In vivo protective effects of 6‑gingerol in cerebral ischemia involve preservation of antioxidant defenses and activation of anti‑apoptotic pathways

Stroke is an important medical problem in developing countries, characterized by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain, either through occlusion or hemorrhage. It is a major cause of neurological impairment, resulting in high medical costs. The present study examined the effect of 6-gingerol on morphological changes, antioxidant defenses, and the anti-apoptotic factors p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mitofusin (Mfn)2, in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. A total of 60 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: Control, right middle cerebral artery occlusion (Rt.MCAO) + vehicle, Rt.MCAO + piracetam, and Rt.MCAO + 6-Gin 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW groups. The results indicated that 6-gingerol treatment for a duration of 7 days reverses morphological alterations, enhances catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, reduces Bax, caspase-3 and MAPK expression, and increases Bcl-xL and Mfn2 expression in the cortex and hippocampus. In conclusion, 6-gingerol demonstrated significant in vivo effectiveness in mitigating pathological changes induced by cerebral ischemia. This beneficial effect is attributed, at least in part, to preservation of antioxidant defenses and activation of anti-apoptotic pathways.

Protection from cisplatin-induced hearing loss with lentiviral vector-mediated ectopic expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent, but it can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is closely related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent death of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Despite various strategies to combat ototoxicity, only one therapeutic agent has thus far been clinically approved. Therefore, we have developed a gene therapy concept to protect cochlear cells from cisplatin-induced toxicity. Self-inactivating lentiviral (LV) vectors were used to ectopically express various antioxidant enzymes or anti-apoptotic proteins to enhance the cellular ROS scavenging or prevent apoptosis in affected cell types. In direct comparison, anti-apoptotic proteins mediated a stronger reduction in cytotoxicity than antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, overexpression of the most promising candidate, Bcl-xl, achieved an up to 2.5-fold reduction in cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 cells, phoenix auditory neurons, and primary SGN cultures. BCL-XL protected against cisplatin-mediated tissue destruction in cochlear explants. Strikingly, in vivo application of the LV BCL-XL vector improved hearing and increased HC survival in cisplatin-treated mice. In conclusion, we have established a preclinical gene therapy approach to protect mice from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity that has the potential to be translated to clinical use in cancer patients.

Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?-A Systematic Review

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has emerged as a novel approach in the field of health and wellness. It is believed to have therapeutic antioxidant properties that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the human body. It has also been shown to be beneficial in mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways. We aim to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. The review protocol was uploaded on PROSPERO. After the initial search criteria, the articles were reviewed by two blinded investigators, and a total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review. The potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water on various aspects of health, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, COVID-19, oxidative stress, and anti-aging research, are a subject of growing interest and ongoing research. Although preliminary results in clinical trials and studies are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings. Current research needs to fully explain the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Continued scientific exploration will provide valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen-rich water as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in the future.

Advancement in Beneficial Effects of AVE 0991: A Brief Review

AVE 0991, a non-peptide analogue of Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], is orally active and physiologically well tolerated. Several studies have demonstrated that AVE 0991 improves glucose and lipid metabolism, and contains anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrosis, and anti-oxidant effects. Numerous preclinical studies have also reported that AVE 0991 appears to have beneficial effects on a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular, liver, kidney, cancer, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. This study searched multiple literature databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website from the establishment to October 2022, using AVE 0991 as a keyword. This literature search revealed that AVE 0991 could play different roles via various signaling pathways. However, the potential mechanisms of these effects need further elucidation. This review summarizes the benefits of AVE 0991 in several medical problems, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper also describes the underlying mechanisms of AVE 0991, giving in-depth insights and perspectives on the pharmaceutical value of AVE 0991 in drug discovery and development.

Gypenoside IX restores Akt/GSK-3β pathway and alleviates Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology and cognitive deficits

The main pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, include senile plaque (deposited by amyloid beta), neurofibrillary tangle (formed by paired helical filaments composed of hyperphosphorylated tau), and massive loss of neurons. Currently there is a lack of ideal drugs to halt AD progression. Gypenosides (GPs), a kind of natural product, possesses potential therapeutic effects for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. However, the specific role and mechanism of GPs for AD remain unclear. In the current study, we used staurosporine (STP), an inducer of apoptosis and causing tau hyperphosphorylation, to mimic AD models, and explored the role and mechanism of Gypenoside IX (one of the extracts of Gynostemma, GP for short name in our experiments) in STP treated primary hippocampal neurons and rats. We found STP not only increased apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylation, but also significantly increased Aβ production, resulting in synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in mimic AD models by STP. GP was found to rescue apoptosis and cognitive impairments caused by STP treatment. Moreover, GP recovered the decreased synaptic proteins PSD95, Synaptophysin and GluR2, and blocked dendritic spine loss. Interestingly, GP decreased the STP induced tau hyperphosphorylation at different sites including S-199, S-202, T-205, T-231, S-262, S-396, and S-404, and at the same time decreased Aβ production through down-regulation of BACE1 and PS1. These effects in STP treated primary hippocampal neurons and rats were accompanied with a restoration of AKT/GSK-3β signaling axis with GP treatment, supporting that dysregulation of AKT/GSK-3β pathway might be involved in STP related AD pathogenesis. The results from our research proved that GP might be a potential candidate compound to reduce neuronal damage and prevent the cognitive decline in AD.

Therapeutic Potential of Biochanin A in Herpes Simplex Keratitis

Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a blinding eye disease that is initiated by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Resistance to acyclovir (ACV) and the side effects of corticosteroid drugs have become concerning issues, so it is crucial to develop new antivirals for treating HSK. In this study, we report that biochanin A (BCA), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound, provides multifaceted protective effects with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic activities to alleviate HSK. The results show that BCA significantly inhibited HSV-1 replication in vitro and further proved that BCA principally influenced the early stage of virus infection. We reveal that BCA downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors triggered by HSV-1, including TNF-α, RANTES, IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, BCA treatment alleviated oxidative stress and apoptotic arising from HSV-1 infection. Lastly, we induced HSK in male C57BL/6 mice and treated them with either BCA or phosphate buffer solution (PBS) eye drops. We observed the ocular surface lesions; determined the virus load in the tear fluid, corneas as well as trigeminal ganglions (TGs); and detected the levels of inflammation and apoptosis in the corneas simultaneously. These results show that BCA inhibits HSV-1 and alleviates the corneal lesion degree. Our study illustrates that BCA is a promising therapeutic approach for application in treating HSK.

Effects of Scrophularia buergeriana Extract (Brainon(®)) on Aging-Induced Memory Impairment in SAMP8 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a worldwide problem. Currently, there are no effective drugs for AD treatment. Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel (SB) is a traditional herbal medicine used in Korea to treat various diseases. Our previous studies have shown that ethanol extract of SB roots (SBE, Brainon^®) exhibits potent anti-amnesic effects in Aβ_1-42- or scopolamine-treated memory impairment mice model and neuroprotective effects in a glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Brainon^® and its mechanism of action in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Brainon^® (30 or 100 mg/kg/day) was orally treated to six-month-old SAMP8 mice for 12 weeks. Results revealed that Brainon^® administration effectually ameliorated cognitive deficits in Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Following the completion of behavioral testing, western blotting was performed using the cerebral cortex. Results revealed that Brainon^® suppressed Aβ_1-42 accumulation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation and alleviated apoptosis in SAMP8 mice. Brainon^® also promoted synaptic function by downregulating the expression of AChE and upregulating the expression of p-CREB/CREB and BDNF. Furthermore, Brainon^® restored SAMP8-reduced expression of ChAT and -dephosphorylated of ERK and also decreased AChE expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, Brainon^® alleviated AD progression by promoting mitophagy/autophagy to maintain normal cellular function as a novel finding of this study. Our data suggest that Brainon^® can remarkably improve cognitive deficiency with the potential to be utilized in functional food for improving brain health.

