Glutathione Supplementation Prevents Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Short- and Long-Term Epigenetic and Transcriptional Disruptions of Hepatic H2O2 Metabolism in Guinea Pigs.

The parenteral nutrition (PN) received by premature newborns is contaminated with peroxides that induce global DNA hypermethylation via oxidative stress. Exposure to peroxides could be an important factor in the induction of chronic diseases such as those observed in adults who were born preterm. As endogenous H2O2 is a major regulator of glucose-lipid metabolism, our hypothesis was that early exposure to PN induces permanent epigenetic changes in H2O2 metabolism. Three-day-old guinea pigs were fed orally (ON), PN or glutathione-enriched PN (PN+GSSG). GSSG promotes endogenous peroxide detoxification. After 4 days, half the animals were sacrificed, and the other half were fed ON until 16 weeks of age. The liver was harvested. DNA methylation and mRNA levels were determined for the SOD2, GPx1, GCLC, GSase, Nrf2 and Keap1 genes. PN induced GPx1 hypermethylation and decreased GPx1, GCLC and GSase mRNA. These findings were not observed in PN+GSSG. PN+GSSG induced Nrf2 hypomethylation and increased Nrf2 and SOD2 mRNA. These observations were independent of age. In conclusion, in neonatal guinea pigs, PN induces epigenetic changes, affecting the expression of H2O2 metabolism genes. These changes persist for at least 15 weeks after PN. This disruption may signify a permanent reduction in the capacity to detoxify peroxides.

Oroxylin A suppress LL-37 generated rosacea-like skin inflammation through the modulation of SIRT3-SOD2-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin disease associated with the dysfunction of vascular and immunological systems. Treatment options for rosacea are difficult to implement. Oroxylin A(OA), a traditional Chinese medicine, has anti-inflammation effects in a variety of inflammatory diseases. However, it is not known that whether OA exerts protective effects against LL-37-induced rosacea. In this study, bioinformatics analyses showed that the mechanisms of rosacea and the pharmacological targets of OA were highly overlapped. Subsequently, it was shown that the administration of OA resulted in a notable amelioration of rosacea-like skin lesions, as evidenced by a reduction in immune cell infiltration, modulation of cytokine production, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Plus, it was shown that OA effectively suppressed the generation of ROS generated by LL-37, as well as the subsequent activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. To explore further, we found that OA inhibited LL-37-induced ROS production via SIRT3-SOD2 signaling pathway in keratinocytes. Based on the aforementioned evidence, it can be inferred that OA exhibits a mitigating effect on the inflammatory response in rosacea by modulating the SIRT3-SOD2-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Echinacoside Prevents Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Damage via Targeting SOD2.

Echinacoside (ECH) is a prominent naturally occurring bioactive compound with effects of alleviating myocardial damage. We aimed to explore the beneficial effects of ECH against sepsis-induced myocardial damage and elucidate the potential mechanism. Echocardiography and Masson staining demonstrated that ECH alleviates cardiac function and fibrosis in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Transcriptome profiling and network pharmacology analysis showed that there are 51 overlapping targets between sepsis-induced myocardial damage and ECH. Subsequently, chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species (ROS) were enriched in multiple targets. Wherein, SOD2 may be the potential target of ECH on sepsis-induced myocardial damage. Polymerase chain reaction results showed that ECH administration could markedly increase the expression of SOD2 and reduce the release of ROS. Combined with injecting the inhibitor of SOD2, the beneficial effect of ECH on mortality, cardiac function, and fibrosis was eliminated, and release of ROS was increased after inhibiting SOD2. ECH significantly alleviated myocardial damage in septic mice, and the therapeutic mechanism of ECH is achieved by upregulating SOD2 which decreased the release of ROS.

CNS-oxygen toxicity and blood glucose levels in MnSOD enzyme knockdown mice.

Many studies have been conducted in the search for the mechanism underlying CNS-oxygen toxicity (OT), which may be fatal when diving with a closed-circuit apparatus. We investigated the influence of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on blood glucose level (BGL) in Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) knockdown mice regarding CNS-OT in particular under stress conditions such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Two groups of mice were used: SOD2 knockdown (Heterozygous, HET) mice and their WT family littermates. Animals were exposed to HBO from 2 up to 5 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Blood samples were drawn before and after each exposure for measurement of BGL. The mice were sacrificed following the final exposure, which was at 5 ATA. We used RT-PCR and Western blot to measure levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)1a in the cortex and hippocampus. In the hypoglycemic condition, the HET mice were more sensitive to oxidative stress than the WT. In addition, following exposure to sub-toxic HBO, which does not induce CNS-OT, BGL were higher in the HET mice compared with the WT. The expression of mRNA of GLUT1 and HIF-1a decreased in the hippocampus in the HET mice, while the protein level decreased in the HET and WT following HBO exposure. The results suggest that the higher BGL following HBO exposure especially at SOD2 HET mice is in part due to reduction in GLUT1 as a consequence of lower HIF-1a expression. This may add part to the puzzle of the understanding the mechanism leading to CNS-OT.

ATP supplementation suppresses UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells via upregulation of expression of SIRT3 and SOD2.

BACKGROUND: Skin photoaging is the damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. We investigated the effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplementation on UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells and its potential molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The toxicity of ATP on HaCaT cells was examined by the MTT assay. The effects of ATP supplementation on the viability and apoptosis of HaCaT cells were determined by crystal-violet staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Cellular and mitochondrial ROS were stained using fluorescent dyes. Expression of Bax, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, sirtuin (SIRT)3, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)2 was measured via western blotting. RESULTS: ATP (1, 2 mM) exerted no toxic effect on the normal growth of HaCaT cells. UVB irradiation caused the apoptosis of HaCaT cells, and ATP supplementation inhibited the apoptosis induced by UVB significantly, as verified by expression of Bax and Bcl-2. UVB exposure resulted in accumulation of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), but ATP supplementation suppressed these increases. Expression of SIRT3 and SOD2 was decreased upon exposure to UVB irradiation but, under ATP supplementation, expression of SIRT3 and SOD2 was reversed, which was consistent with the reduction in ROS level observed in ATP-treated HaCaT cells after exposure to UVB irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: ATP supplementation can suppress UVB irradiation-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells via upregulation of expression of SIRT3 and SOD2.

Resorcinol alleviates alpha-terpineol-induced cell death in Schizosaccharomyces pombe via increased activity of the antioxidant enzyme Sod2.

Alpha-terpineol, popular monoterpenoid alcohol, is known to cause cytotoxicity in a few cancer cells or to have antioxidant activity, but underlying mechanisms or apoptotic processes in yeast cell death should be understood. We used the fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as a unicellular model to monitor cellular toxicology and physiological mechanisms for the involvement of alpha-terpineol in cell death. Alpha-terpineol caused Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and following cytotoxicity and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of oxidative stress was proved using sod1 and sod2 mutants (antioxidant-limited cells), and the results showed that apoptosis was caused by alpha-terpineol-driven oxidation. In addition, resorcinol, a herbal extract from medicinal plants, showed protective activity against alpha-terpineol cytotoxicity. Survival rates, apoptotic cell death ratios, oxidation levels, and antioxidant gene expressions were completely altered; surprisingly sod1 and sod2 levels dramatically increased. However, sod2 was highly upregulated in response to resorcinol treatment with alpha-terpineol. The potential role of the Sod2 enzyme was proved using sod2 mutant cells that do not have a mitochondrial radical-clearing activity. Consequently, the dose-dependent and ROS-mediated cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of alpha-terpineol and the Sod2-dependent protective and antioxidant effects of resorcinol were demonstrated in unicellular model organism S. pombe by this study.

MTM1 displays a new function in the regulation of nickel resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Nickel (Ni) is an essential yet toxic trace element. Although a cofactor for many metalloenzymes, nickel function and metabolism is not fully explored in eukaryotes. Molecular biology and metallomic methods were utilized to explore the new physiological functions of nickel in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we showed that MTM1 knockout cells displayed much stronger nickel tolerance than wild-type cells and mitochondrial accumulations of Ni and Fe of mtm1Δ cells dramatically decreased compared to wild-type cells when exposed to excess nickel. Superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2p) activity in mtm1Δ cells was severely attenuated and restored through Ni supplementation in media or total protein. SOD2 mRNA level of mtm1Δ cells was significantly higher than that in the wild-type strain but was decreased by Ni supplementation. MTM1 knockout afforded resistance to excess nickel mediated through reactive oxygen species levels. Meanwhile, additional Ni showed no significant effect on the localization of Mtm1p. Our study reveals the MTM1 gene plays an important role in nickel homeostasis and identifies a novel function of nickel in promoting Sod2p activity in yeast cells.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via SIRT1/FOXO1a/SOD2 signaling in rats.

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a poor prognosis and high mortality complication of sepsis. Paeoniflorin (PF) has remarkable anti-inflammatory effects in different disease models. Here, we explored the protective effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of PF against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of PF for 7 days, 1 h after the last administration, and rats were injected i.p. 10 mg/kg LPS. PF improved liver structure and function, reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Western blot analysis suggested that PF significantly inhibited expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18) and inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. PF or mitochondrial ROS scavenger (mito-TEMPO) significantly improved liver mitochondrial function by scavenging mitochondrial ROS (mROS), restoring mitochondrial membrane potential loss and increasing level of ATP and enzyme activity of complex I and III. In addition, PF increased expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and increased FOXO1a nuclear retention. However, the inhibitor of SIRT1 (EX527) abolished the protective effect of PF. Taken together, PF promotes mROS clearance to inhibit mitochondrial damage and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via SIRT1/FOXO1a/SOD2 signaling.

Protective Efficacy of Spilanthes acmella Murr. Extracts and Bioactive Constituents in Neuronal Cell Death.

Spilanthes acmella Murr., a well-known Thai traditional medicine, has been used for treatment of toothache, rheumatism, and fever. Diverse pharmacological activities of S. acmella Murr. have been reported. In this study, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of S. acmella Murr. extracts as well as bioactive scopoletin, vanillic acid, and trans-ferulic acid found in the aerial parts of this plant species have been described. Protective effect of S. acmella Murr. extracts and bioactive compounds on dexamethasone-induced neuronal cell death was investigated. Different plant crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts including pure compounds of S. acmella Murr. were evaluated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cytotoxic effects were performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Mechanisms involved in the antioxidant effects of S. acmella Murr. regarding the activation of antioxidant marker proteins such as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) were determined using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. Dexamethasone significantly caused the decrease of SH-SY5Y cell viability. Conversely, the increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy, and apoptosis were observed in dexamethasone-treated cells. S. acmella Murr. MeOH and EtOAc extracts, as well as the bioactive compounds, reversed the toxic effect of dexamethasone by increasing the cell viability, SIRT3 protein expression but reducing the ROS, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study demonstrated that S. acmella Murr. may exert its protective effects against ROS through SOD2 and SIRT3 signaling pathways in dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity. S. acmella Murr. may be a candidate therapy for neuroprotection.

[Therapeutic effects of moxibustion on neonatal mice with hypoxia-ischemia brain injury].

Objective: To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the behavioral performance, brain morphological structure of mice with hypoxia-ischemia brain injury and to explore its mechanisms. Methods: One hundred and six ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups, sham group (n=23), model group (n=46) and moxibustion-treated group (n=37). Neonatal hypoxic-ischemia brain injury was induced by ligation of common carotid artery followed by hypoxia (8% oxygen, 100 min), and pups in the moxibustion-treated group were administered suspended moxibustion on the Dazhui points (GV14) at a height of approximately 2 cm over a hairless area of the skin once a day for 4 days (i.e. at 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours after hypoxia-ischemia procedure). Behavioral tests were used to evaluate behavioral performance. HE staining was used to observe brain morphological structure. Western blot was used to detect the expression of SOD2 protein, and spectrophotometry was used to determine the content of MDA in the ipsilateral brain. Results: Mouse pups in sham group showed that the behavioral performance was normal, the brain tissue cells were densely and neatly arranged, the expression of SOD2 and the level of MDA in the brain tissues were normal. Compared with sham group, mouse pups in the HI model group exhibited a significant longer latency to complete the righting reflex, geotaxis reflex, cliff avoidance (P＜0.05) and a marked shorter latency to complete the grip test (P＜0.05); and the HI model group had dramatic brain morphological changes showing missing regions, decreased expression of SOD2 protein (P＜0.05) and increased level of MDA in the brain. Compared with HI model group, mouse pups in the moxibustion-treated group exhibited a significant shorter latency to complete the righting reflex, geotaxis reflex, cliff avoidance test (P＜0.05) and a marked longer latency to complete the grip test (P＜0.05); and the moxibustion-treated group had less brain morphological changes, increased expression of SOD2 protein (P＜0.05) and decreased level of MDA in the brain (P＜0.05) . Conclusion: Moxibustion could improve behavioral performance and attenuate hypoxia-ischemia brain injury, which might be related to increasing the expression of SOD2 protein and decreasing the content of MDA, thus enhancing the anti-oxidative ability.

Associations between prenatal exposure to cadmium and lead with neural tube defect risks are modified by single-nucleotide polymorphisms of fetal MTHFR and SOD2: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to heavy metals is implicated in the etiology of birth defects. We investigated whether concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in umbilical cord tissue are associated with risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and whether selected genetic variants of the fetus modify their associations. METHODS: This study included 166 cases of NTD fetuses/newborns and 166 newborns without congenital malformations. Umbilical cord tissue was collected at birth or elective pregnancy termination. Cd and Pb concentrations were assessed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 9 genes were genotyped. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the risk for NTDs in association with metal concentrations or genotype using logistic regression. Multiplicative-scale interactions between the metals and genotypes on NTD risk were assessed with logistic regression, and additive-scale interactions were estimated with a non-linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: Higher concentrations of Cd were observed in the NTD group than in the control group, but no difference was found for Pb. Concentrations of Cd above the median level showed a risk effect, while the association between Pb and NTD risk was not significant in univariate analyses. The association of Cd was attenuated after adjusting for periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Fetuses with the AG and GG genotypes of rs4880 in SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) tended to have a lower risk, but fetuses with the CT and TT genotypes of rs1801133 in MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase) have a higher risk for NTDs when compared to their respective wild-type. rs4880 and Cd exhibited a multiplicative-scale interaction on NTD risk: the association between higher Cd and the risk for NTDs was increased by over fourfold in fetuses carrying the G allele [OR 4.43 (1.30-15.07)] compared to fetuses with the wild-type genotype. rs1801133 and Cd exposure showed an additive interaction, with a significant relative excess risk of interaction [RERI 0.64 (0.02-1.25)]. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to Cd may be a risk factor for NTDs, and the risk effect may be enhanced in fetuses who carry the G allele of rs4880 in SOD2 and T allele of rs1801133 in MTHFR.

Idebenone Protects against Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice Via Activation of the SIRT3-SOD2-mtROS Pathway.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerosis, a chronic disease of the arteries, results from pathological processes including the accumulation and aggregation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in the vessel walls, development of neointima, formation of a fibrous cap, and migration of immune cells to damaged vascular endothelium. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Idebenone, a short-chain benzoquinone similar in structure to coenzyme Q10, can effectively clear oxygen free radicals as an electron carrier and antioxidant. In the present study, we aim to investigate weather idebenone protects against atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. METHODS: apoE-/- mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with idebenone for 16 weeks. A total of 60 mice were randomized into the following four groups: (1) HFD, (2) HFD and low-dose idebenone (100 mg/kg/d), (3) HFD and medium-dose idebenone (200 mg/kg/d), and (4) HFD and high-dose (400 mg/kg/d). Proteomic analysis was performed between the HFD and idebenone-high-dose group. Plaque analysis was carried out by histological and immunohistochemical staining. Western blot, TUNEL staining, and MitoSOX assays were performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to investigate the SIRT3-SOD2-mtROS pathway. RESULTS: Histological and morphological analysis demonstrated that idebenone significantly reduced plaque burden and plaque size. Idebenone treatment effectively stabilized the atherosclerotic plaques. In mice treated with idebenone, 351 up-regulated and 379 down-regulated proteins were found to be significantly altered in proteomic analysis. In particular, the expression of SIRT3, SOD2, and NLRP3 was significantly regulated in the idebenone treatment groups compared with the HFD group both in vivo and in vitro. We further confirmed that idebenone protected against endothelial cell damage and inhibited the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in cholesterol-treated HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that idebenone acted as a mitochondrial protective agent by inhibiting the activation of NLPR3 via the SIRT3-SOD2-mtROS pathway. Idebenone may be a promising therapy for patients with atherosclerosis by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Melatonin sensitises shikonin-induced cancer cell death mediated by oxidative stress via inhibition of the SIRT3/SOD2-AKT pathway.

Recent research suggests that melatonin (Mel), an endogenous hormone and natural supplement, possesses anti-proliferative effects and can sensitise cells to anti-cancer therapies. Although shikonin (SHK) also possesses potential anti-cancer properties, the poor solubility and severe systemic toxicity of this compound hinders its clinical usage. In this study, we combined Mel and SHK, a potentially promising chemotherapeutic drug combination, with the aim of reducing the toxicity of SHK and enhancing the overall anti-cancer effects. We demonstrate for the first time that Mel potentiates the cytotoxic effects of SHK on cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress via inhibition of the SIRT3/SOD2-AKT pathway. Particularly, Mel-SHK treatment induced oxidative stress, increased mitochondrial calcium accumulation and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential in various cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. This drug combination also promoted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to AKT dephosphorylation. In HeLa cells, Mel-SHK treatment reduced SIRT3/SOD2 expression and SOD2 activity, while SIRT3 overexpression dramatically reduced Mel-SHK-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Hence, we propose the combination of Mel and SHK as a novel candidate chemotherapeutic regimen that targets the SIRT3/SOD2-AKT pathway in cancer.

Dietary schizophyllan reduces mitochondrial damage by activating SIRT3 in mice.

Schizophyllan (SPG), produced by Schizophyllum commune, is an exopolysaccharide with multiple academic and commercial uses, including in the food industry and for various medical functions. We previously demonstrated that SPG conjugated with c-Src peptide exerted a significant therapeutic effect on mouse models of the acute inflammatory diseases polymicrobial sepsis and ulcerative colitis. Here we extended these results by investigating whether SPG exerted a protective effect against mitochondrial damage in the liver via sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) induction, focusing on the deacetylation of succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Liver damage models induced by alcohol or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, which simulates lipodystrophy) in SIRT3-/-, SOD2-/-, and SDHA-/- mice were used. Results showed that dietary supplementation with SPG induced SIRT3 activation; this was involved in mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation that countered the adverse effects of alcoholic liver disease and CLA-induced damage. The mitochondrial SIRT3 mediated the deacetylation and activation of SOD2 in the liver and SDHA in adipose tissues, suggesting that SPG supplementation reduced ethanol-induced liver damage and CLA-induced adverse dietary effects via SIRT3-SOD2 and SIRT3-SDHA signaling, respectively. Together, these results suggest that dietary SPG has a previously unrecognized role in SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation during mitochondria-related diseases.

The omics based study for the role of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in keratinocytes: RNA sequencing, antibody-chip array and bioinformatics approaches.

In this study, we aimed to identify critical factors associated with superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in human keratinocytes through gene and protein expression profiling approaches. After recombinant SOD2 was exogenously added to culture media, we conducted serial OMICS studies, which included RNA sequencing analysis, integrated antibody-chip arrays, and the implementation of bioinformatics algorithms, in order to reveal genes and proteins that are possibly associated with SOD2 in keratinocytes. These approaches identified several novel genes and proteins in keratinocytes that are associated with exogenous SOD2. These novel genes included DCT, which was up-regulated, and CD38, GPR151, HCK, KIT, and AFP, which were down-regulated. Among them, CD38 and KIT were also predicted as hub proteins in PPI mappings. By integrating the datasets obtained from these complementary high-throughput OMICS studies and utilizing the strengths of each method, we obtained new insights into the functional role of externally added SOD2 in skin cells and into several critical genes that are thought to play important roles in SOD2-associated skin function. The approach used here could help contribute to our clinical understanding of SOD2-associated applications and may be broadly applicable to a wider range of diseases. AbbreviationsSOD2superoxide dismutase 2DAVIDthe database for annotation, visualization and integrated discoveryKEGGKyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and GenomesPPIprotein-protein interactionsHTSHigh-throughput screeningCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Brazil nut improves the oxidative metabolism of superoxide-hydrogen peroxide chemically-imbalanced human fibroblasts in a nutrigenomic manner.

There are some genes associated to the risk of chronic diseases that present potential nutrigenetic response, such as the human manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase gene (Val16Ala-SOD2, rs4880) for which homozygous genotypes (VV and AA) are associated with higher basal superoxide (S) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) levels, respectively. It is possible that the VV- and AA-imbalance could be attenuated by selenium(Se)-rich foods such as Brazil nut (BN). To test this hypothesis, we conducted an in vitro protocol triggering a chemical S-HP imbalance by exposure of dermal fibroblast cells (HFF-1) to paraquat, which generates high S levels (VV-like treatment) and porphyrin (MnTBAP), which generates high HP levels (AA-like treatment). Modulation of cell growth and pro-oxidative and antioxidant markers were evaluated. BN aqueous extract (BNAE) most effective concentration which increased cell growth and decreased oxidative metabolism indicators of imbalanced cells was 75 ng Se/mL. However, this effect was not directly affected by the S-HP imbalance: in AA-SOD2-like cells, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR-1) gene was upregulated and in VV-SOD2-like cells an upregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) gene expression was observed, however, this regulation occured in a homeostatic manner. These results suggest that BNAE was able to minimize negative effects in both directions of the S-HP imbalance, by modulation of different oxidative-metabolic pathways.

Association of pre-eclampsia with SOD2 Ala16Val polymorphism among mother-father-infant triads.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pre-eclampsia is associated with polymorphisms in superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes among mother-father-infant triads. METHODS: We did this follow-up cohort study at 17 urban hospitals in Canada between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2010. We recruited Canadian participants who had participated in the International Trial of Antioxidant Supplementation for the Prevention of Pre-eclampsia. Saliva specimens were collected for DNA extraction. The SOD1 +35A/C (rs2234694) and SOD2 Ala16Val C/T (rs4880) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. RESULTS: Dual presence of the SOD2 Ala16Val TT variant among mother-father pairs (n=657) was associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia when compared with the absence of the TT variant among the mother-father pairs (7/48 [14.6%] vs 11/339 [3.2%]; adjusted odds ratio 6.80, 95% confidence interval 2.32-19.95; P<0.001). By contrast, presence of a single T variant in mother-father pairs (16/270 [5.9%]) or mother-infant pairs (8/179 [4.5%]) was not associated with pre-eclampsia. The SOD1 +35A/CSNP was not associated with pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSION: The SOD2 Ala16Val SNP might be involved in paternal influence on the maternal predisposition to pre-eclampsia. Genotyping of mother-father pairs could be a promising strategy to identify pre-eclampsia genes.

Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide extracts protect against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in mice via activating the Nrf-2/HO-1-SOD-2 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is concomitant with acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, which has been highlighted as therapeutic targets for such diseases. The berries of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) have been traditionally used in Tibetan medicine for thousands of years. The effect of Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide on drug- induced liver injury (DILI) has not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Seabuckthorn polysaccharide (SP) against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group), namely the control group (Ctrl), APAP-induced-liver injury group (APAP), NAC pretreated group (NAC), 100 mg/kg SP pretreated group (APAP/SP100), 200 mg/kg SP pretreated group (APAP/SP200) and 200 mg/kg SP pretreated group without APAP challenge (SP200). SP was given orally to mice for 30 consecutive days prior to APAP exposure (300 mg/kg). NAC (150 mg/kg) was administrated 1 h before APAP challenge. METHODS: ALT and AST were detected 16 h after APAP treatment; Hepatic expression of GSH, SOD, NO, iNOS and GSH-Px were examined. The expression of p-JNK, Bcl-2/Bax, p62, Keap-1 and SOD-2 was detected by Western blotting. The expression of Nrf-2 and its target genes HO-1, GCLC and NQO-1 were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Pretreatment with SP led to decreased levels of ALT and AST in APAP mice, without affecting APAP metabolism. This was accompanied by diminished liver injuries, increased levels of GSH and GSH-Px, reduced NO and iNOS expression. SP increased the activity of SOD as well as SOD-2 expression in APAP mice. SP suppressed APAP-induced JNK phosphorylation and increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Furthermore, SP decreased the expression of Keap-1 and increased the nuclear expression of Nrf-2. The expression of Nrf-2 target gene HO-1 was increased by SP pretreatment in APAP mice. CONCLUSION: SP alleviates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The protective effects of SP are associated with the activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1-SOD-2 signaling pathway.

Protective effects of silymarin on methotrexate-induced damages in rat testes

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin (SMN), an antioxidant, on methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage in rat testes. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): control, MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1 and 5), SMN (200 mg/kg, orally), and MTX + SMN (20 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1 and 5 and SMN 200 mg/kg orally) groups. At the end of the 6-week trial period, histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and spermatological analyses were performed on testes tissues. Histopathologically, MTX-induced damage, including depletion of germ cell and loos of spermatozoa, was significantly improved with SMN treatment. Immunohistochemically, the immunoreactivity of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were detected more intensely in the MTX + SMN group than in the MTX group. Biochemical examinations revealed that SMN supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and increased enzymatic antioxidants in the SMN-treated rats. Spermatologically, significant differences were found in the density, motility, dead-to-live sperm ratio, and abnormal sperm rate in the MTX + SMN group compared to the MTX group. In conclusion, SMN seems to have protective effects as an antioxidant against MTX-induced damage in rat testes.

Regulation of SIRT3/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Salvianolic Acid B.

AIMS: To explore the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on regulation of SIRT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: Sixty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control, model and treatment groups. After 12 weeks of successful model establishment with high fat diet, treatment group was given Sal B by intragastric administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, rats were sacrificed and livers were taken to test indicators such as liver index, TG, TC, ALT, AST, reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA probe, SOD2 activity by WST-8 test. mRNA and protein expression of SIRT3, SOD2, catalase were detected by real time PCR and western blot, respectively. The acetylation level of FOXO1 and SOD2 was detected by immuno-precipitation (IP). RESULT: Liver index, ALT, AST, TG, TC, and ROS of model group were higher than those of control and treatment groups, which the difference was statistically significant (p <0.01). SOD2 activity of model group was lower than that of control and treatment groups. In treatment group, HE staining and electron microscopy showed hepatic tissue pathological change and mitochondrial structure damage alleviate. mRNA and protein expression of SIRT3, SOD2, catalase were lower in model group and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05), which was opposite in the acetylation level of FOXO1 and SOD2 by IP. CONCLUSION: Sal B can decrease oxidative stress reaction by regulating SIRT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway and play a therapeutic role in the treatment of NASH in rats.