Hsa_circ_0096157 silencing suppresses autophagy and reduces cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by weakening the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, and new diagnostic markers are urgently needed. We aimed to investigate the mechanism by which hsa_circ_0096157 regulates autophagy and cisplatin (DDP) resistance in NSCLC. METHODS: A549 cells were treated with DDP (0 µg/mL or 3 µg/mL). Then, the autophagy activator rapamycin (200 nm) was applied to the A549/DDP cells. Moreover, hsa_circ_0096157 and Nrf2 were knocked down, and Nrf2 was overexpressed in A549/DDP cells. The expression of Hsa_circ_0096157, the Nrf2/ARE pathway-related factors Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, and the autophagy-related factors LC3, Beclin-1, and p62 was evaluated by qRT‒PCR or western blotting. Autophagosomes were detected through TEM. An MTS assay was utilized to measure cell proliferation. The associated miRNA levels were also tested by qRT‒PCR. RESULTS: DDP (3 µg/mL) promoted hsa_circ_0096157, LC3 II/I, and Beclin-1 expression and decreased p62 expression. Knocking down hsa_circ_0096157 resulted in the downregulation of LC3 II/I and Beclin-1 expression, upregulation of p62 expression, and decreased proliferation. Rapamycin reversed the effect of interfering with hsa_circ_0096157. Keap1 expression was lower, and Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression was greater in the A549/DDP group than in the A549 group. HO-1 expression was repressed after Nrf2 interference. In addition, activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway promoted autophagy in A549/DDP cells. Moreover, hsa_circ_0096157 activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway. The silencing of hsa_circ_0096157 reduced Nrf2 expression by releasing miR-142-5p or miR-548n. Finally, we found that hsa_circ_0096157 promoted A549/DDP cell autophagy by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of hsa_circ_0096157 inhibits autophagy and DDP resistance in NSCLC cells by downregulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Effects of amygdalin on ferroptosis and oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy progression via the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway.

Oxidative stress has been involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Amygdalin is an effective component of bitter almond that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties. We explored the effects of amygdalin on ferroptosis and oxidative stress in high-glucose (HG)-stimulated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) via the NRF2/ARE pathway. HG-stimulated HRECs were used to establish a DR model. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. The release of lactate dehydrogenase was used to evaluate cell toxicity. The protein levels of NRF2, NQO1, and HO-1 were detected using western blotting. The GSH, GSSG, GPX4, SOD, CAT, MDA, and Fe2+ levels in the HRECs were also detected. Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) using a fluorescent probe. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect NRF2 expression. The results revealed that HG stimulation decreased the levels of GSH, GPX4, SOD, and CAT but increased those of MDA, ROS, GSSG, and Fe2+ in HRECs. Ferrostatin-1 treatment reversed the effects of HG stimulation, whereas erastin aggravated these effects. Amygdalin treatment relieved HG-induced injury in HRECs. Amygdalin treatment promoted the nuclear transport of NRF2 in HG-stimulated HRECs. NQO1 and HO-1 levels were upregulated in HG-stimulated HRECs after amygdalin treatment. An inhibitor of NRF2 reversed the effects of amygdalin. Therefore, amygdalin treatment inhibited ferroptosis and oxidative stress in HG-stimulated HRECs by activating the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway.

FGFR2 modulates the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to improve angiotensin II-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 expression was decreased in hypertension patients while its role in hypertension was not explored. This experiment aimed to investigate the expression ofFGFR2 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the role of FGFR2 in improving AngII-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: AngII-induced HUVECs simulated the hypertension model in vitro. The expression of FGFR2 in Ang II-induced HUVECs and transfected HUVECswas detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. The viability, apoptosis, migration and tube formation ability of Ang II-induced HUVECs were analyzed by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay and tube formation assay.Detectionof lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), caspase 3, Nitric Oxide (NO) and oxidative stress levels was conducted by assay kits and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by DCFH-DA assay. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins, protein kinase B(Akt)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway-related proteins, phospho(p)-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and eNOS was determined by western blot. RESULTS: The expression of FGFR2 was decreased in Ang II-induced HUVECs. FGFR2overexpression increased viability, suppressed apoptosis and oxidative stress, and improve endothelial dysfunction of AngII-induced HUVECs through activating the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. MK-2206 (Akt inhibitor) could weaken the effect of FGFR2overexpression to reduce viability, promote apoptosis and oxidative stress, and aggravate endothelial dysfunction of Ang II-inducedHUVECs. CONCLUSION: Inconclusion, FGFR2activated the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to improve AngII-induced hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction.

