Natural compounds targeting mitochondrial dysfunction: emerging therapeutics for target organ damage in hypertension

Ambient ammonium exposure is associated with physical dysfunction in older adults in China

The health effects associated with particulate matter (PM) are extensively reported; nevertheless, limited research has explored the exact contributions of its chemical constituents to physical dysfunctional aging. This study assesses the relationships between prolonged exposure to significant ambient air pollutants, especially ammonium (NH4+), and physical dysfunction in a nationally representative cohort of older Chinese adults. We investigated data from 14,641 participants aged 45 years or older in the 2015 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which was integrated with high-resolution air pollution data from the ChinaHighAirPollutants (CHAP) dataset. Physical dysfunction was evaluated by self-reported challenges in executing routine activities. After controlling for a wide range of confounders, associations among eight air contaminants (averaged from 2013 to 2015) and dysfunction risk were investigated using logistic regression models. Multicollinearity among covariates in the fully adjusted models was assessed using the generalized variance inflation factor (GVIF), with a threshold value of 5 adopted as the criterion to indicate potential collinearity. Sensitivity analyses-including exclusion of high-exposure participants, standardized z-score modeling, stratified subgroup evaluations, and multipollutant adjustments-were performed to assess the robustness of associations. Dose-response relationships were modeled using both quartile-based logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, revealing consistent and complementary trends. To estimate independent effects and address potential collinearity, we further constructed a multipollutant model adjusting for seven co-pollutants. In all and fully adjusted models, ambient ammonium (NH4+) was the only air pollutant that demonstrated a significant and independent association with physical dysfunction (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05; p < 0.05); no significant associations were found for the other pollutants. This association remained robust across multiple sensitivity analyses, including exclusion of extreme exposure (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08-1.17; p < 0.001), z-score standardization (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.57-2.98; p < 0.001), and 5 stratified subgroup models. A significant dose-response relationship was identified both in quartile-based trend tests (p for trend < 0.001) and restricted cubic spline analysis (p for non-linearity < 0.001). Taken together, the monotonic trend from quartile analysis and the non-linear pattern from spline modeling suggest that even moderate exposure to NH4⁺ may contribute to physical dysfunction. Furthermore, multicollinearity diagnostics based on generalized variance inflation factors (GVIFs) indicated no evidence of problematic collinearity among covariates in the fully adjusted models (all GVIF < 5). Besides, the association remained significant and became stronger in a multipollutant model, highlighting the independent effect of NH4+ beyond co-pollutant confounding (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.26-1.76; p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that NH4+, a significant secondary component of PM predominantly sourced from agricultural ammonia emissions, may uniquely contribute to the deterioration of physical function. It may be important to evaluate particle chemical makeup for analyzing health concerns, as there is no association for total PM mass. Long-lasting exposure to ambient NH4+ has been independently associated with increased odds of physical dysfunction across older adults in China. These findings underscore the necessity for specific environmental strategies focused on ammonia reduction to alleviate age-related functional deterioration and foster healthy aging.

Hydrogen sulfide-mediated cardiovascular protection involved in the antihypertensive effect of the saiga antelope horn

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saiga antelope horn (SAH), derived from the male Saiga tatarica Linnaeus, has been used in China for millennia to treat hyperpyretic convulsions and hypertension-related diseases. Clarifying its effectiveness and mechanism of action are essential because of its limited availability. This study will guide the investigation of alternative resources.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study investigated the short- and long-term antihypertensive effectiveness of SAH in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the relation of its mechanism of action to H2S (hydrogen sulfide), other reactive sulfur species (RSS), and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the SHR model, blood pressure was independently monitored by the tail-cuff method and carotid artery intubation. Hypertension was assessed weekly by physical signs, including facial temperature, irritability, pain, rotation time, and water consumption. The effects of SAH on the RAAS, vasoactive substances, and sympathetic neurotransmitters were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and colorimetry on study completion. Transcriptomics detected differentially expressed mRNAs and enriched signaling pathways in thoracic aorta tissue. H2S was measured in the mesenteric arteries and thoracic aorta by probe staining and PbS detection. H2S and other RSS were measured in intestinal tissue by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The correlation of the antihypertensive activity of SAH with H2S was tested with DL-propargylglycine (PAG), a cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) inhibitor. SAH organ protection was evaluated by histopathologic staining of artery, heart, and kidney tissue.

RESULTS

SAH had significant short- and long-term effectiveness. It improved symptom scores and regulated RAAS, vasoactive substances, and sympathetic neurotransmitters. Transcriptomes of thoracic aorta tissue found differentially expressed genes following SAH treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment found that those genes were enriched in calcium, oxidative phosphorylation, and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption and were involved in the regulation of the biosynthesis and metabolism of sulfur compounds and thioesters. SAH significantly increased H2S levels in arterial and intestinal tissue, and its antihypertensive activity was abolished by PAG treatment. SAH improved lesions and reduced collagen deposition in the kidneys, heart, and arteries in SHRs.

CONCLUSION

SAH had significant antihypertensive activity and protected against organ damage by regulating the metabolism of H2S and other active sulfur and reactive oxygen species.

The Janus Face of Oxidative Stress and Hydrogen Sulfide: Insights into Neurodegenerative Disease Pathogenesis

Oxidative stress plays an essential role in neurodegenerative pathophysiology, acting as both a critical signaling mediator and a driver of neuronal damage. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a versatile gasotransmitter, exhibits a similarly "Janus-faced" nature, acting as a potent antioxidant and cytoprotective molecule at physiological concentrations, but becoming detrimental when dysregulated. This review explores the dual roles of oxidative stress and H2S in normal cellular physiology and pathophysiology, focusing on neurodegenerative disease progression. We highlight potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting redox and sulfur-based signaling systems in neurodegenerative diseases by elucidating the intricate balance between these opposing forces.

Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cerebral Ischemia: Advances in Pharmacological Interventions

The study of mitochondrial dysfunction has become increasingly pivotal in elucidating the pathophysiology of various cerebral pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy metabolism, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium homeostasis, and the execution of apoptotic processes. Disruptions in mitochondrial function, driven by factors such as oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and altered ion balance, lead to neuronal death and contribute to cognitive impairments in several brain diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction can arise from genetic mutations, ischemic events, hypoxia, and other environmental factors. This article highlights the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to attenuate cellular damage, restore mitochondrial function, and enhance neuroprotection.

Mitoepigenetics pathways and natural compounds: a dual approach to combatting hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading liver cancer that significantly impacts global life expectancy and remains challenging to treat due to often late diagnoses. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis is still poor, especially in advanced stages. Studies have pointed out that investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC, including mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic regulators, are potentially important targets for diagnosis and therapy. Mitoepigenetics, or the epigenetic modifications of mitochondrial DNA, have drawn wide attention for their role in HCC progression. Besides, molecular biomarkers such as mitochondrial DNA alterations and non-coding RNAs showed early diagnosis and prognosis potential. Additionally, natural compounds like alkaloids, resveratrol, curcumin, and flavonoids show promise in HCC show promise in modulating mitochondrial and epigenetic pathways involved in cancer-related processes. This review discusses how mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic modifications, especially mitoepigenetics, influence HCC and delves into the potential of natural products as new adjuvant treatments against HCC.

Anthracycline-induced hypertension in pediatric cancer survivors: unveiling the long-term cardiovascular risks

BACKGROUND

Long-term cardiovascular complications are common among pediatric cancer survivors, and anthracycline-induced hypertension has become an essential reason for concern. Compared to non-cancer controls, survivors have a higher prevalence of hypertension, and as they age, their incidence rises, offering significant dangers to cardiovascular health.

MAIN BODY

Research demonstrates that exposure to anthracyclines is a major factor in the development of hypertension in children who have survived cancer. Research emphasizes the frequency and risk factors of anthracycline-induced hypertension, highlighting the significance of routine measurement and management of blood pressure. Furthermore, cardiovascular toxicities, such as hypertension, after anthracycline-based therapy are a crucial be concerned, especially for young adults and adolescents. Childhood cancer survivors deal with a variety of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy, which are made worse by high blood pressure. In order to prevent long-term complications, it is essential to screen for and monitor for anthracycline-induced hypertension. Echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers serve as essential tools for early detection and treatment. In order to lower cardiovascular risks in pediatric cancer survivors, comprehensive management strategies must include lifestyle and medication interventions in addition to survivor-centered care programs.

SHORT CONCLUSION

Proactive screening, monitoring, and management measures are necessary for juvenile cancer survivors due to the substantial issue of anthracycline-induced hypertension in their long-term care. To properly include these strategies into survivor-ship programs, oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians need to collaborate together. The quality of life for pediatric cancer survivors can be enhanced by reducing the cardiovascular risks linked to anthracycline therapy and promoting survivor-centered care and research.