Myrrh Essential Oil Mitigates Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Injury

BACKGROUND

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced renal injury is a common reason for kidney injury in clinical settings; therefore, continuous investigation of novel nephroprotective agents is crucial. Myrrh, the oleoresin exudates generated by the genus Commiphora, display numerous pharmacological actions. This study tried to assess the preventive effects of myrrh essential oil against I/R-induced renal damage.

METHODS

Rats were randomized into five groups. In the sham group, the animals were subjected to bilateral renal artery separation with no occlusion. In the sham + myrrh group; the rats were administered myrrh essential oil and then treated similarly to the sham group. Renal I/R group: the animals were challenged with renal I/R. In the myrrh + renal I/R groups, rats were administered 50 or 100 mg/kg of myrrh essential oil orally for three weeks before being confronted with I/R.

RESULTS

Serum levels of renal function tests and renal injury biomarkers, including NGAL, KIM-1, and CysC, were amplified in the renal I/R group. Animals that experienced renal I/R exhibited elevated lipid peroxidation (MDA); declined SOD, CAT, and GPx activity; declined GSH content; augmented TLR4/NFκB gene expression; and subsequent enhancement of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6). Myrrh reduced renal function tests and injury biomarkers and amended renal histological alterations. Pretreatment with myrrh reduced MDA, elevated the antioxidant enzymes' activities and GSH content, and reduced the TLR4 and NFκB gene expression, leading to subsequent inflammation and apoptosis alleviation.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of the present investigation established the protective effect of myrrh essential oil against renal I/R via pointing out the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of myrrh.

Naturally Isolated Sesquiterpene Lactone and Hydroxyanthraquinone Induce Apoptosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, especially in Asian countries. The emergence of its drug resistance and its side effects demands alternatives, to improve prognosis. Since the majority of cancer drugs are derived from natural sources, it provides a window to look for more biocompatible alternatives. In this study, two natural compounds, costunolide (CE) and aloe emodin (AE), were isolated from the stem of Lycium shawii. The compounds were examined for their anticancer and apoptotic potentials against OSCC (CAL 27) cells, using an in vitro analysis, such as a MTT assay, scratch assay, gene, and protein expressions. Both compounds, CE and AE, were found to be cytotoxic against the cancer cells with an IC₅₀ value of 32 and 38 µM, respectively. Moreover, the compounds were found to be non-toxic against normal NIH-3T3 cells and comparable with the standard drug i.e., 5-fluorouracil (IC₅₀ = 97.76 µM). These compounds were active against normal cells at higher concentrations. Nuclear staining displayed the presence of apoptosis-associated morphological changes, i.e., karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis in the treated cancer cells. Flow cytometry results further confirmed that these compounds induce apoptosis rather than necrosis, as the majority of the cells were found in the late apoptotic phase. Gene and protein expression analyses showed an increased expression of apoptotic genes, i.e., BAK, caspase 3, 6, and 9. Moreover, the compounds significantly downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic (BCL-2 L1), metastatic (MMP-2), and pro-inflammatory (COX-2) genes. Both compounds have shown promising anticancer, apoptotic, and anti-migratory activities against the OSCC cell line (i.e., CAL-27). However, further in vivo studies are required to explore these compounds as anticancer agents.

Role of Flavonoids in Management of Various Biological Targets in Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence from Preclinical to Clinical Studies

More than 10 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative neurological illness and the most prevalent form of dementia. AD's progression in memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and behavioral changes are all symptoms. Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42), the hyperphosphorylated forms of microtubule-associated tau protein, and other cellular and systemic alterations are all factors that contribute to cognitive decline in AD. Rather than delivering a possible cure, present therapy strategies focus on reducing disease symptoms. It has long been suggested that various naturally occurring small molecules (plant extract products and microbiological isolates, for example) could be beneficial in preventing or treating disease. Small compounds, such as flavonoids, have attracted much interest recently due to their potential to alleviate cellular stress. Flavonoids have been proven helpful in various ways, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-apoptotic agents, but their mechanism remains unknown. The flavonoid therapy of Alzheimer's disease focuses on this review, which includes a comprehensive literature analysis.

Supplementation With Spirulina Reduces Infarct Size and Ameliorates Cardiac Function in a Pig Model of STEMI

Background and Aims: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Spirulina is an algae known to ameliorate cardiometabolic disorders and with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. We investigated, in a highly translatable animal model, whether oral supplementation with spirulina protects against the deleterious effects triggered by ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Methods: Pigs were fed a regular diet supplemented with spirulina (1 g/animal/bid) or placebo-control for 10 days. Thereafter, animals were subjected to 1.5 h percutaneous balloon-induced coronary occlusion (STEMI) followed by 2.5 h reperfusion and then sacrificed. We assessed infarct size and cardiac function. Blood samples and infarcted and remote myocardial tissue were obtained. Results: Spirulina supplementation reduced infarct size by 64%, increased myocardial salvage by 18%, and improved cardiac function by 30% vs. controls (p < 0.05). These benefits were associated with attenuation in DNA-oxidative damage and apoptotic markers and increased iNOS in the infarcted myocardium, higher AMPK activation in the remote myocardium, and lower myocardial MCP-1 expression. Systemically, spirulina attenuated Cox-2 expression in STEMI-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhanced TNF-α release acutely post-STEMI. Additionally, spirulina decreased weight gain progression over time (p < 0.05) without changes in lipids, glucose, liver or kidney parameters. Conclusion: A 10-day supplementation with spirulina exerts cardioprotection in a preclinical setting of STEMI by limiting cardiac damage and improving ventricular contractility through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Evaluation of the anti-atherogenic potential of Egyptian artichoke leaf extract in hypercholesterolemic rats

OBJECTIVES

The current research seeks to assess the anti-atherogenic activity of Egyptian artichoke leaf extract in hypercholesterolemic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male albino rats were categorized into five groups; control group, high cholesterol diet treated group (HCD), HCD + low dose of artichoke, HCD + high dose of artichoke and HCD + Atorvastatin.

RESULTS

Both doses of artichoke extract significantly decreased the concentration of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C in HCD rats as compared to that of their matching controls, p < .05. The treatment with artichoke led to the inhibition of the liver hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. Besides, the extract was proven to be cardioprotective effective by increasing antioxidant activity. The effect of the highest dose of artichoke was more apparent than the effect of the lowest one. The biochemical data was reinforced by the histopathological studies.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Artichoke may act as a natural source for the elimination of cardiovascular ailments.

