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Mayer C, Riera-Ponsati L, Kauppinen S, Klitgaard H, Erler JT, Hansen SN. Targeting the NRF2 pathway for disease modification in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1437939. [PMID: 39119604 PMCID: PMC11306042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1437939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a global health issue and a major economic burden. They significantly impair both cognitive and motor functions, and their prevalence is expected to rise due to ageing societies and continuous population growth. Conventional therapies provide symptomatic relief, nevertheless, disease-modifying treatments that reduce or halt neuron death and malfunction are still largely unavailable. Amongst the common hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases are protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) constitutes a central regulator of cellular defense mechanisms, including the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways, making it a highly attractive therapeutic target for disease modification in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we describe the role of NRF2 in the common hallmarks of neurodegeneration, review the current pharmacological interventions and their challenges in activating the NRF2 pathway, and present alternative therapeutic approaches for disease modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lluís Riera-Ponsati
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- NEUmiRNA Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Bartman AE, Raeisi M, Peiris CD, Jacobsen IE, Martin DB, Doorn JA. A Novel Analog of the Natural Product Fraxinellone Protects against Endogenous and Exogenous Neurotoxicants. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2612-2622. [PMID: 38925635 PMCID: PMC11258694 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous insults, both endogenous (e.g., glutamate) and exogenous (e.g., pesticides), compromise the function of the nervous system and pose risk factors for damage or later disease. In previous reports, limonoids such as fraxinellone showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro, albeit with minimal mechanistic information provided. Given these findings, a library of novel fraxinellone analogs (including analogs 1 and 2 described here) was synthesized with the goal of identifying compounds exhibiting neuroprotection against insults. Analog 2 was found to be protective against Glu-mediated excitotoxicity with a measured EC50 of 44 and 39 nM for in vitro assays using PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells, respectively. Pretreatment with analog 2 yielded rapid induction of antioxidant genes, namely, Gpx4, Sod1, and Nqo1, as measured via qPCR. Analog 2 mitigated Glu-mediated ROS. Cytoprotection could be replicated using sulforaphane (SFN), a Nrf2 activator, and inhibited via ML-385, which inhibits Nrf2 binding to regulatory DNA sequences, thereby blocking downstream gene expression. Nrf2 DNA-binding activity was demonstrated using a Nrf2 ELISA-based transcription factor assay. In addition, we found that pretreatment with the thiol N-acetyl Cys completely mitigated SFN-mediated induction of antioxidant genes but had no effect on the activity of analog 2, suggesting thiol modification is not critical for its mechanism of action. In summary, our data demonstrate a fraxinellone analog to be a novel, potent, and rapid activator of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense system, providing robust protection against insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Bartman
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College
of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Mersad Raeisi
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Clarence D. Peiris
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Isabella E. Jacobsen
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - David B.C. Martin
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jonathan A. Doorn
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College
of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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3
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Baiskhanova D, Schäfer H. The Role of Nrf2 in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Function and Ferroptosis in Pancreatic Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:696. [PMID: 38929135 PMCID: PMC11201043 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represents the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. This includes a preventive effect of Nrf2 on cell death through ferroptosis, which represents an essential mechanism of therapy resistance in malignant tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as one of the most aggressive and still incurable tumors. Addressing this issue, we provide an overview on Nrf2 mediated antioxidant response with particular emphasis on its effect on mitochondria as the organelle responsible for the execution of ferroptosis. We further outline how deregulated Nrf2 adds to the progression and therapy resistance of PDAC, especially with respect to the role of ferroptosis in anti-cancer drug mediated cell killing and how this is impaired by Nrf2 as an essential mechanism of drug resistance. Our review further discusses recent approaches for Nrf2 inhibition by natural and synthetic compounds to overcome drug resistance based on enhanced ferroptosis. Finally, we provide an outlook on therapeutic strategies based on Nrf2 inhibition combined with ferroptosis inducing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinara Baiskhanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology and Tumor Biology, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
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4
