Regulatory role of peroxynitrite in advanced glycation end products mediated diabetic cardiovascular complications

The Advanced Glycation End Products(AGE)binding with its receptor can increase reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation through specific signaling mediators.The effect of superoxide(O2-)and O2-mediated ROS and reactive nitrogen species depends on their concentration and location of formation.Nitric oxide(NO)has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties and a vasodilation effect,but NO can be deactivated by reacting with O_(2)^(-).This reaction between NO and O2-produces the potent oxidant ONOO−.Therefore,ONOO-'s regulatory role in AGEs in diabetic cardiovascular complications must considered as a regulator of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine promotes lipid uptake of macrophage via cluster of differentiation 36 and receptor for advanced glycation end products

BACKGROUND Advanced glycation end products(AGEs)are diabetic metabolic toxic products that cannot be ignored.Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine(CML),a component of AGEs,could increase macrophage lipid uptake,promote foam cell formation,and thereby accelerate atherosclerosis.The receptor for AGEs(RAGE)and cluster of differentiation 36(CD36)were the receptors of CML.However,it is still unknown whether RAGE and CD36 play key roles in CML-promoted lipid uptake.AIM Our study aimed to explore the role of RAGE and CD36 in CML-induced macrophage lipid uptake.METHODS In this study,we examined the effect of CML on lipid uptake by Raw264.7 macrophages.After adding 10 mmol/L CML,the lipid accumulation in macrophages was confirmed by oil red O staining.Expression changes of CD36 and RAGE were detected with immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The interaction between CML with CD36 and RAGE was verified by immunoprecipitation.We synthesized a novel N-succinimidyl-4-18Ffluorobenzoate-CML radioactive probe.Radioactive receptor-ligand binding assays were performed to test the binding affinity between CML with CD36 and RAGE.The effects of blocking CD36 or RAGE on CML-promoting lipid uptake were also detected.RESULTS The study revealed that CML significantly promoted lipid uptake by macrophages.Immunoprecipitation and radioactive receptor-ligand binding assays indicated that CML could specifically bind to both CD36 and RAGE.CML had a higher affinity for CD36 than RAGE.ARG82,ASN71,and THR70 were the potential interacting amino acids that CD36 binds to CML Anti-CD36 and anti-RAGE could block the uptake of CML by macrophages.The lipid uptake promotion effect of CML was significantly attenuated after blocking CD36 or RAGE.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the binding of CML with CD36 and RAGE promotes macrophage lipid uptake.

Implications of receptor for advanced glycation end products for progression from obesity to diabetes and from diabetes to cancer

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are chronic pathologies with a high incidence worldwide.They share some pathological mechanisms,including hyperinsulinemia,the production and release of hormones,and hyperglycemia.The above,over time,affects other systems of the human body by causing tissue hypoxia,low-grade inflammation,and oxidative stress,which lay the pathophysiological groundwork for cancer.The leading causes of death globally are T2DM and cancer.Other main alterations of this pathological triad include the accumulation of advanced glycation end products and the release of endogenous alarmins due to cell death(i.e.,damage-associated molecular patterns)such as the intracellular proteins high-mobility group box protein 1 and protein S100 that bind to the receptor for advanced glycation products(RAGE)-a multiligand receptor involved in inflammatory and metabolic and neoplastic processes.This review analyzes the latest advanced reports on the role of RAGE in the development of obesity,T2DM,and cancer,with an aim to understand the intracellular signaling mechanisms linked with cancer initiation.This review also explores inflammation,oxidative stress,hypoxia,cellular senescence,RAGE ligands,tumor microenvironment changes,and the“cancer hallmarks”of the leading tumors associated with T2DM.The assimilation of this information could aid in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to lower the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.

Catalpol Prevents Glomerular Angiogenesis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products via Inhibiting Galectin-3

Objective:The main characteristics of diabetic nephropathy(DN)at the early stage are abnormal angiogenesis of glomerular endothelial cells(GECs)and macrophage infiltration.Galectin-3 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of DN via binding with its ligand,advanced glycation end products(AGEs).Catalpol,an iridoid glucoside extracted from Rehmannia glutinosa,has been found to ameliorate vascular inflammation,reduce endothelial permeability,and protect against endothelial damage in diabetic milieu.However,little is known about whether catalpol could exert an anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammation effect induced by AGEs.Methods:Mouse GECs(mGECs)and RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with different concentrations of AGEs(0,50,100,200 and 400μg/mL)for different time(0,6,12,24 and 48 h)to determine the optimal concentration of AGEs and treatment time.Cells were treated with catalpol(10μmol/L),GB1107(1μmol/L,galectin-3 inhibitor),PX-478(50μmol/L,HIF-1αinhibitor),adenovirus-green fluorescent protein(Ad-GFP)[3×10^(7)plaque-forming unit(PFU)/mL]or Ad-galectin-3-GFP(2×10^(8)PFU/mL),which was followed by incubation with 50μg/mL AGEs.The levels of galectin-3,vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)and pro-angiogenic factors angiopoietin-1(Ang-1),angiopoietin-2(Ang-2),tunica interna endothelial cell kinase-2(Tie-2)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of these cells.The expression levels of galectin-3,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1(VEGFR1),VEGFR2,and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in mGECs and those of galectin-3 and HIF-1αin RAW 264.7 macrophages were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence(IF)staining.The rat DN model was established.Catalpol(100 mg/kg)or GB1107(10 mg/kg)was administered intragastrically once a day for 12 weeks.Ad-galectin-3-GFP(6×10^(7)PFU/mL,0.5 mL)or Ad-GFP(6×10^(6)PFU/mL,0.5 mL)was injected into the tail vein of rats 48 h before the sacrifice of the animals.The expression of galectin-3,VEGFR1,.VEGFR2,and HIF-1αin renal cortices was analyzed by Western blotting.The expression of galectin-3,F4/80(a macrophage biomarker),and CD34(an endothelium biomarker)in renal cortices was detected by IF staining,and collagen accumulation by Masson staining.Results:The expression levels of galectin-3 and VEGFA were significantly higher in mGECs and RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 50μg/mL AGEs for 48 h than those in untreated cells.Catalpol and GB1107 could block the AGEs-induced proliferation of mGECs and RAW 264.7 macrophages.Over-expression of galectin-3 was found to reduce the inhibitory effect of catalpol on the proliferation of cells.Catalpol could significantly decrease the levels of Ang-1,Ang-2 and Tie-2 released by AGEs-treated mGECs,which could be reversed by over-expression of galectin-3.Catalpol could significantly inhibit AGEs-induced expression of galectin-3,HIF-1α,VEGFR1,and VEGFR2 in mGECs.The inhibitory effect of catalpol on galectin-3 in AGEs-treated mGECs was impaired by PX-478.Moreover,catalpol attenuated the AGEs-activated HIF-1α/galectin-3 pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages,which was weakened by PX-478.Additionally,catalpol significantly inhibited the expression of galectin-3,macrophage infiltration,collagen accumulation,and angiogenesis in the kidney of diabetic rats.Over-expression of galectin-3 could antagonize these inhibitory effects of catalpol.Conclusion:Catalpol prevented the angiogenesis of mGECs and macrophage proliferation via inhibiting galectin-3.It could prevent the progression of diabetes-induced renal damage.

The effect of protein oxidation on the formation of advanced glycation end products after chicken myofibrillar protein glycation

Investigation that protein oxidation to the formation of advanced glycation end products(AGEs)after chicken myofibrillar protein glycation is limited.Models of protein oxidation induced by different concentrations of hydroxyl radicals(·OH)were developed after the chicken myofibrillar protein mild glycation(MPG).Results exhibited that levels of AGEs and surface hydrophobicity(H_(0))steadily increased with the a ddition of h ydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))concentration.However,levels of s ulfhydryl group,free amino group,and particle size gradually decreased with the H_(2)O_(2)concentration.The protein carbonyl value increased in H_(2)O_(2)concentration until 10 mmol/L.Pearson's correlation indicated that MPG structure modification(unfolding and degradation)induced by protein oxidation were significantly positively correlated with AGEs concentration(P<0.05).Finally,a mechanism was proposed to hypothesize t he effect of protein oxidation on the formation of AGEs under MPG conditions.

