The Role of Natural Antioxidants in the Prevention of Dementia—Where Do We Stand and Future Perspectives

Anamaria Jurcau

doi:10.3390/nu13020282

The Role of Natural Antioxidants in the Prevention of Dementia—Where Do We Stand and Future Perspectives

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 282

Author(s):

Anamaria Jurcau

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Animal Models ◽

Healthcare Expenditure ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Optimal Dose ◽

Future Perspectives ◽

Human Trials ◽

Significant Burden

Dementia, and especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD), puts significant burden on global healthcare expenditure through its increasing prevalence. Research has convincingly demonstrated the implication of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of dementia as well as of the conditions which increase the risk of developing dementia. However, drugs which target single pathways have so far failed in providing significant neuroprotection. Natural antioxidants, due to their effects in multiple pathways through which oxidative stress leads to neurodegeneration and triggers neuroinflammation, could prove valuable weapons in our fight against dementia. Although efficient in vitro and in animal models of AD, natural antioxidants in human trials have many drawbacks related to the limited bioavailability, unknown optimal dose, or proper timing of the treatment. Nonetheless, trials evaluating several of these natural compounds are ongoing, as are attempts to modify these compounds to achieve improved bioavailability.

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Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5705

Author(s):

Karolina Szewczyk-Golec ◽

Marta Pawłowska ◽

Roland Wesołowski ◽

Marcin Wróblewski ◽

Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Redox Status ◽

Host Cells ◽

Common Disease ◽

Parasite Viability

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a common disease, which is most typically asymptomatic. However, toxoplasmosis can be severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Available treatment options are limited, so there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and treatment of T. gondii infection. Chemical compounds that modify redox status can reduce the parasite viability and thus be potential anti-Toxoplasma drugs. On the other hand, oxidative stress caused by the activation of the inflammatory response may have some deleterious consequences in host cells. In this respect, the potential use of natural antioxidants is worth considering, including melatonin and some vitamins, as possible novel anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. Results of in vitro and animal studies are promising. However, supplementation with some antioxidants was found to promote the increase in parasitemia, and the disease was then characterized by a milder course. Undoubtedly, research in this area may have a significant impact on the future prospects of toxoplasmosis therapy.

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Bioengineered in vitro Vascular Models for Applications in Interventional Radiology

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612824666180416114325 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (45) ◽

pp. 5367-5374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xiaoyun Li ◽

Seyed M. Moosavi-Basri ◽

Rahul Sheth ◽

Xiaoying Wang ◽

Yu S. Zhang

Keyword(s):

Interventional Radiology ◽

Animal Models ◽

Blood Vessels ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

The Past ◽

Endovascular Interventions ◽

Conventional Animal ◽

Vascular Structures

The role of endovascular interventions has progressed rapidly over the past several decades. While animal models have long-served as the mainstay for the advancement of this field, the use of in vitro models has become increasingly widely adopted with recent advances in engineering technologies. Here, we review the strategies, mainly including bioprinting and microfabrication, which allow for fabrication of biomimetic vascular models that will potentially serve to supplement the conventional animal models for convenient investigations of endovascular interventions. Besides normal blood vessels, those in diseased states, such as thrombosis, may also be modeled by integrating cues that simulate the microenvironment of vascular disorders. These novel engineering strategies for the development of biomimetic in vitro vascular structures will possibly enable unconventional means of studying complex endovascular intervention problems that are otherwise hard to address using existing models.

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Heme Oxygenase-1 Deficiency and Oxidative Stress: A Review of 9 Independent Human Cases and Animal Models

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22041514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 1514 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Akihiro Yachie

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Animal Models ◽

Heme Oxygenase ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Cell Types ◽

Pharmacological Intervention ◽

Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽

Inflammatory Reactions

Since Yachie et al. reported the first description of human heme oxygenase (HO)-1 deficiency more than 20 years ago, few additional human cases have been reported in the literature. A detailed analysis of the first human case of HO-1 deficiency revealed that HO-1 is involved in the protection of multiple tissues and organs from oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory reactions, through the release of multiple molecules with anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory functions. HO-1 production is induced in vivo within selected cell types, including renal tubular epithelium, hepatic Kupffer cells, vascular endothelium, and monocytes/macrophages, suggesting that HO-1 plays critical roles in these cells. In vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that impaired HO-1 production results in progressive monocyte dysfunction, unregulated macrophage activation and endothelial cell dysfunction, leading to catastrophic systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Data from reported human cases of HO-1 deficiency and numerous studies using animal models suggest that HO-1 plays critical roles in various clinical settings involving excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. In this regard, therapy to induce HO-1 production by pharmacological intervention represents a promising novel strategy to control inflammatory diseases.

