The protective effects of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms aqueous extracts against oxidative stress: role of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes

A review of the extraction and purification methods, biological activities, and applications of active compounds in Acanthopanax senticosus

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a geo-authentic crude medicinal plant that grows in China, Korea, Russia, and Japan. AS contains bioactive compounds such as eleutherosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. It is also a key traditional herb in the Red List of Chinese Species. AS is mainly distributed in Northeast China, specifically in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces. Its active compounds contribute to significant biological activities, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and antitumor effects. However, the extraction methods of active compounds are complex, the extraction efficiency is poor, and the structure-activity relationship is unclear. This study focused on the nutrients in AS, including protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Particularly, the active ingredients (eleutherosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids) in AS and their extraction and purification methods were analyzed and summarized. The biological activities of extracts have been reviewed, and the mechanisms of anti-oxidation, antitumor, anti-inflammation, and other activities are introduced in detail. The applications of AS in various domains, such as health foods, medicines, and animal dietary supplements, are then reported. Compared with other extraction methods, ultrasonic or microwave extraction improves efficiency, yet they can damage structures. Challenges arise in the recovery of solvents and in achieving extraction efficiency when using green solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents. Improvements can be made by combining extraction methods and controlling conditions (power, temperature, and time). Bioactive molecules and related activities are exposited clearly. The applications of AS have not been widely popularized, and the corresponding functions require further development.

Does myo-inositol supplementation influence oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Myo-inositol (MI) is a carbocyclic sugar polyalcohol. MI has known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MI supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 51 newly diagnosed obese patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive either MI (4 g/day) or placebo supplements accompanied by dietary recommendations for 8 weeks. Oxidative stress biomarkers, nutritional status, as well as liver enzymes and obesity indices were assessed pre- and post-intervention. A total of 48 patients completed the trial. Although anthropometric measures and obesity indices decreased significantly in both groups, the between-group differences adjusted for confounders were non-significant for these parameters, except for weight (p = .049); greater decrease was observed in the MI group. Iron and zinc intakes decreased significantly in both groups; however, between-group differences were non-significant at the end of the study. No significant between-group differences were revealed for other antioxidant micronutrients at the study endpoint. Sense of hunger, feeling to eat, desire to eat sweet and fatty foods reduced significantly in both groups (p < .05), while the feeling of satiety increased significantly in the placebo group (p = .002). No significant between-group differences were observed for these parameters, except for desire to eat fatty foods; a greater decrease was observed in the MI group (p = .034). Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased in both study groups (p < .05); however, the between-group differences were non-significant at the end of the study. Furthermore, the between-group differences were non-significant for other oxidative stress biomarkers, except for serum nitric oxide (NO) level; a greater decrease was observed in the MI group. MI supplementation could significantly improve weight, desire to eat fatty foods, serum levels of NO, as well as the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ALT ratio.

Therapeutic effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. leaves on ischemic stroke via the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. leaves (ESL) are widely used to treat ischemic stroke (IS); however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a critical role in IS and has become a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to reveal and verify the therapeutic effect of ESL on IS through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry-based untargeted/targeted metabolomics combined with 16S rRNA microbiota sequencing strategy were used to investigate the regulatory effect of ESL on the metabolism and intestinal microenvironment after IS. Lactobacillus reuteri and Clostridium butyricum were used to treat rats with IS to verify that elevated levels of probiotics are key factors in the therapeutic effect of ESL. The results showed that IS significantly altered the accumulation of 41 biomarkers, while ESL restored their concentrations back to normal. Moreover, ESL alleviated the dysbiosis of gut microbiota brought on by IS, by reducing the abundance of pathogens and increasing the abundance of probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus reuteri and Clostridium butyricum); this could reduce post-stroke injury, thereby having a certain protective effect on IS. This study reveals that ESL plays an important role in treating IS through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, maintaining metabolic homeostasis in vivo.

Butanol Extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study investigated the effect of butanol extract of AS (ASBUE) on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice. The mice were administered ASBUE (390 or 130 mg/kg/day) or rosuvastatin (RSV) via oral gavage for eight weeks. In ApoE^-/- mice, ASBUE suppressed the abnormal body weight gain and improved serum and liver biochemical indicators. ASBUE remarkably reduced the aortic plaque area, improved liver pathological conditions, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, and altered the intestinal microbiota structure in ApoE^-/- mice. In the vascular tissue of ASBUE-treated mice, P-IKKβ, P-NFκB, and P-IκBα levels tended to decrease, while IκB-α increased in high fat-diet-fed atherosclerotic mice. These findings demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic potential of ASBUE, which is mediated by the interaction between the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism and regulated via the Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. This work paves the groundwork for subsequent studies to develop innovative drugs to treat atherosclerosis.

Leonurine Preconditioning Attenuates Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury in Rats by Promoting Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation and Suppressing TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Despite the precise mechanisms for renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) are poorly understood, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways were considered as the important targets. Leonurine (LEO) is a special alkaloid extracted from Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus Houtt), which has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces oxidative stress. We conducted the study to explore the efficacy of LEO against I/R-induced AKI in rats and further investigated the underlying mechanisms. Ischemic renal injury was induced by temporary vascular clamping for 45 min. We have measured the levels of inflammation-related biomarkers and antioxidative stress markers. Next, Western blot analysis and Real-time PCR were performed to analyze whether the Nrf2 and TLR4/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathways were involved in this process. We found that LEO pretreatment remarkably decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in I/R rats and attenuated acute tubular damage. In addition, LEO markedly increased the expression of antioxidant proteins and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors. Further study revealed that LEO promoted Nrf2 into the nucleus, promoted the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway in kidney tissues of ischemic AKI rats. The study reveals that LEO has a protective effect to prevent ischemic AKI through activation of Nrf2 nuclear translocation resisting oxidative stress injury and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway mediated inflammatory gene expression.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal injury by modulating the tight junctions, inflammation and dysbiosis in mice

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is an antitumor drug commonly used to treat various cancer types. Unfortunately, its toxic side effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, affect treatment compliance and patients' prognosis. Thus, there is a critical need of evaluating strategies that may improve the associated GI toxicity induced by CTX. In this work, we evaluated the capacity of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of green tea, to improve the recovery of gut injury induced by CTX in mice. Treatment with CTX for 5 days severely damaged the intestinal structure, increased immune-related cytokines (TNFα, IL-10 and IL-21), reduced the expression levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1), induced reactive oxygen species, altered the composition of gut microbiota, and reduced short chain fatty acid levels. EGCG treatment, starting one day after the last CTX dose, significantly improved the intestinal structure, ameliorated gut permeability, and restored ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1 levels. Moreover, EGCG reduced TNFα, IL-10 and IL-21 levels and decreased oxidative stress by regulating the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Finally, EGCG treatment restored the composition of gut microbiota and the levels of the short chain fatty acids. In conclusion, these findings indicate that EGCG may function as an effective bioactive compound to minimize CTX-induced GI tract toxicity.

