Protective Effect of Geraniol on Oxidative, Inflammatory and Apoptotic Alterations in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Role of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathways

Glucose metabolite methylglyoxal induces vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite of glucose, plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and vascular complications. Our previous studies have shown that MGO is associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptotic cell death in endothelial cells (ECs). Pyroptosis is a novel form of inflammatory caspase-1-dependent programmed cell death that is closely associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Recent studies have shown that sulforaphane (SFN) can inhibit pyroptosis, but the effects and underlying mechanisms by which SFN affects MGO-induced pyroptosis in endothelial cells have not been determined. Here, we found that SFN prevented MGO-induced pyroptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that SFN dose-dependently prevented MGO-induced HUVEC pyroptosis, inhibited pyroptosis-associated biochemical changes, and attenuated MGO-induced morphological alterations in mitochondria. SFN pretreatment significantly suppressed MGO-induced ROS production and the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) signaling pathway by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Similar results were obtained in vivo, and we demonstrated that SFN prevented MGO-induced oxidative damage, inflammation and pyroptosis by reversing the MGO-induced downregulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway through the upregulation of Nrf2. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) noticeably attenuated the protective effects of SFN on MGO-induced pyroptosis and ROS generation by inhibiting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and a ROS scavenger (NAC) and a permeability transition pore inhibitor (CsA) completely reversed these effects. Moreover, NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950) and caspase-1 inhibitor (VX765) further reduced pyroptosis in endothelial cells that were pretreated with SFN. Collectively, these findings broaden our understanding of the mechanism by which SFN inhibits pyroptosis induced by MGO and suggests important implications for the potential use of SFN in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Arsenic induced cardiotoxicity: An approach for molecular markers, epigenetic predictors and targets

Arsenic, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, has been acknowledged as a significant issue for public health due to its widespread pollution of drinking water and food supplies. The present review aimed to study the toxicity associated with the cardiac system. Prolonged exposure to arsenic has been associated with several harmful health outcomes, especially cardiotoxicity. Arsenic-induced cardiotoxicity encompasses a range of cardiovascular abnormalities, including cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. To tackle this toxicity, understanding the molecular markers, epigenetic predictors, and targets involved in arsenic-induced cardiotoxicity is essential for creating preventative and therapeutic approaches. For preventive measures against this heavy metal poisoning of groundwater, it is crucial to regularly monitor water quality, re-evaluate scientific findings, and educate the public about the possible risks. This review thoroughly summarised what is currently known in this field, highlighting the key molecular markers, epigenetic modifications, and potential therapeutic targets associated with arsenic-induced cardiotoxicity.

Geraniol mitigates anxiety-like behaviors in rats by reducing oxidative stress, repairing impaired hippocampal neurotransmission, and normalizing brain cortical-EEG wave patterns after a single electric foot-shock exposure

Anxiety-like conditions can interfere with daily activities as the adaptive mechanism fails to cope with stress. These conditions are often linked with increased oxidative stress, and abrupt neurotransmission and electroencephalography (EEG) wave pattern. Geraniol, a monoterpenoid, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as brain-calming effects. Therefore, in this study, geraniol was tested for the potential anxiolytic effects in a rat model of anxiety. The rats were exposed to an electric foot shock (1 mA for 1 s) to develop anxiety-like symptoms. Treatment was carried out using geraniol (10 and 30 mg/kg) and the standard diazepam drug. The behavior of the rats was analyzed using the open field test, light-dark test, and social interaction test. Afterward, the rats were decapitated to collect samples for neurochemical and biochemical analyses. The cortical-EEG wave pattern was also obtained. The study revealed that the electric foot shock induced anxiety-like symptoms, increased oxidative stress, and altered hippocampal neurotransmitter levels. The power of low-beta and high-beta was amplified with the increased coupling of delta-beta waves in anxiety group. However, the treatment with geraniol and diazepam normalized cortical-EEG wave pattern and hippocampal serotonin and catecholamines profile which was also reflected by reduced anxious behavior and normalized antioxidant levels. The study reports an anxiolytic potential of geraniol, which can be further explored in future.

Alcohol exacerbates psychosocial stress-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms: Attenuation by geraniol

Adaptation to psychosocial stress is psychologically distressing, initiating/promoting comorbidity with alcohol use disorders. Emerging evidence moreover showed that ethanol (EtOH) exacerbates social-defeat stress (SDS)-induced behavioral impairments, neurobiological sequelae, and poor therapeutic outcomes. Hence, this study investigated the effects of geraniol, an isoprenoid monoterpenoid alcohol with neuroprotective functions on EtOH escalated SDS-induced behavioral impairments, and neurobiological sequelae in mice. Male mice chronically exposed to SDS for 14 days were repeatedly fed with EtOH (2 g/kg, p. o.) from days 8-14. From days 1-14, SDS-EtOH co-exposed mice were concurrently treated with geraniol (25 and 50 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) orally. After SDS-EtOH translational interactions, arrays of behavioral tasks were examined, followed by investigations of oxido-inflammatory, neurochemicals levels, monoamine oxidase-B and acetylcholinesterase activities in the striatum, prefrontal-cortex, and hippocampus. The glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression was also quantified in the prefrontal-cortex immunohistochemically. Adrenal weights, serum glucose and corticosterone concentrations were measured. EtOH exacerbated SDS-induced low-stress resilience, social impairment characterized by anxiety, depression, and memory deficits were attenuated by geraniol (50 and 100 mg/kg) and fluoxetine. In line with this, geraniol increased the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamic-acid decarboxylase enzyme, accompanied by reduced monoamine oxidase-B and acetylcholinesterase activities in the prefrontal-cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Geraniol inhibited SDS-EtOH-induced adrenal hypertrophy, corticosterone, TNF-α, IL-6 release, malondialdehyde and nitrite levels, with increased antioxidant activities. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that geraniol enhanced GFAP immunoreactivity in the prefrontal-cortex relative to SDS-EtOH group. We concluded that geraniol ameliorates SDS-EtOH interaction-induced behavioral changes via normalization of neuroimmune-endocrine and neurochemical dysregulations in mice brains.

Fufang Duzheng tablet attenuates adjuvant rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting arthritis inflammation and gut microbiota disturbance in rats

Objective

To explore the treatment effect and potential mechanism on gut microbiota, nutrition, and metabolism of Fufang Duzheng Tablet (DZGP) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Collagen-induced arthritis rats' models were established and divided into three groups: model control group (FK), DZGP group (FZ, 0.45 g/kg/d), and methotrexate group (FM, 1.35 mg/kg), which were treated by gavage for 28 days. The physiopathologic changes of joints and body weight in each group were recorded; the morphology of synovial and ankle tissues was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the level of serum TNF-α and IL-1β was tested by ELISA. UPLC/MS-MS and network pharmacological analysis were used to identify the serum components, and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis was applied to the intestinal contents of rats.

Results

DZGP treatment significantly alleviated arthritis symptoms, pathological manifestations, toe thickness, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RA rats. We identified 105 metabolites and 18 components in the serum of DZGP-group rats. The main therapeutic targets of DZGP for anti-RA were TP53, epidermal growth factor receptor, and AKT1. Molecular docking showed that there was good binding efficiency between core components and main targets. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that DZGP treatment regulated the structure of the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

DZGP showed a good anti-inflammatory effect on RA and played an important role in improving the structure of the gut microbiota in RA rats.

