Sesamin Protects against and Ameliorates Rat Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury with Involvement of Activating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway

Sesamin Alleviates Allergen-Induced Diarrhea by Restoring Gut Microbiota Composition and Intestinal Barrier Function

Food allergens are the key triggers of allergic diarrhea, causing damage to the immune-rich ileum. This weakens the mucosal barrier and tight junctions, increases intestinal permeability, and exacerbates allergen exposure, thereby worsening the condition. Sesamin, a natural lignan isolated from sesame seed, has shown potential in regulating immune responses, but its effects on intestinal health remain unclear. In this study, we constructed an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic diarrhea mouse model, which demonstrated increased mast cell degranulation, reduced tight junction integrity, and impaired intestinal barrier function. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in the ileum, along with unbalanced cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) T-cell immunity, altered gut microbiota composition, and disrupted bacterial metabolism. Sesamin treatment significantly alleviated intestinal damage by modulating gut microbiota abundance, enhancing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and increasing SCFA receptor expression. This study suggests that sesamin may be a promising therapeutic candidate for allergic diarrhea and intestinal injury.

Effects of cardamonin on the growth performance, intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota of Danzhou chickens under heat stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cardamonin (CDN) on the growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier function and intestinal microbiota of Danzhou chickens under heat stress. A total of 200 one-day-old female Danzhou chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. The daytime temperature of heat stress (HS) was set at 36 ± 2°C, and the nighttime temperature was kept the same as in the control (CON) group at 25 ± 2°C. The formal experiment lasted for 21 d. The CON and HS groups were fed a basal diet, whereas the L-CDN, M-CDN, and H-CDN groups received a basal diet supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg CDN, respectively. Compared with the HS group, the CDN group presented a significantly greater average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001) but a significantly lower feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P = 0.007). CDN supplementation also increased the villus height (VH) and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) (P < 0.001) and reduced intestinal permeability by increasing expression of the ZO-1 (P < 0.001), Occludin (P < 0.001), and Claudin-1 (P = 0.034) proteins and decreasing the content of D-lactic acid (D-LA) and the activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum (P < 0.001). Additionally, CDN reduced the levels of the intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors (IL-1β (P = 0.031), IL-6 (P = 0.003), and TNF-α (P = 0.014)) while upregulating IL-10 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P = 0.004) and catalase (CAT) activity (P < 0.001) and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P = 0.017), effectively reducing intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. Expression of the Nrf2 pathway-related proteins Nrf2 (P = 0.012), HO-1 (P = 0.008), and NQO1 (P = 0.003) was also increased by CDN. Moreover, feeding CDN increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but decreased the proportion of harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, thus protecting the intestinal barrier. In summary, 200 mg/kg CDN in the diet improved growth performance, enhanced intestinal barrier function and improved intestinal flora disorders in heat stress-induced Danzhou chickens, which may be related to the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway.

Chitinase 3-like 1 overexpression aggravates hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in IEC-6 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway

Intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a common clinical pathology with high incidence and mortality rates. However, the mechanisms underlying intestinal I/R injury remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) during intestinal I/R injury. Therefore, we analysed the expression levels of CHI3L1 in the intestinal tissue of an intestinal I/R rat model and explored its effects and mechanism in a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) IEC-6 cell model. We found that intestinal I/R injury elevated CHI3L1 levels in the serum, ileum and duodenum, whereas H/R enhanced CHI3L1 expression in IEC-6 cells. The H/R-induced inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis was alleviated by CHI3L1 knockdown and aggravated by CHI3L1 overexpression. In addition, CHI3L1 knockdown alleviated, and CHI3L1 overexpression aggravated, the H/R-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, CHI3L1 overexpression weakened the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, suppressed the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Moreover, CHI3L1 knockdown had the opposite effect on the PI3K/AKT pathway, Nrf2, and NF-κB. Moreover, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the effect of CHI3L1 knockdown on the H/R-induced inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. In conclusion, CHI3L1 expression was induced during intestinal I/R and H/R injury in IEC-6 cells, and CHI3L1 overexpression aggravated H/R injury in IEC-6 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Therefore, CHI3L1 may be an effective target for controlling intestinal I/R injury.