A Novel Role of Dapagliflozin in Mitigation of Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Modulation of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1)/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB)/Interleukin-18 (IL-18)

Colon illnesses, particularly ulcerative colitis, are considered a major cause of death in both men and women around the world. The present study investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms for the potential anti-inflammatory effect of Dapagliflozin (DAPA) against ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by intracolonic instillation of 3% v/v acetic acid (AA). DAPA was administered to rats (1 mg/kg, orally) for two weeks during the treatment regimen. Interestingly, compared to the normal group, a marked increase in the index of colon/body weight, colon weight/colon length ratio, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP), besides decrease in the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were reported in the AA control group (p ˂ 0.05). Elevation in colon monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP1), Interleukin 18 (IL-18), and inflammasome contents were also reported in the AA control group in comparison with the normal group. In addition, colon-specimen immunohistochemical staining revealed increased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Caspase-3 with histopathological changes. Moreover, DAPA significantly (p ˂ 0.05) reduced the colon/body weight index, colon weight/colon length ratio, clinical evaluation, and macroscopic scoring of UC, and preserved the histopathological architecture of tissues. The inflammatory biomarkers, including colon MCP1, IL-18, inflammasome, Caspase-3, and NF-κB, were suppressed following DAPA treatment and oxidants/antioxidants hemostasis was also restored. Collectively, the present data demonstrate that DAPA represents an attractive approach to ameliorating ulcerative colitis through inhibiting MCP1/NF-κB/IL-18 pathways, thus preserving colon function. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of DAPA are implicated in its observed therapeutic benefits.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of genistein in prevention and treatment of diseases: An overview

Genistein is the simplest secondary metabolite in soybeans and belongs to a group of compounds called isoflavones. It is a phytoestrogen and it makes up more than 60% of soy isoflavones. Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects of genistein in addition to its modulatory effects on steroidal hormone receptors. In this review, we discuss the pharmacologic and therapeutic effects of genistein on various diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this review, we have discussed the therapeutic effects of genistein as the main constituent of soybeans on health conditions. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and, anti-angiogenic effects need more attention. The pharmacological properties of genistein make this natural isoflavone a potential treatment for various diseases such as postmenopausal symptoms, cancer, bone, brain, and heart diseases. Special emphasis should be given to it, resulting in using it in clinical as a safe, potent, and bioactive molecule.

Biological Activities of Paeonol in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Paeonol is a naturally existing bioactive compound found in the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa and it is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. To date, a great deal of studies has been reported on the pharmacological effects of paeonol and its mechanisms of action in various diseases and conditions. In this review, the underlying mechanism of action of paeonol in cardiovascular disease has been elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that paeonol treatment improved endothelium injury, demoted inflammation, ameliorated oxidative stress, suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and repressed platelet activation. Paeonol has been reported to effectively protect the cardiovascular system either employed alone or in combination with other traditional medicines, thus, signifying it could be a hypothetically alternative or complementary atherosclerosis treatment. This review summarizes the biological and pharmacological activities of paeonol in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and its associated underlying mechanisms for a better insight for future clinical practices.

Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Approaches to Prevent or Delay Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the Knee Joint with a Focus on Sustained Delivery Approaches

Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of knee PTOA after knee trauma. While a comprehensive therapy capable of preventing or delaying post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression after knee joint injury does not yet clinically exist, current literature suggests that certain aspects of early post-traumatic pathology of the knee joint may be prevented or delayed by anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions. We discuss multifaceted therapeutic approaches that may be capable of effectively reducing the continuous cycle of inflammation and concomitant processes that lead to cartilage degradation as well as those that can simultaneously promote intrinsic repair processes. Within this context, we focus on early disease prevention, the optimal timeframe of treatment and possible long-lasting sustained delivery local modes of treatments that could prevent knee joint-associated PTOA symptoms. Specifically, we identify anti-inflammatory candidates that are not only anti-inflammatory but also anti-degenerative, anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative.

Isosteviol Sodium Attenuates High Fat/High Cholesterol-Induced Kidney Dysfunction by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

The sodium salt of isosteviol (STVNa) is a beyerane diterpene synthesized through acid hydrolysis of stevioside. STVNa improves multiple types of tissue injuries. However, it is not known how isosteviol sodium affects high-fat and high cholesterol diet (HFD)-induced kidney. Therefore, in this study we examined the potential molecular mechanism underlying STVNa mediated protective effect against high fat/high cholesterol-induced kidney dysfunction in HFD-induced kidney injury. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated into six groups: the normal group, HFD group and HFD treated with three doses of STVNa, fenofibrate treatment group. The results indicated that HFD induced kidney injury evident by a 60% increase in serum creatinine (CRE) leves. In addition, there was a significant accumulation of triglycerides (approx. 60%), fatty acids (approx. 50%) and total cholesterol (approx. 2.5 fold) in the kidneys. STVNa inhibited HFD-induced kidney injury evident by reducing the increased levels of serum CRE. Specifically, STVNa attenuated HFD-induced kidney injury by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These findings indicate that STVNa has a therapeutic potential for HFD-induced kidney dysfunction. The mechanisms of this pharmacological effect are through the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Neuroprotective Effects of Danshen Chuanxiongqin Injection Against Ischemic Stroke: Metabolomic Insights by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS Analysis

The incidence of cerebral ischemic stroke characterized by high mortality is increasing every year. Danshen Chuanxiongqin Injection (DSCXQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation, is often applied to treat cerebral apoplexy and its related sequelae. However, there is a lack of systematic research on how DSCXQ mediates its protective effects against cerebral ischemia stroke. Metabolomic analysis based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was employed to explore the potential mechanisms of DSCXQ on ischemic stroke induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Pattern analysis and metabolomic profiling, combined by multivariate analysis disclosed that 55 differential metabolites were identified between Sham group and Model group, involving sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA synthesis and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways. DSCXQ could reverse brain metabolic deviations in stroke by significantly upregulating the levels of L-tryptophan, Lyso (18:0/0:0), LPC (18:2), Indole-3-methyl acetate, and downregulating the levels of sphinganine 1-phosphate, L-threonic acid, glutaconic acid and N6,N6,N6-Trimethyl-L-lysine. In our study, we focused on the neuroprotective effects of DSCXQ against neuroinflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis on a stroke model based on sphingolipid metabolism. The expressions of Sphk1, S1PR1, CD62P, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved Caspase-3 in brain tissue were evaluated. The neurological deficit, cerebral infarct size and behavioral abnormality were estimated. Results showed that DSCXQ intervention significantly reduced cerebral infarct size, ameliorated behavioral abnormality, inhibited the expression of Sphk1, S1PR1, CD62P, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-3, while increased the level of Bcl-2, and prevented neuronal apoptosis. The limitations are that our study mainly focused on the verification of sphingolipid metabolism pathway in stroke, and while other metabolic pathways left unverified. Our study indicates that SphK1-SIP axis may potentiate neuroinflammatory responses and mediate brain damage through neuronal apoptosis, and DSCXQ could suppress the activity of SphK1-SIP axis to protect brain tissue in cerebral ischemia. In conclusion, this study facilitates our understanding of metabolic changes in ischemia stroke and the underlying mechanisms related to the clinical application of DSCXQ.

aFGF Targeted Mediated by Novel Nanoparticles-Microbubble Complex Combined With Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Heart Failure via Anti-Apoptosis and Promoting Cardiac Angiogenesis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of acidic fibroblast growth factor targeted mediated by novel nanoparticles–cationic lipid microbubbles complex (aFGF–NP + CPMBs) combined with ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)on doxorubicin–induced heart failure (HF)and its mechanism. Heart failure rats induced by intraperitoneal injection with doxorubicin (DOX) to achieve cummulative dose of 15mg/kg for continuous 6 weeks showed left ventricular dysfunction, seriously oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decrease of myocardial vascular density. In contrast, aFGF–NP + CPMBs combined with UTMD therapy (3ug/kg, caudal vein injection, twice a week, 6weeks)prominently ameliorated left ventricular dysfunction by increased ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); strengthened the ability of antioxidant stress confirmed by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the production of MDA; exerted the effect of anti–cardiomyocyte apoptosis and promotion angiogenesis by inhibited Bax expression and increased Bcl–2 expression and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) expression. Taken together, the research suggested that aFGF targeted mediated by novel nanoparticles–cationic lipid microbubbles complex combined with UTMD should be a promising targeted treatment for heart failure.

