A bacterial metabolite induces Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidative responses in gingival epithelial cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway

Eicosapentaenoic acid induces macrophage Mox polarization to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) leads to heart failure, with few effective approaches for its intervention. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an essential nutrient that benefits the cardiovascular system, but its effect on DC remains unknown. Here, we report that EPA protects against DC in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice, with an emphasis on the reduction of cardiac M1-polarized macrophages. In vitro, EPA abrogates cardiomyocyte injury induced by M1-polarized macrophages, switching macrophage phenotype from M1 to Mox, but not M2, polarization. Moreover, macrophage Mox polarization combats M1-polarized macrophage-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Further, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) was identified to maintain the Mox phenotype, mediating EPA suppression of macrophage M1 polarization and the consequential cardiomyocyte injury. Mechanistic studies reveal that G-protein-coupled receptor 120 mediates the upregulation of HO-1 by EPA. Notably, EPA promotes Mox polarization in monocyte-derived macrophages from diabetic patients. The current study provides EPA and macrophage Mox polarization as novel strategies for DC intervention.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling by Phytotherapeutics in Periodontitis

Periodontitis affects up to 40% of adults over 60 years old and is a consequence of gingivitis. Periodontitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation, periodontal damage, and alveolar bone resorption. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) (NRF2/KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a key role in periodontitis by modulating redox balance and inflammation of the periodontium. However, NRF2 expression is decreased in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis while oxidative stress is significantly increased in this pathology. Oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria favor the production of inflammatory causing periodontal inflammation and favoring alveolar bone. In this review, we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in in vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis in order to evaluate new potential treatments of periodontitis that can improve the outcome of this disease.

The gut lactic acid bacteria metabolite, 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid, suppresses inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating the NRF2 pathway and GPCR-signaling

Various gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus plantarum, possess several enzymes that produce hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), oxo FAs, conjugated FAs, and partially saturated FAs from polyunsaturated FAs as secondary metabolites. Among these derivatives, we identified 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (γKetoC), a γ-linolenic acid (GLA)-derived enon FA, as the most effective immunomodulator, which inhibited the antigen-induced immunoactivation and LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. The treatment with γKetoC significantly suppressed proliferation of CD4+ T cells, LPS-induced activation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and LPS-induced IL-6 release from peritoneal cells, splenocytes, and CD11c+ cells isolated from the spleen. γKetoC also inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines from BMDCs stimulated with poly-I:C, R-848, or CpG. Further in vitro experiments using an agonist of GPR40/120 suggested the involvement of these GPCRs in the effects of γKetoC on DCs. We also found that γKetoC stimulated the NRF2 pathway in DCs, and the suppressive effects of γKetoC and agonist of GPR40/120 on the release of IL-6 and IL-12 were reduced in Nrf2-/- BMDCs. We evaluated the role of NRF2 in the anti-inflammatory effects of γKetoC in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. The oral administration of γKetoC significantly reduced body weight loss, improved stool scores, and attenuated atrophy of the colon, in wild-type C57BL/6 and Nrf2+/- mice with colitis. In contrast, the pathology of colitis was deteriorated in Nrf2-/- mice even with the administration of γKetoC. Collectively, the present results demonstrated the involvement of the NRF2 pathway and GPCRs in γKetoC-mediated anti-inflammatory responses.

Mechanism and application of Lactobacillus in type 2 diabetes-associated periodontitis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accelerates the progression of periodontitis through diverse pathways. Abnormal immune responses, excessive activation of inflammation, increased levels of advanced glycation end products, and oxidative stress have defined roles in the pathophysiological process of T2DM-associated periodontitis. Furthermore, in the periodontium of diabetic individuals, there are high levels of advanced glycation end-products and glucose. Meanwhile, progress in microbiomics has revealed that dysbacteriosis caused by T2DM also contributes to the progression of periodontitis. Lactobacillus, owing to its fine-tuning function in the local microbiota, has sparked tremendous interest in this field. Accumulating research on Lactobacillus has detailed its beneficial role in both diabetes and oral diseases. In this study, we summarize the newly discovered mechanisms underlying Lactobacillus-mediated improvement of T2DM-associated periodontitis and propose the application of Lactobacillus in the clinic.