Geraniol prevents CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity via suppression of hepatic oxidative stress, pro-inflammation and apoptosis in rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a classic chemical hepatotoxicant that triggers liver damage through hepatic exacerbation of oxidative stress. Geraniol (GRL) is a natural bioactive acyclic monoterpene with several pharmacological effects. We thus explored whether GRL could prevent CCl4-triggered hepatic toxicity. Rats were divided and administered GRL (100 mg/kg) and/or CCl4 (1 ml/kg of 1:1 v/v CCl4: olive oil) in Control group, GRL group, CCl4 group, GRL + CCl4 groups 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks. CCl4 caused significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TB), whereas the albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced relative to the control group. The liver activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) level evidently elevated in comparison to the control group. The CCl4 exposure caused significant increases in proinflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), apoptotic caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels, whereas the anti-inflammatory interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were reduced in consistent with histopathological changes compared to the control. On the contrary, the GRL administration prevented the hepatic toxicity and lesions through restoration of liver status markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA, cytokines and apoptosis in comparison to the CCl4 group. Altogether, the findings reveal that GRL could abrogate CCl4-provoked hepatic toxicity via inhibition of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats.

Liraglutide Protects Cardiomyocytes against Isoprenaline-Induced Apoptosis in Experimental Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy, characterized by an increased concentration of catecholamines, free radicals, and inflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and increased apoptotic activity. High doses of isoprenaline are used in animal models to induce Takotsubo (TT)-like myocardial injury. The aim of the study was to investigate the antiapoptotic effects of liraglutide in experimental TTS and its role in the NF-κB pathway. Wistar rats were pretreated with liraglutide for 10 days, and on days 9 and 10, TT-like myocardial injury was induced with isoprenaline. After the sacrifice on day 11, hearts were isolated for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Liraglutide reduced isoprenaline-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by decreasing cleaved caspase-3 (CC3), BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), and NF-κB and increasing B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (BCL-2). An increase in NF-κB in isoprenaline-treated rats was in positive correlation with proapoptotic markers (BAX and CC3) and in negative correlation with antiapoptotic marker BCL-2. Liraglutide increased BCL-2 and decreased NF-κB, BAX, and CC3, preserving the same correlations of NF-κB to apoptotic markers. It is concluded that liraglutide protects cardiomyocytes against isoprenaline-induced apoptosis in experimental TT-like myocardial injury through downregulation of the NF-κB pathway.

Potential inhibitory effect of geraniol isolated from lemongrass (Cymbopogon commutatus Stapf) on tilmicosin-induced oxidative stress in cardiac tissue

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of geraniol (GNL) isolated from lemomgrass in protecting against cardiac toxicity induced by tilmicosin (TIL) in albino mice. Compared to TIL-treated mice, those supplemented with GNL had a thicker left ventricular wall and a smaller ventricular cavity. Studies of TIL animals treated with GNL showed that their cardiomyocytes had markedly changed in diameter and volume, along with a reduction in numerical density. After TIL induction, animals showed a significant increase in the protein expression of TGF-β1, TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), by 81.81, 73.75 and 66.67%, respectively, and hypertrophy marker proteins ANP, BNP, and calcineurin with respective percentages of 40, 33.34 and 42.34%. Interestingly, GNL significantly decreased the TGF-β1, TNF-α, NF-kB, ANP, BNP, and calcineurin levels by 60.94, 65.13, 52.37, 49.73, 44.18 and 36.84%, respectively. As observed from histopathology and Masson's trichrome staining, supplementation with GNL could rescue TIL-induced cardiac hypertrophy. According to these results, GNL may protect the heart by reducing hypertrophy in mice and modulating biomarkers of fibrosis and apoptosis.

Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic perturbations induced by oxidative stress

Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context.

LYC inhibits the AKT signaling pathway to activate autophagy and ameliorate TGFB-induced renal fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is a typical pathological change in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the predominant stage. Activation of macroautophagy/autophagy plays a crucial role in the process of EMT. Lycopene (LYC) is a highly antioxidant carotenoid with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and mediation of autophagy. In this study, we demonstrated the specific mechanism of LYC in activating mitophagy and improving renal fibrosis. The enrichment analysis results of GO and KEGG showed that LYC had high enrichment values with autophagy. In this study, we showed that LYC alleviated aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced intracellular expression of PINK1, TGFB/TGF-β, p-SMAD2, p-SMAD3, and PRKN/Parkin, recruited expression of MAP1LC3/LC3-II and SQSTM1/p62, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ameliorated renal fibrosis in mice. When we simultaneously intervened NRK52E cells using bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1), AAI, and LYC, intracellular MAP1LC3-II and SQSTM1 expression was significantly increased. A similar result was seen in renal tissue and cells when treated in vitro and in vivo with CQ, AAI, and LYC, and the inhibitory effect of LYC on the AAI-activated SMAD2-SMAD3 signaling pathway was attenuated. Molecular docking simulation experiments showed that LYC stably bound to the AKT active site. After intervention of cells with AAI and GSK-690693, the expression of PINK1, PRKN, MAP1LC3-II, BECN1, p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3 was increased, and the expression of SQSTM1 was decreased. However, SC79 inhibited autophagy and reversed the inhibitory effect of LYC on EMT. The results showed that LYC could inhibit the AKT signaling pathway to activate mitophagy and reduce renal fibrosis.Abbreviation: AA: aristolochic acid; ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta; ACTB: actin beta; AKT/protein kinase B: thymoma viral proto-oncogene; BAF-A1: bafilomycin A1; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; CCN2/CTGF: cellular communication network factor 2; CDH1/E-Cadherin: cadherin 1; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COL1: collagen, type I; COL3: collagen, type III; CQ: chloroquine; ECM: extracellular matrix; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FN1: fibronectin 1; LYC: lycopene; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase ; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; PRKN/Parkin: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PPI: protein-protein interaction; SMAD2: SMAD family member 2; SMAD3: SMAD family member 3; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TGFB/TGFβ: transforming growth factor, beta; VIM: vimentin.

Plant Monoterpenes and Essential Oils as Potential Anti-Ageing Agents: Insights from Preclinical Data

Ageing is a natural process characterized by a time-dependent decline of physiological integrity that compromises functionality and inevitably leads to death. This decline is also quite relevant in major human pathologies, being a primary risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Bearing this in mind, it is not surprising that research aiming at improving human health during this process has burst in the last decades. Importantly, major hallmarks of the ageing process and phenotype have been identified, this knowledge being quite relevant for future studies towards the identification of putative pharmaceutical targets, enabling the development of preventive/therapeutic strategies to improve health and longevity. In this context, aromatic plants have emerged as a source of potential bioactive volatile molecules, mainly monoterpenes, with many studies referring to their anti-ageing potential. Nevertheless, an integrated review on the current knowledge is lacking, with several research approaches studying isolated ageing hallmarks or referring to an overall anti-ageing effect, without depicting possible mechanisms of action. Herein, we aim to provide an updated systematization of the bioactive potential of volatile monoterpenes on recently proposed ageing hallmarks, and highlight the main mechanisms of action already identified, as well as possible chemical entity-activity relations. By gathering and categorizing the available scattered information, we also aim to identify important research gaps that could help pave the way for future research in the field.

Intra-articular delivery of geraniol encapsulated by pH/redox-responsive nanogel ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a challenging condition due to limited drug bioavailability within the avascular and dense cartilage matrix. This study introduces a pH/redox-responsive nanogel for enhanced delivery of geraniol in OA therapy. We investigated geraniol's role in preventing chondrocyte matrix degradation and designed a pH/redox-responsive nanogel as a delivery platform. Our methods included Western blot, histological staining, and immunohistochemistry. Geraniol treatment reduced Keap1 expression while elevating Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, effectively inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation. The pH/redox-responsive nanogel further enhanced geraniol's therapeutic impact. Our study demonstrates that geraniol encapsulated within a pH/redox-responsive nanogel mitigates OA by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. This innovative approach holds potential as an effective OA therapeutic strategy.

