Enzymatic Antioxidant and Lipid Peroxidation Evaluation in the Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Iran

The Nephroprotective Activity of Boesenbergia Rotunda Rhizome by Reducing Creatinine, Urea Nitrogen, Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, and Malondialdehyde Levels in the Blood and Attenuating the Expression of Havcr1 (KIM-1), Lcn2 (NGAL), Casp3, and Casp7 Genes in the Kidney Cortex of Cisplatin-Induced Sprague-Dawley Rats

Background

Cisplatin chemotherapy induces nephrotoxicity by producing reactive oxygen species, hence, discovering add-on nephroprotective drugs for patients with cancer is challenging. Boesenbergia rotunda has been reported for its antioxidant properties.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nephroprotective mechanism of the ethanol extract of Boesenbergia rotunda rhizome (EEBR) in cisplatin-induced rats.

Methods

The rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: the normal control (treated with saline); the negative control (cisplatin-induced without any treatment); the positive control (treated with quercetin 50 mg/kg BW); and 3 treatment EEBR (125 mg/kg BW; 250 mg/kg BW; 500 mg/kg BW) groups for 10 days. The % relative organ weight, kidney histopathology, and nephrotoxicity biomarkers expression were evaluated.

Results

EEBR decreased creatinine, urea nitrogen, glutamic pyruvate transaminase, and malondialdehyde levels in the blood of cisplatin-induced rats. An insignificant increase in GOT was observed in rats treated with the highest dose of EEBR. EEBR did not significantly alter the BW and the % kidney relative weight. An abnormal shape of the Bowman capsule is observed in the negative control group. EEBR reduced the expression of Havcr1 (KIM-1), Lcn2 (NGAL), Casp3, and Casp7 genes in rats' kidneys.

Conclusion

Boesenbergia rotunda could be considered a potential candidate for add-on therapy in cisplatin-treated patients, but further studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.

Saliva Malondialdehyde Concentration of Dogs With and Without Periodontal Disease

The study investigated whether malondialdehyde (MDA), a biomarker for oxidative stress, can be used as a viable parameter in dog saliva for the diagnosis or early detection of periodontal disease (PD). Saliva MDA concentrations were measured preoperatively in dogs diagnosed with PD during dental prophylaxis and compared with those of dentally healthy dogs. 35 dogs were included in the study. The average MDA concentration was 270 ng/ml (range 27-633) in the dogs without PD (n = 10) and 183 (36-833) ng/ml (ng/ml) in the dogs with PD (n = 25). The maximum MDA concentration in the study group (PD ≥1) was 833 ng/ml, which was significantly higher than in the study group (PD = 0) (p<0.05). The study showed that salivary MDA concentrations could not distinguish between healthy dogs and those with PD.

Repurposing the drug, amprolium as a novel molluscicide against the land snail (Eobania vermiculata)

Amprolium (AMP) is an organic compound used as a poultry anticoccidiostat. The aim of this work is to repurpose AMP to control the land snail, Eobania vermiculata in the laboratory and in the field. When snails treated with ½ LC₅₀ of AMP, the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TL), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased, whereas the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), total protein (TP), and glutathione (GSH) decreased. It also induced histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the digestive gland, hermaphrodite gland, kidney, mucus gland, and cerebral ganglion. Furthermore, scanning electron micrographs revealed various damages in the tegumental structures of the mantle-foot region of E. vermiculata snails. The field application demonstrated that the AMP spray caused reduced percentages in snail population of 75 and 84% after 7 and 14 days of treatment. In conclusion, because AMP disrupts the biology and physiology of the land snail, E. vermiculata, it can be used as an effective molluscicide.

Identifying the predictive role and the related drugs of oxidative stress genes in the hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Oncogenesis and tumor development have been related to oxidative stress (OS). The potential diagnostic utility of OS genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, remains uncertain. As a result, this work aimed to create a novel OS related-genes signature that could be used to predict the survival of HCC patients and to screen OS related-genes drugs that might be used for HCC treatment.

METHODS

We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to acquire mRNA expression profiles and clinical data for this research and the GeneCards database to obtain OS related-genes. Following that, biological functions from Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed on differentially expressed OS-related genes (DEOSGs). Subsequently, the prognostic risk signature was constructed based on DEOSGs from the TCGA data that were screened by using univariate cox analysis, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate cox analysis. At the same time, we developed a prognostic nomogram of HCC patients based on risk signature and clinical-pathological characteristics. The GEO data was used for validation. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves to examine the prediction value of the risk signature and nomogram. Finally, we screened the differentially expressed OS genes related drugs.

