Elevated Reactive Oxygen Species Production Research Articles

Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Anticancer Screening of Ester-based Thiazole Derivatives.

This study investigates the potential of five compounds as novel anticancer agents. We examined their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and impact on various cancer cell lines, through a comprehensive set of experiments. Notably, compound 3e demonstrated superior activity compared to the positive control cisplatin, with a GI50 value of 6.3±0.7 μM against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Compound 3b also displayed remarkable growth inhibition, yielding GI50 values of 8.7±0.2 μM (MCF-7) and 8.9±0.5 μM against the colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). Cell count experiments further confirmed the potent inhibitory effects of compounds 3e, 3b, and 3c on MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell growth. Compound 3e demonstrated a reduction of 55-60 % at GI50 and complete inhibition (100 %) at 2x GI50. Compound 3b exhibited 50-55 % reduction (GI50) and 90-95 % inhibition (2x GI50) in HCT-116 cells. Compound 3c displayed 75-80 % inhibition (2x GI50) and 35-40 % inhibition (GI50) in HCT-116 cells. In-depth mechanistic investigations unveiled valuable insights into the mode of action of compound 3e. The cell-cycle assay demonstrated G2/M phase arrest, DNA damage, and caspase-mediated apoptosis in both MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. Caspase activation indicated a significant increase in apoptosis following exposure to compound 3e. Furthermore, compound 3e induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, influencing HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells differently. Elevated ROS production in HCT-116 cells and distinct effects in MCF-7 cells contribute to a deeper understanding of the cytotoxic mechanisms of compound 3e. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of the investigated compounds, particularly compound 3e, as effective inducers of apoptosis in cancer cells. Mechanistic insights into cell cycle arrest, caspase-mediated apoptosis, and ROS modulation provide a comprehensive understanding of their cytotoxic effects. This study offers significant contribution to the development of promising anticancer agents and their therapeutic applications.

Higher abundance of DLD protein in buffalo bull spermatozoa causes elevated ROS production leading to early sperm capacitation and reduction in fertilizing ability

BackgroudBefore fertilization, spermatozoa undergo a crucial maturation step called capacitation, which is a unique event regulates the sperm’s ability for successful fertilization. The capacitation process takes place as the spermatozoa pass through the female reproductive tract (FRT). Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) protein is a post-pyruvate metabolic enzyme, exhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which causes capacitation. Additionally, other vital functions of DLD in buffalo spermatozoa are hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. DLD produces the optimum amount of ROS required to induce capacitation process in FRT. Depending on physiological or pathophysiological conditions, DLD can either enhance or attenuate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in the production of ROS in sperm cells can impact their ability to fertilize by triggering the capacitation and acrosome reaction.ResultsIn this study, abundance of DLD protein was quantified between high (n = 5) and low fertile bull (n = 5) spermatozoa. It was found that compared to high-fertile (HF) bulls, low-fertile (LF) bulls exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher DLD abundances. Herein, we optimised the MICA concentration to inhibit DLD function, spermatozoa were treated with MICA in time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) and concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mmol/L) dependent manner. Maximum DLD inhibition was found to be at 4 h in 10 mmol/L MICA concentration, which was used for further experimentation in HF and LF. Based on DLD inhibition it was seen that LF bull spermatozoa exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher ROS production and acrosome reaction in comparison to the HF bull spermatozoa. The kinematic parameters of the spermatozoa such as percent total motility, velocity parameters (VCL, VSL, and VAP) and other parameters (BCF, STR, and LIN) were also decreased in MICA treated spermatozoa in comparison to the control (capacitated) spermatozoa.ConclusionsThe present study provides an initial evidence explaining the buffalo bull spermatozoa with higher DLD abundance undergo early capacitation, which subsequently reduces their capacity to fertilize.

Glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity and ferroptosis in breast cancer cells: A molecular perspective

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy that poses a significant health threat globally among the women population. In this study, we sought to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles (GF-Ag NPs) against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. GF-Ag NPs were synthesized and characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Transmission electron microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, and Photoluminescence. The UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 432 nm corresponds to Ag. The X-ray diffractometer revealed face-centric cubic nanocrystallites indicating the reduction of Ag+ ions by glucose. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles had a spherical structure with an average particle size of ∼55 ± 2 nm. The elemental composition analysis with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis indicates 47.04 % of carbon, 3.48 % of oxygen, and 49.48 % of silver. The FT-IR spectra of GF-AG NPs when compared to spectra of fisetin, glucose, and fisetin Ag NPs revealed distinct peak shifts. Diving deeper into cell-based studies, we observed distinct morphological alterations in cells treated with glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles, which included cell shrinkage, detachment, membrane blebbing, and distorted shape. Moreover, the MTT assay demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability with an IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 11.275 ± 0.197 μg/mL. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles showed signs of apoptosis, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Gene expression profiling was performed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation of SLC7A11, SLC40A1, NRF2F, NOX2, and NOX5 genes that are associated with various crucial cellular events. Our study highlights the potential of glucose-capped fisetin silver nanoparticles as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Evaluating combined effects of chronic, low-dose exposures of cadmium (CLEC) and hyperglycemia on insulin signaling dysfunction in a hepatocellular model

The pathophysiological effects of chronic heavy metal exposures on human health remains uncertain. In this study, we developed a novel chronic, low-dose exposure of Cadmium (CLEC) model using the hepatocellular cell lines, HepG2 and HUH7. We modulated cell culture conditions to mimic human normoglycemic (5.6mM) and hyperglycemic (15mM) states with concomitant cadmium (Cd) exposures for 24 weeks. CLEC cells undergo non-trivial alterations in the glucose signaling and metabolic characteristics within our model. We observe elevated baseline reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased 2-NBDG uptake indicative of glucose metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, induction of metallothionein (MT) expression, increased activation of Akt signaling (via phosphorylation) and reduced IRS-2 protein expression are observed in the CLEC cells. Cell line specific changes are observed with HepG2 showing a much higher MT gene induction compared to HUH7 cell line which impacts glucose metabolic dysfunction. Hyperglycemic culture conditions (representing type II diabetes) significantly modulate CLEC effects on cells. In conclusion, pathophysiologically relevant models of chronic heavy metal exposures are urgently needed to gain an in-depth, mechanistic understanding of the long-term impacts of toxic metals (e.g., Cd) on human metabolic health.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial resilience in teleostean radial glia under hypoxic stress

Radial glial cells (RGCs) are remarkable cells, essential for normal development of the vertebrate central nervous system. In teleost fishes, RGCs play a pivotal role in neurogenesis and regeneration of injured neurons and glia. RGCs also exhibit resilience to environmental stressors like hypoxia via metabolic adaptations. In this study, we assessed the physiology of RGCs following varying degrees of hypoxia, with an emphasis on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitophagy, and energy metabolism. Our findings demonstrated that hypoxia significantly elevated ROS production and induced MMP depolarization in RGCs. The mitochondrial disturbances were closely associated with increased mitophagy, based on the co-localization of mitochondria and lysosomes. Key mitophagy-related genes were also up-regulated, including those of the BNIP3/NIX mediated pathway as well as the FUNDC1 mediated pathway. Such responses suggest robust cellular mechanisms are initiated to counteract mitochondrial damage due to increasing hypoxia. A significant metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis was also observed in RGCs, which may underlie an adaptive response to sustain cellular function and viability following a reduction in oxygen availability. Furthermore, hypoxia inhibited the synthesis of mitochondrial complexes subunits in RGCs, potentially related to elevated HIF-2α expression with 3 % O2. Taken together, RGCs appear to exhibit complex adaptive responses to hypoxic stress, characterized by metabolic reprogramming and the activation of mitophagy pathways to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction.