The Antioxidant Effect of Dietary Bioactives Arises from the Interplay between the Physiology of the Host and the Gut Microbiota: Involvement of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

The maintenance of redox homeostasis is associated with a healthy status while the disruption of this mechanism leads to the development of various pathological conditions. Bioactive molecules such as carbohydrates accessible to the microbiota (MACs), polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are food components best characterized for their beneficial effect on human health. In particular, increasing evidence suggests that their antioxidant ability is involved in the prevention of several human diseases. Some experimental data indicate that the activation of the nuclear factor 2-related erythroid 2 (Nrf2) pathway-the key mechanism in the maintenance of redox homeostasis-is involved in the beneficial effects exerted by the intake of PUFAs and polyphenols. However, it is known that the latter must be metabolized before becoming active and that the intestinal microbiota play a key role in the biotransformation of some ingested food components. In addition, recent studies, indicating the efficacy of the MACs, polyphenols, and PUFAs in increasing the microbial population with the ability to yield biologically active metabolites (e.g., polyphenol metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)), support the hypothesis that these factors are responsible for the antioxidant action on the physiology of the host. The underlying mechanisms through which MACs, polyphenols, and PUFAs might influence the redox status have not been fully elucidated, but based on the efficacy of SCFAs as Nrf2 activators, their contribution to the antioxidant efficacy of dietary bioactives cannot be excluded. In this review, we aimed to summarize the main mechanisms through which MACs, polyphenols, and PUFAs can modulate the host's redox homeostasis through their ability to directly or indirectly activate the Nrf2 pathway. We discuss their probiotic effects and the role played by the alteration of the metabolism/composition of the gut microbiota in the generation of potential Nrf2-ligands (e.g., SCFAs) in the host's redox homeostasis.

Evaluation of the effects of e-cigarette aerosol extracts and tobacco cigarette smoke extracts on human gingival epithelial cells

Smoking increases the risk of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular, oral and lung diseases. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity among young people as an alternative to cigarettes, but there is debate over whether they are less harmful to the mouth than e-cigarettes. In this study, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were treated with four commercially available e-cigarette aerosol condensates (ECAC) or commercially available generic cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) with different nicotine concentrations. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by acridine orange (AO) and Hoechst33258 staining. The levels of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-3), cyclooxygenase 2 and inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Finally, ROS levels were analyzed by ROS staining. The different effects of CSC and ECAC on HGECs were compared. The results showed that higher nicotine concentration of CS significantly reduced the activity of HGECs. By contrast, all ECAC had no significant effect. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase, COX-2, and inflammatory factors were higher in HGECs treated with CSC than those treated with ECAC. In contrast, the level of type I collagen was higher in HGECs treated with ECAC than those treated with CSC. In conclusion, all four flavors of e-cigarettes were less toxic to HGE cells than tobacco, but further clinical studies are needed to determine whether e-cigarettes are less harmful to oral health than conventional cigarettes.

Evaluation of the Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol Extracts and Tobacco Cigarette Smoke Extracts on Human Gingival Epithelial Cells

Smoking increases the risk of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular, oral, and lung diseases. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity among young people as an alternative to cigarettes, but there is debate over whether they are less harmful to the mouth than e-cigarettes. In this study, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were treated with four commercially available e-cigarette aerosol condensates (ECAC) or commercially available generic cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) with different nicotine concentrations. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by acridine orange (AO) and Hoechst33258 staining. The levels of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-3), cyclooxygenase 2, and inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Finally, ROS levels were analyzed by ROS staining. The different effects of CSC and ECAC on HGECs were compared. The results showed that higher nicotine concentration of CS significantly reduced the activity of HGECs. By contrast, all ECAC had no significant effect. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase, COX-2, and inflammatory factors were higher in HGECs treated with CSC than those treated with ECAC. In contrast, the level of type I collagen was higher in HGECs treated with ECAC than those treated with CSC. In conclusion, all four flavors of e-cigarettes were less toxic to HGE cells than tobacco, but further clinical studies are needed to determine whether e-cigarettes are less harmful to oral health than conventional cigarettes.