Naturally-derived modulators of the Nrf2 pathway and their roles in the intervention of diseases

Cumulative evidence has verified that persistent oxidative stress is involved in the development of various chronic diseases, including pulmonary, neurodegenerative, kidney, cardiovascular, and liver diseases, as well as cancers. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, making it a focal point for disease prevention and treatment strategies. Natural products are essential resources for discovering leading molecules for new drug research and development. In this review, we comprehensively outlined the progression of the knowledge on the Nrf2 pathway, Nrf2 activators in clinical trials, the naturally-derived Nrf2 modulators (particularly from 2014-present), as well as their effects on the pathogenesis of chronic diseases.

Progress in the study of the correlation between sepsis and intestinal microecology

Sepsis, a disease with high incidence, mortality, and treatment costs, has a complex interaction with the gut microbiota. With advances in high-throughput sequencing technology, the relationship between sepsis and intestinal dysbiosis has become a new research focus. However, owing to the intricate interplay between critical illness and clinical interventions, it is challenging to establish a causal relationship between sepsis and intestinal microbiota imbalance. In this review, the correlation between intestinal microecology and sepsis was summarized, and new therapies for sepsis intervention based on microecological target therapy were proposed, and the shortcomings of bacterial selection and application timing in clinical practice were addressed. In conclusion, current studies on metabolomics, genomics and other aspects aimed at continuously discovering potential probiotics are all providing theoretical basis for restoring intestinal flora homeostasis for subsequent treatment of sepsis.

The promising antioxidant effects of lignans: Nrf2 activation comes into view

Lignans are biologically active compounds widely distributed, recognized, and identified in seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Lignans have several intriguing bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Nrf2 controls the expression of many cytoprotective genes. Activation of Nrf2 is a promising therapeutic approach for treating and preventing diseases resulting from oxidative injury and inflammation. Lignans have been demonstrated to stimulate Nrf2 signaling in a variety of in vitro and experimental animal models. The review summarizes the findings of fourteen lignans (Schisandrin A, Schisandrin B, Schisandrian C, Magnolol, Honokiol, Sesamin, Sesamol, Sauchinone, Pinoresinol, Phyllanthin, Nectandrin B, Isoeucommin A, Arctigenin, Lariciresinol) as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agents, affirming how Nrf2 activation affects their pharmacological effects. Therefore, lignans may offer therapeutic candidates for the treatment and prevention of various diseases and may contribute to the development of effective Nrf2 modulators.

Nitric oxide protects intestinal mucosal barrier function and prevents acute graft rejection after intestinal transplantation: A mini-review

Intestinal transplantation is a complex technical procedure that provides patients suffering from end-stage intestinal failure an opportunity to enjoy improved quality of life, nutrition and survival. Compared to other types of organ transplants, it is a relatively new advancement in the field of organ transplantation. Nevertheless, great advances have been made over the past few decades to the present era, including the use of ischemic preconditioning, gene therapy, and addition of pharmacological supplements to preservation solutions. However, despite these strides, intestinal transplantation is still a challenging endeavor due to several factors. Notable among them is ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), which results in loss of cellular integrity and mucosal barrier function. In addition, IRI causes graft failure, delayed graft function, and decreased graft and recipient survival. This has necessitated the search for novel therapeutic avenues and improved transplantation protocols to prevent or attenuate intestinal IRI. Among the many candidate agents that are being investigated to combat IRI and its associated complications, nitric oxide (NO). NO is an endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecule with several therapeutic properties. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss IRI and its related complications in intestinal transplantation, and NO as an emerging pharmacological tool against this challenging pathological condition. i.

miR-30a-5p mediates ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulating the SIRT1/NRF2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a common cause of brain dysfunction. As a microRNA (also known as miRNAs or miRs), miR-30a-5p participates in neuronal damage and relates to ferroptosis. We explored the in vivo and in vitro effects and functional mechanism of miR-30a-5p in CCH-triggered cognitive impairment through the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway.

METHODS

After 1 month of CCH modeling through bilateral common carotid artery stenosis, mice were injected with 2 μL antagomir (also known as anti-miRNAs) miR-30a-5p, with cognitive function evaluated by Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. In vitro HT-22 cell oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established, followed by miR-30a-5p inhibitor and/or si-SIRT1 transfections, with Fe2+ concentration, malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents, reactive oxygen species (ROS), miR-30a-5p and SIRT1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein levels, NRF2 nuclear translocation, and miR-30a-5p-SIRT1 targeting relationship assessed.

RESULTS

CCH-induced mice showed obvious cognitive impairment, up-regulated miR-30a-5p, and down-regulated SIRT1. Ferroptosis occurred in hippocampal neurons, manifested by elevated Fe2+ concentration and ROS and MDA levels, mitochondrial atrophy, and diminished GSH content. Antagomir miR-30a-5p or miR-30a-5p inhibitor promoted SIRT1 expression and NRF2 nuclear translocation, increased GPX4, cell viability and GSH content, and reduced Fe2+ concentration and ROS and MDA levels. miR-30a-5p negatively regulated SIRT1. In vitro, miR-30a-5p knockout increased NRF2 nuclear translocation by up-regulating SIRT1, inhibiting OGD-induced ferroptosis in HT-22 cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-30a-5p induces hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis and exacerbates post-CCH cognitive dysfunction by targeting SIRT1 and reducing NRF2 nuclear translocation.

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Semen cuscutae in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background: This paper aims to analyse the active components of Semen cuscutae (SC) by network pharmacology and screen the most stable compounds with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of SC treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and provide a theoretical basis for drug development. Methods: The active compounds of SC and the potential inflammatory targets of RSA were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and GeneCards, respectively. The RSA-SC target gene interaction network was obtained and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were obtained from DAVID to further explore the RSA mechanism and therapeutic effects of SC. Interactions between TNF-α and drugs were analysed by molecular docking. Treatment of human trophoblast cells with sesamin and TNF-α was carried out to detect their proliferative and apoptotic abilities, and WB assay was carried out to detect EGFR, PTGS2, and CASP3 protein expression. Results: Ten compounds and 128 target genes were screened from SC, of which 79 overlapped with RSA target inflammatory genes, which were considered potential therapeutic targets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that sesamin, matrine, matrol, and other SC compounds had a good correlation with the inflammatory target genes of RSA. Related genes included PGR, PTGS1, PTGS2, TGFB1, and CHRNA7. Several signalling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of RSA, such as the TNF-α signalling pathway, HIF-1 signalling pathway, oestrogen signalling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer cells, and FoxO signalling pathway. Molecular docking results suggested that sesamin was the most suitable natural tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). Sesamin can promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in human trophoblasts by downregulating EGFR and CASP3 expression and upregulating PTGS2 expression. Conclusion: Our findings play an important role and basis for further research into the molecular mechanism of SC treatment of RSA and drug development of TNFi.

Sesamin alleviates lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in HepG2 cells

Sesamin, a special compound present in sesame and sesame oil, has been reported a role in regulating lipid metabolism, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Autophagy has been reported associated with lipid metabolism and regarded as a key modulator in liver steatosis. The present work aimed to investigate whether sesamin could exert its protective effects against lipid accumulation via modulating autophagy in HepG2 cells stimulated with oleic acid (OA). Cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 method, and triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), along with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed by oil red O staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and biochemical kits to investigate the lipid-lowering effects of sesamin. Differentially expressed genes were screened by RNA sequencing and validated using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. Autophagy and mitophagy related molecules were analyzed employing TEM, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The data shows that in HepG2 cells stimulated by OA, sesamin reduces levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST while elevating HDL-C, alleviates the lipid accumulation and improves fatty acid metabolism through modulating the levels of fat metabolism related genes including PCSK9, FABP1, CD36, and SOX4. Sesamin restores the suppressed autophagy in HepG2 cells caused by OA, which could be blocked by autophagy inhibitors. This indicates that sesamin improves fatty acid metabolism by enhancing autophagy levels, thereby mitigating the intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, sesamin significantly enhances the mitophagy and improves mitochondrial homeostasis via activating the PINK/Parkin pathway. These data suggest that sesamin alleviates the excessive lipid accumulation in HepG2 caused by OA by restoring the impaired mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin pathway, probably playing a preventive or therapeutic role in hepatic steatosis.

