scholarly journals Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Associated with Effects of Molecular Hydrogen in Cardiovascular and Central Nervous Systems

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1281
Author(s):  
Miroslav Barancik ◽  
Branislav Kura ◽  
Tyler W. LeBaron ◽  
Roberto Bolli ◽  
Jozef Buday ◽  
...  

The increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are important factors contributing to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Molecular hydrogen is recognized as an emerging therapeutic, and its positive effects in the treatment of pathologies have been documented in both experimental and clinical studies. The therapeutic potential of hydrogen is attributed to several major molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on the effects of hydrogen on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and summarizes current knowledge about its actions, including the regulation of redox and intracellular signaling, alterations in gene expressions, and modulation of cellular responses (e.g., autophagy, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling). We summarize the functions of hydrogen as a regulator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated redox signaling and the association of hydrogen with mitochondria as an important target of its therapeutic action. The antioxidant functions of hydrogen are closely associated with protein kinase signaling pathways, and we discuss possible roles of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, which are mediated through glycogen synthase kinase 3β and its involvement in the regulation of cellular apoptosis. Additionally, current knowledge about the role of molecular hydrogen in the modulation of autophagy and matrix metalloproteinases-mediated tissue remodeling, which are other responses to cellular stress, is summarized in this review.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Chao Yu ◽  
Jian-Hui Xiao

Oxidative stress, a term that describes the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leads to the disruption of redox signals and causes molecular damage. Increased oxidative stress from diverse sources has been implicated in most senescence-related diseases and in aging itself. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- (Keap1-) nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system can be used to monitor oxidative stress; Keap1-Nrf2 is closely associated with aging and controls the transcription of multiple antioxidant enzymes. Simultaneously, Keap1-Nrf2 signaling is also modulated by a more complex regulatory network, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. This review presents more information on aging-related molecular mechanisms involving Keap1-Nrf2. Furthermore, we highlight several major signals involved in Nrf2 unbinding from Keap1, including cysteine modification of Keap1 and phosphorylation of Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3β, sequestosome 1, Bach1, and c-Myc. Additionally, we discuss the direct interaction between Keap1-Nrf2 and the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. In summary, we focus on recent progress in research on the Keap1-Nrf2 system involving oxidative stress and aging, providing an empirical basis for the development of antiaging drugs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Hayes ◽  
Sudhir Chowdhry ◽  
Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova ◽  
Calum Sutherland

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 (NF-E2 p45)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of redox homoeostasis that allows cells to adapt to oxidative stress and also promotes cell proliferation. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms by which oxidants/electrophilic agents and growth factors increase Nrf2 activity. In the former case, oxidants/electrophiles increase the stability of Nrf2 by antagonizing the ability of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) to target the transcription factor for proteasomal degradation via the cullin-3 (Cul3)–RING ubiquitin ligase CRLKeap1. In the latter case, we speculate that growth factors increase the stability of Nrf2 by stimulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)−protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt signalling, which in turn results in inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and in doing so prevents the formation of a DSGIS motif-containing phosphodegron in Nrf2 that is recognized by the β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) Cul1-based E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCFβ-TrCP. We present data showing that in the absence of Keap1, the electrophile tert-butyl hydroquinone (tBHQ) can stimulate Nrf2 activity and induce the Nrf2-target gene NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), whilst simultaneously causing inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9. Together, these observations suggest that tBHQ can suppress the ability of SCFβ-TrCP to target Nrf2 for proteasomal degradation by increasing PI3K−PKB/Akt signalling. We also propose a scheme that explains how other protein kinases that inhibit GSK-3 could stimulate induction of Nrf2-target genes by preventing formation of the DSGIS motif-containing phosphodegron in Nrf2.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Qinqin Qiao ◽  
Liang Chen ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Xiangyang Lu ◽  
Qingbiao Xu

Bioactive peptides (BPs) are fragments of 2–15 amino acid residues with biological properties. Dietary BPs derived from milk, egg, fish, soybean, corn, rice, quinoa, wheat, oat, potato, common bean, spirulina, and mussel are reported to possess beneficial effects on redox balance and metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)). Peptide length, sequence, and composition significantly affected the bioactive properties of dietary BPs. Numerous studies have demonstrated that various dietary protein-derived BPs exhibited biological activities through the modulation of various molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, including Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element in oxidative stress; peroxisome proliferator-activated-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 in obesity; insulin receptor substrate-1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetes; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in hypertension; and mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B in IBD. This review focuses on the action of molecular mechanisms of dietary BPs and provides novel insights in the maintenance of redox balance and metabolic diseases of human.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 675
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jun Choi ◽  
Sun Joo Cha ◽  
Jang-Won Lee ◽  
Hyung-Jun Kim ◽  
Kiyoung Kim

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Although several studies on genes involved in ALS have substantially expanded and improved our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain poorly understood. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a multifunctional serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of various cellular signaling pathways. Dysregulation of GSK3β activity in neuronal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous research indicates that GSK3β inactivation plays a neuroprotective role in ALS pathogenesis. GSK3β activity shows an increase in various ALS models and patients. Furthermore, GSK3β inhibition can suppress the defective phenotypes caused by SOD, TDP-43, and FUS expression in various models. This review focuses on the most recent studies related to the therapeutic effect of GSK3β in ALS and provides an overview of how the dysfunction of GSK3β activity contributes to ALS pathogenesis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (7) ◽  
pp. C743-C756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sejeong Shin ◽  
Laura Wolgamott ◽  
Sang-Oh Yoon

Vascular morphogenesis is a key process for development, reproduction, and pathogenesis. Thus understanding the mechanisms of this process is of pathophysiological importance. Despite the fact that collagen I is the most abundant and potent promorphogenic molecule known, the molecular mechanisms by which this protein regulates endothelial cell tube morphogenesis are still unclear. Here we provide strong evidence that collagen I induces tube morphogenesis by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Further mechanistic studies revealed that GSK3β activity is regulated by protein kinase D (PKD). PKD inhibited GSK3β activity, which was required for collagen I-induced endothelial tube morphogenesis. We also found that GSK3β regulated trafficking of integrin α2β1 in a Rab11-dependent manner. Taken together, our studies highlight the important role of PKD in the regulation of collagen I-induced vascular morphogenesis and show that it is mediated by the modulation of GSK3β activity and integrin α2β1 trafficking.


Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Yixiang Li ◽  
Bei Guo ◽  
Jiajia Zhang ◽  
Biao Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF), which is produced by bone marrow–derived cells, mediates cardiac repair following myocardial infarction by inhibiting cardiac myocyte apoptosis to subsequently reduce the infarct size. However, the function of MYDGF in the incretin system of diabetes is still unknown. Here, loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments in mice revealed that MYDGF maintains glucose homeostasis by inducing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production and secretion and that it improves glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism. Treatment with recombinant MYDGF increased the secretion and production of GLP-1 in STC-1 cells in vitro. Mechanistically, the positive effects of MYDGF are potentially attributable to the activation of protein kinase A/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin (PKA/GSK-3β/β-catenin) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinases/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways. Based on these findings, MYDGF promotes the secretion and production of GLP-1 in intestinal L-cells and potentially represents a potential therapeutic medication target for type 2 diabetes.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2668
Author(s):  
Ersilia Nigro ◽  
Marialuisa Formato ◽  
Giuseppina Crescente ◽  
Aurora Daniele

Cannabis sativa L. is a source of over 150 active compounds known as phytocannabinoids that are receiving renewed interest due to their diverse pharmacologic activities. Indeed, phytocannabinoids mimic the endogenous bioactive endocannabinoids effects through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors widely described in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. All phytocannabinoids have been studied for their protective actions towards different biological mechanisms, including inflammation, immune response, oxidative stress that, altogether, result in an inhibitory activity against the carcinogenesis. The role of the endocannabinoid system is not yet completely clear in cancer, but several studies indicate that cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands are overexpressed in different tumor tissues. Recently, in vitro and in vivo evidence support the effectiveness of phytocannabinoids against various cancer types, in terms of proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, actions partially due to their ability to regulate signaling pathways critical for cell growth and survival. The aim of this review was to report the current knowledge about the action of phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. against cancer initiation and progression with a specific regard to brain, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer as well as their possible use in the therapies. We will also report the known molecular mechanisms responsible for such positive effects. Finally, we will describe the actual therapeutic options for Cannabis sativa L. and the ongoing clinical trials.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
You-Cheng Hseu ◽  
Xuan-Zao Chen ◽  
Yugandhar Vudhya Gowrisankar ◽  
Hung-Rong Yen ◽  
Jing-Yuan Chuang ◽  
...  