RESULTS

We were able to recognize 9 OS genes linked to HCC prognosis. In addition, the KM curve revealed a statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The area under the curve (AUC) shows the independent prognostic value of the risk signature model. Meanwhile, the ROC curves and calibration curves show the strong prognostic power of the nomogram. The top three drugs with negative ratings were ZM-336372, lestaurtinib, and flunisolide, all of which inversely regulate different OS gene expressions.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that OS related-genes have a favorable prognostic value for HCC, which sheds new light on the relationship between oxidative stress and HCC, and suggests potential therapeutic strategies for HCC patients.

Effect of folic acid-linked chitosan-coated PLGA-based curcumin nanoparticles on the redox system of glioblastoma cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress is one of the carcinogenic mechanisms underlying the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor type associated with poor prognosis. Curcumin is known to be an efficient antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compound. However, its poor solubility in water, inappropriate pharmacokinetics, and low bioavailability limit its use as an antitumor drug. We prepared PLGA-based curcumin nanoparticles changed with folic acid and chitosan (curcumin-PLGA-CS-FA) and evaluated its effects on GBM tumor cells' redox status.

METHODS

The nanoprecipitation method was used to synthesize CU nanoparticles (CU-NPs). The size, morphology, and stability were characterized by DLS, SEM, and zeta potential analysis, respectively. The CU-NPs' toxic properties were studied by MTT assay and measuring the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The study was completed by measuring the gene expression levels and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin antioxidant enzymes.

RESULTS

The size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of CU-NPs were 77.27 nm, 0.29, and -22.45 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was approximately 98%. Intracellular ROS and MDA levels decreased after CU-NP treatment. Meanwhile, the CU-NPs increased gene expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin antioxidant enzymes.

CONCLUSION

CU-NPs might be effective in the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma cancer by modulating the antioxidant-oxidant balance.

Hierarchical clustering identifies oxidative stress-related subgroups for the prediction of prognosis and immune microenvironment in gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy of the digestive tract globally, demonstrating a substantial occurrence of relapse and metastasis, alongside the absence of efficacious treatment. Tumor progression and the development of cancer are linked to oxidative stress. Our objective was twofold: first, to determine distinct subcategories based on oxidative stress in GC patients, and second, to establish oxidative stress-related genes that would aid in stratifying the risk for GC patients.

Methods

TCGA-STAD and GSE84437 datasets were utilized to obtain the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of GC patients. Through consensus clustering analysis, distinct subgroups related to oxidative stress were identified. To uncover the underlying mechanisms, GSEA and GSVA were performed. xCell, CIBERSORT, MCPCounter, and TIMER algorithms were employed to evaluate the immune microenvironment and immune status of the different GC subtypes. A prognostic risk model was developed using the TCGA-STAD dataset and substantiated using the GSE84437 dataset. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was employed to validate the expression of genes associated with prognosis.

Results

Two distinct subtypes of oxidative stress were discovered, with markedly different survival rates. The C1 subtype demonstrated an activated immune signal pathway, a significant presence of immune cell infiltration, high immune score, and a high microenvironment score, indicating a poor prognosis. Moreover, a prognostic signature related to oxidative stress (IMPACT and PXDN) was able to accurately estimate the likelihood of survival for patients with gastric cancer. A nomogram incorporating the patients' gender, age, and risk score was able to predict survival in gastric cancer patients. Additionally, the expression of IMPACT and PXDN showed a strong correlation with overall survival and the infiltration of immune cells.

Conclusion

Based on signatures related to oxidative stress, we developed an innovative system for categorizing patients with GC. This stratification enables accurate prognostication of individuals with GC.

Correlation between oxidative stress markers and cytokines in different stages of breast cancer

This study aims to estimate the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative stress marker and reduced glutathione (GSH) as antioxidant and correlate them to different inflammatory markers as interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in different stages of breast cancer (BC). For the purpose of comparisons, 35 healthy subjects matched for age, sex and ethnic background were selected who have no history or clinical evidence of BC or any chronic disease and obvious abnormalities as a control group and 35 patients of different stages of BC were participated in the study. The cancer patients were diagnosed by specialists. Even the exact cause of the disease has not been identified but according to this study, 5% of the patients were having family history of the disease and 62% of the patients were having a BMI over 25. Over 60% of the patients were postmenopausal and all females participated in this study were nonsmokers. MDA level showed a significant increase when BC patients were compared to healthy subjects, this oxidative stress marker showed a significant increase with the increase of the stage of the disease. In contrast the level of the lipid peroxide scavenger GSH reduced with increasing the stage of the disease. The level of some cytokines showed a significant change between different stages and the control group. Correlation between MDA and GSH with these cytokines showed a positive correlation between all cytokines and the MDA level and a negative correlation between GSH and the cytokines. The results of this study suggests that BC stimulates the oxidative stress response and for that, different inflammatory cytokines will be produced and there is a pronounced relationship between oxidative stress parameters and these cytokines and the level of these cytokines are associated with aggressive tumors.