Screening of anti-chronic nonbacterial prostatitis activity of different extractions of the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and network pharmacology research

In the present study, anti-chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) pharmacological experiments using water and ethanol extraction of the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis were performed to select the best active parts by comparing their efficacy in a CNP model established by injecting carrageenin into the ventral lobe of rat prostate. The anti-CNP activities and expression of serum inflammatory factors in rats were also analyzed. A Protein-Protein Interaction network was constructed, and core targets were screened using topology and analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Water and ethanol extraction exhibited good inhibitory effect on the pathological changes of the prostate tissue, the expression of inflammatory factors and fibrosis factors in CNP rats, whereas no differences were observed compared with the positive control drug. Water extraction was more effective and significantly reduced PGE2 expression (P<0.05). Network pharmacology assays showed 15 active components in the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and 9 key CNP therapeutic targets of the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis were identified. The effect of water exraction on chronic prostatitis rats was significant. The aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis downregulated the levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited proinflammatory gene transcription, reduced oxidative stress response, inhibited cell survival pathways, regulated sex hormone levels, prevented immunostimulation and attenuated inflammation. This study provides a theoretical reference for the development of anti-CNP agents, and offers a novel methodology for identifying and clarifying the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of the anti-CNP components in the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

Mass spectrometry-based serum lipidomics strategy to explore the mechanism of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. leaves in the treatment of ischemic stroke

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. leaves (ESL) were reported to have neuroprotective function and are also used to treat cranial and cerebral traumas as a traditional Chinese medicine and food herbage plant. However, there has been no previous study on ESL treatment for stroke at the level of lipid disorders. To clarify the mechanism of ESL in treating ischemic stroke, this study was carried out from 3 aspects, namely, the regulation of lipid disorders, protection of the nervous system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. This study established a lipidomics research strategy that was developed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. The quantification of neurotransmitters in the serum and brain tissue of rats was performed using UPLC-TQ/MS. Also, we quantified the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction by measuring the contents of SOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 via the ELISA kits for serum and brain tissue. According to UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based lipidomics analysis, 27 lipidomics biomarkers were identified in this study, including PC, PE, SM, and TG, which were distributed in various lipid metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. By reversing the changes in the lipid content caused by the disease, ESL has a therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke. Furthermore, quantitative results of neurotransmitters indicated that they can be regulated by ESL. Finally, the results of ELISA showed that ESL can treat ischemic stroke to a certain extent by reducing the oxidative and inflammatory damage. Therefore, ESL may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of ischemic stroke in different ways. This research preliminarily revealed the mechanism of ESL in the treatment of ischemic stroke and provided support for the further application of ESL.

Phytochemical characterization and hepatoprotective effect of active fragment from Adhatoda vasica Nees. against tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced oxidative impairment via activating AMPK/p62/Nrf2 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Adhatoda vasica Nees., which existed in a large; number of Tibetan medicine prescriptions for hepatopathy, used as an adjuvant to treat liver diseases.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Oxidative stress is the key player in the development and progression of liver pathogenesis. In recent years, research is increasingly being focused on exploitation of the active components from medicinal plants to combat the liver oxidative injury. In our study, we aimed to screen the active principles from A. vasica and clarify whether they could relieve oxidative damage induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and its potential mechanism via activating AMPK/p62/Nrf2 pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was adopted for analysis of chemical composition in the extracts. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the fractions was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assay. Along with this, the compounds in this fraction with highest antioxidant activity were analyzed using UPLC-MS. Based on this, the condition for extracting flavonoids of this subfraction was optimized via response surface method. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability. Detection kits were used to measure the activity changes of AST, ALT, LDH and CAT as well as MDA and GSH levels induced by t-BHP. Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was used DCFH-DA probe. DAPI staining and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. In terms of the mechanistic studies, the expression of proteins involved in AMPK/p62/Nrf2 pathway was measured using western blotting.

RESULTS

Eventually, 70% ethanol extract from leaf of A. vasica was chosen due to its highest active components compared with other extracts. Further, ethyl acetate fraction derived from 70% ethanol extract in A. vasica (AVEA) possess highest ability for scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals as well as strongest reducing power than other fractions. Chemical composition analysis showed that AVEA contained 17 compounds, including 1 quinazoline alkaloid, 12 flavonoid-C-glycosides and 4 flavonoid-O-glycosides. In addition, the conditions (ratio of solid-liquid 1:14, the concentration of ethanol 73%, and the temperature 65 °C) were selected to enrich the flavonoids in AVEA. Furthermore, AVEA could attenuate t-BHP induced hepatocyte damage via increasing the cell viability, restoring abnormal the activities of AST, ALT, LDH and CAT as well as the levels of MDA and GSH. ROS fluorescence intensity was reduced by AVEA. Meanwhile, it could inhibit the cell apoptosis of BRL 3 A cells, as evidenced by restoration of cell morphology and decreasing the number of apoptotic cells. Further mechanistic studies indicated AVEA could promote p-AMPK expression to further induce autophagy adaptor-p62 protein expression, which could autophagic degradation of Keap1, leading to Nrf2 release and translocation into nucleus to induce antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO-1, GCLC and GCLM) expression.

CONCLUSION

In our study, AVEA was first to screen as the active fraction in A. vasica with alkaloids and abundant flavones. Moreover, the fraction potentiates its beneficial aspect by displaying the protective role on relieving t-BHP induced oxidative stress and activating AMPK/p62/Nrf2 pathway. AVEA helps maintain the redox homeostasis of hepatic cells and could be considered as an effective candidate against oxidative stress related liver disorders.

Research Note: Effects of polysaccharide-enriched Acanthopanax senticosus extract on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a well-known, highly effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Polysaccharides extracted from AS (ASPS) have multiple pharmacologic and biological activities with potential use as additives in broiler chicken feed. This trial evaluated the effects of dietary ASPS on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 replicates of 6 chicks and fed a corn- and soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg ASPS. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 1 g/kg ASPS increased ADG and ADFI in the finisher and overall periods and decreased the feed conversion ratio in the finisher period (both P < 0.05). Serum IgA and IgM were significantly increased by supplementation with 1 and 2 g/kg of ASPS (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased and malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in birds fed ASPS-supplemented diets compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Polysaccharides extracted from AS supplementation increased Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in the ileal contents compared with the control diet (both P < 0.05). The results show that dietary ASPS improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity and stimulated the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in broiler chickens. In conclusion, ASPS was effective as a natural additive in broiler chicken feed; 1 g/kg can be considered as the optimum dosage.

