Role of Rapamycin and 3-MA in oxidative damage of HLECs caused by two doses of UVB radiation

Investigating the Effect and Mechanism of 3-Methyladenine Against Diabetic Encephalopathy by Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation

Background/Objectives: Diabetic encephalopathy (DE), a severe neurological complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is characterized by cognitive dysfunction. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), a methylated adenine derivative, acts as a biomarker for DNA methylation and exhibits hypoglycemic and neuroprotective properties. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying 3-MA's therapeutic effects on diabetic microvascular complications remain incompletely understood, owing to the intricate and multifactorial pathogenesis of DE. Methods: This study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to predict potential targets and signaling pathways of 3-MA against DE, with subsequent validation through animal experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of 3-MA in DE treatment. Results: Network pharmacological analysis identified two key targets of 3-MA in DE modulation: AKT and GSK3β. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between 3-MA and AKT/GSK3β. In animal experiments, 3-MA significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, ameliorated learning and memory deficits, and preserved hippocampal neuronal integrity. Furthermore, we found that 3-MA inhibited apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bax and BCL-2. Notably, 3-MA also downregulated the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau while enhancing the expression of phosphorylated AKT and GSK-3β. Conclusions: Our findings may contribute to elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of 3-MA in diabetic microangiopathy and provide potential therapeutic targets through activation of the AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

Copper-Based Nanoparticles for Effective Treatment Against Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury in Mice Model

Introduction

Lung injury, a common complication of sepsis, arises from elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death driven by inflammation. In this study, a novel class of ultrasmall nanoparticles (Cu4.5O USNPs) was developed to address sepsis-induced lung injury (SILI).

Methods

The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized to assess their properties. In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the biologically effective concentration and elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. These findings were further supported by in vivo studies, showcasing the material's efficacy in mitigating SILI.

Results

The Cu4.5O USNPs demonstrated remarkable scavenging capabilities for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anions (O2 -), and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), attributed to their catalase (CAT)- and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited strong anti-inflammatory effects, preserved mitochondrial homeostasis through potent ROS scavenging, and significantly reduced cell death. In vivo studies on mice further validated their protective role against SILI.

The conclusion

This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Cu4.5O USNPs in treating sepsis-induced lung injury by effectively scavenging ROS and reducing cell death. These findings provide compelling evidence for the future use of copper-based nanoparticles as antioxidant therapeutics.

3-methyladenine ameliorates acute lung injury by inhibiting oxidative damage and apoptosis

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a condition characterized by inflammation and oxidative damage. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) has great potential for regulating apoptosis, but its regulatory role in ALI is unknown.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-treated bronchial epithelial cells were used to simulate in vivo and in vitro ALI models, respectively. In vivo, lung injury was assessed by histopathological analysis and lung injury scoring. The total cell count, protein content, and inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined. The level of apoptosis in lung tissue was assessed through TUNEL staining. In the vitro ALI model, cell viability and levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were assessed.

Results

3-MA pretreatment ameliorated lung injury, including intra-alveolar hemorrhage and inflammatory cell accumulation, both in vitro and in vivo. 3-MA pretreatment also decreased inflammatory factor levels in the BALF. 3-MA pretreatment alleviated oxidative damage, decreased reactive oxygen species levels, and attenuated morphological changes. TUNEL and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining revealed that pretreatment with 3-MA reduced the level of apoptosis. 3-MA pretreatment significantly decreased the expression of caspase-3 and Bax but increased the expression of Bcl-2 in ALI. Mechanistically, 3-MA pretreatment also affected the PKCα/NOX4 and Nrf2 pathways, which decreased the level of apoptosis in ALI.

Conclusions

3-MA pretreatment inhibited inflammation and oxidative damage in ALI and inhibited apoptosis to mitigate ALI in part by inhibiting the PKCα/NOX4 pathway and activating the Nrf2 pathway. Based on these results, 3-MA might be a viable medication to treat with ALI.