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Abdolmaleki A, Karimian A, Khoshnazar SM, Asadi A, Samarein ZA, Smail SW, Bhattacharya D. The role of Nrf2 signaling pathways in nerve damage repair. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae080. [PMID: 38799411 PMCID: PMC11116835 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein, Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a transitory protein that acts as a transcription factor and is involved in the regulation of many cytoprotective genes linked to xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant responses. Based on the existing clinical and experimental data, it can be inferred that neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by an excessive presence of markers of oxidative stress (OS) and a reduced presence of antioxidant defense systems in both the brain and peripheral tissues. The presence of imbalances in the homeostasis between oxidants and antioxidants has been recognized as a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The dysregulations include several cellular processes such as mitochondrial failure, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation. These dysregulations all contribute to the disruption of proteostasis in neuronal cells, leading to their eventual mortality. A noteworthy component of Nrf2, as shown by recent research undertaken over the last decade, is to its role in the development of resistance to OS. Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in regulating systems that defend against OS. Extant research offers substantiation for the protective and defensive roles of Nrf2 in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of Nrf2 on OS and its function in regulating antioxidant defense systems within the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we evaluate the most recent academic inquiries and empirical evidence about the beneficial and potential role of certain Nrf2 activator compounds within the realm of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Aida Karimian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Highway, Mustafa Khomeini Boulevard, Ibn Sina, Kerman, 9986598, Iran
| | - Asadollah Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Zahra Akhavi Samarein
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Shukur Wasman Smail
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 1235897, Iraq
| | - Deepak Bhattacharya
- Ph.D., Policy, Nursing, At Fight-Cancer at Home, Medicinal Toxicology & QC, Sri Radha Krishna Raas Mandir, KedarGouri Road, Bhubaneswar, Odisa 751002, India
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5
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Menshchikova EB, Chechushkov AV, Kozhin PM, Romakh LP, Serykh AE, Khrapova MV, Petrova ES, Kandalintseva NV. Effect of Inducers and Inhibitors of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE System on the Viability and Functional Activity of Model Neuronal-Like and Glial Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2024; 176:332-337. [PMID: 38340195 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-06019-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
On mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) and human glioblastoma (U-87 MG) cell lines, we studied the effect of inducers and inhibitors of redox-sensitive signaling system of the antioxidant-responsive element Keap1/Nrf2/ARE on the main processes that determine nerve cell viability and vital activity (proliferative activity, apoptosis, autophagy, and activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE system). Inhibitors of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE system stimulate apoptosis more pronouncedly than inducers, have a weaker effect on autophagy, and do not change the nuclear to cytoplasmic Nrf2 ratio. In general, the revealed effects testify in favor of the potential effectiveness of stimulating the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE system for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Menshchikova
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - A V Chechushkov
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - P M Kozhin
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - L P Romakh
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A E Serykh
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M V Khrapova
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E S Petrova
- Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Assiry HM, Hamed AR, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM, Koshak AE, Malebari AM, Fadil SA, Abdallah HM. Acetyl barlerin from Barleria trispinosa induces chemopreventive NQO1 and attenuates LPS-induced inflammation: in vitro and molecular dynamic studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38116740 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2293272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Extraction and fractionation of Barleria trispinosa growing in Saudi Arabia yielded four iridoid compounds identified by spectroscopic techniques as acetylbarlerin (1), barlerin (2), shanzhiside methyl ester (3) and 6-⍺-L-rhamnopyranosyl-8-O-acetylshanzihiside methyl ester (4). Preliminary experiments confirmed that compound 1 acts as an inducer of chemopreventive NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzymatic activity in a murine hepatoma (Hepa1c1c7) chemoprevention model. It also demonstrated the ability to inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in the RAW264.7 macrophage model. Western blotting revealed the ability of compound 1 to up-regulate the protein expression of the NQO1 marker. Furthermore, compound 1 elicited NO suppression in RAW264.7 macrophages by inhibiting iNOS protein expression. Molecular docking and molecular simulation studies of 1 supported its experimental results as an inhibitor of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-KEAP1) complex, resulting in Nrf2-mediated induction of chemopreventive NQO1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza M Assiry
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed R Hamed
- Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department & Biology Unit, Central Laboratory for Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Gamal A Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R M Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Preparatory Year Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman E Koshak
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azizah M Malebari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sana A Fadil
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hossam M Abdallah
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Markovtsov V, Duncton MAJ, Bagos A, Yi S, Braselmann S, Bhamidipati S, Darwish IS, Yu J, Owyang AM, Fernandez B, Samant B, Park G, Masuda ES, Shaw SJ. Tuning the Reactivity of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Activators for Optimal in Vivo Efficacy. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1700-1706. [PMID: 38116420 PMCID: PMC10726478 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimethyl fumarate 1 is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis but is also associated with off-target activation of the niacin receptor. By using a tetrazolone or triazolone bioisostere approach to the fumarate and vinyl sulfone series of Nrf2 activators, we have optimized the electrophilicity of the double bond to tune the on-target Nrf2 activation with PK properties to achieve efficacy in animal models of multiple sclerosis. The study linked highly potent, highly electrophilic molecules to low plasma stability and, subsequently, limited efficacy. By contrast, a sulfonylvinyltriazolone 17 retains on-target potency but shows much weaker electrophilic potential. As a consequence, in vivo high exposures of 17 are obtained, resulting in efficacy in the EAE model similar to that observed for DMF. 17 (R079) is Ames negative, is not cytotoxic to cells, and shows little inhibition of either the niacin receptor or a panel of off-target receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Markovtsov
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Matthew A. J. Duncton
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Art Bagos
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sothy Yi
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sylvia Braselmann
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Somasekhar Bhamidipati
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ihab S. Darwish
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jiaxin Yu
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Alexander M. Owyang
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Beth Fernandez
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bhushan Samant
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Gary Park
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Esteban S. Masuda
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Simon J. Shaw
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 611 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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Tonev D, Momchilova A. Oxidative Stress and the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Certain Exogenous and Endogenous Nrf2 Activators and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17223. [PMID: 38139050 PMCID: PMC10743556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that, in genetically susceptible subjects, T lymphocytes undergo activation in the peripheral compartment, pass through the BBB, and cause damage in the CNS. They produce pro-inflammatory cytokines; induce cytotoxic activities in microglia and astrocytes with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other highly reactive radicals; activate B cells and macrophages and stimulate the complement system. Inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved from the very beginning of the disease. They can both be affected by oxidative stress (OS) with different emphases depending on the time course of MS. Thus, OS initiates and supports inflammatory processes in the active phase, while in the chronic phase it supports neurodegenerative processes. A still unresolved issue in overcoming OS-induced lesions in MS is the insufficient endogenous activation of the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which under normal conditions plays an essential role in mitochondria protection, OS, neuroinflammation, and degeneration. Thus, the search for approaches aiming to elevate endogenous Nrf2 activation is capable of protecting the brain against oxidative damage. However, exogenous Nrf2 activators themselves are not without drawbacks, necessitating the search for new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to modulate OS. The purpose of the present review is to provide some relevant preclinical and clinical examples, focusing on certain exogenous and endogenous Nrf2 activators and the modulation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The increased plasma levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in response to TPE treatment of MS patients suggest their antioxidant potential for endogenous Nrf2 enhancement via NGF/TrkA/PI3K/Akt and NGF/p75NTR/ceramide-PKCζ/CK2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Tonev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital “Tzaritza Yoanna—ISUL”, Medical University of Sofia, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Momchilova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Science, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Li J, Cao Y, Xu J, Li J, Lv C, Gao Q, Zhang C, Jin C, Wang R, Jiao R, Zhu H. Vitamin D Improves Cognitive Impairment and Alleviates Ferroptosis via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Aging Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15315. [PMID: 37894993 PMCID: PMC10607218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent mode of cell death associated with the occurrence and development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, there are no effective drugs available to prevent or treat these aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin D (VD) is an antioxidant and immunomodulator, but its relationship with ferroptosis in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases has not been extensively studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of VD in learning and memory in aging mice. To examine whether VD protects aging hippocampal neurons, we used physiologically active 1,25(OH)2D3. We established aging models in vivo (C57BL/6 mice) and in vitro (HT22 cells) using D-galactose (D-gal). The results demonstrated that VD could improve learning and memory in mice aged via the use of D-gal, and it reduced damage to hippocampal neurons. VD could regulate ferroptosis-related proteins (increasing GPX4 expression and decreasing ACSL4 and ALOX15 protein expression levels), increasing GSH levels, reducing MDA and intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels, as well as total iron and Fe2+ levels, and improving mitochondrial morphology, thereby alleviating ferroptosis in aging hippocampal neurons. Additionally, VD activated the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. Notably, when the VDR was knocked down, VD lost its ability to activate Nrf2. Consequently, inhibiting Nrf2 decreased the protective effect of VD against ferroptosis in aged hippocampal neurons. In summary, VD activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway through the VDR, effectively preventing ferroptosis induced by aging in hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Zhu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; (J.L.); (Y.C.); (J.X.); (J.L.); (C.L.); (Q.G.); (C.Z.); (C.J.); (R.W.); (R.J.)
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10
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Zhang J, Cai YS, Ji HL, Ma M, Zhang JH, Cheng ZQ, Wang KM, Jiang CS, Zhuang C, Hu Y, Meng N. Discovery of marine phidianidine-based Nrf2 activators and their potential against oxLDL- and HG-induced injury in HUVECs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 95:129468. [PMID: 37689216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
One effective strategy for treating atherosclerosis is to inhibit the injury of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and high glucose (HG). This study synthesized and evaluated a series of novel Nrf2 activators derived from the marine natural product phidianidine for their ability to protect human umbilical VECs against oxLDL- and HG-induced injury. The results of in vitro bioassays demonstrated that compound D-36 was the most promising Nrf2 activator, effectively inhibiting the apoptosis of HUVECs induced by oxLDL and HG. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown experiments confirmed that compound D-36 protected against oxLDL- and HG-induced apoptosis in HUVECs by activating the Nrf2 pathway. These findings provide important insights into a new chemotype of marine-derived Nrf2 activators that could potentially be optimized to develop effective anti-atherosclerosis agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Yong-Si Cai
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Hua-Long Ji
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Mengqi Ma
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Jin-He Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Cheng
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Kai-Ming Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Cheng-Shi Jiang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yang Hu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
| | - Ning Meng
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
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11
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Boutin JA, Kennaway DJ, Jockers R. Melatonin: Facts, Extrapolations and Clinical Trials. Biomolecules 2023; 13:943. [PMID: 37371523 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a fascinating molecule that has captured the imagination of many scientists since its discovery in 1958. In recent times, the focus has changed from investigating its natural role as a transducer of biological time for physiological systems to hypothesized roles in virtually all clinical conditions. This goes along with the appearance of extensive literature claiming the (generally) positive benefits of high doses of melatonin in animal models and various clinical situations that would not be receptor-mediated. Based on the assumption that melatonin is safe, high doses have been administered to patients, including the elderly and children, in clinical trials. In this review, we critically review the corresponding literature, including the hypotheses that melatonin acts as a scavenger molecule, in particular in mitochondria, by trying not only to contextualize these interests but also by attempting to separate the wheat from the chaff (or the wishful thinking from the facts). We conclude that most claims remain hypotheses and that the experimental evidence used to promote them is limited and sometimes flawed. Our review will hopefully encourage clinical researchers to reflect on what melatonin can and cannot do and help move the field forward on a solid basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Boutin
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, University of Normandy, INSERM U1239, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - D J Kennaway
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Science Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - R Jockers
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, 75014 Paris, France
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