Changes in Glutathione Content in Liver Diseases: An Update

Deep machine learning-assisted MOF@COF fluorescence/colorimetric dual-mode intelligent ratiometric sensing platform for sensitive glutathione detection

Glutathione (GSH) levels have been linked to aging and the pathogenesis of various diseases, highlighting the necessity for the development of sensitive analytical methods for GSH to facilitate disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we synthesized a novel core-shell material, UiO@TBTA, by in-situ growing TFPB-TAPA COF on UiO-66-NH2 through a Schiff base reaction. The resulting composite capitalize on the advantages of both materials, demonstrating excellent stability, large specific surface area, and abundant active functional groups while preserving superior crystallinity. Notably, this strategy effectively reduces the occurrence of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) in COFs. Due to the inner filter effect and hydrogen bonding interactions between UiO@TBTA and GSH, a specific ratiometric fluorescence detection of GSH was achieved in the range of 0.1-7 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0685 μM. In addition, due to the sensitive color change of the sensing material from orange to black caused by GSH, a proportional colorimetric sensing strategy has also been proposed, enabling the detection of GSH within the range of 1-200 μM. What's more, two intelligent artificial neural networks models were constructed with the help of machine learning that can quickly, accurately, and sensitively determine the concentration of GSH based on fluorescence images and color photographs respectively. Our work represents the first study utilizing MOF@COF composite for the multimodal detection of GSH, thus providing a novel strategy for the multimodal detection of the target analyte. Prospectively, the construction of the fluorescence/colorimetric dual-mode intelligent ratiometric sensing platform using deep machine learning holds great promise for real-time monitoring.

Enhancing the Oral Bioavailability of Glutathione Using Innovative Analogue Approaches

Background: Glutathione (GSH) is an essential antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress, but its oral bioavailability is below 1% due to enzymatic degradation and poor gastrointestinal absorption. Improving the oral bioavailability of GSH could significantly enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Methods: This study synthesised GSH analogues with chemical modifications to improve bioavailability. Seven GSH derivatives were designed: three analogues with altered stereochemistry (1.62, 1.63, and 1.64) and three N-methylated derivatives (1.65, 1.70, and 1.71), alongside a native GSH (1.61). The analogues were synthesised via Fmoc-solid-phase peptide synthesis, and they were characterised using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their toxicity was assessed on Caco-2 cells for viability, and their antioxidant activity was assessed on UVA-irradiated fibroblast cells, enzymatic resistance, and interactions with GSH-metabolising enzymes. Results: Among the tested analogues, the N-methylated cysteine Compound (1.70) emerged as the most promising candidate. Compound 1.70 demonstrated superior resistance to enzymatic degradation, as well as showing enhanced cell viability and improved antioxidant activity. In vivo studies revealed a 16.8-fold increase in plasma half-life (t½) and a 16.1-fold increase in oral bioavailability compared to native GSH. Conclusions: Chemical modification strategies, particularly the N-methylation of GSH, present a viable approach to enhancing oral bioavailability. Compound 1.70 showed significant potential for therapeutic applications, warranting further investigation and development in clinical settings.

Robust and sensitive colorimetric detection of glutathione with double-triggering MOF-Fe(DTNB)

Glutathione (GSH) levels have been well validated to correlate with a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, such as malignancy, cardiovascular disease and aging, making the development of accurate, robust and sensitive GSH detection methods highly desirable. In this study, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF-Fe(DTNB))-based colorimetric method with a favorable dual-triggering function was proposed. MOF-Fe(DTNB) exhibits high peroxidase activity, which can catalyze the oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue ox-TMB by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This oxidation process of TMB can be inhibited not only by the reducing action of GSH, but also by the thiol exchange reaction between DTNB and GSH, in which the disulfide bond of DTNB in MOF-Fe(DTNB) is cleaved. Thus, with this dual triggering mechanism, the GSH concentration can be robustly measured in the MOF-Fe(DTNB)-derived colorimetric strategy. Significantly, this method is accurate (RSD < 6 %), selective and sensitive in biological plasma samples, with satisfactory recovery rates (96.7-103.3 %). It requires less instrumentation and has less interference from other substances. The linear range of the method is 0-80 µM, and the detection limit is as low as 0.28 µM. This dual-triggering MOF-Fe(DTNB)-derived colorimetric strategy has greatly simplified the GSH detection processes with improved accuracy, in both acidic and basic environments, which has potent applications in biochemical analysis and point-of-care testing.

Novel translational mouse models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease comparable to human MASLD with severe obesity

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, especially in patients with severe obesity. However, current mouse models for MASLD do not reflect the polygenetic background nor the metabolic changes in this population. Therefore, we investigated two novel mouse models of MASLD with a polygenetic background for the metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

TALLYHO/JngJ mice and NONcNZO10/LtJ mice were fed a high-fat- high-carbohydrate (HF-HC) diet with a surplus of cholesterol diet. A second group of TH mice was additional treated with empagliflozin.

RESULTS

After sixteen weeks of feeding, both strains developed metabolic syndrome with severe obesity and histological manifestation of steatohepatitis, which was associated with significantly increased intrahepatic CD8+cells, CD4+cells and Tregs, contributing to a significant increase in pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic gene activation as well as ER stress and oxidative stress. In comparison with the human transcriptomic signature, we could demonstrate a good metabolic similarity, especially for the TH mouse model. Furthermore, TH mice also developed signs of kidney injury as an extrahepatic comorbidity of MASLD. Additional treatment with empagliflozin in TH mice attenuates hepatic steatosis and improves histological manifestation of MASH.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we have developed two promising new mouse models that are suitable for preclinical studies of MASLD as they recapitulate most of the key features of MASLD.

Genetic interaction between oxidative stress and body mass index in a Spanish population

Oxidative stress may act as a contributing factor in the development of an elevated body mass index (BMI). Oxidative stress has the potential to modulate genetic activity at various levels, including gene transcription and protein function regulation. Nevertheless, the interplay between genetic variants and oxidative stress in relation to BMI remains to be elucidated. Based on this premise, we studied the potential association between 723 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within a set of 212 genes and both BMI and oxidative stress parameters in 1502 adults from the general Spanish population (Hortega Study). Oxidative stress parameters measured included malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) levels and oxidised/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH). We also examined the potential impact of the interaction between these SNPs and oxidative stress levels on BMI. The genes selected regulate several key biological processes, including obesity, blood pressure, inflammation, lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis. Our findings indicate a robust association between specific genes and both BMI and oxidative stress parameters. Significant BMI-related interactions between genes and oxidative stress parameters were identified, which have a multifactorial impact on oxidative stress modulation and on BMI. SNPs identified in genes such as NPPA, CPT1A, DDIT3, NOX and IL6ST were significantly associated with all oxidative stress parameters analysed, indicating a substantial influence on BMI modulation. The results provide compelling evidence of a significant relationship between oxidative stress levels and genetic background. Our data provide new insights into BMI modulation by oxidative stress levels, highlighting a role for TNF as a key player in the interrelation of oxidative stress and BMI.

Comparative Analysis of Iodine Levels, Biochemical Responses, and Thyroid Gene Expression in Rats Fed Diets with Kale Biofortified with 5,7-Diiodo-8-Quinolinol

Iodine is a key micronutrient essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolic processes and maintains overall health. Despite its importance, iodine deficiency is a global health issue, leading to disorders such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental abnormalities. Biofortification of crops with iodine is a promising strategy to enhance the dietary iodine intake, providing an alternative to iodized salt. Curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is a nutrient-rich vegetable high in vitamins A, C, K; minerals; fiber; and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. This study evaluates the effects of diets containing iodine-biofortified curly kale ('Oldenbor F1' and 'Redbor F1') on iodine content, tissue iodine levels, and various biochemical parameters in laboratory rats. The biofortified curly kale was enriched with 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol. The iodine content in the AIN-93G (control) diet and the non-biofortified curly kale diets did not differ significantly. However, diets with 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol biofortified kale showed significantly higher iodine levels compared with the control diets. Tissue analysis revealed the highest iodine concentrations in the liver and kidneys of rats fed diets with biofortified curly kale, indicating better iodine bioavailability. Biochemical analysis showed that rats fed the biofortified kale diet had lower total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels compared with rats fed the control diet. Additionally, the biofortified diet improved the liver function markers (ALAT, ASAT) and reduced oxidative stress markers (TBARS). The study also investigated the expression of thyroid-related genes (Slc5A5, Tpo, Dio1, Dio2) in response to diets containing biofortified kale. The results demonstrated significant changes in gene expression, indicating adaptive mechanisms to dietary iodine levels and the presence of bioactive compounds in the biofortified kale. The study also observed variations in uric acid levels, with lower concentrations in rats fed a diet with biofortified curly kale. Biofortified curly kale supports thyroid function and improves liver and kidney health by reducing oxidative stress and modulating key biochemical and genetic markers. These findings suggest that biofortified curly kale can effectively increase dietary iodine intake as a nutritional intervention to address iodine deficiency and promote overall health.

