Elaidic acid induces cell apoptosis through induction of ROS accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in SH‑SY5Y cells

Mechanism of apoptosis induced by the combined action of acrylamide and Elaidic acid through endoplasmic reticulum stress injury

Thermal processing of food is likely to form acrylamide (AA) and elaidic acid (EA), which are both mainly metabolized by the liver. The two substances are associated with the pathogenesis of liver disease. In the current study, we investigated the toxic effects of the combined action of AA and EA on HSC-T6 cells, and the mechanism of apoptosis exacerbated by the co-exposure. The results showed a synergistic effect of AA and EA, which exacerbated the damage and oxidative stress (OS) in HSC-T6. Meanwhile, the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) proteins, such as GRP78 and CHOP, was increased, the ERS pathway was activated, and Ca2+ in cells was increased, which exacerbated mitochondrial damage, and opened IP3R-Grp75-VDAC1 channel. Both ERS and mitochondrial damage caused the process of cell apoptosis. Inhibition of ERS by 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) significantly reversed the synergistic effects on mitochondrial damage via ERS, suggesting that AA and EA exacerbated mitochondrial damage through ERS-mediated Ca2+ overload. AA and EA synergistically damaged the function of mitochondria through exacerbating ERS and led to cell apoptosis.

Co-treatment with the seed of Carthamus tinctorius L. and the aerial part of Taraxacum coreanum synergistically suppresses Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity by altering APP processing

Accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) induces neurotoxicity, which is the primary risk factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the β- (BACE) and γ- (PS1, PS2) secretases is a critical step in the amyloidogenic pathway. The induction of neuronal apoptosis by Aβ involves increased expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax) and decreased Bcl-2 expression. The seed of Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTS) and the aerial part of Taraxacum coreanum (TC) are traditional herbs used to treat several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of co-treatment with CTS and TC on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. CTS, TC, and the co-treatment (CTS + TC) were added to Aβ25-35-treated SH-SY5Y cells. CTS + TC synergistically increased cell viability and inhibited reactive oxygen species production. CTS + TC resulted in significant downregulation of BACE, PS1, PS2, and APP, as well as the 99-aa C-terminal domain of APP, compared with either CTS or TC alone. Compared with the single herbs, co-treatment with CTS and TC markedly decreased the expression of Bax and increased the expression of Bcl-2, consistent with its anti-apoptotic effects. These findings suggest that co-treatment with CTS and TC may be useful for AD prevention.

SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced autophagy to degrade STING1

ABBREVIATIONS

aa: amino acid; ATF6: activating transcription factor 6; ATG5: autophagy related 5; CCPG1: cell cycle progression 1; CFTR: CF transmembrane conductance regulator; cGAMP: cyclic GMP-AMP; CGAS: cyclic GMP-AMP synthase; CHX: cycloheximide; Co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CQ: chloroquine; EIF2A/eIF2α: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A; EIF2AK3/PERK: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERN1/IRE1: endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HSPA5/GRP78: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5; HSV-1: herpes simplex virus type 1; IFIT1: interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1; IFNB1/IFN-β: interferon beta 1; IRF3: interferon regulatory factor 3; ISG15: ISG15 ubiquitin like modifier; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MAP3K7/TAK1: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7; MAVS: mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein; MOI: multiplicity of infection; NFKB/NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa B; NSP6: non-structural protein 6; Δ106-108: deletion of amino acids 106-108 in NSP6 of SARS-CoV-2; Δ105-107: deletion of amino acids 105-107 in NSP6 of SARS-CoV-2; RETREG1/FAM134B: reticulophagy regulator 1; RIGI/DDX58: RNA sensor RIG-I; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; TBK1: TANK binding kinase 1.

