RETRACTED: Thymoquinone and Curcumin Defeat Aging-Associated Oxidative Alterations Induced by D-Galactose in Rats' Brain and Heart

Mitochondrial 'Birth-Death' coordinator: An intelligent hydrogen nanogenerator to enhance intervertebral disc regeneration

Currently, mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidative stress is a growing concern in degenerative diseases, notably intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Dysregulation of the balance of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) has been considered the key contributor, while it's still challenging to effectively harmonize different MQC components in a simple and biologically safe way. Hydrogen gas (H2) is a promising mitochondrial therapeutic molecule due to its bio-reductivity and diffusibility across cellular membranes, yet its relationship with MQC regulation remains unknown. Herein, we propose a mitochondrial 'Birth-Death' coordinator achieved by an intelligent hydrogen nanogenerator (Fe@HP-OD), which can sustainably release H2 in response to the unique microenvironment in degenerated IVDs. Both in vitro and in vivo results prove alleviation of cellular oxidative stress and restoration of nucleus pulposus cells function, thereby facilitating successful IVD regeneration. Significantly, this study for the first time proposes the mitochondrial 'Birth-Death' coordination mechanism: 1) attenuation of overactivated mitochondrial 'Death' process (UPRmt and unselective mitophagy); and 2) activation of Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway for mitochondrial 'Birth-Death' balance (mitochondrial biogenesis and controlled mitophagy). These pioneering findings can fill in the gaps in molecular mechanisms for H2 regulation on MQC homeostasis, and pave the way for future strategies towards restoring equilibrium of MQC system against degenerative diseases.

RETRACTED: El-Far et al. Thymoquinone and Curcumin Defeat Aging-Associated Oxidative Alterations Induced by D-Galactose in Rats' Brain and Heart. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 6839

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences retracts the article "Thymoquinone and Curcumin Defeat Aging-Associated Oxidative Alterations Induced by D-Galactose in Rats' Brain and Heart" [...].

Thymoquinone attenuates diabetes-induced hepatic damage in rat via regulation of oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory cascade with molecular docking approach

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic condition that causes organ dysfunction. The current experiment sought to determine the effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in diabetic rats prompted by streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg body weight i/p). The animals were allocated into control, TQ (50 mg/kg B.W. orally administered for 4 succeeding weeks), Diabetic, and Diabetic + TQ groups. This study confirmed that TQ preserves the levels of insulin, fasting blood glucose, HOMA β-cell indices, HbA1c %, body weight, and lipid profile substantially relative to the DC group. Furthermore, hepatic antioxidant (CAT, GSH, and T-SOD) values were reduced. Conversely, the enzymatic activity of liver functions (AST, ALT, ALP, cytochrome P450, and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase), lipid peroxidation (MDA), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory marker (CRP) enhanced with STZ administration, which is substantially restored after TQ treatment. Relative to the diabetic rats, TQ reestablished the hepatic architectural changes and collagen fibers. Additionally, TQ downregulated the intensity of the immunohistochemical staining of pro-apoptotic marker (caspase-3), p53, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins in hepatic tissues. Furthermore, TQ displayed abilities to interact and inhibit the binding site of caspase-3, interleukin-6 receptor, interleukin-1 receptor type 1, TNF receptor superfamily member 1A, and TNF receptor superfamily member 1B in rats following the molecular docking modeling. All these data re-establish the liver functions, antioxidant enzymes, anti-inflammatory markers, and anti-apoptotic proteins impacts of TQ in STZ-induced DM rats. Founded on these outcomes, the experiment proposes that TQ is a novel natural supplement with various clinical applications, including managing DM, which in turn is recommended to play a pivotal role in preventing the progression of diabetes mellitus.

Curcumin attenuates brain aging by reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress

Brain aging is a physiological event, and oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the natural aging process of the brain. Curcumin is a natural antioxidant with potent anti-aging and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, we investigated the protective effects of curcumin on brain apoptosis and oxidative stress, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in aged rats. Old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7); as follows: (1) control; (2); saline and (3) curcumin (received 30 mg/kg of curcumin, 5 days/week for 8 weeks, intraperitoneally). Our results indicated that treatment with curcumin in aged rats attenuates brain lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by a significant increase in the BDNF, VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and anti-apoptotic protein BCl-2. No significant change in brain anti-apoptotic Bax protein levels was observed after curcumin treatment. The study indicates that curcumin could alleviate brain aging which may be due to attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and up-regulating SOD activity, which in turn enhances VEGF and BDNF. Therefore, curcumin has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of neurological apoptosis, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis changes caused by brain aging.

Diosgenin alleviates D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in rats' brain and liver targeting aging and apoptotic marker genes

The theory of aging is primarily concerned with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in reactive oxygen species generation and cellular antioxidants. To alleviate the oxidative stress, we investigated the protective effect of diosgenin (DSG) for D-galactose (D-gal) using 20 and 40 mg of DSG/kg/day/orally for 42 days. The findings showed that D-gal caused brain and liver oxidative injuries by upregulating aging and oxidative markers. To counteract the oxidative stress caused by D-gal, DSG upregulated glutathione peroxidase-1, superoxide dismutase-1, and glutathione S-transferase-α. DSG also diminished the expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and mammalian target of rapamycin in brain and liver, as well as the build-up of β-galactosidase. DSG, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the oxidative aging effects of D-gal in brain and liver tissues through targeting of aging and apoptotic marker genes. Finally, it should be noted that consuming DSG supplements is a suggesting natural preventative agent that may counteract aging and preserve health through improvement of body antioxidant status and control aging associated inflammation and cellular apoptosis.

Targeting Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

The escalating prevalence of metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders, often characterized by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, poses significant health challenges globally. As the traditional therapeutic approaches may sometimes fall short in managing these health conditions, attention is growing toward nutraceuticals worldwide; with compounds being obtained from natural sources with potential therapeutic beneficial effects being shown to potentially support and, in some cases, replace pharmacological treatments, especially for individuals who do not qualify for conventional pharmacological treatments. This review delves into the burgeoning field of nutraceutical-based pharmacological modulation as a promising strategy for attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation in metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders. Drawing from an extensive body of research, the review showcases various nutraceutical agents, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. All these can be classified as novel nutraceutical-based drugs that are capable of regulating pathways to mitigate oxidative-stress- and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases. By exploring the mechanisms through which nutraceuticals interact with oxidative stress pathways and immune responses, this review highlights their potential to restore redox balance and temper chronic inflammation. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of nutraceutical-based interventions are discussed, encompassing bioavailability enhancement, personalized treatment approaches, and clinical translation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the latest scientific reports, this article underscores the potential of nutraceutical-based pharmacological treatment modulation as a novel avenue to fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the complex landscape of metabolic disorders, particularly accentuating their impact on cardiovascular health.

Resveratrol prevents age-related heart impairment through inhibiting the Notch/NF-κB pathway

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol compound found in various plants that has been shown to have potential benefits for preventing aging and supporting cardiovascular health. However, the specific signal pathway by which RSV protects the aging heart is not yet well understood. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of RSV against age-related heart injury and investigate the underlying mechanisms using a D-galactose-induced aging model. The results of the study indicated that RSV provided protection against age-related heart impairment in mice. This was evidenced by the reduction of cardiac histopathological changes as well as the attenuation of apoptosis. RSV-induced cardioprotection was linked to a significant increase in antioxidant activity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, as well as a reduction in oxidative damage. Additionally, RSV inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), and notch 1 protein were inhibited by RSV, indicating that inhibiting the Notch/NF-κB pathway played a critical role in RSV-triggered heart protection in aging mice. Moreover, further data on intestinal function demonstrated that RSV significantly increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestinal contents and reduced the pH value in the feces of aging mice. RSV alleviated aging-induced cardiac dysfunction through the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation via the Notch/NF-κB pathway in heart tissue. Furthermore, this therapeutic effect was found to be associated with its protective roles in the intestine.

