Oxidative Stress and Effect of Treatment on the Oxidation Product Decomposition Processes in IBD

Polyphenolic Nanoparticle-Modified Probiotics for Microenvironment Remodeling and Targeted Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) refer to multifaceted disorders in the intestinal microenvironment and microbiota homeostasis. In view of the broad bioactivity and high compatibility of polyphenols, there is considerable interest in developing a polyphenol-based collaborative platform to remodel the IBD microenvironment and regulate microbiota. Here, we demonstrated the coordination assembly of nanostructured polyphenols to modify probiotics and simultaneously deliver drugs for IBD treatment. Inspired by the distinctive structure of tannic acid (TA), we fabricated nanostructured pBDT-TA by using a self-polymerizable aromatic dithiol (BDT) and TA, which exhibited excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capability in vitro. We thus coated pBDT-TA and sodium alginate (SA) to the surface of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 layer by layer to construct the collaborative platform EcN@SA-pBDT-TA. The modified probiotics showed improved resistance to oxidative and inflammatory stress, which resulted in superior colon accumulation and retention in IBD model mice. Further, EcN@SA-pBDT-TA could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by controlling the inflammatory response, repairing intestinal barriers, and modulating gut microbiota. Importantly, EcN@SA-pBDT-TA-mediated IBD drug delivery could achieve an improved therapeutic effect in DSS model mice. Given the availability and functionality of polyphenol and prebiotics, we expected that nanostructured polyphenol-modified probiotics provided a solution to develop a collaborative platform for IBD treatment.

Differential Gene Expression Profiles in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Kurdistan, Iraq

Objectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), generally comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), has become a significant global public health concern in the last decade. This study aimed to determine the alternations in the whole genomic expression profile of patients with IBD in this geographic location for the first time, as there are very few articles in the literature addressing this specific aspect of the field.

Methods

The study was conducted in Erbil Governorate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq from July 2021 to July 2022. The genome expression profiles of 10 patients with IBD were compared to their matched controls. The sequences used in the design of the array were selected from GenBank®, dbEST and RefSeq. Whole blood RNA was extracted and hybridisation was conducted on the GeneChip® human genome U133A 2.0 array. The Scanner 3000 was used to scan high-resolution images and the General Comprehensive Operating System was used to read the results.

Results

The upregulated genes shared between patients with UC and CD were RIT2, BCL2L1, MDM2 and FKBP8, while the downregulated genes they shared were the NFKBIB, DDX24 and RASA3 genes.

Conclusions

Upregulated and downregulated gene expression patterns were detected in individuals with IBD, offering diagnostic potential and opportunities for treatment by targeting the associated pathways.

PUFAs add fuel to Crohn's disease-associated AIEC-induced enteritis by exacerbating intestinal epithelial lipid peroxidation

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to exacerbate Crohn's disease (CD) by promoting lipid peroxidation (LPO) of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in this process. CD patients often exhibit an increased abundance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the gut, and the colonization of adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) is implicated in the initiation of intestinal inflammation in CD. However, the impact of AIEC on LPO remains unclear. In this study, we observed that AIEC colonization in the terminal ileum of CD patients was associated with decreased levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in the intestinal epithelium, along with elevated levels of 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). In vitro experiments demonstrated that AIEC infection reduced the levels of GPX4 and FTH, increased LPO, and induced ferroptosis in IECs. Furthermore, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in AIEC-infected IECs significantly aggravated LPO and ferroptosis. However, overexpression of GPX4 rescued AIEC-induced LPO and ferroptosis in IECs. Our results further confirmed that AIEC with AA supplementation, associated with excessive LPO and cell death in IECs, worsened colitis in the DSS mouse model and induced enteritis in the antibiotic cocktail pre-treatment mouse model in vivo. Moreover, treatment with ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, alleviated AIEC with AA supplementation-induced enteritis in mice, accompanied by reduced LPO and cell death in IECs. Our findings suggest that AIEC, in combination with PUFA supplementation, can induce and exacerbate intestinal inflammation, primarily through increased LPO and ferroptosis in IECs.

Cooperative interactions between Veillonella ratti and Lactobacillus acidophilus ameliorate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Veillonella and Lactobacillus species are key regulators of a healthy gut environment through metabolic cross-feeding, influencing lactic acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, which are crucial for gut health. This study aims to investigate how Veillonella ratti (V. ratti) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) interact with each other and alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in a mouse model. We assess their metabolic interactions regarding carbon sources through co-culturing in a modified medium. In the in vitro experiments, V. ratti and LA were inoculated in mono-cultures and co-culture, and viable cell counts, OD600, pH, lactic acid, glucose and SCFAs were measured. For the in vivo experiment, 60 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups and administered V. ratti and LA alone or in combination via oral gavage (1 × 109 CFU mL-1 per day per mouse) for 14 days. On the seventh day, 2.5% DSS was added to the drinking water to induce colitis. The effects of these probiotics on UC were evaluated by assessing intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal inflammation in the gut microenvironment. In vitro results demonstrated that co-culturing V. ratti with LA significantly increased viable cell numbers, lactic acid production, and SCFA production, while reducing pH and glucose levels in the medium. In vivo findings revealed that intervention with V. ratti, particularly in combination with LA, alleviated symptoms, including weight loss, colon shortening, and tissue damage. These probiotics mitigated intestinal inflammation by down-regulating pro-inflammatory molecules, such as IL-6, IL-1β, IL-γ, iNOS, and IFN-γ, as well as oxidative stress markers, including MDA and MPO. Concurrently, they upregulated the activity of anti-inflammatory enzymes, namely, SOD and GSH, and promoted the production of SCFAs. The combined intervention of V. ratti and LA significantly increased acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFAs in cecal contents. Furthermore, the intervention of V. ratti and LA increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella and Desulfovibrio, thereby mitigating excessive inflammation. These findings highlight the enhanced therapeutic effects resulting from the interactions between V. ratti and LA, demonstrating the potential of this combined probiotic approach.

Cepharanthine Exerts Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Macrophages and DSS-Induced Colitis Mice

Cepharanthine (CEP), a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, has been widely used for the treatment of various acute and chronic diseases, including leukopenia, and snake bites. Here, our objective was to investigate the anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory response effects of CEP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages as well as dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Our findings demonstrated that supplementation with CEP effectively mitigates body weight loss and elevation of disease activity index (DAI), reduces the malondialdehyde (MDA) content to 2.45 nM/mL while increasing the reduced glutathione (GSH) content to 35.53 μg/mL, inhibits inflammatory response, and maintains proper intestinal epithelium tight junctions in DSS-induced wild type (WT) mice. However, it failed to provide protective effects in DSS-induced transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) knockout (NRF2-/-) mice. GSH content decreased to 10.85 μg/106 cells following LPS treatment, whereas supplementation with CEP increased the GSH content to 12.26 μg/106 cells. Moreover, CEP effectively attenuated ROS production in LPS-induced macrophages. Additionally, CEP exhibited inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in LPS-induced macrophages. Furthermore, we observed that supplementation with CEP promoted the expression of NRF2/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)/NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) as well as the phosphorylation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha 1 (AMPK-α1)/protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) signaling pathway in macrophages while inhibiting the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway in LPS-induced macrophages. Although CEP did not demonstrate inhibitory effects on oxidative stress or promote the expression of HO-1/NQO-1, it effectively activated the phosphorylation of the AMPK-α1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway which is an upstream regulator of NRF2 in LPS-induced primary peritoneal macrophages from NRF2-/- mice. In summary, our findings suggest that CEP exerts protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammatory response by activating the AMPK-α1/AKT/GSK-3β/NRF2 signaling pathway while concurrently inhibiting the activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. These results not only elucidate the mechanisms underlying CEP's protective effects on colon oxidative stress and inflammation but also provide evidence supporting NRF2 as a potential therapeutic target for IBD treatment.

