Anemopsis californica Attenuates Photoaging by Regulating MAPK, NRF2, and NFATc1 Signaling Pathways

Long-term exposure of the skin to solar radiation causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which accelerates collagen degradation. This contributes to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots, skin fragility, and even skin cancer. In this study, Anemopsis californica (AC), a herb from North America that is well known for treating microorganism infection and promoting wound healing, was investigated for its photoprotective effects. The biological effects of AC were studied on two in vitro models, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated dermal fibroblasts, to characterize its underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that AC decreased the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators in sensitized macrophages, including cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Moreover, AC alleviated UVB-induced photoaging in dermal fibroblasts by restoring procollagen synthesis. This resulted from the regulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) by AC, which was mediated by the activation of the antioxidative system nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). AC also alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and interfering with the nuclear translocation of the immune regulator nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1). In conclusion, the protective effects of AC on skin cellular components suggested that it has the potential for use in the development of drugs and cosmetics that protect the skin from UVB-induced chronic inflammation and aging.

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Crosstalk between Long-Term Sublethal Oxidative Stress and Detrimental Inflammation as Potential Drivers for Age-Related Retinal Degeneration

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10010025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Lara Macchioni ◽

Davide Chiasserini ◽

Letizia Mezzasoma ◽

Magdalena Davidescu ◽

Pier Luigi Orvietani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Rpe Cells ◽

Age Related ◽

Oxidative Insult

Age-related retinal degenerations, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are caused by the loss of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells and photoreceptors. The pathogenesis of AMD, deeply linked to the aging process, also involves oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to the shift from healthy aging to AMD are still poorly understood. Since RPE cells in the retina are chronically exposed to a pro-oxidant microenvironment throughout life, we simulated in vivo conditions by growing ARPE-19 cells in the presence of 10 μM H2O2 for several passages. This long-term oxidative insult induced senescence in ARPE-19 cells without affecting cell proliferation. Global proteomic analysis revealed a dysregulated expression in proteins involved in antioxidant response, mitochondrial homeostasis, and extracellular matrix organization. The analyses of mitochondrial functionality showed increased mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP generation and improved response to oxidative stress. The latter, however, was linked to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) rather than nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. NF-κB hyperactivation also resulted in increased pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and inflammasome activation. Moreover, in response to additional pro-inflammatory insults, senescent ARPE-19 cells underwent an exaggerated inflammatory reaction. Our results indicate senescence as an important link between chronic oxidative insult and detrimental chronic inflammation, with possible future repercussions for therapeutic interventions.

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Tackling Chronic Inflammation with Withanolide Phytochemicals—A Withaferin A Perspective

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9111107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1107

Author(s):

Emilie Logie ◽

Wim Vanden Berghe

Keyword(s):

Chronic Inflammation ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Withaferin A ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽

In Vivo Models ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Chronic inflammatory diseases are considered to be one of the biggest threats to human health. Most prescribed pharmaceutical drugs aiming to treat these diseases are characterized by side-effects and negatively affect therapy adherence. Finding alternative treatment strategies to tackle chronic inflammation has therefore been gaining interest over the last few decades. In this context, Withaferin A (WA), a natural bioactive compound isolated from Withania somnifera, has been identified as a promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compound. Although the majority of studies focus on the molecular mechanisms of WA in cancer models, recent evidence demonstrates that WA also holds promise as a new phytotherapeutic agent against chronic inflammatory diseases. By targeting crucial inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling, WA suppresses the inflammatory disease state in several in vitro and preclinical in vivo models of diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, cystic fibrosis and osteoarthritis. This review provides a concise overview of the molecular mechanisms by which WA orchestrates its anti-inflammatory effects to restore immune homeostasis.

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TFEB activates Nrf2 by repressing its E3 ubiquitin ligase DCAF11 and promoting phosphorylation of p62

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-50877-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jee-Yun Park ◽

Sunhyo Kim ◽

Hee Young Sohn ◽

Young Ho Koh ◽

Chulman Jo

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Ubiquitin Ligase ◽

E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ◽

Biological Response ◽

Related Factor ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Glutathione S Transferase ◽

First Time ◽

Cellular Stressors

Abstract Transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) play crucial roles in the biological response against cellular stressors; however, their relationship has not yet been investigated. Here, we constructed human neuroglioma cell lines stably expressing TFEB. The expression of Nrf2-response genes, including heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutathione-s-transferase-mu1 (GSTM1), and p62, was induced in the cell line, independent of oxidative stress. Of note, the protein level of Nrf2 was significantly increased, and its ubiquitinated fraction was reduced in stable cells compared to that in the control cells. Among E3 ubiquitin ligases known to be involved in the ubiquitination of Nrf2, DDB1 and Cullin4 associated factor 11 (DCAF11) was down-regulated at both protein and mRNA levels in stable cells, indicating that the repression of DCAF11 by TFEB may be mainly involved in the stabilization of Nrf2. In addition, the level of phosphorylated p62 at S349 was highly increased in stable cells compared to that in control cells, which could allow it to interfere with the association of Keap1 and Nrf2, thus stabilizing Nrf2. We suggest for the first time that TFEB could activate Nrf2 by increasing its stability under conditions devoid of oxidative stress.

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Isoliquiritigenin Confers Neuroprotection and Alleviates Amyloid-β42-Induced Neuroinflammation in Microglia by Regulating the Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling

Frontiers in Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnins.2021.638772 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Yue Fu ◽

Jianping Jia

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Inflammatory Response ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

No Production ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Bv2 Cells ◽

And Oxidative Stress

BackgroundNeuroinflammation and oxidative stress are two major pathological characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β oligomers (AβO), a toxic form of Aβ, promote the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the development of AD. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural flavonoid isolated from the root of liquorice, has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on inflammatory response and oxidative stress.ObjectivesThe main purpose of this study is to assess the influence of ISL on inflammatory response and oxidative stress in BV2 cells stimulated with AβO, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays were used to assess the toxic or protective effects of ISL. The expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Morphological changes in BV2 cells were assessed by immunofluorescence method. Nitric oxide (NO) assay kit was used to determinate the NO production. Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.ResultsISL treatment reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines and NO, and alleviated the morphological changes in BV2 cells induced by AβO. ISL treatment further protected N2a cells from the toxic medium of AβO-stimulated BV2 cells. ISL activated nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in BV2 cells.ConclusionISL suppresses AβO-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in BV2 cells via the regulation of Nrf2/NF-κB signaling. Therefore, ISL indirectly protects neurons from the damage of toxic conditioned media.

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Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses in a Murine Model of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury and TNF-α-Stimulated NCI-H292 Cells

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9030198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ba-Wool Lee ◽

Ji-Hye Ha ◽

Han-Gyo Shin ◽

Seong-Hun Jeong ◽

Da-Bin Jeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Acute Lung Injury ◽

Lung Injury ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Herbal Remedy ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Tnf Α

Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora (SP) is traditionally used as an herbal remedy to treat fever, malaria, and emesis. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract of SP leaves in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells and in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. SP decreased the number of inflammatory cells and the levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissues of SP-treated mice. In addition, SP significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. SP significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and p65-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-induced ALI mice and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. SP treatment enhanced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) with upregulated antioxidant enzymes and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress in the lung tissues of LPS-induced ALI model and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. Collectively, SP effectively inhibited airway inflammation and ROS-mediated oxidative stress, which was closely related to its ability to induce activation of Nrf2 and inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB. These findings suggest that SP has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALI.

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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bischofia javanica (Blume) Leaf Methanol Extracts through the Regulation of Nrf2 and TAK1

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10081295 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1295

Author(s):

Sewoong Lee ◽

Jain Ha ◽

Jiyoung Park ◽

Eunjeong Kang ◽

Sung-Hyun Jeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

The Philippines ◽

No Production ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Methanol Extracts ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Bischofia Javanica

Bischofia javanica (Blume) has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases such as tonsillitis and ulcers throughout Asia, including China, Indonesia, and the Philippines: however, the molecular mechanisms by which B. javanica exerts its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of methanol extracts of B. javanica leaves (MBJ) in vitro and in vivo. MBJ decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The observed suppression of inflammatory responses by MBJ was correlated with an inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Additionally, MBJ induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that upregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes. Furthermore, MBJ exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in an acute hepatitis mouse model. In conclusion, our results confirm the medicinal properties of B. javanica, and therefore MBJ could be applied to improve inflammatory and redox imbalances in different types of pathologies.

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Brain Dicer1 is down-regulated in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease via Aβ42-induced repression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25902/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yan Wang ◽

Meiling Lian ◽

Jing Zhou ◽

shengzhou wu

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Mouse Model ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Cultured Neurons ◽

Related Factor ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Dicer1 Expression

Abstract Background Oxidative stress critically underlies the neurodegenerative pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Depletion of Dicer1, an endoribonuclease central to microRNA maturation, also leads to neurodegeneration. We therefore hypothesized that altered Dicer1 expression may play a role in AD. Results Using immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR, we found that Dicer1 protein and mRNA levels were reduced in the hippocampi of animals of the AD mouse model APPswe/PSEN1dE9 compared with littermate controls. SiRNA-meditated Dicer1 knockdown induced oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial intermembrane potential, and increased apoptosis in cultured neurons. Aβ42 exposure decreased Dicer1 and also down-regulated the oxidative stress–induced transcriptional regulator nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Conversely, Nrf2 overexpression increased Dicer1 mRNA and protein levels and reverted the Aβ42-induced Dicer1 reduction. To further investigate Dicer1 regulation, we cloned Dicer1 promoter variants harboring the Nrf2-binding site, the antioxidant response elements (ARE), into a luciferase reporter and found that simultaneous transfection of Nrf2-expressing plasmid increased luciferase expression from these promoter constructs. ChIP assays indicated that Nrf2 directly interacted with the ARE motifs in the Dicer1 promoter. Furthermore, Dicer1 overexpression in cultured neurons reverted Aβ42-induced neurite deficits. Of note, injection of Dicer1-expressing adenovirus into the hippocampus of the AD mice significantly improved spatial learning. Conclusions These findings indicate that Dicer1 expression is reduced in the AD brain and that chronic Aβ exposure decreases Dicer1 levels in neurons via Nrf2–ARE signaling. Our results uncover a significant role for Dicer1 in AD and highlight that Dicer1 expression responds to oxidative stress in the brain.

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Effects of Lespedeza Bicolor Extract on Regulation of AMPK Associated Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8120599 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 599 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Younmi Kim ◽

Heaji Lee ◽

Sun Yeou Kim ◽

Yunsook Lim

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Lipid Synthesis ◽

Hepatic Damage ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Diabetic Mice ◽

Lespedeza Bicolor

Lespedeza bicolor (LB) is one of the ornamental plants used for the treatment of inflammation caused by oxidative damage. However, its beneficial effects on hyperglycemia-induced hepatic damage and the related molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that Lespedeza bicolor extract (LBE) would attenuate hyperglycemia-induced liver injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diabetes was induced by a low dosage of streptozotocin (STZ) injection (30 mg/kg) with a high fat diet in male C57BL/6J mice. LBE was administered orally at 100 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg for 12 weeks. LBE supplementation regardless of dosage ameliorated plasma levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetic mice. Moreover, both LBE supplementations upregulated AMP-activation kinase (AMPK), which may activate sirtuin1 (SIRT) associated pathway accompanied by decreased lipid synthesis at low dose of LBE supplementation. These changes were in part explained by reduced protein levels of oxidative stress (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and catalase), inflammation (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide synthases (iNOS)), and fibrosis (α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and protein kinase C (PKC)) in diabetic liver. Taken together, LBE might be a potential nutraceutical to ameliorate hepatic damage by regulation of AMPK associated pathway via oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in T2DM.

