Antioxidant Processes Research Articles

Btr02, a TRIM39 gene is related to the hypoxia tolerance of Megalobrama amblycephala

Megalobrama amblycephala is susceptible to hypoxia, which results high mortality rates in aquaculture. A preliminary study on a new variety of M. amblycephala called "Pujiang No.2" (GS-01–002–2020) discovered that its tolerance to hypoxia was significantly improved compared with that of wild breed. The objective of this study was to identify the key genes responsible for the enhanced hypoxia tolerance of this new variety. Based on previous RNA sequencing results, the function of btr02 (bloodthirsty-like tripartite motif [TRIM] 02 gene), a key gene for hypoxia tolerance, was explored using CRISPR/Cas9. The results demonstrated that the mutation rate of M. amblycephala btr02+/- was 39.38 %. The 5-month-old mutant was of the same size as normal individuals; however, its tolerance to hypoxia decreased substantially. Specifically, the LOEcrit of knockout mutants increased significantly (P<0.01), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the number of erythrocytes decreased significantly (P<0.01) after hypoxia stress. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in gill morphology between mutant and control groups after hypoxia. These results imply that the btr02 gene of M. amblycephala influences the ability of fish to adapt to hypoxia by affecting the antioxidant stress processes and erythrocyte production.

Molecular insights: zebrafish embryo damage linked to hospital effluent.

This study addresses the pressing issue of pollutants, particularly heavy metals and pharmaceuticals, infiltrating aquatic ecosystems due to untreated hospital effluents. These contaminants, known for their toxicity and bioaccumulative potential, adversely affect water quality and ecosystem health. The research focuses on the intricate relationship between oxidative stress and embryonic damage in Danio rerio exposed to hospital effluent, offering a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Concentrations of pharmaceutical residues (ng L-1) such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, and heavy metals (mg L-1) like Cd, As, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were meticulously quantified. The effluent exhibited a significant embryolethal potential with an LC50 of 2.328% and an EC50 for malformation at 2.607%. Notable embryonic malformations included yolk sac edema, tail abnormalities, pericardial edema, scoliosis, craniofacial deformities, eye hypopigmentation, developmental delays, and body malformations. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of the effluent (0.5% to 4.0%) and assessed for lethality and malformations at specific intervals (12, 24, 48, 72, and 96h post-fertilization). The study also scrutinized oxidative damage and monitored the expression of genes central to antioxidant processes, detoxification, and apoptosis (sod, cat, nrf2, cyp1a1, bax, casp3, casp6, casp7, and casp9) at 48-, 72-, and 96-h post-fertilization across all concentrations. Findings consistently revealed lipid and protein damage, heightened antioxidant activity, and altered gene expression at all time points and effluent concentrations. These results highlight the environmental threat posed by untreated hospital effluent, emphasizing the need for comprehensive effluent treatment measures to protect aquatic ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. The study underscores the critical role of oxidative stress in embryonic damage and advocates for improved environmental stewardship and regulatory measures.

Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Oleaster Oil Against Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress and Organ Toxicity in Rats

Nanoparticles have found widespread application in a variety of fields, despite growing worry about their possible hazardous effects on both the environment and human health. In recent years, research efforts have focused on plants and vegetable oils, which have been identified as abundant sources of many bioactive compounds. Many of these substances are known to participate in antioxidant processes. As a result, the current study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and protective properties of oleaster oil against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in albino Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized cohorts: a control group, SiNP-treated group (at a dose of 50 mg/kg), SiNP-treated group supplemented with oleaster oil (at a dose of 2 mL/kg), and those receiving only 2 mL/kg of oleaster oil. The findings demonstrated that SiNPs initiated an oxidative stress environment, as evidenced by higher lipid peroxidation levels and changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced, including glutathione levels between the control and SiNP-exposure treatments (36.01%, 36.59%, 60%), glutathione-S-transferase (29.74%, 29.90%, 13.49%), catalase (24.14%, 28.19%, 30.85%), and tissue superoxide dismutase (11.90%, 37.78%, 37.79%) in the liver, kidney, and heart, respectively. Furthermore, histological investigations revealed significant liver, kidney, and heart damage, as indicated by pathological alterations such as vascular dilatation and congestion, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and hepatocellular dysfunction. Encouragingly, the administration of oleaster oil significantly ameliorated a majority of these detrimental effects. These data suggest a potential protective effect of oleaster oil against the adverse histological effects induced by SiNP injection.

