Retraction: Plin5 deficiency promotes atherosclerosis progression through accelerating inflammation,apoptosis and oxidative stress

The above article, from Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, “Plin5 deficiency promotes atherosclerosis progression through accelerating inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress” by Peng-Li Zhou, Min Li, Xin-Wei Han, Yong-Hua Bi, Wen-Guang Zhang, Zheng-Yang Wu, and Gang Wu published online on 7 December 2017 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief Gary S. Stein and John Wiley and Sons, Inc. The retraction has been agreed because the authors are not responding to requests to finalize their article for publication in the journal as the Version of Record.     

The role of inflammation,oxidative stress,angiogenesis, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of endometriosis: Basic science and new insights based on gene expression

Endometriosis is a frequent and chronic illness in young women which could be defined by the existence of endometrial stroma and glands outside of the normal site of the lining of the uterus. It has painful symptoms. The advanced stage of endometriosis may lead to gynecological malignancies, such as ovarian cancer, and other complications, including infertility. However, its exact physiopathology is not well known. Recent studies have shown the possible roles of inflammation along with oxidative stress. Additionally, angiogenesis and apoptosis dysregulation contribute to endometriosis pathophysiology. Therapeutic strategies and continuing attempts, to conquer endometriosis should be done regarding molecular signaling pathways. Thus, the present review summarizes current studies and focuses on molecular mechanisms.     

Celecoxib prevents pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation,apoptosis and oxidative stress

To explore the effects of celecoxib on pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy (CH), cardiac dysfunction and explore the possible protective mechanisms. We surgically created abdominal aortic constrictions (AAC) in rats to induce CH. Rats with CH symptoms at 4 weeks after surgery were treated with celecoxib [2 mg/100 g body‐weight(BW)] daily for either 2 or 4 weeks. Survival rate, blood pressure and cardiac function were evaluated after celecoxib treatment. Animals were killed, and cardiac tissue was examined for morphological changes, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Four weeks after AAC, rats had significantly higher systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, greater heart weight and enlarged cardiomyocytes, which were associated with cardiac dysfunction. Thus, the CH model was successfully established. Two weeks later, animals had impaired cardiac function and histopathological abnormalities including enlarged cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibrosis, which were exacerbated 2 weeks later. However, these pathological changes were remarkably prevented by the treatment of celecoxib, independent of preventing hypertension. Mechanistic studies revealed that celecoxib‐induced cardiac protection against CH and cardiac dysfunction was due to inhibition of apoptosis via the murine double mimute 2/P53 pathway, inhibition of inflammation via the AKT/mTOR/NF‐κB pathway and inhibition of oxidative stress via increases in nuclear factor E2‐related factor‐2‐mediated gene expression of multiple antioxidants. Celecoxib suppresses pressure overload‐induced CH by reducing apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress.     

Nootkatone confers hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions in a murine model of liver fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress,inflammation, and apoptosis

In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions of nootkatone (NTK) were investigated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. CCl₄ administration elevated serum aspartate and alanine transaminases levels, respectively. In addition, CCl₄ produced hepatic oxidative and nitrative stress, characterized by diminished hemeoxygenase‐1 expression, antioxidant defenses, and accumulation of 4‐hydroxynonenal and 3‐nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, CCl₄ administration evoked profound expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine expressions such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and interleukin‐1β in hepatic tissues, which corroborated with nuclear factor κB activation. Additionally, CCl₄‐treated animals exhibited higher apoptosis, characterized by increased caspase 3 activity, DNA fragmentation, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation. Moreover, histological and biochemical investigations revealed marked fibrosis in the livers of CCl₄‐administered animals. However, NTK treatment mitigated CCl₄‐induced phenotypic changes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NTK exerts hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.     

Alpha lipoic acid prevents doxorubicin‐induced nephrotoxicity by mitigation of oxidative stress,inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A single dose of DOX (7.5 mg/kg i.v.) induced nephrotoxicity evidenced by significant elevations in kidney weight, kidney/body weight ratio, serum urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and renal contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase‐2, and caspase‐3. Also, it causes significant reduction in final body weight, serum albumin, renal contents of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity. Histopathological changes in the kidney tissue confirmed the nephrotoxic effect. In contrast, pretreatment with ALA (50 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days before DOX and for 7 days after DOX administration mitigated renal toxicity evidenced by greater improvement in the examined oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis parameters. In conclusion, ALA had promising protective effects against DOX‐induced nephrotoxicity that might be attributed to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptoic activities.     