Assessing azithromycin's ecological toll: Unveiling multifaceted impacts on Poecilia reticulata THROUGH biomarker analysis

This study investigates the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of azithromycin on Poecilia reticulata, through biomarkers at different levels. To this end, the somatic indexes of P. reticulata were evaluated, and liver and gill samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical and histopathological alterations. Azithromycin caused significant effects in P. reticulata, such as increased hepatosomatic index, altered redox responses, particularly in gills, indicating oxidative stress, and notable tissue damage in the liver and gills in a dose-dependent response manner. Principal Component Analysis highlighted differences between control and exposed groups, demonstrating the azithromycin's influence on organismal homeostasis. This research underscores the importance of understanding azithromycin action in nontarget organisms of aquatic environments.

Establishment of a human 3D in vitro liver-bone model as a potential system for drug toxicity screening

Drug toxicity is an important cause of chronic liver damage, which in the long term can lead to impaired bone homeostasis through an imbalance in the liver-bone axis. For instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac), which are commonly used to control pain during orthopaedic interventions, are known to reduce bone quality and are the most prevalent causes of drug-induced liver damage. Therefore, we used human cell lines to produce a stable, reproducible, and reliable in vitro liver-bone co-culture model, which mimics the impaired bone homeostasis seen after diclofenac intake in vivo. To provide the best cell culture conditions for the two systems, we tested the effects of supplements contained in liver and bone cell culture medium on liver and bone cell lines, respectively. Additionally, different ratios of culture medium combinations on bone cell scaffolds and liver spheroids' viability and function were also analysed. Then, liver spheroids and bone scaffolds were daily exposed to 3-6 µM diclofenac alone or in co-culture to compare and evaluate its effect on the liver and bone system. Our results demonstrated that a 50:50 liver:bone medium combination maintains the function of liver spheroids and bone scaffolds for up to 21 days. Osteoclast-like cell activity was significantly upregulated after chronic exposure to diclofenac only in bone scaffolds co-cultured with liver spheroids. Consequently, the mineral content and stiffness of bone scaffolds treated with diclofenac in co-culture with liver spheroids were significantly reduced. Interestingly, our results show that the increase in osteoclastic activity in the system is not related to the main product of diclofenac metabolism. However, osteoclast activation correlated with the increase in oxidative stress and inflammation associated with chronic diclofenac exposure. In summary, we established a long-term stable liver-bone system that represents the interaction between the two organs, meanwhile, it is also an outstanding model for studying the toxicity of drugs on bone homeostasis.

Molecular insights into the unique properties of the blood-circulating proteasome

Proteasomes are essential for protein degradation and maintaining cellular balance, yet their roles in extracellular fluids are not well understood. Our study investigates the freely circulating proteasome in blood, to uncover its unique molecular characteristics, compared to its intracellular counterparts. Using a transgenic mouse model, mass spectrometry, and biochemical tools, we show that the predominant proteasome in serum is the free uncapped 20S particle, which seems to assemble intracellularly before entering the bloodstream. This serum proteasome is composed of constitutive and immuno subunits and exhibits all three catalytic activities. Moreover, the complex displays distinct post-translational modifications, indicating specialization for extracellular roles, as demonstrated by its enhanced caspase-like activity. We also found that physiological stress significantly upregulates serum 20S proteasome levels, paralleling human data. This research highlights the specialized characteristics of circulating proteasomes, offering new insights into protein turnover in the blood with significant implications for understanding proteostasis beyond the intracellular environment.

Dietary Influences on Gut Microbiota and Their Role in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major contributor to liver-related morbidity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic complications. Lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, are first line in treating MASLD. Dietary approaches such as the low-glycemic-index Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and high fiber diets have demonstrated potential in addressing the metabolic dysfunction underlying this condition. The development and progression of MASLD are closely associated with taxonomic shifts in gut microbial communities, a relationship well-documented in the literature. Given the importance of diet as a primary treatment for MASLD, it is important to understand how gut microbiota and their metabolic byproducts mediate favorable outcomes induced by healthy dietary patterns. Conversely, microbiota changes conferred by unhealthy dietary patterns such as the Western diet may induce dysbiosis and influence steatotic liver disease through promoting hepatic inflammation, up-regulating lipogenesis, dysregulating bile acid metabolism, increasing insulin resistance, and causing oxidative damage in hepatocytes. Although emerging evidence has identified links between diet, microbiota, and development of MASLD, significant gaps remain in understanding specific microbial roles, metabolite pathways, host interactions, and causal relationships. Therefore, this review aims to provide mechanistic insights into the role of microbiota-mediated processes through the analysis of both healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns and their contribution to MASLD pathophysiology. By better elucidating the interplay between dietary nutrients, microbiota-mediated processes, and the onset and progression of steatotic liver disease, this work aims to identify new opportunities for targeted dietary interventions to treat MASLD efficiently.

Intake of S-Methylmethionine Alters Glucose Metabolism and Hepatic Gene Expression in C57BL/6J High-Fat-Fed Mice

A diet containing foods that are sources of S-methylmethionine (SMM), and its use as a dietary supplement, have demonstrated beneficial health effects. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of SMM as a dietary supplement in C57BL/6J high-fat-fed mice to verify whether this compound alone would be responsible for these positive effects. Mice were divided into three groups: LF (low-fat diet), HF (high-fat diet), and HF+SMM (high-fat diet plus SMM), and maintained for 10 weeks with water and food provided ad libitum. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly, and food efficiency was calculated. In addition, at week 9, fasting glucose was measured and, after necropsy, at week 10, liver, inguinal adipose, and kidney weights were measured; triglycerides, histology, liver gene expression, serum insulin, and MCP-1 levels were also determined. Final body weight, average weight gain, and the liver/body weight of the SMM group showed a significant difference with the LF group. HF+SMM-fed mice show improved regulation in glucose metabolism, demonstrated by the assessment of fasting glucose, insulin concentration, and HOMA-IR, compared with the HF-fed group. Liver triglycerides and MCP-1 levels showed no significant differences between fed groups. By the positive gene regulation of Sult1e1, Phlda1, and Ciart, we hypothesized that SMM administration to mice may have regulated xenobiotic, glucose, and circadian rhythm pathways.

In-situ synthesis of 2D nanozymes-coated cellulose nanofibers on paper-based chips for portable detection of biothiols

BACKGROUND

Simple, fast and low-cost paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have a good application prospect for point-of-care detection of GSH. However, effective immobilization of functional nanomaterials onto cellulose, as a critical factor in the construction of PADs, presents numerous difficulties and challenges.

RESULTS

In this study, we have developed an exceptionally straightforward and environmentally friendly synthetic approach by using ovalbumin (OVA) as a bio-mineralization template for the preparation of MnO2 nanosheets. The MnO2 nanosheets produced in the solution phase exhibited excellent intrinsic nano-enzyme activity and biodegradability. The OVA-MnO2 nanosheets can effectively oxidize Amplex red in the absence of H2O2, enabling sensitive detection of GSH with a linear range of 5 nM-10 μM and a detection limit as low as 2.8 nM. Furthermore, we utilized this method to facilitate in situ synthesis of OVA-MnO2 nanosheets directly on paper substrates. This approach eliminates the need for conventional stirring and centrifugation steps, greatly simplifying the fabrication process while reducing material usage and time expenditure. Characterization of the chemical composition and morphology confirmed the intimate growth of the 2D nano-enzymes on the cellulose fibers. Utilizing smartphone capabilities, the OVA-MnO2 nanosheet-modified PAD enabled instrument-free detection of GSH, demonstrating high sensitivity (0.74 μM) and a wide linear response range (1-1000 μM).

SIGNIFICANCE

The synthesis of MnO2 nanosheets directly on cellulose substrates substantially streamlines the modification workflow of PADs and reduces detection costs, offering new avenues for clinical diagnostics of relevant diseases.

Reduced glutathione enhances adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell engraftment efficiency for liver fibrosis by targeting TGFβ1/SMAD3/NOX4 pathway

Reduced glutathione (GSH) could reduce oxidative stress to improve adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) engraftment efficiency in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our goal is to investigate whether GSH enhances ADSC engraftment through targeting the TGFβ/SMAD3/NOX4 pathway. Liver fibrotic male mice were administrated GSH, setanaxib (STX), and SIS3 during ADSC transplantation. ADSC engraftment efficiency and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected both in vivo and ex vivo. Biochemical analysis was used to analyze the content of superoxide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs) in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to examine the protein level of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1), SMAD3, and p‐SMAD3 in liver tissues. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of the ADSC transplantation was further investigated. We found that GSH significantly improved ADSC engraftment efficiency, which was closely related to the reduced ROS generation in liver tissues. However, the enhanced cell engraftment was abolished after the combined treatment with STX or SIS3. GSH could effectively reduce superoxide and NOXs content, and selectively inhibit NOX4 expression in liver tissues. The co‐localization results showed that GSH could reduce NOX4 expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells. Mechanistically, GSH down‐regulated TGFβ/SMAD3 signaling. More importantly, GSH enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of ADSC therapy in liver fibrotic mice. Taken together, GSH could improve the engraftment efficiency of ADSCs in liver fibrosis by targeting TGFβ1/SMAD3/NOX4 signaling pathway, which provides a new theoretical basis for GSH enhancing ADSC engraftment efficiency in liver diseases.

The role of cystathionine β-synthase in cancer

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) occupies a key position as the initiating and rate-limiting enzyme in the sulfur transfer pathway and plays a vital role in health and disease. CBS is responsible for regulating the metabolism of cysteine, the precursor of glutathione (GSH), an important antioxidant in the body. Additionally, CBS is one of the three enzymes that produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in mammals through a variety of mechanisms. The dysregulation of CBS expression in cancer cells affects H2S production through direct or indirect pathways, thereby influencing cancer growth and metastasis by inducing angiogenesis, facilitating proliferation, migration, and invasion, modulating cellular energy metabolism, promoting cell cycle progression, and inhibiting apoptosis. It is noteworthy that CBS expression exhibits complex changes in different cancer models. In this paper, we focus on the CBS synthesis and metabolism, tissue distribution, potential mechanisms influencing tumor growth, and relevant signaling pathways. We also discuss the impact of pharmacological CBS inhibitors and silencing CBS in preclinical cancer models, supporting their potential as targeted cancer therapies.

Enzyme-free method for preparation of sturgeon extracts with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing functions

Sturgeon has a long lifespan and slow evolutionary rate due to their powerful endogenous antioxidant system. This work aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of sturgeon extracts from both muscle and roe. The extraction process without enzyme hydrolysis is not only simple, but also can produce extracts with better free radicals scavenging abilities than enzymatic hydrolysates in both cellular and in vivo experiments. Moreover, in mouse models with liver injury and immunosuppression treatment, the sturgeon extracts demonstrated strong hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing functions, comparable to vitamin C and ginseng extract supplements, which were attributed to abundant antioxidant peptides of the extracts. The 15 isolated peptides exhibited diverse free radical scavenging ability. Therefore, the sturgeon extracts showed high potential to be applied in food and biomedical industries.

Alterations in Glutathione Redox Homeostasis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

Low molecular weight (LMW) thiols, particularly glutathione, play pathogenic roles in various multiorgan diseases. The liver is central for the production and systemic distribution of LMW thiols; thus, it is particularly susceptible to the imbalance of redox status that may determine increased oxidative stress and trigger the liver damage observed in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) models and humans. Indeed, increased LMW thiols at the cellular and extracellular levels may be associated with the severity of MASLD. Here, we present a systematic literature review of recent studies assessing the levels of LMW thiols in MASLD in in vivo and in vitro models and human subjects. Based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria, a search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus by applying inclusion/exclusion filters. The initial search returned 1012 documents, from which 165 eligible studies were selected, further described, and qualitatively analysed. Of these studies, most focused on animal and cellular models, while a minority used human fluids. The analysis of these studies revealed heterogeneity in the methods of sample processing and measurement of LMW thiol levels, which hinder cut-off values for diagnostic use. Standardisation of the analysis and measure of LMW thiol is necessary to facilitate future studies.

Initial Glutathione Depletion During Short-Term Bed Rest: Pinpointing Synthesis and Degradation Checkpoints in the γ-Glutamyl Cycle

Hypokinesia triggers oxidative stress and accelerates the turnover of the glutathione system via the γ-glutamyl cycle. Our study aimed to identify the regulatory checkpoints controlling intracellular glutathione levels. We measured the intermediate substrates of the γ-glutamyl cycle in erythrocytes from 19 healthy young male volunteers before and during a 10-day experimental bed rest. Additionally, we tracked changes in glutathione levels and specific metabolite ratios up to 21 days of bed rest. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the internal standard technique, we observed a 9 ± 9% decrease in glutathione levels during the first 5 days of bed rest, followed by an 11 ± 9% increase from the 5th to the 10th day, nearly returning to baseline ambulatory levels. The cysteinyl-glycine-to-glutathione ratio, reflecting γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase activity (a key enzyme in glutathione breakdown), rose by 14 ± 22% in the first 5 days and then fell by 10 ± 14% over the subsequent 5 days, again approaching baseline levels. Additionally, the γ-glutamyl cysteine-to-cysteine ratio, indicative of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase activity (crucial for glutathione synthesis), increased by 12 ± 30% on day 5 and by 29 ± 41% on day 10 of bed rest. The results observed on day 21 of bed rest confirm those seen on day 10. By calculating the ratio of product concentration to precursor concentration, we assessed the efficiency of these key enzymes in glutathione turnover. These results were corroborated by directly measuring glutathione synthesis and degradation rates in vivo using stable isotope techniques. Our findings reveal significant changes in glutathione kinetics during the initial days of bed rest and identify potential therapeutic targets for maintaining glutathione levels.

Liver transcriptomics-metabolomics integration reveals biological pathways associated with fetal programming in beef cattle

We investigated the long-term effects of prenatal nutrition on pre-slaughter Nelore bulls using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses of liver tissue. Three prenatal nutritional treatments were administered to 126 cows: NP (control, mineral supplementation only), PP (protein-energy supplementation in the third trimester), and FP (protein-energy supplementation throughout pregnancy). Liver samples from 22.5 ± 1-month-old bulls underwent RNA-Seq and targeted metabolomics. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified treatment-associated gene and metabolite co-expression modules, further analyzed using MetaboAnalyst 6.0 (metabolite over-representation analysis and transcriptome-metabolome integrative analysis) and Enrichr (gene over-representation analysis). We identified several significant gene and metabolite modules, as well as hub components associated with energy, protein and oxidative metabolism, regulatory mechanisms, epigenetics, and immune function. The NP transcriptome-metabolome analysis identified key pathways (aminoacyl t-RNA biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, and PPAR signaling) and hub components (glutamic acid, SLC6A14). PP highlighted pathways (arginine and proline metabolism, TGF-beta signaling, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism) with arginine and ODC1 as hub components. This study highlights the significant impact of prenatal nutrition on the liver tissue of Nelore bulls, shedding light on critical metabolic pathways and hub components related to energy and protein metabolism, as well as immune system and epigenetics.

trans-chalcone ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Acute liver injury serves as a crucial marker for detecting liver damage due to toxic, viral, metabolic, and autoimmune exposures. Due to the response to adverse external stimuli and various cellular homeostasis, Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), Oxidative stress, and Inflammation have great potential for treating liver injury. Trans-chalcones (TC) is a polyphenolic compound derived from a natural plant with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory abilities. Here, TC was aimed to attenuate liver injury by triggering ER stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. A single dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1 mL/kg was administered intraperitoneally into C57BL6 mice to construct an in vivo NAFLD model, whereas AML12 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to construct an in vitro NAFLD model. The mice used in the experiment were randomly assigned to two groups: a 12-hour set and a 24-hour set. Forty-nine mice were randomly divided into seven groups, the control group (Group I), TC group (Group II) 10 mg/kg TC, negative control group (Group III) CCl4, TC + CCl4 groups (Groups IV-VI), mice were subcutaneously treated with (5, 10, and 20) mg/kg of TC for three consecutive days before the CCl4 injection and the positive control group (Group VII) received 10 mg/kg Silymarin. After the experiment, serum transaminase, liver histological pathology, hepatic expression levels ERS, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related markers were assessed. TC pre-treatment significantly alleviates the expression of ER stress, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro models of liver injury. TC treatment significantly reduced serum transaminase levels (ALT and AST), and improved liver histopathological scores. TC administration also led to a reduction in MDA levels and the suppression of ROS generated by CCl4 in hepatic tissue, which contributed to an increase in GSH levels. The protective effect of TC on the liver injury mouse model was achieved by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. Moreover, TC pre-treatment dramatically decreased the protein levels of ER stress indicators such as CHOP, Bip, Ero-Lα, IRE1α, PERK, Calnexin, and PDI when compared to the CCl4-only treated group. TC exerts hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced acute liver injuries in mice by modulating ERS, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These results suggest that TC pre-treatment at a dose of (20 mg/kg BW) was as effective as silymarin (10 mg/kg) in preventing CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of TC and to explore its therapeutic potential in clinical trials.

Glutathione and Selenium Supplementation Attenuates Liver Injury in Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenic Mice by Enhancing Glutathione-Related Antioxidant Capacities

Excess oxidative stress and inadequate antioxidant capacities are critical features in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to determine whether supplementation with glutathione (GSH) and/or selenium (Se), as antioxidants, attenuates diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to control, DEN, DEN + GSH, DEN + Se, and DEN + GSH + Se groups for 20 weeks. Daily supplementation with GSH and/or Se commenced in the first experimental week and continued throughout the study. DEN was administered in weeks 2-9 and 16-19 of the experimental period. DEN administration induced significant pathological alterations of hepatic foci, evidenced by elevated levels of liver function, accompanied by high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; low GSH levels; and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Supplementation with GSH and Se significantly ameliorated liver pathological changes, reducing liver function and MDA levels while increasing GSH levels and GPx, GR, and GST activities. Notably, combined supplementation with GSH and Se more effectively increased the GSH/glutathione disulfide ratio and GPx activity than individual supplementation. Supplementation with GSH and Se attenuated liver injury in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenic mice by enhancing GSH and its related antioxidant capacities, thereby mitigating oxidative damage.

Evaluation of Glutathione (GSH) System in Porcine Saliva: Validation and Application of Colorimetric Method

(1) Reduced glutathione (GSH) is considered the first line of antioxidant defense. During oxidative stress, it is oxidized to glutathione disulphide (GSSG). (2) A simple and quick spectrophotometric method based on sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reductant to measure the total and reduced GSH in porcine saliva was analytically validated and evaluated in two situations in this species: (a) in a physiological situation, involving sows during the late lactation and post-weaning periods, and (b) in a situation of sepsis in pigs experimentally induced by LPS administration. (3) The results of the analytical validation showed that the assay was precise and accurate in the porcine saliva samples. Higher total GSH and GSSG and lower reduced GSH were observed in the saliva of sows during the post-weaning period, as well as in pigs with experimentally induced sepsis. (4) In conclusion, the validated assay showed adequate analytical results and could be used to evaluate the GSH system of porcine saliva, as demonstrated during the clinical performance.

Copper (II)-catalyzed polydopamine mediated photothermal sensors for visual quantitative point-of-care testing

BACKGROUND

Temperature sensing is commonly used in point-of-care (POC) detection technologies, yet the portability and convenience of use are frequently compromised by the complexity of thermosensitive processes and signal transduction. Especially, multi-step target recognition reactions and temperature measurement in the reaction vessel present challenges in terms of stability and integration of detection devices. To further combine photothermal reaction and signal readout in one assay, these two processes enable to be integrated into miniaturized microfluidic chips, thereby facilitating photothermal sensing and achieving a simple visual temperature sensing as POC detection.

RESULTS

A copper ion (Cu2+)-catalyzed photothermal sensing system integrated onto a microfluidic distance-based analytical device (μDAD), enabling the visual, portable, and sensitive quantitative detection of multiple targets, including ascorbic acid, glutathione, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) were synthesized by the regulation of free Cu2+ through redox or coordination reactions, facilitating the transduction of distinct photothermal response signals and providing the versatile Cu2+-responsive sensing systems. Promoted by integration with a photothermal μDAD, the system combines PDA's photothermal responsiveness and thermosensitive gas production of ammonium bicarbonate for improved sensitivity of ALP detection, reaching the detection limit of 9.1 mU/L. The system has successfully achieved on-chip detection of ALP with superior anti-interference capability and recoveries ranging from 96.8 % to 104.7 %, alongside relative standard deviations below 8.0 %.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

The μDAD design accommodated both the photothermal reaction of PDA NPs and thermosensitive gas production reaction, achieving the rapid sensing of visual distance signals. The μDAD-based Cu2+-catalyzed photothermal sensing system holds substantial potential for applications in biochemical analysis and clinical diagnostics, underscored by the versatile Cu2+ regulation mechanism for a broad spectrum of biomarkers.

Investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on dairy cow fatty liver cells using a multi-omics approach

Introduction

Fatty liver disease in dairy cows is a metabolic disorder that significantly affects their health and productivity, imposing a notable economic burden on the global dairy industry. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by its multi-component and multi-target features, has shown unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Guiqi Yimu Powder, a traditional TCM formula, enhances growth, boosts production efficiency, and strengthens immune function in livestock by regulating antioxidant along with anti-inflammatory pathways. However, its specific regulatory mechanisms on fatty liver in dairy cows remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the molecular-level effects and potential regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder in a Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) induced fatty liver cell model of dairy cows.

Methods

We employed a comprehensive analysis integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology. An in vitro dairy cow fatty liver cell model was established using TMAO to induce lipid accumulation. Cells were treated with the optimal TMAO concentration identified through preliminary experiments, and further divided into a lipid accumulation group and Guiqi Yimu Powder treatment groups. The treatment groups received varying concentrations of Guiqi Yimu Powder (10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 g/L). High-throughput omics sequencing technologies were utilized to perform a comprehensive analysis of the treated cells. Bioinformatics methods were applied to explore the regulatory effects, aiming to elucidate the specific impacts of Guiqi Yimu Powder on lipid metabolism, liver function, and related signaling pathways, thereby providing scientific evidence for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver in dairy cows.

Results

Guiqi Yimu Powder treatment significantly affected 1,536 genes, 152 proteins, and 259 metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the significantly altered molecules are involved in multiple pathways related to the pathology of fatty liver, including metabolic pathways, glutathione metabolism, hepatitis B, and AMPK signaling pathway (p < 0.05). Notably, joint analysis highlighted the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on glutathione cycling, with L-5-Oxoproline identified as an important metabolic compound. These findings indicate its impact on oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and liver function, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for fatty liver in dairy cows.

Discussion

This study elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on fatty liver cells in dairy cows, providing new scientific evidence for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of novel nanoparticle formulations of glutathione and virgin coconut oil in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver failure

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a critical condition characterized by rapid liver dysfunction, leading to high mortality rates. Current treatments are limited, primarily supportive, and often require liver transplantation. This study investigates the potential of a novel nanoparticle formulation of glutathione (GSH) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) alone and in combination to enhance therapeutic outcomes in a rat model of ALF induced by orogastric carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

METHODS

The study employed adult male Albino rats divided into ten groups, with ALF induced via a single oral dose of CCl4. Various treatment regimens were administered over seven days, including conventional and nanoparticle forms of GSH and VCO and their combinations. The efficacy of treatments was evaluated through biochemical analysis of liver function markers, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathological examinations. Nanoparticles were synthesized using established methods, and characterization techniques were employed to ensure their quality and properties.

