Neuroprotective Effects of Theaflavins Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells

Oxidative stress can induce neuronal apoptosis via the production of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This process is as a major pathogenic mechanism in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether theaflavins protect PC12 cells from oxidative stress damage induced by H₂O₂. A cell model of PC12 cells undergoing oxidative stress was created by exposing cells to 200 μM H₂O₂ in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of theaflavins (5, 10, and 20 μM). Cell viability was monitored using the MTT assay and Hoechst 33258 staining, showing that 10 μM theaflavins enhanced cell survival following 200 μM H₂O₂ induced toxicity and increased cell viability by approximately 40?%. Additionally, we measured levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activity. This suggested that the neuroprotective effect of theaflavins against oxidative stress in PC12 cells is derived from suppression of oxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, Western blot analyses indicated that theaflavins downregulated the ratio of pro-apoptosis/anti-apoptosis proteins Bax/Bcl-2. Theaflavins also downregulated the expression of caspase-3 compared with a H₂O₂-treated group that had not been treated with theaflavins. Interestingly, this is the first study to report that the four main components of theaflavins found in black tea can protect neural cells (PC12) from apoptosis induced by H₂O₂. These findings provide the foundations for a new field of using theaflavins or its source, black tea, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.     

连翘酯苷A通过Akt/Nrf2信号通路发挥抗脑缺血氧化损伤作用研究

目的:研究连翘酯苷A(Forsythiaside A,FA)对缺血再灌注引起的脑细胞损伤的保护作用及机制.方法:采用PC12细胞缺氧再复氧模型(OGD/R),细胞分组为正常组,模型组,FA处理组(1.25,2.5和5μmol/L),测定细胞存活率、凋亡率、ROS、MDA以及抗氧化酶水平.采用Western blotti...     

Role of Contrast Media on Oxidative Stress, Ca2+ Signaling and Apoptosis in Kidney

Contrast media (CM)-induced nephropathy is a common cause of iatrogenic acute renal failure. The aim of the present review was to discuss the mechanisms and risk factors of CM, to summarize the controlled studies evaluating measures for prevention and to conclude with evidence-based strategies for prevention. A review of the relevant literature and results from recent clinical studies as well as critical analyses of published systematic reviews used MEDLINE and the Science Citation Index. The cytotoxicity induced by CM leads to apoptosis and death of endothelial and tubular cells and may be initiated by cell membrane damage together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Cell damage may be aggravated by factors such as tissue hypoxia, properties of individual CM such as ionic strength, high osmolarity and/or viscosity. Clinical studies indeed support this possibility, suggesting a protective effect of ROS scavenging with the administration of N-acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid erdosteine, glutathione and bicarbonate infusion. The interaction between extracellular Ca²⁺, which plays a central role in intercellular contacts and production of ROS, and the in vitro toxicity of CM was also reviewed. The current review addresses the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of CM in the kidney as well as current and potential novel treatment modalities for the prevention of neutrophil activation and CM-induced kidney degeneration in patients. ROS production through CM-induced renal hypoxia may exert direct tubular and vascular endothelial injury. Preventive strategies via antioxidant supplementation include inhibition of ROS generation or scavenging.     

Gut-Resident Lactobacilli Activate Hepatic Nrf2 and Protect Against Oxidative Liver Injury

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Zinc, a Neuroprotective Agent Against Aluminum-induced Oxidative DNA Injury

Aluminum (Al) has been considered as one of the most abundant elements and comprises nearly 8 % of the Earth's crust. Despite of its immense presence, studies regarding the molecular basis of its interaction with the physiological system are rather sparse. On the other hand, zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient, has been regarded as the second most important metal for brain functioning. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective potential of Zn, if any, during Al-induced detrimental effects on DNA, tritiated thymidine uptake as well as expression of stress marker genes and proteins in rat brain. Male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 140–160 g were divided into four different groups viz.: normal control, Al treated (100 mg/kg b wt/day via oral gavage), Zn treated (227 mg/l in drinking water), and combined Al and Zn treated. All the treatments were carried out for a total duration of 8 weeks. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed DNA laddering pattern and comets in the rat brain following Al treatment, which however, were attenuated upon Zn treatment. Further, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, number of apoptotic brain cells, and uptake of tritiated thymidine were increased after Al treatment but were decreased upon Zn supplementation. Western blot and mRNA expressions of p53 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were also found to be significantly elevated after Al treatment, which however, were reversed following Zn treatment. Hence, Zn shall prove to be an effective agent in mitigating the detrimental effects caused by Al in the rat brain.     