Abamectin causes cardiac dysfunction in carp via inhibiting redox equilibrium and resulting in immune inflammatory response and programmed cell death

This study aims to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of abamectin on the cardiac function of carp and the potential mechanisms. Here, male carp were exposed to abamectin, and cardiac function-related enzymatic markers were examined. Cardiac histopathology, redox equilibrium, inflammation, and cell death were evaluated. Abamectin exposure caused cardiac dysfunction by upregulating lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), creatine Kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) and white blood cells (WBCs), and decreasing red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin (Hb). DHE staining and biochemical assays revealed that abamectin caused ROS release and oxidative stress by inhibiting Nrf2-ARE pathway. Histopathological and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays revealed that abamectin caused myocardial fiber swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration, enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf-α), interleukin-1 beta (Il-1β), and Il-6 levels and attenuated anti-inflammatory cytokines Il-10 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgf-β1) through activating NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Tunel staining showed that abamectin triggered cardiac apoptosis via activating p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis with elevated bcl2-associated X (Bax), reduced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and activated Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. Immunoblot analysis revealed that abamectin activated autophagic flow by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), resulting in the conversion of LC3B from LC3-I to LC3-II, elevation of autophagy protein 5 (Atg5), and reduction of p62. Overall, abamectin caused cardiac dysfunction in carp via inhibiting redox equilibrium and resulting in immune inflammatory response and programmed cell death.

ROS-scavenging biomaterials for periodontitis

Periodontitis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease in which the continuous activation of oxidative stress surpasses the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity of the endogenous antioxidative defense system. Studies have demonstrated that ROS-scavenging biomaterials should be promising candidates for periodontitis therapy. To benefit the understanding and design of scavenging biomaterials for periodontitis, this review details the relationship between ROS and periodontitis, including direct and indirect damage, the application of ROS-scavenging biomaterials in periodontitis, including organic and inorganic ROS-scavenging biomaterials, and the various dosage forms of fabricated materials currently used for periodontal therapy. Finally, the current situation and further prospects of ROS-scavenging biomaterials in periodontal applications are summarized. Expecting that improved ROS-scavenging biomaterials could be better designed and developed for periodontal and even clinical application.

Targeting Nrf2 with Probiotics and Postbiotics in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a destructive disease of the tooth-surrounding tissues. Infection is the etiological cause of the disease, but its extent and severity depend on the immune–inflammatory response of the host. Immune cells use reactive oxygen species to suppress infections, and there is homeostasis between oxidative and antioxidant mechanisms during periodontal health. During periodontitis, however, increased oxidative stress triggers tissue damage, either directly by activating apoptosis and DNA damage or indirectly by activating proteolytic cascades. Periodontal treatment aims to maintain an infection and inflammation-free zone and, in some cases, regenerate lost tissues. Although mechanical disruption of the oral biofilm is an indispensable part of periodontal treatment, adjunctive measures, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications, are also frequently used, especially in patients with suppressed immune responses. Recent studies have shown that probiotics activate antioxidant mechanisms and can suppress extensive oxidative stress via their ability to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The aim of this narrative review is to describe the essential role of Nrf2 in the maintenance of periodontal health and to propose possible mechanisms to restore the impaired Nrf2 response in periodontitis, with the aid of probiotic and postbiotics.

The rationale and potential for using Lactobacillus in the management of periodontitis

Periodontitis refers to a wide range of the inflammatory conditions of supporting dental structures. For some patients with periodontitis, antibacterial agents are needed as an adjuvant to mechanical debridement treatments and oral hygiene maintenance. However, the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the prophylaxis and treatment of periodontal infections results in the emergence of resistant pathogens. Therefore, probiotics have become markedly interesting to researchers as a potentially safe alternative to periodontal treatment and maintenance. Probiotics have been used in medicine for decades and extensively applied to the treatment of inflammatory diseases through the modulation of microbial synergy and other mechanisms. A growing amount of evidence has shown that using Lactobacillus strains for oral cavity maintenance could improve periodontal health. In this study, we reviewed studies showing proof of the inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus species on periodontal inflammation. We also explored the rationale and potential for using Lactobacillus species in the management of periodontitis.

