Edaravone attenuates cadmium-induced toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in ICR mice

Edaravone's reno-protective effects against chronic heat-stress exposure

Edaravone (EDV) is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat various diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to examine EDV's potential renal protective effects on kidney injury induced by heat stress in rats. Male Wistar rats were segregated into four distinct groups (n = 16/group): control (Ctr), heat stress (HS), edaravone (EDV), and HS+EDV groups. Heat stress was applied 6 days a week for 30 min for 8 weeks, and EDV treatment (6 mg/kg. IP) was administered simultaneously in the HS+EDV group. After the experiment, blood and kidney tissue samples were gathered for subsequent analysis. Compared to the control group, the HS group exhibited a significant increase in serum creatinine and urea levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, malondialdehyde level and catalase activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA expression were increased in the kidney tissue during HS. The renal tissues of the heat-stressed animal showed noticeable histological alterations compared to the control group. However, in the HS+EDV and EDV groups, the creatinine and urea concentrations in the blood were markedly reduced compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). In addition, renal oxidative stress biomarkers were normalized (malondialdehyde levels and catalase activity; P < 0.05). The histopathological alterations in the renal tissues of the groups treated with EDV were markedly diminished. In addition, the renal mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were markedly reduced in the HS+EDV group compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). EDV treatment in a heat-stress rat model demonstrated a protective effect on renal tissue, most likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Edaravone protects against cuprizone-induced demyelination in rats by modulating TNF-α/NF-ĸB/NLRP3 signaling and the kynurenine pathway

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving various pathways that affect disease progression and treatment. The kynurenine pathway (KP) has gained attention in MS studies, contributing to demyelination and disease progression. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological effects of edaravone (EDV) on the corpus callosum and the spinal cord in the cuprizone (CPZ) animal model of demyelination. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control, CPZ, and CPZ-EDV groups. CPZ (500 mg/kg/day) was administered via oral gavage for eight weeks, and at the start of the 5th week, EDV (5 mg/kg/day,I.P.) was initiated and continued for 4 weeks. EDV ameliorated behavioral and motor deficits in CPZ-intoxicated rats and promoted the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells by activating OLIG2, enhancing re-myelination. This was demonstrated by increased density of myelinated nerve fibers and OLIG2+ cells co-expressing myelin basic protein (MBP), indicating enhanced OPC differentiation and remyelination. EDV also reduced the inflammatory mediators TNF-α and NF-ĸB, and diminished the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, inhibiting the release of IL-1β. Furthermore, EDV decreased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) mRNA expression and activity, as well as the protein levels of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), leading to reduced neurotoxic metabolites (quinolinic and anthranilic acid) while elevating the neuroprotective metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA). In conclusion, EDV exerted neuroprotective effects by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the KP's neurotoxic metabolites, and promoting remyelination through OLIG2 activation. These effects are possibly attributed to EDV's action on TNF-α/NF-ĸB/NLRP3 signaling and the KP.

Luteolin attenuates cadmium neurotoxicity by suppressing glial inflammation and supporting neuronal survival

Cadmium (Cd), a neurotoxic metal, is associated with the development of neurological disorders. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Luteolin against Cd-induced toxicity in cultured cells and mouse models. Our findings demonstrate that Luteolin protects hippocampal neurons from Cd toxicity and mitigates Cd-triggered inflammatory responses in microglial BV2 cells. In Cd-exposed mice, symptoms such as weight loss, motor retardation, multi-organ damage, and cognitive deficits were observed. Remarkably, Luteolin treatment reversed these effects, repaired organ damage, and restored learning and memory abilities. Mechanistically, Cd toxicity induced significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, including elevated glial cell markers (IBA1, GFAP, and CD68) and reduced neuronal marker MAP2. Luteolin counteracted these adverse effects by inhibiting the Notch1/Hes1 inflammatory signaling axis and restoring the BDNF-TrkB/AKT1 signaling axis, thereby promoting neuronal survival. These results highlight the potential of Luteolin as a natural neuroprotective agent against Cd-induced neurotoxicity, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating Cd-related neurological damage.

Alleviating effect of antioxidants on combined chromium and cadmium-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2-keap1 and associated pathway in Swiss albino mice

Chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) are well-known cytotoxic and carcinogenic elements co-existing in the biosphere. Though their separate toxicities have been well researched, little is known about their combined effects, particularly with regard to the cellular stress response. The current study intends to explore the individual and combined toxic effects of Cr and Cd in the brain of Swiss albino mice in addition to examining the possible neuroprotective functions of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), biochanin-A (BCA), and phloretin (PHL), the naturally occurring flavonoids with antioxidant qualities. Mice were administered orally with Cr and Cd (75 ppm each) along with the i.p. dose of CoQ10 (10 mg/kg), BCA, and PHL (50 mg/kg each), respectively. After two weeks of treatment, an array of biochemical assays, histopathological examination, and gene expression analyses were carried out to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of the selected nutraceuticals. Our findings, which underscore the importance of this research, demonstrated that the administration of the nutraceuticals reduced oxidative stress and restored the antioxidant defense system by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) with concomitant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total thiol (TT) activity. A decrease in cholinesterase activity was also observed, along with the altered histo-architecture. The qRT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression revealed the upregulation of genes associated with antioxidant defense (SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1) along with the downregulation of the apoptotic markers caspase-8 and 3, respectively. The study highlights the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10, BCA, and PHL against Cr and Cd-induced oxidative stress via enhancing Nrf2-mediated exogenous antioxidant defenses and mitigating cellular damage and neural apoptosis. These results imply that these nutraceuticals may have therapeutic value in alleviating neurological disorders brought on by heavy metal exposure, with potential significant impact on future treatments.

The Effect of Edaravone Supplementation Prior to Cryopreservation on Sperm Parameters, DNA Integrity, Apoptosis, Lipid Peroxidation, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Infertile Men with Asthenoteratozoospermia

Male infertility is a worldwide problem, and many couples have suffered from it. Although cryopreservation is widely used for the long-term preservation of human sperm, sperm survival, and function post-thawing procedure may be strongly impaired and thus decrease the reproductive performance. This study examined whether adding Edaravone before cryopreservation could improve the post-thaw parameters (especially sperm motility) of cryopreserved spermatozoa in patients with asthenoteratozoospermia (AT). Semen samples were collected by masturbation from 25 men with AT and assessed following WHO standards. Samples were divided into three aliquots. The first aliquot remained untreated and freshly assessed (fresh group). The second aliquot was untreated, mixed with a cryopreservation medium, and cryopreserved (freeze group). The third aliquot was treated with ten µM Edaravone, mixed with cryopreservation medium, and cryopreserved (freeze + Edaravone group). The groups were assessed for motility, morphology, viability, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), glutathione (GSH), ATP, and ROS production. The freeze + Edaravone group significantly improved total sperm motility (P < 0.0001), progressive and non-progressive sperm motility (P < 0.01), viability (P < 0.0001), morphology (P < 0.001), DFI (P < 0.0001) and live sperm cells (P < 0.0001) post-thawing compared to freeze group. Additionally, the freeze + Edaravone group significantly decreased necrotic sperm cells (P < 0.0001), lipid peroxidation (P < 0.0001), and intracellular ROS production (P < 0.0001) post-thawing procedure. Furthermore, the freeze + Edaravone group significantly enhanced MMP jc-1 orange and green (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively), ATP production (P < 0.0001), and GSH levels (P < 0.0001) post-thawing procedure compared to freeze group. Our findings proved that the freeze + Edaravone group of men with AT improved sperm survival and functions post-thawing procedure.

Investigation of Cannabidiol's Protective Effects on Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Mice

Current chelation treatments used for cadmium poisoning may cause some serious side effects. Thus, safer novel treatments could be promising for clinical use. This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol on Cd toxicity. Four groups of 10 mice were formed: Groups I and III were cadmium-free, while groups II and IV received 50 mg/L cadmium in drinking water. Groups III and IV received daily cannabidiol (25 mg/kg) via intragastric gavage. After 30 days, the animals were killed, and blood and tissue samples were collected. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers, including glutathione, catalase, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, were analysed using ELISA. Additionally, histological evaluations of the liver, kidney and testis were performed. Cadmium exposure reduced glutathione and catalase levels in the blood, liver, kidney and testis, while increasing myeloperoxidase. Cannabidiol mitigated these effects on oxidative stress markers. Cannabidiol also reduced the increase in proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced liver and kidney damage in cannabidiol-treated groups compared to cadmium-only groups. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed CBD had no protective effect on the testicular tissue against Cd toxicity. Our results indicate that cannabidiol protects against some toxic effects of cadmium. If confirmed by future studies, cannabidiol may be proposed as a novel treatment for cadmium toxicity.

Metabolomics analyses and comparative insight to neuroprotective potential of unripe fruits and leaves of Citrus aurantium ethanolic extracts against cadmium-induced rat brain dysfunction: involvement of oxidative stress and akt-mediated CREB/BDNF and GSK3β/NF-κB signaling pathways

Serious neurological disorders were associated with cadmium toxicity. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective impacts of the ethanolic extracts of Citrus aurantium unripe fruits and leaves (CAF and CAL, respectively) at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg against cadmium chloride-provoked brain dysfunction in rats for 30 consecutive days. HPLC for natural pigment content revealed that CAF implied higher contents of Chlorophyll B, while the CAL has a high yield of chlorophyll A and total carotenoid. Fifty-seven chromatographic peaks were identified by UPLC/MS/MS; 49 and 29 were recognized from CAF or CAL, respectively. Four compounds were isolated from CAF: 3',4',7 -trihydroxyflavone, isorhainetin, vitexin, and apigenin. In vitro studies outlined the antioxidant capacity of studied extracts where CAF showed better scavenging radical DPPH activity. Results clarified that both extracts with a superior function of CAF at the high adopted dose significantly ameliorated CdCl2-induced neuro-oxidative stress and neuro-inflammatory response via restoring antioxidant status and hindering nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) stimulation. Moreover, it up-regulated the levels of phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt), phospho- cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels, and elicited a marked decrease in the content of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), besides amending Caspase-3 and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in brain tissues. Moreover, a significant improvement in the rats' behavioral tasks of the CAL and CAF-treated groups has been recorded, as indicated by marked preservation in locomotion, exploratory, and memory functions of the experimental rats. In conclusion, the reported neuroprotective impacts of C. aurantium extracts may be through modulating p-AKT/p-CREB/BDNF and / or p-Akt/ GSK3β/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Cadmium neurotoxicity: Insights into behavioral effect and neurodegenerative diseases

Cadmium (Cd) induced neurotoxicity has become a growing concern due to its potential adverse effects on the Central Nervous System. Cd is a Heavy Metal (HM) that is released into the environment, through several industrial processes. It poses a risk to the health of the community by polluting air, water, and soil. Cd builds up in the brain and other neural tissues, raising concerns about its effect on the nervous system due to its prolonged biological half-life. Cd can enter into the neurons, hence increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in them and impairing their antioxidant defenses. Cd disrupts the Calcium (Ca2+) balance in neurons, affects the function of the mitochondria, and triggers cell death pathways. As a result of these pathways, the path to the development of many neurological diseases affected by environmental factors, especially Cd, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is facilitated. There are cognitive deficits associated with long exposure to Cd. Memory disorders are present in both animals and humans. Cd alters the brain's function and performance in critical periods. There are lifelong consequences of Cd exposure during critical brain development stages. The susceptibility to neurotoxic effects is increased by interactions with a variety of risk factors. Cd poses risks to neuronal function and behavior, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD) and AD as well as cognitive issues. This article offers a comprehensive overview of Cd-induced neurotoxicity, encompassing risk assessment, adverse effect levels, and illuminating intricate pathways.

Overexpression of Lias Gene Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury in Mice Involving Multiple Effects: Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

Oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, there are significant differences of the antioxidant baseline in different populations. This means that different human has different intensity of oxidative stress in vivo after exposure to toxicants. LiasH/H mouse is a specific model which is created by genetically modifying the Lias 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). LiasH/H mice express high levels of LA and have high endogenous antioxidant capacity which is approximately 150% higher than wild-type C57BL/6 J mice (WT, Lias+/+). But more importantly, they have dual roles of metal chelator and antioxidant. Here, we applied this mouse model to evaluate the effect of endogenous antioxidant levels in the body on alleviating Cd-induced renal injury including Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the experiment, mice drank water containing Cd (50 mg/L), for 12 weeks. Many biomarkers of Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and major pathological changes in the kidney were examined. The results showed overexpression of the Lias gene decreased Cd burden in the body of mice, mitigated oxidative stress, attenuated the inflammatory response, and subsequent alleviated cadmium-induced kidney injury in mice.

Edaravone promotes viability of random skin flaps via activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway-mediated enhancement of autophagy

Random skin flap transplantation is a commonly used technique. However, ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury always impair its therapeutic effectiveness through acclerating oxidative stress, apoptosis and suppressing angiogenesis. To survive, cells rely on mediating autophagy, DNA repair, immunoregulation to resist these cellular injuries. Thus, mediating autophagy may affect the survival of random skin flaps. The edaravone (EDA), a oxygen radicals scavenger, also possesses autophagy mediator potential, we investigated the effects of EDA on skin flap survival and its autophagy-related mechanisms. In vivo, mice were administered EDA or saline intraperitoneally for 7 days postoperatively. We found that EDA ameliorated the viability of random skin flaps, promoted autophagy and angiogenesis, attenuated apoptosis and oxidative stress. In vitro, mouse umbilical vascular endothelial cells (MUVECs) were administered EDA or 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor) or rapacymin (Rapa, an autophagy activator) at the beginning of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). We found that EDA promoted cell viability, activated autophagy, enhanced angiogenesis, alleviated apoptosis and oxidative stress. On one hand, 3-MA reversed the effects of EDA on cell viability, oxidative stress and apoptosis via inhibiting autophagy. On the other hand, Rapa had the similar effects of EDA. Furthermore, EDA-induced autophagy was mediated through downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. The findings showed that EDA ameliorated viability of random skin flaps by promoting angiogenesis, suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis, which may be mediated by autophagic activation through downregulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.

Cadmium-promoted thyroid hormones disruption mediates ROS, inflammation, Aβ and Tau proteins production, gliosis, spongiosis and neurodegeneration in rat basal forebrain

Cadmium (Cd) produces cognition decline following single and repeated treatment, although the complete mechanisms are still unrevealed. Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons innervate the cortex and hippocampus, regulating cognition. Cd single and repeated exposure induced BF cholinergic neuronal loss, partly through thyroid hormones (THs) disruption, which may cause the cognition decline observed following Cd exposure. However, the mechanisms through which THs disruption mediate this effect remain unknown. To research the possible mechanisms through which Cd-induced THs deficiency may mediate BF neurodegeneration, Wistar male rats were treated with Cd for 1- (1 mg/kg) or 28-days (0.1 mg/kg) with or without triiodothyronine (T3, 40 μg/kg/day). Cd exposure promoted neurodegeneration, spongiosis, gliosis and several mechanisms related to these alterations (increased H₂0₂, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, BACE1, Aβ and phosphorylated-Tau levels, and decreased phosphorylated-AKT and phosphorylated-GSK-3β levels). T3 supplementation partially reversed the effects observed. Our results show that Cd induces several mechanisms that may be responsible for the neurodegeneration, spongiosis and gliosis observed in the rats' BF, which are partially mediated by a reduction in THs levels. These data may help to explain the mechanisms through which Cd induces BF neurodegeneration, possibly leading to the cognitive decline observed, providing new therapeutic tools to prevent and treat these damages.

Asperuloside attenuates cadmium-induced toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis in rats

This present study investigated the protective effects of asperuloside (ASP) against cadmium-induced nephrocardiac toxicity. Rats were treated with 50 mg/kg of ASP for five weeks and CdCl2 (5 mg/kg, p.o., once daily) during the last 4 weeks of ASP treatment. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Scr), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin T (TnT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evealuted. Oxido-inflammatory parameters were detected via malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Additionally, the cardiorenal levels of caspase 3, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen IV and Bcl2 were measured by ELISA or immunohistochemical assays. The results indicated that ASP significantly decreased Cd-instigated oxidative stress, serum BUN, Scr, AST, CK-MB, TnT and LDH as well as histopathological alterations. Furthermore, ASP notably attenuated Cd-induced cardiorenal and apoptosis and fibrosis by reducing caspase 3 and TGF-β levels, as well as reducing the stain intensity of a-SMA and collagen IV, while increasing Bcl2 intensity. These results revealed that ASP attenuated Cd induced cardiac and renal toxicity which may be attributed to reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis.

Selenium alleviates cadmium-induced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and programmed necrosis in chicken testes

Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal pollutant, and one of the important target organs of its toxicity is the testis. Selenium (Se) has the ability to antagonize the toxicity of Cd. However, the mechanism of the alleviating effects of Se on Cd in chicken testis injury through oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and programmed necrosis remained unclear. To explore this, 80 7-day-old chickens were divided into the Control group, the Se group (1.00 mg/kg Se), the Cd group (150.00 mg/kg Cd), and the CdSe group. On the 30th and 60th days, serum and chicken testis tissue samples were collected for testing. The results showed that Cd exposure resulted in swelling and deformation of seminiferous tubules, and thinning of the seminiferous epithelium. The ROS and MDA increased, and the SOD, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px decreased. The expression of GRP78, PERK, IRE1, ATF6, CHOP, and JNK in the Cd group increased. The expression of TNF-α, TNFR1, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, and PARP1 increased, while the expression of Caspase-8 decreased. Histopathological changes, oxidative stress, ERS, and programmed necrosis were improved after CdSe treatment. In conclusion, Se antagonized the toxicity of Cd, and Se could alleviate Cd-induced oxidative stress, ERS, and programmed necrosis in chicken testis.

APP/PS1 Gene-Environmental Cadmium Interaction Aggravates the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease in Mice via the Blood-Brain Barrier, Amyloid-β, and Inflammation

BACKGROUND

There is limited information about gene-environment interaction on the occurrence and the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of environmental low-dose cadmium (Cd) exposure on the progress of Alzheimer's disease and the underlining mechanism.

METHODS

We administered 1 mg/L, 10 mg/L cadmium chloride (treated groups), and water (control group) to C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice through drinking water, from one week before mating, until the offspring were sacrificed at 6 months of age. The behaviors, Cd level, blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, Aβ1-42 deposition, and inflammation expression were evaluated in these mice.

RESULTS

Mice of both genotypes had similar blood Cd levels after exposure to the same dose of Cd. The toxic effects of Cd on the two genotypes differed little in terms of neuronal histomorphology and BBB permeability. Cd caused a series of pathological morphological changes in the mouse brains and more fluorescent dye leakage at higher doses. Furthermore, the APP/PS1 mice had more severe damage than the C57BL/6J mice, based on the following five criteria. They were increasing anxiety-like behavior and chaos movement, spatial reference memory damage, Aβ plaque deposition in mouse brains, increasing microglia expression in the brain, and IL-6 higher expression in the cortex and in the serum.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose Cd exposure for 6 months increases Aβ plaque deposition and BBB permeability, exacerbates inflammatory responses, and activates microglia, in APP/PS1 mice. APP/PS1 gene-environmental Cd interaction aggravates the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice.

Effect of cadmium administration on the antioxidant system and neuronal death in the hippocampus of rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal classified as a carcinogen whose exposure could affect the function of the central nervous system. Studies suggest that Cd modifies neuronal morphology in the hippocampus and affects cognitive tasks. The oxidative stress pathway is proposed as a mechanism of toxicity. However, this mechanism is not precise yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cd administration on oxidative stress markers in the male rat's hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were divided into (1) control (drinking water) and (2) treatment with Cd (32.5 ppm of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 ) in water). The Cd was administered for 2, 3, and 4 months. The results show that the oral administration of CdCl2 increased the concentration of Cd in plasma and hippocampus, and this response is time-dependent on its administration. Likewise, it caused an increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress markers. Moreover, it increased reactive astrogliosis and antioxidant enzyme activity. Consequently, the progression of the oxidative response exacerbated neurodegeneration in hippocampal cells. Our results suggest that Cd exposure induces a severe oxidative response that contributes critically to hippocampal neurodegeneration. It is suggested that exposure to Cd increases the risk of developing neurological diseases, which contributes to a decrease in the quality of life of the human and the environment in which it lives.

Targeting Ferroptosis Attenuates Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Mast Cell Activation in Chronic Prostatitis

Purpose

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common urological disorder. Although ferroptosis is closely associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuropathic pain, its role in CP/CPPS has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we sought to explore the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in the prostatitis development.

Methods

The experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) was established through intradermal immunization of prostate extract. Iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) and free radical scavenger edaravone (EDA) were applied to evaluate the effects of ferroptosis inhibition on oxidative stress, ferroptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and mast cell activation in the context of CP/CPPS.

Results

Increased generation of lipid peroxidation products (ROS and MDA) and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) suggested an aberrant oxidative stress status in EAP model. Elevated iron concentration was observed in the EAP model. Meanwhile, we discovered significant biological performances associated with ferroptosis in CP/CPPS, including the downregulation of the system Xc^-/GPX4 axis and the upregulation of the ACSL4/LPCAT3 axis. EAP rats performed serious leukocyte infiltration, advanced inflammatory grade, and abnormal expression of inflammatory mediators. Abundant collagen deposition, enhanced RhoA, ROCK1, and α-SMA protein levels indicated that EAP rats were prone to suffer from stromal fibrosis compared with control group. An elevated number of degranulated mast cells and corresponding marker TPSB2 represented that mast cell-sensitized pain was amplified in the EAP model. Furthermore, reduction of NRF2/HO-1 indicated a vulnerability of EAP towards ferroptosis response. However, application of DFO and EDA had partially reversed the adverse influences mentioned above.

Conclusion

We first demonstrated that ferroptosis might be a crucial factor of chronic prostatitis progression. Inhibition of ferroptosis using DFO and EDA represented a promising approach for treating prostatitis by ameliorating inflammation, fibrosis, and mast cell activation.

DAPT Attenuates Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and the Notch/HES-1 Signaling Axis

The small molecule DAPT inhibits the Notch signaling pathway by blocking γ-secretase mediated Notch cleavage. Given the critical role of the Notch signaling axis in inflammation, we asked whether DAPT could block Notch-mediated inflammation and thus exert neuronal protection. We established a mouse model of chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity and treated it with DAPT. DAPT was effective in ameliorating Cd-induced multi-organ damage and cognitive impairment in mice, as DAPT restored abnormal performance in the Y-maze, forced swimming and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. DAPT also reversed Cd-induced neuronal loss and glial cell activation to normal as observed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry of brain tissue sections. In addition, Cd-intoxicated mice showed significantly increased levels of the Notch/HES-1 signaling axis and NF-κB, as well as decreased levels of the inflammatory inhibitors C/EBPβ and COP1. However, DAPT down regulated the elevated Notch/HES-1 signaling axis to normal, eliminating inflammation and thus protecting the nervous system. Thus, DAPT effectively eliminated the neurotoxicity of Cd, and blocking γ-secretase as well as Notch signaling axis may be a potential target for the development of neuronal protective drugs.

Edaravone Attenuated Particulate Matter-Induced Lung Inflammation by Inhibiting ROS-NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background

Particulate matter (PM) exposure is related to mitochondria dysfunction and airway inflammation. Antioxidant drug edaravone (EDA) is reported to improve the occurrence and development of oxidative stress-related diseases. At present, there is no data on whether EDA can alleviate lung inflammation caused by PM.

Methods

The anti-inflammatory effects of EDA were investigated in urban PM-induced human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and C57/BL6J mouse models. In vitro, its effects on the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and inflammatory cytokines were assessed by DCFH-DA staining, JC-1 assay, and real-time PCR, respectively. In vivo, the oxidant stress in lung tissues was assessed by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed by ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, the potential signaling pathways were studied by siRNA transfection and western blot.

Results

PM increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and protein, including IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, and COX-2, while these alternations were significantly alleviated following EDA treatment in a dose-dependent manner. EDA treatment also alleviated the inflammatory responses in lung tissues of PM-exposed mice. We further showed mitochondrial dysfunction in PM-exposed HBECs and mice, which were reversed by EDA treatment. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in PM-exposed HBECs and mice was weakened by EDA. Transfection with NF-κB p65 siRNA further inhibited PM-induced inflammation in HBECs.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that EDA treatment had a protective role in PM-induced lung inflammation through maintaining mitochondrial balance and regulating the ROS-NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. This provided a new therapeutic method for PM-induced lung inflammation in the future.

Protective effect of Juglanin against doxorubicin-induced cognitive impairment in rats: Effect on oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic machineries

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug, however, side effects such as cognitive impairment and cardiotoxicity have limited its clinical use. Juglanin (JUG) is a flavonoid with excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. This study investigated the protective effects of JUG against DOX-induced cognitive decline, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats. The rats were orally administrated with JUG or JUG in combination with DOX. After treatment, the animals were subjected to series of behavioral test including Morris water maze, Y-maze and forced swimming tests. After the study, the rats were sacrificed and the level of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase 3 and Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) were assayed in the brain. Histopathological analysis was also performed on the brain of the rats. JUG significantly protected against DOX-induced cognitive impairment and depressive behaviors. In addition, JUG attenuated altered brain histopathological architecture, reduced oxido-inflammatory responses, acetylcholinesterase and caspase 3 activity in the brain of the treated rats. Collectively, the results suggested that JUG offered neuroprotection against DOX induced Chemobrain via ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Gisenoside Rg1 attenuates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation

OBJECTIVE

Gisenoside Rg1 is a potent neuroprotectant in ginseng. The aim of this study was to investigate the elimination effect of Rg1 on cadmium (Cd)-induced neurotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cumulative Cd exposure mouse model was established. Also, the toxicity of Cd and the protective effect of Rg1 were examined in vitro using cultured neurons and microglia.

RESULTS

We found that Cd-intoxicated mice exhibited significant injury in the liver, kidney, small intestine, and testis, along with cognitive impairment. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were reduced in the blood and brain, and correspondingly, the lipid peroxidation product MDA was elevated. In the brain, astrocytes and microglia were activated, characterized by an increase in inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as their protein markers GFAP and IBA1. However, Rg1 eliminated Cd-induced toxicity and restored oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, correspondingly restoring the behavioral performance of the animals. Meanwhile, the BDNF-TrkB/Akt and Notch/HES-1 signaling axes were involved in the Rg1-mediated elimination of Cd-induced toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Rg1 is a promising agent for the elimination of Cd-induced toxicity.

Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury: Oxidative Damage as a Unifying Mechanism

Cadmium is a nonessential metal that has heavily polluted the environment due to human activities. It can be absorbed into the human body via the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the skin, and can cause chronic damage to the kidneys. The main site where cadmium accumulates and causes damage within the nephrons is the proximal tubule. This accumulation can induce dysfunction of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to electron leakage and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cadmium may also impair the function of NADPH oxidase, resulting in another source of ROS. These ROS together can cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, triggering epithelial cell death and a decline in kidney function. In this article, we also reviewed evidence that the antioxidant power of plant extracts, herbal medicines, and pharmacological agents could ameliorate cadmium-induced kidney injury. Finally, a model of cadmium-induced kidney injury, centering on the notion that oxidative damage is a unifying mechanism of cadmium renal toxicity, is also presented. Given that cadmium exposure is inevitable, further studies using animal models are warranted for a detailed understanding of the mechanism underlying cadmium induced ROS production, and for the identification of more therapeutic targets.