NADPH oxidase 2 deletion enhances neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury

Microglial NOX2 as a therapeutic target in traumatic brain injury: Mechanisms, consequences, and potential for neuroprotection

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with secondary injury mechanisms, including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, driving much of its chronic pathology. While NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a recognized factor in TBI, the specific role of microglial NOX2 in perpetuating oxidative and inflammatory damage remains underexplored. Addressing this gap is critical, as current therapeutic approaches primarily target acute symptoms and fail to interrupt the persistent neuroinflammation that contributes to progressive neurodegeneration. Besides NOX, other ROS-generating enzymes, such as CYP1B1, COX2, and XO, also play crucial roles in triggering oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory conditions in TBI. However, this review highlights the pathophysiological role of microglial NOX2 in TBI, focusing on its activation following injury and its impact on ROS generation, neuroinflammatory signaling, and neuronal loss. These insights reveal NOX2 as a critical driver of secondary injury, linked to worsened outcomes, particularly in aged individuals where NOX2 activation is more pronounced. In addition, this review evaluates emerging therapeutic approaches targeting NOX2, such as GSK2795039 and other selective NOX2 inhibitors, which show potential in reducing ROS levels, limiting neuroinflammation, and preserving neurological functions. By highlighting the specific role of NOX2 in microglial ROS production and secondary neurodegeneration, this study advocates for NOX2 inhibition as a promising strategy to improve TBI outcomes by addressing the unmet need for therapies targeting long-term inflammation and neuroprotection. Our review highlights the potential of NOX2-targeted interventions to disrupt the cycle of oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately offering a pathway to mitigate the chronic impact of TBI.

Potential role of hippocampal neurogenesis in spinal cord injury induced post-trauma depression

It has been reported both in clinic and rodent models that beyond spinal cord injury directly induced symptoms, such as paralysis, neuropathic pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and loss of sexual function, there are a variety of secondary complications, including memory loss, cognitive decline, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. The large-scale longitudinal population-based studies indicate that post-trauma depression is highly prevalent in spinal cord injury patients. Yet, few basic studies have been conducted to address the potential molecular mechanisms. One of possible factors underlying the depression is the reduction of adult hippocampal neurogenesis which may come from less physical activity, social isolation, chronic pain, and elevated neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury. However, there is no clear consensus yet. In this review, we will first summarize the alteration of hippocampal neurogenesis post-spinal cord injury. Then, we will discuss possible mechanisms underlie this important spinal cord injury consequence. Finally, we will outline the potential therapeutic options aimed at enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis to ameliorate depression.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates cognitive impairment by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis via BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rats

AIMS

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonates. This study aimed to investigate whether DEX improves cognitive impairment by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in neonatal rats with HIBD.

METHODS

HIBD was induced in postnatal day 7 rats using the Rice-Vannucci method, and DEX (25 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally immediately after the HIBD induction. The BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway was regulated by administering the TrkB receptor antagonist ANA-12 through intraperitoneal injection or by delivering adeno-associated virus (AAV)-shRNA-BDNF via intrahippocampal injection. Western blot was performed to measure the levels of BDNF, TrkB, and CREB. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to identify the polarization of astrocytes and evaluate the levels of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Nissl and TTC staining were performed to evaluate the extent of neuronal damage. The MWM test was conducted to evaluate spatial learning and memory ability.

RESULTS

The levels of BDNF and neurogenesis exhibited a notable decrease in the hippocampus of neonatal rats after HIBD, as determined by RNA-sequencing technology. Our results demonstrated that treatment with DEX effectively increased the protein expression of BDNF and the phosphorylation of TrkB and CREB, promoting neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in neonatal rats with HIBD. Specifically, DEX treatment significantly augmented the expression of BDNF in hippocampal astrocytes, while decreasing the proportion of detrimental A1 astrocytes and increasing the proportion of beneficial A2 astrocytes in neonatal rats with HIBD. Furthermore, inhibiting the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway using either ANA-12 or AAV-shRNA-BDNF significantly counteracted the advantageous outcomes of DEX on hippocampal neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and cognitive improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

DEX promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampus by activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway through the induction of polarization of A1 astrocytes toward A2 astrocytes, subsequently mitigating neuronal damage and cognitive impairment in neonates with HIBD.