Cis-monounsaturated fatty acids inhibit ferroptosis through downregulation of transferrin receptor 1

Ferroptosis, a form of cell death mediated by lipid peroxidation, is implicated in various pathological processes. Although monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) can inhibit ferroptotic lipid peroxidation, the underlying structural mechanism of this antagonistic effect remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that MUFAs with different structures (including chain length, conformation, and double bond position) may affect their regulatory effect on ferroptosis. In this study, 11 MUFAs with varying structures were screened to identify those with an inhibitory effect on ferroptosis. Results from 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assays indicated that only exogenous MUFAs with cis-conformation and centered double bond could inhibit ferroptosis. Meanwhile, it was found that suppressing the expression of SCD1 and SCD5 genes could sensitize cells to ferroptosis indicating the protective role of endogenous MUFA against ferroptosis. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that cis-MUFAs with centered double bond downregulated the protein levels of transferrin receptor 1. Flow cytometry confirmed that these MUFAs led to decreases in intracellular iron, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxides. It was also found that SCD1 inhibitor could enhance ferroptosis inducer-mediated tumor suppression both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, these findings shed light on the particular structural features of MUFAs that contribute to their ferroptosis-resistant properties and suggest the potential therapeutic relevance of natural MUFAs in a range of ferroptosis-related diseases.

The Active Fraction of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) activates ERK to cause necroptosis in colorectal cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polyrhachis vicina Roger (P. vicina), a traditional Chinese medicinal animal, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, our previous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that it is effective against cancer, depression, and hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, the key active components and targets of P. vicina in cancers are still unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological treatment mechanism of the active fraction of P. vicina (AFPR) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and to further reveal its active ingredients and key targets.

METHODS

To examine the inhibitory impact of AFPR on CRC growth, tumorigenesis assays, cck-8 assays, colony formation assays, and MMP detection were utilized. The primary components of AFPR were identified by GC-MS analysis. The network pharmacology, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, western blotting, CCK-8 assays, colony formation assay, Hoechst staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and MMP detection were performed to pick out the active ingredients and potential key targets of AFPR. The function of Elaidic acid on necroptosis was investigated through siRNA interference and the utilization of inhibitors. Elaidic acid's effectiveness to suppress CRC growth in vivo was assessed using a tumorigenesis experiment.

RESULTS

Studies confirmed that AFPR prevented CRC from growing and evoked cell death. Elaidic acid was the main bioactive ingredient in AFPR that targeted ERK. Elaidic acid greatly affected the ability of SW116 cells to form colonies, produce MMP, and undergo necroptosis. Additionally, Elaidic acid promoted necroptosis predominantly by activating ERK/RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, Elaidic acid is the main active component of AFPR, which induced necroptosis in CRC through the activation of ERK. It represents a promising alternative therapeutic option for CRC. This work provided experimental support for the therapeutic application of P. vicina Roger in the treatment of CRC.

Age-related changes in adipose tissue metabolomics and inflammation, cardiolipin metabolism, and ferroptosis markers in female aged rat model

Aging adipose tissue exhibits elevated inflammation and oxidative stress that are major sources of age-related metabolic dysfunction. However, the exact metabolic changes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress are unclear. To address this topic, we assessed variation in metabolic phenotypes of adipose tissue from 18 months adult sedentary (ASED), 26 months old sedentary (OSED), and 8 months young sedentary (YSED). The results of metabolomic analysis showed that ASED and OSED group had higher palmitic acid, elaidic acid, 1-heptadecanol, and α-tocopherol levels than YSED, but lower sarcosine levels. Furthermore, stearic acid was specifically elevated in ASED compared with YSED. Cholesterol was upregulated specifically in the OSED group compared with YSED, whereas linoleic acid was downregulated. In addition, ASED and OSED had more inflammatory cytokines, lower antioxidant capacity, and higher expression of ferroptosis-related genes than YSED. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with abnormal cardiolipin synthesis was more pronounced in the OSED group. In conclusion, both ASED and OSED can affect the FA metabolism and increase oxidative stress in adipose tissue, leading to inflammation. In particular, linoleic acid content specifically decreases in OSED, which associated with abnormal cardiolipin synthesis and mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

Ilimaquinone (Marine Sponge Metabolite) Induces Apoptosis in HCT-116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells via Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis Pathway

Ilimaquinone (IQ), a metabolite found in marine sponges, has been reported to have a number of biological properties, including potential anticancer activity against colon cancer. However, no clear understanding of the precise mechanism involved is known. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanism by which IQ acts on HCT-116 cells. The anticancer activity of IQ was investigated by means of a cell viability assay followed by the determination of induction of apoptosis by means of the use of acridine orange–ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, DNA fragmentation assays, and TUNEL assays. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected using the JC-1 staining technique, and the apoptosis-associated proteins were analyzed using real-time qRT-PCR. A molecular docking study of IQ with apoptosis-associated proteins was also conducted in order to assess the interaction between IQ and them. Our results suggest that IQ significantly suppressed the viability of HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation and the TUNEL assay in treated cells demonstrated apoptotic death mode. As an additional confirmation of apoptosis, the increased level of caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression and the downregulation of Bcl-2 and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in HCT-116 cells after treatment with IQ, which was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Overall, the results of our studies demonstrate that IQ could trigger mitochondria-mediated apoptosis as demonstrated by a decrease in ΔΨm, activation of caspase-9/-3, damage of DNA and a decrease in the proportion of Bcl-2 through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Different Metabolism and Toxicity of TRANS Fatty Acids, Elaidate and Vaccenate Compared to Cis-Oleate in HepG2 Cells

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are not synthesized in the human body but are generally ingested in substantial amounts. The widespread view that TFAs, particularly those of industrial origin, are unhealthy and contribute to obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes is based mostly on in vivo studies, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we used a hepatoma model of palmitate-induced lipotoxicity to compare the metabolism and effects of the representative industrial and ruminant TFAs, elaidate and vaccenate, respectively, with those of cis-oleate. Cellular FAs, triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols and ceramides were quantitated using chromatography, markers of stress and apoptosis were assessed at mRNA and protein levels, ultrastructural changes were examined by electron microscopy and viability was evaluated by MTT assay. While TFAs were just slightly more damaging than oleate when applied alone, they were remarkably less protective against palmitate toxicity in cotreatments. These differences correlated with their diverse incorporation into the accumulating diacylglycerols and ceramides. Our results provide in vitro evidence for the unfavorable metabolic features and potent stress-inducing character of TFAs in comparison with oleate. These findings strengthen the reasoning against dietary trans fat intake, and they can also help us better understand the molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity.

Omega-9 fatty acids: potential roles in inflammation and cancer management

Background

Omega-9 fatty acids represent one of the main mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) found in plant and animal sources. They are synthesized endogenously in humans, though not fully compensating all body requirements. Consequently, they are considered as partially essential fatty acids. MUFA represent a healthier alternative to saturated animal fats and have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer characters.

The main body of the abstract

This review capitalizes on the major omega-9 pharmacological activities in context of inflammation management for its different natural forms in different dietary sources. The observed anti-inflammatory effects reported for oleic acid (OA), mead acid, and erucic acid were directed to attenuate inflammation in several physiological and pathological conditions such as wound healing and eye inflammation by altering the production of inflammatory mediators, modulating neutrophils infiltration, and altering VEGF effector pathway. OA action mechanisms as anti-tumor agent in different cancer types are compiled for the first time based on its anti- and pro-carcinogenic actions.

Conclusion

We conclude that several pathways are likely to explain the anti-proliferative activity of OA including suppression of migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells, as well stimulation of tumor suppressor genes. Such action mechanisms warrant for further supportive clinical and epidemiological studies to confirm the beneficial outcomes of omega-9 consumption especially over long-term intervention.

Elaidic acid induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation via ERS-MAPK signaling pathways in Kupffer cells

Trans fatty acids (TFA) in food can cause liver inflammation. Activation of NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key factor in the regulation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that ERS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation underlies the pathological basis of various inflammatory diseases, but the precise mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this paper focused on TFA, represented by elaidic acid (EA), to investigate the mechanism of liver inflammation. Levels of mRNA and protein were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, the release of proinflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA, and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were determined by flow cytometer using Fluo 4-AM fluorescent probes. Our research indicated that EA induced the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response in Kupffer cells (KCs), accompanied by the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which resulted in NLRP3 inflammasome formation, and eventually increased the release of inflammatory factors. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was inhibited when KCs were pretreated with ERS inhibitors (4-PBA) and MAPK selective inhibitors. Furthermore, when ERS was blocked, the MAPK pathway was inhibited.

trans-Fatty Acids as an Enhancer of Inflammation and Cell Death: Molecular Basis for Their Pathological Actions

trans-Fatty acids (TFAs) are food-derived fatty acids that possess one or more trans double bonds between carbon atoms. Compelling epidemiological and clinical evidence has demonstrated the association of TFA consumption with various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying etiology is poorly understood since the mechanisms of action of TFAs remain to be clarified. Previous studies have shown that single treatment with TFAs induce inflammation and cell death, but to a much lesser extent than saturated fatty acids (SFAs) that are well established as a risk factor for diseases linked with inflammation and cell death, which cannot explain the particularly higher association of TFAs with atherosclerosis than SFAs. In our series of studies, we have established the role of TFAs as an enhancer of inflammation and cell death. We found that pretreatment with TFAs strongly promoted apoptosis induced by either extracellular ATP, one of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) leaked from damaged cells, or DNA damaging-agents, including doxorubicin and cisplatin, thorough enhancing activation of the stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase p38/c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways; pretreatment with SFAs or cis isomers of TFAs had only minor or no effect, suggesting the uniqueness of the pro-apoptotic role of TFAs among fatty acids. Our findings will provide an insight into understanding of the pathogenesis mechanisms, and open up a new avenue for developing prevention strategies and therapies for TFA-related diseases.

Elaidic Acid Potentiates Extracellular ATP-Induced Apoptosis via the P2X7-ROS-ASK1-p38 Axis in Microglial Cell Lines

trans-Fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated fatty acids with at least one carbon-carbon double bond in trans configuration. TFA consumption has been epidemiologically associated with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) including Alzheimer's disease. However, the underlying mechanisms of TFA-related NDs remain unknown. Here, we show a novel microglial signaling pathway that induces inflammation and cell death, which is dramatically enhanced by elaidic acid (EA), the most abundant TFA derived from food. We found that extracellular ATP, one of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) leaked from injured cells, induced activation of the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-p38 pathway, which is one of the major stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways, and subsequent caspase-3 cleavage and DNA ladder formation (hallmarks of apoptosis) in mouse microglial cell lines including BV2 and MG6 cells. Furthermore, we found that in these microglial cell lines, EA, but not its cis isomer oleic acid, facilitated extracellular ATP-induced ASK1/p38 activation and apoptosis, which was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition of either p38, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X₇), or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). These results demonstrate that in microglial cells, extracellular ATP induces activation of the ASK1-p38 MAP kinase pathway and ultimately apoptosis downstream of P2X₇ receptor and ROS generation, and that EA promotes ATP-induced apoptosis through CaMKII-dependent hyperactivation of the ASK1-p38 pathway, in the same manner as in macrophages. Our study may provide an insight into the pathogenesis of NDs associated with TFAs.

Trans-unsaturated fatty acid activates NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and exacerbates intestinal inflammation in mice

Higher consumption of trans fatty acid (TFA) is a risk factor for several inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the detailed mechanisms by which TFA intake affects IBD pathology remain unclear. We demonstrate here that elaidate, a trans-isomer of oleate, enhances interleukin (IL)-1β production through the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Oleate has no effect on IL-1β production. Elaidate also induces oxidative stress and activates endoplasmic reticulum stress in BMDMs. The elaidate-induced IL-1β production is suppressed by co-treatments with antioxidants and a chemical chaperone. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of elaidate administration on intestinal inflammation using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in mice. Increased colonic damage and myeloperoxidase activity after TNBS treatment are elevated by elaidate administration. Also, TNBS treatment induces IL-1β production in colonic mucosa; elaidate administration enhances the induction. We believe that these data reveal some mechanisms by which the TFA intake is associated with increased risk for IBD.

Dietary Fat and Cancer-Which Is Good, Which Is Bad, and the Body of Evidence

A high-fat diet (HFD) induces changes in gut microbiota leading to activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, and obesity, as a consequence of overnutrition, exacerbates inflammation, a known risk factor not only for cancer. However, experimental data showed that the composition of dietary fat has a greater impact on the pathogenesis of cancer than the total fat content in isocaloric diets. Similarly, human studies did not prove that a decrease in total fat intake is an effective strategy to combat cancer. Saturated fat has long been considered as harmful, but the current consensus is that moderate intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), including palmitic acid (PA), does not pose a health risk within a balanced diet. In regard to monounsaturated fat, plant sources are recommended. The consumption of plant monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), particularly from olive oil, has been associated with lower cancer risk. Similarly, the replacement of animal MUFAs with plant MUFAs decreased cancer mortality. The impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cancer risk depends on the ratio between ω-6 and ω-3 PUFAs. In vivo data showed stimulatory effects of ω-6 PUFAs on tumour growth while ω-3 PUFAs were protective, but the results of human studies were not as promising as indicated in preclinical reports. As for trans FAs (TFAs), experimental data mostly showed opposite effects of industrially produced and natural TFAs, with the latter being protective against cancer progression, but human data are mixed, and no clear conclusion can be made. Further studies are warranted to establish the role of FAs in the control of cell growth in order to find an effective strategy for cancer prevention/treatment.

Mechanisms of Action of trans Fatty Acids

Human studies have established a positive association between the intake of industrial trans fatty acids and the development of cardiovascular diseases, leading several countries to enact laws that restrict the presence of industrial trans fatty acids in food products. However, trans fatty acids cannot be completely eliminated from the human diet since they are also naturally present in meat and dairy products of ruminant animals. Moreover, bans on industrial trans fatty acids have not yet been instituted in all countries. The epidemiological evidence against trans fatty acids by far overshadows mechanistic insights that may explain how trans fatty acids achieve their damaging effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the deleterious effects of trans fatty acids by juxtaposing effects of trans fatty acids against those of cis-unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). This review also carefully explores the argument that ruminant trans fatty acids have differential effects from industrial trans fatty acids. Overall, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that industrial trans fatty acids promote inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, although to a lesser degree than SFAs, whereas cis-unsaturated fatty acids are protective against ER stress and inflammation. Additionally, industrial trans fatty acids promote fat storage in the liver at the expense of adipose tissue compared with cis-unsaturated fatty acids and SFAs. In cultured hepatocytes and adipocytes, industrial trans fatty acids, but not cis-unsaturated fatty acids or SFAs, stimulate the cholesterol synthesis pathway by activating sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 2-mediated gene regulation. Interestingly, although industrial and ruminant trans fatty acids show similar effects on human plasma lipoproteins, in preclinical models, only industrial trans fatty acids promote inflammation, ER stress, and cholesterol synthesis. Overall, clearer insight into the molecular mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids may create new therapeutic windows for the treatment of diseases characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism.

Silica nanoparticles induce caspase-dependent apoptosis through reactive oxygen species-activated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in neuronal cells

Human exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) has been widely applied as vehicles for drug delivery and cellular manipulations in nanoneuromedicine. SiNPs may cause adverse effects in the brain, but potential mechanisms underlying SiNPs-induced neurotoxicity are remained unclear. Here, we examined cytotoxic effects and the cellular mechanisms of SiNPs-induced neuronal cell death. In this study, the results showed that SiNPs significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in Neuro-2a cells as evidenced by the increase caspase-3 activity and the activation of caspase cascades and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In addition, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was triggered as indicated by several key molecules including glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78 and 94, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), activation transcription factor (ATF)-4, and caspase-12. Pretreatment of Neuro-2a cells with specific pharmacological inhibitor of ER stress (4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA)) effectively alleviated the SiNPs-induced ER stress and apoptotic related signals. Furthermore, 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein fluorescence as an indicator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation after exposure of Neuro-2a cells to SiNPs significantly increased ROS levels. Antioxidant N-acetylcyseine (NAC) effectively reversed SiNPs-induced cellular responses. Taken together, these results suggest that SiNPs exposure exerts its neurotoxicity in cultured neuronal cells by inducing apoptosis via a ROS generation-activated downstream ER stress signaling pathway.

Serum elaidic acid concentration and risk of dementia: The Hisayama Study

OBJECTIVE

The associations between trans fatty acids and dementia have been unclear. We investigated the prospective association between serum elaidic acid (trans 18:1 n-9) levels, as an objective biomarker for industrial trans fat, and incident dementia and its subtypes.

METHODS

In total, 1,628 Japanese community residents aged 60 and older without dementia were followed prospectively from when they underwent a screening examination in 2002-2003 to November 2012 (median 10.3 years, interquartile range 7.2-10.4 years). Serum elaidic acid levels were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and divided into quartiles. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios for all-cause dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia by serum elaidic acid levels.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 377 participants developed some type of dementia (247 AD, 102 vascular dementia). Higher serum elaidic acid levels were significantly associated with greater risk of developing all-cause dementia (p for trend = 0.003) and AD (p for trend = 0.02) after adjustment for traditional risk factors. These associations remained significant after adjustment for dietary factors, including total energy intake and intakes of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (both p for trend <0.05). No significant associations were found between serum elaidic acid levels and vascular dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that higher serum elaidic acid is a possible risk factor for the development of all-cause dementia and AD in later life. Public health policy to reduce industrially produced trans fatty acids may assist in the primary prevention of dementia.

miR-181b regulates ER stress induced neuron death through targeting Heat Shock Protein A5 following intracerebral haemorrhage

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress acts as a protein folding and contributes to neuronal damage and neurological deterioration following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Heat Shock Protein A5 (HSPA5) serves as an essential regulator of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. However, the specific mechanism has not been will identified. Primary cortical neurons from C57BL/6 mice were subjected to erythrocyte lysates. Cell viability, microRNA and HSPA5 levels, and ER stress was detected. The interaction between microRNA and the target HSPA5 was identified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. In addition, inflammatory cytokines, brain edema, and neurological functions in ICH mice were also assessed. Erythrocyte lysates induced ER stress and neuron damage, downregulated miR-181b and upregulated HSPA5 levels. MiR-181b suppressed HSPA5 expression by directly binding its 3'-untranslated region. Correspondingly, our data demonstrated that overexpression of miR-181b attenuated erythrocyte lysates induced neuronal necrosis and apoptosis. In vivo, downregulated miR-181b increased the HSPA5 level, along with significant elevations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, brain edema, and neurological injury following ICH. HSPA5 pathway plays an important role in ER stress induced brain damage following ICH. In addition, miR-181b has neuroprotective effects that alleviates neurological injury and represents a promising therapeutic strategy in ICH.

In-vitro evaluation of apoptotic effect of OEO and thymol in 2D and 3D cell cultures and the study of their interaction mode with DNA

Oliveria decumbens is an Iranian endemic plant used extensively in traditional medicine. Recently, some studies have been performed on biological effects of Oliveria essential oil (OEO). However, to our knowledge, the anticancer activity of OEO has not been reported. Based on our GC/MS analysis, the basic ingredients of OEO are thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. Therefore, we used OEO and its main component, thymol, to explore their effects on cell growth inhibition and anticancer activity. Despite having a limited effect on L929 normal cells, OEO/thymol induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB231 breast cancer monolayers (2D) and to a lesser extent in MDA-MB231 spheroids (3D). Flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity assay in treated monolayers/spheroids and also fluorescence staining and DNA fragmentation in treated monolayers demonstrated apoptotic death mode. Indeed, OEO/thymol increased the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level leading to mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) loss, caspase-3 activation and DNA damage caused S-phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, immunoblotting studies revealed the activation of intrinsic and maybe extrinsic apoptosis pathways by OEO/thymol. Additionally, in-vitro experiments, indicated that OEO/thymol interacts with DNA via minor grooves confirmed by docking method. Altogether, our reports underlined the potential of OEO to be considered as a new candidate for cancer therapy.