Probiotics-Mediated Bioconversion and Periodontitis

Novel bioactive metabolites have been developed through a bioconversion of dairy products or other foods using probiotics isolated from dairy products or other fermented foods. These probiotics-mediated bioconversion (PMB) metabolites show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, epithelial barrier, and anticancer activities. In addition, the effect of PMB metabolites in periodontitis is recently reported in several studies. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by infections, and the tooth support tissue is destroyed. Common treatments for periodontitis include scaling and root planning with systemic antibiotics. However, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and disturbs the beneficial bacteria, including lactobacilli in the oral cavity. For this reason, PMB metabolites, such as fermented milk, have been suggested as substitutes for antibiotics to reduce periodontitis. This paper reviews the recent studies on the correlation between periodontitis and PMB metabolites and classifies the efficacy of major PMB metabolites for periodontitis. The review suggests that PMB is effective for periodontitis, and further studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of PMB metabolites on periodontitis.

Rice bran-derived protein fractions enhance sulforaphane-induced anti-oxidative activity in gingival epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Food-derived bioactive peptides have been reported to exhibit various beneficial effects, including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of several inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease. However, the anti-oxidative effect of food-derived bioactive peptides in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) is unknown. Therefore, we examined the bioactivity of the peptides in GECs.

DESIGN

Food-derived peptide fractionations derived from rice bran, rice endosperm, corn, and soy were screened for anti-oxidative effects using anti-oxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase-transfected HEK 293 cells. The induction of anti-oxidation-related genes and proteins in GECs by the fractions were examined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Then, the fraction-mediated anti-oxidative effects were examined by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels using flow cytometry. Furthermore, the anti-oxidative response-related cellular signaling pathways were analyzed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

Although treatment with the food-derived peptides alone did not activate anti-oxidative responses, co-treatment with sulforaphane (SFN; a potent anti-oxidant) and certain food-derived peptides enhanced anti-oxidative responses in ARE-luciferase-transfected HEK 293 cells. The fractions augmented heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and protein expression in GECs. The percentage of ROS-positive cells was significantly decreased by co-treatment with SFN and peptide fractions derived from rice bran. Furthermore, the involvement of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the enhancement of anti-oxidative responses was demonstrated by Western blotting.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptides derived from rice bran enhances SFN-induced anti-oxidative responses in GECs through ERK-Nrf2-ARE signaling.

Toxic effects of TiO2 NPs in the blood-milk barrier of the maternal dams and growth of offspring

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are amongst the most frequently used nanomaterial in everyday consumer products, and their widespread applications have raised concerns of the consequent deleterious effects on human health, particularly to vulnerable populations, such as lactating females remains elusive. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the detrimental effects and toxic mechanisms induced by TiO₂ NPs in maternal dams and offspring during the lactation period. Dams were randomly divided into three groups. The water (Control; Group I) and TiO₂ NPs (100 mg/kg; Group II) were orally administered from postnatal day 1-20, respectively. The results indicated that TiO₂ NPs could cause toxicity in the dams, such as pathological damages to mammary gland tissues. The excessive accumulation of TiO₂ NPs could induce oxidative stress in the mammary gland, leading to the dysfunctional blood-milk barrier; besides, TiO₂ NPs could also be transferred to offspring via breastfeeding, causing abnormal development of infant. We further accessed the possible underlying molecular mechanism; for this, we orally administered TiO₂ NPs with vitamin E (100 mg/kg; Group III). The results revealed that toxicity induced by TiO₂ NPs was rescued. Collectively, this study presented the deleterious pathological effects of oral exposure to TiO₂ NPs in the mammary gland tissues and blood-milk barrier via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in dams and developmental concerns in offspring. However, the administration of VE could mitigate the toxic effects induced by the TiO₂ NPs.

Penehyclidine hydrochloride inhibits renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute lung injury by activating the Nrf2 pathway

The nuclear factor (NF)-κB and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathways promote inflammatory signaling that injures the kidneys, whereas the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway promotes anti-inflammatory signaling that inhibits oxidative damage. Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) inhibits NF-κB and activates Nrf2 signaling. We investigated whether PHC induces communication between the Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, thereby protecting against renal ischemia/reperfusion (rI/R)-induced lung inflammation. Rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383 cells) were stimulated for 24 h with PHC with or without brusatol (a Nrf2 antagonist), after which they were treated for 4 h with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (10 mM). PHC Nrf2-dependently alleviated tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced reactive oxygen species production in alveolar macrophages. Additionally, wild-type and Nrf2^-/- rats were each divided into four groups: (1) sham, (2) PHC (1 mg/kg), (3) rI/R and (4) rI/R + PHC (1 mg/kg). PHC markedly induced the Nrf2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathways and suppressed rI/R-induced NF-κB and NLRP3 activation in the lungs. Nrf2 deficiency diminished the ability of PHC to ameliorate rI/R-induced histopathological alterations and reactive oxygen species release in the lungs; however, PHC inhibited NLRP3 signaling Nrf2-dependently, while it inhibited NF-κB signaling Nrf2-independently. Our findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of PHC on rI/R-induced lung inflammation.

Mechanism and significance of apoptosis of the immortalized human oral mucosal epithelial cells established by Lentivirus-mediated hTERT

During the transition from human oral mucosal epithelial cells (HOMEC) to oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (Cal27), the cells must have undergone a precancerous state. To explore the malignant rule of HOMEC, plv-HOMEC was used as a model cell for the precancerous state to investigate plv-HOMEC's apoptosis by comparing human oral mucosal epithelial cells established by Lentivirus-mediated hTERT (plv-HOMEC) with HOMEC and human Cal27. The lentiviral particles overexpressing hTERT were packaged and transfected into primary HOMEC to obtain plv-HOMEC. Expression levels of NF-κB were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus of Cal27, plv-HOMEC and HOMEC. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was measured to verify the endoplasmic reticulum pathway, cytochrome C expression was detected to verify the mitochondrial pathway, and FasL gene expression was detected to verify the death receptor apoptosis pathway. The total expression of NF-κB in plv-HOMEC increased, mainly due to the greater nuclear import of NF-κB, but it was still much lower than Cal27. The endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis pathway of plv-HOMEC was not significantly affected, and there were no significant differences between them and the HOMEC cells; the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway of plv-HOMEC was inhibited, and the expression of Cyt C was very close to that of Cal27, indicating that the characteristics of plv-HOMEC are so familiar with cancer cells; the death receptor apoptosis pathway of plv-HOMEC was also inhibited, and in this apoptotic pathway, plv-HOMEC were more similar to cancer cells than to HOMEC cells. The present data suggest that NF-κB nucleation may increase in the early stage of healthy cells' carcinogenesis, followed by inhibition of the mitochondrial pathway and the death receptor apoptotic pathway.

Lactobacillus-Derived Bioactive Metabolites for the Regulation of Periodontal Health: Evidences to Clinical Setting

Background: Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in regulating host metabolism that affects the systemic health. To date, several studies have confirmed the fact that microbiota interacts with host, modulating immunity, controlling the homeostasis environment, and maintaining systemic condition. Recent studies have focused on the protective function of poly unsaturated fatty acids, 10-oxo-trans-11-oxadecenoic acid (KetoC) and 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (HYA), generated by gut microbiota on periodontal disease. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear as investigations are limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. In this present review, we found that the administration of metabolites, KetoC and HYA, by a probiotic gut microbiota Lactobacillus plantarum from linoleic acid is found to inhibit the oxidation process, possess an antimicrobial function, and prevent the inflammation. These findings suggest the promising use of functional lipids for human health. Conclusion: Protective modalities of bioactive metabolites may support periodontal therapy by suppressing bacterial dysbiosis and regulating periodontal homeostasis in the clinical setting.