Nano Selenium-Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity

Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using Lactobacillus casei and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. In order to investigate the dose-dependent protective effects of SeNPs on Cd liver toxicity, mice were assigned to eight experimental groups and fed by gavage, with 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium, respectively, with co-administration with SeNPs or lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs) in 3 doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. The protective effect was demonstrated by the restoration of blood hepatic markers (AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of mice plasma by the FRAP assay, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity for the 0.2 mg/kg LSeNPs group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and was restored after the administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs, while the immunohistochemical analysis of the bcl family revealed anti-apoptotic effects; the Q-PCR analysis showed an upregulation of hepatic inflammatory markers for the group exposed to Cd and a decreased value for the groups receiving oral SeNPs/ LSeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The best protective effects were obtained for LSeNPs. A functional food that includes both probiotic bacteria and elemental SeNPs could be successfully used to annihilate Cd-induced liver toxicity, and to improve both nutritional values and health benefits.

Recent advances in the protective role of hydrogen sulfide in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: a narrative review

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is recognized to be a novel mediator after carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in the organism. It can be produced in various mammalian tissues and exert many physiological effects in many systems including the cardiovascular system. A great amount of recent studies have demonstrated that endogenous H₂S and exogenous H₂S-releasing compounds (such as NaHS, Na₂S, and GYY4137) provide protection in many cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and atherosclerosis. In recent years, many mechanisms have been proposed and verified the protective role exhibited by H₂S against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and this review is to demonstrate the protective role of exogenous and endogenous H₂S on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Mechanisms and Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Chronic Kidney Disease

As the current treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited, it is necessary to seek more effective and safer treatment methods, such as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). In order to clarify the modern theoretical basis and molecular mechanisms of CHMs, we reviewed the knowledge based on publications in peer-reviewed English-language journals, focusing on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated and antifibrotic effects of CHMs commonly used in kidney disease. We also discussed recently published clinical trials and meta-analyses in this field. Based on recent studies regarding the mechanisms of kidney disease in vivo and in vitro, CHMs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated, and antifibrotic effects. Several well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of CHMs as an adjuvant to conventional medicines may benefit patients with CKD. Unknown active ingredients, low quality and small sample sizes of some clinical trials, and the safety of CHMs have restricted the development of CHMs. CHMs is a potential method in the treatment of CKD. Further study on the mechanism and well-conducted RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHMs.

Investigation into the protective effects of Hypericum Triquetrifolium Turra seed against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular injury in Sprague Dawley rats

For centuries, Turkey has been a significant location here around 80 species of Hypericum with differing names widely occur, which is also known as Turkish folk medicine in treating some bacterial diseases as well as stomach and intestine inflammation. Recent studies have reported this herb family to contain numbers of bioactive compound contents. The study aims to investigate the protective effects of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra (HT) upon oxidative stress and apoptosis in a rat model in which testes injury was induced by CP. The testicular injury was caused using CP (150 mg/kg). The rats were treated with a single dose (100 mg/kg) of methanol extract of HT to investigate various biochemical markers in the serum and plasma of blood samples apart from assessing the prognosis of CP-induced testicular damage. Added to that, histological analyses were performed to identify possible structural changes and apoptotic indicators, like Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. In CP Group, there was a rise in the levels of total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI), Caspase-3, and Bax while superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), Bcl-2, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) all decreased. Also, our histological analysis showed damaged testes. On the other hand, neither biochemical nor histological analysis showed testicular damage in HT Alone Group. In CP + HT Group, a significant number of the negatives changes due to CP were observed to have improved remarkably following an HT treatment. This study results suggest that HT could help improve CP-induced testicular injury thanks to its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Hair growth potential of Salvia plebeia extract and its associated mechanisms

Context: Although Salvia plebeia (SP) R. Brown (Labiatae) is known to possess various biological activities, the effects of SP on hair growth have not been elucidated.Objective: To investigate the hair growth potential of SP extract by using human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice.Materials and methods: The entire SP plant sample was ground into powder and extracted with 99.9% methyl alcohol. Various concentrations of SP extract were added to hDPCs to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and factors related to hair growth and cycling. Effect of topical SP administration on hair regrowth was tested in vivo in male C57BL/6 mice for 21 days.Results: SP extract significantly increased the proliferation of cultured hDPCs at doses of 15.6 and 31.3 μg/mL compared to control group by 123% and 132%, respectively. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor increased while the level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3 decreased when treated with SP extract. At the molecular level, the extract activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling by raising β-catenin and phospho-GSK3β expression. SP extract also exerted anti-apoptotic and proliferative effects in hDPCs by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and activating cell proliferation-related proteins, ERK and Akt. Finally, the extract caused an induction of the anagen phase leading to significantly enhanced hair growth in treated male mice.Discussion and conclusion: Our results indicate that SP extract has the capacity to activate hDPCs into a proliferative state to promote hair growth. Further research is necessary to determine the bioactive components and their mechanisms of action responsible for SP-related hair growth effect.

Bibenzyls and bisbybenzyls of bryophytic origin as promising source of novel therapeutics: pharmacology, synthesis and structure-activity

BACKGROUND

The amphibian, non-vascular, gametophyte-dominant, bio-indicator class, bryophytes; with their wide ranges of habitat have attained importance due to their promising medicinal attributions and therapeutic role; mostly aided by presence of aromatic bibenzyl and bisbybenzyl class of compounds. Bibenzyls are steroidal ethane derivatives, resembling the structural moiety of bioactive dihydro-stilbenoids or iso-quinoline alkaloids. These stress triggered secondary metabolites are the by-products of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Different classes of bryophytes (Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta and Anthocerotophyta) possess different subtypes of bibenzyls and dimeric bisbibenzyls. Among the liverwort, hornwort and mosses, former one is mostly enriched with bibenzyl type constituents as per the extensive study conducted for phytochemical deposit. Considering macrocyclic and acyclic group of bibenzyls and bisbybenzyls, generally marchantin type compounds are reported vividly for significant biological activity that includes neuro-nephro-cardio-protection besides anti-allergic, anti-microbial, anti-apoptotic and cytotoxic activities studied on in-vitro and in-vivo models or on cell lines.

RESULT

The critical analysis of reported chemical and pharmaceutical attributions of bibenzyls and bis-bibenzyls yielded detailed report on this compound class along with their application, mode of action, natural source, techniques of synthesis, extraction procedure, isolation and characterization. Further, the structure activity relationship studies and bioactivity of bibenzyls derived from non-bryophytic origin were also summarized.

CONCLUSION

This review encompasses prospective biological application of botanical reservoir of this primarily ignored, primeval land plant group where recent technical advances has paved the way for qualitative and quantitative isolation and estimation of novel compounds as well as marker components to study their impact on environment, as bio-control agents and as key leads in future drug designing. Graphical abstract.

Astragaloside IV Induces Apoptosis, G1-Phase Arrest and Inhibits Anti-apoptotic Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although multiple chemotherapies options are available for HCC, chemo-induced toxicity is inevitable during clinical treatment. Therefore, identifying possible adjuvant agents with both liver-protective and antitumor effects is critical. Herbal medicines have chemopreventive and anti-HCC effect, such as Juzen taiho-to and Sho-saiko-to. Astragaloside IV is a compound extracted from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. with liver protection potential. However, whether astragaloside IV may also possess tumor-inhibitory capability and its underlying mechanism is remaining unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Viability analysis, cell-cycle analysis, apoptosis analysis, western blotting analysis and invasion trans-well assay were performed to identify tumor-inhibitory potential of astragaloside IV on HCC cells (SK-Hep1 and Hep3B cells).

RESULTS

We found that astragaloside IV may induce cytotoxicity and extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis effect, but also trigger G₁ arrest in HCC cells. The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins of HCC were all reduced by astragaloside IV. Additionally, astragaloside IV also suppressed HCC cell invasion ability.

CONCLUSION

Astragaloside IV effectively suppressed HCC cell proliferation, invasion and anti-apoptosis in vitro.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of zingiberene on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in experimental animals

This study aimed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effect of zingiberene (ZBN) on isoproterenol-(ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. ZBN (10 mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administered to rats for 21 days and ISO (85 mg/kg b.wt.) was subcutaneously injected into the rats at 24 h intervals for the last 2 consecutive days. We observed increased serum creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin T, and I levels in ISO-treated MI rats. Conversely, ZBN oral administration significantly prevented in cardiac marker enzyme activities in ISO-mediated rats. We also noticed that ZBN oral administration prevented ISO-induced expression of lipid peroxidative markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to the normal basal level. Furthermore, ZBN restored ISO-mediated antioxidant status, increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and tissue phospholipids to the near-normal levels. Besides, ZBN pre-treatment significantly reduced the level of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and IL-1β) in ISO-induced MI in rats. We noticed that ZBN pretreatment inhibited the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cytochrome c and increased the Bcl-2 expression in ISO induced rats. The gene expression profiling by qRT-PCR array illustrates that ZBN treatment prevents the ISO mediated activation of cardiac markers, inflammatory, and fibrosis-related genes in the heart tissue. Taken together, pre-treatment with ZBN attenuated ISO-induced MI resolved exhibits the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect.

Role of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Photodynamic Therapy Mediated Cell Survival and Regulation

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that involves three components: combination of a photosensitizer, light and molecular oxygen that leads to localized formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS generated from this promising therapeutic modality can be lethal to the cell and leads to consequential destruction of tumor cells. However, sometimes the ROS trigger a stress response survival mechanism that helps the cells to cope with PDT-induced damage, resulting in resistance to the treatment. One preferred mechanism of cell death induced by PDT is apoptosis, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins have been described as a major determinant of life or death decision of the death pathways. Apoptosis is a cellular self-destruction mechanism to remove old cells through the biological event of tissue homeostasis. The Bcl-2 family proteins act as a critical mediator of a life–death decision of cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis. There are several reports that show cancer cells developing resistance due to the increased interaction of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins. However, the key mechanisms leading to apoptosis evasion and drug resistance have not been adequately understood. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanisms of PDT resistance, as well as the Bcl-2 family proteins, to give more insight into the treatment outcomes. In this review, we describe the role of Bcl-2 gene family proteins’ interaction in response to disease progression and PDT-induced resistance mechanisms.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Activities of Nesfatin-1: A Review

Nesfatin-1, a newly identified energy-regulating peptide, is widely expressed in the central and peripheral tissues, and has a variety of physiological activities. A large number of recent studies have shown that nesfatin-1 exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and is involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. This review summarizes current data focusing on the therapeutic effects of nesfatin-1 under different pathophysiological conditions and the mechanisms underlying its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Escin attenuates oxidative damage, apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in a model of cyclophosphamide-induced liver damage

To investigate the effects of escin (ES) on acute damage induced by alkylating agent, experimental rats were injected with cyclophosphamide (CPM) to cause liver damage. The animals were divided into four groups: Control Group, CPM (200 mg/kg), ES (10 mg/kg), CPM, and ES Groups. Immunohistopathological, hepatic histopathological, and biochemical changes were analyzed. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondyaldehyde (MDA), glutathion (GSH), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum were all determined. Serum and immunohistopathology analysis revealed that MDA, ALT, AST, LDH, TOC and OSI, caspase-3 and Bax levels had increased while GSH, TAC, Bcl- 2 and OSI levels decreased in CPM Group when compared to Control Group. These findings appear to account for the severe damage detected. In the CPM + ES treated group, positive improvements were found in biochemical parameters as well as in cell-death and tissue-related damage parameters.The results show that ES considerably protects the rat liver against CPM-induced hepatotoxicity thanks to because of its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Role of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer pathobiology

RNA-binding proteins are important regulators of RNA metabolism and are of critical importance in all steps of the gene expression cascade. The role of aberrantly expressed RBPs in human disease is an exciting research field and the potential application of RBPs as a therapeutic target or a diagnostic marker represents a fast-growing area of research.Aberrant overexpression of the human RNA-binding protein La has been found in various cancer entities including lung, cervical, head and neck, and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Cancer-associated La protein supports tumour-promoting processes such as proliferation, mobility, invasiveness and tumour growth. Moreover, the La protein maintains the survival of cancer cells by supporting an anti-apoptotic state that may cause resistance to chemotherapeutic therapy.The human La protein represents a multifunctional post-translationally modified RNA-binding protein with RNA chaperone activity that promotes processing of non-coding precursor RNAs but also stimulates the translation of selective messenger RNAs encoding tumour-promoting and anti-apoptotic factors. In our model, La facilitates the expression of those factors and helps cancer cells to cope with cellular stress. In contrast to oncogenes, able to initiate tumorigenesis, we postulate that the aberrantly elevated expression of the human La protein contributes to the non-oncogenic addiction of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the implications of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The concept of exploiting the RBP La as a cancer drug target will be discussed.

Identification of a Covalent Molecular Inhibitor of Anti-apoptotic BFL-1 by Disulfide Tethering

The BCL-2 family is composed of anti- and pro-apoptotic members that respectively protect or disrupt mitochondrial integrity. Anti-apoptotic overexpression can promote oncogenesis by trapping the BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) "killer domains" of pro-apoptotic proteins in a surface groove, blocking apoptosis. Groove inhibitors, such as the relatively large BCL-2 drug venetoclax (868 Da), have emerged as cancer therapies. BFL-1 remains an undrugged oncogenic protein and can cause venetoclax resistance. Having identified a unique C55 residue in the BFL-1 groove, we performed a disulfide tethering screen to determine if C55 reactivity could enable smaller molecules to block BFL-1's BH3-binding functionality. We found that a disulfide-bearing N-acetyltryptophan analog (304 Da adduct) effectively targeted BFL-1 C55 and reversed BFL-1-mediated suppression of mitochondrial apoptosis. Structural analyses implicated the conserved leucine-binding pocket of BFL-1 as the interaction site, resulting in conformational remodeling. Thus, therapeutic targeting of BFL-1 may be achievable through the design of small, cysteine-reactive drugs.