Neuroprotective Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Phosphatidylserine Against Oxidative Damage in PC12 Cells

Neurodegenerative diseases are defined by progressive loss of specific neuronal cell populations and are associated with protein aggregates. Oxidative stress has been implicated in their pathological processes. Previous studies revealed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases. Phospholipids (PLs) derived from marine products are rich in DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of DHA-enriched and unenriched phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS) on oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and tert-butylhydroperoxide in PC12 cells. Cell viability and leakage of lactate dehydrogenase results showed that the neuroprotective effect of PS was superior to that of PC. DHA- and EPA-enriched PC and PS were superior to that without DHA or EPA; in addition, the improvement with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched PS (n-3 PS) was dose dependent. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining showed that DHA- and EPA-enriched PS (DHA/EPA-PS) could significantly inhibit apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that EPA-PS and DHA-PS were effective to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels by 48.4 and 58.2 % and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level by 51 and 94 %, respectively, in the H₂O₂ model. Similar results for SOD and T-AOC levels were shown in the t-BHP model. EPA/DHA-PS could downregulate the messenger RNA level of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, upregulate Bcl-2, inhibit Bax, and increase Bcl-2 at protein level. In conclusion, EPA/DHA-PS could protect PC12 cells from oxidative stress and prevent mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of DHA/EPA-PLs depend on the molecular form. Further studies are necessary to reveal detailed mechanisms and structure–effect relationships.     

Neuroprotective Effects of 2-Cyclopropylimino-3-Methyl-1,3-Thiazoline Hydrochloride Against Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, and inflammation are the important pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, we reported that 2-cyclopropylimino-3-methyl-1,3-thiazoline hydrochloride protects rat glial cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. In this study, we report the effects of 2-cyclopropylimino-3-methyl-1,3-thiazoline hydrochloride on primary cultured cortical astrocytes after exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Pretreatment of cells with 2-cyclopropylimino-3-methyl-1,3-thiazoline hydrochloride prior to H₂O₂ exposure attenuated the H₂O₂-induced reductions in cell survival and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase activities. It also reduced H₂O₂-induced increases in reactive oxygen species levels, malondialdehyde content, and production of nitric oxide. These effects were all concentration-dependent. Our results suggest that 2-cyclopropylimino-3-methyl-1,3-thiazoline hydrochloride protects against oxidative stress.     

胶原蛋白肽经由Nrf2信号通路对H_2O_2诱导的肝细胞氧化损伤的保护作用(英文)

目的:氧化应激在肝脏疾病中扮演着重要的角色。胶原蛋白肽是天然的抗氧化剂,其在动物实验中已经被证实有抑制氧化应激的作用。最新研究证实胶原蛋白肽将有可能被应用在肝脏疾病的预防中,但是很少有研究报道其分子作用机制。因此本研究在胶原蛋白肽是对H2O2诱导的正常人的肝细胞系HL7702氧化损伤有保护作用的基础上,并探索其分子作用机制。方法:实验设空白对照组,H2O2模型组,胶原蛋白肽低、中、高剂量组(10,100,200μg/ml)。胶原蛋白肽各组加入相应浓度的药物预处理12 h后,与模型组一起加入300μM H2O2的H2O2共同培养12 h,空白对照组正常培养。细胞毒性是由CCK8和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的释放检测。抗氧化试剂盒检测细胞内活性氧的水平,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量的变化。Western blot检测细胞内Nrf2蛋白的表达水平。结果:胶原蛋白肽对H2O2诱导的正常人的肝细胞系HL7702氧化损伤有保护作用。胶原蛋白肽能够及时清除细胞内的活性氧,增加Nrf2的蛋白表达水平,提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,减轻脂质过氧化反应,从而保护正常人的肝细胞系HL7702。结论:总之,胶原蛋白肽通过增加Nrf2的蛋白表达水平,提高抗氧化活性,对H2O2诱导损伤的肝细胞发挥保护作用。本研究为胶原蛋白肽的分子作用机制提供了新的证据,将有助于预防氧化应激所致的肝损伤。     

