Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity最新文献

Background: Exercise stress test-induced hypofibrinolysis and changes in circulating levels of several interleukins have been observed in aortic stenosis (AS). However, it is unknown whether the pattern of exercise-induced changes in oxidative stress differs between AS patients and controls and if the differences are associated with changes in fibrinolysis and inflammation. Methods: We studied 32 asymptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe AS and 32 controls of similar age, sex, and body mass index. We assessed plasma protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations, a marker of oxidative stress, in relation to interleukin (IL)-10 and -6 levels and fibrinolysis capacity, expressed as plasma clot lysis time (CLT) at four time points: at baseline, at peak exercise, 1 and 24 h after a symptom-limited exercise test. Results: AS patients had 12.8% and 27% higher PC concentrations 1 and 24 h after exercise than controls (both p  < 0.05), with no differences at baseline and peak exercise. In AS patients, PC concentration was 8.3% higher at peak exercise compared to baseline followed by further PC increase (+12.8% at 1 h and +20.5% at 24 h) compared to peak exercise (all p  < 0.05). In controls, PC concentrations increased during exercise, reaching the highest values 1 h after exercise (+21.9%). In the AS group, PC concentrations at baseline correlated with AS severity measured as peak transvalvular velocity (V _max: r = 0.49, p  < 0.05), mean (PG_mean: r = 0.42, p  < 0.05), and maximal transvalvular pressure gradients (PG_max: r = 0.41, p  < 0.05). PC concentrations correlated with IL-10 levels 1 h (r = 0.37, p  < 0.05) and 24 h (r = 0.38, p  < 0.05) post exercise in AS patients, whereas in controls only at baseline (r = 0.42, p  < 0.05). No associations between PC levels and IL-6 or CLT were observed at any time point. Conclusions: Our findings show that AS patients respond differently to exercise in terms of PC compared to controls, which suggests a novel effect of hemodynamic abnormalities in this disease on intensity of oxidative stress.

Vitiligo is a skin disease that affects all ethnicities and genders and is characterized by the loss of pigment essentially due to the selective loss of melanocytes. Although it is generally considered a systemic disease associated with polymorphisms in genes involved in the immune response, vitiligo is also considered an oxidative imbalance-associated disease. It represents a multifactorial pathology in which some genetic predisposition and epigenetic factors coupled with some critical biochemical and molecular pathways could play a pivotal role. The aim of this work was thus to review some of the fine cellular mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo, mainly focusing on the nonimmunological ones, extensively highlighted elsewhere. We took into consideration, in addition to oxidative stress, both the cause and the hallmark of the pathology, some less investigated aspects such as the role of epigenetic factors, e.g., microRNAs, of receptors of catecholamines, and the more recently recognized role of the mitochondria. Sex differences associated with vitiligo have also been investigated starting from sex hormones and the receptors through which they exert their influence. From literature analysis, a picture seems to emerge in which vitiligo can be considered not just a melanocyte-affecting disease but a systemic pathology that compromises the homeostasis of a complex tissue such as the skin, in which different cell types reside playing multifaceted physiological roles for the entire organism. The exact sequence of cellular and subcellular events associated with vitiligo is still a matter of debate. However, the knowledge of the individual biological factors implicated in vitiligo could help physicians to highlight useful innovative markers of progression and provide, in the long run, new targets for more tailored treatments based on individual manifestations of the disease.

Occupational exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) affects many sectors, necessitating research to understand their transformation mechanisms. In this study, we characterized the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a rat hepatic epithelial cell line with decreased expression of catalase and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit that was exposed to a mixture of As, Cd, and Pb at equimolar occupational exposure concentrations. We evaluated the expression of genes and proteins involved in EMT. Our findings revealed that cells with a decreased antioxidant barrier showed a decreased expression and abundance of epithelial genes when exposed to a mixture of metals. Additionally, we observed alterations in the expression of transcription factors (TFs) associated with EMT and an increase in the expression and abundance of mesenchymal genes. Specifically, we found that E-cadherin expression decreased by ~50% at both the gene and protein levels. In contrast, the expression of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and N-cadherin genes increased by ~70%, whereas their corresponding protein levels increased by nearly 100%. Furthermore, the TFs zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 and snail family transcriptional repressor 1 showed a 30% increase in gene expression and an ~80% increase in protein expression. These changes enable the cells to acquire migratory capabilities. Our results confirmed that exposure to this mixture of As, Cd, and Pb can induce EMT in cells with a decreased antioxidant barrier.

Background: Schistosomiasis is considered one of the most devastating parasitic diseases globally, coming second only to malaria in terms of morbidity. The disease-causing parasite can inhabit the body for over a decade, leading to imbalances in the host's metabolic systems. The flukes and their eggs can illicit various immunological and metabolic complications resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are known to have several devastating effects on the host through increased oxidative stress, DNA mutation, and gene modifications, which can lead to fibrosis and cancer. Main Body: Here, we discuss oxidative stress and cancer risk in Schistosoma infection. The concept of ROS generation and the complex antioxidant systems that enable the parasite to evade oxidant insults and prolong its life span in the host are explored. Further, the various roles of ROS during the initiation and progression of schistosomiasis and its influence on the host are discussed. Finally, mechanisms linked to the risk of bladder cancer in Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infections are elucidated. Conclusion: Finally, we provide an opinion on how some of these mechanisms could give directions for future studies as well as provide a springboard for diagnostics and drug targeting in schistosomiasis.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of microglia triggers the release of neuroinflammatory molecules, contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting these neuroinflammatory molecules could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy. Given the evidence supporting the immune-boosting properties of curcumin (Curc) and the protective effects of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) in the central nervous system (CNS) related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), this study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds on primary rat microglial cells, which are crucial in the response to neuroinflammation. This in vitro study investigated the effects of Curc, MPL, and their coadministration (Curc + MPL) on inflammatory cytokine levels in activated microglial cells. Primary microglial cells were isolated from 1-day-old rats and treated with various concentrations of Curc, MPL, and Curc + MPL prior to LPS stimulation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, followed by the Griess assay to evaluate nitric oxide (NO) production. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as the gene expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were analyzed via real-time PCR. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the protein levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Our findings demonstrate that Curc and MPL possess antineuroinflammatory properties in LPS-stimulated microglial cells. Notably, the coadministration of Curc and MPL (Curc + MPL) significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, Curc + MPL suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2. These results strongly suggest that Curc + MPL is a promising neuroprotective agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by mitigating neuroinflammatory responses.

Moringa oleifera, which is known as a drumstick tree in different areas of the world, is well-known for many health benefits, which are attributed to the abundance of flavonoids, phenolic chemicals, and thiocyanates it contains. This review focuses on M. oleifera's potential for neuroprotection, emphasizing its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotransmitter-modulating qualities. Different parts of M. oleifera include leaves, roots, bark, and gum. Flowers, seeds, and seed oil are used for many health purposes, most notably in the treatment of neurological diseases. Neurodegeneration, which is characterized by the progressive death of nerve cells, is a major concern with an aging population, leading to disorders such as dementia and movement disorders. M. oleifera bioactive compounds improve the antioxidant defense activities of the brain, reduce inflammation, and improve neurotransmitter levels, showing potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative disorders. This review emphasizes the importance of further research, especially clinical trials, to fully understand and utilize M. oleifera's neuroprotective capabilities.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic wound-healing problems that significantly impact patients' quality of life and substantially increase expenditure on healthcare. Therefore, the identification of compounds that can aid healing is justified. Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) has been used in folk medicine for curative purposes; however, the causal mechanisms underlying its healing effects remain to be elucidated. In this study, the effect of the ethanolic extract of A. cordifolia was evaluated in an in vitro healing model using fibroblasts cultivated under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic environments. The extract was predominantly composed of phytol and exhibited genoprotective activity. Fibroblast migration attenuated the adverse effects of hyperglycemia, favoring cell proliferation. Collagen levels were significantly increased in ruptured fibroblasts under both standard and hyperglycemic environments. The phytogenomic effect of the extract on three genes related to extracellular matrix formation, maintenance, and degradation showed that A. cordifolia increased the expression of genes related to matrix synthesis and maintenance in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic individuals. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of genes related to matrix degradation. Overall, this is the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of A. cordifolia in wound healing, elucidating possible causal mechanisms that appear to be based on the genoprotective effect of this plant on the migratory and proliferative phases of the wound healing process; these effects are probably related to phytol, its main constituent.

During ageing, the brain is vulnerable to a growing imbalance of the antioxidant defence system, resulting in increased oxidative stress. This condition may be mainly responsible for cognitive decline, resulting in synaptic transmission disruptions and the onset of neuronal dysfunction. In this context, developing efficient preventive and therapeutic strategies against increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defence mechanisms should be considered a public health priority to promote healthy ageing. Therefore, the current study explored the benefits of a novel combination of green tea, saffron, trans-Reveratrol, and citicoline, called MIX, on improving intracellular processes to ameliorate the mechanisms linked to cognitive decline under oxidative stress conditions. First, the ability of MIX to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was evaluated in an in vitro model, analysing TEER value and the specific tight junctions; second, the CCF-STTG1 cell line was pretreated with 200 µM H₂O₂ for 30 min to explore the effects of the single active compounds and their combination under oxidative stress conditions. Our results demonstrated for the first time the synergistic effects of the new combination to improve the absorption rate of individual agents through the BBB and maintain its integrity. Subsequently, further research was done to assess the positive role of the combination to counteract oxidative damage; as expected, MIX restored the neurodegenerative state activated by 200 µM H₂O₂, reducing mitochondrial damage, and improving survival pathways. Additionally, MIX acted as a regulator of both cellular energy metabolism and apoptosis, reducing the inflammatory state activated by oxidative stress. Finally, MIX can balance neurotrophin production to prevent mitochondrial disruption. In conclusion, MIX counteracted the adverse effects of brain oxidative stress, suggesting that this new proposed formulation prevents the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of cognitive decline, even in support of conventional therapy.

Antioxidants play an important role in protecting cardiac arrhythmias. Silymarin, strong antioxidant, is effective in reducing the complications caused by arrhythmias. This study was conducted to determine the effect of silymarin on the prevention and treatment of calcium chloride-induced arrhythmia. In total, 48 male rats were randomly divided into six groups: the first control group for acute administration received intravenous injection of 0.2 mL of dimethylsulfoxide, a cosolvent, immediately after induction of arrhythmia; the second control group for chronic administration, daily gavage of dimethylsulfoxide for 2 weeks before induction of arrhythmia; acute silymarin group, 100 mg/kg intravenous, immediately after the occurrence of arrhythmia; chronic silymarin group, daily gavage of 50 mg/kg for 2 weeks before induction of arrhythmia; amiodarone standard treatment, 5 mg/kg intravenous, immediately after induction of arrhythmia; and quinidine standard treatment, 10 mg/kg intravenous, immediately after induction of arrhythmia. Calcium chloride (140 mg/kg, i.v.) was used to induce arrhythmia. Electrocardiogram was recorded and monitored by PowerLab™ system. The incidence rates of premature ventricular beat (PVB), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were calculated. The antiarrhythmic effect of silymarin was observed with a significant decrease in the incidence of premature ventricular beat (22.56 ± 1.04%, P < 0.001), ventricular tachycardia (34.150 ± 1.59%, P < 0.001), and ventricular fibrillation (24.31 ± 1.02%, P < 0.001) compared with the control group (100%). These effects were comparable to antiarrhythmic drugs such as quinidine (29.23% ± 1.24%, 52.23% ± 1.13%, 66.31% ± 1.81%) and amiodarone (22.91% ± .72%, 41.09% ± 1.66%, 61.59% ± 1.11%). Silymarin exerts a potent antioxidant effect, thereby mitigating the risk of VT, VF, and PVC.