The prospective curative role of lipoxin A4 in induced gastric ulcer in rats: Possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway

This study purposed to examine the prospective curative role of lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄ ) in induced gastric ulcer in rats and explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, indomethacin (IND), IND + omeprazole (IND + Omez), and IND+ LXA₄ groups. At the end of the experiment, the gastric pH, gastric fluid volume, total gastric acidity, ulcer index, and curative index were estimated. The gene expression of mitochondrial related protein 1 and mitofusin 2 were determined. In addition, some mitochondrial parameters include mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species were measured. Also, some gastric biochemical parameters, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of the gastric mucosa were determined. We found that IND induced gastric ulcer, as manifested by the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Both Omez and LXA₄ treatment for 15 days alleviated the IND-induced gastric ulcer as explored by ameliorating the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. We concluded that LXA₄ mitigated the IND-induced gastric ulcer via improving the mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction, in addition to its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Echinocystic acid provides a neuroprotective effect via the PI3K/AKT pathway in intracerebral haemorrhage mice

Background

Echinocystic acid (EA), a natural extract from plants of Gleditsia sinensis Lam, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities in different diseases. In this study, we explored the pharmacological effects of EA on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model.

Methods

EA (50 mg/kg, i.p. q.d) was injected after the establishment of ICH, and we measured the amount of degraded neurons in brain tissue with Fluoro-Jade C staining and the haemorrhagic injury volume with Luxol fast blue staining on day 3 after ICH. We also assessed animal behaviour by rotarod test, claw force test and modified neurological severity score (mNSS) score. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 was analysed by Western blot.

Results

EA reduced both the death of neurons and the volume of haemorrhagic injury after ICH. The haemorrhage infarct volume of the ICH+EA group was 9.84%±3.32% lower than that in the ICH group of mice (P<0.01). The mNSS score of the ICH+EA treated group was 4.75±0.55 lower than that in the ICH group (P<0.01). With the administration of EA after ICH, the expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated while the Bax level was downregulated. The cleaved caspase-3 level was also significantly decreased. We further investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of EA. Western blot results showed that the expression of P-AKT increased after EA treatment and decreased after LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway, treatment.

Conclusions

EA may provide neuroprotection via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Given the safety of EA has been proven, further studies are required to investigate whether EA is a potential agent for the treatment of ICH.

Role of BIM Deletion Polymorphism and BIM Expression as Predictive Biomarkers to Maximize the Benefit of EGFR-TKI Treatment in EGFR-Positive NSCLC

Objective:

BIM is a modulator of apoptosis that is triggered by EGFR-TKIs. This study evaluated the role of BIM deletion and its expression as predictor of EGFR-TKI treatment outcome.

Methods:

The medical record of 185 EGFR-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with/ without EGFR-TKI treatment between 9/2012 and 12/2014 were retrospectively reviewed. BIM deletion polymorphism and expression were tested by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Survival outcomes in EGFR-TKI-treated patients were analyzed according to treatment sequence and EGFR mutation. The correlation between BIM deletion polymorphism, expression, response rate (as a function of EGFR-TKI treatment) and schedule was also explored.

Result:

EGFR-TKIs were administered to 139 (75.1%) of the 185 patients: as the first-line in 52 (37.4%) patients and as later-line treatment in 87 (62.6%) patients. Median overall survival (mOS) was significantly longer in EGFR-TKIs treated patients (28.9 vs. 7.4 months, P<0.001). Among L858R-mutated patients, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was significantly longer in first-line EGFR TKI treatment than a later-line (12.6 vs. 6.3 months, P=0.03). BIM deletion polymorphism and expression was detected in 20.2% and 52.7%, respectively. Patients without BIM deletion polymorphism had a significantly longer mOS when treated with a first-line than with a later-line EGFR-TKI (28.9 vs. 20.7 months, P= 0.04). Patients without BIM expression had a significantly longer mPFS (9.6 vs. 7.3 months, P=0.01) better mOS and response rate (RR).

Conclusion:

BIM deletion polymorphism and expression may predict an EGFR-TKI response in patients with EGFR-positive during therapy.

Amentoflavone Induces Apoptosis and Reduces Expression of Anti-apoptotic and Metastasis-associated Proteins in Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Amentoflavone has been shown to be effective against a variety of cancer cells, but its role in bladder cancer remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether amentoflavone may induce toxicity effect of bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Herein, we evaluated amentoflavone effects in a human bladder cancer cell line TSGH8301 in vitro.

RESULTS

Amentoflavone caused significant cytotoxicity in TSGH8301 cells at a concentration as low as 200 μM. FAS/FASL-dependent extrinsic apoptosis and mitochondria-dependent intrinsic apoptosis were observed in amentoflavone-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of several proapoptotic proteins, such as FAS, FAS-ligand and BAX (B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X) were increased following amentoflavone treatment. Meanwhile, anti-apoptotic MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1) and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (C-FLIP) protein levels were reduced. Additionally, angiogenesis and proliferation-related proteins, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), urokinase-type plasminogen actvator (uPA) and cyclin D1 were diminished by amentoflavone.

CONCLUSION

Amentoflavone induced toxicity of bladder cancer by inhibiting tumor progression and inducing apoptosis signaling transduction.

A comparative analysis of BCL-2 family

The BCL-2 family is conserved in evolution and shares a BCL-2 homology domain. It promotes and inhibits apoptosis. It is also known that apoptosis has a major role in effective cancer treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to document information related to the BCL-2 family of proteins for analysis by prediction tools. Hence, insights from a prediction based comparative functional analysis of 108 genes in this family are documented.

Hyodeoxycholic acid protects the neurovascular unit against oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-induced injury in vitro

Calculus bovis is commonly used for the treatment of stroke in traditional Chinese medicine. Hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) is a bioactive compound extracted from calculus bovis. When combined with cholic acid, baicalin and jas-minoidin, HDCA prevents hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced brain injury by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptotic signaling. However, the effects of HDCA in ischemic stroke injury have not yet been studied. Neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction occurs in ischemic stroke. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of HDCA on the NVU under ischemic conditions in vitro. We co-cultured primary brain microvascular endothelial cells, neurons and astrocytes using a transwell chamber co-culture system. The NVU was pre-treated with 10.16 or 2.54 μg/mL HDCA for 24 hours before exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation for 1 hour. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect cell activity. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling were used to assess apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Oxidative stress-related factors, such as superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and γ-glutamyltransferase, were measured using kits. Pretreatment with HDCA significantly decreased blood-brain barrier permeability and neuronal apoptosis, significantly increased transendothelial electrical resistance and γ-glutamyltransferase activity, attenuated oxidative stress damage and the release of inflammatory cytokines, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Our findings suggest that HDCA maintains NVU morphological integrity and function by modulating inflammation, oxidation stress, apoptosis, and the expression of neurotrophic factors. Therefore, HDCA may have therapeutic potential in the clinical management of ischemic stroke. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Experimental Animals of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval No. BUCM-3-2016040201-2003) in April 2016.

Carbon monoxide and its donors - their implications for medicine

Inhalation of high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) is known to lead to serious systemic complications and neuronal disturbances. However, it has been found that not only is CO produced endogenously, but also that low concentrations can bestow beneficial effects which may be of interest in biology and medicine. As translocation of CO through the human organism is difficult, small molecules known as CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) deliver controlled amounts of CO to biological systems, and these are of great interest from a medical point of view. These actions may prevent vascular dysfunction, regulate blood pressure, inhibit blood platelet aggregation or have anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes the functions of various CO-releasing molecules in biology and medicine.

Therapeutic Potential of Heme Oxygenase-1/carbon Monoxide System Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes the dysfunctions of different major organs, leading to morbidity and mortality on the global scale. Among a battery of therapeutic targets, the heme oxygenase- 1 (HO-1)/carbon monoxide (CO) system has been evaluated for the development of new therapies against I/R injury. The enzyme HO-1 catalyzes the degradation of heme into three biologically active end products, namely biliverdin/bilirubin, CO and ferrous ion. Interestingly, CO is one of a few bioactive gaseous molecules with the capability of regulating inflammation, cell survival and growth. In fact, several CO-releasing compounds have been developed for directly reprogramming the intracellular apoptotic, inflammatory and proliferative signaling networks. In parallel, chemical and genetic approaches have also been evaluated for up-regulating HO-1 expression as an endogenous mechanism to ameliorate I/R injury and heal wounds.

METHODS

In this review, we discussed the recent studies on the therapeutic potential of HO-1/CO system in the treatment of I/R injury in the heart, brain, liver, kidney, lung, intestine and retina. We focused on the activities and underlying mechanisms of various therapeutic strategies to regulate HO-1/CO system against I/R injury.

RESULTS

A large number of studies have demonstrated that HO-1/CO system exhibits potent anti-oxidative, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities against I/R injury. The regulation of HO-1/CO expression has been achieved either by genetic overexpression of HO-1 cDNA or pharmacological induction with drugs including curcumin and resveratrol.

CONCLUSION

The HO-1/CO system is a potential target for treating I/R injury. Further studies should be directed to in vivo efficacy and clinical application of HO-1/CO system in the therapy of I/R injury.

Cardioprotective effects of rutin in rats exposed to pirarubicin toxicity

We established both an acute and chronic cardiac toxicity rat model, which showed pretreatment with rutin attenuated pirarubicin-induced myocardial histopathological injury, electrocardiogram abnormalities, and cardiac dysfunction. Rutin also significantly reduced serum levels of MDA, BNP, CK-MB, CTnT, and LDH and increased serum SOD levels. Treatment with rutin and dexrazoxane resulted in an increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio (p < 0.05) and reduction in JNK and Caspase-3 protein levels, compared to the pirarubicin group (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, rutin at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly attenuated the above-mentioned alterations. Our study suggests the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of rutin may be responsible for the cardioprotective effects observed.

Protective effect of Atriplex suberecta extract against oxidative and apoptotic hepatotoxicity

Atriplex suberecta I. Verd is a known phytomedicinal species of Atriplex; however, studies into its bioactivity remain inconclusive. The in vitro and in vivo antioxidative and hepatoprotective potential of A. suberecta ethanol-extract (ASEE) was assessed in the present study. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays revealed that ASEE possesses free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidative activities. These results were supported by the in vitro protection of HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells via abating 2,7-dichlorofluorescein-activated oxidative and apoptotic molecules (caspase-3/-7). In carbon tetrachloride-treated rats, the oral administration of ASEE significantly normalized serum biomarkers of liver function (serum glutamate oxaloacetate, serum pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin) and the lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and malondialdehyde), including tissue non-protein sulfhydryl and total protein levels. These results were also supported by liver histopathology, which demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of ASEE was comparable to silymarin. Furthermore, phytochemical analysis of ASEE revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. Rutin, an antioxidant flavonoid, was identified using the validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography method. In conclusion, this is the first report on the therapeutic potential of A. suberecta against chemical-induced oxidative stress and liver damage.

Effect of the Notch signaling pathway on retinal ganglion cells and its neuroprotection in rats with acute ocular hypertension

AIM

To explore the effect of the Notch signaling pathway on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve in rats with acute ocular hypertension (OH).

METHODS

Totally 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were included, among which 36 rats were selected to establish acute OH models. OH rats received a single intravitreal injection of 2 µL phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and another group of OH rats received a single intravitreal injection of 10 µmol/L γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot assay were adopted to determine the mRNA level of Notch and the protein levels of Notch, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43). The RGC apoptosis conditions were assessed by TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

The OH rats and PBS-injected rats had increased expression levels of Notch1, Bax, caspase-3, and GAP-43, decreased expression levels of Bcl-2, and increased RGC apoptosis, with severer macular edema and RGCs more loosely aligned, when compared with the normal rats. The DAPT-treated rats displayed increased expression levels of Notch1, Bax, caspase-3, and GAP-43, decreased expression levels of Bcl-2, and increased RGC apoptosis, in comparison with the OH rats and PBS-injected rats. RGCs were hardly observed and macular edema became severe in the DAPT-treated rat.

CONCLUSION

The Notch signaling pathway may suppress the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells and enhances the regeneration of the damaged optic nerves in rats with acute OH.

Role of Apoptosis in the Pathogenesis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous immune deficiency characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia. Since B cell maturation and differentiation is defective in this disorder, we evaluated apoptosis in B cells of patients with CVID compared with healthy donors (HD).

METHODS

Determination of peripheral blood B-cell subsets in CVID and HDs, was performed using flow cytometry. We compared total apoptosis, early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis in unstimulated and stimulated B-cells of patients with CVID and HDs. We also assessed the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule BCL2 mRNA levels in B-cells by real-time PCR in CVID patients compared with HDs.

RESULTS

Total B-cell apoptosis was increased in both unstimulated and stimulated B-cells from CVID patients compared with HDs (p=0.02 and p=0.004). Early apoptosis in stimulated B-cells (p=0.04) and late apoptosis/necrosis of B-cells in both unstimulated and stimulated B-cells (p=0.04 and p=0.03, respectively) were significantly higher in CVID patients compared with HDs. There was a significant inverse correlation between the percentages of post germinal center B-cells in the peripheral blood of CVID patients compared with percentage of apoptotic B-cells. However, anti-apoptotic BCL2 expression was not significantly reduced in B-cells from CVID patients compared with HDs (p=0.16).

CONCLUSION

Increased apoptosis of B-cells may be a factor in abnormality of differentiated B-cell subsets and the impaired endogenous immunoglobulin production in CVID patients. Further studies of the expression of pro/anti-apoptotic mediators in B-cells of CVID patients may shed light on the mechanism behind this increased B-cell apoptosis, and present potential therapeutic interventions in the future.

The Anti-Apoptotic Properties of APEX1 in the Endothelium Require the First 20 Amino Acids and Converge on Thioredoxin-1

The APEX nuclease (multifunctional DNA repair enzyme) 1 (APEX1) has a disordered N-terminus, a redox, and a DNA repair domain. APEX1 has anti-apoptotic properties, which have been linked to both domains depending on cell type and experimental conditions.

AIMS

As protection against apoptosis is a hallmark of vessel integrity, we wanted to elucidate whether APEX1 acts anti-apoptotic in primary human endothelial cells and, if so, what the underlying mechanisms are.

RESULTS

APEX1 inhibits apoptosis in endothelial cells by reducing Cathepsin D (CatD) cleavage, potentially by binding to the unprocessed form. Diminished CatD activation results in increased Thioredoxin-1 protein levels leading to reduced Caspase 3 activation. Consequently, apoptosis rates are decreased. This depends on the first twenty amino acids in APEX1, because APEX1 (21-318) induces CatD activity, decreases Thioredoxin-1 protein levels, and, thus, increases Caspase 3 activity and apoptosis. Along the same lines, APEX1 (1-20) inhibits Caspase 3 cleavage and apoptosis. Furthermore, re-expression of Thioredoxin-1 via lentiviral transduction rescues endothelial cells from APEX1 (21-318)-induced apoptosis. In an in vivo model of restenosis, which is characterized by oxidative stress, endothelial activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation, Thioredoxin-1 protein levels are reduced in the endothelium of the carotids.

INNOVATION

APEX1 acts anti-apoptotic in endothelial cells. This anti-apoptotic effect depends on the first 20 amino acids of APEX1.

CONCLUSION

As proper function of the endothelium during life span is a hallmark for individual health span, a detailed characterization of the functions of the APEX1N-terminus is required to understand all its cellular properties. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 616-629.

Neuroprotective effect of combining tanshinone IIA with low-dose methylprednisolone following acute spinal cord injury in rats

The present study compared the potential neuroprotective effect of tanshinone IIA (TIIA) monotherapy, methylprednisolone (MP) monotherapy and combined treatment in an adult acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) rat model. The current study used the weight-drop method (Allen's Impactor) in the rat model and the mechanical scratch method in primary spinal cord neuron culture to determine whether the combined treatment was able to reduce the required dosage of MP in the treatment of ASCI to produce a similar or improved therapeutic effect. In vivo male Sprague Dawley rats (n=60) were randomly divided into 5 groups, of which 12 rats were selected for the sham group and T9-T11 laminectomies, leading to ASCI, were performed on 48 of the 60 rats using a 10 g ×25 mm weight-drop at the level of T10 spinal cord. Therefore, the ASCI group (n=12) included the 'laminectomy and weight-drop'. The remaining 36 ASCI model animals were subdivided into 3 groups (n=12 each group): TIIA group (30 mg/kg/day), MP group (30 mg/kg) and combined treatment group (TIIA 30 mg/kg/day + MP 20 mg/kg). Neuronal function following ASCI was evaluated using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Levels of the anti-apoptotic factor B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), the pro-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 associated protein X (Bax) and caspase-3, and the inflammatory associated factor nuclear factor-κB, were analyzed by western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect caspase-3. To investigate the underlying mechanism, the anti-oxidative effect of combination TIIA and MP treatment was assessed by measuring the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in ASCI. In agreement with the experiment in vivo, primary neurons were prepared from the spinal cord of one-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats' and co-cultured with astrocytes from the brain cortex. The injury of neurons was induced by mechanical scratch and levels of apoptosis factors were analyzed by western blot analysis. The results of the current study indicated that injured animals in the combined treatment group exhibited a significant increase in BBB scores (P<0.05). TIIA + MP combined treatment and MP treatment was observed to reduce the expression of pro-apoptotic factors and promote neuron survival in vivo and in vitro. Combined treatment may promote neuroprotection through reduced apoptosis and inflammation caused by ASCI, similar to MP alone. Combined treatment reversed the decrease of SOD and the increase of MDA level caused by ASCI. In addition, combined treatment decreased the expression of caspase-3 in the neurons following ASCI in rats, as indicated by immunofluorescence double labeling. Overall, the present study indicates that the combined treatment of TIIA and MP may protect the neurons by stimulating the rapid initiation of neuroprotection following ASCI and reduce the dosage of MP in the treatment of ASCI required to produce the same or improved neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro.

Constitutive expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member A1 in murine endothelial cells leads to transplant tolerance

Anti-apoptotic genes, including those of the Bcl-2 family, have been shown to have dual functionality inasmuch as they inhibit cell death but also regulate inflammation. Several anti-apoptotic molecules have been associated with endothelial cell (EC) survival following transplantation; however, their exact role has yet to be elucidated in respect to controlling inflammation. In this study we created mice expressing murine A1 (Bfl-1), a Bcl-2 family member, under the control of the human intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM-2) promoter. Constitutive expression of A1 in murine vascular ECs conferred protection from cell death induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Importantly, in a mouse model of heart allograft transplantation, expression of A1 in vascular endothelium increased survival in the absence of CD8⁺ T cells. Better graft outcome in mice receiving an A1 transgenic heart correlated with a reduced immune infiltration, which may be related to increased EC survival and reduced expression of adhesion molecules on ECs. In conclusion, constitutive expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bfl1 (A1) in murine vascular ECs leads to prolonged allograft survival due to modifying inflammation.

Aloperine attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced injury via anti-apoptotic activity and suppression of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway

Aloperine is an alkaloid that exerts significant inhibitive effects on acute inflammation and Type III and IV hypersensitivity caused by a variety of inflammatory agents. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether the protective effect of aloperine attenuates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced injury, and to identify the underlying mechanisms involved. Nucleus pulposus cells were extracted from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, and incubated with fresh medium containing 200 µM H₂O₂ for 24 h. In the study, treatment with aloperine significantly increased cell viability and suppressed apoptosis in H₂O₂-treated nucleus pulposus cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 10 and 100 nM aloperine significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 activities, and significantly increased the H₂O₂-reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in nucleus pulposus cells (all P<0.01). However, aloperine treatment (10 and 100 nM) significantly reduced the H₂O₂-induced caspase-9 activity in nucleus pulposus cells. Furthermore, addition of 10 and 100 nM aloperine significantly suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylated-protein kinase B expression levels in H₂O₂-treated nucleus pulposus cells. In conclusion, the protective effect of aloperine attenuated H₂O₂-induced injury via hyperproliferation, its anti-apoptotic activity and suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Antioxidant effects of Spirulina supplement against lead acetate-induced hepatic injury in rats

Lead is a toxic metal that induces a wide range of behavioral, biochemical and physiological effects in humans. Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Spirulina supplement against lead acetate -induced hepatic injury in rats. Five groups of rats were used in this study, Control, Lead acetate (100 mg/kg), Lead acetate (100 mg/kg) + 0.5 g/kg Spirulina, Lead acetate (100 mg/kg) + 1 g/kg Spirulina and Lead acetate + 25 mg/100 g Vitamin C (reference drug). All experimental groups received the oral treatment by stomach tube once daily for 4 weeks. Lead intoxication resulted in a significant increase in serum alanine transaminae (ALT), aspartate transaminae (AST) activities, liver homogenate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and a significant decline of total serum protein, liver homogenate reduced glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Both doses of Spirulina supplement as well as Vitamin C succeeded to improve the biochemical parameters of serum and liver and prevented the lead acetate-induced significant changes on plasma and antioxidant status of the liver. Both doses of Spirulina supplement had the same anti-apoptotic activity and high dose exhibited more antioxidant activity than that of low dose. In conclusion, the results of the present work revealed that Spirulina supplement had protective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects on lead acetate-induced hepatic damage.