bims-nurfan Biomed News
on NRF2 and Neurological Diseases
Issue of 2023–10–29
sixteen papers selected by
Arif Kamil Salihoğlu, Karadeniz Technical University
  1. WDR23 mediates NRF2 proteostasis and cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus.
  2. 1,7-diphenyl-4-hepten-3-one mitigates Alzheimer's-like pathology by inhibiting pyroptosis via activating the Nrf2 pathway.
  3. Insights on the Correlation between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the Progression of Parkinson's Disease.
  4. Amino acid editing of NFE2L1 by PNGase causes abnormal mobility on SDS-PAGE.
  5. 50 shades of oxidative stress: A state-specific cysteine redox pattern hypothesis.
  6. Vitamin D Improves Cognitive Impairment and Alleviates Ferroptosis via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Aging Mice.
  7. Disorders of Endogenous and Exogenous Antioxidants in Neurological Diseases.
  8. Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species, Insulin Resistance, and Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response-Toward an Actionable Strategy for Anti-Aging.
  9. Antioxidant System and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cataracts.
  10. NRF2/ARE mediated antioxidant response to glaucoma: role of glia and retinal ganglion cells.
  11. The Importance of α-Klotho in Depression and Cognitive Impairment and Its Connection to Glutamate Neurotransmission-An Up-to-Date Review.
  12. The master antioxidant defense is activated during EBV latent infection.
  13. Evaluation of fisetin as a potential inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.
  14. Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Exopolysaccharides Mitigate the Oxidative Response via the NRF2-KEAP1 Pathway in PC12 Cells.
  15. Role of Oxidative Stress in Metabolic Reprogramming of Brain Cancer.
  16. Diabetic Neuropathy: An Overview of Molecular Pathways and Protective Mechanisms of Phytobioactives.
  1. bioRxiv. 2023 Oct 11. pii: 2023.10.10.561805. [Epub ahead of print]
    WDR23 mediates NRF2 proteostasis and cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus.
    Jiahui Liu, Chatrawee Duangjan, Ronald W Irwin, Sean P Curran.
      Pathogenic brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and the accumulation of dysfunctional or misfolded proteins that lead to progressive neuronal cell death. Here we demonstrate that a murine model with global loss of the CUL4-DDB1 substrate receptor WDR23 ( Wdr23KO ) results in changes in multiple age-related hippocampal-dependent behaviors. The behavioral differences observed in Wdr23KO animals accompany the stabilization of the NRF2/NFE2L2 protein, an increase in RNA transcripts regulated by this cytoprotective transcription factor, and an increase in the steady state level of antioxidant defense proteins. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for WDR23-proteostasis in mediating cytoprotective capacity in the hippocampus and reveal the potential for targeting WDR23-NRF2 signaling interactions for development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
    HIGHLIGHTS: WDR23 regulates NRF2/NFE2L2 stability in the mouse hippocampus Loss of Wdr23 significantly increases the expression of NFE2L2/NRF2 target genes Global loss of WDR23 influences age-related behaviors differentially in males and females.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.10.561805
  2. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023 Oct 25.
    1,7-diphenyl-4-hepten-3-one mitigates Alzheimer's-like pathology by inhibiting pyroptosis via activating the Nrf2 pathway.
    Yu-Sheng Shi, Yan Zhang, Xiao Luo, Hong-Kai Yang, Yong-Sheng He.
      Pyroptosis-mediated neuron death plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effect of 1,7-diphenyl-4-hepten-3-one (C1), a natural diarylheptanoid, on AD is unclear. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effect of C1 on APP/PS1 mice and β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced HT22 cells. Our findings showed that C1 attenuated cognitive impairment and mitigated pathological damage in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, we found that C1 prevented oxidative stress damage and decreased the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins. In vitro experiments showed that C1 can improve the proliferation of Aβ-induced HT22 cells and decrease the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins in them. When Nrf2 was silenced, the positive effects of C1 in inhibiting pyroptosis were inhibited. Particularly, the production of pyroptosis-associated proteins, including NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, including IL-1 and IL-18, were increased. Altogether, these findings indicate that C1 can mitigate AD-like pathology via the inhibition of pyroptosis by activating the Nrf2 pathway. We believe that this study can provide alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of AD.
    Keywords:  1,7-diphenyl-4-hepten-3-one; Alzheimer’s disease; Diarylheptanoid; Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; Pyroptosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02765-2
  3. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2023 Oct 20.
    Insights on the Correlation between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the Progression of Parkinson's Disease.
    Prashant Chauhan, Pratibha Pandey, Fahad Khan, Ramish Maqsood.
      The aetiology of a progressive neuronal Parkinson's disease has been discussed in several studies. However, due to the multiple risk factors involved in its development, such as environmental toxicity, parental inheritance, misfolding of protein, ageing, generation of reactive oxygen species, degradation of dopaminergic neurons, formation of neurotoxins, mitochondria dysfunction, and genetic mutations, its mechanism of involvement is still discernible. Therefore, this study aimed to review the processes or systems that are crucially implicated in the conversion of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) into its lethal form, which directly blockades the performance of mitochondria, leading to the formation of oxidative stress in the dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and resulting in the progression of an incurable Parkinson's disease. This review also comprises an overview of the mutated genes that are frequently associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the progression of Parkinson's disease. Altogether, this review would help future researchers to develop an efficient therapeutic approach for the management of Parkinson's disease via identifying potent prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.
    Keywords:  Mitochondrial dysfunction; Parkinson; biomarker; disease; neurodegenerative
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303249690231006114308
  4. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj. 2023 Oct 19. pii: S0304-4165(23)00192-7. [Epub ahead of print] 130494
    Amino acid editing of NFE2L1 by PNGase causes abnormal mobility on SDS-PAGE.
    Yuriko Tachida, Hiroto Hirayama, Tadashi Suzuki.
      NFE2L1 (also known as NRF1) is a member of the nuclear erythroid 2-like family of transcription factors and is critical for counteracting various types of cellular stress such as oxidative, proteotoxic or metabolic stress. This unique transcription factor is also known to undergo changes, including post-translational modifications, limited proteolysis or translocation into the nucleus, before it exerts full transcriptional activity. As a result, there are various molecular forms with distinct sizes for this protein, while the precise nature of each form remains elusive. In this study, the N-glycosylated status of NFE2L1 in cells was examined. The findings revealed that when NFE2L1 was deglycosylated by PNGase F, the size-shift on SDS-PAGE was minimal. This was in contrast to deglycosylation by Endo H, which resulted in a clear size-shift, even though N-linked GlcNAc residues remained on the protein. It was found that this unusual behavior of PNGase-deglycosylated NFE2L1 was dependent on the conversion of the glycosylated-Asn to Asp, resulting in the introduction of more negative charges into the core peptide of NFE2L1. We also demonstrate that NGLY1-mediated deglycosylation and DDI2-mediated proteolytic processing of NFE2L1 are not strictly ordered reactions. Our study will allow us to better understand the precise structures as well as biochemical properties of the various forms of NFE2L1.
    Keywords:  Amino acid editing; Deglycosylation; NFE2L1; NGLY1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130494
  5. Redox Biol. 2023 Oct 17. pii: S2213-2317(23)00337-3. [Epub ahead of print]67 102936
    50 shades of oxidative stress: A state-specific cysteine redox pattern hypothesis.
    James N Cobley.
      Oxidative stress is biochemically complex. Like primary colours, specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant inputs can be mixed to create unique "shades" of oxidative stress. Even a minimal redox module comprised of just 12 (ROS & antioxidant) inputs and 3 outputs (oxidative damage, cysteine-dependent redox-regulation, or both) yields over half a million "shades" of oxidative stress. The present paper proposes the novel hypothesis that: state-specific shades of oxidative stress, such as a discrete disease, are associated with distinct tell-tale cysteine oxidation patterns. The patterns are encoded by many parameters, from the identity of the oxidised proteins, the cysteine oxidation type, and magnitude. The hypothesis is conceptually grounded in distinct ROS and antioxidant inputs coalescing to produce unique cysteine oxidation outputs. And considers the potential biological significance of the holistic cysteine oxidation outputs. The literature supports the existence of state-specific cysteine oxidation patterns. Measuring and manipulating these patterns offer promising avenues for advancing oxidative stress research. The pattern inspired hypothesis provides a framework for understanding the complex biochemical nature of state-specific oxidative stress.
    Keywords:  Cysteine; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Oxiform; Pattern; ROS; Redox-regulation; Technology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2023.102936
  6. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 18. pii: 15315. [Epub ahead of print]24(20):
    Vitamin D Improves Cognitive Impairment and Alleviates Ferroptosis via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Aging Mice.
    Jiaxin Li, Yang Cao, Jie Xu, Jing Li, Chunmei Lv, Qiang Gao, Chi Zhang, Chongfei Jin, Ran Wang, Runsheng Jiao, Hui Zhu.
      Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent mode of cell death associated with the occurrence and development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, there are no effective drugs available to prevent or treat these aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin D (VD) is an antioxidant and immunomodulator, but its relationship with ferroptosis in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases has not been extensively studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of VD in learning and memory in aging mice. To examine whether VD protects aging hippocampal neurons, we used physiologically active 1,25(OH)2D3. We established aging models in vivo (C57BL/6 mice) and in vitro (HT22 cells) using D-galactose (D-gal). The results demonstrated that VD could improve learning and memory in mice aged via the use of D-gal, and it reduced damage to hippocampal neurons. VD could regulate ferroptosis-related proteins (increasing GPX4 expression and decreasing ACSL4 and ALOX15 protein expression levels), increasing GSH levels, reducing MDA and intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels, as well as total iron and Fe2+ levels, and improving mitochondrial morphology, thereby alleviating ferroptosis in aging hippocampal neurons. Additionally, VD activated the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. Notably, when the VDR was knocked down, VD lost its ability to activate Nrf2. Consequently, inhibiting Nrf2 decreased the protective effect of VD against ferroptosis in aged hippocampal neurons. In summary, VD activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway through the VDR, effectively preventing ferroptosis induced by aging in hippocampal neurons.
    Keywords:  aging; ferroptosis; neurodegenerative diseases; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015315
  7. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Sep 29. pii: 1811. [Epub ahead of print]12(10):
    Disorders of Endogenous and Exogenous Antioxidants in Neurological Diseases.
    Izabela Korczowska-Łącka, Bartosz Słowikowski, Thomas Piekut, Mikołaj Hurła, Natalia Banaszek, Oliwia Szymanowicz, Paweł P Jagodziński, Wojciech Kozubski, Agnieszka Permoda-Pachuta, Jolanta Dorszewska.
      In diseases of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and even epilepsy and migraine, oxidative stress load commonly surpasses endogenous antioxidative capacity. While oxidative processes have been robustly implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases, the significance of particular antioxidants, both endogenous and especially exogenous, in maintaining redox homeostasis requires further research. Among endogenous antioxidants, enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase are central to disabling free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative damage to cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Whether supplementation with endogenously occurring antioxidant compounds such as melatonin and glutathione carries any benefit, however, remains equivocal. Similarly, while the health benefits of certain exogenous antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carotenoids, polyphenols, sulforaphanes, and anthocyanins are commonly touted, their clinical efficacy and effectiveness in particular neurological disease contexts need to be more robustly defined. Here, we review the current literature on the cellular mechanisms mitigating oxidative stress and comment on the possible benefit of the most common exogenous antioxidants in diseases such as AD, PD, ALS, HD, stroke, epilepsy, and migraine. We selected common neurological diseases of a basically neurodegenerative nature.
    Keywords:  antioxidants; neurological diseases; oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12101811
  8. Biomolecules. 2023 Oct 19. pii: 1544. [Epub ahead of print]13(10):
    Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species, Insulin Resistance, and Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response-Toward an Actionable Strategy for Anti-Aging.
    Shuya Kasai, Daichi Kokubu, Hiroki Mizukami, Ken Itoh.
      Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced mainly by mitochondrial respiration and function as signaling molecules in the physiological range. However, ROS production is also associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review focuses on the etiology of IR and early events, especially mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production in insulin-sensitive tissues. Importantly, IR and/or defective adipogenesis in the white adipose tissues (WAT) is thought to increase free fatty acid and ectopic lipid deposition to develop into systemic IR. Fatty acid and ceramide accumulation mediate coenzyme Q reduction and mtROS production in IR in the skeletal muscle, while coenzyme Q synthesis downregulation is also involved in mtROS production in the WAT. Obesity-related IR is associated with the downregulation of mitochondrial catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the WAT, and the accumulation of BCAA and its metabolites as biomarkers in the blood could reliably indicate future T2D. Transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates antioxidant enzyme expression in response to oxidative stress, is downregulated in insulin-resistant tissues. However, Nrf2 inducers, such as sulforaphane, could restore Nrf2 and target gene expression and attenuate IR in multiple tissues, including the WAT.
