TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 3.4
Ruijing Li,Weili Yang,Lijuan Zheng,Xingxue Yan,Cuihua Liu,Yaodong Zhang,Jitong Li
Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of developmental abnormalities and neurobehavioral deficits, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, are not fully elucidated, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key pathological process in various diseases. Gastrodin (GAS), the primary bioactive component of Gastrodia elata , has demonstrated potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GAS against alcohol-induced developmental and neurotoxic damage and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a zebrafish larval model, we found that exposure to 200 mM alcohol from 2 to 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf) induced significant developmental toxicity, including a decreased hatching rate, body length and eye diameter, and increased morphological malformations in larvae. Alcohol-exposed larvae also exhibited severe neurobehavioral deficits, characterized by a reduction in movement distance and average velocity in dark conditions. Mechanistically, alcohol exposure triggered ferroptosis, evidenced by an increase in intracellular Fe 2+ , malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, alongside a decrease in the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activities. Co-treatment with GAS (200 mg/L) significantly ameliorated these alcohol-induced developmental and neurobehavioral defects. GAS administration effectively suppressed the hallmarks of ferroptosis by restoring the ROS level and altering the expression of genes related to oxidative stress. In addition, GAS suppressed alcohol-induced cell apoptosis, downregulated caspase3b , bax , caspase8 , and upregulated bcl2 in mRNA levels. Molecular analysis revealed that GAS exerts its anti-ferroptotic effect by activating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, which was suppressed by alcohol. Our findings indicate that ferroptosis plays a key role in alcohol-induced developmental neurotoxicity, and GAS provides protection by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. This suggests that GAS could be a potential therapeutic option for reducing the negative effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.
研究领域:
神经毒理学
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发育生物学
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分子药理学
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氧化应激研究
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斑马鱼模型
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JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2026
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IF 6.2
Yanan Zhao,Rui Wang,Ziyang Huang,Siting Ju,Binghua Dong,Hui Teng,Lei Chen
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” and is highly vulnerable to alcohol exposure. Galangin, a flavonoid extracted from traditional medicinal herbs, Alpinia officinarum Hance, has manifested auspicious clinical application potential. This study aims to explore the regulatory effect of galangin on ferroptosis in an alcohol-related intestinal injury model and its underlying mechanism. In vivo, we confirmed that galangin administration could alleviate alcohol-induced iron metabolism dysfunction and ferroptosis and activate the SESN2/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway in mice colon. In vitro, alcohol-caused disruption of iron homeostasis and ferroptosis could also be significantly reduced by galangin. Using specific small interfering RNA targeting SESN2 (Si-SESN2) or the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 significantly abrogated the protective effect of galangin. Molecular docking and Co-IP results further revealed that galangin activates NRF2 nuclear translocation by promoting KEAP1/SESN2 formation as well as KEAP1/NRF2 dissociation. Collectively, galangin suppressed ferroptosis by activating the SESN2/KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in mice and Caco-2 cells.
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INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2026
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IF 4.7
Xuejian Zhang,Xiaoke Shi,Hong Xu,Yao Wang,Dikai Zhu,Jianan Liu,Tingting Zhang,Hongqian Shentu,Wei Ding,Jun Lu,Feiyan Tao
Antibiotics remain the conventional mainstay for acute local inflammation, such as pharyngitis, but concerns over bacterial resistance, superinfections, and hepatorenal toxicity have driven research toward natural alternatives. Methyl salicylate (SAM) and L-menthol (MENT), derived from medicinal plants, exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. However, their clinical translation is hampered by inadequate synergy, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability in existing formulations. To overcome these issues, we synthesized an ROS-responsive prodrug, SSM, by conjugating SAM and MENT via a sulfide bond, and further encapsulated it within hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) to form HP-β-CD@SSM. This complex enabled targeted drug release in high-ROS inflammatory microenvironments, enhancing local bioavailability and reducing systemic exposure. The use of HP-β-CD not only enhanced the water solubility and stability of SSM but also masked the unpleasant odor of the drugs, thereby improving patient compliance. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that HP-β-CD@SSM effectively disrupts the vicious cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress through synergistic inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and activation of the Nrf2 pathway, resulting in significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in both pharyngitis and paw edema models, with no observable systemic toxicity. This work presents not only a promising therapeutic candidate for pharyngitis but also a robust localized drug delivery strategy for natural products with considerable translational value.
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International Journal of Nanomedicine
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2026
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IF 8.7
Yan Yan,Ke Wang,Li Ren,Jun-jie Ma,Xing-chun Zhu,Hao-feng Ding,Jia-xin Chu,Zhi-gao Zhu,Jing-yi Xia,Yi Xia,Yuan Xu,Meng-han He,Wen-rui Wang,Cong-li Zhang
Purpose This study aims to address the issues that limit the clinical application of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and to explore its therapeutic potential in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We attempted to utilize layered double hydroxide (LDH) to construct a novel nano-drug delivery system to enhance the stability and efficacy of NBP, and to deeply investigate its potential mechanism of action.Methods By loading NBP onto LDH, LDHs-NBP nanocomplexes were successfully constructed. Subsequently, the effects of LDHs-NBP on renal function, tissue pathology, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were systematically evaluated in rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury models and HK-2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation models. The molecular mechanism of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathway was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and Western Blot.Results The experimental results show that the drug loading capacity of LDHs-NBP nanocomplexes is 24.26%. Compared with pure NBP, LDHs-NBP more effectively improve renal function in rats, reduces serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), decreases inflammatory infiltration and structural damage in renal tissues, and exhibits stronger antioxidant capacity—evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities. At the cellular level, LDHs-NBP significantly inhibits apoptosis and ROS production in HK-2 cells, alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction, and its protective effect is closely associated with activation of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathway.Conclusion This study successfully constructed an NBP nano-complex based on LDH, and confirmed that LDHs-NBP has significant therapeutic advantages in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 pathway. This study provides experimental evidence for the application of LDHs-NBP in the treatment of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and shows a promising translational prospect and clinical value.
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Frontiers in Nutrition
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2026
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IF 5.5
Maoru Li,Zefeng Wang,Huan Zhai,Jiajiao Li,Ji Ma,Bin Qiu
BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a rapidly growing metabolic disorder with no FDA-approved treatment. Pachymic acid (PA; synonym: 3-O-acetyltumulosic acid), a lanostane-type triterpenoid, shows potential for treating MASLD. However, its mechanisms remain underexplored.ObjectiveThis work evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of PA in treating MASLD.MethodsThe high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced zebrafish model, high-fat diet induced C57BL/6 mice model and free fatty acid (FFA)-treated BRL-3A cells was used to assess PA’s anti- MASLD effects in vivo and in vitro.ResultsPA improved lipid metabolism disrupted by HCD, reduced hepatic oxidative stress, as indicated by decreased MDA levels and increased SOD activity, and lowered inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. PA also enhanced antioxidant activity by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway. PA decreased Keap1 mRNA expression induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation. These effects suggest that PA inhibits ROS production by activating the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway and possibly by inhibiting Nrf2 degradation.ConclusionPA improves MASLD through lipid metabolism regulation and antioxidant effects, primarily by activating the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway. These findings highlight PA’s potential as a therapeutic agent for MASLD.
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ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
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2026
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IF 6.8
Jiaxue Tian,Huimin Wang,Huimin Liu,Wenlu Xu,Mengting Xiao,Xuemei Qin,Xiaojie Liu
Aims:Depression is a prevalent mood disorder with significant suffering and heightened suicide risk. Accumulating evidence points to oxidative stress and impaired energy metabolism of the brain as key contributors to the pathogenesis of depression. Astragaloside IV (AIV) has been demonstrated to alleviate neurological damage. The capacity of AIV for antioxidation has also been gradually discovered. Yet, it still just scratches the surface of the antidepression mechanisms of AIV. Our aim was to explore a novel mechanism of action of AIV from the perspectives of redox homeostasis and energy metabolism via the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) axis.Results:AIV ameliorated anxiety and cognitive dysfunction in rats with depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, we illustrated that AIV reversed redox dyshomeostasis of rats with depression-like behaviors in terms of decreasing the level of malondialdehyde while increasing the abundances of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, AIV significantly increased the levels of indicators of energy metabolism that were interrupted by depression. Furthermore, in vitro, AIV significantly increased the levels of indicators related to the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in corticosterone-induced PC12 cells.Innovation:For the first time, it demonstrates that AIV alleviates depression by modulating the ROS/Nrf2/Keap1 axis and restoring hippocampal energy metabolism in a chronic unpredictable mild stress model.Conclusion:The current findings not only offer novel insights into antidepressant-like effects of AIV through the ROS/Nrf2/Keap1 axis but also provide a foundation for enhancing clinical efficiency and enriching drug selection. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000–000.
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CELLULAR SIGNALLING
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2025
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IF 3.7
YaoNan Han,XingTong Wang,DeShui Yu
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious central nervous system disease. Ferroptosis is one of the major causes of spinal cord neurological loss, and targeting ferroptosis is a promising therapeutic strategy. Roflumilast has shown promising applications in the treatment of neurological diseases due to its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects. This study aimed to investigate whether roflumilast could inhibit neuronal ferroptosis to improve motor function after SCI in rats. In vitro experiments, we found that roflumilast significantly increased cell survival in an in vitro ferroptosis model, improved mitochondrial function, reduced intracellular iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxides accumulation as well as the expression of the pro-ferroptosis proteins, long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthase 4 (ACSL4), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and increased the expression of ferroptosis-inhibitory protein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) expression. Mechanistically, these protective effects were achieved by activating AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling and were attenuated when AMPK signaling was blocked. In vivo experiments, roflumilast attenuated spinal cord tissue damage, increased the number of motor neuron survivors, and improved motor function after SCI in rats. Overall, activation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling by roflumilast attenuated neuronal ferroptosis and improved motor function after SCI in rats.
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NEUROREPORT
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2020
·Vol. 31
·期 18
·1274-1282
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IF 1.394
Xi Zhiyu,Chen Xiao,Xu Canxin,Wang Baofeng,Zhong Zhihong,Sun Qingfang,Sun Yuhao,Bian Liuguan
The brain edema following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) plays a key role in the recovery process. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has been proved possessing neuroprotection in ICH. Here we tried to explore its value in brain edema after ICH and reveal underlying mechanisms. ICH model was
created in C57 mice using collagenase IV. PCA was injected intraperitoneally at 30 mg/kg every 24 h in PCA group. On day 3 after ICH, the water content of hemorrhagic ipsilateral hemisphere in PCA group was significantly reduced compared with vehicle group. AQP4, the main water channel, was
remarkably decreased in PCA group. Additionally, ZO-1 and occludin expression were increased in PCA group. The bEnd.3 cells were cultured to understand the effect of PCA on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Compare to hemin treated group, plus PCA enhanced the expression of HO-1 and
Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Furtherly, the overexpression of HO-1, ZO-1, occludin, in the PCA treatment group was inhibited after knockdown of Nrf2. Taken together, our results proved PCA alleviated brain edema and BBB disruption in ICH by promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
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2023
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IF 5.7
Xiong Liping,Bao Han,Li Size,Gu Deao,Li Yuyang,Yin Qianwen,Li Wen,Miao Leiying,Liu Chao
Oxidative stress is closely linked to the etiology of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. (TMJ-OA) and is an important therapeutic target. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) have been broadly studied owing to their powerful antioxidant properties and potential preventive and therapeutic effects against chronic diseases. The current study was designed to explore the protective effects of CNPs on the progression of TMJ-OA and their potential mechanisms. We detected the ability of CNPs to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in chondrocytes. Moreover, their protective effects on chondrocytes were detected in the level of gene and protein. Furthermore, TUNEL assay, histology and safranin O-fast green staining were used to detect the beneficial effects of CNPs on cartilage explants. The mechanism of CNPs, protecting condylar cartilage by reducing inflammation, was further explored by knocking down the Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) gene. CNPs could reduce the ROS levels in chondrocytes and cartilage explants and reverse the IL-1β-induced imbalance of cartilage matrix metabolism and apoptosis. The protective effects of CNPs on cartilage were lost after key antioxidant factors including Nrf2 and heme-oxygenase 1(HO-1) were significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by CNPs might have therapeutic potential for TMJ-OA.
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Food & Function
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2022
·Vol. 13
·期 5
·2782-2790
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IF 6.317
Zunli Ke,Si Tan,Haiyang Li,Shanshan Jiang,Yuping Li,Rui Chen,Mingxia Li
Nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathological condition characterized by excessive fat deposition in the liver, and NAFLD usually has a close relationship with obesity or metabolic syndrome. Currently, oxidative stress is considered as an important risk factor in the progression of NAFLD, therefore, effective amelioration of oxidative stress has emerged as a promising way to improve NAFLD. Tangeretin is a natural compound having various pharmacological activities including antioxidation and hepatoprotection. However, whether tangeretin is able to improve NAFLD through reducing hepatic oxidative stress is rarely reported. In our work, the preventive effects of tangeretin on a NAFLD mouse model induced by a high fat (HF) diet were studied. The results exhibited that tangeretin supplementation observably slowed down NAFLD progression through alleviation of metabolic indexes such as glucose tolerance, serum lipid levels and inflammatory factors, hepatic oxidative stress as well as steatosis. qRT-PCR showed that tangeretin supplementation increased the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and then upregulated the expression of its downstream factors including HO-1, GCLC, NQO1 and GSTA2. Furthermore, the expression of the hepatic nucleus, Nrf2, HO-1 and GCLC, was also seen to be significantly enhanced in WB analysis. Taken together, this study implies that tangeretin might alleviate NAFLD through lowering oxidative stress in the liver by partial modulation of the Nrf2 pathway. Our study provided theoretical support that tangeretin could be used as a dietary therapy for obesity related-NAFLD or related metabolic syndrome.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
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2022
·Vol. 23
·期 3
·1252
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IF 6.208
Jing Yang,Xujiao Tang,Xue Ke,Yutong Dai,Jinsong Shi
Triptolide (TP), the main active ingredient ofTripterygium wilfordii Hook.f., displays potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities. In the present study, the effect of TP on acute pancreatitis and the underlying mechanisms of the disease were investigated using a caerulein-induced animal model of acute pancreatitis (AP) and an in vitro cell model. In vivo, pretreatment with TP notably ameliorated pancreatic damage, shown as the improvement in serum amylase and lipase levels and pancreatic morphology. Meanwhile, TP modulated the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages (Ly6G staining and CD68 staining) and decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) through inhibiting the transactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in caerulein-treated mice. Furthermore, TP reverted changes in oxidative stress markers, including pancreatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), in acute pancreatitis mice. Additionally, TP pretreatment inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels via upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and Nrf2-regulated redox genes expression (HO-1, SOD1, GPx1 and NQO1) in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that TP exert protection against pancreatic inflammation and tissue damage by inhibiting NF-κB transactivation, modulating immune cell responses and activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidative system, thereby alleviating acute pancreatitis.Keywords:acute pancreatitis;triptolide;inflammatory responses;oxidative stress
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Molecular Medicine Reports
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2021
·Vol. 24
·期 6
·1-9
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IF 2.952
Juanjuan Huang,Xianfeng Chen,Aihua Xie
Formononetin has proven to be anti‑inflammatory and able to alleviate symptoms of certain allergic diseases. The present study aimed to determine and elucidate the potential effects of formononetin in allergic rhinitis. JME/CF15 cells were pretreated with formononetin at different doses, followed by stimulation with IL‑13. Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of formononetin. The expression levels of inflammation‑related proteins, histamine, IgE, TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6, granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and eotaxin in IL‑13‑stimulated JME/CF15 cells were detected using ELISAs. The expression levels of phosphorylated‑NF‑κB p65, NF‑κB p65 and cyclooxygenase‑2 (Cox‑2) were analyzed using western blotting. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to measure the levels of mucin 5AC oligomeric mucus/gel‑forming. Expression levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins were also measured using western blotting. The results of the present study revealed that formononetin exerted no cytotoxic effect on the viability of JME/CF15 cells. Following stimulation of JME/CF15 cells with IL‑13, formononetin suppressed the upregulated expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines. IL‑13‑induced formation of mucus was also attenuated by formononetin treatment. Furthermore, it was found that the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway was activated in formononetin‑treated JME/CF15 cells, whereas treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, reversed the effects of formononetin on IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in JME/CF15 cells. In conclusion, the findings of the current study indicated that formononetin may activate the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in JME/CF15 cells. These results suggested that formononetin may represent a promising agent for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
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