Extraintestinal Manifestations in Induced Colitis: Controversial Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Colon, Liver, and Kidney

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by continuous inflammation in the colonic mucosa. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) occur due to the disruption of the intestinal barrier and increased permeability caused by redox imbalance, dysbiosis, and inflammation originating from the intestine and contribute to morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on colonic, hepatic, and renal tissues in mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Male Swiss mice received NAC (150 mg/kg/day) in the drinking water for 30 days before and during (DSS 5% v/v; for 7 days) colitis induction. On the 38th day, colon, liver, and kidney were collected and adequately prepared for the analysis of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione oxidized (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) and inflammatory biomarkers (myeloperoxidase (MPO) -, tumor necrosis factor alpha - (TNF-α, and interleukin-10 (IL-10)). In colon, NAC protected the histological architecture. However, NAC did not level up SOD, in contrast, it increased MDA and pro-inflammatory effect (increased of TNF-α and decreased of IL-10). In liver, colitis caused both oxidative (MDA, SOD, and GSH) and inflammatory damage (IL-10). NAC was able only to increase GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio. Kidney was not affected by colitis; however, NAC despite increasing CAT, GSH, and GSH/GSSG ratio promoted lipid peroxidation (increased MDA) and pro-inflammatory action (decreased IL-10). Despite some beneficial antioxidant effects of NAC, the negative outcomes concerning irreversible oxidative and inflammatory damage in the colon, liver, and kidney confirm the nonsafety of the prophylactic use of this antioxidant in models of induced colitis, suggesting that additional studies are needed, and its use in humans not yet recommended for the therapeutic routine of this disease.

Cardiovascular manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract but is also known to have extraintestinal manifestations because of long-standing systemic inflammation. Several national cohort studies have found that IBD is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms by which IBD impairs the cardiovascular system are not fully understood. Although the gut-heart axis is attracting more attention in recent years, our knowledge of the organ-to-organ communication between the gut and the heart remains limited. In patients with IBD, upregulated inflammatory factors, altered microRNAs and lipid profiles, as well as dysbiotic gut microbiota, may induce adverse cardiac remodeling. In addition, patients with IBD have a three- to four times higher risk of developing thrombosis than people without IBD, and it is believed that the increased risk of thrombosis is largely due to increased procoagulant factors, platelet count/activity, and fibrinogen concentration, in addition to decreased anticoagulant factors. The predisposing factors for atherosclerosis are present in IBD and the possible mechanisms may involve oxidative stress system, overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases, and changes in vascular smooth muscle phenotype. This review focuses mainly on 1) the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases associated with IBD, 2) the potential pathogenic mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases in patients with IBD, and 3) adverse effects of IBD drugs on the cardiovascular system. Also, we introduce here a new paradigm for the gut-heart axis that includes exosomal microRNA and the gut microbiota as a cause for cardiac remodeling and fibrosis.

Effects of supplemental octanoate on hepatic lipid metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity and inflammation-related genes expression of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) fed with high soybean oil diet

Dietary high soybean oil (SO) levels might cause hepatic lipid deposition, induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in aquatic animals, while octanoate (OCT) is beneficial to metabolism and health in mammals. However, the effect of OCT has been studied rarely in aquatic animals. In this study, a 10-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of supplemental OCT on hepatic lipid metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) fed with high SO levels diet. The negative control diet contained 7% fish oil (FO), while the positive control diet contained 7% SO. The other four experimental diets were supplemented with 0.7, 2.1, 6.3 and 18.9 g/kg sodium octanoate (OCT) based on the positive control diet. Results showed that OCT supplementation effectively reduced the hepatic crude lipid, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and non-esterified free fatty acids contents, and alleviated lipid accumulation caused by the SO diet. Meanwhile, OCT supplementation decreased the serum TG, TC, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, improved the serum lipid profiles and alleviated hepatic injury. Furthermore, with the supplementation of OCT, the mRNA expression of genes related to lipogenesis (acc1, scd1, fas, srebp1, dgat1 and cebpα) and fatty acid (FA) transport (fabp3, fatp and cd36) were down-regulated, while the mRNA expression of genes related to lipolysis (atgl, hsl and lpl) and FA β-oxidation (cpt1 and mcad) were up-regulated. Besides that, dietary OCT increased the total antioxidant capacity, activities of peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase and the content of reduced glutathione, decreased the content of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde and relieved hepatic oxidative stress. Supplementation of 0.7 and 2.1 g/kg OCT down-regulated the mRNA expression of genes related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (tnfα, il1β and ifnγ), and suppressed hepatic inflammatory response. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.7-2.1 g/kg OCT could reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, relieve oxidative stress and regulate inflammatory response in large yellow croaker fed the diet with high SO levels, providing a new way to alleviate the hepatic fat deposition in aquatic animals.

Clinical significance of a novel uric-acid-based biomarker in the prediction of disease activity and response to infliximab therapy in Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease marked by a chronic remission-relapse cycle. Biomarkers are critical to reflect the bowel wall inflammation and detect the treatment response. Here, we investigated a new index-the ratio of neutrophil to uric acid (NUR)-as a predictor of CD activity and responses to infliximab (IFX) treatment.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved for CD patients and healthy control subjects from an electronic medical records database. Disease and endoscopic activity were determined using the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD), respectively.

RESULTS

We found firstly that NUR was remarkably higher in CD patients (n = 162) than controls (n = 170) (0.27 ± 0.10 vs. 0.19 ± 0.04, p < .0001). NUR was positively correlated with disease activity and prior to treatment, it was lower in CD patients who responded to IFX than in those who did not (0.25 ± 0.07 vs. 0.38 ± 0.12, p = .0019). Pre-treatment NUR was effective in predicting the patients' responses to IFX (AUC = 0.8469, p = .0034).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the utility of NUR for detecting CD activity and predicting the response to IFX treatment.

Resveratrol alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by inducing SIRT1/P62-mediated mitophagy in gibel carp (Carassius gibelio)

Introduction

Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol organic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine whether and how RES can alleviate liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gibel carp.

Methods

Gibel carp were fed a diet with or without RES and were cultured for 8 weeks, followed by LPS injection.

Results and discussion

The results suggested that RES attenuated the resulting oxidative stress and inflammation by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, as confirmed by changes in oxidative stress, inflammation-related gene expression, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, RES cleared damaged mitochondria and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α and PINK1/Parkin pathways and reducing p62 expression. Overall, RES alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in gibel carp through mitochondria-related mechanisms.

