Cordyceps militaris extract protects human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and premature senescence

Lignin-Based Antioxidant Hydrogel Patch for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis by Mitigating Oxidative Stress in the Skin

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition characterized by itching, redness, and inflammation, is closely associated with heightened levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin. ROS can contribute to the onset and progression of AD through oxidative stress, which leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell differentiation, and the exacerbation of skin symptoms. In this study, we aim to develop a therapeutic antioxidant hydrogel patch for the potential treatment of AD using lignin, a biomass waste material. Lignin contains polyphenol groups that enable it to scavenge ROS and exhibit antioxidant properties. The lignin hydrogel patches, possessing optimized mechanical properties through the control of the lignin and cross-linker ratio, demonstrated high ROS-scavenging capabilities. Furthermore, the lignin hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with the skin, exhibiting beneficial properties in protecting human keratinocytes under high oxidative conditions. When applied to an AD mouse model, the hydrogel patch effectively reduced epidermal thickness in inflamed regions, decreased mast cell infiltration, and regulated inflammatory cytokine levels. These findings collectively suggest that lignin serves as a therapeutic hydrogel patch for managing AD by modulating oxidative stress through its ROS-scavenging ability.

Cordyceps militaris Extract and Cordycepin Alleviate Oxidative Stress, Modulate Gut Microbiota and Ameliorate Intestinal Damage in LPS-Induced Piglets

Cordycepin is considered a major bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris extract. This study was performed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and cordycepin (CPN) supplementation on intestinal damage in LPS-challenged piglets. The results showed that CPN or CME supplementation significantly increased the villus height (p < 0.01) and villus height/crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum of piglets with LPS-induced intestinal inflammation. Meanwhile, CPN or CME supplementation alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by reducing the levels of MDA (p < 0.05) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum. Additionally, supplementation with CPN or CME modulated the structure of the intestinal microbiota by enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and increased the level of butyrate (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq results demonstrated that CME or CPN altered the complement and coagulation-cascade-related genes (p < 0.05), including upregulating gene KLKB1 while downregulating the genes CFD, F2RL2, CFB, C4BPA, F7, C4BPB, CFH, C3 and PROS1, which regulate the complement activation involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Correlation analysis further demonstrated the potential relation between the gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and butyrate in piglets. In conclusion, CPN or CME supplementation might inhibit LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating the intestinal microbiota and its metabolite butyrate in piglets.

Antitumor Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential of Cordycepin Derivatives

Cordycepin has good antitumor activity, but its clinical application is limited due to the easy deamination of N6 in structure. In this study, a large lipolysis group was introduced at the cordycepin N6 to improve the problem, cordycepin derivatives (3a-4c) were synthesized, and biological evaluation of compounds was studied. In this study, the vitro antitumor activity of the compounds against MCF7 cells, HepG2 cells and SGC-7901 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. In the results, compound 4a showed the most obvious inhibitory effect on MCF7 cells with an IC50 value of 27.57 ± 0.52 μM, which was much lower than cordycepin. Compound 4a showed high selectivity between MCF7 and normal MCF-10A cells. Further biological evaluation showed that compound 4a promoted apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Then, Western Blot was used to detect related apoptotic proteins. It was found that Compound 4a could down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and up-regulate the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased continuously and the positive expression rate decreased. It was speculated that compound 4a induced the apoptosis of MCF7 cells through the mitochondrial pathway.

Butylene Glycol Used as a Sustainable Solvent for Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Camellia sinensis Flowers with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