Ultraviolet A (UVA)-irradiation induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production mediates excessive melanogenesis in skin cells leading to pigmentation. We demonstrated the depigmenting and anti-melanogenic effects of Ectoine, a natural bacterial osmolyte, in UVA-irradiated human (HaCaT) keratinocytes, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with low concentrations of Ectoine (0.5–1.5 μM) and assayed for various depigmenting and anti-melanogenic parameters. This pre-treatment significantly downregulated ROS generation, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) production, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression in UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells. Also, antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone 1] (NQO-1), and γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (γ-GCLC) protein expressions were mediated via the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) whose knockdown indeed impaired this effect signifying the importance of the Nrf2 pathway. Ectoine was mediating the activation of Nrf2 via the p38, protein kinase B (also known as AKT), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase II protein kinase (CKII) pathways. The conditioned medium obtained from the Ectoine pre-treated and UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells downregulated the tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 and -2 (TRP-1/-2), cyclic AMP (c-AMP) protein kinase, c-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expressions leading to melanoma B16F10 cells having inhibited melanin synthesis. Interestingly, this anti-melanogenic effect in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells was observable only at 50–400 μM concentrations of Ectoine, signifying the key role played by Ectoine (0.5–1 μM)-treated keratinocytes in skin whitening effects. We concluded that Ectoine could be used as an effective topical natural cosmetic agent with depigmenting and anti-melanogenic efficacy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 555-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Ansari ◽  
Hadi Pourjafar ◽  
Aydin Tabrizi ◽  
Aziz Homayouni

Background: Probiotics and their nutrient sources (prebiotics) have been shown to have positive effects on different organs of the host. The idea of their potential benefits on Central Nervous Systems (CNS) and the incidence of Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer, Depression, Autism, and other mental disorders has proposed a new category of medicines called “psychobiotic” which is hoped to be of low-side effect anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety constitutes. Objective: In the current review, we present valuable insights into the complicated interactions between the GI microbiota (especially in the colon), brain, immune and central nervous systems and provide a summary of the main findings of the effects of pro- and prebiotics on important mental disorders from the potential mechanisms of action to their application in clinical practice. Methods: Google Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using following key words: “probiotics”, “prebiotics”, “mental disorders”, “psychological disorders”, “depression”, “anxiety”, “stress”, “Alzheimer” and “autism spectrum”. The full text of potentially eligible studies was retrieved and assessed in detail by the reviewers. Data were extracted and then summarized from the selected papers. Results: The results of the provided evidence suggest that probiotic and prebiotics might improve mental function via several mechanisms. The beneficial effects of their application in Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer and autism spectrum diseases have also been supported in clinical studies. Conclusion: Pro and prebiotics can improve mental health and psychological function and can be offered as new medicines for common mental disorders, however, more clinical studies are necessary to conduct regarding the clinical significance of the effects and their bioequivalence or superiority against current treatments.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh Q. C. Nguyen ◽  
Tran Duy Binh ◽  
Ryo Kusunoki ◽  
Tuan L. A. Pham ◽  
Yen D. H. Nguyen ◽  
...  

Launaea sarmentosa has been extensively used as a nutrient herb in traditional Vietnamese remedies for the treatment of various diseases, especially inflammatory diseases. However, no detailed research has been conducted examining the molecular mechanisms involved in the suppression of inflammatory response. Here, we studied the effects of L. sarmentosa methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation using RAW 264.7 macrophages. The extract demonstrated potent antioxidant activity owing to the presence of polyphenolic and flavonoid components. Pretreatment with the extract inhibited LPS-mediated secretion of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and tumor necrosis factor-α as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathways was blocked by the extract by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was suppressed, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was attenuated. Furthermore, the extract promoted the activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 resulting in the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 pathway, leading to the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Taken together, the results indicate that L. sarmentosa exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, and hence, can be further developed as a novel drug for the treatment of diseases associated with excessive inflammation.


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