A Pretreatment with Isoorientin Attenuates Redox Disruption, Mitochondrial Impairment, and Inflammation Caused by Chlorpyrifos in a Dopaminergic Cell Line: Involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis

Pre-clinical evidence for mitochondria as a therapeutic target for luteolin: A mechanistic view

Pre-clinical evidence indicates that mitochondria may be a therapeutic target for luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone; LUT) in different conditions. LUT modulates mitochondrial physiology in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental models. This flavone exerted mitochondria-related antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, stimulated mitochondrial fusion and fission, induced mitophagy, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in human and animal cells and tissues. Moreover, LUT modulated the activity of components of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, improving the ability of mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in certain circumstances. The mechanism of action by which LUT promoted mitochondrial benefits and protection are not completely clear yet. Nonetheless, LUT is a potential candidate to be utilized in mitochondrial therapy in the future. In this work, it is explored the mechanisms of action by which LUT modulates mitochondrial physiology in different pre-clinical experimental models.

Isoorientin: Unveiling the hidden flavonoid's promise in combating cancer development and progression - A comprehensive review

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability of tumors to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs. Despite significant advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, many cancers still present substantial challenges due to their heterogeneity, resistance to conventional therapies, and severe side effects of existing treatments. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for novel therapeutic agents to selectively target cancer cells, enhance the efficacy of current treatments, and minimize adverse effects. Isoorientin (ISO) is a naturally occurring flavonoid known for its anticancer properties. ISO has demonstrated the ability to influence several critical processes in cancer progression, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Due to the absence of clinical trials, we included only in vitro studies, reviewing 13 investigations. These studies covered diverse cancer types, including lung, brain, oral, liver, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, and assessed various outcomes related to cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and molecular pathway modulation. By synthesizing data from these investigations, our review seeks to provide a thorough understanding of ISO's anticancer effects, its mechanisms of action, and its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of isoorientin in the treatment of osteoporosis: a study using network pharmacology and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Isoorientin (ISO) is a glycosylated flavonoid with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on bone metabolism remain largely unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ISO on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation in vitro and bone loss in post-ovariectomy (OVX) rats, as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanism. First, network pharmacology analysis indicated that MAPK1 and AKT1 may be potential therapeutic targets of ISO and that ISO has potential regulatory effects on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathways, as well as oxidative stress. ISO was added to RAW264.7 cells stimulated by RANKL, and its effects on osteoclast differentiation were evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, TRAP activity measurement, and F-actin ring analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in osteoclasts was detected using a ROS assay kit. The effects of ISO on RANKL-triggered molecular cascade response were further investigated by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the therapeutic effects of ISO were evaluated in vivo.

RESULTS

ISO inhibited osteoclastogenesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ISO downregulated the expression of the main transcription factor for osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting MAPK and PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathways. Moreover, ISO exhibited protective effects in OVX-induced bone loss rats. This was consistent with the results derived from network pharmacology.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic utility of ISO in the management of osteoclast-associated bone diseases, including osteoporosis.

Berberine alleviates chlorpyrifos-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 axis

Chlorpyrifos (CPS), an organophosphorus insecticide, is widely used for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes with hazardous health effects. Berberine (BBR) is a traditional Chinese medicine and a phytochemical with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The present study evaluated the effects of BBR against kidney damage induced by CPS and the underlying mechanisms. An initial study indicated that BBR 50 mg/kg was optimal under our experimental conditions. Then, 24 rats (6/group) were randomized into: control, BBR (50 mg/kg/day), CPS (10 mg/kg/day), and CPS + BBR. BBR was administration 1 h prior to CPS. Each treatment was delivered daily for a period of 28 consecutive days using a gastric gavage tube. Compared to CPS-alone treated rats, BBR effectively improved renal function by preventing the rise in serum urea, creatinine, and uric levels. The reno-protective effects of BBR were confirmed through a histological examination of kidney tissues. BBR restored oxidant-antioxidant balance in renal tissues mediated by Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis modulation. In addition, BBR decreased nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. This was paralleled with the potent down-regulation of NF-κB. Furthermore, BBR exhibited anti-apoptotic activities supported by the upregulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax and caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that BBR attenuates CPS-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by restoring oxidant-antioxidant balance and inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis in renal tissue. This is mediated, at least partly, by modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Lycopene attenuates chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 axis

