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Althobaiti NA. Heavy metals exposure and Alzheimer's disease: Underlying mechanisms and advancing therapeutic approaches. Behav Brain Res 2024; 476:115212. [PMID: 39187176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic are prevalent in the environment due to both natural and anthropogenic sources, leading to significant public health concerns. These heavy metals are known to cause damage to the nervous system, potentially leading to a range of neurological conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study examines the complex relationship between heavy metal exposure and AD, focusing on the underlying mechanisms of toxicity and potential therapeutic approaches. This review article highlights how these metals can impair brain function through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter disruption, ultimately contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like AD. It also addresses the challenges in diagnosing heavy metal-induced cognitive impairments and emphasizes the need for further research to explore effective treatment strategies and preventive measures against heavy metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Althobaiti
- Biology Department, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.
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Abdolmaleki A, Karimian A, Khoshnazar SM, Asadi A, Samarein ZA, Smail SW, Bhattacharya D. The role of Nrf2 signaling pathways in nerve damage repair. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae080. [PMID: 38799411 PMCID: PMC11116835 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein, Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a transitory protein that acts as a transcription factor and is involved in the regulation of many cytoprotective genes linked to xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant responses. Based on the existing clinical and experimental data, it can be inferred that neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by an excessive presence of markers of oxidative stress (OS) and a reduced presence of antioxidant defense systems in both the brain and peripheral tissues. The presence of imbalances in the homeostasis between oxidants and antioxidants has been recognized as a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The dysregulations include several cellular processes such as mitochondrial failure, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation. These dysregulations all contribute to the disruption of proteostasis in neuronal cells, leading to their eventual mortality. A noteworthy component of Nrf2, as shown by recent research undertaken over the last decade, is to its role in the development of resistance to OS. Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in regulating systems that defend against OS. Extant research offers substantiation for the protective and defensive roles of Nrf2 in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of Nrf2 on OS and its function in regulating antioxidant defense systems within the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we evaluate the most recent academic inquiries and empirical evidence about the beneficial and potential role of certain Nrf2 activator compounds within the realm of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Aida Karimian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Highway, Mustafa Khomeini Boulevard, Ibn Sina, Kerman, 9986598, Iran
| | - Asadollah Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Zahra Akhavi Samarein
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, PO Box: 179, Ardabil, 11367-56199, Iran
| | - Shukur Wasman Smail
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 1235897, Iraq
| | - Deepak Bhattacharya
- Ph.D., Policy, Nursing, At Fight-Cancer at Home, Medicinal Toxicology & QC, Sri Radha Krishna Raas Mandir, KedarGouri Road, Bhubaneswar, Odisa 751002, India
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Jin X, Dong W, Chang K, Yan Y. Research on the signaling pathways related to the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in Parkinson's disease:A literature review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117850. [PMID: 38331124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117850] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of Daergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been reported that signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, while the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been found to possess a protective effect against PD. TCM has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of DA neurons via the regulation of signaling pathways associated with PD. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study discussed and analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of PD and the mechanism of active ingredients of TCM regulating PD via signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS With "Parkinson's disease", "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease", "Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease", "Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson's disorders", "Parkinsonism syndrome", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "active ingredients", "medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval. RESULTS PD exhibits a close association with various signaling pathways, including but not limited to MAPKs, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, TLR/TRIF, NLRP3, Notch. The therapeutic potential of TCM lies in its ability to regulate these signaling pathways. In addition, the active ingredients of TCM have shown significant effects in improving OS, neuroinflammation, and DA neuron apoptosis in PD. CONCLUSION The active ingredients of TCM have unique advantages in regulating PD-related signaling pathways. It is suggested to combine network pharmacology and bioinformatics to study the specific targets of TCM. This not only provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of PD with the active ingredients of TCM, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection and development of TCM preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wendi Dong
- Foshan Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Kaile Chang
- Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Yongmei Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China.
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Tan J, Zhu H, Zeng Y, Li J, Zhao Y, Li M. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds in Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. Neuroscience 2024; 546:118-142. [PMID: 38574799 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.03.032] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common and fatal cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity, mortality and very poor prognosis worldwide. SAH can induce a complex series of pathophysiological processes, and the main factors affecting its prognosis are early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The pathophysiological features of EBI mainly include intense neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction and brain edema, while DCI is characterized by delayed onset ischemic neurological deficits and cerebral vasospasm (CVS). Despite much exploration in people to improve the prognostic outcome of SAH, effective treatment strategies are still lacking. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that natural compounds of plant origin have unique neuro- and vascular protective effects in EBI and DCI after SAH and long-term neurological deficits, which mainly include inhibition of inflammatory response, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, and improvement of blood-brain barrier and cerebral vasospasm. The aim of this paper is to systematically explore the processes of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in SAH, and to summarize natural compounds as potential targets for improving the prognosis of SAH and their related mechanisms of action for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacong Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Huaxin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yanyang Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Jiawei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yeyu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Xiang Y, Song X, Long D. Ferroptosis regulation through Nrf2 and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:579-615. [PMID: 38265475 PMCID: PMC10861688 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the background knowledge of ferroptosis in the nervous system, as well as the key role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating ferroptosis. The article takes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the starting point to explore the close association between Nrf2 and ferroptosis, which is of clear and significant importance for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) based on oxidative stress (OS). Accumulating evidence links ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of NDs. As the disease progresses, damage to the antioxidant system, excessive OS, and altered Nrf2 expression levels, especially the inhibition of ferroptosis by lipid peroxidation inhibitors and adaptive enhancement of Nrf2 signaling, demonstrate the potential clinical significance of Nrf2 in detecting and identifying ferroptosis, as well as targeted therapy for neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights and possibilities for the treatment and prevention of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiang
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingxin Long
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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Xiao YC, Chen FE. The vinyl sulfone motif as a structural unit for novel drug design and discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:239-251. [PMID: 37978948 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2284201] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vinyl sulfones are a special sulfur-containing structural unit that have attracted considerable attention, owing to their important role in serving as key structural motifs of various biologically active compounds as well as serving as versatile building blocks for organic transformations. The synthetic strategy of vinyl sulfone derivatives has been substantially upgraded over the past 30 years, and the wide application of this functional group in drug design and discovery has been promoted. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors review the application of vinyl sulfones in drug discovery and select optimized compounds which might have significant impact or potential inspiration for drug design. EXPERT OPINION Vinyl sulfones have been reported to target various macromolecular targets via non-covalent or covalent interactions, including multiple kinases, tubulin, cysteine protease, transcription factor, and so on. Thus, it has been significantly applied as a privileged scaffold in the design of anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. However, much work remains to be done to improve the drug-like properties, such as chemical and metabolic stability, ADME, and toxicity. Besides, the chemical space of vinyl sulfones needs to be expanded, including but not limited to the design of constrained endocyclic and exocyclic vinyl sulfones.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Glorieux C, Enríquez C, González C, Aguirre-Martínez G, Buc Calderon P. The Multifaceted Roles of NRF2 in Cancer: Friend or Foe? Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:70. [PMID: 38247494 PMCID: PMC10812565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play vital roles in various normal cellular processes, whereas excessive ROS generation is central to disease pathogenesis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a critical transcription factor that regulates the cellular antioxidant systems in response to oxidative stress by governing the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes that shield cells from diverse oxidative alterations. NRF2 and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) have been the focus of numerous investigations in elucidating whether NRF2 suppresses tumor promotion or conversely exerts pro-oncogenic effects. NRF2 has been found to participate in various pathological processes, including dysregulated cell proliferation, metabolic remodeling, and resistance to apoptosis. Herein, this review article will examine the intriguing role of phase separation in activating the NRF2 transcriptional activity and explore the NRF2 dual impacts on tumor immunology, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). Taken together, this review aims to discuss the NRF2 multifaceted roles in both cancer prevention and promotion while also addressing the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations associated with modulating NRF2 therapeutically in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Cinthya Enríquez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Programa de Magister en Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Constanza González
