Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and necrosis in human lung fibroblasts: protective roles of glutathione

A 70% Ethanol Neorhodomela munita Extract Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Activation and H2O2-Induced Osteoblast Apoptosis In Vitro

The rapid aging of the population worldwide presents a significant social and economic challenge, particularly due to osteoporotic fractures, primarily resulting from an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. While conventional therapies offer benefits, they also present limitations and a range of adverse effects. This study explores the protective impact of Neorhodomela munita ethanol extract (EN) on osteoporosis by modulating critical pathways in osteoclastogenesis and apoptosis. Raw264.7 cells and Saos-2 cells were used for in vitro osteoclast and osteoblast models, respectively. By utilizing various in vitro methods to detect osteoclast differentiation/activation and osteoblast death, it was demonstrated that the EN's potential to inhibit RANKL induced osteoclast formation and activation by targeting the MAPKs-NFATc1/c-Fos pathway and reducing H2O2-induced cell death through the downregulation of apoptotic signals. This study highlights the potential benefits of EN for osteoporosis and suggests that EN is a promising natural alternative to traditional treatments.

Probing cell membrane integrity using a histone-targeting protein nanocage displaying precisely positioned fluorophores

Cell membrane integrity is fundamental to the normal activities of cells and is involved in both acute and chronic pathologies. Here, we report a probe for analyzing cell membrane integrity developed from a 9 nm-sized protein nanocage named Dps via fluorophore conjugation with high spatial precision to avoid self-quenching. The probe cannot enter normal live cells but can accumulate in dead or live cells with damaged membranes, which, interestingly, leads to weak cytoplasmic and strong nuclear staining. This differential staining is found attributed to the high affinity of Dps for histones rather than DNA, providing a staining mechanism different from those of known membrane exclusion probes (MEPs). Moreover, the Dps nanoprobe is larger in size and thus applies a more stringent criterion for identifying severe membrane damage than currently available MEPs. This study shows the potential of Dps as a new bioimaging platform for biological and medical analyses.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Supplementary material (Figs. S1-S12 including distance information between neighboring fluorophores on Dps, TEM images, MALDI-TOF analysis, fluorescence spectra, confocal images, gel retardation analysis, tissue staining, and additional data) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-022-4785-5.

Eriodictyol Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Dermal Fibroblasts through Enhanced Capacity of Antioxidant Machinery

Oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts is strongly correlated with the aging process of the skin. The application of natural compounds that can increase the ability of dermal fibroblasts to counteract oxidative stress is a promising approach to promote skin health and beauty. Eriodictyol is a flavonoid that exerts several pharmacological actions through its antioxidant properties. However, its protective effects on dermal fibroblasts have not yet been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether eriodictyol protects human dermal fibroblasts (BJ fibroblasts) from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Eriodictyol pretreatment significantly prevented necrotic cell death caused by H₂O₂ exposure. In addition, the level of 2′,7′-dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein oxidation was decreased, and that of glutathione was maintained, indicating that the beneficial effects of eriodictyol against H₂O₂ were closely associated with oxidative-stress attenuation. Eriodictyol mediates its antioxidant effects on dermal fibroblasts against H₂O₂ through (i) the direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species; (ii) the enhancement of the activities of H₂O₂-detoxifying enzymes, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase; and (iii) the induction of the expressions of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling system. These results support the potential application of eriodictyol as an ingredient in skincare products for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Optimized 2-methoxyestradiol invasomes fortified with apamin: a promising approach for suppression of A549 lung cancer cells

Certain anticancer agents selectively target the nucleus of cancer cells. One such drug is 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME), which is used for treating lung cancer. To improve the therapeutic effectiveness of these agents, many new methods have been devised. 2ME was entrapped into the core of hydrophobic invasomes (INVA) covered with Phospholipon 90G and apamin (APA). The Box–Behnken statistical design was implemented to enhance the composition. Using Design-Expert software (Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN), the INVA component quantities were optimized to obtain spherical particles with the smallest size, that is, a diameter of 167.8 nm. 2ME-INVA-APA significantly inhibited A549 cells and exhibited IC₅₀ of 1.15 ± 0.04 µg/mL, which is lower than raw 2ME (IC₅₀ 5.6 ± 0.2 µg/mL). Post 2ME-INVA-APA administration, a significant rise in cell death and necrosis was seen among the A549 cells compared to those treated with plain formula or 2ME alone. This effect was indicated by increased Bax expression and reduced Bcl-2 expression, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Moreover, the cell cycle analysis showed that 2ME-INVA-APA arrests the G2-M phase of the A549 cells. Additionally, it was observed that the micellar formulation of the drug increased the cell count in pre-G1, thereby exhibiting phenomenal apoptotic potential. Furthermore, it up-regulates caspase-9 and p53 and downregulates TNF-α and NF-κβ. Collectively, these findings showed that our optimized 2ME-INVA-APA could easily seep through the cell membrane and induce apoptosis in relatively low doses.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From Biochemistry to Pathophysiology

Free radicals are unstable chemical reactive species produced during Redox dyshomeostasis (RDH) inside living cells and are implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most complicated and life-threatening motor neurodegenerative diseases (MND) is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because of the poor understanding of its pathophysiology and absence of an effective treatment for its cure. During the last 25 years, researchers around the globe have focused their interest on copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD, SOD1) protein after the landmark discovery of mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) gene as a risk factor for ALS. Substantial evidence suggests that toxic gain of function due to redox disturbance caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) changes the biophysical properties of native SOD1 protein thus, instigating its fibrillization and misfolding. These abnormal misfolding aggregates or inclusions of SOD1 play a role in the pathogenesis of both forms of ALS, i.e., Sporadic ALS (sALS) and familial ALS (fALS). However, what leads to a decrease in the stability and misfolding of SOD1 is still in question and our scientific knowledge is scarce. A large number of studies have been conducted in this area to explore the biochemical mechanistic pathway of SOD1 aggregation. Several studies, over the past two decades, have shown that the SOD1-catalyzed biochemical reaction product hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at a pathological concentration act as a substrate to trigger the misfolding trajectories and toxicity of SOD1 in the pathogenesis of ALS. These toxic aggregates of SOD1 also cause aberrant localization of TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), which is characteristic of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI) found in ALS. Here in this review, we present the evidence implicating the pivotal role of H₂O₂ in modulating the toxicity of SOD1 in the pathophysiology of the incurable and highly complex disease ALS. Also, highlighting the role of H₂O₂ in ALS, we believe will encourage scientists to target pathological concentrations of H₂O₂ thereby halting the misfolding of SOD1.

Genome-Wide RNAi Screening Identifies Novel Pathways/Genes Involved in Oxidative Stress and Repurposable Drugs to Preserve Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Cell Integrity

Recurrent infection-inflammation cycles in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients generate a highly oxidative environment, leading to progressive destruction of the airway epithelia. The identification of novel modifier genes involved in oxidative stress susceptibility in the CF airways might contribute to devise new therapeutic approaches. We performed an unbiased genome-wide RNAi screen using a randomized siRNA library to identify oxidative stress modulators in CF airway epithelial cells. We monitored changes in cell viability after a lethal dose of hydrogen peroxide. Local similarity and protein-protein interaction network analyses uncovered siRNA target genes/pathways involved in oxidative stress. Further mining against public drug databases allowed identifying and validating commercially available drugs conferring oxidative stress resistance. Accordingly, a catalog of 167 siRNAs able to confer oxidative stress resistance in CF submucosal gland cells targeted 444 host genes and multiple circuitries involved in oxidative stress. The most significant processes were related to alternative splicing and cell communication, motility, and remodeling (impacting cilia structure/function, and cell guidance complexes). Other relevant pathways included DNA repair and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus, the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist doxazosin, and the Syk inhibitor fostamatinib significantly increased the viability of CF submucosal gland cells under strong oxidative stress pressure. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies to preserve airway cell integrity from the harsh oxidative milieu of CF airways could stem from a deep understanding of the complex consequences of oxidative stress at the molecular level, followed by a rational repurposing of existing "protective" drugs. This approach could also prove useful to other respiratory pathologies.

Interplay between Mitochondrial Metabolism and Cellular Redox State Dictates Cancer Cell Survival

Mitochondria are the main powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which drives myriad cellular processes. In addition to their role in maintaining bioenergetic homeostasis, changes in mitochondrial metabolism, permeability, and morphology are critical in cell fate decisions and determination. Notably, mitochondrial respiration coupled with the passage of electrons through the electron transport chain (ETC) set up a potential source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While low to moderate increase in intracellular ROS serves as secondary messenger, an overwhelming increase as a result of either increased production and/or deficient antioxidant defenses is detrimental to biomolecules, cells, and tissues. Since ROS and mitochondria both regulate cell fate, attention has been drawn to their involvement in the various processes of carcinogenesis. To that end, the link between a prooxidant milieu and cell survival and proliferation as well as a switch to mitochondrial OXPHOS associated with recalcitrant cancers provide testimony for the remarkable metabolic plasticity as an important hallmark of cancers. In this review, the regulation of cell redox status by mitochondrial metabolism and its implications for cancer cell fate will be discussed followed by the significance of mitochondria-targeted therapies for cancer.

Human INCL fibroblasts display abnormal mitochondrial and lysosomal networks and heightened susceptibility to ROS-induced cell death

Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (INCL) is a pediatric neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive retinal and central nervous system deterioration during infancy. This lysosomal storage disorder results from a deficiency in the Palmitoyl Protein Thioesterase 1 (PPT1) enzyme—a lysosomal hydrolase which cleaves fatty acid chains such as palmitate from lipid-modified proteins. In the absence of PPT1 activity, these proteins fail to be degraded, leading to the accumulation of autofluorescence storage material in the lysosome. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to INCL pathology remain poorly understood. A role for oxidative stress has been postulated, yet little evidence has been reported to support this possibility. Here we present a comprehensive cellular characterization of human PPT1-deficient fibroblast cells harboring Met1Ile and Tyr247His compound heterozygous mutations. We detected autofluorescence storage material and observed distinct organellar abnormalities of the lysosomal and mitochondrial structures, which supported previous postulations about the role of ER, mitochondria and oxidative stress in INCL. An increase in the number of lysosomal structures was found in INCL patient fibroblasts, which suggested an upregulation of lysosomal biogenesis, and an association with endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The mitochondrial network also displayed abnormal spherical punctate morphology instead of normal elongated tubules with extensive branching, supporting the involvement of mitochondrial and oxidative stress in INCL cell death. Autofluorescence accumulation and lysosomal pathologies can be mitigated in the presence of conditioned wild type media suggesting that a partial restoration via passive introduction of the enzyme into the cellular environment may be possible. We also demonstrated, for the first time, that human INCL fibroblasts have a heightened susceptibility to exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cell death, which suggested an elevated basal level of endogenous ROS in the mutant cell. Collectively, these findings support the role of intracellular organellar networks in INCL pathology, possibly due to oxidative stress.

Menthol in electronic cigarettes: A contributor to respiratory disease?

Menthol is widely used in tobacco products. This study compared the effects of menthol on human bronchial epithelium using submerged cultures, a VITROCELL® cloud chamber that provides air liquid interface (ALI) exposure without solvents or heating, and a Cultex ALI system that delivers aerosol equivalent to that inhaled during vaping. In submerged culture, menthol significantly increased calcium influx and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the TRPM8 receptor, responses that were inhibited by a TRPM8 antagonist. VITROCELL® cloud chamber exposure of BEAS-2B monolayers increased mitochondrial protein oxidation, expression of the antioxidant enzyme SOD2, activation of NF-κB, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). Proteomics data collected following ALI exposure of 3D EpiAirway tissue in the Cultex showed upregulation of NRF-2-mediated oxidative stress, oxidative phosphorylation, and IL-8 signaling. Across the three platforms, menthol adversely effected human bronchial epithelium in a manner that could lead to respiratory disease.

Machine learning utilising spectral derivative data improves cellular health classification through hyperspectral infra-red spectroscopy

The objective differentiation of facets of cellular metabolism is important for several clinical applications, including accurate definition of tumour boundaries and targeted wound debridement. To this end, spectral biomarkers to differentiate live and necrotic/apoptotic cells have been defined using in vitro methods. The delineation of different cellular states using spectroscopic methods is difficult due to the complex nature of these biological processes. Sophisticated, objective classification methods will therefore be important for such differentiation. In this study, spectral data from healthy/traumatised cell samples using hyperspectral imaging between 2500-3500 nm were collected using a portable prototype device. Machine learning algorithms, in the form of clustering, have been performed on a variety of pre-processing data types including 'raw' unprocessed, smoothed resampling, background subtracted and spectral derivative. The resulting clusters were utilised as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of cellular health and quantified using both sensitivity and specificity to compare the different analysis methods. The raw data exhibited differences for one of the three different trauma types applied, although unable to accurately cluster all the traumatised samples due to signal contamination from the chemical insult. The background subtracted and smoothed data sets reduced the accuracy further, due to the apparent removal of key spectral features which exhibit cellular health. However, the spectral derivative data-types significantly improved the accuracy of clustering compared to other data types, with both sensitivity and specificity for the background subtracted data set being >94% highlighting its utility to account for unknown signal contamination while maintaining important cellular spectral features.

Oncolytic Nanoreactors Producing Hydrogen Peroxide for Oxidative Cancer Therapy

In situ generation of anticancer agents at the place of the disease is a new paradigm for cancer therapy. The production of highly potent drugs by nanoreactors through a facile synthesis pathway is demanded. We report an oncolytic nanoreactor platform loaded with the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) to produce hydrogen peroxide. For the first time, we realized a core-shell structure with encapsulated GOX under mild synthetic conditions, which ensured high remaining activity of GOX inside of the nanoreactor. Moreover, the nanoreactor protected the loaded GOX from proteolysis and contributed to increased thermal stability of the enzyme. The nanoreactors were effectively taken up into different cancer cells, in which they produced hydrogen peroxide by consuming intracellular glucose and oxygen, thereby leading to effective death of the cancer cells. In summary, our robust nanoreactors are a promising platform for effective anticancer therapy and sustained enzyme utilization.

GKN2 promotes oxidative stress-induced gastric cancer cell apoptosis via the Hsc70 pathway

BACKGROUND

The GKN2 is a secretory protein, whose levels decrease in gastric cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the expression, function and mechanism of action of GKN2 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Molecular biology assays were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of GKN2 in gastric cancer under stress-induced condition in vivo and in vitro. Clinical specimens were used to assess the correlation of GKN2 and prognosis.

RESULTS

We found that overexpression of GKN2 significantly enhanced apoptosis and growth arrest in vitro. GKN2 expression increased in gastric cancer cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide and promoted reactive oxygen species-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and resulted in increased cell apoptosis via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway and activation of JNK signaling pathway through the direct interaction of GKN2 with Hsc70. Trefoil factor 1 might contribute to the tumor suppressing effects of GKN2. MiR-216a downregulated GKN2 expression. GKN2 also inhibited xenograft tumor growth and was an independent and significant prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer treated with oxaliplatin.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data indicate that GKN2 may increase sensitivity of GC cells to the drugs which increase ROS levels in tumors. Inhibition of the interaction between GKN2 and Hsc70 could attenuate the effects induced by GKN2. GKN2 overexpression could be used to determine the subgroup of patients to obtain the more favorable outcome of oxaliplatin treatment and may be used as biomarker of the prognosis of this cancer.

Microcystin-LR promotes necroptosis in primary mouse hepatocytes by overproducing reactive oxygen species

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a type of cyclic heptapeptide toxin produced by cyanobacteria during bloom events. MC-LR-induced cell death is critically involved in its potent specific hepatotoxicity. Many studies have demonstrated that prototypical apoptosis as a form of programmed cell death after MC-LR is associated with liver injury. However, whether another form of programmed cell death exists and the underlying mechanism have not been reported. Here, we demonstrate that MC-LR can induce necroptosis via ROS overactivation in primary mouse hepatocytes. Various potential pathways of programmed cell death induced by MC-LR were evaluated by annexin V/PI dual staining for flow cytometric analysis, image-based PI staining analysis and western blot analysis. Cell viability was determined by the CCK8 assay. Rupture of the plasma membrane was indicated by lactate dehydrogenase release. ROS was evaluated with the carboxy-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe. It was found that in MC-LR-treated cells, as the plasma membrane was damaged, annexin V/PI-stained double-positive cells were significantly induced and PI-stained nuclei were more diffuse. Western blot analysis showed that MC-LR treatment significantly upregulated the expression of necroptotic and apoptotic proteins. Mechanistically, MC-LR induced ROS overproduction by dysregulating the expression and activity of the pro-oxidants SOD1, MAOA, and NOX4 and the antioxidant GPX1. These results indicate the presence of a novel mechanism for MC-LR-mediated liver injury and present a novel target in the treatment of MC-LR-exposed patients.

In-vitro antioxidant capacity and cytoprotective/cytotoxic effects upon Caco-2 cells of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) viscera hydrolysates

The antioxidant capacity of red tilapia viscera hydrolysates (RTVH) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) as well as their ultrafiltration membrane fractions, were analyzed using different chemical assays. Their protective effects against oxidative stress were evaluated using H₂O₂-stressed human intestinal differentiated Caco-2. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained with a DH of 42.5% (RTVH-A) and its <1 kDa fraction (FRTVH-V). RTVH-A and FRTVH-V did not show cytotoxic effects at a concentration of ≤0.5 mg/mL,prevented the decrease in cell viability, and suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation induced by H₂O₂. However, pretreatment with RTVH-A after adding H₂O₂, showed a greater decrease in glutathione levels. Moreover, FRTVH-V allowed for a recovery close to that of control levels of cell proportions in the G1 and G2/M cell cycle phases; and a decrease in the cell proportion in late apoptosis. These results suggest that RTVH-A and FRTVH-V can be beneficial ingredients with antioxidant properties and can have protective effects against ROS-mediated intestinal injuries.

The Tri-phasic Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelial cells

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays an important role physiologically as the second messenger and pathologically as an inducer of oxidative stress in injury, ischemia and other conditions. However, it is unclear how H₂O₂ influences various cellular functions in health and disease differentially, particularly in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We hypothesized that the change in cellular concentrations of H₂O₂ is a major contributor in regulation of angiogenesis, barrier integrity/permeability and cell death/apoptosis in BBB endothelial cells. Rat brain microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to various concentrations of H₂O₂ (1 nM to 25 mM). BBB tight junction protein (zonula ocludens-1; ZO-1) localization and expression, cytoskeletal organization, monolayer permeability, angiogenesis, cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated. H₂O₂ at low concentrations (0.001 μM to 1 μM) increased endothelial cell tube formation indicating enhanced angiogenesis. H₂O₂ at 100 μM and above induced monolayer hyperpermeability significantly (p < 0.05). H₂O₂ at 10 mM and above decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). There was a decrease of ZO-1 tight junction localization with 100 μm H₂O₂, but had no effect on protein expression. Cytoskeletal disorganizations were observed starting at 1 μm. In conclusion H₂O₂ influences angiogenesis, permeability, and cell death/apoptosis in a tri-phasic and concentration-dependent manner in microvascular endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier.

Redox inhibition of protein phosphatase PP2A: Potential implications in oncogenesis and its progression

Cellular processes are dictated by the active signaling of proteins relaying messages to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction and cell communications. An intricate web of protein kinases and phosphatases are critical to the proper transmission of signals across such cascades. By governing 30–50% of all protein dephosphorylation in the cell, with prominent substrate proteins being key regulators of signaling cascades, the phosphatase PP2A has emerged as a celebrated player in various developmental and tumorigenic pathways, thereby posing as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in various pathologies wherein its activity is deregulated. This review is mainly focused on refreshing our understanding of the structural and functional complexity that cocoons the PP2A phosphatase, and its expression in cancers. Additionally, we focus on its physiological regulation as well as into recent advents and strategies that have shown promise in countering the deregulation of the phosphatase through its targeted reactivation. Finally, we dwell upon one of the key regulators of PP2A in cancer cells-cellular redox status-its multifarious nature, and its integration into the reactome of PP2A, highlighting some of the significant impacts that ROS can inflict on the structural modifications and functional aspect of PP2A.

Macrophage Uptake of Necrotic Cell DNA Activates the AIM2 Inflammasome to Regulate a Proinflammatory Phenotype in CKD

Nonmicrobial inflammation contributes to CKD progression and fibrosis. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is an inflammasome-forming receptor for double-stranded DNA. AIM2 is expressed in the kidney and activated mainly by macrophages. We investigated the potential pathogenic role of the AIM2 inflammasome in kidney disease. In kidneys from patients with diabetic or nondiabetic CKD, immunofluorescence showed AIM2 expression in glomeruli, tubules, and infiltrating leukocytes. In a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), Aim2 deficiency attenuated the renal injury, fibrosis, and inflammation observed in wild-type (WT) littermates. In bone marrow chimera studies, UUO induced substantially more tubular injury and IL-1β cleavage in Aim2^-/- or WT mice that received WT bone marrow than in WT mice that received Aim2^-/- bone marrow. Intravital microscopy of the kidney in LysM^(gfp/gfp) mice 5-6 days after UUO demonstrated the significant recruitment of GFP⁺ proinflammatory macrophages that crawled along injured tubules, engulfed DNA from necrotic cells, and expressed active caspase-1. DNA uptake occurred in large vacuolar structures within recruited macrophages but not resident CX₃CR1⁺ renal phagocytes. In vitro, macrophages that engulfed necrotic debris showed AIM2-dependent activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β, as well as the formation of AIM2⁺ ASC specks. ASC specks are a hallmark of inflammasome activation. Cotreatment with DNaseI attenuated the increase in IL-1β levels, confirming that DNA was the principal damage-associated molecular pattern in this process. Therefore, the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome by DNA from necrotic cells drives a proinflammatory phenotype that contributes to chronic injury in the kidney.

Regulation of calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum by the serine hydrolase ABHD2

The serine hydrolase inhibitors pyrrophenone and KT195 inhibit cell death induced by A23187 and H₂O₂ by blocking the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial calcium uptake. The effect of pyrrophenone and KT195 on these processes is not due to inhibition of their known targets, cytosolic phospholipase A₂ and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing (ABHD) 6, respectively, but represent off-target effects. To identify targets of KT195, fibroblasts were treated with KT195-alkyne to covalently label protein targets followed by click chemistry with biotin azide, enrichment on streptavidin beads and tryptic peptide analysis by mass spectrometry. Although several serine hydrolases were identified, α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 2 (ABHD2) was the only target in which both KT195 and pyrrophenone competed for binding to KT195-alkyne. ABHD2 is a serine hydrolase with a predicted transmembrane domain consistent with its pull-down from the membrane proteome. Subcellular fractionation showed localization of ABHD2 to the endoplasmic reticulum but not to mitochondria or mitochondrial-associated membranes. Knockdown of ABHD2 with shRNA attenuated calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial calcium uptake and cell death in fibroblasts stimulated with A23187. The results describe a novel mechanism for regulating calcium transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria that involves the serine hydrolase ABHD2.

RhoA Proteolysis Regulates the Actin Cytoskeleton in Response to Oxidative Stress

The small GTPase RhoA regulates the actin cytoskeleton to affect multiple cellular processes including endocytosis, migration and adhesion. RhoA activity is tightly regulated through several mechanisms including GDP/GTP cycling, phosphorylation, glycosylation and prenylation. Previous reports have also reported that cleavage of the carboxy-terminus inactivates RhoA. Here, we describe a novel mechanism of RhoA proteolysis that generates a stable amino-terminal RhoA fragment (RhoA-NTF). RhoA-NTF is detectable in healthy cells and tissues and is upregulated following cell stress. Overexpression of either RhoA-NTF or the carboxy-terminal RhoA cleavage fragment (RhoA-CTF) induces the formation of disorganized actin stress fibres. RhoA-CTF also promotes the formation of disorganized actin stress fibres and nuclear actin rods. Both fragments disrupt the organization of actin stress fibres formed by endogenous RhoA. Together, our findings describe a novel RhoA regulatory mechanism.

Curcumin inhibits HIV-1 by promoting Tat protein degradation

HIV-1 Tat is an intrinsically unfolded protein playing a pivotal role in viral replication by associating with TAR region of viral LTR. Unfolded proteins are degraded by 20S proteasome in an ubiquitin independent manner. Curcumin is known to activate 20S proteasome and promotes the degradation of intrinsically unfolded p53 tumor suppressor protein. Since HIV-1 Tat protein is largerly unfolded, we hypothesized that Tat may also be targeted through this pathway. Curcumin treated Tat transfected HEK-293T cells showed a dose and time dependent degradation of Tat protein. Contrary to this HIV-1 Gag which is a properly folded protein, remained unaffected with curcumin. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that curcumin treatment did not affect Tat gene transcription. Curcumin increased the rate of Tat protein degradation as shown by cycloheximide (CHX) chase assay. Degradation of the Tat protein is accomplished through proteasomal pathway as proteasomal inhibitor MG132 blocked Tat degradation. Curcumin also decreased Tat mediated LTR promoter transactivation and inhibited virus production from HIV-1 infected cells. Taken together our study reveals a novel observation that curcumin causes potent degradation of Tat which may be one of the major mechanisms behind its anti HIV activity.

Long Chain Fatty Acid Esters of Quercetin-3-O-glucoside Attenuate H₂O₂-induced Acute Cytotoxicity in Human Lung Fibroblasts and Primary Hepatocytes

Cellular oxidative stress causes detrimental effects to macromolecules, such as lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, leading to many pathological conditions. Quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q3G), a glycosylated derivative of quercetin (Q), is a natural polyphenolic compound known to possess antioxidant activity. The hydrophilic/lipophilic nature of an antioxidant molecule is considered as an important factor governing the accessibility to the active sites of oxidative damages in vivo. Six long chain fatty acid esters of Q3G were evaluated with comparison to Q and Q3G, for their cytoprotective activity under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress using cell culture model systems through cell viability, lipid peroxidation and fluorescence microscopy studies. Pre-incubation of α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) esters of Q3G exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater cell viability in both human lung fibroblast (WI-38) and human primary hepatocytes upon exposure to H₂O₂ insult when compared to the control. Cytoprotection due to oleic acid and linoleic acid esters of Q3G was observed only in human primary hepatocytes. All the derivatives, Q3G and quercetin showed ability to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower production of lipid hydroperoxides under induced oxidative stress, compared to the control. However, ALA and DHA esters of Q3G resulted in significantly lower lipid hydroperoxidation than Q and Q3G. Based on fluorescence microscopy study, H₂O₂-induced apoptosis was attenuated by the fatty acid derivatives of Q3G. The fatty acid derivatives of Q3G possess better cytoprotective effect than Q3G against H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and the concentration should be selected to avoid cytotoxicity.

Membrane permeability during pressure ulcer formation: A computational model of dynamic competition between cytoskeletal damage and repair

Pressure ulcers are debilitating wounds that arise frequently in people who have lost mobility. Mechanical stress, oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion injury are potential sources of damage during pressure ulcer formation, but cross-talk between these sources has rarely been investigated. In vitro experiments with mechanically-induced cell damage previously demonstrated that non-lethal amounts of static cell deformation could induce myoblast membrane permeabilization. Permeabilization, in turn, has the potential to induce oxidative stress via leakage of calcium, myoglobin or alarmins. In this work, we constructed a hypothetical causal network of cellular-scale effects resulting from deformation and permeabilization, and we investigated the theoretical sensitivity of cell death toward various parameters and pathways of the model. Simulations showed that the survival/death outcome was particularly sensitive to the speed of membrane repair. The outcome was also sensitive to whether oxidative stress could decrease the speed of membrane repair. Finally, using the assumption that apoptosis and necrosis would have opposite effects on membrane leakage in dying cells, we showed that promoting apoptosis might under certain conditions have the paradoxical effect of decreasing, rather than increasing, total cell death. Our work illustrates that apoptosis may have hidden benefits at preventing spatial spread of death. More broadly, our work shows the importance of membrane repair dynamics and highlights the need for experiments to measure the effects of ischemia, apoptosis induction, and other co-occurring sources of cell stress toward the speed of membrane repair.

Glutathione administration reduces mitochondrial damage and shifts cell death from necrosis to apoptosis in ageing diabetic mice hearts during exercise

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The effect of antioxidants on ageing type 2 diabetic (T2D) hearts during exercise is unclear. We hypothesized that GSH therapy during exercise reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress (mOXS) and cell death in ageing db/db mice hearts.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effect of GSH on cardiac mOXS and cell death was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.

KEY RESULTS

During exercise, GSH treatment protected db/db hearts from exaggerated mOXS without reducing total cell death. Despite similar cell death, investigations on apoptosis-specific single-stranded DNA breaks and necrosis-specific damage provided the first in vivo evidence of a shift from necrosis to apoptosis, with reduced fibrosis following GSH administration in exercised db/db hearts. Further support for a GSH-regulated 'switch' in death phenotypes came from NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with H2 O2 , a reactive oxygen species (ROS). Similar to in vivo findings, augmenting GSH by overexpressing glutamyl cysteine ligase (GCLc) protected fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes from necrosis induced by H2 O2 , but elevated caspase-3 and apoptosis instead. Similar to in vivo findings, where GSH therapy in normoglycaemic mice suppressed endogenous antioxidants and augmented caspase-3 activity, GCLc overexpression during staurosporine-induced death, which was not characterized by ROS, increased GSH efflux and aggravated death in fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, confirming that oxidative stress is required for GSH-mediated cytoprotection.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

While GSH treatment is useful for reducing mOXS and attenuating necrosis and fibrosis in ageing T2D hearts during exercise, such antioxidant treatment could be counterproductive in the healthy heart during exercise.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 contributes to phenotype transformation of fibroblasts in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via multiple pathways

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease and considered as a cancer-like disease. The phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) tumor suppressor has drawn attention in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, the role of PTEN in phenotypic transformation of lung fibroblasts, particularly in the migratory and invasive phenotype, is still elusive. Our data showed that PTEN expression was markedly reduced in both fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from IPF patients. Furthermore, loss of PTEN led to the transformation of normal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and increased proliferation, apoptosis resistance, and migration/invasion activities. PTEN deficiency upregulated hyaluronan synthase 2 expression and thereby enhanced the invasion ability of fibroblasts. Cross-talk between PTEN and the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) pathway and PTEN reduction by hypoxia were observed. These findings suggest that PTEN is implicated in multiple pathways and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IPF.

Programmed cell death with a necrotic-like phenotype

Programmed cell death is the process by which an individual cell in a multicellular organism commits cellular 'suicide' to provide a long-term benefit to the organism. Thus, programmed cell death is important for physiological processes such as development, cellular homeostasis, and immunity. Importantly, in this process, the cell is not eliminated in response to random events but in response to an intricate and genetically defined set of internal cellular molecular events or 'program'. Although the apoptotic process is generally very well understood, programmed cell death that occurs with a necrotic-like phenotype has been much less studied, and it is only within the past few years that the necrotic program has begun to be elucidated. Originally, programmed necrosis was somewhat dismissed as a nonphysiological phenomenon that occurs in vitro. Recent in vivo studies, however, suggest that regulated necrosis is an authentic classification of cell death that is important in mammalian development and other physiological processes, and programmed necrosis is now considered a significant therapeutic target in major pathological processes as well. Although the RIP1-RIP3-dependent necrosome complex is recognized as being essential for the execution of many instances of programmed necrosis, other downstream and related necrotic molecules and pathways are now being characterized. One of the current challenges is understanding how and under what conditions these pathways are linked together.

Cigarette smoke extract-induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis and anti-oxidative Nrf-2 up-regulation are mediated by ROS-stimulated p38 activation

Cigarette smoke contains reactive oxygen (ROS) that can cause oxidative stress. It increases the number of apoptotic and necrotic lung cells and further induces the development of chronic airway disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). CSE exposure induced ROS generation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation that are associated with the activation of apoptosis-regulating signal kinase 1 (ASK-1). N-acetylcysteine (a general antioxidant) attenuated the CSE-induced ASK-1 and p38 MAPK activation and cell apoptosis, suggesting a triggering role of ROS in ASK-1/p38 MAPK activation during apoptotic progression. In contrast, the inhibition and knockdown of p38 attenuated the expression of anti-oxidant master NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and CSE-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p38 MAPK modulates Nrf-2 expression and presumably prevents cell apoptosis. Taken together, the data presented in this manuscript demonstrate that the ROS-dependent ASK-1/p38 signaling cascade regulates CSE-induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis. In addition, anti-oxidative Nrf-2 is also up-regulated by the ROS/p38 signaling cascade in this progression.

Cardiolipin plays a role in KCN-induced necrosis

Cardiolipin (CL) is a unique anionic, dimeric phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is essential for the function of numerous enzymes that are involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. While the role of cardiolipin in apoptosis is well established, its involvement in necrosis is enigmatic. In the present study, KCN-induced necrosis in U937 cells was used as an experimental model to assess the role of CL in necrosis. KCN addition to U937 cells induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, while the antioxidants inhibited necrosis, indicating that ROS play a role in KCN-induced cell death. Further, CL oxidation was confirmed by the monomer green fluorescence of 10-N-nonyl acridine orange (NAO) and by TLC. Utilizing the red fluorescence of the dimeric NAO, redistribution of CL in mitochondrial membrane during necrosis was revealed. We also showed that the catalytic activity of purified adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase complex, known to be modulated by cardiolipin, decreased following KCN treatment. All these events occurred at an early phase of the necrotic process prior to rupture of the cell membrane. Furthermore, CL-deficient HeLa cells were found to be resistant to KCN-induced necrosis as compared with the wild type cells. We suggest that KCN, an effective reversible inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase and thereby of the respiratory chain leads to ROS increase, which in turn oxidizes CL (amongst other membrane phospholipids) and leads to mitochondrial membrane lipid reorganization and loss of CL symmetry. Finally, the resistance of CL-deficient cells to necrosis further supports the notion that CL, which undergoes oxidation during necrotic cell death, is an integral part of the milieu of events taking place in mitochondria leading to membrane disorganization and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Hydrogen peroxide formation in a surrogate lung fluid by transition metals and quinones present in particulate matter

Inhaled ambient particulate matter (PM) causes adverse health effects, possibly by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), in the lung lining fluid. There are conflicting reports in the literature as to which chemical components of PM can chemically generate HOOH in lung fluid mimics. It is also unclear which redox-active species are most important for HOOH formation at concentrations relevant to ambient PM. To address this, we use a cell-free, surrogate lung fluid (SLF) to quantify the initial rate of HOOH formation from 10 transition metals and 4 quinones commonly identified in PM. Copper, 1,2-naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and phenanthrenequinone all form HOOH in a SLF, but only copper and 1,2-naphthoquinone are likely important at ambient concentrations. Iron suppresses HOOH formation in laboratory solutions, but has a smaller effect in ambient PM extracts, possibly because organic ligands in the particles reduce the reactivity of iron. Overall, copper produces the majority of HOOH chemically generated from typical ambient PM while 1,2-naphthoquinone generally makes a small contribution. However, measured rates of HOOH formation in ambient particle extracts are lower than rates calculated from soluble copper by an average (±1σ) of 44 ± 22%; this underestimate is likely due to either HOOH destruction by Fe or a reduction in Cu reactivity due to organic ligands from the PM.

Spermine metabolism and radiation-derived reactive oxygen species for future therapeutic implications in cancer: an additive or adaptive response

Destruction of cells by irradiation-induced radical formation is one of the most frequent interventions in cancer therapy. An alternative to irradiation-induced radical formation is in principle drug-induced formation of radicals, and the formation of toxic metabolites by enzyme catalyzed reactions. Thus, combination therapy targeting polyamine metabolism could represent a promising strategy to fight hyper-proliferative disease. The aim of this work is to discuss and evaluate whether the presence of a DNA damage provoked by enzymatic ROS overproduction may act as an additive or adaptive response upon radiation and combination of hyperthermia with lysosomotropic compounds may improve the cytocidal effect of polyamines oxidation metabolites. Low level of X-irradiations delivers challenging dose of damage and an additive or adaptive response with the chronic damage induced by spermine oxidase overexpression depending on the deficiency of the DNA repair mechanisms. Since reactive oxygen species lead to membrane destabilization and cell death, we discuss the effects of BSAO and spermine association in multidrug resistant cells that resulted more sensitive to spermine metabolites than their wild-type counterparts, due to an increased mitochondrial activity. Since mammal spermine oxidase is differentially activated in a tissue specific manner, and cancer cells can differ in term of DNA repair capability, it could be of interest to open a scientific debate to use combinatory treatments to alter spermine metabolism and deliver differential response.

Oxidants and not alkylating agents induce rapid mtDNA loss and mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is essential for proper mitochondrial function and encodes 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and 13 polypeptides that make up subunits of complex I, III, IV, in the electron transport chain and complex V, the ATP synthase. Although mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in processes such as premature aging, neurodegeneration, and cancer, it has not been shown whether persistent mtDNA damage causes a loss of oxidative phosphorylation. We addressed this question by treating mouse embryonic fibroblasts with either hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) or the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and measuring several endpoints, including mtDNA damage and repair rates using QPCR, levels of mitochondrial- and nuclear-encoded proteins using antibody analysis, and a pharmacologic profile of mitochondria using the Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer. We show that a 60min treatment with H(2)O(2) causes persistent mtDNA lesions, mtDNA loss, decreased levels of a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial subunit, a loss of ATP-linked oxidative phosphorylation and a loss of total reserve capacity. Conversely, a 60min treatment with 2mM MMS causes persistent mtDNA lesions but no mtDNA loss, no decrease in levels of a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial subunit, and no mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest that persistent mtDNA damage is not sufficient to cause mitochondrial dysfunction.

Characterization of bone-marrow-derived rat mesenchymal stem cells depending on donor age

It is generally accepted that autologous transfers, as non-immunogenic, constitute the safest approach in cellular transplantations. However, this attitude is often associated with the need for isolation and extracorporeal propagation of cells derived from aged patients. Thus the knowledge about relationship between aging and the properties of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) is crucial in developing new clinical strategies. The aim of this study was to perform complex comparison of MSC derived from young and aged individuals, which included phenotype, proliferating rate, osteogenic and adipogenic potential and secretory activity. Evaluated populations were isolated from bone marrow of 3-month-old and 24-month-old rats. There was no significant difference in membrane antigen expression and PDT (population doubling time). Additionally, the adipogenic and osteogenic potential did not vary between studied populations. The reaction of MSCs to either mitogen [bFGF (basic fibroblas t growth factor)] or oxidative stress (H2O2) in vitro displayed a very similar pattern in both analysed populations. There was no difference in TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β1) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) secretion measured by ELISA test and gene expression evaluated by real-time PCR. However, the expression of the gene for IL-1α (interleukin-1α) was 8-fold lower in oMSC (MSC isolated from old rats). These results indicate that aging individuals can be considered as candidates for autologous transplantation of bone-marrow-derived MSCs.

Oxidative stresses and ageing

Oxidative damage to cellular constituents has frequently been associated with aging in a wide range of organisms. The power of yeast genetics and biochemistry has provided the opportunity to analyse in some detail how reactive oxygen and nitrogen species arise in cells, how cells respond to the damage that these reactive species cause, and to begin to dissect how these species may be involved in the ageing process. This chapter reviews the major sources of reactive oxygen species that occur in yeast cells, the damage they cause and how cells sense and respond to this damage.

Effects of artemisinins on reticulocyte count and relationship to possible embryotoxicity in confirmed and unconfirmed malarial patients

Rat studies suggest that artemisinin-induced decreases in reticulocyte count are a marker for embryotoxicity (in one study, r = 0.82; p < 0.05). In clinical studies, therapeutic doses of artemisinins induced decreases in reticulocyte count that were larger in five of six groups of healthy volunteers (mean decreases of 47-75%) than in 12 groups of patients with malaria (mean decreases of 0-34% and incidences of low reticulocyte count of 0.6-18%). Malaria causes hypoferremia and drug concentrates in infected red cells so, among the explanations for the lesser decreases in patients, is that malaria protects against artemisinin-induced decreases in reticulocyte count by reducing the target tissue levels of active drug and/or ferrous iron which activates the drug to toxic free radicals. The disease could also protect against embryotoxicity in which case pregnant women without malaria would be at greater risk of artemisinin-induced embryotoxicity. Malaria protection against artesunate toxicity has been observed in rats. No artemisinin-induced embryotoxicity has been identified in limited numbers of women with confirmed malaria in the first trimester. However, in large parts of tropical Africa, malaria treatment is based on fever rather than confirmation of parasitemia and many pregnant women without malaria are exposed to antimalarials. No clinical studies have been conducted on uninfected women for whom pregnancy was identified and then an artemisinin was administered subsequently. Testing in rats and/or humans is needed to determine if malaria protects against reticulocytopenia and embryotoxicity and whether the parasite is a more or less sensitive target than the embryo and reticulocyte.

