Glabridin Ameliorates Alcohol-Caused Liver Damage by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via p38 MAPK/Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway

Ursonic Acid Ameliorates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in PC12 Cells and Prolonged the Lifespan in C. elegans by Activating MAPKs/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Growing evidence suggests that plant compounds are emerging as a tremendous source for slowing the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ursonic acid (UNA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid with some hypoglycemic, anticancer, and antiinflammatory activities. However, the pharmacological effects of UNA on AD are still unknown. In the present experiments, the effects and mechanisms of UNA on AD were firstly explored by H2O2-induced PC12 cells and Aβ1-42-induced AD model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The results showed that UNA increased the cell viability and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and reversed apoptosis in H2O2-induced PC12 cells, and Nrf2 and HO-1 were involved in this process. UNA also decreased the phosphorylation of related proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we found that UNA upregulated cellular catalase levels and decreased ROS production. Besides, UNA could activate the Nrf2 /HO-1 signaling pathway and upregulate its protein expression under oxidative stress conditions, whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 inhibitors partially eliminated the protective ability of UNA. The results of in vivo experiments showed that UNA prolonged the lifespan and enhanced the health parameters of AD C. elegans and reduced Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity and ROS levels. Moreover, UNA increased GFP-tagged LGG-1 puncta in DA2123 C. elegans. Further mechanistic studies suggested that the protection of UNA on AD C. elegans may be through modulation of the MAPKs/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These results highlight the neuroprotective potential of UNA and suggest that UNA may be an effective therapeutic agent for alleviating AD.

The mechanism study of quercetin isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. inhibiting ferroptosis and alleviating MAFLD through p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway based on lipidomics and transcriptomics

Background

As a resource with a variety of medicinal and edible values, Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim has been found to improve high-fat diet-induced metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to predict the main active metabolites in Z. bungeanum Maxim. Based on network analysis, and to explore and validate their potential mechanisms of action through lipidomics and transcriptomic techniques.

Materials and Methods

MAFLD mouse model and cell model were established to evaluate the effect of active components in Z. bungeanum Maxim. on MAFLD. Serum biochemical indexes, pathological staining observation, lipid group and transcriptome were used to verify the mechanism of action of active components in Z. bungeanum Maxim. on MAFLD.

Results

Quercetin can regulate the liver lipid metabolites of MAFLD mice through the Glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, thereby improving liver lipid accumulation and liver injury. At the same time, quercetin can also improve MAFLD by reducing oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, and inhibit ferroptosis through the p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the progression of MAFLD.

Conclusion

Quercetin isolated from Z. bungeanum Maxim. has ameliorative effects on MAFLD, probably mainly by affecting lipid metabolic pathways and MAPK signaling pathways.

Aescin ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury. A possible implication of ROS / TNF-alpha / p38MAPK / caspase-3 signaling

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a commonly known liver disease mediated by prolonged alcohol consumption. Aescin is a triterpene saponin that can manage several conditions, including brain trauma, arthritis, venous congestion, stroke, and thrombophlebitis. Even so, studies illustrating the aescin role in ALD are scarce. Our study explored the potential effect of aescin in ALD in mice. In the current experiment, forty mice were utilized and sorted randomly into four groups: the control group received only vehicles, the alcohol group was given 5% alcohol in drinking water for four weeks, and the aescin-treated groups were given 5% alcohol in drinking water and aescin (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) for four weeks, then two doses of 60% alcohol (3g/kg) were given in the 29th and 30th day of the experiment. Our study revealed that aescin ameliorated alcohol-mediated liver damage, including reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular dilatation. The serum concentrations of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) decreased in the aescin-treated groups. The apoptosis and oxidative stress also decreased, and the antioxidant enzyme activities were restored by aescin in alcohol-treated mice. Additionally, aescin decreased ethanol-induced inflammation by downregulating p38 MAPK and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), suggesting that aescin positively reduces alcohol-caused inflammation and oxidative stress. Consequently, aescin could ameliorate alcohol-induced hepatic damage by targeting the p38 MAPK/TNF-α signalling and could be developed as a novel health product that potentially ameliorates ALD.

Investigating the mechanisms of suzijianqi Pill in COPD intervention through UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, network pharmacology, and animal experiments

Suzijianqi Pill (SZJQW) is an oral Chinese patent medicine commonly used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate SZJQW's therapeutic mechanism in COPD using UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, network pharmacology, and animal experiments. A total of 110 chemical components were identified. Network pharmacology analysis identified AKT1 as a core target, and glabridin and kaempferol as core components. It is suggested that SZJQW regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway to treat COPD. Molecular docking and dynamic modelling demonstrated favourable affinities between core components and targets. In COPD mice, SZJQW improved lung function and reduced inflammation and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell experiments revealed that glabridin and kaempferol were effective in suppressing cigarette-induced cell damage. Overall, this study validates the core role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in SZJQW's treatment of COPD.

Gastroprotective potential of the aqueous extract of nine-steaming and nine-sun-drying processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua against alcoholic gastric injury in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygonatum (Huangjing) genus has been used as both food and medicine in China for 2000 years, which was regarded as a "Top-grade" herb in the Shennong Bencao Jing. The most commonly used species is the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PC) that is traditionally utilized to invigorate Qi, nourish Yin, moisten lung, and tonify spleen and kidney.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Excessive alcohol consumption causes severe upper-gastrointestinal diseases, notably gastric mucosal damage characterized by hemorrhagic gastritis, which lacks safe and effective intervention. This study aims to investigate the gastroprotective effects of nine-steaming and nine-drying processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PPC) on alcohol-induced gastric mucosal damage in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PPC extract was chemically characterized by UPLC-QE-MS analysis. ICR mice were subjected to an ethanol-induced gastric lesion model and were orally administered PPC aqueous extract for 5 consecutive days. After treatment, gastric tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and the pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress factors were determined using ELISA and Multiplex assay, while the gene expressions of gastric tissues were detected by RNA-seq and Western blotting.

RESULTS

PPC reduced the alcohol concentration of liquor in vitro and protected against alcohol-induced gastric mucosal lesion in mice. Notably, PPC aqueous extract relieved alcohol-induced pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA). RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that ethanol exposure activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-17 signaling pathways in gastric tissue, and these activated signaling pathways were inhibited by the PPC treatment. Consistently, Western blot data showed that PPC treatment suppressed the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), TNF-α and IL-17A pathways in gastric tissue.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the aqueous extract of PPC exerted a gastroprotective effect against alcohol-induced gastric injury by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially through the inhibition of the MAPKs, IL-17 and TNF-α pathways. These findings supported the future development of PPC as an effective intervention for alcohol-induced gastric damage.

Ge-Zhi-Jie-Jiu decoction alleviates alcoholic liver disease through multiple signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a growing public health concern caused by excessive alcohol consumption, but effective treatments are limited. Ge-Zhi-Jie-Jiu decoction (JJY) is a modified traditional Chinese herbal remedy that aims to alleviate ALD. This formula contains various components such as Ge Hua, Ge Gen, Zhi Ju Zi, and other medicinal-food herbs. However, the specific pharmacotherapeutic compounds of JJY and its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism and pharmacodynamic basis of JJY in treating ALD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, HPLC fingerprinting, and LC-MS techniques were used for the composition identification and quality control of JJY. The pharmacological components and molecular mechanisms of JJY in anti-ALD were then predicted using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. Ultimately, an acute alcoholic liver injury mouse model was developed, and the potential mechanisms were verified by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, and TUNEL staining, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot (WB) and molecular docking analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the main components of JJY are organic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, in which puerarin, daidzein, glycitein, ononin, quercetin, and tectorigenin can be used as the indicator components of JJY. In addition, JJY might ameliorate ALD through several pathways, including potentially promoting alcohol metabolism via alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, and possibly inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis via the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, JJY may also alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation through the PPARα signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

JJY has significant anti-ALD efficacy with multiple mechanisms. This study offers a solid experimental foundation for JJY's development as a medicine with anti-ALD characteristics and elucidates its probable active components.