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Aguirre-Martínez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
- Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Tonev D, Momchilova A. Oxidative Stress and the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Certain Exogenous and Endogenous Nrf2 Activators and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17223. [PMID: 38139050 PMCID: PMC10743556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that, in genetically susceptible subjects, T lymphocytes undergo activation in the peripheral compartment, pass through the BBB, and cause damage in the CNS. They produce pro-inflammatory cytokines; induce cytotoxic activities in microglia and astrocytes with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other highly reactive radicals; activate B cells and macrophages and stimulate the complement system. Inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved from the very beginning of the disease. They can both be affected by oxidative stress (OS) with different emphases depending on the time course of MS. Thus, OS initiates and supports inflammatory processes in the active phase, while in the chronic phase it supports neurodegenerative processes. A still unresolved issue in overcoming OS-induced lesions in MS is the insufficient endogenous activation of the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which under normal conditions plays an essential role in mitochondria protection, OS, neuroinflammation, and degeneration. Thus, the search for approaches aiming to elevate endogenous Nrf2 activation is capable of protecting the brain against oxidative damage. However, exogenous Nrf2 activators themselves are not without drawbacks, necessitating the search for new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to modulate OS. The purpose of the present review is to provide some relevant preclinical and clinical examples, focusing on certain exogenous and endogenous Nrf2 activators and the modulation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The increased plasma levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in response to TPE treatment of MS patients suggest their antioxidant potential for endogenous Nrf2 enhancement via NGF/TrkA/PI3K/Akt and NGF/p75NTR/ceramide-PKCζ/CK2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Tonev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital “Tzaritza Yoanna—ISUL”, Medical University of Sofia, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Momchilova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Science, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Chan SC, Tung CW, Lin CW, Tung YS, Wu PM, Cheng PH, Chen CM, Yang SH. miR-196a provides antioxidative neuroprotection via USP15/Nrf2 regulation in Huntington's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 209:292-300. [PMID: 37907121 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.10.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of mutant Huntingtin protein (mHTT) and oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage. Based on previous reports, microRNA-196a (miR-196a) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target due to its neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether miR-196a functions through antioxidative effects is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that HD models, both in vitro and in vivo, exhibit elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased neuronal death, and miR-196a mitigates ROS levels and reduces cell death in HD cells. Moreover, we elucidated that miR-196a facilitates the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus, enhancing the transcription of antioxidant genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We further identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15), a direct target of miR-196a related to the Nrf2 pathway, and USP15 exacerbates mHTT aggregate formation while partially counteracting miR-196a-induced reductions in mHTT levels. Taken together, these findings shed light on the multifaceted role of miR-196a in HD, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic avenue for ameliorating oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Chin Chan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Tung
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lin
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shiuan Tung
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Po-Min Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Cheng
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
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Fang Q, Bai Y, Hu S, Ding J, Liu L, Dai M, Qiu J, Wu L, Rao X, Wang Y. Unleashing the Potential of Nrf2: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1978. [PMID: 38001831 PMCID: PMC10669195 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular remodeling, characterized by the thickening of all three layers of the blood vessel wall, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite the approval of several drugs for PH treatment, their long-term therapeutic effect remains unsatisfactory, as they mainly focus on vasodilation rather than addressing vascular remodeling. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of PH. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a vital transcription factor that regulates endogenous antioxidant defense and emerges as a novel regulator of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Growing evidence has suggested an involvement of Nrf2 and its downstream transcriptional target in the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Pharmacologically targeting Nrf2 has demonstrated beneficial effects in various diseases, and several Nrf2 inducers are currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the exact potential and mechanism of Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in PH remain unknown. Thus, this review article aims to comprehensively explore the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with PH. Additionally, we provide a summary of Nrf2 inducers that have shown therapeutic potential in addressing the underlying vascular remodeling processes in PH. Although Nrf2-related therapies hold great promise, further research is necessary before their clinical implementation can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Fang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqing Hu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Meiyan Dai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lujin Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoquan Rao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.F.); (Y.B.); (S.H.); (J.D.); (L.L.); (M.D.); (J.Q.); (L.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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11
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Bourdakou MM, Fernández-Ginés R, Cuadrado A, Spyrou GM. Drug repurposing on Alzheimer's disease through modulation of NRF2 neighborhood. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102881. [PMID: 37696195 PMCID: PMC10500459 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102881] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of cognitive decline. The alarming epidemiological features of Alzheimer's disease, combined with the high failure rate of candidate drugs tested in the preclinical phase, impose more intense investigations for new curative treatments. NRF2 (Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2) plays a critical role in the inflammatory response and in the cellular redox homeostasis and provides cytoprotection in several diseases including those in the neurodegeneration spectrum. These roles suggest that NRF2 and its directly associated proteins may be novel attractive therapeutic targets in the fight against AD. In this study, through a systemics perspective, we propose an in silico drug repurposing approach for AD, based on the NRF2 interactome and regulome, with the aim of highlighting possible repurposed drugs for AD. Using publicly available information based on differential expressions of the NRF2-neighborhood in AD and through a computational drug repurposing pipeline, we derived to a short list of candidate repurposed drugs and small molecules that affect the expression levels of the majority of NRF2-partners. The relevance of these findings was assessed in a four-step computational meta-analysis including i) structural similarity comparisons with currently ongoing NRF2-related drugs in clinical trials ii) evaluation based on the NRF2-diseasome iii) comparison of relevance between targeted pathways of shortlisted drugs and NRF2-related drugs in clinical trials and iv) further comparison with existing knowledge on AD and NRF2-related drugs in clinical trials based on their known modes of action. Overall, our analysis yielded in 5 candidate repurposed drugs for AD. In cell culture, these 5 candidates activated a luciferase reporter for NRF2 activity and in hippocampus derived TH22 cells they increased NRF2 protein levels and the NRF2 transcriptional signatures as determined by increased expression of its downstream target heme oxygenase 1. We expect that our proposed candidate repurposed drugs will be useful for further research and clinical translation for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena M Bourdakou
- Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Raquel Fernández-Ginés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" UAM-CSIC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - George M Spyrou
- Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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12
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Valgimigli L. Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Protection. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1291. [PMID: 37759691 PMCID: PMC10526874 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid peroxidation (LP) is the most important type of oxidative-radical damage in biological systems, owing to its interplay with ferroptosis and to its role in secondary damage to other biomolecules, such as proteins. The chemistry of LP and its biological consequences are reviewed with focus on the kinetics of the various processes, which helps understand the mechanisms and efficacy of antioxidant strategies. The main types of antioxidants are discussed in terms of structure-activity rationalization, with focus on mechanism and kinetics, as well as on their potential role in modulating ferroptosis. Phenols, pyri(mi)dinols, antioxidants based on heavy chalcogens (Se and Te), diarylamines, ascorbate and others are addressed, along with the latest unconventional antioxidant strategies based on the double-sided role of the superoxide/hydroperoxyl radical system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Valgimigli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti 85, 40129 Bologna, Italy
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13
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Marghani BH, Rezk S, Ateya AI, Alotaibi BS, Othman BH, Sayed SM, Alshehri MA, Shukry M, Mansour MM. The Effect of Cerebrolysin in an Animal Model of Forebrain Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury: New Insights into the Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/Antioxidant Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12080. [PMID: 37569457 PMCID: PMC10418386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Forebrain ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury causes neurological impairments due to decreased cerebral autoregulation, hypoperfusion, and edema in the hours to days following the restoration of spontaneous circulation. This study aimed to examine the protective and/or therapeutic effects of cerebrolysin (CBL) in managing forebrain IR injury and any probable underlying mechanisms. To study the contribution of reperfusion to forebrain injury, we developed a transient dual carotid artery ligation (tDCAL/IR) mouse model. Five equal groups of six BLC57 mice were created: Group 1: control group (no surgery was performed); Group 2: sham surgery (surgery was performed without IR); Group 3: tDCAL/IR (surgery with IR via permanently ligating the left CA and temporarily closing the right CA for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 72 h); Group 4: CBL + tDCAL/IR (CBL was given intravenously at a 60 mg/kg BW dose 30 min before IR); and Group 5: tDCAL/IR + CBL (CBL was administered i.v. at 60 mg/kg BW three hours after IR). At 72 h following IR, the mice were euthanized. CBL administration 3 h after IR improved neurological functional recovery, enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, alleviated apoptotic neuronal death, and inhibited reactive microglial and astrocyte activation, resulting in neuroprotection after IR injury in the tDCAL/IR + CBL mice group as compared to the other groups. Furthermore, CBL reduced the TLRs/NF-kB/cytokines while activating the Keap1/Nrf2/antioxidant signaling pathway. These results indicate that CBL may improve neurologic function in mice following IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma H. Marghani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Salman International University, El Tor 46612, Egypt
| | - Shaymaa Rezk
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I. Ateya
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Badriyah S. Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma H. Othman
- Medical Experimental Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Samy M. Sayed
- Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt;
- Department of Science and Technology, Ranyah University College, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ali Alshehri
- Biology Department, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mustafa Shukry
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed M. Mansour
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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14
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Cores Á, Carmona-Zafra N, Clerigué J, Villacampa M, Menéndez JC. Quinones as Neuroprotective Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37508002 PMCID: PMC10376830 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Quinones can in principle be viewed as a double-edged sword in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, since they are often cytoprotective but can also be cytotoxic due to covalent and redox modification of biomolecules. Nevertheless, low doses of moderately electrophilic quinones are generally cytoprotective, mainly due to their ability to activate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and thus induce the expression of detoxifying enzymes. Some natural quinones have relevant roles in important physiological processes. One of them is coenzyme Q10, which takes part in the oxidative phosphorylation processes involved in cell energy production, as a proton and electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and shows neuroprotective effects relevant to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additional neuroprotective quinones that can be regarded as coenzyme Q10 analogues are idobenone, mitoquinone and plastoquinone. Other endogenous quinones with neuroprotective activities include tocopherol-derived quinones, most notably vatiquinone, and vitamin K. A final group of non-endogenous quinones with neuroprotective activity is discussed, comprising embelin, APX-3330, cannabinoid-derived quinones, asterriquinones and other indolylquinones, pyrroloquinolinequinone and its analogues, geldanamycin and its analogues, rifampicin quinone, memoquin and a number of hybrid structures combining quinones with amino acids, cholinesterase inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia Carmona-Zafra
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Clerigué
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Villacampa
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Materni A, Pasquale C, Longo E, Frosecchi M, Benedicenti S, Bozzo M, Amaroli A. Prevention of Dry Socket with Ozone Oil-Based Gel after Inferior Third Molar Extraction: A Double-Blind Split-Mouth Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040289. [PMID: 37102901 PMCID: PMC10137763 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tooth extraction is followed by a sequence of elaborate local changes affecting hard and soft tissues. Dry socket (DS) can occur as intense pain around and in the extraction site, with an incidence from 1–4% after generic tooth extraction to 45% for mandibular third molars. Ozone therapy has gained attention in the medical field because of its success in the treatment of various diseases, its biocompatible properties and its fewer side effects or discomfort than drugs. To investigate the preventive effect of the sunflower oil-based ozone gel Ozosan® (Sanipan srl, Clivio (VA), Italy) on DS, a double-blind split-mouth randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted according to the CONSORT guidelines. Ozosan® or the placebo gel were put in the socket, and the gels were washed off 2 min later. In total, 200 patients were included in our study. The patient population comprised 87 Caucasian males and 113 Caucasian females. The mean age of the included patients was 33.1 ± 12.4 years. Ozosan reduced the incidence of DS after inferior third molar extraction from 21.5% of the control to 2% (p < 0.001). Concerning the dry socket epidemiology, the incidence was not significantly correlated with gender, smoking or mesioangular, vertical or distoangular Winter’s classification. Post hoc power calculation showed a power of 99.8% for this data, with alpha = 0.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Materni
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pasquale
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Longo
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Frosecchi
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Benedicenti
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amaroli
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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16
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Egbujor MC, Tucci P, Onyeije UC, Emeruwa CN, Saso L. NRF2 Activation by Nitrogen Heterocycles: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:2751. [PMID: 36985723 PMCID: PMC10058096 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062751] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Several nitrogen heterocyclic analogues have been applied to clinical practice, and about 75% of drugs approved by the FDA contain at least a heterocyclic moiety. Thus, nitrogen heterocycles are beneficial scaffolds that occupy a central position in the development of new drugs. The fact that certain nitrogen heterocyclic compounds significantly activate the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and upregulate the expression of NRF2-dependent genes, especially HO-1 and NQO1, underscores the need to study the roles and pharmacological effects of N-based heterocyclic moieties in NRF2 activation. Furthermore, nitrogen heterocycles exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. NRF2-activating molecules have been of tremendous research interest in recent times due to their therapeutic roles in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress-mediated diseases. A comprehensive review of the NRF2-inducing activities of N-based heterocycles and their derivatives will broaden their therapeutic prospects in a wide range of diseases. Thus, the present review, as the first of its kind, provides an overview of the roles and effects of nitrogen heterocyclic moieties in the activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway underpinning their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in several diseases, their pharmacological properties and structural-activity relationship are also discussed with the aim of making new discoveries that will stimulate innovative research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melford C. Egbujor
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Rhema University Nigeria, Aba 453115, Nigeria
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Ugomma C. Onyeije
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420007, Nigeria
| | | | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Vittorio Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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17
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The Potential of Flavonoids and Flavonoid Metabolites in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Pathology in Disorders of Cognitive Decline. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030663. [PMID: 36978911 PMCID: PMC10045397 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are a biodiverse family of dietary compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial cell protective profiles. They have received considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in biomedicine and have been widely used in traditional complimentary medicine for generations. Such complimentary medical herbal formulations are extremely complex mixtures of many pharmacologically active compounds that provide a therapeutic outcome through a network pharmacological effects of considerable complexity. Methods are emerging to determine the active components used in complimentary medicine and their therapeutic targets and to decipher the complexities of how network pharmacology provides such therapeutic effects. The gut microbiome has important roles to play in the generation of bioactive flavonoid metabolites retaining or exceeding the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the intact flavonoid and, in some cases, new antitumor and antineurodegenerative bioactivities. Certain food items have been identified with high prebiotic profiles suggesting that neutraceutical supplementation may be beneficially employed to preserve a healthy population of bacterial symbiont species and minimize the establishment of harmful pathogenic organisms. Gut health is an important consideration effecting the overall health and wellbeing of linked organ systems. Bioconversion of dietary flavonoid components in the gut generates therapeutic metabolites that can also be transported by the vagus nerve and systemic circulation to brain cell populations to exert a beneficial effect. This is particularly important in a number of neurological disorders (autism, bipolar disorder, AD, PD) characterized by effects on moods, resulting in depression and anxiety, impaired motor function, and long-term cognitive decline. Native flavonoids have many beneficial properties in the alleviation of inflammation in tissues, however, concerns have been raised that therapeutic levels of flavonoids may not be achieved, thus allowing them to display optimal therapeutic effects. Dietary manipulation and vagal stimulation have both yielded beneficial responses in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety, establishing the vagal nerve as a route of communication in the gut-brain axis with established roles in disease intervention. While a number of native flavonoids are beneficial in the treatment of neurological disorders and are known to penetrate the blood–brain barrier, microbiome-generated flavonoid metabolites (e.g., protocatechuic acid, urolithins, γ-valerolactones), which retain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of the native flavonoid in addition to bioactive properties that promote mitochondrial health and cerebrovascular microcapillary function, should also be considered as potential biotherapeutic agents. Studies are warranted to experimentally examine the efficacy of flavonoid metabolites directly, as they emerge as novel therapeutic options.
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Barak T, Miller O, Melamed S, Tietel Z, Harari M, Belausov E, Elmann A. Neuroprotective Effects of Pulicaria incisa Infusion on Human Neuroblastoma Cells and Hippocampal Neurons. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010032. [PMID: 36670894 PMCID: PMC9854488 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress increase susceptibility to neurodegeneration and other age-related pathologies. We have previously demonstrated that an infusion prepared from Pulicaria incisa (Pi) has protective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects in glial cells. However, the neuroprotective activities of Pi infusion in cultured neurons and aging mice have never been studied. In the following study, the effects of Pi infusion were explored in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Profiling of the infusion by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and aucubin as some of its main constituents. H2O2-induced ROS accumulation and caspase 3 activity decreased SH-SY5Y viability and were prevented upon the pretreatment of cells with Pi infusion. Additionally, the Pi infusion upregulated cellular levels and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as well as the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Aging mice treated daily for 18 months with Pi infusion exhibited reduced neuronal cell death in the hippocampus as compared to age-matched controls. We, therefore, propose Pi infusion as a candidate regulator of oxidative stress in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talya Barak
- Department of Food Science, The Volcani Institute Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Oshrat Miller
- Department of Food Science, The Volcani Institute Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sarit Melamed
- Department of Food Science, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Gilat 853110, Israel
| | - Zipora Tietel
- Department of Food Science, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Gilat 853110, Israel
| | - Moti Harari
- The Southern Arava Research and Development, Hevel Eilot 88820, Israel
| | - Eduard Belausov
- The Institute of Plant Sciences, Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Anat Elmann
- Department of Food Science, The Volcani Institute Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-968-3516
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Hu F, Li F, Zheng Z, Sun-Waterhouse D, Wang Z. Surfactant-Mediated Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Purification of Antioxidants from Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai for Chemical- and Cell-Based Antioxidant Capacity Evaluation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227970. [PMID: 36432081 PMCID: PMC9698517 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a surfactant-mediated ultrasonic-assisted process was used for the first time to produce an antioxidant-enriched extract from Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai (C. speciosa, a popular fruit grown widely in the temperate regions of China). Ultrasonic treatment at 51 °C and 200 W for 30 min with sodium dodecyl sulfate as the surfactant led to a phenolic yield of 32.42 mg/g from dried C. speciosa powder, based on single-factor experiments, the Plackett-Burman design and the Box-Behnken design. The phenolic content increased from 6.5% (the crude extract) to 57% (the purified extract) after the purification, using LSA-900C macroporous resin. Both the crude and purified extracts exhibited a significant total reducing power and DPPH/ABTS scavenging abilities, with the purified extract being more potent. The purified extract exerted significant antioxidant actions in the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated HepG2 cells, e.g., increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, while decreasing the reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, through the regulation of the genes and proteins of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Therefore, the extract from C. speciosa is a desirable antioxidant agent for the oxidative damage of the body to meet the rising demand for natural therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxia Hu
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control in Shandong Province, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control in Shandong Province, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Zhenjia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control in Shandong Province, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Dongxiao Sun-Waterhouse
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control in Shandong Province, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (D.S.-W.); (Z.W.); Tel.: +86-053-882-460-07 (Z.W.)
| | - Zhaosheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control in Shandong Province, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
- Correspondence: (D.S.-W.); (Z.W.); Tel.: +86-053-882-460-07 (Z.W.)
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20
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The Effects of Six Weeks of Endurance Training and CGRP Inhibition on Nrf2 and AKT Expression in the Hippocampal Tissue of Male Wistar Rats. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:1610293. [PMID: 36091668 PMCID: PMC9453092 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1610293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the effects of a six-week endurance training protocol and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibition on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and protein kinase B (PKB) or AKT expression in the hippocampal tissue of male Wistar rats. Main Methods. Building on a controlled experimental design with a posttest, 28 healthy Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7 per group), including control, control+CGRP inhibition, endurance training, and endurance training+CGRP inhibition groups. The training groups were trained for six weeks. Rats in the CGRP inhibition group received CGRP receptor antagonist daily (0.25 mg/kg) via intravenous (IV) injection. The Nrf2 and AKT (PKB) expression was measured using the real-time PCR technique. Results In the endurance training group, Nrf2 expression in the hippocampal tissue was increased significantly more than in other groups (P < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in the AKT expression in the endurance training group compared to the control group (P = 0.048) and in the endurance training+CGRP inhibition compared to the control group (P = 0.012). In addition, there was no significant relationship between AKT (PKB) and Nrf2 (r = −0.27, n = 28, P = 0.16). Conclusion Endurance training alone has been able to increase Nrf2 and AKT (PKB) mRNA levels in the hippocampal tissue, considering that endurance training had no significant effect on AKT and Nrf2 expression after adding to CGRP inhibition.
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Egbujor MC, Buttari B, Profumo E, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Saso L. An Overview of NRF2-Activating Compounds Bearing α,β-Unsaturated Moiety and Their Antioxidant Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8466. [PMID: 35955599 PMCID: PMC9369284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The surge of scientific interest in the discovery of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 (NFE2)-Related Factor 2 (NRF2)-activating molecules underscores the importance of NRF2 as a therapeutic target especially for oxidative stress. The chemical reactivity and biological activities of several bioactive compounds have been linked to the presence of α,β-unsaturated structural systems. The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl, sulfonyl and sulfinyl functional groups are reportedly the major α,β-unsaturated moieties involved in the activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway. The carbonyl, sulfonyl and sulfinyl groups are generally electron-withdrawing groups, and the presence of the α,β-unsaturated structure qualifies them as suitable electrophiles for Michael addition reaction with nucleophilic thiols of cysteine residues within the proximal negative regulator of NRF2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1). The physicochemical property such as good lipophilicity of these moieties is also an advantage because it ensures solubility and membrane permeability required for the activation of the cytosolic NRF2/KEAP1 system. This review provides an overview of the reaction mechanism of α,β-unsaturated moiety-bearing compounds with the NRF2/KEAP1 complex, their pharmacological properties, structural activity-relationship and their effect on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. As the first of its kind, this review article offers collective and comprehensive information on NRF2-activators containing α,β-unsaturated moiety with the aim of broadening their therapeutic prospects in a wide range of oxidative stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melford Chuka Egbujor
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Rhema University Nigeria, Aba 453115, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Profumo
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (E.P.)
| | | | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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22
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Soni D, Kumar P. GSK-3β-mediated regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of movement disorders. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:557-569. [PMID: 35882765 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are neurological conditions characterized by involuntary motor movements, such as dystonia, ataxia, chorea myoclonus, tremors, Huntington's disease (HD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). It is classified into two categories: hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movements. Globally, movement disorders are a major cause of death. The pathophysiological process is initiated by excessive ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitters imbalance that lead to motor dysfunction in PD and HD patients. Several endogenous targets including Nrf2 maintain oxidative balance in the body. Activation of Nrf2 signaling is regulated by the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β). In the cytoplasm, inhibition of GSK-3β regulates cellular proliferation, homeostasis, and apoptotic process by stimulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) pathway which is involved in the elevation of the cellular antioxidant enzymes which controls the ROS generation. The activation of Nrf2 increases the expression of antioxidant response elements (ARE), such as (Hemeoxygenase-1) HO-1, which decreases excessive cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and neuronal degeneration, which is the major cause of motor dysfunction. The present review explores the GSK-3β-mediated neuroprotection in various movement disorders through the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. This review provides a link between GSK-3β and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the treatment of PD and HD. In addition to that it highlights various GSK-3β inhibitors and the Nrf2/HO-1 activators, which exert robust neuroprotection against motor disorders. Therefore, the present review will help in the discovery of new therapy for PD and HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Soni
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India.