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Regulation of miRNAs by Natural Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on SIRT1 and eNOS

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10030377 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 377

Author(s):

Yunna Lee ◽

Eunok Im

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Endothelial Dysfunction ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Sirtuin 1 ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

New Perspective ◽

Oxide Synthase ◽

Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The potential benefits of natural antioxidants derived from supplemental nutrients against CVDs are well known. Remarkably, natural antioxidants exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, increasing vasodilation, and normalizing endothelial dysfunction. Recently, considerable evidence has highlighted an important role played by the synergistic interaction between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the maintenance of endothelial function. To provide a new perspective on the role of natural antioxidants against CVDs, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important posttranscriptional modulators in human diseases. Several miRNAs are regulated via the consumption of natural antioxidants and are related to the regulation of oxidative stress by targeting eNOS and/or SIRT1. In this review, we have discussed the specific molecular regulation of eNOS/SIRT1-related endothelial dysfunction and its contribution to CVD pathologies; furthermore, we selected nine different miRNAs that target the expression of eNOS and SIRT1 in CVDs. Additionally, we have summarized the alteration of miRNA expression and regulation of activities of miRNA through natural antioxidant consumption.

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The Role of the FOXO1/β2-AR/p-NF-κB p65 Pathway in the Development of Endometrial Stromal Cells in Pregnant Mice under Restraint Stress

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22031478 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 1478

Author(s):

Jiayin Lu ◽

Yaoxing Chen ◽

Zixu Wang ◽

Jing Cao ◽

Yulan Dong

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Stromal Cells ◽

Restraint Stress ◽

Target Genes ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Pregnant Mice

Restraint stress causes various maternal diseases during pregnancy. β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) and Forkhead transcription factor class O 1 (FOXO1) are critical factors not only in stress, but also in reproduction. However, the role of FOXO1 in restraint stress, causing changes in the β2-AR pathway in pregnant mice, has been unclear. The aim of this research was to investigate the β2-AR pathway of restraint stress and its impact on the oxidative stress of the maternal uterus. In the study, maternal mice were treated with restraint stress by being restrained in a transparent and ventilated device before sacrifice on Pregnancy Day 5 (P5), Pregnancy Day 10 (P10), Pregnancy Day 15 (P15), and Pregnancy Day 20 (P20) as well as on Non-Pregnancy Day 5 (NP5). Restraint stress augmented blood corticosterone (CORT), norepinephrine (NE), and blood glucose levels, while oestradiol (E2) levels decreased. Moreover, restraint stress increased the mRNA levels of the FOXO family, β2-AR, and even the protein levels of FOXO1 and β2-AR in the uterus and ovaries. Furthermore, restraint stress increased uterine oxidative stress level. In vitro, the protein levels of FOXO1 were also obviously increased when β2-AR was activated in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). In addition, phosphorylated-nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) and its target genes decreased significantly when FOXO1 was inhibited. Overall, it can be said that the β2-AR/FOXO1/p-NF-κB p65 pathway was activated when pregnant mice were under restraint stress. This study provides a scientific basis for the origin of psychological stress in pregnant women.

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HIF-1α Activation Promotes Luteolysis by Enhancing ROS Levels in the Corpus Luteum of Pseudopregnant Rats

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2021/1764929 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Zonghao Tang ◽

Jiajie Chen ◽

Zhenghong Zhang ◽

Jingjing Bi ◽

Renfeng Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Corpus Luteum ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Luteal Cell ◽

Independent Manner ◽

Luteal Regression ◽

Luteal Cells

The increase of oxidative stress is one of the important characteristics of mammalian luteal regression. Previous investigations have revealed the essential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in luteal cell death during luteolysis, while it is unknown how ROS is regulated in this process. Considering the decrease of blood flow and increase of PGF2α during luteolysis, we hypothesized that the HIF-1α pathway may be involved in the regulation of ROS in the luteal cell of the late corpus luteum (CL). Here, by using a pseudopregnant rat model, we showed that the level of both HIF-1α and its downstream BNIP3 was increased during luteal regression. Consistently, we observed the increase of autophagy level during luteolysis, which is regulated in a Beclin1-independent manner. Comparing with early (Day 7 of pseudopregnancy) and middle CL (Day 14), the level of ROS was significantly increased in late CL, indicating the contribution of oxidative stress in luteolysis. Inhibition of HIF-1α by echinomycin (Ech), a potent HIF-1α inhibitor, ameliorated the upregulation of BNIP3 and NIX, as well as the induction of autophagy and the accumulation of ROS in luteal cells on Day 21 of pseudopregnancy. Morphologically, Ech treatment delayed the atrophy of the luteal structure at the late-luteal stage. An in vitro study indicated that inhibition of HIF-1α can also attenuate PGF2α-induced ROS and luteal cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the decrease of cell apoptosis can also be observed by ROS inhibition under PGF2α treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that HIF-1α signaling is involved in the regression of CL by modulating ROS production via orchestrating autophagy. Inhibition of HIF-1α could obviously hamper the apoptosis of luteal cells and the process of luteal regression.

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From animal models to patients: the role of placental microRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148a/152 in preeclampsia

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20200023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (8) ◽

pp. 1001-1025 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sonya Frazier ◽

Martin W. McBride ◽

Helen Mulvana ◽

Delyth Graham

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Cell Types ◽

Rodent Model ◽

Hypertensive Disorder ◽

Model Studies ◽

Genetic Components ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Hypertensive Disorder Of Pregnancy

Abstract Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the placental transcriptome and play a pathological role in preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Three PE rodent model studies explored the role of placental miRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 respectively, by examining expression of the miRNAs, their inducers, and potential gene targets. This review evaluates the role of miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 in PE by comparing findings from the three rodent model studies with in vitro studies, other animal models, and preeclamptic patients to provide comprehensive insight into genetic components and pathological processes in the placenta contributing to PE. The majority of studies demonstrate miR-210 is upregulated in PE in part driven by HIF-1α and NF-κBp50, stimulated by hypoxia and/or immune-mediated processes. Elevated miR-210 may contribute to PE via inhibiting anti-inflammatory Th2-cytokines. Studies report an up- and downregulation of miR-126, arguably reflecting differences in expression between cell types and its multifunctional capacity. MiR-126 may play a pro-angiogenic role by mediating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Most studies report miR-148/152 family members are upregulated in PE. Evidence suggests they may inhibit DNA methylation of genes involved in metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Given the genetic heterogeneity of PE, it is unlikely that a single placental miRNA is a suitable therapeutic target for all patients. Investigating miRNAs in PE subtypes in patients and animal models may represent a more appropriate approach going forward. Developing methods for targeting placental miRNAs and specific placental cell types remains crucial for research seeking to target placental miRNAs as a novel treatment for PE.

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Serum Fetuin-B Levels Are Elevated in Women with Metabolic Syndrome and Associated with Increased Oxidative Stress

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2021/6657658 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Shiyao Xue ◽

Hongdong Han ◽

Shunli Rui ◽

Mengliu Yang ◽

Yizhou Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Bioinformatics Analysis ◽

Cholesterol Metabolism ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽

Regulatory Factors ◽

Triglyceride Content

Previous studies on serum fetuin-B (fetuin-like protein IRL685) have investigated its association with T2DM; however, the reason for the variation in serum fetuin-B and its regulatory factors in metabolic disease remain unclear. Here, we evaluated serum fetuin-B levels in women with newly diagnosed MetS and performed multiple interventions to investigate the role of fetuin-B in the pathogenesis of MetS. Serum fetuin-B levels were assessed using ELISA. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze fetuin-B-related genes and signaling pathways. Additionally, oxidative stress parameters were measured in the in vitro study. For subgroup analyses, we performed EHC, OGTT, and treatment with a GLP-1RA to investigate the regulatory factors of serum fetuin-B. We found that in comparison with healthy subjects, serum fetuin-B levels were markedly increased in women with MetS. Further, serum fetuin-B showed a positive correlation with WHR, FAT%, TG, FBG, HbA1c, FIns, HOMA-IR, VAI, and LAP. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that most fetuin-B-related core genes were involved in cholesterol metabolism and fat decomposition. Consistent with this finding, multivariate regression analysis showed that triglyceride content and WHR were independently associated with serum fetuin-B. We also observed that serum fetuin-B levels were markedly elevated in healthy subjects after glucose loading and in women with MetS during EHC. In vitro, overexpression of fetuin-B promoted oxidative stress in HepG2 cell. After 6 months of treatment with a GLP-1RA, serum fetuin-B levels in women with MetS decreased following an improvement in metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, serum fetuin-B is associated with MetS, which may serve as a biomarker of oxidative stress. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-OCC-11001422.

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Oxidative stress promotes liver cancer metastasis via a PKA-activated RNF25/ECAD/YAP circuit

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1197819/v1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Zhao Huang ◽

Li Zhou ◽

Jiufei Duan ◽

Siyuan Qin ◽

Yu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Cancer Metastasis ◽

Anoikis Resistance ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Redox Sensor ◽

Stress Signals ◽

Hcc Cells

Abstract Loss of E-cadherin (ECAD), often caused by epigenetic inactivation, is closely associated with tumor metastasis. However, how ECAD is regulated in response to oxidative stress during tumorigenesis is largely unknown. Here we identify RNF25 as a new E3 ligase of ECAD, whose activation by oxidative stress leads to ECAD protein degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Loss of ECAD activates YAP, which in turn promotes the transcription of RNF25, thus forming a positive feedback loop to sustain the ECAD downregulation. YAP activation mitigates oxidative stress in detached HCC cells by upregulating antioxidant genes, protecting detached HCC cells from ferroptosis, resulting in anoikis resistance. Mechanistically, we found that protein kinase A (PKA) senses oxidative stress by redox modification in its β catalytic subunit (PRKACB) at Cys200 and Cys344, which increases its kinase activity towards RNF25 phosphorylation at Ser450, facilitating RNF25-mediated degradation of ECAD. Moreover, RNF25 expression is associated with HCC metastasis and depletion of RNF25 is sufficient to diminish HCC invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results identify a dual role of RNF25 as a critical regulator of ECAD protein turnover, promoting both anoikis resistance and metastasis, and PKA is a necessary redox sensor to enable this process. Our study provides mechanistic insight into how tumor cells sense oxidative stress signals to spread while escaping cell death.

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