N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Ameliorates BPAF-Induced Porcine Sertoli Cell Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest via Inhibiting the ROS Level

Mitochondrial quality control in liver fibrosis: Epigenetic hallmarks and therapeutic strategies

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) plays a significant role in the progression of liver fibrosis, with key processes such as mitochondrial fission, fusion, mitophagy and biogenesis maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial quality control in liver fibrosis, with the aim of uncovering novel therapeutic targets for treating, mitigating, and potentially reversing liver fibrosis, in light of the most recent advances in this field.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for published manuscripts using terms "mitochondrial quality control" "mitochondrial fission" "mitochondrial fusion" "mitochondrial biogenesis" "mitophagy" "liver fibrosis" "epigenetic regulation" "DNA methylation" "RNA methylation" "histone modification" and "non-coding RNA". Manuscripts were collated, studied and carried forward for discussion where appropriate.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy regulate the homeostasis of mitochondria, and the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis can induce liver fibrosis. Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, plays a significant role in regulating the processes of mitochondrial homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

Mitochondrial quality control and epigenetic mechanisms are intricately linked to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Understanding these molecular interactions provides insight into potential therapeutic strategies. Further research is necessary to translate these findings into clinical applications, with a focus on developing epigenetic drugs to ameliorate liver fibrosis by modulating MQC and epigenetic pathways.

Naringenin ameliorates cytotoxic effects of bisphenol A on mouse Sertoli cells by suppressing oxidative stress and modulating mitophagy: An experimental study

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting agent, is widely used as polycarbonate plastics for producing food containers. BPA exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations can cause reproductive disorders.

Objective

The effect of Naringenin (NG) on BPA-induced Sertoli cell toxicity and its mechanism was examined in the present study.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental-laboratory study, the mouse TM4 cells were treated to BPA (0.8 μM) or NG for 24 hr at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 μg/ml. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, antioxidant level, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined. The expression of mitophagy-related genes, including Parkin and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (Pink1), was also evaluated.

Results

BPA significantly lowered the viability of the Sertoli cells (p= 0.004). Pink1 and Parkin levels of the BPA group were significantly increased (p < 0.001), while the MMP was considerably decreased (p < 0.001). BPA raised MDA and ROS levels (p < 0.001) and reduced antioxidant biomarkers (p= 0.003). NG at the 20 and 50 μg/ml concentrations could significantly improve the viability and MMP of TM4 cells (p= 0.034). NG depending on concentration, could decrease Pink1 and Parkin at mRNA and protein levels compared to the BPA group (p = 0.024). NG enhanced antioxidant factors, while ROS and MDA levels were decreased in the BPA-exposed cells.

Conclusion

The beneficial impacts of NG on BPA-exposed Sertoli cells are related to the suppression of mitophagy and the reduction of oxidative stress.