Sestrin2 suppression aggravates oxidative stress and apoptosis in endothelial cells subjected to pharmacologically induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

Association of plasma levels of Sestrin2 with adiposity and metabolic function indices in healthy and diabetic subjects from Qatar Biobank

Background

Despite the accumulating evidence from cellular and animal studies, the role of circulating Sestrin2, a stress-inducible antioxidant protein, in human cardiometabolic health remains largely unexplored. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the association between circulating Sestrin2 and cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy and diabetic individuals.

Methods

This cross-sectional study leveraging data and plasma samples from the Qatar Biobank investigated the relationship between plasma Sestrin2 levels and various cardiometabolic indices in 326 healthy and 518 diabetic subjects.

Results

The study found that Sestrin2 levels were significantly lower in diabetic individuals compared to healthy controls (5.49 ng/mL vs 8.25 ng/mL, p < 0.001). In the healthy cohort, higher Sestrin2 levels were associated with a favorable metabolic profile, indicated by lower odd ratios (OR) of high glycated hemoglobin (OR: 0.33), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance score (OR: 0.58), visceral adiposity index (OR: 0.46), lipid accumulation product (OR: 0.49), atherogenic index of plasma (OR: 0.42) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.23). Conversely, in the diabetic cohort, higher Sestrin2 levels were paradoxically linked to increased triglycerides (OR: 1.57), the product of triglyceride glucose and waist circumference (OR: 1.8), body fat (OR: 1.72), waist circumference (OR: 1.82), waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.96) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.48).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Sestrin2 may play a complex and context-dependent role in metabolic regulation, potentially serving as a protective factor in healthy individuals but contributing to metabolic dysfunction in the context of established diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and implications for targeted interventions.

Eugenol alleviates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury induced-endoplasmic reticulum stress via activating Sestrin2

INTRODUCTION

Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (RIRI) often arises due to heightened oxidative stress, rendering it a central focus of research. Sestrin2 plays a pivotal role in regulating oxidative stress; nevertheless, its impact on the renoprotective properties of Eugenol (EU) during RIRI warrants further investigation.

METHODS

Mice and TCMK-1 cells were categorically assigned into six groups: Sham/Control, Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR)/HR (Hypoxia-Reoxygenation), IR/HR+EU, Sham/Control+Sestrin2-KO, IR/HR+Sestrin2-KO, and IR/HR+EU+Sestrin2-KO. The effects of EU and the involvement of Sestrin2 in RIRI/HR were evaluated using Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine (Scr), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay kits; western blotting; cell viability assays; HE-staining; and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection.

RESULTS

Following RIRI/HR, a marked deterioration in kidney function and a significant surge in oxidative stress levels were observed. However, EU treatment ameliorated renal injury and inhibited oxidative stress. Additionally, EU upregulated Sestrin2 expression, and the renoprotective effects of EU were reversed upon Sestrin2 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

The present study posits that EU effectively mitigates RIRI/HRI (Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury), and its mechanism of renal protection potentially involves the upregulation of Sestrin2, coupled with the inhibition of oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS).

Sestrin2 ameliorates age-related spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia via activation of AMPK/mTOR dependent autophagy

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), characterized as a chronic disease with unregulated enlargement of prostatic gland, is commonly observed in elderly men leading to lower urinary tract dysfunction. Sestrin2 plays a role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and protects organisms from various stimuli. The exact role of Sestrin2 in the etiology of BPH, a common age-related disease, remains unknown. Here, we explored the regulatory function of Sestrin2 in modulating autophagy and its therapeutic role in spontaneous BPH. In vivo study, the 3-month-old (3 M) and 24-month-old (24 M) mice were used, and the 24 M mice were additionally administered recombinant Sestrin2 protein (rp-Sestrin2) for consecutive 14 days. In vitro, BPH-1 cells were transfected with an empty or Sestrin2 overexpression vector. Sestrin2 expression in mice prostate was gradually declined with age. Administration of rp-Sestrin2 to these mice suppressed prostatic hyperplasia, restored the balance between proliferation and apoptosis, and reduced prostatic fibrosis. Moreover, rp-Sestrin2 treatment enhanced autophagy by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, as evidenced by increased autophagosome and autolysosome formation, along with a decrease in degradation marker such as p62. Our findings were further supported by in vitro studies, where Sestrin2 overexpression induced autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. These results suggest that Sestrin2 plays a critical role in attenuating spontaneous BPH by regulating autophagy through AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of Sestrin2 in age-related spontaneous BPH.

Sestrin2 Suppression Promotes Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Exacerbates Methylglyoxal-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a stress-inducible protein known for its cytoprotective functions, but its role in diabetic vascular complications remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of SESN2 on methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Human endothelial cells were transfected with SESN2 siRNA duplexes to silence SESN2 expression, followed by MGO treatment. SESN2 knockdown significantly exacerbated MGO-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the reduced expression of antioxidant markers. Furthermore, SESN2 silencing enhanced the inflammatory response to MGO, demonstrated by the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, SESN2 deficiency promoted EndMT, a key process in diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications, as shown by the increased expression of mesenchymal markers and the decreased expression of endothelial markers. These findings suggest that SESN2 plays a critical protective role in endothelial cells against MGO-induced damage. The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiovascular complications and identifies SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Our results indicate that SESN2 downregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications by promoting EndMT, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Proanthocyanidins protects 3-NPA-induced ovarian function decline by activating SESTRIN2-NRF2-mediated oxidative stress in mice

Abnormal apoptosis of ovarian cells caused by oxidative stress is an important cause of premature ovarian failure (POF). Previous studies revealed that proanthocyanidins (PCs) are powerful natural antioxidants that can safely prevent oxidative damage in humans. However, the protective effect and mechanism of PCs on ovarian function during the course of POF remain unknown. In this study, female mice were injected with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) to establish an ovarian oxidative stress model; at the same time, the mice were treated with PC via gavage. Thereafter, the expression of various apoptosis genes, hormones, and related molecules was assessed. Compared with those in the control group, the ovarian index, follicle count at all levels, expression of MVH, PCNA and BCL2, and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels were significantly lower in the POF group, but significant recovery was observed in terms of MVH and PCNA expression and E2 and P levels in the POF + PCs group. The apoptosis marker genes BAX and ROS were significantly increased in the POF group but were notably restored in the POF + PCs group. In addition, the expression of Sestrin2, an antiapoptotic protein, was significantly increased in the PCs treatment group, as were the upstream and downstream regulatory factors NRF2 and SOD2, and the indices of the Sestrin2 overexpression group were similar to those of the PCs treatment group. In summary, these findings suggest that PCs have potential as innovative therapeutic agents for preventing and treating POF by activating the protective SESTRIN2-NRF2 pathway against oxidative stress.

Investigating the role of functional mutations in leucine binding to Sestrin2 in aging and age-associated degenerative pathologies using structural and molecular simulation approaches

Leucine is the native known ligand of Sestrin2 (Sesn2) and its interaction with Sesn2 is particularly important, as it influences the activity of mTOR in aging and its associated pathologies. It is important to find out how leucine interacts with Sesn2 and how mutations in the binding pocket of leucine affect the binding of leucine. Therefore, this study was committed to investigating the impact of non-synonymous mutations by incorporating a broad spectrum of simulation techniques, from molecular dynamics to free energy calculations. Our study was designed to model the atomic-scale interactions between leucine and mutant forms of Sesn2. Our results demonstrated that the interaction paradigm for the mutants has been altered thus showing a significant decline in the hydrogen bonding network. Moreover, these mutations compromised the dynamic stability by altering the conformational flexibility, sampling time, and leucine-induced structural constraints that consequently caused variation in the binding and structural stability. Molecular dynamics-based flexibility analysis revealed that the regions 217-339 and 371-380 demonstrated a higher fluctuation. Noteworthy, these regions correspond to a linker (217-339) and a loop (371-380) that cover the leucine binding cavity that is critical for the 'latch' mechanism in the N-terminal, which is essential for leucine binding. Further validation of reduced binding and modified internal motions caused by the mutants was obtained through binding free energy calculations, principal components analysis (PCA), and free energy landscape (FEL) analysis. By unraveling the molecular intricacies of Sesn2-leucine interactions and their mutations, we hope to pave the way for innovative strategies to combat the inevitable tide of aging and its associated diseases.

Sestrin2 can alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress to improve traumatic brain injury by activating AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a serious central nervous system disease, can result in severe neurological dysfunction or even disability and death of patients. The early and effective intervention of secondary brain injury can improve the prognosis of TBI. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the main reasons to recover TBI. ER stress inhibition may be beneficial in treating TBI. Sestrin2 is a crucial regulator of ER stress, and its activation can significantly improve TBI. In this paper, we analyze the biological function of sestrin2, the latest findings on ER stress, and the relationship between ER stress and TBI. We elucidate the relationship of sestrin2 inhibiting ER stress via activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) signaling. Finally, we elaborate on the possible role of sestrin2 in TBI and explain how its activation potentially improves TBI.

Evaluation of sestrin 2 and tribbles homolog 3 levels in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background/aim

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of two new biomarkers [tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3) and sestrin 2 levels], which were previously associated with obesity, with metabolic parameters in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional case control study was conducted between September 2017 and August 2019 in the gynecology department of a tertiary referral hospital. The values of the plasma sestrin 2, TRB3, insulin, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared in 90 obese women with PCOS (BMI > 30), 90 women with nonobese PCOS (BMI < 30), and 90 control patients (BMI < 30).

Results

The mean age of the study group consisting of all PCOS patients (26.11 ± 4.64 years) and the mean age of the control group (26.3 ± 4.4 years) were statistically similar (p = 0.239). The serum sestrin 2 values of the obese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control and non-obese PCOS groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001), while the sestrin 2 values of the nonobese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.0001). The TRB3 values of the control group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the obese and nonobese PCOS groups (p = 0.0001), while the TRB3 values of the nonobese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the obese PCOS group (p = 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between the sestrin 2 level and BMI (r = -0.272 p = 0.0001), insulin (r = -0.261 p = 0.0001), and HOMA-IR levels (r = -0.250 p = 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between the TRB3 values and TG (r = 0.248 p = 0.0001), and LDL-C values (r = 0.235 p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

According to the findings in this study, low sestrin 2 and high TRB3 levels may be related to impaired metabolic status in the obese PCOS group. Thus, it may be promising for the development of treatment of PCOS and associated metabolic disorder in the future.

chi-miR-130b-3p regulates the ZEA-induced oxidative stress damage through the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway by targeting SESN2 in goat GCs

As a dominant mycotoxin, zearalenone (ZEA) has attracted extensive attention due to its estrogen-like effect and oxidative stress damage in cells. In order to find a way to relieve cell oxidative stress damage caused by ZEA, we treated goat granulosa cells (GCs) with ZEA and did a whole transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that the expression level of Sesterin2 (SESN2) was promoted extremely significantly in the ZEA group (p < .01). In addition, our research demonstrated that SESN2 could regulate oxidative stress level in GCs through Recombinant Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1)/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway. The overexpression of SESN2 could reduce the oxidative damage, whereas knockdown of SESN2 would aggravate the oxidative damage caused by ZEA. What's more, microRNA (miRNA) chi-miR-130b-3p can bind to SESN2 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) to regulate the expression of SESN2. The mimics/inhibition of chi-miR-130b-3p would have an effect on oxidative damage triggered by ZEA in GCs as well. In summary, these results elucidate a new pathway by which chi-miR-130b-3p affects the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in GCs by modulating SESN2 expression in response to ZEA-induced oxidative stress damage.

Sestrin2 in diabetes and diabetic complications

Diabetes is a global health problem which is accompanied with multi-systemic complications. It is of great significance to elucidate the pathogenesis and to identify novel therapies of diabetes and diabetic complications. Sestrin2, a stress-inducible protein, is primarily involved in cellular responses to various stresses. It plays critical roles in regulating a series of cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Researches investigating the correlations between Sestrin2, diabetes and diabetic complications are increasing in recent years. This review incorporates recent findings, demonstrates the diverse functions and regulating mechanisms of Sestrin2, and discusses the potential roles of Sestrin2 in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications, hoping to highlight a promising therapeutic direction.

Sestrin2 as a Protective Shield against Cardiovascular Disease

A timely and adequate response to stress is inherently present in each cell and is important for maintaining the proper functioning of the cell in changing intracellular and extracellular environments. Disruptions in the functioning or coordination of defense mechanisms against cellular stress can reduce the tolerance of cells to stress and lead to the development of various pathologies. Aging also reduces the effectiveness of these defense mechanisms and results in the accumulation of cellular lesions leading to senescence or death of the cells. Endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes are particularly exposed to changing environments. Pathologies related to metabolism and dynamics of caloric intake, hemodynamics, and oxygenation, such as diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, can overwhelm endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes with cellular stress to produce cardiovascular disease. The ability to cope with stress depends on the expression of endogenous stress-inducible molecules. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is an evolutionary conserved stress-inducible cytoprotective protein whose expression is increased in response to and defend against different types of cellular stress. SESN2 fights back the stress by increasing the supply of antioxidants, temporarily holding the stressful anabolic reactions, and increasing autophagy while maintaining the growth factor and insulin signaling. If the stress and the damage are beyond repair, SESN2 can serve as a safety valve to signal apoptosis. The expression of SESN2 decreases with age and its levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and many age-related pathologies. Maintaining sufficient levels or activity of SESN2 can in principle prevent the cardiovascular system from aging and disease.

Sestrin2: multifaceted functions, molecular basis, and its implications in liver diseases

Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress-responsive protein, can be triggered by various noxious stimuli, such as hypoxia, DNA damage, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation. Multiple transcription factors regulate SESN2 expression, including hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), p53, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), ATF6, etc. Upon induction, SESN2 generally leads to activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). To maintain cellular homeostasis, SESN2 and its downstream molecules directly scavenge reactive oxygen species or indirectly influence the expression patterns of key genes associated with redox, macroautophagy, mitophagy, ER stress, apoptosis, protein synthesis, and inflammation. In liver diseases including acute liver injury, fatty liver diseases, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SESN2 is abnormally expressed and correlated with disease progression. In NAFLD, SESN2 helps with postponing disease progression through balancing glycolipid metabolism and macroautophagy (lipophagy), and rectifying oxidative damage and ER stress. During hepatic fibrosis, SESN2 represses HSCs activation and intrahepatic inflammation, hindering the occurrence and progress of fibrogenesis. However, the role of SESN2 in HCC is controversial due to its paradoxical pro-autophagic and anti-apoptotic effects. In conclusion, this review summarizes the biological functions of SESN2 in hypoxia, genotoxic stress, oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation, and specifically emphasizes the pathophysiological significance of SESN2 in liver diseases, aiming to providing a comprehensive understanding for SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target in liver diseases.

Could sestrin protein in serum be a new marker of oxidative stress in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome?

OBJECTIVE

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders and it is the threshold of many systemic disorders. There are many studies in the literature on the mechanisms that cause increased oxidation in PCOS. Sestrin protein is known to regulate the oxidation. In this study, it is aimed to examine the changes in the level of sestrin protein in women with PCOS.

METHODS

A total of 60 women participated the study, 30 of whom were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Also, 30 women were included in the study as the control group. Demographic information, biochemical analysis results, and sestrin levels of the patients in each group were compared.

RESULTS

The median sestrin level was 6.2 ± 0.8 in the PCOS group and 3.38 ± 0.4 in the control group (p < 0.001). As a result of the evaluation made with ROC analysis, it is observed that serum sestrin levels may be meaningful in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. The area under the curve (AUC) value for the 4.69 level was 99.4% (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 96.7% vs. 100%, sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 96.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sestrin protein is associated with oxidative stress. Sestrin protein can be used as an indicator of increased oxidative stress in PCOS.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 3 alleviated cardiac remodeling induced by angiotensin II via inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice

Increased expression of secreted frizzled related protein 3 (SFRP3) is associated with adverse outcomes of heart failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SFRP3 on cardiac remodeling and its mechanism. Cardiac remodeling was induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in the mice, and in the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) treated with Ang II. The expression decreased in the heart of mice, and NRCM and HL-1 cells with Ang II treatment. Ang II-induced hypertrophy and fibrosis of heart in mice were attenuated by upregulation of SFRP3, and were further deteriorated by downregulation of SFRP3. Ang II-induced hypertrophy of NRCM and HL-1 cells were improved by SFRP3 overexpression, and were further deteriorated by SFRP3 knockdown. The oxidative stress increased in the heart of Ang II-treated mice, and this enhancement was inhibited by overexpressing of SFPR3, and was worsened by downregulation of SFPR3. These outcomes suggested that upregulation of SFPR3 could improve cardiac remodeling via inhibition of oxidative stress.

Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases

Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and has attracted increasing attention for clinical applications. Vascular diseases affecting vasculature in the heart, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetic complications have compromised quality of life for affected individuals and increase the burden on health care services. Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid form Rhizoma coptidis, is widely used in China as a folk medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Promisingly, an increasing number of studies have identified several cellular and molecular targets for berberine, indicating its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases, as well as providing novel evidence that supports the therapeutic potential of berberine to combat vascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively and systematically describe the evidence for berberine as a therapeutic agent in vascular diseases, including its pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics. According to data published so far, berberine shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic activity via the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase silent information regulator 1 (SIRT-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), janus kinase 2 (JAK-2), Ca²⁺ channels, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, we discuss the existing limitations of berberine in the treatment of vascular diseases, and give corresponding measures. In addition, we propose some research perspectives and challenges, and provide a solid evidence base from which further studies can excavate novel effective drugs from Chinese medicine monomers.