The dietary isoflavone daidzein mitigates oxidative stress,apoptosis, and inflammation in CDDP‐induced kidney injury in rats: Impact of the MAPK signaling pathway

Cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity persists as a clinical problem despite several supportive measures to alleviate renal damage. Daidzein (DZ), a dietary isoflavone having antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, is investigated in this study for protective effects against cisplatin‐induced renal injury in rats. DZ (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg; intraperitoneally; 10 days) was administered along with Cisplatin, single dose, on the 7th day of the experiment. On the 11th day, the rats were euthanized, and different samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical, histopathological, and molecular parameters were assessed to evaluate the effect of daidzein. Cisplatin injection resulted in renal dysfunction, lipid peroxidation that led to consumption of antioxidants, exaggerated apoptosis, and inflammation. These changes were associated with increase in the signaling proteins. DZ attenuated the toxic effects of cisplatin on the kidney at 100 mg/kg dose. The study concludes with the finding that daidzein imparts protection against the nephrotoxic effect of Cisplatin and can be considered as a novel, potential therapy.     

Baicalein inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes by stabilizing MARCH5 expression

Abnormal mitochondrial fission and mitophagy participate in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Baicalein is a key active component in the roots of traditional Chinese medicinal herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. It has been reported that baicalein can resist cardiotoxicity induced by several stress, but the mechanisms of baicalein operate in the protection of cardiomyocytes need to be researched further. Here we report that baicalein can promote cell survival under oxidative stress by up‐regulating the expression level of MARCH5 in cardiomyocytes. Pre‐treatment cells or mice with baicalein can stabilize the expression of MARCH5, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of mitochondrial network and mitophagy. Overexpressed MARCH5 is able to against H₂O₂ and ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) stress by suppressing mitochondrial fission and enhancing mitophagy, and then attenuate cells apoptosis. Altogether, our present study investigated that baicalein exerts a protective effect through regulating KLF4‐MARCH5‐Drp1 pathway, our research also provided a novel theoretical basis for the clinical application of baicalein.     

Secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 protects against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells via downregulation of Bax

This study was undertaken to determine the role of secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (SFRP5) in endothelial oxidative injury. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were exposed to different oxidative stimuli and examined for SFRP5 expression. The effects of SFRP5 overexpression and knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production were measured. HAECs treated with angiotensin (Ang) II (1 μM) or oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) (150 μg/mL) showed a significant increase in SFRP5 expression. Overexpression of SFRP5 significantly attenuated the viability suppression and apoptosis induction by Ang II and oxLDL, whereas the knockdown of SFRP5 exerted opposite effects. Overexpression of SFRP5 prevented ROS formation and β‐catenin activation and reduced Bax expression. Co‐expression of Bax significantly reversed the anti‐apoptotic effect of SFRP5 overexpression, whereas knockdown of Bax restrained Ang II‐ and oxLDL‐induced apoptosis in HAECs. Taken together, SFRP5 confers protection against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis through inhibition of β‐catenin activation and downregulation of Bax.     

氧化应激对原代培养乳鼠心房肌细胞中内质网应激及凋亡因子的影响

目的：研究氧化应激对原代培养乳鼠心房肌细胞凋亡、内质网应激及凋亡因子的影响。方法：实验分2组：对照组、氧化应激组。原代培养乳鼠心房肌细胞,氧化应激组在培养的原代心房肌细胞中加入终浓度为100μmol/L的H₂O₂培养2 h,检测氧化和抗氧化指标超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活力、丙二醛（MDA）及还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量;检测细胞凋亡、细胞GRP78、GRP94及chop、bax、bcl-2 mRNA表达。结果：与对照组相比较,氧化应激组心房肌细胞SOD活力和GSH含量下降、MDA含量增加（P < 0.01）,细胞凋亡增加（P < 0.01）,细胞GRP78、GRP94、chop、bax mRNA表达增加、bcl-2 mRNA表达减少（P < 0.01）。结论：氧化应激反应可能介导内质网应激反应并激活促凋亡因子表达,抑制抗凋亡因子表达,引起心房肌细胞凋亡增加。这可能与心房纤颤的发生有一定关联性。     

Picroside II attenuates hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced endothelial injury by reducing inflammation,oxidative stress and cell apoptosis

Picroside II (P‐II), one of the main active components of scrophularia extract, which have anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory effects, but its effect on hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) induced endothelial injury remains to be determined. Here, we test whether P‐II protects HHcy‐induced endothelial dysfunction against oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis. In vitro study using HUVECs, and in hyperhomocysteinemia mouse models, we found that HHcy decreased endothelial SIRT1 expression and increased LOX‐1 expression, subsequently causing reactive oxygen species generation, up‐regulation of NADPH oxidase activity and NF‐κB activation, thereby promoting pro‐inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. Blockade of Sirt1 with Ex527 or siRNASIRT1 increased LOX‐1 expression, whereas overexpression of SIRT1 decreased LOX‐1 expression markedly. P‐II treatment significantly increased SIRT1 expression and reduced LOX‐1 expression, and protected against endothelial cells from Hcy‐induced oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis. However, blockade of SIRT1 or overexpression of LOX‐1 attenuated the therapeutic effects of P‐II. In conclusion, our results suggest that P‐II prevents the Hcy induced endothelial damage probably through regulating the SIRT1/LOX‐1 signaling pathway.     

Severe Vitamin E deficiency exacerbates acute hyperoxic lung injury associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation

Hyperoxia causes acute lung injury along with an increase of oxidative stress and inflammation. It was hypothesized that vitamin E deficiency might exacerbate acute hyperoxic lung injury. This study used α-tocopherol transfer protein knockout (α-TTP KO) mice fed a vitamin E-deficient diet (KO E(-) mice) as a model of severe vitamin E deficiency. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, KO E(-) mice showed a significantly lower survival rate during hyperoxia. After 72 h of hyperoxia, KO E(-) mice had more severe histologic lung damage and higher values of the total cell count and the protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) than WT mice. IL-6 mRNA expression in lung tissue and the levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α) in both lungs and BALF were higher in KO E(-) mice than in WT mice. It was concluded that severe vitamin E deficiency exacerbates acute hyperoxic lung injury associated with increased oxidative stress or inflammation.     

Influence of metabolic syndrome on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in obese adults

Objective: Both obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been independently linked with increased oxidative and inflammatory stress. This study tested the hypothesis that obesity with MetS is associated with greater oxidative and inflammatory burden compared with obesity alone. Research Methods and Procedures: Forty‐eight normal‐weight and 40 obese (20 without MetS; 20 with MetS) adults were studied. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Plasma concentrations of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐18 were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results: Plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were lowest in normal‐weight controls. Of note, obese MetS adults demonstrated significantly higher plasma concentrations of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (62.3 ± 3.2 vs. 54.0 ± 4.0 U/L; p < 0.05), C‐reactive protein (3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 mg/L; p < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor‐α (2.1 ± 0.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1 pg/mL; p < 0.05), IL‐6 (2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 pg/mL; p < 0.01), and IL‐18 (253 ± 16 vs. 199 ± 16 pg/mL; p < 0.01), compared with obese adults without MetS. Discussion: These results suggest that MetS heightens oxidative stress and inflammatory burden in obese adults. Increased oxidative and inflammatory stress may contribute to the greater risk of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in obese adults with MetS.     

Deregulated Cdk5 promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

Oxidative stress is one of the earliest events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A chemical genetic screen revealed that deregulated cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) may cause oxidative stress by compromising the cellular anti-oxidant defense system. Using novel Cdk5 modulators, we show the mechanism by which Cdk5 can induce oxidative stress in the disease's early stage and cell death in the late stage. Cdk5 dysregulation upon neurotoxic insults results in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in neuronal cells because of the inactivation of peroxiredoxin I and II. Sole temporal activation of Cdk5 also increases ROS, suggesting its major role in this process. Cdk5 inhibition rescues mitochondrial damage upon neurotoxic insults, thereby revealing Cdk5 as an upstream regulator of mitochondrial dysfunction. As mitochondrial damage results in elevated ROS and Ca(2+) levels, both of which activate Cdk5, we propose that a feedback loop occurs in late stage of AD and leads to cell death (active Cdk5 --> ROS --> excess ROS --> mitochondrial damage --> ROS --> hyperactive Cdk5 --> severe oxidative stress and cell injury --> cell death). Cdk5 inhibition upon neurotoxic insult prevents cell death significantly, supporting this hypothesis. As oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play pivotal roles in promoting neurodegeneration, Cdk5 could be a viable therapeutic target for AD.     

