Naringin attenuates Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae-induced acute lung injury via MAPK/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) causes porcine pleuropneumonia (PCP), which is clinically characterized by acute hemorrhagic, necrotizing pneumonia, and chronic fibrinous pneumonia. Although many measures have been taken to prevent the disease, prevention and control of the disease are becoming increasingly difficult due to the abundance of APP sera, weak vaccine cross-protection, and increasing antibiotic resistance in APP. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs against APP infection to prevent the spread of APP. Naringin (NAR) has been reported to have an excellent therapeutic effect on pulmonary diseases, but its therapeutic effect on lung injury caused by APP is not apparent. Our research has shown that NAR was able to alleviate APP-induced weight loss and quantity of food taken and reduce the number of WBCs and NEs in peripheral blood in mice; pathological tissue sections showed that NAR was able to prevent and control APP-induced pathological lung injury effectively; based on the establishment of an in vivo/in vitro model of APP inflammation, it was found that NAR was able to play an anti-inflammatory role through inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and exerting anti-inflammatory effects; additionally, NAR activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway, increasing the secretion of antioxidant enzymes Nqo1, CAT, and SOD1, inhibiting the secretion of oxidative damage factors NOS2 and COX2, and enhancing the antioxidant stress ability, thus playing an antioxidant role. In summary, NAR can relieve severe lung injury caused by APP by reducing excessive inflammatory response and improving antioxidant capacity.

Blocking of FGFR4 signaling by F30 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through HMOX1-dependent ferroptosis pathway

Excessive activation of FGF19/fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) signaling is associated with poor survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FGFR4 inhibitors show promise for HCC treatment. F30, an indazole derivative designed through computer-aided drug design targeting FGFR4, demonstrated anti-HCC activity as described in our previous studies. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying F30's anticancer effects remain largely unexplored. We report here that F30 could effectively induce ferroptosis in HCC cells. The concentrations of cellular ferrous iron, the peroxidation of cell membranes and the homeostasis of reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were dysregulated by F30, thereby affecting cellular redox status. Induction of ferroptosis in HCC by F30 was inhibited by specific ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. F30 upregulates various ferroptosis-related genes, including the heme oxygenase enzymes 1 (HMOX1), a key mediator of redox regulation. Surprisingly, F30-induced ferroptosis in HCC is dependent on HMOX1. The dysregulation of cellular ferrous iron concentrations and cell membrane peroxidation was rescued when knocking down HMOX1 with specific small interfering RNA. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying FGFR4-targeting F30's anti-HCC effects and suggest that FGFR4 inactivation could be beneficial for HCC treatment involving ferroptosis.

Intravenous Hemin, a potential heme oxygenase-1 activator, does not protect from post-ERCP acute pancreatitis in humans: Results of a randomized multicentric multinational placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Hemin, a heme oxygenase 1 activator has shown efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acute pancreatitis in mouse models. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the protective effect of Hemin administration to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in patients at risk.

METHODS

In this multicenter, multinational, placebo-controlled, double-blind RCT, we assigned patients at risk for PEP to receive a single intravenous dose of Hemin (4 mg/kg) or placebo immediately after ERCP. Patients were considered to be at risk on the basis of validated patient- and/or procedure-related risk factors. Neither rectal NSAIDs nor pancreatic stent insertion were allowed in randomized patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of PEP. Secondary outcomes included lipase elevation, mortality, safety, and length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 282 of the 294 randomized patients had complete follow-up. Groups were similar in terms of clinical, laboratory, and technical risk factors for PEP. PEP occurred in 16 of 142 patients (11.3%) in the Hemin group and in 20 of 140 patients (14.3%) in the placebo group (p = 0.48). Incidence of severe PEP reached 0.7% and 4.3% in the Hemin and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.07). Significant lipase elevation after ERCP did not differ between groups. Length of hospital stay, mortality and severe adverse events rates were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

We failed to detect large improvements in PEP rate among participants at risk for PEP who received IV hemin immediately after the procedure compared to placebo.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01855841).

[Research progress on the mechanism of action of heme oxygenase-1 regulating ferroptosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has gradually become the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the world, but its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Heme oxygenase-1 is a recognized antioxidant enzyme and an important regulatory factor in ferroptosis that modulates ferroptosis through various pathways and, in turn, regulates NAFLD. This paper reviews the regulatory mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 on NAFLD in ferroptosis pathway, with a view to clarifying the occurrence and development mechanisms of NAFLD and providing new vision and targets for its prevention and treatment.

[Value of constructing a non-invasive diagnostic model based on serum heme oxygenase-1 and glucose regulatory protein 78 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To analyze the clinical application value of serum heme oxygenase (HO)-1expression level in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and, based on that, establish a diagnostic model combined with glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) so as to clarify its diagnostic effectiveness and application value. Methods: A total of 210 NAFLD patients diagnosed by abdominal B-ultrasound and liver elastography were included, and at the same time, 170 healthy controls were enrolled. The general clinical data, peripheral blood cell counts, and biochemical indicators of the research subjects were collected. The expression levels of HO-1 and GRP78 were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for NAFLD. Visual output was performed through nomogram diagrams, and the diagnostic model was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of NAFLD. Measurement data were analyzed using a t-test or Mann-Whitney U rank sum test to detect data differences between groups. Enumeration data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact probability test or the Pearson χ(2) test. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, the white blood cell count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GTT), fasting blood glucose (Glu), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum HO-1, and GRP78 levels were significantly increased in the NAFLD group patients (P < 0.05). Binary logistic analysis results showed that AST, TG, LDL-C, serum HO-1, and GRP78 were independent risk factors for NAFLD (P < 0.05). A nomogram clinical predictive model HGATL was established using HO-1 (H), GRP78 (G) combined with AST (A), TG (T), and LDL-C (L), with the formula P=-21.469+3.621×HO-1+0.116 ×GRP78+0.674×AST+6.250×TG+4.122 ×LDL-C. The results confirmed that the area under the ROC curve of the HGATL model was 0.965 8, with an optimal cutoff value of 81.69, a sensitivity of 87.06%, a specificity of 92.82%, a P < 0.05, and the diagnostic effectiveness significantly higher than that of a single indicator. The calibration curve and DCA both showed that the model had good diagnostic performance. Conclusion: The HGATL model can be used as a novel, non-invasive diagnosis model for NAFLD and has a positive application value in NAFLD diagnosis and therapeutic effect evaluation. Therefore, it should be explored and promoted in clinical applications.

Melatonin-Derived Carbon Dots with Free Radical Scavenging Property for Effective Periodontitis Treatment via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease closely associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement. Eliminating ROS to control the periodontal microenvironment and alleviate the inflammatory response could potentially serve as an efficacious therapy for periodontitis. Melatonin (MT), renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, is frequently employed as an ROS scavenger in inflammatory diseases. However, the therapeutic efficacy of MT remains unsatisfactory due to the low water solubility and poor bioavailability. Carbon dots have emerged as a promising and innovative nanomaterial with facile synthesis, environmental friendliness, and low cost. In this study, melatonin-derived carbon dots (MT-CDs) were successfully synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The MT-CDs have good water solubility and biocompatibility and feature excellent ROS-scavenging capacity without additional modification. The in vitro experiments proved that MT-CDs efficiently regulated intracellular ROS, which maintained mitochondrial homeostasis and suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, findings from the mouse model of periodontitis indicated that MT-CDs significantly inhibited the deterioration of alveolar bone and reduced osteoclast activation and inflammation, thereby contributing to the regeneration of damaged tissue. In terms of the mechanism, MT-CDs may scavenge ROS, thereby preventing cellular damage and the production of inflammatory factors by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. The findings will offer a vital understanding of the advancement of secure and effective ROS-scavenging platforms for more biomedical applications.