Therapeutic effects and the impact of statins in the prevention of ulcerative colitis in preclinical models: A systematic review

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the large intestines. Although great advances have been made in the management of the disease with the introduction of immunomodulators and biological agents, the treatment of UC is still a challenge. So far, there are no definitive therapies for this condition. Statins are potent inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, possess beneficial effects on primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, and have high tolerability and safety. Furthermore, they may have potential roles in UC management due to their possible anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This systematic review aimed to gather information about the potential benefits of statins for managing UC, reducing inflammation and disease remission in animal models. A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library. The data were summarized in tables and critically analyzed. After the database search, 21 relevant studies were identified as eligible for this review. Preclinical studies using several colitis-induction protocols and various statins have shown numerous beneficial effects of these drugs on reducing disease activity, inflammatory profile, oxidative stress, and general clinical parameters of animals with UC. These studies revealed the potential of statins against the pathogenesis of UC. However, there are still important gaps regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of statins, leading to some contradictory results. Thus, more research on the molecular level to determine the roles of statins in colitis should be carried out to elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Oral zero-valent-molybdenum nanodots for inflammatory bowel disease therapy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people each year. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the progress of IBD and will be a potential therapeutic target. Here, we synthesize a kind of oral zero-valent-molybdenum nanodots (ZVMNs) for the treatment of IBD by scavenging ROS. These ultrasmall ZVMNs can successfully pass through the gastric acid and then be absorbed by the intestine. It has been verified that ZVMNs can down-regulate the quantity of ROS and reduce colitis in a mouse IBD model without distinct side effects. In addition, RNA sequencing reveals a further mechanism that the ZVMNs can protect colon tissues from oxidative stress by inhibiting the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway and reducing the production of excessive pro-inflammatory factors. Together, the ZVMNs will offer a promising alternative treatment option for patients suffering from IBD.

Pathological features-based targeted delivery strategies in IBD therapy: A mini review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by a complex and dysfunctional immune response. Currently, IBD is incurable, and patients with IBD often need to take drugs for life. However, as the traditional systemic treatment strategies for IBD do not target the site of inflammation, only limited efficacy can be obtained from them. Moreover, the possibility of serious side effects stemming from the systemic administration or redistribution of drugs in the body is high when conventional drug formulations are used. Therefore, a targeted drug-delivery system for IBD should be considered. Based on the pathological features related to IBD, the new targeted drug-delivery strategy can directly transfer the drug to the inflammatory site, thus enhancing the accumulation of the drugs and reducing side effects. This article reviews the pathological features of IBD and the application of the IBD-targeted delivery system based on different pathological features, and discusses the challenges and new prospects in this field.

Comparison of Selenium-Enriched Lactobacillusparacasei, Selenium-Enriched Yeast, and Selenite for the Alleviation of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been found to have decreased immune function. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is beneficial for human health, which has a significant stimulating effect on immune function. We compared the effects of different Se forms on the alleviation of colitis in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, we also aimed to determine whether Se-enriched Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM 1089 could be used as a new organic Se supplement. Different Se supplements (Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, Se-enriched yeast and sodium selenite) were given to Se-deficient mice suffering from colitis. Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, which is based on selenocysteine (SeCys), had similar effects in terms of reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors to Se-enriched yeast; however, selenase activity in the Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089-treated mice was higher than that in other treatment groups. In addition, Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 could better protect the intestinal mucosa, which increased the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) in mice. Thus Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 was shown to alleviate IBD, suggesting that it has potential as a good organic Se supplement.

Trans-10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via Regulating the Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptotic Pathway and Enhancing Colonic Barrier Function

SCOPE

The objective of this study is to explore the effects of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), the major fatty acid in royal jelly, on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice ulcerative colitis (UC) and its potential mechanism of action.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty male C57BL/6 mice are randomly divided into five experimental groups: control, DSS, DSS + 25 (or 100)mg kg^-1  d^-1 10-HDA, and DSS + 200 mg kg^-1  d^-1 mesalazine (ME). UC is induced in mice using 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. During the induction, these UC mice are orally administrated 10-HDA or ME per day. Meanwhile, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine-triphosphate (ATP)-stimulated THP1 cells are used as a model to test the effects of 10-HDA. 10-HDA reduces DSS-induced pathological damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, neutrophil infiltration, and cytokine production in colonic tissue. Compared with the DSS group, the expressions of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin-D (GSDMD), N-terminal domain of gasdermin-D (N-GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the colon are decreased after administration of 10-HDA. 10-HDA also elevates the barrier integrity and the expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin in colonic epithelium exposed to DSS. In THP1 cells, the inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis induced by LPS/ATP is inhibited by 10-HDA pretreatment.

CONCLUSION

10-HDA alleviates DSS-induced colitis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic pathway and enhancing colonic barrier function.

Exploring the Potential of IL-1β Inhibitor Diacerein and its Combination with 5-Aminosalicylic Acid for the Possible Ameliorating Effect in TNBS-induced Experimental Colitis in Wistar Rats

Background:

Pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL), and oxidative stress are crucial players in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that contribute in perpetuating intestinal inflammation. Targeting them presents a novel approach in disease management. In the present study, the potential of an antiosteoarthritic IL-inhibitor drug, diacerein (DIA) was investigated in 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)- instigated ulcerative colitis (UC) in Wistar rats. A comparative study was also undertaken to investigate the potential of combination therapy of DIA with the standard drug 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) versus monotherapy.

Methods:

Colitis was developed by single intra-colonic administration of TNBS (100mg/kg); whereas drugs 5-ASA (25.5 mg/kg), DIA (100 mg/kg), and DIA+5-ASA (100+ 25.5 mg/kg) were administered orally for five days post-induction to various groups of rats. Parameters like disease activity score, colon/body weight ratio, colon length, diameter, gut pH were assessed, and histopathological analysis was carried out. Biochemical markers of colonic inflammation such as IL-1β, TNF-α, reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also estimated.

Results:

Combination of DIA and 5-ASA demonstrated the most significant reduction of the colon to body weight ratio and disease activity score. It prominently restored the colon length, diameter, and gut pH to normal. It attenuated the biochemical alterations induced by TNBS, indicating a highly significant defensive outcome against colonic inflammation. The histopathological report demonstrated the renovating effect of the combination of disrupted colonic histology with minimally distressing liver, stomach, or pancreas compared to individual drugs.

Conclusion:

The combination remarkably downregulated the level of inflammation by suppressing both provocative cytokines and reactive oxygen species production. It can be evaluated further in a clinical setup as a novel and promising drug therapy for UC.

A nanoparticulate dual scavenger for targeted therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

A therapeutic strategy that targets multiple proinflammatory factors in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with minimal systemic side effects would be attractive. Here, we develop a drug-free, biodegradable nanomedicine that acts against IBD by scavenging proinflammatory cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polyethylenimine (PEI) was conjugated to antioxidative diselenide-bridged mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) to formulate nanoparticles (MON-PEI) that exhibited high cfDNA binding affinity and ROS-responsive degradation. In ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease mouse colitis models, orally administered MON-PEI accumulated preferentially in the inflamed colon and attenuated colonic and peritoneal inflammation by alleviating cfDNA- and ROS-mediated inflammatory responses, allowing a reduced dose frequency and ameliorating colitis even after delayed treatment. This work suggests a new nanomedicine strategy for IBD treatment.

