Does early life exposure to exogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase the risk of respiratory and allergic diseases in children? A longitudinal cohort study

Characterization and applicability of a novel physiologically relevant 3D-tetraculture bronchial model for in vitro assessment of respiratory sensitization

Chemical Respiratory Allergy (CRA) is triggered after exposure to Low Molecular Weight (LMW) sensitizers and manifests clinically as asthma and rhinitis. From a risk/toxicity assessment point of view, there are few methods, none of them validated, for evaluating the respiratory sensitization potential of chemicals once the in vivo-based models usually employed for inhalation toxicity addressment do not comprise allergenicity endpoints specifically. Based on that, we developed, characterized, and evaluated the applicability of a 3D-tetraculture airway model reconstructed with bronchial epithelial, fibroblasts, endothelial and monocytic cell lines. Moreover, we exposed the tissue to maleic anhydride (MA) aerosols to challenge the model and subsequently assessed inflammatory and functional aspects of the tissue. The reconstructed tissue presented phenotypic biomarkers compatible with human bronchial epithelium, and MA aerosol exposure triggered an increased IL-8 and IL-6 production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and apoptosis of epithelial cells. Besides, augmented IL-8 production by monocytic cells was also found, correlating with dendritic cell activation within the co-culture model after MA exposure. Our results demonstrated that the 3D-tetraculture bronchial model presents hallmarks related to human airways' structure and function. Additionally, exposure to a respiratory sensitizer induced inflammatory and functional alterations in the reconstructed tissue, rendering it a valuable tool for exploring the mechanistic framework of chemically induced respiratory sensitization.

New Directions to Approach Oxidative Stress Related to Physical Activity and Nutraceuticals in Normal Aging and Neurodegenerative Aging

Oxidative stress (OS) plays, perhaps, the most important role in the advanced aging process, cognitive impairment and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The process generates tissue damage via specific mechanisms on proteins, lipids and nucleic acids of the cells. An imbalance between the excessive production of oxygen- and nitrogen-reactive species and antioxidants leads to a progressive decline in physiological, biological and cognitive functions. Accordingly, we need to design and develop favourable strategies for stopping the early aging process as well as the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise training and natural or artificial nutraceutical intake are considered therapeutic interventions that reduce the inflammatory process, increase antioxidant capacities and promote healthy aging by decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of our review is to present research results in the field of oxidative stress related to physical activity and nutraceutical administration for the improvement of the aging process, but also related to reducing the neurodegeneration process based on analysing the beneficial effects of several antioxidants, such as physical activity, artificial and natural nutraceuticals, as well as the tools by which they are evaluated. In this paper, we assess the recent findings in the field of oxidative stress by analysing intervention antioxidants, anti-inflammatory markers and physical activity in healthy older adults and the elderly population with dementia and Parkinson's disease. By searching for studies from the last few years, we observed new trends for approaching the reduction in redox potential using different tools that evaluate regular physical activity, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers preventing premature aging and the progress of disabilities in neurodegenerative diseases. The results of our review show that regular physical activity, supplemented with vitamins and oligomolecules, results in a decrease in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10, and has an influence on the oxidative metabolism capacity. In conclusion, physical activity provides an antioxidant-protective effect by decreasing free radicals and proinflammatory markers.