Redox-dependent Igfbp2 signaling controls Brca1 DNA damage response to govern neural stem cell fate

Neural stem cell (NSC) maintenance and functions are regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanisms by which ROS control NSC behavior remain unclear. Here we report that ROS-dependent Igfbp2 signaling controls DNA repair pathways which balance NSC self-renewal and lineage commitment. Ncf1 or Igfbp2 deficiency constrains NSCs to a self-renewing state and prevents neurosphere formation. Ncf1-dependent oxidation of Igfbp2 promotes neurogenesis by NSCs in vitro and in vivo while repressing Brca1 DNA damage response genes and inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DDSBs). By contrast, Ncf1^-/- and Igfbp2^-/- NSCs favor the formation of oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Notably, transient repression of Brca1 DNA repair pathway genes induces DDSBs and is sufficient to rescue the ability of Ncf1^-/- and Igfbp2^-/- NSCs to lineage-commit to form neurospheres and neurons. NSC lineage commitment is dependent on the oxidizable cysteine-43 residue of Igfbp2. Our study highlights the role of DNA damage/repair in orchestrating NSC fate decisions downstream of redox-regulated Igfbp2.

Temporal Expression of Neuroinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers and Prostaglandin E2 Receptor EP2 Antagonist Effect in a Rat Model of Epileptogenesis

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients results in a massive inflammatory reaction, disruption of blood-brain barrier, and oxidative stress in the brain, and these inciting features may culminate in the emergence of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). We hypothesize that targeting these pathways with pharmacological agents could be an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent epileptogenesis. To design therapeutic strategies targeting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, we utilized a fluid percussion injury (FPI) rat model to study the temporal expression of neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress markers from 3 to 24 h following FPI. FPI results in increased mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostanoid receptor EP2, marker of oxidative stress (NOX2), astrogliosis (GFAP), and microgliosis (CD11b) in ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus. The analysis of protein levels indicated a significant increase in the expression of COX-2 in ipsilateral hippocampus and cortex post-FPI. We tested FPI rats with an EP2 antagonist TG8-260 which produced a statistically significant reduction in the distribution of seizure duration post-FPI and trends toward a reduction in seizure incidence, seizure frequency, and duration, hinting a proof of concept that EP2 antagonism must be further optimized for therapeutic applications to prevent epileptogenesis.

Crosstalk between neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in epilepsy

The roles of both neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of epilepsy have begun to receive considerable attention in recent years. However, these concepts are predominantly studied as separate entities despite the evidence that neuroinflammatory and redox-based signaling cascades have significant crosstalk. Oxidative post-translational modifications have been demonstrated to directly influence the function of key neuroinflammatory mediators. Neuroinflammation can further be controlled on the transcriptional level as the transcriptional regulators NF-KB and nrf2 are activated by reactive oxygen species. Further, neuroinflammation can induce the increased expression and activity of NADPH oxidase, leading to a highly oxidative environment. These factors additionally influence mitochondria function and the metabolic status of neurons and glia, which are already metabolically stressed in epilepsy. Given the implication of this relationship to disease pathology, this review explores the numerous mechanisms by which neuroinflammation and oxidative stress influence one another in the context of epilepsy. We further examine the efficacy of treatments targeting oxidative stress and redox regulation in animal and human epilepsies in the literature that warrant further investigation. Treatment approaches aimed at rectifying oxidative stress and aberrant redox signaling may enable control of neuroinflammation and improve patient outcomes.