Baicalin Alleviates LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress via NF-κB and Nrf2–HO1 Signaling Pathways in IPEC-J2 Cells

Baicalin is a natural plant extract with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. However, the molecular mechanism of baicalin on oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells exposed to LPS remains to be unclear. In this study, LPS stimulation significantly increased Toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) expression in IPEC-J2 cells, and it activated the nuclear factor (NF-κB) expression. While, baicalin exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. LPS stimulation significantly increased the levels of the oxidative stress marker MDA, inhibited the anti-oxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, which were all reversed by baicalin pre-treatment. It was found that baicalin treatment activated the nuclear import of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein, and significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of its downstream anti-oxidant factors such as heme oxygenase-1 and quinone oxidoreductase-1, which suggested that baicalin exerted anti-oxidant effects by activating the Nrf2-HO1 signaling pathway. Thus, pretreatment with baicalin inhibited LPS - induced oxidative stress and protected the normal physiological function of IPEC-J2 cells via NF-κB and Nrf2–HO1 signaling pathways.

Evaluation of Anticolitis and Antioxidant Properties of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract on Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Background

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by tissue damage, diarrhea, anemia, and loss of body weight. Tissue damage occurs as a result of uncontrolled activation of the immune response and an increase in free radicals, which have a strong effect on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. The incidence and prevalence of this inflammatory disease continue to increase worldwide. Maceration of Bixa orellana leaves in palm wine is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhoids in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon.

Objective

The present work evaluated the preclinical effects (ie, antioxidant, hematological, and histological activities) of the hydroethanolic extract of Bixa orellana leaves in an in vivo, rat acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model.

Methods

Thirty-six female rats weighing between 165 and 180 g were fasted for 18 hours and then anesthetized with ether. A dose of 1 mL acetic acid (5%) was administered rectally through a catheter in all rats except the normal control group, which received distilled water (1 mL) instead. Treatments began 48 hours after rectal administrations of acetic acid or water, and all animals were treated twice daily for 7 days. The normal control group and the colitis control group received PO distilled water (10 mL/kg), the positive control received orally loperamide (5 mg/kg, and the 3 test groups received orally the hydroethanolic extract of Bixa orellana at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. During treatment, the number of diarrheal stools and weight change were assessed. At the end of the treatment, the animals were put to death under ether anesthesia. Blood was collected postmortem for evaluation of hematological and antioxidant parameters. The abdomen was opened via a midline incision and the colon was removed and emptied of all contents to assess histological and antioxidant parameters.

Results

During treatment, the number of diarrheal stools was significantly decreased from day 3 in animals treated with 100 (P < 0.05), 200 (P < 0.05), and 400 (P < 0.01) mg/kg extract compared with the colitis control group. The change in body weight of all extract-treated rats decreased significantly from day 3 (–5.55%; P < 0.05) to day 8 (–13.80%; P < 0.01) compared with the normal control. In the colitis control, this change ranges from –6.15% on day 2 to –15.13% on day 8. Extract treatment with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the number of lesions and the relative weight of the colon. The levels of red blood cells, neutrophils, and total white blood cells decreased in the colitis control group, whereas treatment with the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was associated with a significant increase in these hematological parameters. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione concentrations all increased significantly (P < 0.01) in blood and colon in all extract-treated animals, whereas levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) compared with the colitis control animals.

Conclusions

The hydroethanolic extract of Bixa orellana leaves had protective effects against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats that was associated with inhibited production of free radicals believed to be responsible for oxidative stress, hematological disorders, and tissue damage in this animal model.

Caffeic Acid Supplement Alleviates Colonic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Potentially Through Improved Gut Microbiota Community in Mice

Caffeic acid (CA) is one of the major phenolic acids of coffee with multiple biological activities. Our previous study found that 500 mg/kg of chlorogenic acid (CGA) had the potential capacity of alleviating colonic inflammation. Moreover, CGA can be degraded into caffeic acid (CA) by the gut microbiota in the colon. Therefore, we hypothesize that CA can exert protective effects on colonic inflammation. To test the hypothesis, 251 mg/kg CA was supplemented to DSS-induced colitis mice. The results showed that CA treatment recovered DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathology scores of colon tissue. Additionally, CA treatment significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the level of IL-10, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in serum. qPCR results indicated that CA treatment dramatically downregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as well as upregulated SOD1, GPX1, GPX2, CAT, and IL-10. In addition, CA supplementation significantly increased mRNA expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO1, which showed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities potentially by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Moreover, CA supplementation prevented gut barrier damage by enhancing Occludin gene expression. Furthermore, CA supplementation altered the gut microbiome composition by decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Turicibacter, and enhancing the relative abundance of Alistipes and Dubosiella. Meanwhile, CA supplementation increases the abundance of Dubosiella and Akkermansia. In conclusion, CA supplementation could effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis by improving the defense against oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Healing-Promoting Effects of Aloe vera Extract in the Experimental Colitis in Rats

Background. Ulcerative colitis is a worldwide chronic gastrointestinal disease characterized by variable extensions of colon mucosal inflammation. The available drugs have an incomplete response with various side effects and socioeconomic impacts. Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) is a well-known medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological and therapeutic activities. As a result, in the current study, Aloe vera was selected to evaluate its therapeutic effects on experimental colitis in rats. Methods. This study is intended to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of Aloe vera for the treatment of experimental colitis. Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) was used to induce experimental colitis in 60 of 70 Wistar rats. The rats were grouped in 7 clusters including healthy control, negative, positive control (received sulfasalazine), and test groups treated with Aloe vera extracts via oral or rectal routes. Macroscopic and histologic factors as well as the biochemical parameters were evaluated on day 7. Results. In the present study, it was found that serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (75 vs. 44 pg./ml), interleukin-6 (41 vs. 21 pg/ml), and nitric oxide (24 vs. 6 μm/ml) in TNBS-induced untreated colitis treatment were significantly increased as compared to healthy control. Similar patterns were also observed in malondialdehyde (76.41 vs. 236.35 μg/mg) and myeloperoxidase (4.24 vs. 29.38 U/mg) in colonic tissue. Among different treatments, rectal administration of Aloe vera extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited the best result in which serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (55 pg/ml), interleukin-6 (24 pg/ml), and nitric oxide (10 μm/ml) and the levels of malondialdehyde (102.67 μg/mg), as well as myeloperoxidase (12.29 U/mg) in colon tissue, were reduced as compared to the untreated group. Also, the body weight and colon weight/length ratios were more improved in the treated group with 400 mg/kg Aloe vera extract, rectally. Conclusion. Aloe vera extract exhibited a therapeutic effect in TNBS-induced colitis, and local, rectal administration of Aloe vera extract was more effective than oral administration.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Polysaccharides Regulated IBD Mice Via Targeting Gut Microbiota: Association of JNK/ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease characterized by intestinal inflammation with immune dysregulation and intestinal microecological imbalance. In a dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model, noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit polysaccharides (NFP) with homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I domain decreased the concentration of serum LPS, TNF-α, and IL-17 by 84, 42, and 65%, respectively. It was abolished when intestinal microbiota were depleted by antibiotics. Sequencing analysis of gut microbiota showed an attenuated disruption of the microbial composition in the DSS+NFP group. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that NFP upregulated the content of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid by onefold but reduced isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid contents. NFP also inhibited JNK, ERK, and NF-κB phosphorylation of IBD mice. Taken together, the mechanism of NFP alleviating IBD is related to the intestinal microecological balance to inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways. This study provides a basis for NFP as a cheap intervention for the prevention and treatment of IBD patients.