具有谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性的小分子模拟物2-TeCD保护线粒体抵抗氧化损伤

首次合成了一个新的含碲化合物 2 TeCD(二碲桥联环糊精 ) ,并证实其具有谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 (GPX)活力 ,能清除氢过氧化物 .与其它GPX模拟物相比 ,2 TeCD具有分子量小 ,水溶性好及良好的化学和生物学稳定性 ,且其GPX活力比另一种被广泛认知的小分子模拟物Ebselen高约 4 6倍 .用Fe2 + Vc诱导的线粒体损伤体系研究了 2 TeCD的抗氧化性质 ,结果发现在相同剂量下 2 TeCD较Ebselen具有更强的抗氧化能力     

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Scrophularia striata Extract Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurotoxicity

In this study, the neuroprotective effect of Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) extract, a plant growing in northeastern of Iran, against oxidative stress-induced neurocytotoxicity in PC12 was evaluated. The PC12 cell line pretreated with different concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) of the extract and then treated with H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Survival of the cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis were measured using MTT assay, fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, and annexin V/propidium iodide, respectively. Moreover, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the plant extract. Phytochemical assay by thin layer chromatography showed that the main components, including phenolic compounds, phenyl propanoids and flavonoids, were presented in the S. striata extract. The extract in concentrations of 50–200 μg/ml protected PC12 cells from H₂O₂-induced toxicity. The survival of the cells at concentration of 200 μg/ml was 64 % compared to that of H₂O₂ alone-treated cells (48 %) (p < 0.001). The extract also dose-dependently reduced intracellular ROS production (p < 0.001). Moreover, the extract showed antioxidative effects and decreased apoptotic cells. Collectively, these findings indicated the ability of S. striata to decrease ROS generation and cell apoptosis and also suggest the presence of the neuroprotective agents in this plant.     

Oxidative Damage and Fragmentation of Mitochondrial DNA in Cellular Apoptosis

The molecular genetics and bioenergetics of oxidative damage, fragmentation, and fragility of mitochondrial DNA in cellular apoptosis is reviewed in connection with the redox mechanism of ageing.     

Role of Oxidative Damage in Friedreich's Ataxia

Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were raised in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients. These levels correlated with increasing age and disease duration, suggesting lipid peroxidation increased with disease progression. Using fibroblasts from FRDA patients we observed that GSH levels and aconitase activities were normal, suggesting their antioxidant status was unchanged. When exposed to various agents to increase free radical generation we observed that intracellular superoxide generation induced by paraquat caused enhanced oxidative damage. This correlated with the size of the GAA1 expansion, suggesting decreased frataxin levels may render the cells more vulnerable to mild oxidative stress. More severe oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide caused increased cell death in FRDA fibroblasts but was not significantly different from control cells. We propose that abnormal respiratory chain function and iron accumulation may lead to a progressive increase in oxidative damage, but increased sensitivity to free radicals may not require detectable respiratory chain dysfunction.     

依达拉奉通过Nrf2信号分子调节氧化应激减轻脑缺血再灌注诱导的神经损伤

本研究旨在探讨依达拉奉(edaravone,ED)在脑缺血再灌注损伤中发挥神经元保护作用与Nrf2信号分子间的关系。体内实验利用脑内脑中动脉闭塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion model,MCAO)建立SD大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤模型,体外实验采用过氧化氢(H2O2)损伤PC12细胞建立氧化应激模型。通过TTC染色、HE染色、Nissl染色来检测大脑的病理状态。测定活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性,来反映氧化应激水平。此外,通过Hoechst 33342染色和线粒体膜电位(mitochondrial membrane potential,MTP)测定,探究细胞水平的损伤。采用免疫组织化学和蛋白质印记测定Nrf2的表达。构建Nrf2敲除的PC12细胞系,证实Nrf2信号分子抑制氧化应激损伤的作用。结果提示,经依达拉奉给药后,在动物体内水平,TTC染色证实,脑缺血再灌注损伤(cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury,CIRI)大鼠的脑组织梗死体积减小(P<0.001),ROS和MDA水平下降(P<0.01),SOD活性上升(P<0.01);在细胞水平,凋亡细胞减少(P<0.05),MTP上升(P<0.01),ROS和MDA水平下降,SOD活性上升(P<0.01);在分子水平,免疫组化和Western印迹结果均提示,Nrf2蛋白质含量较正常组增加。H2O2诱导Nrf2基因敲除的PC12细胞损伤加重,且依达拉奉的治疗效果明显削弱。综上所述,Nrf2在依达拉奉减轻脑缺血再灌注诱导的氧化应激损伤中发挥关键作用。     

