scholarly journals Activation of The P62-Keap1-NRF2 Pathway Protects Against Ferroptosis in Radiation-Induced Lung Injury

Author(s):  
Xuan Li ◽  
Jingyao Chen ◽  
Sujuan Yuan ◽  
Xibing Zhuang ◽  
Tiankui Qiao

Abstract Background Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most common, serious and dose-limiting complications of thoracic radiotherapy. A primary reason for this is the radiation-induced cell death. Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of regulated cell death, characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS induced by irradiation might be the original trigger of ferroptosis in RILI. Furthermore, activation of the P62-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway has been shown to exert a protective effect, blunting ferroptosis. Therefore, this study aims to explore the protective effect of the P62-Keap1-NRF2 pathway against radiation-induced ferroptosis in alveolar epithelial cells. Results Firstly, our results demonstrated that radiation induced ferroptosis in vitro RILI cell model, which could be significantly reduced by Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a specific inhibitor of ferroptosis. Then, we found that overexpression of P62 interacted with Keap1 to promote NRF2 translocation into the nucleus and upregulation its target proteins quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). Conclusion Collectively, the activation of the P62-Keap1-NRF2 pathway prevents radiation-induced ferroptosis in RILI cells, providing a theoretical basis for further research to find a potential approach for RILI therapy.

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
G-L Hong ◽  
Q-Q Cai ◽  
J-P Tan ◽  
X-Z Jiang ◽  
G-J Zhao ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the effects of overexpression of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (NRF2) on lung injury in rats exposed to paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Methods: A mifepristone (RU486)-inducible recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human NRF2 gene (Ad-RUNRF2) was constructed and transfected via airway into the rats 7 days before the administration of RU486. Rats were orally challenged with PQ at 20 mg/kg 24 h after the injection of RU486. On days 0.5, 3 and 21 after PQ poisoning, the expressions of NRF2 and cytokines related to inflammation and oxidation in lung tissue were examined. Results: RU486 remarkably enhanced NRF2 mRNA and NRF2 protein levels in Ad-RUNRF2-transfected rats in a dose-dependent manner ( p < 0.01). PQ stimulated compensatory overexpression of NRF2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) in lungs on days 0.5 and 3 after exposure ( p < 0.05), but depleted the expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione (GSH), with an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) ( p < 0.05). However, pretreatment with Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 strongly enhanced the expression levels of NRF2, HO-1, NQO-1, CAT and GSH-Px in the lungs of PQ intoxicated rats, with increased GSH and decreased MDA ( p < 0.05). Pretreatment with Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 also strongly suppressed the PQ-induced activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and decreased the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 induction significantly reduced PQ-induced pathological changes in lungs and attenuated lung oedema and protein leakage caused by PQ ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: RU486-induced overexpression of NRF2 in lungs transfected with Ad-RUNRF2 can ameliorate PQ-induced lung injury by the activation of the NRF2-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yu-Lin Wu ◽  
Si-Han Huang ◽  
Chun-Mei He ◽  
Bo Qiu ◽  
Jing-Jing Liu ◽  
...  

The study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Dendrobium officinale flower extraction (DOFE) on alcohol-induced liver injury and its probable mechanisms in mice. The chemical composition of DOFE was performed via UPLC/MS. Male Kunming mice were used to establish alcohol-induced liver injury models by oral gavage of 56% alcohol. Results showed that DOFE dramatically attenuated the increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triacylglycerol (TG). Meanwhile, hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining showed that DOFE attenuated degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, and lipid droplet accumulation. DOFE was also found to suppress the activity of malonaldehyde (MDA) and enhanced the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in the liver. The protection of DOFE against oxidative stress was associated with the downregulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase l (NQO1). Additionally, DOFE suppressed inflammation via downregulating Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor kappa-B P65 (NF-κB P65). Thus, DOFE exhibited a significant protective effect against alcohol-induced liver injury through its antisteatosis, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effect.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youqiong Zhuo ◽  
Renyikun Yuan ◽  
Xinxin Chen ◽  
Jia He ◽  
Yangling Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tanshinone I (TI) is a primary component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), which confers a favorable role in a variety of pharmacological activities including cardiovascular protection. However, the exact mechanism of the cardiovascular protection activity of TI remains to be illustrated. In this study, the cardiovascular protective effect and its mechanism of TI were investigated. Methods In this study, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-stimulated H9c2 cells model was employed to investigate the protective effect in vitro. The cell viability was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit. The reactive-oxygen-species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were investigated by the flow cytometry and JC-1 assay, respectively. While in vivo experiment, the cardiovascular protective effect of TI was determined by using myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (MI/R) model including hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining assay and determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (MLKL), protein kinase B (Akt), Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) were determined by western blotting. Results Our data demonstrated that TI pretreatment attenuated t-BHP and MI/R injury-induced necroptosis by inhibiting the expression of p-RIP1, p-RIP3, and p-MLKL. TI activated the Akt/Nrf2 pathway to promote the expression of antioxidant-related proteins such as phosphorylation of Akt, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in t-BHP-stimulated H9c2 cells. TI relieved oxidative stress by mitigating ROS generation and reversing MMP loss. In vivo experiment, TI made electrocardiograph (ECG) recovery better and lessened the degree of myocardial tissue damage. The counts of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (Neu), lymphocyte (Lym), and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 were reversed by TI treatment. SOD level was increased, while MDA level was decreased by TI treatment. Conclusion Collectively, our findings indicated that TI exerted cardiovascular protective activities in vitro and in vivo through suppressing RIP1/RIP3/MLKL and activating Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathways, which could be developed into a cardiovascular protective agent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Chaoqun Yan ◽  
Xiaoyan Zhang ◽  
Junqiu Miao ◽  
Hongxia Yuan ◽  
Enli Liu ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress-mediated endothelial injury is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. Farrerol, a typical natural flavanone from the medicinal plant Rhododendron dauricum L., has been reported to show protective effects against oxidative stress-induced endothelial injuries in our previous study. However, its action molecular mechanisms and targets are still unclear. In the present study, we determined whether farrerol can interact with glycogen synthase kinase 3β- (GSK-3β-) nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- (Nrf2-) antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling, which is critical in defense against oxidative stress. Our results demonstrated that farrerol could specifically target Nrf2 negative regulator GSK-3β and inhibit its kinase activity. Mechanistic studies proved that farrerol could induce an inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9 without affecting the expression level of total GSK-3β protein and promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 as well as the mRNA and protein expression of its downstream target genes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in EA.hy926 cells. Further studies performed with GSK-3β siRNA and specific inhibitor lithium chloride (LiCl) confirmed that GSK-3β inhibition was involved in farrerol-mediated endothelial protection and Nrf2 signaling activation. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies revealed that farrerol could bind to the ATP pocket of GSK-3β, which is consistent with the ATP-competitive kinetic behavior. Collectively, our results firstly demonstrate that farrerol could attenuate endothelial oxidative stress by specifically targeting GSK-3β and further activating the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-226
Author(s):  
Yibing Zhang ◽  
Yong Zhao ◽  
Yongwang Ran ◽  
Jianyou Guo ◽  
Haifeng Cui ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundSevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic, is known to induce widespread neuronal degeneration and apoptosis. Recently, the stress-inducible protein sestrin 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been found to regulate the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppress oxidative stress. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a saponin isolated from Panax notoginseng, has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. The effects of NGR1 against neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane were assessed.MethodsSprague-Dawley rat pups on postnatal day 7 (PD7) were exposed to sevoflurane (3%) anesthesia for 6 h. NGR1 at doses of 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg body weight was orally administered to pups from PD2 to PD7.ResultsPretreatment with NGR1 attenuated sevoflurane-induced generation of ROS and reduced apoptotic cell counts. Western blotting revealed decreased cleaved caspase 3 and Bad and Bax pro-apoptotic protein expression. NGR1 substantially upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression along with increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 levels, suggesting Nrf2 signaling activation. Enhanced sestrin-2 and phosphorylated AMPK expression were noticed following NGR1 pretreatment.ConclusionThis study revealed the neuroprotective effects of NGR1 through effective suppression of apoptosis and ROS via regulation of apoptotic proteins and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and sestrin 2/AMPK signaling cascades.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Jiang ◽  
Zhen Zhou ◽  
Qing-tao Meng ◽  
Qian Sun ◽  
Wating Su ◽  
...  

Objective. Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (II/R) injury plays a critical role in remote organ dysfunction, such as lung injury, which is associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. In the present study, we tested whether ginsenoside Rb1 attenuated II/R induced lung injury by Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.Methods. II/R injury was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by 45 min of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Ginsenoside Rb1 was administrated prior to reperfusion with or without ATRA (all-transretinoic acid, the inhibitor of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway) administration before II/R.Results. II/R induced lung histological injury, which is accompanied with increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin- (IL-) 6, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)αbut decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and IL-10 in the lung tissues. Ginsenoside Rb1 reduced lung histological injury and the levels of TNF-αand MDA, as well as wet/dry weight ratio. Interestingly, the increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression induced by II/R in the lung tissues was promoted by ginsenoside Rb1 treatment. All these changes could be inhibited or prevented by ATRA.Conclusion. Ginsenoside Rb1 is capable of ameliorating II/R induced lung injuries by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 554
Author(s):  
Hye-Jin Park ◽  
Ha-Neul Kim ◽  
Chul Young Kim ◽  
Min-Duk Seo ◽  
Seung-Hoon Baek

Dendropanax morbifera leaves (DML) have long been used as traditional medicine to treat diverse symptoms in Korea. Ethyl acetate-soluble extracts of DML (DMLE) rescued HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells from glutamate (Glu)-induced oxidative cell death; however, the protective compounds and mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we aimed to identify the neuroprotective ingredients and mechanisms of DMLE in the Glu-HT22 cell model. Five antioxidant compounds were isolated from DMLE and characterized as chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin, and rutin by spectroscopic methods. Isoquercitrin and quercetin significantly inhibited Glu-induced oxidative cell death by restoring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial superoxide generation, Ca2+ dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor. These two compounds significantly increased the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the presence or absence of Glu treatment. Combinatorial treatment of the five compounds based on the equivalent concentrations in DMLE showed that significant protection was found only in the cells cotreated with isoquercitrin and quercetin, both of whom showed prominent synergism, as assessed by drug–drug interaction analysis. These findings suggest that isoquercitrin and quercetin are the active principles representing the protective effects of DMLE, and these effects were mediated by the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
WX Zhang ◽  
XY Xiao ◽  
CG Peng ◽  
WL Chen ◽  
S Xie ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) on paraquat (PQ)-induced myocardial injuries in a rat model. Methods: Healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, PQ, and PQ + STS groups. PQ group was given a single intragastric administration of PQ (80 mg/kg). PQ + STS group was intraperitoneally injected with STS (1 ml/kg) at 30 min following PQ exposure. Rats in control and PQ groups were injected with equal amount of saline. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, rats were killed, and the apoptosis of myocardial cells was detected. Myocardial expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. The activity of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway was assessed by Western blot. Results: The apoptotic cells in PQ group were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner compared with the control group ( p < 0.01). The rats in PQ group exhibited significantly lower Bcl-2 expression, but notably higher Bax expression at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after PQ exposure ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). STS intervention markedly reduced the proportion of apoptotic myocardial cells, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). The expression of phosphorylated Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 in PQ + STS group was significantly increased compared with PQ and control groups ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion: STS effectively inhibits PQ-induced myocardial cell apoptosis in rats via modulating the Nrf2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for PQ-induced myocardium damage.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-260
Author(s):  
Fan Yang ◽  
Lu Deng ◽  
MuHu Chen ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Jianpeng Zheng

Acute lung injury initiated systemic inflammation leads to sepsis. Septic mice show a series of degenerative changes in lungs as demonstrated by pulmonary congestion, alveolar collapse, inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased wet-todry weight in lungs. 6-Gingerol ameliorates histopathological changes and clinical outcome of the sepsis. The increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-18 in septic mice were reduced by administration with 6-Gingerol. Also, 6-Gingerol attenuates sepsis-induced increase of malonaldehyde and decrease of catalase, superoxide, and glutathione. Enhanced phospho-p65, reduced nuclear factor erythropoietin-2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase 1 in septic mice were reversed by administration with 6-Gingerol. In conclusion, 6-Gingerol demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against sepsis associated acute lung injury through inactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B and activation of nuclear-factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (02) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Rui Hao ◽  
Li-Chin Sung ◽  
Chun-Chao Chen ◽  
Hong-Jye Hong ◽  
Ju-Chi Liu ◽  
...  

Through population-based studies, associations have been found between coffee drinking and numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Active ingredients in coffee have therefore received considerable attention from researchers. A wide variety of effects have been attributed to cafestol, one of the major compounds in coffee beans. Because cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, this study examined whether cafestol inhibits urotensin II (U-II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed only to U-II (1[Formula: see text]nM) or to U-II (1[Formula: see text]nM) following 12-h pretreatment with cafestol (1–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M). Cafestol (3–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M) pretreatment significantly inhibited U-II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with an accompanying decrease in U-II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cafestol also inhibited U-II-induced phosphorylation of redox-sensitive extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. In addition, cafestol pretreatment increased Src homology region 2 domains-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) activity, suggesting that cafestol prevents ROS-induced SHP-2 inactivation. Moreover, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression were enhanced by cafestol. Addition of brusatol (a specific inhibitor of Nrf2) or Nrf2 siRNA significantly attenuated cafestol-mediated inhibitory effects on U-II-stimulated ROS production and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In summary, our data indicate that cafestol prevented U-II-induced cardiomycyte hypertrophy through Nrf2/HO-1 activation and inhibition of redox signaling, resulting in cardioprotective effects. These novel findings suggest that cafestol could be applied in pharmacological therapy for cardiac diseases.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document