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used for agricultural purposes. However, it has well-documented hepatotoxicity. Lycopene (LCP) is a plant-derived carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present work was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective actions of LCP against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were assigned into five groups namely: Group I (Control), Group II (LCP), Group III (CPF), Group IV (CPF + LCP 5 mg/kg), and Group V (CPF + LCP 10 mg/kg). LCP offered protection as evidenced by inhibiting the rise in serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) induced by CPF. This was confirmed histologically as LCP-treated animals showed liver tissues with less proliferation of bile ducts and periductal fibrosis. LCP significantly prevented the rise in hepatic content of malondialdehyde (MDA), depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), and exhaustion of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Further, LCP significantly prevented hepatocyte death as it ameliorated the increase in Bax and the decrease in Bcl-2 expression induced by CPF in liver tissues as determined immunohistochemically. The observed protective effects of LCP were further confirmed by a significant enhancement in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. In conclusion, LCP possesses protective effects against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity. These include antioxidation and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Baicalin suppressed necroptosis and inflammation against chlorpyrifos toxicity; involving in ER stress and oxidative stress in carp gills

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has caused large-scale pollution worldwide and posed a threat to non-target organisms. Baicalein (BAI) is a flavonoid extract with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The gills are the mucosal immune organ and the first physical barrier of fish. However, it is not clear whether BAI counteracts organophosphorus pesticide CPF exposure-caused gill damage. Therefore, we established the CPF exposure and BAI intervention models by adding 23.2 μg/L CPF in water and/or 0.15 g/kg BAI in feed for 30 days. The results showed that CPF exposure could cause gill histopathology lesions. Moreover, CPF exposure led to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused oxidative stress and Nrf2 pathway activation, and triggered NF-κB-mediated inflammation reaction and necroptosis in carp gills. BAI adding effectively relieved the pathological changes, and lighten inflammation and necroptosis involving in the elF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 pathways through binding to GRP78 protein. Moreover, BAI could ease oxidative stress, but did not affect Nrf2 pathway in carp gills under CPF exposure. These results suggested that BAI feeding could alleviate necroptosis and inflammation against chlorpyrifos toxicity through elF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 axis. The results partially explained the poisoning effect of CPF, and showed BAI could be act as an antidote for organophosphorus pesticides.

Differentiated Neurons Are More Vulnerable to Organophosphate and Carbamate Neurotoxicity than Undifferentiated Neurons Due to the Induction of Redox Stress and Accumulate Oxidatively-Damaged Proteins

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides are toxic to pests through targeted inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). However, OPs and carbamates may be harmful to non-target species including humans and could induce developmental neurotoxicity if differentiated or differentiating neurons are particularly vulnerable to neurotoxicant exposures. Hence, this study compared the neurotoxicity of OPs, chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO), and azamethiphos (AZO) and the carbamate pesticide, aldicarb, to undifferentiated versus differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. OP and carbamate concentration-response curves for cell viability were undertaken using 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays and cellular bioenergetic capacity assessed via quantitation of cellular ATP levels. Concentration-response curves for inhibition of cellular AChE activity were also generated and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was monitored using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. The OPs and aldicarb reduced cell viability, cellular ATP levels, and neurite outgrowth in a concentration-dependent fashion, from a threshold concentration of ≥10 µM. Neurotoxic potency was in the order AZO > CPO > aldicarb for undifferentiated cells but CPO > AZO > aldicarb for differentiated cells and this toxic potency of CPO reflected its more extensive induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generation of carbonylated proteins that were characterized by western blotting. Hence, the relative neurotoxicity of the OPs and aldicarb in part reflects non-cholinergic mechanisms that are likely to contribute to developmental neurotoxicity.