The Nrf2-HO-1 system and inflammaging

Preclinical Research on Cinnamic Acid Derivatives for the Prevention of Liver Damage: Promising Therapies for Liver Diseases

Background: Liver diseases are a global health issue with an annual mortality of 80,000 patients, mainly due to complications that arise during disease progression, as effective treatments are lacking. Objectives: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of two derivatives of cinnamic acid, LQM717 and LQM755, in a murine model of acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 4 g/kg, single dose p.o.). Methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with five doses of LQM717 (20 mg/kg i.p.) or LQM755 (equimolar dose), starting 2 days before inducing hepatotoxic damage with CCl4. Results: The key parameters of hepatocellular function and damage showed significant increases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and total and direct bilirubin in rats intoxicated with CCl4, with decreased liver glycogen and serum albumin. Macroscopic and microscopic liver examinations revealed reduced inflammation, necrosis, and steatosis in animals pretreated with LQM717 or LQM755. Hepatomegaly was observed only in the LQM717 + CCl4 group. LQM755 statistically provided partial protection against increases in ALT and ALP and completely prevented elevations in GGT and total and direct bilirubin. LQM755 completely prevented albumin reduction, while LQM717 only partially prevented it. Both compounds partially prevented glycogen depletion. Bioinformatic analysis identified 32 potential liver protein targets for LQM717 and 36 for LQM755. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LQM717 and LQM755 have significant hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury, providing information for future studies in other acute and chronic models, as well as to elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Role of IL-16 in age-related skeletal muscle atrophy: an integrated study

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aim to explore the roles of IL-16 in sarcopenia based on older orthopedic patients and animal research.

METHODS

This clinical research in this study was an observational investigation and included all the older patients with orthopedic trauma admitted to our department between January 2021 and January 2022. Patients were identified with sarcopenia if they have both low hand grip strength (HGS) and low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the bias caused by the co-factors and levels of IL-16 between normal patients and patients with sarcopenia were compared. In animal research, mice were treated with IL-16 to identify the effects of IL-16 on muscle function and muscle mass. Then the sarcopenia models were established and the anti-IL-16 was performed to identify the potential therapeutical effect of targeting IL-16.

RESULTS

421 individuals were included in the clinical study, and 77 were identified as sarcopenia. In the matched populations, the serum levels of IL-16 of individuals with low HGS, ASM, and sarcopenia were significantly higher than normal individuals (all p < 0.001). The mice treated with IL-16 showed significantly impaired muscle function and physical performance and loss of muscle mass. Using anti-IL-16 antibodies may rescue the sarcopenia traits caused by botulinum toxin type A.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with high levels of IL-16 may have a significantly high risk of sarcopenia. IL-16 impairs muscle function and physical performance and leads to muscle atrophy in mice, and these effects could be reduced by targeting IL-16.

Current developments of pharmacotherapy targeting heme oxygenase 1 in cancer (Review)

Malignant tumors are non-communicable diseases that impact human health and quality of life. Identifying and targeting the underlying genetic drivers is a challenge. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress-inducible enzyme also known as heat shock protein 32, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. It mitigates oxidative stress-induced damage and exhibits anti-apoptotic properties. HO-1 is expressed in a wide range of malignancies and is associated with tumor growth. However, the precise role of HO-1 in tumor development remains controversial. Drugs, both naturally occurring and chemically synthesized, can inhibit tumor growth by modulating HO-1 expression in cancer cells. The present review aimed to discuss biological functions of HO-1 pharmacological therapies targeting HO-1.

Anthraquinones and Aloe Vera Extracts as Potential Modulators of Inflammaging Mechanisms: A Translational Approach from Autoimmune to Onco-Hematological Diseases

Inflammaging is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that contributes to age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. This process involves immunosenescence, oxidative stress, and immune aging, all of which contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the onset of autoimmune disorders. Aloe vera (AV) has recently gained attention for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review explores the effects of AV extracts and anthraquinones (e.g., aloe-emodin, emodin, aloin) on key inflammaging-driven mechanisms in autoimmunity. Our analysis highlights AV's ability to regulate hormone balance, autoantibody production, and cytokine/chemokine signaling (such as interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ). It modulates inflammatory pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), thereby inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cell (NF-κB) activation. Additionally, AV enhances antioxidant defenses and restores immune balance by reducing Th1/Th17 subsets while promoting Th2-mediated regulation. Notably, AV also modulates inflammasome-mediated mechanisms and counteracts immunosenescence, which is driven by autophagy-related processes. These effects position AV as a potential integrative approach to mitigating inflammaging-driven autoimmunity. Furthermore, as inflammaging is increasingly recognized in onco-hematological diseases, AV-based strategies may offer novel therapeutic avenues. Future studies should focus on clinical validation, optimizing formulations, and expanding applications to broader age-related and immune-mediated disorders.

Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice via the Modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways

Background: This study aims to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction (MGQD) in relieving ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used to establish experimental colitis via dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), spleen weight, colon length, and histopathologic features were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MGQD on mice with UC. The ELISA kits were employed to assess the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Western blot analyses were used to assess the levels of IκBα, p65, p-IκBα, p-p65, HO-1, and Nrf2. Moreover, the protein levels of Nrf2 and p-p65 were assessed by immunofluorescence. Results: Colitis-related symptoms in mice were significantly alleviated by MGQD. Moreover, MGQD inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA, and ROS and increased the level of GSH in mice with UC. Mechanistically, MGQD prevented the activation of the NF-κB pathway and concomitantly promoted the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Conclusion: MGQD alleviated UC by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via the modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, suggesting that MGQD may be a candidate therapy for UC.