Targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-regulated ferroptosis to treat nervous system diseases

By critically examining the work,we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)in nervous system diseases.We also proposed suggestions for future bibliometric studies,including the integration of multiple websites,analytical tools,and analytical approaches,The findings presented provide compelling evidence that ferroptosis is closely associated with the therapeutic challenges of nervous system diseases.Targeted modulation of NRF2 to regulate ferroptosis holds substantial potential for effectively treating these diseases.Future NRF2-related research should not only focus on discovering new drugs but also on designing rational drug delivery systems.In particular,nanocarriers offer substantial potential for facilitating the clinical translation of NRF2 research and addressing existing issues related to NRF2-related drugs.

Neuroprotective effects of salidroside on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury involve the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway

Salidroside,the main active ingredient extracted from Rhodiola crenulata,has been shown to be neuroprotective in ischemic cerebral injury,but the underlying mechanism for this neuroprotection is poorly understood.In the current study,the neuroprotective effect of salidroside on cerebral ischemia-induced oxidative stress and the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）pathway was investigated in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion.Salidroside（30 mg/kg）reduced infarct size,improved neurological function and histological changes,increased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase,and reduced malon-dialdehyde levels after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.Furthermore,salidroside apparently increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression.These results suggest that salidroside exerts its neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia through anti-oxidant mechanisms and that activation of the Nrf2 pathway is involved.The Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway may become a new therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated signaling and metabolic associated fatty liver disease

Oxidative stress is a key driver in the development and progression of several diseases,including metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This condition includes a wide spectrum of pathological injuries,extending from simple steatosis to inflammation,fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Excessive buildup of lipids in the liver is strictly related to oxidative stress in MAFLD,progressing to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)is a master regulator of redox homeostasis.NRF2 plays an important role for cellular protection by inducing the expression of genes related to antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and cytoprotective response.Consistent evidence demonstrates that NRF2 is involved in every step of MAFLD development,from simple steatosis to inflammation,advanced fibrosis,and initiation/progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.NRF2 activators regulate lipid metabolism and oxidative stress alleviating the fatty liver disease by inducing the expression of cytoprotective genes.Thus,modulating NRF2 activation is crucial not only in understanding specific mechanisms underlying MAFLD progression but also to characterize effective therapeutic strategies.This review outlined the current knowledge on the effects of NRF2 pathway,modulators,and mechanisms involved in the therapeutic implications of liver steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis in MAFLD.

Interplay between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and inflammatory mediators in COVID-19-related liver injury

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic and poses a major threat to human health worldwide.In addition to respiratory symptoms,COVID-19 is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and liver damage in moderate and severe cases.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins,participating in COVID-19-mediated inflammation and liver injury.Here,we show the novel reciprocal regulation between NRF2 and inflammatory mediators associated with COVID-19-related liver injury.Additionally,we describe some mechanisms and treatment strategies.

Sinapic acid ameliorates D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharideinduced fulminant hepatitis in rats:Role of nuclear factor erythroidrelated factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathways

BACKGROUND Sinapic acid(SA)has been shown to have various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant,antifibrotic,anti-inflammatory,and anticancer activities.Its mechanism of action is dependent upon its ability to curb free radical production and protect against oxidative stress-induced tissue injuries.AIM To study the hepatoprotective effects of SA against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/Dgalactosamine(D-GalN)-induced acute liver failure(ALF)in rats.METHODS Experimental ALF was induced with an intraperitoneal(i.p.)administration of 8μg LPS and 800 mg/kg D-GalN in normal saline.SA was administered orally once daily starting 7 d before LPS/D-GalN treatment.RESULTS Data showed that SA ameliorates acute liver dysfunction,decreases serum levels of alanine transaminase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST),as well as malondialdehyde(MDA)and NO levels in ALF model rats.However,pretreatment with SA(20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg)reduced nuclear factor kappalight-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)activation and levels of inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin 6).Also,SA increased the activity of the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1)signaling pathway.CONCLUSION In conclusion,SA offers significant protection against LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF in rats by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 and downregulating NF-κB.

