Biochanin A attenuates spinal cord injury in rats during early stages by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammasome activation

Flavonoids regulating NLRP3 inflammasome: a promising approach in alleviating diabetic peripheral neuropathy

A common and serious side effect of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which is characterised by gradual nerve damage brought on by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and prolonged hyperglycemia. Studies identify NLRP3 inflammasome as a key mediator in the pathogenesis of DPN, connecting neuroinflammation and neuronal damage to metabolic failure. Because of their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, flavonoids, a broad class of naturally occurring polyphenols, have drawn interest as potential treatments for DPN. The various ways that flavonoids affect the NLRP3 inflammasome and their potential as a treatment for DPN are examined in this review. It has been demonstrated that flavonoids prevent NLRP3 activation, which lowers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and IL-18 and causes neuroinflammation. Flavonoids work mechanistically by reducing oxidative stress, altering important signalling pathways, and blocking the activities of NF-κB and caspase-1, which are both essential for the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Preclinical research has shown that flavonoids have strong neuroprotective benefits, and few clinical evidence also points to the potential of flavonoids to improve nerve function and lessen neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. The current review emphasises how flavonoids may be used as a treatment strategy to target inflammation in DPN caused by the NLRP3 inflammasome. By targeting important inflammatory pathways, flavonoids provide a new way to slow the progression of this debilitating illness. Further investigation into the mechanisms, clinical translation, and novel drug delivery techniques could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Roles of METTL3 and NLRP3 in pyroptosis and prospects in SCIRI

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) leads to severe neurological deficits, with pyroptosis emerging as a key driver of inflammation and neuronal death. Recent studies suggest that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a critical RNA methyltransferase, may regulate the nucleotide-binding oligomerized structural domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation via N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification, yet direct evidence in SCIRI remains limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the METTL3-NLRP3 axis in pyroptosis, explores its therapeutic potential, and identifies critical research gaps for future investigation.

Bletilla striata polysaccharide induces autophagy through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote the survival of cross-boundary flap in rats

Introduction

Distal flap necrosis is a common problem in flap transplantation. Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is the main medicinal component of traditional Chinese medicine Bletilla striata. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of BSP promoting flap survival.

Methods

The control group, BSP low, medium and high dose groups, BSP + autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group were designed to establish a model of cross-boundary flap in rat back. After 7 days of postoperative administration, the samples were taken.

Results

The optimal dose of BSP was determined to be 250 mg/kg/d according to the survival rate of flap, microvessel density, intra-arterial diameter, expression of vascular-related protein and pharmacological toxicity. By detecting the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, it was found that BSP could activate autophagy. After autophagy was blocked, the therapeutic effect of BSP was reversed. In addition, BSP activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Discussion

Studies have shown that BSP induces autophagy by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby promoting angiogenesis and improving survival rate of flap.

Custom-Made Ce-Mn Bimetallic Nanozyme for the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Modulating Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD)-induced lower back pain (LBP) brings heavy burden worldwide. In the degenerated intervertebral disc, there is an increase in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the infiltration of M1 macrophages, which leads to abnormal local inflammatory microenvironment and exacerbates IDD. In this study, we developed a novel injectable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-capped cerium ion-manganese ion (Ce-Mn) bimetallic nanozyme (CeMn-PEG) with strong ROS scavenging and M2-type macrophage polarizing abilities to efficiently alleviate IDD. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CeMn-PEG effectively scavenged excess ROS in both nucleus pulposus (NP) and RAW264.7 cells. In addition, we found that CeMn-PEG markedly protected NP cells from H2O2-induced overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, excessive cell apoptosis and autophagy, and imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Moreover, CeMn-PEG induced macrophages to transition from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype and the increased M2-type macrophages could alleviate H2O2-induced ECM degradation and cell apoptosis in NP cells. In a puncture-induced mouse IDD model, CeMn-PEG treatment could effectively ameliorate the progression of disc degeneration and mitigate puncture-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Thus, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of CeMn-PEG as a novel treatment strategy for the treatment of IDD and a range of other inflammatory diseases.

GsMTx4 Combined with Exercise Exerts Neuroprotective Effects by Regulating Neuronal Autophagy in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

A sharp increase in intramedullary pressure after spinal cord injury (SCI) can aggravate secondary injury and lead to severe neurological deficits. Unfortunately, effective treatment options are currently lacking. The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 plays an important role in the pathological process of SCI by transducing mechanical stress. The Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4 has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may hold therapeutic potential for SCI. Given that single drug treatment strategy has limited effect on functional recovery after SCI, we explored the efficacy of combining GsMTx4 with exercise training in treating SCI in rats and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We used the T10 SCI rat model, administered GsMTx4 immediately after injury, and performed 4 weeks of body weight supported treadmill training starting (BWSTT) 2 weeks post injury. Subsequently, HE and LFB staining were used to observe the morphology of spinal cord tissue, WB was used to detect autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins, biochemical detection of calcium ion concentration and CTSD activity, IHC detection of LAMP1 expression, immunofluorescence labeling of NeuN and ChAT-positive motor neurons, as well as MBP and GFAP, and BBB scores were used to evaluate rat motor function. We found that the combined treatment of GsMTx4 drug and exercise training was more effective than single treatment alone. The combined treatment reduced calcium ion concentration, improved lysosomal function, enhanced autophagic flux, reduced cell apoptosis, and significantly improved the motor function of rats. This combined treatment regimen may pave the way for developing more comprehensive treatment strategies for SCI in the future.

