Crosstalk among Oxidative Stress,Autophagy,and Apoptosis in the Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells:A Mixed Computational and Experimental Study

Objective Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were found to shift from their usually inactive state to an active state in ischemic stroke (IS) and cause neuronal damage. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1),a component derived from medicinal plants,is known for its pharmacological benefits in IS,but its protective effects on BMECs have yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of GRb1 on BMECs. Methods An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Bulk RNA-sequencing data were analyzed by using the Human Autophagy Database and various bioinformatic tools,including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA),Gene Ontology (GO) classification and enrichment analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction network analysis,and molecular docking. Experimental validation was also performed to ensure the reliability of our findings. Results Rb1 had a protective effect on BMECs subjected to OGD/R injury. Specifically,GRb1 was found to modulate the interplay between oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy in BMECs. Key targets such as sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62),autophagy related 5 (ATG5),and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) were identified,highlighting their potential roles in mediating the protective effects of GRb1 against IS-induced damage. Conclusion GRbl protects BMECs against OGD/R injury by influencing oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy. The identification of SQSTM1/p62,ATG5,and HIF-1α as promising targets further supports the potential of GRb1 as a therapeutic agent for IS,providing a foundation for future research into its mechanisms and applications in IS treatment.

Mufangji tang ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension through improving vascular remodeling,inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress,and inducing apoptosis

Background:Mufangji tang(MFJT)is composed of Ramulus Cinnamomi,Radix Ginseng,Cocculus orbiculatus(Linn.)DC.,and Gypsum.In clinical settings,MFJT has been effectively employed in addressing a range of respiratory disorders,notably including pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).However,the mechanism of action of MFJT on PAH remains unknown.Methods:In this study,a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model was established and treated with MFJT.The therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model were evaluated.Network pharmacology was conducted to screen the possible targets for MFJT on PAH,and the molecular docking between the main active components and the core targets was carried out.The key targets identified from network pharmacology were tested.Results:Results showed significant therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model.Analysis of network pharmacology revealed several potential targets related to apoptosis,inflammation,oxidative stress,and vascular remodeling.Molecular docking showed that the key components were well docked with the core targets.Further experimental validation results that MFJT treatment induced apoptosis(downregulated Bcl-2 levels and upregulated Bax levels in lung tissue),inhibited inflammatory response and oxdative stress(decreased the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,inducible NOS,and malondialdehyde,and increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase,nitric oxide,glutathione and superoxide dismutase),reduced the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells(downregulated ET-1 andβ-catenin levels and ERK1/2 phosphorylation,increased GSK3βlevels).Conclusion:Our study revealed MFJT treatment could alleviate PAH in rats via induction of apoptosis,inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress,and the prevention of vascular remodeling.

BTG2 interference ameliorates high glucose-caused oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and lipid deposition in HK-2 cells

Objective:Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a deleterious microangiopathy of diabetes,constituting a critical determinant of fatality in diabetic patients.This work is purposed to disclose the effects and modulatory mechanism of BTG anti-proliferation factor 2(BTG2)during the pathological process of DN.Methods:BTG2 expression in kidney tissues of diabetic mice and high glucose(HG)-exposed human proximal tubular cell line HK-2 was assessed with Western blot and RT-qPCR.The diabetic mice model was constructed by streptozotocin injection and confirmed by the blood glucose level beyond 16.7 mmol/L.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining and measurement of kidney function hallmarks were conducted to assess kidney injury.Cell counting kit(CCK)-8 method and TUNEL assay appraised cell activity and apoptosis.Oil red O staining assayed lipid accumulation.Relevant commercial kits were used to estimate oxidative stress-related factors.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assay testified the binding relationship of BTG2 with protein arginine methyltransferase 1(PRMT1).Results:BTG2 expression was significantly raised in renal tissues of diabetic mice and HK-2 cells exposed to HG.BTG2 deficiency improved viability and extenuated the apoptosis,lipid deposition as well as oxidative stress in HK-2 cells following HG exposure.In addition,PRMT1 was also overexpressed in HK-2 cells exposed to HG.BTG2 interacted with PRMT1 and positively modulated PRMT1 expression.The effects of BTG2 interference on viability,apoptosis,lipid deposition,and oxidative stress in HG-challenged HK-2 cells were partially abrogated by PRMT1 overexpression.Conclusion:Altogether,BTG2 might aggravate HK-2 cell injury in response to HG by binding with PRMT1,providing a novel target for the therapeutic strategy of DN.

Melatonin alleviates oxidative stress,inflammation,apoptosis,and DNA damage in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of melatonin on renal inflammation,oxidative stress,apoptosis,as well as DNA and tissue damage in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methods:Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups.The control group received distilled water by gastric lavage for 11days and the acrylamide group was administered acrylamide(50 mg/kg,i.g.)for 11 days.The MEL10+ACR and MEL20+ACR groups received intraperitoneal melatonin 10 and 20 mg/kg,respectively,for 11 days,and acrylamide(50 mg/kg,i.g.)was administered 1h after melatonin injection.The MEL20 group was injected with melatonin(20 mg/kg)for 11 days.Kidney function tests were performed and biochemical and inflammatory parameters were determined.In addition,histopathological,immunohistochemical,and immunofluorescence examinations were carried out.Results:Melatonin significantly abated acrylamide-induced rise in serum urea and creatinine levels.Acrylamide caused oxidative stress,inflammation,apoptosis,as well as DNA and tissue damage in the kidneys.Melatonin treatment alleviated acrylamide-induced renal damage by exhibiting antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and antiapoptotic effects.Moreover,melatonin significantly ameliorated acrylamide-caused histopathological changes in kidney tissue.Conclusions:Melatonin attenuates acrylamide-induced renal oxidative stress,inflammation,apoptosis,and DNA damage in rats.

DI-3-n-butylphthalide exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha ubiquitination to attenuate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

DI-3-n-butylphthalide is used to treat mild and moderate acute ischemic stroke.However,the precise underlying mechanism requires further investigation.In this study,we investigated the molecular mechanism of DI-3-n-butylphthalide action by various means.We used hydrogen peroxide to induce injury to PC12cells and RAW264.7 cells to mimic neuronal oxidative stress injury in stroke in vitro and examined the effects of DI-3-n-butylphthalide.We found that DI-3-nbutylphthalide pretreatment markedly inhibited the reduction in viability and reactive oxygen species production in PC12 cells caused by hydrogen peroxide and inhibited cell apoptosis.Furthermore,DI-3-n-butylphthalide pretreatment inhibited the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Bnip3.DI-3-nbutylphthalide also promoted ubiquitination and degradation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α,the key transcription factor that regulates Bax and Bnip3 genes.These findings suggest that DI-3-n-butylphthalide exhibits a neuroprotective effect on stroke by promoting hypoxia inducible factor-1α ubiquitination and degradation and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Bis(2-butoxyethyl) Phthalate Delays Puberty Onset by Increasing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Leydig Cells in Rats

Objective This study investigated the effects of bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate(BBOP) on the onset of male puberty by affecting Leydig cell development in rats.Methods Thirty 35-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to five groups mg/kg bw per day that were gavaged for 21 days with BBOP at 0, 10, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg bw per day. The hormone profiles;Leydig cell morphological metrics;mRNA and protein levels;oxidative stress;and AKT,mTOR, ERK1/2, and GSK3β pathways were assessed.Results BBOP at 250 and/or 500 mg/kg bw per day decreased serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). BBOP at 500 mg/kg bw per day decreased Leydig cell number mg/kg bw per day and downregulated Cyp11a1, Insl3, Hsd11b1,and Dhh in the testes, and Lhb and Fshb mRNAs in the pituitary gland(P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde content in the testis significantly increased, while Sod1 and Sod2 mRNAs were markedly downregulated, by BBOP treatment at 250–500 mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). Furthermore, BBOP at 500mg/kg bw per day decreased AKT1/AKT2, mTOR, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and GSK3β and SIRT1levels mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). Finally, BBOP at 100 or 500 μmol/L induced ROS and apoptosis in Leydig cells after 24 h of treatment in vitro(P < 0.05).Conclusion BBOP delays puberty onset by increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis in Leydig cells in rats.The graphical abstract is available on the website www.besjournal.com.

GYY4137 protects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

Hydrogen sulfide （H2S） is a gasotransmitter that regulates cardiovascular functions. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of slow-releasing H2S donor GYY4137 on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） injury and to investigate the possible signaling mechanisms involved. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with GYY4137 at 12.5 mg/（kg.day）, 25 mg/（kg.day） or 50 mg/（kg.day） intraperitoneally for 7 days. Then, rats were subjected to 30 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. We found that GYY4137 increased the cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening, reduced the ischemia area, alleviated histological injury and decreased plasma creatine kinase after myocardial I/R. Both H2S concentration in plasma and cystathionine-γ-lyase （CSE） activity in the myocardium were enhanced in the GYY4137 treated groups. GYY4137 also decreased malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels in serum, attenuated superoxide anion level and suppressed phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases in the myocardium after I/R. Meanwhile, GYY4137 increased the expression of Bcl-2 but decreased the expression of Bax, caspase-3 activity and apoptosis in the myocardium. The data suggest that GYY4137 protects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Effects of Selenium and Zinc on Renal Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by Fluoride in Rats

Objective To study the effects of selenium and zinc on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle changes in rat renal cells induced by fluoride. Methods Wistar rats were given distilled water containing sodium fluoride （50 mg/L NaF） and were gavaged with different doses of selenium-zinc preparation for six months. Four groups were used and each group had eight animals （four males and four females）. Group one, sham-handled control; group two, 50 mg/L NaF; group three, 50 mg/L NaF with a low dose of selenium-zinc preparation （0.1 mg/kg Na2 SeO3 and 14.8 mg/kg ZnSO4 · 7H2O）; and group four, 50 mg/L NaF with a high dose of selenium-zinc preparation （0.2 mg/kg Na2 SeO3 and29.6 mg/kg ZnSO4 · 7H20）. The activities of serum glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, kidney superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and the levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione （GSH） in the kidney were measured to assess the oxidative stress. Kidney cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Results NaF at the dose of 50 mg/L increased excretion of fluoride in urine, promoted activity of urine γ -glutarnyl transpeptidase （ γ -GT）, inhibited activity of serum GSH-PX and kidney SOD, reduce kidney GSH content, and increased kidney MDA. NaF at the dose of 50 mg/L also induced rat renal apoptosls, reduced the cell number of G2/M phase in cell cycle, and decreased DNA relative content significantly. Selenium and zinc inhibited effects of NaF on oxidative stress and apoptosis, promoted the cell number of G2/M phase in cell cycle, but failed to increase relative DNA content significantly. Conclusion Sodium fluoride administered at the dose of 50 mg/L for six months induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and changes the cell cycle in rat renal cells. Selenium and zinc antagonize oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle changes induced by excess fluoride.

Inhibition of microRNA-29b suppresses oxidative stress and reduces apoptosis in ischemic stroke

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) regulate protein expression by antagonizing the translation of mRNAs and are effective regulators of normal nervous system development, function, and disease. Micro RNA-29 b(mi R-29 b) plays a broad and critical role in brain homeostasis. In this study, we tested the function of mi R-29 b in animal and cell models by inhibiting mi R-29 b expression. Mouse models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the modified Zea-Longa suture method. Prior to modeling, 50 nmol/kg mi R-29 b antagomir was injected via the tail vein. Mi R-29 b expression was found to be abnormally increased in ischemic brain tissue. The inhibition of mi R-29 b expression decreased the neurological function score and reduced the cerebral infarction volume and cell apoptosis. In addition, the inhibition of mi R-29 b significantly decreased the malondialdehyde level, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and Bcl-2 expression, and inhibited Bax and Caspase3 expression. PC12 cells were treated with glutamate for 12 hours to establish in vitro cell models of ischemic stroke and then treated with the mi R-29 antagomir for 48 hours. The results revealed that mi R-29 b inhibition in PC12 cells increased Bcl-2 expression and inhibited cell apoptosis and oxidative damage. These findings suggest that the inhibition of mi R-29 b inhibits oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in ischemic stroke, producing therapeutic effects in ischemic stroke. This study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Care and Use Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University(approval No. 201709276 S) on September 27, 2017.

Selenium deficiency induces spleen pathological changes in pigs by decreasing selenoprotein expression,evoking oxidative stress,and activating inflammation and apoptosis

Background:The immune system is one aspect of health that is affected by dietary selenium(Se)levels and selenoprotein expression.Spleen is an important immune organ of the body,which is directly involved in cellular immunity.However,there are limited reports on Se levels and spleen health.Therefore,this study established a Se-deficient pig model to investigate the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced splenic pathogenesis.Methods:Twenty-four pure line castrated male Yorkshire pigs(45 days old,12.50±1.32 kg,12 full-sibling pairs)were divided into two equal groups and fed Se-deficient diet(0.007 mg Se/kg)or Se-adequate diet(0.3 mg Se/kg)for 16 weeks.At the end of the trial,blood and spleen were collected to assay for erythroid parameters,the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes,the spleen index,histology,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling(TUNEL)staining,Se concentrations,the selenogenome,redox status,and signaling related inflammation and apoptosis.Results:Dietary Se deficiency decreased the erythroid parameters and increased the number of osmotically fragile erythrocytes(P<0.05).The spleen index did not change,but hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining indicated that the white pulp decreased,the red pulp increased,and splenocyte apoptosis occurred in the Se deficient group.Se deficiency decreased the Se concentration and selenoprotein expression in the spleen(P<0.05),blocked the glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems,and led to redox imbalance.Se deficiency activated the NF-κB and HIF-1αtranscription factors,thus increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-17,and TNF-α),decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokines(IL-10,IL-13,and TGF-β)and increasing expression of the downstream genes COX-2 and iNOS(P<0.05),which in turn induced inflammation.In addition,Se-deficiency induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway,upregulated apoptotic genes(Caspase3,Caspase8,and Bak),and downregulated antiapoptotic genes(Bcl-2)(P<0.05)at the mRNA level,thus verifying the results of TUNEL staining.Conclusions:These results indicated that Se deficiency induces spleen injury through the regulation of selenoproteins,oxidative stress,inflammation and apoptosis.

Puerarin prevents high glucose-induced apoptosis of Schwann cells by inhibiting oxidative stress

Oxidative stress may be the unifying factor for the injury caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Puerarin is the major isoflavonoid derived from Radix puerariae and has been shown to be effective in increasing superoxide dismutase activity. This study sought to investigate the neuroprotective effect of puerarin on high glucose-induced oxidative stress and Schwann cell apoptosis in vitro. Intracellular reactive oxygen radicals and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and oxidative stress was monitored using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the DNA marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. The expression levels of bax and bcl-2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, while protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and -9 were analyzed by means of western blotting. Results suggested that puerarin treatment inhibited high glucose-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, puerarin treatment downregulated Bax expression, upregulated bcl-2 expression and attenuated the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Overall, our results indicated that puerarin antagonized high glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin protects retinal ganglion cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

The death of retinal ganglion cells is a hallmark of many optic neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and retinopathy. Oxidative stress is one of the major reasons to cause the cell death. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin has many health beneficial effects including antioxidative and neuro- protective actions. Here we tested whether oligomeric proanthocyanidin may protect retinal gan- glion cells against oxidative stress induced-apoptosis in vitro. Retinal ganglion cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide with or without oligomeric proanthocyanidin. 3-（4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl）- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay showed that treating retinal ganglion cell line RGC-5 cells with 20 pmol/L oligomeric proanthocyanidin significantly decreased the hydrogen peroxide （H202） induced death. Results of flow cytometry and Hoechst staining demonstrated that the death of RGC-5 cells was mainly caused by cell apoptosis. We further found that expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 were significantly decreased while anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was greatly increased in H202 damaged RGC-5 cells with oligomeric proanthocyanidin by western blot assay. Furthermore, in retinal explant culture, the number of surviving retinal ganglion cells in H202-damaged retinal ganglion cells with oligomeric proanthocyanidin was significantly increased. Our studies thus demonstrate that oligomeric proanthocyanidin can protect oxidative stress-injured retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting apoptotic process.

Rifampicin inhibits apoptosis in rotenone-induced differentiated PC12 cells by ameliorating mitochondrial oxidative stress

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have shown that rifampicin exhibits neuroprotective effects, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Rifampicin is thought to exert the neuroprotective effect as a hydroxyl free radical scavenger. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the protective effects of rifampicin pretreatment on rotenone-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in differentiated PC12 cells.DESIGN, TIME AND SETrlNG： A repeated measure, cell-based study was performed at the Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China between December 2007 and November 2008. MATERIALS： PC12 cells were a kind gift from the Physiology Laboratory of Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, China. Rotenone and rifampicin were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： PC12 cells were differentiated by culturing with 100 ng/mL 7S nerve growth factor for 9 days in Dulbecco＇s modified Eagle＇s medium/Nutrient Mix F12 （DMEM/F12） supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were assigned to six groups according to various treatment conditions： control, cultured with normal media; rifampicin group, treated with 300 pmol/L rotenone for 26 hours; rotenone group, treated with 2.5 pmol/L rotenone for 24 hours; rifampicin pretreatment groups, pretreated with 100, 200, and 300 pmol/L rifampicin for 2 hours, respectively, followed by 2.5 μmol/L rotenone for 24 hours.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively, using rhodamine123 staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species formation was analyzed by flow cytometry using 2＇, 7＇-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate staining, and intracellular reduced glutathione was measured with a microplate reader. Cell viability was determined by 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS： Increased apoptosis in rotenone-induced, differentiated, PC12 cells was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, the formation of reactive oxygen species, and reduced glutathione depletion （P 〈 0.01）. Rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by rifampicin （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）, CONCLUSION： Pretreatment of differentiated PC12 cells with rifampicin blocked rotenone-induced apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Ginsenoside Rb1 relieves glucose fluctuationinduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells

Cultured Schwann cells were treated with 5.6 mM and 50 mM glucose alternating every 8 hours to simulate intermittent high glucose. The present study analyzed the neuroprotective effects of 1, 10 and 100 μM ginsenoside Rbl on oxidative damage and apoptosis in Schwann cells induced by intermittent high glucose. Flow cytometry demonstrated that ginsenoside Rbl reduced intermittent high glucose-mediated reactive oxygen species production. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay showed that 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine levels in Schwann cells decreased following ginsenoside Rbl treatment. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay results revealed that ginsenoside Rbl inhibited intermittent high glucose-upregulated Bax expression, but antagonized intermittent high glucose-downregulated Bcl-2 expression in Schwann cells. These effects were most pronounced with 100 μM ginsenoside Rbl. These results indicate that ginsenoside Rbl inhibits intermittent high glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells.

Ki20227 aggravates apoptosis,inflammatory response,and oxidative stress after focal cerebral ischemia injury

The survival of microglia depends on the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor(CSF1R)signaling pathway under physiological conditions.Ki20227 is a highly selective CSF1R inhibitor that has been shown to change the morphology of microglia.However,the effects of Ki20227 on the progression of ischemic stroke are unclear.In this study,male C57 BL/6 mouse models of focal cerebral ischemic injury were established through the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and then administered 3 mg/g Ki20227 for 3 successive days.The results revealed that the number of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1/bromodeoxyuridine double positive cells in the infarct tissue was reduced,the degree of edema was increased,neurological deficits were aggravated,infarct volume was increased,and the number of peri-infarct Nissl bodies was reduced.The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells in the peri-infarct tissue was increased.The expression levels of Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 were up-regulated.Bcl-2 expression was downregulated.The expression levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress-associated factors were increased.These findings suggested that Ki20227 blocked microglial proliferation and aggravated the pathological progression of ischemia/reperfusion injury in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Lanzhou University Second Hospital(approval No.D2020-68)on March 6,2020.

Testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after treatment with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia),and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens)infusions

Objective:To investigate the testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis status,as well as the sperm functional parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)induced diabetic rats following treatment with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia)and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens)infusions.Methods:Diabetes was induced by injecting fourteen-week-old adult male Wistar rats(250-300 g)with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ(45 mg/kg body weight).Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups:the vehicle group received 0.1 M citrate buffer,the diabetic control group received 45 mg/kg STZ,the diabetic+rooibos group received 45 mg/kg STZ+2.0%rooibos,the diabetic+honeybush group received 45 mg/kg STZ+4.0%honeybush,and the diabetic+sutherlandia group received 45 mg/kg STZ+0.2%sutherlandia.Rats were sacrificed 7 weeks after induction of diabetes mellitus.The testes and epididymides were harvested and weighed after induction.Spermatozoa were retrieved from the cauda epididymis for motility,concentration,and morphology analysis,and the testis was used for all biochemical assays.Oxidative stress was determined by measuring malondialdehyde levels,catalase,and superoxide dismutase activities,while apoptotic biomarkers were evaluated by Western blotting assays.Results:After induction of diabetes,rats in the diabetic control group,diabetic+rooibos group,diabetic+honeybush group,and diabetic+sutherlandia group presented with significantly elevated blood glucose levels as compared with the vehicle group(P<0.001).Rats in the diabetic control group had a reduction in sperm progressive motility,while rats in the diabetic+rooibos group and the diabetic+sutherlandia group displayed an increase in progressive motility as compared with the diabetic control group.The diabetic control animals showed a 40.0%decrease in sperm concentration when compared to the vehicle group,and there were no significant differences in sperm kinematic and speed parameters between the groups.In addition,the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was increased by 13.0%,16.0%,and 15.0%after treatment with rooibos,honeybush,and sutherlandia,respectively and the rats in the diabetic+infusion groups also displayed an increase in superoxide dismutase activity when compared to the diabetic control group.Conclusions:Rooibos,honeybush and sutherlandia infusions may partly alleviate diabetes-induced sperm function impairment by reducing oxidative stress.

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in cultured rabbit bone marrow stromal cells via altering the oxidative stress level and down-regulating caspase-3

Objective： To investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） on hydrogen peroxide （H2O2）-induced apoptosis in cultured rabbit bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs）. Methods： The effects of different concentrations of PNS on proliferation and early osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs were determined by the MTT assay and an alkaline phosphatase （ALP） assay. An optimal effective concentration of PNS was determined and used in subsequent experiments. The cultured BMSCs were divided into three groups： untreated control, H2O2 treated, and PNS pretreatment of H2O2 treated. The oxidative stress level was assessed by superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） assays. Flow cytometry was used to determine BMSC apoptosis by staining with annexinV-FITC/propidium iodide （PI）. The activity of caspase-3 enzyme was measured by spectrofluorometry. Results： PNS （0.1g/L） significantly increased both BMSC proliferation rate and ALP activity, while it decreased the indicators of oxidative stress, caspase-3 activity, and the apoptosis rate of BMSCs induced by H2O2.. Conclusion： PNS, acting as a biological antioxidant, had a protective effect on H2O2-induced apoptosis in cultured rabbit BMSCs by decreasing oxidative stress and down-regulating caspase-3.

Humulus japonicus extract alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PC12 cells

Objective:To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease(PD)in a cellular model.Methods:PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA).The cell activity,intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract.Results:Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells.It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation;upregulated antioxidant enzymes,such as glutathione,catalase,heme oxidase-1,and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1;promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways.Conclusions:Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.

The novel chalcone analog L2H17 protects retinal ganglion cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Chalcone is a plant metabolite widely found in fruits,vegetables,spices and tea,and has anti-tumor,anti-inflammation,immunomodulation,antibacterial and anti-oxidation activities,as well as many other pharmacological and biological effects.Our team has shown that its analogs have antioxidant activity,and oxidative stress is a pathological hallmark of retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury that can lead to retinal damage and visual loss.This investigation aims to identify a chalcone that protects retinal ganglion cells in vitro from the effects of oxidative stress and examine its mechanism.Rat retinal ganglion cell-5 cells were pretreated with chalcones and then exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide that causes oxidative damage.Controls received dimethyl sulfoxide only or tert-butyl hydroperoxide in dimethyl sulfoxide.Only（E）-3,4-dihydroxy-2′-methylether ketone（L2 H17）,of the five chalcone analogs,markedly increased the survival rate of oxidatively injured RGC-5 cells.Thus,subsequent experiments only analyzed the results of the L2 H17 intervention.Cell viability and apoptosis were measured.Intracellular superoxide dismutase and reactive oxygen species levels were used to assess induced oxidative stress.The mechanism of action by L2 H17 was explored by measuring the ER stress/UPR pathway and the expression and localization of Nrf2.All results demonstrated that L2 H17 could reduce the apoptosis of oxidatively injured cells,inhibit caspase-3 activity,increase Bcl-2 expression,decrease Bad expression,increase the activity of superoxide dismutase,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,increase Nrf2 immunoreactivity,and reduce the activating transcription factor 4,phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 and CHOP expression.L2 H17 protects retinal ganglion cells induced by oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2,which indicates that it has the potential to become a drug for retinal ischemia/reperfusion.

DRP1 deficiency induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis during porcine oocyte maturation

Background: Environmental pollution induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes, which can cause defects in reproduction;however, the molecular regulation of oxidative stress in oocytes is still largely unknown. In the present study, we identified that dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1) is an important molecule regulating oocyte mitochondrial function and preventing oxidative stress/apoptosis. DRP1 is a member of the dynamin GTPase superfamily localized at the mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum interaction site, where it regulates the fission of mitochondria and other related cellular processes.Results: Our results show that DRP1 was stably expressed during different stages of porcine oocyte meiosis, and might have a potential relationship with mitochondria as it exhibited similar localization. Loss of DRP1 activity caused failed porcine oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion, as well as defects in polar body extrusion.Further analysis indicated that a DRP1 deficiency caused mitochondrial dysfunction and induced oxidative stress,which was confirmed by increased reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, the incidence of early apoptosis increased as detected by positive Annexin-V signaling.Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that DRP1 is essential for porcine oocyte maturation and that a DRP1 deficiency could induce mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.