bims-aporos Biomed News
on Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species
Issue of 2019–07–28
71 papers selected by
Gavin McStay, Staffordshire University
  1. Nesfatin-1 protects PC12 cells against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting oxidative Stress, autophagy and apoptosis.
  2. Ginsenoside Re Inhibits ROS/ASK-1 Dependent Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Activation of Nrf2-Antioxidant Response in Beta-Amyloid-Challenged SH-SY5Y Cells.
  3. l-Serine protects mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells against oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial damage and apoptotic cell death.
  4. Crotonaldehyde-induced alterations in testicular enzyme function and hormone levels, and apoptosis in the testes of male Wistar rats are associated with oxidative damage.
  5. The cardiotoxicity of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic and subsequently relieved by zinc supplementation.
  6. SC79, a novel Akt activator, protects dopaminergic neuronal cells from MPP+ and rotenone.
  7. Dimethyl fumarate and monomethyl fumarate attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations leading to oxiapoptophagy in 158N murine oligodendrocytes treated with 7β-hydroxycholesterol.
  8. Mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and transcriptomic alterations induced by four strobilurins in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages.
  9. BDE-209 induces autophagy and apoptosis via IRE1α/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
  10. Betulinic acid derivatives can protect human Müller cells from glutamate-induced oxidative stress.
  11. Protective effect of silencing Stat1 on high glucose-induced podocytes injury via Forkhead transcription factor O1-regulated the oxidative stress response.
  12. Hyperoside protects rat ovarian granulosa cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury by sonic hedgehog signaling pathway.
  13. Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from Marsdenia tenacissima and its anticancer activity of liver cancer HepG2 cells.
  14. Piceatannol alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
  15. Anticancer Function and ROS-Mediated Multi-Targeting Anticancer Mechanisms of Copper (II) 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde Complexes.
  16. Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cytotoxicity by Geniposide Involves AMPKα Signaling Pathway.
  17. Reactive oxygen species mediates a metabolic memory of high glucose stress signaling in bovine retinal pericytes.
  18. Reproductive toxicity of acute Cd exposure in mouse: Resulting in oocyte defects and decreased female fertility.
  19. Anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles against cervical carcinoma cells synthesized via biogenic route using aqueous extract of Gracilaria edulis.
  20. The Protective Effect of Aesculus hippocastanum (Venoplant®) Against Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury.
  21. Polyethylenimine-associated cerium oxide nanoparticles: A novel promising gene delivery vector.
  22. Autophagy in Triptolide-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Hepatic Cells.
  23. Cannabidiol Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer SGC-7901 Cells.
  24. A Protective Role of the NRF2-Keap1 Pathway in Maintaining Intestinal Barrier Function.
  25. [Effect of ulinastatin on isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats].
  26. In vitro anticancer activity of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum cinereum against Caco-2 cells.
  27. Tannic Acid Induces the Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis and S Phase Arrest in Porcine Intestinal IPEC-J2 Cells.
  28. Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Sealing Agents and Antioxidants Protect Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Naproxen, Diclofenac and Celecoxib.
  29. Effect of Vasicinone against Paraquat-Induced MAPK/p53-Mediated Apoptosis via the IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT Pathway in a Parkinson's Disease-Associated SH-SY5Y Cell Model.
  30. Hepatocellular Toxicity of Paris Saponins I, II, VI and VII on Two Kinds of Hepatocytes-HL-7702 and HepaRG Cells, and the Underlying Mechanisms.
  31. Ruthenium Complexes Containing Heterocyclic Thioamidates Trigger Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis Through MAPK Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.
  32. N-Methylparoxetine Blocked Autophagic Flux and Induced Apoptosis by Activating ROS-MAPK Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
  33. De Novo Design of Copper(II) Complex Containing CNC-Pincer- Vitamins B3 and B7 Conjugates for Breast Cancer Application.
  34. Protective effects of delphinidin against H2O2‑induced oxidative injuries in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
  35. Regulation of iRhom-2/Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Converting Enzyme Pathway and Oxidative Stress Protects the Renal Injury with Anemonin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy Neonatal Rat Model.
  36. Antitumor effects of seleno-β-lactoglobulin on human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.
  37. SIRT1 overexpression is an important strategy for the survival of adapted suspension tumor cells.
  38. Identification of a catechol-type diphenylbutadiene as a tyrosinase-activated pro-oxidative chemosensitizer against melanoma A375 cells via GST inhibition.
  39. Methylmercury exposure induces ROS/Akt inactivation-triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress-regulated neuronal cell apoptosis.
  40. Oridonin induces Mdm2-p60 to promote p53-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in neuroblastoma.
  41. Cellular transformations in near infrared light induced apoptosis in cancer cells revealed by label-free CARS imaging.
  42. Comparison of olive leaf, olive oil, palm oil, and omega-3 oil in acute kidney injury induced by sepsis in rats.
  43. Characterization and screening of anti-tumor activity of fucoidan from acid-processed hijiki (Hizikia fusiforme).
  44. CDK4/6 inhibitor protects chemerin-induced human granulosa-lutein cells from apoptosis by inhibiting the p53/p21 waf pathway.
  45. Licochalcone B inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells by dual targeting of EGFR and MET.
  46. BRD4 contributes to high-glucose-induced podocyte injury by modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling.
  47. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Attenuates Autophagy to Ameliorate Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension through Drp1/NOX- and Atg-5/Atg-7/Beclin-1/LC3β Pathways.
  48. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin2 Exaggerates Cardiomyocyte Hypoxia Injury by Inhibiting Integrin β3 Signaling.
  49. MicroRNA-152-3p protects neurons from oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injury through upregulation of Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling by targeting PSD-93.
  50. Ruthenium Complexes With Piplartine Cause Apoptosis Through MAPK Signaling by a p53-Dependent Pathway in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells and Inhibit Tumor Development in a Xenograft Model.
  51. In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Cultured Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea Cells.
  52. Oxidative stress and related gene expression effects of cyfluthrin in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells: Protective effect of melatonin.
  53. New Insights into the Process of Placentation and the Role of Oxidative Uterine Microenvironment.
  54. The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Propolis Against CCl4 -Mediated Liver Injury by Mediating Apoptosis of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and Improving the Hepatic Architecture through PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β/Smad2, Bcl2/BAX/P53 and iNOS Signaling Pathways.
  55. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of arsenic on erythrocytes of Oryzias latipes: Bioremediation using Spirulina platensis.
  56. Mitochondria-Specific Anticancer Drug Delivery Based on Reductive-Activated Polyprodrug for Enhancing Therapeutic Effect of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy.
  57. Proanthocyanidins from the stem bark of Rhus tripartita ameliorate methylgloxal-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
  58. Rutin and Selenium Co-administration Reverse 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Neurochemical and Molecular Impairments in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease.
  59. Two ways of escaping from oxidative RNA damage: Selective degradation and cell death.
  60. Thymoquinone upregulates TRAIL/TRAILR2 expression and attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo model.
  61. Protective Effects of Curcumin Ester Prodrug, Curcumin Diethyl Disuccinate against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Potential Therapeutic Avenues for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
  62. Taicrypnacids A and B, a Pair of C37 Heterodimeric Diterpenoid Stereoisomers from Taiwania cryptomerioides.
  63. Melatonin Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Depressive-Like Behaviors and Microglial NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Through the SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway.
  64. Renal denervation ameliorates post-infarction cardiac remodeling in rats through dual regulation of oxidative stress in the heart and brain.
  65. Activation of AK005401 aggravates acute ischemia/reperfusion mediated hippocampal injury by directly targeting YY1/FGF21.
  66. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Autophagy and Apoptosis via Oxidative Injury and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Primary Astrocyte Cultures.
  67. The Neuroprotective Effects of Astaxanthin: Therapeutic Targets and Clinical Perspective.
  68. Bioaccumulation and physiological responses in juvenile Marsupenaeus japonicus exposed to cadmium.
  69. Zinc deficiency exacerbates pressure ulcers by increasing oxidative stress and ATP in the skin.
  70. Gasotransmitters in health and disease: a mitochondria-centered view.
  71. Advantages of prophylactic versus conventionally scheduled heart failure therapy in an experimental model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.
  1. Neurotoxicology. 2019 Jul 16. pii: S0161-813X(19)30068-3. [Epub ahead of print]
    Nesfatin-1 protects PC12 cells against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting oxidative Stress, autophagy and apoptosis.
    Simin Nazarnezhad, Majid Rahmati, Asghar Shayannia, Zahra Abbasi, Majid Salehi, Mehdi Khaksari.
       OBJECTIVE: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. It is thought that neuronal cell death which is mainly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in the cells is responsible for most symptoms of this disorder. Nesfatin-1 has identified recently as a novel endogenous neuropeptide which recent studies have shown that it may have a protective effect. Therefore, we postulated that Nesfatin-1 might adequately prevent from high glucose-induced cell injury via inhibition of apoptotic, autophagy, and ROS responses.
    METHODS: In this study, PC12 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of Nesfatin-1 (1-100 ng/ml) and then co-treated with Nesfatin-1 and glucose (125 mM) for 48 h, and downstream pathways then were evaluated to investigate ROS, apoptosis, and autophagy.
    RESULTS: Results of this study showed that Nesfatin-1 can not only inhibit from intracellular ROS overproduction-induced by high glucose in PC12 cells (p < 0.0001) but also reduce the apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells following high glucose exposure by increasing cell viability and reducing apoptotic rates (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Nesfatin-1 decreased the LC3-II levels by western blotting (p < 0.0001), which showed a reduction in autophagy.
    CONCLUSION: These results support the idea that Nasfatin-1can protect PC12 cells against high glucose-induced cell injury by inhibition of apoptosis, autophagy and ROS production and can be considered as a potential drug for treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Autophagy; High glucose neurotoxicity; Nesfatin-1; Reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2019.07.001
  2. Molecules. 2019 Jul 24. pii: E2687. [Epub ahead of print]24(15):
    Ginsenoside Re Inhibits ROS/ASK-1 Dependent Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Activation of Nrf2-Antioxidant Response in Beta-Amyloid-Challenged SH-SY5Y Cells.
    Meichen Liu, Xueyuan Bai, Shiting Yu, Wenxue Zhao, Juhui Qiao, Ying Liu, Daqing Zhao, Jiawen Wang, Siming Wang.
      Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), which results in the formation of senile plaques that cause oxidative damage and neuronal cell death, has been accepted as the major pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hence, inhibition of Aβ-induced oxidative damage and neuronal cell apoptosis represents the effective strategies in combating AD. Ginsenoside Re (Re) has pharmacological effects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. However, its molecular mechanism remains elusive. The present study evaluated the effect of Re against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, and investigated the underlying mechanism. We demonstrate that Re inhibits the Aβ-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as indicated by maintenance of mitochondrial functional, elevated Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduced cytochrome c release, and inactivation of caspase-3/9. Re attenuated Aβ-evoked reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) phosphorylation, and JNK activation. ROS-scavenging abrogated the ability of Re to alter ASK-1 activation. Simultaneously, inhibition of JNK abolished Re-induced Bax downregulation in Aβ-challenged SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, Re enhanced activation of the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in Aβ-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Knockdown of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA targeting Nrf2 abolished the protective effect of Re. Our findings indicate that Re could be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD.
    Keywords:  Alzheimer’s disease; ginsenoside Re; mitochondria; oxidative stress; β-amyloid
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152687
  3. Free Radic Biol Med. 2019 Jul 19. pii: S0891-5849(19)30520-9. [Epub ahead of print]141 447-460
    l-Serine protects mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells against oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial damage and apoptotic cell death.
    Ki Yun Kim, Su-Kyeong Hwang, Shin Young Park, Min Ju Kim, Do Youn Jun, Young Ho Kim.
      The cytoprotective mechanism of l-serine against oxidative stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis was investigated in mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. Treatment with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducer 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) increased cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS and apoptosis, without necrosis, in HT22 cells. ROS-mediated apoptosis was accompanied by the induction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptotic pathway, involving CHOP/GADD153 upregulation, JNK and p38 MAPK activation, and caspase-12 and caspase-8 activation, and subsequent induction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through BAK and BAX activation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation. However, the DMNQ-caused ROS elevation and ER stress- and mitochondrial damage-induced apoptotic events were dose-dependently suppressed by co-treatment with l-serine (7.5-20 mM). Although DMNQ reduced both the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level and the ratios of reduced GSH to oxidized GSH (GSSG), the reduction was restored by co-treatment with l-serine. Co-treatment with GSH or N-acetylcysteine also blocked DMNQ-caused ROS elevation and apoptosis; however, co-treatment with the GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine significantly promoted ROS-mediated apoptosis and counteracted the protection by l-serine. In HT22 cells, DMNQ treatment appeared to tilt the mitochondrial fusion-fission balance toward fission by down-regulating the levels of profusion proteins (MFN1/2 and OPA1) and inhibitory phosphorylation of profission protein DRP1 at Ser-637, resulting in mitochondrial fragmentation. These DMNQ-caused alterations were prevented by l-serine. A comparison of mitochondrial energetic function between DMNQ- and DMNQ/l-serine-treated HT22 cells showed that the DMNQ-caused impairment of the mitochondrial energy generation capacity was restored by l-serine. These results demonstrate that l-serine can protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death by contributing to intracellular antioxidant GSH synthesis and maintaining the mitochondrial fusion-fission balance.
    Keywords:  Apoptotic signaling pathway; GSH; Mitochondrial fusion-fission proteins; Neuroprotective effect of l-serine; Oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.07.018
  4. Toxicol Mech Methods. 2019 Jul 25. 1-41
    Crotonaldehyde-induced alterations in testicular enzyme function and hormone levels, and apoptosis in the testes of male Wistar rats are associated with oxidative damage.
    Biao Zhang, Ping Wei, Jinlong Men, Shuman Zhang, Hua Shao, Zhihu Zhang.
      Crotonaldehyde is a hazardous pollutant present in cigarette smoke and automobile exhausts that is generated by lipid peroxidation, and harmful to reproductive organs. Although we are often exposed to low doses of crotonaldehyde daily, its adverse effects on the reproductive organs have not been fully elucidated. To elucidate them, we administered crotonaldehyde (0, 2.5, 4.5, and 8.5 mg/kg) by gavage for 150 days to male Wister rats, and evaluated its effect on their testicular tissues. Body weight, testis coefficient, sperm count, and motility decreased. Reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the 8.5 and 4.5 mg/kg groups significantly increased as antioxidant enzyme activity decreased. Testicular cell apoptosis rate in the exposed groups increased. Testicular enzyme activity and reproductive hormone levels were significantly altered in the 8.5 and 4.5 mg/kg groups. Therefore, long-term exposure to crotonaldehyde may induce oxidative stress, resulting in testicular cell apoptosis, and testicular enzyme and hormone level alteration.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; crotonaldehyde; hormones; oxidative stress; reproduction; testis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/15376516.2019.1646369
  5. Environ Pollut. 2019 Jul 15. pii: S0269-7491(19)32875-1. [Epub ahead of print]253 741-748
    The cardiotoxicity of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic and subsequently relieved by zinc supplementation.
    Hongjing Zhao, Yu Wang, Juanjuan Liu, Menghao Guo, Dongxue Fei, Hongxian Yu, Mingwei Xing.
      Waterborne exposure to arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is inevitable due to its widespread industrial and agricultural applications. Oxidative stress and cascaded programmed cell death is now hypothesized to be the dominant mechanisms of arseniasis evidenced in vivo and in vitro. This study aimed to explore the interaction of divalent zinc ion (Zn2+), an efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger with arsenite in the heart of common carp, and extensively investigated the exact signaling molecules involved. Significant induction of cardiotoxicity including oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy was evident in heart tissues following arsenite exposure (P < 0.05). The dissipation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) was induced by ROS burst, leading to oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Arsenite induced classic apoptotic hallmarks, characterized by chromatin degradation and subsequent formation of clumps adjacent, and elevated expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase family, and also increased autophagic flux evidenced by accelerated formation (LC3) and degradation (p62) of autophagosomes. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was phosphorylated inhibited, while MAPK signaling (p38, ERK and JNK) displayed elevated phosphorylation levels in arsenite-exposed heart tissues. In contrast, above phenomena were effectively inhibited by Zn2+, which supplement attenuated arsenite-induced myocardial toxicity through inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, as well as suppressing intracellular ROS cluster via activating antioxidative system via MAPK pathway. Our results provided experimental explanation and evidences for cardiotoxicity of arsenite. Furthermore, our findings hint that the application of zinc preparations may provide a candidate for the prevention and treatment for arsenic poisoning.
    Keywords:  Antagonist; Apoptosis; Aquatic animal; Autophagy; Environmental pollution
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.065
  6. Mol Cell Biochem. 2019 Jul 24.
    SC79, a novel Akt activator, protects dopaminergic neuronal cells from MPP+ and rotenone.
    Jian-Liang Zhu, Yu-Ying Wu, Di Wu, Wei-Feng Luo, Zhi-Qing Zhang, Chun-Feng Liu.
      In pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), mitochondrial dysfunction causes substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, leading to dopaminergic (DA) neuronal cell death. Mitochondrial toxins, including MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion) and rotenone, induce oxidative injury in cultured DA neuronal cells. The current study tested the potential effect of SC79, a first-in-class small-molecule Akt activator, against the process. In SH-SY5Y cells and primary murine DA neurons, SC79 significantly attenuated MPP+- and rotenone-induced viability reduction, cell death, and apoptosis. SC79 activated Akt signaling in DA neuronal cells. Akt inhibition (by LY294002 and MK-2206) or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated Akt1 knockout completely abolished SC79-induced DA neuroprotection against MPP+. Further studies demonstrated that SC79 attenuated MPP+- and rotenone-induced ROS production, mitochondrial depolarization, and lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y cells and primary DA neurons. Moreover, upregulation of Nrf2-dependent genes (HO1 and NQO1) and Nrf2 protein stabilization were detected in SC79-treated SH-SY5Y cells and primary DA neurons. Together we show that SC79 protects DA neuronal cells from mitochondrial toxins possibly via activation of Akt-Nrf2 signaling.
    Keywords:  Akt; Dopaminergic neuronal cells SC79; Nrf2; Parkinson’s disease (PD)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-019-03592-x
  7. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2019 Jul 22. pii: S0960-0760(18)30719-2. [Epub ahead of print] 105432
    Dimethyl fumarate and monomethyl fumarate attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations leading to oxiapoptophagy in 158N murine oligodendrocytes treated with 7β-hydroxycholesterol.
    Randa Sghaier, Thomas Nury, Valerio Leoni, Claudio Caccia, Jean-Paul Pais De Barros, Ameur Cherif, Anne Vejux, Thibault Moreau, Khalifa Lime, Mohammad Samadi, John J Mackrill, Ahmed Slaheddine Masmoudi, Gérard Lizard, Amira Zarrouk.
      Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and favor lipid peroxidation, leading to increased levels of 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC) which induces oxiapoptophagy (OXIdative stress, APOPTOsis, autoPHAGY). The cytoprotective effects of dimethylfumarate (DMF), used in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and of monomethylfumarate (MMF), its main metabolite, were evaluated on murine oligodendrocytes 158 N exposed to 7β-OHC (50 μM, 24 h) with or without DMF or MMF (25 μM). The activity of 7β-OHC in the presence or absence DMF or MMF was evaluated on several parameters: cell adhesion; plasma membrane integrity measured with propidium iodide (PI), trypan blue and fluoresceine diacetate (FDA) assays; LDH activity; antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)); generation of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CDs)) and protein oxidation products (carbonylated proteins (CPs)); reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction conducted with DHE and DHR123. The effect on mitochondria was determined with complementary criteria: measurement of succinate dehydrogenase activity, evaluation of mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondrial superoxide anions (O2●-) production using DiOC6(3) and MitoSOX, respectively; quantification of mitochondrial mass with Mitotracker Red, and of cardiolipins and organic acids. The effects on mitochondrial and peroxisomal ultrastructure were determined by transmission electron microscopy. Intracellular sterol and fatty acid profiles were determined. Apoptosis and autophagy were characterized by staining with Hoechst 33342, Giemsa and acridine orange, and with antibodies raised against caspase-3 and LC3. DMF and MMF attenuate 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxicity: cell growth inhibition; decreased cell viability; mitochondrial dysfunction (decrease of succinate dehydrogenase activity, loss of ΔΨm, increase of mitochondrial O2●- production, alteration of the tricarboxilic acid (TCA) cycle, and cardiolipin content); oxidative stress induction (ROS overproduction, alteration of GPx, CAT, and SOD activities, increased levels of MDA, CDs, and CPs); changes in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; and cell death induction (caspase-3 cleavage, activation of LC3-I in LC3-II). Ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria and peroxisomes were prevented. These results demonstrate that DMF and MMF prevent major dysfunctions associated with neurodegenerative diseases: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy.
    Keywords:  158N cells; 7β-hydroxycholesterol; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Dimethyl fumarate; Lipid profile; Mitochondria; Monomethyl fumarate; Oxiapoptophagy; Oxidative stress; Peroxisome
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105432
  8. Environ Pollut. 2019 Jul 16. pii: S0269-7491(19)30818-8. [Epub ahead of print]253 722-730
    Mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and transcriptomic alterations induced by four strobilurins in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages.
    Jinhua Jiang, Shenggan Wu, Lu Lv, Xinju Liu, Liezhong Chen, Xueping Zhao, Qiang Wang.
      Though the toxicity of strobilurins on non-target aquatic organisms has been characterized, the associated toxic mechanisms have not been fully explored. The present study showed that the larval stage was the most sensitive developmental stage in zebrafish, and pyraclostrobin (PY) had the highest acute toxicity to embryos, larvae, juvenile and adult with 96 h-LC50 at 0.048 mg/L, 0.029 mg/L, 0.039 mg/L, 0.031 mg/L respectively, when compared with the toxicity of trifloxystrobin (TR), kresoxim-methyl (KM) and azoxystrobin (AZ) at corresponding developmental stage. Then we investigated the transcriptomics and developmental toxicity of TR, KM, AZ and PY on zebrafish embryos after 72 h exposure. RNA-seq revealed that the pathways related to cell apoptosis and cancer, and cellular components organelle membrane and mitochondrion, were markedly affected after TR, KM, AZ and PY exposure during zebrafish early life stages. The results were further confirmed by the induction of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, the elevation of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, as well as the reduction of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which indicated that strobilurins could cause mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis. The present study was performed a systematic analysis of strobilurins to zebrafish at multi-levels, which provided suggestions for further investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity induced by strobilurins on aquatic organisms.
    Keywords:  Cell apoptosis; Mitochondria; Oxidative stress; Strobilurins; Zebrafish
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.081
  9. Environ Pollut. 2019 Jul 10. pii: S0269-7491(19)30850-4. [Epub ahead of print]253 429-438
    BDE-209 induces autophagy and apoptosis via IRE1α/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
    Yun Hou, Jiarong Fu, Shitian Sun, Yinchuan Jin, Xifeng Wang, Lianshuang Zhang.
      Recently, the essentiality and fatalness of cardiovascular diseases is attracting much attention. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants, which could induce the toxic effect and have been implicated in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unclear how autophagy and apoptosis induced by BDE-209 in endothelial cells are regulated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of BDE-209 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and elucidate the mechanisms involved. HUVECs were treated with a wide range concentration of BDE-209 for 24 h. The appearance of autophagy was tested by the testing index such as outcomes of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and lysotracker staining, observation of autophagosomes and conversion between autophagy marker light chain 3 (LC3)-I and LC3-II. Besides, the apoptotic cell rate was detected with flow cytometry. In addition, BDE-209 induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our data suggest that the exposure of BDE-209 could induce autophagy, which was confirmed by MDC staining, transmission electron microscopy observation, lysotracker staining and LC3-I/LC3-II conversion. Besides, the ER stress-related inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway could be activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate autophagy. Moreover, the apoptosis of endothelial cells was alleviated when autophagy was blocked by 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). The results demonstrated that BDE-209 could induce the production of ROS and ER stress, activate autophagy through IRE1α/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and ultimately induce apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. These findings indicate that exposure to PBDE is possible to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.030
  10. Exp Cell Res. 2019 Jul 22. pii: S0014-4827(19)30351-9. [Epub ahead of print] 111509
    Betulinic acid derivatives can protect human Müller cells from glutamate-induced oxidative stress.
    Zhengqi Cheng, Ting Zhang, Jian Zheng, Weimin Ding, Yang Wang, Yue Li, Ling Zhu, Michael Murray, Fanfan Zhou.
      Müller cells are the predominant retinal glial cells. One of the key roles of Müller cells is in the uptake of the neurotransmitter glutamate and in its conversion to glutamine. Müller cell dysfunction due to oxidative stress elicited by high glutamate concentrations can lead to toxicity, which promote the pathogenesis of retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This study investigated the anti-oxidant activity and mechanisms of betulinic acid (BA) and its derivatives in human Müller cells. Human MIO-M1 Müller cells were pre-treated in the presence or absence of BA, BE as well as their derivatives (named H3-H20) followed by incubation with glutamate. Cell viability was evaluated with the MTT and calcein-AM assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MIO-M1 cells was measured using CM-H2DCFDA and flow cytometry. The activation of cellular apoptosis and necrosis was analyzed with annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry. The modulation of signaling pathways involved in glutamate-mediated cytotoxicity and ROS production was evaluated by immunoblotting. The BA derivatives H3, H5 and H7 exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and significant anti-oxidant activity. These compounds significantly suppressed ROS production and attenuated cellular necrosis elicited by glutamate-induced oxidative stress. The protective effects of H3, H5 and H7 in MIO-M1 cells were associated with the attenuation of Akt, Erk, and JNK signaling. The BA analogues H3, H5 and H7 are protective against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in human Müller cells, and elicit their actions by modulation of the Erk, Akt and JNK signaling pathways. These agents are potential candidate molecules for the prevention or treatment of human retinal diseases.
    Keywords:  Anti-Oxidative effect; Betulinic acid; Glutamate; MIO-M1 cells; Müller cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111509
  11. BMC Mol Cell Biol. 2019 Jul 23. 20(1): 27
    Protective effect of silencing Stat1 on high glucose-induced podocytes injury via Forkhead transcription factor O1-regulated the oxidative stress response.
    Hongkun Wang, Yanhui Zhang, Fangfang Xia, Wei Zhang, Peng Chen, Guoan Yang.
       BACKGROUND: Podocyte plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. Various studies reported that forkhead transcription factor (Fox) O1 played a key role in anti-oxidative signaling. This study aimed to investigate the role of Stat1 in high glucose (HG) -induced podocyte injury.
    METHODS: Under normal glucose, hypertonic and HG stimulated podocyte conditions, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry and western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were respectively carried out to determine cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and related genes expressions. We then respectively used silent Stat1, simultaneous silencing Stat1 and FoxO1 and over-expression of FoxO1, to observe whether they/it could reverse the damage of podocytes induced by HG.
    RESULTS: High glucose attenuated cell survival and promoted cell apoptosis in MPC-5 cells at the same time, and it was also observed to promote the protein expression of Stat1 and the FoxO1 expression inhibition. Silencing Stat1 could reverse HG-induced podocytes injury. Specifically, siStat1 increased cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis and attenuated ROS level in a high-glucose environment. Cleaved caspase-3 and pro-apoptosis protein Bax was significantly down-regulated, and anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 was up-regulated by siStat1. The antioxidant genes Catalase, MnSOD, NQO1 and HO1 were up-regulated by siStat1. We found that silencing FoxO1 reversed the protective effect of siStat1 on the HG-induced podocytes injury.
    CONCLUSIONS: Silencing Stat1 could reverse the effects of high glucose-triggered low cell viability, cell apoptosis and ROS release and the functions of Stat1 might be involved in FoxO1 mediated-oxidative stress in nucleus.
    Keywords:  FoxO1; HG; Oxidative stress; Podocyte; Stat1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12860-019-0209-0
  12. Chem Biol Interact. 2019 Jul 19. pii: S0009-2797(19)30169-3. [Epub ahead of print]310 108759
    Hyperoside protects rat ovarian granulosa cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury by sonic hedgehog signaling pathway.
    Xiuxia Wang, Guimei Fan, Fengmei Wei, Ying Bu, Weihua Huang.
      Sustained exogenous stimuli induce oxidative stress in granulosa cells and cause cell apoptosis, thereby resulting in follicular atresia. Hyperoside is a natural flavonoid that possesses anti-oxidant activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperoside on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in granulosa cells. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were detected to reflect the oxidative stress. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the apoptotic rate. Western blot was carried out to determine the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Gli1, and smoothened (SMO). The mRNA levels of SHH, Gli1, and SMO were analyzed using qRT-PCR. We found that hyperoside improved cell viability in H2O2-stimulated granulosa cells. The increased MDA level and decreased activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT caused by H2O2 stimulation were reversed by hyperoside treatment. The apoptotic rate of H2O2-stimulated granulosa cells was reduced after treatment with hyperoside. Hyperoside treatment caused a decrease in Bax expression and an increase in Bcl-2 expression in H2O2-stimulated granulosa cells. The mRNA and protein levels of SHH, Gli1, and SMO in H2O2-stimulated granulosa cells were elevated by hyperoside treatment. Suppression of SHH pathway by cyclopamine attenuated the protective effects of hyperoside on H2O2-induced injury. In short, hyperoside protected granulosa cells from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis and oxidative stress via activation of the SHH signaling pathway.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Follicular atresia; Granulosa cells; Hyperoside; Oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108759
  13. Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2019 Dec;47(1): 3029-3036
    Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from Marsdenia tenacissima and its anticancer activity of liver cancer HepG2 cells.
    Lupeng Li, Wenzhi Zhang, Vidya Devanatha Desikan Seshadri, Guangshao Cao.
      Nowadays, the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from plant based extracts and effects of their anticancer have concerned an important interest. Marsdenia tenacissima (MT), a conventional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used for thousands of years to treat tracheitis, asthma, rheumatism, etc. In this present study, we optimize the reaction of parameters to manage the nanoparticle size, which was categorized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). A different characterization method, for example, UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to consider the synthesized AuNPs getting from the MT leaf extract. The MT-AuNPs were analyzed for their cytotoxicity property against HepG2 cells by MTT analysis. The apoptosis was evaluated by using reactive oxygen species (ROS), migration assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptotic protein expression. Interestingly, the findings of our study observed the cytotoxicity effect of synthesized MT-AuNPs at a concentration of 59.62 ± 4.37 μg after 24 hrs treatment. Apoptosis was induced by the MT-AuNPs with enhanced ROS, changed MMP and inhibit the migration assay. Finally, the apoptosis was confirmed by the considerable up-regulation of Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3, while the anti-apoptotic protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were down-regulated. Although, in this studies, we evaluated the characterization, synthesis and anticancer action of gold nanoparticles from MT (MT-AuNPS) helpful for liver cancer therapeutics.
    Keywords:  ; Gold nanoparticle; HepG2 cell lines; apoptosis; liver cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/21691401.2019.1642902
  14. Chem Biol Interact. 2019 Jul 16. pii: S0009-2797(19)30272-8. [Epub ahead of print]310 108754
    Piceatannol alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
    Hao Li, Youyang Shi, Xuliang Wang, Ping Li, Songyue Zhang, Tingting Wu, Yaoyao Yan, Yi Zhan, Yue Ren, Xing Rong, Tianhe Xia, Maoping Chu, Rongzhou Wu.
      Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Piceatannol (PIC) has protective effects against cardiovascular disease; however, it remains unknown whether it also protects against DCM. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate the effects of PIC on the viability of high glucose (HG)-induced H9C2 cells. Protein expression and mRNA levels were detected by western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In vivo, physical and biochemical analyses, together with transthoracic echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements, were used to detect the effects of PIC treatment on cardiac function in DCM rats. Reactive oxygen species production was determined using an ELISA kit, and inflammatory cytokines were detected by RT-PCR. Pathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and TUNEL staining. According to the results, PIC treatment improved cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis in HG-induced H9C2 cardiac myoblasts. In addition, PIC not only attenuated the over-production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P < 0.05), but also improved the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (P < 0.05) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (P < 0.01). Importantly, knockdown of Nrf2 suppressed PIC-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and abolished its anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo, oral administration of PIC suppressed STZ-induced inflammation, oxidative stress hypertrophy, fibrosis(myocardial collagen volume fraction in 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg PIC group was decreased 25.83% and 55.61% compared with the DM group), and apoptosis(Caspase-3 level in 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg PIC group was decreased 13.21% and 33.91% compared with the DM group), thereby relieving cardiac dysfunction and improving both fibrosis and pathological changes in cardiac tissues of diabetic rats. These findings define for the first time that the effects of PIC against DCM can be attributed to its role in inflammation and oxidative stress inhibition.
    Keywords:  Cardiomyopathy; Diabetic; Inflammation; Nrf-2/HO-1; Oxidative stress; Piceatannol
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108754
  15. Molecules. 2019 Jul 12. pii: E2544. [Epub ahead of print]24(14):
    Anticancer Function and ROS-Mediated Multi-Targeting Anticancer Mechanisms of Copper (II) 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde Complexes.
    Muhammad Hamid Khan, Meiling Cai, Jungang Deng, Ping Yu, Hong Liang, Feng Yang.
      Multi-targeting of oncoproteins by a single molecule represents an effectual, rational, and an alternative approach to target therapy. We carried out a systematic study to reveal the mechanisms of action of newly synthesized Cu2+ compounds of 2-naphthalenol and 1-(((2-pyridinylmethyl)imino)methyl)- (C1 and C2). The antiproliferative activity of the as-synthesized complexes in three human cancer cell lines indicates their potential as multi-targeted antitumor agents. Relatively, C1 and C2 showed better efficacy in vitro relative to Cisplatin and presented promising levels of toxicity against A-549 cells. On the whole, the Cu2+ complexes exhibited chemotherapeutic effects by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and arresting the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase by competent regulation of cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases. Fascinatingly, the Cu2+ complexes were shown to activate the apoptotic and autophagic pathways in A-549 cells. These complexes effectively induced endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis, inhibited topoisomerase-1, and damaged cancer DNA through a ROS-mediated mechanism. The synthesized Cu2+ complexes established ROS-mediated targeting of multiple cell signaling pathways as a fabulous route for the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
    Keywords:  2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde; Cu(II) complex; anticancer mechanism; cytotoxicity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24142544
  16. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 ;2019 7901735
    Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cytotoxicity by Geniposide Involves AMPKα Signaling Pathway.
    Yan-Yan Meng, Yu-Pei Yuan, Xin Zhang, Chun-Yan Kong, Peng Song, Zhen-Guo Ma, Qi-Zhu Tang.
      Oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis play critical roles in the development of doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced cardiotoxicity. Our previous study found that geniposide (GE) could inhibit cardiac oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes but its role in DOX-induced heart injury remains unknown. Our study is aimed at investigating whether GE could protect against DOX-induced heart injury. The mice were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg) to induce cardiomyopathy model. To explore the protective effects, GE was orally given for 10 days. The morphological examination and biochemical analysis were used to evaluate the effects of GE. H9C2 cells were used to verify the protective role of GE in vitro. GE treatment alleviated heart dysfunction and attenuated cardiac oxidative stress and cell loss induced by DOX in vivo and in vitro. GE could activate AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of AMPKα could abolish the protective effects of GE against DOX-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. GE could protect against DOX-induced heart injury via activation of AMPKα. GE has therapeutic potential for the treatment of DOX cardiotoxicity.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7901735
  17. Int J Ophthalmol. 2019 ;12(7): 1067-1074
    Reactive oxygen species mediates a metabolic memory of high glucose stress signaling in bovine retinal pericytes.
    Li-Wei Zhang, Han Zhao, Bai-Hua Chen.
       AIM: To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant mechanism underlying the metabolic memory of bovine retinal pericytes (BRPs) induced by high glucose.
    METHODS: Effects of high glucose levels and culture time on BRPs viability were evaluated by CCK-8. BRPs were grown in high-glucose media (30 mmol/L) for 4d followed by culture in normal glucose condition (5.6 mmol/L) for 4d in an experimental group. In contrast, in negative and positive control groups, BRPs were grown in either normal-glucose media or high-glucose media for 8d, respectively. The ROS levels, apoptosis, the expression and activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in BRPs, as well as the protective effect of adeno-associated viral (AAV)-mediated over expression of MnSOD were determined separately by DCHFA, ELISA and Western blot.
    RESULTS: Comparing the result of cells apoptosis, activity and protein expression of MnSOD and caspase-3, the cell culture system that exposed in sequence in 30 mmol/L and normal glucose for 4d was demonstrated as a suitable model of metabolic memory. Furthermore, delivery of antioxidant gene MnSOD can decrease BRPs apoptosis, reduce activated caspase-3, and reverse hyperglycemic memory by reducing the ROS of mitochondria.
    CONCLUSION: Increased ROS levels and decreased MnSOD levels may play important roles in pericyte loss of diabetic retinopathy. BRPs cultured in high glucose for 4d followed by normal glucose for 4d could be an appropriate model of metabolic memory. rAAV-MnSOD gene therapy provides a promising strategy to inhibit this blinding disease.
    Keywords:  diabetic retinopathy; manganese superoxide dismutase; metabolic memory; molecular therapeutics; reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2019.07.03
  18. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2019 Jul 17. pii: S0041-008X(19)30292-3. [Epub ahead of print]379 114684
    Reproductive toxicity of acute Cd exposure in mouse: Resulting in oocyte defects and decreased female fertility.
    Yuyao Cheng, Jun Zhang, Teng Wu, Xianlei Jiang, Huiqun Jia, Suzhu Qing, Quanli An, Yong Zhang, Jianmin Su.
      Cadmium (Cd), a known metal contaminant, is widespreadly used in industry, thereby human health is severely affected through the way of occupational and environmental exposure. The adverse effects of the exposure to Cd on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte maturation and fertility have not been clearly defined. In this study, we found the arrested development of ovaries and uteri after Cd exposure and determined oocyte quality via assessing the key regulators during meiotic maturation and fertilization. We found that Cd exposure impeded the mouse oocyte meiotic progression by disrupting the normal spindle assembly, chromosome alignment and actin cap formation. Besides, exposure to Cd induced oxidative stress with the increased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis levels, leading to abnormal mitochondrial distribution, insufficient energy supply, and DNA damage, which ultimately led to oocyte quality deterioration. We also analyzed the effects of cadmium on epigenetic modifications, and the levels of 5mC, H3K9me3 and H3K9ac decreased after acute exposure to cadmium. Further experiments showed that the litter size in Cd-exposed female mice reduced, thereby indicating increased reproductive Cd toxicity. In conclusion, Cd exposure impairs oocyte maturation and fertilization ability induced by oxidative stress, early apoptosis and epigenetic modifications, which lead to the decrease of female fertility.
    Keywords:  Epigenetic modification; Heavy metal pollution; Oocyte quality; Oxidation stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2019.114684
  19. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2019 Oct;pii: S0928-4931(18)32661-4. [Epub ahead of print]103 109840
    Anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles against cervical carcinoma cells synthesized via biogenic route using aqueous extract of Gracilaria edulis.
    Mohamed Asik R, Gowdhami B, Mohamed Jaabir M S, Archunan G, Suganthy N.
      Development of novel approach for cancer therapy, sparing healthy normal cells overcoming the limitation of available therapies is of prime importance for cervical cancer treatment. Recently metal oxide based chemotherapeutics has emanated as a promising approach for cancer therapy. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using biogenic source, aqueous extract of Gracilaria edulis. The prepared ZnONPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX and HRTEM. The anticancer potential of ZnONPs against cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa cells) was evaluated using MTT and the mechanism of apoptosis was evaluated using various staining techniques. UV-Vis spectroscopy exhibited absorption band at 367 nm specific for ZnONPs and the average energy gap was calculated as 3.37 eV. Further characterization by XRD, TEM, and FESEM illustrated the formation of wurtzite structure (hexagonal phase) with size ranging between 20 and 50 nm. EDS of SEM analysis confirmed the presence of Zn and O, which was further substantiated by XPS analysis. PL emission studies showed UV emission peak at 387 nm and broad visible emission peak at 520 nm. Zeta potential value of -28.2 mV depicted the stability of ZnONPs in the dispersion medium. Results of anticancer potential illustrated that ZnONPs exhibited cytotoxic effect against SiHa cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 value of 35 ± 0.03 μg/ml. AO/EtBr dual staining, JC-1 staining, Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and comet assay illustrated the ZnONPs induced ROS mediated mitochondrial dependent apoptotic cell death in SiHa cells. Further, flow cytometric analysis using Annexin V/FITC dye demonstrated that ZnONPs induced both apoptotic and necrotic mediated death in SiHa cells. Over all the results conclude that ZnONPs synthesized using algal sources might act as a new medicinal approach for the treatment of cervical carcinoma in conjugation with the current therapy.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Flow cytometry; Gracilaria edulis; Reactive oxygen species; SiHa cells; ZnONPs
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2019.109840
  20. Pharmacology. 2019 Jul 23. 1-11
    The Protective Effect of Aesculus hippocastanum (Venoplant®) Against Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury.
    Shujin Wu, Rina Sa, Zhirong Gu, Pei Zhao, Jing Yu, Yanhong Wang, Bin Ge.
       AIM: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Aesculus hippocastanum (AH; Venoplant®) on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute liver injury and explore the mechanism in mice.
    METHODS: ConA (20 mg/kg) was administered via tail vein injection to induce hepatic damage. The groups of AH (Venoplant®) were given at 65.8, 131.6, and 263.2 mg/kg by oral gavages for 20 days. The serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb) were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer, and the Alb/globulin (A/G) ratio was calculated. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IFN-γ levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The liver tissue was attained by hematoxylin and eosin, and the histopathological changes were calculated. The cell apoptosis was assayed by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) content of liver tissue were assayed by related kits. The activity of caspase-3 was detected by spectrophotometry. The expressions of cytochrome c, Bax, Bcl-2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-JNK were detected by western blot.
    RESULTS: The results showed that the levels of ALT, AST, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in AH (Venoplant®) groups were significantly lower than those in ConA-injured group, while the levels of TP, Alb, and A/G were significantly higher. The SOD and GSH levels were significantly increased, and the MDA level was decreased; liver histopathology was changed consistently with the serological indicators, AH (Venoplant®) treatment significantly reduced the pathological damage and cell apoptosis; while in AH (Venoplant®) group, the expressions of cytochrome c, caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and p-JNK were significantly decreased.
    CONCLUSION: AH (Venoplant®) could significantly protect the ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice via inhibition of reactive oxygen species and JNK pathway.
    Keywords:  Aesculus hippocastanum; Concanavalin A; Liver injury; c-Jun N-terminal kinase
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1159/000501258
  21. Life Sci. 2019 Jul 16. pii: S0024-3205(19)30587-9. [Epub ahead of print] 116661
    Polyethylenimine-associated cerium oxide nanoparticles: A novel promising gene delivery vector.
    Leila Hasanzadeh, Majid Darroudi, Navid Ramezanian, Parvin Zamani, Seyed Hamid Aghaee-Bakhtiari, Esmail Nourmohammadi, Reza Kazemi Oskuee.
       AIMS: The development of highly efficient and low toxic non-viral gene delivery vectors is the most challenging issues for successful application of gene therapy. A particular focus has been on understanding structure-activity relationships for transfection activity and toxicity of polyethylenimine (PEI). During the last decade, the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) in biomedicine has attracted much attention due to their pH-dependent antioxidant activity. CeO2-NPs provide protection normal cells from various forms of reactive oxygen species, but possess innate cytotoxicity and apoptosis to cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to design a new class of gene carriers by low molecular weight PEI (B-PEI 10 kDa) coordination onto CeO2-NPs.
    MAIN METHODS: B-PEI 10 kDa was conjugated to CeO2-NPs by Epichlorohydrin linker. Transfection efficiency, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of pDNA-PEI-CeO2 NPs were evaluated on WEHI 164 cancer cells and normal L929 cells lines.
    KEY FINDINGS: PEI-CeO2 NPs was able to condense the pDNA at carrier/plasmid (C/P) weight ratios of 0.5. The size and zeta potential of pDNA-PEI-CeO2 NPs were 124 ± 7 nm and 22 ± 2 mV, respectively. The transfection efficacy of synthesized pDNA-PEI-CeO2 NPs improved and the cytotoxicity was decreased compared to pDNA-PEI. Moreover, pDNA-PEI-CeO2 NPs induced more apoptosis than unmodified PEI and CeO2-NPs control groups. pDNA-PEI-CeO2 NPs displayed more transfection, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in WEHI 164 cancer cells than normal L929 cells.
    SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, PEI-CeO2 nanocarriers could act as a potential candidate for gene and drug delivery to cancerous and tumor cells.
    Keywords:  Cerium oxide nanoparticles; Cytotoxicity; Gene delivery; Polyethylenimine; Transfection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116661
  22. Int J Toxicol. 2019 Jul 25. 1091581819864518
    Autophagy in Triptolide-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Hepatic Cells.
    Yan Ming Wei, Zhi Hua Luan, Bi Wang Liu, Yong Hui Wang, Yin Xia Chang, Hui Qing Xue, Jin Hong Ren.
      Triptolide is a major active ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. However, its use in clinical practice is limited due to its severe hepatotoxicity. Autophagy, a highly conserved intracellular process, is essential for maintaining cytoplasmic homeostasis. Considering that abnormalities in autophagy are closely associated with drug-mediated hepatotoxicity, we applied human normal liver HL7702 cells to elucidate the roles of autophagy in triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity. Our study revealed that triptolide was cytotoxic to HL7702 cells. It markedly increased autophagosome formation and expression of autophagy-related proteins, namely Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3II, and induced oxidative stress. These proautophagic effects were counteracted by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a reactive oxygen species scavenger. Moreover, the pharmacological suppression of autophagy further exacerbated triptolide-elicited decrease in cell viability, increase in lactate dehydrogenase leakage, and activation of apoptosis proteases (caspase 3 and caspase 9). Our findings suggest that triptolide-induced oxidative stress consequently enhances autophagic activity, and autophagy is a cytoprotective mechanism against triptolide-induced cytotoxicity in HL7702 cells.
    Keywords:  autophagy; hepatotoxicity; oxidative stress; triptolide
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819864518
  23. Biomolecules. 2019 Jul 25. pii: E302. [Epub ahead of print]9(8):
    Cannabidiol Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer SGC-7901 Cells.
    Xin Zhang, Yao Qin, Zhaohai Pan, Minjing Li, Xiaona Liu, Xiaoyu Chen, Guiwu Qu, Ling Zhou, Maolei Xu, Qiusheng Zheng, Defang Li.
      The main chemical component of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to have antitumor properties. The present study examined the in vitro effects of CBD on human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. We found that CBD significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of SGC-7901 cells. Further investigation showed that CBD significantly upregulated ataxia telangiectasia-mutated gene (ATM) and p53 protein expression and downregulated p21 protein expression in SGC-7901 cells, which subsequently inhibited the levels of CDK2 and cyclin E, thereby resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G0-G1 phase. In addition, CBD significantly increased Bax expression levels, decreased Bcl-2 expression levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, and then upregulated the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9, thereby inducing apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells. Finally, we found that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased after CBD treatment. These results indicated that CBD could induce G0-G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by increasing ROS production, leading to the inhibition of SGC-7901 cell proliferation, thereby suggesting that CBD may have therapeutic effects on gastric cancer.
    Keywords:  Cannabidiol; ROS; SGC-7901 cell; apoptosis; cell cycle arrest; gastric cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9080302
  24. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 ;2019 1759149
    A Protective Role of the NRF2-Keap1 Pathway in Maintaining Intestinal Barrier Function.
    Zhiyong Wen, Weihua Liu, Xing Li, Weiguo Chen, Zhice Liu, Jianbo Wen, Zhiping Liu.
      Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) is a master regulator of cellular oxidative levels against environmental stresses. Nrf2 induces the expression of metabolic detoxification and antioxidant enzymes to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The gastrointestinal tract is a key source of ROS. Intestinal barrier is critical to maintain the healthy steady state of the human gastrointestinal tract. Nrf2 has been shown to play important roles in maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier. Here, we made a systematic review on the roles of Nrf2 in maintaining intestinal barrier, including the following: (1) NRF2 reduced intestinal mucosal injury by suppressing oxidative stress; (2) NRF2 decreased intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the inflammatory pathway; (3) NRF2 affected intestinal tight junction proteins and apoptosis of cells to regulate intestinal permeability; (4) NRF2 affected T cell differentiation and functions; (5) the crossregulation between the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway and autophagy controlled intestinal oxidative stress.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1759149
  25. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2019 Jul 30. 39(7): 850-854
    [Effect of ulinastatin on isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats].
    Yuanbo Guo, Yan Wang, Dengwen Zhang, Can Cui, Tao Li, Sheng Wang.
       OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ulinastatin pretreatment on isoflurane-induced mitochondria-dependent neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats.
    METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly assigned into control group, isoflurane group and ulinastatin group. In the latter two groups, the rats were subjected to acute exposure to 0.75% isoflurane for 6 h and pretreated with 50 000 U/kg of ulinastatin before isoflurane exposure, respectively. After the treatments, apoptosis of the hippocampal neurons was detected using TUNEL assay, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (△ ψm) was measured using JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential kit; cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activity were examined with Western blotting, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected using the fluorescent probe H2DCFDA.
    RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the rats with acute exposure to isoflurane showed markedly increased TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus (P &lt; 0.05), which were obviously reduced by ulinastatin pretreatment (P &lt; 0.05). The △ψm of the hippocampal neurons was significantly reduced after isoflurane exposure (P &lt; 0.05), and was partly recovered by ulinastatin pretreatment (P &lt; 0.05). Acute exposure to isoflurane resulted in obviously increased cellular ROS, cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activity in the hippocampal neurons (P &lt; 0.05), and these changes were significantly inhibited by ulinastatin pretreatment (P &lt; 0.05).
    CONCLUSIONS: Ulinastatin pretreatment provides neuroprotection against isoflurane-induced apoptosis of the hippocampal neurons in rats possibly by inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; hippocampus; isoflurane; mitochondria; ulinastatin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.07.16
  26. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Jul 22. pii: S0141-8130(19)32168-3. [Epub ahead of print]
    In vitro anticancer activity of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum cinereum against Caco-2 cells.
    S Sivasankara Narayani, S Saravanan, J Ravindran, M S Ramasamy, J Chitra.
      Fucoidan is a marine sulfated polysaccharide, which is extracted from brown seaweed that has a wide range of bioactivities including anti-cancer properties. However, the underlying mechanism of fucoidan on its anti-cancer and apoptotic activity against colon cancer cell line Caco-2 remains to be elucidated. Hence, the present study evaluated the cytotoxicity, apoptotic and anti-cancer activity of fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed Sargassum cinereum against Caco-2 cell line. Cytotoxicity, morphological examination of nuclei, mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and detection of apoptotic efficacy of fucoidan were assessed by different assay protocols. Fucoidan inhibited growth of Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 concentration of fucoidan was found to be 250 μg/ml. AO/EB, Hoechst and Annexin V/PI staining confirmed the apoptosis induced by fucoidan in Caco-2 cells. Fucoidan was also found to increase ROS production and augment mitochondrial membrane permeability. The findings of the study suggest that fucoidan exerts potent anti-cancer and apoptotic effect on Caco-2 cells by enhancing ROS production. Thus, fucoidan may be used as a promising therapeutic regimen against various cancer cell types.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Apoptosis; Colon cancer; Fucoidan; ROS
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.127
  27. Toxins (Basel). 2019 Jul 09. pii: E397. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    Tannic Acid Induces the Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis and S Phase Arrest in Porcine Intestinal IPEC-J2 Cells.
    Ji Wang, Haisi Xiao, Yuanyuan Zhu, Shuiping Liu, Zhihang Yuan, Jing Wu, Lixin Wen.
      The presence of tannic acid (TA), which is widely distributed in plants, limits the utilization of non-grain feed. Illustrating the toxicity mechanism of TA in animals is important for preventing poisoning and for clinical development of TA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects and possible action mechanism of TA in porcine intestinal IPEC-J2 cells, as well as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. We investigated the toxic effects of TA in IPEC-J2 cells combining the analysis of TA-induced apoptotic responses and effect on the cell cycle. The results revealed that TA is highly toxic to IPEC-J2 cells. The stress-inducible factors reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were increased in response to TA. Furthermore, TA suppressed mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced adenosine triphosphate production, and adversely affected B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-9, caspase-3, cytochrome c, cyclin A, cyclin-dependent kinases, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, and P53 expression in a dose-dependent manner. We suggest that TA induces the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and S phase arrest in IPEC-J2 cells.
    Keywords:  IPEC-J2 cell line; anti-nutritional factor; apoptosis; tannic acid
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11070397
  28. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2019 Jul 23.
    Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Sealing Agents and Antioxidants Protect Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Naproxen, Diclofenac and Celecoxib.
    Ahmad Salimi, Mohammad Reza Neshat, Parvaneh Naserzadeh, Jalal Pourahmad.
      Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib used to reduce pain. Many of these drugs have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The molecular mechanism(s) by which NSAIDs induce CVD up to now is unknown. We investigated the effects of naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib with different structures and mechanism action on isolated rat heart mitochondria. All tested NSAIDs increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial membrane collapse (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione and ATP depletion, which all of them play important roles in developing cardiotoxicity. We reported that mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore sealing agents and antioxidants have the capacity to significantly prevent mitochondrial toxicity. Therefore, the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by MPT pore sealing agents and antioxidants can double confirm NSAID-induced cardiomyocytes toxicity is resulted from induction of apoptosis signaling trough ROS-mediated mitochondrial permeability transition.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0866-9356
  29. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 19. pii: E1655. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    Effect of Vasicinone against Paraquat-Induced MAPK/p53-Mediated Apoptosis via the IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT Pathway in a Parkinson's Disease-Associated SH-SY5Y Cell Model.
    Da-Tong Ju, Kalaiselvi Sivalingam, Wei-Wen Kuo, Tsung-Jung Ho, Ruey-Lin Chang, Li-Chin Chung, Cecilia Hsuan Day, Vijaya Padma Viswanadha, Po-Hsiang Liao, Chih-Yang Huang.
      Vasicinone is a quinazoline alkaloid isolated from the Adhatoda vasica plant. In this study, we explored the neuroprotective effect and underlying molecular mechanism of vasicinone against paraquat-induced cellular apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Vasicinone reduced the paraquat-induced loss of cell viability, rescued terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive apoptotic nuclei, and suppressed generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis revealed that vasicinone increased the phosphorylation of IGF1R/PI3K/AKT cell survival signaling molecules and downregulated the paraquat-induced, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated apoptotic pathways compared to that observed in cells not treated with vasicinone. This protection depended critically on the activation of IGF1R, and the silencing of IGF1R by siRNA completely abrogated the protective effect of vasicinone in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings indicated that vasicinone is a potential candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and possibly other oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; neuroprotection; paraquat; parkinson’s disease; reactive oxygen species; vasicinone
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071655
  30. Cells. 2019 Jul 09. pii: E690. [Epub ahead of print]8(7):
    Hepatocellular Toxicity of Paris Saponins I, II, VI and VII on Two Kinds of Hepatocytes-HL-7702 and HepaRG Cells, and the Underlying Mechanisms.
    Wenping Wang, Yi Liu, Mingyi Sun, Na Sai, Longtai You, Xiaoxv Dong, Xingbin Yin, Jian Ni.
      Rhizoma paridis is a popularly-used Chinese medicine in clinics, based on the pharmacodynamic properties of its saponin components. The four main saponins in Rhizoma paridis are designated saponins I, II, VI, and VII. At present, much attention is focused on the anticancer effect of Rhizoma paridis which is manifested in its cytotoxicity to various cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatocellular toxicities of the four saponins in Rhizoma paridis and the relative intensities of their cytotoxic effects. It was found that the four saponins were cytotoxic to two types of hepatocytes-HL-7702 and HepaRG cells. The cytotoxicities of the four saponins to the two cell models were compared. One of the most cytotoxic saponins was Rhizoma paridis saponin I (PSI). This was used to determine the mechanism of hepatocellular toxicity. Results from MTT assays demonstrated that the four saponins induced apoptosis of the two hepatocyte models in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, fluorescent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining was used to observe the morphological changes of HepaRG cells after saponin administration. Further, as the concentration increased, PSI-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from HepaRG cells increased gradually. In addition, PSI enhanced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocked the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle in HepaRG cells. A western blot indicated that PSI upregulated the protein expression levels of p53, p21, and Fas. Furthermore, the PSI-induced changes in the p53 protein increased the Bax/bcl-2 ratio, resulting in enhancement of the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), and ultimately apoptosis. Increased Fas protein activated caspase-8, which led to the activation of caspase-3 and its downstream PARP protein, resulting in cell apoptosis. These results indicate that PSI induced apoptosis in HepaRG cells through activation of ROS and death receptor pathways. The results obtained in this study suggest that the hepatocellular toxicity of saponins in Rhizoma paridis should be considered during the clinical application of this drug. In addition, they provide a reference for future anti-cancer studies on Rhizoma paridis.
    Keywords:  Bcl-2 proteins; Paris saponins I, II, VI, and VII; ROS generation; activation of death receptor; cell apoptosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8070690
  31. Front Oncol. 2019 ;9 562
    Ruthenium Complexes Containing Heterocyclic Thioamidates Trigger Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis Through MAPK Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.
    Sara P Neves, Nanashara C de Carvalho, Monize M da Silva, Ana Carolina B C Rodrigues, Larissa M Bomfim, Rosane B Dias, Caroline B S Sales, Clarissa A Gurgel Rocha, Milena B P Soares, Alzir A Batista, Daniel P Bezerra.
      Herein, ruthenium complexes containing heterocyclic thioamidates [Ru(mmi)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (1), [Ru(tzdt)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (2), [Ru(dmp)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (3) and [Ru(mpca)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (4) were investigated for their cellular and molecular effects in cancer cell lines. Complexes 1 and 2 were the most potent of the four compounds against a panel of different cancer cell lines in monolayer cultures and showed potent cytotoxicity in a 3D model of multicellular spheroids that formed from human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. In addition, both complexes were able to bind to DNA in a calf thymus DNA model. Compared to the controls, a reduction in cell proliferation, phosphatidylserine externalization, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential were observed in HepG2 cells that were treated with these complexes. Additionally, coincubation with a pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD(OMe)-FMK) reduced the levels of apoptosis that were induced by these compounds compared to those in the negative controls, indicating that cell death through apoptosis occurred via a caspase-dependent pathway. Moreover, these complexes also induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and coincubation with an MEK inhibitor (U0126), which is known to inhibit the activation of ERK1/2, but not JNK/SAPK and p38 MAPK inhibitors, reduced the complexes-induced apoptosis compared to that in the negative controls, indicating that the induction of apoptotic cell death occurred through ERK1/2 signaling in HepG2 cells. On the other hand, no increase in oxidative stress was observed in HepG2 cells treated with the complexes, and the complexes-induced apoptosis was not reduced with coincubation with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or a p53 inhibitor compared to that in the negative controls, indicating that apoptosis occurred via oxidative stress- and p53-independent pathways. Finally, these complexes also reduced the growth of HepG2 cells that were engrafted in C.B-17 SCID mice compared to that in the negative controls. These results indicated that these complexes are novel anticancer drug candidates for liver cancer treatment.
    Keywords:  ERK1/2; HepG2; apoptosis; heterocyclic thioamidates; ruthenium complexes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2019.00562
  32. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jul 11. pii: E3415. [Epub ahead of print]20(14):
    N-Methylparoxetine Blocked Autophagic Flux and Induced Apoptosis by Activating ROS-MAPK Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
    Kun Wang, Bonan Chen, Ting Yin, Yujuan Zhan, Yuhua Lu, Yilin Zhang, Jiawei Chen, Weijie Wu, Shikun Zhou, Wenli Mao, Yuhui Tan, Biaoyan Du, Xiaodong Liu, Hiuting Idy Ho, Jianyong Xiao.
      The main mechanistic function of most chemotherapeutic drugs is mediated by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Tumor cells usually respond to upregulate autophagy to eliminate impaired mitochondria for survival. Hypothetically, inhibiting autophagy might promote mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, thus enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic therapies. We previously identified N-methylparoxetine (NMP) as an inducer of mitochondrial fragmentation with subsequent apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We discovered that ROS was accumulated in NMP-treated NSCLC cells, followed by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase (p38) activation. This was reversed by the application of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), leading to a reduction in apoptosis. Our data suggested that NMP induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We further speculated that the remarkable increase of ROS in NMP-treated NSCLC cells might result from an inhibition of autophagy. Our current data confirmed that NMP blocked autophagy flux at late stage wherein lysosomal acidification was inhibited. Taken together, this study demonstrated that NMP could exert dual apoptotic functions-mitochondria impairment and, concomitantly, autophagy inhibition. NMP-related excessive ROS accumulation induced apoptosis by activating the MAPK pathway in NSCLC cells.
    Keywords:  MAPK; N-Methylparoxetine; NSCLC; ROS; apoptosis; autophagy inhibition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20143415
  33. Mol Pharm. 2019 Jul 22.
    De Novo Design of Copper(II) Complex Containing CNC-Pincer- Vitamins B3 and B7 Conjugates for Breast Cancer Application.
    Leila Tabrizi, Fatemeh Abyar.
      The Cu(II) complex namely, [Cu(CNC-B3)(IM-B7)](PF6)2, 1, containing CNC-B3 (L2) = CNC-pincer- vitamin B3 and IM-B7 (L3) = 1H-Imidazole-1-methanamine-vitamin B7 conjugates was developed as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer cell lines. The Cu(II) complex brings about a remarkable in vitro cytotoxicity in comparison with cisplatin and tamoxifen against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the Cu(II) complex was considerably less toxic to MRC-5 normal cells. The DNA/HSA-binding capacity of Cu(II) complex was confirmed by spectrometric methods and the molecular docking and ONIOM study. The mechanistic pathway of DNA cleavage study was performed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibiting agents. Furthermore, the Cu(II) complex affected the increasing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the decreasing level of glutathione (GSH) in MCF-7 cells. The new complex induced major levels of MCF-7 cancer cell death by apoptosis.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00399
  34. Biosci Rep. 2019 Jul 25. pii: BSR20190689. [Epub ahead of print]
    Protective effects of delphinidin against H2O2‑induced oxidative injuries in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
    Timin Ni, Wanju Yang, Yiqiao Xing.
      Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is now one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly population and oxidative stress-induced damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells occurs as part of the pathogenesis of AMD. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effect of delphinidin against H2O2-induced toxicity in human ARPE-19 cells and its molecular mechanism. MTT assay and flow cytometry demonstrated that pretreatment of ARPE-19 cells with delphinidin (25, 50 and 100μg/ml) significantly increased cell viability and reduced the apoptosis from H2O2 (0.5 mM)-induced oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner, which was achieved by the inhibition of Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 protein expression and enhancement of Bcl-2 protein. The same tendency was observed in ARPE-19 cells pre-treated with 15 mM of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) before the addition of H2O2 Furthermore pre-incubation of ARPE-19 cells with delphinidin markedly inhibited the intracellular ROS generation and Nox1 protein expression induced by H2O2 Moreover, the decreased antioxidant enzymes activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX and elevated MDA level in H2O2-treated cells were reversed to the normal standard by the addition of delphinidin, which was regulated by increasing nuclear Nrf2 protein expression in ARPE-19 cells. Our results suggest that delphinidin effectively protects human ARPE-19 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage via anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects.
    Keywords:  Age-related macular degeneration; Antioxidant; Apoptosis; Delphinidin; Human retinal pigment epithelial cells; Oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20190689
  35. Pharmacology. 2019 Jul 25. 1-9
    Regulation of iRhom-2/Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Converting Enzyme Pathway and Oxidative Stress Protects the Renal Injury with Anemonin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy Neonatal Rat Model.
    Lingyan Qiao, Yusheng Liu, Cheng Li, Juan Ge, Tang Li.
      Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic complication of diabetes, and thus the present investigation evaluates the nephroprotective effect of anemonin against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (50 mg/kg) on day 2 and 3 postnatal, and rats were kept as such for the duration of 12 weeks. Thereafter, rats were treated with anemonin 75 and 150 mg/kg per oral for the period 4 week which means between the period of 12-16 weeks. Effect of anemonin was estimated by determining the blood glucose, markers of nephropathy, and mediators of inflammation in the serum and activity of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)converting enzyme (TACE) in the kidney tissue of DN rats. Moreover, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were determined in the kidney tissue homogenate of DN rats. Histopathology study was done by Periodic acid-Schiff's and masson staining for the pathological changes and apoptosis of podocytes in the kidney tissue of DN rats. Moreover, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated in the kidney tissue by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein staining. Data of study reveal that anemonin significantly reduces (p < 0.01) the blood glucose and markers of renal injury in the serum and urine of DN rats. There was a reduction in the level of cytokines in the serum, and production of ROS and activity of TACE were reduced in the kidney tissue of the anemonin-treated group than in the DN group. Expression of iRhom-2, TACE, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and histopathology of kidney tissue were attenuated in the anemonin-treated group in DN rats. In conclusion, data of study reveal that treatment with anemonin ameliorates progression of renal injury by regulating TACE/iRhom-2 signaling pathway.
    Keywords:  Anemonin; Diabetic nephropathy; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Podocyte
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1159/000501631
  36. Toxicol In Vitro. 2019 Jul 23. pii: S0887-2333(19)30105-5. [Epub ahead of print] 104607
    Antitumor effects of seleno-β-lactoglobulin on human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.
    Xiaomeng Xu, Yingying Feng, Xiaoyu Chen, Qinjian Wang, Ting Meng, Anjun Liu.
      Seleno-β-lactoglobulin (Se-β-Lg) was synthesized using seleninic acid, an organoselenium compound, and β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), an important component of milk. Previously, we have studied the effects of Se-β-Lg on hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of Se-β-Lg and its potential mechanisms of action against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The results showed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Se-β-Lg were 40.84 μg/mL for MCF-7 cells and 46.04 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h, while the compound showed no cytotoxicity to normal breast cells. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activation of the apoptotic signaling pathway by Se-β-Lg was demonstrated by the incubation of cells with 80 μg/mL Se-β-Lg and determination of the rates of apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels after the addition of 10 mM N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor. Our findings revealed highly potent anticancer activities of Se-β-Lg against breast cancer cells and suggested that the compound may be used as a chemopreventive agent for breast cancer. Furthermore, we thoroughly elucidated the antitumor mechanism of Se-β-Lg.
    Keywords:  Breast cancer; Cell apoptosis; Mitochondrial pathway; Seleno-β-lactoglobulin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104607
  37. Cancer Sci. 2019 Jul 26.
    SIRT1 overexpression is an important strategy for the survival of adapted suspension tumor cells.
    Ji Young Park, Sora Han, Hye In Ka, Hyun Jeong Joo, Su Jung Soh, Kyung Hyun Yoo, Young Yang.
      Characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important to prevent death caused by the metastatic spread of cancer cells because CTCs are associated with distal metastasis and poor prognosis of breast cancer. We have previously developed suspension cells (SCs) using breast cancer cell lines and demonstrated their high metastatic potential. As survival of CTCs is highly variable from a few hours to decades, here we cultured SCs for an extended time and named them as adapted suspension cells (ASCs). Silent mating-type information regulation 1 (SIRT1) expression increased in ASCs, which protected the cells from apoptosis. High SIRT1 expression was responsible for the suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity and downregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ASCs. As the inhibition of NF-κB and ROS production in SIRT1-depleted ASCs contributed to the development of resistance to apoptotic cell death, maintenance of a low ROS level and NF-κB activity in ASCs is a crucial function of SIRT1. Thus, SIRT1 overexpression may play an important role in growth adaptation of SCs because SIRT1 expression is increased in long-term rather than short-term cultures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:   ROS ; Adapted suspension cell; Circulating tumor cell; NF-κB; SIRT1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/cas.14147
  38. J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Jul 24.
    Identification of a catechol-type diphenylbutadiene as a tyrosinase-activated pro-oxidative chemosensitizer against melanoma A375 cells via GST inhibition.
    Yuan Ji, Fang Dai, Shuai Yan, Jing-Yang Shi, Bo Zhou.
      Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play an active role in the development of drug-resistance by numerous cancer cells including melanoma cells, which is a major cause of chemotherapy failure. As part of our continuous effort to explore why dietary polyphenols bearing the catechol moiety (dietary catechols) show usually anticancer activity, a catechol-type diphenylbutadiene (3,4-DHB) was selected as a model of dietary catechols to probe whether they work as pro-oxidative chemosensitizers via GST inhibition in melanoma cells. It was found that in human melanoma A375 cells, 3,4-DHB is easily converted into its ortho-quinone via copper-containing tyrosinase-mediated two-electron oxidation along with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from the oxidation; the resulted ortho-quinone and ROS are responsible for its ability to sensitize the cisplatin-resistant cells by inhibiting GST followed by induction of apoptosis in a ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling cascade and mitochondria-dependent pathway. This work provides further evidence to support that dietary catechols exhibit anti-melanoma activity by virtue of their tyrosinase-dependent pro-oxidative role, and gives useful information for designing polyphenol-inspired GST inhibitors and sensitizers in chemotherapy against melanoma.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02875
  39. Toxicology. 2019 Jul 19. pii: S0300-483X(19)30201-X. [Epub ahead of print] 152245
    Methylmercury exposure induces ROS/Akt inactivation-triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress-regulated neuronal cell apoptosis.
    Yao-Pang Chung, Cheng-Chieh Yen, Feng-Cheng Tang, Kuan-I Lee, Shing-Hwa Liu, Chin-Ching Wu, Shang-Shu Hsieh, Chin-Chuan Su, Chun-Ying Kuo, Ya-Wen Chen.
      Epidemiological studies have positively linked mercury exposure and neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Methylmercury (MeHg), an organic form of mercury, is a ubiquitous and potent environmental neurotoxicant that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes irreversible injury to the central nervous system (CNS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Here, the present study found that Neuro-2a cells underwent apoptosis in response to MeHg (1-5 μM), which was accompanied by increased phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the outer cellular membrane leaflets, caspase-3 activity, and the activation of caspase cascades and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Exposure of Neuro-2a cells to MeHg also triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was identified via several key molecules (including: glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78, GRP94, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) X-box binding protein(XBP)-1, protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), inositol-requiring enzyme(IRE)-1, activation transcription factor(AFT)4, and ATF6. Transfection with GRP78-, GRP94-, CHOP-, and XBP-1-specific small interfering (si)RNA significantly suppressed the expression of these proteins, and attenuated cytotoxicity and caspase-12, -7, and -3 activation in MeHg-exposed cells. Furthermore, MeHg dramatically decreased Akt phosphorylation, and the overexpression of activation of Akt1 (myr-Akt1) could significantly prevent MeHg-induced Akt inactivation, as well as apoptotic and ER stress-related signals. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively prevented MeHg-induced neuronal cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptotic and ER stress-related signals, and Akt inactivation. Collectively, these results indicate that MeHg exerts its cytotoxicity in neurons by inducing ROS-mediated Akt inactivation up-regulated ER stress, which induces apoptosis and ultimately leads to cell death.
    Keywords:  Akt; Apoptosis; Endoplasmic reticulum stress; Methylmercury; Neurotoxicity; Reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2019.152245
  40. Cancer Med. 2019 Jul 24.
    Oridonin induces Mdm2-p60 to promote p53-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in neuroblastoma.
    Han-Qing Zhu, Chao Zhang, Zhu-Ying Guo, Jun-Mei Yang, Jia-Hui Guo, Chen Chen, Qiang-Hua Yao, Feng Liu, Quan-Wu Zhang, Feng-Hou Gao.
      Oridonin could induce NB (neuroblastoma) cells growth inhibition by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and the molecular mechanisms behind the effects deserve to be further explored. Here, oridonin was confirmed to cause the reactivation of p53 (cellular tumor antigen p53) to promote the expression of a series of apoptosis- and cell cycle arrest-related proteins for the biological effects. During the process, oridonin relied on the caspase activation to cleave p53-induced Mdm2 (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Mdm2) to generate Mdm2-p60. The generation of Mdm2-p60 stabilized p53, and resulted in p53 accumulation for p53 continuous activation. In our research, it was also found that the reactivation of p53 induced by oridonin was closely related with the generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Taken together, these findings explain that oridonin exerts its anticancer activity partially by targeting the Mdm2-p53 axis in NB cells, which lay an experimental base for future research of exploring the effects and molecular mechanisms of oridonin.
    Keywords:  Mdm2-p60; Oridonin; ROS; apoptosis; cell cycle arrest; p53
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.2393
  41. J Biophotonics. 2019 Jul 24. e201900179
    Cellular transformations in near infrared light induced apoptosis in cancer cells revealed by label-free CARS imaging.
    Svitlana M Levchenko, Andrey N Kuzmin, Artem Pliss, Tymish Y Ohulchanskyy, Paras N Prasad, Junle Qu.
      Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves light to activate cellular signaling pathways leading to cell proliferation or death. In this work, fluorescence and Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) imaging techniques were applied to assess apoptosis in HeLa cells induced by near infrared (NIR) laser light (808 nm). Using the Caspase 3/7 fluorescent probe to identify apoptotic cells, we found that the pro-apoptotic effect is significantly dependent of irradiation dose. The highest apoptosis rate was noted for the lower irradiation doses, i.e. 0.3J/cm2 (~58%) and 3J/cm2 (~28%). The impact of light doses on proteins/lipids intracellular metabolism and distribution was evaluated using CARS imaging, which revealed apoptosis associated reorganization of nuclear proteins and cytoplasmic lipids after irradiation with 0.3J/cm2 . Doses of NIR light causing apoptosis (0.3, 3 and 30J/cm2 ) induced a gradual increase in the nuclear protein level over time, in contrast to proteins in cells non-irradiated and irradiated with 10J/cm2 . Furthermore, irradiation of the cells with the 0.3J/cm2 dose resulted in lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation, which was apparently caused by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. We suggest that PBM induced apoptosis could be caused by the ability of NIR light to trigger excessive LDs formation which, in turn, induces cellular cytotoxicity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  CARS imaging; Near infrared light; apoptosis; lipid droplets; photobiomodulation; proteins
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201900179
  42. PeerJ. 2019 ;7 e7219
    Comparison of olive leaf, olive oil, palm oil, and omega-3 oil in acute kidney injury induced by sepsis in rats.
    Maria Fátima de Paula Ramos, Olvania Basso Oliveira, Alceni do Carmo Morais Monteiro de Barros, Clara Versolato Razvickas, Edson de Andrade Pessoa, Rinaldo Florêncio da Silva, Ana Maria Soares Pereira, Marcia Bastos Convento, Fernanda Teixeira Borges, Nestor Schor.
       Background: Hypotension, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and inflammation are all observed in experimental models of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
    Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an ethanolic extract of Brazilian olive leaf (Ex), Brazilian olive oil (Olv), Ex + Olv (ExOlv), and palm oil (Pal) in comparison to the effects of omega-3 fish oil (Omg) in a rat model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.
    Materials: Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (seven per group), which were either untreated (control) or treated with LPS, LPS + Ex, LPS + ExOlv, LPS + Olv, LPS + Omg, or LPS + Pal.
    Results: Lower values of creatinine clearance and blood pressure were observed in the LPS-treated group, and these values were not affected by Ex, Olv, ExOlv, Pal, or Omg treatment. Mortality rates were significantly lower in rats exposed to LPS when they were also treated with Ex, ExOlv, Olv, Pal, or Omg. These treatments also decreased oxidative stress and inflammation (Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta) and increased interleukin-10 levels and cell proliferation, which were associated with decreased apoptosis in kidney tissue.
    Conclusion: Ex and Pal treatments were beneficial in septic rats, since they increased survival rate and did not aggravate inflammation. However, the most effective treatments for septic rats were Olv in comparison to Omg. These natural food substances could enable the development of effective therapeutic interventions to sepsis.
    Keywords:  Inflammation; Kidney function; Lipopolysaccharide; Olive oil; Omega-3 oil; Palm oil
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7219
  43. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Jul 20. pii: S0141-8130(18)37131-9. [Epub ahead of print]
    Characterization and screening of anti-tumor activity of fucoidan from acid-processed hijiki (Hizikia fusiforme).
    Yu-Lin Dai, Yun-Fei Jiang, Hyo Geun Lee, You-Jin Jeon, Min-Cheol Kang.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative effects of fucoidan from three regional hijiki (Hizikia fusiforme) samples (Zhejiang-China, Jeju-Korea [JH], and Wando-Korea) in East Asia. Hijiki was processed using 1% citric acid to decrease heavy metal content. The JH sample was separated using diethylaminoethyl-cellulose-ion exchange chromatography to obtain four active fractions (JHCF1-JHCF4) and their monosaccharide composition was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the crude polysaccharides and four fucoidan fractions was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. JHCF4 showed the highest fucose and sulfate content and decreased Hep3B cell growth in 48 h with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 33.53 ± 2.50 μg/ml, which represented the strongest anticancer activity. Further, nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining demonstrated that the anticancer activity of JHCF4 was mediated by apoptosis. Moreover, JHCF4 down-regulated B-cell lymphoma extra-large, while up-regulating Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and apoptotic bodies to different degrees in Hep3B cells. JHCF4 induced apoptosis via the generation of reactive oxygen species along with the concurrent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating the potential role of the mitochondria-mediated pathway. Therefore, these results indicate that JHCF4 exhibited antiproliferative effects on the investigated cancer cell lines.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Fucoidan; Hizikia fusiforme
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.119
  44. Mol Reprod Dev. 2019 Jul 24.
    CDK4/6 inhibitor protects chemerin-induced human granulosa-lutein cells from apoptosis by inhibiting the p53/p21 waf pathway.
    Ying Li, Lili Zhang, Yanhong Shan, Chunshu Jia, Ying Xu.
      Dysregulation of the cell cycle is common in human tumorigenesis. Therefore, CDK4/6 inhibitors targeting the cell cycle have been developed, and their antiapoptotic effects have been highly correlated with potential clinical therapies. The aim of this study was to identify the regulatory effect of the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib on chemerin-induced apoptosis of immortalized human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and to elucidate its fundamental mechanism of action. Palbociclib enhanced antioxidative enzyme generation and diminished ROS generation in hGL cells. Furthermore, we found that palbociclib suppressed chemerin-induced apoptotic protein expression, reversing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibiting the p53/p21 waf pathway. Eventually, palbociclib decreased the level of cleaved caspase-3 and -9, hindering the apoptosis of hGL cells. In general, the antiapoptotic efficacy of palbociclib could be attributed in part to the modulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in hGL cells.
    Keywords:  Palbociclib; ROS generation; apoptosis; chemerin; hGL
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23241
  45. Phytomedicine. 2019 Jul 05. pii: S0944-7113(19)30180-1. [Epub ahead of print]63 153014
    Licochalcone B inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells by dual targeting of EGFR and MET.
    Ha-Na Oh, Mee-Hyun Lee, Eunae Kim, Goo Yoon, Jung-Il Chae, Jung-Hyun Shim.
       BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene alterations are associated with sensitization to tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib in lung cancer. Some patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have difficulty in treating the cancer due to resistance acquired to gefitinib with MET amplification. Therefore EGFR and MET may be attractive targets for lung cancer therapy.
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of Licochalcone (LC)B extracted from Glycyrrhiza inflata, in gefitinib-sensitive or gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells, and to define its mechanisms.
    STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the mechanism of action of LCB by targeting EGFR and MET in human NSCLC cells.
    METHODS: We used the HCC827 and HCC827GR lines as gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant cells respectively, and determined the effects of LCB on both, by performing cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry analysis and Western blotting. Targets of LCB were identified by pull-down/kinase assay and molecular docking simulation.
    RESULTS: LCB inhibited both EGFR and MET kinase activity by directly binding to their ATP-binding pockets. The ability of this interaction was verified by computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations. LCB suppressed viability and colony formation of both HCC827 and HCC827GR cells while exhibiting no cytotoxicity to normal cells. The induction of G2/M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by LCB was confirmed by Annexin V/7-AAD double staining, ER stress and reactive oxygen species induction, mitochondrial membrane potential loss and caspase activation as well as related-proteins regulation. Inhibition of EGFR and MET by LCB decreased ERBB3 and AKT axis activation.
    CONCLUSION: We provide insights into the LCB-mediated mechanisms involved in reducing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells. This occurs through dual inhibition of EGFR and MET in NSCLC cells regardless of their sensitivity or resistance to gefitinib. LCB may be a promising novel therapeutic medicine for gefitinib-sensitive or resistant NSCLC treatment.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; EGFR; Licochalcone B; MET; Non-small cell lung cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153014
  46. Biochimie. 2019 Jul 17. pii: S0300-9084(19)30203-2. [Epub ahead of print]165 100-107
    BRD4 contributes to high-glucose-induced podocyte injury by modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling.
    Hong Zuo, Shujin Wang, Jia Feng, Xufeng Liu.
      High glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, a severe complication of diabetes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has emerged as a critical regulator for cell injury. However, whether BRD4 participates in HG-induced podocyte injury remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of BRD4 in regulating HG-induced podocyte injury and its underlying molecular mechanism. HG exposure significantly upregulated BRD4 in podocytes. BRD4 inhibition by small interfering RNA or its chemical inhibitor (JQ1) markedly repressed HG-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By contrast, BRD4 overexpression exacerbated HG-induced podocyte injury. Moreover, BRD4 inhibition potentiated nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling associated with suppression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1). BRD4 inhibition promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated the transcriptional activity of Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE). However, Nrf2 silencing partially reversed BRD4-inhibition-mediated protection against HG-induced podocyte injury. Overall, these results suggest that BRD4 inhibition confers cytoprotection against HG injury in podocytes through potentiation of Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling. This finding implicates BRD4/Nrf2/ARE signaling in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
    Keywords:  BRD4; Diabetic nephropathy; High glucose; Nrf2; Podocyte
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2019.07.012
  47. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jul 12. pii: E3435. [Epub ahead of print]20(14):
    Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Attenuates Autophagy to Ameliorate Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension through Drp1/NOX- and Atg-5/Atg-7/Beclin-1/LC3β Pathways.
    Yi-Chia Wu, Wei-Ting Wang, Su-Shin Lee, Yur-Ren Kuo, Ya-Chin Wang, Shih-Jung Yen, Mei-Yueh Lee, Jwu-Lai Yeh.
      Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, and the abnormal proliferation, apoptosis and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, liraglutide, has been shown to prevent pulmonary hypertension in monocrotaline-exposed rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of liraglutide on autophagy, mitochondrial stress and apoptosis induced by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). PASMCs were exposed to PDGF-BB, and changes in mitochondrial morphology, fusion-associated protein markers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were examined. Autophagy was assessed according to the expressions of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II, LC3 puncta and Beclin-1. Western blot analysis was used to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial stress and autophagy markers. Liraglutide significantly inhibited PDGF-BB proliferation, migration and motility in PASMCs. PDGF-BB-induced ROS production was mitigated by liraglutide. Liraglutide increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and decreased the expression of p-Yes-associated protein (p-YAP), inhibited autophagy-related protein (Atg)-5, Atg-7, Beclin-1 and the formation of LC3-β and mitochondrial fusion protein dynamin-related (Drp)1. Therefore, liraglutide can mitigate the proliferation of PASMCs via inhibiting cellular Drp1/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOX) pathways and Atg-5/Atg-7/Beclin-1/LC3β-dependent pathways of autophagy in PAH.
    Keywords:  GLP-1 receptor agonists; autophagy; liraglutide; mitochondria; pulmonary artery hypertension
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20143435
  48. Med Sci Monit. 2019 Jul 22. 25 5426-5434
    Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin2 Exaggerates Cardiomyocyte Hypoxia Injury by Inhibiting Integrin β3 Signaling.
    Yang Gu, Jin Geng, Zhuo Xu, Yu Chen, Xi-Wen Zhang.
      BACKGROUND The neutrophil inflammatory protein, lipocalin-2 (NGAL), is elevated in certain forms of cardiac hypertrophy and acute heart failure. However, the specific role of NGAL in cardiac hypoxia injury is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the functional role of NGAL in cardiomyocyte hypoxia injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were transfected with adenovirus [(Ad-NGAL] to overexpress human-NGAL and then were exposed to hypoxia for 24 h to establish a hypoxia model. Cell inflammation was detected by RT-PCT and ELISA assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Oxidative stress was also detected by commercial kits. RESULTS An increased inflammatory response, apoptosis, and augmented oxidative stress were observed after exposure to hypoxia, while NGAL overexpression in cells increased the expression and release of inflammatory cytokines. NGAL overexpression also increased the number of apoptotic cells and the imbalance of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Moreover, NGAL overexpression increased the levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidase activity, but reduced anti-oxidase activity. Mechanistically, we found that NGAL decreased the expression of integrin ß3, but not the expression of integrin avß3 and avß5, thus inhibiting the downstream protein AKT. When we used the constitutively activated AKT overexpression adenovirus to activate AKT, the deteriorated phenotype by NGAL was counteracted. CONCLUSIONS NGAL can directly affect cardiomyocytes and cause cardiomyocyte deteriorated hypoxia injury through inhibiting integrin ß3 signaling.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.915108
  49. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Jul 17. pii: S0006-291X(19)31341-5. [Epub ahead of print]
    MicroRNA-152-3p protects neurons from oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injury through upregulation of Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling by targeting PSD-93.
    Aixiang Zhang, Yuanjie Qian, Jian Qian.
      MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of ischemic stroke, a condition that affects neuronal survival. However, the precise role of miRNAs in regulating neuronal injury during ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of miR-152-3p in regulating oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury in vitro. We found that OGD/R-exposed neurons expressed less miR-152-3p. Functional analysis revealed that miR-152-3p overexpression increased the viability and reduced the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of OGD/R-exposed neurons. By contrast, miR-152-3p inhibition exacerbated OGD/R-induced injury. Notably, we identified postsynaptic density protein-93 (PSD-93), an important regulator of neuroprotection during ischemic stroke, as a miR-152-3p target gene. PSD-93 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or miR-152-3p reinforced the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) antioxidant signaling in OGD/R-exposed neurons. However, PSD-93 overexpression or Nrf2 silencing partially reversed miR-152-3p-mediated neuroprotection in OGD/R-exposed neurons. Overall, these results demonstrated that miR-152-3p protected neurons from OGD/R-induced apoptosis and ROS production by reinforcing Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling through targeting and inhibiting PSD-93, findings that suggest miR-152-3p is a potential target for neuroprotection during ischemic stroke.
    Keywords:  Ischemic stroke; Nrf2; Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation; PSD-93; miR-152-3p
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.07.012
  50. Front Oncol. 2019 ;9 582
    Ruthenium Complexes With Piplartine Cause Apoptosis Through MAPK Signaling by a p53-Dependent Pathway in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells and Inhibit Tumor Development in a Xenograft Model.
    Ingrid R S Baliza, Suellen L R Silva, Luciano de S Santos, João H Araujo Neto, Rosane B Dias, Caroline B S Sales, Clarissa A Gurgel Rocha, Milena B P Soares, Alzir A Batista, Daniel P Bezerra.
      Ruthenium complexes with piplartine, [Ru(piplartine)(dppf)(bipy)](PF6)2 (1) and [Ru(piplartine)(dppb)(bipy)](PF6)2 (2) (dppf = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino) ferrocene; dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), were recently synthesized and displayed more potent cytotoxicity than piplartine in different cancer cells, regulated RNA transcripts of several apoptosis-related genes, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells. The present work aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms through which these ruthenium complexes induce cell death in HCT116 cells in vitro, as well as their in vivo action in a xenograft model. Both complexes significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic HCT116 cells, and co-treatment with inhibitors of JNK/SAPK, p38 MAPK, and MEK, which inhibits the activation of ERK1/2, significantly reduced the apoptosis rate induced by these complexes. Moreover, significant increase in phospho-JNK2 (T183/Y185), phospho-p38α (T180/Y182), and phospho-ERK1 (T202/Y204) expressions were observed in cells treated with these complexes, indicating MAPK-mediated apoptosis. In addition, co-treatment with a p53 inhibitor (cyclic pifithrin-α) and the ruthenium complexes significantly reduced the apoptosis rate in HCT116 cells, and increased phospho-p53 (S15) and phospho-histone H2AX (S139) expressions, indicating induction of DNA damage and p53-dependent apoptosis. Both complexes also reduced HCT116 cell growth in a xenograft model. Tumor mass inhibition rates were 35.06, 29.71, and 32.03% for the complex 1 (15 μmol/kg/day), complex 2 (15 μmol/kg/day), and piplartine (60 μmol/kg/day), respectively. These data indicate these ruthenium complexes as new anti-colon cancer drugs candidates.
    Keywords:  MAPK; apoptosis; p53; piperlongumine; piplartine; ruthenium complexes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2019.00582
  51. Toxicol Res. 2019 Jul;35(3): 287-294
    In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Cultured Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea Cells.
    Handule Lee, Kwangsik Park.
      The possibility of eye exposure for workers participating in manufacturing of nanoparticles or consumers using products containing nanoparticles has been reported, but toxicity studies on the eye are scarce. In this study, cytotoxicity of five nanoparticles including silver, ceria, silica, titanium and zinc were tested using Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea (SIRC) cells. When cells were treated with nanoparticles with concentrations of 1-100 μg/mL for 24 hr, zinc oxide nanoparticles showed higher toxicity to cornea cells. LC50 of zinc oxide nanoparticles was less than 25 μg/mL but those of other nanoparticles could not be calculated in this test, which means more than 100 μg/mL. Generation of reactive oxygen species was observed, and expression of apoptosis related biomarkers including Bax and Bcl-2 were changed after treatment of zinc oxide nanoparticles, while no other significant toxicity- related changes were observed in cornea cells treated with Ag, CeO2, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Cornea cells; Reactive oxygen species; Zinc oxide nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2019.35.3.287
  52. Environ Res. 2019 Jul 12. pii: S0013-9351(19)30376-7. [Epub ahead of print]177 108579
    Oxidative stress and related gene expression effects of cyfluthrin in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells: Protective effect of melatonin.
    María-Aránzazu Martínez, José-Luis Rodríguez, Bernardo Lopez-Torres, Marta Martínez, María-Rosa Martínez-Larrañaga, Arturo Anadón, Irma Ares.
      This study was designed to assess oxidative stress induction in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells in response to cyfluthrin exposure. Cell viability MTT assay was carried out to assess cyfluthrin cytotoxicity; IC30 and IC50 values for cyfluthrin were calculated to be 4.81 ± 0.92 μM and 19.39 ± 3.44 μM, respectively. Cyfluthrin induced a significant increase in ROS generation, lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) production and a significant decrease in NQO1 activity. The antioxidant activity of melatonin (MEL), Trolox, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Sylibin against cyfluthrin-induced oxidative stress was examined. Cyfluthrin increased significantly gene expressions of apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress (Bax, Bcl-2, Casp-3, BNIP3, AKT1, p53, APAF1, NFκB1, TNFα and Nrf2) mediators. In the most genes, the mRNA levels induced by cyfluthrin were partially reduced by MEL (1 μM). Cyfluthrin effects on gene expression profiling of oxidative stress pathway by Real-Time PCR array analysis showed that of the 84 genes examined, (fold change > 1.5) changes in mRNA levels were detected in 31 genes: 13 upregulated and 18 down-regulated. A fold change >3.0 fold was observed on upregulated CYBB, DUOX1, DUOX2, AOX1, BNIP3, HSPA1A, NOS2, and NQO1 genes. The greater fold change reversion (2.5 fold) by MEL (1 μM) was observed on cyfluthrin-upregulated CYBB, AOX1, BNIP3 and NOS2 genes. These results demonstrated that oxidative stress is a key element in cyfluthrin induced neurotoxicity as well as MEL may play a role in reducing cyfluthrin-induced oxidative stress.
    Keywords:  Cyfluthrin; Melatonin neuroprotection; Neurotoxicity; Oxidative stress; SH-SY5Y cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.108579
  53. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 ;2019 9174521
    New Insights into the Process of Placentation and the Role of Oxidative Uterine Microenvironment.
    Sara Mendes, Filipa Timóteo-Ferreira, Henrique Almeida, Elisabete Silva.
      For a successful pregnancy to occur, a predecidualized receptive endometrium must be invaded by placental differentiated cells (extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs)) and, at the same time, continue decidualization. EVT invasion is aimed at anchoring the placenta to the maternal uterus and ensuring local blood supply increase necessary to provide normal placental and foetal development. The first is achieved by migrating through the maternal endometrium and deeper into the myometrium, while the second by transforming uterine spiral arteries into large vessels. This process is a tightly regulated battle comprising interests of both the mother and the foetus. Invading EVTs are required to perform a scope of functions: move, adhere, proliferate, differentiate, interact, and digest the extracellular matrix (ECM); tolerate hypoxia; transform the maternal spiral arteries; and die by apoptosis. All these functions are modulated by their surrounding microenvironment: oxygen, soluble factors (e.g., cytokines, growth factors, and hormones), ECM proteins, and reactive oxygen species. A deeper comprehension of oxidative uterine microenvironment contribution to trophoblast function will be addressed in this review.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9174521
  54. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2019 ;53(2): 301-322
    The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Propolis Against CCl4 -Mediated Liver Injury by Mediating Apoptosis of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and Improving the Hepatic Architecture through PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β/Smad2, Bcl2/BAX/P53 and iNOS Signaling Pathways.
    Gamal Badr, Eman Abdo Sayed, Hanan Waly, Khadiga Abdel-Hameed Hassan, Mohamed H Mahmoud, Zeliha Selamoglu.
       BACKGROUND/AIMS: Propolis is one of the most promising natural products, exhibiting not only therapeutic but also prophylactic actions. Propolis has several biological and pharmacological properties, including hepatoprotective activities. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of propolis against CCl4-mediated liver fibrosis.
    METHODS: Three groups of male BALB/c mice (n=15/ group) were used: group 1 comprised control mice; groups 2 and 3 were injected with CCl4 for the induction of liver fibrosis. Group 3 was then orally supplemented with propolis (100 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks. Different techniques were used to monitor the antifibrotic effects of propolis, including histopathological investigations using H&E, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining; Western blotting; flow cytometry; and ELISA.
    RESULTS: We found that the induction of liver fibrosis by CCl4 was associated with a significant increase in hepatic collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Moreover, CCl4-treated mice also exhibited histopathological alterations in the liver architecture. Additionally, the liver of CCl4-treated mice exhibited a marked increase in proinflammatory signals, such as increased expression of HSP70 and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and ROS. Mechanistically, the liver of CCl4-treated mice exhibited a significant increase in the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR; upregulation of the expression of BAX and cytochrome C; downregulation of the expression of Bcl2; a significant elevation in the levels of TGF-β followed by increased phosphorylation of SMAD2; and a marked increase in the expression of P53 and iNOS. Interestingly, oral supplementation of CCl4-treated mice with propolis significantly abolished hepatic collagen deposition, abrogated inflammatory signals and oxidative stress, restored CCl4-mediated alterations in the signaling cascades, and hence repaired the hepatic architecture nearly to the normal architecture observed in the control mice.
    CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms of propolis against liver fibrosis.
    Keywords:  Antioxidants; Inflammation; Liver fibrosis; Oxidative stress; Propolis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.33594/000000140
  55. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2019 Sep;pii: S0946-672X(19)30067-7. [Epub ahead of print]55 82-88
    Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of arsenic on erythrocytes of Oryzias latipes: Bioremediation using Spirulina platensis.
    Alaa H Sayed, Daiki Kitamura, Shoji Oda, Shosaku Kashiwada, Hiroshi Mitani.
       BACKGROUND: Exposure to the environmental pollutants poses a serious threat to aquatic organism. The arsenic exposure in fish increases the risk of developing serious alterations from embryo to adult.
    OBJECTIVES: The present investigation was done to study the toxic effects of heavy metal arsenic [As(III)] on medaka (Oryzias latipes). Morphological alterations, apoptosis, nuclear abnormalities, and genotoxic biomarkers in erythrocytes were used to determine the stress caused by arsenic (As) exposure.
    METHODS: Medaka was exposed to As for 15 days at two toxic sublethal concentrations (7 ppm and 10 ppm) in combination with Spirulina platensis (SP) treatment as antioxidant algae at 200 mg/L.
    RESULTS: Results were consistent with a previous study results on tilapia. Exposure of medaka to As resulted in a dose-dependent increase in most the biomarkers used in the current study. Fish exposed to10 ppm As showed highest level of DNA damage. For the first time to our knowledge, using SP to counter the As toxicity in medaka, DNA damage restored to control levels.
    CONCLUSION: Accordingly, those results suggests that SP can protect medaka in aquaculture against As-induced damage by its ability as reactive oxygen species (ROS) reducer, antioxidant role, and DNA damage scavenger.
    Keywords:  Arsenic; DNA; Erythrocytes; Medaka; Phytochelatins; γ-H2AX
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.06.007
  56. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2019 Jul 22.
    Mitochondria-Specific Anticancer Drug Delivery Based on Reductive-Activated Polyprodrug for Enhancing Therapeutic Effect of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy.
    Yajun Wang, Tian Zhang, Cuilan Hou, Menghang Zu, Yi Lu, Xianbin Ma, Die Jia, Peng Xue, Yuejun Kang, Zhigang Xu.
      Mitochondria-targeted cancer therapies have achieved unprecedented advances attributed to their superior ability for improving drug delivery efficiency and producing an enhanced therapeutic effect. Herein, we report a mitochondria-targeted camptothecin (CPT) polyprodrug system (MCPS) covalently decorated with a high-proportioned CPT content, which can realize drug release specifically responsive to a tumor microenvironment (TME). The nonlinear structure of MCPS can form water-soluble unimolecular micelles with high micellar stability and improved drug accumulation in tumoral cells/tissues. Furthermore, a classical mitochondria-targeted agent, triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP), was tethered in this prodrug system, which causes mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and mediates the transport of CPT into mitochondria. The disulfide bond in MCPS can be cleaved by intracellular reductant such as glutathione, leading to enhanced destruction of mitochondria DNA and cell apoptosis induced by a high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The systematic analyses both in vitro and in vivo indicated the excellent tumor inhibition effect and biosafety of MCPS, which is believed to be an advantageous nanoplatform for subcellular organelle-specific chemotherapy of cancer.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b10211
  57. J Food Drug Anal. 2019 Jul;pii: S1021-9498(19)30025-0. [Epub ahead of print]27(3): 758-765
    Proanthocyanidins from the stem bark of Rhus tripartita ameliorate methylgloxal-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
    Ali S Alqahtani, Wael M Abdel-Mageed, Abdelaaty A Shahat, Mohammad K Parvez, Mohammed S Al-Dosari, Ajamaluddin Malik, Maged S Abdel-Kader, Mansour S Alsaid.
      In traditional Arabian medicine, the Rhus tripartita plant (family Anacardiaceae) has been used to treat inflammatory conditions. Although Rhus extracts have been reported for their cardioprotective effects, information regarding their active principle compounds remains insufficient. The present investigation was aimed at determining the antioxidant chemical constituents of the methanolic extract of R. tripartita stem bark and evaluating their ability to ameliorate methylglyoxal-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Ten flavonoid compounds (1-10) were isolated and identified using DPPH radical scavenging bioassay-guided chromatographic separation. A new proanthocyanidin (rhuspartin) (1) was isolated and identified as 3,5,13,14-flavantetrol-(4β→8)-catechin, using extensive spectroscopic data and high resolution-mass spectrometry. Among the compounds (1, 5, 7-10) tested for toxicity toward cultured endothelial cells (HUVECs), the non-cytotoxic compounds 1 and 7 evinced cytoprotective potential that reversed the methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis (by 62% and 64%, respectively) through downregulation of caspase 3/7.
    Keywords:  Cardiovascular complications; Endothelial dysfunction; Oxidative stress; Proanthocyanidin; Rhus tripartita
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2019.02.002
  58. Neurotox Res. 2019 Jul 22.
    Rutin and Selenium Co-administration Reverse 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Neurochemical and Molecular Impairments in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease.
    Mohamed S Abdelfattah, Sherif E A Badr, Sally A Lotfy, Gouda H Attia, Ahmed M Aref, Ahmed E Abdel Moneim, Rami B Kassab.
      Systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is commonly used to induce Huntington's disease (HD)-like symptoms in experimental animals. Here, the potential neuroprotective efficiency of rutin and selenium (RSe) co-administration on 3-NPA-induced HD-like symptoms model in mice was investigated. 3-NPA injection evoked severe alterations in redox status, as indicated via increased striatal malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, accompanied by a decrease in levels of antioxidant molecules including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Moreover, 3-NPA potentiated inflammatory status by enhancing the production of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase activity. Pro-apoptotic cascade was also recorded in the striatum as evidenced through upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. 3-NPA activated astrocytes as indicated by the upregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein and inhibited brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Furthermore, perturbations in cholinergic and monoaminergic systems were observed. RSe provided neuroprotective effects by preventing body weight loss, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the apoptotic cascade. RSe inhibited the activation of astrocytes, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and improved cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission following 3-NPA intoxication. Taken together, RSe co-administration may prevent or delay the progression of HD and its associated impairments through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuromodulatory effects.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Glial fibrillary acidic protein; Huntington’s disease; Neuroinflammation; Oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-019-00086-y
  59. DNA Repair (Amst). 2019 Jul 08. pii: S1568-7864(19)30219-8. [Epub ahead of print] 102666
    Two ways of escaping from oxidative RNA damage: Selective degradation and cell death.
    Takashi Ishii, Mutsuo Sekiguchi.
      Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during normal cellular metabolism, and various oxidized compounds are formed by the ROS attack. Among oxidized bases, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) is most abundant and seems important with respect to the maintenance and transfer of genetic information. The accumulation of 8-oxoG in messenger RNA may cause errors during codon-anticodon pairing in the translation process, which may result in the synthesis of abnormal proteins. Organisms that use oxygen as the source of energy production must therefore have some mechanisms to eliminate the deleterious effects of RNA oxidation. Recently, we found two protein factors, AUF1 and PCBP1, which each have a different binding capacity to oxidized RNA. Evidence demonstrated that AUF1 is involved in the specific degradation of oxidized RNA, and that PCBP1 has a function of inducing cell death to eliminate severely damaged RNA.
    Keywords:  8-OxoG; AUF1; Apoptosis; PCBP1; RNA damage; RNA decay
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102666
  60. Life Sci. 2019 Jul 20. pii: S0024-3205(19)30599-5. [Epub ahead of print] 116673
    Thymoquinone upregulates TRAIL/TRAILR2 expression and attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo model.
    Sahar A Helmy, Mohamed El-Mesery, Amro El-Karef, Laila A Eissa, Amal M El Gayar.
       AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Indeed, chemotherapeutic drugs-induced systemic toxicity results in suboptimal cancer treatment. Consequently, there is a need for exploring of a safe and effective therapy for cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HCC. Also, we investigated TQ's ability to sensitize cancer cells toward TRAIL/TRAILR2 apoptotic pathway.
    MAIN METHODS: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) as follows: control group, CMC group, HCC group and HCC + TQ group. Serum levels of liver function biomarkers and Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), as well as hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH) and Alpha-Fetoprotein (MDA) were measured. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), TRAILR2, TRAIL, caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8 and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA levels were assessed by Quantitative, Real-Time PCR. Fibrosis percentage and necroinflammation were quantified by histopathological examination.
    KEY FINDINGS: Our results indicated improvement in liver functions, decrease in AFP level and attenuation of HCC progression in TQ treated rats. TQ upregulated TRAIL/TRAILR2 and subsequently enhanced apoptosis as hinted by caspase-3 upregulation and Bcl-2 downregulation. Also, TQ decreased TGF-β1 gene expression level. Moreover, HCC + TQ group showed significant increase in hepatic GSH level and marked decrease in hepatic MDA level.
    SIGNIFICANCE: This study proved that TQ is able to suppress HCC development via decreasing oxidative stress, suppression of TGF-β1 and induction of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
    Keywords:  B cell lymphoma-2; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Thymoquinone; Transforming growth factor-beta 1; Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand; Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116673
  61. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jul 09. pii: E3367. [Epub ahead of print]20(13):
    Protective Effects of Curcumin Ester Prodrug, Curcumin Diethyl Disuccinate against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Potential Therapeutic Avenues for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
    Chawanphat Muangnoi, Umar Sharif, Pahweenvaj Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, Pornchai Rojsitthisak, Luminita Paraoan.
      Oxidative stress-induced damage to the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), a specialised post-mitotic monolayer that maintains retinal homeostasis, contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Curcumin (Cur), a naturally occurring antioxidant, was previously shown to have the ability to protect RPE cells from oxidative stress. However, poor solubility and bioavailability makes Cur a poor therapeutic agent. As prodrug approaches can mitigate these limitations, we compared the protective properties of the Cur prodrug curcumin diethyl disuccinate (CurDD) against Cur in relation to oxidative stress induced in human ARPE-19 cells. Both CurDD and Cur significantly decreased H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and protected RPE cells from oxidative stress-induced death. Both drugs exerted their protective effects through the modulation of p44/42 (ERK) and the involvement of downstream molecules Bax and Bcl-2. Additionally, the expression of antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO1 was also enhanced in cells treated with CurDD and Cur. In all cases, CurDD was more effective than its parent drug against oxidative stress-induced damage to ARPE-19 cells. These findings highlight CurDD as a more potent drug compared to Cur against oxidative stress and indicate that its protective effects are exerted through modulation of key apoptotic and antioxidant molecular pathways.
    Keywords:  age related macular degeneration; curcumin; curcumin diethyl disuccinate; oxidative stress; retinal pigment epithelium
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20133367
  62. J Nat Prod. 2019 Jul 26.
    Taicrypnacids A and B, a Pair of C37 Heterodimeric Diterpenoid Stereoisomers from Taiwania cryptomerioides.
    Wen-Li Wang, Dong-Rong Zhu, Chen Chen, Tian-Yu Zhu, Chao Han, Fei-Yan Liu, Ling-Nan Li, Jian-Guang Luo, Ling-Yi Kong.
      Two uncommon C37 heterodimeric diterpenoids, taicrypnacids A (1) and B (2), and a known labdane-type diterpenoid (3) were isolated from the leaves of Taiwania cryptomerioides. Several techniques, such as comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, chemical conversion, X-ray crystallography, and ECD data, were employed to define the structures. The two new compounds displayed cytotoxicity against human breast cancer (MCF-7), osteosarcoma (U-2 OS), and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines, while the methyl ester 1a showed no activity. Compound 1 induced Ca2+-ROS pathway-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and excessive stress led to cell death by activating apoptosis and autophagy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00815
  63. Front Immunol. 2019 ;10 1511
    Melatonin Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Depressive-Like Behaviors and Microglial NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Through the SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway.
    Burak I Arioz, Bora Tastan, Emre Tarakcioglu, Kemal Ugur Tufekci, Melis Olcum, Nevin Ersoy, Alper Bagriyanik, Kursad Genc, Sermin Genc.
      Inflammation is a crucial component of various stress-induced responses that contributes to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Depressive-like behavior (DLB) is characterized by decreased mobility and depressive behavior that occurs in systemic infection induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in experimental animals and is considered as a model of exacerbation of MDD. We assessed the effects of melatonin on behavioral changes and inflammatory cytokine expression in hippocampus of mice in LPS-induced DLB, as well as its effects on NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, oxidative stress and pyroptotic cell death in murine microglia in vitro. Intraperitoneal 5 mg/kg dose of LPS was used to mimic depressive-like behaviors and melatonin was given at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 4 times with 6 h intervals, starting at 2 h before LPS administration. Behavioral assessment was carried out at 24 h post-LPS injection by tail suspension and forced swimming tests. Additionally, hippocampal cytokine and NLRP3 protein levels were estimated. Melatonin increased mobility time of LPS-induced DLB mice and suppressed NLRP3 expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) cleavage in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining of hippocampal tissue showed that NLRP3 is mainly expressed in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) -positive microglia. Our results show that melatonin prevents LPS and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in murine microglia in vitro, evidenced by inhibition of NLRP3 expression, Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) speck formation, caspase-1 cleavage and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) maturation and secretion. Additionally, melatonin inhibits pyroptosis, production of mitochondrial and cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling. The beneficial effects of melatonin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation were associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) activation, which were reversed by Nrf2 siRNA and SIRT1 inhibitor treatment.
    Keywords:  NLRP3 inflammasome; Nrf2; SIRT1; depressive-like behaviors; lipopolysaccharide; melatonin; microglia
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01511
  64. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Jul 23. pii: S0753-3322(19)32370-4. [Epub ahead of print]118 109243
    Renal denervation ameliorates post-infarction cardiac remodeling in rats through dual regulation of oxidative stress in the heart and brain.
    Wan-Ying Jiang, Jun-Yu Huo, Chu Chen, Ran Chen, Tian-Tian Ge, Qing Chang, Jing-Wen Hu, Jie Geng, Zhi-Xin Jiang, Qi-Jun Shan.
       BACKGROUND: Myocardial remodeling is the key step in the development of ischemic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to compare effects of renal denervation (RDN) with those of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi) on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), and explore underlying mechanism.
    METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40; male) were subjected to ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI; six rats served as controls. ARNi was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks starting 1 week after MI. An RDN/Sham-RDN procedure was performed 1 week after MI. Rats in all groups were studied 5 weeks after MI. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function. Masson staining and TUNEL staining were used to determine the extent of cardiac remodeling. Indicators of oxidative stress in heart and brain were used to analyze the potential mechanisms involved.
    RESULTS: Five weeks after MI, both RDN and ARNi significantly improved cardiac function and cardiac remodeling; however, RDN was superior to ARNi at attenuating myocardial apoptosis. Compared to ARNi, RDN was also more effective at decreasing the abnormal oxidative stress caused by MI; this was especially true in case of the brain and was confirmed by evaluating the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and other oxidative stress parameters following MI.
    CONCLUSIONS: RDN is not inferior to ARNi with respect to the improvement of cardiac remodeling in rats with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The effect of RDN might be associated with effective inhibition of oxidative stress in both the heart and brain.
    Keywords:  Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors; Cardiac remodeling; Hypothalamus; Oxidative stress; Renal denervation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109243
  65. Aging (Albany NY). 2019 Jul 23. 11
    Activation of AK005401 aggravates acute ischemia/reperfusion mediated hippocampal injury by directly targeting YY1/FGF21.
    Hongzhi Wan, Ying Yang, Miao Li, Xin Liu, Yeying Sun, Kexin Wang, Chunxiang Zhang, Qingyin Zheng, Chaoyun Wang.
      Ischemia exerts a negative impact on mitochondrial function, which ultimately results in neuronal damage via alterations in gene transcription and protein expression. Long non- coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of target protein expression and gene transcription. In the present study, we observed the effect of an unclassical LncRNA AK005401on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ischemia-mediated hippocampal injury and investigated the regulatory role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and Yin Yang 1 (YY1). C57Black/6 mice were subjected to I/R using the bilateral common carotid clip reperfusion method, and AK005401 siRNA oligos were administered via intracerebroventricular injection. HT22 cells were used to establish a model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). We observed pathological morphology and mitochondrial structure. Neuronal apoptosis was evident. Cell activity, cell respiration, FGF21, YY1, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. I/R or OGD/R significantly increased the expressions of AK005401and YY1 and decreased FGF21expression, which further attenuated the activation of PI3K/Akt, promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and then caused mitochondria dysfunction and cell apoptosis, which were reversed by AK005401 siRNA oligos and were aggravated by overexpression of AK005401 and YY1. We conclude that AK005401/YY1/FGF21 signaling pathway has an important role in I/R-mediated hippocampal injury.
    Keywords:  Ak005401; antioxidant capacity; fibroblast growth factor 21; ischemia/reperfusion; mitochondria dysfunction
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102106
  66. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2019 Jul 21. pii: E1043. [Epub ahead of print]9(7):
    Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Autophagy and Apoptosis via Oxidative Injury and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Primary Astrocyte Cultures.
    Woo-Ju Song, Myung-Seon Jeong, Dong-Min Choi, Kil-Nam Kim, Myung-Bok Wie.
      The present study examined the potential toxic concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and associated autophagy and apoptosis-related injuries in primary neocortical astrocyte cultures. Concentrations of ZnO NPs ≥3 μg/mL induced significant toxicity in the astrocytes. At 24 h after exposure to the ZnO NPs, transmission electron microscopy revealed swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and increased numbers of autophagolysosomes in the cultured astrocytes, and increased levels of LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3)-mediated autophagy were identified by flow cytometry. Apoptosis induced by ZnO NP exposure was confirmed by the elevation of caspase-3/7 activity and 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Significant (p < 0.05) changes in the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 were observed by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) assay following the exposure of astrocyte cultures to ZnO NPs. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) dual activation was induced by ZnO NPs in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the Akt (protein kinase B) inhibitor BML257 and the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor rapamycin contributed to the survival of astrocytes. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase attenuated ZnO NP-induced toxicity. Calcium-modulating compounds, antioxidants, and zinc/iron chelators also decreased ZnO NP-induced toxicity. Together, these results suggest that ZnO NP-induced autophagy and apoptosis may be associated with oxidative stress and the inflammatory process in primary astrocyte cultures.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; astrocyte cultures; autophagy; pro-inflammatory cytokines; zinc oxide nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9071043
  67. Molecules. 2019 Jul 20. pii: E2640. [Epub ahead of print]24(14):
    The Neuroprotective Effects of Astaxanthin: Therapeutic Targets and Clinical Perspective.
    Sajad Fakhri, Ina Yosifova Aneva, Mohammad Hosein Farzaei, Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez.
      As the leading causes of human disability and mortality, neurological diseases affect millions of people worldwide and are on the rise. Although the general roles of several signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders have so far been identified, the exact pathophysiology of neuronal disorders and their effective treatments have not yet been precisely elucidated. This requires multi-target treatments, which should simultaneously attenuate neuronal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In this regard, astaxanthin (AST) has gained growing interest as a multi-target pharmacological agent against neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), brain and spinal cord injuries, neuropathic pain (NP), aging, depression, and autism. The present review highlights the neuroprotective effects of AST mainly based on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties that underlies its pharmacological mechanisms of action to tackle neurodegeneration. The need to develop novel AST delivery systems, including nanoformulations, targeted therapy, and beyond, is also considered.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; astaxanthin; drug delivery system; neurodegenerative diseases; neuroinflammation; neuroprotective agent; oxidative stress; pharmacology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24142640
  68. Aquat Toxicol. 2019 Jul 15. pii: S0166-445X(19)30238-3. [Epub ahead of print]214 105255
    Bioaccumulation and physiological responses in juvenile Marsupenaeus japonicus exposed to cadmium.
    Xianyun Ren, Xiang Wang, Ping Liu, Jian Li.
      The heavy metal cadmium readily accumulates in organisms, causing damage. In this study, juvenile marine shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus were exposed to cadmium (Cd2+; 5, 50 and 500 μg L-1). Cd accumulation and antioxidant-related indices were determined, and damage to biomolecules was assessed, after 24, 48 and 96 h. Cd bioaccumulation in M. japonicus increased with exposure time and concentration, which reached the highest value at 96 h. The data showed that 5, 50 and 500 μg L-1 Cd increased glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in a Cd-dose-dependent manner, but 5 and 50 μg L-1 Cd had no effect on caspase-3 activity. The expression levels of SOD, GST, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), metallothionein (MT), p53 and caspase-3 genes were rapidly increased after 50 and 500 μg L-1 Cd exposure, and remained at a significantly higher level than in the control after 96 h of exposure. After exposure to 5, 50 and 500 μg L-1 Cd, F-value (the ratio between double-stranded DNA and total DNA) remained high at 24 h, however, as the exposure time increased, the F-value decreased in a dose-dependent manner. An increase in malondialdehyde content was also observed following exposure to 50 and 500 μg L-1 Cd. Our data suggest that Cd induces oxidative stress, molecular damage and apoptosis in juvenile M. japonicus in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
    Keywords:  Antioxidant system; Apoptosis; Bioaccumulation; Biomolecular damage; Cadmium; Marsupenaeus japonicus
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105255
  69. J Dermatol Sci. 2019 Jul 12. pii: S0923-1811(19)30197-5. [Epub ahead of print]
    Zinc deficiency exacerbates pressure ulcers by increasing oxidative stress and ATP in the skin.
    Hideharu Nakamura, Akiko Sekiguchi, Youichi Ogawa, Tatsuyoshi Kawamura, Ryoko Akai, Takao Iwawaki, Takaya Makiguchi, Satoshi Yokoo, Osamu Ishikawa, Sei-Ichiro Motegi.
       BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is believed to be a predisposing factor for the development and intractable healing of pressure ulcers (PUs); however, the mechanisms of this association have not been elucidated.
    OBJECTIVE: Objective was to elucidate the mechanisms of the formation of severe and prolonged PUs under the zinc deficiency condition.
    METHODS: We assessed PUs formation after cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice fed with a zinc-adequate (ZA) or a zinc-deficient (ZD) diet from 2 weeks before I/R injury. Wound size, vascular damage, apoptotic cells, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) amount, and the number of Langerhans cells (LCs) in I/R area were analyzed. We evaluated the extent of oxidative stress in I/R area in OKD48 mice through bioluminescence detection.
    RESULTS: We found that dietary zinc deficiency caused the formation of severe and prolonged PUs in mice. Zinc deficiency increased the vascular disorder, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induced by cutaneous I/R injury. I/R injury-induced oxidative stress signals were significantly higher in ZD OKD48 mice than in ZA OKD48 mice. Additionally, zinc deficiency reduced the number of LCs and increased the amount of ATP in cutaneous I/R-injured skin. Oral supplementation of zinc improved zinc deficiency-associated PUs.
    CONCLUSION: Zinc deficiency might increase cutaneous I/R injury-induced vascular damages, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as ATP amount in I/R area due to the loss of LCs. These mechanisms might partly account for zinc deficiency-induced formation of severe and prolonged PUs. Oral supplementation of zinc might be a reasonable therapeutic choice for patients with PUs and zinc deficiency.
    Keywords:  ATP; Cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury; Oxidative stress; Pressure ulcers; Zinc deficiency
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.07.004
  70. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2019 Jul 17. pii: S1471-4892(19)30017-7. [Epub ahead of print]45 87-93
    Gasotransmitters in health and disease: a mitochondria-centered view.
    Koen Dw Hendriks, Hanno Maassen, Peter R van Dijk, Robert H Henning, Harry van Goor, Jan-Luuk Hillebrands.
      Gasotransmitters fulfill important roles in cellular homeostasis having been linked to various pathologies, including inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the known pathways mediating the actions of gasotransmitters, their effects in regulating mitochondrial function are emerging. Given that mitochondria are key organelles in energy production, formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, they are important mediators in preserving health and disease. Preserving or restoring mitochondrial function by gasotransmitters may be beneficial, and mitigate pathogenetic processes. In this review we discuss the actions of gasotransmitters with focus on their role in mitochondrial function and their therapeutic potential.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coph.2019.07.001
  71. J Transl Med. 2019 Jul 19. 17(1): 229
    Advantages of prophylactic versus conventionally scheduled heart failure therapy in an experimental model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.
    Mária Lódi, Dániel Priksz, Gábor Áron Fülöp, Beáta Bódi, Alexandra Gyöngyösi, Lilla Nagy, Árpád Kovács, Attila Béla Kertész, Judit Kocsis, István Édes, Zoltán Csanádi, István Czuriga, Zoltán Kisvárday, Béla Juhász, István Lekli, Péter Bai, Attila Tóth, Zoltán Papp, Dániel Czuriga.
       BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced left ventricular dysfunction represents a major clinical problem, which is often only recognised at an advanced stage, when supportive therapy is ineffective. Although an early heart failure treatment could positively influence the health status and clinical outcome, there is still no evidence of routine prophylactic cardioprotection for the majority of patients without previous cardiovascular history awaiting potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. In this study, we set out to investigate whether a prophylactic cardioprotective therapy relative to a conventionally scheduled heart failure treatment is more effective in preventing cardiotoxicity in a rodent model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy.
    METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 7-11 per group) were divided into 4 subgroups, namely negative controls receiving intravenous saline (CON), positive controls receiving intravenous DOX (6 cycles; D-CON), and DOX-treated animals receiving either prophylactic (PRE, started 1 week before DOX) or conventionally applied (POST, started 1 month after DOX) combined heart failure therapy of oral bisoprolol, perindopril and eplerenone. Blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and echocardiographic parameters were monitored in vivo, whereas myocardial fibrosis, capillarisation, ultrastructure, myofilament function, apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis were studied in vitro.
    RESULTS: The survival rate in the PRE group was significantly improved compared to D-CON (p = 0.0207). DOX increased the heart rate of the animals (p = 0.0193), while the blood pressure (p ≤ 0.0105) and heart rate (p = 0.0029) were significantly reduced in the PRE group compared to D-CON and POST. The ejection fraction remained preserved in the PRE group compared to D-CON or POST (p ≤ 0.0237), while none of the treatments could prevent the DOX-induced increase in the isovolumetric relaxation time. DOX decreased the rate of the actin-myosin cross-bridge cycle, irrespective of any treatment applied (p ≤ 0.0433). The myocardium of the D-CON and POST animals displayed pronounced ultrastructural damage, which was not apparent in the PRE group (p ≤ 0.033). While the DOX-induced apoptotic activity could be reduced in both the PRE and POST groups (p ≤ 0.0433), no treatment was able to prevent fibrotic remodelling or the disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis.
    CONCLUSION: For attenuating DOX-induced adverse myocardial effects, prophylactic cardioprotection has many advantages compared to a late-applied treatment.
    Keywords:  Animal model; Apoptosis; Cardio-oncology; Cardioprotection; Cardiotoxicity; Doxorubicin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-019-1978-0
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