The exploration of molecular mechanisms involved in the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in alleviating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: Keywords for TCM treatment in ICH were searched in PubMed and CNKI, and relevant literature has been integrated to extract and collect related gene targets. These selected genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed on the target genes in the String database. Results: A total of 491 key genes were identified from 555 references. GO and KEGG analysis of these genes revealed that anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress-related processes and pathways were significantly enriched. PPI network uncovered the crucial genes involved in these biological functions were phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), apolipoprotein E (APOE), 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), c-fos protein (FOS), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Conclusions: This study unveiled that TCM treatment plays an important role in the treatment of ICH via anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative stress signaling.

Mitigating risks from atrazine drift to soybeans through foliar pre-spraying with a degrading bacterium

Herbicides play a crucial role in managing weeds in agriculture, ensuring the productivity and quality of crops. However, herbicide drift poses a significant threat to sensitive plants, necessitating the consideration of ecosystem-based solutions to address this issue. In this study, foliar pre-spraying of atrazine-degrading Paenarthrobacter sp. AT5 was proposed as a new approach to mitigate the risks associated with atrazine drift on soybeans. Exposure to atrazine reduced chlorophyll levels and disturbed the antioxidant system and metabolic processes in soybean leaves, ultimately causing leaves to turn yellow. However, by pre-spraying, strain AT5 successfully colonized the surface of soybean leaves and mitigated the harmful effects of atrazine. This was achieved by slowing down atrazine absorption, expediting its reduction (half-life decreased from 2.22 d to 0.86 d), altering its degradation pathway (enhancing hydroxylation while weakening alkylation), and enhancing the interaction within phyllosphere bacteria communities. This study introduces a new approach that is both eco-friendly and user-friendly for reducing the risks of herbicide drift to sensitive crops, hence promoting the development of mixed cropping.

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor Ameliorates Olfactory Dysfunction, Modulates Microglia Polarization, and Attenuates Neuroinflammation after Ischemic Brain Injury.

Olfactory bulb (OB) microglia activation and inflammation can lead to olfactory dysfunction, which often occurs after an ischemic stroke. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) attenuates neuroinflammation in brain injuries by reducing the degradation of anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. However, whether sEH inhibitors can ameliorate olfactory dysfunction after an ischemic stroke remains unknown. Ischemic brain injury and olfactory dysfunction were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Wistar Kyoto rats. The rats were administered 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA), a selective sEH inhibitor. Olfactory function, cerebral infarct volume, and the degree of degeneration, microglial polarization and neuroinflammation in OB were evaluated. Following treatment with AUDA, rats subjected to MCAO displayed mild cerebral infarction and OB degeneration, as well as better olfactory performance. In OB, AUDA triggered a modulation of microglial polarization toward the M2 anti-inflammatory type, reduction in proinflammatory mediators, and enhancement of the antioxidant process. The effectiveness of AUDA in terms of anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection and anti-oxidative properties suggests that it may have clinical therapeutic implication for ischemic stroke related olfactory dysfunction.

Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Defense-Related Genes and Pathways of Rice Plants in Response to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestation.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a substitute for bread and is a staple food for half of the world's population, but it is heavily affected by insect pests. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a highly destructive pest, threatening rice and other crops in tropical regions. Despite its significance, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying rice's response to fall armyworm infestation. In this study, we used transcriptome analysis to explore the global changes in gene expression in rice leaves during a 1 h and 12 h fall armyworm feeding. The results reveal 2695 and 6264 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 1 and 12 h post-infestation, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses provide insights into biological processes and pathways affected by fall armyworm feeding. Key genes associated with hormone regulation, defense metabolic pathways, and antioxidant and detoxification processes were upregulated, suggesting the involvement of jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, salicylic acid biosynthesis pathways, auxin response, and heat shock proteins in defense during 1 h and 12 h after fall armyworm infestation. Similarly, key genes involved in transcriptional regulation and defense mechanisms reveal the activation of calmodulins, transcription factors (TFs), and genes related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Additionally, MYB, WRKY, and ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are identified as crucial TF families in rice's defense response. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular dynamics in rice responding to fall armyworm infestation, offering valuable insights for developing pest-resistant rice varieties and enhancing global food security. The identified genes and pathways provide an extensive array of genomic resources that can be used for further genetic investigation into rice herbivore resistance. This also suggests that rice plants may have evolved strategies against herbivorous insects. It also lays the groundwork for novel pest-resistance techniques for rice.

