scholarly journals Mini-GAGR, an intranasally applied polysaccharide, activates the neuronal Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense system

2018 ◽  
Vol 293 (47) ◽  
pp. 18242-18269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Murphy ◽  
Killian Llewellyn ◽  
Samuel Wakser ◽  
Josef Pontasch ◽  
Natasha Samanich ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress triggers and exacerbates neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Various antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, but these agents have little efficacy due to poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Additionally, single-modal antioxidants are easily overwhelmed by global oxidative stress. Activating nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant system are considered very effective for reducing global oxidative stress. Thus far, only a few BBB-permeable agents activate the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant system. Here, we discovered a BBB-bypassing Nrf2-activating polysaccharide that may attenuate AD pathogenesis. Mini-GAGR, a 0.7-kDa cleavage product of low-acyl gellan gum, increased the levels and activities of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidative stress in mouse cortical neurons, and robustly protected mitochondria from oxidative insults. Moreover, mini-GAGR increased the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of Nrf2 similarly to known Nrf2 activators. Mechanistically, mini-GAGR increased the dissociation of Nrf2 from its inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in a protein kinase C (PKC)- and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR1)-dependent manner. Finally, 20-day intranasal treatment of 3xTg-AD mice with 100 nmol of mini-GAGR increased nuclear p-Nrf2 and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) levels in hippocampal neurons, reduced p-tau and β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide–stained neurons, and improved memory. The BBB-bypassing Nrf2-activating polysaccharide reported here may be effective in reducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in AD.

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Xiuxia Liu ◽  
Shanshan Zhou ◽  
Ye Jia ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
...  

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The JNK inhibitor SP600125 was reported to ameliorate DN. However, the mechanism remained unclear. We previously reported that SP600125 activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a governor of the cellular antioxidant defense system, in the aortas of the diabetic mice. Given the critical role of NRF2 in preventing DN, the present study aimed to test whether or not NRF2 is required for SP600125’s protection against DN. To test the role of NRF2 in SP600125’s effect, streptozotocin-induced C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and Nrf2-knockout (KO) diabetic mice were treated in the presence or absence of SP600125, for 24 weeks. To explore the mechanism by which SP600125 activates NRF2, mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) were treated with high glucose (HG), in the presence or absence of either SP600125 or JNK siRNA. SP600125 significantly attenuated the diabetes-induced renal oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, pathological change and dysfunction in the WT, but not the Nrf2 KO mice. SP600125 inactivated JNK, inhibited kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression, preserved NRF2 protein and facilitated its nuclear translocation in the kidneys of the WT mice, the effects of which were similarly produced by either SP600125 or JNK siRNA in HG-treated MMCs. Further, both SP600125 and JNK siRNA alleviated HG-induced mesangial oxidative stress and expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes. The present study demonstrates that NRF2 is required for SP600125’s protection against DN. SP600125 activates NRF2 possibly via inhibition of JNK-induced Keap1 expression.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1884
Author(s):  
Don A. Davies ◽  
Aida Adlimoghaddam ◽  
Benedict C. Albensi

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important transcription factor that reduces oxidative stress. When reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are detected, Nrf2 translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE), which regulates the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes. Nrf2 impairments are observed in the majority of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The classic hallmarks of AD include β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Oxidative stress is observed early in AD and is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 is impaired in AD compared to controls. Increased oxidative stress is associated with impaired memory and synaptic plasticity. The administration of Nrf2 activators reverses memory and synaptic plasticity impairments in rodent models of AD. Therefore, Nrf2 activators are a potential novel therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders including AD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leilei Du ◽  
Xiaoxin Hu ◽  
Chu Chen ◽  
Tingting Kuang ◽  
Hengfu Yin ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms implicated in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. Seabuckthorn paste (SP), a traditional Tibetan medicine with high content of polyphenols and remarkable antioxidant activity, is commonly used in treating pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of SP on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury in mice were investigated. It was found that body weight loss, lung tissue microstructure lesions, transvascular leakage increase, malondialdehyde augmentation, and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels caused by LPS challenge were all consistently relieved by SP treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in lung nuclei caused by SP treatment was observed. Our study demonstrated that SP can provide significant protection against LPS-induced acute lung injury through maintaining redox homeostasis, and its mechanism involves Nrf2 nuclear translocation and activation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hongmei Zhao ◽  
Yun Qiu ◽  
Yichen Wu ◽  
Hong Sun ◽  
Sumin Gao

