Hemistepsin a Induces Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Downregulating STAT3.

Hemistepta lyrata (Bunge) Bunge is a biennial medicinal plant possessing beneficial effects including anti-inflammation, and hemistepsin A (HsA) isolated from H. lyrata has been known as a hepatoprotective sesquiterpene lactone. In this report, we explored the cytotoxic effects of H. lyrata on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and investigated the associated bioactive compounds and their relevant mechanisms. From the viability results of HCC cells treated with various H. lyrata extracts, HsA was identified as the major compound contributing to the H. lyrata-mediated cytotoxicity. HsA increased expression of cleaved PARP and cells with Sub-G1 phase, Annexin V binding, and TUNEL staining, which imply HsA induces apoptosis. In addition, HsA provoked oxidative stress by decreasing the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio and accumulating reactive oxygen species and glutathione-protein adducts. Moreover, HsA inhibited the transactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by its dephosphorylation at Y705 and glutathione conjugation. Stable expression of a constitutive active mutant of STAT3 prevented the reduction of cell viability by HsA. Finally, HsA enhanced the sensitivity of sorafenib-mediated cytotoxicity by exaggerating oxidative stress and Y705 dephosphorylation of STAT3. Therefore, HsA will be a promising candidate to induce apoptosis of HCC cells via downregulating STAT3 and sensitizing conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Luteolin prevents liver from tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-dependent sestrin 2 induction.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress designates a cellular response to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which is related to disease progression in the liver. Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a phytochemical found frequently in medicinal herbs. Although luteolin has been reported to possess the therapeutic potential to prevent diverse stage of liver diseases, its role in hepatic ER stress has not been established. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the role of luteolin in tunicamycin (Tm)-induced ER stress, and to identify the relevant mechanisms involved in its hepatoprotective effects. In hepatocyte-derived cells and primary hepatocytes, luteolin significantly decreased Tm- or thapsigargin-mediated C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression. In addition, luteolin reduced the activation of three canonical signaling pathways related to the unfolded protein response, and decreased mRNA levels of glucose-regulated protein 78, ER DNA J domain-containing protein 4, and asparagine synthetase. Luteolin also significantly upregulated sestrin 2 (SESN2), and luteolin-mediated CHOP inhibition was blocked in SESN2 (+/-) cells. Moreover, luteolin resulted in phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as well as increased nuclear Nrf2 expression. Deletion of the antioxidant response element in the human SESN2 promoter inhibited increased luciferase activation by luteolin, suggesting that Nrf2 is a critical transcription factor for luteolin-dependent SESN2 expression. In a Tm-mediated liver injury model, luteolin decreased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, prevented degenerative changes and apoptosis of hepatocytes, and inhibited CHOP and glucose-regulated protein 78 expression in hepatic tissues. Therefore, luteolin may be an effective phytochemical to manage ER stress-related liver injury.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Neoagarooligosaccharide via Activation of Nrf2 and Enhanced Antioxidant Efficacy.

Neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOS) are generated by ß-agarases, which cleave the ß-1,4 linkage in agarose. Previously, we reported that NAOS inhibited fat accumulation in the liver and decreased serum cholesterol levels. However, the hepatoprotective effect of NAOS on acute liver injury has not yet been investigated. Thus, we examined whether NAOS could activate nuclear factor (NF)-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) and upregulates its target gene, and has hepatoprotective effect in vivo. In hepatocytes, phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of Nrf2 are increased by treatment with NAOS, in a manner dependent on p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Consistently, NAOS augmented ARE reporter gene activity and the antioxidant protein levels, resulting in increased intracellular glutathione levels. NAOS antagonized tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, NAOS inhibited acetaminophen (APAP)-induced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and significantly decreased hepatocyte degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, ROS production and glutathione depletion by APAP were reversed by NAOS. APAP-mediated apoptotic signaling pathways were also inhibited in NAOS-treated mice. Upregulalted hepatic expression of genes related to inflammation by APAP were consistently diminished by NAOS. Collectively, our results demonstrate that NAOS exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against APAP-mediated acute liver damage through its antioxidant capacity.

Protective effect of sestrin2 against iron overload and ferroptosis-induced liver injury.

Ferroptosis is the non-apoptotic form of cell death caused by small molecules or conditions that inhibit glutathione biosynthesis or resulting in iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation by lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sestrin2 (Sesn2), a conserved antioxidant protein, is responsive to various stresses including genotoxic, metabolic, and oxidative stresses and acts to restore homeostatic balance. Sesn2 expression was reported to be regulated via stress-responsive transcription factors including p53, Nrf2, and HIF-1α. However, the role of Sesn2 in regulating ferroptosis is not known. In the current study, we investigated whether ferroptosis inducing compounds including erastin, sorafenib, and buthionine sulfoximine affect Sesn2 expression and the role of Sesn2 in cytoprotection against ferroptosis-mediated cell death. Our data demonstrate that ferroptosis inducers significantly increased Sesn2 in hepatocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treatment with erastin upregulated Sesn2 mRNA levels and luciferase reporter gene activity, and erastin-mediated Sesn2 induction was transcriptionally regulated by NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, deletion of the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the Sesn2 promoter or Nrf2 knockout or knockdown abolished erastin-induced Sesn2 expression. In cells expressing Sesn2, erastin-induced cell death, ROS formation, and glutathione depletion were almost completely inhibited compared to that in control cells. Treatment with phenylhydrazine in mice, well-reported iron overload liver injury model, increased ALT and AST levels and altered histological features, which were almost completely inhibited by adenoviral Sesn2 infection. Collectively, our results suggest that ferroptosis-mediated Sesn2 induction is dependent on Nrf2 and plays a protective role against iron overload and ferroptosis-induced liver injury.

Activating transcription factor 6-dependent sestrin 2 induction ameliorates ER stress-mediated liver injury.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is characterized by an accumulation of misfolded proteins, and ER stress reduction is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that protect cells from ER stress are not completely understood. The present study investigated the role of sestrin 2 (SESN2) on ER stress and sought to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the hepatoprotective effect of SESN2 in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with tunicamycin (Tm) increased SESN2 protein and mRNA levels and reporter gene activity. Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) bound to unfolded protein response elements of SESN2 promoter, transactivated SESN2, and increased SESN2 protein expression. In addition, dominant negative mutant of ATF6α and siRNA against ATF6α blocked the ER stress-mediated SESN2 induction, whereas chemical inhibition of PERK or IRE1 did not affect SESN2 induction by Tm. Ectopic expression of SESN2 in HepG2 cells inhibited CHOP and GRP78 expressions by Tm. Moreover, SESN2 decreased the phosphorylations of JNK and p38 and PARP cleavage, and blocked the cytotoxic effect of excessive ER stress. In a Tm-induced liver injury model, adenoviral delivery of SESN2 in mice decreased serum ALT, AST and LDH activities and the mRNA levels of CHOP and GRP78 in hepatic tissues. Moreover, SESN2 reduced numbers of degenerating hepatocytes, and inhibited caspase 3 and PARP cleavages. These results suggest ATF6 is essential for ER stress-mediated SESN2 induction, and that SESN2 acts as a feedback regulator to protect liver from excess ER stress.

Combination of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis chinensis root inhibits nuclear factor kappa B-mediated inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Pelargonium sidoides (PS) and Coptis chinensis root (CR) have traditionally been used to treat various diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, dysmenorrhea, and hepatic disorders. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of PS and CR in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The in vitro effects of PS + CR on the induction of inflammation-related proteins were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured using the Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. The expression of inflammation-related proteins was confirmed by Western blot. Additionally, the effects of PS + CR on paw edema volume, skin thickness, and numbers of infiltrated inflammatory cells, mast cells, COX-2-, iNOS-, and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in dorsum and ventrum pedis skin were evaluated in a rat model of carrageenan (CA)-induced paw edema. RESULTS: PS + CR significantly reduced production of NO, PGE2 and three pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6) and also decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Treatment with PS + CR significantly reduced the protein expression levels of LPS-stimulated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB (p-I-κBα). Additionally, PS + CR significantly inhibited the increases in paw swelling, skin thickness, infiltrated inflammatory cells, mast cell degranulation, COX-2-, iNOS-, and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in the rat model of CA-induced acute edematous paw. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that PS + CR exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), suppressing NF-κB signaling in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, the results of the CA-induced rat paw edema assay revealed an anti-edema effect of PS + CR. Furthermore, it is suggested that PS + CR also inhibits acute edematous inflammation by suppressing mast cell degranulation and inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α). Thus, PS + CR may be a potential candidate for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, and it may also contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory response regulation.

Blockade of nicotine sensitization by methanol extracts of Glycyrrhizae radix mediated via antagonism of accumbal oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that a methanol extract of Glycyrrhizae radix (MEGR) blocked methamphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference in rats. In the present study, the effects of MEGR on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization and enhanced extracellular dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) were evaluated. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received repeated administrations of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneous) or saline twice a day for 7 d and were challenged with nicotine 4 d after the last daily dosing. During the 4-d withdrawal period, the rats were treated once a day with MEGR (60 or 180 mg/kg/d). Extracellular DA levels were measured by in vivo microdialysis, the malondialdehyde levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the Nacc were biochemically evaluated, and the expression of antioxidant proteins was confirmed by Western blot assays. All data were assessed with analysis of variance tests followed by post-hoc comparison tests and p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The expression of repeated nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization was dose-dependently attenuated by MEGR, and 180 mg/kg/d MEGR significantly inhibited augmented accumbal DA release induced by a direct local challenge of nicotine. Moreover, 180 mg/kg/d MEGR reversed increases in malondialdehyde production, decreases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and the reduced expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase 1 in the nicotine-sensitized Nacc. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MEGR inhibited nicotine-induced locomotion and dopaminergic sensitization via antioxidant action.

Cheongsangbangpung-tang ameliorated the acute inflammatory response via the inhibition of NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation.

BACKGROUND: Cheongsangbangpung-tang (CBT) is a traditional herbal formula used in Eastern Asia to treat heat-related diseases and swellings in the skin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of cheongsangbangpung-tang extract (CBTE) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The in vitro effects of CBTE on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammation-related proteins were examined in RAW 264.7 cells. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) were measured with the Griess reagent. Inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Inflammation-related proteins were detected by Western blot. The effect of CBTE on acute inflammation in vivo was evaluated using carrageenan (CA)-induced paw oedema. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect, paw oedema volume, thickness of the dorsum and ventrum pedis skin, number of infiltrated inflammatory cells, and number of COX-2-, iNOS-immunoreactive cells were measured. RESULTS: In an in vitro study, CBTE inhibited the production of NO and PGE2 and also decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumuor necrosis factor-α. In LPS-activated macrophages, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling is a pivotal pathway in the inflammatory process. These plausible molecular mechanisms increased the phosphorylation of I-κBα, while the activation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of MAPK by LPS were blocked by CBTE treatment. In our in vivo study, a CA-induced acute oedematous paw inflammation rat model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CBTE. CBTE significantly reduced the increases in paw swelling, skin thicknesses, infiltrated inflammatory cells and iNOS-, COX-2 positive cells induced by CA injection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, CBTE should favourably inhibit the acute inflammatory response through modulation of NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the inhibition of CBTE in rat paw oedema induced by CA is considered to be clear evidence that CBTE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.

Eupatilin induces Sestrin2-dependent autophagy to prevent oxidative stress.

Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyflavone) has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects. Autophagy is the basic cellular machinery involving the digestion of damaged cellular components. In the present study, we investigated the protection effects of eupatilin against arachidonic acid (AA) and iron-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and tried to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible. Eupatilin increased cell viability against AA + iron in a concentration-dependent manner and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, AA + iron increased the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins and these changes were prevented by eupatilin. Eupatilin also induced autophagy, as evidenced by the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3-II and the detection of autophagic vacuoles. Furthermore, the protective effects of eupatilin on mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production were significantly abolished by autophagy inhibitors. Eupatilin also increased the mRNA level of sestrin-2 and its promoter-driven reporter gene activity, which resulted in the up-regulation of sestrin-2 protein. Finally, gene silencing using sestrin-2 siRNA and the ectopic expression of recombinant adenoviral sestrin-2 indicated that sestrin-2 induction by eupatilin was required for autophagy-mediated cytoprotection against AA + iron. Our results suggest that eupatilin activates sestrin-2-dependent autophagy, thereby preventing oxidative stress induced by AA + iron.

Isoliquiritigenin in licorice functions as a hepatic protectant by induction of antioxidant genes through extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated NF-E2-related factor-2 signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: Liver is the major site of biotransformation for exogenous toxins, in having a defense system against oxidative stress as well as cytochrome P450 system. Isoliquiritigenin (isoLQ) is an active component present in Glycyrrhizae radix and has been shown to have various biological activities. This study investigated the effect of isoLQ as a liver protectant against oxidative stress, both in vivo and in vitro, and also its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: We used tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced hepatocyte damage model and cadmium (Cd)-stimulated liver toxicity animal model, which are assessed by immunoblot and flow cytometry as well as plasma and histopathological parameters. RESULTS: In HepG2 cells, pretreatment of 10 and 30 µM isoLQ significantly inhibited the induction of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, and production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, isoLQ induced the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), as indicated by an increase in its nuclear translocation and antioxidant response element-luciferase activity. IsoLQ also induced the expression of Nrf2 target phase II enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1. IsoLQ also induced phosphorylation of extracellular stimuli-regulated kinase (ERK), and its activation of Nrf2 was mediated with ERK-dependent phosphorylation of Nrf2, as determined by its chemical inhibitor. In rats, oral treatment of 5 and 20 mg/kg isoLQ prevented Cd-induced acute hepatic damage, as assessed by plasma parameters and semiquantative histology, such as the modified HAI grading scores and the degenerative regions in hepatic parenchyma. CONCLUSION: These findings are considered as scientific evidence that isoLQ in licorice has the function of being a hepatic protectant against oxidative damages through ERK-mediated Nrf2 activation.

Sestrin2: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Liver Diseases.

Sestrin2 (Sesn2), a highly conserved antioxidant protein, is induced by various stresses, including oxidative and energetic stress, and protects cells against those stresses. In normal physiological conditions, redox-homeostasis plays an essential role in cell survival and performs the cellular functions to protect the cells against oxidative damage. The liver is susceptible to oxidative stress, since it is responsible for xenobiotic detoxification and energy metabolism. For this reason, oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Recently, the role of Sesn2 has been investigated in liver injury and related diseases. In this paper, we review the role of Sesn2 in the pathophysiology of liver diseases and the potential clinical applications of Sesn2 as a therapeutic target to prevent/treat liver diseases. This article promotes our understanding of liver disease progression and advances the development of strategies for pharmacological intervention.

Tacrine, an oral acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, induced hepatic oxidative damage, which was blocked by liquiritigenin through GSK3-beta inhibition.

Although the cholinesterase inhibitor tacrine has been successfully used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, it is known to have hepatotoxic effects. Liquiritigenin (LQ), an active flavonoid in Glycyrrhizae radix, exerts protective effects against liver damage. This study investigated the toxic effect of tacrine on hepatocytes and the beneficial effect of LQ on tacrine intoxication in vivo and in vitro, and the underlying mechanism involved. In hepatocyte cell lines, tacrine induced cell death and oxidative stress, as indicated by decreases in cell viability and glutathione (GSH) contents, which were blocked by pretreatment with LQ. Fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis revealed that LQ inhibited cellular H2O2 production and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by tacrine in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LQ promoted inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) and prevented decreases in GSK3ß phosphorylation induced by tacrine. In rats treatment with tacrine at 30 mg/kg increased hepatic damage as assessed by blood biochemistry and histopathology. Administration of LQ (10 or 30 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.)) or the hepatoprotective drug sylimarin (100 mg/kg/d) for 3 d inhibited elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and histological changes induced by tacrine. These results show that LQ efficaciously protects the rat liver against tacrine-induced liver damage, and suggest that LQ is a therapeutic candidate for ameliorating the hepatotoxic effects of tacrine.