NADPH Oxidases: Redox Regulators of Stem Cell Fate and Function

One of the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated within stem cells is the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase family of enzymes (NOXs), which are critical determinants of the redox state beside antioxidant defense mechanisms. This balance is involved in another one that regulates stem cell fate: indeed, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation are decisive steps for stem cells during embryo development, adult tissue renovation, and cell therapy application. Ex vivo culture-expanded stem cells are being investigated for tissue repair and immune modulation, but events such as aging, senescence, and oxidative stress reduce their ex vivo proliferation, which is crucial for their clinical applications. Here, we review the role of NOX-derived ROS in stem cell biology and functions, focusing on positive and negative effects triggered by the activity of different NOX isoforms. We report recent findings on downstream molecular targets of NOX-ROS signaling that can modulate stem cell homeostasis and lineage commitment and discuss the implications in ex vivo expansion and in vivo engraftment, function, and longevity. This review highlights the role of NOX as a pivotal regulator of several stem cell populations, and we conclude that these aspects have important implications in the clinical utility of stem cells, but further studies on the effects of pharmacological modulation of NOX in human stem cells are imperative.

The Role of NADPH Oxidase in Neuronal Death and Neurogenesis after Acute Neurological Disorders

Oxidative stress is a well-known common pathological process involved in mediating acute neurological injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia-related neuronal injury. However, effective therapeutic measures aimed at scavenging free reactive oxygen species have shown little success in clinical trials. Recent studies have revealed that NADPH oxidase, a membrane-bound enzyme complex that catalyzes the production of a superoxide free radical, is one of the major sources of cellular reactive oxygen species in acute neurological disorders. Furthermore, several studies, including our previous ones, have shown that the inhibition of NADPH oxidase can reduce subsequent neuronal injury in neurological disease. Moreover, maintaining appropriate levels of NADPH oxidase has also been shown to be associated with proper neurogenesis after neuronal injury. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the role of NADPH oxidase in neuronal death and neurogenesis in multiple acute neurological disorders and to explore potential pharmacological strategies targeting the NADPH-related oxidative stress pathways.

The second phase of brain trauma can be controlled by nutraceuticals that suppress DAMP-mediated microglial activation

INTRODUCTION

A delayed second wave of brain trauma is mediated in large part by microglia that are activated to a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype by DAMP proteins released by dying neurons. These microglia can promote apoptosis or necrosis in neighboring neurons by producing a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the deadly oxidant peroxynitrite. This second wave could therefore be mitigated with agents that blunt the post-traumatic M1 activation of microglia and that preferentially promote a pro-healing M2 phenotype.

AREAS COVERED

The literature on nutraceuticals that might have clinical potential in this regard.

EXPERT OPINION

The chief signaling pathway whereby DAMPs promote M1 microglial activation involves activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NADPH oxidase, NF-kappaB, and the stress activated kinases JNK and p38. The green tea catechin EGCG can suppress TLR4 expression. Phycocyanobilin can inhibit NOX2-dependent NADPH oxidase, ferulate and melatonin can oppose pro-inflammatory signal modulation by NADPH oxidase-derived oxidants. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, the soy isoflavone genistein, the AMPK activator berberine, glucosamine, and ketone bodies can down-regulate NF-kappaB activation. Vitamin D activity can oppose JNK/p38 activation. A sophisticated program of nutraceutical supplementation may have important potential for mitigating the second phase of neuronal death and aiding subsequent healing.

Mitochondrial and Autophagic Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis in the Healthy and Diseased Brain

Adult neurogenesis is a highly regulated process during which new neurons are generated from neural stem cells in two discrete regions of the adult brain: the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. Defects of adult hippocampal neurogenesis have been linked to cognitive decline and dysfunction during natural aging and in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as psychological stress-induced mood disorders. Understanding the mechanisms and pathways that regulate adult neurogenesis is crucial to improving preventative measures and therapies for these conditions. Accumulating evidence shows that mitochondria directly regulate various steps and phases of adult neurogenesis. This review summarizes recent findings on how mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, and reactive oxygen species control several aspects of adult neural stem cell function and their differentiation to newborn neurons. It also discusses the importance of autophagy for adult neurogenesis, and how mitochondrial and autophagic dysfunction may contribute to cognitive defects and stress-induced mood disorders by compromising adult neurogenesis. Finally, I suggest possible ways to target mitochondrial function as a strategy for stem cell-based interventions and treatments for cognitive and mood disorders.