New Insight on the Cytoprotective/Antioxidant Pathway Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Modulation by Ulva intestinalis Extract and Its Selenium Nanoparticles in Rats with Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema

Currently, there is growing interest in exploring natural bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential to overcome the side effects associated with the well-known synthetic chemicals. Algae are a rich source of bioactive molecules with numerous applications in medicine. Herein, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ulva intestinalis alone or selenium nanoparticles loaded with U. intestinalis (UISeNPs), after being fully characterized analytically, was investigated by a carrageenan-induced inflammation model. The pretreated groups with free U. intestinalis extract (III and IV) and the rats pretreated with UISeNPs (groups V and VI) showed significant increases in the gene expression of Keap1, with fold increases of 1.9, 2.27, 2.4, and 3.32, respectively. Similarly, a remarkable increase in the Nrf2 gene expression, with 2.09-, 2.36-, 2.59-, and 3.7-fold increases, was shown in the same groups, respectively. Additionally, the groups III, IV, V, and VI revealed a significantly increased HO-1 gene expression with a fold increase of 1.48, 1.61, 1.87, and 2.84, respectively. Thus, both U. intestinalis extract and the UISeNPs boost the expression of the cytoprotective/antioxidant pathway Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1, with the UISeNPs having the upper hand over the free extract. In conclusion, U. intestinalis and UISeNPs have proven promising anti-inflammatory activity through mediating different underlying mechanisms.

Cytogenetic Studies on Genoprotective Effect of Rosa damascena Mill. Hydrosol in Plant and Lymphocyte Test Systems

Bulgarian Rosa damascena Mill. is has been known since ancient times for its high-quality oil, hydrosol, and other aromatic products. Rose hydrosol has various biological activities, but no research on its anticytotoxic/antigenotoxic effects exists. This study aimed to assess its defense potential against the genotoxin N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and to test its cytotoxic/genotoxic activity in plant and human lymphocyte test systems. Endpoints for cytotoxicity (mitotic index and nuclear division index) and genotoxicity (chromosome aberration and micronuclei) were used. Hydrosol was applied as a single treatment in concentrations ranging from 3% to 20% (4 h) to assess its cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Its protective potential against MNNG was tested by applying an experimental scheme involving (i) conditioning treatment with non-toxic or slightly toxic concentrations of hydrosol, followed by genotoxin challenge (50 μg/mL) with a 4 h intertreatment time and (ii) treatment with hydrosol and mutagen with no time between the treatments. Hydrosol induces low cytotoxicity and clastogenicity, demonstrating cytoprotective/genoprotective effects against the mutagen in both applied test systems. The hydrosol defense potential was expressed by a more than twofold reduction in both chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei and by enhancing the mitotic activity compared with that of the mutagen, regardless of the experimental conditions. The results are promising for further hydrosol applications in pharmaceutical and medical practice.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis

Articular cartilage degeneration caused by chondrocyte damage is the primary pathological mechanism of osteoarthritis (OA). Oxidative stress is correlated with chondrocyte injury by potentiating ferroptosis, a newly identified form of cell death. Given the effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on alleviating oxidative stress, we further explored whether Tan IIA inhibited chondrocyte death and cartilage degeneration by decreasing ferroptosis. ATDC5 chondrocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Tan IIA, and cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-5 (ADAMTS5), and type II collagen (Col II) levels were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. We demonstrated that Tan IIA treatment prominently increased ATDC5 cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis in the presence of LPS-induced stress. MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression was increased, and Col II expression was decreased in ATDC5 cells after LPS stimulation, whereas these changes were reversed by Tan IIA. Mechanistically, Tan IIA inhibited LPS-induced ferroptosis in ATDC5 cells, as indicated by decreased levels of iron, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde and increased GSH levels. Importantly, a ferroptosis agonist partially abrogated the effect of Tan IIA on alleviating chondrocyte damage and death. Taken together, these results suggest that Tan IIA ameliorates chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis and may be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: a review on the role of oxidative stress and the application of antioxidants

Normal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating follicular growth, angiogenesis and sex hormone synthesis in ovarian tissue. When the balance between ROS and antioxidants is disrupted, however, it can cause serious consequences of oxidative stress (OS), and the quantity and quality of oocytes will decline. Therefore, this review discusses the interrelationship between OS and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the potential mechanisms and the methods by which antioxidants can improve POI through controlling the level of OS. We found that OS can mediate changes in genetic materials, signal pathways, transcription factors and ovarian microenvironment, resulting in abnormal apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and abnormal meiosis as well as decreased mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid(mtDNA) and other changes, thus accelerating the process of ovarian aging. However, antioxidants, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), biological enzymes and other antioxidants can delay the disease process of POI by reducing the ROS level in vivo.

Geraniol suppresses tumour growth and enhances chemosensitivity of 5-fluorouracil on breast carcinoma in mice: involvement of miR-21/PTEN signalling

OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. Phytochemicals are among the recent compelling approaches showing anticancer activity. Geraniol is a monoterpenoid showing anti-tumoral potential in cell lines. However, its exact mechanism in breast cancer has not been elucidated. In addition, the possible chemosenstizing effect of geraniol when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in breast carcinoma has not been previously addressed.

METHODS

Therefore, the aim of the current work is to investigate the potential therapeutic as well as chemosensitizing effects of geraniol on breast carcinoma induced in mice through examination of tumour biomarkers and histopathology profile.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed a prominent suppression of tumour growth following geraniol treatment. This was accompanied with miR-21 downregulation that subsequently upregulated PTEN and suppressed mTOR levels. Geraniol was also able to activate apoptosis and inhibit autophagy. Histopathological examination revealed high necrosis areas separating malignant cells in the geraniol-treated group. Combined geraniol and 5-fluorouracil treatment induced more than 82% inhibition of tumour rate, surpassing the effect of each drug alone.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that geraniol could represent a promising avenue for breast cancer treatment as well as a potential sensitizing agent when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Comparison of Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Litsea Cubeba, Cinnamon, Anise, and Eucalyptus

The purpose of this study was to compare the antioxidant activity of litsea cubeba oil (LCO), cinnamon oil (CO), anise oil (AO), and eucalyptus oil (EUC) in vitro. The chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the four EOs was evaluated through scavenging DPPH free radicals, chelating Fe²⁺, scavenging hydroxyl free radicals, and inhibiting yolk lipid peroxidation. The results showed that the major compounds found in LCO, CO, AO, and EUC are citral (64.29%), cinnamaldehyde (84.25%), anethole (78.51%), and 1,8-cineole (81.78%), respectively. The four EOs all had certain antioxidant activity. The ability to scavenge DPPH radical was ranked in the order of LCO > CO > AO > EUC. The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability was ranked in the order of EUC > CO > LCO > AO. The chelating Fe²⁺ capacity was ranked in the order of EUC > AO > CO > LCO. The yolk lipid peroxidation inhibition ability was ranked in the order of CO > AO > EUC > LCO. In different antioxidant activity assays, the antioxidant activity of the EOs was different. It was speculated that the total antioxidant activity of an EO may be the result of the joint action of different antioxidant capacities.

5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione derivatives of brefeldin A: Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells

27 novel 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione derivatives of brefeldin A were designed and synthesized to make them more conducive to the cancer treatment. The antiproliferative activity of all the target compounds was tested against six human cancer cell lines and one human normal cell line. Compound 10d exhibited nearly the most potent cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 0.58, 0.69, 1.82, 0.85, 0.75, 0.33 and 1.75 μM against A549, DU-145, A375, HeLa, HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and L-02 cell lines. Moreover, 10d inhibited metastasis and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The potent anticancer effects of 10d were prompted based on the aforementioned results, the therapeutic potential of 10d for breast cancer was worth further exploration.