    Keywords:  Nrf2; adipose tissue; diabetes; insulin resistance; mitochondrial ROS
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13101544
  9. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Oct 24.
    Antioxidant System and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cataracts.
    Xi Zhang, Bingqing Liu, Kevin Lal, Haihua Liu, Myhoa Tran, Manyu Zhou, Chimdindu Ezugwu, Xin Gao, Terry Dang, My-Lien Au, Erica Brown, Hongli Wu, Yan Liao.
      The primary underlying contributor for cataract, a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress triggers protein damage, cell apoptosis, and subsequent cataract formation. The nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) serves as a principal redox transcriptional factor in the lens, offering a line of defense against oxidative stress. In response to oxidative challenges, Nrf2 dissociates from its inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), moves to the nucleus, and binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) to activate the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant system. In parallel, oxidative stress also induces endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated during oxidative stress, can directly damage proteins, causing them to misfold. Initially, the unfolded protein response (UPR) activates to mitigate excessive misfolded proteins. Yet, under persistent or severe stress, the failure to rectify protein misfolding leads to an accumulation of these aberrant proteins, pushing the UPR towards an apoptotic pathway, further contributing to cataractogenesis. Importantly, there is a dynamic interaction between the Nrf2 antioxidant system and the ERS/UPR mechanism in the lens. This interplay, where ERS/UPR can modulate Nrf2 expression and vice versa, holds potential therapeutic implications for cataract prevention and treatment. This review explores the intricate crosstalk between these systems, aiming to illuminate strategies for future advancements in cataract prevention and intervention. The Nrf2-dependent antioxidant system communicates and cross-talks with the ERS/UPR pathway. Both mechanisms are proposed to play pivotal roles in the onset of cataract formation.
    Keywords:  Cataract; ERS; Nrf2; Protein glutathionylation; UPR
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-023-01427-4
  10. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2023 Oct 24. 11(1): 171
    NRF2/ARE mediated antioxidant response to glaucoma: role of glia and retinal ganglion cells.
    Sarah Naguib, Jon R Backstrom, Elisabeth Artis, Purnima Ghose, Amy Stahl, Rachael Hardin, Ameer A Haider, John Ang, David J Calkins, Tonia S Rex.
      Glaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is associated with age and sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). We have shown that elevated IOP causes an early increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microbead occlusion mouse model. We also detected an endogenous antioxidant response mediated by Nuclear factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor that binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and increases transcription of antioxidant genes. Our previous studies show that inhibiting this pathway results in earlier and greater glaucoma pathology. In this study, we sought to determine if this endogenous antioxidant response is driven by the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) or glial cells. We used Nrf2fl/fl mice and cell-type specific adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) expressing Cre to alter Nrf2 levels in either the RGCs or glial cells. Then, we quantified the endogenous antioxidant response, visual function and optic nerve histology after IOP elevation. We found that knock-down of Nrf2 in either cell type blunts the antioxidant response and results in earlier pathology and vision loss. Further, we show that delivery of Nrf2 to the RGCs is sufficient to provide neuroprotection. In summary, both the RGCs and glial cells contribute to the antioxidant response, but treatment of the RGCs alone with increased Nrf2 is sufficient to delay onset of vision loss and axon degeneration in this induced model of glaucoma.
    Keywords:  Antioxidant; Glia; Nrf2; Optic nerve; Oxidative stress; Retinal ganglion cell; glaucoma
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-023-01663-1
  11. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 17. pii: 15268. [Epub ahead of print]24(20):
    The Importance of α-Klotho in Depression and Cognitive Impairment and Its Connection to Glutamate Neurotransmission-An Up-to-Date Review.
    Patrycja Pańczyszyn-Trzewik, Ewelina Czechowska, Katarzyna Stachowicz, Magdalena Sowa-Kućma.
      Depression is a serious neuropsychiatric disease affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Cognitive deficits (including inattention, poor memory, and decision-making difficulties) are common in the clinical picture of depression. Cognitive impairment has been hypothesized to be one of the most important components of major depressive disorder (MDD; referred to as clinical depression), although typical cognitive symptoms are less frequent in people with depression than in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (BD; sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder). The importance of α-Klotho in the aging process has been well-documented. Growing evidence points to the role of α-Klotho in regulating other biological functions, including responses to oxidative stress and the modulation of synaptic plasticity. It has been proven that a Klotho deficit may contribute to the development of various nervous system pathologies, such as behavioral disorders or neurodegeneration. Given the growing evidence of the role of α-Klotho in depression and cognitive impairment, it is assumed that this protein may be a molecular link between them. Here, we provide a research review of the role of α-Klotho in depression and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we propose potential mechanisms (related to oxidative stress and glutamatergic transmission) that may be important in α-Klotho-mediated regulation of mental and cognitive function.
    Keywords:  Glu; Klotho; NMDAR; Nrf2; animal models of depression; cognition; depression; glutamate receptors; oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015268
  12. J Virol. 2023 Oct 25. e0095323
    The master antioxidant defense is activated during EBV latent infection.
    Ling Wang, Mary E A Howell, Culton R Hensley, Katharine Ning, Jonathan P Moorman, Zhi Q Yao, Shunbin Ning.
      Our recent publication shows for the first time that the master antioxidant pathway Keap1-NRF2 is constitutively activated in EBV- or HTLV1-transformed cells, with the mechanism being unclear (L. Wang, M. E. A. Howell, A. Sparks-Wallace, C. Hawkins, et al., PLoS Pathog 15:e1007541, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007541). In this follow-up investigation, we show that EBV-triggered ROS production activates the Keap1-NRF2 pathway in EBV-transformed cells, and LMP1 plays a major role in this event. Further investigation shows that the mitochondria in cell lines with EBV Type 3 latency produce higher levels of mitochondrial ROS that are responsible for the activation of the Keap1-NRF2 pathway, compared with Type 1 latency. Moreover, using both pharmaceutical inhibitors and CRISPR-mediated gene editing, we show that the stress-related kinase TBK1 is required for NRF2 activation. As to the functional consequences, shRNA-mediated knockdown of NRF2 in EBV-transformed IB4 and HTLV1-transformed MT4 cells elevates endogenous reactive oxygen species levels, promotes DNA damage, downregulates cell proliferation, and promotes EBV reactivation. These findings, together with our previous report, disclose how EBV controls the intricate balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, which greatly improve our understanding of EBV latency and pathogenesis and may be leveraged to opportunities toward the improvement of therapeutic outcomes in EBV-associated diseases. IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, this is the first report delineating the activation of the master antioxidant defense during EBV latency. We show that EBV-triggered reactive oxygen species production activates the Keap1-NRF2 pathway in EBV-transformed cells, and LMP1 plays a major role in this event, and the stress-related kinase TBK1 is required for NRF2 activation. Moreover, we show that the Keap1-NRF2 pathway is important for cell proliferation and EBV latency maintenance. Our findings disclose how EBV controls the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, which greatly improve our understanding of EBV latency and pathogenesis and may be leveraged to opportunities toward the improvement of therapeutic outcomes in EBV-associated diseases.
    Keywords:  EBV; Keap1; NRF2; antioxidant stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00953-23
  13. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2023 ;26(11): 1320-1325
    Evaluation of fisetin as a potential inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.
    Muhammet Ay.
       Objectives: Increasing evidence implicates impaired mitochondrial biogenesis as an important contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). For this reason, targeting mitochondrial biogenesis may present a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. The present study attempted to investigate the effects of fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, on mitochondrial biogenesis and the expression of PD-associated genes in neuronal cells.
    Materials and Methods: The effects of fisetin on mitochondrial biogenesis were evaluated by three different approaches; PGC-1α and TFAM mRNA expressions by RT-qPCR, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content by quantitative PCR and mitochondrial mass by MitoTracker staining. Next, a PCR array was performed to evaluate the effects of fisetin on the expression profile of PD-associated genes. Finally, the common targets of fisetin and PD were analyzed by in silico analyses.
    Results: The results demonstrated that fisetin treatment can increase PGC-1α and TFAM mRNA levels, mtDNA copy number, and mitochondrial mass in neuronal cells. Fisetin also altered the expressions of some PD-related genes involved in neuroprotection and neuronal differentiation. Moreover, the bioinformatics analyses suggested that the AKT1-GSK3B signaling might be responsible for the potential neuroprotective effects of fisetin.
    Conclusion: Collectively, these results imply that fisetin could modulate some neuroprotective mechanisms including mitochondrial biogenesis, and may serve as a potential drug candidate for PD.
    Keywords:  Fisetin; Mitochondria; PCR; Parkinson’s disease; SH-SY5Y; mtDNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.22038/IJBMS.2023.72272.15714
  14. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023 Oct 02. 45(10): 8071-8090
    Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Exopolysaccharides Mitigate the Oxidative Response via the NRF2-KEAP1 Pathway in PC12 Cells.
    Seda Şirin.
      Parabiotics, including L-EPSs, have been administered to patients with neurodegenerative disorders. However, the antioxidant properties of L-EPSs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells have not been studied. Herein, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of the L-EPSs, their plausible targets, and their mechanism of action. We first determined the amount of L-EPSs in Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus B3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 using spectrophotometry. Afterwards, we studied their effects on TDH, TOS/TAS, antioxidant enzyme activities, and intracellular ROS level. Finally, we used qRT-PCR and ELISA to determine the effects of L-EPSs on the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway. According to our results, the L-EPS groups exhibited significantly higher total thiol activity, native thiol activity, disulfide activity, TAS levels, antioxidant enzyme levels, and gene expression levels (GCLC, HO-1, NRF2, and NQO1) than did the H2O2 group. Additionally, the L-EPS groups caused significant reductions in TOS levels and KEAP1 gene expression levels compared with those in the H2O2 group. Our results indicate that H2O2-induced oxidative stress was modified by L-EPSs. Thus, we revealed that L-EPSs, which regulate H2O2-induced oxidative stress, could have applications in the field of neurochemistry.
    Keywords:  NRF2-KEAP1 pathway; PC12 cell; exopolysaccharide; hydrogen peroxide; lactic acid bacteria; oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45100510
  15. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Oct 10. pii: 4920. [Epub ahead of print]15(20):
    Role of Oxidative Stress in Metabolic Reprogramming of Brain Cancer.
    Kirti Agrawal, Shailendra Asthana, Dhruv Kumar.
      Brain cancer is known as one of the deadliest cancers globally. One of the causative factors is the imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant activities in the body, which is referred to as oxidative stress (OS). As part of regular metabolism, oxygen is reduced by electrons, resulting in the creation of numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inflammation is intricately associated with the generation of OS, leading to the increased production and accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Glioma stands out as one of the most common malignant tumors affecting the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by changes in the redox balance. Brain cancer cells exhibit inherent resistance to most conventional treatments, primarily due to the distinctive tumor microenvironment. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the development of various brain-related malignancies, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and medulloblastoma, where OS significantly disrupts the normal homeostasis of the brain. In this review, we provide in-depth descriptions of prospective targets and therapeutics, along with an assessment of OS and its impact on brain cancer metabolism. We also discuss targeted therapies.
    Keywords:  RNS; RONS; ROS; brain cancer; oxidative stress; tumor microenvironment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15204920
  16. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2023 Oct 20.
    Diabetic Neuropathy: An Overview of Molecular Pathways and Protective Mechanisms of Phytobioactives.
    Mohd Hashim, Badruddeen Badruddeen, Juber Akhtar, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Ahmad, Anas Islam, Asad Ahmad.
      Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus that affects the peripheral nerves and causes pain, numbness, and impaired function. The pathogenesis of DN involves multiple molecular mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathways of advanced glycation end products, polyol, hexosamine, and protein kinase C. Phytochemicals are natural compounds derived from plants that have various biological activities and therapeutic potential. Flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, stilbenes, and tannins are some of the phytochemicals that have been identified as having protective potential for diabetic neuropathy. These compounds can modulate various cellular pathways involved in the development and progression of neuropathy, including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting nerve growth and repair. In this review, the current evidence on the effects of phytochemicals on DN by focusing on five major classes, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, stilbenes, and tannins, are summarized. This compilation also discusses the possible molecular targets of numerous pathways of DN that these phytochemicals modulate. These phytochemicals may offer a promising alternative or complementary approach to conventional drugs for DN management by modulating multiple pathological pathways and restoring nerve function.
    Keywords:  Diabetes; alkaloids; flavanoids; inflammation; neuropathy; phytochemicals
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303266444231008143430
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