An Update on Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Global regulator IrrE on stress tolerance: a review

Stress tolerance is a vital attribute for all living beings to cope with environmental adversities. IrrE (also named PprI) from Deinococcus radiodurans enhances resistance to extreme radiation stress by functioning as a global regulator, mediating the transcription of genes involved in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage response (DDR). The expression of IrrE augmented the resilience of various species to heat, radiation, oxidation, osmotic stresses and inhibitors, encompassing bacterial, fungal, plant, and mammalian cells. Moreover, IrrE was employed in a global regulator engineering strategy to broaden its applications in stress tolerance. The regulatory impacts of heterologously expressed IrrE have been investigated at the molecular and systems level, including the regulation of genes, proteins, modules, or pathways involved in DNA repair, detoxification proteins, protective molecules, native regulators and other aspects. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role and mechanism of IrrE in the antiradiation response of D. radiodurans. Furthermore, the applications and regulatory effects of heterologous expression of IrrE to enhance abiotic stress tolerance are summarized in particular.

Signaling Pathways Concerning Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Implications in Neurodegeneration and Possible Molecular Targets

Mitochondrion is an important organelle present in our cells responsible for meeting energy requirements. All higher organisms rely on efficient mitochondrial bioenergetic machinery to sustain life. No other respiratory process can produce as much power as generated by mitochondria in the form of ATPs. This review is written in order to get an insight into the magnificent working of mitochondrion and its implications in cellular homeostasis, bioenergetics, redox, calcium signaling, and cell death. However, if this machinery gets faulty, it may lead to several disease states. Mitochondrial dysfunctioning is of growing concern today as it is seen in the pathogenesis of several diseases which includes neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, skeletal muscle defects, liver diseases, and so on. To cover all these aspects is beyond the scope of this article; hence, our study is restricted to neurodegenerative disorders only. Moreover, faulty functioning of this organelle can be one of the causes of early ageing in individuals. This review emphasizes mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, defects in oxidative phosphorylation, generation of ROS, and apoptosis. Researchers have looked into new approaches that might be able to control mitochondrial failure and show a lot of promise as treatments.

Sirtuin 3 drives sex-specific responses to age-related changes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

The aging process is a complex phenomenon characterised by a gradual decline in physiological functions and an increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. An important factor in aging is mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to an accumulation of cellular damage over time. Mitochondrial Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), an important regulator of energy metabolism, plays a central role in maintaining mitochondrial function. Loss of Sirt3 can lead to reduced energy levels and an impaired ability to repair cellular damage, a hallmark of the aging process. In this study we investigated the impact of Sirt3 loss on mitochondrial function, metabolic responses and cellular aging processes in male and female mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) exposed to etoposide-induced DNA damage, which is commonly associated with cellular dysfunction and senescence. We found that Sirt3 contributes to the sex-specific metabolic response to etoposide treatment. While male MEF exhibited minimal damage suggesting potential prior adaptation to stress due to Sirt3 loss, female MEF lacking Sirt3 experienced higher vulnerability to genotoxic stress, implying a pivotal role of Sirt3 in their resistance to such challenges. These findings offer potential insights into therapeutic strategies targeting Sirt3- and sex-specific signalling pathways in diseases associated with DNA damage that play a critical role in the aging process.

Understanding coenzyme Q

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), also known as ubiquinone, comprises a benzoquinone head group and a long isoprenoid side chain. It is thus extremely hydrophobic and resides in membranes. It is best known for its complex function as an electron transporter in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) but is also required for several other crucial cellular processes. In fact, CoQ appears to be central to the entire redox balance of the cell. Remarkably, its structure and therefore its properties have not changed from bacteria to vertebrates. In metazoans, it is synthesized in all cells and is found in most, and maybe all, biological membranes. CoQ is also known as a nutritional supplement, mostly because of its involvement with antioxidant defenses. However, whether there is any health benefit from oral consumption of CoQ is not well established. Here we review the function of CoQ as a redox-active molecule in the ETC and other enzymatic systems, its role as a prooxidant in reactive oxygen species generation, and its separate involvement in antioxidant mechanisms. We also review CoQ biosynthesis, which is particularly complex because of its extreme hydrophobicity, as well as the biological consequences of primary and secondary CoQ deficiency, including in human patients. Primary CoQ deficiency is a rare inborn condition due to mutation in CoQ biosynthetic genes. Secondary CoQ deficiency is much more common, as it accompanies a variety of pathological conditions, including mitochondrial disorders as well as aging. In this context, we discuss the importance, but also the great difficulty, of alleviating CoQ deficiency by CoQ supplementation.

Vitamin D Alleviates Heavy Metal-Induced Cytotoxic Effects on Human Bone Osteoblasts Via the Induction of Bioenergetic Disruption, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals (HMs) that persistently contaminate the ecosystem, and bioaccumulation in bones is a health concern. We used biochemical and molecular assays to assess the cytoprotective effect of vitamin D (VD) on Cd- and Pd-induced chemical toxicity of human bone osteoblasts in vitro. Exposing Cd and Pb to human osteoblast cultures at concentrations of 0.1-1000 µM for 24-72 h significantly reduced osteoblast viability in an exposure time- and concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of Cd on osteoblasts was more severe than Pb's, with 72-h exposure estimated half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 8 and 12 µM, respectively, and VD (1 and 10 nM) alleviated cytotoxicity. Bioenergetics assays of ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial complex I and III activity showed that both Cd and Pb (1 and 10 µM) inhibited cellular bioenergetics after 72-h exposure. Cd and Pb increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species with reduced catalase/superoxide dismutase antioxidant activities and increased activity of caspases -3, -8, and -9. Co-treatment with VD (1 and 10 nM) counteracted bioenergetic disruption, oxidative damage, and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that VD is effective in managing the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and in treating bone diseases characterized by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bioenergetic disruption.

Silver nanoparticle-induced cell damage via impaired mtROS-JNK/MnSOD signaling pathway

This study investigated the mechanism of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) cytotoxicity from a mitochondrial perspective. The effect of AgNP on manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, against oxidative stress has not been studied in detail. We demonstrated that AgNP decreased MnSOD mRNA level, protein expression, and activity in human Chang liver cells in a time-dependent manner. AgNP induced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), particularly superoxide anion. AgNP was found to increase mitochondrial calcium level and disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to reduced ATP level, succinate dehydrogenase activity, and mitochondrial permeability. AgNP induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, attenuated the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins phospho Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, and induced the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Bax. In addition, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation was significantly increased by AgNP. Treatment with elamipretide (a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant) and SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) showed the involvement of MnSOD and JNK in these processes. These results indicated that AgNP damaged human Chang liver cells by destroying mitochondrial function through the accumulation of mtROS.

The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in CKD-Related Vascular Calcification: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is closely associated with cardiovascular events. The transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscles (VSMCs) into an osteogenic phenotype is hypothesized to be the primary cause underlying VC. However, there is currently no effective clinical treatment for VC. Growing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction accelerates the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and VC via multiple mechanisms. Therefore, elucidating the relationship between the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and mitochondrial dysfunction may assist in improving VC-related adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CKD. This review aimed to summarize the role of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and metabolic reprogramming, as well as mitochondria-associated oxidative stress (OS) and senescence in VC in patients with CKD to offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of VC.