The Dual Angiogenesis Effects via Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway of Melatonin Nanocomposite Scaffold on Promoting Diabetic Bone Defect Repair

Purpose

Given the escalating prevalence of diabetes, the demand for specific bone graft materials is increasing, owing to the greater tendency towards bone defects and more difficult defect repair resulting from diabetic bone disease (DBD). Melatonin (MT), which is known for its potent antioxidant properties, has been shown to stimulate both osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

Methods

MT was formulated into MT@PLGA nanoparticles (NPs), mixed with sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel, and contained within a 3D printing polycaprolactone/β-Tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffold. The osteogenic capacity of the MT nanocomposite scaffold under diabetic conditions was demonstrated via in vitro and in vivo studies and the underlying mechanisms were investigated.

Results

Physicochemical characterization experiments confirmed the successful fabrication of the MT nanocomposite scaffold, which can achieve long-lasting sustained release of MT. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the MT nanocomposite scaffold exhibited enhanced osteogenic capacity, which was elucidated by the dual angiogenesis effects activated through the NF-E2-related factor 2/Heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway, including the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity to reduce the oxidative stress damage of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and directly stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, which reversed the angiogenesis-osteogenesis uncoupling and promoted osteogenesis under diabetic conditions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the research prospective and clinical implications of the MT nanocomposite scaffold as a novel bone graft for treating bone defect and enhancing bone fusion in diabetic individuals.

Protective Effects of Hinokitiol on Neuronal Ferroptosis by Activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Traumatic Brain Injury

In this study, we investigated the effects of hinokitiol, a small-molecule natural compound, against neuronal ferroptosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model and excess glutamate-treated HT-22 cells were used to study the effects of hinokitiol on TBI. Hinokitiol mitigated TBI brain tissue lesions and significantly improved neurological function. Neuron loss and iron deposition were ameliorated after hinokitiol administration. Hinokitiol alleviated excessive glutamate-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+ accumulation in HT-22. Mechanistically, hinokitiol upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, promoted nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, and inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocyte after TBI. These results suggest that hinokitiol has neuroprotective effects on rescuing cells from TBI-induced neuronal ferroptosis. In summary, hinokitiol is a potential therapeutic candidate for TBI by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Serum heme oxygenase-1 level predicts clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke

AIMS

The relationship between heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and human ischemic stroke outcome remains unclear, which was investigated in this study.

METHODS

Acute ischemic stroke patients admitted within 24 h were enrolled. Serum HO-1 levels at baseline were measured via ELISA. Poor 3-month functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 3-6. Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were employed to examine association between serum HO-1 and functional outcome. HO-1's additive prognostic utility was assessed by net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

Of 194 eligible patients, 79 (40.7%) developed poor functional outcomes at 3-month follow-up. The highest quartile of serum HO-1 was independently associated with a lower risk of poor functional outcome (adjusted OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.45; p = 0.001) compared with the lowest HO-1 category. The relationship between higher HO-1 levels and reduced risk of poor functional outcome was linear and dose responsive (p = 0.002 for linearity). Incorporating HO-1 into the analysis with conventional factors significantly improved reclassification for poor functional outcomes (NRI = 41.2%, p = 0.004; IDI = 5.0%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum HO-1 levels at baseline were independently associated with improved 3-month functional outcomes post-ischemic stroke. Serum HO-1 measurement may enhance outcome prediction beyond conventional clinical factors.

VDR Activation Attenuates Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Ferroptosis by Regulating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. Ferroptosis, a new form of cell death, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of DN. Renal tubular injury triggered by ferroptosis might be essential in this process. Numerous studies demonstrate that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) exerts beneficial effects by suppressing ferroptosis. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Thus, they verified the nephroprotective effect of VDR activation and explored the mechanism by which VDR activation suppressed ferroptosis in db/db mice and high glucose-cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). Paricalcitol (PAR) is a VDR agonist that can mitigate kidney injury and prevent renal dysfunction. PAR treatment could inhibit ferroptosis of PTECs through decreasing iron content, increasing glutathione (GSH) levels, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) generation, decreasing the expression of positive ferroptosis mediator transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1), and enhancing the expression of negative ferroptosis mediators including ferritin heavy chain (FTH-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cystine/glutamate antiporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). Mechanistically, VDR activation upregulated the NFE2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway to suppress ferroptosis in PTECs. These findings suggested that VDR activation inhibited ferroptosis of PTECs in DN via modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

The heme oxygenase-1 metalloporphyrin inhibitor stannsoporfin enhances the bactericidal activity of a novel regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a murine model

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) poses significant challenges to global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) offer a novel approach to TB treatment by enhancing immune-mediated clearance of Mtb. Prior preclinical studies found that the inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme involved in heme metabolism, with tin-protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) significantly reduced mouse lung bacillary burden when co-administered with the first-line antitubercular regimen. Here, we evaluated the adjunctive HDT activity of a novel HO-1 inhibitor, stannsoporfin (SnMP), in combination with a novel MDR-TB regimen comprising a next-generation diarylquinoline, TBAJ-876 (S), pretomanid (Pa), and a new oxazolidinone, TBI-223 (O) (collectively, SPaO), in Mtb-infected BALB/c mice. After 4 weeks of treatment, SPaO + SnMP 5mg/kg reduced mean lung bacillary burden by an additional 0.69 log10 (P = 0.01) relative to SPaO alone. As early as 2 weeks post-treatment initiation, SnMP adjunctive therapy differentially altered the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and CD38, a marker of M1 macrophages. Next, we evaluated the sterilizing potential of SnMP adjunctive therapy in a mouse model of microbiological relapse. After 6 weeks of treatment, SPaO + SnMP 10mg/kg reduced lung bacterial burdens to 0.71 ± 0.23 log10 colony-forming units (CFUs), a 0.78 log-fold greater decrease in lung CFU compared to SpaO alone (P = 0.005). However, adjunctive SnMP did not reduce microbiological relapse rates after 5 or 6 weeks of treatment. SnMP was well tolerated and did not significantly alter gross or histological lung pathology. SnMP is a promising HDT candidate requiring further study in combination with regimens for drug-resistant TB.

Enhancing effect of the coexisting alpha-tocopherol on quercetin absorption and metabolism

The aim of this study is to investigate the modulating effect of coexisting food components on the absorption and metabolism of quercetin and blood plasma antioxidant potentials. The combination of quercetin with α-tocopherol (αT), cellulose, or a commercially available vegetable beverage containing αT and dietary fiber was orally administered to mice. Compared to the single administration of quercetin aglycone, the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly increased the plasma quercetin concentration at 0.5 h, whereas the combination of quercetin and cellulose decreased it. Interestingly, the administration of quercetin mixed with the vegetable beverage showed no significant change in the quercetin concentration in the mice plasma. The treatment of the cells with the blood plasma after the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (heme oxygenase-1), whereas the quercetin and cellulose combination did not. In the plasma of the quercetin-administered mice, eight types of quercetin metabolites were detected, and their quantities were affected by the combination with αT. The potentials of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by these metabolites were very limited, although several metabolites showed radical scavenging activities comparable to aglycone in the in vitro assays. These results suggested that the combination of αT potentiates the quercetin absorption and metabolism and thus the plasma antioxidant potentials, at least in part, by the quantitative changes in the quercetin metabolites.

Therapeutic potential of dihydroartemisinin in mitigating radiation-induced lung injury: Inhibition of ferroptosis through Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in mice

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common consequence of thoracic radiation therapy that lacks effective preventative and treatment strategies. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, affects oxidative stress, immunomodulation, and inflammation. It is uncertain whether DHA reduces RILI. In this work, we investigated the specific mechanisms of action of DHA in RILI.

METHODS

Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups of six mice each: Control group, irradiation (IR) group, IR + DHA group, and IR + DHA + Brusatol group. The IR group received no interventions along with radiation treatment. Mice were killed 30 days after the irradiation. Morphologic and pathologic changes in lung tissue were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Detection of hydroxyproline levels for assessing the extent of pulmonary fibrosis. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in lung tissues were detected. In addition, mitochondrial ultrastructural changes in lung tissues were also observed, and the glutathione (GSH) content in lung tissues was assessed.

RESULTS

DHA attenuated radiation-induced pathological lung injury and hydroxyproline levels. Additionally, it decreased TNF-α and TGF-β after irradiation. DHA may additionally stimulate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. DHA upregulated GPX4 and GSH levels and inhibited cellular ferroptosis. Brusatol reversed the inhibitory effect of DHA on ferroptosis and its protective effect on RILI.

CONCLUSION

DHA modulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to prevent cellular ferroptosis, which reduced RILI. Therefore, DHA could be a potential drug for the treatment of RILI.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin, protects chondrocytes, and reduces cartilage inflammation via the NRF2/HO-1/NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUND

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes.

METHOD

In our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels.

RESULTS

Our study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1β, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.

HO-3867, a curcumin analog, elicits cell apoptosis and p38-mediated caspase activation in hepatocellular carcinoma

HO-3867, a synthetic curcumin analog, has displayed various tumor-suppressive characteristics and improved bioabsorption over its parent compound. However, its influences on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly defined. To address this, we tested the anticarcinogenic impact of HO-3867 and investigated the underlying mechanisms in fighting liver cancer. Our result demonstrated that HO-3867 reduced the viability of HCC cells, accompanied by promotion of cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 stage and apoptotic responses. Furthermore, a distinctive profile of apoptosis associated proteins, encompassing elevated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) level and caspase activation, was detected in HO-3867-stimulated HCC cells. In addition, such HO-3867-mediated elevation in caspase activation was dampened by pharmacological suppression of p38 activities. Taken together, our findings unveiled that HO-3867 triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptotic events in liver cancer, involving a p38-mediated activation of caspase cascades. These data highlighted a usefulness of curcumin or its analogs on the management of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Sodium humate ameliorates LPS-induced liver injury in mice by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and activating NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Acute liver damage is a type of liver disease that has a significant global occurrence and a lack of successful treatment and prevention approaches. Sodium humate (HNa), a natural organic substance, has extensive applications in traditional Chinese medicine due to its antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The purpose of this research was to examine the mitigating impacts of HNa on liver damage induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 30 female mice were randomly assigned into Con, Mod, L-HNa, M-HNa, and H-HNa groups. Mice in the Con and Mod groups were gavaged with PBS, whereas L-HNa, M-HNa, and H-HNa groups mice were gavaged with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% HNa, daily. On day 21, Mod, L-HNa, M-HNa, and H-HNa groups mice were challenged with LPS (10 mg/kg). We discovered that pretreatment with HNa improved liver pathological damage and inflammation by inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, enhancing the polarization of liver M2 macrophages, and reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Our further study found that pretreatment with HNa enhanced the liver ability to combat oxidative stress and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis by activating the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, HNa could alleviate LPS-induced liver damage through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and activating NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathways. This study is the first to discover the therapeutic effects of HNa on liver damage induced by LPS.

Vitreous Biomarkers for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Prognostication in Patients Undergoing Primary Retinal Detachment Repair

Purpose

To compare baseline levels of exploratory biomarkers in the vitreous fluid of patients with primary retinal detachment who subsequently develop proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) versus those who do not.

Methods

In this exploratory case-control study, we evaluated the baseline protein biomarker levels from a biobank containing the vitreous fluid of patients who had undergone primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Undiluted samples were collected at the time of PPV and stored at -80°C. Samples from 13 patients who developed PVR within 6 months (PVR group) and 13 age- and gender-matched controls who did not develop PVR (control group) were included. Protein abundance levels were evaluated using a proximity extension assay, and a confirmatory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentration of vimentin.

Results

Baseline vimentin (Normalized Protein eXpression [NPX], 8.6 vs. 6.4, P < 0.0001) and heme oxygenase 1 (NPX 8.9 vs. 7.0, P < 0.001) levels were found to be elevated in vitreous fluid of patients who subsequently developed PVR compared to those who did not. Confirmatory analysis using ELISA demonstrated mean vimentin concentrations of 7254 vs. 2727 ng/mL in the PVR versus control groups (P = 0.0152). The odds ratio for developing PVR was 14 (confidence interval, 1.4-168; P = 0.03), assuming a baseline vimentin threshold of 7500 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein expressed by retinal glial cells, and our data combined with prior evidence suggest that it may serve as an early vitreous biomarker for subsequent PVR formation and reactive gliosis. Furthermore, we found, for the first time, elevated baseline levels of heme oxygenase 1, a measurable indicator of oxidative stress.

Translational Relevance

Our positive findings could impact clinical care for retinal detachment patients by facilitating risk stratification for targeted interventions or closer monitoring in those at the highest risk of developing PVR.

Mechanistic insights into the anti-restenotic effects of HSP27 and HO1 modulated by reconstituted HDL on neointimal hyperplasia

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) therapy has demonstrated beneficial effects in acute stroke and acute myocardial infarction models by reducing infarct size. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) on neointimal hyperplasia and elucidated its underlying mechanism using a balloon injury rat model. Our finding revealed a significant 37% reduction in the intima to media ratio in the arteries treated with 80 mg/kg rHDL compared to those subjected to injury alone (p < 0.05), indicating a specific inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia. In vivo analysis further supported the positive effects of rHDL by demonstrating a reduction in smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and an increase in endothelial cell (EC) proliferation. Additionally, rHDL treatment led to decreased infiltration of leukocytes and downregulated the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in the neointimal area. Notably, rHDL administration resulted in decreased expression of VCAM1 and HIF1α, alongside increased expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). Overexpression of HSP27 and HO1 effectively inhibited SMC proliferation. Moreover, rHDL-mediated suppression of injury-induced HIF1α coincided with upregulation of HSP27. Interestingly, HSP27 and HO1 had varying effects on the expression of chemokine receptors and rHDL did not exert significant effect on chemokine receptor expression in THP1 cells. These findings underscore the distinct roles of HSP27 and HO1 as potential regulatory factors in the progression of restenosis. Collectively, our study demonstrates that rHDL exerts a potent anti-neointimal hyperplasia effect by reducing leukocytes infiltration and SMC proliferation while promoting EC proliferation.