Potential Effects of Geraniol on Cancer and Inflammation-Related Diseases: A Review of the Recent Research Findings

Geraniol (GNL), a natural monoterpene, is found in many essential oils of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and other medicinal and aromatic plants. GNL is commonly used by the cosmetic and food industries and has shown a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. It represents a potential anti-inflammatory agent and a promising cancer chemopreventive agent, as it has been found to be effective against a broad range of cancers, including colon, prostate, breast, lung, skin, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, GNL scavenges free radicals and preserves the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, GNL induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, modulates multiple molecular targets, including p53 and STAT3, activates caspases, and modulates inflammation via transcriptional regulation. In the present study, different modes of action are described for GNL's activity against cancer and inflammatory diseases. This compound protects various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. Experiments using allergic encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma, and carcinogenesis models showed that GNL treatment had beneficial effects with low toxicity. GNL has been shown to be effective in animal models and tumor cell lines, but there have not been any clinical studies carried out for it. The aim of the present review is to provide updated data on the potential effects of GNL on cancer and inflammation, and to enhance our understanding of molecular targets, involved pathways, and the possible use of GNL for clinical studies and therapeutic purposes in the treatment of cancer and inflammation-related diseases.

Geraniol improves passive avoidance memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease that leads to synaptic loss and cognitive decline. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of geraniol (GR), a valuable acyclic monoterpene alcohol, with protective and therapeutic effects, on passive avoidance memory, hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques formation in an AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of Aβ_1-40. Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly into sham, control, control-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O. (orally), AD, GR-AD (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment), AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; treatment), and GR-AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment & treatment). Administration of GR was continued for four consecutive weeks. Training for the passive avoidance test was carried out on the 36^th day and a memory retention test was performed 24 h later. On day 38, hippocampal synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation; LTP) was recorded in perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses to assess field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude. Subsequently, Aβ plaques were identified in the hippocampus by Congo red staining. The results showed that Aβ microinjection increased passive avoidance memory impairment, suppressed of hippocampal LTP induction, and enhanced of Aβ plaque formation in the hippocampus. Interestingly, oral administration of GR improved passive avoidance memory deficit, ameliorated hippocampal LTP impairment, and reduced Aβ plaque accumulation in the Aβ-infused rats. The results suggest that GR mitigates Aβ-induced passive avoidance memory impairment, possibly through alleviation of hippocampal synaptic dysfunction and inhibition of Aβ plaque formation.

Cardioprotective potential of vanillic acid

Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global threat to public health, accounting for almost one-third of all deaths worldwide. One of the key mechanistic pathways contributing to the development of CVDs, including cardiotoxicity (CTX) and myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is oxidative stress (OS). Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is closely associated with decreased antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, despite the availability of modern pharmaceuticals, dietary-derived antioxidants are becoming more popular in developed societies to delay the progression of CVDs. One of the antioxidants derived from herbs, fruits, whole grains, juices, beers, and wines is vanillic acid (VA), which, as a phenolic compound, possesses different therapeutic properties, including cardioprotective. Based on experimental evidence, VA improves mitochondrial function as a result of the reduction in ROS production, aggravates antioxidative status, scavenges free radicals, and reduces levels of lipid peroxidation, thereby decreasing cardiac dysfunction, in particular CTX and MIRI. Considering the role of OS in the pathophysiology of CVDs, the purpose of this study is to comprehensively address recent evidence on the antioxidant importance of VA in the cardiovascular system.

Protocatechuic acid reverses myocardial infarction mediated by β-adrenergic agonist via regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic events

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an instant ischemic death of cardiomyocytes that remains a major global cause of mortalities. MI is accompanied by oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic insults. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a polyphenolic compound with various potent biological activities. In this study, we explored the possible cardioprotective role of PCA against isoproterenol (ISO)-mediated MI. Rats were either injected with ISO (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) or pretreated with PCA (100 or 200 mg/kg, orally). PCA supplementation markedly normalized ISO-induced disturbed cardiac function markers (creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and troponin T). Notably, PCA administration exerted remarkable increases in glutathione and its derived enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as decreases in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the injured cardiac tissue. The molecular findings validated the augmented cellular antioxidative capacity by PCA via increasing the gene expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1. The cardioprotective efficacy of PCA extended to suppress cardiac inflammation as demonstrated by the decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and nuclear factor kappa B. Additionally, PCA prevented cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis by decreasing Bax, caspase-3, transforming growth factor-β1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, and enhancing B-cell lymphoma 2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-3. The cardiac histological screening further confirmed the PCA's protective action. The obtained data recommend PCA as an alternative therapeutic agent to attenuate the molecular, biochemical, and histological alterations associated with MI development.

Geraniol-a potential alternative to antibiotics for bovine mastitis treatment without disturbing the host microbial community or causing drug residues and resistance

Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy cows. Currently, mastitis treatment in dairy cows is mainly based on antibiotics. However, the use of antibiotics causes adverse effects, including drug resistance, drug residues, host-microbiome destruction, and environmental pollution. The present study sought to investigate the potentiality of geraniol as an alternative to antibiotics for bovine mastitis treatment in dairy cows. Additionally, the effectiveness of treatment, improvement in inflammatory factors, the influence on microbiome, presence of drug residues, and drug resistance induction were compared and analyzed comprehensively.Geraniol showed an equivalent therapeutic rate as antibiotics in the mouse infection model and cows with mastitis. Moreover, geraniol significantly inhibited the pathogenic bacteria and restored the microbial community while increasing the abundance of probiotics in milk. Notably, geraniol did not destroy the gut microbial communities in cows and mice, whereas antibiotics significantly reduced the diversity and destroyed the gut microbial community structure. Additionally, no geraniol residue was detected in milk four days after treatment discontinuation, but, antibiotic residues were detected in milk at the 7th day after drug withdrawal. In vitro experiments revealed that geraniol did not induce drug resistance in the Escherichia coli strain ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC25923 after 150 generations of culturing, while antibiotics induced resistance after 10 generations. These results suggest that geraniol has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects similar to antibiotics without affecting the host-microbial community structure or causing drug residues and resistance. Therefore, geraniol can be a potential substitute for antibiotics to treat mastitis or other infectious diseases and be widely used in the dairy industry.

Diallyl trisulfide modulated autophagy in isoproterenol induced acute myocardial infarction

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most serious manifestation of coronary artery disease. The initial ischemia in AMI causes biochemical and metabolic alterations in cardiomyocytes.

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the biomolecular mechanisms underlying cardioprotective effects of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) as well as captopril (CAP) in isoproterenol (ISO) induced AMI focusing on autophagy & PI3K/Akt signaling.

Methods

Seventy male Albino rats were divided into seven groups as follows: Normal control, ISO, ISO + LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor), DATS+ISO, CAP+ISO, DATS+LY294002 + ISO, and CAP+LY294002 + ISO. All treatments (40 mg/kg DATS, 50 mg/kg CAP & 0.3 mg/kg LY294002) were given daily for two weeks before ISO injection (85 mg/kg for 2 days). At the end of the experiment, serum and cardiac tissues were collected. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) were measured. Cardiac glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), malondialdehyde (MDA), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), autophagy proteins (P62 & LC3IIB) and gene expression of PI3K, Akt, FOXO-1, and eNOS were assessed. Histopathological examination of heart tissue was performed.

Results

DATS and CAP significantly (p < 0.01) decreased serum CK-MB and cTnI, cardiac levels of MDA, HIF-1α, p62 and LC3IIB along with an increase in GSH-px activity compared with ISO group. Moreover, DATS and CAP significantly up-regulated PI3K, Akt, and eNOS gene expression but down-regulated FOXO-1 expression compared to ISO group. However, LY294002 reversed DATS and CAP cardioprotective effects.