Aberrant mitochondrial DNA synthesis in macrophages exacerbates inflammation and atherosclerosis

There is a large body of evidence that cellular metabolism governs inflammation, and that inflammation contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. However, whether mitochondrial DNA synthesis affects macrophage function and atherosclerosis pathology is not fully understood. Here we show, by transcriptomic analyzes of plaque macrophages, spatial single cell transcriptomics of atherosclerotic plaques, and functional experiments, that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages are triggered by vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) under inflammatory conditions in both humans and mice. Mechanistically, VCAM-1 activates C/EBPα, which binds to the promoters of key mitochondrial biogenesis genes - Cmpk2 and Pgc1a. Increased CMPK2 and PGC-1α expression triggers mtDNA synthesis, which activates STING-mediated inflammation. Consistently, atherosclerosis and inflammation are less severe in Apoe-/- mice lacking Vcam1 in macrophages. Downregulation of macrophage-specific VCAM-1 in vivo leads to decreased expression of LYZ1 and FCOR, involved in STING signalling. Finally, VCAM-1 expression in human carotid plaque macrophages correlates with necrotic core area, mitochondrial volume, and oxidative damage to DNA. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of macrophage VCAM-1 in inflammation and atherogenesis pathology and proposes a self-acerbating pathway involving increased mtDNA synthesis.

Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nitroprusside Nanoparticles for Melanoma

Melanoma has gained considerable attention due to its high mortality and morbidity rate worldwide. The currently available treatment options are associated with several limitations such as nonspecificity, drug resistance, easy clearance, low efficacy, toxicity-related issues, etc. To this end, nanotechnology has garnered significant attention for the treatment of melanoma. In the present manuscript, we have demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (abbreviated as AgNNPs) against melanoma. The AgNNPs exhibit cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells, which has been investigated by several in vitro experiments including [methyl 3H]-thymidine incorporation assay, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry, and ROS generation through DCFDA, DHE, and DAF2A reagents. Further, the internalization of nanoparticles was determined by ICPOES analysis, while their colocalization was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, JC-1 staining is performed to examine mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Cytoskeleton integrity was observed by phalloidin staining. Expression of different markers (Ki-67, cytochrome c, and E-cadherin) was checked using an immunofluorescence assay. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of AgNNPs has been validated in the melanoma model established by inoculating B16F10 cells into the dorsal right abdomen of C57BL/6J mice. The intraperitoneal administration of AgNNPs reduced melanoma growth and increased the survivability of tumor-bearing mice. The in vivo immunofluorescence studies (Ki-67, CD31, and E-cadherin) and TUNEL assay support the inhibitory and apoptotic nature of AgNNPs toward melanoma, respectively. Furthermore, the various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in anticancer activity are evaluated by Western blot analysis. These findings altogether demonstrate the promising anticancer potential of AgNNPs toward melanoma.

Rutin Ameliorates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease. We intend to explore the mechanism of Rutin in the therapy of UC. Disease activity index (DAI) and hematoxylin-eosin staining were employed to assess therapeutic effect of Rutin on dextran sulfate sodium-stimulated mice. The proliferation was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Oxidative stress (OS) was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence staining. mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting assay. Rutin decreased DAI scores and ameliorated pathological damage in UC mice with decreased levels of inflammatory factors. Rutin recovered the inhibited proliferation of fetal human colon cells caused by lipopolysaccharide. Rutin inhibited OS by reducing ROS and MDA, while enhancing SOD activity in LPS-induced fetal human colon cells. Rutin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome in UC mice and cell model. Silencing NLRP3 enhanced the inhibitory effect of Rutin on OS in lipopolysaccharide-induced fetal human colon cells. Conversely, NLRP3 overexpression reversed the restraining role of Rutin in OS. Rutin ameliorates UC by inhibiting inflammation and OS through suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome.

Superoxide signalling and antioxidant processing in the plant nucleus

The superoxide anion radical (O2·-) is a one-electron reduction product of molecular oxygen. Compared with other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide has limited reactivity. Nevertheless, superoxide reacts with nitric oxide, ascorbate, and the iron moieties of [Fe-S] cluster-containing proteins. Superoxide has largely been neglected as a signalling molecule in the plant literature in favour of the most stable ROS form, hydrogen peroxide. However, superoxide can accumulate in plant cells, particularly in meristems, where superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbate accumulation are limited (or absent), or when superoxide is generated within the lipid environment of membranes. Moreover, oxidation of the nucleus in response to environmental stresses is a widespread phenomenon. Superoxide is generated in many intracellular compartments including mitochondria, chloroplasts, and on the apoplastic/cell wall face of the plasma membrane. However, nuclear superoxide production and functions remain poorly documented in plants. Accumulating evidence suggests that the nuclear pools of antioxidants such as glutathione are discrete and separate from the cytosolic pools, allowing compartment-specific signalling in the nucleus. We consider the potential mechanisms of superoxide generation and targets in the nucleus, together with the importance of antioxidant processing in regulating superoxide signalling.

The actin binding protein profilin 1 localizes inside mitochondria and is critical for their function

The monomer-binding protein profilin 1 (PFN1) plays a crucial role in actin polymerization. However, mutations in PFN1 are also linked to hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, resulting in a broad range of cellular pathologies which cannot be explained by its primary function as a cytosolic actin assembly factor. This implies that there are important, undiscovered roles for PFN1 in cellular physiology. Here we screened knockout cells for novel phenotypes associated with PFN1 loss of function and discovered that mitophagy was significantly upregulated. Indeed, despite successful autophagosome formation, fusion with the lysosome, and activation of additional mitochondrial quality control pathways, PFN1 knockout cells accumulate depolarized, dysmorphic mitochondria with altered metabolic properties. Surprisingly, we also discovered that PFN1 is present inside mitochondria and provide evidence that mitochondrial defects associated with PFN1 loss are not caused by reduced actin polymerization in the cytosol. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized role for PFN1 in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and highlight new pathogenic mechanisms that can result from PFN1 dysregulation.

Paeoniflorin Promotes Ovarian Development in Mice by Activating Mitophagy and Preventing Oxidative Stress

During the development of animal organs, various adverse stimuli or toxic environments can induce oxidative stress and delay ovarian development. Paeoniflorin (PF), the main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has protective effects on various diseases by preventing oxidative stress. However, the mechanism by which PF attenuates oxidative damage in mouse ovaries remains unclear. We evaluated the protective effects of PF on ovaries in an H2O2-induced mouse oxidative stress model. The H2O2-induced mouse ovarian oxidative stress model was used to explore the protective effect of PF on ovarian development. Histology and follicular development were observed. We then detected related indicators of cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy in mouse ovaries. We found that PF inhibited H2O2-induced ovarian cell apoptosis and ferroptosis and promoted granulosa cell proliferation. PF prevented oxidative stress by increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels. In addition, the autophagic flux of ovarian cells was activated and was accompanied by increased lysosomal biogenesis. Moreover, PF-mediated autophagy was involved in clearing mitochondria damaged by H2O2. Importantly, PF administration significantly increased the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and antral follicles. PF administration improved ovarian sizes compared with the H2O2 group. The present study suggested that PF administration reversed H2O2-induced ovarian developmental delay and promoted follicle development. PF-activated mitophagy is crucial for preventing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial quality.

Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Balloon Flower Root (Platycodon grandiflorum), Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume), and Grape (Vitis vinifera) and Their Effects on Beef Jerky Quality

This research examines the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of natural ingredients such as balloon flower root extract (BFE), Japanese apricot extract (JAE) and grape extract (GE). In addition, their effect on beef jerky quality characteristics was investigated when the extracts were used as alternatives to potassium sorbate (PS) and vitamin E (VE). BFE had higher (p < 0.05) total flavonoid content (TFC) (6.85 mg CAT eq/g), total polyphenol content (TPC) (10.52 mg RUT eq/g), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (62.96%), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (87.60%) compared to other extracts. Although all extracts showed lower activity than BHT in all antioxidant activity tests, the BFE and JAE showed higher (p < 0.05) activity than the GE in the DPPH and FRAP assays. In contrast, in the ABTS assay, both BFE and GE showed increased activity (p < 0.05) compared to JAE. The jerky was prepared by adding 0.05% (v/v) each of BFE, JAE and GE. Furthermore, a control sample of jerky was also prepared by adding 0.10% (w/v) PS and 0.05% VE, respectively. On day 30, the redness (a*) values of the BFE and PS samples were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). Additionally, the yellowness (b*) values of the BFE sample were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) on day 30 were lower in the jerky treated with PS, VE, and GE compared to those treated with BFE and JAE (p < 0.05). In the sensory analysis, beef jerky with BFE had significantly higher overall acceptability scores on days 1 and 30 (p < 0.05). The addition of BFE to beef jerky influenced the increase in a* and b* values on day 30. The addition of GE effectively suppressed lipid oxidation to a level comparable to that of the PS and VE at day 30. Furthermore, the addition of BFE enhanced the overall acceptability of sensory characteristics.

