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Zhao S, Meng Y, Cai W, Luo Q, Gao H, Shen Q, Shi D. Docosahexaenoic Acid Coordinating with Sodium Selenite Promotes Paraptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Disrupting the Redox Homeostasis and Activating the MAPK Pathway. Nutrients 2024; 16:1737. [PMID: 38892670 PMCID: PMC11174406 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells are characterized by a delicate balance between elevated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant capacity. This intricate equilibrium, maintained within a threshold known as redox homeostasis, offers a unique perspective for cancer treatment by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels beyond cellular tolerability, thereby disrupting this balance. However, currently used chemotherapy drugs require larger doses to increase ROS levels beyond the redox homeostasis threshold, which may cause serious side effects. How to disrupt redox homeostasis in cancer cells more effectively remains a challenge. In this study, we found that sodium selenite and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid extracted from marine fish, synergistically induced cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Physiological doses of DHA simultaneously upregulated oxidation and antioxidant levels within the threshold range without affecting cell viability. However, it rendered the cells more susceptible to reaching the upper limit of the threshold of redox homeostasis, facilitating the elevation of ROS levels beyond the threshold by combining with low doses of sodium selenite, thereby disrupting redox homeostasis and inducing MAPK-mediated paraptosis. This study highlights the synergistic anticancer effects of sodium selenite and DHA, which induce paraptosis by disrupting redox homeostasis in tumor cells. These findings offer a novel strategy for more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuzhou Meng
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenxun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiwen Luo
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongyang Gao
- Institute of Electronmicroscopy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Institute of Electronmicroscopy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongyun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Free Radical Regulation and Application Research Center of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Wang H, Cheng Q, Bao L, Li M, Chang K, Yi X. Cytoprotective Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Cancer Chemoresistance: Focus on Antioxidant, Antiapoptotic, and Pro-Autophagy Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1217. [PMID: 37371947 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance remains the foremost challenge in cancer therapy. Targeting reactive oxygen species (ROS) manipulation is a promising strategy in cancer treatment since tumor cells present high levels of intracellular ROS, which makes them more vulnerable to further ROS elevation than normal cells. Nevertheless, dynamic redox evolution and adaptation of tumor cells are capable of counteracting therapy-induced oxidative stress, which leads to chemoresistance. Hence, exploring the cytoprotective mechanisms of tumor cells is urgently needed to overcome chemoresistance. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, acts as a crucial antioxidant defense and cytoprotective molecule in response to cellular stress. Recently, emerging evidence indicated that ROS detoxification and oxidative stress tolerance owing to the antioxidant function of HO-1 contribute to chemoresistance in various cancers. Enhanced HO-1 expression or enzymatic activity was revealed to promote apoptosis resistance and activate protective autophagy, which also involved in the development of chemoresistance. Moreover, inhibition of HO-1 in multiple cancers was identified to reversing chemoresistance or improving chemosensitivity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances regarding the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and pro-autophagy properties of HO-1 in mediating chemoresistance, highlighting HO-1 as a novel target for overcoming chemoresistance and improving the prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lingjie Bao
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Mingqing Li
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Kaikai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaofang Yi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
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de Freitas Rodrigues J, Philippsen HK, Dolabela MF, Nagamachi CY, Pieczarka JC. The Potential of DHA as Cancer Therapy Strategies: A Narrative Review of In Vitro Cytotoxicity Trials. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15082006. [PMID: 37111226 PMCID: PMC10141663 DOI: 10.3390/nu15082006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), also known as omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is a natural compound that has demonstrated pharmacological activity against several malignant neoplasms. Available cancer treatments cause side effects, affect healthy cells, reduce the quality of life of patients and may cause resistance to antineoplastics. For these reasons, the search for new therapies is continuous. This narrative review aimed to compile information on in vitro experiments that study the cytotoxic effect of DHA or molecules derived from DHA in tumor and nontumor cells. This was performed to highlight the potential of DHA as a strategy for cancer therapy and to gather information, which will help researchers plan experimental designs and develop research to discover effective therapies against cancer. In addition, studies were presented that demonstrate the dose of DHA that can treat patients with cancer. Thus, a search was conducted for articles on the SCOPUS and Web of Science platforms, published until 2022, that analyzed the action of DHA against breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, stomach and liver cancers. Cytotoxic effects were observed in tumor and nontumor cell lines, and these results varied with the type of cell line studied, drug concentration, incubation time and treatment combination, i.e., with DHA alone, combined with other drugs and with molecules derived from DHA. In patients with cancer, in all analyzed studies, DHA intake was associated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or proteins to aid chemotherapy, and with this procedure, tumor reduction, chemotherapy tolerance and muscle mass gain were obtained. This work contributes to the community by demonstrating the possible applicability of DHA in the pharmaceutical area of oncological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hellen Kempfer Philippsen
- Socioenvironmental and Water Resources Institute, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil
| | - Maria Fani Dolabela
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Julio Cesar Pieczarka
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
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Theinel MH, Nucci MP, Alves AH, Dias OFM, Mamani JB, Garrigós MM, Oliveira FA, Rego GNA, Valle NME, Cianciarullo G, Gamarra LF. The Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Breast Cancer as a Preventive Measure or as an Adjunct to Conventional Treatments. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061310. [PMID: 36986040 PMCID: PMC10052714 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to understand how omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplements affect breast cancer prevention and treatment, a systematic review of articles published in the last 5 years in two databases was performed. Of the 679 articles identified, only 27 were included and examined based on five topics, taking into account: the induction type of the breast cancer used in animal models; the characteristics of the induction model by cell transplantation; the experimental design of the ω-3 supplementation—combined or not with a treatment antitumor drug; the fatty acids (FAs) composition used; the analysis of the studies’ outcomes. There are diverse and well-established animal models of breast cancer in the literature, with very relevant histological and molecular similarities depending on the specific objective of the study, such as whether the method of tumor induction was transgenic, by cell transplantation, or by oncogenic drugs. The analyses of outcomes were mainly focused on monitoring tumor growth, body/tumor weight, and molecular, genetic, or histological analyses, and few studies evaluated latency, survival, or metastases. The best results occurred when supplementation with ω-3 PUFA was associated with antitumor drugs, especially in the analysis of metastases and volume/weight of tumors or when the supplementation was started early and maintained for a long time. However, the beneficial effect of ω-3 PUFA supplementation when not associated with an antitumor agent remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana P. Nucci
- LIM44–Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lionel F. Gamarra
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2151-0243
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Chen Y, Liu K, Yang Z, Chang M, Wang X, Wang X. Lipase-catalyzed two-step hydrolysis for concentration of acylglycerols rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Food Chem 2023; 400:134115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Ferreri C, Sansone A, Chatgilialoglu C, Ferreri R, Amézaga J, Burgos MC, Arranz S, Tueros I. Critical Review on Fatty Acid-Based Food and Nutraceuticals as Supporting Therapy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116030. [PMID: 35682708 PMCID: PMC9181022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids have an important place in both biological and nutritional contexts and, from a clinical point of view, they have known consequences for diseases’ onset and development, including cancer. The use of fatty acid-based food and nutraceuticals to support cancer therapy is a multidisciplinary subject, involving molecular and clinical research. Knowledge regarding polyunsaturated fatty acids essentiality/oxidizability and the role of lipogenesis-desaturase pathways for cell growth, as well as oxidative reactivity in cancer cells, are discussed, since they can drive the choice of fatty acids using their multiple roles to support antitumoral drug activity. The central role of membrane fatty acid composition is highlighted for the application of membrane lipid therapy. As fatty acids are also known as biomarkers of cancer onset and progression, the personalization of the fatty acid-based therapy is also possible, taking into account other important factors such as formulation, bioavailability and the distribution of the supplementation. A holistic approach emerges combining nutra- and pharma-strategies in an appropriate manner, to develop further knowledge and applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreri
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Sansone
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Chryssostomos Chatgilialoglu
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (A.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Rosaria Ferreri
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Tuscany Reference Centre for Integrated Medicine in the Hospital Pathway, Pitigliano Hospital, ASL Sudest Toscana, 58017 Pitigliano, Italy;
| | - Javier Amézaga
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Mercedes Caro Burgos
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Sara Arranz
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
| | - Itziar Tueros
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.A.); (M.C.B.); (S.A.); (I.T.)