Discovery of an integrative network of microRNAs and transcriptomics changes for acute kidney injury.

The contribution of miRNA to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is not well understood. Here we evaluated an integrative network of miRNAs and mRNA data to discover a possible master regulator of AKI. Microarray analyses of the kidneys of mice treated with cisplatin were used to extract putative miRNAs that cause renal injury. Of them, miR-122 was mostly downregulated by cisplatin, whereas miR-34a was upregulated. A network integrating dysregulated miRNAs and altered mRNA expression along with target prediction enabled us to identify Foxo3 as a core protein to activate p53. The miR-122 inhibited Foxo3 translation as assessed using an miR mimic, an inhibitor, and a Foxo3 3'-UTR reporter. In a mouse model, Foxo3 levels paralleled the degree of tubular injury. The role of decreased miR-122 in inducing Foxo3 during AKI was strengthened by the ability of the miR-122 mimic or inhibitor to replicate results. Increase in miR-34a also promoted the acetylation of Foxo3 by repressing Sirt1. Consistently, cisplatin facilitated the binding of Foxo3 and p53 for activation, which depended not only on decreased miR-122 but also on increased miR-34a. Other nephrotoxicants had similar effects. Among targets of p53, Phlda3 was robustly induced by cisplatin, causing tubular injury. Consistently, treatment with miR mimics and/or inhibitors, or with Foxo3 and Phlda3 siRNAs, modulated apoptosis. Thus, our results uncovered an miR integrative network regulating toxicant-induced AKI and identified Foxo3 as a bridge molecule to the p53 pathway.

Pin1 induction in the fibrotic liver and its roles in TGF-ß1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Therapeutic management of liver fibrosis remains an unsolved clinical problem. Hepatic accumulation of extracellular matrix, mainly collagen, is mediated by the production of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in stellate cells. Pin1, a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, plays an important pathophysiological role in several diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Herein, we determined whether Pin1 regulates liver fibrogenesis and examined its mechanism of action by focusing on TGF-ß1 signalling and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. METHODS: Pin1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot or real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of human and mouse fibrotic liver samples. The role of Pin1 during HSC activation was estimated using Pin1-null mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells and Pin1-overexpressing LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells. RESULTS: Pin1 expression was elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and Pin1 inhibition improved dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Pin1 inhibition reduced the mRNA or protein expression of TGF-ß1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by DMN treatment. Pin1 knockdown suppressed TGFß1 gene expression in both LX-2 and MEF cells. Pin1-mediated TGFß1 gene transcription was controlled by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)- and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt-mediated activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation. Moreover, TGFß1-stimulated Smad2/3 phosphorylation and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression were inhibited by Pin1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Pin1 induction during liver fibrosis is involved in hepatic stellate cell activation, TGFß1 expression, and TGFß1-mediated fibrogenesis signalling.

E-cadherin inhibits nuclear accumulation of Nrf2: implications for chemoresistance of cancer cells.

