The Hormesis Concept: Strengths and Shortcomings

Environmentally relevant concentrations of benzophenones exposure disrupt intestinal homeostasis, impair the intestinal barrier, and induce inflammation in mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the adverse effects of benzophenones (BPs) on the intestinal tract of mice and the potential mechanism. F1-generation ICR mice were exposed to BPs (benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, and benzophenone-3) by breastfeeding from birth until weaning, and by drinking water after weaning until maturity. The offspring mice were executed on postnatal day 56, then their distal colons were sampled. AB-PAS staining, HE staining, immunofluorescence, Transmission Electron Microscope, immunohistochemistry, Western Blot and RT-qPCR were used to study the effects of BPs exposure on the colonic tissues of offspring mice. The results showed that colonic microvilli appeared significantly deficient in the high-dose group, and the expression of tight junction markers Zo-1 and Occludin was significantly down-regulated and the number of goblet cells and secretions were reduced in all dose groups, and the expression of secretory cell markers MUC2 and KI67 were decreased, as well as the expression of intestinal stem cell markers Lgr5 and Bmi1, suggesting that BPs exposure caused disruption of intestinal barrier and imbalance in the composition of the intestinal stem cell pool. Besides, the expression of cellular inflammatory factors such as macrophage marker F4/80 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α was elevated in the colonic tissues of all dose groups, and the inflammatory infiltration was observed, which means the exposure of BPs caused inflammatory effects in the intestinal tract of F1-generation mice. In addition, the contents of Notch/Wnt signaling pathway-related genes, such as Dll-4, Notch1, Hes1, Ctnnb1and Sfrp2 were significantly decreased in each high-dose group (P < 0.05), suggesting that BPs may inhibit the regulation of Notch/Wnt signaling pathway. In conclusion, exposure to BPs was able to imbalance colonic homeostasis, disrupt the intestinal barrier, and trigger inflammation in the offspring mice, which might be realized through interfering with the Notch/Wnt signaling pathway.

Mediterranean Dietary Pattern for Healthy and Active Aging: A Narrative Review of an Integrative and Sustainable Approach

The global population is on a trajectory of continuous growth, with estimates projecting an increase from 7.7 billion in 2019 to approximately 9.7 billion by 2050. Longevity is also expected to rise rapidly, with advancements in healthcare contributing to increased life expectancies and an increase in the maximum lifespan. The aging process is accompanied by different changes, often leading to a decline in daily life activities and an increased susceptibility to disease. Age-related changes can cause cellular damage and subsequent cellular death. Oxidative stress and inflammation play significant roles in this process contributing to molecular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Active aging has been associated with improved quality of life and a reduced risk of morbidity and premature mortality. In this context, the Mediterranean diet has emerged as a promising approach to promoting healthy aging and sustainability. The phytochemical compounds within the Mediterranean diet have been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The findings of peer-reviewed articles regarding the use of the Mediterranean diet as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern written in Portuguese, Spanish or English were included in this narrative literature review. This dietary pattern's emphasis on the consumption of fresh and local food aligns with both health and environmental sustainability goals. This work provides a comprehensive review of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and its components in a healthy aging process and highlights the importance of this dietary pattern as a sustainable approach.

Toxicological effects and mechanisms of lithium on growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant system in the freshwater microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis

The growing prevalence of lithium (Li) batteries has drawn public attention to Li as an emerging pollutant. The present study investigates the toxicity of Li+ on Chromochloris zofingiensis, examining physiological, biochemical and omics aspects. Results reveal hormesis effects of Li+ on C. zofingiensis growth. At Li+ concentrations below 5 mg L-1, Li+ can enhance chlorophyll content, mitochondrial activity, and antioxidant capacity, leading to increased dry cell weight and cell number. Conversely, when it exceeded 10 mg L-1, Li+ can reduce chlorophyll content, induce oxidative stress, and disrupt chloroplast and mitochondria structure and function, ultimately impeding cell growth. In addition, under 50 mg L-1 Li+ stress, microalgae optimize absorbed light energy use (increasing Fv/Fm and E TR ) and respond to stress by up-regulating genes in starch and lipid biosynthesis pathways, promoting the accumulation of storage components. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicates that peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase, GTPase and L-ascorbate oxidase might be the key regulators in response to Li+ stress. This research marks the toxic effects and molecular mechanisms of Li+ on freshwater microalga, which would improve our understanding of Li's toxicology and contributing to the establishment of Li pollution standards.

