Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is cha...Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is characterized by bleeding within the brain.Stroke is a lifethreatening cerebrovascular condition characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms,including oxidative stress,inflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,and neuronal injury.Critical transcription factors,such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor kappa B,play central roles in the progression of stroke.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is sensitive to changes in the cellular redox status and is crucial in protecting cells against oxidative damage,inflammatory responses,and cytotoxic agents.It plays a significant role in post-stroke neuroprotection and repair by influencing mitochondrial function,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and lysosomal activity and regulating metabolic pathways and cytokine expression.Conversely,nuclear factor-kappa B is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction,the generation of reactive oxygen species,oxidative stress exacerbation,and inflammation.Nuclear factor-kappa B contributes to neuronal injury,apoptosis,and immune responses following stroke by modulating cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators.The interplay between these pathways,potentially involving crosstalk among various organelles,significantly influences stroke pathophysiology.Advancements in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have greatly improved our understanding of stroke pathogenesis and offer new opportunities for the development of targeted,individualized,cell typespecific treatments.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke,with an emphasis on their roles in oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuroprotection.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and treatment-resistant disorder requiring potent therapeutics that are effective and safe.Cedrol(CE)is a bioactive natural product present in many traditional Chinese med...BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and treatment-resistant disorder requiring potent therapeutics that are effective and safe.Cedrol(CE)is a bioactive natural product present in many traditional Chinese medicines.It is known for its suppression of inflammation and mitigation of oxidative stress.Its therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic underpinnings in UC remain uncharacterized.AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of CE in UC.METHODS The anti-inflammatory activity and intestinal barrier-repairing effects of CE were assessed in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis model.Network pharmacology was employed to predict potential targets and pathways.Then molecular docking and dynamics simulations were utilized to confirm a stable interaction between CE and the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2(MD2)complex.The anti-inflammatory mechanisms were further verified using in vitro assays.Additionally,the gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.RESULTS CE significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,mitigated histopathological damage,and suppressed inflammation.Moreover,CE restored intestinal barrier integrity by enhancing mucus secretion and upregulating tight junction proteins(zonula occludens 1,occludin,claudin-1).Mechanistically,CE stably bound to MD2,inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 signaling in RAW264.7 cells.This led to suppression of the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways,downregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Gut microbiota analysis revealed that CE reversed dextran sulfate sodium-induced dysbiosis with significant enrichment of butyrogenic Christensenella minuta.CONCLUSION CE acted on MD2 to suppress proinflammatory cascades,promoting mucosal barrier reconstitution and microbiota remodeling and supporting its therapeutic use in UC.展开更多
The activation of the sirtuin1(SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing ...The activation of the sirtuin1(SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels.Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid(ZFXN)ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI).However,the underlying mechanism,particularly whether it involves protecting mitochondria and inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,remains unclear.This study employed an oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)cell model using SHSY5Y cells and induced PSCI in rats through modified bilateral carotid artery ligation(2VO).The effects of ZFXN on learning and memory,neuroprotective activity,mitochondrial function,oxidative stress,and the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.Results indicated that ZFXN significantly increased the B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl2)/Bcl2-associated X(Bax)ratio,reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nickend-labeling(TUNEL)+cells,and markedly improved cognition,synaptic plasticity,and neuronal function in the hippocampus and cortex.Furthermore,ZFXN exhibited potent antioxidant activity,evidenced by decreased ROS and malondialdehyde(MDA)content and increased superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione(GSH)levels.ZFXN also demonstrated considerable enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),Tom 20 fluorescence intensity,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and energy charge(EC)levels,and mitochondrial complexⅠandⅢactivity,thereby inhibiting mitochondrial damage.Additionally,ZFXN significantly increased SIRT1 activity and elevated SIRT1,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 levels.Notably,these effects were substantially counteracted when SIRT1 was suppressed by the inhibitor EX-527 in vitro.In conclusion,ZFXN alleviates PSCI by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and preventing mitochondrial damage.展开更多
The transcriptional cascade and regulatory loop play crucial roles in regulating plant-specialized metabolite biosynthesis.Capsaicinoids are unique to the genus Capsicum and confer a pungent flavor to its fruits.Howev...The transcriptional cascade and regulatory loop play crucial roles in regulating plant-specialized metabolite biosynthesis.Capsaicinoids are unique to the genus Capsicum and confer a pungent flavor to its fruits.However,the transcriptional regulation of capsaicinoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown.In this study,two AP2/ERF transcription factors(TFs),CaERF102 and CaERF111,were characterized for their role in the capsaicinoid biosynthesis process.Expression analysis of two ERFs and capsaicinoid biosynthetic genes(CBGs)suggested that they were associated with capsaicinoid biosynthesis.Both ERFs encode nuclear-localized proteins and function as transcriptional activators through their C-terminal activation motifs.The two ERF TFs participated in capsaicinoid biosynthesis by directly activating the promoters of key CBGs,and this activation was significantly enhanced when CaMYC2 was co-expressed.Moreover,CaERF102 and CaERF111 were found to interact with CaMYC2.This study helps elucidate the AP2/ERF TF regulatory network that governs capsaicinoid biosynthesis in Capsicum species.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic ischemia reperfusion(HIR)injury is a major complication affecting various major liver surgeries,including liver transplantation.Aprepitant(APRE),a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist,is commonly used a...BACKGROUND Hepatic ischemia reperfusion(HIR)injury is a major complication affecting various major liver surgeries,including liver transplantation.Aprepitant(APRE),a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist,is commonly used as an antiemetic to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.AIM To assess the potential protective effect of APRE against HIR-induced liver injury via targeting the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-,leucine-rich repeat-,and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3/interleukin(IL)-1beta signaling pathway.METHODS Six groups of adult male Wistar albino rats were divided as follows:Sham group,Sham/APRE10 group(APRE 10 mg/kg),HIR group,HIR/APRE5 group(APRE 5 mg/kg),HIR/APRE10 group(APRE 10 mg/kg),and HIR/APRE20 group(APRE 20 mg/kg).Serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,liver malondialdehyde,total antioxidant capacity levels,as well as IL-6,sirtuin 1(Sirt1),caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,and tumor necrosis factor alpha biomarkers,were evaluated.Hepatic specimens were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2)immunoexpression.RESULTS HIR resulted in hepatic damage,as evidenced by histopathological changes and a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,hepatic malondialdehyde,caspase-3,and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels.Additionally,there were significant increases in hepatic total antioxidant capacity and reductions in IL-6 and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels,as demonstrated by Western blot analysis,along with enhanced immunoexpression of Sirt1 and Nrf2.APRE has significantly reduced various parameters of oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis,and a significant increase in liver Nrf2 immunoexpression,leading to a significant improvement in the histopathological changes.CONCLUSION In conclusion,targeting the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway,as demonstrated by APRE in our model,could present a promising therapeutic target to protect against HIR-induced liver injury during major liver surgeries.展开更多
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease(PD)-a progressive neurodegenerative disorder-is characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction.The exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for PD is vital.AIM To investi...BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease(PD)-a progressive neurodegenerative disorder-is characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction.The exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for PD is vital.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism of action of rhapontin-a natural compound with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-in the context of PD.METHODS Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets and mechanisms of action of rhapontin in PD.Behavioral tests and tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence analysis were used to assess the effect of rhapontin on symptoms and pathology in MPTP-induced mice.Interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and IL-10 levels in tissues were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Additionally,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)activation was confirmed using western blotting.RESULTS NRF2 was predicted to be the key transcription factor underlying the therapeutic effects of rhapontin in PD,and its anti-PD action may be associated with its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.Rhapontin ameliorated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and gastrointestinal dysfunction