Malvidin alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS accumulation through activating AMPK-α/UCP2 axis, thereby resisting inflammation and apoptosis in SAE mice

Effects of simvastatin pretreatment on platelet activation and hypercoagulable state in septic mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of simvastatin pretreatment on platelet activation and hypercoagulable state in septic mice.

METHOD

60 Sprague-Dawley (SD) mice were divided into three groups: healthy control (group A), sepsis (group B) and simvastatin intervention (group C). The sepsis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide in the group B: the group A was injected with normal saline, and the group C was injected with 10 μg/ml simvastatin 5 ml of simvastatin for 3 h. The changes of protein expression were detected by Western blot, blood coagulation indexes were analyzed, and the levels of serum platelet activating factor, thrombomodulin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection kit.

RESULT

The levels of thrombomodulin and platelet activating factor in mice of the group B were significantly higher than those in the group A (P < 0.05). The levels of thrombomodulin and platelet activating factor in the group C of mice were significantly lower than those in the group B (P < 0.05), which were down-regulated by 20.44% and 33.33%, respectively (P < 0.05). The PT and APTT times of mice in the group B were significantly lower than those in the group A (P < 0.05). The PT and APTT times of mice in the group C were significantly higher than those in the group B (P < 0.05), which were upregulated by 29.01% and 13.08%, respectively (P < 0.05). The SOD level of mice in the group B was significantly lower than that in the group A, and the MDA level was significantly higher than that in the group A (P < 0.05). The SOD level in the group C of mice was significantly higher than that in the group B, which was upregulated by 24.77%, and the MDA level was significantly lower than that in the group B, which was down-regulated by 22.96% (P < 0.05). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in mice of the group B were higher than those in the group A (P < 0.05). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in the group C of mice were lower than those in the group B by 45.97%, 28.72% and 16.59%, respectively (P < 0.05). The expression levels of AMPK and UCP2 proteins in the group B of mice were lower than those in the group A (P < 0.05). The expression levels of AMPK and UCP2 proteins in the group C of mice were higher than those in the group B, which were upregulated by 55.00% and 28.81%, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Simvastatin pretreatment can improve platelet activation and hypercoagulable state in septic mice.

WNK1 Alleviates Chloride Efflux-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Subsequent Neuroinflammation in Early Brain Injury Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). WNK1 kinase negatively regulates NLRP3 in various inflammatory conditions, but its role in early brain injury (EBI) after SAH remains unclear. In this study, we used an in vivo SAH model in rats/mice and AAV-WNK1 intraventricular injection to investigate its neuroprotective mechanisms. WNK1 expression was significantly reduced in SAH patient blood and SAH model brain tissue, correlating negatively with microglial activation. AAV-WNK1 alleviated brain edema, neuronal necrosis, behavioral deficits, and inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In hemin-stimulated BV-2 cells, WNK1 overexpression reduced NLRP3 activation and inflammatory cytokines. Chloride counteracted WNK1's inhibitory effects, and WNK1 suppressed P2X7R-induced NLRP3 activation. Mechanistically, WNK1 functioned via the OXSR1/STK39 pathway. These findings highlight WNK1 as a key regulator of intracellular chloride balance and neuroinflammation, presenting a potential therapeutic target for SAH treatment.

Malvidin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Modulating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling to Inhibit Macrophage M1 Polarization and Oxidative Stress

Malvidin (Mv), a widely recognized anthocyanin, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its potential therapeutic effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) remain unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of malvidin on ALI and investigate its underlying mechanisms. In a mouse model of intratracheal LPS administration-induced ALI, Mv markedly alleviated lung tissue damage. It reduced the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and decreased total protein and inflammatory cytokine levels and total cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Single-cell transcriptomics, drug target prediction, and RNA sequencing revealed that Mv exerts protective effects by modulating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, potentially via JAK/STAT signaling. Hub gene analysis identified JAK2 and STAT3 as key regulatory targets, and molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding between Mv and JAK2. Mv exhibited up to 80% free radical-scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. Mv suppressed M1 polarization marker expression (CD86 and iNOS), reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in vitro and in vivo. Western blots showed that Mv significantly inhibited LPS-induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation. In conclusion, Mv ameliorates ALI by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling, thereby suppressing macrophage M1 polarization and oxidative stress.

Natural pigments: innovative extraction technologies and their potential application in health and food industries

Natural pigments, or natural colorants, are frequently utilized in the food industry due to their diverse functional and nutritional attributes. Beyond their color properties, these pigments possess several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects, as well as benefits for eye health. This review aims to provide a timely overview of the potential of natural pigments in the pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies for natural pigment extraction (thermal technologies, non-thermal technologies, and supercritical fluid extraction), their pharmacological effects, and their potential application in intelligent food packaging and as food colorants. Natural pigments show several pharmaceutical prospects. For example, delphinidin (30 µM) significantly inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines (B16-F10, EO771, and RM1) by at least 90% after 48 h. Furthermore, as an antioxidant agent, fucoxanthin at the highest concentration (50 μg/mL) significantly increased the ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulfide (p < 0.05). In the food industry, natural pigments have been used to improve the nutritional value of food without significantly altering the sensory experience. Moreover, the use of natural pH-sensitive pigments as food freshness indicators in intelligent food packaging is a cutting-edge technological advancement. This innovation could provide useful information to consumers, increase shelf life, and assist in evaluating the quality of packaged food by observing color variations over time. However, the use of natural pigments presents certain challenges, particularly regarding their stability and higher production costs compared to synthetic pigments. This situation underscores the need for further investigation into alternative pigment sources and improved stabilization methods. The instability of these natural pigments emphasizes their tendency to degrade and change color when exposed to various external conditions, including light, oxygen, temperature fluctuations, pH levels, and interactions with other substances in the food matrix.

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2: a central player in pancreatic disease pathophysiology

Pancreatic diseases pose considerable health challenges due to their complex etiology and limited therapeutic options. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), highly expressed in pancreatic tissue, participates in numerous physiological processes and signaling pathways, indicating its potential relevance in these diseases. Despite this, UCP2's role in acute pancreatitis (AP) remains underexplored, and its functions in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic steatosis are largely unknown. Additionally, the mechanisms connecting various pancreatic diseases are intricate and not yet fully elucidated. Given UCP2's diverse functionality, broad expression in pancreatic tissue, and the distinct pathophysiological features of pancreatic diseases, this review offers a comprehensive analysis of current findings on UCP2's involvement in these conditions. We discuss recent insights into UCP2's complex regulatory mechanisms, propose that UCP2 may serve as a central regulatory factor in pancreatic disease progression, and hypothesize that UCP2 dysfunction could significantly contribute to disease pathogenesis. Understanding UCP2's role and mechanisms in pancreatic diseases may pave the way for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.

Deciphering ferroptosis in critical care: mechanisms, consequences, and therapeutic opportunities

Ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRI) across various organs and tissues, along with sepsis, significantly contribute to the progression of critical illnesses. These conditions disrupt the balance of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways, resulting in impaired physiological functions in human tissues and organs. Ferroptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in regulating tissue damage and modulating inflammatory responses, thereby influencing the onset and progression of severe illnesses. Recent studies highlight that pharmacological agents targeting ferroptosis-related proteins can effectively mitigate oxidative stress caused by IRI in multiple organs, alleviating associated symptoms. This manuscript delves into the mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying ferroptosis, its role in critical illnesses, and its therapeutic potential in mitigating disease progression. We aim to offer a novel perspective for advancing clinical treatments for critical illnesses.

Reduced glutathione attenuates pediatric sepsis-associated encephalopathy by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release and mitigating lipid peroxidation-induced brain injury

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a severe complication of sepsis. Reduced glutathione (GSH) has antioxidant properties and is used as a neuroprotective agent in some studies. However, research on the application of exogenous GSH in the treatment of SAE is limited. This study aimed to determine the effects of exogenous GSH in pediatric SAE patients and mice. We evaluated clinical parameters, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress before and after GSH treatment. The clinical trials demonstrated that GSH treatment improved brain damage markers (S-100 beta protein, brain fatty acid-binding protein), increased neurological status scores (Glasgow coma scale), and reduced Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores in children with SAE. GSH treatment also significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and decreased lipid peroxidation (superoxide dismutase). Additionally, GSH reduced lipid peroxidation resulting from abnormal lipid metabolism, as indicated by the levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3, and glutathione peroxidase 4. In-vivo experiments showed that the neuroprotective effect of GSH was dose-dependent, with better effects observed at medium and high doses. Furthermore, GSH alleviated brain damage, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors, and inhibited lipid peroxidation in SAE mice. The animal experiments also showed that GSH reduces lipid peroxidation through the 15-lipoxygenase/phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway. Our study suggests that exogenous GSH has neuroprotective effects in pediatric SAE. These findings provide a basis for the potential use of GSH as a therapeutic method for SAE.

Plant anthocyanins: Classification, biosynthesis, regulation, bioactivity, and health benefits

Anthocyanins are naturally water-soluble pigments of plants, which can be pink, orange, red, purple, or blue. Anthocyanins belong to a subcategory of flavonoids known as polyphenols and are consumed in plant-based foods. The antioxidant properties of anthocyanins benefit human health. However, there has been no comprehensive review of the classification, distribution, and biosynthesis of anthocyanins and their regulation in plants, along with their potential health benefits. In this review, we provide a systematic synthesis of recent progress in anthocyanin research, specifically focusing on the classification, biosynthetic pathways, regulatory mechanisms, bioactivity, and health benefits. We bridge the gaps in understanding anthocyanin biological significance and potential applications. Furthermore, we discuss future directions for anthocyanin research, such as biotechnology, bioavailability, and the integration of artificial intelligence. We highlight pivotal research questions that warrant further exploration in the field of anthocyanin research.

Malvidin-3-O-Glucoside Mitigates α-Syn and MPTP Co-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Human Microglial HMC3 Cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of an aggregated protein, α-synuclein (α-syn), which is encoded by the SNCA gene and localized to presynaptic terminals in a normal human brain. The α-syn aggregation is induced by the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mitochondrial neurotoxin and is therefore used to mimic PD-like pathology in various in vitro and in vivo models. However, in vitro PD-like pathology using α-syn and MPTP in human microglial cells has not yet been reported. Malvidin-3-O-glucoside (M3G) is a major anthocyanin primarily responsible for pigmentation in various fruits and beverages and has been reported to possess various bioactivities. However, the neuroprotective effects of M3G in humanized in vitro PD-like pathologies have not been reported. Therefore, individual and co-treatments of α-syn and MPTP in a human microglial (HMC3) cell line were used to establish a humanized PD-like pathology model in vitro. The individual treatments were significantly less cytotoxic when compared to the α-syn and MPTP co-treatment. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of M3G by treating HMC3 cells with α-syn (8 μg/mL) and MPTP (2 mM) individually or in a co-treatment in the presence or absence of M3G (50 μM). M3G demonstrated anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties against the α-syn- and MPTP-generated humanized in vitro PD-like pathology. This study determined that the cytoprotective effects of M3G are mediated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 signaling.

Repurposed genipin targeting UCP2 exhibits antitumor activity through inducing ferroptosis in glioblastoma

Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) controls the antioxidant response and redox homeostasis in cancer and is considered a potent molecular target for cancer treatment. However, the specific mechanism of UCP2 inhibition and its role in glioblastoma (GBM) have not yet been elucidated. Here, we attempt to identify a UCP2 inhibitor and study the underlying molecular mechanism in GBM. Bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry are used to validate the high expression of UCP2 in GBM and its prognostic significance. Drug intervention and tumor xenograft experiments are conducted to determine the inhibitory effect of genipin, a UCP2 inhibitor, on UCP2. The mitochondrial membrane potential and key ferroptosis genes are examined to determine the occurrence of ferroptosis. High expression of UCP2 in GBM is associated with poor prognosis, and inhibiting UCP2 can alleviate the malignant behavior of GBM tumors. Genipin can downregulate the expression of GPX4 and upregulate the expression of ACSL4 by inhibiting UCP2, leading to ferroptosis and alleviating the malignant behavior of tumors. In summary, UCP2 is a potential therapeutic target for GBM. Genipin, which targets UCP2, effectively inhibits GBM development by inducing ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. These findings indicate that genipin treatment based on UCP2 targeting has potential therapeutic applications with a clinical perspective for the treatment of GBM patients.

Orexin-A Attenuates the Inflammatory Response in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Microglia and Astrocytes

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress-induced inflammation is a major pathogenic mechanism in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). We hypothesized that regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the neuropeptide orexin-A could prevent SAE-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of orexin-A on oxidative stress and inflammation in SAE in mice.

METHODS

Adult male mice were treated with orexin-A (250 μg/kg, intranasal administration) to establish a cecal ligation perforation (CLP) model. We performed behavioral tests, observed neuronal damage in the hippocampal region, measured the levels of ROS, NOX2, and observed the structure of mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy. We then examined the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β, the activation of microglia and astrocytes, the expression of ERK/NF-κB, C3, and S100A10, and the presence of A1 type astrocytes and A2 type astrocytes.

RESULTS

Orexin-A treatment improved cognitive performance in CLP-induced SAE mice, attenuated neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal region, ameliorated ROS levels and the extent of mitochondrial damage, and reduced protein expression of NOX2 in hippocampal tissue. In addition, orexin-A treatment significantly reduced microglia and astrocyte activation, inhibited the levels of P-ERK and NF-κB, and reduced the release of IL-1β and TNF-α, which were significantly increased after CLP. Finally, Orexin-A treatment significantly decreased the number of C3/glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells and increased the number of S100A10/GFAP-positive cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that orexin-A reduces ROS expression by inhibiting CLP-induced NOX2 production, thereby attenuating mitochondrial damage and neuronal apoptosis. Its inhibition of microglial and A1-type astrocyte activation and inflammation was associated with the ERK/NF-κB pathway. These suggest that orexin-A may reduce cognitive impairment in SAE by reducing oxidative stress-induced inflammation.

The ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway mediates LPS-induced microglial inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction activated by microglia. The potential pathological changes of SAE are complex, and the cellular pathophysiological characteristics remains unclear. This study aims to explore the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway mediated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in microglia.

METHODS

BV-2 cells were pre-incubated with 10 μM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) for 2 h, which were then reacted with 1 μg/mL LPS for 24 h. Western blot assay examined the protein levels of IBA1, CD68, TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, and Cleaved Caspase-1 in BV-2 cells. The contents of inflammatory factor were detected by ELISA assay. The co-immunoprecipitation assay examined the interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3.

RESULTS

LPS was confirmed to promote the positive expressions of IBA1 and CD68 in BV-2 cells. The further experiments indicated that LPS enhanced ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in BV-2 cells. Moreover, we also found that NAC partially reversed the facilitation of LPS on the levels of ROS, IL-1β, IL-18, TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, and Cleaved Caspase-1 in BV-2 cells. NAC treatment also notably alleviated the interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 in BV-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

ROS inhibition mediated NLRP3 signaling inactivation by decreasing TXNIP expression.

Deciphering the mechanism of cimifugin in mitigating LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 cells

PURPOSE

Sepsis often triggers a systemic inflammatory response leading to multi-organ dysfunction, with complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of cimifugin on BV-2 cells under sepsis-induced stress conditions.

METHODS

We utilized a BV-2 microglial cell model treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sepsis. Assessments included cellular vitality, inflammatory cytokine quantification (6 interleukin [6IL]-1β, interleukin 6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) via enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay, and analysis of mRNA expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were also evaluated to understand the cellular effects of cimifugin.

RESULTS

Cimifugin significantly attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It enhanced cell viability and modulated the secretion and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Notably, cimifugin activated the deacetylase sirtuin 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, contributing to its protective effects against mitochondrial damage.

CONCLUSION

Cimifugin demonstrates the potential of being an effective treatment for sepsis--induced neuroinflammation, warranting further investigation.

Knockdown of KBTBD7 attenuates septic lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving mitochondrial dysfunction

Lung injury in sepsis is caused by an excessive inflammatory response caused by the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the body. It is also accompanied by the production of large amounts of ROS. Ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction have also been shown to be related to sepsis. Finding suitable sepsis therapeutic targets is crucial for sepsis research. BTB domain-containing protein 7 (KBTBD7) is involved in regulating inflammatory responses, but its role and mechanism in the treatment of septic lung injury are still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role and related mechanisms of KBTBD7 in septic lung injury. In in vitro studies, we established an in vitro model by inducing human alveolar epithelial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and found that KBTBD7 was highly expressed in the in vitro model. KBTBD7 knockdown could reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and inhibit the production of ROS, ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistic studies show that KBTBD7 interacts with FOXA1, promotes FOXA1 expression, and indirectly inhibits SLC7A11 transcription. In vivo studies have shown that knocking down KBTBD7 improves lung tissue damage in septic lung injury mice, inhibits inflammatory factors, ROS production and ferroptosis. Taken together, knockdown of KBTBD7 shows an alleviating effect on septic lung injury in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of septic lung injury.

Recent progress in thiocarbazone metal complexes for cancer therapy via mitochondrial signalling pathway

Mitochondria are the energy factories of cells and are important targets for the development of novel tumour treatment strategies owing to their involvement in processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, and metabolic programming. Thiosemicarbazone metal complexes target mitochondria and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential. The breakdown of mitochondrial membrane potential is a key event in the early stage of apoptosis, which releases cytochrome C and other pro-apoptotic factors, activates the intracellular apoptotic enzyme cascade, and eventually causes irreversible apoptosis of tumour cells. Thiosemicarbazone metal complexes targeting the mitochondria have recently emerged as potential antitumour agents; therefore, this review describes the structural diversity of thiosemicarbazone metal [Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Ga(III), Pb(II), Au(III), and Ir(III)] complexes and explores their anti-tumour mechanisms that target mitochondrial pathways.

Mitofilin in cardiovascular diseases: Insights into the pathogenesis and potential pharmacological interventions

The impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is increasing. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Mitochondria produce cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation while regulating calcium homeostasis, cellular respiration, and the production of biosynthetic chemicals. Nevertheless, problems related to cardiac energy metabolism, defective mitochondrial proteins, mitophagy, and structural changes in mitochondrial membranes can cause cardiovascular diseases via mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitofilin is a critical inner mitochondrial membrane protein that maintains cristae structure and facilitates protein transport while linking the inner mitochondrial membrane, outer mitochondrial membrane, and mitochondrial DNA transcription. Researchers believe that mitofilin may be a therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular diseases, particularly cardiac mitochondrial dysfunctions. In this review, we highlight current findings regarding the role of mitofilin in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and potential therapeutic compounds targeting mitofilin.

AP39, a novel mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating the AMPK/UCP2 pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum, highly effective antitumor agent; however, its cardiotoxicity has greatly limited its use. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous transmitter that exerts cardioprotective effects via the regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis and maintenance of mitochondrial function, among other mechanisms. AP39 is a novel mitochondria-targeted H2S donor that, at appropriate concentrations, attenuates intracellular oxidative stress damage, maintains mitochondrial function, and ameliorates cardiomyocyte injury. In this study, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity models were established using H9c2 cells and Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate the protective effect of AP39 and its mechanisms of action. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that DOX induces oxidative stress injury, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes and decreases the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and UCP2. All DOX-induced changes were attenuated by AP39 treatment. Furthermore, the protective effect of AP39 was significantly attenuated by the inhibition of AMPK and UCP2. The results suggest that AP39 ameliorates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating the expression of AMPK/UCP2.

Grape/Blueberry Anthocyanins and Their Gut-Derived Metabolites Attenuate LPS/Nigericin-Induced Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting ASC Speck Formation in THP-1 Monocytes

Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes, which are formed in response to tissue injury, infections, and metabolic stress. However, aberrant inflammasome activation has been linked to several inflammatory diseases. Anthocyanins have been reported to attenuate NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, but the influence of grape/blueberry anthocyanins and especially their gut-derived metabolites on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes remains unclear. Therefore, human leukemic monocytes (THP-1 cells, Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 cells) were preincubated with different concentrations of grape/blueberry anthocyanins, homovanillyl alcohol, or 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (THBA) before the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by lipopolysaccharide and/or nigericin. Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) speck formation, as well as ASC and NLRP3 protein expression, were determined using flow cytometry. Caspase-1 activity was measured in cultured cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Anthocyanins and their metabolites had no effect on ASC or NLRP3 protein expression. However, THBA significantly inhibited ASC speck formation in primed and unprimed THP-1 monocytes, while caspase-1 activity was significantly declined by grape/blueberry anthocyanins. Furthermore, reduced inflammasome activation resulted in lower pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that grape/blueberry anthocyanins and their gut-derived metabolites exert anti-inflammatory effects by attenuating NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 monocytes.

Malvidin alleviates LPS-induced septic intestinal injury through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/reactive oxygen species/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

Emerging evidence suggests that the gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of sepsis, a leading cause of mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Malvidin, belonging to the flavonoid family of compounds, exhibits a range of capabilities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated that Malvidin exhibits a dose-dependent effect in mitigating sepsis-induced intestinal injury. The advantageous impact of Malvidin in safeguarding against sepsis-induced intestinal injury is associated with its capacity to counteract oxidative stress, inhibit cellular apoptosis, diminish the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulate the synthesis of inflammasomes. The findings indicate that Malvidin, a natural compound, exhibits protective effects on the gut by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/reactive oxygen species/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These results have significant implications for potential clinical applications and offer valuable insights into the treatment of sepsis-induced intestinal injury.

Regulation of UCP2 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: From mechanisms to natural product

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with lipid deposition in liver cells and/or subsequent inflammation, excluding other known causes. NAFLD is a subset of metabolic syndrome that ranges from simple steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). At present, the pathogenesis of NAFLD remains unclear. Among the many factors that shape these transitions, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) may be involved in every stage of the disease. UCP2 is a carrier protein that responds to fatty acids (FAs) in mitochondrial intima and has a wide tissue distribution. However, the biological function of UCP2 has not been fully elucidated, and most of our current knowledge comes from cell and animal experiments. These data suggest that UCP2 plays a role in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and even cancer. In this review, we summarize the structure, distribution, and biological function of UCP2 and its role in the progression of NAFLD, as well as natural products targeting UCP2 to improve NAFLD.

Malvidin and Its Mono- and Di-Glucosides Forms: A Study of Combining Both In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies Focused on Cholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, COX-1 and COX-2 Activities

Malvidin, one of the six most prominent anthocyanins found in various fruits and vegetables, may possess a wide range of health-promoting properties. The biological activity of malvidin and its glycosides is not entirely clear and has been relatively less frequently studied compared to other anthocyanins. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the structural derivatives of malvidin and their anti-cholinergic and anti-inflammatory activity. The study selected malvidin (Mv) and its two sugar derivatives: malvidin 3-O-glucoside (Mv 3-glc) and malvidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (Mv 3,5-diglc). The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibiting the enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. Additionally, the inhibitory effects on cholinesterase activity, particularly acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), were evaluated. Molecular modeling was also employed to examine and visualize the interactions between enzymes and anthocyanins. The results revealed that the highest inhibitory capacity at concentration 100 µM was demonstrated by Mv 3-glc in relation to AChE (26.3 ± 3.1%) and BChE (22.1 ± 3.0%), highlighting the crucial role of the glycoside substituent at the C3 position of the C ring in determining the inhibitory efficiency of these enzymes. In addition, the glycosylation of malvidin significantly reduced the anti-inflammatory activity of these derivatives compared to the aglycone form. The IC50 parameter demonstrates the following relationship for the COX-1 enzyme: Mv (12.45 ± 0.70 µM) < Mv 3-glc (74.78 ± 0.06 µM) < Mv 3,5-diglc (90.36 ± 1.92 µM). Similarly, for the COX-2 enzyme, we have: Mv (2.76 ± 0.16 µM) < Mv 3-glc (39.92 ± 3.02 µM) < Mv 3.5-diglc (66.45 ± 1.93 µM). All tested forms of malvidin exhibited higher activity towards COX-2 compared to COX-1, indicating their selectivity as inhibitors of COX-2. Theoretical calculations were capable of qualitatively replicating most of the noted patterns in the experimental data, explaining the impact of deprotonation and glycosylation on inhibitory activity. It can be suggested that anthocyanins, such as malvidins, could be valuable in the development of treatments for inflammatory conditions and Alzheimer's disease and deserve further study.

Microglial Activation: Key Players in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common brain dysfunction, which results in severe cognitive and neurological sequelae and an increased mortality rate in patients with sepsis. Depending on the stimulus, microglia (resident macrophages in the brain that are involved in SAE pathology and physiology) can adopt two polarization states (M1/M2), corresponding to altered microglial morphology, gene expression, and function. We systematically described the pathogenesis, morphology, function, and phenotype of microglial activation in SAE and demonstrated that microglia are closely related to SAE occurrence and development, and concomitant cognitive impairment. Finally, some potential therapeutic approaches that can prime microglia and neuroinflammation toward the beneficial restorative microglial phenotype in SAE were outlined.

Food Anthocyanins: Malvidin and Its Glycosides as Promising Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agents with Potential Health Benefits

Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds that are abundantly present in fruits and vegetables. These compounds contribute to the color of these foods and offer various health benefits to consumers due to their biological properties. There are more than 1000 types of anthocyanins in nature, all derived from 27 anthocyanidin aglycones that have different glycosylations and acylations. Malvidin is one of the most well-known anthocyanidins. Several studies, including those conducted on cell lines, animals, and humans, have suggested that malvidin and its glycosides possess anti-carcinogenic, diabetes-control, cardiovascular-disease-prevention, and brain-function-improvement properties. These health benefits are primarily attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are influenced by the molecular mechanisms related to the expression and modulation of critical genes. In this article, we review the available information on the biological activity of malvidin and its glycosides concerning their health-promoting effects.