Emerging trends and hotspots of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in nervous system diseases

BACKGROUND The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)transcription factor has attracted much attention in the context of neurological diseases.However,none of the studies have systematically clarified this field's research hotspots and evolution rules.AIM To investigate the research hotspots,evolution patterns,and future research trends in this field in recent years.METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the Web of Science Core Collection database using the following methods:(((((TS=(NFE2 L2))OR TS=(Nfe2 L2 protein,mouse))OR TS=(NF-E2-Related Factor 2))OR TS=(NRF2))OR TS=(NFE2L2))OR TS=(Nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2)AND(((((((TS=(neurological diseases))OR TS=(neurological disorder))OR TS=(brain disorder))OR TS=(brain injury))OR TS=(central nervous system disease))OR TS=(CNS disease))OR TS=(central nervous system disorder))OR TS=(CNS disorder)AND Language=English from 2010 to 2022.There are just two forms of literature available:Articles and reviews.Data were processed with the software Cite-Space(version 6.1.R6).RESULTS We analyzed 1884 articles from 200 schools in 72 countries/regions.Since 2015,the number of publications in this field has increased rapidly.China has the largest number of publications,but the articles published in the United States have better centrality and H-index.Among the top ten authors with the most published papers,five of them are from China,and the author with the most published papers is Wang Handong.The institution with the most articles was Nanjing University.To their credit,three of the top 10 most cited articles were written by Chinese scholars.The keyword co-occurrence map showed that"oxidative stress","NRF2","activation","expression"and"brain"were the five most frequently used keywords.CONCLUSION Research on the role of NRF2 in neurological diseases continues unabated.Researchers in developed countries published more influential papers,while Chinese scholars provided the largest number of articles.There have been numerous studies on the mechanism of NRF2 transcription factor in neurological diseases.NRF2 is also emerging as a potentially effective target for the treatment of neurological diseases.However,despite decades of research,our knowledge of NRF2 transcription factor in nervous system diseases is still limited.Further studies are needed in the future.

Keap1-nuclear factor rythroid 2-related factor 2 inhibitor NXPZ ameliorates Aβ1-42-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice

OBJECTIVE Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) is found to be ubiquitiously expressed in many tissues,and works as the key regulator against oxidative stress damage in cells and organs,which makes Nrf2 a widely concerned drug target.Recent research has identified that Nrf2 is involved in the pathology of Alzheimer disease(AD),whereas the mechanism is unknown.The purpose of this study is to figure out the role of Nrf2 in the pathologic process of AD through Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway and the effects of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor in AD mice models.METHODS Amyloid β^(1-42)(Aβ^(1-42))was injected into the bilateral hippocampus to induce the cognitive dysfunction in eight-week old male mice.The mice were treated with Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor NXPZ of three doses as well as donepezil as a positive control by intragastric administration one time a day for one week.Several behavior tests were used to analyze the mice learning and memory ability.Additionally,we detected Nrf2 and Aβ in the plasma in mice with ELISA kits,as well as some factors related to oxidative stress in the hippocampus and cortex.The expression levels of Nrf2,Keap1,Tau and p-Tau were measured in the murine brain tissue with Western blotting.SH-SY5 Y cells were studied as an in vitro model to further clarify the mechanism.RESULTS The treatment of NXPZ ameliorated learning and memory dysfunction in AD mice in a dose-dependent manner,and the high dose group recovered better than the positive drug group.The plasma Nrf2 level was increased in a dose-dependent manner in the treatment groups;however,the plasma Aβ was decreased.What′ s more,superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione reductase(GSSH) in the hippocampus and cortex were increased in the treatment group,while the malondialdehyde(MDA) was decreased,meaning that NXPZ treatment promoted expression of the anti-oxidative factors and inhibited the expression of the oxidative factors in the down-stream.Western blotting analysis of hippocampus and cortex showed up-regulated Nrf2,decreased Keap1 and decreased p-Tau in NXPZ treatment mice.In ex vivo experiments,when SH-SY5 Y cells were treated with Aβ,Nrf2 in the cytoplasm was increased,as well as the expression Nrf2 in the nuclear was decreased.The treatment of NXPZ increased nuclear Nrf2,decreased cytoplasm Nrf2,and decreased the expression of p-Tau.CONCLUSION Nrf2 has an important role in neuron function.Nrf2 activation by selective Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor NXPZ may contribute to improve cognitive function in AD mice.The mechanism may be related to increased generation and release of Nrf2 induced by more disaggregation with Keap1,leading to more expression of anti-oxidative molecules to protect the damage caused by Aβ.These results indicates that Nrf2 may be a novel therapeutic target of AD and Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor may be a novel medication for protecting the loss of learning and memory ability.

Evaluation of combined detection of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase 4 in primary hepatic carcinoma and preliminary exploration of pathogenesis

This study aims to analyze the clinical significance and mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC).Methods:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in peripheral blood of patients with PHC was determined to analyze the diagnostic value of the two combined for PHC.The prognostic significance of NRF2 and GPX4 was evaluated by 3-year followup.Human liver epithelial cells THLE-2 and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were purchased,and the expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in the cells was determined.NRF2 and GPX4 aberrant expression vectors were constructed and transfected into HepG2,and changes in cell proliferation and invasion capabilities were observed.Results:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in patients with PHC was higher than that in patients with LC or VH(p<0.05),and the two indicators combined was excellent in diagnosing PHC.Moreover,patients with high expression of NRF2 and GPX4 had a higher risk of death(p<0.05).In in vitro experiments,both NRF2 and GPX4 expression was elevated in HepG2(p<0.05).HepG2 activity was enhanced by increasing the expression of the two,vice versa(p<0.05).Conclusion:NRF2 and GPX4 combined is excellent in diagnosing PHC,and promotes the malignant development of PHC.

Increased serum levels of soluble CD146 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration

AIM: To investigate serum levels of soluble CD146(s CD146) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) in patients with age-related macular degeneration(AMD). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with exudative AMD and 45 sex-and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study conducted in China. Serum samples was obtained from the patients with exudative AMD and from the controls. Serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: We found that serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were significantly higher in the patients with exudative AMD group than in the controls(t=3.859, P<0.001 and t=3.829, P<0.001, respectively). Serum sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization(CNV) than in those with occult CNV(t=9.899, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in the trend for exudative AMD in the highest versus lowest quartile of circulating sCD146 levels(χ2=10.29, P=0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.696 for s CD146(95%CI: 0.601-0.791) with an optimum diagnostic cut-off value of 157.16 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 55.7%, and a specificity of 82.2%.CONCLUSION: The serum sCD146 level increases and may be a biomarker for exudative AMD.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and adropin levels in age-related macular degeneration

AIM： To investigate the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2（VEGFR-2） and adropin in age-related macular degeneration（AMD）patients.·METHODS： Ninety-eight AMD patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group.Fundus florescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed to assess the posterior segment details. Serum VEGFR-2 and adropin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared between the study groups.· RESULTS： AMD group had significantly increased foveal retinal thickness, serum LDL and HDL levels and significantly decreased subfoveal choroidal thickness（P =0.01, 0.047, 0.025 and 〈0.001, respectively）. Serum VEGFR-2level revealed a significant decrease in AMD patients compared to controls（26.48 ±6.44 vs 30.42 ±7.92 ng/m L,P 〈0.001）. There was an insignificant increase in serum adropin level in AMD patients（6.17±3.19 vs 5.79±2.71 ng/m L,P =0.4）. Serum level of VEGFR-2 in AMD patients had a significant negative correlation with foveal retinal thickness（r =-0.226, P =0.025） and a significant positive correlation with subfoveal choroidal thickness（r=0.2, P=0.048）.·CONCLUSION： The current study demonstrated that the decreased serum VEGFR-2 level may be considered in the development of AMD. Adropin does not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD.

GSK3/Nrf2调控的生物节律在机体衰老中的规律

背景:生物节律(昼夜节律)紊乱是一个典型的与衰老有关的问题,维持生物节律的正常运作可能是一种很有前景的抗衰老策略。核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2的表达具有生物节律;糖原合成酶激酶3系统代表了一个“调节阀”,它控制核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2水平的细微振荡。抗氧化基因转录水平的昼夜变化可以影响生物体对氧化应激的反应,但是糖原合成酶激酶3/NF-E2相关因子2在调节机体衰老中的具体分子机制仍令人困惑。目的:拟通过对该领域文献的回顾,寻找糖原合成酶激酶3/核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2调控的生物节律在机体衰老中的一般规律。方法:文献资料法通过对有关“糖原合成酶激酶3、核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2、生物节律以及衰老”等相关文献进行检索、查阅和筛选,为全文的分析奠定理论基础。对比分析法通过对所得到文献进行阅读分析,比较文献之间的异同点,为论点提供合理的理论支撑。通过对文献的进一步对比分析,理清相关指标间的关系,为全文的分析明确思路。结果与结论:①糖原合成酶激酶3可通过对节律基因的调节间接调控核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2的表达;②糖原合成酶激酶3和核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2是抗衰老程序的组成部分,且与生物节律相关;③并且糖原合成酶激酶3/核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2参与多种代谢途径,包括与衰老相关疾病(2型糖尿病和癌症)和神经退行性疾病相关的代谢途径。

Effects of α-zinc sulfate combined with yiqiyangyinghuoxue therapy on related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy

Objective: To study the effects of -zinc sulfate combined with yiqiyangyinghuoxue therapy on related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A total of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy in our hospital from September 2015 to September 2018 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into the control group (n=45) and the treatment group (n=45) randomly. The control group were treated with -zinc sulfate, the treatment group were treated with -zinc sulfate combined with yiqiyangyinghuoxue therapy, the two groups were treated for 3 months. The serum NSE, UA, Hcy, hs-CRP, BDNF, HMGB1, CysC, TGF-β1, 25-(OH)D3, ESM-1, NO and plasma ET, TNF of the two groups before and after treatment were compared. Results: There were no significantly differences of the serum NSE, UA, Hcy, hs-CRP, BDNF, HMGB1, CysC, TGF-β1, 25-(OH)D3, ESM-1, NO and plasma ET, TNF of the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the serum NSE, UA, Hcy, hs-CRP, HMGB1, CysC, TGF-β1, ESM-1 and plasma ET, TNF of the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment, the serum BDNF, 25-(OH)D3, NO of the two groups were significantly higher than before treatment, and that of the treatment group after treatment were significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: α-zinc sulfate combined with yiqiyangyinghuoxue therapy on patients with type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy has a good efficacy, can improve the neuropathy and vascular endothelial damage, improve related factors, and it was worthy clinical application.

基于Nrf2信号通路的中药防治草酸钙肾结石研究进展

肾结石是肾脏中钙、草酸盐等晶体物质异常聚集形成的疾病,其发病机制复杂,涉及氧化应激、炎症等多种生物学过程。中药在防治肾结石方面效果显著且存在多靶点、多成分、多途径等优势。研究发现核转录因子红系2相关因子2(Nrf2)信号通路及其下游因子是防治肾结石的重要通路之一。基于此,总结中药复方及单体成分防治草酸钙(CaOx)肾结石的最新进展。发现中药可通过激活Nrf2信号通路,降低氧化应激及炎症水平,调控细胞自噬及凋亡,抑制铁死亡,进而有效地防治肾结石。然而,目前关于具有中医特色的复方在肾结石防治中的研究尚显不足。今后研究重点应探索中药复方防治CaOx肾结石的潜在机制,以期为CaOx肾结石的治疗提供更多选择和思路。

生存素、人类表皮生长因子受体2、巨囊性病液体蛋白15、Yes相关蛋白表达对乳腺癌患者术后复发转移的预测价值

目的:研究生存素(Survivin)、人类表皮生长因子受体2(HER-2)、巨囊性病液体蛋白15(GCDFP15)、Yes相关蛋白(YAP)表达对乳腺癌患者术后复发转移的预测价值。方法:收集156例经乳腺癌改良根治术治疗的乳腺癌患者乳腺癌病理组织及癌旁正常组织,比较乳腺癌患者癌组织和癌旁正常组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白表达情况;所有患者术后均随访2年,根据患者术后随访期间复发转移情况将其分为Ⅰ组(51例)和Ⅱ组(105例),统计两组一般资料,比较两组癌组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白表达情况,分析乳腺癌患者术后2年内复发转移的影响因素及癌组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白单一及联合检测对乳腺癌患者术后2年复发转移的预测价值。结果:癌组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15阳性表达率高于正常组织,YAP阳性表达率低于正常组织(均P<0.05)。Ⅰ组低分化、临床分期Ⅲ期患者占比高于Ⅱ组(均P<0.05)。Ⅰ组癌组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15阳性表达率高于Ⅱ组,YAP阳性表达率低于Ⅱ组(均P<0.05)。分化程度为低分化、临床分期Ⅲ期及Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15蛋白阳性表达均为乳腺癌患者术后2年内复发转移的独立危险因素(OR=2.092、1.992、2.059、1.815、1.857,均P<0.05);YAP蛋白阳性表达为乳腺癌患者术后2年内复发转移的保护因素(OR=0.489,P<0.05)。癌组织Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白联合预测乳腺癌患者术后2年复发转移的曲线下面积(AUC)值高于四者单独检测(均P<0.05)。结论:乳腺癌的发生与Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白表达情况有关,且患者术后2年复发转移的发生与其分化程度、临床分期及Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白表达情况有关,同时Survivin、HER-2、GCDFP15、YAP蛋白联合可有效提高对乳腺癌患者术后2年复发转移的预测价值。

Hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease via Nrf2

The pathophysiology of Huntington's disease involves high levels of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid accumulation results in oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which quinolinic acid contributes to Huntington's disease pathology remain unknown. In this study, we established in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease by administering quinolinic acid to the PC12 neuronal cell line and the striatum of mice, respectively. We observed a decrease in the levels of hydrogen sulfide in both PC12 cells and mouse serum, which was accompanied by down-regulation of cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production. However, treatment with NaHS(a hydrogen sulfide donor) increased hydrogen sulfide levels in the neurons and in mouse serum, as well as cystathionine β-synthase expression in the neurons and the mouse striatum, while also improving oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells and the mouse striatum. These beneficial effects correlated with upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. Finally, treatment with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2inhibitor ML385 reversed the beneficial impact of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings show that hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,suggesting that hydrogen sulfide is a novel neuroprotective drug candidate for treating patients with Huntington's disease.

Context-dependent role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation

Sirtuin 2 is a member of the sirtuin family nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)-dependent deacetylases, known for its regulatory role in different processes, including inflammation. In this context, sirtuin 2 has been involved in the modulation of key inflammatory signaling pathways and transcription factors by deacetylating specific targets, such as nuclear factor κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-leucine-rich-repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3). However, whether sirtuin 2-mediated pathways induce a pro-or an anti-inflammatory response remains controversial. Sirtuin 2 has been implicated in promoting inflammation in conditions such as asthma and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that its inhibition in these conditions could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Conversely, arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus studies suggest that sirtuin 2 is essential at the peripheral level and, thus, its inhibition in these pathologies would not be recommended. Overall, the precise role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation appears to be context-dependent, and further investigation is needed to determine the specific molecular mechanisms and downstream targets through which sirtuin 2 influences inflammatory processes in various tissues and pathological conditions. The present review explores the involvement of sirtuin 2 in the inflammation associated with different pathologies to elucidate whether its pharmacological modulation could serve as an effective strategy for treating this prevalent symptom across various diseases.

Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 3 exhibits tumor-suppressing effects in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high mortality-to-incidence ratios. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 3(NFE2 L3), also known as NRF3, is a member of the cap ‘n' collar basic-region leucine zipper family of transcription factors. NFE2 L3 is involved in the regulation of various biological processes, whereas its role in HCC has not been elucidated.AIM To explore the expression and biological function of NFE2 L3 in HCC.METHODS We analyzed the expression of NFE2 L3 in HCC tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) data portal. Short hairpin RNA(shRNA) interference technology was utilized to knock down NFE2 L3 in vitro. Cell apoptosis, clone formation, proliferation, migration,and invasion assays were used to identify the biological effects of NFE2 L3 in BEL-7404 and SMMC-7721 cells. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) markers was examined by Western blot analysis.RESULTS TCGA analysis showed that NFE2 L3 expression was significantly positively correlated with tumor grade, T stage, and pathologic stage. The qPCR and Western blot results showed that both the mRNA and protein levels of NFE2 L3 were significantly decreased after shRNA-mediated knockdown in BEL-7404 and SMMC-7721 cells. The shRNA-mediated knockdown of NFE2 L3 could induce apoptosis and inhibit the clone formation and cell proliferation of SMMC-7721 and BEL-7404 cells. NFE2 L3 knockdown also significantly suppressed the migration, invasion, and EMT of the two cell lines.CONCLUSION Our study showed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of NFE2 L3 exhibited tumor-suppressing effects in HCC cells.

Role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 in metabolic homeostasis and insulin action: A novel opportunity for diabetes treatment?

Redox balance is fundamentally important for physiological homeostasis. Pathological factors that disturb this dedicated balance may result in oxidative stress, leading to the development or aggravation of a variety of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome as well as inflammation, aging and cancer. Thus, the capacity of endogenous free radical clearance can be of patho-physiological importance; in this regard, the major reactive oxygen species defense machinery, the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) system needs to be precisely modulated in response to pathological alterations. While oxidative stress is among the early events that lead to the development of insulin resistance, the activation of Nrf2 scavenging capacity leads to insulin sensitization. Furthermore, Nrf2 is evidently involved in regulating lipid metabolism. Here we summarize recent findings that link the Nrf2 system to metabolic homeostasis and insulin action and present our view that Nrf2 may serve as a novel drug target for diabetes and its complications.

Aberrant activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis

AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS:We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry,double immunohistochemical staining,and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107,15,48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn's disease(CD),non-specific colitis,and 5 healthy individuals,respectively. RESULTS:Up-regulation with profound nucleo- translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells(LPMC)of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC,as compared to CD or NC(P<0.001,Kruskal- Wallis test).Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T,but was less prominent in CD4+T cells or CD20+B cells.It was strongly associated with the disease activity,including endoscopic stage (τ=0.2145,P=0.0281)and histologic grade(τ=0.4167, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis.Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity.Since activation of NFAT2is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways,our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation,but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.

姜酮通过激活Nrf2/HO-1信号通路减轻OGD/R后氧化应激损伤对HT22细胞凋亡的抑制作用

目的:探讨姜酮对氧糖剥夺/复糖复氧(OGD/R)后小鼠海马神经元HT22细胞的保护作用,阐明其相关作用机制。方法:培养HT22细胞,设置不同OGD/R时间梯度,建立OGD/R细胞损伤模型。HT22细胞分为对照组、OGD/R组、OGD/R+1μmol·L^(-1)姜酮组、OGD/R+10μmol·L^(-1)姜酮、OGD/R+100μmol·L^(-1)姜酮组和OGD/R+0.2%二甲亚枫(DMSO)组,CCK-8法检测各组细胞活性并计算各组细胞存活率,确定姜酮最适药物浓度。细胞分为对照组、OGD/R组、OGD/R+姜酮组和OGD/R+姜酮+核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)抑制剂(ML385)组,OGD/R+姜酮组细胞经姜酮给药处理4 h后予以OGD 8 h和复糖复氧8 h处理,OGD/R+姜酮+ML385组细胞在姜酮给药前予以10μmol·L^(-1)ML385预处理6 h,CCK-8法检测各组细胞活性,Western blotting法检测各组细胞中Nrf2、血红素加氧酶1(HO-1)、B细胞淋巴瘤2(Bcl-2)和Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)蛋白表达水平,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测各组细胞培养上清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)水平。结果:与对照组比较,HT22细胞经OGD 8 h和复糖复糖8 h处理后细胞存活率低于50%,以OGD 8 h和复糖复糖8 h建立HT22细胞OGD/R模型。与OGD/R组比较,OGD/R+不同剂量姜酮组细胞存活率均不同程度升高,其中OGD/R+100μmol·L^(-1)姜酮组细胞存活率升高最明显(P<0.01),故选用100μmol·L^(-1)姜酮用于后续实验。与对照组比较,OGD/R组细胞活性明显降低(P<0.01),细胞中Nrf2、HO-1和Bax蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05),细胞培养上清中SOD活性明显降低(P<0.01),MDA水平明显升高(P<0.01);与OGD/R组比较,OGD/R+姜酮组细胞活性明显升高(P<0.01),细胞中Nrf2、HO-1和Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),Bax蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05),细胞培养上清中SOD活性明显升高(P<0.01),MDA水平明显降低(P<0.01);与OGD/R+姜酮组比较,OGD/R+姜酮+ML385组细胞活性明显降低(P<0.01),细胞中Nrf2、HO-1和Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01),Bax蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),细胞培养上清中SOD活性明显降低(P<0.01),MDA水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论:姜酮可通过激活Nrf2/HO-1信号通路减轻OGD/R后氧化应激损伤对HT22细胞凋亡的抑制作用。