scholarly journals The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis Heart Shunt Part I: The French Paradox, Heart Disease and the Microbiota

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Obrenovich ◽  
Bushra Siddiqui ◽  
Benjamin McCloskey ◽  
V. Prakash Reddy

It has been well established that a vegetarian and polyphenol-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables, teas, juices, wine, indigestible fiber and whole grains, provide health-promoting phytochemicals and phytonutrients that are beneficial for the heart and brain. What is not well-characterized is the affect these foods have when co-metabolized within our dynamic gut and its colonizing flora. The concept of a heart shunt within the microbiota-gut-brain axis underscores the close association between brain and heart health and the so-called “French paradox” offers clues for understanding neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, oxidation-redox reactions and redox properties of so-called brain and heart-protective foods are underappreciated as to their enhanced or deleterious mechanisms of action. Focusing on prodromal stages, and common mechanisms underlying heart, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, we may unmask and understanding the means to better treat these related diseases.

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Tasuku Konno ◽  
Eduardo Pinho Melo ◽  
Joseph E. Chambers ◽  
Edward Avezov

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced continuously throughout the cell as products of various redox reactions. Yet these products function as important signal messengers, acting through oxidation of specific target factors. Whilst excess ROS production has the potential to induce oxidative stress, physiological roles of ROS are supported by a spatiotemporal equilibrium between ROS producers and scavengers such as antioxidative enzymes. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a non-radical ROS, is produced through the process of oxidative folding. Utilisation and dysregulation of H2O2, in particular that generated in the ER, affects not only cellular homeostasis but also the longevity of organisms. ROS dysregulation has been implicated in various pathologies including dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, sanctioning a field of research that strives to better understand cell-intrinsic ROS production. Here we review the organelle-specific ROS-generating and consuming pathways, providing evidence that the ER is a major contributing source of potentially pathologic ROS.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Andrea Bacci ◽  
Massimiliano Runfola ◽  
Simona Sestito ◽  
Simona Rapposelli

The complex network of malfunctioning pathways occurring in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represents a huge hurdle in the development of new effective drugs to be used in therapy. In this context, redox reactions act as crucial regulators in the maintenance of neuronal microenvironment homeostasis. Particularly, their imbalance results in the severe compromising of organism’s natural defense systems and subsequently, in the instauration of deleterious OS, that plays a fundamental role in the insurgence and progress of NDDs. Despite the huge efforts in drug discovery programs, the identification process of new therapeutic agents able to counteract the relentless progress of neurodegenerative processes has produced low or no effective therapies. Consequently, a paradigm-shift in the drug discovery approach for these diseases is gradually occurring, paving the way for innovative therapeutical approaches, such as polypharmacology. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the main pharmacological features of most promising nature-based scaffolds for a possible application in drug discovery, especially for NDDs, highlighting their multifaceted effects against OS and neuronal disorders.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1266
Author(s):  
Andreja Figurek ◽  
Merita Rroji ◽  
Goce Spasovski

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) appears to be one of the most promising biomarkers and predictors of cardiovascular risk in patients with heart disease and normal kidney function, but moreover in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review summarizes the current knowledge of FGF23 mechanisms of action in the myocardium in the physiological and pathophysiological state of CKD, as well as its cross-talk to other important signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes. In this regard, current therapeutic possibilities and future perspectives are also discussed.


2001 ◽  
Vol 73 (12) ◽  
pp. 1885-1894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy J. McKenzie ◽  
Frank Marken

Nanoparticulate iron oxides occur naturally, for example, in soil, water, and in the cytoplasm of living cells. The redox properties and detection of these nanoparticles are therefore of considerable importance. Understanding and mimicking nanoparticle-based redox reactions may lead to new types of water-based electrochemical processes. In this study, the electrochemical detection of 4­5 nm diameter Fe2O3 nanoparticles dissolved in aqueous buffer solutions is investigated as a model system. Voltammetric experiments with nanoparticulate Fe2O3 are reported based on two complementary approaches: (i) Fe2O3 nanoparticles adsorbed onto tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) electrodes are shown to give well-defined voltammetric reduction responses and (ii) hydrodynamic voltammety in the presence of fast (24 kHz ultrasound-enhanced) mass transport is shown to allow the direct detection of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in solution. Both the adhesion and the electrochemical reactivity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles at ITO electrode surfaces are strongly affected by the solution composition and the pH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (01) ◽  
pp. 014-017
Author(s):  
Jyotsna Kailashiya ◽  
Debabrata Dash

AbstractNanoceria is a nanosized particle preparation of cerium oxide. It shows mixture of cerium in the 3+ and 4+ states on the nanoparticle surface, giving it interesting redox properties. Nanoceria shows effective biological antioxidant properties, which makes it a great candidate for biomedical applications. Many studies have shown promising results on therapeutic potential of nanoceria in diseases like cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Meanwhile, other studies explored biodistribution and toxicity of nanoceria. This review article describes nanoceria, its relevant biomedical applications, and adverse effects, based on previously reported studies.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 857
Author(s):  
Inyong Jung ◽  
Hyerin Kim ◽  
Seongcheol Moon ◽  
Hyuk Lee ◽  
Bonglee Kim

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) is a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment for various diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in East Asia including Korea. Considering its extensive usage as a therapeutic agent for multiple diseases, there is a need to review previous research regarding its therapeutic benefits and their mechanisms. Therefore, we searched PubMed and PubMed Central for articles reporting its therapeutic effects on certain disease groups including cancers, cardiovascular, liver, and nervous system diseases. This review provides an overview of therapeutic benefits and targets of S. miltiorrhiza, including inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The findings on multi-functional properties of S. miltiorrhiza discussed in this article support the efficacy of S. miltiorrhiza extract on various diseases, but also call for further research on the multiple mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.


1999 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 1771-1807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorin Kihara ◽  
Zenko Yoshida ◽  
Hisao Aoyagi ◽  
Kohji Maeda ◽  
Osamu Shirai ◽  
...  

Standard redox potentials, E0s, and redox processes of U, Np and Pu ions in acidic aqueous solutions are reviewed and evaluated critically. The E0sof reversible redox processes, MO22+/MO2+ and M4+/M3+ (M: U, Np or Pu) adopted are those proposed mainly by Riglet et al. on the basis of the precise correction of formal potentials, E0's, according to the improved theoretical approach to estimate the activity coefficient. Electrode processes of the U, Np and Pu ions are discussed in terms of current-potential curves, measured so far by polarography, voltammetry or flow coulometry. Special attention is payed to the irreversible MO2+/M4+ reactions. Disproportionation reactions of MO2+ are also discussed. New substances are introduced as intermediates during reductions of MO2+ to M4+ or disproportionations of MO2+.CONTENTSIntroductionStandard redox potentials for uranium, neptunium and plutonium ions in acidic aqueous solutions2.1 Evaluation of E0 from E0' determined by electrochemical measurements2.2 Temperature dependence of E0Redox reactions of uranium, neptunium and plutonium in acidic aqueous solutions investigated by polarography or voltammetry3.1 Uranium3.2 Neptunium3.3 Plutonium3.4 Disproportionation of NpO2+, PuO2+, Np4+ and Pu4+3.5 Reduction of MO2+ and reduction intermediatesRedox reactions of uranium, neptunium and plutonium in acidic aqueous solutions investigated by flow coulometry4.1 Electrode processes of the uranium, neptunium and plutonium ions investigated by flow coulometry at the column electrode at the column electrode4.2 Disproportionation of MO2+ during the electrolysis by flow coulometry4.3 Reduction mechanisms of MO2+ (M = Np or Pu) and reduction intermediates investigated by flow coulometryConclusionsList of abbreviationsAppendixReferences


1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizwan Ahmad ◽  
David A. Armstrong

Elementary considerations indicate that thiol radicals, RS•, should have a high redox potential [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]However, the equilibrium [4],[Formula: see text]which is established in the presence of excess RS−, would convert RS•to [Formula: see text] which is a reducing species. Experimentally it was demonstrated that thiol radicals made by γ radiolysis of β-mercaptoethanol solutions effected two-electron oxidation of dihydroflavin FlH2 at pH 6.3 and of FlH− at pH 8. On the other hand, [Formula: see text] readily reduced Fl to FlH2 or FlH− as expected. At pH 9, photostationary states were established after a few minutes radiolysis and the ratios [FlH−]ss/[Fl]ss were a function of [Formula: see text] The main reactions occurring were:[Formula: see text]The values of k19 and k22 were both large. The ratio k19/k22 was ∼0.8 for lumiflavin and ∼0.3 for flavin adenine dinucleotide. The cyclic disulphide anions of lipoamide and dithiothreitol [Formula: see text] also effected two-electron reductions of flavins. However, the protonated form of [Formula: see text] oxidized FlH2, and the photostationary ratio [FlH−]ss/[Fl]ss was an approximate linear function of [Formula: see text]. The implications of the observed changes in redox properties of sulphur radicals on complexation with RS− and protonation were briefly considered.Des considérations élémentaires indiquent que les radicaux thiyles, RS•, doivent avoir un potentiel rédox élevé [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley C. C. Chik ◽  
Terry C. T. Or ◽  
D. Luo ◽  
Cindy L. H. Yang ◽  
Allan S. Y. Lau

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to the selective loss of neuronal systems in patients. The diseases cause high morbidity and mortality to approximately 22 million people worldwide and the number is expected to be tripled by 2050. Up to now, there is no effective prevention and treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases. Although some of the clinical therapies target at slowing down the progression of symptoms of the diseases, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular alternative remedies as it has been practiced clinically for more than thousands of years in China. As neurodegenerative diseases are mediated through different pathways, herbal decoction with multiple herbs is used as an effective therapeutic approach to work on multiple targets. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a popular TCM decoction, has been used to treat stroke in China. The decoction contains compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, carotenoids, and natural phenols, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent publications of the pharmacological effects of these five groups of compounds. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds may provide new treatment opportunities for the patients with neurodegenerative diseases.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Pogačnik ◽  
Ajda Ota ◽  
Nataša Poklar Ulrih

Neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are becoming one of the main health concerns due to the increasing aging of the world’s population. These diseases often share the same biological mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and/or protein fibrillation. Recently, there have been many studies published pointing out the possibilities to reduce and postpone the clinical manifestation of these deadly diseases through lifelong consumption of some crucial dietary substances, among which phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols) and endogenous substances (e.g., acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, n-3 poysaturated fatty acids) showed the most promising results. Another important issue that has been pointed out recently is the availability of these substances to the central nervous system, where they have to be present in high enough concentrations in order to exhibit their neuroprotective properties. As so, such the aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding neuroprotective substances, their mechanisms of action, as well as to point out therapeutic considerations, including their bioavailability and safety for humans.


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