Attenuation of brown adipocyte whitening in high-fat diet-induced obese rats: Effects of melatonin and ß-hydroxybutyrate on Cidea, Fsp27 and MT1 expression.

AIM: To investigate the effects of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and melatonin on brown adipose tissue (BAT) plasticity in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: We employed a 7-week experimental design for a study on 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into five groups: (1) a control-diet fed group; (2) a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed group; (3) a group that received an HFD and a BHB solution in their drinking water; (4) a group that received an HFD with 10 mg/kg/day melatonin in their drinking water; and (5) a group that received an HFD and were also treated with the combination of BHB and melatonin. Following the treatment period, biochemical indices, gene expression levels of key thermogenic markers (including uncoupling protein 1 [UCP1], PR domain containing 16 [PRDM16], Cidea, fat-specific protein 27 [Fsp27], and metallothionein 1 [MT1]), and stereological assessments of BAT were evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment with BHB and melatonin significantly boosted blood ketone levels, improved lipid profiles, and reduced weight gain from an HFD. It also downregulated genes linked to WAT, namely, Cidea and Fsp27, and upregulated key BAT markers, including UCP1, PRDM16 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1-alpha. Additionally, the co-treatment increased MT1 receptor expression and enhanced the structural density of BAT. CONCLUSION: The combined oral administration of BHB and melatonin successfully prevented the whitening of BAT in obese rats fed an HFD, indicating its potential as a therapeutic strategy for obesity-related BAT dysfunction. The synergistic effects of this treatment underscore the potential of a combined approach to address BAT dysfunction in obesity.

Protective and curative effects of unconjugated bilirubin on gene expression of LOX-1 and iNOS in the heart of rats receiving high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin: a histomorphometric approach.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large arteries and is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally. Increased levels of adhesion molecules in cardiac tissue serve as prognostic markers for coronary artery occlusion risk. Given the antioxidant properties of bilirubin and its inverse correlation with atherosclerosis, this study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of bilirubin on atherosclerotic indices and heart structure in high-fat diet-fed diabetic rats with atherosclerosis. METHODS: Atherosclerosis was induced in three out of five groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats through a 14-week period of high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and a single low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg). The atherosclerotic rats were then treated with intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg/day bilirubin for either 6 or 14 weeks (treated and protected groups, respectively), or the vehicle. Two additional groups served as the control and bilirubin-treated rats. Subsequently, the mRNA expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), lectin-like LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Histopathological and stereological analyses were performed to assess changes in the heart structure. RESULTS: Bilirubin significantly decreased the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, LOX-1, and iNOS genes in the treated group. Moreover, bilirubin mitigated pathological damage in the left ventricle of the heart. Stereological analysis revealed a decrease in the left ventricle and myocardium volume, accompanied by an increase in vessel volume in rats treated with bilirubin. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that mild hyperbilirubinemia can protect against the progression of atherosclerosis and heart failure by improving lipid profile, modulating adhesion molecules, LOX-1, and iNOS gene expression levels.

The effect of quercetin on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: The role of SIRT1 pathways.

Background: Lipotoxicity, caused by adipocyte triglyceride over-accumulation, contributes to obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, respiratory dysfunction, and osteoarthritis. This study focuses on determining how sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) mediates quercetin's (QCT) effect on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Key aspects of this study include preventing adipogenesis, inducing lipolysis, and stimulating adipocyte apoptosis. Methods: 3T3-L1 adipocytes underwent treatment with varying QCT doses, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the SIRT-1 inhibitor EX-527, followed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay for cell viability assessment. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction measured mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis markers (fatty acid synthase [FASN] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPARγ]), lipolysis markers (adipose triglyceride lipase [ATGL] and hormone-sensitive lipase [HSL]), and apoptosis markers (B-cell lymphoma2 [Bcl-2], Bcl-2 Associated -X-protein [BAX] and Caspase-3). Results: The data showed that LPS + QCT significantly reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, unaffected by LPS + QCT + EX-527. Treatment with LPS + QCT did not affect FASN and PPARγ expression but significantly increased ATGL and HSL mRNA expression compared with LPS alone. Interestingly, EX-527 reversed the effects of LPS + QCT on lipogenesis and lipolysis markers completely. QCT enhanced apoptosis in a SIRT-1 independent pattern. Conclusion: The data suggest that QCT suppresses adipogenesis while increasing lipolysis via SIRT-1. However, QCT's effects on apoptosis appear to be independent of SIRT-1. These findings provide further evidence for QCT's effects on adipocytes, particularly its interaction with SIRT-1.