Crosstalk of reactive oxygen species and NF-κB signaling

NF-κB proteins are a family of transcription factors that are of central importance in inflammation and immunity. NF-κB also plays important roles in other processes, including development, cell growth and survival, and proliferation, and is involved in many pathological conditions. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are created by a variety of cellular processes as part of cellular signaling events. While certain NF-κB-regulated genes play a major role in regulating the amount of ROS in the cell, ROS have various inhibitory or stimulatory roles in NF-κB signaling. Here we review the regulation of ROS levels by NF-κB targets and various ways in which ROS have been proposed to impact NF-κB signaling pathways.

Formaldehyde interferes with airway epithelium integrity and functions in a dose- and time-dependent manner

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a common indoor air pollutant. To assess its potential role and mechanism of action in asthma, we exposed the bronchial epithelial cell lines Calu-3 and 16HBE to HCHO (70-7000 μM) according to two exposure schedules (30 min and 24 h), before measuring cell viability, necrosis and apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, cytokine release, as well as trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of cell monolayers. Whereas exposure to HCHO for 30 min had a limited effect on cell viability, exposure for 24h to 1400-7000 μM HCHO induced a pronounced dose-dependent cell death. The important decrease in cell viability observed after 24h exposure to the highest concentrations of HCHO (1400-7000 μM) was accompanied by important LDH release and ROS production, whereas a 4h exposure to lower HCHO concentrations (350 μM) induced cell apoptosis. Also, exposure to HCHO for 30 min dose-dependently inhibited basal and lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 production by bronchial epithelial cells. As well, HCHO triggered a dose- and time-dependent decrease in TEER of Calu-3 cell monolayers. The present work demonstrates that HCHO interferes with airway epithelium integrity and functions, and may thus modulate the onset and the severity of asthma. However, importantly, conditions of exposure to HCHO, e.g. level and duration, are determinant in the nature of the effects triggered by the pollutant.

Reactive oxygen species in TNFalpha-induced signaling and cell death

TNFalpha is a pleotropic cytokine that initiates many downstream signaling pathways, including NF-kappaB activation, MAP kinase activation and the induction of both apoptosis and necrosis. TNFalpha has shown to lead to reactive oxygen species generation through activation of NADPH oxidase, through mitochondrial pathways, or other enzymes. As discussed, ROS play a role in potentiation or inhibition of many of these signaling pathways. We particularly discuss the role of sustained JNK activation potentiated by ROS, which generally is supportive of apoptosis and "necrotic cell death" through various mechanisms, while ROS could have inhibitory or stimulatory roles in NF-kappaB signaling.

Therapeutic efficacy of Kangen-karyu against H2O2-induced premature senescence

The anti-aging potential of Kangen-karyu extract was investigated using the mechanisms of the cellular aging model of stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) in TIG-1 human fibroblasts. SIPS was induced by a sublethal dose of H2O2 and chronic oxidative stress with repeat treatment of low-dose H2O2. Reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity were elevated in TIG-1 cells under SIPS induced by H2O2. However, Kangen-karyu extract led to significant declines in these parameters, suggesting its role in ameliorating oxidative stress-related aging. It was also observed that SIPS due to H2O2 treatment led to the loss of cell viability, whereas Kangen-karyu extract improved cell viability by attenuating H2O2-induced oxidative damage. TIG-1 cells under the condition of SIPS caused by sublethal and chronic low doses of H2O2 showed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation to the nucleus from the cytosol, while Kangen-karyu extract inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation, implying that Kangen-karyu extract could exert an anti-aging effect through NF-κB modulation. In addition, treatment with Kangen-karyu extract under H2O2-induced chronic oxidative stress normalized the cell cycle by reducing the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase and elevating the proportion of those in the S phase, indicating the role of Kangen-karyu extract in cell cycle regulation. On the other hand, Kangen-karyu extract did not exert such an effect on cell cycle regulation under acute oxidative stress induced by sublethal H2O2. Furthermore, treatment with Kangen-karyu extract prolonged the lifespan of TIG-1 cells under SIPS. The present study suggests that Kangen-karyu might play a therapeutic role against the aging process caused by oxidative stress.

Studying the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by two kinds of bentonite particles on human B lymphoblast cells in vitro

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by native and active bentonite particles (BPs) on human B lymphoblast cells using seven assays. Our results showed that the order of cytotoxicity was: active BPs>native BPs>quartz particles (DQ-12)>gypsum, according to the IC50 values in CCK-8 assay and neutral red uptake (NRU) assay. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, the proportions of early apoptotic cells, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition and the malondialdehyde (MDA) release in the native and active BPs groups were significantly higher than those in the gypsum and DQ-12 groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the cytotoxicity of active BPs with higher adsorption capacity of phenol was higher than that of native BPs with relatively lower adsorption capacity of phenol. The oxidative stress induced by active BPs was significantly higher than that induced by native BPs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The water-soluble fractions of BPs did not induce the cytotoxicity and ROS generation. These findings indicated that active and native BPs could induce significantly the cytotoxic effects and oxidative stress on human B lymphoblast cells in vitro. The cytotoxic difference between active BPs and native BPs may be associated with the adsorption capacity of BPs and oxidative stress induced by BPs to a certain extent. The insoluble particle fractions may play a main role in the cytotoxic effects and oxidative stress induced by BPs.