Conclusion

DATS and CAP prior treatment proved cardioprotective effects via modulation of autophagy, PI3K/Akt signaling, eNOS and FOXO-1 downregulation in ISO induced AMI rat model.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Geraniol Isolated from Lemon Grass on Ox-LDL-Stimulated Endothelial Cells by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 via PI3K/Akt and Nrf-2 Signaling Pathways

Among the world's leading causes of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the arteries. Both vasodilation and vasoconstriction, low levels of nitric oxide and high levels of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factors characterize dysfunctional blood vessels. Hypertension, and atherosclerosis, all start with this dysfunction. Geraniol, a compound of acyclic monoterpene alcohol, found in plants such as geranium, lemongrass and rose, is a primary constituent of essential oils. It shows a variety of pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of geraniol on Ox-LDL-induced stress and inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In this study, HUVECs were treated with Ox-LDL or geraniol at different dose concentrations. MTT assay, Western blot, ROS generation and DNA fragmentation were used to evaluate geraniol's effects on Ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation. The results show that geraniol pre-incubation ameliorates Ox-LDL-mediated HUVECs cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation. The geraniol inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by Ox-LDL, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. In Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs, geraniol suppresses the nuclear translocation and activity of NF-ᴋB as well as phosphorylation of IkBα. Moreover, geraniol activated the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 pathway in HUVECs, resulting in an increase in the expression of HO-1. Taking our data together, we can conclude that, in HUVECs, geraniol inhibits Ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by targeting PI3/AKT/NRF2.

The Impact of Oxidative Stress and AKT Pathway on Cancer Cell Functions and Its Application to Natural Products

Oxidative stress and AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) are responsible for regulating several cell functions of cancer cells. Several natural products modulate both oxidative stress and AKT for anticancer effects. However, the impact of natural product-modulating oxidative stress and AKT on cell functions lacks systemic understanding. Notably, the contribution of regulating cell functions by AKT downstream effectors is not yet well integrated. This review explores the role of oxidative stress and AKT pathway (AKT/AKT effectors) on ten cell functions, including apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response, senescence, migration, and cell-cycle progression. The impact of oxidative stress and AKT are connected to these cell functions through cell function mediators. Moreover, the AKT effectors related to cell functions are integrated. Based on this rationale, natural products with the modulating abilities for oxidative stress and AKT pathway exhibit the potential to regulate these cell functions, but some were rarely reported, particularly for AKT effectors. This review sheds light on understanding the roles of oxidative stress and AKT pathway in regulating cell functions, providing future directions for natural products in cancer treatment.

Chaihujialonggumulitang shows psycho-cardiology therapeutic effect on acute myocardial infarction with comorbid anxiety by the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is a common comorbidity of cardiovascular diseases, which deteriorated cardiac function. Chaihujialonggumulitang (BFG) was reported to have antioxidant properties, alleviate myocardial ischemia injury and improve anxiety-like behavior. The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) /heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway is the main mechanism to defend against oxidative stress, and improve cardiac function. This study was to investigate the possible mechanism of BFG in the treatment of psycho-cardiology.

METHODS

AMI with comorbid anxiety rat model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery combined with uncertain empty bottle stimulation, followed by the administration of BFG (1 mL/100 g/d by gavage) or Dimethyl fumarate (DMF, 10 mg/kg/d by intraperitoneal injection) for 6 days. Echocardiography, myocardial injury markers, H&E, and Masson staining were employed to evaluate cardiac function. Behavioral tests and hippocampus neurotransmitters were applied to record anxiety-like behavior. We employed immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and biochemical analysis to detect the protein and gene expression of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related factors, and oxidative stress and apoptosis parameters.

RESULTS

Rats in the AMI and complex groups showed cardiac function deterioration, as well as anxiety-like behavior. BFG improved echocardiography indicators, reduced myocardial injury markers, and attenuated myocardial pathological changes. BFG also ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors and elevated neurotransmitters levels. BFG promoted the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced lipid peroxidation levels, and alleviated oxidative damage and apoptosis. DMF showed therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms similar to BFG.

CONCLUSION

BFG may possess a psycho-cardiology therapeutic effect on AMI with comorbid anxiety by the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Preventive Electroacupuncture Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Rats with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Electroacupuncture (EA) is a popular therapeutic therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, little has been known about the underlying processes of EA therapy. To investigate the benefit of EA and reveal the mechanism, thirty SD female rats were allocated into the control, model, sham, EA, and GnRHa groups at random. Vaginal smears were used to monitor the rats' estrous cycle. Serum liver and renal function (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr), sex hormone (FSH, E2, and AMH), oxidative stress markers (SOD, GSH, and MDA), and inflammatory cytokine (IL6, IL1β, and TNFα) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Their ovary morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transmission electron microscope was used to remark the ultrastructure of the granulocytes. Protein and gene expressions of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were detected by western blot and RT-PCR. Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the levels of serum sex hormones recovered to normal levels. Moreover, it reduced oxidative stress in rats, as demonstrated by increased SOD and GSH levels and decreased MDA levels. Meanwhile, Keap1 mRNA and protein expression dropped considerably in the EA group, while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 increased. We found that preventive EA might rescue rats with CTX-induced ovarian dysfunction. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress properties of EA, which elevated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, might be the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, as compared to GnRHa, electroacupuncture did not raise the burden of the liver (ALT and AST) or the kidney (BUN and Cr). Electroacupuncture has a meaningful impact and a sufficient level of safety, making it useful for therapeutic setting in POI.

New insights into geraniol's antihemolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant potentials using a combined biological and in silico screening strategy

The study aims to assess the antihemolytic and antioxidant activities of geraniol versus 2, 2'-azobis, 2-amidinopropane dihydro-chloride- (AAPH-) induced oxidative damage and hemolysis to erythrocytes and its anti-inflammatory potential against lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation in white blood cells (WBCs) with a focus on its integrated computational strategies against different targeted receptors participating in inflammation and coagulation. The rats' erythrocyte suspension was incubated with different geraniol concentrations. Molecular docking and simulation were used to explore the possible interaction patterns of geraniol against the potential targeted proteins for therapeutic screening. The results displayed that geraniol had a prolonged noteworthy effect on activated partial thromboplastin time and thromboplastin time. Geraniol displayed strong antioxidant effects via reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased GSH level and SOD activity. We observed dose-dependent prevention of K⁺ ion leakage along with a remarkable decline of hemolysis in erythrocytes pretreated with geraniol. Geraniol 100 µg/mL and diclofenac 100 µM were nontoxic to WBCs. Geraniol significantly reduces the expression and release of cellular pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and nitric oxide, accompanied by a significant upregulation of gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS-induced WBCs compared to nontreated cells. It demonstrates a much stronger inhibition potential than diclofenac in terms of inflammation inhibition. When comparing molecular docking and simulation data, current work showed that geraniol has a good affinity toward apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and human P2Y12 receptors and could be developed as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant medication in the future. Consequently, geraniol is recommended to have a defensive influence against oxidative stress, and hemolysis also could be developed as a promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant medication.

Geraniol enhances peroxiredoxin-1, and prevents isoproterenol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation associated with myocardial infarction in experimental animal models

This study has explored the fact that geraniol prevents isoproterenol (ISO)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated myocardial infarction (MI) through enhanced expression of peroxiredoxin-1 (Prdx-1) in experimental animal models. The experimental strategies of MI were stimulated through the subcutaneous direction of ISO (85 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. ISO-directed models showed elevated heart rate levels and cardiac markers (serum creatine kinase [CK], serum CK-myocardial band, serum C-reactive proteins, and plasma homocysteine); increased cardiac-troponins-T, and troponin-I levels in both serum and myocardium. Moreover, we perceived that a higher level of lipid peroxidation molecules (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides) reduced the antioxidant enzyme levels in plasma and heart tissue of ISO-directed rats. However, geraniol treatment prevents ISO-directed enhancement of the heart rate, cardiac and lipid peroxidative genes; reverted the blood pressure, and antioxidant status in ISO-directed rats. Furthermore, gene expression results revealed that geraniol treatment inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins, inflammatory responder (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, nuclear factor-κB), and cardiac fibrotic proteins (matrix metalloproteinase-2[MMP-2], MMP-9) in ISO directed rats. Prdx-1 is an antioxidant response element, and it can regulate all the antioxidant proteins and it scavenges harmful radicals. Therefore, enhanced Prdx-1 expression is considered to have a pivotal role in preventing cardiac infarction. In this study, an elevated expression of Prdx1 was noticed in geraniol treated with ISO-directed rats. Hence, we concluded that geraniol is considered a potential phytodrug, and it prevents ISO-directed MAPKs, inflammation, and cardiac markers by enhancing the expression of Prdx1.

β-Caryophyllene Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide Induced Cardiac Injury: The Association of TLR4/NFκB and Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 Pathways

Background: β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene, is extensively present in the essential oils of several plants. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is an anticancer drug. However, its clinical usage is inadequate due to its cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to study the effects of BCP on cardiac injury induced by CYC exposure, and to identify the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were allocated. Group I (Normal), II (BCP), and III (CYC) acted as controls. Group IV, V (CYC + BCP) received BCP in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally, respectively) for 14 days after CYC challenge. CYC groups received 200 mg/kg, i.p. of the drug once on the first day of experiments. Results: CYC group displayed numerous ECG and histological irregularities and cardiac markers elevation. CYC induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress intensification, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic markers escalation. Treatment with BCP resulted in modified ECG traces and histological sections. BCP mitigated cardiac markers and lipid peroxidation whereas intensified antioxidant capacity. BCP activated Nrf2, with subsequent HO1 and NQO1 amplification. BCP diminished TLR4/NFκB pathway, which consequently lessened the inflammatory and apoptosis responses. Conclusion: BCP administration was associated with activated Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 and inhibited TLR4/NFκB pathways with subsequent enhanced anti-oxidative capacity and diminished inflammatory and apoptosis responses.

Concerns with Male Infertility Induced by Exposure to Titanium Nanoparticles and the Supporting Impact of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil: Morphometric Records in Male-Wistar Rats

Background: Due to the increased use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), the risks of their reprotoxic effect arise. This study anticipated examining the potential protective effects of GEO (geranium essential oil) components screened via GC/MS analysis against the reprotoxic impacts of TiO₂ NPs on male rats. Methods: Thirty-two adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, GEO (75 mg/kg bwt/orally/day/60 days), TiO₂ NPs (100 ppm/rat/IP/day/60 days), and TiO₂ NPs + GEO. After 60 days, hormonal assay, semen appraisal, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, testis and prostate morphometry, and the steroidogenesis-related genes’ mRNA expressions were assessed. Results: The TEM and DLS results demonstrated that synthesized TiO₂ NPs are spherical with minimal aggregations polydispersed and varying in size from 50 to 100 nm. TiO₂ NPs IP injection-induced sperm abnormalities decreased the percent of motile sperms in the sperm count, reduced sex hormone levels, altered the testicular oxidant/antioxidant status and mRNA expression of steroid-related genes, and induced architectural alterations in testicular, epididymal, and prostate gland tissues. GEO significantly rescued the TiO₂ NPs-altered spermiogram, sex hormones, and antioxidant capacity, restored the tissue architectures, and enhanced steroidogenesis-related gene mRNA expression. Conclusions: These findings may significantly contribute to developing combinatorial treatments for infertility associated with various environmental and industrial xenobiotic exposures.

Geraniol Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Mediated Kidney Injury through Alteration of Antioxidant Status, Inflammation, and Apoptosis: Potential Roles of NF-κB and Nrf2/Ho-1

Doxorubicin-mediated kidney impairment is a serious problem in cancer treatment. Accordingly, this work investigated the ability of geraniol to modulate doxorubicin-induced kidney damage using a rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, doxorubicin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.), doxorubicin plus 100 mg/kg of geraniol, and doxorubicin plus 200 mg/kg of geraniol. A single doxorubicin injection triggered kidney impairment, as evidenced by the altered serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin values; it also caused histological changes in the kidney architecture. Additionally, doxorubicin enhanced lipid peroxidation while lowering reduced glutathione, catalase activity, and the expression of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Interestingly, pre-treatment with geraniol rescued doxorubicin-induced alterations in kidney antioxidant parameters, enzymatic activity, and the expression of inflammatory and apoptosis-mediating gene and proteins. Moreover, prophylactic treatment with geraniol preserved most kidney histological characteristics in a dose-dependent manner. These findings support that geraniol could protect against doxorubicin-mediated kidney dysfunction. However, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of geraniol’s protective effects against doxorubicin-mediated kidney dysfunction.

Metformin prevents methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is an active metabolite of glucose and plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, including endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Metformin (MET), a widely prescribed antidiabetic agent, appears to reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and limit cell apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still not fully elucidated. We reported here that MET prevents MGO-induced apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Protein expression and protein phosphorylation were investigated using western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by the MTT assay, TUNEL staining, and Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide double staining. ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured with fluorescent probes. Our results revealed that MET prevented MGO-induced HUVEC apoptosis, inhibited apoptosis-associated biochemical changes such as loss of MMP, the elevation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of cleaved caspase-3, and attenuated MGO-induced mitochondrial morphological alterations in a dose-dependent manner. MET pretreatment also significantly suppressed MGO-stimulated ROS production, increased signaling through the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and markedly elevated the levels of its downstream antioxidants. Finally, similar results were obtained in vivo, and we demonstrated that MET prevented MGO-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation. As expected, MET reversed MGO-induced downregulation of Nrf2 and p-Akt. In addition, a PI3K inhibitor (LY-294002) and a Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) observably attenuated the protective effects of MET on MGO-induced apoptosis and ROS generation by inhibiting the Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, while a ROS scavenger (NAC) and a permeability transition pores inhibitor (CsA) completely reversed these effects. Collectively, these findings broaden our understanding of the mechanism by which MET regulates apoptosis induced by MGO under oxidative stress conditions, with important implications regarding the potential application of MET for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications.

Geraniol protects against cyclosporine A-induced renal injury in rats: Role of Wnt/β-catenin and PPARγ signaling pathways

AIMS

The nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine A (CsA) limits its use as an immunosuppressant. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic kidney disease, and it is inhibited by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). We aimed to evaluate if geraniol, which can modulate both PPARγ and Wnt signaling, could protect against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats (6 groups) received the vehicle or a combination of CsA (30 mg/kg) with the vehicle, geraniol (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), or the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone for 4 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), markers of renal injury (serum urea, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary NAG), oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase), inflammation (ICAM-1, IL-18, and NF-κB), apoptosis (caspase-3), extracellular matrix remodeling [matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)], and fibrosis (TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7) were assessed. Renal histological analysis, Wnt signaling components (Wnt-4/β-catenin and E-cadherin), and PPARγ expression were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

CsA group had renal injury, as well as increased BP, renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. The latter changes were associated with altered renal architecture, active Wnt signaling (higher Wnt-4 and β-catenin expression and E-cadherin down-regulation), and lower PPARγ levels. Geraniol protected against kidney damage and the associated biochemical and histomorphological changes in a dose-dependent manner. The latter effects were comparable or superior to those of pioglitazone.

SIGNIFICANCE

The down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and the increase in PPARγ by geraniol suggest that both pathways are involved in its renoprotective potential. The study highlights geraniol as a valuable protective asset against chemically induced nephrotoxicity.

OM-MSCs Alleviate the Golgi Apparatus Stress Response following Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the PEDF-PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

The mechanism of Golgi apparatus (GA) stress responses mediated by GOLPH3 has been widely studied in ischemic stroke, and the neuroprotection effect of olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cells (OM-MSCs) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has been preliminarily presented. However, the exact role of OM-MSCs in the GA stress response following cerebral IRI remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we used an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model and reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to simulate cerebral IRI in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that the level of GOLPH3 protein, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Ca²⁺ was upregulated, SPCA1 level was downregulated, and GA fragmentation was increased in ischemic stroke models, and OM-MSC treatment clearly ameliorated these GA stress responses in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the knockdown of PEDF in OM-MSCs using PEDF-specific siRNA further demonstrated that secretion of PEDF in OM-MSCs protected OGD/R-treated N2a cells and MCAO rats from GA stress response. Additionally, rescue experiment using specific pathway inhibitors suggested that OM-MSCs could promote the phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby mitigating OGD/R-induced GA stress response and excessive autophagy. In conclusion, OM-MSCs minimized the GA stress response following cerebral IRI, at least partially, through the PEDF-PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Protective Effects of Anthocyanins Extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum on 661W Cells Against Microwave-Induced Retinal Damage

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of anthocyanins extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum (VU) on retinal 661W cells against microwave radiation induced retinal injury.

METHODS

661W cells were divided into 6 groups, including control, model [661W cells radiated by microwave (30 mW/cm², 1 h)] and VU groups [661W cells pretreated with anthocyanins extracted from VU (25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively) for 48 h, and radiated by microwave 30 mW/cm², 1 h]. After treatment with different interventions, the cell apoptosis index (AI) was determined using Heochst staining; contents of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutataione (GSH), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of HO-1 protein was examined by Western blot analysis. Nucleus and cytoplasm were separated and Nrf2 protein expression was further verified by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in AI among the groups (F=322.83, P<;0.05). Compared with the control group, AI was significantly higher in the model group and was lower in 4 VU-pretreated groups (P<;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed the decline of AI was in a dose-dependent manner with VU treatment (r=0.8419, P<;0.05). The MDA and GSH contents of 661W cells in VU-treated groups were significantly lower than the model group (P<;0.05). Compared with the model group, the SOD activity in the VU-treated groups (50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) was significantly higher (all P<;0.05). The Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expressions were slightly increased after irradiation, and obviously increased in 100 µg/mL VU-treated group. After irradiation, the relative expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 proteins in nucleus were slightly increased (P<;0.05), and the changes in cytoplasm were not obvious, whereas it was significantly increased in both nucleus and cytoplasm in the VU treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthocyanins extracted from VU could reduce apoptosis, stabilize cell membrane, and alleviate oxidant injury of mouse retinal photoreceptor 661W cells. The mechanism might be through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and inducing HO-1 transcription and translation.

Geraniol Averts Methotrexate-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and MAPK/NF-κB Pathways

Objectives: Geraniol, a natural monoterpene, is an essential oil component of many plants. Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite drug, used for cancer and autoimmune conditions; however, clinical uses of methotrexate are limited by its concomitant renal injury. This study investigated the efficacy of geraniol to prevent methotrexate-induced acute kidney injury and via scrutinizing the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1, P38MAPK/NF-κB and Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3 and -9 pathways. Methods: Male Wister rats were allocated into five groups: control, geraniol (orally), methotrexate (IP), methotrexate and geraniol (100 and 200 mg/kg). Results: Geraniol effectively reduced the serum levels of creatinine, urea and Kim-1 with an increase in the serum level of albumin when compared to the methotrexate-treated group. Geraniol reduced Keap1, escalated Nrf2 and HO-1, enhanced the antioxidant parameters GSH, SOD, CAT and GSHPx and reduced MDA and NO. Geraniol decreased renal P38 MAPK and NF-κB and ameliorated the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10. Geraniol negatively regulated the apoptotic mediators Bax and caspase-3 and -9 and increased Bcl2. All the biochemical findings were supported by the alleviation of histopathological changes in kidney tissues. Conclusion: The current findings support that co-administration of geraniol with methotrexate may attenuate methotrexate-induced acute kidney injury.

Protective Role of Sarpogrelate in Combination with Bromocriptine and Cabergoline for Treatment of Diabetes in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Although dopamine D2 receptor agonists, bromocriptine and cabergoline, are notable medications in the treatment of Parkinsonism, hyperprolactinemia, and hyperglycemia, there is an identified relationship between the utilization of D2-like R agonists and the progress of myocardial injury, especially in the early phase of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

This investigation aimed to examine the potential activity of sarpogrelate (a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A [5-HT2A] receptor blocker) in reducing myocardial injury prompted by extended haul utilization of D2 receptor agonists in a model of diabetic rats.

METHODS

In the in vivo studies, both bromocriptine and cabergoline were managed independently and combined with sarpogrelate for about a month in diabetic nephropathy rats. Blood glucose level and other myocardial biochemical parameters were estimated. The probable mechanism for insulin secretagogue action was evaluated through in vitro isolated islets study. Sodium/potassium-adenosine triphosphatase activity was assayed in an isolated microsomal fraction of the renal cortex. Isolated perfused rat hearts were treated with different doses of dopamine before and after being subjected to the tested drugs, dose response of heart rate, and heart contractility were recorded.

RESULTS

Bromocriptine and cabergoline created a significant reduction in blood glucose level without any action on insulin secretagogues. Bromocriptine prevented the loss of sodium/potassium-adenosine triphosphatase activity in the cortex of an ischemic kidney. Treatment of bromocriptine or cabergoline with sarpogrelate altogether decreased the levels of the elevated myocardial biomarkers in serum. Administration of different doses of dopamine in presence of bromocriptine or capergoline resulted in significantly rising in the heart rate percentage comparing to dopamine alone. A mix of bromocriptine or cabergoline with sarpogrelate diminished both heart rate and contractility, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The examination demonstrated that the combined use of sarpogrelate with bromocriptine or cabergoline decreased the potential adverse effects of these 2 drugs on myocardial tissues.

Protective Effects of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. and Its Bioactive Compounds on Cardiovascular Organs

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The long-term aim of cardiovascular disease therapy is to reduce the mortality rate and decelerate the progression of cardiovascular organ damage. Current therapies focus on recovering heart function and reducing risk factors such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. However, oxidative stress and inflammation are important causes of further damage to cardiovascular organs. Caesalpinia sappan Linn. (Fabaceae), a flowering tree native to tropical Asia, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a natural dye to color food and beverages and as a traditional treatment for diarrhea, diabetes, and blood stasis. The phytochemical compounds in C. sappan, mainly the homoisoflavonoids brazilin, sappanone A, protosappanin, and hematoxylin, can potentially be used to protect cardiovascular organs. This review aims to provide updates on recent developments in research on C. sappan in relation to treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have reported protective effects of the plant’s bioactive compounds that reduce cardiac damage and enhance vasorelaxation. For example, brazilin and sappanone A have an impact on molecular and cellular changes in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, mainly by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic signaling pathways. Therefore, bioactive compounds of C. sappan have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents to combat cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and vascular disease. This review could help further the understanding of the possible modulatory role of the compounds in cardiovascular diseases, thereby facilitating future studies.

Preclinical and Clinical Antioxidant Effects of Natural Compounds against Oxidative Stress-Induced Epigenetic Instability in Tumor Cells

ROS (reactive oxygen species) are produced via the noncomplete reduction in molecular oxygen in the mitochondria of higher organisms. The produced ROS are placed in various cell compartments, such as the mitochondria, cytoplasm, and endoplasmic reticulum. In general, there is an equilibrium between the synthesis of ROS and their reduction by the natural antioxidant defense system, called the redox system. Therefore, when this balance is upset, the excess ROS production can affect different macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and sugars, which can lead to an electronic imbalance than oxidation of these macromolecules. Recently, it has also been shown that ROS produced at the cellular level can affect different signaling pathways that participate in the stimulation of transcription factors linked to cell proliferation and, consequently, to the carcinogenesis process. Indeed, ROS can activate the pathway of tyrosine kinase, MAP kinase, IKK, NF-KB, phosphoinositol 3 phosphate, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The activation of these signaling pathways directly contributes to the accelerated proliferation process and, as a result, the appearance of cancer. In addition, the use of antioxidants, especially natural ones, is now a major issue in the approach to cancer prevention. Some natural molecules, especially phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants, have now shown interesting preclinical and clinical results.

Geraniol isolated from lemon grass to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Geraniol, a natural monoterpene, is a component of many plant essential oils. It contains many medicinal and pharmacological properties. Doxorubicin is an anticancer drug; however, its clinical usage is limited due to its cumulative and dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study investigates geraniol as a protective agent against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and explores possible underlying mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five groups. Groups 1 and 2 were administered saline and geraniol 200 mg/kg/day/orally, respectively, for 15 days. Group 3 was administered intraperitoneal doxorubicin (5 mg/kg/IP on the 5th, 10th and 15th days to achieve a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg) to induce cardiotoxicity. The fourth and fifth groups were treated with either geraniol 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg orally and doxorubicin to equal the doxorubicin dose administered to Group 3.

RESULTS

Treatment with geraniol significantly ameliorated cardiac damage and restored serum cardiac injury marker levels in doxorubicin treated animals. Geraniol upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, elevated total antioxidant capacity, decreased the nuclear accumulation of kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), decreased the phosphorylation and degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα), suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels, and restored the levels of Bax and caspase-3 and 9 in heart tissue.

CONCLUSION

Geraniol may function as a potential activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which subsequently improves Nrf2-dependent antioxidative signaling, diminishes apoptosis and subdues the inflammatory response. The downstream result is protection of the heart from doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Effects of nerol on paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats

Nerol, a monoterpene is evident to possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, anthelmintic, and anti-arrhythmias. This study aims to evaluate its hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in a rat model. Five groups of rats (n = 7) were orally treated (once daily) with 0.05% tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution (vehicle), paracetamol 640 mg/kg (negative control), 50 mg/kg silymarin (positive control), or nerol (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 14 days, followed by the hepatotoxicity induction using paracetamol (PCM). The blood samples and livers of the animals were collected and subjected to biochemical and microscopical analysis. The histological findings suggest that paracetamol caused lymphocyte infiltration and marked necrosis, whereas maintenance of the normal hepatic structural was observed in group pre-treated with silymarin and nerol. The rats pre-treated with nerol significantly and dose-dependently reduced the hepatotoxic markers in animals. Nerol at 100 mg/kg significantly reversed the paracetamol-induced altered situations, including the liver enzymes, plasma proteins, antioxidant enzymes and serum bilirubin, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cholesterol [e.g., total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)] levels in animals. Taken together, nerol exerted significant hepatoprotective activity in rats in a dose-dependent manner. PCM-induced toxicity and nerol induced hepatoprotective effects based on expression of inflammatory and apoptosis factors will be future line of work for establishing the precise mechanism of action of nerol in Wistar albino rats.

Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: an active principle of nanoemulsion against Enterococcus faecalis root canal biofilm

Aim: The objective was to formulate and characterize the nanoemulsion based on Cymbopogon citratus oil, intended for use in infected teeth root canal therapy. The investigation of the antioxidant and antibiofilm potential toward Enterococcus faecalis was aimed as well. Materials & methods: Characterization of oil (by GC/MS analysis) and nanoemulsion (by dynamic light scattering instrument), and determination of antibacterial (by microdilution assay), antibiofilm (by crystal violet assay) and antioxidant properties (by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and thiobarbituric acid assay methods) were provided. Antibiofilm efficacy of irrigation procedure including nanoemulsion was screened on extracted teeth (by CFU-counting assay). Results: Notable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, both against forming and preformed biofilms of oil, was observed. Irrigation involved nanoemulsion showed remarkable antibiofilm potential. Both substances induced some antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Results encourage further research with the aim of application of the nanoemulsion in dental practice.

Geraniol improved memory impairment and neurotoxicity induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles in male wistar rats through its antioxidant effect

AIMS

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are currently applied in food and pharmaceutical industries whose neurotoxic effect on the central nervous system (CNS) is a major concern. Considering the pharmacological properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) of the geraniol (GE), we aimed to investigate the efficacy of geraniol on ZnO-NPs neurotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 32 male Wistar rats, randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8): Control, GE (daily received 100 mg/kg of GE by gavage), ZnO-NPs (received intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs twice a week), and ZnO-NPs + GE (received both GE and ZnO-NPs at same doses above during 4 weeks). Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tasks were done to evaluate learning and memory function. Biochemical assays were done to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and ZnO-NPs bioaccumulation. Nissl and H&E staining were performed for histological evaluations.

KEY FINDINGS

The results of behavioral study revealed that GE improved learning and memory impairment induced by ZnO-NPs. Moreover, neuroprotective effect of GE significantly decreased pathological parameters such as necrosis and gliosis, and consequently increased the number of nerve cells in the cortex and different hippocampal areas. Furthermore, biochemical studies demonstrated that GE significantly increased antioxidant indices (namely, TAC, SOD, and GPX) and reduced oxidative stress marker (MDA) and Zn bioaccumulation in ZnO-NPs treated animals.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results provide experimental evidence to further investigate the precise mechanisms underlying the geraniol as a promising therapeutic approach for improvement of cognitive function and neurotoxicity induce by ZnO-NPs.

Cyclovirobuxine D Induces Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Damage in Glioblastoma Cells Through ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Translocation of Cofilin

Background

Cyclovirobuxine D (CVBD), a steroidal alkaloid, has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-cancer effect of CVBD on glioblastoma (GBM) has seldom been investigated. This study explores the activity of CVBD in inducing apoptosis of GBM cells, and examines the related mechanism in depth.

Methods

GBM cell lines (T98G, U251) and normal human astrocytes (HA) were treated with CVBD. Cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay, and cell proliferation was evaluated by cell colony formation counts. Apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide were measured by flow cytometry. All protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting. JC-1 and CM-H₂DCFDA probes were used to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change and intracellular ROS generation, respectively. The cell ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Colocalization of cofilin and mitochondria were determined by immunofluorescence assay.

Results

CVBD showed a greater anti-proliferation effect on the GBM cell lines, T98G and U251, than normal human astrocytes in dose- and time-dependent manners. CVBD induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in GBM cells. We found that CVBD led to mitochondrial translocation of cofilin. Knockdown of cofilin attenuated CVBD-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, the generation of ROS and mitochondrial superoxide was also induced by CVBD in a dose-dependent manner. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and mitoquinone (MitoQ) pre-treatment reverted CVBD-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. MitoQ pretreatment was able to block the mitochondrial translocation of cofilin caused by CVBD.

Conclusions

Our data revealed that CVBD induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in GBM cells. The underlying mechanism is related to mitochondrial translocation of cofilin caused by mitochondrial oxidant stress.