Juglone Suppresses Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Colitis Mice

Juglone (JUG), a natural product found in walnut trees and other plants, shows potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunoregulatory activities. However, it remains unknown whether JUG can alleviate ulcerative colitis. This study aims to explore the effect of JUG on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The mice were randomly assigned into three groups: the vehicle group, the DSS group, and the JUG group. The experiments lasted for 17 days; during the experiment, all mice received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.03% v/v)-containing water, while the mice in the JUG group received DMSO-containing water supplemented with JUG (0.04 w/v). Colitis was induced by administering DSS (3% w/v) orally for 10 consecutive days. The results showed that the JUG treatment significantly ameliorated body weight loss and disease activity index and improved the survival probability, colon length, and tissue damage. JUG reversed the DSS-induced up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, 12, 21, and 23, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta, in the serum of the colitis mice. Additionally, the activation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 and phospho-Nuclear Factor-kappa B p65 and the inhibition of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 induced by DSS were also reversed under JUG administration. Although the JUG group possessed a similar microbial community structure as the DSS group, JUG enriched potential beneficial microbes such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group but not pathogens such as Escherichia Shigella, which was dominative in DSS group, at the genus level. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that JUG could be a promising agent for UC prevention to regulate inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Main active components of Jiawei Gegen Qinlian decoction protects against ulcerative colitis under different dietary environments in a gut microbiota-dependent manner

As an effective drug against acute enteritis diarrhea, Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) has a history of 2000 years. However, the potential molecular mechanism through which GQD could protect intestinal barrier from ulcerative colitis (UC) still remains undefined. As an important part of the homeostasis of the colon, gut microbiota is closely related to the dynamic evolution of the surrounding environment and the adjustment of dietary structure. At present, the effectiveness and mechanism of Jiawei Gegen Qinlian decoction against UC in different dietary environments are not clear. Here, the main active components of Jiawei Gegen Qinlian Decoction (PBM), were selected to construct a reasonable and effective compound scheme. We adopted "5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)" and "high temperature and humidity + high sugar and high fat + alcohol + 5%DSS" to induce UC rat models in general environment and UC rat models in Lingnan area, respectively. Then, we examined the therapeutic effects of PBM (89.96 mg/kg and 179.92 mg/kg) on two kinds of UC rats. The role of gut microbiota in the anti-UC effect of PBM was identified by intestinal flora consumption and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments. Subsequently, we monitored the alterations of gut microbiota and fecal metabolism in the rat colon by 16Sr DNA technique and targeted metabonomics, respectively. The colon inflammation of the PBM-treated and the FMT-treated rats both showed significant relief, as evidenced by a reduction in body weight loss, bloody stool, diarrhea, disease activity index (DAI) score, shortening of colon length as well as decreased colon histology damage. Interestingly enough, the depletion of intestinal flora took away the protective effect of PBM, confirming the importance of intestinal flora in the anti-UC effect of PBM. Then our findings suggested that PBM could not only regulate the gut microbiota by increasing Akkermansia and Romboutsia but also decrease Escherichia-Shigella. More importantly, PBM could increase the production of propionate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in colitis rats, regulate medium and long chain fatty acids (M-LCFAs), maintain bile acids (BAs) homeostasis, and regulate amino acids (AAs) metabolism. The transformation of intestinal environment might be related to the upregulation of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and tight junction protein expression in colonic mucosa. In summary, PBM showed potential for anti-UC activity through gut microbiota dependence and was expected to be a complementary and alternative medicine herb therapy.

Oxidative Stress Does Not Influence Subjective Pain Sensation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Oxidative stress (OS) has been proposed as a significant causative and propagating factor in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Modulation of OS is possible through antioxidants and inhibition of oxidizing enzymes. Thirty-one IBD patients and thirty-two controls were included in the study. The aim was to examine the levels of OS in colonic tissue of IBD requiring surgical intervention and control group, and their association with pain intensity. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity as markers of antioxidant defense were determined. Cyclooxygenases activities (Total COX, COX-1 and COX-2) were measured as prooxidant enzymes. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were measured to evaluate lipid peroxidation. Disease activity was assessed, and each subject filled out VAS and Laitinen's pain assessment scales. Correlation between the OS, pain intensity, disease activity parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), number of stools passed daily, disease duration, and dietary habits was investigated. No TAC differences were found between the groups. A significant decrease of SOD activity and GSH and GSSG levels was seen in IBD patients vs. controls, while GPX activity was diminished significantly only in CD patients. CAT and COX-1 activity was increased, and COX-2 significantly decreased in IBD. TBARS were significantly higher in CD patients compared to control group. No correlation was found between pain scores, inflammatory status, disease activity, disease duration, or dietary habits and OS markers. In our study, OS did not influence pain sensation reported by IBD patients.

Asperuloside suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in DSS-induced chronic colitis and RAW 264.7 macrophages via Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which mainly include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract for which effective pharmacological treatments are lacking or options are very limited.

PURPOSE

Here, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of an iridoid glycoside, asperuloside (ASP) on mice experimental chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and further explore underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells showed inflammation and were assessed for various physiological, morphological and biochemical parameters in the absence or presence of ASP. Chronic colitis was induced by 2% DSS in mice, which were used as an animal model to explore the pharmacodynamics of ASP. We detected p65 and Nrf2 pathway proteins via Western blot and RT-PCR analysis, assessed the cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 via ELISA, tested p65 and Nrf2 nuclear translocation via fluorescence. In addition, the docking affinity of ASP and p65 or Nrf2 proteins in the MOE 2015 software.

RESULTS

We found that ASP attenuated weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) and colonic pathological damage in colitis mice and restored the expressions of inflammatory cytokines in the colon. In addition, ASP restored antioxidant capacity in DSS-induced chronic colitis mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, ASP suppressed oxidative stress through increasing Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 proteins expressions, and down-regulated nuclear levels of p65 to inhibit DSS-induced colonic oxidative stress and inflammation. Validation of the molecular docking results also indicated that ASP interacts with Nrf2 or p65 proteins. In summary, ASP improved DSS-induced chronic colitis by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and limiting NF-κB signaling pathway, which may be an effective candidate for the treatment of IBD.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ortho-trifluoromethoxy-substituted 4-piperidione-containing mono-carbonyl curcumin derivatives in vitro and in vivo

Curcumin was reported as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, curcumin's poor bioavailability limited its clinical utility. Here, thirty ortho-substituted mono-carbonyl curcumin derivatives, containing acetone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone or 4-piperidione (NH, N-methyl or N-acrylyl) moieties replacing β-diketone moiety of curcumin, were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity. Two active ortho-trifluoromethoxy-substituted 4-piperidione-containing derivatives 22 and 24 owned good cell uptake ability, and displayed excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both lipopolysaccharide-induced Raw264.7 macrophages and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis. They inhibited the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, malonic dialdehyde and cyclooxygenase-2; and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase; the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases; and the nucleus translocation of p65. What's more, 22 or 24 oral administered reduced the severity of clinical symptoms of ulcerative colitis (body weight and disease activity index), and reduced obviously DSS-induced colonic pathological damage (the colon length and histopathology analysis). These results suggested that ortho-trifluoromethoxy-substituted 4-piperidione-containing mono-carbonyl curcumin derivatives 22 and 24 were potential anti-inflammatory agents; and offered the important information for design and discovery of more potent anti-inflammatory drug candidates.