in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced mice by activating NRF2.Additio-nally,rhapontin treatment significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β)in the substantia nigra,striatum,and colon,whereas it increased anti-inflammatory cytokine(IL-10)levels only in the colon,indicating the involvement of gut–brain axis in its neuroprotective potential.Finally,NRF2 was identified as a key transcription factor activated by rhapontin,particularly in the colon.CONCLUSION We elucidated the effects of rhapontin in MPTP-induced PD mouse models using a combination of network pharmacology analysis,behavioral assessments,immunofluorescence,ELISA,and Western blotting.Our findings revealed the multifaceted role of rhapontin in ameliorating PD through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,particularly by activating NRF2,paving the way for future research into targeted therapies for PD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Erianin is a natural bibenzyl compound extracted from Dendrobium chrysotoxum and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.AIM To explore the possible therapeutic mechanisms of erianin a...BACKGROUND Erianin is a natural bibenzyl compound extracted from Dendrobium chrysotoxum and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.AIM To explore the possible therapeutic mechanisms of erianin and determine if it can reduce cardiac damage in mice with type 2 diabetes.METHODS High-fat diet and intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in C57BL/6 mice.Mice were divided into different groups including control,model,and treatment with various doses of erianin(10,20,and 40 mg/kg)as well as ML-385+erianin group.RESULTS Erianin reduced oxidative stress and inflammation and alleviated diabetic cardiomyopathy through the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-acti-vated protein kinase(AMPK)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)pathway.Treatments with erianin-M and erianin-H promoted weight stabilization and normalized fasting glucose levels relative to diabetic controls.Echocardiographic assessment demonstrated that erianin dose-dependently enhanced left ventricular systolic function(left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular fractional shortening)and mitigated ventricular remodeling(left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole,left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole;P<0.05 vs model group).No significant differences were observed between the ML-385+erianin and placebo-treated groups.Histopathological examination through hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that erianin ameliorated myocardial fiber fragmentation,structural disorganization,inflammatory cell infiltration,and cytolytic damage.Furthermore,it significantly reduced the serum levels of cardiac troponin I,creatine kinase,and its MB isoenzyme.However,the ML-385+erianin co-treatment failed to alleviate myocardial injury.Metabolic profiling revealed erianin-mediated improvements in glycemic regulation(glycated hemoglobin:P<0.001),plasma insulin homeostasis,and lipid metabolism(total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipo-protein cholesterol reduction,and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol restoration;P<0.05 vs model group).Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6 were markedly suppressed in the erianin-M and erianin-H groups compared with the model group,whereas no significant differences were detected between the model and ML-385+erianin groups.Oxidative stress parameters showed decreased malondialdehyde levels accompanied by elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in erianin-treated groups,with the most pronounced effects in the erianin-H group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis confirmed the significant upregulation of proteins associated with the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in erianin-M and erianin-H groups.These protective effects were abolished in the ML-385+erianin co-treatment group,which showed no statistical differences from the model group.CONCLUSION Erianin can effectively alleviate myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic mice by activating the AMPK-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Excessive oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of diabetic complications,including impaired ulcer healing.Previous studies have shown that fish scale ointment can promote wound healing.AIM T...BACKGROUND Excessive oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of diabetic complications,including impaired ulcer healing.Previous studies have shown that fish scale ointment can promote wound healing.AIM To preliminarily investigate the effect of fish scale ointment on wound healing in a diabetic foot ulcer(DFU)rat model by examining its regulation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway and induction of ferroptosis.METHODS Fish scale ointment(collagen product)was prepared from 500 g of silver carp scales.A diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat and high-sugar feeding combined with intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections.For the DFU rat model,ulcer wounds were created by removing dorsal foot hair and cutting the skin to the fascia.The diabetic rats were randomized into five groups:Model,fish scale collagen(FSC),control+liproxstatin-1(Lip-1),model+Lip-1,and FSC+Lip-1.In each group,treatments were administered once daily by topical application and intraperitoneal injection for 14 days.Wound healing was evaluated on days 7 and 14 after treatment.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess wound injury and capillary formation.Basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and CD31 levels in wound tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry.Additionally,malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),ferroptosis-associated genes,and iron ion concentrations were quantified using assay kits.Protein levels of Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)were determined using Western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group showed slower wound healing,reduced angiogenesis,decreased bFGF and CD31 levels,increased iron ion concentration and MDA levels,reduced GSH levels,and decreased Nrf2,HO-1,and GPX4 protein expression(all P<0.05).The FSC,model+Lip-1,and FSC+Lip-1 groups showed increased wound healing and angiogenesis,elevated bFGF and CD31 expression,lowered iron ion concentration and MDA levels,increased GSH levels,and enhanced Nrf2,HO-1,and GPX4 protein levels compared with the model group(P<0.05).Improvements were more pronounced in the FSC+Lip-1 group compared with the FSC group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fish scale ointment promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in DFU rat models by inhibiting ferroptosis,possibly through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)is a potential treatment for diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs),although the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear.This study posits that NPWT may improve wound...BACKGROUND Negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)is a potential treatment for diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs),although the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear.This study posits that NPWT may improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1(Keap1)signaling pathway,which is crucial for the body’s defense against oxidative stress.The hypothesis indicates that enhancing antioxidant defenses through NPWT may positively affect the healing process.There are still limited data on the roles of Nrf2,its downstream signaling molecules,and angiogenesis markers in patients undergoing NPWT.AIM To study the mechanism of NPWT in DFUs.METHODS This study included a total of 40 hospitalized patients with DFUs from Xuzhou Central Hospital,who were divided into Control group(n=21)and NPWT group(n=19).The levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 were analyzed in the granulation tissue 7 days after treatment.The wound condition,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(b-FGF),cluster of differentiation 31(CD31),and levels of oxidative stress[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)]were analyzed before and 7 days after treatment by the Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS The NPWT group demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing compared to the control group after 7 days of treatment.The levels of ESR,PCT,IL-6,and TNF-αwere significantly reduced in the NPWT group compared to the control group(P<0.05),while the levels of CD31,VEGF,and b-FGF showed significant increases(P<0.05).The NPWT group exhibited notable elevations in the levels of Nrf2 and its downstream targets(SOD,CAT,and T-AOC),accompanied by decreases in the levels of Keap1 and MDA(P<0.05).CONCLUSION NPWT may contribute to the healing of DFUs by potentially reducing levels of oxidative stress.Its effects could possibly be enhanced through the action of Nrf2.展开更多
A broad spectrum of liver disorders and their associated complications most notably hepatic encephalopathy impact millions of individuals worldwide,including conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,alcoho...A broad spectrum of liver disorders and their associated complications most notably hepatic encephalopathy impact millions of individuals worldwide,including conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,alcoholic liver injury,viral hepatitis,hepatic fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are multifactorial,encompassing oxidative stress,inflammatory cascades,mitochondrial impairment,and disturbances in immune homeostasis.Hepatic encephalopathy patients experience cognitive impairment,mood disturbances,and psychomotor dysfunction,significantly reducing quality of life through mechanisms including oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and neurotransmitter imbalances.The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)signaling pathway serves as a critical antioxidative defense mechanism in these conditions.Nrf2 regulates the expression of protective enzymes,while HO-1 exerts anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and antifibrotic effects through heme degradation products.Natural herbal monomers as Nrf2 activators offer advantages of low toxicity,multi-target actions,and extensive traditional use.Various herbal monomers demonstrate specific effects against different liver diseases:In fatty liver,baicalin alleviates lipid accumulation and inflammation;In alcoholic liver disease,curcumin enhances Nrf2 activity reducing oxidative damage;In drug-induced liver injury,dihydromyricetin mitigates oxidative stress;In viral hepatitis,andrographolide inhibits hepatitis C virus replication;In liver fibrosis,multiple compounds inhibit stellate cell activation.These natural compounds simultaneously alleviate hepatic dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,though clinical application still faces challenges such as low bioavailability,requiring further research.展开更多
Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance ...Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance quality,storage,and transportation of the fruits.Here,we isolated a novel few spines mutant(fs2)from the wild-type(WT)inbred line WD1,a North China-type cucumber with high density fruit spines,by an ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)mutagenesis treatment.Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of fs2 is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene.We fine-mapped the fs2 locus using F_(2) and BC_(1) populations(1,802 and 420 individuals,respectively),which showed that the candidate gene of FS2(Csa4G652850)encodes an ARID-HMG transcription factor containing an AT-rich interaction domain(ARID)and a high mobility group box domain(HMG).One SNP(C to T)and one InDel(a 40-bp deletion)in the coding region of FS2 result in amino acid variation and premature translation termination in the fs2 mutant,respectively.FS2 was found to be highly expressed in the apical buds and young ovaries.In addition,experiments suggest that FS2 participates in the regulation of fruit spine initiation by activating the expression of the Tril gene in cucumber.This work provides not only an important reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fruit spine development but also an important resource for fruit appearance quality breeding in cucumber.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Zhejiang Provincial TCM Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2023ZL156(to YH)Ningbo Top Medical and Health Research Program,No.2022020304(to XG)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo,No.2023J019(to YH)Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerotic Diseases of Zhejiang Province,No.2022E10026(to YH)。
文摘Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is characterized by bleeding within the brain.Stroke is a lifethreatening cerebrovascular condition characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms,including oxidative stress,inflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,and neuronal injury.Critical transcription factors,such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor kappa B,play central roles in the progression of stroke.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is sensitive to changes in the cellular redox status and is crucial in protecting cells against oxidative damage,inflammatory responses,and cytotoxic agents.It plays a significant role in post-stroke neuroprotection and repair by influencing mitochondrial function,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and lysosomal activity and regulating metabolic pathways and cytokine expression.Conversely,nuclear factor-kappa B is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction,the generation of reactive oxygen species,oxidative stress exacerbation,and inflammation.Nuclear factor-kappa B contributes to neuronal injury,apoptosis,and immune responses following stroke by modulating cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators.The interplay between these pathways,potentially involving crosstalk among various organelles,significantly influences stroke pathophysiology.Advancements in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have greatly improved our understanding of stroke pathogenesis and offer new opportunities for the development of targeted,individualized,cell typespecific treatments.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke,with an emphasis on their roles in oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuroprotection.
基金Supported by the Provincial Key Cultivation Laboratory for Digestive Disease Research,No.2021SYS13Shanxi Province’s“Si Ge Yi Pi”Science and Technology Driven Medical Innovation Project,No.2021MX03Shanxi Provincial Basic Research Program,No.202403021222423.
文摘BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and treatment-resistant disorder requiring potent therapeutics that are effective and safe.Cedrol(CE)is a bioactive natural product present in many traditional Chinese medicines.It is known for its suppression of inflammation and mitigation of oxidative stress.Its therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic underpinnings in UC remain uncharacterized.AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of CE in UC.METHODS The anti-inflammatory activity and intestinal barrier-repairing effects of CE were assessed in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis model.Network pharmacology was employed to predict potential targets and pathways.Then molecular docking and dynamics simulations were utilized to confirm a stable interaction between CE and the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2(MD2)complex.The anti-inflammatory mechanisms were further verified using in vitro assays.Additionally,the gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.RESULTS CE significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,mitigated histopathological damage,and suppressed inflammation.Moreover,CE restored intestinal barrier integrity by enhancing mucus secretion and upregulating tight junction proteins(zonula occludens 1,occludin,claudin-1).Mechanistically,CE stably bound to MD2,inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 signaling in RAW264.7 cells.This led to suppression of the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways,downregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Gut microbiota analysis revealed that CE reversed dextran sulfate sodium-induced dysbiosis with significant enrichment of butyrogenic Christensenella minuta.CONCLUSION CE acted on MD2 to suppress proinflammatory cascades,promoting mucosal barrier reconstitution and microbiota remodeling and supporting its therapeutic use in UC.
基金supported by the Science&Technology Department of Sichuan Province(No.2019YFS0040)the Improvement Plan of“Xinglin Scholar”Scientific Research Talent,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.XKTD2022002)。
文摘The activation of the sirtuin1(SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels.Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid(ZFXN)ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI).However,the underlying mechanism,particularly whether it involves protecting mitochondria and inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,remains unclear.This study employed an oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)cell model using SHSY5Y cells and induced PSCI in rats through modified bilateral carotid artery ligation(2VO).The effects of ZFXN on learning and memory,neuroprotective activity,mitochondrial function,oxidative stress,and the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.Results indicated that ZFXN significantly increased the B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl2)/Bcl2-associated X(Bax)ratio,reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nickend-labeling(TUNEL)+cells,and markedly improved cognition,synaptic plasticity,and neuronal function in the hippocampus and cortex.Furthermore,ZFXN exhibited potent antioxidant activity,evidenced by decreased ROS and malondialdehyde(MDA)content and increased superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione(GSH)levels.ZFXN also demonstrated considerable enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),Tom 20 fluorescence intensity,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and energy charge(EC)levels,and mitochondrial complexⅠandⅢactivity,thereby inhibiting mitochondrial damage.Additionally,ZFXN significantly increased SIRT1 activity and elevated SIRT1,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 levels.Notably,these effects were substantially counteracted when SIRT1 was suppressed by the inhibitor EX-527 in vitro.In conclusion,ZFXN alleviates PSCI by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and preventing mitochondrial damage.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32202502,U21A20230,32070331,32102380 and 32072580)National Key Research and Development Program(Grant No.2018YFD1000800)+3 种基金the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2022B0202080001)the Special Fund for Seed Industry of Guangdong Province Rural Revitalization Strategy(Grant No.2022-NPY00-024)Tibet Autonomous Region of Lhasa City Science and Technology Project(Grant No.LSKJ202310)the Science and Technology Project of Bijie City(Grant No.BKK2022-3)。
文摘The transcriptional cascade and regulatory loop play crucial roles in regulating plant-specialized metabolite biosynthesis.Capsaicinoids are unique to the genus Capsicum and confer a pungent flavor to its fruits.However,the transcriptional regulation of capsaicinoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown.In this study,two AP2/ERF transcription factors(TFs),CaERF102 and CaERF111,were characterized for their role in the capsaicinoid biosynthesis process.Expression analysis of two ERFs and capsaicinoid biosynthetic genes(CBGs)suggested that they were associated with capsaicinoid biosynthesis.Both ERFs encode nuclear-localized proteins and function as transcriptional activators through their C-terminal activation motifs.The two ERF TFs participated in capsaicinoid biosynthesis by directly activating the promoters of key CBGs,and this activation was significantly enhanced when CaMYC2 was co-expressed.Moreover,CaERF102 and CaERF111 were found to interact with CaMYC2.This study helps elucidate the AP2/ERF TF regulatory network that governs capsaicinoid biosynthesis in Capsicum species.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic ischemia reperfusion(HIR)injury is a major complication affecting various major liver surgeries,including liver transplantation.Aprepitant(APRE),a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist,is commonly used as an antiemetic to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.AIM To assess the potential protective effect of APRE against HIR-induced liver injury via targeting the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-,leucine-rich repeat-,and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3/interleukin(IL)-1beta signaling pathway.METHODS Six groups of adult male Wistar albino rats were divided as follows:Sham group,Sham/APRE10 group(APRE 10 mg/kg),HIR group,HIR/APRE5 group(APRE 5 mg/kg),HIR/APRE10 group(APRE 10 mg/kg),and HIR/APRE20 group(APRE 20 mg/kg).Serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,liver malondialdehyde,total antioxidant capacity levels,as well as IL-6,sirtuin 1(Sirt1),caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,and tumor necrosis factor alpha biomarkers,were evaluated.Hepatic specimens were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2)immunoexpression.RESULTS HIR resulted in hepatic damage,as evidenced by histopathological changes and a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,hepatic malondialdehyde,caspase-3,and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels.Additionally,there were significant increases in hepatic total antioxidant capacity and reductions in IL-6 and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels,as demonstrated by Western blot analysis,along with enhanced immunoexpression of Sirt1 and Nrf2.APRE has significantly reduced various parameters of oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis,and a significant increase in liver Nrf2 immunoexpression,leading to a significant improvement in the histopathological changes.CONCLUSION In conclusion,targeting the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway,as demonstrated by APRE in our model,could present a promising therapeutic target to protect against HIR-induced liver injury during major liver surgeries.
基金Supported by the Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.823MS133 and No.821QN0979。
文摘BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease(PD)-a progressive neurodegenerative disorder-is characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction.The exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for PD is vital.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism of action of rhapontin-a natural compound with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-in the context of PD.METHODS Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets and mechanisms of action of rhapontin in PD.Behavioral tests and tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence analysis were used to assess the effect of rhapontin on symptoms and pathology in MPTP-induced mice.Interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and IL-10 levels in tissues were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Additionally,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)activation was confirmed using western blotting.RESULTS NRF2 was predicted to be the key transcription factor underlying the therapeutic effects of rhapontin in PD,and its anti-PD action may be associated with its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.Rhapontin ameliorated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and gastrointestinal dysfunction in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced mice by activating NRF2.Additio-nally,rhapontin treatment significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β)in the substantia nigra,striatum,and colon,whereas it increased anti-inflammatory cytokine(IL-10)levels only in the colon,indicating the involvement of gut–brain axis in its neuroprotective potential.Finally,NRF2 was identified as a key transcription factor activated by rhapontin,particularly in the colon.CONCLUSION We elucidated the effects of rhapontin in MPTP-induced PD mouse models using a combination of network pharmacology analysis,behavioral assessments,immunofluorescence,ELISA,and Western blotting.Our findings revealed the multifaceted role of rhapontin in ameliorating PD through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,particularly by activating NRF2,paving the way for future research into targeted therapies for PD.
文摘BACKGROUND Erianin is a natural bibenzyl compound extracted from Dendrobium chrysotoxum and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.AIM To explore the possible therapeutic mechanisms of erianin and determine if it can reduce cardiac damage in mice with type 2 diabetes.METHODS High-fat diet and intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in C57BL/6 mice.Mice were divided into different groups including control,model,and treatment with various doses of erianin(10,20,and 40 mg/kg)as well as ML-385+erianin group.RESULTS Erianin reduced oxidative stress and inflammation and alleviated diabetic cardiomyopathy through the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-acti-vated protein kinase(AMPK)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)pathway.Treatments with erianin-M and erianin-H promoted weight stabilization and normalized fasting glucose levels relative to diabetic controls.Echocardiographic assessment demonstrated that erianin dose-dependently enhanced left ventricular systolic function(left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular fractional shortening)and mitigated ventricular remodeling(left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole,left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole;P<0.05 vs model group).No significant differences were observed between the ML-385+erianin and placebo-treated groups.Histopathological examination through hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that erianin ameliorated myocardial fiber fragmentation,structural disorganization,inflammatory cell infiltration,and cytolytic damage.Furthermore,it significantly reduced the serum levels of cardiac troponin I,creatine kinase,and its MB isoenzyme.However,the ML-385+erianin co-treatment failed to alleviate myocardial injury.Metabolic profiling revealed erianin-mediated improvements in glycemic regulation(glycated hemoglobin:P<0.001),plasma insulin homeostasis,and lipid metabolism(total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipo-protein cholesterol reduction,and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol restoration;P<0.05 vs model group).Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6 were markedly suppressed in the erianin-M and erianin-H groups compared with the model group,whereas no significant differences were detected between the model and ML-385+erianin groups.Oxidative stress parameters showed decreased malondialdehyde levels accompanied by elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in erianin-treated groups,with the most pronounced effects in the erianin-H group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis confirmed the significant upregulation of proteins associated with the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in erianin-M and erianin-H groups.These protective effects were abolished in the ML-385+erianin co-treatment group,which showed no statistical differences from the model group.CONCLUSION Erianin can effectively alleviate myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic mice by activating the AMPK-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82172095Qingdao Municipal Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project,No.2022-zyym03.
文摘BACKGROUND Excessive oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of diabetic complications,including impaired ulcer healing.Previous studies have shown that fish scale ointment can promote wound healing.AIM To preliminarily investigate the effect of fish scale ointment on wound healing in a diabetic foot ulcer(DFU)rat model by examining its regulation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway and induction of ferroptosis.METHODS Fish scale ointment(collagen product)was prepared from 500 g of silver carp scales.A diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat and high-sugar feeding combined with intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections.For the DFU rat model,ulcer wounds were created by removing dorsal foot hair and cutting the skin to the fascia.The diabetic rats were randomized into five groups:Model,fish scale collagen(FSC),control+liproxstatin-1(Lip-1),model+Lip-1,and FSC+Lip-1.In each group,treatments were administered once daily by topical application and intraperitoneal injection for 14 days.Wound healing was evaluated on days 7 and 14 after treatment.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess wound injury and capillary formation.Basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and CD31 levels in wound tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry.Additionally,malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),ferroptosis-associated genes,and iron ion concentrations were quantified using assay kits.Protein levels of Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)were determined using Western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group showed slower wound healing,reduced angiogenesis,decreased bFGF and CD31 levels,increased iron ion concentration and MDA levels,reduced GSH levels,and decreased Nrf2,HO-1,and GPX4 protein expression(all P<0.05).The FSC,model+Lip-1,and FSC+Lip-1 groups showed increased wound healing and angiogenesis,elevated bFGF and CD31 expression,lowered iron ion concentration and MDA levels,increased GSH levels,and enhanced Nrf2,HO-1,and GPX4 protein levels compared with the model group(P<0.05).Improvements were more pronounced in the FSC+Lip-1 group compared with the FSC group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fish scale ointment promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in DFU rat models by inhibiting ferroptosis,possibly through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
文摘BACKGROUND Negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)is a potential treatment for diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs),although the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear.This study posits that NPWT may improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1(Keap1)signaling pathway,which is crucial for the body’s defense against oxidative stress.The hypothesis indicates that enhancing antioxidant defenses through NPWT may positively affect the healing process.There are still limited data on the roles of Nrf2,its downstream signaling molecules,and angiogenesis markers in patients undergoing NPWT.AIM To study the mechanism of NPWT in DFUs.METHODS This study included a total of 40 hospitalized patients with DFUs from Xuzhou Central Hospital,who were divided into Control group(n=21)and NPWT group(n=19).The levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 were analyzed in the granulation tissue 7 days after treatment.The wound condition,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(b-FGF),cluster of differentiation 31(CD31),and levels of oxidative stress[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)]were analyzed before and 7 days after treatment by the Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS The NPWT group demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing compared to the control group after 7 days of treatment.The levels of ESR,PCT,IL-6,and TNF-αwere significantly reduced in the NPWT group compared to the control group(P<0.05),while the levels of CD31,VEGF,and b-FGF showed significant increases(P<0.05).The NPWT group exhibited notable elevations in the levels of Nrf2 and its downstream targets(SOD,CAT,and T-AOC),accompanied by decreases in the levels of Keap1 and MDA(P<0.05).CONCLUSION NPWT may contribute to the healing of DFUs by potentially reducing levels of oxidative stress.Its effects could possibly be enhanced through the action of Nrf2.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972425)the Shanghai Agriculture Applied Technology Development Program,China(2020-02-08-00-08-F0148)。
文摘Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance quality,storage,and transportation of the fruits.Here,we isolated a novel few spines mutant(fs2)from the wild-type(WT)inbred line WD1,a North China-type cucumber with high density fruit spines,by an ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)mutagenesis treatment.Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of fs2 is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene.We fine-mapped the fs2 locus using F_(2) and BC_(1) populations(1,802 and 420 individuals,respectively),which showed that the candidate gene of FS2(Csa4G652850)encodes an ARID-HMG transcription factor containing an AT-rich interaction domain(ARID)and a high mobility group box domain(HMG).One SNP(C to T)and one InDel(a 40-bp deletion)in the coding region of FS2 result in amino acid variation and premature translation termination in the fs2 mutant,respectively.FS2 was found to be highly expressed in the apical buds and young ovaries.In addition,experiments suggest that FS2 participates in the regulation of fruit spine initiation by activating the expression of the Tril gene in cucumber.This work provides not only an important reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fruit spine development but also an important resource for fruit appearance quality breeding in cucumber.