Vitamin B5 metabolism is essential for vacuolar and mitochondrial functions and drug detoxification in fungi

Fungal infections, a leading cause of mortality among eukaryotic pathogens, pose a growing global health threat due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat this challenge. The PCA pathway for biosynthesis of Co-enzyme A (CoA) and Acetyl-CoA (AcCoA) from vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has been validated as an excellent target for the development of new antimicrobials against fungi and protozoa. The pathway regulates key cellular processes including metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, sterols, and heme. In this study, we provide genetic evidence that disruption of the PCA pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in a significant alteration in the susceptibility of fungi to a wide range of xenobiotics, including clinically approved antifungal drugs through alteration of vacuolar morphology and drug detoxification. The drug potentiation mediated by genetic regulation of genes in the PCA pathway could be recapitulated using the pantazine analog PZ-2891 as well as the celecoxib derivative, AR-12 through inhibition of fungal AcCoA synthase activity. Collectively, the data validate the PCA pathway as a suitable target for enhancing the efficacy and safety of current antifungal therapies.

Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Reactive Oxygen Species for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and they affect millions of people worldwide, particularly older individuals. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop novel drug targets for the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation play central roles in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria are key regulators of respiratory function, cellular energy adenosine triphosphate production, and the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, which are essential for cell survival. Mitochondrial morphology and function are tightly regulated by maintaining a balance among mitochondrial fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy. In this review, we provide an overview of the main functions of mitochondria, with a focus on recent progress highlighting the critical role of ROS-induced oxidative stress, dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondria-associated inflammation, and impaired mitochondrial function in the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and PD. We also discuss the potential of mitochondrial fusion and biogenesis enhancers, mitochondrial fission inhibitors, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants as novel drugs for the treatment of these diseases.

Self-assembled copper-based nanoparticles for enzyme catalysis-enhanced chemodynamic/photodynamic/antiangiogenic tritherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma

As an emerging cancer treatment strategy, reactive oxygen species-based tumor catalytic therapies face enormous challenges due to hypoxia and the overexpression of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, a self-assembled copper-based nanoplatform, TCCHA, was designed for enzyme-like catalysis-enhanced chemodynamic/photodynamic/antiangiogenic tritherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma. TCCHA was fabricated from Cu2+, 3,3'-dithiobis (propionohydrazide), and photosensitizer chlorine e6 via a facile one-pot self-assembly strategy, after which an aldehyde hyaluronic acid was coated, followed by loading of the antivascular drug AL3818. The obtained TCCHA nanoparticles exhibited pH/GSH dual-responsive drug release behaviors and multienzymatic activities, including Fenton, glutathione peroxidase-, and catalase-like activities. TCCHA, a redox homeostasis disruptor, promotes ⋅OH generation and GSH depletion, thus increasing the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy. TCCHA, which has catalase-like activity, can also reinforce the efficacy of photodynamic therapy by amplifying O2 production. In vivo, TCCHA efficiently inhibited tumor angiogenesis and suppressed tumor growth without apparent systemic toxicity. Overall, this study presents a facile strategy for the preparation of multienzyme-like nanoparticles, and TCCHA nanoparticles display great potential for enzyme catalysis-enhanced chemodynamic/photodynamic/antiangiogenic triple therapy against cancer.

Vitamin D and Sulforaphane Decrease Inflammatory Oxidative Stress and Restore the Markers of Epithelial Integrity in an In Vitro Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is strictly linked to chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, loss of epithelial barrier integrity, and often with abnormal new blood vessel development. In this study, the retinal epithelial cell line ARPE-19 was treated with pro-inflammatory transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) to investigate the activity of vitamin D (VD) and sulforaphane (SF) in abating the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation. The administration of VD and SF lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and abated the related expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced by TGF-β. We evaluated mitochondrial respiration as a source of ROS production, and we discovered that the increased transcription of respiratory elements triggered by TGF-β was prevented by VD and SF. In this model of inflamed epithelium, the treatment with VD and SF also reduced the secretion of VEGF, a key angiogenic factor, and restored the markers of epithelial integrity. Remarkably, all the observed biological effects were potentiated by the co-stimulation with the two compounds and were not mediated by VD receptor expression but rather by the ERK 1/2 pathway. Altogether, the results of this study reveal the powerful synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of SF and VD and lay the foundation for future clinical assessment of their efficacy in AMD.

Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Infection and Immunity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contain at least one oxygen atom and one or more unpaired electrons and include singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, and free nitrogen radicals. Intracellular ROS can be formed as a consequence of several factors, including ultra-violet (UV) radiation, electron leakage during aerobic respiration, inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, and other external stimuli or stress. The enhanced production of ROS is termed oxidative stress and this leads to cellular damage, such as protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and base modifications. This damage may manifest in various pathological states, including ageing, cancer, neurological diseases, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. On the other hand, the optimum levels of ROS have been implicated in the regulation of many important physiological processes. For example, the ROS generated in the mitochondria (mitochondrial ROS or mt-ROS), as a byproduct of the electron transport chain (ETC), participate in a plethora of physiological functions, which include ageing, cell growth, cell proliferation, and immune response and regulation. In this current review, we will focus on the mechanisms by which mt-ROS regulate different pathways of host immune responses in the context of infection by bacteria, protozoan parasites, viruses, and fungi. We will also discuss how these pathogens, in turn, modulate mt-ROS to evade host immunity. We will conclude by briefly giving an overview of the potential therapeutic approaches involving mt-ROS in infectious diseases.

Enhanced Biocompatibility by Evaluating the Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Chitosan on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells (HCC)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide, is influenced by a myriad of clinic-pathological factors, including viral infections and genetic abnormalities. This study delineates the synthesis, characterization, and the biological efficacy of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-CS) against HCC. Analytical methods confirmed the successful synthesis of both nanoparticles, with Fe3O4-CS demonstrating a smaller, uniform spherical morphology and distinct surface and magnetic properties attributable to its chitosan coating. The prepared materials were analyzed using various techniques, and their potential cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cancer cells line for HCC were investigated. In biological evaluations against HepG2 cells, a notable distinction in cytotoxicity was observed. Fe3O4 showed modest anticancer activity with an IC50 of 383.71 ± 23.9 µg/mL, whereas Fe3O4 exhibited a significantly enhanced cytotoxic effect, with a much lower IC50 of 39.15 ± 39.2 µg/mL. The Comet assay further evidenced Fe3O4-CS potent DNA damaging effect, showcasing its superior ability to induce apoptosis through extensive DNA fragmentation. Biochemical analyses integrated into our results reveal that Fe3O4-CS not only induces significant DNA damage but also markedly alters oxidative stress markers. Compared to control and Fe3O4-treated cells, Fe3O4-CS exposure significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased to 192.07 U/ml, catalase (CAT) decreased to 0.03 U/L, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) rose dramatically to 18.76 U/gT, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels heightened to 30.33 nmol/gT. These results underscore the potential of Fe3O4-CS nanoparticles not only in inducing significant DNA damage conducive to cancer cell apoptosis but also in altering enzymatic activities and oxidative stress markers, suggesting a dual mechanism of action that may underpin their therapeutic advantage in cancer treatment. Our findings advocate for the further exploration of Fe3O4-CS nanoparticles in the development of anticancer drugs, emphasizing their capability to trigger oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Melatonin: A potential protective multifaceted force for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition manifested by organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Lung, brain, liver, kidney, and heart are among the affected organs. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is a common cause of death among septic patients. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by an acute and reversible significant decline in biventricular both systolic and diastolic function. This is accompanied by left ventricular dilatation. The pathogenesis underlying sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is multifactorial. Hence, targeting an individual pathway may not be effective in halting the extensive dysregulated immune response. Despite major advances in sepsis management strategies, no effective pharmacological strategies have been shown to treat or even reverse sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Melatonin, namely, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is synthesized in the pineal gland of mammals and can also be produced in many cells and tissues. Melatonin has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-tumor activity. Several literature reviews have explored the role of melatonin in preventing sepsis-induced organ failure. Melatonin was found to act on different pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, it offers a potential role in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Its antioxidant activity is through free radical scavenging against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and modulating the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Melatonin anti-inflammatory activities control the overactive immune system and mitigate cytokine storm. Also, it mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, a major mechanism involved in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, and thus controls apoptosis. Therefore, this review discusses melatonin as a promising drug for the management of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