Malondialdehyde-Induced Post-translational Modifications in Hemoglobin of Smokers by NanoLC-NSI/MS/MS Analysis

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the most abundant α,β-unsaturated aldehyde generated from endogenous peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and is present in cigarette smoke. Post-translational modifications of blood hemoglobin can serve as biomarkers for exposure to chemicals. In this study, two types of MDA-induced modifications, the N-propenal and the dihydropyridine (DHP), were identified at multiple sites in human hemoglobin digest by the high-resolution mass spectrometry. The N-propenal and the DHP types of modification led to the increase of 54.0106 and 134.0368 amu, respectively, at the N-terminal and lysine residues. Among the 21 MDA-modified peptides, 14 with dose-response to MDA concentrations were simultaneously quantified in study subjects by the nanoflow liquid chromatography nanoelectrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry under selected reaction monitoring (nanoLC-NSI-MS/MS-SRM) without prior enrichment. The results showed that the modifications of the N-propenal-type at α-Lys-11, α-Lys-16, α-Lys-61, β-Lys-8, and β-Lys-17, as well as the DHP-type at the α-N-terminal valine, are significantly higher in hemoglobin isolated from the blood of smokers than in nonsmoking individuals. This is the first report to identify and quantify multiple sites of MDA-induced modifications in human hemoglobin from peripheral blood. Our results suggest that the MDA-derived modifications on hemoglobin might represent valuable biomarkers for MDA-induced protein damage.

Association between Oxidative Stress Parameters and Hematological Indices in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. This causes an increase in free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of breast cancer on oxidative stress and its relationship with hematological indices.

Methods

This case-control study included 43 women with breast cancer and 37 age-matched healthy controls. Oxidative stress and its correlation with hematological profiles over seven months were evaluated. Finally, the data were compared between the two groups using the t-test and Pearson's test, and the results were analyzed using the SPSS 24 software.

Results

The results revealed that patients with breast cancer had significantly increased hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In addition, oxidative stress parameters, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were significantly elevated. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly lower in patients with breast cancer than in the control group (p < 0.05). Statistical significance in hematological indices showed a positive or negative correlation with oxidative stress parameters.

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer showed a deranged complete blood count (CBC) pattern compared to healthy individuals.

Fermented Soy Products and Their Potential Health Benefits: A Review

In the growing search for therapeutic strategies, there is an interest in foods containing natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds capable of preventing or reversing pathogenic processes associated with metabolic disease. Fermentation has been used as a potent way of improving the properties of soybean and their components. Microbial metabolism is responsible for producing the β-glucosidase enzyme that converts glycosidic isoflavones into aglycones with higher biological activity in fermented soy products, in addition to several end-metabolites associated with human health development, including peptides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, and organic acids. Thus, several products have emerged from soybean fermentation by fungi, bacteria, or a combination of both. This review covers the key biological characteristics of soy and fermented soy products, including natto, miso, tofu, douchi, sufu, cheonggukjang, doenjang, kanjang, meju, tempeh, thua-nao, kinema, hawaijar, and tungrymbai. The inclusion of these foods in the diet has been associated with the reduction of chronic diseases, with potential anticancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. These biological activities and the recently studied potential of fermented soybean molecules against SARS-CoV-2 are discussed. Finally, a patent landscape is presented to provide the state-of-the-art of the transfer of knowledge from the scientific sphere to the industrial application.

The Therapeutic Potential of Aprepitant in Glioblastoma Cancer Cells through Redox Modification

Although there is no doubt regarding the involvement of oxidative stress in the development of glioblastoma, many questions remained unanswered about signaling cascades that regulate the redox status. Given the importance of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) system in different cancers, it was of particular interest to evaluate whether the stimulation of this cascade in glioblastoma-derived U87 cells is associated with the induction of oxidative stress. Our results showed that SP-mediated activation of NK1R not only increased the intracellular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also reduced the concentration of thiol in U87 cells. We also found that upon SP addition, there was a significant reduction in the cells' total antioxidant capacity (TAC), revealing that the SP/NK1R axis may be involved in the regulation of oxidative stress in glioblastoma cells. The significant role of SP/NK1R in triggering oxidative stress in glioblastoma has become more evident when we found that the abrogation of the axis using aprepitant reduced cell survival, probably through exerting antioxidant effects. The results showed that both MDA and ROS concentrations were significantly reduced in the presence of aprepitant, and the number of antioxidant components of the redox system increased. Overall, these findings suggest that aprepitant might exert its anticancer effect on U87 cells through shifting the balance of oxidant and antioxidant components of the redox system.