Cucurbitacin I Reverses Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization to Affect Cancer Cell Metastasis

The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor progression and immune regulation. As one of the most important components of the tumor microenvironment, macrophages have become a new therapeutic target for inhibiting tumor progression. Despite the well-documented anticancer activity of cucurbitacin I, its effect on macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we established a coculture system of macrophages and cancer cells under hypoxic conditions to simulate the tumor-promoting environment mediated by M2-like macrophages. We determined whether cucurbitacin I modulates M2-like polarization in macrophages in vitro and conducted RNA sequencing to identify gene expression changes induced by cucurbitacin I in macrophages. The results indicated a remarkable inhibition of the M2-like polarization phenotype in macrophages following treatment with cucurbitacin I, which was accompanied by the significant downregulation of heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, we found that cucurbitacin I-treated macrophages reduced the migration of cancer cells by inhibiting the M2 polarization in vitro. These findings highlight the potential of cucurbitacin I as a therapeutic agent that targets M2-like macrophages to inhibit cancer cell metastasis. Our study provides novel insights into the intricate interplay among macrophage polarization, cucurbitacin I, and heme oxygenase-1, thereby opening new avenues for cancer treatment.

Dapagliflozin alleviates renal podocyte pyroptosis via regulation of the HO‑1/NLRP3 axis

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most significant complications of diabetes, resulting in increased patient mortality. Dapagliflozin is an inhibitor of sodium‑glucose cotransporter 2 that has an important protective effect on the kidney. Recent studies showed that pyroptosis is involved in the advancement of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the association between pyroptosis and renal podocyte injury in DN remain unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the anti‑pyroptotic function of dapagliflozin in podocytes and further clarified the potential mechanisms. In this study, a model of lipid metabolism disturbance was established through palmitic acid (PA) induction in a mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC5) cell line. MPC5 PA‑induced pyroptosis was measured by ELISA, western blotting, quantitative PCR and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide double‑fluorescence staining. The protective role of HO‑1 was measured using knockdown and overexpression experiments. It was found that dapagliflozin attenuated the expression of pyroptosis‑related proteins, including nucleotide oligomerization domain‑like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3, apoptosis‑associated speck‑like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain, caspase‑1, IL‑18 and IL‑1β in the PA group. Meanwhile, the heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1) expression level decreased within PA, an effect that was reversed by dapagliflozin. Furthermore, the expression of pyroptosis‑related proteins and inflammatory cytokines was reduced following HO‑1 overexpression. Therefore, these results suggested that dapagliflozin ameliorates MPC5 pyroptosis by mediating HO‑1, which has a protective effect on diabetic nephropathy.

T-2 toxin induces cardiotoxicity by activating ferroptosis and inhibiting heme oxygenase-1

T-2 toxin, a natural secondary sesquiterpenoid metabolite produced by numerous strains of Fusarium fungi, is prevalent in both contaminated food and the environment. T-2 toxin is known to be highly toxic to the cardiovascular system, but the precise mechanisms that lead to T-2 toxin-induced cardiotoxicity are not yet fully understood. Recent findings indicate that ferroptosis is a pivotal factor in cardiovascular damage and exhibits a strong correlation with the detrimental impacts of T-2 toxin. The present study was designed to examine the involvement of ferroptosis in T-2 toxin-induced cardiac injury. Male mice and human cardiomyocytes were subjected to T-2 toxin for 24 h to induce acute cardiotoxicity for in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. Our results demonstrated that T-2 toxin increased reactive oxygen species production, malondialdehyde, and decreased glutathione/oxidized glutathione and adenosine triphosphate levels. Furthermore, T-2 toxin was observed to activate ferroptosis, as evidenced by an increase in iron (Fe2+) concentration and upregulation of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2, downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 and ferritin heavy chain 1, as well as ferroptotic morphological alterations. Inhibition of ferroptosis by Liproxstatin-1 reversed T-2 toxin-induced cardiac injury. Additionally, the downregulation of heme oxgenase-1 (HO-1) expression by T-2 toxin exacerbates ferroptosis and oxidative damage, which can be further aggravated by HO-1 inhibition with Sn-protoporphyrin. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced cardiotoxicity and suggest that targeting ferroptosis and HO-1 may represent a promising cardioprotective strategy against T-2 toxin.

Phloroglucinol possesses anti-inflammatory activities by regulating AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is closely related to the pathogenesis of chronic illnesses. Secondary metabolites of marine seaweeds are recognized as reliable sources of bioactive compounds due to their health benefits besides their nutritional value. The objective of this study was to determine the potential anti-inflammatory effect of phloroglucinol (Phl) in RAW264.7 murine macrophages after lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation.

METHODS

MTT, nitric oxide (NO), and DCFH-DA assays were conducted to determine cell viability, NO production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were measured using ELISA assay kits. Protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Phl treatment showed a promising anti-inflammatory effect by reducing NO production, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), PGE2 production, protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and ROS generation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Phl treatment upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression by inducing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activating AMPK. However, Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an inhibitor of HO-1, partially reversed these effects, including NO production, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1 expression, and ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

Phl has potential anti-inflammatory activities by regulating AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory activity of 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol involves inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxidase synthase by heme oxygenase-1

BACKGROUND

2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (2M4VP) is a natural anti-inflammatory compound derived from red wine, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an anti-inflammatory enzyme, inhibits NO gene expression, while nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor involved in HO-1 production, binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the nucleus and promotes HO-1 transcription. Based on the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of 2M4VP on NO production is mediated by HO-1, we examined the possible mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of 2M4VP in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity of 2M4VP was analyzed by Griess method, ELISA, qPCR, and Western blotting using LPS-treated macrophage lineage RAW264.7 cells. The impact of 2M4VP on the Nrf2/ARE pathway was also analyzed using immunocytochemistry and an ARE luciferase reporter using HEK293 cells.

RESULTS

The results showed that 2M4VP reduced the production of LPS-induced NO and inducible nitric oxidase synthase (iNOS). In addition, 2M4VP increased the expression of HO-1, while pretreatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 downregulated HO-1 expression. 2M4VP induced Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) degradation. Furthermore, it promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased luciferase activity by binding to the ARE.

CONCLUSIONS

2M4VP induces Keap1 degradation and promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway enhances HO-1 expression and leads to iNOS inhibition for anti-inflammatory function.

Butylphthalide improves brain damage induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury rats through Nrf2/HO-1 and NOD2/MAPK/NF-κB pathways

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to irreversible brain damage with serious consequences. Activation of oxidative stress and release of inflammatory mediators are considered potential pathological mechanisms. Butylphthalide (NBP) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on I/R injuries. However, it is unclear whether NBP can effectively mitigate renal I/R secondary to brain injury as well as its mechanism, which are the aims of this study. Both renal I/R injury rats and oxygen and glucose deprivation cell models were established and pre-intervened NBP. The Morris water maze assay was used to detect behavior. Hippocampal histopathology and function were examined after renal I/R. Apoptosis and tube-forming capacity of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) were tested. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to measure protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and NOD-like receptor C2 (NOD2)/Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. NBP treatment attenuated renal I/R-induced brain tissue damage and learning and memory dysfunction. NBP treatment inhibited apoptosis and promoted blood-brain barrier restoration and microangiogenesis. Also, it decreased oxidative stress levels and pro-inflammatory factor expression in renal I/R rats. Furthermore, NBP enhanced BMVECs' viability and tube-forming capacity while inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress. Notably, the alleviating effects of NBP were attributed to Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and NOD2/MAPK/NF-κB inhibition. This study demonstrates that NBP maintains BBB function by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting the NOD2/MAPK/NF-κB pathway to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby alleviating renal I/R-induced brain injury.

Crocin improves the renal autophagy in rat experimental membranous nephropathy via regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease. Crocin is isolated from saffron and gardenia. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-tumor, free-radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities have been well established. We investigated the biological functions of crocin and its related mechanisms in MN. We established an experimental passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rat model induced by anti-Fx1A antiserum. The rats were divided into sham, sham + crocin, PHN, PHN + crocin, and PHN + enalapril groups. Blood samples and kidneys of rats were collected for estimation of biochemical parameters in serum and oxidative stress indicators in kidney tissues. Histopathological changes of renal tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining. The podocyte number was estimated by immunohistochemistry staining of Wilms tumor type 1 (WT1). The deposition of rat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies, complement C3 and C5b-9 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was performed to measure the levels of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and apoptosis-related proteins. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine volume and urine albumin of PMN rats were significantly reduced by crocin. Additionally, crocin attenuated the renal histopathological changes. Moreover, the oxidative stress damage and podocyte loss and immune injury were relieved by crocin in PHN rats. Mechanistically, crocin administration activated the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The results provide a scientific basis that crocin could alleviate MN by inhibiting immune injury and podocyte damage through activating the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

The aqueous extract of Artemisia Absinthium L. stimulates HO-1/MT-1/Cyp450 signaling pathway via oxidative stress regulation induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (α and γ) animal model

BACKGROUND

This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Artemisia Absinthium L. (Abs) against liver damage induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) in rats, including both structural and functional changes associated with hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). The first group received no treatment. The second group was orally administered Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. The third and fifth groups were injected intraperitoneally with γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w. The fourth and sixth groups were pre-treated with oral Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. along with intraperitoneal injection of γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w.

RESULTS

Treatment with γ-Al2O3 NPs resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total body weight gain, relative liver weight to body weight, and liver weight in rats. However, co-administration of γ-Al2O3 NPs with Abs significantly increased body weight gain (P < 0.05). Rats treated with Al2O3 NPs (γ and α) exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conversely, treatment significantly reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) mRNAs, cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) protein, and histopathological changes were significantly up-regulated in rats injected with Al2O3 NPs. Pre-treatment with Abs significantly reduced MDA, AST, HO-1, and CYP P450 levels in the liver, while increasing GPx and T-SOD levels compared to rats treated with Al2O3 NPs.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Abs has potential protective effects against oxidative stress, up-regulation of oxidative-related genes and proteins, and histopathological alterations induced by Al2O3 NPs. Notably, γ-Al2O3 NPs exhibited greater hepatotoxicity than α-Al2O3 NPs.

Synergistic Action of Virgin Coconut Oil and Clomiphene in Reversing Endocrine Dysregulation in Letrozole-Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats: Role of Nrf2/HMOX-1 Pathway

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women's reproductive age. Currently, the pathophysiology of PCOS is unclear, and the limited treatment options are unsatisfactory. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is functional food oil associated with pharmacological effects in reproductive disorders. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether VCO could enhance clomiphene (CLO) therapy against PCOS in female rats. Rats were randomly divided: (1) Control, (2) PCOS model, (3) PCOS + CLO, (4) PCOS + VCO, and (5) PCOS + CLO + VCO. The PCOS was induced via daily letrozole (1 mg/kg, orally) administration for 21 days. After the PCOS induction, CLO, VCO, and CLO + VCO were administered from days 22 to 36. Serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin were estimated. Polymerase chain reaction gene expression for nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), LH receptor (LHr), androgen receptor (AR), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caspase-3 were analyzed. The letrozole-induced PCOS caused considerable increases in GnRH, LH, prolactin, estrogen, and testosterone, whereas FSH decreased significantly compared to the control. The gene expression of Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, and GSR were markedly diminished, while IL-1β, TNF-α, caspase-3, AR, and LHr prominently increased compared to control. Interestingly, the CLO and VCO separately exerted anti-inflammatory and endocrine balance effects. However, VCO-enhanced CLO effect in LH, prolactin and testosterone, Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, GSR, and AR. VCO may synergize with CLO to depress hyperandrogenism and oxidative inflammation in PCOS.

Attenuation of Oxidative Damage via Upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway by Protease SH21 with Exerting Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties In Vitro

Oxidative damage and inflammation are among the very significant aspects interrelated with cancer and other degenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the biological activities of a 25 kDa protease (SH21) that was purified from Bacillus siamensis. SH21 exhibited very powerful antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inhibition activity in a dose-dependent approach. The mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) were enhanced in the SH21-treated sample. SH21 also increased the transcriptional and translational activities of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with the subsequent development of detoxifying enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In addition, SH21 showed potential anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. At concentrations of 60, 80, and 100 μg/mL, SH21 potentially suppressed nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytokine gene expressions. Furthermore, SH21 significantly released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme in cancer cell supernatant in a concentration-dependent manner and showed strong activity against three tested cancer cell lines, including HL-60, A549, and Hela. Our results suggest that SH21 has effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects and could be an excellent therapeutic agent against inflammation-related diseases.

Serum High-Mobility Group Box 1 and Heme Oxygenase-1 as Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients at Hospital Admission

The careful monitoring of patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 is of particular importance because of the rapid progression of complications associated with COVID-19. For prognostic reasons and for the economic management of health care resources, additional biomarkers need to be identified, and their monitoring can conceivably be performed in the early stages of the disease. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we found that serum concentrations of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), at the time of hospital admission, could be useful biomarkers for COVID-19 management. The study included 160 randomly selected recovered patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on admission. Compared with healthy controls, serum HMGB1 and HO-1 levels increased by 487.6 pg/mL versus 43.1 pg/mL and 1497.7 pg/mL versus 756.1 pg/mL, respectively. Serum HO-1 correlated significantly with serum HMGB1, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), the phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine ratio (PC/LPC), the ratio of reduced and oxidative glutathione (GSH/GSSG)), and anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins (ferritin, haptoglobin). Increased heme catabolism/hemolysis were not detected. We hypothesize that the increase in HO-1 in the early phase of COVID-19 disease is likely to have a survival benefit by providing protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas the level of HMGB1 increase reflects the activity of the innate immune system and represents levels within which the disease can be kept under control.

Allicin protects against LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury by activating Nrf2-HO-1 and inhibiting NLRP3 pathways

BACKGROUND

Allicin is a bioactive compound with potent antioxidative activity and plays a protective effect in myocardial damage and fibrosis. The role and mechanism of Allicin in septic cardiomyopathy are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of Allicin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

METHODS

H9c2 cardiomyocyte cells were pretreated with Allicin (0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) for 2 h, followed by incubation with LPS (10 µg/mL) for 24 h at 37 °C. Cell viability (cell counting kit-8 [CCK-8]), apoptosis (TUNEL staining), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and cytokines release (Interleukin beta [IL-β], Interleukin 6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were determined. The mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway molecules were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

Allicin had no effect on H9c2 cell viability but attenuated LPS-induced injury, with increased cell viability, reduction in inflammatory cytokines release, apoptosis, reduced MDA, and increased SOD (P < 0.05). Additionally, Allicin increased Nrf2 and cellular HO-1 expressions in LPS-treated H9c2 cells. Moreover, Allicin modulated the NLRP3 inflammasome, increased the cleaved caspase-1 (p10) protein, and attenuated the LPS-induced increase in NLRP3, pro-IL-1β, and IL-1β proteins. Silencing of Nrf2 by siRNA (siNrf2) significantly attenuated Allicin-induced increase in cell viability and HO-1 and decrease in NLRP3 protein in LPS-stimulated H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Allicin protects cardiomyocytes against LPS‑induced injury through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Ixeris dentata and Lactobacillus gasseri media protect against periodontitis through Nrf2-HO-1 signalling pathway

Periodontitis is an infectious inflammation in the gums characterized by loss of periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. Its persistent inflammation could result in tooth loss and other health issues. Ixeris dentata (IXD) and Lactobacillus gasseri media (LGM) demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, which may prevent oxidative and inflammatory periodontitis. Here, IXD and LGM extracts were investigated for antioxidative activity against oral discomfort and evaluated for their synergistic effect against oxidative and inflammatory periodontitis in a mouse model. IXD/LGM suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, it reduced pro-inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide, iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and enhanced AKT, Nrf2, and HO-1 activation. Similarly, IXD/LGM treatment elevated osteogenic proteins and mRNAs; alkaline phosphatase, collagen type 1 (COL1), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and micro-CT analysis confirm the positive impact of IXD/LGM on the periodontal structure and its associated inflammation. These findings demonstrate that IXD/LGM inhibits oxidative stress, periodontal inflammation, and its resultant alveolar bone loss in which Akt (also known as protein kinase B)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling is involved. Thus, IXD/LGM is a potential candidate against oxidative/inflammatory stress-associated periodontitis.