Protective efficacy of Nerium oleander extract on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Men with diabetes frequently experience spermatogenic dysfunction, which is the most significant sign that diabetes has harmed their ability to reproduce. The effect of various doses of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander leaves on the pituitary-gonadal axis, sperm motility and number, antioxidant system, changes in testicular tissue structure, and spermatogenesis in healthy and diabetic rats has been examined in the current study. Eighty male rats that had been streptozotocin-induced diabetic and healthy were divided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) Nerium (50 mg/kg), (3) Nerium (100 mg/kg), (4) Nerium (200 mg/kg), (5) DM (6) DM+Nerium (50 mg/kg), (7) DM+Nerium (100 mg/kg) and (8) DM+Nerium (200 mg/kg) and were administered orally for 48 days consecutive. Following the studies, analysis of the testicular tissues' antioxidant capacity as well as sperm parameters, Johnsen's scoring and morphometric evaluation, histology, biochemical and stereology studies were performed.The outcomes showed that Nerium 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably enhanced the testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and reproductive organs to varying degrees in diabetic rats. After Nerium 50 mg/kg administration, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) levels in the testicular tissue were increased whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly decreased. Nerium may help protect against diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in male rats by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in lower dosages.

Co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and triclosan induces synergistic cytotoxicity in human KGN granulosa cells by promoting reactive oxygen species accumulation

In recent years, nanoplastics (NPs) and triclosan (TCS, a pharmaceutical and personal care product) have emerged as environmental pollution issues, and their combined presence has raised widespread concern regarding potential risks to organisms. However, the combined toxicity and mechanisms of NPs and TCS remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of polystyrene NPs and TCS and their mechanisms on KGN cells, a human ovarian granulosa cell line. We exposed KGN cells to NPs (150 μg/mL) and TCS (15 μM) alone or together for 24 hours. Co-exposure significantly reduced cell viability. Compared with exposure to NPs or TCS alone, co-exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Interestingly, co-exposure to NPs and TCS produced synergistic effects. We examined the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), two antioxidant enzymes; it was significantly decreased after co-exposure. We also noted an increase in the lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) after co-exposure. Furthermore, co-exposure to NPs and TCS had a more detrimental effect on mitochondrial function than the individual treatments. Co-exposure activated the NRF2-KEAP1-HO-1 antioxidant stress pathway. Surprisingly, the expression of SESTRIN2, an antioxidant protein, was inhibited by co-exposure treatments. Co-exposure to NPs and TCS significantly increased the autophagy-related proteins LC3B-II and LC3B-Ⅰ and decreased P62. Moreover, co-exposure enhanced CASPASE-3 expression and inhibited the BCL-2/BAX ratio. In summary, our study revealed the synergistic toxic effects of NPs and TCS in vitro exposure. Our findings provide insight into the toxic mechanisms associated with co-exposure to NPs and TCS to KGN cells by inducing oxidative stress, activations of the NRF2-KEAP1-HO-1 pathway, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Enemies or Allies? Hormetic and Apparent Non-Dose-Dependent Effects of Natural Bioactive Antioxidants in the Treatment of Inflammation

This review aims to analyze the emerging number of studies on biological media that describe the unexpected effects of different natural bioactive antioxidants. Hormetic effects, with a biphasic response depending on the dose, or activities that are apparently non-dose-dependent, have been described for compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, ferulic acid or linoleic acid, among others. The analysis of the reported studies confirms the incidence of these types of effects, which should be taken into account by researchers, discarding initial interpretations of imprecise methodologies or measurements. The incidence of these types of effects should enhance research into the different mechanisms of action, particularly those studied in the field of basic research, that will help us understand the causes of these unusual behaviors, depending on the dose, such as the inactivation of the signaling pathways of the immune defense system. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in biological media should be addressed in ways that go beyond a mere statistical approach. In this work, some of the research pathways that may explain the understanding of these activities are revised, paying special attention to the ability of the selected bioactive compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, ferulic acid and linoleic acid) to form metal complexes and the activity of these complexes in biological media.