Protective effect of tert-butylhydroquinone against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Context Cisplastin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic drug frequently used to manage a variety of cancers. However, its use is associated with hepatorenal toxicity resulting from elevated reactive oxygen species production. Objective Herein, the hepatorenal protective effect of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) in cisplatin (CDDP)-treated rats was examined. Methods Wistar male rats randomly divided into four groups: normal control, tBHQ, CDDP and tBHQ + CDDP received 50 mg/kg b.w./day of tBHQ orally for 14 days while 7 mg/kg b.w of CDDP was administered intraperitoneally on Day 8. Results CDDP increased serum biomarkers of hepatic (AST, ALP, ALT, GGT) and renal (creatinine, urea, uric acid, kidney injury molecule 1) function. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 protein and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were decreased in liver and kidney. Also, CDDP increased hepatic and renal levels of NF-κB, TNFα, Bax and caspase-3 proteins and decreased hepatorenal levels of Bcl-2 protein in the liver and kidney. Pre-treatment with tBHQ prevented these negative effects. Significance Pre-intervention with tBHQ attenuates hepatorenal toxicity of CDDP by dampening oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

The Association between Free Radicals and the Ovarian Functions: A Review

Metabolites of oxygen are called reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are constantly synthesized by healthy cells are a consequence of aerobic respiration and are necessary for proper cellular function. These species (ROS) cause oxidative stress as a result of generation exceeding the capabilities of the antioxidant system to neutralize it. It is a bifurcating factor in controlling the reproductive system of females, as it can influence various physiological activities or contribute to infertility in females. The current review notes that several ovarian function processes, including reactive oxygen species, have a major impact on follicular formation, ovulation, and corpus luteum function. Scavenging mechanisms also occur. However, the review concentrates on the detrimental impact that elevated ROS production has on the female reproductive system. This review concludes that free radicals play a variety of roles in ovarian function and that excess has negative effects on the female reproductive system.

Myeloid cell-derived interleukin-6 induces vascular dysfunction and vascular and systemic inflammation.

The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a central role in the inflammation cascade as well as cardiovascular disease progression. Since myeloid cells are a primary source of IL-6 formation, we aimed to generate a mouse model to study the role of myeloid cell-derived IL-6 in vascular disease. Interleukin-6-overexpressing (IL-6OE) mice were generated and crossed with LysM-Cre mice, to generate mice (LysM-IL-6OE mice) overexpressing the cytokine in myeloid cells. Eight- to 12-week-old LysM-IL-6OE mice spontaneously developed inflammatory colitis and significantly impaired endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation, increased aortic reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and vascular dysfunction in resistance vessels. The latter phenotype was associated with decreased survival. Vascular dysfunction was accompanied by a significant accumulation of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages in the aorta, increased myeloid cell reactivity (elevated ROS production), and vascular fibrosis associated with phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition to elevated Mcp1 and Cxcl1 mRNA levels, aortae from LysM-IL-6OE mice expressed higher levels of inducible NO synthase and endothelin-1, thus partially accounting for vascular dysfunction, whereas systemic blood pressure alterations were not observed. Bone marrow (BM) transplantation experiments revealed that vascular dysfunction and ROS formation were driven by BM cell-derived IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Mice with conditional overexpression of IL-6 in myeloid cells show systemic and vascular inflammation as well as endothelial dysfunction. A decrease in circulating IL-6 levels by replacing IL-6-producing myeloid cells in the BM improved vascular dysfunction in this model, underpinning the relevant role of IL-6 in vascular disease.

PH/GSH dual-responsive nanoparticle for auto-amplified tumor therapy of breast cancer

Breast cancer remains a malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. Chemotherapy is one of the most widely effective cancer treatments in clinical practice, but it has some drawbacks such as poor targeting, high toxicity, numerous side effects, and susceptibility to drug resistance. For auto-amplified tumor therapy, a nanoparticle designated GDTF is prepared by wrapping gambogic acid (GA)-loaded dendritic porous silica nanoparticles (DPSNs) with a tannic acid (TA)-Fe(III) coating layer. GDTF possesses the properties of near-infrared (NIR)-enhanced and pH/glutathione (GSH) dual-responsive drug release, photothermal conversion, GSH depletion and hydroxyl radical (·OH) production. When GDTF is exposed to NIR laser irradiation, it can effectively inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo with limited toxicity. This may be due to the synergistic effect of enhanced tumor accumulation, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, GSH depletion, and TrxR activity reduction. This study highlights the enormous potential of auto-amplified tumor therapy.

