Expression Of Oxidative Stress-related Proteins Research Articles

VALD-2 mitigates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury: Mechanistic insights into oxidative stress modulation and inflammation suppression.

This study explores the compelling antitumor properties of VALD-2, a synthetic Schiff base ligand known for its low toxicity. The focus is on investigating VALD-2's protective role against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice, with a specific emphasis on mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. The study involves daily intraperitoneal injections of amifostine or VALD-2 over 7 days to establish an AKI model. Subsequently, mice were assigned to normal control, cisplatin group, cisplatin + amifostine group, and cisplatin + VALD-2 10 mg/kg group, cisplatin + VALD-2 20 mg/kg, and cisplatin + VALD-2 40 mg/kg. Kidney injury is assessed through serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) activity assays. Levels of inflammatory factors,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in kidney tissue of mice were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protective effect of VALD-2 is further examined through HE staining to observe pathological changes in kidney injury. The ultrastructural changes of renal cells and tubular epithelial cells were observed by electron microscopy under experimental conditions, indicating the effect of VALD-2 on reversing cisplatin-induced renal injury. The study delves into VALD-2's protective mechanisms against cisplatin-induced kidney injury by using western blot analysis to assess the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissues. VALD-2 demonstrates significant improvement in cisplatin-induced AKI, as evidenced by increased BUN and Cr levels. It effectively protects kidney tissue from oxidative damage, enhancing SOD and GSH-Px activities while reducing MDA levels. The study also reveals a decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 levels, supported by ELISA results, and histological findings confirm anti-nephrotoxic effects. Western blot analysis shows an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px) and a reduction in MDA production. VALD-2 emerges as a promising mitigator of cisplatin-induced AKI, showcasing its ability to enhance oxidative stress-related protein expression. The findings suggest VALD-2 as a potential therapeutic agent for protecting against cisplatin-induced kidney injury.

Decoupling the mutual promotion of inflammation and oxidative stress mitigates cognitive decline and depression-like behavior in rmTBI mice by promoting myelin renewal and neuronal survival

BackgroundRepetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) can lead to somatic, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that persist for years after the initial injury. Although the ability of various treatments to promote recovery after rmTBI has been explored, the optimal time window for early intervention after rmTBI is unclear. Previous research has shown that hydrogen-rich water (HRW) can diffuse through the blood-brain - barrier, attenuate local oxidative stress, and reduce neuronal apoptosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. However, research on the effect of HRW on rmTBI is scarce. AimsThe objectives of this study were to explore the following changes after rmTBI and HRW treatment: (i) temporal changes in inflammasome activation and oxidative stress-related protein expression through immunoblotting, (ii) temporal changes in neuron/myelin-related metabolite concentrations in vivo through magnetic resonance spectroscopy, (iii) myelin structural changes in late-stage rmTBI via immunofluorescence, and (iv) postinjury anxiety/depression-like behaviors and spatial learning and memory impairment. ResultsNLRP-3 expression in the rmTBI group was elevated at 7 and 14 DPI, and inflammasome marker levels returned to normal at 30 DPI. Oxidative stress persisted throughout the first month postinjury. HRW replacement significantly decreased Nrf2 expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA2 region at 14 and 30 DPI, respectively. Edema and local gliosis in the hippocampus and restricted diffusion in the thalamus were observed on MR-ADC images. The tCho/tCr ratio in the rmTBI group was elevated, and the tNAA/tCr ratio was decreased at 30 DPI. Compared with the mice in the other groups, the mice in the rmTBI group spent more time exploring the open arms in the elevated plus maze (P < 0.05) and were more active in the maze (longer total distance traveled). In the sucrose preference test, the rmTBI group exhibited anhedonia. In the Morris water maze test, the latency to find the hidden platform in the rmTBI group was longer than that in the sham and HRW groups (P < 0.05). ConclusionEarly intervention with HRW can attenuate inflammasome assembly and reduce oxidative stress after rmTBI. These changes may restore local oligodendrocyte function, promote myelin repair, prevent axonal damage and neuronal apoptosis, and alleviate depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment.

ALKBH8 contributes to neurological function through oxidative stress regulation.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) modification is essential for proper protein translation, as these modifications play important roles in several biological functions and disease pathophysiologies. AlkB homolog 8 (ALKBH8) is one of the nine mammalian ALKBH family molecules known to regulate selenoprotein translation through the modification of the wobble uridine (U34) in tRNA; however, its specific biological roles remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of ALKBH8 using Alkbh8-knockout (Albkh8-/-) mice, which were observed to have reduced 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm5U) and (S)-5-methoxycarbonylhydroxymethyluridine levels; notably, the mcm5U level was partially compensated only in the brain. The results of the novel object recognition test showed reduction in time to explore a novel object in Albkh8-/- mice; increased latency to fall in the rotarod performance test and latency to the immobility period in the forced swim test were also observed. These abnormal behaviors indicate dysfunction of the central nervous system. Furthermore, we observed reduced brain weight and ischemic pathological changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in the form of weak eosin staining in the fiber tracts adjacent to the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 region and an increase in pyramidal cells in the temporal lobe. Concordantly, we identified the differential expression of oxidative stress-related proteins and metabolites in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus using omics analyses. Finally, neurons and glial cells derived from Albkh8-/- mice show reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Collectively, these findings indicate that ALKBH8 maintains neural function through an oxidative stress-regulatory mechanism.

Unveiling the Cell Wall-Targeting Mechanisms and Multifaceted Virulence Modulation by a Eugenol Glycoconjugate against Aspergillus fumigatus: Insights from in vitro and in ovo Studies.

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the putative cell wall-associated targets of compound 6i, a glycoconjugate of eugenol, in Aspergillus fumigatus, while also evaluating its toxicity and assessing histopathologic alterations in the liver, heart, and kidney of compound 6i-treated embryos using an in ovo model. To achieve this aim, compound 6i was synthesized, and a series of biochemical assays were performed to determine its impact on the fungal cell wall. Additionally, qRT-PCR and LC-MS/MS analyses were conducted to investigate changes in gene and protein expression profiles associated with melanin biosynthesis, conidiation, siderophore production, transcriptional regulation of β-glucan biosynthesis, and calcineurin activity in A. fumigatus. The experimental findings revealed that compound 6i exhibited notable antifungal activity against A. fumigatus by perturbing cell wall integrity, hindering ergosterol, glucan, and chitin biosynthesis, and inhibiting catalase production. Moreover, relative gene expression and proteomic analyses demonstrated that compound 6i exerted both down-regulatory and up-regulatory effects on several crucial genes and proteins involved in the aforementioned fungal processes. Furthermore, increased expression of oxidative stress-related proteins was observed in the presence of compound 6i. Notably, the glycoconjugate of eugenol did not elicit cytotoxicity in the liver, heart, and kidney of chick embryos. The current investigation elucidated the multifaceted mechanisms by which compound 6i exerts its antifungal effects against A. fumigatus, primarily through targeting cell wall components and signaling pathways. These findings underscore the potential of the eugenol glycoconjugate as a promising antifungal candidate, warranting further exploration and development for combating A. fumigatus infections.

Shikonin potentiates skin wound healing in Sprague-Dawley rats by stimulating fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Shikonin, a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and expedites wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of shikonin in a Sprague-Dawley rat model and cell models using fibroblast and endothelial cells. The impact of shikonin on the activity of endothelial cells and fibroblasts was examined by cell counting kit 8 and wound-healing assays. A diabetic rat model was constructed, followed by wound creation for treatment with shikonin. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes, and Masson's trichrome method to detect collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD31 was conducted to detect proliferation and vascular density. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were carried out to assess pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factor concentrations. Western blot and immunofluorescence were implemented to analyze oxidative stress-related protein expression. Shikonin induced the activity of both fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Shikonin treatment contributed to facilitated wound healing and higher healing rates in rats. It also resulted in faster lesion debulking in tissues, reduced inflammatory infiltration, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis. Detection of markers at the wounds showed that shikonin accelerated cell proliferation, enhanced tissue remodeling, and inhibited oxidative stress. Shikonin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, resulting in faster wound healing.

Potential biomarkers in hypoglycemic brain injury.

Oxidative stress is a major underlying mechanism in hypoglycemic brain injury. Several oxidative stress-related proteins were identified through previous proteomics and literature review. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of these proteins as biomarkers in hypoglycemic brain injury. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: control, acute hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia resuscitation 24h, and hypoglycemia resuscitation 7days. The hypoglycemic brain injury rat model was successfully constructed according to the Auer model. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical staining were used to quantify the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins. We also verified the expression level of selected protein in the brain samples of fatal insulin overdose cases. The expression of oxidative stress-related proteins PEX1/5/12 was down-regulated in hypoglycemic brain injury (P < 0.05), while the expressions of DJ-1 and NDRG1 were up-regulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum oxidative stress indexes SOD and MDA in the acute hypoglycemia group were significantly different (P < 0.01). The expressions of DJ-1 and NDRG1 in the hippocampus, cortex, and hypothalamus of rats were increased (P < 0.05). The expressions of DJ-1 and NDRG1 proteins in the cortex of the autopsy samples of insulin overdose were increased (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress-related proteins showed potential value as specific molecular markers in hypoglycemic brain injury, but further confirmatory studies are needed.

Leonurine alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mice

Leonurine (Leo) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the herb Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Leonuri) that has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the role and mechanism of Leo in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Leo against APAP-induced ALI and elucidated the molecular mechanism. Here, we showed that the damage to mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) induced by APAP was attenuated by treatment with Leo, which promoted proliferation and inhibited oxidative stress injury, and Leo significantly improved APAP-induced ALI in mice. Leo could protect against APAP-induced ALI by reducing serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, hepatic histopathological damage, liver cell necrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress-induced damage in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the results indicated that Leo relieved APAP-induced liver cell necrosis by reducing the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and increasing Bcl-2 expression. Leo alleviated APAP-induced oxidative stress-induced damage by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which facilitated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated oxidative stress-related protein expression in liver tissues. Moreover, the results suggested that APAP-induced inflammation in the liver was suppressed by Leo by suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathways. In addition, Leo facilitated the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in the liver tissue of ALI mice. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and western blotting showed that PI3K was a potential target of Leo in the treatment of ALI. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) indicated that Leo could stably bind to the PI3K protein. In conclusion, Leo attenuated ALI, and reversed liver cell necrosis, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

HC067047 as a potent TRPV4 inhibitor repairs endotoxemia colonic injury

Colonic injury causes severe inflammation during systemic infections in patients with endotoxemia. The prevention of colonic injury could effectively reduce the progression of endotoxemia. We investigated the protective effects and detailed mechanisms of the TRPV4 inhibitor HC067047 in the treatment of colonic injury caused by endotoxemia. An LPS-induced endotoxemia colonic injury model was used to assess the in vivo effects of HC067047. Colon slices were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence assays. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the levels of MDA, calcium, GSH, and GSSG. Alterations in oxidative stress/mitophagy/inflammatory pyroptosis-related markers were evaluated by Q-PCR and western blot assays. HC067047 reduced the body weight loss and spleen weight index of endotoxemic mice and partly recovered the normal morphology of the colonic mucous layer. As an inhibitor of the calcium permeant cation channel, HC067047 suppressed the phosphorylation of the CAMKIIɑ protein and levels of MDA and calcium, upregulated the ratio of GSH/GSSG, shortened the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins, and enhanced the expression of the anti-oxidative protein CAT in damaged colon tissues. Additionally, HC067047 maintained normal mitochondrial functions in endotoxemia colons by promoting mitochondrial fusion and biosynthesis and suppressing mitochondrial fission and the PINK/Parkin/mitophagy pathway. HC067047 potently blocked inflammatory pyroptosis and protected the colonic tight junction barrier. HC067047 restores endotoxemia colons against oxidative stress, mitophagy, inflammatory pyroptosis, and colonic barrier dysfunction. Hence, HC067047 therapy may be potentially useful in the treatment of colonic injury in endotoxemia.

ALCAM Deficiency Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response.

We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of activated leukocyte adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on acute lung injury (ALI) by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI animal model and LPS-induced inflammation in vitro. In LPS-stimulated mice, ALCAM deficiency relieved lung injury, which manifested as reduced pathological changes in the lung tissue, reduced pulmonary edema, and reduced vascular permeability. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ALCAM deficiency reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophages; the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX2; and reduced the protein level of TLR4/NF-κB pathway (TLR4, MyD88, p-IkBɑ, and p-NF-κB p65). We also demonstrated that ALCAM deficiency reduced the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins (Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1) and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (CHOP, GRP78, ATF-6, and p-eIF2ɑ). In addition, in LPS-induced inflammation in vitro, ALCAM overexpression promoted inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ER stress. We established that ALCAM deficiency can suppress the ALI process by reducing inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

NBP Relieves Cardiac Injury and Reduce Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis in Heart Failure Mice by Activating Nrf2/HO-1/Ca2+-SERCA2a Axis.

Although heart failure (HF) has become one of the most fatal diseases in the whole world, there are fewer drugs for its treatment. Therefore, we focused on the protective effect of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on myocardial injury and oxidative stress in heart failure mice and further investigated the relationship with the Nrf2/HO-1/Ca2+-SERCA2a axis. Methods. C57BL/6J mice were divided into the sham group (Sham), heart Failure model group (HF), HF + NBP group (HN), HN + Nrf2 inhibitor (HNM), HN + Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) antagonist, KN93 (HNK). The HF mice model was prepared using abdominal aorta ligation. Mice's heart function was accessed by echocardiography. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and MASSON staining were used to identify myocardial injury; the cell apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL staining assay. The expression of oxidative stress-related proteins was detected by the ELISA assay. The reactive oxygen species and Nrf2 expression in heart tissue were observed with the immunofluorescence assay. SERCA2a, calmodulin, endoplasmic reticulum stress regulatory proteins, and Nrf2/HO-1 in mice' heart tissues were measured using Western blotting. Results. Moreover, NBP could significantly promote heart failure mice's heart function, relieve the injury and inhibit cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, it could reduce ERS injury of heart failure mice through increasing SERCA2a level and reducing Ca2+ influx. NBP was demonstrated to minimize CaMKII phosphorylation level and decrease cAMP-response element-binding protein phosphorylation level, suggesting NBP could also activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Conclusions. We demonstrated that NPBs treatment promotes the cardiomyocyte's ERS and alleviates myocardial injury in heart failure mice, related to stimulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulating Ca2+-SERCA2a, and reducing Ca2+ influx.

Effect of Thymoquinone on Renal Damage Induced by Hyperlipidemia in LDL Receptor-Deficient (LDL-R-/-) Mice

Hyperlipidemia is a well-established risk factor for kidney injury, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active ingredients in Nigella sativa seeds. It has various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. TQ also exerts positive effects on doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced nephropathy and ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury in rats. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the possible protective effects of TQ against kidney injury in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDL-R−/−) mice. Eight-week-old male LDL-R−/− mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: normal diet (ND group), high-fat diet (HFD group), and HFD combined with TQ (HFD+TQ group). The mice were fed the same diet for eight weeks. After eight weeks, we performed serological analysis of the mice in all three groups. We histologically analyzed the kidney tissue and also investigated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the kidney tissue. Metabolic characteristics, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and creatinine (CRE) levels, were lower in the LDL-R−/− HFD+TQ mice than in the HFD mice. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining revealed excessive lipid deposition and collagen accumulation in the kidneys of the LDL-R−/− HFD mice, which were significantly reduced in the LDL-R−/− HFD+TQ mice. Furthermore, macrophages and levels of proinflammatory cytokines were lower in the kidney tissues of the LDL-R−/− HFD+TQ mice than in those of the LDL-R−/− HFD mice. Moreover, profibrosis- and oxidative stress-related protein expression was lower in the kidney tissues of the LDL-R−/− HFD+TQ mice than in those of the LDL-R−/− HFD mice. These results indicate that TQ may be a potential therapeutic agent for kidney damage caused by hyperlipidemia.

Coenzyme Q10 inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been reported to improve bone density and the number of trabeculae in postmenopausal osteoporosis, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effects of CoQ10 on receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of RANKL to differentiate into osteoclasts, and then these cells were treated with different concentrations of CoQ10 with or without H2 O2 . Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was performed to detect osteoclasts. Cell viability was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry, and the effects of CoQ10 on protein andmessenger RNA expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-associated proteins and osteoclast marker proteins were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Furthermore,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to analyze the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). RANKL significantly induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells, with the greatest efficiency at 50 ng/ml. CoQ10 had no significant effects on cell viability but it significantly increased the percentages of cell apoptosis. Mechanically, CoQ10 statistically decreased the levels of Bcl-2 and cytochrome C in mitochondria and upregulated the levels of Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and cytochrome C in the cytoplasm. Moreover, CoQ10 significantly decreased RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis regardless of exposure to H2 O2 . In addition, CoQ10 statistically reduced MDA activityand elevated the activities of SOD and CAT, as well asthe expression of oxidative stress-related proteins. CoQ10 may inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells.

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis of hippocampal neuron in response to beta-Amyloid peptide fragment Aβ25-35

ABSTRACT CPT1C, which is expressed in hippocampus, influences ceramide level, endogenous cannabinoid and oxidation process, as well as plays an important role in various brain functions such as learning. This study aimed to investigate the role of CPT1C in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its underlying mechanism. We established a model of Alzheimer’s disease in vitro by exposing primary hippocampal neurons to beta-Amyloid peptide fragment 25–35 (Aβ25-35). The cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, expressions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), LDH assay, ROS kits, malondialdehyde (MDA) kits and SOD kits, respectively. Moreover, the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins as well as the expressions of amyloid precursor protein (App), p-Tau andβ-site APP-cleaving enzyme1 (Bace-1) were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Tunel and western blot were adopted to detect apoptosis as well as its related proteins. After the treatment of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), CPT1C expression was detected with the application of RT-qPCR and western blot. CPT1C expression was reduced in Aβ25-35-induced HT22 cells. Overexpression of CPT1C relieved cell viability and toxic injury as well as attenuated oxidative stress, apoptosis and expression levels of AD marker proteins. Moreover, higher doses of PPARα agonist activate the expression of CPT1C in Aβ25-35-induced HT22 cells. In conclusion, CPT1C alleviates Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and deposition of AD marker proteins in hippocampal neurons, suggesting that CPT1C has favorable effects on alleviating AD and participates in PPARα activation.

Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuated Angiotensin II-Induced Sympathetic Excitation in Offspring of Renovascular Hypertensive Rats.

ObjectiveNumerous findings have demonstrated a strong association between parental health during pregnancy and cardiovascular disease in adult offspring. This study investigated whether sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II) is enhanced in offspring of renovascular hypertensive animals and whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can attenuate the increased response to Ang II in offspring.MethodThe systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by non-invasive tail-cuff plethysmograpy every two weeks in all offspring from 8 to 16 weeks. After intracerebroventricular microinjection of Ang II in the offspring, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were recorded to test the response to Ang II in the offspring. Western blot analysis was used to examine the protein expression of AT1R, AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP), Nox2, p67phox, and nitrotyrosine in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS).ResultsThe SBP in the offspring of hypertensive rats were significantly higher than that in control group, and the above effects were significantly improved by prenatal or postnatal administration of H2S. Intralateroventricular microinjection of Ang II induced greater sympathetic responses in offspring of hypertensive rats than control group. The expression of AT1R and oxidative stress-related protein was increased, whereas that of ATRAP was decreased in the NTS in offspring of hypertensive rats. Exogenous administration of H2S prenatally or postnatally improved the above effects.ConclusionPrenatal or postnatal administration of H2S attenuated AngII-induced sympathetic excitation in offspring of hypertensive rats, which may occur by modulating the balance between AT1R and ATRAP and downregulating oxidative stress-related protein expression in the NTS.

High-fat diet induces dry eye-like ocular surface damages in murine

PurposeA high-fat diet leads to dysfunction in multiple systems of the body. Herein we investigate the effects of a high-fat diet on the ocular surface using a murine model. MethodsFour-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a standard-fat diet (10 kcal% fat, SFD) or a high-fat diet (60 kcal% fat, HFD) for 1 or 3 months. Phenol red thread test was used to detect tear production, oregon green dextran (OGD) staining was performed to assess corneal epithelial permeability, and PAS staining was conducted to ascertain the presence of conjunctival goblet cells. Squamous metaplasia in the ocular surface and corneal epithelial barrier function were detected by immunofluorescent staining, zymography and Western blot analysis. Oxidative stress related protein expression was evaluated by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. Corneal and conjunctival cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 expression. ResultsA HFD induced obvious ocular surface damages, including decreased tear production, notable OGD staining and distinct goblet cell loss. It also resulted in corneal epithelial barrier dysfunction and significant squamous metaplasia of the corneal and conjunctival epithelia. The HFD also upregulated key factors that regulate oxidative stress in the ocular surface, and upregulated cell apoptosis in ocular surface epithelial cells. ConclusionsA HFD induces dry eye-like ocular surface damages in mice via the activation of oxidative stress and an induction of apoptosis in the cells of the ocular surface.

Butyrate alleviates oxidative stress by regulating NRF2 nuclear accumulation and H3K9/14 acetylation via GPR109A in bovine mammary epithelial cells and mammary glands

Oxidative stress consistently affects lactation length and quality in dairy cows. Oxidative stress in the mammary gland of high-yielding dairy cows is a serious problem. Therefore, we studied the role of butyrate in dairy cow oxidative stress and further elucidated the mechanism of the antioxidative action of mammary epithelial cells in dairy cows. Oxidative stress and activated GPR109A were present in high-yielding dairy cows. Then, bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were isolated, and oxidative stress-related protein expression was measured, confirming that sodium butyrate (NaB) exerted antioxidant effects through GPR109A, NRF2 and H3K9/14 acetylation. To further study the antioxidative mechanism of butyrate in dairy cows, we also confirmed that butyrate promoted NRF2 nuclear accumulation and H3K9/14 acetylation through the AMPK signaling pathway by western blotting. Additionally, we preliminarily clarified the interaction between NRF2 and H3K9/14 acetylation by Co-IP and ChIP. Butyrate activated the AMPK signaling pathway through GPR109A to promote NRF2 nuclear accumulation and H3K9/14 acetylation, subsequently exerting antioxidant effects through the synergistic functions of these two processes. Then, we studied the effect of butyrate on oxidative stress in dairy cows in vivo, and the results were consistent with those in vitro. Therefore, butyrate played an antioxidant and antiapoptotic role through the GPR109A/AMPK/NRF2 signaling pathway, while H3K9/14 acetylation could promote NRF2 transcription and enhance the antioxidant capacity of BMECs.

Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao induced inflammatory stress rat liver injury: Inflammatory and oxidative stress playing important roles

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXian-Ling-Gu-Bao (XLGB) Fufang is an herbal formula that has been used in clinical settings to treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, aseptic bone necrosis, and climacteric syndrome. Despite its uses, XLGB treatment has been linked to potential liver injury. To date, there is a lack of clear demonstration of such toxicity in animal models. Aim of the studyAs animal models fail to reproduce the XLGB hepatotoxicity reported in humans, because human hepatocytes are clearly more sensitive to XLGB, this study was designed to investigate a more reliable animal model of such toxicity. Materials and methodsWe randomized rats into five groups, as follows: CON (control), XLGB, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), L-XLGB/LPS (XLGB, 0.125 g/kg; LPS, 0.1 mg/kg), and XLGB/LPS (XLGB, 1.25 g/kg; LPS, 0.1 mg/kg). These groups were treated with 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), XLGB suspension, normal saline, or LPS. The first administration of XLGB [0.125 g/kg or 1.25 g/kg, by mouth (PO)] or its solvent (0.5% CMC-Na) was delivered, and then food was removed. Twelve hours after the first administration of XLGB, rats received LPS [0.1 mg/kg, intravenously (IV)] or saline control. After 30 min, a second administration of XLGB (0.125 g/kg or 1.25 g/kg, PO) or solvent was administered. The rats were anesthetized at 12 h or 24 h following the second administration of XLGB. Liver function was evaluated by measuring liver weight, liver microscopy, serum biochemistry and plasma microRNA-122 (miR-122). The plasma levels of 27 cytokines were measured to evaluate inflammation. Moreover, the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), nicotinic adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at protein levels were observed; immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to confirmed the hepatotoxicity of XLGB. ResultsHepatotoxicity in male rats with moderate inflammation induced by XLGB was indicated by liver histopathology, serum biochemical analysis, serum miR-122 levels, and immunofluorescent assessments. We observed significant increases in liver weight and liver indexes in male rats with moderate inflammation in response to XLGB. Histopathological assessment further showed that extensive hepatocellular necrosis and inflammatory infiltration were evident in rats co-treated with XLGB/LPS. The levels of serum transaminases [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], total bilirubin (TBIL) and triglyceride (TG), which are markers of liver function, were also significantly increased by XLGB/LPS treatment. Similarly, miR-122 was significantly elevated in XLGB/LPS treated rats relative to other groups. An immunofluorescent assessment showed extensive apoptosis in hepatocytes from these co-treated rats. What is more, XLGB can dose-dependently induce liver injury in male rats with moderate inflammation.Hepatic CYP2E1, neutrophil chemotactic factor (NCF-1), iNOS, and NOX-2 (an NADPH oxidase subunit) levels were increased in response to XLGB treatment, and staining for DMPO nitrone adducts further showed elevated oxidative stress level in XLGB/LPS-treated rats relative to the other experimental groups. ConclusionLPS and XLGB co-treatment in rats led to marked hepatotoxicity. This toxicity was associated with disrupted lipid metabolism, extensive liver necrosis and inflammatory infiltration, apoptosis, and expression of oxidative stress-related proteins. These results demonstrate a valuable model for the study of iDILI in the context of XLGB treatment, and further provide insights into the potential mechanisms by which XLGB may induce hepatotoxicity in humans.

UBIAD1 protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced multiple subcellular organelles injury through PI3K/AKT pathway in N2A cells.

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury plays a significant role in the development of multi-subcellular organelles injury after ischemic stroke. UBIAD1 was discovered originally as a potential tumor suppressor protein. Recently, analysis of UBIAD1 has indicated it is a prenyltransferase enzyme for both non-mitochondrial CoQ10 and vitamin K2 production. Further, UBIAD1 has been localized to multiple subcellular organelles. Particularly, UBIAD1 plays an important role in the regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell proliferation, cholesterol and lipid metabolism, which was closely associated with the cerebral ischemic/reperfusion mechanism. However, the mechanism underlying effects of UBIAD1 on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury remains largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of UBIAD1 on ischemia/reperfusion-induced multiple subcellular organelles injury in vitro, mouse N2A cells were subjected to a classical oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) insult. The expression of UBIAD1 was reduced in mouse N2A cells after OGD/R. UBIAD1 exhibits multi-subcellular organelles co-localization in N2a cells, including in the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. The over-expression of UBIAD1 significantly protects against OGD/R-induced cell death. UBIAD1 over-expression also attenuated OGD/R-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction and mediated the level of apoptosis-associated protein. Moreover, we observed that the over-expression of UBIAD1 ameliorated OGD/R-induced fragmentation and reduced the level of oxidative stress-related protein expression in both the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Besides, the neuroprotective effect of UBIAD1 was correlated with the PI3K/AKT pathway, which was demonstrated using the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and perifosion. Collectively, these findings identified that UBIAD1 protects against OGD/R-induced multiple subcellular organelles injury through PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Protective effects of a composition of Chinese herbs-Gurigumu-13 on retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in DBA/2J glaucoma mouse model.

To explore the concrete mechanism of a Mongolian compound medicine-Gurigumu-13 (GRGM) for glaucoma treatment. DBA/2J mice, as glaucoma models, were intragastric administrated with GRGM to study the effect of GRGM on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The loss of RGCs was evaluated with the number of RGCs and axons. The expression of the target protein of RGCs or mouse retinas was determined by Western blot. The relative content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was examined by ELISA assay. GRGM distinctly improved retina damage via increasing the number of neurons, RGCs and axons in a concentration dependent manner. Meanwhile, GRGM obviously decreased the high level of MDA and the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins in retinas of DBA/2J mice, but promoted the expression of antioxidant proteins. Additionally, GRGM also significantly inhibited the protein expression of Bip and Chop, which were markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. GRGM have obvious protective effects on RGCs in DBA/2J mice, and increase the number of RGCs and axons via inhibiting oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Shifts in renin–angiotensin system components, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress-related protein expression in the lamina cribrosa region of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

This study aimed to analyse shifts in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress-related protein expression in the lamina cribrosa (LC) region in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Six months after diabetes induction, the retinal vessels of male C57BL/6J mice were observed by colour photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and immunofluorescent staining following incubation with CD31. Immunofluorescence for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),and NG2 was also performed. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R), renin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and haeme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression levels were confirmed by immunohistochemical and western blotting analyses. Compared with control mice, diabetic mice had significantly higher blood glucose concentrations (p < 0.001) and significantly lower body weights (p < 0.001). Colour photography and FFA did not reveal any vessel abnormalities in the diabetic mice; however, immunostaining of whole-mount retinas revealed an increased number of retinal vessels. Furthermore, histopathological staining showed significant reduction in the whole retinal thickness. GFAP expression was slightly higher, whereas fewer NG2+ pericytes were observed in diabetic mice than in control mice. ACE1, AT1R, renin, HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, and HO-1 expression were up-regulated in the LC of the STZ-induced diabetic mice. Collectively, ACE 1, AT1R, HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, and HO-1 activation in the LC region in diabetic mice may be involved in diabetes via the RAS and induction of angiogenesis and oxidative stress.