Quercetin declines LPS induced inflammation and augments adiponectin expression in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes SIRT-1 dependently.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is an important factor contributing to obesity-induced metabolic disorders. Different investigations confirm that local inflammation in adipose issues is the primary reason for such disorder, resulting in low-grade systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and epigenetic modification are among the varied properties of Quercetin (QCT) as a natural flavonoid. OBJECTIVE: The precise molecular mechanism followed by QCT to alleviate inflammation has been unclear. This study explores whether the anti-inflammatory effects of QCT in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes may rely on SIRT-1. METHODS: The authors isolated 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cells and exposed them to varying concentrations of QCT, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and a selective inhibitor of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT-1) called EX-527. After determining the optimal dosages of QCT, LPS, and EX-527, they assessed the mRNA expression levels of IL-18, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, SIRT-1, and adiponectin using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The study showed considerable cytotoxic effects of LPS (200 ng/mL) + QCT (100 µM) + EX-527 (10 µM) on 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes after 48 h of incubation. QCT significantly upregulated the expression levels of adiponectin and SIRT-1 (p < 0.0001). However, introducing SIRT-1 inhibitor (p < 0.0001) reversed the impact of QCT on adiponectin expression. Additionally, QCT reduced SIRT-1-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that QCT treatment reduced crucial pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and increased adiponectin levels following LPS treatment. This finding implies that SIRT-1 may be a crucial factor for the anti-inflammatory activity of QCT.

Autophagy and the unfolded protein response shape the non-alcoholic fatty liver landscape: decoding the labyrinth.

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise, mirroring a global surge in diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as its major leading causes. NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver disorders, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can potentially progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, we know the unfolded protein response (UPR) as a protective cellular mechanism, being triggered under circumstances of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The hepatic UPR is turned on in a broad spectrum of liver diseases, including NAFLD. Recent data also defines molecular mechanisms that may underlie the existing correlation between UPR activation and NAFLD. More interestingly, subsequent studies have demonstrated an additional mechanism, i.e. autophagy, to be involved in hepatic steatosis, and thus NAFLD pathogenesis, principally by regulating the insulin sensitivity, hepatocellular injury, innate immunity, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. All these findings suggest possible mechanistic roles for autophagy in the progression of NAFLD and its complications. Both UPR and autophagy are dynamic and interconnected fluxes that act as protective responses to minimize the harmful effects of hepatic lipid accumulation, as well as the ER stress during NAFLD. The functions of UPR and autophagy in the liver, together with findings of decreased hepatic autophagy in correlation with conditions that predispose to NAFLD, such as obesity and aging, suggest that autophagy and UPR, alone or combined, may be novel therapeutic targets against the disease. In this review, we discuss the current evidence on the interplay between autophagy and the UPR in connection to the NAFLD pathogenesis.

Bilirubin, an endogenous antioxidant that affects p53 protein and its downstream apoptosis/autophagy-related genes in LS180 and SW480 cell culture models of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest neoplasms worldwide, which its pathogenesis is strongly correlated with p53 mutations. Antioxidants are believed to decelerate the CRC progression, possibly through interfering with p53 and its downstream target genes and mechanisms. Regarding the potential antioxidant effects of bilirubin, as an incredible endogenous antioxidant, we sought to investigate how bilirubin affected the expression levels of p53 protein and its downstream target genes, including Mdm2, Bcl-2, BECN1 and LC3, in LS180 and SW480 cell culture models of CRC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, 50 and 100 µM concentrations of bilirubin were determined to be non-toxic for both LS180 and SW480 cell lines. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the protein expression levels of p53. The results revealed that p53 protein levels were higher in LS180 cells treated with bilirubin compared to the control group. Notwithstanding, in SW480 cells, no considerable changes were observed in p53 protein levels of treated cells compared to the control ones. The quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (q RT-PCR) method was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of the apoptosis/autophagy-related genes, Mdm2, Bcl-2, BECN1, and LC3 , as the p53's downstream target genes. Consequently, the expression of Bcl-2 and Mdm2 genes were affected by p53, while BECN1 and LC3 expression levels were decreased in both cell lines. CONCLUSION: Bilirubin is an endogenous antioxidant with significant anti-tumor effects in the studied CRC cell lines, probably through the regulation of p53 protein expression levels and subsequent control of apoptosis and autophagy, as two key processes involved in cell survival and progression of tumor cells.

The crosstalk between ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2Q1 and p53 in colorectal cancer: An in vitro analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal neoplasm that ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the process of CRC progression, multiple ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are involved; UBE2Q1 is one of those newly identified E2s that is markedly expressed in human colorectal tumors. Since p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor and defined as a key factor to be targeted by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, we hypothesized that UBE2Q1 might contribute to CRC progression through the modulation of p53. Using the lipofection method, the cultured SW480 and LS180 cells were transfected with the UBE2Q1 ORF-containing pCMV6-AN-GFP vector. Then, quantitative RT-PCR was used to assay the mRNA expression levels of p53's target genes, i.e., Mdm2, Bcl2, and Cyclin E. Moreover, Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the cellular overexpression of UBE2Q1 and assess the protein levels of p53, pre- and post-transfection. The expression of p53's target genes were cell line-dependent except for Mdm2 that was consistent with the findings of p53. The results of Western blotting demonstrated that the protein levels of p53 were greatly lower in UBE2Q1-transfected SW480 cells compared to the control SW480 cells. However, the reduced levels of p53 protein were not remarkable in the transfected LS180 cells compared to the control cells. The suppression of p53 is believed to be the result of UBE2Q1-dependent ubiquitination and its subsequent proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, the ubiquitination of p53 can act as a signal for degradation-independent functions, such as nuclear export and suppressing the p53's transcriptional activities. In this context, the decreased Mdm2 levels can moderate the proteasome-independent mono-ubiquitination of p53. The ubiquitinated p53 modulates the transcriptional levels of target genes. Therefore, the up-modulation of UBE2Q1 may influence the transcriptional activities depending on p53, and thereby contributes to CRC progression through regulating the p53.

Bilirubin improves renal function by reversing the endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in the kidneys of type 2 diabetic rats fed high-fat diet.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a chronic diabetes-induced complication, is considered the most frequent leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Regarding the observed protective effects of bilirubin, as a potential endogenous antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compound, against DKD progression, we planned to evaluate the effects of bilirubin administration on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats fed high-fat diet (HFD). In this regard, thirty 8-week adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). T2D and obesity were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg) and HFD (700 kcal/day), respectively. Bilirubin treatment was carried out for 6- and 14-week intervals (10 mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally. Then, the expression levels of ER stress-related genes (i.e. binding immunoglobulin protein (Bip), C/EBP homologous protein (Chop), and spliced x-box-binding protein 1 (sXbp1), as well as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were analyzed using quantitative Real-time PCR experiments. Moreover, histopathological and stereological changes of kidney and its related structures were investigated for the studied rats. Bip, Chop, and NF-κB expression levels were significantly decreased under bilirubin treatment, while sXbp1 was up-regulated following the bilirubin administration. More interestingly, glomerular constructive damages seen in HFD-T2D rats, were considerably improved in the animals received bilirubin. Stereological assessments also revealed that bilirubin could desirably reverse the mitigation of kidney's total volume and its related structures, such as cortex, glomeruli, and convoluted tubules. Taken together, bilirubin has potential protective/ameliorative effects on DKD progression, especially through alleviating the renal ER stress and inflammatory responses in T2D rats with injured kidneys. In this era, clinical benefits of mild hyperbilirubinemia can be considered in human DKD.

Ameliorative effects of bilirubin on cell culture model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the most prevalent hepatic disorder that affects a significant population worldwide. There are several genes/proteins, involving in the modulation of NAFLD pathogenesis; sirtuin1 (SIRT1), TP53-inducible regulator gene (TIGAR), and autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) are considered a chief group of these modulators that principally act by regulating the hepatic lipid metabolism, as well as preventing the lipid accumulation. Surprisingly, bilirubin, especially in its unconjugated form, might be able to alleviate NAFLD progression by decreasing lipid accumulation and regulating the expression levels of the above-stated genes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Herein, the interactions between bilirubin and the corresponding genes' products were first analyzed by docking assessments. Afterwards, HepG2 cells were cultured under the optimum conditions, and then were incubated with high concentrations of glucose to induce NAFLD. After treating normal and fatty liver cells with particular bilirubin concentrations for 24- and 48-hour periods, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colorimetric method, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to assess cell viability status, intracellular triglycerides content, and mRNA expression levels of the genes, respectively. Intracellular lipid accumulation of HepG2 cells was significantly decreased after treating with bilirubin. Bilirubin also increased SIRT1 and Atg5 gene expression levels in fatty liver cells. TIGAR gene expression levels were variable upon the conditions and the cell type, suggesting a dual role for TIGAR during the NAFLD pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the potential of bilirubin in the prevention from or amelioration of NAFLD through influencing SIRT1-related deacetylation and the process of lipophagy, as well as decreasing the intrahepatic lipid content. In vitro model of NAFLD was treated with unconjugated bilirubin under the optimal conditions.Desirably, bilirubin moderated the accumulation of triglycerides within the cells possibly through modulation of the expression of SIRT1, Atg5, and TIGAR genes. In the context, bilirubin was shown to increase the expression levels of SIRT1 and Atg5, while the expression of TIGAR was demonstrated to be either increased or decreased, depending on the treatment conditions. Created with BioRender.com.

Overexpression of TIGAR and HO-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the primary treatment choices for breast cancer. In reaction to RT, many metabolic processes in the body are triggered, some of which have a role in counteracting free radicals in cancer cells. As a result, it is important to comprehend the effects of RT on multiple genes, biomarkers and enzymes in the body. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 83 breast cancer patients in pre-and post- RT (50 Gray (Gy) in 25 fractions). The TIGAR and HO-1 gene expressions were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Serum bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assayed in serum patients before and after RT. RESULTS: We found that bilirubin (p = .001), ALT (p = .04), and AST (p = .03) were significantly increased, while TAC (p < .001) and TP (p = .001) were decreased after RT. However, albumin and ALP did not change after RT (p > .05 for both). Interestingly, RT led to overexpression of TIGAR (p = .004) and HO-1 (p = .003) genes in breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that RT could overexpress TIGAR and HO-1 in PBMCs of breast cancer patients. More research is required to figure out the mechanisms behind the impacts of RT on increased catabolism and production of bilirubin or increased activity of TIGAR-related pathways and overexpression of TIGAR and HO-1.

Adrenomedullin increases cAMP accumulation and BDNF expression in rat DRG and spinal motor neurons.

OBJECTIVES: Adrenomedullin (AM) has high expression in the spinal cord. In this study, we investigated the expression of AM and its receptor components, including calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal motor (SM) neurons. Furthermore, the effects of AM on cAMP/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3ß) signaling pathways, and expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat embryonic DRG and SM neurons were isolated, purified, and cultured. Real-time PCR was used to assess expressions of AM, CLR, and RAMPs. cAMP levels, p-CREB, BDNF, and NT-3 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. p-AKT and p-GSK-3ß levels were determined by western blotting. Real-time PCR showed expressions of AM, CLR, RAMP2, and RAMP3 in both DRG and SM neurons. RESULTS: AM increased cAMP accumulation and p-CREB levels in DRG and SM neurons. AM increased p-AKT and p-GSK-3ß in DRG, but not SM neurons. AM significantly increased BDNF expression in both DRG and SM neurons. There was also an increase in NT-3 level in both DRG and SM neurons, which is statistically significant in SM neurons. CONCLUSION: These results showed both DRG and SM neurons are targets of AM actions in the spinal cord. An increase in BDNF expression by AM in both DRG and SM neurons suggests the possible beneficial role of AM in protecting, survival, and regeneration of sensory and motor neurons.

ARID1A regulates E-cadherin expression in colorectal cancer cells: a promising candidate therapeutic target.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis is a major cause of death in Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, and the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been known to be a crucial event in cancer metastasis. Downregulated expression of AT-rich interaction domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), a bona fide tumor suppressor gene, plays an important role in promoting EMT and CRC metastasis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the impact of ARID1A knockdown and overexpression on the expression of EMT­related genes, E-cadherin and ß-catenin, in human CRC cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression levels of ARID1A, E-cadherin and ß-catenin in CRC cell lines were detected via real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot. ARID1A overexpression and shRNA-mediated knockdown were performed to indicate the effect of ARID1A expression on E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression in CRC cell lines. The effect of ARID1A knockdown on the migration ability of HCT116 cells was assessed using wound-healing assay. We found that the mRNA and protein expression of adhesive protein E-cadherin was remarkably downregulated in response to shRNA-mediated ARID1A knockdown in HCT116 and HT29 cells. Conversely, overexpression of ARID1A in SW48 cells significantly increased E-cadherin expression. In addition, ARID1A silencing promoted the migration of HCT116 cells. ARID1A knockdown and overexpression did not alter the level of ß-catenin expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that E-cadherin levels were closely correlated with ARID1A expression. Thus, ARID1A downregulation may promote CRC metastasis through decreasing EMT­related protein E-cadherin and promoting epithelial cell movement. ARID1A could represent a promising candidate therapeutic target for CRC.

Inhibitory Effects of Bilirubin on Colonization and Migration of A431 and SK-MEL-3 Skin Cancer Cells Compared with Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of bilirubin on colony formation and cell migration of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer cell lines SK-MEL-3 and A431, compared with normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). The IC50 obtained from the MTT assay was 125, 100, and 75 µM bilirubin for HDF, A431, and SK-MEL-3 cells, respectively. The colony formation and cell migration of cancer cells, treated with 100 µM bilirubin, were reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Bilirubin decreased cell adhesion and inhibited cell colonization via inducing apoptosis and cell death. Also by interaction with migration main factors, bilirubin caused inhibition the cell migration.

The methanol extract of red algae, Dichotomaria obtusata, from Persian Gulf promotes in vitro osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; a biological and phytochemical study.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem that is appeared with increasing age. This study evaluated the effect of the algae Dichotomaria obtusata methanol extract on osteogenic differentiation of the cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in vitro and analyzed the algae methanol extract to find out the potent beneficial components. METHODS: Dichotomaria obtusata were collected from the coastal area of Bushehr City in the Persian Gulf, Iran. The expression of osteogenesis-related genes was examined using real-time PCR. The formation of calcium deposits in differentiated MSCs was examined by Alizarin R staining. Analyses of algae extract ingredients were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KEY FINDINGS: Methanol extract of the algae caused the up-regulation of osteogenic genes that were significant for Osteopontin and Osteocalcin (P < 0.05) and also led to an increase in calcium deposits and matrix mineralization in BMMSCs. The GC-MS analyses of the algae extracts resulted in the identification of steroids and essential fatty acids. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that the methanol extract of D. obtusata may possess significant potentials for the prevention of osteoporosis in vitro.

Antioxidative and antidiabetic effects of Capparis spinosa fruit extract on high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Capparis spinosa (CS) is known as a hypoglycemic medication in many countries. This study was designed to reveal the protective effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract of CS (HECS) fruit against diabetes and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats (T2D). T2D was induced in 4 groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats, using high fat diet (HFD) and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The four groups of diabetic rats were orally gavaged with HECS (200 & 400 mg/kg), metformin (50 mg/kg) or vehicle for 28 days. Two non-diabetic groups were assigned as normal control and HECS treated ones (400 mg/kg). The glucose intolerance, HOMA-IR score, HbA1c level, antioxidative status and expression of genes involved in hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis were determined. Although HECS had no significant effect on decreasing of HOMA-IR score and HbA1c, it significantly decreased glucose intolerance as well as oxidative stress by reduction of hepatic lipid peroxidation and increase of antioxidant enzymes levels in diabetic rats. Also, HECS treated diabetic rats showed a significant enhanced dyslipidemia, increased weight gain and sera insulin level. In addition, HECS significantly decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), increased acetyl CoA carboxylase and non-significantly decreased hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) as a transactivator of PEPCK at mRNA expression level in diabetic rats. This study indicated the anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects of C. spinosa fruit extract and confirmed its traditional usage as a remedy for T2D.

Metformin modulates oncogenic expression of HOTAIR gene via promoter methylation and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological event, which critically regulates migration and invasion of cancer cells. EMT is regulated by several protein and nonprotein factors (such as noncoding RNAs). HOTAIR is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA that stimulates EMT in cancers. In the current study, we investigated the effect of metformin on EMT behavior and HOTAIR expression in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The minimal effective concentrations of metformin (10 and 20 mM) were obtained by the MTT test. Cell migration and invasion in the metformin-containing medium were assayed in the scratch assay and transwell test. Meaningful decreases in both cell migration and invasion were observed in the presence of metformin. Vimentin, snail, ß-catenin, and HOTAIR transcripts were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Reduction in the expression of vimentin, ß-catenin, and HOTAIR was detected as the result of metformin treatment, but the snail showed a constant expression. Western blottingrevealed the downregulation of vimentin and ß-catenin proteins. HOTAIR promoter methylation pattern was also investigated in metformin-exposed cells using bisulfite sequencing PCR which the result showed differences in the methylation profile of CpG islands between the treated and untreated cells. In conclusion, metformin modulated oncogenic expression of the HOTAIR gene in the MDA-MB-231 cells. This downregulation was associated with the modification of promoter methylation patterns. Since HOTAIR induces EMT in breast cancer, HOTAIR decline might be one of the mechanisms by which metformin reverses EMT.

Adrenomedullin protects rat dorsal root ganglion neurons against doxorubicin-induced toxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: Despite effective anticancer effects, the use of doxorubicin (DOX) is hindered due to its cardio and neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of adrenomedullin (AM) was shown in several studies. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of AM against DOX-induced toxicity in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) neurons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat embryonic DRG neurons were isolated and cultured. The effect of various concentrations of DOX (0.0 to 100 µM) in the absence or presence of AM (3.125 -100 nM) on cell death, apoptosis, oxidative stress, expression of tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α), interleukin1- ß (IL-1ß), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and 13, and SRY-related protein 9 (SOX9) were examined. RESULTS: Based on MTT assay data, DOX decreased the viability of DRG neurons in a dose and time-dependent manner (IC50=6.88 µm) while dose-dependently, AM protected DRG neurons against DOX-induced cell death. Furthermore, results of annexin V apoptosis assay revealed the protective effects of AM (25 nm) against DOX (6.88 µM)-induced apoptosis and necrosis of DRG neurons. Also, AM significantly ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in DRG neurons. Real-time PCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS, MMP 3, and MMP 13, and a decrease in the expression of SOX9 following treatment with DOX. Treatment with AM (25 nM) significantly reversed the effects of DOX on the above-mentioned genes expression. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that AM can be considered a novel ameliorating drug against DOX-induced neurotoxicity.

Autophagy and Ubiquitination as Two Major Players in Colorectal Cancer: A Review on Recent Patents.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and women, Colorectal Cancer (CRC) leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Recent anti- CRC therapies are now targeting specific signaling pathways involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) and autophagy are two main protein quality control systems, which play major roles in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. A balanced function of these two pathways is necessary for the regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review, we discuss the available evidence regarding the roles of autophagy and ubiquitination in progression and inhibition of CRC. METHODS: The search terms "colorectal cancer" or "colon cancer" or "colorectal carcinoma" or "colon carcinoma" in combination with "ubiquitin proteasome" and "autophagy" were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, and also Google Patents (https://patents.google .com) from January 2000 to Feb 2020. RESULTS: The most important factors involved in UPS and autophagy have been investigated. There are many important factors involved in UPS and autophagy but this systematic review shows the studies that have mostly focused on the role of ATG, 20s proteasome and mTOR in CRC, and the more important factors such as ATG8, FIP200, and TIGAR factors that are effective in the regulation of autophagy in CRC cells have not been yet investigated. CONCLUSION: The most important factors involved in UPS and autophagy such as ATG, 20s proteasome and mTOR, ATG8, FIP200, and TIGAR can be considered in drug therapy for controlling or activating autophagy.

The role of radiation induced oxidative stress as a regulator of radio-adaptive responses.

Purpose: Various sources of radiation including radiofrequency, electromagnetic radiation (EMR), low- dose X-radiation, low-level microwave radiation and ionizing radiation (IR) are indispensable parts of modern life. In the current review, we discussed the adaptive responses of biological systems to radiation with a focus on the impacts of radiation-induced oxidative stress (RIOS) and its molecular downstream signaling pathways.Materials and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Keywords included Mesh terms of "radiation," "electromagnetic radiation," "adaptive immunity," "oxidative stress," and "immune checkpoints." Manuscripts published up until December 2019 were included.Results: RIOS induces various molecular adaptors connected with adaptive responses in radiation exposed cells. One of these adaptors includes p53 which promotes various cellular signaling pathways. RIOS also activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activating the caspase apoptotic cascade. RIOS is also involved in radiation-induced proliferative responses through interaction with mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPks) including p38 MAPK, ERK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Protein kinase B (Akt)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has also been reported to be involved in RIOS-induced proliferative responses. Furthermore, RIOS promotes genetic instability by introducing DNA structural and epigenetic alterations, as well as attenuating DNA repair mechanisms. Inflammatory transcription factors including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) paly major role in RIOS-induced inflammation.Conclusion: In conclusion, RIOS considerably contributes to radiation induced adaptive responses. Other possible molecular adaptors modulating RIOS-induced responses are yet to be divulged in future studies.

Down-Regulation of SIRT1 Expression by mir-23b Contributes to Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Cells.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease and therefore is currently considered a major public health problem. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is an NAD-dependent deacetylase enzyme that contributes in the regulation of metabolic processes and protects against lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Its expression is potentially regulated by microRNAs which attach to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of their target mRNA. HepG2 cells were incubated by glucose to induce lipid accumulation and were subsequently transfected with mir-23b mimic and inhibitor. Real-time PCR was used for measuring the expression of mir-23b and SIRT1 mRNA. Cell survival assay and intracellular triglyceride measurement were performed using colorimetric methods. Determination of SIRT1 protein level and activity were done by western blot and fluorometric analysis, respectively. The interaction of miR-23b with 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA was confirmed by dual luciferase. miR-23b mimic inhibited gene and protein expression of SIRT1, while the inhibitor of miR-23b significantly elevated the expression levels of SIRT1 mRNA and protein. The results showed that the 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA is a direct target for miR-23b. The intracellular triglyceride level was increased following the inhibition of SIRT1 in transfected HepG2 cell by miR-23b mimic. Cell viability was decreased in response to miR-23b upregulation compared to control cells. miR-23b reduces the expression and activity of SIRT1 and therefore may be a causative factor in the enhancement of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.