Molecular Mechanisms of the Neuroprotective Effect of Methylene Blue.

Methylene blue (MB) is the first fully synthetic compound that had found its way into medicine over 120 years ago as a treatment against malaria. MB has been approved for the treatment of methemoglobinemia, but there are premises for its repurposing as a neuroprotective agent based on the efficacy of this compound demonstrated in the models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depressive disorders, etc. However, the goal of this review was not so much to focus on the therapeutic effects of MB in the treatment of various neurodegeneration diseases, but to delve into the mechanisms of direct or indirect effect of this drug on the signaling pathways. MB can act as an alternative electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain in the case of dysfunctional electron transport chain. It also displays the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), activates signaling pathways involved in the mitochondrial pool renewal (mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy), and prevents aggregation of misfolded proteins. Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of direct and indirect influence of MB, and not just some of its effects, can help in further research of this compound, including its clinical applications.

Therapeutic Potential of Phlorotannin-Rich Ecklonia cava Extract on Methylglyoxal-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in In Vitro Model.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a vital role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Methylglyoxal (MGO), one of the major precursors of AGEs, is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phlorotannin-rich Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) on MGO-induced diabetic nephropathy in in vitro models using mouse glomerular mesangial cells. ECE showed anti-glycation activity via breaking of AGEs-collagen cross-links and inhibition of AGEs formation and AGE-collagen cross-linking formation. The renoprotective effects were determined by assessing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MGO accumulation, cell apoptosis, and the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway. MGO-induced renal damage, intracellular ROS production level, and MGO-protein adduct accumulation were significantly decreased by pretreating ECE. Moreover, ECE pretreatment exhibited preventive properties against MGO-induced dicarbonyl stress via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and reduction of RAGE protein expression in mouse glomerular mesangial cells. Collectively, these results indicated potential anti-glycation properties and prominent preventive effects of ECE against MGO-induced renal damage. Additionally, ECE may be utilized for the management of AGE-related diabetic nephropathy.

Diosmetin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through Keap1-mediated Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway activation and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition.

Diosmetin was found to exert protective effect on renal and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of diosmetin in cerebral IR (CIR) injury. PC12 neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to establish CIR injury model in vitro and then incubated with diosmetin, and we found that diosmetin alleviated OGD/R-induced viability inhibition, LDH release, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Then our results showed that diosmetin downregulated kelch like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression, and upregulated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, antioxidant response element (ARE) activity and the mRNA and protein expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Keap1 overexpression or Nrf2 silencing both attenuated the neuroprotective effect of diosmetin on PC12 cells. Moreover, diosmetin inhibited the levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway related proteins and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18. Additionally, a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established and diosmetin was injected for treatment. Diosmetin alleviated CIR-induced neurological deficits, cerebral infarction, brain edema and histopathological damage, and neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress in MCAO rats. In conclusion, diosmetin attenuated OGD/R-induced PC12 cell viability inhibition, apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation through Keap1-mediated Nrf2/ARE signaling activation and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, and alleviated CIR-induced neurological injury in MCAO rat model. Our study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for CIR injury.