Targeting oxidative stress as a preventive and therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to exert a significant impact on global mortality rates, encompassing conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), atherosclerosis (AS), and myocardial infarction (MI). Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and advancement of CVDs, highlighting its significance as a contributing factor. Maintaining an equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant systems not only aids in mitigating oxidative stress but also confers protective benefits on cardiac health. Herbal monomers can inhibit OS in CVDs by activating multiple signaling pathways, such as increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant systems and decreasing the level of ROS expression. Given the actions of herbal monomers to significantly protect the normal function of the heart and reduce the damage caused by OS to the organism. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the significance of herbal monomers as prospective therapeutic interventions for mitigating oxidative damage in CVDs. This paper aims to comprehensively review the origins and mechanisms underlying OS, elucidate the intricate association between CVDs and OS, and explore the therapeutic potential of antioxidant treatment utilizing herbal monomers. Furthermore, particular emphasis will be placed on examining the cardioprotective effects of herbal monomers by evaluating their impact on cardiac signaling pathways subsequent to treatment.

Natural Products and Neuroprotection 3.0

In recent years, we have been witnessing a dramatic rise in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, a phenomenon partly associated with the increase in life expectancy [...].

D-galactose-induced cardiac ageing: A review of model establishment and potential interventions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in an ageing society. The increased incidence and mortality rates of CVD are global issues endangering human health. There is an urgent requirement for understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of CVD and developing possible interventions for preventing CVD in ageing hearts. It is necessary to select appropriate models and treatment methods. The D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing model possesses the advantages of low mortality, short time and low cost and has been increasingly used in the study of cardiovascular diseases in recent years. Therefore, understanding the latest progress in D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing is valuable. This review highlights the recent progress and potential therapeutic interventions used in D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing in recent years by providing a comprehensive summary of D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing in vivo and in vitro. This review may serve as reference literature for future research on age‐related heart diseases.

Curcumin Attenuates Ferroptosis-Induced Myocardial Injury in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through the Nrf2 Pathway

Diabetes causes lipid peroxide to accumulate within cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, lipid peroxide buildup is a risk factor for ferroptosis. This study is aimed at examining whether curcumin can ameliorate ferroptosis in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson sections were used to examine the morphology, arrangement, and degree of fibrosis of the myocardium of diabetic rabbit models. The expression levels of nuclear Nrf2, Gpx4, Cox1, and Acsl4 in diabetic animal and cell models were quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence and western blotting. Nrf2-overexpression lentivirus vectors were transfected into cardiomyocytes, and the protective effects of curcumin and Nrf2 on cardiomyocytes under high glucose stimulation were assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling and reactive oxygen species probes. Diabetes was found to disorder myocardial cell arrangement and significantly increase the degree of myocardial fibrosis and collagen expression in myocardial cells. Curcumin treatment can increase nuclear transfer of Nrf2 and the expression of Gpx4 and HO-1, reduce glucose induced myocardial cell damage, and reverse myocardial cell damage caused by the ferroptosis inducer erastin. This study confirmed that curcumin can promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, increase the expression of oxidative scavenging factors, such as HO-1, reduce excessive Gpx4 loss, and inhibit glucose-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. This highlights a potentially new therapeutic route for investigation for the treatment diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Protective Effects of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases—Impact on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to a large part of worldwide mortality. Similarly, two of the major risk factors for these diseases, aging and obesity, are also global problems. Aging, the gradual decline of body functions, is non-modifiable. Obesity, a modifiable risk factor for CVDs, also predisposes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it affects not only the vasculature and the heart but also specific fat depots, which themselves have a major impact on the development and progression of CVDs. Common denominators of aging, obesity, and T2DM include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities such as altered lipid profiles and glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Several plant substances such as curcumin, the major active compound in turmeric root, have been used for a long time in traditional medicine and for the treatment of CVDs. Newer mechanistic, animal, and human studies provide evidence that curcumin has pleiotropic effects and attenuates numerous parameters which contribute to an increased risk for CVDs in aging as well as in obesity. Thus, curcumin as a nutraceutical could hold promise in the prevention of CVDs, but more standardized clinical trials are required to fully unravel its potential.