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Mirzapour-Kouhdasht A, Garcia-Vaquero M, Huang JY. Algae-derived compounds: Bioactivity, allergenicity and technologies enhancing their values. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:130963. [PMID: 38876282 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
As a rapidly growing source of human nutrients, algae biosynthesize diverse metabolites which have promising bioactivities. However, the potential allergenicity of algal components hinder their widespread adoption. This review provides a comprehensive review of various macro and micronutrients derived from algal biomass, with particular focus on bioactive compounds, including peptides, polyphenols, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids and phycocyanins. The approaches used to produce algal bioactive compounds and their health benefits (antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory) are summarised. This review particularly focuses on the state-of-the-art of precision fermentation, encapsulation, cold plasma, high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, and subcritical water to reduce the allergenicity of algal compounds while increasing their bioactivity and bioavailability. By providing insights into current challenges of algae-derived compounds and opportunities for advancement, this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on maximizing their application potential in the food nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Mirzapour-Kouhdasht
- Department of Chemical Sciences, SSPC, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Marco Garcia-Vaquero
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jen-Yi Huang
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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2
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Yurika N, Montuori E, Lauritano C. Marine Microalgal Products with Activities against Age-Related Cardiovascular Diseases. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:229. [PMID: 38786620 PMCID: PMC11122832 DOI: 10.3390/md22050229] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is estimated that 17.9 million people die of it each year. The risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are attributable to an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, stress, genetic predisposition, diabetes, obesity, and aging. Marine microalgae have been the subject of numerous studies for their potential activity against several human diseases. They produce a plethora of primary and secondary metabolites such as essential nutrients, vitamins, pigments, and omega-3 fatty acid. Many of these molecules have antioxidant properties and have been shown to play a role in the prevention of heart diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize recent studies on the discovery of marine microalgal compounds and bioactivities for cardiovascular diseases, including in vitro and in vivo studies, showing and discussing recent discoveries and trends. The most promising results were found for microalgal polysaccharides, peptides and carotenoids. In conclusion, the overall data summarized here show that microalgae-based supplementation has the potential to improve age-related cardiovascular diseases and we expect more clinical studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nova Yurika
- Marine Biology Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Montuori
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy;
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Todorovic S, Simeunovic V, Prvulovic M, Dakic T, Jevdjovic T, Sokanovic S, Kanazir S, Mladenovic A. Dietary restriction alters insulin signaling pathway in the brain. Biofactors 2024; 50:450-466. [PMID: 37975613 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is known to be a key hormone in the regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis, but beyond that, its effects on the brain are now undisputed. Impairments in insulin signaling in the brain, including changes in insulin levels, are thought to contribute significantly to declines in cognitive performance, especially during aging. As one of the most widely studied experimental interventions, dietary restriction (DR) is considered to delay the neurodegenerative processes associated with aging. Recently, however, data began to suggest that the onset and duration of a restrictive diet play a critical role in the putative beneficial outcome. Because the effects of DR on insulin signaling in the brain have been poorly studied, we decided to examine the effects of DR that differed in onset and duration: long-term DR (LTDR), medium-term DR (MTDR), and short-term DR (STDR) on the expression of proteins involved in insulin signaling in the hippocampus of 18- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats. We found that DR-induced changes in insulin levels in the brain may be independent of what happens in the periphery after restricted feeding. Significantly changed insulin content in the hippocampus, together with altered insulin signaling were found under the influence of DR, but the outcome was highly dependent on the onset and duration of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smilja Todorovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Valentina Simeunovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Prvulovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Dakic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry "Ivan Djaja", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Jevdjovic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry "Ivan Djaja", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srdjan Sokanovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Selma Kanazir
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Mladenovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Micheli L, Bertini L, Bonato A, Villanova N, Caruso C, Caruso M, Bernini R, Tirone F. Role of Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein in the Prevention of Aging and Related Disorders: Focus on Neurodegeneration, Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071767. [PMID: 37049607 PMCID: PMC10096778 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a multi-faceted process caused by the accumulation of cellular damage over time, associated with a gradual reduction of physiological activities in cells and organs. This degeneration results in a reduced ability to adapt to homeostasis perturbations and an increased incidence of illnesses such as cognitive decline, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and skeletal muscle pathologies. Key features of aging include a chronic low-grade inflammation state and a decrease of the autophagic process. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with longevity and ability to counteract the onset of age-related disorders. Extra virgin olive oil, a fundamental component of this diet, contains bioactive polyphenolic compounds as hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) and oleuropein (OLE), known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review is focused on brain, skeletal muscle, and gut microbiota, as these systems are known to interact at several levels. After the description of the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of HTyr and OLE, we summarize studies reporting their effects in in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases of the central/peripheral nervous system, adult neurogenesis and depression, senescence and lifespan, and age-related skeletal muscle disorders, as well as their impact on the composition of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bertini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Agnese Bonato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Villanova
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Carla Caruso
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Maurizia Caruso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bernini
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
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González-Hedström D, Moreno-Rupérez Á, de la Fuente-Fernández M, de la Fuente-Muñoz M, Román-Carmena M, Amor S, García-Villalón ÁL, López-Calderón A, Isabel Martín A, Priego T, Granado M. A Nutraceutical Product Based on a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Cardiovascular and Muscle Alterations in Rats. Front Nutr 2022; 9:918841. [PMID: 35795581 PMCID: PMC9252429 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.918841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutraceuticals are products of natural origin widely used for the treatment and/or prevention of some chronic diseases that are highly prevalent in Western countries, such as obesity or type II diabetes, among others. However, its possible use in the prevention of acute diseases that can put life at risk has been poorly studied. Sepsis is an acute condition that causes cardiovascular and skeletal muscle damage due to a systemic inflammatory state. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of a new nutraceutical based on a mixture of algae oil (AO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) supplemented with an olive leaf extract (OLE) in the prevention of cardiovascular alterations and skeletal muscle disorders induced by sepsis in rats. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were treated with the nutraceutical or with water p.o. for 3 weeks and after the treatment they were injected with 1mg/kg LPS twice (12 and 4 h before sacrifice). Pretreatment with the nutraceutical prevented the LPS-induced decrease in cardiac contractility before and after the hearts were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. At the vascular level, supplementation with the nutraceutical did not prevent hypotension in septic animals, but it attenuated endothelial dysfunction and the increased response of aortic rings to the vasoconstrictors norepinephrine and angiotensin-II induced by LPS. The beneficial effects on cardiovascular function were associated with an increased expression of the antioxidant enzymes SOD-1 and GSR in cardiac tissue and SOD-1 and Alox-5 in arterial tissue. In skeletal muscle, nutraceutical pretreatment prevented LPS-induced muscle proteolysis and autophagy and significantly increased protein synthesis as demonstrated by decreased expression of MURF-1, atrogin-1, LC3b and increased MCH-I and MCH -IIa in gastrocnemius muscle. These effects were associated with a decrease in the expression of TNFα, HDAC4 and myogenin. In conclusion, treatment with a new nutraceutical based on a mixture of AO and EVOO supplemented with OLE is useful to prevent cardiovascular and muscular changes induced by sepsis in rats. Thus, supplementation with this nutraceutical may constitute an interesting strategy to reduce the severity and mortality risk in septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel González-Hedström
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- R&D Department, Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L.U., Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Moreno-Rupérez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Marta Román-Carmena
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Amor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Asunción López-Calderón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Martín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Priego
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Granado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Miriam Granado,
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Addition of Olive Leaf Extract to a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils Decreases Fatty Acid Oxidation and Synergically Attenuates Age-Induced Hypertension, Sarcopenia and Insulin Resistance in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071066. [PMID: 34356299 PMCID: PMC8301163 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Olive-derived products, such as virgin olive oil (EVOO) and/or olive leaf extracts (OLE), exert anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing and antihypertensive properties and may be useful for stabilizing omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) due to their high content in antioxidant compounds. In this study, the addition of OLE 4:0.15 (w/w) to a mixture of algae oil (AO) rich in n-3 PUFA and EVOO (25:75, w/w) prevents peroxides formation after 12 months of storage at 30 °C. Furthermore, the treatment with the oil mixture (2.5 mL/Kg) and OLE (100 mg/Kg) to 24 month old Wistar rats for 21 days improved the lipid profile, increased the HOMA-IR and decreased the serum levels of miRNAs 21 and 146a. Treatment with this new nutraceutical also prevented age-induced insulin resistance in the liver, gastrocnemius and visceral adipose tissue by decreasing the mRNA levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Oil mixture + OLE also attenuated the age-induced alterations in vascular function and prevented muscle loss by decreasing the expression of sarcopenia-related markers. In conclusion, treatment with a new nutraceutical based on a mixture of EVOO, AO and OLE is a useful strategy for improving the stability of n-3 PUFA in the final product and to attenuate the cardiometabolic and muscular disorders associated with aging.
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González-Hedström D, García-Villalón ÁL, Amor S, de la Fuente-Fernández M, Almodóvar P, Prodanov M, Priego T, Martín AI, Inarejos-García AM, Granado M. Olive leaf extract supplementation improves the vascular and metabolic alterations associated with aging in Wistar rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8188. [PMID: 33854149 PMCID: PMC8046982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87628-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Olive leaves are rich in bioactive substances which exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, insulin-sensitizing and antihypertensive effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible beneficial effects of an olive leaf extract (OLE) rich in secoiridoids and phenolic compounds on the aging-induced metabolic and vascular alterations. Three experimental groups of rats were used: 3-month-old rats, 24-month-old rats and 24-month-old rats supplemented 21 days with OLE (100 mg/kg). Administration of OLE to aged rats decreased the weight of adrenal glands and prevented the aging-induced loss of body weight and muscle mass. In the serum, OLE reduced the circulating levels of LDL-cholesterol and IL-6 and increased the concentrations of leptin and adiponectin. In the liver OLE attenuated the decreased gene expression of SOD-1, GSR, GCK and GSK-3β and reduced the aging-induced overexpression of NOX-4, Alox-5, iNOS and TNF-α. In aorta segments, OLE prevented endothelial dysfunction and vascular insulin resistance and improved vasoconstriction in response to KCl and NA. Improvement in vascular function was associated with the attenuation of the alterations in the gene expression of COX-2, IL-6, GPx, NOX-1 and IL-10. In conclusion, OLE exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in aged rats and attenuates the alterations in vascular function associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel González-Hedström
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L. Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, Alcobendas, 28108, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sara Amor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paula Almodóvar
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L. Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, Alcobendas, 28108, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marin Prodanov
- Departamento de Química Física Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, CIAL (CEI, CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Priego
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Martín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Manuel Inarejos-García
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L. Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, Alcobendas, 28108, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Granado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición, Madrid, Spain.
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Beneficial Effects of a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils on the Age-Induced Alterations of Rodent Skeletal Muscle: Role of HDAC-4. Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010044. [PMID: 33375628 PMCID: PMC7824654 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function (sarcopenia). We have investigated whether a mixture of algae oil (25%) and extra virgin olive oil (75%) could exert beneficial effects on sarcopenia. Young (3 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or with the oil mixture (OM) (2.5 mL/kg) for 21 days. Aging decreased gastrocnemius weight, total protein, and myosin heavy chain mRNA. Treatment with the OM prevented these effects. Concomitantly, OM administration decreased the inflammatory state in muscle; it prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the decrease in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in aged rats. The OM was not able to prevent aging-induced alterations in either the insulin-like growth factor I/protein kinase B (IGF-I/Akt) pathway or in the increased expression of atrogenes in the gastrocnemius. However, the OM prevented decreased autophagy activity (ratio protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3b) II/I) induced by aging and increased expression of factors related with muscle senescence such as histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC-4), myogenin, and IGF-I binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5). These data suggest that the beneficial effects of the OM on muscle can be secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect and to the normalization of HDAC-4 and myogenin levels, making this treatment an alternative therapeutic tool for sarcopenia.
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Oxidative Stress and New Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Endothelial Dysfunction: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061995. [PMID: 32630452 PMCID: PMC7355625 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart and pathological circulatory conditions, are the world's leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Endothelial dysfunction involved in CVD pathogenesis is a trigger, or consequence, of oxidative stress and inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction is defined as a diminished production/availability of nitric oxide, with or without an imbalance between endothelium-derived contracting, and relaxing factors associated with a pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic status. Endothelial dysfunction-induced phenotypic changes include up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules and increased chemokine secretion, leukocyte adherence, cell permeability, low-density lipoprotein oxidation, platelet activation, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Inflammation-induced oxidative stress results in an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly derived from mitochondria. Excessive ROS production causes oxidation of macromolecules inducing cell apoptosis mediated by cytochrome-c release. Oxidation of mitochondrial cardiolipin loosens cytochrome-c binding, thus, favoring its cytosolic release and activation of the apoptotic cascade. Oxidative stress increases vascular permeability, promotes leukocyte adhesion, and induces alterations in endothelial signal transduction and redox-regulated transcription factors. Identification of new endothelial dysfunction-related oxidative stress markers represents a research goal for better prevention and therapy of CVD. New-generation therapeutic approaches based on carriers, gene therapy, cardiolipin stabilizer, and enzyme inhibitors have proved useful in clinical practice to counteract endothelial dysfunction. Experimental studies are in continuous development to discover new personalized treatments. Gene regulatory mechanisms, implicated in endothelial dysfunction, represent potential new targets for developing drugs able to prevent and counteract CVD-related endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, many challenges remain to overcome before these technologies and personalized therapeutic strategies can be used in CVD management.
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