Targeting cell death pathways in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury: a comprehensive review

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a multifaceted pathological process, and there is a lack of clear treatment for intestinal I/R injury. During intestinal I/R, oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by cells can trigger a variety of cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis. These cell death processes can send a danger signal for the body to be damaged and prevent intestinal I/R injury. Therefore, identifying key regulatory molecules or markers of these cell death mechanisms when intestinal I/R injury occurs may provide valuable information for the treatment of intestinal I/R injury. This paper reviews the regulatory molecules and potential markers that may be involved in regulating cell death during intestinal I/R and elaborates on the cell death mechanism of intestinal I/R injury at the molecular level to provide a theoretical basis for discovering new molecules or markers regulating cell death during intestinal I/R injury and provides ideas for drug development for the treatment of intestinal I/R injury.

Comprehensive Overview of Innovative Strategies in Preventing Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury: Insights from Bibliometric and In silico Analyses

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-reperfusion Injury (IRI) is a complex pathophysiological process with severe consequences, including irreversible loss of renal function. Various intraoperative prevention methods have been proposed to mitigate the harmful effects of warm ischemia and kidney reperfusion.

AIM

This comprehensive analysis provides an overview of pharmacological agents and intraoperative methods for preventing and treating renal IRI.

METHODS

Our analysis revealed that eplerenone exhibited the highest binding affinity to crucial targets, including Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (AD), Estrogen Receptor (ER), Klotho protein, Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR), and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4). This finding indicates eplerenone's potential as a potent preventive agent against IRI, surpassing other available therapeutics like Benzodioxole, Hydrocortisone, Indoles, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and Niacinamide. In preventing kidney IRI, our comprehensive analysis emphasizes the significance of eplerenone due to its strong binding affinity to key targets involved in the pathogenesis of IRI.

RESULTS

This finding positions eplerenone as a promising candidate for further clinical investigation and consideration for future clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

The insights provided in this analysis will assist clinicians and researchers in selecting effective preventive approaches for renal IRI in surgical settings, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Tea polyphenols protect bovine intestinal epithelial cells from the adverse effects of heat-stress in vitro

Heat-stress (HS) leads to impaired gut health, adversely affecting milk production of dairy cows. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of tea polyphenols (TP) against HS-induced damage in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs) and explored the underlying mechanisms. Primary BIECs were isolated from bovine duodenum, cultured and treated as follows: (1) control cells incubated in complete medium at 37 °C for 12 h, (2) TP group incubated in medium containing 100 μg/mL TP at 37 °C for 12 h, (3) HS group incubated in medium at 37 °C for 6 h followed by 6 h at 42 °C, and (4) HS + TP group incubated with 100 μg/mL TP for 6 h at 37 °C and 6 h at 42 °C. TP improved cell viability and antioxidant capacity, and decreased apoptosis and LDH activity. TP led to upregulation of Nrf2 and its target antioxidant genes HO-1, NQO1 and SOD1 expression. TP significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes (NF-κB, IL-6 and TNF-α), and increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine gene, IL-10. The above results suggested that TP protected BIECs from HS-induced adverse effects by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, indicating that TP can alleviate HS-induced intestinal damage in dairy cows.

Sesamin Protects against APAP-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB Signal in Mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose would lead to liver toxicity and even acute liver failure in severe cases by triggering an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Sesamin has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in several animal disease models. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of sesamin on APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) were explored. The results showed that pretreatment with sesamin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by decreased serum aminotransferase activities, hepatic pathological damages, and hepatic cellular apoptosis. But sesamin has no significant effects on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), APAP-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) production, and glutathione content in the liver of APAP-administered mice. Moreover, APAP-induced liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response also were remarkedly attenuated by sesamin, including reducing hepatic reactive oxygen species levels, promoting antioxidant generation, and inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as decreasing inflammatory cell recruitment. Notably, sesamin inhibited serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) releases and blocked hepatic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in APAP-administered mice. These findings indicated that sesamin could mitigate APAP-induced ALI through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which might be mediated by the deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling in mice.

Penfluroidol Attenuates the Imbalance of the Inflammatory Response by Repressing the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Reduces Oxidative Stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Macrophages

Objectives

Excessive inflammatory responses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Penfluroidol (PF), an oral long-acting antipsychotic drug, has been suggested to possess diverse biological properties, including antischizophrenia, antitumour effect, and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this research was to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of penfluroidol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-related macrophages.

Methods

The viability of RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells was measured by Enhanced Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The production of nitric oxide was evaluated by the Nitric Oxide Assay Kit. The generation of pro-inflammatory monocytes was detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The protein expression of the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by western blotting.

Results

Our results indicated that no cytotoxic effect was observed when RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were exposed to PF (0-1 μm) and/or LPS (1 μg/ml) for 24 hr. The data showed that LPS, which was repressed by PF, facilitated the generation of the pro-inflammatory molecules TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, LPS contributed to increased production of intracellular ROS compared with the control group, whereas the administration of PF effectively reduced LPS-related levels of ROS. Moreover, LPS induced the generation of MDA and suppressed the activities of SOD. However, PF treatment strongly decreased LPS-induced MDA levels and increased SOD activities in the RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells. Furthermore, our research confirmed that penfluroidol repressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules by limiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing oxidative effects via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Penfluroidol attenuated the imbalance of the inflammatory response by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in LPS-induced macrophages.

Crosstalk between miR-144/451 and Nrf2 during Recovery from Acute Hemolytic Anemia

miR-144/451 and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulate two antioxidative systems that have been identified to maintain redox homeostasis in erythroid cells by removing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Whether these two genes coordinate to affect ROS scavenging and the anemic phenotype, or which gene is more important for recovery from acute anemia, has not been explored. To address these questions, we crossed miR-144/451 knockout (KO) and Nrf2 KO mice and examined the phenotype change in the animals as well as the ROS levels in erythroid cells either at baseline or under stress condition. Several discoveries were made in this study. First, Nrf2/miR-144/451 double-KO mice unexpectedly exhibit similar anemic phenotypes as miR-144/451 single-KO mice during stable erythropoiesis, although compound mutations of miR-144/451 and Nrf2 lead to higher ROS levels in erythrocytes than single gene mutations. Second, Nrf2/miR-144/451 double-mutant mice exhibit more dramatic reticulocytosis than miR-144/451 or Nrf2 single-KO mice during days 3 to 7 after inducing acute hemolytic anemia using phenylhydrazine (PHZ), indicating a synergistic effect of miR-144/451 and Nrf2 on PHZ-induced stress erythropoiesis. However, the coordination does not persist during the whole recovery stage of PHZ-induced anemia; instead, Nrf2/miR-144/451 double-KO mice follow a recovery pattern similar to miR-144/451 single-KO mice during the remaining period of erythropoiesis. Third, the complete recovery from PHZ-induced acute anemia in miR-144/451 KO mice takes longer than in Nrf2 KO mice. Our findings demonstrate that complicated crosstalk between miR-144/451 and Nrf2 does exist and the crosstalk of these two antioxidant systems is development-stage-dependent. Our findings also demonstrate that miRNA deficiency could result in a more profound defect of erythropoiesis than dysfunctional transcription factors.

NSUN2 alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant stress

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used antitumor drug, but its application has been limited because of its strong cardiac damage. This study aims to explore the role of NSUN2 in DOX-induced heart injury. C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/Kg DOX to induce heart injury. After 3 days, the cardiac function, cardiac histopathology, myocardial apoptosis, and the expression level of NSUN2 were detected. In vitro, H9C2 cells were transfected with NSUN2 siRNA or overexpressed lentivirus and then treated with 500 ng/ml DOX. After 24 h, the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and NSUN2 expression were detected. After DOX treatment, both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the cardiac function decreased, the number of apoptotic cells increased, and the expression level of NSUN2 increased. Interfering the expression of NSUN2 by siRNA promoted DOX-induced heart injury, while overexpression of NSUN2 could inhibit DOX-induced heart injury. Further study showed that NSUN2 promoted antioxidative stress by upregulating the Nrf2 protein level. In addition, NSUN2 overexpression could increase the half-life of Nrf2 mRNA. m5C RNA methylation immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) also showed that the level of Nrf2 m5C mRNA was significantly increased in NSUN2 overexpressed group when compared to the GFP group. NSUN2 enhances the expression of Nrf2 by promoting Nrf2 mRNA m5C modification and enhances its antioxidative stress effect to alleviate DOX-induced myocardial injury.

Neuroprotective Effect of Phloretin in Rotenone-Induced Mice Model of Parkinson's Disease: Modulating mTOR-NRF2-p62 Mediated Autophagy-Oxidative Stress Crosstalk

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related progressive multifactorial, neurodegenerative disease. The autophagy and Keap1-Nrf2 axis system are both implicated in the oxidative-stress response, metabolic stress, and innate immunity, and their dysregulation is associated with pathogenic processes in PD. Phloretin (PLT) is a phenolic compound reported possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the neuroprotective potential of PLT in PD via modulating the autophagy-antioxidant axisMethods:The neuroprotective effect of PLT was evaluated in vitro using rotenone (ROT) exposed SH-SY5Y cell line and in vivo using ROT administered C57BL/6 mice. Mice were administered with PLT (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) concomitantly with ROT (1 mg/kg, i.p) for 3 weeks. Locomotive activity and anxiety behaviors were assessed using rotarod and open field tests respectively. Further apoptosis (Cytochrome-C, Bax), α-Synuclein (α-SYN), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), antioxidant proteins (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and autophagic (mTOR, Atg5,7, p62, Beclin,LC3B-I/II) protein activity were evaluated both in in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

PLT improved locomotive activity and anxiety-like behavior in mice. Further PLT diminished apoptotic cell death, α-SYN expression and improved the expression of TH, antioxidant, and autophagic regulating protein.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, present data deciphers that the PLT effectively improves motor and non-motor symptoms via modulating the mTOR/NRF2/p62 pathway-mediated feedback loop. Hence, PLT could emerge as a prospective disease-modifying drug for PD management.

Trained immunity in monocyte/macrophage: Novel mechanism of phytochemicals in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), characterized by persistent chronic inflammation in the vessel wall, in which monocytes/macrophages play a key role. It has been reported that innate immune system cells can assume a persistent proinflammatory state after short stimulation with endogenous atherogenic stimuli. The pathogenesis of AS can be influenced by this persistent hyperactivation of the innate immune system, which is termed trained immunity. Trained immunity has also been implicated as a key pathological mechanism, leading to persistent chronic inflammation in AS. Trained immunity is mediated via epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming and occurs in mature innate immune cells and their bone marrow progenitors. Natural products are promising candidates for novel pharmacological agents that can be used to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A variety of natural products and agents exhibiting antiatherosclerotic abilities have been reported to potentially interfere with the pharmacological targets of trained immunity. This review describes in as much detail as possible the mechanisms involved in trained immunity and how phytochemicals of this process inhibit AS by affecting trained monocytes/macrophages.

Effects of polydatin from Huhuang Shaoshang Liniment on oxidative damage and inflammatory response in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of polydatin (PD) from Huhuang Shaoshang Liniment on oxidative damage and inflammatory response in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R), and the effect of PD on NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) pathway.

METHODS

The rat model of focal CI/R was established using suture-occlusion method and treated with intraperitoneal injection of PD (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the PD content in three batches of Huhuang Shaoshang Liniment. The neurological function scores of each group were observed at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively. The hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was conducted to observe the morphological structure of brain tissue, the triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to determine the size of cerebral infarction, and the neuronal apoptotic index was calculated using image analysis system under the optical microscope. The expressions of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway and neuronal apoptosis-related proteins in brain tissue were measured using Western blot.

RESULTS

The PD content in three batches of Huhuang Shaoshang Liniment was detected by HPLC, and the average result showed that the product contained 0.73 mg PD per 1 mL. The PD 50 mg/kg group and 25 mg/kg group showed lower neurological function scores at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively, lower percentage of cerebral infarction area on the ischemic side and apoptotic index, lower interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and lower Bax protein expression (P < 0.05), and showed higher IL-4, IL-10, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and c-Myc protein expression than the CI/R group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PD from Huhuang Shaoshang Liniment can alleviate neurological damage, improve neuronal morphology and structure, reduce cerebral infarction area, alleviate oxidative damage and inflammatory response, and inhibit neuronal cell apoptosis in CI/R model rats.

Role of Nrf2 and HO-1 in intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common age-related disease with clinical manifestations of lumbar and leg pain and limited mobility. The pathogenesis of IDD is mainly mediated by the death of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and the imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions are the important factors causing this pathological change. Therefore, the regulation of reactive oxygen species and production of inflammatory factors may be an effective strategy to delay the progression of IDD. In recent years, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream regulated protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) have received special attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic protective effects. Recent studies have elucidated the important role of these two proteins in the treatment of IDD disease. However, Nrf2 and HO-1 have not been systematically reported in IDD-related diseases. Therefore, this review describes the biological characteristics of Nrf2 and HO-1, the relationship between Nrf2- and HO-1-regulated oxidative stress and the inflammatory response and IDD, and the progress in research on some extracts targeting Nrf2 and HO-1 to improve IDD. Understanding the role and mechanism of Nrf2 and HO-1 in IDD may provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment and development of Nrf2- and HO-1-targeted drugs.

SIRT5 alleviates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via elevating SOD1 and IDH2 expression

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a common and unavoidable pathophysiological process during liver transplantation or resection operation, may impede postoperative liver function recovery, and its mechanism and targeted therapy remain largely unknown. SIRT5 is a well-known deacetylase and participates in the regulation of many physiological and pathological processes, including I/R. The role of SIRT5 in I/R is controversial or tissue-specific, restricting I/R progression in the heart while deteriorating injury in the kidney and brain, while its effect on hepatic I/R remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the function of SIRT5 in hepatic I/R using AAV8 and lentivirus to overexpress SIRT5 in vivo and in vitro. The data showed that SIRT5 overexpression alleviated liver I/R injury in mice and hypoxia/reoxygenation treated AML-12 cells. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function of SIRT5, SOD1 and IDH2 experiments in AML-12 were performed. Our results demonstrated that SOD1 and IDH2 knockdown abolished the effect of SIRT5 on restraining oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, our work revealed that SIRT5 may alleviates hepatic I/R injury by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via up-regulating the SOD1 and IDH2 expression, which enriches the theory and therapeutic strategies of hepatic I/R injury.

Role and Potential Mechanism of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a complex, multifactorial, and pathophysiological condition with high morbidity and mortality, leading to serious difficulties in treatment, especially in humans. Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in heme catabolism. HO-1 (an inducible form) confers cytoprotection by inhibiting inflammation and oxidation. Furthermore, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) positively regulates HO-1 transcription, whereas BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) competes with Nrf2 and represses its transcription. We investigated the role and potential mechanism of action of HO-1 in intestinal IR injury. Intestinal ischemia was induced for 45 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion in wild-type, Bach1-deficient, and Nrf2-deficient mice, and a carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule (CORM)-3 was administered. An increase in inflammatory marker levels, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, and morphological impairments were observed in the IR-induced intestines of wild-type mice. These inflammatory changes were significantly attenuated in Bach1-deficient mice or those treated with CORM-3, and significantly exacerbated in Nrf2-deficient mice. Treatment with an HO-1 inhibitor reversed this attenuation in IR-induced Bach1-deficient mice. Bach1 deficiency and treatment with CORM-3 resulted in the downregulation of NF-κB activation and suppression of adhesion molecules. Together, Bach1, Nrf2, and CO are valuable therapeutic targets for intestinal IR injury.

Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a manifestation of tissue or organ damage that is followed by ischemia and exacerbated by the return of blood flow to a previously damaged tissue or organ. The intestines are one of the most sensitive tissues and organs to I/R injury. Moreover, the adverse consequences of intestinal I/R (II/R) injury are not limited to the intestine itself and can also lead to damage of the distant tissues and organs. The mechanism of II/R is extremely complex and oxidative stress is the key link in the pathogenesis of II/R injury. This study summarizes the roles of oxidative stress and its signaling pathways involved in II/R. The signaling pathways that mitigate II/R injury include the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signaling pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and phosphatidylinositol kinase 3 (PI3K)/Akt pathway; those that aggravate II/R injury include the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, Toll-like receptor (TLR) receptor-mediated signaling pathway, protein kinase CβII (PKCβII)/p66shc pathway, and microRNA (miRNA)/p66shc pathway; the effect of miRNA on related pathways and mitochondrial DNA translocation. The aforementioned pathways provide new ideas for further exploring the occurrence and development of II/R and more effective treatments for II/R injury.