Protective effect of glutamine and alanyl-glutamine against zearalenone-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in IPEC-J2 cells

Zearalenone (ZEN), a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, has a negative effect on porcine intestine. Glutamine (Gln) and alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) are nutrients with potential preservation functions similar to those of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The protective role of Gln and Ala-Gln on ZEN-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction was evaluated in this study. Additionally, the ability of Gln and Ala-Gln to protect the intestinal barrier was investigated. Our results showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, paracellular permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were increased by ZEN, while the glutathione (GSH) level was decreased by ZEN. Gln and Ala-Gln promoted the proliferation of cells and attenuated the ZEN-induced increase in cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis and paracellular permeability. Gln and Ala-Gln alleviated barrier function damage, which was additionally induced by ZEN by increasing the antioxidant capacity of cells. In addition, Gln and Ala-Gln upregulated intestinal barrier associated gene expressions including pBD-1, pBD-2, MUC-2, ZO-1, occludin and claudin-3. This study revealed that Gln and Ala-Gln had similar effects in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier function against ZEN exposure in IPEC-J2 cells. A new treatment for alleviating ZEN-induced injury to the intestine through nutritional intervention is provided.

Potassium bromate (KBrO3) modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) - induced Crohn's colitis in Wistar rats

Potassium bromate (KBrO₃) present in consumed ozonised water was recently documented to exacerbate experimental gastric ulcer. Information, however, is vague as regards its effects in the colon where water reabsorption occurs. In this study, we observed the possible effects of KBrO₃ on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) - induced Crohn's colitis (CC). Wistar rats (180-200 g) were divided into six groups (n = 10): (i) control; (ii) untreated CC (induced by 1.4% NaOH; intra-rectal administration); and (iii-vi) CC treated with vitamin E, KBrO₃, vitamin E+KBrO₃, and sulphazalazine, respectively, for 7 days. Body weight and stool score were monitored daily. By day 3 and 7, excised colon was evaluated for ulcer scores and biochemical and histological analysis. Blood samples collected on days 3 and 7 were assayed for haematological indices using standard methods. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Platelet/lymphocyte ratio, colonic ulcer score, malondialdehyde, and mast cells were significantly decreased while colonic sulfhydryl, and Ca²⁺- and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activities were increased following KBrO₃ treatment compared with untreated CC. These findings suggest that KBrO₃ may mitigate against NaOH-induced CC via inhibiting mast cell population and oxidative and inflammatory content but stimulating colonic sulfhydryl and Ca²⁺- and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activities.

The synthesis and the antioxidant activity of 1-phenoxymethyl-4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2a,4a,8a-triazacyclopenta[cd]azulene-3-carboxylic (or carbothionic) acid derivatives

New 1-phenoxymethyl-4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2а,4a,8a-triazacyclopenta[cd]azulene-3-carboxylic (or carbothionic) acid derivatives have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity under conditions of the artificial oxidative stress using ionol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol as the reference drugs. It has been found that 1-phenoxymethyl-4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2а,4a,8a-triazacyclopenta[cd]azulene-3-carbothionic acid derivatives 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9i and 1-phenoxymethyl-4-(41-chlorophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2,2a,8-triazacyclopenta[cd]azulene-3-carboxylic acid phenylamide 10 reveal a high antioxidant activity and a good in silico pharmacokinetic profile. The data obtained allowed us to select the most promising objects from the substances synthesized for further pharmacological screening for the presence of the antioxidant activity in vivo.

Pro-inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress: Therapeutic Markers for Recurrent Angina Pectoris after Coronary Artery Stenting in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

Pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress are related to severity of angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effects of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress on recurrent angina pectoris after coronary artery stenting in elderly patients.

METHODS

We determined the expression levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), acrolein (ACR), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in elderly patients with recurrent angina pectoris after coronary artery stenting.

RESULTS

Levels of MDA, ACR, TNF-α and TLR4 were significantly increased (p<0.001), and levels of SOD3, PON-1, SDF-1α and EPCs were significantly decreased (p<0.001) in the elderly patients with recurrent angina pectoris after coronary artery stenting. MDA, ACR, TNF-α and TLR4 as markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators may have suppressed SOD3, PON-1, SDF-1α and EPCs as markers of anti-oxidative stress/anti-inflammatory responses. Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators were important factors involved in recurrent angina pectoris of elderly patients after coronary artery stenting.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators could be considered as potential non-invasive prognostic, predictive and therapeutic biomarkers for stable recurrent angina and recurrent unstable angina in the elderly patients after coronary artery stenting.

Selenium-Containing Amino Acids Protect Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis via Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Inflammation

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Selenium-containing amino acids reportedly have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, but it remains unknown if selenium-containing amino acids can be used to treat IBD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two selenium-containing amino acids - selenocysteine and selenocystine - on oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD.

Methodology

C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the following six groups: control, DSS, DSS+selenocysteine, DSS+selenocystine, DSS+sodium selenite, and DSS+N-acetylcysteine (NAC). IBD was induced by 3% DSS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and markers for oxidative and anti-oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were measured using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Selenocysteine and selenocystine significantly attenuated IBD-related symptoms, including preventing weight loss, decreasing disease activity index (DAI) scores, and increasing colon length. Selenocysteine and selenocystine significantly ameliorated the DSS-induced oxidative stress, as demonstrated by a reduction in ROS and MDA activity and an increase in SOD and GPx activity. IL-1, MCP-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the IBD mice, while treatment with the selenium-containing amino acids significantly reduced the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo safety analysis showed minimal side effects of the selenium-containing amino acids.

Conclusion

We found that selenocysteine and selenocystine ameliorated DSS-induced IBD via reducing oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation, indicating that selenium-containing amino acids could be a novel therapeutic option for patients with IBD.

Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Attenuated Inflammatory Response Associated to Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a multifactorial chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation and immune response. In this context, NLRP3 over-activation is associated with a breakdown of enteric-immune balance related to IBS-D. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inflammasome inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, in a rat model of IBS-D. Syndrome was induced by intracolonic instillation of 1 mL 4% acetic acid at 8 cm proximal to the anus for 30 s and sacrificed 2 weeks after IBS-D induction. BAY 11-7082 (10 and 30 mg/kg) was administered daily by oral gavage. The results obtained showed that the treatment with BAY 11-7082 (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced tissue injury characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and loss of colon structure. We demonstrated that BAY 11-7082 treatment inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NF-kB translocation, reducing inflammatory mediators. Moreover, treatment with BAY 11-7082 restored tight junction alteration following IBS-D induction and reduced the restraint stress. Taken together, our data demonstrate that IBS-D induced NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation, accompanied by the production of proinflammatory response. The modulation of the inflammosome pathway with BAY 11-7082 inhibitor significantly reduced pathological signs of IBS-D, therefore, can be considered a valuable strategy to reduce the development of IBS-D.

Giardia duodenalis Induces Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway In Vitro

The intestinal protozoan parasite, Giardia duodenalis, infects a large number of people in the world annually. Giardia infection has been considered a negative effect on intestinal epithelial cell growth, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Here we evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptotic events in Giardia trophozoites-stimulated Caco-2 cells via fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, western blot, and cell counting kit-8 analyses. The results showed that Giardia trophozoite treatment could induce lactate dehydrogenase release and Caco-2 cell apoptosis. The ROS levels were increased post treatment. The observed typical characteristics of mitochondria damage include significant swelling and degeneration of matrix and cristae. After trophozoite treatment, the level of Bax protein expression was increased, while Bcl-2 protein decreased. Trophozoite stimulation also led to reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and this process was accompanied by activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 cleavage. Pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reversed G. duodenalis-induced Caco-2 cell apoptosis. Taken together, we indicated that G. duodenalis could induce Caco-2 cell apoptosis through a ROS- and mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent pathway. This study furthers our understanding of the cellular mechanism of the interaction between Giardia trophozoites and host cells.