Glabridin Suppresses Macrophage Activation by Lipoteichoic Acid In Vitro: The Crucial Role of MAPKs-IL-1β-iNOS Axis Signals in Peritoneal and Alveolar Macrophages

Inflammation, a fundamental response to infection and injury, involves interactions among immune cells and signaling molecules. Dysregulated inflammation contributes to diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), produced by macrophages in response to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria, is a key inflammatory mediator. Glabridin (GBD), a bioactive compound from licorice root, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates GBD's effects on LTA-induced proinflammatory signaling in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and alveolar macrophages, MH-S, focusing on IL-1β expression and signaling pathways. Cell viability assays confirmed that 20 μM GBD was non-cytotoxic. Confocal microscopy and quantitative PCR showed that GBD significantly reduced IL-1β fluorescence intensity, mRNA, and protein levels. GBD also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production. Further analysis revealed that GBD suppressed NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and selectively modulated MAPK pathway activation by reducing JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation without affecting ERK. Studies using specific inhibitors demonstrated that IL-1β production reduction was mechanistically linked to MAPK pathway inhibition. These findings highlight GBD's potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases through its ability to modulate critical inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways.

Aloperine Regulates Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in H9C2 Rat Cardiomyoblast Cells After Excessive Hypoxia

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a cardiovascular condition that leads to increased morbidity and mortality, impacting the quality of life of individuals. Aloperine (ALO), derived from Sophora alopecuroides L, has been recognized for its beneficial effects in treating various diseases by showcasing therapeutic properties. However, the precise protective mechanisms of ALO on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) -induced damage in cardiomyocytes in vitro remain unclear. In this study, it was manifested that cell proliferation was weakened after H/R treatment, but this impact was offset after ALO treatment. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was heightened after H/R treatment, but this phenomenon was neutralized after ALO treatment. ALO relieved inflammation in H/R-treated H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cells. Moreover, ALO strengthened autophagy in H/R-triggered H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cells through enhancing the LC3II/LC3I level and the LC3B fluorescence intensity. Lastly, it was testified that ALO can rescue the weakened autophagy, the heightened cell apoptosis, and the augmented inflammation after CC treatment in H/R-mediated H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cells. In conclusion, ALO regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy through AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cells after excessive hypoxia. This study suggested that ALO may be an underlying drug for MI therapy.

Alcohol Plus Additional Risk Factors: Rodent Model of Liver Injury

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), primarily caused by chronic excessive alcohol consumption, is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. ALD includes alcohol-associated steatotic liver, alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and can even progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Existing research indicates that the risk factors of ALD are quite numerous. In addition to drinking patterns, factors such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency, smoking, medication administration, high-fat diet (HFD), hepatitis virus infection, and disruption of circadian rhythms can also increase susceptibility to ALD. However, there is limited understanding regarding the exacerbation of liver injury by alcohol plus additional risk factors. This review presents rodent models of EtOH + "X," which simulate the synergistic effects of alcohol and additional risk factors in causing liver injury. These models offer a further exploration of the interactions between alcohol and additional risk factors, advancing the simulation of human ALD and providing a more reliable platform for studying disease mechanisms and exploring therapeutic interventions. We summarize the modeling methods, relevant indicators of liver injury, and focus on the targets of the synergistic effects as well as the associated mechanisms.

The antitumor mechanisms of glabridin and drug delivery strategies for enhancing its bioavailability

Glabridin, a flavonoid derived from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, has garnered significant attention due to its diverse pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities. Studies have shown that glabridin exhibits substantial antitumor activity by modulating the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion of cancer cells through the targeting of various signaling pathways, thus indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for malignant tumors. To enhance its solubility, stability, and bioavailability, several drug delivery systems have been developed, including liposomes, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, nanoparticles, and polymeric micelles. These de.livery systems have shown promise in preclinical studies but face challenges in clinical translation, such as issues with biocompatibility, delivery efficiency, and long-term stability. A comprehensive analysis of the antitumor mechanism of glabridin and its novel drug delivery system is still lacking. Therefore, the authors performed a comprehensive review of recent literature on the antitumor effects of glabridin and its novel drug delivery systems, covering the antitumor mechanism, action targets, and novel drug delivery systems, offering new theoretical insights and development directions for its further advancement and clinical application.

Effects of Licorice Functional Components Intakes on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and NETWORK Toxicology

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of licorice functional ingredient intake on blood pressure, explore its potential mechanisms of action, and provide safety information for personalized nutritional interventions in special populations and for the application of licorice-derived functional foods.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 31 August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the intake of licorice or its functional components were included. The range of continuous variables was assessed using the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals. Genes associated with hypertension were screened using an online database. Machine learning, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis, molecular docking, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were employed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying licorice-induced blood pressure fluctuations.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs (541 participants) were included in the meta-analysis, which indicated interventions containing glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as the main component increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SBP: WMD [95% CI] = 3.48 [2.74, 4.21], p < 0.001; DBP: WMD [95% CI] = 1.27 [0.76, 1.78], p < 0.001). However, interventions dominated by licorice flavonoids(LF) had no significant effect on SBP or DBP (SBP: WMD [95% CI] = 0.58 [-1.15, 2.31], p = 0.511; DBP: WMD [95% CI] = 0.17 [-1.53, 1.88], p = 0.843). Three machine learning algorithms identified five biomarkers associated with hypertension: calmodulin 3 (CALM3), cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), growth factor independence 1B transcriptional repressor (GFI1B), myosin light chain kinase (MYLK), and Ras suppressor-1 (RSU1). After removing biomarkers with lower validity and reliability, GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1 were selected for subsequent analysis. The network toxicology results suggested that GA and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid may act on GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1, influencing blood pressure fluctuations by modulating nitrogen metabolism signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

There were distinct differences in the effects of licorice functional components on blood pressure. Functional constituents dominated by GA were shown to increase both SBP and DBP, whereas those dominated by LF did not exhibit significant effects on blood pressure. The hypertensive mechanism of GA may involve the modulation of GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1 to regulate nitrogen metabolic pathways.

The JNK/P38 signalling pathway activated by testin protects the intestinal epithelial barrier against Crohn's disease-like colitis

The unknown mechanism that controls intestinal barrier dysfunction in individuals with Crohn's disease (CD) plays a crucial role in the onset of intestinal inflammation. Testin, an intercellular linker protein, has the potential to protect epithelial barrier function. This study aimed to analyse the effects of Testin on CD-like colitis and explore the possible underlying mechanism. Colon samples from CD patients and trinitrobenzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-treated mice were collected to examine changes in Testin expression. To assess the therapeutic effects of Testin on CD-like colitis in mice, we examined the symptoms of enteritis, performed histological analysis, and evaluated intestinal barrier permeability. The ability of Testin to stabilize tight junction (TJ) proteins was investigated via immunofluorescence and western blotting. We conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments using colonic organoids and blocking techniques to explore how Testin safeguards the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Testin expression was downregulated in the colons of CD patients and TNBS-treated mice. Increasing Testin expression led to amelioration of colitis symptoms and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in the colons of TNBS-induced colitis model mice. Furthermore, increased Testin expression resulted in decreased depletion of TJ proteins (ZO-1 and Claudin-1) and promoted the effectiveness of the intestinal barrier in mice with TNBS-induced colon damage and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated colonic organoids. Elevated Testin levels inactivated the JNK/P38 signalling pathway, potentially contributing to the beneficial impact of Testin on the intestinal barrier. Testin can inhibit the loss of TJ proteins in CD mice by inactivating the JNK/P38 pathway. These findings help to clarify how Testin alleviates CD-like colitis in mice by protecting intestinal barrier function. These findings could lead to the use of a new treatment approach for CD in clinical practice.

Exploring the Role of Licorice and Its Derivatives in Cell Signaling Pathway NF-κB and MAPK

Licorice is a therapeutic herb in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Licorice is considered as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its suppression and inhibition of inflammatory pathways. Licorice has many bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquirtigenin which are principally accountable for its therapeutic benefits. These bioactive components reduce inflammation by preventing the activation of important inflammatory pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). As a result of this tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are among the proinflammatory cytokines whose production is inhibited. Components present in licorice inhibit the activation by suppressing the IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. Moreover, licorice compounds also attenuate the MAPK signaling cascades by inhibiting the MAPK kinase phosphorylation and downstream MAPKs such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The present review focuses on the current understanding of licorice effect on the NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory cell signaling pathways at molecular level. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggested that licorice-derived bioactive compounds may attenuate the molecular mechanism which is associated with inflammation, providing the additional insights into the therapeutic potential. Further studies explained the precise molecular mechanism at the cellular level underlying the licorice anti-inflammatory effect and potential application in managing inflammatory disorders. In conclusion, licorice has a complex mode of action and is a valuable natural anti-inflammatory. Its natural origin and effectiveness in clinical applications make it an intriguing topic for additional study. As licorice becomes more widely used in medicine, future research should focus on refining its formulations to optimize therapeutic advantages.

Comparative Study on Hepatoprotective Effects of Traditional Herbs, Roots of Angelica gigas Nakai, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, Zizyphus jujuba Mill., and Fruits of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., on Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, with few effective treatments besides alcohol abstinence. Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AG), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR), Paeoniae Radix (PR), and Zizyphi Fructus (ZF) are traditional herbs used to treat various ailments, including liver diseases. While several studies have reported the beneficial effects of GR on ALD, the effects of AG, PR, and ZF remain underexplored. Therefore, their efficacy and mechanisms against ALD were investigated using an alcohol-related liver injury model. The model was induced by ethanol gavage in C57BL/6J mice for 14 days, followed by oral administration of AG, GR, PR, and ZF one hour post-induction. The administration of these herbs reduced liver weight, and improved serum biomarkers of liver injury (ALT, AST, albumin). The herbs enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity (GSH, SOD, catalase) and suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and apoptotic changes (caspase-3). The mechanisms of action involved lipid-lowering gene modulation through regulation of the cytochrome P450 2E1/Sirtuin 1/Nrf2 pathways. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that these herbs attenuated hepatocyte damage and steatosis via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. These findings suggest that traditional herbs, particularly AG, could be promising alternative therapies for treating ALD.

The NRF2 activator RTA-408 ameliorates chronic alcohol exposure-induced cognitive impairment and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by modulating impaired mitophagy initiation

BACKGROUND

Chronic alcohol exposure induces cognitive impairment and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the mPFC (medial prefrontal cortex). Mitophagy plays a crucial role in neuroinflammation, and dysregulated mitophagy is associated with behavioral deficits. However, the potential relationships among mitophagy, inflammation, and cognitive impairment in the context of alcohol exposure have not yet been studied. NRF2 promotes the process of mitophagy, while alcohol inhibits NRF2 expression. Whether NRF2 activation can ameliorate defective mitophagy and neuroinflammation in the presence of alcohol remains unknown.

METHODS

BV2 cells and primary microglia were treated with alcohol. C57BL/6J mice were repeatedly administered alcohol intragastrically. BNIP3-siRNA, PINK1-siRNA, CCCP and bafilomycin A1 were used to regulate mitophagy in BV2 cells. RTA-408 acted as an NRF2 activator. Mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were assayed. Behavioral tests were used to assess cognition.

RESULTS

Chronic alcohol exposure impaired the initiation of both receptor-mediated mitophagy and PINK1-mediated mitophagy in the mPFC and in vitro microglial cells. Silencing BNIP3 or PINK1 induced mitochondrial dysfunction and aggravated alcohol-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in BV2 cells. In addition, alcohol exposure inhibited the NRF2 expression both in vivo and in vitro. NRF2 activation by RTA-408 ameliorated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and mitophagy downregulation in microglia, ultimately improving cognitive impairment in the presence of alcohol.

CONCLUSION

Chronic alcohol exposure-induced impaired mitophagy initiation contributed to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cognitive deficits, which could be alleviated by NRF2 activation via RTA-408.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Natural Products in Maintaining Human Health

Since 1985, when oxidative stress was first defined as the oxidative damage caused to cells and organs, a large number of studies have shown that oxidative stress is a significant risk factor for various diseases, including tumors [...].

Function and inhibition of P38 MAP kinase signaling: Targeting multiple inflammation diseases

Inflammation is a natural host defense mechanism that protects the body from pathogenic microorganisms. A growing body of research suggests that inflammation is a key factor in triggering other diseases (lung injury, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). However, there is no consensus on the complex mechanism of inflammatory response, which may include enzyme activation, mediator release, and tissue repair. In recent years, p38 MAPK, a member of the MAPKs family, has attracted much attention as a central target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, many p38 MAPK inhibitors attempting to obtain marketing approval have failed at the clinical trial stage due to selectivity and/or toxicity issues. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of p38 MAPK in regulating inflammatory response and its key role in major inflammatory diseases and summarize the synthetic or natural products targeting p38 MAPK to improve the inflammatory response in the last five years, which will provide ideas for the development of novel clinical anti-inflammatory drugs based on p38 MAPK inhibitors.