Treatment with β-sitosterol ameliorates the effects of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing cholesterol overload, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis

β-Sitosterol is a type of phytosterol that occurs naturally in plants.Previous studies have shown that it has anti-oxidant,anti-hyperlipidemic,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulatory,and anti-tumor effects,but it is unknown whetherβ-sitosterol treatment reduces the effects of ischemic stroke.Here we found that,in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion,β-sitosterol reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and brain edema,reduced neuronal apoptosis in brain tissue,and alleviated neurological dysfunction;moreover,β-sitosterol increased the activity of oxygen-and glucose-deprived cerebral cortex neurons and reduced apoptosis.Further investigation showed that the neuroprotective effects ofβ-sitosterol may be related to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by intracellular cholesterol accumulation after ischemic stroke.In addition,β-sitosterol showed high affinity for NPC1L1,a key transporter of cholesterol,and antagonized its activity.In conclusion,β-sitosterol may help treat ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuronal intracellular cholesterol overload/endoplasmic reticulum stress/apoptosis signaling pathways.

Homer1a reduces inflammatory response after retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)is one of the causes of retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury,which results in NRP3 inflammasome activation and leads to visual damage.Homerla is repo rted to play a protective role in neuroinflammation in the cerebrum.However,the effects of Homerla on NLRP3inflammasomes in retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury caused by elevated IOP remain unknown.In our study,animal models we re constructed using C57BL/6J and Homer1^(flox/-)/Homerla^(+/-)/Nestin-Cre^(+/-)mice with elevated IOP-induced retinal ischemia/repe rfusion injury.For in vitro expe riments,the oxygen-glucose deprivation/repe rfusion injury model was constructed with M uller cells.We found that Homerla ove rexpression amelio rated the decreases in retinal thickness and Muller cell viability after ischemia/reperfusion injury.Furthermore,Homerla knockdown promoted NF-κB P65^(Ser536)activation via caspase-8,NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation,NLRP3 inflammasome formation,and the production and processing of interleukin-1βand inte rleukin-18.The opposite results we re observed with Homerla ove rexpression.Finally,the combined administration of Homerla protein and JSH-23 significantly inhibited the reduction in retinal thickness in Homer1^(flox/-)Homer1a^(+/-)/Nestin-Cre^(+/-)mice and apoptosis in M uller cells after ischemia/reperfusion injury.Taken together,these studies demonstrate that Homer1a exerts protective effects on retinal tissue and M uller cells via the caspase-8/NF-KB P65/NLRP3 pathway after I/R injury.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury:PERK as a potential target for intervention

Several studies have shown that activation of unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress plays a crucial role in severe cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Autophagy occurs within hours after cerebral ischemia,but the relationship between ER stress and autophagy remains unclear.In this study,we established experimental models using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in PC12 cells and primary neurons to simulate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.We found that prolongation of oxygen-glucose deprivation activated the ER stress pathway protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha(e IF2α)-activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)-C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),increased neuronal apoptosis,and induced autophagy.Furthermore,inhibition of ER stress using inhibitors or by si RNA knockdown of the PERK gene significantly attenuated excessive autophagy and neuronal apoptosis,indicating an interaction between autophagy and ER stress and suggesting PERK as an essential target for regulating autophagy.Blocking autophagy with chloroquine exacerbated ER stress-induced apoptosis,indicating that normal levels of autophagy play a protective role in neuronal injury following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Findings from this study indicate that cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury can trigger neuronal ER stress and promote autophagy,and suggest that PERK is a possible target for inhibiting excessive autophagy in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The action mechanism by which C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-6 alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice

Studies have shown that C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-6 (CTRP6) can alleviate renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. However, its role in the brain remains poorly understood. To investigate the role of CTRP6 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with diabetes mellitus, a diabetes mellitus mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. To overexpress CTRP6 in the brain, an adeno-associated virus carrying CTRP6 was injected into the lateral ventricle. The result was that oxygen injury and inflammation in brain tissue were clearly attenuated, and the number of neurons was greatly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that CTRP6 knockout exacerbated oxidative damage, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis in cerebral cortical neurons in high glucose hypoxia-simulated diabetic cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. CTRP6 overexpression enhanced the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway in diabetic brains after ischemia/reperfusion injury. To investigate the mechanism underlying these effects, we examined mice with depletion of brain tissue-specific sirtuin-1. CTRP6-like protection was achieved by activating the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that CTRP6 likely attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through activation of the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway.

A matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel system controls angiogenic peptide release for repair of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its mimic peptide KLTWQELYQLKYKGI(QK)are widely used as the most potent angiogenic factors for the treatment of multiple ischemic diseases.However,conventional topical drug delivery often results in a burst release of the drug,leading to transient retention(inefficacy)and undesirable diffusion(toxicity)in vivo.Therefore,a drug delivery system that responds to changes in the microenvironment of tissue regeneration and controls vascular endothelial growth factor release is crucial to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke.Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)is gradually upregulated after cerebral ischemia.Herein,vascular endothelial growth factor mimic peptide QK was self-assembled with MMP-2-cleaved peptide PLGLAG(TIMP)and customizable peptide amphiphilic(PA)molecules to construct nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK.PA-TIMP-QK was found to control the delivery of QK by MMP-2 upregulation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and had a similar biological activity with vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro.The results indicated that PA-TIMP-QK promoted neuronal survival,restored local blood circulation,reduced blood-brain barrier permeability,and restored motor function.These findings suggest that the self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK may provide an intelligent drug delivery system that responds to the microenvironment and promotes regeneration and repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

N-acetylserotonin alleviates retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury via HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway in rats

AIM:To observe the effects of N-acetylserotonin(NAS)administration on retinal ischemia-reperfusion(RIR)injury in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms involving the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation end-products(RAGE)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.METHODS:A rat model of RIR was developed by increasing the pressure of the anterior chamber of the eye.Eighty male Sprague Dawley were randomly divided into five groups:sham group(n=8),RIR group(n=28),RIR+NAS group(n=28),RIR+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8)and RIR+NAS+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8).The therapeutic effects of NAS were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)counting.The expression of interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),HMGB1,RAGE,and nod-like receptor 3(NLRP3)proteins and the phosphorylation of nuclear factorkappa B(p-NF-κB)were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis.The expression of HMGB1 protein was also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:H&E staining results showed that NAS significantly reduced retinal edema and increased the number of RGCs in RIR rats.With NAS therapy,the HMGB1 and RAGE expression decreased significantly,and the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was antagonized along with the inhibition of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 protein expression.Additionally,NAS exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1βexpression.The inhibitory of RAGE binding to HMGB1 by RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 led to a significant decrease of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 expression,so as to the IL-1βexpression and retinal edema,accompanied by an increase of RGCs in RIR rats.CONCLUSION:NAS may exhibit a neuroprotective effect against RIR via the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway,which may be a useful therapeutic target for retinal disease.

Cell metabolism pathways involved in the pathophysiological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.Elucidating the pathophysiological metabolic mechanism impels the generation of ideal therapies.However,existing limited treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy expose the urgent need for cell metabolism research.Given the lack of comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism changes and related signaling pathways in diabetic peripheral neuropathy,it is essential to explore energy changes and metabolic changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy to develop suitable treatment methods.This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic peripheral neuropathy from the perspective of cellular metabolism and the specific interventions for different metabolic pathways to develop effective treatment methods.Various metabolic mechanisms(e.g.,polyol,hexosamine,protein kinase C pathway)are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and researchers are looking for more effective treatments through these pathways.

Influence of rotating magnetic field on cerebral infarction volume, cerebral edema and free radicals metabolism after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND: It has shown that magnetic field can improve blood circulation, decrease blood viscosity, inhibit free radicals, affect Ca2+ flow in nerve cells, control inflammatory and immunological reaction, and accelerate nerve cell regeneration. In addition, protective effect of magnetic field, which acts as an iatrophysics, on ischemic brain tissues has been understood gradually. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of rotating magnetic field (RMF) on volume of cerebral infarction, cerebral edema and metabolism of free radicals in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Center of disabled children, Liaoniang; Department of Rehabilitation, the Second Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University; Department of Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University. MATERIALS: A total of 70 healthy Wistar rats aged 18-20 weeks of both genders were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group with 12 rats, control group with 20 rats and treatment group with 38 rats. The treatment group included 4 time points: immediate reperfusion with 6 ones, 6-hour reperfusion with 20 ones, 12-hour reperfusion with 6 ones and 18-hour reperfusion with 6 rats. Main instruments were detailed as follows: magnetic head of rotating magnetic device was 6 cm in diameter; magnetic induction intensity at the surface of magnetic head was 0.25 T in silence; the maximal magnetic induction intensity was 0.09 T at the phase of rotation; the average rotating speed was 2500 r per minute. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the China Medical University in March 2003. Focal cerebral ischemic animal models were established with modified Longa’s method. Operation was the same in the sham operation, but the thread was inserted as 10 mm. Neurologic impairment was assessed with 5-rating method to screen out cases. Those survivals with grade 1 and grade 2 after ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 24 hours were included in the control group and treatment group. Those in the sham operation group and control group were not treated with RMF. Magnetic head was directed towards the head of rats of the treatment group, and the magnetic head was about 7 mm from skin, treated for 15 minutes. The rats were decapitated to take out brains at 24 hours after reperfusion in each group. Water content of brain and volume of cerebral infarction were assessed with wet-dry weight method and TTC staining, respectively. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and change of brain histomorphology in brain tissue of ischemic side were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Volume of cerebral infarction and changes of water content in brain; ② measurements of SOD and MDA contents in brain tissue of rats in all groups. RESULTS: A total of 70 qualified animals were involved in the final analysis after rejecting the death and unqualified animal models. ① Water content of brain: Water content of brain in the treatment was less than that in the control group at any time point except the immediate time point, and cerebral edema was relieved [(2.48±0.22)%, (2.32±0.19)%, (2.23±0.36)%, (2.91±0.44)%, P < 0.05]. In addition, there were no significant differences among 6-hour, 12-hour and 18-hour reperfusion groups (P > 0.05). ② Volume of cerebral infarction: The absolute volume of cerebral infarction in the treatment group was smaller than that in the control group [(128.21±15.05), (171.22±40.50) mm3, t =2.438, P < 0.05], and the relative volume of cerebral infarction was smaller than that in the control group [(20.22±1.44)%, (25.17±3.85)%, t =2.95, P < 0.05]. ③ Contents of SOD and MDA in brain tissues: Compared with the control group, the SOD content in the brain tissue in the treatment group increased [(54.54±3.85), (69.52±5.88) kNU/g, t =5.568, P < 0.05], while the MDA content decreased [(0.85±0.06), (1.03±0.09) μmol/g, t =4.076, P < 0.05]. ④ General morphological observation: General morphology manifested that the edema was distinct in the right cerebral hemisphere in the control group, showing fat-like white, shallow anfractuosity, flat gyria, brittle tissue and easy to break up. The edema of right cerebral hemisphere was light and surface was hyperaemia in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: RMF may improve anti-oxidative ability of brain tissue of rats with acute focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and reduce volume of cerebral infarction and degrees of cerebral edema.

Reperfusion after hypoxia-ischemia exacerbates brain injury with compensatory activation of the antiferroptosis system:based on a novel rat model

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,which predisposes to neonatal death and neurological sequelae,has a high morbidity,but there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment in clinical practice.To better understand the pathophysiological mechanism underlying hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,in this study we compared hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion brain injury and simple hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats.First,based on the conventional RiceVannucci model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,we established a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion brain injury by creating a common carotid artery muscle bridge.Then we performed tandem mass tag-based proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins between the hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion brain injury model and the conventional Rice-Vannucci model and found that the majority were mitochondrial proteins.We also performed transmission electron microscopy and found typical characteristics of ferroptosis,including mitochondrial shrinkage,ruptured mitochondrial membranes,and reduced or absent mitochondrial cristae.Further,both rat models showed high levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and low levels of myelin basic protein,which are biological indicators of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and indicate similar degrees of damage.Finally,we found that ferroptosis-related Ferritin(Fth1)and glutathione peroxidase 4 were expressed at higher levels in the brain tissue of rats with hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion brain injury than in rats with simple hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.Based on these results,it appears that the rat model of hypoxic-ischemic reperfusion brain injury is more closely related to the pathophysiology of clinical reperfusion.Reperfusion not only aggravates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury but also activates the anti-ferroptosis system.

Metabolic reprogramming: a new option for the treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society,mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause.Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries,their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory.However,a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming.In this review,we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries,their consequences,and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming.Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling.However,spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,and mitochondrial dysfunction.These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes,including the failure of axonal regeneration,the accumulation of scarring,and the activation of microglia.To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level,potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged,including replenishing metabolic substrates,reconstituting metabolic couplings,and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate.The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury.To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury,future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism,the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies,and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.

Neuroprotective potential for mitigating ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage

Reperfusion following cerebral ischemia causes both structural and functional damage to brain tissue and could aggravate a patient's condition;this phenomenon is known as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Current studies have elucidated the neuroprotective role of the sirtuin protein family(Sirtuins)in modulating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.However,the potential of utilizing it as a novel intervention target to influence the prognosis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury requires additional exploration.In this review,the origin and research progress of Sirtuins are summarized,suggesting the involvement of Sirtuins in diverse mechanisms that affect cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,including inflammation,oxidative stress,blood-brain barrier damage,apoptosis,pyroptosis,and autophagy.The therapeutic avenues related to Sirtuins that may improve the prognosis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury were also investigated by modulating Sirtuins expression and affecting representative pathways,such as nuclear factor-kappa B signaling,oxidative stress mediated by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase,and the forkhead box O.This review also summarizes the potential of endogenous substances,such as RNA and hormones,drugs,dietary supplements,and emerging therapies that regulate Sirtuins expression.This review also reveals that regulating Sirtuins mitigates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury when combined with other risk factors.While Sirtuins show promise as a potential target for the treatment of cerebral ischemiareperfusion injury,most recent studies are based on rodent models with circadian rhythms that are distinct from those of humans,potentially influencing the efficacy of Sirtuinstargeting drug therapies.Overall,this review provides new insights into the role of Sirtuins in the pathology and treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Impact of increasing one-carbon metabolites on traumatic brain injury outcome using pre-clinical models

Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and disability worldwide,affecting over 69 million individuals yearly.One-carbon metabolism has been shown to have beneficial effects after brain damage,such as ischemic stroke.However,whether increasing one-carbon metabolite vitamins impacts traumatic brain injury outcomes in patients requires more investigation.The aim of this review is to evaluate how one-carbon metabolites impact outcomes after the onset of traumatic brain injury.PubMed,Web of Science,and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies that examined the impact of B-vitamin supplementation on traumatic brain injury outcomes.The search terms included combinations of the following words:traumatic brain injury,dietary supplementation,one-carbon metabolism,and B-vitamins.The focus of each literature search was basic science data.The year of publication in the literature searches was not limited.Our analysis of the literature has shown that dietary supplementation of B-vitamins has significantly improved the functional and behavioral recove ry of animals with traumatic brain injury compared to controls.Howeve r,this improvement is dosage-dependent and is contingent upon the onset of supplementation and whether there is a sustained or continuous delive ry of vitamin supplementation post-traumatic brain injury.The details of supplementation post-traumatic brain injury need to be further investigated.Overall,we conclude that B-vitamin supplementation improves behavioral outcomes and reduces cognitive impairment post-traumatic brain injury in animal model systems.Further investigation in a clinical setting should be stro ngly considered in co njunction with current medical treatments for traumatic brain injury-affected individuals.

Selective ischemic-hemisphere targeting Ginkgolide B liposomes with improved solubility and therapeutic efficacy for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CI/RI)remains the main cause of disability and death in stroke patients due to lack of effective therapeutic strategies.One of the main issues related to CI/RI treatment is the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which affects the intracerebral delivery of drugs.Ginkgolide B(GB),a major bioactive component in commercially available products of Ginkgo biloba,has been shown significance in CI/RI treatment by regulating inflammatory pathways,oxidative damage,and metabolic disturbance,and seems to be a candidate for stroke recovery.However,limited by its poor hydrophilicity and lipophilicity,the development of GB preparations with good solubility,stability,and the ability to cross the BBB remains a challenge.Herein,we propose a combinatorial strategy by conjugating GB with highly lipophilic docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)to obtain a covalent complex GB-DHA,which can not only enhance the pharmacological effect of GB,but can also be encapsulated in liposomes stably.The amount of finally constructed Lipo@GB-DHA targeting to ischemic hemisphere was validated 2.2 times that of free solution in middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)rats.Compared to the marketed ginkgolide injection,Lipo@GB-DHA significantly reduced infarct volume with better neurobehavioral recovery in MCAO rats after being intravenously administered both at 2 h and 6 h post-reperfusion.Low levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and high neuron survival in vitro was maintained via Lipo@GB-DHA treatment,while microglia in the ischemic brain were polarized from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the tissue-repairing M2 phenotype,which modulate neuroinflammatory and angiogenesis.In addition,Lipo@GB-DHA inhibited neuronal apoptosis via regulating the apoptotic pathway and maintained homeostasis by activating the autophagy pathway.Thus,transforming GB into a lipophilic complex and loading it into liposomes provides a promising nanomedicine strategy with excellent CI/RI therapeutic efficacy and industrialization prospects.

Melatonin treatment alleviates chilling injury in mango fruit 'Keitt' by modulating proline metabolism under chilling stress

Mangoes often suffer from low temperature-induced chilling injury (CI) during postharvest cold storage.Therefore,advanced techniques are crucial and in high demand to solve the chilling stress of mango fruit for a higher value.This study addresses chilling stress modulation by investigating the effects of melatonin treatment on CI,proline metabolism,and related gene expressions of ‘Keitt’ mango during cold storage after dipped in 0 (control),0.1 (MT1),and 0.2 mmol L^(-1)(MT2) melatonin solution for 30 min.The results revealed that melatonin treatment in MT1 significantly reduced CI development and increased proline content in mango fruit during cold storage compared to the control.These changes were along with increases in the activity of critical enzymes as well as the expression of encoding genes involved in proline biosynthesis,such as pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS),pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR),ornithine D-aminotransferase (OAT),P5CS2,P5CR2,and OAT3.Additionally,proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity and the expression of the PDH3 gene associated with proline dehydrogenation were lower in MT1-treated mangoes than the controlled group.Thus,melatonin treatment has regulated proline metabolism resulting in the accumulation of proline,subsequently contributing to enhancing the chilling tolerance of‘Keitt’mango fruit.

Upregulation of CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 can inhibit ferroptosis,which has been associated with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,in individuals with head and neck cancer.Therefore,CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 may be implicated in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To validate this hypothesis in the present study,we established mouse models of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and HT22 cell models of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation to mimic cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo and in vitro,respectively.We found remarkably decreased CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 expression in the mouse brain tissue and HT22 cells.When we used adeno-associated virus and plasmid to up-regulate CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 expression in the brain tissue and HT22 cell models separately,mouse neurological dysfunction was greatly improved;the cerebral infarct volume was reduced;the survival rate of HT22 cells was increased;HT22 cell injury was alleviated;the expression of ferroptosis-related glutathione peroxidase 4,cystine-glutamate antiporter,and glutathione was increased;the levels of malondialdehyde,iron ions,and the expression of transferrin receptor 1 were decreased;and the expression of nuclear-factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 was increased.Inhibition of CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 upregulation via the nuclear-factor E2-related factor 2 inhibitor ML385 in oxygen-glucose deprived and reoxygenated HT22 cells blocked the neuroprotective effects of CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 up-regulation and the activation of the nuclear-factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 pathway.Our data indicate that the up-regulation of CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 can attenuate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,thus providing theoretical support from the perspectives of cytology and experimental zoology for the use of this protein as a therapeutic target in patients with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ginsenoside Rb1 improves energy metabolism after spinal cord injury

Mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress and energy deficiency induced by focal ischemia and hypoxia are important factors that aggravate diseases.Studies have shown that ginsenoside Rb1 has neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects.However,whether it influences energy metabolism after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In this study,we treated mouse and cell models of spinal cord injury with ginsenoside Rb1.We found that ginsenoside Rb1 remarkably inhibited neuronal oxidative stress,protected mitochondria,promoted neuronal metabolic reprogramming,increased glycolytic activity and ATP production,and promoted the survival of motor neurons in the anterior horn and the recovery of motor function in the hind limb.Because sirtuin 3 regulates glycolysis and oxidative stress,mouse and cell models of spinal cord injury were treated with the sirtuin 3 inhibitor 3-TYP.When Sirt3 expression was suppressed,we found that the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on spinal cord injury were remarkably inhibited.Therefore,ginsenoside Rb1 is considered a potential drug for the treatment of spinal cord injury,and its therapeutic effects are closely related to sirtuin 3.

Eff ects of continuous renal replacement therapy on infl ammation-related anemia, iron metabolism and prognosis in sepsis patients with acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND:This study aims to evaluate the eff ect of continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)on inflammation-related anemia,iron metabolism,and the prognosis in sepsis patients with acute kidney injury(AKI).METHODS:Sepsis patients with AKI were prospectively enrolled and randomized into the CRRT and control groups.The clinical and laboratory data on days 1,3 and 7 after intensive care unit(ICU)admission were collected.The serum interleukin(IL)-6,hepcidin,erythropoietin,ferritin,and soluble transferrin receptor(sTfR)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score and 28-day mortality were recorded.Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test(categorical variables),and Mann-Whitney U-test or t-test(continuous variables).RESULTS:The hemoglobin and serum erythropoietin levels did not signifi cantly diff er between the CRRT and control groups though gradually decreased within the first week of ICU admission.On days 3 and 7,the serum IL-6,hepcidin,ferritin,and red blood cell distribution width significantly decreased in the CRRT group compared to the control group(all P<0.05).On day 7,the serum iron was significantly elevated in the CRRT group compared to the control group(P<0.05).However,the serum sTfR did not signifi cantly diff er between the groups over time.In addition,the SOFA scores were signifi cantly lower in the CRRT group compared to the control group on day 7.The 28-day mortality did not signifi cantly diff er between the control and CRRT groups(38.0%vs.28.2%,P=0.332).CONCLUSION:CRRT might have beneficial effects on the improvement in inflammationrelated iron metabolism and disease severity during the fi rst week of ICU admission but not anemia and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with AKI.

Network-pharmacology-based research on protective effects and underlying mechanism of Shuxin decoction against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury with diabetes

BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes mellitus are at higher risk of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI).Shuxin decoction(SXT)is a proven recipe modification from the classic herbal formula"Wu-tou-chi-shi-zhi-wan"according to the traditional Chinese medicine theory.It has been successfully used to alleviate secondary MI/RI in patients with diabetes mellitus in the clinical setting.However,the underlying mechanism is still unclear.AIM To further determine the mechanism of SXT in attenuating MI/RI associated with diabetes.METHODS This paper presents an ensemble model combining network pharmacology and biology.The Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database was accessed to select key components and potential targets of the SXT.In parallel,therapeutic targets associated with MI/RI in patients with diabetes were screened from various databases including Gene Expression Omnibus,DisGeNet,Genecards,Drugbank,OMIM,and PharmGKB.The potential targets of SXT and the therapeutic targets related to MI/RI in patients with diabetes were intersected and subjected to bioinformatics analysis using the Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery.The major results of bioinformatics analysis were subsequently validated by animal experiments.RESULTS According to the hypothesis derived from bioinformatics analysis,SXT could possibly ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders and exert anti-apoptotic effects in MI/RI associated with diabetes by reducing oxidized low density lipoprotein(LDL)and inhibiting the advanced glycation end products(AGE)-receptor for AGE(RAGE)signaling pathway.Subsequent animal experiments confirmed the hypothesis.The treatment with a dose of SXT(2.8 g/kg/d)resulted in a reduction in oxidized LDL,AGEs,and RAGE,and regulated the level of blood lipids.Besides,the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bax and cleaved caspase 3 was down-regulated,whereas Bcl-2 expression was up-regulated.The findings indicated that SXT could inhibit myocardial apoptosis and improve cardiac function in MI/RI in diabetic rats.CONCLUSION This study indicated the active components and underlying molecular therapeutic mechanisms of SXT in MI/RI with diabetes.Moreover,animal experiments verified that SXT could regulate the level of blood lipids,alleviate cardiomyocyte apoptosis,and improve cardiac function through the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.

A molecular probe carrying anti-tropomyosin 4 for early diagnosis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

In vivo imaging of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains an important challenge.We injected porous Ag/Au@SiO_(2) bimetallic hollow nanoshells carrying anti-tropomyosin 4 as a molecular probe into mice with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and observed microvascular changes in the brain using photoacoustic imaging with ultrasonography.At each measured time point,the total photoacoustic signal was significantly higher on the affected side than on the healthy side.Twelve hours after reperfusion,cerebral perfusion on the affected side increased,cerebrovascular injury worsened,and anti-tropomyosin 4 expression increased.Twenty-four hours after reperfusion and later,perfusion on the affected side declined slowly and stabilized after 1 week;brain injury was also alleviated.Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the brain injury tissue changes.The nanoshell molecular probe carrying anti-tropomyosin 4 has potential for use in early diagnosis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and evaluating its progression.

Eph receptor A4 regulates motor neuron ferroptosis in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Previous studies have shown that the receptor tyrosine kinase Eph receptor A4(EphA4) is abundantly expressed in the nervous system. The EphA4 signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating motor neuron ferroptosis in motor neuron disease. To investigate whether EphA4 signaling is involved in ferroptosis in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury, in this study we established a rat model of spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury by clamping the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. We found that spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury increased EphA4 expression in the neurons of anterior horn, markedly worsened ferroptosis-related indicators, substantially increased the number of mitochondria exhibiting features consistent with ferroptosis, promoted deterioration of motor nerve function, increased the permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier, and increased the rate of motor neuron death. Inhibition of EphA4 largely rescued these effects. However, intrathecal administration of the ferroptosis inducer Erastin counteracted the beneficial effects conferred by treatment with the EphA4 inhibitor. Mass spectrometry and a PubMed search were performed to identify proteins that interact with EphA4, with the most notable being Beclin1 and Erk1/2. Our results showed that inhibition of EphA4 expression reduced binding to Beclin1, markedly reduced p-Beclin1, and reduced Beclin1-XCT complex formation. Inhibition of EphA4 also reduced binding to p-Erk1/2 and markedly decreased the expression of c-Myc, transferrin receptor 1, and p-Erk1/2. Additionally, we observed co-localization of EphA4 and p-Beclin1 and of EphA4 and p-ERK1/2 in neurons in the anterior horn. In conclusion, EphA4 participates in regulating ferroptosis of spinal motor neurons in the anterior horn in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting formation of the Beclin1-XCT complex and activating the Erk1/2/c-Myc/transferrin receptor 1 axis.