An Oxidative Stress-Related Genes Signature for Predicting Survival in Bladder Cancer: Based on TCGA Database and Bioinformatics

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) responses have been linked to oncogenesis and tumor progression and have recently been regarded as a potential strategy for tumor therapy. However, OS-related therapeutic targets have not been identified to date in the bladder cancer (BC).

Methods

The mRNA expression and clinical data of BC were downloaded from the public database. Prognostic risk score signature was constructed using LASSO Cox regression analysis. External validation was performed in GSE15307 cohort. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithm were used to analyze immune cell infiltration and immune microenvironment. Next, functional enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the signature. Additionally, we performed a nomogram to forecast the survival rate of individual BC patients.

Results

An OS-related genes (OSRGs) signature was constructed. Overall survival was lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group, according to survival analyses. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves further validated the prognostic signature’s strong prediction performance in these two cohorts. The risk score was verified as an independent risk factor for BC by independent prognostic analysis. Moreover, as compared to TNM stage alone, a nomogram that integrated the risk score with TNM stage showed a much superior predictive value. Immune infiltration and tumor microenvironment studies indicated that immune cells and functions may play a significant role in carcinogenesis and development. The levels of expression of prognostic genes were shown to be substantially linked with drug sensitivity.

Conclusion

We developed a novel OSRGs signature for predicting overall survival and impacting the immune status in patients with BC. New nomogram can help clinicians predict the survival rate of BC patients. These findings shed new light on the potential usage of OSRGs signature in BC patients.

GC-MS Analysis of Potentially Volatile Compounds of Pleurotus ostreatus Polar Extract: In vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Immunomodulatory, and Antioxidant Activities

One strategy to manage resistant pathogens and develop potential anticancer drugs is the search for new, promising, and cost-effective medicinal benefits in the field of bioactive metabolites derived from mushrooms. In the current study, Egyptian cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies polar extract was prepared to evaluate its antimicrobial activities as well as its cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines. The Pleurotus ostreatus polar extract (PoPE) was characterized by its phenolic and flavonoid content. The phenolics and flavonoids of PoPE were 6.94 and 0.15 mg/g, respectively. P. ostreatus polar extract showed potent antimicrobial activity against four pathogens, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Escherichia coli. PoPE was found to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum (47%), Fusarium solani (28%) as well as Rhizoctonia solani (21%). PoPE was found to be 13 times more selective and toxic to MCF-7 cells than Vero normal cells, with the lowest IC50 value (4.5 μg/mL), so they were selected to examine the potential cytotoxic effects of PoPE. In MCF-7 cells, PoPE appeared to promote cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 stage, as well as apoptosis. It significantly increased TNF-α production while decreasing IL-6 levels. PoPE’s total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxide, and glutathione reductase activity were recorded 0.14 ± 0.02 mM/L, 15.60 ± 0.015 nmol/mL, and 9.50 ± 1.30 U/L, respectively. The existence of different bioactive metabolites was investigated via GC-MS, which confirmed the presence of 15 compounds with well-known biological activity.

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates oxygen‑glucose deprivation and re‑oxygenation‑induced injury in HT22 cells by activating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural flavonoid that possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties. The aim of the present study was to determine whether DMY could protect against nerve cell injury following ischemic stroke through antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The effects of DMY on the viability, oxidative stress and apoptosis of HT22 cells following oxygen‑glucose deprivation and re‑oxygenation (OGD/R) were examined using MTT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), western blot and TUNEL assays. Furthermore, Wnt/β‑catenin signaling proteins in OGD/R‑stimulated HT22 cells were detected in the presence or absence of DMY. In a separate experiment, the effect of DMY on OGD/R‑induced HT22 cell injury was also observed in the presence of the Wnt/β‑catenin inhibitor, XAV939. The results demonstrated that DMY had no impact on the survival of untreated HT22 cells, although DMY treatment significantly increased cell viability and inhibited cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis following OGD/R. In addition, DMY upregulated the expression of Wnt/β‑catenin in OGD/R‑stimulated HT22 cells. In conclusion, DMY protected HT22 cells from OGD/R‑induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and its effects may be mediated by the activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway.

Therapeutic Influence on Important Targets Associated with Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Cancer Treatment

Simple Summary

There is no doubt that the need for new effective methods of cancer treatment remains challenging, as cancer is the second cause of death based on the number of cases in the world. In this review, we investigated the role of one of the leading determinants in the development and progression of various types of cancer—oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as clinical and experimental data from the studies of promising drugs of natural origin, such as flavonoids, that target these stages of oncogenesis. This can all help in the expansion and systematization of the existing knowledge regarding the fight against cancer, the facilitation of the development of effective anti-cancer drugs, and the progression of research in this field, in order to improve the treatment of these disorders.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the interconnected pathological processes, which lead to cancer initiation and progression. The growing level of oxidative and inflammatory damage was shown to increase cancer severity and contribute to tumor spread. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is associated with the reduced capacity of the endogenous cell defense mechanisms and/or metabolic imbalance, is the main contributor to oxidative stress. An abnormal level of ROS was defined as a predisposing factor for the cell transformation that could trigger pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, induce changes in gene expression, and facilitate accumulation of mutations, DNA damage, and genomic instability. Additionally, the activation of transcription factors caused by a prolonged oxidative stress, including NF-κB, p53, HIF1α, etc., leads to the expression of several genes responsible for inflammation. The resulting hyperactivation of inflammatory mediators, including TNFα, TGF-β, interleukins, and prostaglandins can contribute to the development of neoplasia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were shown to trigger adaptive reactions and the acquisition of resistance by tumor cells to apoptosis, while promoting proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the chronic inflammatory response leads to the excessive production of free radicals, which further aggravate the initiated reactions. This review summarizes the recent data and progress in the discovery of mechanisms that associate oxidative stress and chronic inflammation with cancer onset and metastasis. In addition, the review provides insights for the development of therapeutic approaches and the discovery of natural substances that will be able to simultaneously inhibit several key oncological and inflammation-related targets.

High density lipoproteins and oxidative stress in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the main leading causes of women death. In recent years, attention has been focused on the role of lipoproteins, alterations of cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress in the molecular mechanism of breast cancer. A role for high density lipoproteins (HDL) has been proposed, in fact, in addition to the role of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), HDL exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, modulate intracellular cholesterol homeostasis, signal transduction and proliferation. Low levels of HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) have been demonstrated in patients affected by breast cancer and it has been suggested that low levels of HDL-C could represent a risk factor of breast cancer. Contrasting results have been observed by other authors. Recent studies have demonstrated alterations of the activity of some enzymes associated to HDL surface such as Paraoxonase (PON1), Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) and Phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Higher levels of markers of lipid peroxidation in plasma or serum of patients have also been observed and suggest dysfunctional HDL in breast cancer patients. The review summarizes results on levels of markers of oxidative stress of plasma lipids and on alterations of enzymes associated to HDL in patients affected by breast cancer. The effects of normal and dysfunctional HDL on human breast cancer cells and molecular mechanisms potentially involved will be also reviewed.

Phloretin Ameliorates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Regulating the Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

The inflammatory process is proposed to be one of the factors to benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), and this is the first study examining the anti-inflammatory ability of phloretin in treating rats with testosterone-induced BPH. BPH would be induced by testosterone (10 mg/kg/day testosterone subcutaneously for 28 days), and the other groups of rats were treated with phloretin 50 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day orally (phr50 or phr100 group) after induction. Prostate weight and prostate weight to body weight ratio were significantly reduced in the Phr100 group. Reduced dihydrotestosterone without interfering with 5α-reductase was observed in the phr100 group. In inflammatory proteins, reduced IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, NF-κB, and COX-2 were seen in the phr100 group. In reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde was reduced, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were elevated in the phr100 group. In apoptotic assessment, elevated cleaved caspase-3 was observed in rats of the phr100 group. Enhanced pro-apoptotic Bax and reduced anti-apoptotic Bc1-2 could be seen in the phr100 group. In histological stains, markedly decreased glandular hyperplasia and proliferative cell nuclear antigen were observed with reduced expression in the phr100 group. Meanwhile, positive cells of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling were increased in the phr100 group. In conclusion, the treatment of phloretin 100 mg/kg/day could ameliorate testosterone-induced BPH.

Histological and biochemical investigation of the renoprotective effects of metformin in diabetic and prostate cancer model

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and cancer have common physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Metformin is the preferred drug of choice for the treatment of diabetes. Prostate cancer can be modeled in by injection of MAT-Lylu cells. A model of diabetes in rats is induced by streptozotocin injectıon. In the current study, we explored the mechanisms by which diabetes accelerates cancer, and evaluated the effects of metformin to know whether it has any impact against the damage caused by cancer and diabetic + cancer via histopathological and biochemical parameters of kidney tissue.

METHODS

The experiment was carried out in rats. Groups 1-Control, 2- Diabetic, 3-Cancer, 4-Diabetic + cancer, 5-Diabetic + cancer + metformin, 6-Cancer + metformin. Metformin treatment was applied by gavage every day. The research ended on the 14th day. The collected kidney tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin.