<b><i>Introduction/Aims:</i></b> Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) is considered to be the third most important endogenous gasotransmitter in organisms. GYY4137 is a long-acting donor for H<sub>2</sub>S, a gas transmitter that has been shown to prevent multi-organ damage in animal studies. We previously reported the effect of GYY4137 on cardiac ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in diabetic mice. However, the role and mechanism of GYY4137 in renal IRI are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine whether GYY4137 can effectively alleviate the injury induced by renal ischaemia reperfusion and to explore its possible mechanism. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Mice received right nephrectomy and clipping of the left renal pedicle for 45 min. GYY4137 was administered by intraperitoneal injection for 2 consecutive days before the operation. The model of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was established in HK-2 cells, which were pre-treated with or without GYY4137. Renal histology, function, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were measured. Western blot was used to measure the target ­protein after renal IRI. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results indicated that GYY4137 had a clear protective effect on renal IRI as reflected by the attenuation of renal dysfunction, renal tubule injury, and apoptosis. Moreover, GYY4137 remarkably reduced renal IRI-induced oxidative stress. GYY4137 significantly elevated the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of antioxidant enzymes regulated by Nrf2, including SOD, HO-1, and NQO-1. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> GYY4137 alleviates ischaemia reperfusion-induced renal injury through activating the antioxidant effect mediated by Nrf2 signalling.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Amna Khan ◽  
Adnan Khan ◽  
Sidra Khalid ◽  
Bushra Shal ◽  
Eunwoo Kang ◽  
...  

7β-(3-Ethyl-cis-crotonoyloxy)-1α-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-3,14-dehydro-Z-notonipetranone (ECN), a sesquiterpenoid obtained from a natural source has proved to be effective in minimizing various side effects associated with opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The current study focused on investigating the effects of ECN on neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) by mainly focusing on oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic proteins expression in mice. ECN (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), was administered once daily for 11 days, starting from the third day after surgery. ECN post-treatment was found to reduce hyperalgesia and allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. ECN remarkably reversed the histopathological abnormalities associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, ECN prevented the suppression of antioxidants (glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), hemeoxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase) by PSNL. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrotic factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) expression was reduced by ECN administration. Treatment with ECN was successful in reducing the caspase-3 level consistent with the observed modulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, ECN showed a protective effect on the lipid content of myelin sheath as evident from FTIR spectroscopy which showed the shift of lipid component bands to higher values. Thus, the anti-neuropathic potential of ECN might be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and pro-apoptotic proteins.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5-6-1) ◽  
pp. 181-191
Author(s):  
U. Kravchenko ◽  
G. Borjaev ◽  
M. Nevitov ◽  
A. Ostapchuk ◽  
E. Kistanova

The purpose of the present work was, under conditions of the model experiment on rats, to tap the information about the features of shortterm acclimatization of the antioxidant system in various organs to toxicity of cadmium at stages of an ontogenesis and about the preventive role of the antioxidant selenopyran in this process. The obtained results showed the ontogenetic differences in the adaptive reactivity of the enzymatic antioxidant defense system in the most important organs and tissues of rats under conditions of oxidative stress induced by cadmium. The ontogenetic differences of Se redistribution in a body under influence of cadmium administration were found. The discovered decrease of Se concentration in the liver of young animals and the increase of its concentration in the liver of old animals correlated positively with the changes of GPx activity. Preventive administration of selenopyran (9- phenyl-simmetrical octa-hydroselenoxanthene) to old animals reduced the oxidative stress intensity. Animals of all age groups showed higher selenium concentration in the tissues and the increase in the selenium-dependent GPx activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Yan Xu ◽  
Huan Yuan ◽  
Yi Luo ◽  
Yu-Jie Zhao ◽  
Jian-Hui Xiao

Aging is an important risk factor in the occurrence of many chronic diseases. Senescence and exhaustion of adult stem cells are considered as a hallmark of aging in organisms. In this study, a senescent human amniotic mesenchymal stem cell (hAMSC) model subjected to oxidative stress was established in vitro using hydrogen peroxide. We investigated the effects of ganoderic acid D (GA-D), a natural triterpenoid compound produced from Ganoderma lucidum, on hAMSC senescence. GA-D significantly inhibited β-galactosidase (a senescence-associated marker) formation, in a dose-dependent manner, with doses ranging from 0.1 μM to 10 μM, without inducing cytotoxic side-effects. Furthermore, GA-D markedly inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of p21 and p16 proteins, relieved the cell cycle arrest, and enhanced telomerase activity in senescent hAMSCs. Furthermore, GA-D upregulated the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase R- (PKR-) like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), peroxidase III (PRDX3), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) and promoted intranuclear transfer of NRF2 in senescent cells. The PERK inhibitor GSK2656157 and/or the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 suppressed the PERK/NRF2 signaling, which was activated by GA-D. They induced a rebound for the generation of ROS and β-galactosidase-positive cells and attenuated the differentiation capacity. These findings suggest that GA-D retards hAMSC senescence through activation of the PERK/NRF2 signaling pathway and may be a promising candidate for the discovery of antiaging agents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 833-845
Author(s):  
X Zhou ◽  
Z Chen ◽  
W Zhong ◽  
R Yu ◽  
L He

In the development of dental fluorosis, oxidative stress is considered as the key mechanism. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can induce oxidative stress and activate the important antioxidative factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)-dependent manner, but combining ER stress and oxidative stress, the role of PERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway involved in fluoride-regulated ameloblasts is not fully defined. Here, we studied the effect of fluoride on PERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway in mouse ameloblasts. We found that low-dose and continuous fluoride exposure increased binding immunoglobulin protein expression and activated PERK–activating transcription factor 4 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes (glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione S-transferase-P1) enhanced following ER stress. Tunicamycin increased the expression of PERK, leading to Nrf2 nuclear import, and tauroursodeoxycholate suppressed Nrf2 activation through PERK during ER stress, indicating that PERK activation is required for Nrf2 nuclear entry. Furthermore, tert-butylhydroquinone triggered the overexpression of Nrf2 to reduce ER stress, but luteolin inhibited Nrf2 nuclear localization to elevate ER stress. In summary, this study proved that fluoride under certain dose can induce ER stress and promote Nrf2 nuclear import via PERK activation and suggested that antioxidation mechanism mediated by PERK-Nrf2 can alleviate fluoride-induced ER stress effectively.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianhui Li ◽  
Yin Xiang ◽  
Yu Chen ◽  
Yong Tang ◽  
Yachen Zhang

Background/Aims: Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) disturb the physiology of H9c2 cells, which is regarded as a major cause of H9c2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Ginsenoside Rg1 is the main active extract of ginseng, which has important antioxidant properties in various cell models. This project investigated the role of ginsenoside Rg1 in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced oxidative stress injury in cultured H9c2 cells to reveal the underlying signaling pathways. Methods: H9c2 cells were pretreated with ginsenoside Rg1 for 12 h before exposure to H/R. In the absence or presence of Nrf2siRNA, HO-1 inhibitor (ZnPP-IX), and inhibitors of the MAPK pathway (SB203580, PD98059, SP600125), H9c2 cells were subjected to H/R with Rg1 treatment. The effects and mechanisms of H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury were measured. Results: Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment suppressed H/R-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activation. Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment decreased ROS production and mitochondrial membrane depolarization by elevating the intracellular antioxidant capacity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 stimulation appeared to result in nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), along with enhanced expression of the downstream target gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a dose-dependent manner. However, ginsenoside Rg1-mediated cardioprotection was abolished by Nrf2-siRNA and HO-1 inhibitor. H/R treatment increased the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), which was dramatically attenuated by ginsenoside Rg1 and SP600125 (a specific JNK inhibitor). Conclusion: These observations indicate that ginsenoside Rg1 activates the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and inhibits the JNK pathway in H9c2 cells to protect against oxidative stress.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woong Jin Bae ◽  
U. Syn Ha ◽  
Jin Bong Choi ◽  
Kang Sup Kim ◽  
Su Jin Kim ◽  
...  

Higher testicular temperature results in altered spermatogenesis due to heat-related oxidative stress. We examined the effects of decursin extracted fromAngelica gigasNakai on antioxidant activityin vitroand in a cryptorchidism-induced infertility rat model. TM3 Leydig cell viability was measured based on oxidative stress according to treatment. Either distilled water or AG 400 mg/kg ofA. gigasextract was administered orally for 4 weeks after unilateral cryptorchidism was induced. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks, six rats from the control group and six rats from treatment group were sacrificed. Testicular weight, semen quality, antioxidant activities, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein, and mRNA expression of Nrf2-regulated genes were analyzed. Treatment withA. gigasextract (1) protected TM3 cells against oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, (2) improved the mean weight of the cryptorchid testis, (3) maintained sperm counts, motility, and spermatogenic cell density, (4) decreased levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), (5) significantly increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and (6) significantly decreased apoptosis. This study suggests that decursin extracted fromA. gigasis a supplemental agent that can reduce oxidative stress by Nrf2-mediated upregulation of HO-1 in rat experimentally induced unilateral cryptorchidism and may improve cryptorchidism-induced infertility.


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