Progress in spinal cord organoid research: advancing understanding of neural development, disease modelling, and regenerative medicine

Stem cell-derived spinal cord organoids (SCOs) have revolutionised the study of spinal cord development and disease mechanisms, offering a three-dimensional model that recapitulates the complexity of native tissue. This review synthesises recent advancements in SCO technology, highlighting their role in modelling spinal cord morphogenesis and their application in neurodegenerative disease research. We discuss the methodological breakthroughs in inducing regional specification and cellular diversity within SCOs, which have enhanced their predictive ability for drug screening and their relevance in mimicking pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and neuromuscular disorders. Despite these strides, challenges in achieving vascularisation and mature neuronal integration persist. The future of SCOs lies in addressing these limitations, potentially leading to transformative impactions in regenerative medicine and therapeutic development.

Heterophyllin B enhances transcription factor EB-mediated autophagy and alleviates pyroptosis and oxidative stress after spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has devastating physical, psychosocial, and vocational implications for patients and caregivers. Heterophyllin B (HB) is a brain-permeable cyclopeptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla that promotes axonal regeneration and neuroinflammation. However, the efficacy of HB in improving functional recovery following SCI and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilized a murine model for SCI assessment to evaluate the therapeutic effects of HB. following HB intervention, functional recovery post-SCI, was assessed through the Basso Mouse Scale, gait analysis, and the detection of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). RNA sequencing was used to study the roles of pyroptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy in HB's impact on SCI. Techniques such as Western blot, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate pyroptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy markers. Associated virus vectors were used to suppress transcription factor EB (TFEB), an autophagy regulator, in a living organism. HB promoted autophagy by enhancing TFEB nuclear translocation. In contrast, it inhibited pyroptosis and oxidative stress. Based on using the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C, the AMPK-TRPML1-calcineurin pathway was involved in HB's regulation of TFEB. In summary, this study demonstrated that HB facilitated functional recuperation by stimulating TFEB-driven autophagy while simultaneously suppressing pyroptosis and oxidative stress after SCI, indicating its potential for clinical application.

Harnessing Therapeutic Potentials of Biochanin A in Neurological Disorders: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Overview

Biochanin A, an isoflavone flavonoid with estrogenic activity, is naturally found in red clover and other legumes. It possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. In recent years, a growing body of pre-clinical research has focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of biochanin A in various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, ischemic brain injury, gliomas, and neurotoxicity. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to the neuroprotective role of biochanin A based on previous pre-clinical studies. Furthermore, it provides a detailed overview of the protective effects of biochanin A in diverse neurological disorders. The review also addresses the limitations associated with biochanin A administration and discusses different approaches employed to overcome these challenges. Finally, it highlights the future opportunities for translating biochanin A from pre-clinical research to clinical studies while also considering its commercial viability as a dietary supplement or a potential treatment for various diseases.

Unveiling the hidden effects of hypoxia: Pituitary damage and hormonal imbalance in fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii)

BACKGROUND

In fisheries, hypoxia stress is one of the most common environmental stresses that often lead to the death of large numbers of fish and cause significant economic losses. The pituitary, an important endocrine gland, lies below the hypothalamus region of the brain. It plays a crucial part in controlling vital physiological functions in fish, such as growth, reproduction, and responses to stress. However, the detailed mechanisms of how hypoxia affects these physiological processes via the pituitary remain largely unknown.

METHODS

Fat greenlings (Hexagrammous otakii) were exposed to different dissolved oxygen (DO = 7. 6 mg/L and DO = 2 mg/L) for 24 h. miRNA-mRNA association analysis of H. otakii pituitary after hypoxia stress. Detecting apoptosis in H. otakii pituitary using Tunel and qPCR. Subsequent detection of hormones in H. otakii liver, gonads and serum by ELISA.

RESULTS

In this study, hypoxia causes immune system disorders and inflammatory responses through the combined analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs. Subsequent verification indicated a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) subsequent to hypoxia treatment. The overproduction of ROS cause oxidative stress and apoptosis in the pituitary, ultimately causing pituitary damage and reduced growth hormone and luteinising hormone release.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the association study of miRNA-mRNA, apoptosis problems caused by hypoxia stress result in H. otakii pituitary damage. In the meantime, this work clarifies the possible impact of hypoxia-stress on the pituitary cells, as well as on the gonadal development and growth of H. otakii.

Increasing expression of dual-specificity phosphatase 12 mitigates oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation through inactivation of the ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK pathway

Dual-specificity phosphatase 12 (DUSP12) is abnormally expressed under various pathological conditions and plays a crucial role in the pathological progression of disorders. However, the role of DUSP12 in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury has not yet been investigated. This study explored the possible link between DUSP12 and cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury using an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model. Marked decreases in DUSP12 levels have been observed in cultured neurons exposed to OGD/R. DUSP12-overexpressed neurons were resistant to OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation, whereas DUSP12-deficient neurons were vulnerable to OGD/R-evoked injuries. Further investigation revealed that DUSP12 overexpression or deficiency affects the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in neurons under OGD/R conditions. Moreover, blockade of ASK1 diminished the regulatory effect of DUSP12 deficiency on JNK and p38 MAPK activation. In addition, DUSP12-deficiency-elicited effects exacerbating neuronal OGD/R injury were reversed by ASK1 blockade. In summary, DUSP12 protects against neuronal OGD/R injury by reducing apoptosis and inflammation through inactivation of the ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK pathway. These findings imply a neuroprotective function for DUSP12 in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury.