Natural products as non-covalent and covalent modulators of the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway exerting antioxidant effects

Neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of papaya leaf extract and its active compounds via Nrf-2 activation

This study examines the antioxidant capacity of papaya leaf extract (CPL) and its efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in neuronal cells, which are key factors in neurodegenerative diseases. Through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection, we quantified phenolic compounds present in CPL. Molecular docking analyses demonstrated strong binding affinities of these phenolics to proteins involved in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways. Functionally, CPL and its active compounds reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, upregulated Nrf-2/HO-1 expression, and decreased cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, they downregulated apoptotic and inflammatory markers, highlighting its potential to modulate cellular response to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of CPL and Vicenin-2 were significantly reduced by the Nrf-2 inhibitor, confirming their dependence on Nrf-2 signaling. These findings suggest that CPL holds significant potential as a neuroprotective agent, offering valuable insights into its mechanisms and highlighting its potential application in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-025-01873-4.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-arylbenzo[b]furan-4-vinylcarbonyl derivatives based on Salvianolic acid C as antioxidant neuroprotective agents for the treatment of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a globally recognized disease characterized by high mortality and disability rates, with limited clinical treatment options available. The development of neuroprotective agents with antioxidant properties continues to be a focal point of current research. In this study, we designed and synthesized 42 derivatives using α, β-unsaturated carbonyl and 2-arylbenzo[b]furan in Salvianolic acid C as the core skeleton, and evaluated their biological activities. Among these, compound 6p demonstrated notable antioxidant neuroprotective activity and low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, it exhibited the most potent cell protective activity and ROS scavenging capacity in t-BHP-induced PC12 cells. In a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, 6p was found to reduce ROS levels and neuronal apoptosis in brain tissue, enhance neurological function, and decrease the size of cerebral infarction in rats. Additionally, 6p promotes the nuclear translocation of NRF2 and elevates the expression of the antioxidant protein HO-1. Molecular docking results indicated that 6p can bind to key sites within KEAP1 complex. In conclusion, these findings suggest that compound 6p serves as a potential neuroprotective agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Gene network analysis combined with preclinical studies to identify and elucidate the mechanism of action of novel irreversible Keap1 inhibitor for Parkinson's disease

The cysteine residues of Keap1 such as C151, C273, and C288 are critical for its repressor activity on Nrf2. However, to date, no molecules have been identified to covalently modify all three cysteine residues for Nrf2 activation. Hence, in this study, our goal is to discover new Keap1 covalent inhibitors that can undergo a Michael addition with all three cysteine residues. The Keap1's intervening region was modeled using Modeller v10.4. Covalent docking and binding free energy were calculated using CovDock. Molecular dynamics (MD) was performed using Desmond. Various in-vitro assays were carried out to confirm the neuroprotective effects of the hit molecule in 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Further, the best hit was evaluated in vivo for its ability to improve rotenone-induced postural instability and cognitive impairment in male rats. Finally, network pharmacology was used to summarize the complete molecular mechanism of the hit molecule. Chalcone and plumbagin were found to form the necessary covalent bonds with all three cysteine residues. However, MD analysis indicated that the binding of plumbagin is more stable than chalcone. Plumbagin displayed neuroprotective effects in 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells at concentrations 0.01 and 0.1 μM. Plumbagin at 0.1 µM had positive effects on reactive oxygen species formation and glutathione levels. Plumbagin also improved postural instability and cognitive impairment in rotenone-treated male rats. Our network analysis indicated that plumbagin could also improve dopamine signaling. Additionally, plumbagin could exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity through the activation of Nrf2. Cumulatively, our study suggests that plumbagin is a novel Keap1 covalent inhibitor for Nrf2-mediated neuroprotection in PD.

Protective Role of Whey Protein Isolate on MPP+-Induced Differentiation of SH-SY5Y Cells by Modulating the Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) consists of the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) due to oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant activity of whey protein isolate (WPI) in PD models, using neurotoxin-exposed SH-SY5Y cells differentiated into dopaminergic-like neurons. Our research shows that WPI's high glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine contribute to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with glutamic acid crucial for glutathione synthesis. In vitro studies found that WPI, at concentrations of 5-1000 µg/mL, is non-toxic to differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Notably, the lowest con-centration of WPI (5 µg/mL) significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in these cells following a 24 h co-treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). The antioxidant effects of WPI were also confirmed by the increased expression of HO1 and GPx antioxidant enzymes, which are Nrf2 pathway target genes and were evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, Nrf2 nuclear translocation in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells was also increased when the cells were exposed to 5 µg/mL of WPI with MPP+. These results together suggest that WPI has antioxidant effects on dopaminergic-like neurons in a Parkinson's disease model.

Effects of the DailyColors™ polyphenol supplement on serum proteome, cognitive function, and health in older adults at risk of cognitive and functional decline

The Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced mortality and cognitive decline, largely due to its polyphenol content. However, Western populations often do not meet recommended fruit and vegetable intakes. Polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory effects and may influence extracellular vesicle (EV) dynamics. DailyColors™ is a polyphenol-rich blend inspired by this dietary pattern, containing extracts from 16 fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This 60-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial involved 150 UK adults aged 50+ with a BMI ≥ 25, recruited to complete cognitive and physical fitness assessments via the PROTECT-UK online platform. Participants received either a medium (750 mg) or high (2000 mg) dose of DailyColors™ (∼300 mg and ∼750 mg polyphenols, respectively) or a placebo. A sub-group (n = 15 per group) underwent additional assessments, including blood pressure measurements, characterisation of circulating EVs and tandem-mass-tagged serum proteomics. Significant cognitive benefits were observed, with improvements in reaction time for the high-dose group and accuracy for both active supplement groups. The high-dose group also showed significant physical fitness gains on the Timed Stand test (P < 0.001). All groups significantly improved on the Chair Stand test. Proteomic analysis showed significantly reduced serum protein expression in immune and pre-β1-HDL pathways, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Pre-β1-HDL proteins are typically elevated in obesity; their reduction suggests a reversal of this effect. No significant changes were noted in EV concentration or size. DailyColors™ supplementation, may enhance cognitive function, physical fitness, and systemic health in older, overweight adults. These findings warrant further investigation in larger trials.

Antioxidant Peptides from the Fruit Source of the Oil Crop Litsea cubeba Ameliorate FFA-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury: Based on Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

In this study, we systematically investigated the mechanisms of the antioxidation and anti-lipid accumulation effects of antioxidant peptides from Litsea cubeba on a free fatty acid (FFA)-induced NAFLD model of HepG2 cells. The NAFLD cell model was constructed by inducing the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with 0.5 mmol/L FFAs, and AQRDAGLL, QEGPFVR, and DVPPPRGPL were given to the culture to study their lipid-lowering and antioxidant activities on NAFLD cells. The lipid-lowering activities of the three antioxidant peptides were evaluated by Oil Red O staining and TG and TC content assays, and the results showed that all three peptides had strong ameliorating effects on FFA-induced lipid accumulation in NAFLD cells. The intracellular antioxidant protease (CAT, GSH, and SOD) activity levels and lipid peroxidation (MDA) content were measured and intracellular ROS levels were detected. The results showed that after intervention with the antioxidant peptides, the intracellular ROS levels in the NAFLD model cells were significantly reduced, the SOD and CAT activities were increased, the GSH content was elevated, and the MDA content was reduced, which indicated that AQRDAGLL, QEGPFVR, and DVPPPRGPL were able to inhibit the oxidative stress of the cells effectively and to achieve the effect of intervening in NAFLD. JC-1 fluorescence staining experiments showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential function of NAFLD cells was restored under the effect of the antioxidant peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the main driving force between QEGPFVR and Keap1 protein was van der Waals forces, ΔG = -62.11 kcal/mol, which indicated that QEGPFVR was capable of spontaneously binding to Keap1 protein.

Synthesis and Protective Mechanisms of Fluorescent Copolymers against Multi-Band UV-Induced Photodamage in HCE-T Cells

The corneal epithelium, the outermost barrier of the eye, is particularly susceptible to UV-induced photodamage. Owing to the limited protection provided by physical defense strategies, there is a critical need for effective UV-protective ocular medications. In this study, novel fluorescent copolymers were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-UV properties in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cells. These copolymers provided substantial protection to HCE-T cells against damage from various types of UV radiation. The protective effects were attributed to their ability to attenuate oxidative damage caused by UVA radiation and mitigate direct DNA damage induced by UVB and UVC radiation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that their antioxidant and DNA repair activities are mediated through the regulation of the PERK and NER signaling pathways. These findings underscore the potential of these functional polymers as promising ophthalmic agents against broad-spectrum UV-damage.

Curcumin's role in reshaping the redox dynamics of fish kidneys: NRF2 activation as a strategy against copper-induced nephropathy

From essential to harmful, excess copper compromises aquatic vitality. Curcumin, a potent antioxidant bioactive, counteracts heavy metal toxicity. This study examines its role in modulating the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway to boost antioxidant defenses and mitigate apoptosis in kidneys of Channa punctatus exposed to environmentally relevant Copper concentrations (ERCC). 180 fully habituated fish were categorized into six groups: Group 1 served as control, Group 2 was treated with 3 mg/L Curcumin, Group 3 was exposed to ERCC (0.85 mg/L Copper), while Group 4, Group 5 and Group 6 received co-exposure to ERCC along with the escalating Curcumin concentrations of 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, and 3 mg/L, respectively, over periods of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days. Biochemical assays were conducted to evaluate oxidative stress markers (Reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation), kidney damage indicators (creatinine), and genotoxicity (micronuclei). Additionally, transcriptional profiling assessed mRNA levels of apoptosis-related factors (p53, bax, apaf1, cas9, cas3 and bcl2), while histopathological examinations revealed changes in renal architecture. Molecular docking analysis confirmed Curcumin's strong binding affinity to KEAP1, providing insights into its role in activating the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway. The results indicated that Curcumin significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Copper-induced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant defenses, suppressed genotoxicity, modulated apoptosis, and maintained renal tissue integrity. These findings validate curcumin's potential in effectively combating copper toxicity in aquaculture, paving the way for enhanced fish health and improved food safety.

Structural, functional and antioxidant characteristics of enzymatic hydrolysates from Cantharellus cibarius protein

This study first explored the antioxidant capacity, structural characterization, and functional characteristics of Cantharellus cibarius Fr. protein (CCP) and its enzymatic hydrolysates (CCPHs). CCP was extracted via ultrasonic-assisted alkaline extraction/acid precipitation, and six CCPHs were generated using single (alcalase, neutrase, flavourzyme, bromelain) or two step enzymatic hydrolysis (alcalase-flavourzyme, flavourzyme-alcalase). FA-CCPH showed the highest hydrolysis degree (63.39 ± 0.71 %), optimal DPPH scavenging (IC50 = 1.324 mg/mL) and superior ferric-reducing power (1.19 ± 0.01 at 5 mg/mL). AF-CCPH displayed the most effective ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.328 mg/mL). Enzymatic hydrolysis concentrated particle size distribution, disrupted tertiary structures, reduced hydrophobicity, and altered secondary structure ratios of CCPHs. CCPHs displayed porous and fractured surfaces compared to CCP. Distinct functional properties were observed among hydrolysates. These findings support the potential application of CCPHs as antioxidant ingredients in functional foods.

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate mediates an antioxidant response via Nrf2 pathway in heat-stressed poultry: A review

Heat stress is a critical challenge in the poultry industry. It arises when birds are exposed to elevated ambient temperatures beyond their thermoneutral zone, often exacerbated by high humidity and inadequate ventilation. This condition disrupts the birds' ability to maintain thermal homeostasis, leading to physiological and behavioral changes such as increased panting, reduced feed intake, and elevated water consumption. These responses aim to dissipate heat but often result in energy imbalances, oxidative stress, and impaired immune function. Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) mitigate heat stress in poultry birds by modulating oxidative stress pathways, primarily by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms. These pathways play a pivotal role in neutralizing ROS generated during oxidative stress, inflammation, and exposure to electrophilic compounds. This action helps restore cellular balance and enhances overall antioxidant defense mechanisms by converting harmful free radicals into less reactive molecules, such as water and oxygen. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) plays a significant character in the activation of the enzymatic antioxidants network. It translocates to the nucleus upon activation, binds to antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the promoter regions of target genes, and upregulates the expression of key antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the regulation of Nrf2 is considered a critical molecular marker in mitigating the effects of heat stress, as its activation enhances the expression of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, protecting against oxidative damage and inflammation induced by elevated temperatures. This exploratory review summarizes the antioxidant mechanisms and anti-oxidative stress effects of GTPs in mitigating heat stress in poultry. It highlights the cytoprotective molecular basis of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), particularly its role in modulating Nrf2-mediated cellular pathways, which enhance antioxidant defense systems and protect against oxidative damage.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalein: targeting Nrf2, and NFĸB in neurodegenerative disease

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, are characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the brain regions, including the hippocampus, cortex, substantia nigra, and striatum. Multiple pathological mechanisms drive this neuronal loss, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, and excitotoxicity. Recent evidence suggests that these processes are intricately linked to the dysregulation of key signalling pathways, such as the IĸB/NFĸB, and KEAP1/Nrf2 pathways, which play central roles in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial functions, respectively. At present, no cure exists for neurodegenerative disorders, and available medications focus solely on symptomatic management. While these treatments provide temporary relief, their long-term use is often associated with adverse health effects. In this context, natural Phytoactive constituents like Baicalein, a bioactive flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, have gained attention for their promising therapeutic potential. Baicalein has been shown to modulate the IĸB/NFĸB, and KEAP1/Nrf2 pathways, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress while supporting mitochondrial health. It exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NFĸB activation, thereby reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NLRP3 inflammasome, and enzymes like COX-2, LOX, and iNOS, which are essential for innate and adaptive immune responses. Simultaneously, baicalein enhances the Nrf2 activation, promoting the expression of antioxidant enzymes like HO-1, NQO1, GPx, and SOD, thus countering oxidative stress. These findings highlight the potential of baiclalein as a complementary approach for managing neurodegenerative diseases, offering a safer and more holistic alternative to conventional therapies.

Ginsenoside Rg1: A bioactive therapeutic agent for diverse liver diseases

Diverse liver diseases are characterised by late diagnosis and rapid progression and have become one of the major threats to human health. To delay the transition from benign tissue lesions to a substantial organ injury, scientists have gradually applied natural compounds derived from plants as a complementary therapy in the field of hepatology. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a tonic traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and natural products, including ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1), which is a kind of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol saponin with a relatively high biological activity, can be isolated from the roots or stems of ginseng. Given these information, this review aimed to summarise and discuss the metabolic mechanisms of G-Rg1 in the regulation of diverse liver diseases and the measures to improve its bioavailability. As a kind of monomer in Chinese medicine with multitarget pharmacological effects, G-Rg1 can provide significant therapeutic benefits in the alleviation of alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, viral hepatitis, etc., which mainly rely on the inhibition of apoptosis, strengthening endogenous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, activation of immune responses and regulation of efflux transport signals, to improve pathological changes in the liver caused by lipid deposition, inflammation, oxidative stress, accumulation of hepatotoxic product, etc. However, the poor bioavailability of G-Rg1 must be overcome to improve its clinical application value. In summary, focusing on the hepatoprotective benefits of G-Rg1 will provide new insights into the development of natural Chinese medicine resources and their pharmaceutical products to target the treatment of liver diseases.

Antioxidant Peptides from Hizikia fusiformis: A Study of the Preparation, Identification, Molecular Docking, and Cytoprotective Function of H2O2-Damaged A549 Cells by Regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway

Hijiki (Hizikia fusiformis) is a seaweed native to warm-temperate and subtropical regions that has a high edible value and economic value, with a production of about 2 × 105 tons/year. Current research has clearly shown that the pharmacological activities of active ingredients from hijiki have covered a broad spectrum of areas, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiviral, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, intestinal flora modulation, anti-aging, antineoplastic and antibacterial, and anti-Alzheimer's disease areas. However, no studies have reported on the production of antioxidant peptides from hijiki proteins. The objectives of this study were to optimize the preparation process and explore the cytoprotective function and mechanisms of antioxidant peptides from hijiki protein. The results indicated that papain is more suitable for hydrolyzing hijiki protein than pepsin, trypsin, alkaline protease, and neutral protease. Under the optimized parameters of an enzyme dosage of 3%, a material-liquid ratio of 1:30, and an enzyme digestion time of 5 h, hijiki hydrolysate with a high radical scavenging activity was generated. Using ultrafiltration and serial chromatographic methods, ten antioxidant oligopeptides were purified from the papain-prepared hydrolysate and identified as DGPD, TIPEE, TYRPG, YTPAP, MPW, YPSKPT, YGALT, YTLLQ, FGYGP, and FGYPA with molecular weights of 402.35, 587.61, 592.64, 547.60, 532.53, 691.77, 523.57, 636.73, 539.58, and 553.60 Da, respectively. Among them, tripeptide MPW could regulate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to significantly ameliorate H2O2-induced oxidative damage of A549 cells by increasing cell viability and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) activity, decreasing ROS and MDA levels, and reducing the apoptosis rate. Molecular docking experiments show that HFP5 (MPW) exerts its inhibitory effect mainly through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the Kelch domain of the Keap1 protein, eventually facilitating the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus. Therefore, antioxidant peptides from hijiki can be applied to develop algae-derived health foods for treating diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Peptide Profile Changes in Buffalo Milk Cheese during Different Storage Periods and Characterization of Novel Bioactive Peptides through Peptidomics