Accumulation, biochemical responses and changes in the redox proteome promoted by Ag and Cd in the burrowing bivalve Scrobicularia plana

Silver (Ag) and cadmium (Cd) are non-essential metals that, as a result of natural processes and human activities, reach the aquatic environment where they interact with biota inducing potential toxic effects. To determine the biological effects of these metals on the endobenthic bivalve Scrobicularia plana, specimens were exposed to Ag and Cd at two concentrations, 5 and 50 μg∙L-1, for 7 days in a controlled microcosm system. The levels of the metals were measured in the seawater, sediments and clam tissues. The possible toxic biological effects of Ag and Cd were studied using a battery of biochemical biomarkers that are responsive to oxidative stress: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, and metallothioneins (MTs) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Since both metals have been linked to oxidative stress, redox modifications to proteins were studied by differential isotopic labelling of the oxidised and reduced forms of cysteines (Cys). An accumulation of metals was observed in the digestive gland and gills following exposure, together with the activation of enzyme activities (SOD for the Cd exposure; SOD, CAT, GST, and GR for the Ag exposure). The MT and LPO levels (after individual exposure to Ag and Cd) increased, which suggests the existence of antioxidant and detoxification processes to mitigate the toxic oxidative effects of both metals. The redox proteomic analysis identified 771 Cys-containing peptides (out of 514 proteins), of which 195 and 226 changed after exposure to Ag and Cd, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that exposure to metal affects relevant functional pathways and biological processes in S. plana, such as: “cellular respiration” (Ag), “metabolism of amino acids” and “synthesis and degradation of proteins” (Ag and Cd), “carbohydrate metabolism” and “oxidative stress” (Cd). The proteomic approach implemented here is a powerful complement to conventional biochemical biomarkers, since it evaluates changes at the protein level in a high-throughput unbiased manner, thus providing a general appraisal of the biological responses altered by exposure to the contaminants.

Morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses indicate that cell wall properties and antioxidant processes are potential targets for improving the aluminium tolerance of broad beans

Aluminium (Al) stress is the second-leading abiotic stress on crops. An improved understanding of the response mechanisms of plants to Al stress will provide scientific guidance for enhancing the crops’ tolerance to Al stress. In this study, Al stress (50–200 μM AlCl3) caused visible damage to broad bean (Vicia faba L.) roots rather than shoots, which was attributed to Al accumulation and distribution in different tissues. Root transcriptomic analysis revealed that Al stress altered cell wall properties by downregulating lignin synthesis and several xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase-, expansin- and peroxidase (POD)-encoding genes, which likely weakened cell extensibility to inhibit root growth. Additionally, Al stress impeded reactive oxygen species scavenging pathways involving POD activity and flavonoid biosynthesis, leading to oxidative damage characterised by malondialdehyde accumulation. These results indicate that optimising cell wall properties and/or enhancing antioxidant processes are crucial for alleviating Al toxicity to broad beans. Interestingly, exogenous application (500 and 1000 μM) of the flavonoid apigenin effectively alleviated Al toxicity in broad bean roots by partially improving the total antioxidant capacity of the roots. This study contributes to understanding the interaction between plants and Al and provides new strategies to alleviate Al toxicity in crops.

NMR-based metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of environmental contamination exposure on fishermen living around the Mundaú Lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil)

