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in AMI group were significantly increased. However, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level were dramatically decreased. ISL treatment significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, improved cardiac function, inhibited the production of ROS and MDA and reduced the consumption of SOD and GSH-Px. Interestingly, ISL could significantly increase nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) level in the infarcted myocardium and reduce the oxidative stress after AMI. Also, ISL treatment dramatically inhibited the activation of myocardial NF-κB pathway and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the AMI group. However, the administration of ML385 not only suppressed the Nrf2/HO-1 activation, the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects induced by ISL, but also attenuated the beneficial role of ISL on reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function in the mouse with AMI.

Conclusion

The results suggested that activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway has an essential role in ISL-induced cardiac protection by alleviating myocardial oxidative stress and inflammation response in mice with AMI.

Effects of berbamine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: Activation of the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor pathway and changes in the mitochondrial state

This study was designed to investigate whether berbamine (BA)-induced cardioprotective effects were related to 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling and changes in the mitochondria in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. C57/BL6 mice were exposed to BA (10 mg/kg/d), with or without administration of the AMPK specific inhibitor compound C (5 mg/kg/d) or the Nrf2 specific inhibitor ML-385 (30 mg/kg/d), and then subjected to a myocardial I/R operation. As expected, BA significantly improved post-ischemic cardiac function, reduced infarct size and apoptotic cell death, decreased oxidative stress, and improved the mitochondrial state. Furthermore, BA markedly increased AMPK activation, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and the levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase and heme oxygenase-1. Nevertheless, these BA-induced changes were abrogated by compound C. In addition, ML-385 also canceled the cardioprotective effects of BA but had little effect on AMPK activation. Our results demonstrate that BA alleviates myocardial I/R injury and the mitochondrial state by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress via the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.