Metalloporphyrins as Tools for Deciphering the Role of Heme Oxygenase in Renal Immune Injury

Renal immune injury is a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease, and, despite the progress made in understanding underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, current treatments to preserve renal function continue to be based mainly on systemic immunosuppression. Small molecules, naturally occurring biologic agents, show considerable promise in acting as disease modifiers and may provide novel therapeutic leads. Certain naturally occurring or synthetic Metalloporphyrins (Mps) can act as disease modifiers by increasing heme oxygenase (HO) enzymatic activity and/or synthesis of the inducible HO isoform (HO-1). Depending on the metal moiety of the Mp employed, these effects may occur in tandem or can be discordant (increased HO-1 synthesis but inhibition of enzyme activity). This review discusses effects of Mps, with varying redox-active transitional metals and cyclic porphyrin cores, on mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and outcomes of renal immune injury.

Hispolon induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through JNK / HO ‐1 pathway activation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Hispolon, a polyphenolic compound with antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, is a potential chemotherapy agent. However, few studies have investigated the anti-cancer mechanism of hispolon in oral cancer. This present study used the cell viability assay, clonogenic assay, fluorescent nuclear staining, and flow cytometry assay to analyse the apoptosis-inducing effects of hispolon in OSCC cells. After hispolon treatment, the apoptotic initiators, cleaved caspase-3, -8, and - 9, were upregulated, whereas the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 (cIAP1) was downregulated. Furthermore, a proteome profile analysis using a human apoptosis array revealed the overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by hispolon, which was determined to be involved in caspase-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, cotreatment with hispolon and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors revealed that hispolon induces apoptosis in OSCC cells through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and not the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 pathway. These findings indicate that hispolon may exert an anticancer effect on oral cancer cells by upregulating HO-1 and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis by activating the JNK pathway.

Scutellarin prevents acute alcohol-induced liver injury via inhibiting oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting inflammation by regulating the AKT, p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most frequent liver disease worldwide, resulting in severe harm to personal health and posing a serious burden to public health. Based on the reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of scutellarin (SCU), this study investigated its protective role in male BALB/c mice with acute alcoholic liver injury after oral administration (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg). The results indicated that SCU could lessen serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and improve the histopathological changes in acute alcoholic liver; it reduced alcohol-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, SCU decreased tumor necrosis factor-‍α (TNF-‍α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-‍1β messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels, weakened inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, and inhibited nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‍-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, SCU suppressed cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1) upregulation triggered by alcohol, increased the expression of oxidative stress-related nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathways, and suppressed the inflammation-related degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-‍κB (NF-‍κB)‍-‍α (IκBα) as well as activation of NF‍-‍κB by mediating the protein kinase B (AKT) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. These findings demonstrate that SCU protects against acute alcoholic liver injury via inhibiting oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppressing inflammation by regulating the AKT, p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways.

Astragaloside IV Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis via Activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective broad-spectrum antitumor drug, but its clinical application is limited due to the side effects of cardiac damage. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a significant active component of Astragalus membranaceus that exerts cardioprotective effects through various pathways. However, whether AS-IV exerts protective effects against DOX-induced myocardial injury by regulating the pyroptosis is still unknown and is investigated in this study.

METHODS

The myocardial injury model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of DOX, and AS-IV was administered via oral gavage to explore its specific protective mechanism. Cardiac function and cardiac injury indicators, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and histopathology of the cardiomyocytes were assessed 4 weeks post DOX challenge. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and the expression of pyroptosis and signaling proteins were also determined.

RESULTS

Cardiac dysfunction was observed after the DOX challenge, as evidenced by reduced ejection fraction, increased myocardial fibrosis, and increased BNP, LDH, cTnI, and CK-MB levels (p < 0.05, N = 3-10). AS-IV attenuated DOX-induced myocardial injury. The mitochondrial morphology and structure were also significantly damaged after DOX treatment, and these changes were restored after AS-IV treatment. DOX induced an increase in the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, SOD, MDA and GSH as well as an increase in the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (p < 0.05, N = 3-6). Besides, AS-IV depressed myocardial inflammatory-related pyroptosis via activation of the expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) (p < 0.05, N = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that AS-IV had a significant protective effect against DOX-induced myocardial injury, which may be associated with the activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 to inhibit pyroptosis.

Modulation of p38 MAPK and Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and pyroptosis outline the anti-neuroinflammatory and remyelinating characters of Clemastine in EAE rat model

There is vast evidence for the effect of NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Clemastine (CLM) targets NLRP3 in hypoxic brain injury and promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation. However, no previous study pointed to the link of CLM with inflammasome components in MS. Herein, the study aimed to verify the action of CLM on NLRP3 signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an MS rat model. Homogenate of spinal cord with complete Freund's adjuvant was administered on days 0 and 7 to induce EAE. Rats received either CLM (5 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or MCC950 (2.5 mg/kg/day; i.p) for 15 days starting from the first immunization day. In EAEs' brains, NLRP3 pathway components; total and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, interleukins 1β and -18 along with pyroptotic marker; gasdermin D (GSDMD) were upregulated. These were accompanied with diminished nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and total antioxidant capacity levels. CLM improved these perturbations as well as signs of MS; weight loss, clinical scores, and motor disorders observed in the open field, hanging wire and rotarod tests. Histopathological examinations revealed improvement in H&E abnormalities and axonal demyelination as shown by luxol fast blue stain in lumbar sections of spinal cord. These CLM's actions were studied in comparison to MCC950 as a well-established selective blocker of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusively, CLM has a protective role against neuroinflammation and demyelination in EAE via its anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic actions.

Novel Role of Hemeoxygenase-1 in Phthalate-Induced Renal Proximal Tubule Cell Ferroptosis

Phthalates are widely used to improve the flexibility of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) polymer agriculture products. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a type of addition to plastic and can lead to many health problems. Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an extremely important molecule that releases enzymatic products to promote ferroptosis. This research aimed to explore the function of HO-1 in DEHP-induced renal proximal tubule cell ferroptosis. In the experiment, ICR male mice are exposed to (0, 50, 200, and 500 mg/kg BW/day) DEHP for 28 days. Here, we observed that DEHP induced glomeruli atrophy and the tubules swell. Furthermore, DEHP exposure could increase ferrous iron content and decrease antioxidant activity. We also found that DEHP exposure increased the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NFE2L2) in the nucleus. In particular, the expression of (HO-1) is significantly increased both in protein and mRNA levels. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) as an endogenous control of ferroptosis was downregulated, which proved the occurrence of ferroptosis. In the study, exposure to DEHP activated the NFE2L2/HO-1 signaling pathway and resulted in ferroptosis of the proximal tubule. This research connects ferroptosis with HO-1, providing new insights into the potential roles of phthalates in nephrotoxicity.

Kaempferol: A potential agent in the prevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer in relation to incidence and mortality rate and its incidence is considerably increasing annually due to the change in the dietary habit and lifestyle of the world population. Although conventional therapeutic options, such as surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy have profound impacts on the treatment of CRC, dietary therapeutic agents, particularly natural products have been regarded as the safest alternatives for the treatment of CRC. Kaempferol (KMP), a naturally derived flavonol, has been shown to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide ions, hydroxyl radicals, and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), especially peroxynitrite. Furthermore, this flavonol inhibits xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and increases the activities of catalase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a wide range of cancer and non-cancer cells. Based on several studies, KMP is also a hopeful anticancer which carries out its anticancer action via suppression of angiogenesis, stimulation of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Due to various applications of KMP as an anticancer flavonol, this review article aims to highlight the current knowledge regarding the role of KMP in CRC.

Heme oxygenase-1 modulates ferroptosis by fine-tuning levels of intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species of macrophages in response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection

Macrophages are the host cells and the frontline defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, and the form of death of infected macrophages plays a pivotal role in the outcome of Mtb infections. Ferroptosis, a programmed necrotic cell death induced by overwhelming lipid peroxidation, was confirmed as one of the mechanisms of Mtb spread following infection and the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). However, the mechanism underlying the macrophage ferroptosis induced by Mtb infection has not yet been fully understood. In the present study, transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) and pro-ferroptosis cytokines, but downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and other key anti-lipid peroxidation factors in the peripheral blood of both patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This finding was further corroborated in mice and RAW264.7 murine macrophage-like cells infected with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). A mechanistic study further demonstrated that heme oxygenase-1 protein (HO-1) regulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron metabolism, and ferroptosis in BCG-infected murine macrophages. The knockdown of Hmox1 by siRNA resulted in a significant increase of intracellular ROS, Fe2+, and iron autophagy-mediated factor Ncoa4, along with the reduction of antioxidant factors Gpx4 and Fsp1 in macrophages infected with BCG. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Hmox1 also reduced cell survival rate and increased the release of intracellular bacteria in BCG-infected macrophages. By contrast, scavenging ROS by N-acetyl cysteine led to the reduction of intracellular ROS, Fe2+, and Hmox1 concentrations, and subsequently inhibited ferroptosis and the release of intracellular BCG in RAW264.7 cells infected with BCG. These findings suggest that HO-1 is an essential regulator of Mtb-induced ferroptosis, which regulates ROS production and iron accretion to alter macrophage death against Mtb infections.

Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators

This study aims to investigate the combined anti-inflammatory activity of ginger and turmeric extracts. By comparing the activities of individual and combined extracts in lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ-induced murine RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that ginger-turmeric combination was optimal at a specific ratio (5:2, w/w) in inhibiting nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 6 with synergistic interaction (combination index < 1). The synergistic inhibitory effect on TNF was confirmed in human monocyte THP-1 cells. Ginger-turmeric combination (5:2, w/w) also upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2−related factor 2 activity and heme oxygenase-1 protein expression. Additionally, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol and curcumin were the leading compounds in reducing major proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, and a simplified compound combination of 6-s, 10-s and curcumin showed the greatest potency in reducing LPS-induced NO production. Our study provides scientific evidence in support of the combined use of ginger and turmeric to alleviate inflammatory processes.

MicroRNA-122-5p regulates coagulation and inflammation through MASP1 and HO-1 genes

MiR-122-5p is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of sepsis and is correlated with coagulation abnormalities in sepsis. However, its functional aspects remain unknown. This study applied bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the coagulation-related target genes for miR-122-5p. THP-1, HUVEC, and LO-2 cell lines were used in this study. MiR-122-5p mimics were transfected into the three previously mentioned cell lines, which helped in detecting mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Serum samples from 84 sepsis patients were collected to evaluate target gene code proteins. The protein and mRNA levels of Heme oxygenase1(HO-1), IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1), and TNF-α were also evaluated in three cell lines. Mannan binding lectin serine peptidase 1(MASP1) was a direct target gene of miR-122-5p, and levels of MASP1, C3, and C4 were all significantly lower in the sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) group than in the sepsis without DIC group. MiR-122-5p mimics could down-regulate HO-1 in the three cell lines. HO-1, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α gene and protein levels were decreased after miR-122-5p mimics were added. MiR-122-5p regulated coagulation and inflammation through MASP1 and HO-1, respectively.

The effect of icariin on autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1/Sirt1 pathway in mice

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common gynecological disease. Autoimmunity is a common cause of POI. Icariin (ICA) plays a therapeutic role in many autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the effect of ICA on autoimmune POI mice and its effect on immune regulation. Sixty-three female BALB/c mice were randomized into three groups (control, POI, POI + ICA). POI and POI + ICA group were hypodermically injected with zona pellucida three peptides (pZP3) to induce autoimmune POI. Then the POI + ICA group was gavaged with ICA. A vaginal smear was to observe estrous cycles, hematoxylin-eosin staining was to count follicles. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis determined serum FSH, LH, AMH, and anti-zona pellucida antibody (AZPAb) levels. In addition, flow cytometry detected the expression of Th1 cells and Treg cells, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) proteins. pZP3 treatment decreased serum AMH levels and increased FSH, LH, and AZPAb levels. Additionally, decreases in the number of healthy follicles at all stages and an increase in the number of atretic follicles. Abnormal ovarian structure and an arrested estrous cycle were also noted. However, ICA rescued POI through up-regulating Nrf2, HO-1, and Sirt1 expressions and up-regulating Treg expressions. ICA treatment improved the structure of the injured ovarian and its function in autoimmune POI mice. The mechanism is achieved by increasing the expression of Nrf2/HO-1/Sirt1 pathway in the ovary and increasing Treg cells' expression.

Label-Free Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Biosensing Chips for Heme Oxygenase-1 Detection within Cerebrospinal Fluid as an Effective Outcome Indicator for Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A novel device for cholesteric liquid crystal (LC; CLC)-based biosensing chips for detecting heme oxygenase (HO)-1 within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was invented. In the CLC device, the reorientation of the LCs was strongly influenced by the alignment layer surface and adjacent LCs. When the substrate was coated with the alignment layer, the CLCs oriented homeotropically in a focal conic state. Once HO-1 was immobilized onto the orientation sheet-coated substrate, the CLC changed from a focal conic state to a bright planar state by disrupting the CLCs. The concentration of HO-1 within CSF was shown to be an effective outcome indicator for patients with a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. We showed that the CLC immunoassaying can be used to measure HO-1 with a lower detection limit of about 10 ng/mL. The linear range was 10 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL. An easy-to-use, rapid-detection, and label-free CLC immunoassay device is proposed.

NRF2/HO-1 pathway activation by ATF3 in a noise-induced hearing loss murine model

BACKGROUND

Excessive oxidative stress of the inner ear as a result of high, intense noise exposure is regarded as a major mechanism underlying the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The present study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of activated transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in reduction/oxidation homeostasis of NIHL.

METHOD

In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the functional role of ATF3 in the inner ear. Mice hearing was measured using auditory brainstem response. ATF3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was transfected into House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells to decrease ATF3 expression. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed to quantify ATF3, NRF2, HO-1 and NQO1 expression. Glutathione (GSH) assay was performed to detect intracellular GSH levels. ATF3 immunofluorescence analysis was carried out in cochlear cryosectioned samples and HEI-OC1 cells to localize ATF3 expression. Cell counting kit 8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to analyze cell viability.