DNA repair deficiencies and neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases are the second most prevalent cause of death in industrialized countries. Alzheimer's Disease is the most widespread and also most acknowledged form of dementia today. Together with Parkinson's Disease they account for over 90 % cases of neurodegenerative disorders caused by proteopathies. Far less known are the neurodegenerative pathologies in DNA repair deficiency syndromes. Such diseases like Cockayne - or Werner Syndrome are described as progeroid syndromes - diseases that cause the premature ageing of the affected persons, and there are clear implications of such diseases in neurologic dysfunction and degeneration. In this review, we aim to draw the attention on commonalities between proteopathy-associated neurodegeneration and neurodegeneration caused by DNA repair defects and discuss how mitochondria are implicated in the development of both disorder classes. Furthermore, we highlight how nematodes are a valuable and indispensable model organism to study conserved neurodegenerative processes in a fast-forward manner.

Imeglimin attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by restoring mitochondrial functions in macrophages

Imeglimin is a novel oral antidiabetic drug for treating type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of imeglimin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation has not been investigated yet. Here, we aimed to investigate whether imeglimin reduces LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 macrophages and examine the associated underlying mechanisms. We analyzed the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β secretion. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were measured by flow cytometry. Imeglimin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production in LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. In addition, imeglimin reduced LPS-induced mitochondrial ROS production and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, imeglimin restored the mitochondrial function by modulating mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mPTP opening. We demonstrated for the first time that imeglimin reduces LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting mPTP opening in THP-1 macrophages. These results suggest that imeglimin could be a promising new anti-inflammatory agent for treating diabetic complications.

Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes

In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.

Potential use of antioxidants for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases

The excessive production of various reactive oxidant species over endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms leads to the development of a state of oxidative stress, with serious biological consequences. The consequences of oxidative stress depend on the balance between the generation of reactive oxidant species and the antioxidant defense and include oxidative damage of biomolecules, disruption of signal transduction, mutation, and cell apoptosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the physiopathology of various debilitating illnesses associated with chronic inflammation, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, or neurodegenerative processes, that need continuous pharmacological treatment. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are tightly linked pathophysiological processes, one of which can be simply promoted by another. Although, many antioxidant trials have been unsuccessful (some of the trials showed either no effect or even harmful effects) in human patients as a preventive or curative measure, targeting oxidative stress remains an interesting therapeutic approach for the development of new agents to design novel anti-inflammatory drugs with a reliable safety profile. In this regard, several natural antioxidant compounds were explored as potential therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Several metalloenzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, are among the essential enzymes that maintain the low nanomolar physiological concentrations of superoxide (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the major redox signaling molecules, and thus play important roles in the alteration of the redox homeostasis. These enzymes have become a striking source of motivation to design catalytic drugs to enhance the action of these enzymes under pathological conditions related to chronic inflammation. This review is focused on several major representatives of natural and synthetic antioxidants as potential drug candidates for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

4-(Benzyloxy)phenol-induced p53 exhibits antimycobacterial response triggering phagosome-lysosome fusion through ROS-dependent intracellular Ca2+ pathway in THP-1 cells

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has emerged as a global public health crisis. Therefore, new and innovative therapeutic options like host-directed therapies (HDTs) through novel modulators are urgently required to overcome the challenges associated with TB. In the present study, we have investigated the anti-mycobacterial effect of 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol. Cell-viability assay asserted that 50 μM of 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol was not cytotoxic to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 (dTHP-1) cells. It was observed that 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol activates p53 expression by hindering its association with KDM1A. Increased ROS, intracellular Ca2+ and phagosome-lysosome fusion, were also observed upon 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol treatment. 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol mediated killing of intracellular mycobacteria was abrogated in the presence of specific inhibitors of ROS, Ca2+ and phagosome-lysosome fusion like NAC, BAPTA-AM, and W7, respectively. We further demonstrate that 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol mediated enhanced ROS production is mediated by acetylation of p53. Blocking of p53 acetylation by Pifithrin-α (PFT- α) enhanced intracellular mycobacterial growth by blocking the mycobactericidal effect of 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol. Altogether, the results showed that 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol executed its anti-mycobacterial effect by modulating p53-mediated ROS production to regulate phagosome-lysosome fusion through Ca2+ production.

Mitochondrial functioning in Rheumatoid arthritis modulated by estrogen: Evidence-based insight into the sex-based influence on mitochondria and disease

Alteration of immune response and synovium microvasculature in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression has been suggested to be associated with mitochondrial functioning. Mitochondria, with maternally inherited DNA, exhibit differential response to the female hormone estrogen. Various epidemiological evidence has also shown the prominence of RA in the female population, depicting the role of estrogen in modulating the pathogenesis of RA. As estrogen regulates the expression of differential proteins and associated signaling pathways of RA, its influence on mitochondrial functioning seems evident. Thus, in this review, the studies related to mitochondria and their relation with estrogen and Rheumatoid arthritis were retrieved. We analyzed the different mitochondrial activities that are altered in RA and the possibility of their estrogenic control. The study expands to in silico analysis, revealing the differential mitochondrial proteins expressed in RA and examining these proteins as potential estrogenic targets. It was found that ALDH2, CASP3, and SOD2 are the major mitochondrial proteins involved in RA progression and are also potent estradiol targets. The analysis establishes the role of mitochondrial proteins in RA progression, which were found to be direct or indirect targets of estrogen, depicting its potential for regulating mitochondrial functions in RA.

Sensitivity of different organs and tissues as biomarkers of oxidative stress in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) submitted to fasting

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fasting on responses of oxidative biomarkers and antioxidant defenses using different organs and tissues of Colossoma macropomum. The fish were divided into two groups: fed (control) and fasting (7 days). After 7 days, the fish were sampled for assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA-lipid peroxidation and PCO-protein carbonyl) and antioxidant defenses (SOD-superoxide dismutase; CAT-catalase; GPX-glutathione peroxidase; and GST-glutathione-S -transferase) in the liver, intestine, gills, muscle, brain, and plasma. The results showed an increase in MDA, PCO, SOD, and GPX concentrations in the liver and intestine of fasting fish. In contrast, in the branchial tissue, there was a reduction in the activity of SOD and CAT enzymes in fasting fish. There was also a reduction in CAT activity in the muscle of fasting fish, while in the brain, there were no changes in oxidative stress biomarkers. Plasma showed a relatively low antioxidant response. In conclusion, our results confirm that a 7-day fasting period induced tissue-specific antioxidant responses, but the increase in antioxidant responses was only for the SOD and GPX enzymes of the liver and intestine. Additionally, the liver and intestine were the most responsive tissues, whereas the plasma was the least sensitive to oxidative stress.

Research progress on the role of reactive oxygen species in the initiation, development and treatment of breast cancer

According to international cancer data, breast cancer (BC) is the leading type of cancer in women. Although significant progress has been made in treating BC, metastasis and drug resistance continue to be the primary causes of mortality for many patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in vivo: normal levels can maintain the body's normal physiological function; however, high levels of ROS below the toxicity threshold can lead to mtDNA damage, activation of proto-oncogenes, and inhibition of tumor suppressor genes, which are important causes of BC. Differences in the production and regulation of ROS in different BC subtypes have important implications for the development and treatment of BC. ROS can also serve as an important intracellular signal transduction factor by affecting the antioxidant system, activating MAPK and PI3K/AKT, and other signal pathways to regulate cell cycle and change the relationship between cells and the activity of metalloproteinases, which significantly impacts the metastasis of BC. Hypoxia in the BC microenvironment increases ROS production levels, thereby inducing the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and forming "ROS- HIF-1α-ROS" cycle that exacerbates BC development. Many anti-BC therapies generate sufficient toxic ROS to promote cancer cell apoptosis, but because the basal level of ROS in BC cells exceeds that of normal cells, this leads to up-regulation of the antioxidant system, drug efflux, and apoptosis inhibition, rendering BC cells resistant to the drug. ROS crosstalks with tumor vessels and stromal cells in the microenvironment, increasing invasiveness and drug resistance in BC.

Impact of Bacillus cereus SPB-10 on Growth Promotion of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Arsenic-Contaminated Soil

This study investigates the impact of bacteria on arsenic reduction in wheat plants, highlighting the potential of microbe-based eco-friendly strategies for plant growth. In the present study, bacterial isolate SPB-10 was survived at high concentration against both form of arsenic (As3+ and As5+). SPB-10 produced 5.2 g/L and 11.3 g/L of exo-polysaccharide at 20 ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively, whereas qualitative examination revealed the highest siderophores ability. Other PGP attributes such as IAA production were recorded 52.12 mg/L and 95.82 mg/L, phosphate solubilization was 90.23 mg/L and 129 mg/L at 20 ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively. Significant amount of CAT, APX, and Proline was also observed at 20 ppm of As3+ and As5+ in SPB-10. Isolate SPB-10 was molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus through 16S rRNA sequencing. After 42 days, wheat plants inoculated with SPB-10 had a 25% increase in shoot length and dry weight, and 26% rise in chlorophyll-a pigment under As5+ supplemented T4 treatment than control. Reducing sugar content was increased by 24% in T6-treated plants compared to control. Additionally, SPB-10 enhanced the content of essential nutrients (NPK), CAT, and APX in plant's-leaf under both As3+ and As5+ stressed conditions after 42 days. The study found that arsenic uptake in plant roots and shoots decreased in SPB-10-inoculated plants, with the maximum reduction observed in As5+ treated plants. Bio-concentration factor-BCF was reduced by 90.89% in SPB-10-inoculated treatment T4 after 42 days. This suggests that Bacillus cereus-SPB-10 may be beneficial for plant growth in arsenic-contaminated soil.

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.

Mapping the Research of Ferroptosis in Parkinson's Disease from 2013 to 2023: A Scientometric Review

Methods

Related studies on PD and ferroptosis were searched in Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from inception to 2023. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, RStudio, and Scimago Graphica were employed as bibliometric analysis tools to generate network maps about the collaborations between authors, countries, and institutions and to visualize the co-occurrence and trends of co-cited references and keywords.

Results

A total of 160 original articles and reviews related to PD and ferroptosis were retrieved, produced by from 958 authors from 162 institutions. Devos David was the most prolific author, with 9 articles. China and the University of Melbourne had leading positions in publication volume with 84 and 12 publications, respectively. Current hot topics focus on excavating potential new targets for treating PD based on ferroptosis by gaining insight into specific molecular mechanisms, including iron metabolism disorders, lipid peroxidation, and imbalanced antioxidant regulation. Clinical studies aimed at treating PD by targeting ferroptosis remain in their preliminary stages.

Conclusion

A continued increase was shown in the literature within the related field over the past decade. The current study suggested active collaborations among authors, countries, and institutions. Research into the pathogenesis and treatment of PD based on ferroptosis has remained a prominent topic in the field in recent years, indicating that ferroptosis-targeted therapy is a potential approach to halting the progression of PD.

Are reactive oxygen species always bad? Lessons from hypoxic ectotherms

Oxygen (O2) is required for aerobic energy metabolism but can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are a wide variety of oxidant molecules with a range of biological functions from causing cell damage (oxidative distress) to cell signalling (oxidative eustress). The balance between the rate and amount of ROS generated and the capacity for scavenging systems to remove them is affected by several biological and environmental factors, including oxygen availability. Ectotherms, and in particular hypoxia-tolerant ectotherms, are hypothesized to avoid oxidative damage caused by hypoxia, although it is unclear whether this translates to an increase in ecological fitness. In this Review, we highlight the differences between oxidative distress and eustress, the current mechanistic understanding of the two and how they may affect ectothermic physiology. We discuss the evidence of occurrence of oxidative damage with hypoxia in ectotherms, and that ectotherms may avoid oxidative damage through (1) high levels of antioxidant and scavenging systems and/or (2) low(ering) levels of ROS generation. We argue that the disagreements in the literature as to how hypoxia affects antioxidant enzyme activity and the variable metabolism of ectotherms makes the latter strategy more amenable to ectotherm physiology. Finally, we argue that observed changes in ROS production and oxidative status with hypoxia may be a signalling mechanism and an adaptive strategy for ectotherms encountering hypoxia.

The use of NADH anisotropy to investigate mitochondrial cristae alignment

Life may be expressed as the flow of electrons, protons, and other ions, resulting in large potential difference. It is also highly photo-sensitive, as a large proportion of the redox capable molecules it relies on are chromophoric. It is thus suggestive that a key organelle in eukaryotes, the mitochondrion, constantly adapt their morphology as part of the homeostatic process. Studying unstained in vivo nano-scale structure in live cells is technically very challenging. One option is to study a central electron carrier in metabolism, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which is fluorescent and mostly located within mitochondria. Using one and two-photon absorption (340-360 nm and 730 nm, respectively), fluorescence lifetime imaging and anisotropy spectroscopy of NADH in solution and in live cells, we show that mitochondria do indeed appear to be aligned and exhibit high anisotropy (asymmetric directionality). Aqueous solution of NADH showed an anisotropy of ~ 0.20 compared to fluorescein or coumarin of < 0.1 and 0.04 in water respectively and as expected for small organic molecules. The anisotropy of NADH also increased further to 0.30 in the presence of proteins and 0.42 in glycerol (restricted environment) following two-photon excitation, suggesting more ordered structures. Two-photon NADH fluorescence imaging of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF7) also showed strong anisotropy of 0.25 to 0.45. NADH has a quantum yield of fluorescence of 2% compared to more than 40% for photoionisation (electron generation), when exposed to light at 360 nm and below. The consequence of such highly ordered and directional NADH patterns with respect to electron ejection upon ultra-violet (UV) excitation could be very informative-especially in relation to ascertaining the extent of quantum effects in biology, including electron and photonic cascade, communication and modulation of effects such as spin and tunnelling.

Total phenolic contents, cytotoxic, free radicals, porcine pancreatic α-amylase, and lipase suppressant activities of Artemisia dracunculus plant from Palestine

Artemisia dracunculus: L. (A. dracunculus) is a popular vegetable and spice cultivated across many Middle Eastern countries. The herb's aqueous extract has significant folkloric medicinal importance for treating various disorders. Hence, the present investigation aimed to investigate A. dracunculus hydrophilic extract phytochemical constituents and pleiotropic biological potentials, as no previous studies have investigated the antilipase and anti-α-amylase effects of the A. dracunculus plant. Total phenol content and phytochemical screening assays were performed utilizing standard analytical methods. While the α-amylase inhibition, free radical-scavenging, antilipase, and cytotoxic activities were determined using dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA), DPPH, p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB), and MTS assays, respectively. The standard phytochemical analysis of A. dracunculus aqueous extract shows that this extract contains only a phenolic group. The total phenol content was 0.146 ± 0.012 mg GAE/g of the plant dry extract. The A. dracunculus aqueous extract exhibited potent DPPH free radical inhibitory (IC50 dose of 10.71 ± 0.01 μg/mL) and anti-lipase activities (IC50 dose of 60.25 ± 0.33 μg/mL) compared with Trolox (IC50 = 5.7 ± 0.92 μg/mL) and Orlistat (IC50 = 12.3 ± 0.35 μg/mL), respectively. However, it showed a weak anti-α-amylase effect (IC50 value > 1,000 μg/mL) compared with Acarbose (IC50 = 28.18 ± 1.27 μg/mL). A. dracunculus has a cytotoxic effect against the HeLa cancer cell line compared with the chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin. The extract has the same percent of inhibition as Doxorubicin (99.9%) at 10 mg/mL. Overall, these results pointed out for the first time the importance of considering A. dracunculus effects as a favorite candidate for preventing and treating metabolic disorders. Also, our results confirm the findings of previous reports on the role of A. dracunculus in the management of cancer and disorders resulting from the accumulation of harmful free radicals. On the contrary, the current study concluded that the antidiabetic role of A. dracunculus could be minimal. Further in-depth investigations are urgently warranted to explore the importance of A. dracunculus in pharmaceutical production.

Arginine with leucine drives reactive oxygen species-mediated integrin α5β1 expression and promotes implantation in mouse blastocysts

The implantation rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF)-derived blastocysts after embryo transfer remains low, suggesting that the inadequate expression of specific proteins in culture-induced IVF-derived blastocysts contributes to low implantation rates. Therefore, treatment with appropriate regulation may improve the blastocyst implantation ability. This study demonstrated that the combination of l-arginine (Arg) and l-leucine (Leu) exerts distinct effects on IVF-derived mouse blastocysts. Arg with Leu promotes blastocyst implantation, whereas Arg alone decreases the blastocyst ability. Integrin α5β1 expression was increased in blastocysts treated with Arg and Leu. Arg with Leu also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and showed a positive correlation with integrin α5β1. Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant, decreased ROS and integrin α5β1 levels, which were elevated by Arg with Leu. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in blastocysts did not differ between treatments. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is involved in ROS scavenging using glutathione (GSH) as a reductant. Arg with Leu decreased GPx4 and GSH levels in blastocysts, and blastocysts with higher ROS levels had lower GPx4 and GSH levels. In contrast, Arg alone increased the percentage of caspase-positive cells, indicating that Arg alone, which attenuated implantation ability, was associated with apoptosis. This study revealed that elevated ROS levels induced by Arg with Leu stimulated integrin α5β1 expression, thereby enhancing implantation capacity. Our results also suggest that ROS were not due to increased production by oxidative phosphorylation, but rather to a reduction in ROS degradation due to diminished GPx4 and GSH levels.

Reactive oxygen species and cell signaling. Review

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a term encompassing a group of highly reactive oxygen-derived molecules. In physiological systems, ROS production exists in concert with antioxidant defenses, which safeguard cells against higher, toxic levels of ROS. Oxidative stress, coined as "oxidative distress", is "a serious imbalance between the generation of ROS and antioxidant defenses in favor of ROS, causing excessive oxidative damage to biomolecules". At physiological levels, ROS are essential for many cellular processes, which is known as "oxidative eustress". Oxidants like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activate signaling pathways like mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)s and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt). ROS activate transcription factors like nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Redox signaling through H2O2 mainly occurs through reversible oxidation of protein cysteine thiolate residues (RS-) to form sulfenic acids (RSOH). An unresolved question is that the reaction rate of H2O2 with protein thiols is very low. In cells, the reaction of H2O2 with protein thiols is likely to be outcompeted by faster reactions of H2O2 with peroxiredoxins and glutathione peroxidases. A novel mechanism being explored is that H2O2 could react with peroxiredoxins that act as reactive redox sensor proteins, leading to peroxiredoxin-mediated relays. Very few redox signaling pathways have been well characterized. Improved understanding of precise mechanisms by which ROS regulate signaling pathways and the role of cellular sensors, is essential for deciphering their roles in physiological and pathological conditions.

Uncovering chemical profiles, biological potentials, and protection effect against ECM destruction in H2 O2 -treated HDF cells of the extracts of Stachys tundjeliensis

The genus Stachys L., one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, is highly represented in Turkey. This study was conducted to determine the bio-pharmaceutical potential and phenolic contents of six different extracts from aerial parts of Stachys tundjeliensis. The obtained results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assays. Meanwhile, the ethanol extract displayed strong inhibitory activity against α-tyrosinase, the dichloromethane extract exhibited potent inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase, and the n-hexane extract against α-amylase. Based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, more than 90 secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and their glycosides, acylquinic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and various flavonoids were identified or tentatively annotated in the studied S. tundjeliensis extracts. It was observed that the application of S. tundjeliensis eliminated H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. It was determined that protein levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and activator protein-1, which are activated in the nucleus, decreased, and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 also decreased to basal levels. Overall, these findings suggest that S. tundjeliensis contains diverse bioactive compounds for the development of nutraceuticals or functional foods with potent biological properties.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Unraveling Insights from Vascular Endothelial Cells

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with several lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and it contributes significantly to the global health burden. Recent research indicates a link between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial impairment, and endothelial dysfunction. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recruited into the vessel wall to maintain appropriate endothelial function, repair, and angiogenesis. After attachment, EPCs differentiate into mature endothelial cells (ECs). Like ECs, EPCs are also susceptible to CVRFs, including metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction of EPCs may have long-term effects on the function of the mature ECs into which EPCs differentiate, particularly in the presence of endothelial damage. However, a link between CVRFs and impaired mitochondrial function in EPCs has hardly been investigated. In this review, we aim to consolidate existing knowledge on the development of mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction in the vascular endothelium, place it in the context of recent studies investigating the consequences of CVRFs on EPCs, and discuss the role of mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms involved in EPC deterioration in relation to CVRFs and address potential therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial health to promote endothelial function.

GLUD1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via ROS-mediated p38/JNK MAPK pathway activation and mitochondrial apoptosis

Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) is an important enzyme in glutamine metabolism. Previously, we found GLUD1 was down-regulated in tumor tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by proteomics study. To explore its role in the progression of HCC, the expressional level of GLUD1 was firstly examined and presented as that both the protein and mRNA levels were down-regulated in tumor tissues compared to the normal liver tissues. GLUD1 overexpression significantly inhibited HCC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, while GLUD1 knocking-down promoted HCC progression. Metabolomics study of GLUD1 overexpressing and control HCC cells showed that 129 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, which mainly included amino acids, bases, and phospholipids. Moreover, metabolites in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) were differentially expressed in GLUD1 overexpressing cells. Mechanistic studies showed that GLUD1 overexpression enhanced mitochondrial respiration activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Excessive ROS lead to mitochondrial apoptosis that was characterized by increased expression levels of p53, Cytochrome C, Bax, Caspase 3 and decreased expression level of Bcl-2. Furthermore, we found that the p38/JNK MAPK pathway was activated in GLUD1 overexpressing cells. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment eliminated cellular ROS and blocked p38/JNK MAPK pathway activation, as well as cell apoptosis induced by GLUD1 overexpression. Taken together, our findings suggest that GLUD1 inhibits HCC progression through regulating cellular metabolism and oxidative stress state, and provide that ROS generation and p38/JNK MAPK pathway activation as promising methods for HCC treatment.