The research aims to assess the yield of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities obtained from tea flowers using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method with butylene glycol (BG-UAE) through Box-Behnken design. It investigates the bioactive compounds including the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) and analyzes their antioxidant activities, bioactive compound composition by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, and their cellular activities via UAE and maceration using BG or ethanol as the solvent. Under optimal conditions, the values of the TPC, TFC, TTC, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) of the BG-UAE extract were 54.00 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g sample, 291.47 ± 3.34 mg QE/g sample, 65.37 ± 1.78 mg TAE/g sample, 106.45 ± 1.21 mg TEAC/g sample, 163.58 ± 2.76 mg TEAC/g sample, and 121.31 ± 4.75 mg FeSO₄/g sample, respectively. Except for FRAP, BG-UAE exhibited the highest values in all parameters compared to the other extraction methods. Catechins and caffeine were predominantly detected in tea flower extracts through UAE with BG and ethanol (EtOH-UAE). BG-UAE exhibited greater cell viability and cellular antioxidant activity than EtOH-UAE. The researcher expects that this research will contribute to the emergence of a green extraction technique that will offer larger functional components with economic and environmental benefits and minimal chemicals and energy use.

Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy

Of the human organs, skin is the most visible one that displays the manifestations of ageing. It has a very intricate microanatomical structure and performs several key physiological functions. The pathophysiology of cutaneous ageing is characterized by deterioration of structural stability and functional integrity, implying a continuous reduction in maximal function and reserve capacity, as a result of the accumulating damage due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Elimination of unfavorable expressions associated with facial and cutaneous ageing is the key patient demand in aesthetic dermatology. Even though the progress has been made in nonsurgical therapies like fillers and lasers, non-invasive interventions by using skin care products designed for rejuvenation at an early stage are the most popular and accessible solution among people. In this review, we have scrutinized the ageing-associated cutaneous changes at molecular, cellular and tissue levels. To optimize the ageing process towards a healthy skin, we propose an integrated, multilayer-targeted intervention, which involves both topical application of anti-ageing formulations from outside and oral supplementation from inside. Additionally, several promising naturally derived ingredients are reviewed from an anti-aging perspective. Most of them possess various bioactivities and may contribute to the development of the mentioned anti-ageing remedy.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from coffee pulp using propylene glycol as a solvent and their antioxidant activities

In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, it has been increasingly popular to use alternative solvents in the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants. Coffee pulp, a by-product of coffee production, contains different phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The effects of polyols, amplitude, extraction time, solvent concentration, and liquid-solid ratio on total phenolic content (TPC) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were examined by single-factor studies. Three main factors that impact TPC were selected to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and their antioxidant activities using the Box-Behnken design. Different extraction methods were compared, the bioactive compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-QQQ), and the cytotoxicity and cellular antioxidant activities of the extract were studied. According to the response model, the optimal conditions for the extraction of antioxidants from coffee pulp were as follows: extraction time of 7.65 min, liquid-solid ratio of 22.22 mL/g, and solvent concentration of 46.71 %. Under optimized conditions, the values of TPC, TFC, TTC, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were 9.29 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g sample, 58.82 ± 1.38 mg QE/g sample, 8.69 ± 0.25 mg TAE/g sample, 7.56 ± 0.27 mg TEAC/g sample, 13.59 ± 0.25 mg TEAC/g sample, and 10.90 ± 0.24 mg FeSO₄/g sample, respectively. Compared with other extraction conditions, UAE with propylene glycol extract (PG-UAE) was significantlyhigher in TPC, TFC, TTC, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP response values than UAE with ethanol (EtOH-UAE), maceration with propylene glycol (PG-maceration), and maceration with ethanol (EtOH -maceration) (p < 0.05). Major bioactive compounds detected by LC-QQQ included chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and trigonelline. At higher concentrations starting from 5 mg/ml, PG-UAE extract showed higher cell viability than EtOH-UAE in both cytotoxicity and cellular antioxidant assays. The researcher expects that this new extraction technique developed in this work could produce a higher yield of bioactive compounds with higher biological activity. Therefore, they can be used as active ingredients in cosmetics (anti-aging products) and pharmaceutical applications (food supplements, treatment for oxidative stress-related diseases) with minimal use of chemicals and energy.