Oxidative Stress Markers in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Systematic Review

Precise diagnostic biomarker in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still missing. We conducted a comprehensive overview of oxidative stress markers (OSMs) as potential diagnostic, differential, progression, and prognostic markers in IBD. A Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus search of original articles on OSMs in IBD, published between January 2000 and April 2020, was conducted. Out of 874 articles, 79 eligible studies were identified and used to prepare the interpretative synthesis. Antioxidants followed by lipid peroxidation markers were the most popular and markers of oxidative DNA damage the least popular. There was a disparity in the number of retrieved papers evaluating biomarkers in the adult and pediatric population (n = 6). Of the reviewed OSMs, a promising performance has been reported for serum total antioxidant status as a mucosal healing marker, mucosal 8-OHdG as a progression marker, and for multi-analyte panels of lipid peroxidation products assessed non-invasively in breath as diagnostic and differential markers in the pediatric population. Bilirubin, in turn, was the only validated marker. There is a desperate need for non-invasive biomarkers in IBD which, however, will not be met in the near future by oxidative stress markers as they are promising but mostly at the early research phase of discovery.

Salivary changes in oxidative stress related to inflammation in oral and gastrointestinal diseases

OBJECTIVES

The early diagnosis and monitoring of Crohn's disease (CD) and orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) might be facilitated by assaying potential disease biomarkers in saliva. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assayed in salivas from patients with CD, OFG and concurrent OFG and CD (OFG + CD).

SUBJECTS

Unstimulated whole mouth saliva was collected from 93 subjects, and immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin (LF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by ELISA. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assayed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

Immunoglobulin A was significantly (p < .03) higher in experimental groups vs the control group. LF was significantly (p < .01) higher in OFG + CD compared to CTRL and CD. Ferric reducing antioxidant power was lower (p ≤ .009) in all experimental groups, and advanced glycation end products were higher (p ≤ .01) in CD and OFG + CD patients.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress is increased in saliva in CD and OFG. Although MPO, a product of inflammatory cells, was not significantly increased, the other innate immune markers, IgA and LF, which are also secreted by salivary glands, were increased. This study suggests that saliva might be utilized in monitoring CD and OFG but further longitudinal studies focused on analysing a panel of salivary markers are needed.

Peroxiredoxin-1 Overexpression Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Background. Previous research has shown that peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) is an important modulator of physiological and pathophysiological cardiovascular events. This study is aimed at investigating the role and underlying mechanism of Prdx1 in doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced cardiotoxicity. Cardiac-specific expression of Prdx1 was induced in mice, and the mice received a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) to generate cardiotoxicity. First, our study demonstrated that Prdx1 expression was upregulated in the heart and in cardiomyocytes after DOX treatment. Second, we provided direct evidence that Prdx1 overexpression ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that DOX treatment increased the phosphorylation level of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) and the downstream protein p38 in the heart and in cardiomyocytes, and these effects were decreased by Prdx1 overexpression. In contrast, inhibiting Prdx1 promoted DOX-induced cardiac injury via the ASK1/p38 pathway. These results suggest that Prdx1 may be an effective therapeutic option to prevent DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Different regulation of PARP1, PARP2, PARP3 and TRPM2 genes expression in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenic lethal disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow which results in hematopoietic failure. Despite various efforts in detection and treatment, many patients with AML die of this cancer. That is why it is important to develop novel therapeutic options, employing strategic target genes involved in apoptosis and tumor progression.

Methods

The aim of the study was to evaluate PARP1, PARP2, PARP3, and TRPM2 gene expression at mRNA level using qPCR method in the cells of hematopoietic system of the bone marrow in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, bone marrow collected from healthy patients, peripheral blood of healthy individuals, and hematopoietic stem cells from the peripheral blood after mobilization.

Results

The results found that the bone marrow cells of the patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) show overexpression of PARP1 and PARP2 genes and decreased TRPM2 gene expression. In the hematopoietic stem cells derived from the normal marrow and peripheral blood after mobilization, the opposite situation was observed, i.e. TRPM2 gene showed increased expression while PARP1 and PARP2 gene expression was reduced. We observed positive correlations between PARP1, PARP2, PARP3, and TRPM2 genes expression in the group of mature mononuclear cells derived from the peripheral blood and in the group of bone marrow-derived cells. In AML cells significant correlations were not observed between the expression of the examined genes. In addition, we observed that the reduced expression of TRPM2 and overexpression of PARP1 are associated with a shorter overall survival of patients, indicating the prognostic significance of these genes expression in AML.

Conclusions

Our research suggests that in physiological conditions in the cells of the hematopoietic system there is mutual positive regulation of PARP1, PARP2, PARP3, and TRPM2 genes expression. PARP1, PARP2, and TRPM2 genes at mRNA level deregulate in acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Increased Expression of BIRC2, BIRC3, and BIRC5 from the IAP Family in Mesenchymal Stem Cells of the Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly (WJSC) in Younger Women Giving Birth Naturally

The knowledge of factors affecting the viability as well as proliferation and therapeutic potential of perinatal stem cells is of great importance for the decisions concerning their collection, multiplication, and storing. The aim of this work is to evaluate the expression of the BIRC2, BIRC3, and BIRC5 genes at the level of transcription in mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord Wharton's jelly. The study examined the relationship between the expression level of the studied genes and selected biophysical parameters of umbilical blood: pH, pCO₂, pO₂, and cHCO₃. Moreover, the relationship between the pregnant age, the type of delivery (natural delivery or cesarean section), and the level of expression of the BIRC2, BIRC3, and BIRC5 genes was assessed. The research was carried out on mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (WJSC) taken from 55 women immediately after delivery. Expression of the examined genes was assessed with the qPCR method using commercially available reagent kits. On the basis of the conducted research, it was demonstrated that WJSCs collected from younger women giving birth naturally, and in the acidic environment of the umbilical cord blood, are characterized by a higher expression of the BIRC2, BIRC3, and BIRC5 genes. It was shown that the expression of the BIRC2 and BIRC3 genes in Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells declines with the mother's age. Our research suggests that stem cells collected from younger women giving birth naturally can be more resistant to apoptosis and show a more stem cell-like character, which can increase their therapeutic potential and clinical utility, but this conclusion needs to be approved in the next studies.