Role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in hepatic fibrosis

AIM： To study the role of advanced glycation end products （AGE） and their specific receptor （RAGE） in the pathogenesis of liver fibrogenesis. METHODS： In vitro RAGE expression and extracellular matrix-related gene expression in both rat and human hepatic stellate cells （HSC） were measured after stimulation with the two RAGE ligands, advanced glycation end product-bovine serum albumin （AGE- BSA） and N＇-（carboxymethyl） lysine （CML）-BSA, or with tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. In vivo RAGE expression was examined in models of hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation or thioacetamide. The effects of AGE-BSA and CML-BSA on HSC proliferation, signal transduction and profibrogenic gene expression were studied in vitro. RESULTS： In hepatic fibrosis, RAGE expression was enhanced in activated HSC, and also in endothelial cells, inflammatory cells and activated bile duct epithelia. HSC expressed RAGE which was upregulated after stimulation with AGE-BSA, CML-BSA, and TNF-α.RAGE stimulation with AGE-BSA and CML-BSA did not alter HSC proliferation, apoptosis, fibrogenic signal transduction and fibrosis- or fibrolysis-related gene expression, except for marginal upregulation of procollagen α1（ I ） mRNA by AGE-BSA. CONCLUSION： Despite upregulation of RAGE in activated HSC, RAGE stimulation by AGE does not alter their fibrogenic activation. Therefore, RAGE does not contribute directly to hepatic fibrogenesis.

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor-634G/C and receptor for advanced glycation end products G82S gene polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy

AIMTo investigate the association of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) G82S and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -634 G/C gene polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy (DR).METHODSOur cross-sectional study included 61 diabetic patients, 12 of them had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 15 had non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 34 had no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) and 61 healthy controls. Participants were tested for RAGE G82S and VEGF -634 G/C polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.RESULTSWe found a significant association between VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism and PDR as PDR patients had increased incidence of VEGF -634 CC genotype compared to NDR patients [odds ratio for CC vs (GC+GG)=6.5, 95% CI=1.5-27.8, P=0.021]. Also VEGF -634 CC genotype and C allele were significantly higher in the PDR than in NPDR patients, which is a novel finding in our study (P=0.024, 0.009 respectively). The mean triglycerides level was significantly higher in diabetic patients with CC genotype (P=0.01) as compared to patients with other genotypes. All cases and control subjects were of the same heterozygous RAGE 82G/S genotype.CONCLUSIONPatients carrying VEGF -634 C polymorphism have a higher risk of PDR development, so VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism could be used as a predictive marker for PDR in diabetic patients. We could not find a significant association between RAGE G82S polymorphism and DR.

Correlation between soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products levels and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal nondiabetic women

BACKGROUND The established cardiovascular risk factors cannot explain the overall risk of coronary artery disease(CAD),especially in women.Therefore,there is a growing need for the assessment of novel biomarkers to identify women at risk.The receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)and its interaction with the advanced glycation end product(AGE)ligand have been associated with atherogenesis.The soluble fraction of RAGE(sRAGE)antagonizes RAGE signaling and exerts an antiatherogenic effect.AIM The study aim was to explore the association between plasma levels of sRAGE and CAD in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.METHODS This case-control study included 110 nondiabetic postmenopausal women who were enrolled in two groups.Group I included 55 angiographically proven CAD subjects with>50%stenosis in at least one of the major coronary arteries and Group II included 55 healthy control women who did not have CAD or had<50%stenosis of the coronary arteries.Stenosis was confirmed by invasive angiography.Plasma sRAGE was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS We observed significantly lower plasma sRAGE concentrations in subjects with CAD vs healthy controls(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis also revealed a significant correlation between plasma sRAGE levels and CAD(P=0.01).Multivariate odds ratios for CAD revealed that subjects with sRAGE concentrations below 225 pg/mL(lowest quartile)had a 6-fold increase in CAD prevalence independent of other risk factors.CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that low sRAGE levels were independently associated with CAD in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.Risk assessment of CAD in postmenopausal women can be improved by including sRAGE along with other risk factors.

Increased expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products worsens focal brain ischemia in diabetic rats

A rat model of diabetes mellitus was induced by a high fat diet, followed by focal brain ischemia induced using the thread method after 0.5 month. Immunohistochemistry showed that expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products was higher in the ischemic cortex of diabetic rats compared with non-diabetic rats with brain ischemia. Western blot assay revealed increased phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase expression, and unchanged phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase protein expression in the ischemic cortex of diabetic rats compared with non-diabetic rats with brain ischemia. Additionally, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase protein was not detected in any rats in the two groups. Severity of limb hemiplegia was worse in diabetic rats with brain ischemia compared with ischemia alone rats. The results suggest that increased expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products can further activate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby worsening brain injury associated with focal brain ischemia in diabetic rats.