The impact of HBx protein on mitochondrial dynamics and associated signaling pathways strongly depends on the hepatitis B virus genotype.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are strongly associated with liver cirrhosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, the viral HBx protein is considered as a major factor influencing HBV-associated pathogenesis through deregulation of multiple cellular signaling pathways and is therefore a potential target for prognostic and therapeutic applications. However, HBV-associated pathogenesis differs significantly between genotypes, with the relevant factors and in particular the contribution of the genetic diversity of HBx being largely unknown. To address this question, we studied the specific genotype-dependent impact of HBx on cellular signaling pathways, focusing in particular on morphological and functional parameters of mitochondria. To exclusively investigate the impact of HBx of different genotypes on integrity and function of mitochondria in the absence of additional viral factors, we overexpressed HBx in Huh7 or HepG2 cells. Key signaling pathways were profiled by kinome analysis and correlated with expression levels of mitochondrial and pathogenic markers. Conclusively, HBx of genotypes A and G caused strong disruption of mitochondrial morphology alongside an induction of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. These effects were only moderately dysregulated by genotypes B and E, whereas genotypes C and D exhibit an intermediate effect in this regard. Accordingly, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and elevated reactive oxygen species production were associated with the HBx-mediated dysfunction among different genotypes. Also, genotype-related differences in mitophagy induction were identified and indicated that HBx-mediated changes in the mitochondria morphology and function strongly depend on the genotype. This indicates a relevant role of HBx in the process of genotype-dependent liver pathogenesis of HBV infections and reveals underlying mechanisms.IMPORTANCEThe hepatitis B virus is the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and differs in terms of pathogenesis and clinical outcome among the different genotypes. Furthermore, the viral HBx protein is a known factor in the progression of liver injury by inducing aberrant mitochondrial structures and functions. Consequently, the selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria is essential to maintain overall cellular homeostasis and cell survival. Consistent with the intergenotypic difference of HBV, our data reveal significant differences regarding the impact of HBx of different genotypes on mitochondrial dynamic and function and thereby on radical oxygen stress levels within the cell. We subsequently observed that the induction of mitophagy differs significantly across the heterogenetic HBx proteins. Therefore, this study provides evidence that HBx-mediated changes in the mitochondria dynamics and functionality strongly depend on the genotype of HBx. This highlights an important contribution of HBx in the process of genotype-dependent liver pathogenesis.

Pervasive influence of heavy metals on metabolic pathways is potentially relieved by hesperidin to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of Bassia scoparia.

Hesperidin (HSP), a flavonoid, is a potent antioxidant, metal chelator, mediator of signaling pathways, and regulator of metal uptake in plants. The study examined the ameliorative effects of HSP (100 μM) on Bassia scoparia grown under excessive levels of heavy metals (zinc (500 mg kg-1), copper (400 mg kg-1), cadmium (100 mg kg-1), and chromium (100 mg kg-1)). The study clarifies the underlying mechanisms by which HSP lessens metabolic mayhem to enhance metal stress tolerance and phytoremediation efficiency of Bassia scoparia. Plants manifested diminished growth because of a drop in chlorophyll content and nutrient acquisition, along with exacerbated deterioration of cellular membranes reflected in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, and relative membrane permeability. Besides the colossal production of cytotoxic methylglyoxal, the activity of lipoxygenase was also higher in plants under metal toxicity. Conversely, hesperidin suppressed the production of cytotoxic ROS and methylglyoxal. Hesperidin improved oxidative defense that protected membrane integrity. Hesperidin caused a more significant accumulation of osmolytes, non-protein thiols, and phytochelatins, thereby rendering metal ions non-toxic. Hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide endogenous levels were intricately maintained higher in plants treated with HSP. Hesperidin increased metal accumulation in Bassia scoparia and thereby had the potential to promote the reclamation of metal-contaminated soils.

1H-NMR metabolomics investigation of CSF from children with HIV reveals altered neuroenergetics due to persistent immune activation.

HIV can invade the central nervous system (CNS) early during infection, invading perivascular macrophages and microglia, which, in turn, release viral particles and immune mediators that dysregulate all brain cell types. Consequently, children living with HIV often present with neurodevelopmental delays. In this study, we used proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the neurometabolic profile of HIV infection using cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from 17 HIV+ and 50 HIV- South African children. Nine metabolites, including glucose, lactate, glutamine, 1,2-propanediol, acetone, 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, and myo-inositol, showed significant differences when comparing children infected with HIV and those uninfected. These metabolites may be associated with activation of the innate immune response and disruption of neuroenergetics pathways. These results elucidate the neurometabolic state of children infected with HIV, including upregulation of glycolysis, dysregulation of ketone body metabolism, and elevated reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, we hypothesize that neuroinflammation alters astrocyte-neuron communication, lowering neuronal activity in children infected with HIV, which may contribute to the neurodevelopmental delay often observed in this population.

Protective and Regenerative Effects of Reconstituted HDL on Human Rotator Cuff Fibroblasts under Hypoxia: An In Vitro Study.

Hypoxia and hypo-high-density lipoproteinemia (hypo-HDLemia) are proposed risk factors for rotator cuff tear. HDL is recognized for its potential benefits in ischemia-driven angiogenesis and wound healing. Nevertheless, research on the potential benefits of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) on human rotator cuff fibroblasts (RCFs) under hypoxia is limited. This study investigates the cytoprotective and regenerative effects of rHDL, as well as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C (Vit C), and HDL on human RCFs under hypoxic conditions. Sixth-passage human RCFs were divided into normoxia, hypoxia, and hypoxia groups pretreated with antioxidants (NAC, Vit C, rHDL, HDL). Hypoxia was induced by 1000 µM CoCl2. In the hypoxia group compared to the normoxia group, there were significant increases in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and Bcl-2/E1B-19kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) expressions, along with reduced cell viability, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis rate, expressions of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), as well as decreased collagen I and III production, and markedly lower cell proliferative activity (p ≤ 0.039). These responses were significantly mitigated by pretreatment with rHDL (p ≤ 0.046). This study suggests that rHDL can enhance cell proliferation and collagen I and III production while reducing apoptosis in human RCFs under hypoxic conditions.

Loss of function of phosphatidylserine synthase causes muscle atrophy in Drosophila

Maintenance of appropriate muscle mass is crucial for physical activity and metabolism. Aging and various pathological conditions can cause sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle mass decline. Although sarcopenia has been actively studied, the mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy are not well understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of Phosphatidylserine synthase (Pss) in muscle development and homeostasis in Drosophila. The results showed that muscle-specific Pss knockdown decreased exercise capacity and produced sarcopenic phenotypes. In addition, it increased the apoptosis rate because of the elevated reactive oxygen species production resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the autophagy rate increased due to increased FoxO activity caused by reduced Akt activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that enhanced apoptosis and autophagy rates resulting from muscle-specific Pss knockdown jointly contribute to sarcopenia development, highlighting the key role of the PSS pathway in muscle health.