RESULTS

The nanoparticle formulations significantly improved liver function, as indicated by reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, alongside decreased oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde. Furthermore, they reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta inflammatory markers. Histological analysis revealed reduced hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation in treated groups compared to controls. Also, decreased nuclear factor-kappa B was detected by immunohistochemical analysis.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that the nanoparticle mixture of GSH and VCO effectively reduces liver damage in ALF. This suggests a promising drug-based approach for improving liver regeneration and protection. This innovative strategy may pave the way for new therapeutic interventions in the management of ALF.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: the threats of oxidative stress

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of 38%. In these patients, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality rather than liver disease. Liver abnormalities per se due to MASLD contribute to risk factors such as dyslipidemia and obesity and increase CVD incidents. In this review we discuss hepatic pathophysiological changes the liver of MASLD leading to cardiovascular risks, including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress with a focus on glutathione metabolism and function. In an era where there is an increasingly robust recognition of what causes CVD, such as the factors included by the American Heart Association in the recently developed PREVENT equation, the inclusion of liver disease may open doors to how we approach treatment for MASLD patients who are at risk of CVD.

Zein and gum arabic nanoparticles: potential enhancers of immunomodulatory functional activity of selenium-containing peptides

Food-derived nanomaterials optimizing bioactive peptides is an emerging route in the functional food field. Zein and gum arabic (GA) possess favorable encapsulation properties for controlled release, targeted delivery and stabilization of food bioactive ingredients, and thus are considered as promising carriers for delivery systems. In order to improve the bioavailability of rice selenium-containing peptide TSeMMM (T), the nanoparticles (ZTGNs) containing peptide T, zein and GA have been previously prepared. This study focused on evaluating the immunomodulatory capacity of ZTGNs. The results showed that ZTGNs significantly alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced reduction in immune organ indices and liver glutathione content of mice. There was a significant upregulation observed in the levels of immune-related cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ as well as their mRNA expression. Moreover, ZTGNs enriched the diversity of the intestinal flora and promoted the proportion of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, ZTGNs have potential as immunomodulatory enhancers for food bioactive ingredients, providing prospects for further optimization of dietary supplements.

Reaction Time Induced a Two-Step Dissolution and Recrystallization Structural Transformation with Three Eu Metal-Organic Frameworks: Crystal Structures and Multiresponsive Fluorescence Detection

Under solvothermal conditions, three 3D lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs): [Eu(H2DHTA)1.5(DMF)2]·DMF (1), [Eu(H2DHTA)0.5(DHTA)0.5(DMF)(H2O)]·2H2O (2), and Eu(HCOO)3 (3) (H4DHTA = 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid) have been synthesized by different reaction times. Interestingly, induced by reaction time, compounds 1-3 underwent a two-step dissolution and recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) reaction. Investigations on the DRST processes were carried out, and the transformation pathway was deduced, which was verified by XRD analyses. Notably, compound 2 demonstrates pronounced luminescence as well as high stability in water and other organic solvents. The fluorescent detection of furan antibiotics can serve as turn-off effects, and glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), and riboflavin (VB2) can serve as the turn-on effect. To explain the enhancing and quenching mechanisms, XRD, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry, IR spectra, theoretical calculation, fluorescence lifetimes, and XPS were discussed. Additionally, MOF-coated test strips were utilized to detect these analytes, exhibiting excellent agreement with fluorescence spectroscopy. This work provides an example for more effective designs to employ Ln-MOFs as multiresponsive fluorescent sensors for detection of environmental pollutants in aqueous solution.

Hepatoprotective effect of Nobiletin against 5-fluorouracil induce hepatotoxicity

5-florouracil is a widely used anticancer/anti-metabolite drug used to treat solid tumor like colon cancer, head and neck, rectum, stomach, pancreas and breast cancer; but, it can cause hepatotoxicity by induction of apoptosis through activation of caspases enzymes and oxidative stress. Nobiletin is a citrus fruit-derived flavonoid that possess significant biological activity, including anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. This study was design to investigate the effects of nobiletin against 5-florouracil-indcued hepatotoxicity in male rats through the measurement of selected -inflammatory, -apoptosis, and -oxidative stress markers. By use male Albino rats weighing 150-250gm around 28 animals; giving them tap water ad libitum and fed commercial pellets; and randomized into four groups (7animals/group) as following arrangement: Group I oral administered only corn oil for rats 1 ml for each kilogram for day by using of oral gavage for rat for 14 days. Group II: oral administered Nobiletin at dose 10 mg for each kilogram for each day (dissolved in corn oil) via oral gavage for 14 days. Group III: oral administered corn oil via oral gavage for 14 days after that single IP injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) on the day fourteenth (14). Group VI: Rats oral administered nobiletin dissolved in corn oil daily by oral gavage at a dose 10 mg/kg for each day for 14 days and a single IP injection of (150 mg/kg) 5-florouracil was given on day 14. All groups, seven animals of each group were sacrificed at day fifteenth (15); and, serum was collected to measure inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers (interlukin-6 and interlukin-10) and liver function tests(ALT, LDH and AST); furthermore, liver tissue samples were collected to measure level of caspase-3, malondialdehyde and reduced form of glutathione, assessment of Hemeoxygenase-1 and NADPH quinone dehydrogenase-1 enzymes. In addition, histopathological study of the liver tissue of rats was perform to detect difference between architecture of liver cells in all rats' groups. The protective effect of Nobiletin noted by decrease in apoptosis of hepatocytes by decreasing of caspase-3 and reduction on free radical through reduce in malondialdehyde level, also increase in Hemeoxygenase-1gene expression. Increase in NADPH quinone dehydrogenase-1 dehydrogenase enzyme. On histopath reduce in congestion and some inflammatory infiltration by using of nobiletin prior to give 5-florouracil.

Hepatic Proteomic Changes Associated with Liver Injury Caused by Alcohol Consumption in Fpr2-/- Mice

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a prevalent medical problem with limited effective treatment strategies. Although many biological processes contributing to ALD have been elucidated, a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still lacking. The current study employed a proteomic approach to identify hepatic changes resulting from ethanol (EtOH) consumption and the genetic ablation of the formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), a G-protein coupled receptor known to regulate multiple signaling pathways and biological processes, in a mouse model of ALD. Since previous research from our team demonstrated a notable reduction in hepatic FPR2 protein levels in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), the proteomic changes in the livers of Fpr2-/- EtOH mice were compared to those observed in patients with AH in order to identify common hepatic proteomic alterations. Several pathways linked to exacerbated ALD in Fpr2-/- EtOH mice, as well as hepatic protein changes resembling those found in patients suffering from AH, were identified. These alterations included decreased levels of coagulation factors F2 and F9, as well as reduced hepatic levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and total glutathione in Fpr2-/- EtOH compared to WT EtOH mice. In conclusion, the data suggest that FPR2 may play a regulatory role in hepatic blood coagulation and the antioxidant system, both in a pre-clinical model of ALD and in human AH, however further experiments are required to validate these findings.

Integrating metabolomics and bioinformatics to reveal the mechanism of Epimedium-induced liver injury

Epimedium is a traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of clinical applications; however, there have been numerous reports of adverse reactions in recent years. The most common side effect of Epimedium is liver injury. In this study, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method has been established to study the components of Epimedium and to identify the components absorbed into the blood of rats. Bioinformatics was used to screen out potential toxic components, and the integrating metabolomics method was used to explore the molecular mechanism of Epimedium-induced liver injury. The chemical constituents of Epimedium were identified by LC-MS, and 62 compounds were obtained, including 57 flavonoids, four organic acids and one alkaloid. The toxicity network of "Epimedium-component-target-liver injury" was constructed using bioinformatics research methods, and then the key hepatotoxic component icaritin was identified. Integrating metabolomics was used to investigate the changes in the metabolic profile of L-02 cells with different durations of icaritin administration compared with the control group, and 106 different metabolites were obtained. A total of 14 potential biomarkers significantly associated with cell survival were screened by Pearson correlation analysis combined with the L-02 cell survival rate. Our study preliminarily revealed the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by Epimedium.