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Lages EB, Fernandes RS, Silva JDO, de Souza ÂM, Cassali GD, de Barros ALB, Miranda Ferreira LA. Co-delivery of doxorubicin, docosahexaenoic acid, and α-tocopherol succinate by nanostructured lipid carriers has a synergistic effect to enhance antitumor activity and reduce toxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110876. [PMID: 33113428 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in cancer treatment, however, its use is often limited due to its side effects. To avoid these shortcomings, the encapsulation of DOX into nanocarriers has been suggested. Herein, we proposed a novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation loading DOX, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-tocopherol succinate (TS) for cancer treatment. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and TS is a vitamin E derivative. It has been proposed that these compounds can enhance the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutics. Thus, we hypothesized that the combination of DOX, DHA, and TS in NLC (NLC-DHA-DOX-TS) could increase antitumor efficacy and also reduce toxicity. NLC-DHA-DOX-TS was prepared using emulsification-ultrasound. DOX was incorporated after preparing the NLC, which prevented its degradation during manufacture. High DOX encapsulation efficiency was obtained due to the ion-pairing with TS. This ion-pairing increases lipophilicity of DOX and reduces its crystallinity, contributing to its encapsulation in the lipid matrix. Controlled DOX release from the NLC was observed in vitro, with increased drug release at the acidic environment. In vitro cell studies indicated that DOX, DHA, and TS have synergistic effects against 4T1 tumor cells. The in vivo study showed that NLC-DHA-DOX-TS exhibited the greatest antitumor efficacy by reducing tumor growth in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. In addition, this formulation reduced mice mortality, prevented lung metastasis, and decreased DOX-induced toxicity to the heart and liver, which was demonstrated by hematologic, biochemical, and histologic analyses. These results indicate that NLC-DHA-DOX-TS may be a promising carrier for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Burgarelli Lages
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renata Salgado Fernandes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Oliveira Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Malachias de Souza
- Department of Physics, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Geovanni Dantas Cassali
- Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - André Luís Branco de Barros
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Antônio Miranda Ferreira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Omega-3 fatty acids protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats through HO-1-Nrf2-BACH1 pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 687:108387. [PMID: 32348741 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic antipyretic drug, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are common after the overdose. The main mechanism of APAP toxicity is oxidative stress based. Stress may induce the production of heme oxygenase 1 (HO)-1 which is regulated by interleukin (IL)-10 and inhibit the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). HO-1 expression is further regulated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1). Drug-induced toxicity can be relieved by several natural products, which are preferred due to their dietary nature and less adverse reactions. Of these natural products, omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. However, effects of ω-3fatty acids on APAP-induced hepatic and renal toxicity are not well addressed. We designed this study to test the potential protecting actions of ω-3 fatty acids (270 mg/kg Eicosapentaenoic acid and 180 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid, orally, for 7 days) in hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by APAP (2 g/kg, once orally on day 7) in rats. Moreover, we focused on the molecular mechanism underlying APAP hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Pre-treatment with ω-3 fatty acids enhanced liver and kidney functions indicated by decreased serum aminotransferases activities and serum creatinine and urea concentrations. These results were further confirmed by histopathological examination. Moreover, ω-3 fatty acids showed antioxidant properties confirmed by decreased malondialdehyde level and increased total antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant Nrf2, its regulators (HO-1 and BACH1) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were up-regulated by APAP administration as a compensatory mechanism and they were normalized by ω-3 fatty acids. ω-3 fatty acids showed anti-inflammatory actions through down-regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) and its downstream TNF-α. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed that ω-3 fatty acids promoted Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus; BACH1 exit from the nucleus and inhibited NF-ĸB nuclear translocation. These findings suggested the protecting actions of ω-3 fatty acids against APAP-induced hepatic and renal toxicity through regulation of antioxidant Nrf2 and inflammatory NF-ĸB pathways.
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da Costa RM, Rodrigues D, Pereira CA, Silva JF, Alves JV, Lobato NS, Tostes RC. Nrf2 as a Potential Mediator of Cardiovascular Risk in Metabolic Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:382. [PMID: 31031630 PMCID: PMC6473049 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Free radicals act as secondary messengers, modulating a number of important biological processes, including gene expression, ion mobilization in transport systems, protein interactions and enzymatic functions, cell growth, cell cycle, redox homeostasis, among others. In the cardiovascular system, the physiological generation of free radicals ensures the integrity and function of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and adjacent smooth muscle cells. In physiological conditions, there is a balance between free radicals generation and the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Redox imbalance, caused by increased free radical's production and/or reduced antioxidant defense, plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, endothelial dysfunction, hypertrophy and hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle. Excessive production of oxidizing agents in detriment of antioxidant defenses in the cardiovascular system has been described in obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), a major regulator of antioxidant and cellular protective genes, is primarily activated in response to oxidative stress. Under physiological conditions, Nrf2 is constitutively expressed in the cytoplasm of cells and is usually associated with Keap-1, a repressor protein. This association maintains low levels of free Nrf2. Stressors, such as free radicals, favor the translocation of Nrf2 to the cell nucleus. The accumulation of nuclear Nrf2 allows the binding of this protein to the antioxidant response element of genes that code antioxidant proteins. Although little information on the role of Nrf2 in the cardiovascular system is available, growing evidence indicates that decreased Nrf2 activity contributes to oxidative stress, favoring the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders found in obesity, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. The present mini-review will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of Nrf2 as a contributing factor to cardiovascular risk in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M da Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Special Academic Unit of Health Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, Brazil
| | - Daniel Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila A Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josiane F Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano V Alves
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Núbia S Lobato
- Special Academic Unit of Health Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, Brazil
| | - Rita C Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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