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23
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Zhou Y, Zhen Y, Wang G, Liu B. Deconvoluting the Complexity of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:910427. [PMID: 35756499 PMCID: PMC9218067 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.910427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are becoming a serious public health concern as the world’s population continues to age, demanding the discovery of more effective therapies. Excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can result in oxidative stress (OS), which can be regarded as one of the common causes of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing the consequences of ROS NDs, while taking the four prevalent NDs as examples, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD), to illustrate the key signaling pathways and relevant drugs. Together, these findings may shed new light on a field in which ROS-related pathways play a key role; thereby setting the groundwork for the future therapeutic development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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24
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Phyllostachys nigra Variety Henosis, a Domestic Bamboo Species, Protects PC12 Cells from Oxidative Stress-mediated Cell Injury through Nrf2 Activation. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-021-0395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Francesca F, Caitlin A, Sarah L, Robyn GL. Antroquinonol administration in animal preclinical studies for Alzheimer's disease (AD): A new avenue for modifying progression of AD pathophysiology. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 21:100435. [PMID: 35252893 PMCID: PMC8892093 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rise of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in an ageing population, no cure is currently available for this disorder. This study assessed the role of a natural compound, Antroquinonol, in modifying the progression of AD when administered at the start and/or before appearance of symptoms and when the disease was well established, in a transgenic animal model. Antroquinonol was administered daily for 8 weeks, in 11 week (early stage) and 9 month (late stage) male transgenic mice (3 times Transgenic mice PS1M146V, APPSwe, and tauP301L, 3 Tg XAD) and their respective aged controls. Behavioural testing (including Elevated Plus Maze Watermaze, Recognition object testing and Y maze) was performed at the end of the drug administration. In addition AD biomarkers (Amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42), tau and phospho-tau levels), oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, were assessed in tested mice brains after their sacrifice at the end of the treatment. When administered before the start of symptoms at 11 weeks, Antroquinonol treatment at 34 mg/kg (D2) and more consistently at 75 mg/kg (D3), had a significant effect on reducing systemic inflammatory markers (Interleukin 1, IL-1β and TNF-α) and AD biomarker (Amyloid Beta 42, Aβ42 and tau) levels in the brain. The reduction of behavioural impairment reported for 3TgXAD mice was observed significantly for the D3 drug dose only and for all behavioural tests, when administered at 11 weeks. Similarly, beneficial effects of Antroquinonol (at higher dose D3) were noted in the transgenic mice in terms of AD biomarkers (tau and phosphorylated-tau), systemic inflammatory (IL-1β), brain anti-inflammatory (Nrf2) and oxidative (3-Nitrotyrosine, 3NT) markers. Improvement of memory impairment was also reported when Antroquinonol (D3) was administered at late stage (9 months). Since Antroquinonol has been used without adverse effects in previous successful clinical trials, this drug may offer a new avenue of treatment to modify AD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernandez Francesca
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, Queensland, 4014, Australia
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine, Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Aust Caitlin
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, Queensland, 4014, Australia
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine, Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lye Sarah
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, Queensland, 4014, Australia
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine, Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Griffiths Lyn Robyn
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine, Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Corresponding author. Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health Genomics Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
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26
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Boccuto L, Mitz A, Abenavoli L, Sarasua SM, Bennett W, Rogers C, DuPont B, Phelan K. Phenotypic Variability in Phelan–McDermid Syndrome and Its Putative Link to Environmental Factors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030528. [PMID: 35328081 PMCID: PMC8950073 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a multi-systemic disorder characterized by both genetic and phenotypic variability. Genetic abnormalities causing PMS span from pathogenic variants of the SHANK3 gene to chromosomal rearrangements affecting the 22q13 region and leading to the loss of up to over nine megabases. The clinical presentation of individuals with PMS includes intellectual disability, neonatal hypotonia, delayed or absent speech, developmental delay, and minor dysmorphic facial features. Several other features may present with differences in age of onset and/or severity: seizures, autism, regression, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, renal disorders, dysplastic toenails, and disrupted thermoregulation. Among the causes of this phenotypic variability, the size of the 22q13 deletion has effects that may be influenced by environmental factors interacting with haploinsufficiency or hemizygous variants of certain genes. Another mechanism linking environmental factors and phenotypic variability in PMS involves the loss of one copy of genes like BRD1 or CYP2D6, located at 22q13 and involved in the regulation of genomic methylation or pharmacokinetics, which are also influenced by external agents, such as diet and drugs. Overall, several non-mutually exclusive genetic and epigenetic mechanisms interact with environmental factors and may contribute to the clinical variability observed in individuals with PMS. Characterization of such factors will help to better manage this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-864-6561437
| | - Andrew Mitz
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Sara M. Sarasua
- Healthcare Genetics Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - William Bennett
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Indiana University School of Medicine/Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Curtis Rogers
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (C.R.); (B.D.)
| | - Barbara DuPont
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (C.R.); (B.D.)
| | - Katy Phelan
- Genetics Laboratory, Florida Cancer Specialists &Research Institute, Fort Myers, FL 33916, USA;
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27
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Arslanbaeva L, Bisaglia M. Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for ALS Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:1471. [PMID: 35268572 PMCID: PMC8911691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal disease that causes motoneurons degeneration and functional impairment of voluntary muscles, with limited and poorly efficient therapies. Alterations in the Nrf2-ARE pathway are associated with ALS pathology and result in aberrant oxidative stress, making the stimulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we first introduce the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and the role played by astrocytes in modulating such a protective pathway. We then describe the currently developed activators of Nrf2, used in both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, taking into consideration their potentialities as well as the possible limitations associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Bisaglia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Center Study for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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28
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Martín-Cámara O, Arribas M, Wells G, Morales-Tenorio M, Martín-Requero Á, Porras G, Martínez A, Giorgi G, López-Alvarado P, Lastres-Becker I, Menéndez JC. Multitarget Hybrid Fasudil Derivatives as a New Approach to the Potential Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1867-1882. [PMID: 34985276 PMCID: PMC9132363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid compounds containing structural fragments of the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil and the NRF2 inducers caffeic and ferulic acids were designed with the aid of docking and molecular mechanics studies. Following the synthesis of the compounds using a peptide-coupling methodology, they were characterized for their ROCK2 inhibition, radical scavenging, effects on cell viability (MTT assay), and NRF2 induction (luciferase assay). One of the compounds (1d) was selected in view of its good multitarget profile and good tolerability. It was able to induce the NRF2 signature, promoting the expression of the antioxidant response enzymes HO-1 and NQO1, via a KEAP1-dependent mechanism. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels of the NRF2 pathway showed that 1d induced the NRF2 signature in control and SOD1-ALS lymphoblasts but not in sALS, where it was already increased in the basal state. These results show the therapeutic potential of this compound, especially for ALS patients with a SOD1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Arribas
- Instituto
de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”
UAM-CSIC, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, and Institute
Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Geoffrey Wells
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Morales-Tenorio
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gracia Porras
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giorgio Giorgi
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Instituto
de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”
UAM-CSIC, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, and Institute
Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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29
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Jiang M, Xie H, Zhang C, Wang T, Tian H, Lu L, Xu JY, Xu GT, Liu L, Zhang J. Enhancing fractalkine/CX3CR1 signalling pathway can reduce neuroinflammation by attenuating microglia activation in experimental diabetic retinopathy. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1229-1244. [PMID: 35023309 PMCID: PMC8831940 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been extended from microvascular disease to neurovascular disease in which microglia activation plays a remarkable role. Fractalkine (FKN)/CX3CR1 is reported to regulate microglia activation in central nervous system diseases. To characterize the effect of FKN on microglia activation in DR, we employed streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, glyoxal‐treated R28 cells and hypoxia‐treated BV2 cells to mimic diabetic conditions and explored retinal neuronal apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the expressions of FKN, Iba‐1, TSPO, NF‐κB, Nrf2 and inflammation‐related cytokines. The results showed that FKN expression declined with diabetes progression and in glyoxal‐treated R28 cells. Compared with normal control, retinal microglia activation and inflammatory factors surged in both diabetic rat retinas and hypoxia‐treated microglia, which was largely dampened by FKN. The NF‐κB and Nrf2 expressions and intracellular ROS were up‐regulated in hypoxia‐treated microglia compared with that in normoxia control, and FKN significantly inhibited NF‐κB activation, activated Nrf2 pathway and decreased intracellular ROS. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that FKN deactivated microglia via inhibiting NF‐κB pathway and activating Nrf2 pathway, thus to reduce the production of inflammation‐related cytokines and ROS, and protect the retina from diabetes insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Ying Xu
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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30
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Enantioselective Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Aza-CGP37157–Lipoic Acid Hybrids for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010112. [PMID: 35052616 PMCID: PMC8772772 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrids based on an aza-analogue of CGP37157, a mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger antagonist, and lipoic acid were obtained in order to combine in a single molecule the antioxidant and NRF2 induction properties of lipoic acid and the neuroprotective activity of CGP37157. The four possible enantiomers of the hybrid structure were synthesized by using as the key step a fully diastereoselective reduction induced by Ellman’s chiral auxiliary. After computational druggability studies that predicted good ADME profiles and blood–brain permeation for all compounds, the DPPH assay showed moderate oxidant scavenger capacity. Following a cytotoxicity evaluation that proved the compounds to be non-neurotoxic at the concentrations tested, they were assayed for NRF2 induction capacity and for anti-inflammatory properties and measured by their ability to inhibit nitrite production in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cell model. Moreover, the compounds were studied for their neuroprotective effect in a model of oxidative stress achieved by treatment of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with the rotenone–oligomycin combination and also in a model of hyperphosphorylation induced by treatment with okadaic acid. The stereocenter configuration showed a critical influence in NRF2 induction properties, and also in the neuroprotection against oxidative stress experiment, leading to the identification of the compound with S and R configuration as an interesting hit with a good neuroprotective profile against oxidative stress and hyperphosphorylation, together with a relevant anti-neuroinflammatory activity. This interesting multitarget profile will be further characterized in future work.