The Mundaú lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil) is a crucial resource for the local population, particularly fishing communities. Recent studies have revealed potential toxic metal contamination in the lagoon, particularly with mercury (Hg) levels exceeding the maximum regulated values. This inorganic contaminant may be impacting the health of fishermen and the local population. In this context, metabolomics, a study of small-molecule metabolites, can offer insights into the physiological impact of environmental contamination on humans. Thus, volunteers from the control and exposed groups were selected, considering the main exposure criteria primarily defined by their proximity and interaction with the lagoon. Blood and urine samples were collected from the volunteers and subjected to analysis using NMR spectroscopy. The data underwent Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) based on metabolic patterns to establish group discrimination or identification. Metabolic pathways were assessed through enrichment analysis. The study revealed several metabolic disturbances in the exposed group's urine and plasma samples compared to control group. Noteworthy findings included arginine and proline metabolism disruptions, indicative of ammonia recycling and urea cycle impairment. These changes suggest compromised ammonia detoxification in the exposed group. Disturbances in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria suggested systemic metabolic stress in energy metabolism. Furthermore, elevated carnitine and ketone levels may indicate compensatory responses to low TCA cycle activity. Alterations in glutamate and glutathione metabolism and imbalances in glutathione levels indicate oxidative stress and impaired detoxification. This study highlights significant metabolic changes in fishermen exposed to contaminated environments, which can affect various metabolic pathways, including energy metabolism and antioxidant processes, potentially making individuals more vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental contaminants. Finally, this work highlights insights into the relationship between environmental contamination and metabolic pathways, particularly in regions with limited studies.

Biochemical and transcriptomic analyses reveal the toxicological response and potential mechanism of butyl benzyl phthalate in zebrafish gills

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), a common phthalate plasticizer, is frequently detected in aquatic environments. However, there has been relatively little research on its effects on gill-related responses. This study exposed adult zebrafish to BBP concentrations ranging from 5 to 500 μg/L for 28 days, specifically investigating its toxicity in the gills. Assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers and gene expression related to apoptosis and mitochondria was conducted. Results demonstrated that exposure to 500 μg/L of BBP disrupted the antioxidant defense system, leading to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Moreover, the expression level of the caspase-3 gene exhibited an approximate two-fold increase, whereas the expression of 18rs-rrn decreased by 50 % on day 28. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated suppressed expression of antioxidant and metabolic process terms, alongside inhibition of metabolism, immune, and signal transduction-related pathways. This study offers novel insights into the toxic effects and mechanisms of BBP on fish, providing valuable data for assessing environmental risks linked to BBP contamination and advocating for its management in aquatic ecosystems.

Native and TMT Chestnut Extractives as Hydrophobic and Photostabylizing Additives for Wood Surfaces

Wood extractives have proven strong anti-oxidative properties which may be used to mitigate surface deterioration caused by photolytic effects and free radical formations. An interesting challenge regarding wood extractives is understanding how they behave in terms of treating natural wood surfaces to reduce anti-oxidative processes that arise from exposure to the main environmental factors. In this study, the possible efficacy of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) extractives derived from native (CH) and thermally modified wood (TMT CH), as a means of protecting against UV exposure in poplar (Populus spp.) and spruce (Picea abies Karst.) wood, was evaluated. Chestnut wood was first thermally modified at 180 °C for 3 h, and the extractives were obtained by the accelerated solvent extraction technique (ASE) and subsequently used to treat wood surfaces. Samples were immersed in extractive solutions and exposed to artificial UV-weathering exposure, then contact angle and colour stability were monitored during the process. An FTIR analysis of the photo-degradation process of poplar and spruce surfaces was also executed. Extractives of TMT chestnut changed the total colour variation in both poplar and spruce wood. A much darker colour compared to the extractives of native wood was observed and an increase in ∆E* from 9.75 to 30.76 and 6.24 to 22.97 in poplar and spruce was calculated. The stability of the colour depended both on the surface wood and the type of extractive. The initial contact angle remained almost unchanged in the poplar wood surface and only slightly increased in spruce regardless of whether they were treated with extractives from native or TMT chestnut wood. A strong reduction in contact angle after the accelerated UV exposure test was observed, especially in spruce treated with CH extractives. FTIR analysis confirmed the lower levels of chemical degradation of surfaces observed by colorimetry, where TMT CH extractives formed more stable chemical bonds than native extractives. The comparative analysis in this study clarified the complex relationships between the effects of high-temperature modification of wood and the potential protective role of TMT extractives on some wood surfaces.

Evaluating theoretical rate constants for bimolecular antioxidant processes involving ionic species under physiological conditions

The rate constant for the reaction of CO3∙- with anionic species could be influenced by Columbic forces and ionic strength of the cellular environment. We investigated the reaction of CO3∙- with urate, ascorbate and caffeate at the M06-2X/6–311 + G(d,p) level in an aqueous environment. The thermal rate constant was adjusted using the Debye-Smoluchowski and Brønsted-Bjerrum equations. Electrostatic interactions moderately reduced the rate constant for single electron transfer from urate and caffeate to CO3∙-, but were negligible for the reaction with ascorbate. However, when we took into account the primary kinetic salt effect, the Debye-Smoluchowski rate constants were increased to values close to those predicted without inclusion of the Debye factor. Columbic repulsion and ionic strength have a modest impact on the rate constant for reactions involving an ionic radical. However, if the reactions involved ions of opposite charge, the influence of the Debye function would become more significant.

Transcriptomic responses and evolutionary insights of deep-sea and shallow-water mussels under high hydrostatic pressure condition

Marine mussels inhabit a wide range of ocean depths, necessitating unique adaptations to cope with varying hydrostatic pressures. This study investigates the transcriptomic responses and evolutionary adaptations of the deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons and the shallow-water mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) conditions. By exposing atmospheric pressure (AP) acclimated G. platifrons and M. galloprovincialis to HHP, we aim to simulate extreme environmental challenges and assess their adaptive mechanisms. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, we identified both conserved and species-specific mechanisms of adaptation, with a notable change in gene expression associated with immune system, substance transport, protein ubiquitination, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and antioxidant processes in both species. G. platifrons demonstrated an augmented lipid metabolism, whereas M. galloprovincialis exhibited a dampened immune function. Additionally, the expressed pattern of deep-sea mussel G. platifrons were more consistent than shallow-water mussel M. galloprovincialis under hydrostatic pressures changed conditions which corresponding the long-term living stable deep-sea environment. Moreover, evolutionary analysis pinpointed positively selected genes in G. platifrons that are linked to transmembrane transporters, DNA repair and replication, apoptosis, ubiquitination which are important to cell structural integrity, substances transport, and cellular growth regulation. This indicates a specialized adaptation strategy in G. platifrons to cope with the persistent HHP conditions of the deep sea. These results offer significant insights into the molecular underpinnings of mussel adaptation to varied hydrostatic conditions and enhance our comprehension of the evolutionary forces driving their depth-specific adaptations.

Caffeic acid and its derivative caffeic acid phenethyl ester as potential therapeutic compounds for cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to major public health issues. Some studies have found that caffeic acid (CA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) may effectively prevent or treat CVDs. However, there is a major need to sum up our current understanding of the possible beneficial or detrimental effects of CA and CAPE on CVDs and related mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the data on this topic. A methodical search was carried out on key databases, including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, from the beginning to June 2024. Studies were then assessed for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Treatment with CA and CAPE significantly and positively affected cardiovascular health in various aspects, including atherosclerotic diseases, myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypercoagulation state. Several mechanisms were proposed to mediate these effects, including transcription factors and signaling pathways associated with antioxidant, cytostatic, and anti-inflammatory processes. CA and CAPE were found to have several beneficial effects via multiple mechanisms during the prevention and treatment of various CVDs. However, these promising effects were only reported through in vitro and animal studies, which reinforces the need for further evaluation of these effects via human clinical investigations.

Vitamin C inactivates c-Jun N-terminal kinase to stabilize heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (Hand1) in regulating placentation and maintenance of pregnancy

Vitamin C (VC) serves as a pivotal nutrient for anti-oxidation process, metabolic responses, and stem cell differentiation. However, its precise contribution to placenta development and gestation remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that physiological levels of VC act to stabilize Hand1, a key bHLH transcription factor vital for the development trajectory of trophoblast giant cell (TGC) lineages, thereby promoting the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into TGC. Specifically, VC administration inactivated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which directly phosphorylates Hand1 at Ser48, triggering the proteasomal degradation of Hand1. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation at Ser48 on Hand1 not only significantly diminished both intrinsic and VC-induced stabilization of Hand1 but also underscored the indispensability of this residue. Noteworthy, the insufficiency of VC led to severe defects in the differentiation of diverse TGC subtypes and the formation of labyrinth's vascular network in rodent placentas, resulting in failure of maintenance of pregnancy. Importantly, VC deficiency, lentiviral knockdown of JNK or overexpression of Hand1 mutants in trophectoderm substantially affected the differentiation of primary and secondary TGC in E8.5 mouse placentas. Thus, these findings uncover the significance of JNK inactivation and consequential stabilization of Hand1 as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling VC-mediated placentation and perhaps maintenance of pregnancy.Graphical

Dual-Site Chemosensor for Visualizing •OH-GSH Redox and Tracking Ferroptosis-Inducing Pathways In Vivo.

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant processes, results in excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Among these responses, the regulation of intracellular hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and glutathione (GSH) is vital for physiological processes. Real-time in situ monitoring these two opposing bioactive species and their redox interactions is essential for understanding physiological balance and imbalance. In this study, we developed a dual-site fluorescence chemosensor OG-3, which can independently image both exogenous and endogenous •OH and GSH in separate channels both within cells and in vivo, eliminating issues of spatiotemporal inhomogeneous distribution and cross-interference. With its imaging capabilities of monitoring •OH-GSH redox, OG-3 elucidated two different pathways for ferroptosis induction: (i) inhibition of system xc- to block cystine uptake (extrinsic pathway) and (ii) GPX4 inactivation, leading to the loss of antioxidant defense (intrinsic pathway). Moreover, we assessed the antiferroptotic function and effects of ferroptosis inhibitors by monitoring •OH and GSH fluctuations during ferroptosis. This method provides a reliable platform for identifying potential ferroptosis inhibitors, contributing to our understanding of relevant metabolic and physiological mechanisms. It shows potential for elucidating the regulation of ferroptosis mechanisms and investigating further strategies for therapeutic applications.

The Current State of Knowledge Regarding the Genetic Predisposition to Sports and Its Health Implications in the Context of the Redox Balance, Especially Antioxidant Capacity.

The significance of physical activity in sports is self-evident. However, its importance is becoming increasingly apparent in the context of public health. The constant desire to improve health and performance suggests looking at genetic predispositions. The knowledge of genes related to physical performance can be utilized initially in the training of athletes to assign them to the appropriate sport. In the field of medicine, this knowledge may be more effectively utilized in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. Physical exertion engages the entire organism, and at a basic physiological level, the organism's responses are primarily related to oxidant and antioxidant reactions due to intensified cellular respiration. Therefore, the modifications involve the body adjusting to the stresses, especially oxidative stress. The consequence of regular exercise is primarily an increase in antioxidant capacity. Among the genes considered, those that promote oxidative processes dominate, as they are associated with energy production during exercise. What is missing, however, is a look at the other side of the coin, which, in this case, is antioxidant processes and the genes associated with them. It has been demonstrated that antioxidant genes associated with increased physical performance do not always result in increased antioxidant capacity. Nevertheless, it seems that maintaining the oxidant-antioxidant balance is the most important thing in this regard.

Inhibition of NRF2 transcription factor mediated by MIR-155 diminishes melanoma cell viability independently of redox status

Redox-sensitive NRF2 transcription factor is a target gene of microRNA miR-155. miR-155 mimic was transfected in dacarbazine-resistant melanoma cells. NRF2 expression levels were down-regulated in miR-155-overexpressed cells independently of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. NRF2 suppression was associated with a decrease of melanoma cells viability. As a result, miR-155-mediated NRF2 overexpression that regulate intensity of a cell antioxidant processes can be associated with cancer cell survival leading to drug resistance. NRF2 repression by miR-155 highlighted a potential for NRF2 down-regulation as an approach in anticancer therapy.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveal the Antioxidant Potential of Mangiferin from Mango Peel

Background: As one of the main by-products of mango production, the mango peel is rich in multiple polyphenols, such as mangiferin. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the potential mechanism of mangiferin for nutrition intervention of oxidative stress-related diseases. Methods: Mangiferin was extracted and purified from the mango peel and was identified by the reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant potential of mangiferin was determined in vitro (potassium ferricyanide reducing capacity, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals scavenging ability, and superoxide anion radicals reducing capacity). In order to explore the potential mechanism for the antioxidant activity of mangiferin, a combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches was performed. Results: The purity of mangiferin from the mango peel was ≥ 95.0%, and its antioxidant activity was confirmed by different in vitro assays. ALB, ESR1, CASP8, CASP3, BCL2L1, CXCL8, AKT1, CTNNB, and EGFR were identified as the potential oxidative stress-related targets of mangiferin. These results suggested that mangiferin might play a key role in the antioxidant process through multi-targets. Conclusion: Integrated with network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, this work demonstrated the potential mechanism of mangiferin for nutrition intervention of oxidative stress-related diseases.