The role of advanced glycation end products and their mechanism in DN

Advanced glycation end products(AGEs), which are macromolecular material such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids free amino and reducing sugar on the reaction of aldehyde group under the condition of the enzyme, generate the stable compounds. AGEs formation is enhanced in diabetes and is associated with the development of diabetic complications. AGEs, as an important marker of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, plays an important role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. In the current review, we discuss mechanisms and the role of AGEs in diabetic nephropathy.

Role of advanced glycation end products in cardiovascular disease

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced through the non enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Enhanced formation of AGEs occurs particularly in conditions associated with hyperglycaemia such as diabetes mellitus (DM). AGEs are believed to have a key role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with DM through the modification of the structure, function and mechanical properties of tissues through crosslinking intracellular as well as extracellular matrix proteins and through modulating cellular processes through binding to cell surface receptors [receptor for AGEs (RAGE)]. A number of studies have shown a correlation between serum AGE levels and the development and severity of heart failure. Moreover, some studies have suggested that therapies targeted against AGEs may have therapeutic potential in patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of AGEs in cardiovascular disease and in particular in heart failure, focussing on both cellular mechanisms of action as well as highlighting how targeting AGEs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of HF.

Role of the advanced glycation end products receptor in Crohn's disease inflammation

AIM:To investigate the level of mucosal expression and the involvement of the receptor for the advanced glycation end products(RAGE)in delayed apoptosis and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αproduction in Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:Surgical and endoscopic specimens from both inflamed and non-inflamed areas of the ileum and/or colon were collected from 20 and 14 adult CD patients,respectively,and used for the assessment of RAGE expression by means of immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis.Normal tissues from 21 control subjects were used for comparison.The same polyclonal anti-human RAGE antibody(R and D System)was used in all experimental conditions.RAGE staining was quantized by a score including both the amount of positive cells and intensity of immunoreactivity;cellular pattern was also described.The effects of RAGE blocking on apoptotic rate and TNF-αproduction were investigated on immune cells freshly isolated from CD mucosa and incubated both with and without the muramyl dipeptide used as antigenic stimulus.Statistical analysis was performed via the test for trend,with regression models to account for intra-patient correlations.A 2-sided P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:In inflamed areas,RAGE expression in both the epithelial and lamina propria compartments was higher than control tissues(P=0.001 and 0.021,respectively),and a cluster of positive cells were usually found in proximity of ulcerative lesions.Similar results were obtained in the lamina propria compartment of non-inflamed areas(P=0.025).The pattern of staining was membranous and granular cytosolic at the epithelial level,while in the lamina propria it was diffuse cytosolic.When evaluating the amount of protein expression by immunoblotting,a significant increase of both surface area and band intensity(P<0.0001 for both)was observed in CD inflamed areas compared to control tissue,while in non-inflamed areas a significant increase was found only for band intensity(P<0.005).Moreover,a significantly lower expression in noninflamed areas in comparison with inflamed areas was found for both surface area and band intensity(P<0.0006 for both).Finally,RAGE blocking largely affects both the apoptotic rate of mucosal cells(towards an increase in both non-inflamed and inflamed areas of P<0.001 and<0.0001,respectively)and TNF-αsecretion(towards a decrease in both non-inflamed and inflamed areas of P<0.05 and<0.01,respectively),mainly in the presence of antigenic stimulation.CONCLUSION:RAGE is up-regulated in CD,especially in inflamed areas,and it appears to play a role in the mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation.

Injury of cortical neurons is caused by the advanced glycation end products-mediated pathway

Advanced glycation end products lead to cell apoptosis, and cause cell death by increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Advanced glycation end products alone may also directly cause damage to tissues and cells, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. This study used primary cultures of rat cerebral cortex neurons, and treated cells with different concentrations of glycation end products （50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L）, and with an antibody for the receptor of advanced glycation end products before and after treatment with advanced glycation end products. The results showed that with increasing concentrations of glycation end products, free radical content increased in neurons, and the number of apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. Before and after treatment of advanced glycation end products, the addition of the antibody against advanced glycation end-products markedly reduced hydroxyl free radicals, malondialdehyde levels, and inhibited cell apoptosis. This result indicated that the antibody for receptor of advanced glycation end-products in neurons from the rat cerebral cortex can reduce glycation end product-induced oxidative stress damage by suppressing glycation end product receptors. Overall, our study confirms that the advanced glycation end products-advanced glycation end products receptor pathway may be the main signaling pathway leading to neuronal damage.

HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR PROTECTS AGAINST APOPTOSIS INDUCED BY ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS IN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Objective To investigate the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)on vascular endothelial cells apoptosis induced by advanced glycation end products(AGEs)and its possible mechanism. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were cultured in vitro and intervened by different concentrations of AGEs and HGF.The cell inhibitory rates of each group with different culture time(12, 24, 48, and 72 hours)were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay. The early stage apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, morphology of cell apoptosis was observed by hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining, and the expression of apoptosis-associated genes Bax and Bcl-2 were determined by Western blotting.The activity of caspase-3 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Morphological observation indicated that high concentration of AGEs induced characteristic apoptotic changes in HUVECs.Within a certain concentration range, HUVECs apoptosis inducing rates by AGEs were in both dose- and time-dependent manners.HGF significantly inhibited the apoptosis of HUVECs induced by AGEs (P< 0.05).AGEs significantly promoted expression of Bax protein, but not Bcl-2.Whereas HGF significantly promoted the expression of Bcl-2(P<0.01)and decreased the activity of caspase-3(P<0.05)without affecting Bax level.Conclusions AGEs can induce the apoptosis of endothelial cells in vitro.HGF may effectively attenuate AGEs-induced endothelial cells apoptosis through upregulating Bcl-2 gene expression and inhibiting caspase-3 activation.

Management of Maillard reaction-derived reactive carbonyl species and advanced glycation end products by tea and tea polyphenols

Tea as the most consumed beverage in the world has received enormous attention for its promoting health benefits.The deleterious effect ofα-dicarbonyls and AGEs formed in Maillard reaction is also a longterm challenge.The connection between the two topics was the main aim of this review,to address and update the antiglycation effect and mechanism of tea and tea polyphenols.By analyzing recent publications,we have covered across chemistry models,cell lines and animal studies.Tea polyphenols,particularly catechins,showed outstanding antiglycation effect by trappingα-dicarbonyl compounds and impeding AGEs formation.Reduction of carbonyl stress brought alleviation to aging,diabetes,and collagen related diseases or complications through regulation of RAGE expression and subsequent MAPK and TGF-βpathway.Therefore,tea polyphenols can serve as promising natural candidates in the treatment and/or prevention of nephropathy,retinopathy,hepatopathy,hyperglycemia and obesity among others,by their potent antiglycation effect.Further studies need to address on aspects like exact mechanisms,solution of detection obstacles,balance of practical usage and harmful effects such as potential flavor damage and toxicity in food,to gain a comprehensive understanding of antiglycation activities of tea polyphenols and its actual application.

Increased plasma galectin-1 correlates with advanced glycation end products and interleukin-1β in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Dear Editor,Galectin-1, one of galactoside-binding lectin family proteins, has been shown to regulate cell growth, migration, and proliferation, where it binds many receptors depending on their glycosylation profile, rather than its specific receptors.

Role of Protein Kinase C in Advanced Glycation End Products-induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells

The role of protein kinase C （PKC） activation in advanced glycation end products （AGEs）-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells was investigated. HKC cells were divided into three groups： normal group, AGE-BSA group （100 mg/L AGE-BSA） and AGE-BSA＋PKC inhibitor （10 μmol/L chelerythrine chloride） group. PKC activity was measured by PKC assay kit. The expression of Vimentin, and phosphorylated β-catenin was detected by using Western blotting, and the content of TGF-β1 was examined by ELISA method. The intracellular disposition of Vimentin was observed by fluorescence microscopy. As compared with normal group, PKC activity was increased significantly in AGE-BSA group. The expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 was enhanced significantly in AGE-BSA group. The expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 was significantly blocked by chelerythrine chloride. High expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 induced by AGE-BSA may be mediated via the activation of PKC signal transduction pathway.