Nutraceutical induction and mimicry of heme oxygenase activity as a strategy for controlling excitotoxicity in brain trauma and ischemic stroke: focus on oxidative stress

Introduction: Ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury are leading causes of acute mortality, and in the longer run, major causes of significant mental and physical impairment. Most of the brain neuronal cell death in the minutes and hours following an ischemic stroke or brain trauma is mediated by the process of excitotoxicity, in which sustained elevations of extracellular glutamate, reflecting a failure of ATP-dependent mechanism which sequester glutamate in neurons and astrocytes, drive excessive activation of NMDA receptors. Areas covered: A literature search was undertaken to clarify the molecular mechanisms whereby excessive NMDA activation leads to excitotoxic neuronal death, and to determine what safe nutraceutical agents might have practical potential for rescuing at-risk neurons by intervening in these mechanisms. Expert opinion: Activation of both NADPH oxidase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the microenvironment of activated NMDA receptors drives production of superoxide and highly toxic peroxynitrite. This leads to excessive activation of PARP and p38 MAP kinase, mitochondrial dysfunction, and subsequent neuronal death. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction offers protection via inhibition of NADPH oxidase and promotion of cGMP generation. Phase 2-inductive nutraceuticals can induce HO-1, and other nutraceuticals can mimic the effects of its products biliverdin and carbon monoxide.

Identification of mitochondrial function-associated lncRNAs in septic mice myocardium

The present study aimed to analyze long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles in septic mice heart and to identify potential lncRNAs and mRNAs that be responsible for cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction during sepsis. Mice were treated with 10 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharides to induce sepsis. LncRNAs and mRNAs expression were evaluated by using lncRNA and mRNA microarray or real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. LncRNA-mRNA coexpression network assay, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed. The results showed that 1275 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in septic myocardium compared with those in the control group. A total of 2769 mRNAs were dysregulated in septic mice heart, most of which are mainly related to the process of inflammation, mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Coexpression network analysis showed that 14 lncRNAs were highly correlated with 11 mitochondria-related differentially expressed mRNA. Among all lncRNAs and their cis-acting mRNAs, 41 lncRNAs-mRNA pairs (such as NONMMUG004378 and Apaf1 gene) were enriched in GO terms and KEGG pathways. In summary, we gained some specific lncRNAs and their potential target mRNAs that might be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in septic myocardium. These findings provide a panoramic view of lncRNA and might allow developing new treatment strategies for sepsis.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Protects Traumatic Brain Injury by Regulating NOX2 Generation via Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is verified to have neuroprotective effects on traumatic brain injury (TBI) rats by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, but the role of NOX2 in this effect has not been illuminated. So this study explored the role of NOX2 in TBI models treated with DHA, aiming to complete the mechanism of DHA. TBI rat models were constructed with or without DHA treatment, and H2O2-induced hippocampal neurons were pretreated with DHA alone or in combination with Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol. The neurological function, cognitive ability, and cerebral edema degree of rats were assessed. The apoptosis rate and viability of cells was measured. The generation of NOX2, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 expression levels, and ROS content in hippocampal CA1 region and hippocampal neurons were detected. DHA could not only improve the neurological function, brain edema and cognitive ability in TBI rats, but also decrease effectively the contents of NOX2 and ROS in hippocampal CA1 region and hippocampal neurons. DHA promoted the nuclear transposition of Nrf2 and the expression levels of HO-1 and NQO-1 in hippocampal CA1 region and hippocampal neurons. On the contrary, Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol inhibited the nuclear transposition of Nrf2 and the expression levels of HO-1 and NQO-1 in hippocampal neurons, promoted the generation of ROS and NOX2, and accelerated cell apoptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that DHA treated TBI by reducing NOX2 generation that might function on Nrf2 signaling pathway, providing a potential evidence for its clinical application.

Enriched environment ameliorates memory impairments in rats after postsurgery sleep deprivation

Postsurgery sleep deprivation is a common complication that severely deteriorates the quality of life of patients. Here we aim to investigate the effects and mechanism of enriched environment in ameliorating sleep deprivation and memory impairments. Hernia repair surgery was performed on rats to induce sleep deprivation. Enriched environment (EE) was used to treat rats with sleep deprivation, and open field and Y-maze tests were performed to compare behavioral parameters of sleep deprivation rats with or without EE treatments to those of normal rats. To understand the mechanism, neurotrophic and growth factors including BDNF, NGF, NT-3 and GDNF were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AMPAR subunits, including GluA1-A3, and GABA_A receptor α1 subunit expression in hippocampus tissues were assessed using western blot. EE restored normal levels of anxiety index and freezing behavior in open field test and level of alternation in Y-maze test, suggesting the reduction of anxiolytic effects and spatial memory impairment induced by sleep deprivation. EE increased BDNF levels and reduced NT-3 levels in sleep deprivation rats. GluA1/GluA2 ratio was increased by EE. GABA_A receptor α1 subunit expression was decreased by EE. EE is effective in ameliorating the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation in spatial memory impairment, and restoring normal levels of neurotrophic factors, which are potentially mediated by attenuating the changes in AMPAR subunit expression and reducing GABA_A receptor α1 subunit expression. These data provide supporting evidences for the use of EE to treat adverse outcomes of sleep deprivation induced by surgery.

Artesunate promotes the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells and alleviates Ischemia-reperfusion Injury through PI3K/Akt/FOXO-3a/p27kip1 signaling pathway

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide that also result in long-term disability. Endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) within subventricular (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) zone, stimulated by cerebral infarction, can promote neural function recovery. However, the proliferation of eNSPCs triggered by ischemia is not enough to induce neural repair, which may contribute to the permanent disability in stroke patients. In this study, our results showed that following the treatment with artesunate (ART, 150 mg/kg), the functional recovery was significantly improved, the infarct volume was notably reduced, and the expression of Nestin, a proliferation marker of NSPCs in the infarcted cortex, was also increased. Additionally, the proliferative activity of NSPCs with or without oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion was significantly promoted by ART treatment, and the therapeutic concentration was 0.8 μmol/L (without OGD/R) or 0.4 μmol/L (with OGD/R) in the in vitro model. Furthermore, the effects of ART can be abolished by the treatment of PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. The expression levels of related molecules in PI3K/Akt/FOXO-3a/p27^kip1 signaling pathway (p-AKT, p-FOXO-3a, p27^kip1) were examined using western blotting. The results suggested ART could inhibit the transcriptional function of FOXO-3a by inducing its phosphorylation, subsequently downregulating p27^kip1 and enhancing neural stem cell proliferation in the infarcted cortex via PI3K/AKT signaling, further alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury after ischemic stroke.

Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase Activation by Apocynin Rescues Seizure-Induced Reduction of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Apocynin, also known as acetovanillone, is a natural organic compound structurally related to vanillin. Apocynin is known to be an inhibitor of NADPH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase activity and is highly effective in suppressing the production of superoxide. The neuroprotective effects of apocynin have been investigated in numerous brain injury settings, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and epilepsy. Our lab has demonstrated that TBI or seizure-induced oxidative injury and neuronal death were reduced by apocynin treatment. Several studies have also demonstrated that neuroblast production is transiently increased in the hippocampus after seizures. Here, we provide evidence confirming the hypothesis that long-term treatment with apocynin may enhance newly generated hippocampal neuronal survival by reduction of superoxide production after seizures. A seizure was induced by pilocarpine [(25 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)] injection. Apocynin was continuously injected for 4 weeks after seizures (once per day) into the intraperitoneal space. We evaluated neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and doublecortin (DCX) immunostaining to determine whether treatment with apocynin increased neuronal survival and neurogenesis in the hippocampus after seizures. The present study indicates that long-term treatment of apocynin increased the number of NeuN⁺ and DCX⁺ cells in the hippocampus after seizures. Therefore, this study suggests that apocynin treatment increased neuronal survival and neuroblast production by reduction of hippocampal oxidative injury after seizures.