RESULT

ATF3 was upregulated in noise-exposed cochleae and HEI-OC1 cells treated with H₂O₂. NRF2 is a key factor regulated by ATF3. NRF2, HO-1, NQO1, and GSH expression was significantly downregulated in shATF3 HEI-OC1 cells. ATF3 silencing promoted reactive oxygen species accumulation and increased apoptosis and necrosis with H₂O₂ stimulus.

CONCLUSION

ATF3 functions as an antioxidative factor by activating the NRF2/HO-1 pathway.

Shenmai Injection Alleviates Acute Lung Injury in a Severe Acute Pancreatitis Rat Model via Heme Oxygenase-1 Upregulation

BACKGROUND

One of the serious complications of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is acute lung injury (ALI). Suppressing inflammation is a feasible treatment strategy for SAP-induced ALI. Shenmai injection (SMI), which is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM treatment, can suppress inflammation. Therefore, this study used an established SAP rat model to determine the effect of SMI on ALI induced by SAP.

METHODS

A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to one of four groups: the SAP group, the sham surgery (SS) group, the SAP + SMI group and the SAP + SMI + zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) group. Rats in the SAP group were intravenously injected with 1.6 ml/kg saline 30 minutes after induction of SAP models, rats in the SAP + SMI group were intravenously injected with 1.6 ml/kg SMI, while rats in the SAP + SMI + ZnPP group were intravenously injected with 1.6 ml/kg SMI and 30 mg/kg ZnPP via intraperitoneal injection. The rates were sacrificed 24 hours after SAP induction. Excised lung tissues were histologically examined, protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured and lung wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio was calculated. The protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and interleukin (IL)-10 in blood and tissue samples were measured.

RESULTS

SMI treatment attenuated SAP-induced ALI as evidenced by lower lung damage scores compared with the untreated SAP group (P < .05). SMI also abolished the SAP-induced rise in BALF and W/D ratio protein concentrations (P < .05). Moreover, SMI treatment increased HO-1 and IL-10 levels but decreased TNF-α levels in serum and tissue samples (P < .05). However, inhibition of HO-1 expression by ZnPP led to significant inhibition of all the changes.

CONCLUSION

SMI can alleviate SAP-induced ALI through HO-1 upregulation.

Biochanin-A: A Bioactive Natural Product with Versatile Therapeutic Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Biochanin-A (5,7 dihydroxy 4 methoxy isoflavone) is a phytochemical phytoestrogen that is highly effective against various diseases. Biochanin-A is a nutritional and dietary isoflavonoid naturally present in red clover, chickpea, soybeans and other herbs. Biochanin- A possesses numerous biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

The study focused on collective data of therapeutic activities of Biochanin-A.

METHODS

According to the literature, biochanin-A revealed a range of activities starting from chemoprevention, by hindering cell growth, activation of tumor cell death, hampering metastasis, angiogenic action, cell cycle regulation, neuroprotection, by controlling microglial activation, balancing antioxidants, elevating the neurochemicals, suppressing BACE-1, NADPH oxidase hindrance to inflammation, by mitigating the MAPK and NF- κB, discharge of inflammatory markers, upregulating the PPAR-γ, improving the function of heme oxygenase-1, erythroid 2 nuclear factors, detoxifying the oxygen radicals and stimulating the superoxide dismutase action, and controlling its production of transcription factors. Against pathogens, biochanin-A acts by dephosphorylating tyrosine kinase proteins, obstructing gram-negative bacteria, suppressing the development of cytokines from viruses, and improving the action of a neuraminidase cleavage of caspase-3, and acts as an efflux pump inhibitor. In metabolic disorders, biochanin-A acts by encouraging transcriptional initiation and inhibition, activating estrogen receptors, and increasing the activity of differentiation, autophagy, inflammation, and blood glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, biochanin-A could be used as a therapeutic drug for various pathological conditions and treatments in human beings.

Empagliflozin Attenuates Obesity-Related Kidney Dysfunction and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Through the HO-1-Adiponectin Axis

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a novel sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) that produces protective cardiovascular-renal outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, the effects of EMPA on obesity-related kidney disease have not been determined. The heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-adiponectin axis is an essential antioxidant system with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored whether EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through regulation of the renal HO-1-mediated adiponectin axis. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to control, high-fat diet (HFD) groups, and EMPA (10 mg/kg) groups. HFD mice showed metabolic abnormality and renal injury, including increased urinary albumin excretion, morphologic changes, and lipid accumulation. EMPA treatment improved metabolic disorders and attenuated lipotoxicity-induced renal injury. Furthermore, EMPA treatment ameliorated renal NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulated the HO-1-adiponectin axis. Our findings indicate that EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulation of the HO-1-adiponectin axis, suggesting a novel mechanism for SGLT2i-mediated renal protection in obesity.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 3-Dehydroxyceanothetric Acid 2-Methyl Ester Isolated from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Epithelial Cell Death

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent for treating solid tumors; however, it presents a risk factor for nephropathy. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of 3-dehydroxyceanothetric acid 2-methyl ester (3DC2ME) isolated from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. in LLC-PK1 cells following cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. These cells were exposed to 3DC2ME for 2 h, followed by treatment with cisplatin for 24 h. The treated cells were subjected to cell viability analysis using the Ez-Cytox assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected via 2′, 7′- dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. In addition, western blotting and fluorescent immunostaining were performed to evaluate protein expressions related to oxidative stress and inflammation pathways. Pretreatment with 3DC2ME protected LLC-PK1 cells from cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. In addition, pretreatment with 3DC2ME upregulated heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the cisplatin-treated LLC-PK1 cells. Furthermore, the increase in the expressions of IκB kinase α/β (IKKα/β), inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in these cells was inhibited. These results provide basic scientific evidence for understanding the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of 3DC2ME isolated from Z. jujuba against cisplatin-induced kidney epithelial cell death.

Associations between blood heavy metal(loid)s and serum heme oxygenase-1 in pregnant women: Do their distribution patterns matter?

The relationship between heavy metal(loid)s exposure and oxidative stress damage is a matter of research interest. Our study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of the nine heavy metal(loid)s in blood of pregnant women, including four toxic heavy metal(loid)s [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg)] and five typical heavy metal(loid)s [manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)] in blood. Blood samples of 348 women were collected and their concentrations in the serum (sr) and blood cells (bc) were measured, as well as serum heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (an oxidative stress marker). Total blood (tb) concentrations of these metal(loid)s and serum-to-blood cell concentration ratios (sr/bc) were further calculated. We found Cu mainly accumulated in the serum compared to the blood cells with Cu^sr/bc = 2.30, whereas Co, Se, and As evenly distributed between these two fractions. Other metal(loid)s mainly concentrated in the blood cells. Co^sr, Cu^sr, Cu^bc, Mn^bc, Zn^bc, Cd^bc, Co^tb, Cu^tb, Mn^tb, Zn^tb, Cd^tb, and Cu^sr/bc were negatively associated with serum HO-1, whereas As^sr, As^bc, As^tb, Zn^sr/bc, Cd^sr/bc, and Hg^sr/bc were positively, indicating of their potential toxicity. We concluded that the distribution patterns of blood heavy metal(loid)s, in particular for Cd, Hg and Zn, which either increased in serum or decreased in blood cells, might be associated with elevated serum oxidative stress, should be considered in environmental health assessments.