Effect of Italian Sour Cherry (<i>Prunus cerasus</i>L.) on the Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products and Lipid Peroxidation

Sweet and sour cherries contain several polyphenols that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the maturity stage on phenol content and biological properties of extract of a local Morello-type of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus?L.), “visciola”. The study of total phenol content and total antioxidant potential was associated with the evaluation of the antioxidant property of extracts using a copper catalyzed human low density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation as experimental model. Moreover, using albumin glycated by methylglyoxal, we evaluated the anti-glycation effect of fruit extract. The results demonstrated that fully ripened fruits exert higher antioxidant and anti-glycation properties when compared with partially ripened fruits. Information about the health-promoting components of “visciola” could lead to a better understanding and an increased consumption of these, including its use as functional food.

Autophagy plays a protective role in advanced glycation end products-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α,nuclear factor-κ B and reactive oxygen species

Objective: To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products(AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process. Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissues in surgery. AGEs were administered during chondrocytes culture. The rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. The cell viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κ B(NF-κ B) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and apoptosis of the chondrocytes were determined by fluorescent probe and flow cytometer, respectively. Results: The chondrocytes viability was significantly reduced after 12 h incubation with AGEs(P<0.01)). In contrast, rapamycin pretreatment increased the chondrocytes viability through autophagy. AGEs increased TNF-α and NF-κ B mRNA expression of chondrocytes and autophagy receded or proceeded the change. AGEs increased intracellular ROS accumulation and autophagy reversed the change. AGEs accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis and autophagy suspended apoptosis. Conclusions: Accumulation of AGEs may have an adverse role for chondrocytes by increasing TNF-α and NF-κB expression, ROS accumulation and apoptosis; meanwhile, autophagy ameliorates the AGEsinduced adverse effects.

Profilin-1 is involved in macroangiopathy induced by advanced glycation end products via vascular remodeling and inflammation

BACKGROUND The accumulation of advanced glycation end products(AGEs)have been implicated in the development and progression of diabetic vasculopathy.However,the role of profilin-1 as a multifunctional actin-binding protein in AGEs-induced atherosclerosis(AS)is largely unknown.AIM To explore the potential role of profilin-1 in the pathogenesis of AS induced by AGEs,particularly in relation to the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.METHODS Eighty-nine individuals undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in the study.Plasma cytokine levels were detected using ELISA kits.Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(RASMCs)were incubated with different compounds for different times.Cell proliferation was determined by performing the MTT assay and EdU staining.An AGEs-induced vascular remodeling model was established in rats and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.The mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis,respectively.In vivo,shRNA transfection was performed to verify the role of profilin-1 in AGEs-induced proatherogenic mediator release and aortic remodeling.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software.RESULTS Compared with the control group,plasma levels of profilin-1 and receptor for AGEs(RAGE)were significantly increased in patients with coronary artery disease,especially in those complicated with diabetes mellitus(P<0.01).The levels of profilin-1 were positively correlated with the levels of RAGE(P<0.01);additionally,the levels of both molecules were positively associated with the degree of coronary artery stenosis(P<0.01).In vivo,tail vein injections of AGEs induced the release of proatherogenic mediators,such as asymmetric dimethylarginine,intercellular adhesion molecule-1,and the N-terminus of procollagen III peptide,concomitant with apparent aortic morphological changes and significantly upregulated expression of the profilin-1 mRNA and protein in the thoracic aorta(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Downregulation of profilin-1 expression with an shRNA significantly attenuated AGEs-induced proatherogenic mediator release(P<0.05)and aortic remodeling.In vitro,incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)with AGEs significantly promoted cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the profilin-1 mRNA and protein(P<0.05).AGEs(200μg/mL,24 h)significantly upregulated the expression of the STAT3 mRNA and protein and JAK2 protein,which was blocked by a JAK2 inhibitor(T3042-1)and/or STAT3 inhibitor(T6308-1)(P<0.05).In addition,pretreatment with T3042-1 or T6308-1 significantly inhibited AGEs-induced RASMC proliferation(P<0.05).CONCLUSION AGEs induce proatherogenic events such as VSMC proliferation,proatherogenic mediator release,and vascular remodeling,changes that can be attenuated by silencing profilin-1 expression.These results suggest a crucial role for profilin-1 in AGEs-induced vasculopathy.