Nrf2 has an anti-carcinogenic effect. However, an increase in Nrf2 activity is also implicated in cancer chemoresistance. A switch from E-cadherin to N-cadherin affects the transdifferentiation and metastasis of cancer cells. In view of the key role of this switch in cancer malignancy, we investigated the regulatory effect of E-cadherin on Nrf2. In HEK293 cells, overexpression of E-cadherin inhibited the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, and prevented Nrf2-dependent gene induction. GST pull-down and immunocytochemical assays verified the interaction between E-cadherin and Nrf2: E-cadherin bound the C-terminus of Nrf2, but not its N-terminus, which comprises the Neh2 domain responsible for phosphorylation of Ser40. Our finding that the mutation of Ser40 to alanine in Nrf2 did not affect the ability of E-cadherin to bind Nrf2 and repress target gene transactivation suggests that E-cadherin might not disturb the phosphorylation. Studies using mutant constructs of E-cadherin suggested that the ß-catenin-binding domain contributes to the inhibitory effect of E-cadherin on Nrf2. Consistently, knockdown of ß-catenin attenuated not only the effect of E-cadherin binding to Nrf2, but also Keap1-dependent ubiquitylation of Nrf2, and thereby increased Nrf2 activity, supporting the involvement of ß-catenin in the interactions. Collectively, E-cadherin recruits Nrf2 through ß-catenin, and assists the function of Keap1 for the inhibition of nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of Nrf2. In HepG2 cells, the loss of E-cadherin by either siRNA knockdown or treatment with TGFß1 enhanced the constitutive or inducible activity of Nrf2, implying that chemoresistance of cancer cells upon the loss of E-cadherin might be associated with Nrf2.

Isorhamnetin protects against oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 and inducing the expression of its target genes.

Isorhamentin is a 3'-O-methylated metabolite of quercetin, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. However, the effects of isorhamnetin on Nrf2 activation and on the expressions of its downstream genes in hepatocytes have not been elucidated. Here, we investigated whether isorhamnetin has the ability to activate Nrf2 and induce phase II antioxidant enzyme expression, and to determine the protective role of isorhamnetin on oxidative injury in hepatocytes. In HepG2 cells, isorhamnetin increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and consistently, increased antioxidant response element (ARE) reporter gene activity and the protein levels of hemeoxygenase (HO-1) and of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), which resulted in intracellular GSH level increases. The specific role of Nrf2 in isorhamnetin-induced Nrf2 target gene expression was verified using an ARE-deletion mutant plasmid and Nrf2-knockout MEF cells. Deletion of the ARE in the promoter region of the sestrin2 gene, which is recently identified as the Nrf2 target gene by us, abolished the ability of isorhamnetin to increase luciferase activity. In addition, Nrf2 deficiency completely blocked the ability of isorhamnetin to induce HO-1 and GCL. Furthermore, isorhamnetin pretreatment blocked t-BHP-induced ROS production and reversed GSH depletion by t-BHP and consequently, due to reduced ROS levels, decreased t-BHP-induced cell death. In addition isorhamnetin increased ERK1/2, PKCδ and AMPK phosphorylation. Finally, we showed that Nrf2 deficiency blocked the ability of isorhamnetin to protect cells from injury induced by t-BHP. Taken together, our results demonstrate that isorhamnetin is efficacious in protecting hepatocytes against oxidative stress by Nrf2 activation and in inducing the expressions of its downstream genes.

Tryptanthrin protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress via activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/NF-E2-related factor 2 pathway.

Tryptanthrin [6,12-dihydro-6,12-dioxoindolo-(2,1-b)-quinazoline], originally isolated from Isatidis radix, has been characterized as having anti-microbial and anti-tumor activities. It is well-known that excess oxidative stress is one of the major factors causing cell damage in the liver. This study investigated the cytoprotective effects and molecular mechanism of tryptanthrin against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in human hepatocyte-derived HepG2 cells. Tryptanthrin pre-treatment blocked the reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death induced by tBHP. Moreover, tryptanthrin reversed tBHP-induced GSH reduction. This study also confirmed the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by tryptanthrin as a plausible molecular mechanism for its cytoprotective effects. Specifically, tryptanthrin treatment induced nuclear translocation and transactivation of Nrf2 as well as phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a potential upstream kinase of Nrf2. Tryptanthrin also up-regulated the expression of the heme oxygenase 1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunits, which are representative target genes of Nrf2. Moreover, inhibitor of ERK was used to verify the important role of the ERK-Nrf2 pathway in the hepatoprotective effects of tryptanthrin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that tryptanthrin protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress through the activation of the ERK/Nrf2 pathway in HepG2 cells.

Elaeagnus umbellata Fruit Extract Protects Skin from Ultraviolet-Mediated Photoaging in Hairless Mice.

Photoaging refers to the accumulation of skin damage which includes wrinkle formation, loss of elasticity, and epidermal thickening due to repeated ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The present study investigated the protective effects of Elaeagnus umbellata fruit extract (Elaea) on UV-mediated photoaged skin of SKH1 hairless mice and compared the effects of Elaea with ascorbic acid. Although there was no difference in body weight between groups during experimental period, oral administration of 50-200 mg/kg Elaea once daily for 15 weeks significantly prevented an increase in skin weight, epithelial thickening of epidermis, and apoptosis caused by UV irradiation. Skin replica and histopathological analyses revealed that Elaea dose-dependently decreased wrinkle and microfold formation. In addition, Elaea administration restored UV-mediated reduction in type I collagen and hyaluronan through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression. Moreover, Elaea suppressed UV-dependent increases in superoxide anion production, fatty acid oxidation, and protein nitration by up-regulating antioxidant system. Furthermore, Elaea alleviated infiltration of inflammatory cells in UV-irradiated skin. The preventive effects of 100 mg/kg Elaea administration against UV-induced photoaging were similar to those by 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid. Collectively, the present study suggests that the E. umbellata fruit is a promising edible candidate to prevent skin photoaging.

Resveratrol inhibits LXRα-dependent hepatic lipogenesis through novel antioxidant Sestrin2 gene induction.

Liver X receptor-α (LXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, regulates de novo fatty acid synthesis that leads to stimulate hepatic steatosis. Although, resveratrol has beneficial effects on metabolic disease, it is not known whether resveratrol affects LXRα-dependent lipogenic gene expression. This study investigated the effect of resveratrol in LXRα-mediated lipogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanism. Resveratrol inhibited the ability of LXRα to activate sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and thereby inhibited target gene expression in hepatocytes. Moreover, resveratrol decreased LXRα-RXRα DNA binding activity and LXRE-luciferase transactivation. Resveratrol is known to activate Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), although its precise mechanism of action remains controversial. We found that the ability of resveratrol to repress T0901317-induced SREBP-1c expression was not dependent on AMPK and Sirt1. It is well established that hepatic steatosis is associated with antioxidant and redox signaling. Our data showing that expression of Sestrin2 (Sesn2), which is a novel antioxidant gene, was significantly down-regulated in the livers of high-fat diet-fed mice. Moreover, resveratrol up-regulated Sesn2 expression, but not Sesn1 and Sesn3. Sesn2 overexpression repressed LXRα-activated SREBP-1c expression and LXRE-luciferase activity. Finally, Sesn2 knockdown using siRNA abolished the effect of resveratrol in LXRα-induced FAS luciferase gene transactivation. We conclude that resveratrol affects Sesn2 gene induction and contributes to the inhibition of LXRα-mediated hepatic lipogenesis.

Red ginseng abrogates oxidative stress via mitochondria protection mediated by LKB1-AMPK pathway.

BACKGROUND: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has been used as a botanical medicine throughout the history of Asian traditional Oriental medicine. Formulated red ginseng (one form of Korean ginseng) has been shown to have antioxidant and chemopreventive effects. METHODS: This study investigated the cytoprotective effects and mechanism of action of Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) against severe ROS production and mitochondrial impairment in a cytotoxic cell model induced by AA + iron. RESULTS: RGE protected HepG2 cells from AA + iron-induced cytotoxicity by preventing the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Moreover, AA + iron-induced production of ROS and reduction of cellular GSH content (an important cellular defense mechanism) were remarkably attenuated by treatment with RGE. At the molecular level, treatment with RGE activated LKB1-dependent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which in turn led to increased cell survival. The AMPK pathway was confirmed to play an essential role as the effects of RGE on mitochondrial membrane potential were reversed upon treatment with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that RGE has the ability to protect cells from AA + iron-induced ROS production and mitochondrial impairment through AMPK activation.