Cordycepin Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats via Modulation of AMPK and AKT Activation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that commonly affects elderly men. Cordycepin is an adenosine analog with a wide range of pharmacological activities including antiproliferative and prostatic smooth muscle relaxant effects. This study was designed to assess the actions of cordycepin in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Animals were divided into six treatment groups: control, cordycepin-alone (10 mg/kg), testosterone-alone (3 mg/kg), cordycepin (5 mg/kg) + testosterone, cordycepin (10 mg/kg) + testosterone, and finasteride (0.5 mg/kg) + testosterone. Treatments were continued daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Cordycepin significantly prevented the increase in prostate weight and prostate index induced by testosterone. This was confirmed by histopathological examinations. Cordycepin antiproliferative activity was further defined by its ability to inhibit cyclin-D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. In addition, cordycepin exhibited significant antioxidant properties as proven by the prevention of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione diminution, and superoxide dismutase exhaustion. This was paralleled by anti-inflammatory activity as shown by the inhibition of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB expression in prostatic tissues. It also enhanced apoptosis as demonstrated by its ability to enhance and inhibit mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively. Western blot analysis indicated that cordycepin augmented phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and inhibited p-AKT expression. Collectively, cordycepin has the ability to prevent testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This is mediated, at least partially, by its antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic actions in addition to its modulation of AMPK and AKT activation.

Free radical-scavenging composite gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels for cell encapsulation

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have been widely used for cell encapsulation in tissue engineering due to their cell adhesiveness and biocompatibility. However, free radicals generated during gelation decrease the viability of the encapsulated cells by increasing intracellular oxidative stress, so appropriate strategies for scavenging free radicals need to be developed. To meet that need, we developed composite GelMA hydrogels incorporating nanofiber particles (EF) coated with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). The GelMA composite hydrogels were successfully fabricated and had a storage modulus of about 5 kPa, which is similar to that of pristine GelMA hydrogel, and the drastic free radical scavenging activity of EGCG was highly preserved after gelation. In addition, human adipose-derived stem cells encapsulated within our composite hydrogels had better viability (about 1.5 times) and decreased intracellular oxidative stress (about 0.3 times) compared with cells within the pristine GelMA hydrogel. We obtained similar results with human dermal fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, indicating that our composite hydrogels are suitable for various cell types. Furthermore, we found that the ability of the encapsulated cells to spread and migrate increased by 5 times within the composite hydrogels. Collectively, our results demonstrate that incorporating EF into GelMA hydrogels is a promising way to enhance cell viability by reducing free-radical-derived cellular damage when fabricating 3D tissue ex vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have been widely applied to various tissue engineering applications because of their biocompatibility and cell interactivity. However, free radicals generated during the GelMA hydrogel fabrication decrease the viability of encapsulated cells by elevating intracellular oxidative stress. Here, we demonstrate radical scavenging GelMA hydrogels incorporating epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG)-coated nanofiber particles (EF). The composite GelMA hydrogels are successfully fabricated, maintaining their mechanical properties, and the viability of encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells is greatly improved after the gelation, indicating that our composite GelMA hydrogel alleviates damages from free radicals. Collectively, the incorporation of EF within GelMA hydrogels may be a promising way to enhance the viability of encapsulated cells, which could be applied to 3D tissue fabrication.

Tamarix articulata Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Offer Protection against Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Toxicity to Human Skin Fibroblasts