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Oxidative Stress, NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation and Apoptosis in the Testes of Streptozotocin–Induced Diabetic Rats: Combined Protective Effects of Malaysian Propolis and Metformin

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8100465 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 465 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Victor Udo Nna ◽

Ainul Bahiyah Abu Bakar ◽

Azlina Ahmad ◽

Chinedum Ogbonnaya Eleazu ◽

Mahaneem Mohamed

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Nitric Oxide ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Diabetic Rats ◽

Male Reproductive System ◽

Related Factor ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Protein Levels

Oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis are major complications that trigger organ failure in diabetes mellitus (DM), and are proven to adversely affect the male reproductive system. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated the promising protective effects of propolis in DM and its associated systemic effects. Herein, we investigated the effect of Malaysian propolis (MP) on testicular oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic rats. Further, the possibility of a complementary effect of MP with the anti-hyperglycaemic agent, metformin (Met), was studied with the idea of recommending its use in the event that Met alone is unable to contain the negative effects of DM on the male reproductive system in mind. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were either gavaged distilled water (normoglycaemic control and diabetic control groups), MP (diabetic rats on MP), Met (diabetic rats on Met) or MP+Met (diabetic rats on MP+Met), for 4 weeks. MP decreased oxidative stress by up-regulating (p < 0.05) testicular mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase; increasing (p < 0.05) the activities of antioxidant enzymes; and decreasing (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation in the testes and epididymis of diabetic rats. Further, MP down-regulated (p < 0.05) testicular mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (nuclear factor kappa B, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β), decreased (p < 0.05) the nitric oxide level, and increased (p < 0.05) IL-10 mRNA and protein levels. MP also down-regulated (p < 0.05) Bax/Bcl-2, p53, casapase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 genes, and increased (p < 0.05) testicular germ cell proliferation. MP’s effects were comparable to Met. However, the best results were achieved following co-administration of MP and Met. Therefore, we concluded that administration of the MP+Met combination better attenuates testicular oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in DM, relative to MP or Met monotherapy, and may improve the fertility of males with DM.

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Oxidative Damage and Nrf2 Translocation Induced by Toxicities of Deoxynivalenol on the Placental and Embryo on Gestation Day 12.5 d and 18.5 d

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins10090370 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 370 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Miao Yu ◽

Zhi-Yuan Wei ◽

Zhou-Heng Xu ◽

Jia-Qi Pan ◽

Jian-Huan Chen

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Superoxide Dismutase ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Elevated Level ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Pathway Activation ◽

Different Doses

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a kind of natural pollutant belonging to the trichothecenes family. The aim of this study is to use diverse assays to evaluate oxidative damage as well as translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and to investigate their mechanisms in DON-induced toxicities on a placenta and embryo. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups with different doses of DON: 0, 1.0, 2.5 mg/(kg·day). In gestation day (GD) 12.5 d and 18.5 d, DON induced an elevated resorption rate of the embryos as well as structural and functional damage of the placenta. In the placenta, altered levels of the antioxidant enzymes malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione indicated remarkable oxidative stress. Furthermore, an elevated level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the translocation of Nrf2 from nucleus to cytoplasm indicated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation in DON-L group (1.0 mg/(kg·day)). It is noteworthy that the results in this experiment in GD 12.5 d were similar to those in GD 18.5 d. In conclusion, DON-induced placental oxidative damage and Nrf2 translocation were similar in GD 12.5 d and GD 18.5 d. Oxidative stress is one of the most important molecular mechanisms for embryotoxicity induced by DON, and Nrf2 translocation may play a substantial role against it.

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