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31
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Chang HH, Sun DS. Emerging role of the itaconate-mediated rescue of cellular metabolic stress. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:134-138. [PMID: 35465285 PMCID: PMC9020237 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_79_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic regulations play vital roles on maintaining the homeostasis of our body. Evidence have suggested that ATF3 and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) are critical for maintaining cell function, metabolism, and inflammation/anti-inflammation regulations when cells are under stress, while the upstream regulators in the stressed cells remain elusive. Recent findings have shown that tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites such as itaconate and succinate are not just mitochondrial metabolites, but rather important signaling mediators, involving in the regulations of metabolism, immune modulation. Itaconate exerts anti-inflammatory role through regulating ATF3 and NRF2 pathways under stressed conditions. In addition, itaconate inhibits succinate dehydrogenase, succinate oxidation and thus blocking succinate-mediated inflammatory processes. These findings suggest itaconate-ATF3 and itaconate-NRF2 axes are well-coordinated machineries that facilitate the rescue against cellular stress. Here, we review these fascinating discoveries, a research field may help the development of more effective therapeutic approach to manage stress-induced inflammation, tissue damage, and metabolic disorder.
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32
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Curcumin-Piperlongumine Hybrids with a Multitarget Profile Elicit Neuroprotection in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010028. [PMID: 35052532 PMCID: PMC8773050 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin shows a broad spectrum of activities of relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, it is poorly absorbed and is also chemically and metabolically unstable, leading to a very low oral bioavailability. A small library of hybrid compounds designed as curcumin analogues and incorporating the key structural fragment of piperlongumine, a natural neuroinflammation inhibitor, were synthesized by a two-step route that combines a three-component reaction between primary amines, β-ketoesters and α-haloesters and a base-promoted acylation with cinnamoyl chlorides. These compounds were predicted to have good oral absorption and CNS permeation, had good scavenging properties in the in vitro DPPH experiment and in a cellular assay based on the oxidation of dichlorofluorescin to a fluorescent species. The compounds showed low toxicity in two cellular models, were potent inductors of the Nrf2-ARE phase II antioxidant response, inhibited PHF6 peptide aggregation, closely related to Tau protein aggregation and were active against the LPS-induced inflammatory response. They also afforded neuroprotection against an oxidative insult induced by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with the rotenone-oligomycin A combination and against Tau hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. This multitarget pharmacological profile is highly promising in the development of treatments for AD and provides a good hit structure for future optimization efforts.
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Qiu Z, He J, Shao G, Hu J, Li X, Zhou H, Li M, Yang B. Obacunone Retards Renal Cyst Development in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease by Activating NRF2. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010038. [PMID: 35052542 PMCID: PMC8773305 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010038] [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: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disease characterized by progressive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, which has become the fourth leading cause of end-stage renal diseases. Currently, treatment options for ADPKD remain limited. The purpose of this study was to discover an effective therapeutic drug for ADPKD. With virtual screening, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cyst model, embryonic kidney cyst model and kidney-specific Pkd1 knockout mouse (PKD) model, we identified obacunone as a candidate compound for ADPKD drug discovery from a natural antioxidant compound library. In vitro experiments showed that obacunone significantly inhibited cyst formation and expansion of MDCK cysts and embryonic kidney cysts in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, obacunone treatment significantly reduced the renal cyst development in PKD mice. Western blot and morphological analysis revealed that obacunone served as a NRF2 activator in ADPKD, which suppressed lipid peroxidation by up-regulating GPX4 and finally restrained excessive cell proliferation by down-regulating mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. Experimental data demonstrated obacunone as an effective renal cyst inhibitor for ADPKD, indicating that obacunone might be developed into a therapeutic drug for ADPKD treatment.
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Wang Y, Gao L, Chen J, Li Q, Huo L, Wang Y, Wang H, Du J. Pharmacological Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway as a Therapeutic Target of Parkinson's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:757161. [PMID: 34887759 PMCID: PMC8650509 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.757161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder featuring both motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Genetic and environmental factors can produce OS, which has been implicated as a core contributor to the initiation and progression of PD through the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) orchestrates activation of multiple protective genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which protects cells from OS. Nrf2 has also been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and modulate both mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Recently, a series of studies have reported that different bioactive compounds were shown to be able to activate Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) and can ameliorate PD-associated neurotoxin, both in animal models and in tissue culture. In this review, we briefly overview the sources of OS and the association between OS and the pathogenesis of PD. Then, we provided a concise overview of Nrf2/ARE pathway and delineated the role played by activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in PD. At last, we expand our discussion to the neuroprotective effects of pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 by bioactive compounds and the potential application of Nrf2 activators for the treatment of PD. This review suggests that pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by bioactive compounds is a therapeutic target of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Luyan Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, The Fourth Central Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, The Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Liang Huo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanchao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jichen Du
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
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Parga JA, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Garcia-Garrote M, Rodriguez-Pallares J, Labandeira-Garcia JL. NRF2 Activation and Downstream Effects: Focus on Parkinson's Disease and Brain Angiotensin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111649. [PMID: 34829520 PMCID: PMC8614768 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signalling molecules used to regulate cellular metabolism and homeostasis. However, excessive ROS production causes oxidative stress, one of the main mechanisms associated with the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. NRF2 (Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Like 2) is a transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular response to oxidative stress. The regulation of NRF2 signalling has been shown to be a promising strategy to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration associated to Parkinson's disease. The NRF2 pathway has been shown to be affected in patients with this disease, and activation of NRF2 has neuroprotective effects in preclinical models, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this pathway. In this review, we highlight recent advances regarding the regulation of NRF2, including the effect of Angiotensin II as an endogenous signalling molecule able to regulate ROS production and oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons. The genes regulated and the downstream effects of activation, with special focus on Kruppel Like Factor 9 (KLF9) transcription factor, provide clues about the mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process as well as future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Parga
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.R.-P.); (M.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, CIMUS, Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/ San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.P.); (J.L.L.-G.)
| | - Ana I. Rodriguez-Perez
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.R.-P.); (M.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, CIMUS, Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/ San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Garcia-Garrote
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.R.-P.); (M.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, CIMUS, Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/ San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jannette Rodriguez-Pallares
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.R.-P.); (M.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, CIMUS, Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/ San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jose L. Labandeira-Garcia
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.R.-P.); (M.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, CIMUS, Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/ San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.P.); (J.L.L.-G.)
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Bono S, Feligioni M, Corbo M. Impaired antioxidant KEAP1-NRF2 system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: NRF2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34663413 PMCID: PMC8521937 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species and, together with other numerous pathological mechanisms, leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MAIN BODY Two of the main players in the molecular and cellular response to OS are NRF2, the transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and its principal negative regulator, KEAP1, Kelch-like ECH (erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology)-associated protein 1. Here we first provide an overview of the structural organization, regulation, and critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in counteracting OS, with a focus on its alteration in ALS. We then examine several compounds capable of promoting NRF2 activity thereby inducing cytoprotective effects, and which are currently in different stages of clinical development for many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS Although challenges associated with some of these compounds remain, important advances have been made in the development of safer and more effective drugs that could actually represent a breakthrough for fatal degenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
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Farina M, Vieira LE, Buttari B, Profumo E, Saso L. The Nrf2 Pathway in Ischemic Stroke: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:5001. [PMID: 34443584 PMCID: PMC8399750 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke, characterized by the sudden loss of blood flow in specific area(s) of the brain, is the leading cause of permanent disability and is among the leading causes of death worldwide. The only approved pharmacological treatment for acute ischemic stroke (intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) has significant clinical limitations and does not consider the complex set of events taking place after the onset of ischemic stroke (ischemic cascade), which is characterized by significant pro-oxidative events. The transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates the expression of a great number of antioxidant and/or defense proteins, has been pointed as a potential pharmacological target involved in the mitigation of deleterious oxidative events taking place at the ischemic cascade. This review summarizes studies concerning the protective role of Nrf2 in experimental models of ischemic stroke, emphasizing molecular events resulting from ischemic stroke that are, in parallel, modulated by Nrf2. Considering the acute nature of ischemic stroke, we discuss the challenges in using a putative pharmacological strategy (Nrf2 activator) that relies upon transcription, translation and metabolically active cells in treating ischemic stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Brazil;
| | - Leonardo Eugênio Vieira
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Brazil;
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Profumo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Ali T, Khan A, Alam SI, Ahmad S, Ikram M, Park JS, Lee HJ, Kim MO. Cadmium, an Environmental Contaminant, Exacerbates Alzheimer's Pathology in the Aged Mice's Brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:650930. [PMID: 34248598 PMCID: PMC8263901 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.650930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant, which is a potential risk factor in the progression of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we have assessed the effects of chronic administration of Cd on cellular oxidative stress and its associated Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies in animal models. Two groups of mice were used, one group administered with saline and the other with Cd (1 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneally) for 3 months. After behavioral studies, molecular/biochemical (Immunoblotting, ELISAs, ROS, LPO, and GSH assays) and morphological analyses were performed. We observed an exacerbation of memory and synaptic deficits in chronic Cd-injected mice. Subacute and chronic Cd escalated reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed the master antioxidant enzymes, e.g., nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1, and evoked the stress kinase phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 signaling pathways, which may escalate AD pathologies possibly associated with amyloidogenic processes. These findings suggest the regulation of oxidative stress/ROS and its associated amyloid beta pathologies for targeting the Cd-exacerbated AD pathogenesis. In addition, these preclinical animal studies represent a paradigm for epidemiological studies of the human population exposed to chronic and subacute administration of Cd, suggesting avoiding environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Ali
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Amjad Khan
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Sayed Ibrar Alam
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Sareer Ahmad
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Jun Sung Park
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Jin Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21 Four), College of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
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Behl T, Kaur I, Sehgal A, Singh S, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Zengin G, Bumbu AG, Andronie-Cioara FL, Nechifor AC, Gitea D, Bungau AF, Toma MM, Bungau SG. The Footprint of Kynurenine Pathway in Neurodegeneration: Janus-Faced Role in Parkinson's Disorder and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6737. [PMID: 34201647 PMCID: PMC8268239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of neurons and aggravation of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta results in the loss of dopamine in the brain of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Numerous therapies, exhibiting transient efficacy have been developed; however, they are mostly accompanied by side effects and limited reliability, therefore instigating the need to develop novel optimistic treatment targets. Significant therapeutic targets have been identified, namely: chaperones, protein Abelson, glucocerebrosidase-1, calcium, neuromelanin, ubiquitin-proteasome system, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the kynurenine pathway (KP). The role of KP and its metabolites and enzymes in PD, namely quinolinic acid (QUIN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), 3-hydroxyanthranillic acid (3-HAA), kunurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), etc. has been reported. The neurotoxic QUIN, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist, and neuroprotective KYNA-which antagonizes QUIN actions-primarily justify the Janus-faced role of KP in PD. Moreover, KP has been reported to play a biomarker role in PD detection. Therefore, the authors detail the neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory neuroactive components, alongside the upstream and downstream metabolic pathways of KP, forming a basis for a therapeutic paradigm of the disease while recognizing KP as a potential biomarker in PD, thus facilitating the development of a suitable target in PD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ishnoor Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana 122412, India;
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, PC 616 Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa 611, Oman;
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, PC 616 Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa 611, Oman;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University Campus, Konya 42130, Turkey;
| | - Adrian Gheorghe Bumbu
- Department of Surgical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Aurelia Cristina Nechifor
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Daniela Gitea
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
| | | | - Mirela Marioara Toma
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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Bisavenathramide Analogues as Nrf2 Inductors and Neuroprotectors in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060941. [PMID: 34200859 PMCID: PMC8230565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is crucial to the outbreak and advancement of neurodegenerative diseases and is a common factor to many of them. We describe the synthesis of a library of derivatives of the 4-arylmethylen-2-pyrrolin-5-one framework by sequential application of a three-component reaction of primary amines, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and α-haloketones and a Knoevenagel condensation. These compounds can be viewed as cyclic amides of caffeic and ferulic acids, and are also structurally related to the bisavenanthramide family of natural antioxidants. Most members of the library showed low cytotoxicity and good activity as inductors of Nrf2, a transcription factor that acts as the master regulator of the antioxidant response associated with activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE). Nrf2-dependent protein expression was also proved by the significant increase in the levels of the HMOX1 and NQO1 proteins. Some compounds exerted neuroprotective properties in oxidative stress situations, such as rotenone/oligomycin-induced toxicity, and also against protein hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Compound 3i, which can be considered a good candidate for further hit-to-lead development against neurodegenerative diseases due to its well-balanced multitarget profile, was further characterized by proving its ability to reduce phosphorylated Tau levels.
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Pharmacological Protection against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060823. [PMID: 34063933 PMCID: PMC8224095 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with substantial clinical implications, including a wide range of organs such as the brain, kidneys, lungs, heart, and many others. I/R injury (IRI) occurs due to the tissue injury following the reestablishment of blood supply to ischemic tissues, leading to enhanced aseptic inflammation and stimulation of oxidative stress via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Since ROS causes membrane lipids’ peroxidation, triggers loss of membrane integrity, denaturation of proteins, DNA damage, and cell death, oxidative stress plays a critical part in I/R pathogenesis. Therefore, ROS regulation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for IRI. In this context, Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of several factors involved in the cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Numerous studies have shown the potential role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in IRI; thus, we will review the molecular aspects of Nrf2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway in I/R, and we will also highlight the recent insights into targeting this pathway as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing IRI.
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Egbujor MC, Saha S, Buttari B, Profumo E, Saso L. Activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway by natural and synthetic chalcones: a therapeutic road map for oxidative stress. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:465-480. [PMID: 33691555 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1901578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a key role in diverse gene expressions responsible for protection against oxidative stress and xenobiotics. Chalcones with a common chemical scaffold of 1,3-diaryl-2- propen-1-one, are abundantly present in nature with a wide variety of pharmacological properties. This review will discuss the interactions of natural and synthetic chalcones with Nrf2 signaling.Areas covered:Chalcones are reportedly found to activate Nrf2 signaling pathway, expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes, induce cytoprotective proteins and upregulate multidrug resistance-associated proteins. Chalcones being soft electrophiles are less prone to hostile off-target effects and unlikely to induce carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Furthermore, their low toxicity, structural diversity, feasibility in structural reorganization and the presence of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group which makes them suitable drug candidates targeting Nrf2-dependent diseases.Expert opinion:Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway plays a central role in redox signaling. However, available therapeutic agents for Nrf2 activation have limited practical applications due to their associated risks, relatively low efficacy and bioavailability. The designing and fabrication of new chemical entities with chalcone scaffold-based Michael acceptor mechanism should be aimed as potential therapeutic Nrf2 activators to target oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated diseases such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease and many more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melford Chuka Egbujor
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Profumo
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Special Issue "Role of NRF2 in Disease: Novel Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches". Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020202. [PMID: 33540503 PMCID: PMC7912791 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Mladenovic Djordjevic AN, Kapetanou M, Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic N, Todorovic S, Athanasopoulou S, Jovic M, Prvulovic M, Taoufik E, Matsas R, Kanazir S, Gonos ES. Pharmacological intervention in a transgenic mouse model improves Alzheimer's-associated pathological phenotype: Involvement of proteasome activation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 162:88-103. [PMID: 33279620 PMCID: PMC7889698 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, characterized by a progressive decline in a variety of cognitive and non-cognitive functions. The amyloid beta protein cascade hypothesis places the formation of amyloid beta protein aggregates on the first position in the complex pathological cascade leading to neurodegeneration, and therefore AD might be considered to be a protein-misfolding disease. The Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS), being the primary protein degradation mechanism with a fundamental role in the maintenance of proteostasis, has been identified as a putative therapeutic target to delay and/or to decelerate the progression of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by accumulated/aggregated proteins. The purpose of this study was to test if the activation of proteasome in vivo can alleviate AD pathology. Specifically by using two compounds with complementary modes of proteasome activation and documented antioxidant and redox regulating properties in the 5xFAD transgenic mice model of AD, we ameliorated a number of AD related deficits. Shortly after proteasome activation we detected significantly reduced amyloid-beta load correlated with improved motor functions, reduced anxiety and frailty level. Essentially, to our knowledge this is the first report to demonstrate a dual activation of the proteasome and its downstream effects. In conclusion, these findings open up new directions for future therapeutic potential of proteasome-mediated proteolysis enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra N Mladenovic Djordjevic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marianna Kapetanou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Natasa Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia; Molecular Nutrition and Health Lab, CEDOC - Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School / Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Edifício CEDOC II, Rua Câmara Pestana 6, 1150-082, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Smilja Todorovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sofia Athanasopoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635, Athens, Greece; Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Milena Jovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Prvulovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Era Taoufik
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Selma Kanazir
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Boulevard Despota Stefana, 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Efstathios S Gonos
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635, Athens, Greece.
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Luo YH, Cheng HJ, Tsai FY, Tsou TC, Lin SY, Lin P. Primary Amine Modified Gold Nanodots Regulate Macrophage Function and Antioxidant Response: Potential Therapeutics Targeting of Nrf2. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:8411-8426. [PMID: 33149584 PMCID: PMC7605661 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s268203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gold nanoparticles with high biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties have potential applications in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for nanomedicine. Nanoparticles targeting macrophages can manipulate or control immunological diseases. This study assessed the activity of dendrimer-encapsulated gold nanodots (AuNDs) with three surface modifications [ie, outfacing groups with primary amine (AuNDs-NH2), hydroxyl (AuNDs-OH), and quaternary ammonium ions (AuNDs-CH3)] regulated macrophage function and antioxidant response through Nrf2-dependent pathway. METHODS AuNDs were prepared and characterized. Intracellular distribution of AuNDs in human macrophages was observed through confocal microscopy. The activity of AuNDs was evaluated using macrophage functions and antioxidant response in the human macrophage cell line THP-1. RESULTS AuNDs-NH2 and AuNDs-CH3, but not AuNDs-OH, drove the obvious Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway in THP-1 cells. Of the three, AuNDs-NH2 considerably increased mRNA levels and antioxidant activities of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 in THP-1 cells. IL-6 mRNA and protein expression was mediated through Nrf2 activation in AuNDs-NH2-treated macrophages. Furthermore, Nrf2 activation by AuNDs-NH2 increased the phagocytic ability of THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSION AuNDs-NH2 had immunomodulatory activities in macrophages. The findings of the present work suggested that AuNDs have potential effects against chronic inflammatory diseases via the Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Hsia Luo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan City32001, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Jen Cheng
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yuan Tsai
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Chun Tsou
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yi Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
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Tanaka M, Vécsei L. Monitoring the Redox Status in Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E406. [PMID: 33053739 PMCID: PMC7599550 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, over 2.2 million people suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), a multifactorial demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS is characterized by a wide range of motor, autonomic, and psychobehavioral symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and dementia. The blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and postmortem brain samples of MS patients provide evidence on the disturbance of reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis, such as the alterations of oxidative and antioxidative enzyme activities and the presence of degradation products. This review article discusses the components of redox homeostasis, including reactive chemical species, oxidative enzymes, antioxidative enzymes, and degradation products. The reactive chemical species cover frequently discussed reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, infrequently featured reactive chemicals such as sulfur, carbonyl, halogen, selenium, and nucleophilic species that potentially act as reductive, as well as pro-oxidative stressors. The antioxidative enzyme systems cover the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) signaling pathway. The NRF2 and other transcriptional factors potentially become a biomarker sensitive to the initial phase of oxidative stress. Altered components of the redox homeostasis in MS were discussed in search of a diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and/or therapeutic biomarker. Finally, monitoring the battery of reactive chemical species, oxidative enzymes, antioxidative enzymes, and degradation products helps to evaluate the redox status of MS patients to expedite the building of personalized treatment plans for the sake of a better quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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Cai W, Zhou W, Han Z, Lei J, Zhuang J, Zhu P, Wu X, Yuan W. Master regulator genes and their impact on major diseases. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9952. [PMID: 33083114 PMCID: PMC7546222 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Master regulator genes (MRGs) have become a hot topic in recent decades. They not only affect the development of tissue and organ systems but also play a role in other signal pathways by regulating additional MRGs. Because a MRG can regulate the concurrent expression of several genes, its mutation often leads to major diseases. Moreover, the occurrence of many tumors and cardiovascular and nervous system diseases are closely related to MRG changes. With the development in omics technology, an increasing amount of investigations will be directed toward MRGs because their regulation involves all aspects of an organism’s development. This review focuses on the definition and classification of MRGs as well as their influence on disease regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwan Cai
- The Center for Heart Development, State Key Laboratory of Development Biology of Freshwater Fish, Key Laboratory of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wanbang Zhou
- College of Physical Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhe Han
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center for Precision Disease Modeling, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junrong Lei
- College of Physical Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Zhuang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiushan Wu
- The Center for Heart Development, State Key Laboratory of Development Biology of Freshwater Fish, Key Laboratory of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wuzhou Yuan
- The Center for Heart Development, State Key Laboratory of Development Biology of Freshwater Fish, Key Laboratory of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ahmad R, Khan A, Lee HJ, Ur Rehman I, Khan I, Alam SI, Kim MO. Lupeol, a Plant-Derived Triterpenoid, Protects Mice Brains against Aβ-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100380. [PMID: 32993092 PMCID: PMC7601269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that represents 60–70% of all dementia cases. AD is characterized by the formation and accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal cell loss. Further accumulation of Aβ in the brain induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic and memory dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of the natural triterpenoid lupeol in the Aβ1-42 mouse model of AD. An Intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of Aβ (3 µL/5 min/mouse) into the brain of a mouse increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, neuroinflammation, and memory and cognitive dysfunction. The oral administration of lupeol at a dose of 50 mg/kg for two weeks significantly decreased the oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and memory impairments. Lupeol decreased the oxidative stress via the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the brain of adult mice. Moreover, lupeol treatment prevented neuroinflammation by suppressing activated glial cells and inflammatory mediators. Additionally, lupeol treatment significantly decreased the accumulation of Aβ and beta-secretase-1 (BACE-1) expression and enhanced the memory and cognitive function in the Aβ-mouse model of AD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of lupeol against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity. Our findings suggest that lupeol could serve as a novel, promising, and accessible neuroprotective agent against progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-1345; Fax: +82-55-772-2656
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Michalska P, León R. When It Comes to an End: Oxidative Stress Crosstalk with Protein Aggregation and Neuroinflammation Induce Neurodegeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9080740. [PMID: 32806679 PMCID: PMC7463521 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons in the brain or spinal cord that leads to a loss of function of the affected areas. The lack of effective treatments and the ever-increasing life expectancy is raising the number of individuals affected, having a tremendous social and economic impact. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage given the high energy demand, low levels of antioxidant defenses, and high levels of metal ions. Driven by age-related changes, neurodegeneration is characterized by increased oxidative stress leading to irreversible neuronal damage, followed by cell death. Nevertheless, neurodegenerative diseases are known as complex pathologies where several mechanisms drive neuronal death. Herein we discuss the interplay among oxidative stress, proteinopathy, and neuroinflammation at the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the use of the Nrf2-ARE pathway as a potential therapeutic strategy based on these molecular mechanisms to develop transformative medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Michalska
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (R.L.); Tel.: +34-91-497-27-66 (P.M. & R.L.)
| | - Rafael León
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (R.L.); Tel.: +34-91-497-27-66 (P.M. & R.L.)
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