Alginate Oligosaccharide Ameliorates D-Galactose-Induced Kidney Aging in Mice through Activation of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Aging is an independent risk factor for the development of age-related progressive kidney injury. As a part of the aging process, kidney aging has been indicated to be associated with oxidative stress-induced damage. Ameliorating oxidative damage is therefore considered a promising strategy for delaying kidney aging. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) has been reported to have a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. However, no studies have focused on the role of AOS in delaying the kidney aging process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential effects of AOS on kidney aging and its possible mechanisms. Subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (D-gal) (200 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) in C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks was used to establish the aging model. AOS (200 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) was administered via oral gavage for the last four weeks. As a result, AOS inhibited the D-gal-induced upregulation of aging markers and significantly improved the kidney index and kidney function of D-gal-induced mice. In addition, AOS ameliorated the degree of tissue damage and fibrosis in the aging kidney. To further explore the potential mechanisms by which AOS attenuates the kidney aging process, the associated oxidative stress-induced damage was analyzed in depth. The data showed that AOS upregulated the expression of Klotho and decreased malondialdehyde levels by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, our results suggested that AOS activated the nuclear factor erythrogen-2 associated factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation in aging mice and upregulated the downstream expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AOS is a promising agent for attenuating kidney aging, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are related to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases

Adaptogens comprise a category of herbal medicinal and nutritional products promoting adaptability, resilience, and survival of living organisms in stress. The aim of this review was to summarize the growing knowledge about common adaptogenic plants used in various traditional medical systems (TMS) and conventional medicine and to provide a modern rationale for their use in the treatment of stress-induced and aging-related disorders. Adaptogens have pharmacologically pleiotropic effects on the neuroendocrine-immune system, which explain their traditional use for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. They exhibit a biphasic dose-effect response: at low doses they function as mild stress-mimetics, which activate the adaptive stress-response signaling pathways to cope with severe stress. That is in line with their traditional use for preventing premature aging and to maintain good health and vitality. However, the potential of adaptogens remains poorly explored. Treatment of stress and aging-related diseases require novel approaches. Some combinations of adaptogenic plants provide unique effects due to their synergistic interactions in organisms not obtainable by any ingredient independently. Further progress in this field needs to focus on discovering new combinations of adaptogens based on traditional medical concepts. Robust and rigorous approaches including network pharmacology and systems pharmacology could help in analyzing potential synergistic effects and, more broadly, future uses of adaptogens. In conclusion, the evolution of the adaptogenic concept has led back to basics of TMS and a new level of understanding of holistic approach. It provides a rationale for their use in stress-induced and aging-related diseases.

Antioxidants as an Epidermal Stem Cell Activator

Antioxidants may modulate the microenvironment of epidermal stem cells by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species or by regulating the expression of extracellular matrix protein. The extracellular membrane is an important component of the stem cell niche, and microRNAs regulate extracellular membrane-mediated basal keratinocyte proliferation. In this narrative review, we will discuss several antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, plant extracts, peptides and hyaluronic acid, and their effect on the epidermal stem cell niche and the proliferative potential of interfollicular epidermal stem cells in 3D skin equivalent models.

The Role of Adaptogens in Prophylaxis and Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections

The aim of our review is to demonstrate the potential of herbal preparations, specifically adaptogens for prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, as well as convalescence, specifically through supporting a challenged immune system, increasing resistance to viral infection, inhibiting severe inflammatory progression, and driving effective recovery. The evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies with Andrographis paniculata, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Glycyrrhiza spp., Panax spp., Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, their combination products and melatonin suggests that adaptogens can be useful in prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections at all stages of progression of inflammation as well as in aiding recovery of the organism by (i) modulating innate and adaptive immunity, (ii) anti-inflammatory activity, (iii) detoxification and repair of oxidative stress-induced damage in compromised cells, (iv) direct antiviral effects of inhibiting viral docking or replication, and (v) improving quality of life during convalescence.

The fruit of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms improves arterial stiffness and blood pressure: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are 2 of the independent predictors for cardiovascular disease, while Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is a traditional medicinal plant that can improve cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the fruit of ASH on vascular function in apparently healthy subjects.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, consisting of healthy adults with at least 2 of the following 3 conditions: borderline high blood pressure (BP; 120 mmHg ≤ systolic BP ≤ 160 mmHg or 80 mmHg ≤ diastolic BP ≤ 100 mmHg), smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day), and borderline blood lipid levels (220 ≤ total cholesterol ≤ 240, 130 ≤ low density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 165, or 150 ≤ triglyceride ≤ 220 mg/dL). Randomly assigned 76 subjects who received a placebo or 2 doses of ASH fruit (low, 500 mg/day; high, 1,000 mg/day) completed the intervention. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), flow-mediated dilation, carotid intima-media thickness, and BP were measured both at baseline and following the 12-week intervention. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation was assessed by western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group, the low-dose group showed more significant changes after the 12-week intervention period in terms of systolic BP (0.1 vs. −7.7 mmHg; P = 0.044), baPWV (31.3 vs. −98.7 cm/s; P = 0.007), and the ratio of phospho-eNOS/eNOS (0.8 vs. 1.22; P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ASH fruit extract at 500 mg/day has the potential to improve BP and arterial stiffness via endothelial eNOS activation in healthy adults with smoking and the tendency of having elevated BP or blood lipid parameters.

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0001072

Phytochemical Profile of Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise, Incorporation into Liposomes, and Evaluation of Cellular Antioxidant Activity

Overproduction of oxidants in the human body is responsible for oxidative stress, which is associated with several diseases. High intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as they are sources of bioactive compounds capable of contrasting the free radical effects involved in cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper that is grown in the Basilicata region (Italy). It is an important source of polyphenols, carotenoids, and capsinoids and can play a key role in human health. In this study, an ethanol extract was obtained from C. annuum dried peppers and the analysis of the phytochemical composition was performed by LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap/MS. The extract was incorporated into liposomes, which showed small size (~80 nm), good homogeneity, negative surface charge, and good stability in storage. The biological activity of the extract was evaluated in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line, used as model cells. The extract showed no cytotoxic activity and reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in stressed cells. The antioxidant activity was further improved when the extract was loaded into liposomes. Moreover, the extract promoted the expression of endogenous antioxidants, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase through the Nrf-2 pathway evaluated by RT-PCR.