紫檀芪调节Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路对非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠氧化应激和细胞凋亡的影响

摘要 目的：研究紫檀芪调节Kelch样ECH关联蛋白1（Keap-1）/核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）/血红素加氧酶-1（HO-1）信号通路对非酒精性脂肪肝（NAFLD）大鼠氧化应激和细胞凋亡的影响。方法：将60只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、紫檀芪低剂量组（30 mg/kg）、紫檀芪高剂量组（60 mg/kg）、紫檀芪（60 mg/kg）+N-（4-（2,3-二氢-1-（2''-甲基苯甲酰）-1H-吲哚-5-基）-5-甲基-2-噻唑基）-1,3-苯并二氧唑-5-乙酰胺（ML385）（30 mg/kg）组,每组12只。模型组与药物干预组大鼠以高脂饲料饲养诱导NAFLD模型,对照组大鼠以普通饲料饲养,各组连续喂养12周。以紫檀芪和ML385分组处理14 d后（对照组以等剂量生理盐水处理）,检测各组大鼠脂代谢指标[三酰甘油（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）及游离脂肪酸（FFA）水平]、肝指数、肝功能指标[谷丙转氨酶（ALT）及谷草转氨酶（AST）]水平、血清白细胞介素（IL）-17、IL-6、IL-10、氧化应激指标[丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）及过氧化氢酶（CAT）]水平;原位末端标记法（TUNEL）染色检测各组大鼠肝细胞凋亡率;蛋白免疫印迹法检测各组大鼠肝组织凋亡相关蛋白及Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1通路相关蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比,模型组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平显著降低（P＜0.05）,TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1及Bax表达水平显著升高（P＜0.05）。与模型组相比,紫檀芪低、高剂量组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平均升高（P＜0.05）,TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1、Bax表达水平均降低（P＜0.05）;与紫檀芪低剂量组相比,紫檀芪高剂量组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平升高（P＜0.05）,TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1及Bax表达水平降低（P＜0.05）;与紫檀芪高剂量组相比,紫檀芪+ML385组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平降低（P＜0.05）,TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Bax表达水平升高（P＜0.05）。结论：紫檀芪可能通过激活Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路,改善NAFLD大鼠脂代谢水平,调节炎症反应及氧化应激,减轻肝组织脂肪变性及细胞凋亡。     

雌激素膜受体GPER1 通过调节Nrf2 减轻心肌氧化损伤

目的:观察雌激素膜受体GPER1对心肌细胞氧化损伤的保护作用,并探讨其通过PI3K/Akt信号通路上调Nrf2,减轻心肌氧化损伤的机制。方法:H_2O_2处理原代培养的新生大鼠心肌细胞建立氧化损伤模型,分为对照组、H_2O_2处理组,GPER1受体激动剂G1预处理+H_2O_2处理组和GPER1拮抗剂G15+G1预处理+H_2O_2处理组,MTT检测细胞活性,Hoechst33342染色和cleaved caspase-3免疫荧光染色观察细胞凋亡,并检测细胞内氧自由基,总抗氧化能力,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)的水平。Western blot测定细胞中p-Akt和细胞核内Nrf2的水平。结果:G1显著抑制H_2O_2导致细胞活性下降和细胞凋亡,并降低细胞内氧自由基水平,提高总抗氧化能力,增加SOD活性,减少MDA含量,但G15能拮抗G1的上述效应。同时G1能增加细胞内Akt磷酸化水平和细胞核内Nrf2的表达,这些效应可被G15和LY-294002阻断。结论:GPER1通过PI3K/Akt信号通路,调节Nrf2的表达,抑制氧化应激导致的心肌细胞损伤。GPER1可以作为开发心肌缺血损伤保护剂的一个潜在靶点。