RESULTS

Histological evaluation showed moderate to severe damage to the kidney tissue following diabetic and cancer processess. In diabetic, cancer and diabetic + cancer groups, reduced glutathione levels, total antioxidant status, sodium/potassium-ATPase and paraoxonase1 activities were found to be significantly abated. While advanced oxidized protein products, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, reactive oxygen species levels, total oxidant status, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes, myeloperoxidase, and arginase activities were significantly raised. The administration of metformin reversed these defects. The outcome of the reveals that histopathological and biochemical damage in cancer and diabetes + cancer groups decreased in the groups that received metformin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, metformin treatment can be considered an adjuvant candidate for kidney tissue in diabetes, prostate cancer and cancer therapy related damage.

Novel oxidative stress-related prognostic biomarkers for melanoma associated with tumor metastasis

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a prevalent skin cancer whose metastatic form is dangerous due to its high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have systematically established the vital role of oxidative stress (OS) in melanoma progression. This study aimed to identify prognostic OS genes closely associated with SKCM and illustrate their potential mechanisms. Transcriptome data and corresponding clinical traits of patients with SKCM were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted to identify relationships between clinical features and OS genes in specific modules. Subsequently, Cox regression analysis was performed on candidate OS genes; four hub prognosis-associated OS genes (AKAP9, VPS13C, ACSL4, and HMOX2) were identified to construct a prognostic model. After a series of bioinformatics analysis, our prognostic model was identified significantly associated with the overall survival of patients with SKCM and metastatic ability of the cancer. Furthermore, our risk model demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy in the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. In addition, we established 2 nomograms based on either risk score or hub genes, which displayed favorable discriminating ability for SKCM. Our results provide novel insight into the potential applications of OS-associated genes in SKCM.

Relationship Between Composition of Fatty Acid in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Healthy Men and Men After a Myocardial Infarction

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be extremely damaging for phospholipids in cell membranes, especially their polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). OS is known to be associated with increased platelet activation and thrombosis, which lead to cardiovascular lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in the platelet phospholipid membrane correlate with OS in healthy men and in men who have experienced a myocardial infarction (post-MI men).

Material/Methods

FA methyl esters from the platelet phospholipid membrane of 79 apparently healthy and 20 post-MI men were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the blood serum using high-performance liquid chromatography, and platelet-white blood cell aggregates (PWAs) were analysed based on whole-blood flow cytometry. The composition of platelet membrane FAs was compared to MDA concentration (μg/l) and the percentage of PWA formation between healthy men and individuals who had suffered a myocardial infarction (MI).

Results

Statistically, post-MI patients had a significantly higher concentration of blood serum MDA than those in the control group (p=0.000). The level of PUFAs was also higher in the platelet phospholipid membrane of post-MI patients than in healthy individuals (p=0.016). However, the percentage of PWA formation was lower in patients compared with the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A higher level of blood serum MDA concentration due to OS stimulates platelets to incorporate more PUFAs into the phospholipid membrane, thereby affecting platelet activation. This may lead the individual to develop cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Integrated analysis identifies oxidative stress genes associated with progression and prognosis in gastric cancer

Oxidative stress (OS) reactions are reported to be associated with oncogenesis and tumor progression. However, little is known about the potential diagnostic value of OS in gastric cancer (GC). This study identified hub OS genes associated with the prognosis and progression of GC and illustrated the underlying mechanisms. The transcriptome data and corresponding GC clinical information were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Aberrantly expressed OS genes between tumors and adjacent normal tissues were screened, and 11 prognosis-associated genes were identified with a series of bioinformatic analyses and used to construct a prognostic model. These genes were validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was subsequently conducted to identify the most significant hub genes for the prediction of GC progression. Analysis revealed that a good prognostic model was constructed with a better diagnostic accuracy than other clinicopathological characteristics in both TCGA and GEO cohorts. The model was also significantly associated with the overall survival of patients with GC. Meanwhile, a nomogram based on the risk score was established, which displayed a favorable discriminating ability for GC. In the WGCNA analysis, 13 progression-associated hub OS genes were identified that were also significantly associated with the progression of GC. Furthermore, functional and gene ontology (GO) analyses were performed to reveal potential pathways enriched with these genes. These results provide novel insights into the potential applications of OS-associated genes in patients with GC.

Resveratrol supplementation and acute pancreatitis: A comprehensive review

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic ingredient extracted from herbs, suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation. We performed a comprehensive review to find any evidence about the effects of Resveratrol on acute pancreatitis (AP). Resveratrol has been found to directly impact cytokine generation. As these factors play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of AP, resveratrol might attenuate AP and its complications. Mechanistically, resveratrol exerts its pharmacological effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms via interaction with different signaling molecules and transcription factors. Indeed, resveratrol might prove to be an effective therapeutic component for AP treatment in the future. In this review, we shed light on potential most recent pathways through which resveratrol might impact the management and control of AP.

Amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammation and liver function by nutraceuticals in rat model of hepatic cancer initiation induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine

Introduction: Nutraceuticals might serve as protective agent against liver cancer induced by pro-cancerous chemicals that initiate high oxidative stress, inflammation and affect DNA integrity. The aim of the present research was to study the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma initiation induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) through treatment by nutraceuticals. Methods: Two nutraceuticals were prepared; the first (NI) was a mixture of different extracts of green tea, wheat germ and tomato, the second one (NII) was composed of extracts mixture of broccoli, hazelnuts and carrot. Total flavonoids and flavonols were determined in the nutraceuticals. Four groups of rats were run; the first served as control normal, the other three groups were treated by intraperitoneal injection of NDEA, one of these groups was designated as control NDEA, the other two groups (test groups) were treated daily with oral doses of NI and NII, respectively. The experiment continued for 8 weeks. Plasma transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and catalase activities, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) along with liver MDA level and catalase activity were assessed. Results: NI showed higher flavonoids and lower flavonols than NII (P < 0.05). High oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, liver dysfunction, reduced plasma albumin and total protein were demonstrated in control NDEA compared to control normal (P < 0.05). Test groups showed significant improvement in all parameters (P < 0.05) compared to NDEA control. NI was superior in improving plasma transaminases and catalase activities, MDA and TNF-α levels and liver catalase activity compared to NII (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both NI and NII might prevent liver cancer initiation during exposure to carcinogenic agents, NI being superior to NII.

Identification of Hub Prognosis-Associated Oxidative Stress Genes in Pancreatic Cancer Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Background

Intratumoral oxidative stress (OS) has been associated with the progression of various tumors. However, OS has not been considered a candidate therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer (PC) owing to the lack of validated biomarkers.

Methods

We compared gene expression profiles of PC samples and the transcriptome data of normal pancreas tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genome Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases to identify differentially expressed OS genes in PC. PC patients’ gene profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used as a validation cohort.

Results

A total of 148 differentially expressed OS-related genes in PC were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Univariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage, selection operator analysis revealed seven hub prognosis-associated OS genes that served to construct a prognostic risk model. Based on integrated bioinformatics analyses, our prognostic model, whose diagnostic accuracy was validated in both cohorts, reliably predicted the overall survival of patients with PC and cancer progression. Further analysis revealed significant associations between seven hub gene expression levels and patient outcomes, which were validated at the protein level using the Human Protein Atlas database. A nomogram based on the expression of these seven hub genes exhibited prognostic value in PC.

Conclusion

Our study provides novel insights into PC pathogenesis and provides new genetic markers for prognosis prediction and clinical treatment personalization for PC patients.

The NRF2, Thioredoxin, and Glutathione System in Tumorigenesis and Anticancer Therapies

Cancer remains an elusive, highly complex disease and a global burden. Constant change by acquired mutations and metabolic reprogramming contribute to the high inter- and intratumor heterogeneity of malignant cells, their selective growth advantage, and their resistance to anticancer therapies. In the modern era of integrative biomedicine, realizing that a personalized approach could benefit therapy treatments and patients' prognosis, we should focus on cancer-driving advantageous modifications. Namely, reactive oxygen species (ROS), known to act as regulators of cellular metabolism and growth, exhibit both negative and positive activities, as do antioxidants with potential anticancer effects. Such complexity of oxidative homeostasis is sometimes overseen in the case of studies evaluating the effects of potential anticancer antioxidants. While cancer cells often produce more ROS due to their increased growth-favoring demands, numerous conventional anticancer therapies exploit this feature to ensure selective cancer cell death triggered by excessive ROS levels, also causing serious side effects. The activation of the cellular NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2) pathway and induction of cytoprotective genes accompanies an increase in ROS levels. A plethora of specific targets, including those involved in thioredoxin (TRX) and glutathione (GSH) systems, are activated by NRF2. In this paper, we briefly review preclinical research findings on the interrelated roles of the NRF2 pathway and TRX and GSH systems, with focus given to clinical findings and their relevance in carcinogenesis and anticancer treatments.

Effect of soy products and isoflavones on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Soy products and isoflavones intake have been shown to exert antioxidant effects. There are several randomized control trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of soy products intake on oxidative stress (OS) parameters. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the results of RCTs evaluating the effect of soy products and isoflavones intake on OS parameters. Randomized trials that assessed the effect of soy products and isoflavones intake on OS parameters in adults were identified through searching in electronic databases: Cochrane clinical trial center, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences up to April 2020. Random effects model was used to calculate the effects sizes of soy intake on OS parameters. Twenty-four trials with 1,852 participants were eligible and were included in the meta-analysis which measured OS parameters. Soy intake compared to control group significantly reduced MDA levels (SMD: -0.53; 95% CI: -0.86, -0.19; I2 = 88.3%), increased GSH levels (SMD: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.88; I2 = 72.4%), SOD activity (SMD: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.99; I2 = 84.1%), TAC (SMD: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.82; I2 = 49.3%) and TRAP (SMD: 1.74; 95% CI: 0.82, 2.65; I2 = 81.3%) significantly compared to control group. Soy products and isoflavones intake are effective in improving OS parameters in adults compared with controls; thus, it could be a valuable advise to control OS progress in chronic diseases.

Metformin protects against diabetes-induced heart injury and dunning prostate cancer model

In this study, both diabetes and Dunning prostate cancer were induced for the first time in Copenhagen rats in vivo. Thus, the effects of metformin against heart tissue damage of these rats were investigated by biochemical methods. Dunning prostate cancer was induced in Copenhagen rats using high metastatic MAT-LyLu cells. The rats were divided as follows: Control group: only injected with 0.9% NaCl for 14 days; Diabetic group: only injected single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg); Cancer group: subcutaneously (s.c) inoculated with 2 x 10⁴ MAT-LyLu cells only; Diabetic + cancer (DC) group: inoculated with 2 x 10⁴ MAT-LyLu cells and STZ injection, Cancer + metformin (CM) group: injected with metformin for 14 days after Mat-LyLu cells application; Diabetic + cancer + metformin (DCM) group: metformin administered for 14 days together with STZ and Mat-LyLu cells. At the end of the experimental period, heart tissues were taken. Reduced glutathione and total antioxidant status levels in heart tissues were decreased, whereas lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidized protein products, nitric oxide, homocysteine, and reactive oxygen species levels, total oxidant status and catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase activities increased in the diabetic, cancer and DC groups. Treatment with metformin reversed these effects. In conclusion, the present study shows that metformin has a protective effect against heart tissue damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats with Dunning prostate cancer.

Compensatory upregulation of aldo-keto reductase 1B10 to protect hepatocytes against oxidative stress during hepatocarcinogenesis

Aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10), a member of aldo-keto reductase superfamily, contributes to detoxification of xenobiotics and metabolization of physiological substrates. Although increased expression of AKR1B10 was found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of AKR1B10 in the development of HCC remains unclear. This study aims to illustrate the role of AKR1B10 in hepatocarcinogenesis based on its intrinsic oxidoreduction abilities. HCC cell lines with AKR1B10 overexpression or knockdown were treated with doxorubicin or hydrogen peroxide to determinate the influence of aberrant AKR1B10 expression on cells' response to oxidative stress. Using Akr1b8 (the ortholog of human AKR1B10) knockout mice, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver injury, chronic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis were explored. Clinically, the pattern of serum AKR1B10 relevant to disease progression was investigated in a patient cohort with chronic hepatitis B (n=30), liver cirrhosis (n=30) and HCC (n=40). AKR1B10 expression in HCC tissues was analyzed using both the TCGA database (n=371) and our collected HCC samples (n=67). AKR1B10 overexpression reduced hepatocyte injury while AKR1B10 knockdown augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptotic cell death. Consistently, Akr1b8 deficiency in mice promoted DEN-induced hepatocyte damage and liver inflammation characterized by increased phospho-H2AX, serum alanine aminotransferase, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha level, myeloid cell infiltration and led to more severe hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis compared with wild type mice due to significant alteration on detoxification and oxidoreduction. AKR1B10 was compensatory expressed and gradually upregulated in the process of liver disease progression in HCC and increased oxidative stress upregulated AKR1B10 through NRF2. Our results here suggested that through oxidoreduction and detoxification, AKR1B10 played an important role in protecting hepatocytes from damage induced by ROS. Deficiency of AKR1B10 might accelerate hepatotoxin and inflammation-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. AKR1B10 expression elevation in HCC could be a result of compensatory upregulation, rather than a driver of malignant transformation during the development of HCC.

Malondialdehyde as a Marker of Oxidative Stress in Periodontitis Patients

BACKGROUND

Periodontology is a fast-evolving field with newer insights into traditional periodontal diagnosis. Advances in periodontal disease diagnostic research are moving toward methods whereby periodontal risk can be identified and quantified by objective measures such as biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in whole saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole saliva samples were collected from 85 patients: 30 patients with chronic periodontitis, 25 with gingivitis, and 30 periodontally healthy controls. To determine the clinical condition of each subject, the gingival index and clinical attachment level were measured. The salivary MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

Higher salivary MDA levels (P < 0.005) were detected in patients with periodontitis compared to the healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the salivary MDA levels between patients with gingivitis and healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher salivary MDA levels seem to reflect increased oxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation. Thus, MDA can be used as a marker of oxidative stress in patients with periodontitis.