The Hepatorenal Toxicity and Tumor Response of Chemotherapy With or Without Aidi Injection in Advanced Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 80 Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced hepatorenal toxicity often decreases tolerance for further therapies and results in poor quality of life and prognosis for patients with lung cancer. In this meta-analysis, all related studies were systematically re-evaluated to determine whether Aidi injection relieves hepatorenal toxicity and improves tumor response, and to determine its threshold and the optimal treatment regimen for obtaining the desired responses.

METHODS

All studies regarding Aidi injection with chemotherapy were gathered from Chinese and English databases (from inception until January 2019). Their bias risk was evaluated and the data were synthesized using meta-analysis; the quality of evidence of all outcomes was rated by using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

FINDINGS

Eighty randomized controlled trials containing 6279 patients were included in the study. Most of the trials showed unclear risk of bias. Aidi injection with chemotherapy increased the objective response rate (risk ratio [RR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.25-1.40) and the disease control rate (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12-1.17) and resulted in a lower incidence of hepatotoxicity (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.55-0.69) and nephrotoxicity (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53-0.72) than that of chemotherapy alone. Subgroup analyses showed that treatment with 50 mL per time, 10 to 14 days per cycle, and 2 to 3 cycles of Aidi injection with chemotherapy resulted in a low incidence of hepatorenal toxicity. All of the results were robust, and their quality was moderate.

IMPLICATIONS

The moderate evidence indicates that Aidi injection with chemotherapy may improve tumor response and result in a low incidence of hepatorenal toxicity in patients with lung cancer. Aidi injection may relieve hepatorenal toxicity and exhibit an important protective effect against chemotherapy-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Based on the subgroup analysis results, Aidi injection seems to lower the threshold for chemotherapy. Treatment with 50 mL per time, 10 to 14 days per cycle, and 2 to 3 cycles may be the optimal usage for attaining a decrease in hepatorenal toxicity.

Leonurine ameliorates D-galactose-induced aging in mice through activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aging is a complex physiological phenomenon associated with oxidative stress damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of leonurine on D-galactose-induced aging in mice and its possible mechanisms. In this study, we first tested the antioxidant activity of leonurine in vitro. A subcutaneous injection of D-galactose in mice for 8 weeks was used to establish the aging model to evaluate the protective effects of leonurine. The results showed that treatment with 150 mg·kg^-1 leonurine could improve the mental condition, organic index, and behavioural impairment; significantly increase the activities of antioxidative enzymes including SOD, CAT, and T-AOC; and ameliorate the advanced glycation end product (AGE) level and histopathological injury. Furthermore, the Western blotting data revealed that leonurine supplementation noticeably modulated the suppression of the Nrf2 pathway and upregulated the downstream expression of HO-1 and NOQ1 in aging mice. Additionally, leonurine treatment activated Nrf2 nuclear translocation in both aging mice and normal young mice, and the expression levels of Nrf2 in normal young mice was higher than those in naturally aging mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that leonurine is a promising agent for attenuating the aging process, and the underlying molecular mechanisms depend on activating the Nrf2 pathway.

Assessing the protective effect of rosiglitazone against electronic cigarette/tobacco smoke-induced blood-brain barrier impairment

BACKGROUND

Smoking (TS) and recently e-cigarettes (EC) vaping, have been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction primarily relevant to oxidative stress, exposure to nicotine, and smoking-induced inflammation. It is accepted that both EC and TS enhance glucose intolerance and the risk of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus which is also one of the causes of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and the higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown how Metformin, the first common antidiabetic drug, can protect the BBB integrity through enhancement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) activity. Herein, we investigated the role of rosiglitazone (RSG; family of thiazolidinedione class used oral anti-diabetic drug) in TS/EC-induced BBB impairment.

RESULTS

Although the exact mechanism of RSG is not fully understood, previous studies have revealed that RSG can promote counteractive protective mechanisms primarily associated with the enhancement of Nrf2 activity through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. In line with these findings, our results show an increased expression of PPARy by RSG, enhancement of Nrf2 activity and BBB protection against TS/EC exposure including reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, tight junction downregulation and loss of BBB integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

RSG could be considered as a promising therapeutic potential to prevent TS/EC induced cerebrovascular dysfunction and possibly other xenobiotic substances which may impact the BBB via oxidative stress-mediated effects. However, additional in vivo studies and clinical setting will be needed to validate our results and assess the full extent of RSG protective effects.

Adaptogens in chemobrain (Part III): Antitoxic effects of plant extracts towards cancer chemotherapy-induced toxicity - transcriptome-wide microarray analysis of neuroglia cells

BACKGROUND

Toxicity of chemotherapeutics is a serious problem in cancer therapy. Adaptogens are known to increase adaptability and survival organisms.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of selected adaptogenic herbal extracts on FEC (fixed combination of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) induced changes in transcriptome-wide microarray profiles of neuroglia cells. Another task of the study was to identify those genes, which are associated with FEC-induced hepato-, cardio- and nephrotoxicity to predict potential effects of andrographolide (AND), Andrographis herb, Eleutherococcus roots genuine extracts (ES), their fixed combination (AE) and the combination of Rhodiola roots, Schisandra berries and Eleutherococcus roots (RSE) on the organismal level.

METHODS

Gene expression profiling was performed by transcriptome-wide mRNA microarray in the human T98G neuroglia cells after treatment with adaptogens. Interactive pathways downstream analysis was performed with data sets of significantly up- or down-regulated genes and predicted effects on cellular functions and diseases were identified by Ingenuity IPA database software.

RESULT

Significant differences of transcriptome-wide microarray profiles were observed after treatment of T98G cells with FEC and after co-incubation with adaptogens. FEC induced deregulation of certain genes with suggested toxicity associated with liver fibroses, necrosis and congenital heart diseases. Co-incubation of AE with FEC prevented FEC-induced deregulation of 66 genes increasing organismal death, 37 genes decreasing cell survival, 37 genes decreasing DNA repair, 37 genes decreasing viral infection and some other functions, indicating on potential beneficial effects of AE. Furthermore, FEC-induced hepato-, nephro- and cardiotoxicity related to deregulation of genes was predictably attenuated by AE. Moreover, co-incubation of AE with FEC caused differential expression of genes, which presumably are beneficial for an organism during chemotherapy. They include predicted activation of DNA repair, activation of movement of antigen presenting cells and inhibition of muscle cells death. The main active constituent of AE is AND. Co-incubation of FEC only with AND results in deregulation of 10 genes causing death of breast cancer cells, decrease of liver toxicity and attenuation of organismal death. Co-incubation of ES extract with FEC showed that ES suppressed FEC-induced deregulation of genes, which inhibit organismal death and fertility. Co-incubation of FEC with RSE indicated potential hepatoprotective effect against FEC-induced apoptosis of liver cells presumably due to suppression of FEC-induced expressions of genes, which increased liver cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, RSE activated expression of genes inhibiting tumor growth. Though, microarray analysis did not provide final proof that the genes induced by the AE, AP and ES are responsible for the physiological effects observed in human patients following their oral administration, it provided insights into putative genes and directions for future research and possible implementation into practice.

CONCLUSION

Application of cytostatic drugs in combination with adaptogenic plant extracts induced significant changes in transcriptome-wide microarray profiles of neuroglial cells. These changes indicate on potential beneficial effects of adaptogens on FEC induced adverse events in cancer chemotherapy.

Protective effects of Phyllanthus phillyreifolius extracts against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress in HEK293 cells

Phyllanthus phillyreifolius, a plant species indigenous to Reunion Island, is used in folk medicine for treating diarrhea and as a diuretic. In the present study acetone and hydroethanol extracts of P. phillyreifolius were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and antioxidant effects using in vitro (TPC, ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, ORAC) and in cellulo (MTT, DCFH-DA, RT-qPCR) assays. Major compounds were evaluated using UPLC-QTOF-MS. MTT cell viability assay showed low cytotoxicity of extracts towards human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell line. Both extracts were rich in polyphenols (mainly ellagitannins) and showed high antioxidant potential and intracellular ROS decreasing effect. Preconditioning of HEK293 cells with extracts influenced gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, however ROS level decreasing effect was more related to their capacity to scavenge free radicals and with their reducing power. Strong antioxidant activity of extracts as well as the presence of geraniin supports the use of P. phillyreifolius in traditional medicine.

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root (FPLR) on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro was first evaluated. Oral administration of FPLR (100 mg/kg bw) to mice significantly reduced the CCl₄-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin. FPLR also increased the hepatic GSH contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the hepatic MDA level. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the FPLR could protect the liver from CCl₄-induced damage. Further research indicated that FPLR prevented the DNA fragmentation caused by CCl₄ based on TUNEL assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with FPLR significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, COX-2, and Caspase-3 in CCl₄-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that FPLR remarkably reduced BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage caused by CCl₄ treatment. These findings indicate that FPLR could be developed as a functional food or medication for therapeutic purpose and prevention of hepatic injury.

Therapeutic effects of stemonine on particulate matter 2.5-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) is a growing concern worldwide due to its association with respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Stemonine, a traditional Chinese herb, has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential drug for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The therapeutic effects of stemonine on mice with PM_2.5-induced COPD were investigated in the present study. Kunming mice were randomly divided into the following five groups (n=10/group): Control, model, low-dose stemonine, moderate-dose stemonine and high-dose stemonine. The model mice received an intranasal instillation of PM_2.5 suspension (40 mg/kg). The levels of specific enzymes, markers of oxidative stress, and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the mice using ELISA kits. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to determine inflammatory changes to the lung tissue. It was demonstrated that stemonine could significantly alleviate lung injury by decreasing the levels of enzymes and cytokines associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, stemonine dose-dependently increased the amount of superoxide dismutase. These results suggest that stemonine reduces lung inflammation in mice with PM_2.5-induced COPD, providing a novel approach for the treatment of PM_2.5-induced respiratory diseases.

Quality and antioxidant response of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) to dietary supplements of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) alone or combined with probiotic strains

The present study was conducted to determine the potential effect of the dietary intake of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds alone or in combination with Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus plantarum or B. subtilis on gilthead seabream quality and antioxidant response after 2 and 3 weeks of experimental feeding. The results showed that the supplements did not affect the percentage of the fatty acid profiles of muscle, demonstrating that all the additives tested can be administrated without any negative effect on biochemical composition and quality of gilthead seabream. The quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in muscle demonstrated the significant beneficial effect of the experimental diets compared with the control one. Besides, an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver was recorded after 3 weeks of administration of experimental diets. Furthermore, real time qPCR revealed that dietary supplementation with FEBS significantly enhances the expression of scavenging enzymes, such as cat and gr genes in the liver after 3 weeks. The findings suggest that the administration of fenugreek supplement alone or combined with probiotic strains could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants and as a functional aquafeed ingredient for gilthead seabream.

Protective Effects of Li-Fei-Xiao-Yan Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Li-Fei-Xiao-Yan prescription (LFXY) has been clinically used in China to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases including inflammatory lung diseases. The present study was aimed at evaluating the potential therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of LFXY in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury (ALI). In this study, the mice were orally pretreated with LFXY or dexamethasone (positive drug) before the intratracheal instillation of LPS. Our data indicated that pretreatment with LFXY enhanced the survival rate of ALI mice, reversed pulmonary edema and permeability, improved LPS-induced lung histopathology impairment, suppressed the excessive inflammatory responses via decreasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and chemokine (MIP-2) and inhibiting inflammatory cells migration, and repressed oxidative stress through the inhibition of MPO and MDA contents and the upregulation of antioxidants (SOD and GSH) activities. Mechanistically, treatment with LFXY significantly prevented LPS-induced TLR4 expression and NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation. Overall, the present study suggests that LFXY protected mice from acute lung injury induced by LPS via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB p65 activation and upregulation of antioxidative enzymes and it may be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for ALI in the clinical setting.

Green synthesis of multifunctional silver and gold nanoparticles from the oriental herbal adaptogen: Siberian ginseng

Pharmacologically active stem of the oriental herbal adaptogen, Siberian ginseng, was employed for the ecofriendly synthesis of Siberian ginseng silver nanoparticles (Sg-AgNPs) and Siberian ginseng gold nanoparticles (Sg-AuNPs). First, for metabolic characterization of the sample, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (indicated the presence of eleutherosides A and E), total phenol content, and total reducing sugar were analyzed. Second, the water extract of the sample mediated the biological synthesis of both Sg-AgNPs and Sg-AuNPs that were crystalline face-centered cubical structures with a Z-average hydrodynamic diameter of 126 and 189 nm, respectively. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that proteins and aromatic hydrocarbons play a key role in the formation and stabilization of Sg-AgNPs, whereas phenolic compounds accounted for the synthesis and stability of Sg-AuNPs. 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay determined that Sg-AgNPs conferred strong cytotoxicity against MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line) and was only slightly toxic to HaCaT (human keratinocyte cell line) at 10 µg⋅mL(-1). However, Sg-AuNPs did not display cytotoxic effects against both of the cell lines. The disc diffusion assay indicated a dose-dependent increase in the zone of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Bacillus anthracis (NCTC 10340), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC 33844), and Escherichia coli (BL21) treated with Sg-AgNPs, whereas Sg-AuNPs did not show inhibitory activity. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay demonstrated that both Sg-AgNPs and Sg-AuNPs possess strong antioxidant activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report unraveling the potential of Eleutherococcus senticosus for silver and gold nanoparticle synthesis along with its biological applications, which in turn would promote widespread usage of the endemic Siberian ginseng.

Attenuation of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by oleanolic acid preconditioning via its antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and anti‑apoptotic activities

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‑associated acute kidney injury is a major clinical problem in both native and transplanted kidneys. Renal I/R, and subsequent renal injury, may be attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a natural product, which possesses antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and anti‑apoptotic activities. The present study aimed to examine the effects of OA preconditioning on renal I/R and the possible underlying mechanisms. In a renal I/R model, rats were administered OA (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days prior to bilateral renal I/R induction. Serum samples and kidneys were then collected and stored for subsequent determination. The results of the present study demonstrated that OA significantly and dose‑dependently attenuated I/R‑induced renal damage. OA prevented renal I/R injury, as evidenced by decreased levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, kidney injury molecule‑1 and lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, OA defended against oxidative stress, as reflected by decreased levels of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and increased glutathione (GSH) levels. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon‑γ, interleukin (IL)‑6) and myeloperoxidase, were also reduced by OA, whereas the anti‑inflammatory cytokine IL‑10 was increased. Furthermore, OA prevented I/R‑induced apoptotic cell death, and prevented decreases in the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) and γ‑glutamylcysteine ligase (GCLc). Conversely, buthionine sulphoximine attenuated the protective effects of OA on renal I/R injury. These results indicated that OA preconditioning may prevent I/R‑induced renal damage via antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and anti‑apoptotic activities. Stabilization of Nrf2/GCLc signaling and subsequent maintenance of the GSH pool is critical for the protective effects of OA against renal I/R injury. The present study reported a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of renal I/R injury.

Co- and Post-Treatment with Lysine Protects Primary Fish Enterocytes against Cu-Induced Oxidative Damage

The aim of the work was primarily to explore the protective activity pathways of lysine against oxidative damage in fish in vivo and in enterocytes in vitro. First, grass carp were fed diets containing six graded levels of lysine (7.1-19.6 g kg-1 diet) for 56 days. Second, the enterocytes were treated with different concentrations of lysine (0-300 mg/L in media) prior to (pre-treatment), along with (co-treatment) or following (post-treatment) with 6 mg/L of Cu for 24 h. The results indicated that lysine improved grass carp growth performance. Meanwhile, lysine ameliorated lipid and protein oxidation by elevating the gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathioneperoxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reductase (GR)), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA levels in fish intestine. The in vitro studies showed that co- and post-treatment with lysine conferred significant protection against Cu-induced oxidative damage in fish primary enterocytes as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) OD values, along with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and the depletion of protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine contents. Moreover, lysine co-treatment decreased the activities and mRNA level of cellular SOD, GPx, GST and GR compared with the Cu-only exposed group. Gene expression of the signalling molecule Nrf2 showed the same pattern as that of SOD activity, whereas Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1b (Keap1b) followed the opposite trend, indicating that co-treatment with lysine induced antioxidant enzymes that protected against oxidative stress through Nrf2 pathway. In addition, post-treatment with lysine increased proteasomal activity and blocked the Cu-stimulated increase in mRNA levels of GST and associated catalase (CAT) and GST activities (P<0.01 and P<0.001). GR activity and gene expression, and glutathione (GSH) content followed an opposite trend to GST activity (P<0.05). Thus, post-treatment of lysine elevated protein and DNA repair abilities and ameliorated the cellular redox state of enterocytes. The overall results suggest that lysine plays a significant role in the protection of fish intestine in vivo and in vitro through the induction of key antioxidant protection.

Notch1 Pathway Protects against Burn-Induced Myocardial Injury by Repressing Reactive Oxygen Species Production through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling

Oxidative stress plays an important role in burn-induced myocardial injury, but the cellular mechanisms that control reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging are not fully understood. This study demonstrated that blockade of Notch signaling via knockout of the transcription factor RBP-J or a pharmacological inhibitor aggravated postburn myocardial injury, which manifested as deteriorated serum CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels and increased apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Interruption of Notch signaling increased intracellular ROS production, and a ROS scavenger reversed the exacerbated myocardial injury after Notch signaling blockade. These results suggest that Notch signaling deficiency aggravated postburn myocardial injury through increased ROS levels. Notch signaling blockade also decreased MnSOD expression in vitro and in vivo. Notably, Notch signaling blockade downregulated p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expression. Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling with AG490 markedly decreased MnSOD expression, increased ROS production, and aggravated myocardial injury. AG490 plus GSI exerted no additional effects. These results demonstrate that Notch signaling protects against burn-induced myocardial injury through JAK2/STAT3 signaling, which activates the expression of MnSOD and leads to decreased ROS levels.

Radioprotective effects of active compounds of Acanthopanax senticosus from the Lesser Khingan Mountain range in China

Bioactive compounds extracted from wild Acanthopanax senticosus showed radioprotective effects through in vitro antioxidant activities and suppression of radiation injury in mice.

Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, a flaxseed lignan, exerts analgesic effects in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes: Engagement of antioxidant mechanism

Peripheral painful neuropathy is one of the most common complications in diabetes and necessitates improved treatment. Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), a predominant lignan in flaxseed, has been shown in our previous studies to exert antidepressant-like effect. As antidepressant drugs are clinically used to treat chronic neuropathic pain, this work aimed to investigate the potential analgesic efficacy of SDG against diabetic neuropathic pain in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. We subjected mice to diabetes by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 200 mg/kg), and Hargreaves test or von Frey test was used to assess thermal hyperalgesia or mechanical allodynia, respectively. Chronic instead of acute SDG treatment (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg, p.o., twice per day for three weeks) ameliorated thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in diabetic mice, and these analgesic actions persisted about three days when SDG treatment was terminated. Although chronic treatment of SDG to diabetic mice did not impact on the symptom of hyperglycemia, it greatly attenuated excessive oxidative stress in sciatic nerve and spinal cord tissues, and partially counteracted the condition of weight decrease. Furthermore, the analgesic actions of SDG were abolished by co-treatment with the reactive oxygen species donor tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), but potentiated by the reactive oxygen species scavenger phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN). These findings indicate that chronic SDG treatment can correct neuropathic hyperalgesia and allodynia in mice with type 1 diabetes. Mechanistically, the analgesic actions of SDG in diabetic mice may be associated with its antioxidant activity.

Protective effect of crocetin against burn-induced intestinal injury

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and inflammation exert central roles in burn-induced intestinal injury. Crocetin, a natural carotenoid compound from gardenia fruits and saffron, has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response. However, the possibility of crocetin to be used in the treatment of intestinal injury after burn injury has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of crocetin in burn-induced intestinal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Several free radical-generating and lipid peroxidation models were used to systematically assess the antioxidant activities of crocetin in vitro. A common burn model was used to induce the intestinal injury in rats. Changes in the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation, intestinal permeability, and intestinal histology were examined.

RESULTS

In several models of antioxidant activity, crocetin exhibited marked inhibitory action against free radicals and lipid peroxidation. Crocetin increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and reduced intestinal oxidative injury in burn models. In addition, crocetin inhibited polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation, ameliorated tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 levels, intestinal permeability, and histological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Crocetin treatment may protect against burn-induced small intestinal injury, possibly by inhibiting burn-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on stress response in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus Galloprovincialis): regulatory volume decrease (Rvd) and modulation of biochemical markers related to oxidative stress

In this study the effects of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), are assessed on the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), exposed for 18 days at a concentration ranging from 0.1 mg/l to 1 mg/l. The effects are monitored using biomarkers related to stress response, such as regulatory volume decrease (RVD), and to oxidative stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), endogenous antioxidant systems and Hsp70 levels. The results demonstrate that cells from the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis, exposed to SDS were not able to perform the RVD owing to osmotic stress. Further, SDS causes oxidative stress in treated organisms, as demonstrated by the increased ROS production, in comparison to the controls (p<0.05). Consequently, two enzymes involved in ROS scavenging, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) have higher activities and the proportion of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is higher in hepatopancreas and mantle of treated animals, compared to untreated animals (p<0.05). Furthermore Hsp70 demonstrates an up-regulation in all the analyzed tissues of exposed animals, attesting the stress status induced by the surfactant with respect to the unexposed animals. The results highlight that SDS, under the tested concentrations, exerts a toxic effect in mussels in which the disruption of the osmotic balance follows the induction of oxidative stress.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of ampelopsin and its protective effect in lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of ampelopsin (APS) by using various methods in vitro, as well as to determine effects of APS on LPS-induced oxidative stress in piglets. The results showed that APS exhibited excellent free radical scavenging by DPPH, ABTS, O₂•⁻, H₂O₂ and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ampelopsin also protected pig erythrocytes against AAPH-induced apoptosis and hemolysis, decreased total superoxide dismutase activity, and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore the results demonstrated that APS enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and decreased the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents in LPS-treated piglets. The results of the present investigation suggest that APS possesses a strong antioxidant activity and alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress, possibly due to its ability to prevent reactive oxygen species.

Induction of Nrf2 and metallothionein as a common mechanism of hepatoprotective medicinal herbs

Many Chinese medicines have the potential to be hepatoprotective and therefore can be used to treat acute and chronic liver diseases. The challenge is to identify the molecular target for their protective mechanism. This study investigated the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2(NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant genes and metallothionein as a common mechanism of hepatoprotective effects of Chinese medicines such as Piper puberulum. Mice were pretreated with Piper puberulum extract (PPE, 500 mg/kg, po) or vehicles for seven days, followed by intoxication with CCl 4 (25 μl/kg, ip for 16 h), D-galactosamine (800 mg/kg, ip for 8 h), or acetaminophen (400 mg/kg, ip for 8 h). Hepatotoprotection was evaluated by serum enzyme activities and histopathology. To determine the mechanism of protection, mice were given PPE (250-1000 mg/kg, po for seven days) and livers were collected to quantify the expression of Nrf2-targeted genes and metallothionein. Nrf2-null mice were also used to determine the role of Nrf2 in PPE-mediated hepatoprotection.PPE pretreatment protected against the hepatotoxicity produced by CCl 4, D-galactosamine, and acetaminophen, as evidenced by decreased serum enzyme activities and ameliorated liver lesions. PPE treatment increased the expression of hepatic Nrf2, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 (Nqo1), heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1), glutamate-cysteine ligases (Gclc), and metallothionein (MT), at both transcripts and protein levels. PPE protected wild-type mice from CCl 4 and acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, but not Nrf2-null mice, fortifying the Nrf2-dependent protection. In conclusion, induction of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathways and metallothionein appears to be a common mechanism for hepatoprotective herbs such as PPE.

Cancer chemoprevention by traditional chinese herbal medicine and dietary phytochemicals: targeting nrf2-mediated oxidative stress/anti-inflammatory responses, epigenetics, and cancer stem cells

Excessive oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive metabolites of carcinogens alters cellular homeostasis, leading to genetic/epigenetic changes, genomic instability, neoplastic transformation, and cancer initiation/progression. As a protective mechanism against oxidative stress, antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes reduce these reactive species and protect normal cells from endo-/exogenous oxidative damage. The transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of the antioxidative stress response, plays a critical role in the expression of many cytoprotective enzymes, including NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Recent studies demonstrated that many dietary phytochemicals derived from various vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbal medicines induce Nrf2-mediated antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes, restore aberrant epigenetic alterations, and eliminate cancer stem cells (CSCs). The Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response prevents many age-related diseases, including cancer. Owing to their fundamental contribution to carcinogenesis, epigenetic modifications and CSCs are novel targets of dietary phytochemicals and traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM). In this review, we summarize cancer chemoprevention by dietary phytochemicals, including TCHM, which have great potential as a safer and more effective strategy for preventing cancer.

Memory-enhancing activities of the aqueous extract of Albizia adianthifolia leaves in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesion rodent model of Parkinson's disease

Background

Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W. Wright (Fabaceae) is a traditional herb largely used in the African traditional medicine as analgesic, purgative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and memory-enhancer drug. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the possible cognitive-enhancing and antioxidative effects of the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesion rodent model of Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

The effect of the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves (150 and 300 mg/kg, orally, daily, for 21 days) on spatial memory performance was assessed using Y-maze and radial arm-maze tasks, as animal models of spatial memory. Pergolide - induced rotational behavior test was employed to validate unilateral damage to dopamine nigrostriatal neurons. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed through the estimation of total flavonoid and total phenolic contents along with determination of free radical scavenging activity. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were determined by Tukey’s post hoc test. F values for which p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used in order to evaluate the association between behavioral parameters and net rotations in rotational behavior test.

Results

The 6-OHDA-treated rats exhibited the following: decrease of spontaneous alternations percentage within Y-maze task and increase of working memory errors and reference memory errors within radial arm maze task. Administration of the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves significantly improved these parameters, suggesting positive effects on spatial memory formation. Also, the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves showed potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation, the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves attenuated the contralateral rotational asymmetry observed by pergolide challenge in 6-OHDA-treated rats.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves possesses antioxidant potential and might provide an opportunity for management neurological abnormalities in Parkinson’s disease conditions.