Aronia melanocarpa Prevents Alcohol-Induced Chronic Liver Injury via Regulation of Nrf2 Signaling in C57BL/6 Mice

Aronia melanocarpa (AM), which is rich in anthocyanins and procyanidins, has been reported to exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to systematically analyze the components of AM and explore its effects on alcohol-induced chronic liver injury in mice. A component analysis of AM revealed 17 types of fatty acids, 17 types of amino acids, 8 types of minerals, and 3 types of nucleotides. Chronic alcohol-induced liver injury was established in mice via gradient alcohol feeding over a period of 6 months, with test groups orally receiving AM in the last 6 weeks. AM administration yielded potential hepatoprotective effects by alleviating weight gain and changes in organ indexes, decreasing the ratio of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase, reducing lipid peroxidation, enhancing antioxidant activities, decreasing oxidation-related factor levels, and regulating inflammatory cytokine levels. Histological analyses suggest that AM treatment markedly prevented organ damage in alcohol-exposed mice. Furthermore, AM activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) by downregulating the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, resulting in elevated downstream antioxidative enzyme levels. AM activated Nrf2 via modulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Altogether, AM prevented alcohol-induced liver injury, potentially by suppressing oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Evaluation of the therapeutic activity of melatonin and resveratrol in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A longitudinal PET/CT study in an animal model

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although conventional therapeutic strategies have demonstrated to be effective in the IBD treatment, it is necessary to incorporate novel therapeutic agents that target other mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, such as oxidative stress. For this reason, the efficacy in vivo of two antioxidant compounds, melatonin and resveratrol, has been investigated in an animal model of TNBS (2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) induced colitis. PET/CT (Positron emission tomography/Computer Tomography) scans were performed to assess disease activity and evaluate treatment response. SUV_max (Standardized Uptake Value) values, body weight changes and histological evaluation were used as inflammatory indices to measure the efficacy of both treatments. SUV_max values increased rapidly after induction of colitis, but after the beginning of the treatment (day 3) a statistically significant decrease was observed on days 7 and 10 in treated animals compared to the non-treated group. This remission of the disease was also confirmed by histological analysis of the colon tissue using the Nancy histological index (p value < 0.05 for differences between non-treated and both groups of treated animals). Moreover, statistical analysis showed a correlation (R² = 65.52%) between SUV_max values and weight changes throughout the treatment. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of resveratrol, and melatonin in lower extent, as therapeutic agents in the IBD treatment.

Imbalance of Controlled Death in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Background and objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both conditions are associated with an exacerbated intestinal immune response to harmless stimuli, leading to upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Materials and Methods: The subjects of the study were 55 patients with IBD. The control group consisted of 35 healthy subjects. The researched material consisted of peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from the subjects. Expression of the genes BAX, BCL2, CASP3 and CASP9 was assessed at the mRNA level in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease relative to the healthy subjects. The expression of the genes was determined by rtPCR using TaqMan probes specific for these genes. Results: The group of patients diagnosed with CD had statistically significantly higher expression of the genes BAX (p = 0.012), BCL2 (p = 0.022), CASP3 (p = 0.003) and CASP9 (p = 0.029) than healthy subjects. Expression of BAX, BCL2, CASP3 and CASP9 in UC patients in the active phase of the disease was significantly lower than in patients in remission: BAX (p = 0.001), BCL2 (p = 0.038) and CASP9 (p = 0.007). In patients with UC, the BAX/BCL2 ratio was significantly correlated (r = 0.473) with the duration of the disease. In the group of CD patients treated biologically, a significantly lower BAX/BCL2 ratio was demonstrated than in patients that were not biologically treated. Conclusions: Our research has shown a simultaneous increase in the expression of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 gene and the proapoptotic BAX gene, which suggests the dysregulation of apoptosis mechanisms in IBD. Significantly higher expression of BAX and BCL2 in UC patients in remission as compared to CD may suggest differences in these diseases in terms of prognosis and treatment. Our results may suggest that an underlying imbalance in factors controlling apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes may be the response of the immune system to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Modulation of apoptosis may become an important therapeutic mechanism in IBD.

The Bidirectional Interactions between Resveratrol and Gut Microbiota: An Insight into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy

Dysbiosis and oxidative stress in the gut have contributed to the progression of intestinal inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The current study has reported that enteric bacteria mediate redox homeostasis through the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Resveratrol, one of the most abundant polyphenols, with poor oral bioavailability, is considered as a scavenger of ROS and other free radicals. Recent studies have shown that resveratrol effectively enhances the growth of Lactococcus lactis and inhibits the growth of Enterococcus faecalis. (1) In terms of the two-way relationship between gut microbiota and resveratrol, resveratrol modulates gut microbiota; (2) in terms of resveratrol biotransformation by gut microbiota, we speculate that gut microbiota could be a target of resveratrol to maintain gut homeostasis. Here, we reviewed the current researches about the cellular signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells triggered by gut microbiota in response to oxidative stress. These results suggest that the modulation of the gut microbiota through resveratrol supplementation appears as a promising potential approach for the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Relation of Moderate Physical Activity to Blood Markers of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense in the Elderly

The aim of the present study was to establish whether markers of oxidative stress and the enzymatic defense system of the blood are related to moderate physical activity in younger old and the oldest old men. They were divided into four groups according to the age and level of physical activity (groups YN and YA—inactive and active younger old men aged 65-74 years, groups ON and OA—inactive and active oldest old men aged 90-99 years). Venous blood was collected from the subjects in the morning before breakfast. MDA concentration and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR) in erythrocyte hemolysates were assayed. The concentration of isoprostanes (8-iso-PGF2α) and carbonyl groups in protein (CP) was measured in plasma and serum. All assayed antioxidant enzyme activities and the SOD/GPx ratios were significantly higher in the active younger old males than in all the inactive ones. In the group of oldest old active participants, only the GPx activity was significantly higher compared to the inactive oldest old males. The activity of CAT and GPx in the younger old inactive men was significantly lower than that in the oldest old inactive subjects. However, SOD, CAT, and GR activities and SOD/GPx ratio were significantly higher in the younger old active men compared to the oldest old active participants. The concentrations of isoprostanes, protein carbonyls, and MDA were significantly lower in both active and inactive younger old males than in the respective groups of the oldest old men and in both groups of active men, independently of age, compared to the respective inactive subjects. The present study confirmed that oxidative stress is related to age. Physical activity caused a decrease of oxidative stress markers independently of age and resulted in an increase of GPx activity in both younger old and the oldest old active groups.

Potential Involvement of BIRC5 in Maintaining Pluripotency and Cell Differentiation of Human Stem Cells

The BIRC5 gene encodes a survivin protein belonging to class III of inhibitors of apoptosis, IAP. This protein serves a dual role. First, it regulates cell death, and second, it is an important regulator of mitosis progression, although its physiological regulatory function has not been fully understood. Many studies have shown and confirmed that survivin is practically absent in mature tissues in nature, while its overexpression has been reported in many cancerous tissues. There is little information about the significance of BIRC5 expression in normal adult human stem cells. This paper presents the study and analysis of survivin expression at the transcription level using qPCR method, in hematopoietic stem cells from peripheral blood mobilized with a granulocyte growth factor, adherent cells derived from the umbilical cord, and normal bone marrow stem cells. The expression of this gene was also examined in the blood of normal healthy individuals. The results of the analysis have shown that the more mature the cells are, the lower the expression of the BIRC5 gene is. The lowest expression has been found in peripheral blood cells, while the highest in normal bone marrow cells. The more the CD34+ and CD105 cells in the tested material are, the higher the BIRC5 expression is. Stem cells from cell culture show higher BIRC5 expression. The study confirms the involvement of BIRC5 from the IAP family in many physiological processes apart from apoptosis inhibition. The possible effect of BIRC5 on cell proliferation; involvement in cell cycle, cell differentiation, survival, and maintenance of stem cells; and the possible effect of IAP on the antineoplastic properties of mesenchymal stem cells have been demonstrated. Our research suggests that BIRC5 may be responsible for the condition of stem cell pluripotency and its high expression may also be responsible for the dedifferentiation of tumor cells.

Catalytic antioxidants for therapeutic medicine

In this Review, we focus on catalytic antioxidant study based on transition metal complexes, organoselenium compounds, supramolecules and protein scaffolds.