Improvement of Immune Function and Redox State in Several Organs of Old and Prematurely Aging Female Mice After a Short Social Interaction With Adults

Aging is associated with chronic oxidative stress, which contributes to the deterioration of the immune system, increasing morbidity and mortality. A positive social environment permits health maintenance and a slower rate of aging. Improvements in immune function and oxidative stress were shown in peritoneal leukocytes and organs of old mice and adult prematurely aging mice (PAM) after cohabitation with adults or exceptional non-prematurely aging mice (ENPAM), respectively, for 2 months, but adults and ENPAM experienced deterioration. This was solved by shortening the cohabitation time to 15 minutes per day for 2 months, where old mice and PAM maintained immune and redox state improvements in their peritoneal leukocytes, as well as a greater longevity, and adults and ENPAM did not show deterioration. However, it is unknown whether the positive effects of this short cohabitation are reflected in the immunity and redox state of the organs. The aim of the present study was to test whether a cohabitation of 15 minutes per day for 2 months maintains these positive effects in the organs of retired breeder female old mice and PAM and avoids the negative ones in adults and ENPAM. After cohabitation the animals were sacrificed, and the thymus and spleen were extracted to evaluate the immune function. The oxidative state was also analyzed in the spleen, liver, heart, lung, and kidney. The results show that after cohabitation, old mice and PAM improved their immunity and redox state, and adults and ENPAM showed no deterioration. This cohabitation can be suggested to improve health and slow down aging.

Modifying Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology with photobiomodulation: model, evidence, and future with EEG-guided intervention

This manuscript outlines a model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathophysiology in progressive layers, from its genesis to the development of biomarkers and then to symptom expression. Genetic predispositions are the major factor that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent amyloid and tau protein accumulation, which have been identified as hallmarks of AD. Extending beyond these accumulations, we explore a broader spectrum of pathophysiological aspects, including the blood-brain barrier, blood flow, vascular health, gut-brain microbiodata, glymphatic flow, metabolic syndrome, energy deficit, oxidative stress, calcium overload, inflammation, neuronal and synaptic loss, brain matter atrophy, and reduced growth factors. Photobiomodulation (PBM), which delivers near-infrared light to selected brain regions using portable devices, is introduced as a therapeutic approach. PBM has the potential to address each of these pathophysiological aspects, with data provided by various studies. They provide mechanistic support for largely small published clinical studies that demonstrate improvements in memory and cognition. They inform of PBM's potential to treat AD pending validation by large randomized controlled studies. The presentation of brain network and waveform changes on electroencephalography (EEG) provide the opportunity to use these data as a guide for the application of various PBM parameters to improve outcomes. These parameters include wavelength, power density, treatment duration, LED positioning, and pulse frequency. Pulsing at specific frequencies has been found to influence the expression of waveforms and modifications of brain networks. The expression stems from the modulation of cellular and protein structures as revealed in recent studies. These findings provide an EEG-based guide for the use of artificial intelligence to personalize AD treatment through EEG data feedback.

Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epicatechin Pretreatment Mitigates Hepatic Steatosis in an In Vitro MASLD Model

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is becoming more prominent globally due to an increase in the prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. A great deal of studies have proposed potential treatments for MASLD, with few of them demonstrating promising results. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of (-)-epicatechin (EPI) on the development of MASLD in an in vitro model using the HepG2 cell line by determining the metabolic viability of the cells and the levels of PPARα, PPARγ, and GSH. HepG2 cells were pretreated with 10, 30, 50, and 100 μM EPI for 4 h to assess the potential effects of EPI on lipid metabolism. A MASLD cell culture model was established using HepG2 hepatocytes which were exposed to 1.5 mM oleic acid (OA) for 24 h. Moreover, colorimetric MTS assay was used in order to determine the metabolic viability of the cells, PPARα and PPARγ protein levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lipid accumulation was visualized using the Oil Red O Staining method. Also, the levels of intracellular glutathione (GSH) were measured to determine the level of oxidative stress. EPI was shown to increase the metabolic viability of the cells treated with OA. The metabolic viability of HepG2 cells, after 24 h incubation with OA, was significantly decreased, with a metabolic viability of 71%, compared to the cells pretreated with EPI, where the metabolic viability was 74-86% with respect to the concentration of EPI used in the experiment. Furthermore, the levels of PPARα, PPARγ, and GSH exhibited a decrease in response to increasing EPI concentrations. Pretreatment with EPI has demonstrated a great effect on the levels of PPARα, PPARγ, and GSH in vitro. Therefore, considering that EPI mediates lipid metabolism in MASLD, it should be considered a promising hepatoprotective agent in future research.

"GC-MS profiling, sub-acute toxicity study and total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth-a traditional antidiabetic medicinal plant"

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth is traditionally used in Manipur, India for treatment of diabetes and hypertension. However, there is no data reported regarding safety profile of this medicinal plant upon repeated per oral administration over a period of time.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the current study phytochemical profile, toxicological profile and total phenolic and flavonoid compound content of Schima wallichii leaves extract were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was performed for chemical profiling by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), Shimadzu, TQ8040 system. A 28 days sub-acute toxicity study was carried out using albino Wistar rats by administering 3 different doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight per oral) of methanol leaves extract. Changes in body weights were recorded weekly. Serum biochemical parameters were estimated as well as blood-cell count was done to check the effect of extract on haematopoietic system. Histopathology of vital organs viz. kidney, heart, brain, liver was performed to find any pathological indications. Since, liver is main the site for xenobiotic metabolism, estimation of the level of glutathione, catalase and lipid peroxidation were done. Further, total phenolic and flavonoid compound content estimation was performed for the leaves extract.

RESULTS

GC-MS revealed 14 major compounds with area percentage >1% of which quinic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)-, Octatriacontyl trifluoroacetate, are three major compounds. No mortality was observed after the treatment with extract. Blood-cell count and biochemical parameters didn't show significant deviation as compared to control group. Histopathology study of vital organs viz. (liver, kidney, heart and brain) showed normal cellular construction comparing to control group. There was no sign of membrane lipid peroxidation, depletion of catalase level and glutathione level in liver. The result demonstrates that NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect levels) in the sub-acute toxicity was above 800 mg/kg. The leaves extract showed significant total phenol and flavonoid content.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that Schima wallichii possessed important bioactive compounds with therapeutic values. The plant was safe for consumption after repeated high doses administration in rats and possesses significant amount of total phenol and flavonoid content.

Sex Differences in Hepatic Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Mitochondrial Function Following Early Lipopolysaccharide Exposure in Epileptic WAG/Rij Rats

Among the non-communicable neurological diseases, epilepsy is characterized by abnormal brain activity with several peripheral implications. The role of peripheral inflammation in the relationship between seizure development and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on sex difference remains still overlooked. Severe early-life infections lead to increased inflammation that can aggravate epilepsy and hepatic damage progression, both related to increased odds of hospitalization for epileptic patients with liver diseases. Here, we induced a post-natal-day 3 (PND3) infection by LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) to determine the hepatic damage in a genetic model of young epileptic WAG/Rij rats (PND45). We evaluated intra- and inter-gender differences in systemic and liver inflammation, hepatic lipid dysmetabolism, and oxidative damage related to mitochondrial functional impairment. First, epileptic rats exposed to LPS, regardless of gender, displayed increased serum hepatic enzymes and altered lipid profile. Endotoxin challenge triggered a more severe inflammatory and immune response in male epileptic rats, compared to females in both serum and liver, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepatic immune cell recruitment. Conversely, LPS-treated female rats showed significant alterations in systemic and hepatic lipid profiles and reduced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. The two different sex-dependent mechanisms of LPS-induced liver injury converge in increased ROS production and related mitochondrial oxidative damage in both sexes. Notably, a compensatory increase in antioxidant defense was evidenced only in female rats. Our study with a translational potential demonstrates, for the first time, that early post-natal infections in epileptic rats induced or worsened hepatic disorders in a sex-dependent manner, amplifying inflammation, lipid dysmetabolism, and mitochondrial impairment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, independent of folate and glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes: A follow-up study

The associations of tumor angiogenesis with folate and antioxidant capacities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their effects on HCC recurrence have not yet been investigated. We investigated the changes and relationships of VEGF, folate, GSH, and GSH-related antioxidant enzymes in patients with HCC before tumor resection, as well as 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after tumor resection, and their effects on HCC recurrence. 95 HCC patients who underwent tumor resection were recruited. Patients were followed up before tumor resection (pre-resection), 1 month after tumor resection (post-resection), 1 year, and 3 years of follow-up. The recurrence and survival status of patients were evaluated. Plasma VEGF concentrations decreased slightly during follow-up. Serum folate and GSH concentrations and plasma GPx and GR activities increased significantly from pre-resection to post-resection and remained stable at follow-up. Pre-resection plasma VEGF was positively correlated with GSH, GPx, and GR, but negatively correlated with folate and GST. The high pre-resection plasma VEGF was a significant predictor of a high HCC rate (hazard ratio = 1.05, p = 0.035), remaining significant after adjustments for folate, GSH, GPx, GR, and GST to diminish their interference with VEGF. Pre-tumor-resection plasma VEGF constitutes a potential independent marker for predicting HCC recurrence. However, the associations of plasma VEGF with folate and GSH-related antioxidant capacities in HCC patients cannot be ignored.

Glutathione dynamics in subcellular compartments and implications for drug development

Glutathione (GSH) is a pivotal tripeptide antioxidant essential for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and regulating diverse cellular processes. Subcellular compartmentalization of GSH underscores its multifaceted roles across various organelles including the cytosol, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus, each exhibiting distinct regulatory mechanisms. Perturbations in GSH dynamics contribute to pathophysiological conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of understanding its intricate regulation. This review consolidates current knowledge on subcellular GSH dynamics, highlighting its implications in drug development, particularly in covalent drug design and antitumor strategies targeting intracellular GSH levels. Challenges and future directions in deciphering subcellular GSH dynamics are discussed, advocating for innovative methodologies to advance our comprehension and facilitate the development of precise therapeutic interventions based on GSH modulation.

Melatonin mitigated methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity through interrelated biological processes

BACKGROUND

Hepatotoxicity associated with methotrexate (MTX) is mainly due to disruption of redox balance and development of oxidative injury to hepatocytes. Melatonin (MLT) is a potent antioxidant and regulates wide range of biological functions, processes and utilized as adjuvant for number of medical applications. The current study investigated the mitigating effect of MLT on the MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Adult male rats received MLT (25 mg/kg, orally) for seven days flowed by single injection of MTX (20 mg/kg, ip) then treat with MLT continued for additional 7 days. The present result showed MLT treatment mitigated histopathological changes in the liver that associated with normalization of ALT and AST activity as well as bilirubin, albumin and alfa-fetoprotein levels in serum of MLT + MTX-treated rat to comparable control level. MLT treatment significantly reduced MDA content and myeloperoxidase activity while enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione content in the liver indicating the empowerment of the antioxidant status. Amelioration of MLT-induced oxidative stress resulted in a reduction in the inflammatory response due to antioxidant restoration and inhibited apoptosis indicated by downregulation of caspase-3 expression. The replenishment of antioxidant content powers the defense system of the hepatocytes. As a result, apoptosis is reduced which might be due to the ability of MLT protect DNA integrity thus maintaining hepatocyte functions and structure. Consequently, liver histology was protected.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, MLT modulates liver function and structure by orchestrating linked processes, including redox balance, inflammatory response, suppression of caspase-3, and DNA damage.

The Discovery of Gut Microbial Metabolites as Modulators of Host Susceptibility to Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

The mammalian gut microbiota plays diverse and essential roles in modulating host physiology. Key mediators determining the outcome of the microbiota-host interactions are the small molecule metabolites produced by the gut microbiota. The liver is a major organ exposed to gut microbial metabolites, and it serves as the nexus for maintaining healthy interactions between the gut microbiota and the host. At the same time, the liver is the primary target of potentially harmful gut microbial metabolites. In this review, we provide an up-to-date list of gut microbial metabolites that have been identified to either increase or decrease host susceptibility to acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. The signaling pathways and molecular factors involved in the progression of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity are well-established, and we propose that the mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity serves as a model system for uncovering gut microbial metabolites with previously unknown functions. Furthermore, we envision that gut microbial metabolites identified to alter APAP-induced hepatotoxicity likely have broader implications in other liver diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides an overview of the role of the gut microbiota in modulating the host susceptibility to acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. It focuses on the roles of gut bacterial small molecule metabolites as mediators of the interaction between the gut microbiota and the liver. It also illustrates the utility of APAP-induced liver injury as a model to identify gut microbial metabolites with biological function.

Hepatic changes following a high-fat diet: effects of Cornus mas and gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Cornus mas on oxidative stress, inflammation, and histological damage

Background and aims

High fat diet (HFD) can lead to liver injury, through oxidative stress and inflammation. The use of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can have a protective potential. We aimed to investigate the effects of Cornus mas (CM) and gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with CM (GNPsCM) on hepatic alterations induced by HFD in rats.

Methods

Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, HFD, HFD +CM and HFD + GNPsCM. The high fat diet was administered for 32 weeks and CM and GNPsCM were administered for 4 weeks after the HFD period. The high fat diet induced oxidative stress in liver, with lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant capacity, inflammation and minimal histological alterations.

Results

The administration of CM and GNPsCM reduced lipid peroxidation produced by HFD and increased antioxidant potential in liver homogenates, while increasing inflammatory markers. Histological alterations were slightly improved by the intervention of compounds, and hyaluronic acid content of the liver without statistical significance as compared to HFD group.

Conclusion

These findings support the potential of these treatments in addressing liver oxidative stress, mitigating liver damage induced by a high-fat diet. This investigation sheds light on the oxidative stress dynamics and histological alterations associated with high-fat diet-induced liver injury, contributing to our understanding of potential therapeutic interventions.

Loss of β-catenin reveals a role for glutathione in regulating oxidative stress during cholestatic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Cholestasis is an intractable liver disorder that results from impaired bile flow. We have previously shown that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates the progression of cholestatic liver disease through multiple mechanisms, including bile acid metabolism and hepatocyte proliferation. To further explore the impact of these functions during intrahepatic cholestasis, we exposed mice to a xenobiotic that causes selective biliary injury.

METHODS

α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) was administered to liver-specific knockout (KO) of β-catenin and wild-type mice in the diet. Mice were killed at 6 or 14 days to assess the severity of cholestatic liver disease, measure the expression of target genes, and perform biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

We found that the presence of β-catenin was protective against ANIT, as KO mice had a significantly lower survival rate than wild-type mice. Although serum markers of liver damage and total bile acid levels were similar between KO and wild-type mice, the KO had minor histological abnormalities, such as sinusoidal dilatation, concentric fibrosis around ducts, and decreased inflammation. Notably, both total glutathione levels and expression of glutathione-S-transferases, which catalyze the conjugation of ANIT to glutathione, were significantly decreased in KO after ANIT. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, a master regulator of the antioxidant response, was activated in KO after ANIT as well as in a subset of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis lacking activated β-catenin. Despite the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, KO livers had increased lipid peroxidation and cell death, which likely contributed to mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of β-catenin leads to increased cellular injury and cell death during cholestasis through failure to neutralize oxidative stress, which may contribute to the pathology of this disease.

Immune Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in the Liver of Diabetic Mice

Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are highly susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) infection. Novel treatments for TB are needed to address the increased antibiotic resistance and hepatoxicity. Previous studies showed that the administration of liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) can mitigate oxidative stress, bolster a granulomatous response, and diminish the M. tb burden in the lungs of M. tb-infected mice. Nonetheless, the impact of combining L-GSH with conventional TB treatment (RIF) on the cytokine levels and granuloma formation in the livers of diabetic mice remains unexplored. In this study, we evaluated hepatic cytokine profiles, GSH, and tissue pathologies in untreated and L-GSH, RIF, and L-GSH+RIF treated diabetic (db/db) M. tb-infected mice. Our results indicate that treatment of M. tb-infected db/db mice with L-GSH+RIF caused modulation in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and GSH in the liver and mitigation in the granuloma size in hepatic tissue. Supplementation with L-GSH+RIF led to a decrease in the M. tb burden by mitigating oxidative stress, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restoring the cytokine balance. These findings highlight the potential of L-GSH+RIF combination therapy for addressing active EPTB, offering valuable insights into innovative treatments for M. tb infections.

A novel approach to alleviate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity with hybrid balloon flower root-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (BDEs) with silymarin via inhibition of hepatocyte MAPK pathway and apoptosis

INTRODUCTION

Balloon flower root-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (BDEs) have recently been proposed as physiologically active molecules with no cytotoxicity. However, the therapeutic effects of drug-induced hepatotoxicity of BDEs have not been elucidated. BDEs contain a large amount of platycodin D, which is widely known to be effective in regulating inflammation and ameliorating systemic toxicity. Thus, the main therapeutic activity of BDEs is attributed to inhibiting the inflammatory response and alleviating toxicity. In this study, we fabricated the hybrid BDEs fused with liposomes containing silymarin (SM) to enhance the synergistic effect on inhibition of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity (APAP).

OBJECTIVE

Considering the potential therapeutic effects of BDEs, and the potential to achieve synergistic effects to improve therapeutic outcomes, we constructed hybrid BDEs with a soy lecithin-based liposome loaded with SM. Since liposomes can provide higher thermal stability and have greater structural integrity, these might be more resistant to clearance and enzymatic degradation of drug molecules.

METHODS

Hybrid BDEs with liposome-loaded SM (BDEs@lipo-SM) were fabricated by thin-film hydration and extrusion. BDEs@lipo-SM were characterized using dynamic light scattering and high-performance liquid chromatography. After confirmation of the physical properties of BDEs@lipo-SM, various therapeutic properties were evaluated.

RESULTS

BDEs@lipo-SM were internalized by hepatocytes and immune cells and significantly decreased mRNA expression of apoptosis and inflammation-relevant cytokines by inhibiting the hepatocyte MAPK pathway. BDEs@lipo-SM significantly induced an increase in glutathione levels and inhibited APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

From this study, we know that BDEs are reliable and safe nanovesicles containing natural metabolites derived from balloon flower, and they can facilitate intercellular communication. BDEs are also easily modified to enhance drug loading capacity, targeting effects, and long-term accumulation in vivo. BDEs@lipo-SM have therapeutic benefits for acute liver injury and can alleviate cell death and toxicity. They can be efficiently delivered to the liver and effectively inhibit APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis, which accelerates liver recovery in the APAP-induced acute liver injury model. These findings highlight that BDEs represent an attractive delivery vehicle for drug delivery.

GSH and Ferroptosis: Side-by-Side Partners in the Fight against Tumors

Glutathione (GSH), a prominent antioxidant in organisms, exhibits diverse biological functions and is crucial in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and upholding a stable redox milieu. The metabolism of GSH is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly in the progression of malignant tumors. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of GSH synthesis and metabolism to modulate GSH levels represent a promising avenue for future research. This study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between GSH metabolism and ferroptosis, highlighting how modulation of GSH metabolism can impact cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis and consequently influence the development of tumors and other diseases. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of GSH, including its structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, sources, and metabolic pathways, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying GSH regulation of ferroptosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Unraveling the biological role of GSH holds promise for individuals afflicted with tumors.

A metal-phenolic coordination framework nanozyme exhibits dual enzyme mimicking activity and its application is effective for colorimetric detection of biomolecules

Biomolecules play vital roles in many biological processes and diseases, making their identification crucial. Herein, we present a colorimetric sensing method for detecting biomolecules like cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH). This approach is based on a reaction system whereby colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) undergoes catalytic oxidation to form blue-colored oxidized TMB (ox-TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), utilizing the peroxidase and catalase-mimicking activities of metal-phenolic coordination frameworks (MPNs) of Cu-TA, Co-TA, and Fe-TA nanospheres. The Fe-TA nanospheres demonstrated superior activity, more active sites and enhanced electron transport. Under optimal conditions, the Fe-TA nanospheres were used for the detection of biomolecules. When present, biomolecules inhibit the reaction between TMB and H2O2, causing various colorimetric responses at low detection limits of 0.382, 0.776 and 0.750 μM for Cys, Hcy and GSH. Furthermore, it was successfully applied to real water samples with good recovery results. The developed sensor not only offers a rapid, portable, and user-friendly technique for multi-target analysis of biomolecules at low concentrations but also expands the potential uses of MPNs for other targets in the environmental field.

Regulation of oxidative stress in the intestine of piglets after enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is recognized globally as a major gastrointestinal pathogen that impairs intestinal function. ETEC infection can lead to oxidative stress and disruption of intestinal integrity. The present study investigated the mechanism of increased oxidative stress and whether restoration of antioxidant defense could improve intestinal integrity in a piglet model with ETEC infection. Weaned piglets were divided into three groups: control, ETEC-infection and ETEC-infection with antibiotic supplementation. The infection caused a significant elevation of serum diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate levels coupled with a reduced intestinal (mid-jejunum) tight-junction protein expression, suggesting increased intestinal permeability and impaired gut function. The infection also inhibited nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation, decreased the expression of glutathione synthesizing enzymes, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the intestine. This led to a decreased antioxidant glutathione level and an increased lipid peroxidation in the intestine and serum, indicating oxidative stress. The infection stimulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Antibiotic supplementation attenuated oxidative stress, in part, through restoration of glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme expression in the intestine. Such a treatment enhanced tight-junction protein expression and improved intestinal function. Furthermore, induction of oxidative stress in Caco2 cells by hydrogen peroxide inhibited tight-junction protein expression and stimulated inflammatory cytokine expression. Glutathione supplementation effectively attenuated oxidative stress and restored tight-junction protein expression. These results suggest that downregulation of Nrf2 activation may weaken antioxidant defense and increase oxidative stress in the intestine. Mitigation of oxidative stress can improve intestinal function after infection.

Biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and anatomopathological changes in Wistar rats treated with 3'-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and norisoguaiacin

Artemisia cina (Ac) is a plant with anthelmintic compounds such as 3'-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin (D) and norisoguaiacin (N). Three major objectives were proposed: (1) To evaluate biochemical parameters in blood (2) to determine the tissue oxidative stress by biomarkers as TBARS and glutathione peroxidase activity, and (3) to evaluate anatomopathological changes in organs such as the brain, liver, kidney, and lung after oral administration of n-hexane extract of Ac and D and N. D and N were administrated following the OECD guides for acute oral toxicity evaluation (Guide 420). Fifty Wistar rats were distributed into ten groups as follows: Group 1 (G1): 4 mg/Kg; G2: 40 mg/Kg; G3: 240 mg/Kg; G4: 1600 mg/Kg of n-hexane extract of Ac. G5: 2 mg/Kg; G6: 20 mg/Kg; G7: 120 mg/Kg; G8: 800 mg/Kg of D and N, G9: water and G10: polyvinylpyrrolidone at 2000 mg/Kg. At 14 days, the rats were euthanized, and the blood, liver, brain, kidney, and lung were taken for biochemical analysis, anatomopathological changes, and TBARS and GSH evaluation. Glucose, cholesterol, and phosphorus were altered. Histopathological analysis showed multifocal neuronal degeneration in the brain (G2). The kidney and lungs had changes in G7. The GSH and TBARS increased in G6 and G7. The TBARS activity was higher in G1 and G2. In conclusion, extract and D and N of Ac did not have damage at therapeutic doses. D, N, and n-hexane extract of A. cina do not cause histopathological damage at pharmaceutical doses. Still, the brain, kidney, and liver are related to biochemical parameters at higher doses. However, compounds are proposed as antioxidant agents.

Role of reactive oxygen species in myelodysplastic syndromes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as typical metabolic byproducts of aerobic life and play a pivotal role in redox reactions and signal transduction pathways. Contingent upon their concentration, ROS production not only initiates or stimulates tumorigenesis but also causes oxidative stress (OS) and triggers cellular apoptosis. Mounting literature supports the view that ROS are closely interwoven with the pathogenesis of a cluster of diseases, particularly those involving cell proliferation and differentiation, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic/acute myeloid leukemia (CML/AML). OS caused by excessive ROS at physiological levels is likely to affect the functions of hematopoietic stem cells, such as cell growth and self-renewal, which may contribute to defective hematopoiesis. We review herein the eminent role of ROS in the hematological niche and their profound influence on the progress of MDS. We also highlight that targeting ROS is a practical and reliable tactic for MDS therapy.