Effects of unaccustomed downhill running on muscle damage,oxidative stress,and leukocyte apoptosis

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of unaccustomed downhill running on muscle damage, oxidative stress, and leukocyte apoptosis.

[Methods]

Thirteen moderately trained male subjects performed three 40 min treadmill runs at ~70% VO_2max on separate days: a level run (L) followed by two downhill runs (DH1 and DH2). Blood samples were taken at rest (PRE) and immediately (POST), 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h after each run. Data were analyzed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Tukey tests.

[Results]

Creatine kinase (CK) activity and oxidative stress level were significantly elevated at 24 h and 48 h following DH1 (P < 0.05). The level of oxidative stress at the POST measurement following DH1 and DH2 was greater than PRE. The rate of leukocyte apoptosis was significantly increased at the POST measurement following all three runs, and remained elevated for up to 48 h following DH1 (P < 0.01).

[Conclusion]

CK activity and oxidative stress were elevated following an acute bout of moderate intensity downhill running, resulting in a greater apoptotic response at 24 h and 48 h post-exercise in comparison with level grade running or a second downhill run. These elevations were blunted following DH2. Although the link between exercise-induced muscle damage and leukocyte apoptosis is currently unknown, the differential response to DH1 vs. L and DH2 indicates that it may be mediated by the elevation of oxidative stress.     

α-亚麻酸对糖尿病大鼠炎症介质和氧化应激的影响

目的:观察α-亚麻酸(ALA)对糖尿病大鼠体内炎症介质和氧化应激的影响,探讨ALA在糖尿病防治中的作用。方法:雄性SD大鼠高脂饮食喂养4周后,腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)30 mg/kg建立2型糖尿病(T2DM)模型。将大鼠随机分为3组(n=10):正常对照组、糖尿病模型组和ALA治疗组(500μg/kg.d)。4周后测定大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、可溶性P-选择素(sP-selectin)、可溶性细胞间黏附分子(sICAM-1)、一氧化氮(NO)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量以及超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性。结果:与正常对照组相比,糖尿病大鼠血清中炎症介质TNF-α、sP-selectin和sICAM-1的含量增加,血清NO含量下降而MDA升高,同时抗氧化酶SOD和CAT的活性降低;ALA治疗可显著降低糖尿病大鼠血清中TNF-α、sP-selectin和sICAM-1的含量(与STZ+vehicle组相比,P<0.01),增加血清NO水平并减少MDA含量,升高抗氧化酶SOD和CAT的活性(与STZ+vehicle组相比,均P<0.05)。结论:ALA可显著降低糖尿病大鼠血清炎症介质的生成,减轻氧化应激水平,具有抗炎和抗氧化作用。提示ALA对糖尿病及糖尿病并发症的发生发展可能具有一定的防治作用。     

Age-associated adipose tissue inflammation promotes monocyte chemotaxis and enhances atherosclerosis

Although aging enhances atherosclerosis, we do not know if this occurs via alterations in circulating immune cells, lipid metabolism, vasculature, or adipose tissue. Here, we examined whether aging exerts a direct pro-atherogenic effect on adipose tissue in mice. After demonstrating that aging augmented the inflammatory profile of visceral but not subcutaneous adipose tissue, we transplanted visceral fat from young or aged mice onto the right carotid artery of Ldlr^−/− recipients. Aged fat transplants not only increased atherosclerotic plaque size with increased macrophage numbers in the adjacent carotid artery, but also in distal vascular territories, indicating that aging of the adipose tissue enhances atherosclerosis via secreted factors. By depleting macrophages from the visceral fat, we identified that adipose tissue macrophages are major contributors of the secreted factors. To identify these inflammatory factors, we found that aged fat transplants secreted increased levels of the inflammatory mediators TNFα, CXCL2, and CCL2, which synergized to promote monocyte chemotaxis. Importantly, the combined blockade of these inflammatory mediators impeded the ability of aged fat transplants to enhance atherosclerosis. In conclusion, our study reveals that aging enhances atherosclerosis via increased inflammation of visceral fat. Our study suggests that future therapies targeting the visceral fat may reduce atherosclerosis disease burden in the expanding older population.     

