Roles of some antioxidants in modulation of cardiac myopathy induced by sodium nitrite via down-regulation of mRNA expression of NF-κB, Bax, and flt-1 and suppressing DNA damage

Chemopreventive effects of chitosan nanogel with thiocolchicoside and lauric acid in chemically induced oral carcinogenesis, in a rodent model

There is always a quest for newer, more effective chemopreventive agents to prevent and manage oral cancer. A novel nanogel prepared using thiocolchicoside, lauric acid, and chitosan showed promising anticancer activity in KB-1 cell lines. The current manuscript aims to investigate the chemopreventive activity of chitosan nanogel with thiocolchicoside and lauric acid in chemically induced oral carcinogenesis using Wistar rats. Forty-six male Wistar rats were divided into three different groups: group I (control group), group II (cancer induction group), and group III (cancer induction with a chemopreventive agent). Male Wistar rats were given 20 μl/ml 4NQO solutions daily in their drinking water. One group received a daily oral application of CTL nanogel and carcinogen in drinking water. After the 23-week carcinogen treatment, the rats were euthanized; the tongues of the rats were dissected and histopathologically examined. Additionally, RT-PCR was employed to assess the gene expression of various signaling molecules involved in cancer progression like Erk1/2, β-catenin, Ki-67, Cyclin D1, TNF-α, NFκB, COX-2, and RAC1. Wistar rats developed white lesions and growth in the tongue in the cancer induction group. At the same time, the incidence and size of tumors were significantly less in the CTL nanogel-treated group. There was a significant increase in p53, Caspase-3, and Bax expression levels, while Bcl-2 showed a decreased expression in the CTL nanogel-treated group. There was also a significant decrease in the expression of EGFR and VEGFR signaling molecules in the CTL nanogel-treated group (p < 0.05 level). CTL nanogel shows potent chemopreventive efficiency in reducing the occurrence and severity of 4NQO-induced oral cancer in Wistar rats, marking it a promising candidate for further investigation in cancer prevention strategies.

Fischer's ratio and DNA damage in hypoxemia-induced brain injury in rat model: prophylactic role of quercetin and mexamine supplementation

Hypoxemia brain injuries arise when the brain's oxygen supply is restricted. Brain cells gradually die and become impaired as a result of the restricted oxygen flow a diversity of signaling pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of brain damage. One of the main concerns when examining the rate of protein breakdown is the measurement of the serum amino acid ratio. Valine, leucine, and isoleucine make up branched-chain amino acids, while phenylalanine and tyrosine make up aromatic amino acids. A vital tool for assessing the severity of hypoxemia is Fischer's ratio. The goal of this article is to determine how quercetin (QUR) and/or mexamine (MEX) prevented synfat (SN)-induced brain damage in a rat models. It also aimed to elucidate the various cross-linked inflammatory pathways, DNA damage, and Fischer's ratio. Following QUR and MEX therapy, synfat-induced hypoxemia. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were markedly reduced by synfat-intoxication, and oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-??, MDA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C -reactive protein (CRP), were elevated. Hemoglobin levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the aberrant expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were all altered by QUR and/or MEX therapy. Similarly, the concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonine, noradrenaline, and intropin in cerebral tissue is restricted. Similarly, the COMET assay and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine analysis (8-oxodG) demonstrated that QUR and MEX potentially altered synfat-induced brain DNA damage. The results confirmed the potential impact of this combined strategy as a powerful therapy for brain hypoxemia, concluding that treatment via QUR with MEX was superior therapy in modulating synfat-triggered cerebral injury.

Metabolic reprogramming of corn oligopeptide in regulating sodium nitrite-induced canine hepatocyte injury via TGF/NF-κB signaling pathways and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis

Sodium nitrite (SN), a prevalent food preservative, is known to precipitate hepatotoxicity upon exposure. This study elucidates the hepatoprotective effects of corn oligopeptide (COP) and vitamin E (VE) against SN-induced hepatic injury in canine hepatocytes. Canine liver cells were subjected to SN to induce hepatotoxicity, followed by treatment with COP and VE. Evaluations included assays for cell viability, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings demonstrated that COP and VE significantly ameliorated SN-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It was evidenced by restored cell viability, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced cytoplasmic enzyme leakage, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and inflammatory cytokines, with COP showing superior efficacy. The RNA sequencing revealed that COP treatment suppressed the SN-activated aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway and TGF-β/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby mitigating amino acid depletion, apoptosis, and inflammation. Moreover, COP treatment upregulated genes associated with protein folding, bile acid synthesis, and DNA repair. Metabolomic analysis corroborated these results, showing that COP restored amino acid levels and enhanced bile acid metabolism, alleviating SN-induced metabolic disruptions. These findings offered significant insights into the protective mechanisms of COP underscoring its prospective application in treating liver injuries.

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Fischer's oligopeptide ratio in ischemic hypoxia: prophylactic amendment of sophoretin and melatonin supplementation

Aim: The fundamental pathophysiology of ischemic-hypoxia is oxygen depletion. Fischer's ratio is essential for monitoring hypoxia intensity. Methods: the current study highlighted the prophylactic role of sophoretin (QRC) and/or melatonin (MLN) versus sodium nitrite (SN) brain hypoxia. Results: Prophylactic treatment with sophoretin and MLN, was preceded with hypoxia-induction via sodium nitrite (60 mg/kg, S.C.). SN decreased hemoglobin (Hb), elevated HIF-α, HSP-70, IL-6 and TNF-α. Sophoretin and/or MLN restored the ameliorated inflammatory biomarkers, modulated norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Similarly, single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or COMET) DNA damage assay confirmed this finding. Conclusion: Treatment via sophoretin and MLN was the most effective therapy for improving sodium nitrite-induced brain injury.

Preventive effects of quercetin against inflammation and apoptosis in cyclophosphamide-induced testicular damage

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin (QRC) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular damage and how it interacts with apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways.

Materials and Methods

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, 10 in each group; Control group (corn oil, intragastrically, 14 days), QRC group (100 mg/kg QRC, dissolved in corn oil, 14 days), CP group (200 mg/kg CP, intraperitoneally, single dose on the 7th day), and CP+QRC group (100 mg/kg QRC, intragastrically, 14 days and 200 mg/kg CP, intraperitoneally, single dose on the 7th day). Animals were sacrificed one day after the last QRC application and the effects of quercetin were evaluated by histological, morphometrical, and hormonal parameters. Also, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) immunoreactivities were evaluated immunohistochemically.

Results

CP increased the testicular weight/body weight ratio, significantly decreasing body weights and testicular weights. All hormone levels were also reduced significantly. Morphometrically, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelial thickness decreased, while a significant increase was determined in interstitial field width in addition to histological damage. Furthermore, immunohistochemical findings also indicated that NFkB and Bax immunoreactivity were increased in the CP group, whereas significant decrease was seen in Nrf2 and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity. Apoptotic cell and tubule index were reduced in CP. QRC ensured improvement in all findings.

Conclusion

Data showed us, that QRC may have preventive effects in CP-induced testicular damage by acting on NFkB, Nrf2, Bax, and Bcl-2 pathways.

Protective effect of quercetin against 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac impairments through activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB and caspase-3 activities

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy used to treat many types of cancer. Cardiotoxicity is one of the common drawbacks of 5-FU therapy. Quercetin (Qu) is a bioflavonoid with striking biological activities. This research aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of Qu against 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity. Thirty-five rats were allocated into five groups: control group (normal saline), 5-FU group (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Qu group (50 mg/kg, oral), 25 mg/kg Qu+5-FU group, and 50 mg/kg Qu+5-FU. The experimental animals were received the above-mentioned drugs for 21 days. Results showed that 5-FU significantly elevated creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and upregulated troponin and renin mRNA expression. Additionally, cardiac oxidant/antioxidant imbalance was evident in elevated oxidants (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and depleted antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). 5-FU also downregulated the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Furthermore, 5-FU significantly increased cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and upregulated gene expression of nuclear factor kappa-B. 5-FU significantly enhanced cardiac apoptosis through upregulating caspase-3 expression and downregulating B-cell lymphoma 2. Immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations verified the above-mentioned findings. However, all these changes were significantly ameliorated in Qu pre-administered rats. Conclusively, Qu counteracted 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity through potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Objective

Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) is used as a color stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in preservation of cured meat and fish. However, extensive use of this agent in the meat industries increased worries about its detrimental effects on human health. Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is a well-known plant with therapeutic properties in the traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of this plant against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (without any treatment), nitrite (350 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days), NaNO₂ plus Z. multiflora (rats treated with NaNO₂ 350 mg/kg gavage for 60 days and simultaneously received Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip) and Z. multiflora group (rats treated with Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip). At the end of the study, rats were euthanized and liver tissue samples were taken and studied under microscopy. Also, serum levels of liver function enzymes and antioxidant defense systems were measured. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and a p<0.0.5 was considered significant.

Results

Results showed that NaNO₂ induces liver injuries and altered hepatic histo-architecture. Also, NaNO₂ significantly altered the biochemical profiles and antioxidant defense parameters of the liver. However, treatment with Z. multiflora improved tissue integrity as well as antioxidant defense status and biochemical conditions of the liver.

Conclusion

Administration of Z. multiflora extract has beneficial effects on the NaNO₂-induced histological and functional toxicity in the liver.

Quercetin prevents myocardial infarction adverse remodeling in rats by attenuating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling: Different mechanisms of action

This study investigated the anti-remodeling and anti-fibrotic and effect of quercetin (QUR) in the remote non-infarcted of rats after myocardial infarction (MI). Rats were divided as control, control + QUR, MI, and MI + QUR. MI was introduced to the rats by ligating the eft anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. All treatments were given for 30 days, daily. QUR persevered the LV hemodynamic parameters and prevented remote myocardium damage and fibrosis. Also, QUR supressed the generation of ROS, increased the nuclear levels of Nrf2, and enhanced SOD and GSH levels in the LVs of the control and MI model rats. It also reduced angiotensin II, nuclear level/activity of the nuclear factor NF-κβ p65, and protein expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and total/phospho-smad3 in the LVs of both groups. Concomitantly, QUR upregulated LV smad7 and BMP7. In conclusion, QUR prevents MI-induced LV remodeling by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibroticα effects mediated by ROS scavenging, suppressing NF-κβ, and stimulating Nrf-2, Smad7, and BMP7.

Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The current was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) extract against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-five rats were allocated randomly into 5 groups (n = 9). Group I (GI), control group: orally gavaged with normal saline daily. Group II (GII): orally gavaged with CV extract (70 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group III (GIII): orally gavaged with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group IV (GIV): received sodium nitrite as GIII and CV extract as GII simultaneously for 3 months. Group V (GV): received CV extract as GII and then, sodium nitrite as in GIII from the end of first month until the end of the experiment. Sodium nitrite significantly increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum concentrations of tumor interleukin 1-β and necrosis factor α. In addition, it increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and expression level of caspase-3 in the hepatic tissue. However, it decreased activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and induced degenerative and necrotic changes in hepatic tissues. In contrast, CV extract administration modulated sodium nitrite-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration in hepatic tissue function and architecture. This study indicated that CV extract modulated sodium nitrite-induced hepatic toxicity through decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue of rats.

Methanolic extract of Chlorella vulgaris protects against sodium nitrite-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The current study aimed to investigate the protective potential of Chlorella Vulgaris (CV) extract against the reproductive dysfunction induced by sodium nitrite toxicity. Forty-five male Wistar albino rats were assigned into five groups (n = 9). Control group received normal saline orally for 3 months, CV-treated: administered CV extract (70 mg/kg.BW) orally for 3 months, sodium nitrite-treated: received sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg.BW) orally for 3 months, co-treated: simultaneously received CV along with sodium nitrite treatment, orally, daily for 3 months, and CV-pre-treated: pre-treated with CV extract for 4 weeks followed by simultaneous treatment with sodium nitrite and CV extract for additional 8 weeks. Treatment with sodium nitrite significantly decreased serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations, sperm count, motility, and viability. Besides, it decreased testicular superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities while increased malondialdehyde concentration. This effect of sodium nitrite was associated with degenerative, necrotic, vascular, and inflammatory changes in testicular tissues. Treatment of sodium nitrite-intoxicated rats with CV in co-treated and pre-treated groups significantly prevented sodium nitrite-induced alterations of sperm parameters, hormonal concentrations, testicular oxidative-antioxidant status, and histological architecture. This study indicates that CV extract ameliorates the reproductive dysfunction induced by sodium nitrite toxicity via improving reproductive hormonal levels and testicular antioxidant activities.

Effects of nitrite graded doses on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, histopathological alterations, and activation of apoptosis in adult rats

Nitrites are found in several forms; they are widely found in water resources and used as additives and preservatives for food and as a color source. We investigated the hazardous effects of exposing rats to different doses of nitrites. Moreover, we examined such impacts, after acute ingestion, on liver and renal tissues in rats and to what extent this affects the organs' functions. Animals were divided into five groups: one control group 1 (group C) and four sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)-treated group (8 rats per group). The four NaNO₂-treated groups include group 2 (N20), group 3 (N40), group 4 (N60), and group 5 (N75). NaNO₂ was dissolved in distilled water, and single acute dose was orally given by gavage at 20, 40, 60, and 75 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Our results revealed significant increase of liver enzymes activity-aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine between different groups with increasing doses of nitrite ingestion. The results of hepatic and renal oxidative stress showed significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and significant decrease in the antioxidant parameters, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), as the dose of nitrite increases. Further, the methemoglobin percent showed significant increase with increasing nitrite doses. Abnormal morphological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues were obviously proportional to the administered nitrite doses. The expression of caspase 3 and Bax level showed enhanced induction of immunoexpression, especially in the high doses of nitrites. On the other hand, the maximal immunoexpression level of anti-apoptotic marker Bcl₂ was found in lower doses of nitrites, whereas marked decrease of Bcl₂ levels was observed in the higher doses. In conclusion, administration of sodium nitrite in a dose-dependent manner is capable of inducing cellular and genetic toxicities and causes disturbance in biochemical analysis, oxidative and anti-oxidative balance, and methemoglobinemia. It also makes histopathological alterations and leads to the activation of apoptosis-related Bax, Bcl₂, and caspase 3 genes of liver and kidney tissues in rats.

Potential Implications of Quercetin and its Derivatives in Cardioprotection

Quercetin (QCT) is a natural polyphenolic compound enriched in human food, mainly in vegetables, fruits and berries. QCT and its main derivatives, such as rhamnetin, rutin, hyperoside, etc., have been documented to possess many beneficial effects in the human body including their positive effects in the cardiovascular system. However, clinical implications of QCT and its derivatives are still rare. In the current paper we provide a complex picture of the most recent knowledge on the effects of QCT and its derivatives in different types of cardiac injury, mainly in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the heart, but also in other pathologies such as anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity or oxidative stress-induced cardiac injury, documented in in vitro and ex vivo, as well as in in vivo experimental models of cardiac injury. Moreover, we focus on cardiac effects of QCT in presence of metabolic comorbidities in addition to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Finally, we provide a short summary of clinical studies focused on cardiac effects of QCT. In general, it seems that QCT and its metabolites exert strong cardioprotective effects in a wide range of experimental models of cardiac injury, likely via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and molecular pathways-modulating properties; however, ageing and presence of lifestyle-related comorbidities may confound their beneficial effects in heart disease. On the other hand, due to very limited number of clinical trials focused on cardiac effects of QCT and its derivatives, clinical data are inconclusive. Thus, additional well-designed human studies including a high enough number of patients testing different concentrations of QCT are needed to reveal real therapeutic potential of QCT in CVD. Finally, several negative or controversial effects of QCT in the heart have been reported, and this should be also taken into consideration in QCT-based approaches aimed to treat CVD in humans.