Tamarix articulata (TA) is a wild halophytic plant growing in extremely harsh environmental conditions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Evaluating the protective effect of the methanolic extract of different parts (fresh and dry leaves, stem, and root) of TA was determined by MTT assay using Hs27 skin fibroblasts as the cellular model. The study was designed and conducted in two sets. The first set assesses the toxicity profile of TA extracts in both concentration- and time-dependent ways on Hs27 cells. Our MTT results showed that methanolic extracts from all four parts of TA at varying doses (27.5, 55, 110, and 220 μg/mL) display negligible toxicity when exposed for 4 h. However, exposure of Hs27 cells to varying doses of all four TA extracts for 24 and 48 h promotes significant 23%, 24%, 26%, and 25% (p < 0.05) and 35%, 36%, 39%, and 41% (p < 0.05) cell toxicity at 220 μg/mL of all four TA extracts compared to untreated control cells. To evaluate the protection offered by TA extracts against H₂O₂, we perform a second set of experiments to preincubate Hs27 cells with the TA extracts in both dose- and time-dependent way. This is followed by 300 μM hydrogen peroxide- (H₂O₂-) mediated oxidative insult for 1 h. Using MTT assay, we found that methanolic extracts of TA at different time points (4, 24, and 48 h) and higher doses (220 μg/mL) provide significant protection in cell viability when challenged with H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in Hs27 cells. The protective effect was more pronounced at 48 h and 220 μg/mL and the amounts were 39%, 41%, 41%, and 44% for stem, root, fresh leaf, and dry leaf TA extracts (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to untreated cells (2–4%). Collectively, the current study demonstrates that methanolic extracts of TA contain potential bioactive compounds and offer significant protection against H₂O₂-mediated oxidative stress in Hs27 skin fibroblasts.

Synthesis of cordycepin: Current scenario and future perspectives

Cordyceps genus, such as C. militaris and C. kyushuensis, is a source of a rare traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for the treatment of numerous chronic and malignant diseases. Cordycepin, 3'-deoxyadenosine, is a major active compound found in most Cordyceps. Cordycepin exhibits a variety of biological activities, including anti-tumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, and anti-aging, among others, which could be applied in health products, medicine, cosmeceutical etc. fields. This review focuses on the synthesis methods for cordycepin. The current methods for cordycepin synthesis involve chemical synthesis, microbial fermentation, in vitro synthesis and biosynthesis; however, some defects are unavoidable and the production is still far from the demand of cordycepin. For the future study of cordycepin synthesis, based on the illumination of cordycepin biosynthesis pathway, genetical engineering of the Cordyceps strain or introducing microbes by virtue of synthetic biology will be the great potential strategies for cordycepin synthesis. This review will aid the future synthesis of the valuable cordycepin.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Cytochromes P450 Gene Family in Cordyceps militaris

Cytochromes P450 (CYP450) gene family has been shown to play significant roles in various physiological processes of some species, including participate in the metabolism of various exogenous substances, synthesis of endogenous substances, abiotic and biotic stress responses and stress signaling. In this study, the members of CYP450 gene family in Cordyceps militaris (C.militaris) were identified and analyzed on the whole genome level using bioinformatics-based methods. The phylogenetic tree, gene structure, motifs and gene expression level under pH stress were analyzed. In total, 54 putative CYP450 gene family members were identified in C.militaris. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of the C.militaris CYP450 (CmCYP) genes, except CmCYP19, were grouped into 3 groups. The 54 CmCYP genes were randomly distributed on 7 chromosomes. The expression analysis of CmCYP under different pH environments showed the mechanism of CmCYP genes family involved in stress resistance regulation is complex and diversified. Systematic investigation of a gene family, would provide important insights into gene function and application. The results of this study will provide reference information for studying other abiotic and biotic stress response regulation mechanism of C.militaris.

Evaluation of chemical constituents and in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity potential of rhizome of Astilbe rivularis (Bodho-okhati), an indigenous medicinal plant from Eastern Himalayan region of India

Background

Astilbe rivularisL. is an indigenous medicinal plant growing in high altitude of Darjeeling Himalayan region of India and Nepal. The plant rhizome has been used traditionally as medicine by local tribes to treat various ailments including infectious and other diseases. The present study aims to evaluate the plant rhizome for chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic bioactivities.

Methods

The methanolic extract of rhizome was analyzed for phytochemical constituents by biochemical and GC-MS methods. The antibacterial property of the extract was monitored by agar well diffusion assay. Antioxidant potential was assessed by in vitro DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays and scavenging of induced ROS in normal cell line using fluorescent probe 2′, 7′- dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Cytotoxic effect of the extract in cancer and normal cell lines was determined by MTT assay.