Inhibition of microRNA-103 attenuates inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in atherosclerosis through disrupting the PTEN-mediated MAPK signaling

Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic disorder of large arteries, is the underlying pathological process of heart disease and stroke. Former researchers have found that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in the several key processes of AS. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE^−/−) mice fed a high-fat-diet (HFD) to establish AS model. The expression of miR-103 was characterized in the mice model. The effects of miR-103 on inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were analyzed when the expression of miR-103 was inhibited in ApoE ^−/− mice fed an HFD and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The relationship between miR-103 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was identified by luciferase activity detection and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gain- and loss-function approaches were further applied for investigating the regulatory effects of miR-103 and PTEN on ERS. Role of MAPK signaling was then analyzed using PD98059 to block this pathway. miR-103 was highly expressed in the ApoEApoE ^−/− mice fed an HFD. Downregulation of miR-103 suppressed inflammation and ERS in endothelial cells isolated from ApoE ^−/− mice fed a HFD and ox-LDL-exposed HAECs. In addition, miR-103 can target PTEN and downregulate its expression. Overexpression of PTEN reversed the miR-103-induced activation of MAPK signaling. Moreover, PTEN upregulation or MAPK signaling inhibition ease miR-103-induced inflammation and ERS in vivo and in vitro. Thus, miR-103 depletion restrains the progression of AS through blocking PTEN-mediated MAPK signaling.     

辛伐他汀对大鼠糖尿病所致心肌细胞凋亡的影响及其机制

目的：探讨辛伐他汀对糖尿病所致心肌损伤的保护作用及可能机制。方法：24只SD大鼠（180~220） g随机分为对照组（control组,n=8）和模型组（n=16）,模型组给予链脲佐菌素（STZ）腹腔注射建立糖尿病模型,然后随机将模型组分为糖尿病组（DM组,n=8）和糖尿病+辛伐他汀组（DM+S组,n=8）,DM+S组给予辛伐他汀40 mg/（kg·d）灌胃四周,其余两组给予的等量生理盐水。实验结束后,取心脏,分光光度测定法测定大鼠心肌组织脂质过氧化物丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的活性,HE染色观察大鼠心肌病理学改变,TUNEL法检测大鼠心肌细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学法测定大鼠p53的表达;Western blot检测心肌组织p53,p53-phospho-serine15,Bax,Bcl-2等蛋白的表达。结果：①与对照组比较,DM组大鼠心肌组织MDA含量显著升高（P<0.01）,SOD活性明显下降（P<0.01）,与DM组比较,DM+S组大鼠SOD活性显著增加（P<0.01）,MDA含量显著下降（P<0.01）。②HE染色结果表明,与对照组比较,DM组大鼠心肌细胞排列紊乱,结构不清晰,有大量炎性细胞浸润;与DM组比较,DM+S组的心肌细胞结构明显改善。③ TUNEL细胞凋亡检测结果表明,与control组相比,DM组心肌凋亡细胞阳性率显著增加（P<0.01）,给予辛伐他汀后细胞凋亡明显减少（P<0.01）;④免疫组织学检测结果显示,与对照组比较,DM组p53表达量显著增加,且p53在细胞质和细胞核中均有表达（P<0.01）;与DM组比较,DM+S组p53表达量明显下降,p53在细胞质和核中均有表达,但核内表达量减少（P<0.01）。⑤ Western blot检测结果表明,与对照组比较,DM组大鼠p53,p53-Phospho-Serine15,Bax表达量显著升高（P<0.01）,Bcl-2表达量减少（P<0.01）;与DM组比较,DM+S组p53（P<0.01）,p53-Phospho-Serine15（P<0.01）,Bax （P<0.05）表达量显著下降,Bcl-2（P< 0.05）表达量显著增加。结论：辛伐他汀通过改善心肌结构异常、抑制氧化应激和心肌细胞凋亡对糖尿病导致的心肌损伤起到保护作用,其机制与p53介导的细胞凋亡通路相关蛋白的调控有关。