Vitamin C and Turmeric Attenuate Bax and Bcl-2 Proteins' Expressions and DNA Damage in Lead Acetate-Induced Liver Injury

BACKGROUND

Lead is a common environmental and occupational pollutant which induced multiorgans dysfunction. The present study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of turmeric (TUR) and/or vitamin C (Vit-C) alone or together against lead acetate toxicity and to explore novel molecular pathways.

METHOD

Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by lead acetate (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) in male rats, and the effect of TUR (200 mg/kg/day, orally) and/or Vit-C (250 mg/kg/day, orally) along with lead acetate for 7 days was studied.

RESULTS

Lead acetate increased serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, hepatic lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide; while, hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities were downregulated. Hepatic Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins expressions were altered and hepatic DNA damaged was increased as well. Liver/body weight ratio was decreased. Hematoxylin and eosin demonstrated that lead acetate induced focal areas of massive hepatic degeneration of the hepatocytes. Treatment with both antioxidants ameliorated all the altered parameters and induced marked improvement of liver architecture.

CONCLUSION

The combination of TUR and Vit-C has shown the most protective effects against lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Ginkgo Flavonol Glycosides or Ginkgolides Tend to Differentially Protect Myocardial or Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Regulation of TWEAK-Fn14 Signaling in Heart and Brain

Shuxuening injection (SXNI), one of the pharmaceutical preparations of Ginkgo biloba extract, has significant effects on both ischemic stroke and heart diseases from bench to bedside. Its major active ingredients are ginkgo flavonol glycosides (GFGs) and ginkgolides (GGs). We have previously reported that SXNI as a whole protected ischemic brain and heart, but the active ingredients and their contribution to the therapeutic effects remain unclear. Therefore, we combined experimental and network analysis approach to further explore the specific effects and underlying mechanisms of GFGs and GGs of SXNI on ischemia–reperfusion injury in mouse brain and heart. In the myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) model, pretreatment with GFGs at 2.5 ml/kg was superior to the same dose of GGs in improving cardiac function and coronary blood flow and reducing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum, with an effect similar to that achieved by SXNI. In contrast, pretreatment with GGs at 2.5 ml/kg reduced cerebral infarction area and cerebral edema similarly to that of SXNI but more significantly compared with GFGs in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) model. Network pharmacology analysis of GFGs and GGs revealed that tumor necrosis factor-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)–fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) signaling pathway as an important common mechanism but with differential targets in MIRI and CIRI. In addition, immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays were performed to evaluate the regulatory roles of GFGs and GGs on the common TWEAK–Fn14 signaling pathway to protect the heart and brain. Experimental results confirmed that TWEAK ligand and Fn14 receptor were downregulated by GFGs to mitigate MIRI in the heart while upregulated by GGs to improve CIRI in the brain. In conclusion, our study showed that GFGs and GGs of SXNI tend to differentially protect brain and heart from ischemia–reperfusion injuries at least in part by regulating a common TWEAK–Fn14 signaling pathway.

3, 3-Dimethylquercetin Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Colon Cancer RKO Cells through Inducing G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Background:

Our previous study successfully identified that 3,3-Dimethylquercetin (DMQ) acted as a potent anticancer agent against human colon cancer cell lines RKO. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism by which DMQ displayed inhibitory activity in RKO cells.

Methods:

Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of DMQ on the cell cycle arrest, as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential in RKO cells. DAPI staining and DNA fragmentation ladder assays were performed to assess the apoptosis inducing activity of DMQ. Furthermore, western blot analysis was conducted to examine the expression of related proteins responsible for the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Results:

Treatment with DMQ caused a significant increase in the fraction of G2/M cells, and induced remarkable apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that DMQ arrested cells at G2/M checkpoint by down-regulation of cyclin B1, cdc2 and cdc25c and up-regulation of p21, and induced cell apoptosis via affecting the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, causing loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and enhancing the expression of cleaved caspase-9 (C-caspase-9) and cleaved caspase-3 (C-caspase-3).

Conclusion:

These data showed that DMQ could suppress RKO cell growth by arresting RKO cells at G2/M checkpoint and inducing mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis. Our findings shed light on the potential use of DMQ as a chemotherapeutic agent for CRC.