Results

Rhizome methanolic extract contained terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins and reducing sugars. Further analysis of extract by GC-MS showed the presence of nine major constituents belonging to terpenoids and fatty acid groups. The extract had marked in vitro ROS scavenging activity and moderate antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. It showed cytotoxicity to neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cell line with IC₅₀ value < 100 μg ml^− 1 but had least damaging effect on normal cells, like human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and liver (WRL-68) cell lines.

Conclusion

The study suggests that Astilbe rivularis has potential as source of new potent antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer agents. Further studies on purification and characterization of active compounds from Astilbe rivularis and their biological evaluation are highly recommended.

Protective effect of Cordyceps militaris against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in vitro

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl (·OH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is reported to induce oxidative stress. ROS generated by oxidative stress can potentially damage glial cells in the nervous system. Cordyceps militaris (CM), a kind of natural herb widely found in East Asia. In this study, we investigated the free radical scavenging activity of the CM extract and its neuroprotective effects in H2O2-induced C6 glial cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The ethanol extract of CM (100-1,000 µg/mL) was used to measure DPPH, ·OH, and NO radical scavenging activities. In addition, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced C6 glial cells were treated with CM at 0.5-2.5 µg/mL for measurement of cell viability, ROS production, and protein expression resulting from oxidative stress.

RESULTS

The CM extract showed high scavenging activities against DPPH, ·OH, and NO radicals at concentration of 1,000 µg/mL. Treatment of CM with H2O2-induced oxidative stress in C6 glial cells significantly increased cell viability, and decreased ROS production. Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression was down-regulated in CM-treated groups. In addition, the protein expression level of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK) in H2O2-induced C6 glial cells was down-regulated upon CM administration.

CONCLUSION

CM exhibited radical scavenging activity and protective effect against H2O2 as indicated by the increased cell viability, decreased ROS production, down-regulation of inflammation-related proteins as well as p-p38, p-JNK, and p-ERK protein levels. Therefore, we suggest that CM could play the protective role from oxidative stress in glial cells.

Alternative metabolic routes in channeling xylose to cordycepin production of Cordyceps militaris identified by comparative transcriptome analysis

The responsive mechanism of C. militaris TBRC7358 on xylose utilization was investigated by comparative analysis of transcriptomes, growth kinetics and cordycepin productions. The result showed that the culture grown on xylose exhibited high production yield of cordycepin on dry biomass. Comparing xylose to other carbon sources, a set of significantly up-regulated genes in xylose were enriched in pentose and glucuronate interconversion, and cordycepin biosynthesis. After validating up-regulated genes using quantitative real-time PCR, interestingly, putative alternative 3'-AMP-associated metabolic route on cordycepin biosynthesis was identified. Through reporter metabolites analysis of C. militaris, significant metabolites (e.g., AMP, glycine and L-glutamate) were identified guiding involvement of growth and cordycepin production. These findings suggested that there was a cooperative mechanism in transcriptional control of the supplying precursors pool directed towards the cordycepin biosynthesis through main and putative alternative metabolic routes for leverage of cell growth and cordycepin production on xylose of C. militaris strain TBRC7358.

A new nucleoside and two new pyrrole alkaloid derivatives from Cordyceps militaris

A new nucleoside, a new natural product nucleoside, and two new pyrrole alkaloids derivatives with eight known compounds were isolated from the fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated through extensive analysis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR and UV. All the isolated compounds were detected for their bioactivities against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Unfortunately, all the isolates have shown no obvious activity.

The Function of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Airway Epithelial Cell Senescence in a Rat COPD Model

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) seems to be able to alleviate airway epithelial cell senescence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of O. sinensis on airway epithelial senescence in the COPD model both in vitro and in vivo. We observed the expression of P16 and P21 in the airway epithelia of 30 patients with COPD. The optimal concentration of O. sinensis and exposure time of the cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were determined in vitro, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were used to evaluate the senescence and proliferation of human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells pretreated with O. sinensis by staining kits. COPD model rats were treated with O. sinensis at various concentrations to determine the changes in P16 and P21 expression in airway epithelial tissues. It was found that the expression levels of P16 and P21 were higher in the airway epithelia of COPD patients than those in the control group based on immunohistochemical staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting. The CSE could induce 16HBE cell senescence, and O. sinensis could alleviate CSE-induced senescence and promote the proliferation of 16HBE cells. The expression levels of P16 and P21 were also higher in the airway epithelia of COPD model rats; however, the levels of P16 and P21 in the groups treated with all concentrations of O. sinensis were obviously lower than those in the COPD model group based on real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. In conclusion, the CSE can induce airway epithelium senescence, and O. sinensis can inhibit CSE-induced cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo.

Combined extract of Moringa oleifera and Centella asiatica modulates oxidative stress and senescence in hydrogen peroxide-induced human dermal fibroblasts

Moringa oleifera Lam. and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. leaves have been previously reported to exhibit antioxidant activity. The objective of the present study is to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of the combined extracts of M. oleifera and C. asiatica (TGT-PRIMAAGE) and its effect on hydrogen peroxide (H 2O2)-induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts. TGTPRIMAAGE acted on the mechanism of hydrogen transfer as it showed scavenging activity in the DPPH assay. This is due to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids in TGT-PRIMAAGE. TGT-PRIMAAGE effectively reduced cellular generation of reactive oxygen species induced by H O2. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were also increased in cells treated with TGT-PRIMAAGE. 2 Treatment with TGT-PRIMAAGE showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of senescent cells. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) of malondialdehyde was also seen in cells treated with TGT-PRIMAAGE. The p53 protein level was reduced in TGT-PRIMAAGEtreated cells, which indicates its potential in protecting the cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2.

Cordyceps militaris improves the survival of Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats possibly via influences of mitochondria and autophagy functions

The genus Cordyceps and its specific ingredient, cordycepin, have attracted much attention for multiple health benefits and expectations for lifespan extension. We analyzed whether Cordyceps militaris (CM), which contains large amounts of cordycepin, can extend the survival of Dahl salt-sensitive rats, whose survival was reduced to ∼3 months via a high-salt diet. The survival of these life-shortened rats was extended significantly when supplemented with CM, possibly due to a minimization of the effects of stroke. Next, we analyzed the effect of CM on hypertension-sensitive organs, the central nervous systems (CNS), heart, kidney and liver of these rats. We attempted to ascertain how the organs were improved by CM, and we paid particular attention to mitochondria and autophagy functions. The following results were from CM-treated rats in comparison with control rats. Microscopically, CNS neurons, cardiomyocytes, glomerular podocytes, renal epithelial cells, and hepatocytes all were improved. However, immunoblot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expressions of mitochondria-related proteins, ATP synthase β subunit, SIRT3 and SOD2, and autophagy-related proteins, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and cathepsin D all were reduced significantly in the CNS neurons, but increased significantly in the cells of the other three organs, although p62 was decreased in its expression in all the organs tested. Activity of Akt and mTOR was enhanced but that of AMPK was reduced in the CNS, while such kinase activity was completely the opposite in the other organs. Together, the influence of CM may differ between mitochondria and autophagy functioned between the two organ groups, as mitochondria and autophagy seemed to be repressed and promoted, respectively, in the CNS, while both mitochondria and autophagy were activated in the others. This could possibly be related to the steady or improved cellular activity in both the organs, which might result in the life extension of these rats.

Ulmus macrocarpa Hance Extracts Attenuated H₂O₂ and UVB-Induced Skin Photo-Aging by Activating Antioxidant Enzymes and Inhibiting MAPK Pathways

To protect from reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages, skin cells have evolved to have antioxidant enzymes, such as copper and zinc-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD1), mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR), and suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Bioactive compounds analyses were performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) system. The antioxidant activity of Ulmus macrocarpa Hance (UMH) extracts was estimated in vitro. The anti-aging activity of UMH extracts was estimated in vivo using the SKH-1 hairless mice. The UMH extracts reduced the H₂O₂-induced intracellular ROS production and the cell damages in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Moreover, the H₂O₂-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was detected in HDF and UMH extracts blocked the phosphorylation. These results suggest that UMH extracts can reduce the expression of MMPs and the reduced MMPs lead to the inhibition of collagen degradation. In addition, oral administration of the UMH extracts decreased the depth, thickness, and length of wrinkles on UVB exposed hairless mice. Therefore, UMH extracts play an advantage of the functional materials in antioxidant and anti-aging of skin.

A new ribonucleotide from Cordyceps militaris

One new ribonucleotide, 5'-(3''-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-3'-deoxyadenosine (1), and 14 known compounds (2-15) were isolated from an ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined from 1D and 2D NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS spectra, and results were compared with data from the literature. The effects of all isolated compounds were measured on NF-κB activation, with compound 2 exhibiting significant inhibitory activity against TNF-α-induced NF-κB reporter gene expression in HeLa cells from 3 to 100 μM.

The inhibitory mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis on cigarette smoke extract-induced senescence in human bronchial epithelial cells

OBJECTIVES

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest induced either by telomere shortening (replicative senescence) or stress. The bronchial epithelial cell is often injured by inhaled toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke. In the present study, we investigated whether exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) induces senescence of bronchial epithelial cells; and Cordyceps sinensis mechanism of inhibition of CSE-induced cellular senescence.

METHODS

Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE cells) cultured in vitro were treated with CSE and/or C. sinensis. p16, p21, and senescence-associated-galactosidase activity were used to detect cellular senescence with immunofluorescence, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), PI3K/AKT/mTOR and their phosphorylated proteins were examined to testify the activation of signaling pathway by ROS fluorescent staining and Western blotting. Then, inhibitors of ROS and PI3K were used to further confirm the function of this pathway.

RESULTS

Cellular senescence was upregulated by CSE treatment, and C. sinensis can decrease CSE-induced cellular senescence. Activation of ROS/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was enhanced by CSE treatment, and decreased when C. sinensis was added. Blocking ROS/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway can attenuate CSE-induced cellular senescence.

CONCLUSION

CSE can induce cellular senescence in human bronchial epithelial cells, and ROS/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may play an important role in this process. C. sinensis can inhibit the CSE-induced senescence.

Inhibitory effect of Bailing capsule on hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Objectives:

To investigated the effects of Bailing capsule on hypoxia-induced proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).

Methods:

This prospective study was performed at the Central Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China between April 2012 and November 2014. Ten healthy adult male Wistar rats were administrated with gastric perfusion of Bailing capsule to obtain serum containing the tested drugs. Proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells proliferation was measured using cell counting kit-8 assay. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat PASMCs was determined through a fluorometric assay, whereas production of endothelin-1 (ET-1) was detected by ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-fos, and c-jun in PASMCs was also determined using immunohistochemistry staining and qRT-PCR.

Results:

We observed that the medicated serum obviously inhibited hypoxia-induced cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the medicated serum significantly reduced hypoxia-induced production of ROS and ET-1, as well as expression of PCNA, c-fos, and c-jun, in PASMCs.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrated that Bailing capsule can inhibit hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation possibly by suppressing ET-1 and ROS production and by inhibiting expression of PCNA, c-fos, and c-jun. These results suggest that Bailing possess antiproliferative property, which is probably one of the underlying mechanisms of Bailing capsule for the clinical treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid prolongs the lifespan of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, by inhibiting oxidative stress

This study investigated the effect of Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid (CSOL) on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Following the lifelong treatment of fruit flies with CSOL, lifespan was examined. The activity of copper-zinc-containing superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), manganese-containing superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT), as well as the lipofuscin (LF) content were determined. The mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD2 and CAT were quantified by qPCR. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and paraquat were used to mimic the effects of damage caused by acute oxidative stress. D-galactose was used to mimic chronic pathological aging. CSOL significantly prolonged the lifespan of the fruit flies under physiological conditions. The activity of SOD1 and CAT was upregulated, and LF accumulation was inhibited by CSOL. CSOL had no effect on the transcriptional levels (mRNA) of these enzymes. The survival time of the fruit flies which were negatively affected by exposure to H2O2 or paraquat was significantly prolonged by CSOL. In fruit flies pathologically aged by epxosure to D-galactose, CSOL also significantly prolonged their lifespan, upregulated the activity of SOD1 and CAT, and inhibited LF accumulation. The findings of our study indicate that CSOL prolongs the lifespan of fruit flies through an anti-oxidative stress pathway involving the upregulation of SOD1 and CAT activity and the inhibition of LF accumulation. CSOL may thus be explored as a novel agent for slowing the human aging process.

Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of citrus-based juice mixture

The production of excessive reactive oxygen species by exposure to oxidative stress and solar radiation are primary factors in skin damage. We examined the effects of a citrus-based juice mixture and its bioactive compounds on antioxidant and anti-ageing activities in human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mice via the regulation of antioxidant enzymes and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The citrus-based juice mixture reduced H2O2-induced cell damage and intracellular reactive oxygen species production in human dermal fibroblasts. Citrus-based juice mixture pretreatment suppressed the activation of the H2O2-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by activating the expression of activator protein 1 and matrix metalloproteinases. Moreover, it increased the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase. In addition, oral administration of the citrus-based juice mixture decreased skin thickness and wrinkle formation and increased collagen content on an ultraviolet light B-exposed hairless mouse. These results indicate that the citrus-based juice mixture is a potentially healthy beverage for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced premature skin ageing.

Involvement of p38 MAPK in the Anticancer Activity of Cultivated Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris is a traditional Chinese medicine frequently used for tonic and therapeutic purposes. Reports from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that extracts of the cultivated fruiting bodies of C. militaris (CM) exhibit a potent cytotoxic effect against many cancer cell lines, especially human leukemia cells. Here, we further investigated the underlying mechanism through which CM is cytotoxic to cancer cells. The CM-mediated induction of PARP cleavage and its related DNA damage signal (γH2AX) was diminished by caspase inhibitor I. In contrast, a ROS scavenger failed to prevent CM-mediated leukemia cell death. Moreover, two signaling molecules, AKT and p38 MAPK, were activated during the course of apoptosis induction. Employing MTT analysis, we found that a p38 MAPK inhibitor but not an AKT inhibitor could rescue cells from CM-mediated cell death, as well as inhibit the cleavage of PARP, formation of apoptotic bodies and up-regulation of the γH2AX signal. These results suggest that CM-mediated leukemia cell death occurs through the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, indicating its potential therapeutic effects against human leukemia.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, fibroblast apoptosis resistance, and aging-related susceptibility to lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disorder with unknown cause and no effective treatment. The incidence of and mortality from IPF increase with age, suggesting that advanced age is a major risk factor for IPF. The mechanism underlying the increased susceptibility of the elderly to IPF, however, is unknown. In this study, we show for the first time that the protein level of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), a protease inhibitor which plays an essential role in the control of fibrinolysis, was significantly increased with age in mouse lung homogenate and lung fibroblasts. Upon bleomycin challenge, old mice experienced augmented PAI-1 induction and lung fibrosis as compared to young mice. Most interestingly, we show that fewer (myo)fibroblasts underwent apoptosis and more (myo)fibroblasts with increased level of PAI-1 accumulated in the lung of old than in young mice after bleomycin challenge. In vitro studies further demonstrate that fibroblasts isolated from lungs of old mice were resistant to H2O2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis and had augmented fibrotic responses to TGF-β1, compared to fibroblasts isolated from young mice. Inhibition of PAI-1 activity with a PAI-1 inhibitor, on the other hand, eliminated the aging-related apoptosis resistance and TGF-β1 sensitivity in isolated fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that knocking down PAI-1 in human lung fibroblasts with PAI-1 siRNA significantly increased their sensitivity to apoptosis and inhibited their responses to TGF-β1. Together, the results suggest that increased PAI-1 expression may underlie the aging-related sensitivity to lung fibrosis in part by protecting fibroblasts from apoptosis.