Study of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Status in Thyroid Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Background: The frequency of thyroid disorders is rising quickly, making them a major socioeconomic issue. Oxidative stress is also connected to thyroid disorders with increasing frequency. Moreover, an association between underlying inflammatory processes and oxidative damage must be considered because most thyroid ailments are seen to have an underlying inflammatory basis. Aim &amp; objectives: This systematic review assesses the oxidative stress in thyroid dysfunctions and their association with inflammatory processes. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was done using databases that included- PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Research Gate and Google Scholar using the keywords “oxidative stress”, “inflammatory markers,” and “thyroid disorders” from 2000-2022. After separately evaluating citations and abstracts, two reviewers examined full-text publications and came to an agreement on the research that should be included. We conducted this research using the preferred reporting items for systematic research and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Results: A total of 531 articles were found, out of which only 51 met the criteria of inclusion. A significant heterogeneity across the studies was found. In these studies, various oxidant/antioxidant and inflammatory markers were used to determine oxidative stress and its association with inflammatory processes. Most studies found a high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by an imbalance of thyroid hormones that can cause oxidative stress with a consequent lipid peroxidation response and accelerated inflammatory response. Conclusion: Data from the literature demonstrated a significant correlation between oxidative damage results and elevated ROS production. Thyroid issues can potentially trigger or exacerbate oxidative stress and ROS generation, which can worsen oxidative damage. Additionally, recent research indicates that OS and inflammation may be related in some way since mitochondrial reactive species are signalling molecules that cause the release of proinflammatory cytokines

Resveratrol Suppresses “Metabolic Memory” by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis Through the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Aim: This research endeavored to explore the impact and underlying mechanisms of resveratrol on the phenomenon of “metabolic memory” in cultured human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs) under high-glucose (HG) conditions. Materials and Methods: According to the glucose level and treatment, cultured HRVECs were divided into seven groups: normal glucose (NG), HG, high glucose followed by NG (HN), mannitol (Man), resveratrol, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)-small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The expression levels of TXNIP, nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, and Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, were measured. Cell apoptosis was assessed through a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results: In HRVECs from the HG group, expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, ICAM-1, and IL-1β were upregulated. However, in the HN group, the above upregulations were not reversed. After the administration of resveratrol, the expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, and other inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. Resveratrol mitigated the elevated ROS production induced by HG conditions. In the NAC group, the expression of TXNIP and inflammatory cytokines was downregulated. TXNIP-siRNA treatment showed similar effects. Resveratrol inhibited apoptosis as well as reversed the downregulation of BCL-2 and the upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX induced by HG conditions. Conclusion: Resveratrol mitigated the HG-induced phenomenon of “metabolic memory” by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis via modulation of the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in cultured HRVECs. Therefore, resveratrol may have therapeutic potential to treat diabetic retinopathy and related metabolic memory complications.

Ammonium treatment inhibits cell cycle activity and induces nuclei endopolyploidization in Arabidopsis thaliana.

This study determined the effect of ammonium supply on the cell division process and showed that ammonium-dependent elevated reactive oxygen species production could mediate the downregulation of the cell cycle-related gene expression. Plants grown under high-ammonium conditions show stunted growth and other toxicity symptoms, including oxidative stress. However, how ammonium regulates the development of plants remains unknown. Growth is defined as an increase in cell volume or proliferation. In the present study, ammonium-related changes in cell cycle activity were analyzed in seedlings, apical buds, and young leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In all experimental ammonium treatments, the genes responsible for regulating cell cycle progression, such as cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins, were downregulated in the studied tissues. Thus, ammonium nutrition could be considered to reduce cell proliferation; however, the cause of this phenomenon may be secondary. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced in large amounts in response to ammonium nutrition, can act as intermediates in this process. Indeed, high ROS levels resulting from H2O2 treatment or reduced ROS production in rbohc mutants, similar to ammonium-triggered ROS, correlated with altered cell cycle-related gene expression. It can be concluded that the characteristic ammonium growth suppression may be executed by enhanced ROS metabolism to inhibit cell cycle activity. This study provides a base for future research in determining the mechanism behind ammonium-induced dwarfism in plants, and strategies to mitigate such stress.

Mechanism of the Synergistic Toxicity of Ampicillin and Cefazoline on Selenastrum capricornutum.

Ampicillin (AMP) and cefazolin (CZO) are commonly used β-lactam antibiotics which are extensively globally produced. Additionally, AMP and CZO are known to have relatively high ecotoxicity. Notably, the mix of AMP and CZO creates a synergistic effect that is more harmful to the environment, and how exposure to AMP-CZO can induce synergism in algae remains virtually unknown. To yield comprehensive mechanistic insights into chemical toxicity, including dose-response relationships and variations in species sensitivity, the integration of multiple endpoints with de novo transcriptomics analyses were used in this study. We employed Selenastrum capricornutum to investigate its toxicological responses to AMP and CZO at various biological levels, with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Our assessment of multiple endpoints revealed a significant growth inhibition in response to AMP at the relevant concentrations. This inhibition was associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and perturbations in nitrogen metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism. Growth inhibition in the presence of CZO and the AMP-CZO combination was linked to reduced viability levels, elevated ROS production, decreased total soluble protein content, inhibited photosynthesis, and disruptions in the key signaling pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism, ribosome function, amino acid biosynthesis, and the production of secondary metabolites. It was concluded from the physiological level that the synergistic effect of Chlorophyll a (Chla) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity strengthened the growth inhibition of S. capricornutum in the AMP-CZO synergistic group. According to the results of transcriptomic analysis, the simultaneous down-regulation of LHCA4, LHCA1, LHCA5, and sodA destroyed the functions of the photosynthetic system and the antioxidant system, respectively. Such information is invaluable for environmental risk assessments. The results provided critical knowledge for a better understanding of the potential ecological impacts of these antibiotics on non-target organisms.

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells downregulate NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B3 to maintain reactive oxygen species homeostasis.

HCC is a leading cause of cancer-related death. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HCC remains elusive. Since a primary ROS source is the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex Ι and the NADH:ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B3 (NDUFB3), a complex I subunit, is critical for complex I assembly and regulates the associated ROS production, we hypothesize that some HCCs progress by hijacking NDUFB3 to maintain ROS homeostasis. NDUFB3 in human HCC lines was either knocked down or overexpressed. The cells were then analyzed in vitro for proliferation, migration, invasiveness, colony formation, complex I activity, ROS production, oxygen consumption, apoptosis, and cell cycle. In addition, the in vivo growth of the cells was evaluated in nude mice. Moreover, the role of ROS in the NDUFB3-mediated changes in the HCC lines was determined using cellular and mitochondrion-targeted ROS scavengers. HCC tissues showed reduced NDUFB3 protein expression compared to adjacent healthy tissues. In addition, NDUFB3 knockdown promoted, while its overexpression suppressed, HCC cells' growth, migration, and invasiveness. Moreover, NDUFB3 knockdown significantly decreased, whereas its overexpression increased complex I activity. Further studies revealed that NDUFB3 overexpression elevated mitochondrial ROS production, causing cell apoptosis, as manifested by the enhanced expressions of proapoptotic molecules and the suppressed expression of the antiapoptotic molecule B cell lymphoma 2. Finally, our data demonstrated that the apoptosis was due to the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Because ROS plays essential roles in many biological processes, such as aging and cancers, our findings suggest that NDFUB3 can be targeted for treating HCC and other human diseases.

Methyl Jasmonate-induced Increase in Intracellular Magnesium Promotes Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJa) is a botanical stress hormone that serves as a defense mechanism to inhibit growth in stressed plants. It is well known that MeJa exhibits an anticancer effect by reducing intracellular ATP, activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and promoting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. Presently, no report has been published on MeJa-induced changes in intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i), and TRPM7 as an Mg2+ transporter in cancer cells. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the Mg2+ homeostatic changes and apoptotic effects following MeJa treatment using the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. The MTT assay was used to assess the cell viability and half-inhibitory concentration, microscopic two-photon excitation wavelength spectrophotometry was used to measure the [Mg2+]i, a luminescent assay determined intracellular ATP levels, western blot assay measured TRPM7 levels, antioxidant capacities, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and MAPK signaling pathways, while the fluorescence assay evaluated ROS concentrations and the cell apoptotic index. This study provides evidence that MeJa has an antiapoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells. The increase in [Mg2+]i led to decreased TRPM7 expression, which is related to elevated ROS production, in addition to elevated ER stress and MAPK signaling pathway activity and decreased ATP content. The increase in [Mg2+]i leads to decreased TRPM7 expression and may be the epicenter of MeJa-induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells.