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2.
Front Oncol ; 14: 1330592, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38505596

ABSTRACT

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by leukocytosis and left shift. The primary molecular alteration is the BCR::ABL1, chimeric oncoprotein with tyrosine kinase activity, responsible for the initial oncogenesis of the disease. Therapy of CML was revolutionized with the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but it is still not considered curative and may present resistance and serious adverse effects. Discoveries in CML inaugurated a new era in cancer treatment and despite all the advances, a new biomarker is needed to detect resistance and adverse effects. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special type of non-coding RNA formed through a process called backsplicing. The majority of circRNAs are derived from protein-coding genes. CircHIPK3 is formed from the second exon of the HIPK3 gene and has been found in various pathologies, including different types of cancer. New approaches have demonstrated the potential of circular RNAs in cancer research, and circHIPK3 has shown promising results. It is often associated with cellular regulatory pathways, suggesting an important role in the molecular dynamics of tumors. The identification of biomarkers is an important tool for therapeutic improvement; thus we review the role of circHIPK3 and its potential as a biomarker in CML.

3.
Toxicon ; 237: 107560, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38092194

ABSTRACT

Baccharis anomala DC. (BA) is a plant species found in the tropical regions of South America and is widely used for its hepatoprotective effects, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have recently reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. BA extract can reverse the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the development of liver fibrosis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with BA extract on liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in BALB/c mice. Methanolic extract was obtained from BA leaves, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect the compounds present was performed, and then administered by intraperitoneal injection in Balb/C mice at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg together with the administration of CCl4 for inducing liver fibrosis. After 10 weeks, blood analysis, histopathology, oxidative stress, as well as protein and gene expression in the hepatic tissue were performed. Treatment with BA extract was able to reduce profibrotic markers by reducing the expression of α-SMA and Col-1 proteins, as well as reducing the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. (BA extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by suppressing NF-kB activation and reducing gene expression of signaling targets (IL-6 and iNOS). The data obtained showed that BA extract has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.


Subject(s)
Baccharis , NF-kappa B , Mice , Animals , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Baccharis/metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis/chemically induced , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver , Inflammation/metabolism , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
4.
Nutrition ; 112: 112064, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37263162

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether phase angle (PhA) of bioelectrical impedance is associated with inflammatory markers in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS: A search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and Scopus; and in the gray literature up to January 2022. Studies with individuals with CVDs were included, to evaluate the association between PhA and the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1ß, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR 4, nuclear factor κB, pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules, lipopolysaccharides, interferon-γ-inducing factor, and JAK STAT. RESULTS: We identified 755 articles and, after an eligibility analysis, 5 studies were included. The inflammatory markers investigated in the studies were CRP, TNF-α, and IL-33. In patients with CVDs, PhA was negatively associated with CRP and TNF-α in 80% and 100% of the studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that PhA is inversely associated with inflammatory markers in individuals with CVDs, and its clinical use is encouraged for better therapeutic planning.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Humans , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Interleukin-33 , Inflammation/metabolism , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Biomarkers
5.
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol ; 396(12): 3857-3866, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37358795

ABSTRACT

In pulmonary fibrosis, the proliferation of fibroblasts and their differentiation into myofibroblasts is often caused by tissue damage, such as oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which leads to progressive rupture and thus destruction of the alveolar architecture, resulting in cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. Bezafibrate (BZF) is an important member of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) family agonists, used in clinical practice as antihyperlipidemic. However, the antifibrotic effects of BZF are still poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BZF on pulmonary oxidative damage in lung fibroblast cells. MRC-5 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress activation and BZF treatment was administered at the same moment as H2O2 induction. The outcomes evaluated were cell proliferation and cell viability; oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); col-1 and α-SMA mRNA expression and cellular elasticity through Young's modulus analysis evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The H2O2-induced oxidative damage decreased the cell viability and increased ROS levels and decreased CAT activity in MRC-5 cells. The expression of α-SMA and the cell stiffness increased in response to H2O2 treatment. Treatment with BZF decreased the MRC-5 cell proliferation, ROS levels, reestablished CAT levels, decreased the mRNA expression of type I collagen protein (col-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cellular elasticity even with H2O2 induction. Our results suggest that BZF has a potential protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These results are based on an in vitro experiment, derived from a fetal lung cell line and may emerge as a possible new therapy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Hydrogen Peroxide , Pulmonary Fibrosis , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity , Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Bezafibrate/pharmacology , Bezafibrate/metabolism , Pulmonary Fibrosis/pathology , Lung/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Fibroblasts , RNA, Messenger/metabolism
7.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 303: 116056, 2023 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36535332

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The chosen plant and its extracts have been an alternative in the treatment of several inflammatory and oxidant diseases, and is therefore a viable option for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to use Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum, mainly the ethanolic extract and fractions, in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were prepared from dried leaves in 100% ethanol (ET) and fractionated with an increased polarity solvent (dichloromethane to methanol). The quantification of compounds in the extracts was characterized by GCMS. The decrease in cell proliferation and the cytotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated together with the mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagy. The expression of genes associated with decreased fibrosis and cell cycle control was assessed and the production of lipid droplets was quantified by Oil Red O staining. RESULTS: The experiments showed that treatment with ET and fraction 1 (F1) inhibited the expression of CDKIs (CCDN1, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6) through an increase in p27, related to an increase in autophagic vesicles. The extract and F1 were able to decrease proliferation and revert the activated state of GRX cells to their quiescent state. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that extracts obtained from Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum have a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Hepatic Stellate Cells , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Cell Cycle Checkpoints , Cell Proliferation , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Fibrosis , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/metabolism , Apoptosis
8.
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol ; 396(5): 925-937, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36520165

ABSTRACT

Coumaric acid is a phenolic compound found in medicinal plants. Its use has been reported in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, prevention of alterations induced by oxidative stress, as well as acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, this study evaluated coumaric acid as a potential treatment for liver fibrosis. Cell proliferation was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion technique and the cytotoxicity of coumaric acid was performed using an LDH assay. Mechanisms of cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of genes associated with apoptosis, cell cycle control, and fibrosis was assessed by qPCR. The production of lipid droplets was quantified by oil red staining. The experiments performed showed that the treatment with coumaric acid was able to reduce cell proliferation without causing cell cytotoxicity or apoptosis. Coumaric acid was able to inhibit the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK's (CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6), increasing p53 and p21, which could lead to cell cycle arrest. Treatment with coumaric acid was also able to revert the activated phenotype of GRX cells to their quiescent state. Thus, our results suggest that coumaric acid has a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Coumaric Acids , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Humans , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21/metabolism , Coumaric Acids/pharmacology , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Cell Proliferation , Apoptosis , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
9.
Respir Physiol Neurobiol ; 309: 104002, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36566004

ABSTRACT

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a disease of high prevalence and is characterized by the excessive production of inflammatory mediators in the lungs of people sick. Inflammation is the major characteristic of ALI and studies report that inhibition of inflammatory cytokines could be an alternative treatment. Statins such as Simvastatin (SV) are known to their use for cholesterol reduction but also for inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SV on LPS-induced alveolar macrophages and in ALI mice model. Our study has demonstrated the protective effects of SV on LPS-activated alveolar macrophages RAW 264.7 and LPS-induced ALI in mice. SV treatment significantly inhibited the alveolar macrophages activation by decreasing the iNOS, IL-1ß, and IL-6 gene expression in vitro and in vivo. The treatment also decreased the inflammatory cells migration and the cytokines gene expression. Our findings suggest that SV can act as an anti-inflammatory agent for acute lung injury.


Subject(s)
Acute Lung Injury , Lipopolysaccharides , Animals , Mice , Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity , Lipopolysaccharides/metabolism , Simvastatin/adverse effects , Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced , Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy , Acute Lung Injury/metabolism , Lung/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism
10.
Dev Psychobiol ; 64(7): e22330, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36282762

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal exercise on alterations induced by prenatal stress in markers of the inflammatory process and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the brain and lungs of neonatal mice. Female Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: control, prenatal restraint stress, prenatal restraint stress and physical exercise before and during the gestational period. On day 0 (PND0) and 10 (PND10), mice were euthanized for brain and lung analyses. The gene expression of GR, MR, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF in the brain and lungs and the protein expression of MMP-2 in the lungs were analyzed. Maternal exercise reduced IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression in the brain of PND0 mice. Prenatal stress and maternal exercise decreased GR, MR, IL-6, and TNF gene expression in the lungs of PND0 mice. In the hippocampus of PND10 females, exercise inhibited the effects of prenatal stress on the expression of MR, IL-6, and IL-10. In the lungs of PND10 females, exercise prevented the decrease in GR expression caused by prenatal stress. In the hippocampus and lungs of PND10 males, prenatal stress decreased GR gene expression. Our findings confirm the effects induced by prenatal stress and demonstrate that physical exercise before and during the gestational period may have a protective role on inflammatory changes.


Subject(s)
Pituitary-Adrenal System , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Pregnancy , Male , Animals , Female , Mice , Humans , Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Interleukin-10/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Animals, Newborn , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Brain/metabolism , Lung/metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Corticosterone , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Restraint, Physical/adverse effects
11.
Neurochem Int ; 158: 105384, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35787396

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of treadmill maternal exercise on alterations induced by prenatal stress in neonatal mice. Female and male Balb/c mice were divided into five groups: control (CON), prenatal restraint stress (PNS), prenatal restraint stress and physical exercise before pregnancy (PNS + EX1), prenatal restraint stress and physical exercise during pregnancy (PNS + EX2), and prenatal restraint stress and physical exercise before and during pregnancy (PNS + EX3). Exercise was performed using a treadmill, at a speed of 10 m/min, for 60 min, 5 days a week. Maternal behavior was assessed on days 3, 4 and 5 postpartum (PPD). Placental gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11ß-HSD2), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5HT1AR), and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) were analyzed. In neonatal mice, the gene expression of GR, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), CRHR1, 5HTr1, oxytocin Receptor 1 (OXTr1), tropomyosin related kinase B (TRκB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon I (BDNF I), and BDNF IV was analyzed in the brain (PND0) and hippocampus (PND10). Maternal exercise improved (p < 0.05) maternal care. In the placenta, maternal exercise prevented (p < 0.01) the increase in GR expression caused by PNS. In the brain from PND0, exercise before pregnancy prevented (p = 0.002) the decreased CRHR1 expression promoted by PNS. In the hippocampus of PND10 males, PNS decreased (p = 0.0005) GR expression, and exercise before pregnancy prevented (p = 0.003) this effect. In PND10 females, maternal exercise prevented (p < 0.05) the PNS-induced increase in MR expression. PNS + EX2 males showed increased (p < 0.01) BDNF I gene expression and PNS + EX1 females demonstrated increased (p = 0.03) BDNF IV expression. In conclusion, maternal physical exercise may play a role in modulating maternal-fetal health and may contribute to preventing neurodevelopmental changes induced by prenatal stress.


Subject(s)
Placenta , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Animals , Brain/metabolism , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism , Female , Hippocampus/metabolism , Humans , Male , Mice , Placenta/metabolism , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/genetics , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism , Stress, Psychological/metabolism
12.
Inflammation ; 45(4): 1534-1547, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35267122

ABSTRACT

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening acute inflammatory disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. 4-Allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (methoxyeugenol), a phenylpropanoid from a synthetic source, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity, but its effects on the inflammation of ALI have not yet been reported. In our study, the anti-inflammatory effects of methoxyeugenol were investigated on RAW 264.7 cells and a mice model of ALI. Our results showed that methoxyeugenol (7.5 and 30 µM) attenuated the proliferation and gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In a mice model of ALI induced with LPS, methoxyeugenol exhibited a significant protective effect, based on influx reduction of macrophages and neutrophils into the lungs; reduction in release of the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10; and in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. We show that the anti-inflammatory effects of methoxyeugenol are associated with the suppression of the NFκB signaling pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that a phenolic compound, from a synthetic source, protects against lung tissue inflammation and promotes a reduction of NET formation. These findings provided evidence for the use of methoxyeugenol as a new strategy to control inflammation in ALI disease.


Subject(s)
Acute Lung Injury , Extracellular Traps , Pneumonia , Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced , Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy , Acute Lung Injury/prevention & control , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Disease Models, Animal , Extracellular Traps/metabolism , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/prevention & control , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Lung/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Pneumonia/metabolism
13.
Int J Dev Neurosci ; 82(2): 180-187, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34734422

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory markers represent important candidates responsible for the altered behavior and physiology observed after stressful experiences. In the maternal brain, the olfactory bulb (OB) is a key constituent of the neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal interaction between mother and infant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of stress during pregnancy on maternal behavior and inflammatory changes in the olfactory bulb of lactating mice. Female Balb/c mice were divided into two groups: control (CT) and restraint stress (RS). Maternal behavior was performed during the first 8 days of life of the offspring. On the 10th day after parturition, corticosterone, gene, and protein expression were assessed. Stress during pregnancy decreased the maternal index at postnatal day 4 and the nuclear factor-κB 1 (NFκB1) gene expression in the OB. Moreover, females from the RS group showed increased interleukin (IL-1ß) protein expression. In contrast, stressed females exhibited a decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) protein expression in the OB. In conclusion, exposure to stress during pregnancy was able to induce specific postnatal effects on maternal behavior and balance of inflammatory mediators in the OB.


Subject(s)
Olfactory Bulb , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Animals , Corticosterone/metabolism , Female , Humans , Lactation , Maternal Behavior/physiology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Olfactory Bulb/metabolism , Olfactory Bulb/pathology , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Stress, Psychological
14.
Mol Biol Rep ; 49(2): 1593-1599, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34783987

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a complex mechanism with an objective to destroy and eliminate the invading microorganisms. During acute inflammation, the neutrophils are the major cells involved in this process and, although they defend the organism, must die to not generate damage. The two major mechanisms that drive neutrophils to death are: apoptosis and a novel mechanism recently discovered denominated NETosis. This process is a "suicidal mechanism", in which the cells release "neutrophil extracellular traps" (NETs) during the inflammatory response. Octyl gallate (OG) is one of the gallic acid derivates, with several protective effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in cancer models. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the action of OG on the proliferation of lymphocytes, neutrophils activation, and its effectiveness in an experimental sepsis model. METHODS: Lymphocytes and neutrophils were obtained from healthy donors. Cell viability, apoptosis, NETs release and antioxidant capacity of OG were observed. In addition, survival was evaluated in an experimental model of sepsis in C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that the OG can act as an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, NETs formation in primary human neutrophils and, modulates the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) effect in neutrophil apoptosis. The OG also inhibited peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferation in vitro. Despite the positive results, we did not observe an increase in the survival of septic animals. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological potential of OG, modulating activation of neutrophils and lymphocytes, suggests the use as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy in inflammatory diseases.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Traps/metabolism , Gallic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Lymphocyte Activation/physiology , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Extracellular Traps/drug effects , Gallic Acid/metabolism , Gallic Acid/pharmacology , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Inflammation , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Neutrophils/drug effects , Reactive Oxygen Species/pharmacology , Sepsis
15.
Micron ; 151: 103152, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34607251

ABSTRACT

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a great variety of foods such as vegetables and fruits. This compound has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of various types of cancer cells, as well as the growth of tumors in animal models. In the present study, we analyze morphological and mechanical changes produced by quercetin in T24 bladder cancer cells. Decreased cell viability and cell number were observed following quercetin treatment at 40 µM and 60 µM, respectively, as observed by the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion test, supporting the hypothesis of quercetin anticancer effect. These assays also allowed us to determine the 40, 60, and 80 µM quercetin concentrations for the following analyses, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay (LDH); Nuclear Morphometric Analysis (NMA); and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The LDH assay showed no cytotoxic effect of quercetin on T24 cancer cells. The AFM showed morphological changes following quercetin treatment, namely decreased cell body, cytoplasmic retraction, and membrane condensation. Following quercetin treatment, the NMA evidenced an increased percentage of nuclei characteristic to the apoptotic and senescence processes. Cells also presented biophysical alterations consistent with cell death by apoptosis, as increased roughness and aggregation of membrane proteins, in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular elasticity, obtained through force curves, showed increased stiffness after quercetin treatment. Data presented herein demonstrate, for the first time, in a quantitative and qualitative form, the morphological and mechanical alterations induced by quercetin on bladder cancer cells.


Subject(s)
Quercetin , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Animals , Apoptosis , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival , Humans , Quercetin/pharmacology , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/drug therapy
16.
Neurochem Int ; 147: 105053, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33961947

ABSTRACT

Maternal stress has been described as an important component in the offspring's cerebral development, altering the susceptibility to diseases in later life. Moreover, the postnatal period is essential for the development and integration of several peripheral and central systems related to the control of homeostasis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of prenatal stress on the activation of cortical neurons, by performing experiments both under basal conditions and after KCl-induced depolarization. Female mice were divided in two groups: control and prenatal restraint stress. Cortical neurons from the offspring were obtained at gestational day 18. The effects of prenatal stress and KCl stimulations on cellular mortality, autophagy, gene expression, oxidative stress, and inflammation were evaluated. We found that neurons from PNS mice have decreased necrosis and autophagy after depolarization. Moreover, prenatal stress modulated the HPA axis, as observed by the increased GR and decreased 5HTr1 mRNA expression. The BDNF is an important factor for neuronal function and results demonstrated that KCl-induced depolarization increased the gene expression of BDNF I, BDNF IV, and TRκB. Furthermore, prenatal stress and KCl treatment induced significant alterations in oxidative and inflammatory markers. In conclusion, prenatal stress and stimulation with KCl may influence several markers related to neurodevelopment in cortical neurons from neonate mice, supporting the well-known long-term effects of maternal stress.


Subject(s)
Cell Death/physiology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Animals , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism , Cell Death/genetics , Female , Male , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neurons/metabolism , Pregnancy , Restraint, Physical/methods , Stress, Psychological/metabolism
17.
Mol Neurobiol ; 58(6): 2770-2779, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33495934

ABSTRACT

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by an uncontrolled inflammatory response from the host to an infection. Sepsis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICU) worldwide. One of the first organs to suffer from injuries resulting from sepsis is the brain. The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to damage, mediated by inflammatory and oxidative processes, which can cause the sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), being reported in up to 70% of septic patients. This review aims to bring a summary of the main pathophysiological changes and dysfunctions in SAE, and the main focuses of current experimental studies for new treatments and therapies. The pathophysiology of SAE is complex and multifactorial, combining intertwined processes, and is promoted by countless alterations and dysfunctions resulting from sepsis, such as inflammation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, reduced brain metabolism, and injuries to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The treatment is limited once its cause is not completely understood. The patient's sedation is far to provide an adequate treatment to this complex condition. Studies and experimental advances are important for a better understanding of its pathophysiology and for the development of new treatments, medicines, and therapies for the treatment of SAE and to reduce its effects during and after sepsis.


Subject(s)
Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy/pathology , Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy/physiopathology , Animals , Brain/metabolism , Brain/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Models, Biological , Oxidative Stress
18.
Neurosci Lett ; 746: 135659, 2021 02 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33482306

ABSTRACT

Studies have shown that an adverse environment in utero influences fetal growth and development, leading to several neuroendocrine and behavioral changes in adult life. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in the long-term benefits of pregestational exercise are still poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise before the gestational period on memory behavior and gene expression in the hippocampus of adult mice submitted to prenatal stress. Female Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: control (CON), prenatal restraint stress (PNS), and exercise before the gestational period plus PNS (EX + PNS). When adults, male and female offspring were submitted to the object recognition test followed by the hippocampal evaluation of BDNF exons I and IV mRNA expression, as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis related genes. Pregestational exercise did not prevent the decreased recognition index, as well as GR and CRHR1 gene expression observed in PNS males. Conversely, prenatal stress did not influence female memory behavior. Moreover, exercise attenuated the effects of prenatal stress on female BDNF IV gene expression. The results indicate that pregestational exercise was able to prevent the effects of maternal stress on hippocampal BDNF IV gene expression in females, although no effects were seen on the stress-induced memory impairment in males.


Subject(s)
Hippocampus/metabolism , Memory, Long-Term/physiology , Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Running/physiology , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Animals , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/biosynthesis , Exercise Test/trends , Female , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Physical Conditioning, Animal/methods , Physical Conditioning, Animal/psychology , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/psychology , Restraint, Physical/adverse effects , Restraint, Physical/psychology , Running/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology
19.
J Appl Toxicol ; 41(7): 1050-1062, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33078453

ABSTRACT

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP), an intermediate of the glycolytic pathway, has been found to play a promising anticancer effect; nevertheless, the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanisms of F1,6BP in a human endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa). F1,6BP showed an antiproliferative and non-cytotoxic effect on endometrial cancer cells. These effects are related to the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). These harmful stimuli trigger the upregulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (p53 and Bax), leading to the reduction of cell proliferation through inducing programmed cell death by apoptosis. Furthermore, F1,6BP-treated cells had the formation of autophagosomes induced, as well as a decrease in their proliferative capacity after withdrawing the treatment. Our results demonstrate that F1,6BP acts as an anticancer agent through the generation of mitochondrial instability, loss of cell function, and p53-dependent cell death. Thus, F1,6BP proves to be a potential molecule for use in the treatment against endometrial cancer.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Fructosediphosphates/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Death/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Endometrial Neoplasms , Female , Fructose/pharmacology , Humans , Mitochondria/drug effects
20.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 476(2): 649-661, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33073314

ABSTRACT

The phytoalexin Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene; RSV) has been related to numerous beneficial effects on health by its cytoprotection and chemoprevention activities. Liver fibrosis is characterized by the extracellular matrix accumulation after hepatic injury and can lead to cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a crucial role during fibrogenesis and liver wound healing by changing their quiescent phenotype to an activated phenotype for protecting healthy areas from damaged areas. Strategies on promoting the activated HSC death, the quiescence return or the cellular activation stimuli decrease play an important role on reducing liver fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the RSV effects on some markers of activation in GRX, an HSC model. We further evaluated the RSV influence in the ability of GRX on releasing inflammatory mediators. RSV at 1 and 10 µM did not alter the protein content of α-SMA, collagen I and GFAP; but 50 µM increased the content of these activation-related proteins. Also, RSV did not change the myofibroblast-like morphology of GRX. Interestingly, RSV at 10 and 50 µM decreased the GRX migration and collagen-I gel contraction. Finally, we showed that RSV triggered the increase in the TNF-α and IL-10 content in culture media of GRX while the opposite occurred for the IL-6 content. Altogether, these results suggested that RSV did not decrease the activation state of GRX and oppositely, triggered a pro-activation effect at the 50 µM concentration. However, despite the increase of TNF- α in culture media, these results on IL-6 and IL-10 secretion were in accordance with the anti-inflammatory role of RSV in our model.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cytokines/metabolism , Hepatic Stellate Cells/drug effects , Inflammation/drug therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy , Resveratrol/pharmacology , Animals , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation , Hepatic Stellate Cells/immunology , Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism , Inflammation/immunology , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/immunology , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Mice , Myofibroblasts/drug effects , Myofibroblasts/metabolism
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