Oleanolic acid improves hepatic insulin resistance via antioxidant, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects

Insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is closely related to disorder of lipid metabolism. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of oleanolic acid (OA) on hepatic insulin resistance and underlying mechanisms in Lep(db)(/)(db) obese diabetic mice. db/db Mice were administered with OA (20mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two weeks. OA reduced body weight, liver weight, and fat weight, and protected liver morphology and function. OA decreased fasting blood glucose, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, enhanced insulin signaling and inhibited gluconeogenesis. In livers, mitochondrial biogenesis, ultrastructure and function were influenced, accompanied by increased cellular and mitochondrial ROS production. OA inhibited all these changes, in which process Nrf2-GCLc mediated stabilization of mitochondrial glutathione pool may be involved. Moreover, OA decreased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and free fatty acids, increased serum HDL, and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, inflammatory condition in db/db mice was improved by OA, as evidenced by decreased level of IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNFα in circulation and in liver. The evidence suggests that OA improves hepatic insulin resistance through inhibition of mitochondrial ROS, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects. The effectiveness of OA leads to interesting therapeutic perspectives.

Preventive effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus bark extract in OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), has been used as a powerful tonic herb with an impressive range of health benefits. This medicinal herb has been commonly used to treat bone metabolism diseases due to its traditional Korean medicine use to strengthen muscle and bone. This study was conducted to investigate prevention of bone loss by a standardized extract of dried E. senticosus stem bark in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. The OVX groups were divided into five groups treated with distilled water, 17β-estradiol (E2 10 μg/kg, once daily, i.p) and dried stem bark of E. senticosus extracts (DES 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, once daily, p.o) for eight weeks, respectively. After eight weeks of treatments, the femur bone mineral density of the 100 mg/kg DES-treated group was significantly higher than that of the OVX-control group (16.7%, p < 0.01) without affecting the body, organs, and uterus weights, and serum estradiol levels. Additionally, bone markers such as serum ALP, CTx, and OC levels were significantly decreased in the DES 100 mg/kg treated group. These results show that DES is able to prevent OVX-induced in bone loss without the influence of hormones such as estrogen.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides reduce intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injuries in rats

Inflammation and oxidative stress exert important roles in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) have shown effective antioxidative and immunomodulatory functions in different models. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects and potential mechanisms of LBPs in intestinal IRI. Several free radical-generating and lipid peroxidation models were used to assess the antioxidant activities of LBPs in vitro. A common IRI model was used to induce intestinal injury by clamping and unclamping the superior mesenteric artery in rats. Changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, activated nuclear factor (NF)-κB, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, E-selectin, and related antioxidant enzyme levels, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) accumulation, intestinal permeability, and intestinal histology were examined. We found that LBPs exhibited marked inhibitory action against free radicals and lipid peroxidation in vitro. LBPs increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes and reduced intestinal oxidative injury in animal models of intestinal IRI. In addition, LBPs inhibited PMN accumulation and ICAM-1 expression and ameliorated changes in the TNF-α level, NF-κB activation, intestinal permeability, and histology. Our results indicate that LBPs treatment may protect against IRI-induced intestinal damage, possibly by inhibiting IRI-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

In vitro interceptive and reparative effects of myo-inositol against copper-induced oxidative damage and antioxidant system disturbance in primary cultured fish enterocytes

Copper (Cu) is essential for normal cellular processes in most eukaryotic organisms but is toxic in excess. Our previous study reported that a nutrient antioxidant, myo-inositol (MI), can protect fish from Cu-induced oxidative injury; however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze potential pathways. First, to investigate the hypothesis that MI protects enterocytes against Cu toxicity via the intercept pathway, enterocytes were treated with different concentrations of MI (0-75mg/L medium) in the presence of 6mg/L of Cu for 24h (Experiment 1). Next, we investigated the potential reparative role of MI after a Cu challenge (Experiment 2). The results of Experiment 1 indicated that cells exposed to Cu alone for 24h exhibited increases in lactate dehydrogenase release (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and protein oxidation (P<0.05). Notably, a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on LDH release was observed with all doses of MI. Moreover, co-treatment with MI completely inhibited Cu-induced protein carbonyl (PC) formation. However, Cu-induced lipid peroxidation was not altered by MI co-treatment. Additionally, Cu exposure suppressed total-superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), CuZnSOD and catalase (CAT) activities, and these changes were completely blocked by co-treatment with sufficient MI concentrations. In contrast, cells exposed to Cu exhibited adaptive increases in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Interestingly, the Cu-stimulated increases in these antioxidants were blocked by co-treatment with sufficient MI concentrations. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that cell injury (LDH release), lipid peroxidation (MDA formation) and protein oxidation induced by Cu were reversed by subsequent MI treatment. Meanwhile, Cu-induced decreases in alkaline phosphatase (AKP), anti-superoxide anion (ASA), T-SOD and CuZnSOD activities were completely restored by subsequent MI treatment, while the reduced CAT activity was partially restored. However, MI rescues partially restored the adaptive increase in GPx activity induced by Cu, whereas the adaptive increase in reduced GSH content was completely reversed by 75mg/L of MI. However, subsequent MI treatments did not alter the induction of GST activity by Cu. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that MI not only protected enterocytes from Cu-induced oxidative damage but also increased the repair activity in primary enterocytes after challenge with Cu. Moreover, MI-mediated increases in antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to lipid and protein oxidant repair.

Acanthopanax senticosus extracts have a protective effect on Drosophila gut immunity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) Harms is a classical adaptogenic agent used in China. It has been applied as an analeptic aid to improve weakened physical status. However, little is known about the effects of A. senticosus on inflammatory disease processes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Flies fed with standard cornmeal-yeast medium were used as controls, and the treatment groups contained 10% of A. senticosus aqueous extracts (root or fruit) in standard medium. Survival rate was performed by feeding a vial containing five layers of filter paper hydrated with 5% sucrose solution contaminated with pathogenic or toxic compounds. Imaging of the guts was viewed under the microscope. Death cells were detected by 7-AAD staining.

RESULTS

The A. senticosus extract improved the survival rate, attenuated the death of intestinal epithelial cells, promoted the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes, and decreased the formation of melanotic masses. Moreover, our results indicated that the protective effect of fruit is much higher than that of root extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

A. senticosus extracts have a protective effect on Drosophila gut immunity and stress response, and may contribute to the prevention of inflammatory diseases induced by pathogenic and toxic compounds.