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the bioactive peptides (BPs) of buffalo milk cheese (BMC) within 15 days of storage. A total of 3605 peptides were identified in the BMC, with 260 peptides remaining stable for 15 days. Among these, the peak intensities of all reported BPs (9 peptides) increased on the 15th day. Additionally, two novel antioxidant peptides, AYF (IC50 = 160.5 μM) and YPFPGPIPK (IC50 = 108.6 μM), and two novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, LRF (IC50 = 214.9 μM) and APFPEVFGK (IC50 = 880.0 μM), were identified. The molecular docking results implied that the active sites on ECH-associated protein 1 (Arg 415, Arg 483, Arg 380, and Asn 382) and the active sites in the three active pockets of ACE (S1, S2, and S'1) are crucial for peptide activity. This study demonstrates that BMC is a stable resource of BPs and has the potential to be used in functional foods.

Spatheliachromen mitigates methylglyoxal-induced myotube atrophy by activating Nrf2, inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and restoring mitochondrial function

BACKGROUND

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a potent precursor of glycative stress that leads to oxidative stress and muscle atrophy in diabetes. Spatheliachromen (FPATM-20), derived from Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang, exhibited potential antioxidant activity.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact and underlying mechanisms of FPATM-20 on MGO-induced myotube atrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse skeletal C2C12 myotubes.

METHODS

Atrophic and antioxidant factors were evaluated using immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Mitochondrial function was assessed using the ATP assay and Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test. The glycogen content was determined using periodic acid-Schiff staining. Molecular docking was performed to determine the interaction between FPATM-20 and Keap1.

RESULTS

In myotubes treated with MGO, FPATM-20 activated the Nrf2 pathway, reduced ROS levels, enhanced antioxidant defense, and increased glycogen content. FPATM-20 improved myotube viability and size, upregulated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression, modulated ubiquitin-proteasome molecules (nuclear FoxO3a, atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and p62/SQSTM1), and inhibited apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase 3). Moreover, FPATM-20 restored mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway (nuclear PGC-1α/TFAM/FNDC5). The inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 reversed the effects of FPATM-20 on MGO. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the binding of FPATM-20 to Keap1, a suppressor of Nrf2, showing the crucial role of Nrf2 in protective effects.

CONCLUSIONS

FPATM-20 protects myotubes from MGO toxicity by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant defense, reducing protein degradation and apoptosis, and enhancing mitochondrial function. Thus, FPATM-20 may be a novel agent for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Protective Effects of Plant-Derived Natural Active Compounds

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of death among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been the preferred clinical treatment for AMI due to its safety and efficiency. However, research indicates that the rapid restoration of myocardial oxygen supply following PCI can lead to secondary myocardial injury, termed myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), posing a grave threat to patient survival. Despite ongoing efforts, the mechanisms underlying MIRI are not yet fully elucidated. Among them, oxidative stress and inflammation stand out as critical pathophysiological mechanisms, playing significant roles in MIRI. Natural compounds have shown strong clinical therapeutic potential due to their high efficacy, availability, and low side effects. Many current studies indicate that natural compounds can mitigate MIRI by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation during MIRI and the role of natural compounds in intervening in these processes, aiming to provide a basis and reference for future research and development of drugs for treating MIRI.

Intermittent Fasting: Myths, Fakes and Truth on This Dietary Regimen Approach

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been indicated as a valuable alternative to the classical caloric restriction dietary regimen for lowering body weight and preventing obesity-related complications, such as metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. However, is it effective? In this review article, we analyzed over 50 clinical studies in which IF, conducted by alternate day fasting (ADF) or time-restricted feeding (TRF), was compared with the caloric restriction approach. We evaluated the different roles of IF in treating and preventing human disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and some types of cancer, as well as the usefulness of IF in reducing body weight and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension. Furthermore, we explored the cellular pathways targeted by IF to exert their beneficial effects by activating effector proteins that modulate cell functions and resistance to oxidative stress. In contrast, we investigated concerns regarding human health related to the adoption of IF dietary regimens, highlighting the profound debate surrounding weight loss regimens. We examined and compared several clinical trials to formulate an updated concept regarding IF and its therapeutic potential.