Bortezomib alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury via enhancing of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Bortezomib is a classical proteasome inhibitor and previous researches have reported its roles of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory functions in various diseases. However, the role of Bortezomib in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) is unclear. Thus, our research seeks to reveal the protective effects of Bortezomib pretreatment in the mice model of MIRI. First, by the optimization of Bortezomib concentration and pretreatment timepoints, we found that 0.5 mg/kg Bortezomib pretreatment 2 h before MIRI significantly attenuated pathological damage and neutrophil infiltration. Then we found that pretreatment with Bortezomib obviously increased myocardial systolic function ((left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS)) and decreased infarct size, as well as serum Troponin T levels. Meanwhile, Bortezomib pretreatment also remarkably augmented oxidative stress related protein levels of Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SOD1), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH), while reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents and Malonaldehyde (MDA) protein level were significantly reduced. Mechanistically, Bortezomib pretreatment significantly promoted nuclear translocation of transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase 1(HO-1) expression. Interestingly, co-treatment with ML-385, a new type and selective Nrf2 inhibitor, counteracted antioxidative effects induced by Bortezomib pretreatment. In conclusion, Bortezomib pretreatment mitigates MIRI by inhibiting oxidative damage which is regulated by Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Parkin overexpression reduces inflammation-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis through activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Inflammation has been acknowledged as one of the pathological alterations in various cardiovascular disorders. Parkin has been found to be associated with mitochondrial protection. In the present study, we explored the influence of Parkin overexpression on cardiomyocyte induced by LPS-mediated inflammation response. Our results demonstrated that cardiomyocyte viability was reduced and apoptotic rate was increased upon LPS treatment, an effect that may be caused by cardiomyocyte oxidative stress. At the molecular levels, LPS treatment promoted ROS production, a result that was followed by a drop in the levels of anti-oxidants. Interestingly, Parkin overexpression significantly promoted cardiomyocyte survival and this cardioprotective was attributable to the anti-oxidative property. Parkin overexpression enhanced the expression of anti-oxidative factors such as GSH, SOD and GPX, resulting into depressed ROS production. Further, we found that Parkin modulated cellular anti-oxidative capacity through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. This finding demonstrates that oxidative stress could be considered as the core of inflammation response. Further, therapeutic approaches targeting Parkin would improve cardiomyocyte anti-oxidative capacity through activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Proanthocyanidins regulate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and protect neurons from cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Cypermethrin, a type II pyrethroid pesticide, is one of the most widely used pesticides in agricultural and in household settings. The toxic effects of cypermethrin are a matter of concern, as humans are almost inevitably exposed to it in daily life. It is an urgent problem to seek natural substances from plants that can eliminate or relieve the effects of pesticide residues on human health. Proanthocyanidins are the most potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers in natural plants, and are widely available in fruits, vegetables, and seeds. We found that proanthocyanidins (1, 2.5, and 5 µg/mL) can decrease ROS generation, relieve mitochondrial membrane potential loss, repair nuclear morphology, reduce cell apoptosis, and protect neurons from cypermethrin-induced oxidative insult. The protective mechanism exerted by proanthocyanidins against cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity is negatively regulate rather than activate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to maintain intracellular homeostasis.

Group II muscarinic acetylcholine receptors attenuate hepatic injury via Nrf2/ARE pathway.

Parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction is common in patients with liver disease. We have previously shown that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchRs) play an important role in the regulation of hepatic fibrosis and that the receptor agonists and antagonists affect hepatocyte proliferation. However, little is known about the impact of the different mAchR subtypes and associated signaling pathways on liver injury. Here, we treated the human liver cell line HL7702 with 10 mmol/L carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) to induce hepatocyte damage. We found that CCL4 treatment increased the protein levels of group I mAchRs (M1, M3, M5) but reduced the expression of group II mAchRs (M2, M4) and activated the Nrf2/ARE and MAPK signaling pathways. Although overexpression of M1, M3, or M5 led to hepatocyte damage with an intact Nrf2/ARE pathway, overexpression of M2 or M4 increased, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of either M2 or M4 decreased the protein levels of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes. Moreover, CCL4 treatment increased serum ALT levels more significantly, but only induced slight changes in the expression of mAchRs, NQO1 and HO1, while reducing the expression of M2 and M4 in liver tissues of Nrf2-/- mice compared to wild type mice. Our findings suggest that group II mAchRs, M2 and M4, activate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, which regulates the expression of M2 and M4, to protect the liver from CCL4-induced injury.

Predicting oxidative stress induced by organic chemicals by using quantitative Structure-Activity relationship methods.

