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World Journal of Experimental Medicine Jun 2024Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This dysfunction promotes the production of reactive oxygen... (Review)
Review
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This dysfunction promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Angiotensin II, the main mediator of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, also contributes to CVD by promoting ROS production. Reduced activity of sirtuins (SIRTs), a family of proteins that regulate cellular metabolism, also worsens oxidative stress. Reduction of energy production by mitochondria is a common feature of all metabolic disorders. High SIRT levels and 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling stimulate hypoxia-inducible factor 1 beta, which promotes ketosis. Ketosis, in turn, increases autophagy and mitophagy, processes that clear cells of debris and protect against damage. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, have a beneficial effect on these mechanisms. Randomized clinical trials have shown that SGLT2i improves cardiac function and reduces the rate of cardiovascular and renal events. SGLT2i also increase mitochondrial efficiency, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and strengthen tissues. These findings suggest that SGLT2i hold great potential for the treatment of CVD. Furthermore, they are proposed as anti-aging drugs; however, rigorous research is needed to validate these preliminary findings.
PubMed: 38948421
DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v14.i2.91519 -
Data in Brief Aug 2024Over a period of 30,000 to 40,000 years, high-altitude Tibetans have physiologically and genetically adapted to conditions such as hypoxia, low temperature, and...
Over a period of 30,000 to 40,000 years, high-altitude Tibetans have physiologically and genetically adapted to conditions such as hypoxia, low temperature, and high-intensity ultraviolet radiation. Based on the unique physiological and morphological characteristics of the Tibetan people, they have outstanding hypoxia adaptation skills and can continue to thrive in plateau hypoxia. The placenta of high-altitude Tibetans is protected from oxidative stress during delivery; however, little is known about changes in placental protein expression during vaginal delivery. In this study, we aimed to reveal these adaptive mechanisms by studying changes in placental protein expression during vaginal delivery in high-altitude Tibetans, low-altitude Tibetans, and low-altitude Han populations. Studying the changing mechanisms of maternal responses to hypoxia at high altitudes can reveal the molecular mechanisms of maternal and fetal adaptation to hypoxia at high altitudes and provide theories for preventing and treating maternal hypoxia and intrauterine growth and development restriction caused by other diseases.
PubMed: 38948405
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110542 -
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam,... Jun 2024Despite powerful DNA repair systems, oxidative damage/modification to DNA is an inevitable side effect of metabolism, ionizing radiation, lifestyle habits, inflammatory...
Despite powerful DNA repair systems, oxidative damage/modification to DNA is an inevitable side effect of metabolism, ionizing radiation, lifestyle habits, inflammatory pathologies such as type-2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, cancer and natural aging. One of the most common oxidative DNA modifications is 8-OHdG (8‑hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), which is the most widely used marker in research and clinical diagnostics. 8-OHdG is easily and specifically detectable in various samples such as urine, plasma, cells and tissues via a large variety of methods like ELISA, HPLC, chromatographic methods, and immunochemistry. Formed by oxidation of guanine and being representative for the degree of DNA damage, 8-OHdG can be also used as biomarker for risk assessment of various cancers as well as degenerative diseases. Here, we present a highly specific, self-developed 8-OHdG antibody in successful comparison to a commercially one, tested in cells (FF95, HCT116, and HT22) and intestinal tissue, focusing on automatized evaluation via fluorescence/confocal microscopy.
PubMed: 38948353
DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2024.e00833 -
Journal of Pharmacopuncture Jun 2024Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing...
The Effect of the Combination of Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and L-arginine on the Sexual Performance of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVES
Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of , , and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire.
METHODS
Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine.
RESULTS
The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in non-diabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, , , and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.
PubMed: 38948316
DOI: 10.3831/KPI.2024.27.2.82 -
Journal of Pharmacopuncture Jun 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders and it shows up to 20% prevalence in reproductive-aged women populations, but no cures are available...
OBJECTIVES
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders and it shows up to 20% prevalence in reproductive-aged women populations, but no cures are available to date. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of (CBD) on cell death signaling pathways, inflammation, and oxidative stress observed in Bone-Marrow derived human mesenchymal stem cell (BM-hMSC) by means of PCOS therapeutics in the future.
METHODS
BM-hMSCs were applied with cell deaths and injuries. Apoptosis and pyroptosis signals were quenched with their related signaling pathways using quantitative PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence image analysis.
RESULTS
Our data clearly displayed hydrogen peroxide- and nigericin-treated cell death signaling pathways via regulations of mitochondrial integrity and interleukin (IL)-1β at the cellular levels (p < 0.01 or 0.001). We further observed that pre-treatment with CBD showed protective effects against oxidative stress by enhancement of antioxidant components at the cellular level, with respect to both protein and mRNA expression levels (p < 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001). The mechanisms of CBD were examined by Western blot analysis, and it showed anti-cell death, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects via normalizations of the Jun N-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7/c-Jun signaling pathways.
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed the pharmacological properties of CBD by regulation of cellular oxidation and the inflammation-provoked cell death condition of BM-hMSCs, which is mediated by the MKK7/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.
PubMed: 38948312
DOI: 10.3831/KPI.2024.27.2.131 -
Journal of Pharmacopuncture Jun 2024Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, more than 200 promising drug candidates have failed in clinical trials. Herbal remedies are gaining interest as potential treatments for dementia due to their long history and safety, making them valuable for drug development. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms behind the effect of on cognitive function.
METHODS
This study focused primarily on the effects of and its chemical constituents on cognitive behavioral outcomes including the Morris water maze, the passive avoidance test, and the Y maze, as well as pathogenic targets of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) like amyloid deposition, amyloid precursor protein, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the mechanisms behind 's impact on cognitive function was conducted. We reviewed the most recent data from preclinical research done on experimental models, particularly looking at 's effects on cognitive decline and AD.
RESULTS
According to recent research, and its bioactive components, stilbene, and emodin, influence cognitive behavioral results and regulate the pathological target of cognitive impairment and AD. Their mechanisms of action include reducing oxidative and mitochondrial damage, regulating neuroinflammation, halting apoptosis, and promoting increased neurogenesis and synaptogenesis.
CONCLUSION
This review serves as a comprehensive compilation of current experiments on AD and other cognitive impairment models related to the therapeutic effects of . We believe that these findings can serve as a basis for future clinical trials and have potential applications in the treatment of human neurological disorders.
PubMed: 38948308
DOI: 10.3831/KPI.2024.27.2.70 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), an endogenous intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is involved in a variety of cellular metabolic pathways. It serves as an energy... (Review)
Review
Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), an endogenous intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is involved in a variety of cellular metabolic pathways. It serves as an energy donor, a precursor of amino acid biosynthesis, and an epigenetic regulator. α-KG plays physiological functions in immune regulation, oxidative stress, and anti-aging as well. In recent years, it has been reported that the level of α-KG in the body is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and other pathological factors. Exogenous supplementation of α-KG improves obesity, blood glucose levels, and cardiovascular disease risks associated with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, α-KG regulates the common pathological mechanisms of metabolic syndrome, suggesting the potential application prospect of α-KG in metabolic syndrome. In order to provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the application of α-KG in metabolic syndrome, we focused on α-KG and metabolic syndrome in this article and summarized the latest research progress in the role of α-KG in improving the pathological condition and disease progression of metabolic syndrome. For the next step, researchers may focus on the co-pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and investigate whether α-KG can be used to achieve the therapeutic goal of "homotherapy for heteropathy" in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Topics: Metabolic Syndrome; Ketoglutaric Acids; Humans; Obesity; Animals; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38948289
DOI: 10.12182/20240560302 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024This study aims to systematically evaluate the protective role of quercetin (QCT), a naturally occurring flavonoid, against oxidative damage in human endometrial stromal...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to systematically evaluate the protective role of quercetin (QCT), a naturally occurring flavonoid, against oxidative damage in human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) induced by hydrogen peroxide (HO). Oxidative stress, such as that induced by HO, is known to contribute significantly to cellular damage and has been implicated in various reproductive health issues. The study is focused on investigating how QCT interacts with specific molecular pathways to mitigate this damage. Special attention was given to the p38 MAPK/NOX4 signaling pathway, which is crucial to the regulation of oxidative stress responses in cellular systems. By elucidating these mechanisms, the study seeks to confirm the potential of QCT not only as a protective agent against oxidative stress but also as a therapeutic agent that could be integrated in treatments of conditions characterized by heightened oxidative stress in endometrial cells.
METHODS
cultures of HESCs were treated with QCT at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L) for 24 h to verify the non-toxic effects of QCT on normal endometrial cells. Subsequently, 250 μmol/L HO was used to incubate the cells for 12 h to establish an HO-induced HESCs injury model. HESCs were pretreated with QCT for 24 h, which was followed by stimulation with HO. Then, CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the cell viability and to screen for the effective intervention concentration. HESCs were divided into 3 groups, the control group, the HO model group, and the HO+QCT group. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were precisely quantified using the DCFH-DA fluorescence assay, a method known for its accuracy in detecting and quantifying oxidative changes within the cell. The mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1 staining. Annexin Ⅴ/PI double staining and flow cytometry were performed to determine the effect of QCT on HO-induced apoptosis of HESCs. Furthermore, to delve deeper into the cellular mechanisms underlying the observed effects, Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of the critical proteins involved in oxidative stress response, including NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK). This analysis helps increase understanding of the specific intracellular signaling pathways affected by QCT treatment, giving special attention to its potential for modulation of the p38 MAPK/NOX4 pathway, which plays a significant role in cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.
RESULTS
In this study, we started off by assessing the toxicity of QCT on normal endometrial cells. Our findings revealed that QCT at various concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L) did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects, which laid the foundation for further investigation into its protective roles. In the HO-induced HESCs injury model, a significant reduction in cell viability was observed, which was linked to the generation of ROS and the resultant oxidative damage. However, pretreatment with QCT (10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) significantly enhanced cell viability after 24 h (<0.05), with the 20 μmol/L concentration showing the most substantial effect. This suggests that QCT can effectively reverse the cellular damage caused by HO. Furthermore, the apoptosis assays demonstrated a significant increase in the apoptosis rates in the HO model group compared to those in the control group (<0.01). However, co-treatment with QCT significantly reversed this trend (<0.05), indicating QCT's potential protective role in mitigating cell apoptosis. ROS assays showed that, compared to that in the control group, the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in the HO model group significantly increased (<0.01). QCT treatment significantly reduced the ROS fluorescence intensity in the HO+QCT group compared to the that in the HO model group, suggesting an effective alleviation of oxidative damage (<0.05). JC-1 staining for mitochondrial membrane potential changes revealed that compared to that in the control, the proportion of cells with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased in the HO model group (<0.01). However, this proportion was significantly reduced in the QCT-treated group compared to that of the HO model group (<0.05). Finally, Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of NOX4 and p-p38 MAPK proteins were elevated in the HO model group compared to those of the control group (<0.05). Following QCT treatment, these protein levels significantly decreased compared to those of the HO model group (<0.05). These results suggest that QCT may exert its protective effects against oxidative stress by modulating the p38 MAPK/NOX4 signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
QCT has demonstrated significant protective effects against HO-induced oxidative damage in HESCs. This protection is primarily achieved through the effective reduction of ROS accumulation and the inhibition of critical signaling pathways involved in the oxidative stress response, notably the p38 MAPK/NOX4 pathway. The results of this study reveal that QCT's ability to modulate these pathways plays a key role in alleviating cellular damage associated with oxidative stress conditions. This indicates not only its potential as a protective agent against cellular oxidative stress, but also highlights its potential for therapeutic applications in treating conditions characterized by increased oxidative stress in the endometrium, thereby offering the prospect of enhancing reproductive health. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of QCT and its clinical efficacy , thereby providing a clear path toward its integration into therapeutic protocols.
Topics: Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Oxidative Stress; Female; NADPH Oxidase 4; Quercetin; Endometrium; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Stromal Cells; Signal Transduction; Reactive Oxygen Species; Apoptosis; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 38948281
DOI: 10.12182/20240560107 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024Endometriosis (EMT), a common benign gynecological disease, is a leading cause of infertility in women. EMT affects female fertility in various aspects. However, the... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis (EMT), a common benign gynecological disease, is a leading cause of infertility in women. EMT affects female fertility in various aspects. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of a cell. They play pivotal roles in the physiological processes of cellular energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy, the regulation of cell cycle, and cell death, and are involved in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Cellular mitochondria are highly dynamic, continuously undergoing cyclic fission and fusion to meet the demands of cellular activities. Balanced mitochondrial dynamics are critical for maintaining normal reproductive function in women. In addition, mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cell damage, cell death, and fibrosis mediated by the imbalance in the oxidative-antioxidant system in EMT patients lead to decreased oocyte quality and ovarian reserve. Currently, the treatment of EMT-associated infertility remains a challenging and controversial topic. We herein reviewed the latest findings on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in EMT-associated infertility and the potential therapeutic targets.
Topics: Humans; Endometriosis; Female; Mitochondria; Infertility, Female; Reactive Oxygen Species; Oxidative Stress; Mitochondrial Dynamics
PubMed: 38948278
DOI: 10.12182/20240560404 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024To investigate the effect of Sanshentongmai (SSTM) mixture on the regulation of oxidative damage to rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) through microRNA-146a and its mechanism.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of Sanshentongmai (SSTM) mixture on the regulation of oxidative damage to rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) through microRNA-146a and its mechanism.
METHODS
H9C2 were cultured , HO was used as an oxidant to create an oxidative damage model in H9C2 cells. SSTM intervention was administered to the H9C2 cells. Then, the changes in HO-induced oxidative damage in H9C2 cells and the expression of microRNA-146a were observed to explore the protective effect of SSTM on H9C2 and its mechanism. H9C2 cells cultured were divided into 3 groups, including a control group, a model group of HO-induced oxidative damage (referred to hereafter as the model group), and a group given HO modeling plus SSTM intervention at 500 μg/L for 72 h (referred to hereafter as the treatment group). The cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay. In addition, the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and angiotensin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression level of microRNA-146a was determined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR).
RESULT
H9C2 cells were pretreated with SSTM at mass concentrations ranging from 200 to 1500 μg/L. Then, CCK8 assay was performed to measure cell viability and the findings showed that the improvement in cell proliferation reached its peak when the mass concentration of SSTM was 500 μg/L, which was subsequently used as the intervention concentration. ELISA was performed to measure the indicators related to heart failure, including Nt-proBNP, NO, Hs-CRP, and angiotensin Ⅱ. Compared with those of the control group, the expressions of Nt-proBNP and angiotensin Ⅱ in the treatment group were up-regulated (<0.05), while the expression of NO was down-regulated (<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of Hs-CRP between the treatment group and the control group. These findings indicate that SSTM could effectively ameliorate oxidative damage in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes. Finally, according to the RT-PCR findings for the expression of microRNA-146a in each group, HO treatment at 15 μmol/L could significantly reduce the expression of microRNA-146a, and the expression of microRNA-146a in the treatment group was nearly doubled compared with that in the model group. There was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group.
CONCLUSION
SSTM can significantly resist the HO-induced oxidative damage of H9C2 cells and may play a myocardial protective role by upregulating microRNA-146a.
Topics: Myocytes, Cardiac; Animals; MicroRNAs; Rats; Oxidative Stress; Hydrogen Peroxide; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Up-Regulation; Cell Survival; Cell Line; Drug Combinations
PubMed: 38948270
DOI: 10.12182/20240560601