Cardioprotective Action of a Novel Synthetic 19,20-EDP Analog Is Sirt Dependent

ABSTRACT

Mounting evidence suggests that cytochrome P450 epoxygenase-derived metabolites of docosahexaenoic acid, called epoxydocosapentaenoic acids (EDPs), limit mitochondrial damage after cardiac injury. In particular, the 19,20-EDP regioisomer has demonstrated potent cardioprotective action. Thus, we investigated our novel synthetic 19,20-EDP analog SA-22 for protection against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Isolated C57BL/6J mouse hearts were perfused through Langendorff apparatus for 20 minutes to obtain baseline function, followed by 30 minutes of global ischemia. Hearts were then treated with vehicle, 19,20-EDP, SA-22, or SA-22 with the pan-sirtuin inhibitor nicotinamide or the SIRT3-selective inhibitor 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine (3-TYP) at the start of 40 minutes reperfusion (N = 5-8). We assessed IR injury-induced changes in recovery of myocardial function, using left ventricular developed pressure and systolic and diastolic pressure change. Tissues were assessed for electron transport chain function, SIRT1 and SIRT3, optic atrophy type 1, and caspase-1. We also used H9c2 cells in an in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (N = 3-6). Hearts perfused with SA-22 had significantly improved postischemic left ventricular developed pressure, systolic and diastolic recovery (64% of baseline), compared with vehicle control (15% of baseline). In addition, treatment with SA-22 led to better catalytic function observed in electron transport chain and SIRT enzymes. The protective action of SA-22 resulted in reduced activation of pyroptosis in both hearts and cells after injury. Interestingly, although nicotinamide cotreatment worsened functional outcomes, cell survival, and attenuated sirtuin activity, it failed to completely attenuate SA-22-induced protection against pyroptosis, possibly indicating EDPs exert cytoprotection through pleiotropic mechanisms. In short, these data demonstrate the potential of our novel synthetic 19,20-EDP analog, SA-22, against IR/hypoxia-reoxygenation injury and justify further development of therapeutic agents based on 19,20-EDP.

Extracellular nanovesicles produced by Bacillus licheniformis: A potential anticancer agent for breast and lung cancer

Cancer is a major public burden and leading cause of death worldwide; furthermore, it is a significant barrier to increasing life expectancy in most countries of the world. Among various types of cancers, breast and lung cancers lead to significant mortality in both males and females annually. Bacteria-derived products have been explored for their use in cancer therapy. Although bacteria contain significant amounts of anticancer substances, attenuated bacteria may still pose a potential risk for infection owing to the variety of immunomodulatory molecules present in the parental bacteria; therefore, non-cellular bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), which are naturally non-replicating, safer, and are considered to be potential anticancer agents, are preferred for cancer therapy. Gram-positive bacteria actively secrete cytoplasmic membrane vesicles that are spherical and vary between 10 and 400 nm in size. However, no studies have considered cytoplasmic membrane vesicles derived from Bacillus licheniformisin cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the potential use of B. licheniformis extracellular nanovesicles (BENVs) as therapeutic agents to treat cancer. Purified BENVs from the culture supernatant of B. licheniformis using ultracentrifugation and ExoQuick were characterized using a series of analytical techniques. Human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and lung cancer cells (A549) were treated with different concentrations of purified BENVs, which inhibited the cell viability and proliferation, and increased cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of BENVs, the oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. The ROS levels were significantly higher in BENV-treated cells, whereas the GSH levels were markedly reduced. Cells treated with BENVs, doxorubicin (DOX), or a combination of BENVs and DOX showed significantly increased expression of p53, p21, caspase-9/3, and Bax, and concomitantly decreased expression of Bcl-2. The combination of BENVs and doxorubicin enhanced mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and apoptosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the anticancer properties of BENVs derived from industrially significant probacteria on breast and lung cancer cells.

Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase 1 regulates transcription of elongase 3 in murine tissues

We have previously shown dysregulated lipid metabolism in tissues of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) overexpressing (OE) or deficient (KO) mice. This study explored underlying mechanisms of GPX1 in regulating tissue fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis. GPX1 OE, KO, and wild-type (WT) mice (n = 5, male, 3-6 months old) were fed a Se-adequate diet (0.3 mg/kg) and assayed for liver and adipose tissue FA profiles and mRNA levels of key enzymes of FA biosynthesis and redox-responsive transcriptional factors (TFs). These three genotypes of mice (n = 5) were injected intraperitoneally with diquat, ebselen, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 10, 50, and 50 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, and killed at 0 and 12 h after the injections to detect mRNA levels of FA elongases and desaturases and the TFs in the liver and adipose tissue. A luciferase reporter assay with targeted deletions of mouse Elovl3 promoter was performed to determine transcriptional regulations of the gene by GPX1 mimic ebselen in HEK293T cells. Compared with WT, GPX1 OE and KO mice had 9-42% lower (p < 0.05) and 36-161% higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0 in these two tissues, respectively, along with reciprocal increases and decreases (p < 0.05) of Elovl3 transcripts. Ebselen and NAC decreased (p < 0.05), whereas diquat decreased (p < 0.05), Elovl3 transcripts in the two tissues. Overexpression and knockout of GPX1 decreased (p < 0.05) and increased (p < 0.05) ELOVL3 levels in the two tissues, respectively. Three TFs (GABP, SP1, and DBP) were identified to bind the Elovl3 promoter (-1164/+33 base pairs). Deletion of DBP (-98/-86 base pairs) binding domain in the promoter attenuated (13%, p < 0.05) inhibition of ebselen on Elovl3 promoter activation. In summary, GPX1 overexpression down-regulated very long-chain FA biosynthesis via transcriptional inhibition of the Elovl3 promoter activation.

Early-life environmental effects on mitochondrial aerobic metabolism: a brood size manipulation in wild great tits

In avian species, the number of chicks in the nest and subsequent sibling competition for food are major components of the offspring's early-life environment. A large brood size is known to affect chick growth, leading in some cases to long-lasting effects for the offspring, such as a decrease in size at fledgling and in survival after fledging. An important pathway underlying different growth patterns could be the variation in offspring mitochondrial metabolism through its central role in converting energy. Here, we performed a brood size manipulation in great tits (Parus major) to unravel its impact on offspring mitochondrial metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in red blood cells. We investigated the effects of brood size on chick growth and survival, and tested for long-lasting effects on juvenile mitochondrial metabolism and phenotype. As expected, chicks raised in reduced broods had a higher body mass compared with enlarged and control groups. However, mitochondrial metabolism and ROS production were not significantly affected by the treatment at either chick or juvenile stages. Interestingly, chicks raised in very small broods were smaller in size and had higher mitochondrial metabolic rates. The nest of rearing had a significant effect on nestling mitochondrial metabolism. The contribution of the rearing environment in determining offspring mitochondrial metabolism emphasizes the plasticity of mitochondrial metabolism in relation to the nest environment. This study opens new avenues regarding the effect of postnatal environmental conditions in shaping offspring early-life mitochondrial metabolism.

The evolution of selective autophagy as a mechanism of oxidative stress response: The evolutionarily acquired ability of selective autophagy receptors to respond to oxidative stress is beneficial for human longevity

Ageing is associated with a decline in autophagy and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can breach the capacity of antioxidant systems. Resulting oxidative stress can cause further cellular damage, including DNA breaks and protein misfolding. This poses a challenge for longevous organisms, including humans. In this review, we hypothesise that in the course of human evolution selective autophagy receptors (SARs) acquired the ability to sense and respond to localised oxidative stress. We posit that in the vicinity of protein aggregates and dysfunctional mitochondria oxidation of key cysteine residues in SARs induces their oligomerisation which initiates autophagy. The degradation of damaged cellular components thus could reduce ROS production and restore redox homeostasis. This evolutionarily acquired function of SARs may represent one of the biological adaptations that contributed to longer lifespan. Inversely, loss of this mechanism can lead to age-related diseases associated with impaired autophagy and oxidative stress.

Coenzyme Q10 and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase: Sentinels for mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide signaling

Mitochondria use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a mitokine for cell communication. H2O2 output for signaling depends on its rate of production and degradation, both of which are strongly affected by the redox state of the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) pool and NADPH availability. Here, we propose the CoQ pool and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) have evolved to be central modalities for mitochondrial H2O2 signaling. Both factors play opposing yet equally important roles in dictating H2O2 availability because they are connected to one another by two central parameters in bioenergetics: electron supply and Δp. The CoQ pool is the central point of convergence for electrons from various dehydrogenases and the electron transport chain (ETC). The increase in Δp creates a significant amount of protonic backpressure on mitochondria to promote H2O2 genesis through CoQ pool reduction. These same factors also drive the activity of NNT, which uses electrons and the Δp to eliminate H2O2. In this way, electron supply and the magnitude of the Δp manifests as a redox connection between the two sentinels, CoQ and NNT, which serve as opposing yet equally important forces required for budgeting H2O2. Taken together, CoQ and NNT are sentinels linked through mitochondrial bioenergetics to manage H2O2 availability for interorganelle and intercellular redox signaling.

Reactive oxidant species induced by antifungal drugs: identity, origins, functions, and connection to stress-induced cell death

Reactive oxidant species (ROS) are unstable, highly reactive molecules that are produced by cells either as byproducts of metabolism or synthesized by specialized enzymes. ROS can be detrimental, e.g., by damaging cellular macromolecules, or beneficial, e.g., by participating in signaling. An increasing body of evidence shows that various fungal species, including both yeasts and molds, increase ROS production upon exposure to the antifungal drugs currently used in the clinic: azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. However, the implications of these findings are still largely unclear due to gaps in knowledge regarding the chemical nature, molecular origins, and functional consequences of these ROS. Because the detection of ROS in fungal cells has largely relied on fluorescent probes that lack specificity, the chemical nature of the ROS is not known, and it may vary depending on the specific fungus-drug combination. In several instances, the origin of antifungal drug-induced ROS has been identified as the mitochondria, but further experiments are necessary to strengthen this conclusion and to investigate other potential cellular ROS sources, such as the ER, peroxisomes, and ROS-producing enzymes. With respect to the function of the ROS, several studies have shown that they contribute to the drugs' fungicidal activities and may be part of drug-induced programmed cell death (PCD). However, whether these "pro-death" ROS are a primary consequence of the antifungal mechanism of action or a secondary consequence of drug-induced PCD remains unclear. Finally, several recent studies have raised the possibility that ROS induction can serve an adaptive role, promoting antifungal drug tolerance and the evolution of drug resistance. Filling these gaps in knowledge will reveal a new aspect of fungal biology and may identify new ways to potentiate antifungal drug activity or prevent the evolution of antifungal drug resistance.

COVID-19 Complications: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial and Endothelial Dysfunction

SARS-CoV-2 infection, discovered and isolated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, causes acute atypical respiratory symptoms and has led to profound changes in our lives. COVID-19 is characterized by a wide range of complications, which include pulmonary embolism, thromboembolism and arterial clot formation, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, multiorgan failure, and more. The disease has caused a worldwide pandemic, and despite various measures such as social distancing, various preventive strategies, and therapeutic approaches, and the creation of vaccines, the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) still hides many mysteries for the scientific community. Oxidative stress has been suggested to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and determining free radical levels in patients with coronavirus infection may provide an insight into disease severity. The generation of abnormal levels of oxidants under a COVID-19-induced cytokine storm causes the irreversible oxidation of a wide range of macromolecules and subsequent damage to cells, tissues, and organs. Clinical studies have shown that oxidative stress initiates endothelial damage, which increases the risk of complications in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 or long-COVID-19 cases. This review describes the role of oxidative stress and free radicals in the mediation of COVID-19-induced mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction.

Reactive oxygen nanobiocatalysts: activity-mechanism disclosures, catalytic center evolutions, and changing states

Benefiting from low costs, structural diversities, tunable catalytic activities, feasible modifications, and high stability compared to the natural enzymes, reactive oxygen nanobiocatalysts (RONBCs) have become dominant materials in catalyzing and mediating reactive oxygen species (ROS) for diverse biomedical and biological applications. Decoding the catalytic mechanism and structure-reactivity relationship of RONBCs is critical to guide their future developments. Here, this timely review comprehensively summarizes the recent breakthroughs and future trends in creating and decoding RONBCs. First, the fundamental classification, activity, detection method, and reaction mechanism for biocatalytic ROS generation and elimination have been systematically disclosed. Then, the merits, modulation strategies, structure evolutions, and state-of-art characterisation techniques for designing RONBCs have been briefly outlined. Thereafter, we thoroughly discuss different RONBCs based on the reported major material species, including metal compounds, carbon nanostructures, and organic networks. In particular, we offer particular insights into the coordination microenvironments, bond interactions, reaction pathways, and performance comparisons to disclose the structure-reactivity relationships and mechanisms. In the end, the future challenge and perspectives for RONBCs are also carefully summarised. We envision that this review will provide a comprehensive understanding and guidance for designing ROS-catalytic materials and stimulate the wide utilisation of RONBCs in diverse biomedical and biological applications.

Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Confirms the Diagnostic Value of Nourin-Dependent miR-137 and miR-106b in Unstable Angina Patients

The challenge of rapidly diagnosing myocardial ischemia in unstable angina (UA) patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) is due to a lack of sensitive blood biomarkers. This has prompted an investigation into microRNAs (miRNAs) related to cardiac-derived Nourin for potential diagnostic application. The Nourin protein is rapidly expressed in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (UA and acute myocardial infarction (AMI)). MicroRNAs regulate gene expression through mRNA binding and, thus, may represent potential biomarkers. We initially identified miR-137 and miR-106b and conducted a clinical validation, which demonstrated that they were highly upregulated in ACS patients, but not in healthy subjects and non-ACS controls. Using integrated comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, the present study confirms that the Nourin protein targets miR-137 and miR-106b, which are linked to myocardial ischemia and inflammation associated with ACS. Molecular docking demonstrated robust interactions between the Nourin protein and miR137/hsa-miR-106b, involving hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, with -10 kcal/mol binding energy. I-TASSER generated Nourin analogs, with the top 10 chosen for structural insights. Antigenic regions and MHCII epitopes within the Nourin SPGADGNGGEAMPGG sequence showed strong binding to HLA-DR/DQ alleles. The Cytoscape network revealed interactions of -miR137/hsa-miR--106b and Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in myocardial ischemia. RNA Composer predicted the secondary structure of miR-106b. Schrödinger software identified key Nourin-RNA interactions critical for complex stability. The study identifies miR-137 and miR-106b as potential ACS diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This research underscores the potential of miRNAs targeting Nourin for precision ACS intervention. The analysis leverages RNA Composer, Schrödinger, and I-TASSER tools to explore interactions and structural insights. Robust Nourin-miRNA interactions are established, bolstering the case for miRNA-based interventions in ischemic injury. In conclusion, the study contributes to UA and AMI diagnosis strategies through bioinformatics-guided exploration of Nourin-targeting miRNAs. Supported by comprehensive molecular analysis, the hypoxia-induced miR-137 for cell apoptosis (a marker of cell damage) and the inflammation-induced miR-106b (a marker of inflammation) confirmed their potential clinical use as diagnostic biomarkers. This research reinforces the growing role of miR-137/hsa-miR-106b in the early diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in unstable angina patients.