Cellular exposure to xenobiotic human-made products will lead to oxidative stress that gives rise to DNA damage, as well as chemical or mechanical damage. Distinguishing the chemicals that will induce oxidative stress and predicting their toxicity is necessary. In the present study, 4270 compounds in the ARE-bla assay were investigated to predict active and inactive compounds by using simple algorithms, namely, recursive partitioning (RP) and binomial logistic regression, and to develop the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models of chemicals that activate the ARE pathway to induce oxidative stress and exert toxic effects on cells. A decision tree based on scaffold-based fragments obtained through RP analysis showed the best identification accuracy. However, the overall identification accuracy of this model for active compounds was unsatisfactory due to limited fragments. Furthermore, a binomial logistic regression model was developed from 638 active compounds and 3632 inactive chemicals. The model with a cutoff of 0.15 could predict chemicals that were active or inactive with the prediction accuracy of 69.1%. Its area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve metric (AUROC) was 0.762, which indicated the acceptable predictive ability of this model. The parameters nBM (number of multiple bonds) and H% (percentage of H atom) played dominant roles in the prediction of the activity (inactive or active) of chemicals. A global QSAR model was developed to predict the toxicity of active chemicals. However, the model displayed an unsatisfactory result with R2 = 0.316 and R2ext = 0.090. Active chemicals were then classified on the basis of structure. A total of 79 compounds with carbon chains could be predicted with acceptable performance by using a QSAR model with six descriptors (R2 = 0.722, R2ext = 0.798, Q2Loo = 0.654, Q2Boot = 0.755, Q2ext = 0.721). The simple models established here contribute to efforts on identification compounds inducing oxidative stress and provide the scientific basis for risk assessment to organisms in the environment.

Vitexin protects melanocytes from oxidative stress via activating MAPK-Nrf2/ARE pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is the most common type of depigmented skin disease. Cellular oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway plays an important role in melanocytes against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative stress. In addition, vitexin may protect vitiligo by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of vitexin-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-Nrf2/ARE axis in vitiligo. METHODS: MTT assay identified cell viability of human melanocyte PIG1. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expressions of inflammatory factors and ROS production. RESULTS: Vitexin inhibited H2O2-induced melanocyte apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation. Moreover, vitexin decreased expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-17A, and ROS in melanocytes induced by H2O2. Subsequently, activation of MAPK-Nrf2/ARE signaling was readily induced by vitexin treatment, as evidenced by the upregulation of antioxidant genes including heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Knockdown of Nrf2 reversed the protective effect of vitexin on H2O2-induced melanocytes. And, knockdown of Nrf2 increased the expression of IL-1ß, IL-17A and ROS, and reduced HO-1 and SOD expression. CONCLUSIONS: Vitexin protected melanocytes from oxidative stress by activating MAPK-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Our results suggested that the role of the Nrf2/ARE axis in the antioxidant defense of melanocytes, and the potential therapeutic strategy for vitiligo.

Botrysphin D attenuates arsenic-induced oxidative stress in human lung epithelial cells via activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways.

Oxidative stress is one of the main pathogenesis for many human diseases. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating intracellular antioxidant responses, and thus activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway is a potential chemopreventive or therapeutic strategy to treat diseases caused by oxidative damage. In the present study, we have found that treatment of Beas-2B cells with botrysphins D (BD) attenuated sodium arsenite [As (III)]-induced cell death and apoptosis. Meanwhile, BD was able to upregulate protein levels of Nrf2 and its downstream genes NQO1 and γ-GCS through inducing Nrf2 nuclear translocation, enhancing protein stability, and inhibiting ubiquitination. It was also found that BD-induced activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway was regulated by PI3K, MEK1/2, PKC, and PERK kinases. Collectively, BD is a novel activator of Nrf2/ARE pathway, and is verified to be a potential preventive agent against oxidative stress-induced damage in human lung tissues.

Effect of hydrogen-rich water on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effects of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway were studied in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Sixty rats were randomly divided into a hydrogen-rich water group and a control group, with 30 rats in each group. The two groups were randomly divided into three groups: pre-ischemic period, ischemic period and reperfusion period. After the heart was removed, it was fixed in a Langendorff device and perfused with an oxygen-balanced 37 °C perfusate. The control group was perfused with Kreb's-Ringers (K-R) solution, and the hydrogen-rich water group was perfused with K-R solution + hydrogen-rich water. The levels of mRNA and protein of Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD-1 in cardiomyocytes were detected by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analysis. SOD activity and MDA content were determined. Hydrogen-rich water increased the activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and the levels of mRNA and protein Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD-1 were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the ischemia-reperfusion period compared with the ischemic period. In the control group, the levels of mRNA and protein of Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD-1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the ischemia-reperfusion period compared with the ischemic period. Compared with the ischemic period, the ischemia-reperfusion phase showed significantly increased SOD activity and significantly decreased MDA content in the hydrogen-rich water group, while SOD activity was significantly decreased, and MDA content was significantly increased in the control group (P < 0.05). Hydrogen-rich water can activate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts and reduce the oxidative stress level of myocardial tissue.

Sulforaphane Protect Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Damage in mouse Leydigs Cells by Activating Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway.

Cadmium (Cd) is harmful for humans and animals, especially for the reproductive system. However, the mechanism of its toxicity has not been elucidated, and how to alleviate its toxicity is very important. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of action of sulforaphane (SFN) in protecting mouse Leydigs (TM3) cells from cadmium (Cd)-induced damage. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Cd and the safe doses of SFN were determined using a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The testosterone secretion from TM3 cells was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The intracellular oxidative stress was evaluated using corresponding kits. The cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of genes associated with NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling was detected using reverse transcription⁻polymerase chain reaction, including Nrf2, heme oxygenase I (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS). The protein expression of Nrf2, GSH-Px, HO-1, γ-GCS, and NQO1 was detected using Western blot analysis. The results showed that the IC50 of Cd to TM3 cells was 51.4 µmol/L. SFN reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase from Cd-exposed cells. Cd + SFN 2.5 treatment significantly elevated testosterone concentration compared with the Cd group (p < 0.05). SFN significantly increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and GSH-Px activity and GSH content in Cd-treated cells (p < 0.05; p < 0.01), inhibited the production of malondialdehyde or reactive oxygen species caused by Cd (p < 0.05; p < 0.01), and reduced the apoptotic rate of Cd-induced TM3 cells (p < 0.01). SFN upregulated the mRNA expression of Nrf2, GSH-Px, HO-1, NQO1, and γ-GCS in Cd-treated cells, indicating the protective effect of SFN against Cd-induced oxidative stress or cell apoptosis by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

[A new lupane-type triterpenoid from Dichroa hirsuta].

The chemical constituents from methanol extract of Dichroa hirsuta were separated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography,high pressure preparative liquid chromatography( HPLC) and recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS. Nine compounds were obtained and their structures were identified as 3ß,21α-O-diacetyl-lup-9( 11)-en-7ß-ol( 1),( Z)-methyl p-hydroxycinnamate( 2),cis-p-coumaric acid ethyl ester( 3),( E)-methyl p-hydroxycinnamate( 4),trans-p-coumaric acid ethyl ester( 5),4( 3 H)-quinazolinone( 6),7-hydroxycoumarin( 7),hydrangenol( 8) and thunberginol C( 9). Compound 1 is a new lupane-type triterpenoid,and compounds 1-5,8-9 were firstly isolated from this plant. Dual reporter assay results showed that compounds 2-5 could activate the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

NrF2/ARE and NF-κB pathway regulation may be the mechanism for lutein inhibition of human breast cancer cell.

AIM: Though lutein can inhibit cancer cell proliferation via alleviating oxidative injury, the molecular mechanisms of lutein involvement in the NrF2/antioxidant response element (ARE) and NF-κB pathways remain poorly understood. MATERIALS & METHODS: MTT, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed. RESULTS: After treatment with lutein, breast cancer cell proliferation was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Lutein induced nuclear translocation and protein expression of NrF2, improved the expression of cellular antioxidant enzymes and attenuated reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, lutein treatment decreased NF-κB signaling pathway related NF-κB p65 protein expression. CONCLUSION: The effect of lutein antiproliferation was mediated by activation of the NrF2/ARE pathway, and blocking of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective Mechanism of Sulforaphane on Cadmium-Induced Sertoli Cell Injury in Mice Testis via Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway.

The present study evaluated the mechanism underlying the protective effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on cadmium (Cd)-induced Sertoli cell (TM4 cells) injury in mice. The apoptosis rate of cells in each group was detected by flow cytometry. It was determined the effect of SFN on the expression of downstream molecular targets of Nrf2/ARE axis and on the lipid peroxide content. The related genes involved in the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway were evaluated by RT-PCR; for example, the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), while the protein expression levels were assessed by Western blot. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, GSH-Px, and γ-GCS were increased in various degree when the Sertoli cells were to added different concentrations of SFN. Our results also showed that SFN reduced the apoptosis rate, increased the activity of T-SOD, inhibited the increase of the MDA content caused by Cd. Meanwhile, SFN could increase the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 and reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of GSH-Px and γ-GCS caused by Cd in Sertoli cells (p < 0.01). Taken together, SFN could improve the antioxidant capacity of Sertoli cells, and exert a protective effect on the oxidative damage and apoptosis of Cd-induced Sertoli cells through the activation of Nrf2/ARE signal transduction pathway.

Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway Prevents Hyperphosphatemia-Induced Vascular Calcification by Inducing Autophagy in Renal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

This study investigates the effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling pathway in vascular calcification (VC) via inducing Autophagy in renal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMCs were assigned into six experimental groups: the normal control, high phosphorus, si-negative control (si-NC), Nrf2-siRNA, over-expressed Nrf2, and negative control (NC) groups. RT-PCR was applied to detect the mRNA expressions of the desired Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway-related genes (Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, γ-GCS). The protein products of these genes: apoptosis-related genes (LC3I and LC3II), osteogenic marker proetins (Runt-related transcription factor 2) Runx2 and BMP2 were all detected by Western blotting. Autophagosomes in VSMCs were observed under a transmission electron microscope. We discovered an increased calcium ion concentration and upregulated Runx2, BMP2, Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, NQO-1, and LC3II/LC3I expressions in the high phosphorous, si-NC and Nrf2-siRNA, and NC groups, compared with the normal control group. Compared to the high phosphorus and si-NC groups, higher levels of Runx2 and BMP2 but decreased Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, NQO-1, and LC3II/LC3I expressions were detected in the Nrf2-siRNA group. The high phosphorus, si-NC and over-expressed Nrf2 experimental groups all had increased Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, γ-GCS, and LC3II/LC3I expressions as well as high numbers of autophagosomes compared with the normal control group. Finally, we detected a lower amount of autophagosomes presence and Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1 γ-GCS, and LC3II/LC3 protein expression of Nrf2-siRNA group than that of the high phosphorus and si-NC groups. Activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway may prevent hyperphosphatemia-induced VC by inducing autophagy in VSMCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4708-4715, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DL-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) Provides Neuroprotection in the Mice Models After Traumatic Brain Injury via Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of NBP in the mice models of TBI, as well as the possible role of Nrf2-ARE pathways in the assumptive neuroprotection. In mice,a modified Marmarou's weight-drop model was employed to induce TBI. ICR mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: sham, TBI, TBI+vehicle(V) and TBI+NBP. NBP (100 mg/kg) was administered via an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection at 1 h following TBI. The administration of NBP significantly ameliorated the effects of the brain injury, including neurological deficits, brain water content, and cortical neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) paired with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were restored in the NBP treatment group. NBP promoted the translocation of Nrf2 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus markedly, increased the expressions of Nrf2-ARE pathway-related downstream factors, including hemeoxygenase-1(HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and prevented the decline of antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD and GPx. NBP enhanced the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus from the cytoplasm,verified by a western blot, immunofluorescence. Additionally, it upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 downstream factors such as HO-1 and NQO1 were also confirmed via a western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, NBP administration may increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes and attenuate brain injury in a TBI model, potentially via the mediation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway.