Toxics
·
2025
·Vol. 13
·期 8
·677
·
IF 4.1
Zhen Zhang,Yitong Shang,Hong Yang,Liyang Ding,Yu Deng,Bo Xu,Xufeng Fu
Male infertility, as a globally significant reproductive health issue, remains idiopathic in over 40% of cases. Reproductive disorders in males induced by environmental pollutants, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have garnered considerable attention in recent years. DEHP induces testicular oxidative stress and ferroptosis via its active metabolite MEHP, thereby leading to spermatogenic dysfunction.Lycium barbarumpolysaccharide (LBP), a traditional food and medicine homologous substance, exhibits potential antioxidant and reproductive protective properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which LBP intervenes in the toxicity induced by DEHP remains to be elucidated. This study explored the protective effect and molecular mechanism of LBP on DEHP-induced testicular injury through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The result showed that DEHP exposure (150 mg/L in free drinking water for 6 weeks) significantly decreased testicular weight, sperm concentration, and sperm motility in mice, while DEHP exposure induced pathological damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by cavitation of seminiferous tubules, reduced numbers of spermatocytes, and vacuolar degeneration of Sertoli cells. However, LBP (450 mg/L) treatment significantly reversed testicular damage and sperm parameters. In vitro, MEHP reduced the viability of GC2 cells (spermatocyte cell line) and TM4 cells (Sertoli cell line), and LBP significantly restored cell activity. Mechanistically, exposure to DEHP/MEHP results in iron overload (elevated levels of free Fe2+), lipid peroxidation (increased MDA and reduced GSH), and dysregulated expression of key proteins involved in ferroptosis and iron homeostasis within the testis and cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that when NRF2 was specifically inhibited by ML385 or silenced via siRNA, the protective effects of LBP were abrogated, thereby validating the critical role of NRF2 in the regulation of iron homeostasis by LBP. In conclusion, LBP mitigates DEHP-induced testicular injury by activating NRF2 to regulate iron homeostasis in Sertoli cells and spermatocytes cells. This study not only offers a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive disorders caused by DEHP exposure, but also underscores the reproductive protective effects and application prospects of LBP in this context.
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CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
·
2024
·
IF 4.7
Yong-jun Chen,Zi-tao Guo,Hai-qiao Chen,Shi-fan Zhang,Ying-xia Bao,Zhoufan Xie,Jia-le Ke,Wen-jie Ye,Jia-cheng Liang,Jia-chen Chen,Ning Li,Feng-xin Zheng,Hui Liao,Ting Wu,Jian-xin Pang
Long-term hyperuricemia can induce kidney damage, clinically referred to as hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), which is characterized by renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, currently used uric acid-lowering drugs are not capable of protecting the kidneys from damage. Therefore, uric acid-lowering drugs that can also protect the kidneys are urgently needed. In this study, we first discovered that salinomycin, an antibiotic, can regulate uric acid homeostasis and ameliorate kidney damage in mice with HN. Mechanistically, salinomycin inhibited serum and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities and downregulated renal urate transporter 1 (URAT1) expression and transport activity, thus exerting uric acid-lowering effects in mice with HN. Furthermore, we found that salinomycin promoted p-NRF2 Ser40 expression, resulting in increased nuclear translocation of NRF2 and activation of NRF2. More importantly, salinomycin affected the gut microbiota and promoted the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice with HN. In conclusion, our results revealed that salinomycin maintains uric acid homeostasis and alleviates kidney injury in mice with HN by multiple mechanisms, suggesting that salinomycin might be a desirable candidate for HN treatment in the clinic.
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Food Science & Nutrition
·
2025
·Vol. 13
·期 3
·e70105
·
IF 3.8
Heting Zhou,Xinyue Zheng,Shaolin Huang,Xiaomeng Wang,Ting Zhou,Shuwen Zhang,Yihan Ling,Wenxi Wang,Xingjie Li,Shouqian Li,Yongmei Xie,Wenya Yin
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease, and oxidative stress plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Rosa roxburghii Tratt, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been shown to alleviate fibrosis. This study aimed to explore whether two Rosa roxburghii fermentation broths (RRFBs) (with different proportions) could attenuate bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF in mice and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that RRFBs reduced structural lung damage, collagen deposition, and lung inflammation. RRFBs also suppressed fibrotic markers (Collagen I, Vimentin, and α-SMA) while enhancing epithelial marker E-cadherin expression. Additionally, RRFBs alleviated BLM-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway and facilitating Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, RRFBs attenuated the BLM-induced changes in the gut microbiota; in particular, they decreased the abundance of the pathogenic bacterium Proteus and increased the abundance of the probiotics Ileibacterium and Dubosiella . Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong association between oxidative stress inhibition and gut microbiota composition. These results indicated that RRFBs could exert lung-protective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress and alleviating intestinal disturbances.
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Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
·
2024
·Vol. 27
·期 5
·1-10
·
IF 2.4
Jiaqi Shi,Li Chen,Xu Wang,Xin Ma
Steroid‑induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a serious complication caused by long‑term or excessive use of glucocorticoids. The present study aimed to ascertain the effects of tripartite motif‑containing protein 21 (TRIM21) on the process of steroid‑induced ONFH and its hidden action mechanism. TRIM21 expression in dexamethasone (Dex)‑treated mouse MC3T3‑E1 preosteoblast cells was examined using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. The Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK‑8) method and lactate dehydrogenase release assay were used to respectively measure cell viability and injury. Flow cytometry analysis was used to assay cell apoptosis. Caspase 3 activity was evaluated using a specific assay, while alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red S staining were used to evaluate osteogenesis. 2,7‑dichloro‑dihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence probe was used to estimate reactive oxygen species generation. Specific assay kits were used to appraise oxidative stress levels. In addition, the expression of apoptosis‑, osteogenic differentiation‑ and Kelch‑like ECH‑associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling‑associated proteins was assessed using western blotting. In Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385)‑pretreated MC3T3‑E1 cells exposed to Dex, cell apoptosis, osteogenesis and oxidative stress were detected again as aforementioned. Results revealed that TRIM21 expression was raised in Dex‑induced MC3T3‑E1 cells and TRIM21 deletion improved the viability and osteogenic differentiation, whereas it hampered the oxidative stress and apoptosis in MC3T3‑E1 cells with Dex induction. In addition, silencing of TRIM21 activated Keap1/Nrf2 signaling. Moreover, ML385 partially abrogated the effects of TRIM21 depletion on the oxidative stress, apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3‑E1 cells exposed to Dex. In conclusion, TRIM21 silencing might activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling to protect against steroid‑induced ONFH.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2024
·
IF 7.7
Hong Yang,Liyang Ding,Bo Xu,Zhen Zhang,Wenjie Dai,Tiantian He,Ling Liu,Xing Du,Xufeng Fu
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer that has been shown to significantly negatively affect male reproductive health. On the other hand, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been shown to improve reproductive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that LBP may ameliorate DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. Herein, we found that LBP could alleviate DEHP-induced testicular damage and sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, histomorphological analysis of mice testis revealed that LBP primarily ameliorated the DEHP-induced male reproductive damage by targeting Sertoli cells. Moreover, the detection of the function-related genes of Sertoli cells confirmed this finding. The serum of mice in the Control, DEHP, and DEHP+LBP groups was analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics to further elucidate the mechanism of action of LBP in improving DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. According to the results, the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the glutamate metabolism pathway, implying that LBP may alleviate the ferroptosis-related DEHP-induced testicular injury. Related ferroptosis markers were also found in mice testis. These findings collectively suggest that LBP may ameliorate DEHP-induced testicular injury via alleviating ferroptosis in Sertoli cells. To clarify the specific mechanism, we constructed a cell model in vitro by treating TM4 cells (the Sertoli cell line) with LBP and MEHP (the in vivo DEHP metabolite). Our findings revealed that LBP can improve the function of DEHP-affected Sertoli cells. Furthermore, the analysis of lipid peroxidation, Fe 2+ content, and ferroptosis-related protein expressions demonstrated that LBP could ameliorate MEHP-induced ferroptosis in TM4 cells. To clarify the specific mechanism, glutamate metabolism-related proteins involved in the ferroptosis pathway were detected. According to the results, there were significant changes in the expression of NRF2, SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins, which are involved in the ferroptosis glutamate metabolism pathway. Furthermore, supplementation of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 inhibitors (ML385, Erastin, and RSL3, respectively) blocked the therapeutic effect of LBP in alleviating MEHP-induced ferroptosis in TM4 cells, implying that LBP could also ameliorate MEHP-induced ferroptosis via the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway. In summary, these findings show that LBP can alleviate DEHP/MEHP-induced ferroptosis through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, ameliorating Sertoli cell dysfunction and improving the DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. Therefore, the clinical administration of LBP could be an effective strategy for preventing DEHP-induced male reproductive injury.
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Pharmaceuticals
·
2025
·Vol. 18
·期 4
·548
·
IF 4.8
Huiming Xue,Zhen Feng,Chang Jin,Yue Zhang,Yongxing Ai,Jing Wang,Meizhu Zheng,Dongfang Shi
Objectives: Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disorder with high morbidity, mortality, and disability rates, posing a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Soy isoflavone (SI), a naturally occurring phytoestrogen, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-stroke efficacy of SI and elucidate its underlying mechanisms through integrated phytochemical profiling, network pharmacology, and both in vitro and in vivo experimental validation.Methods: Active constituents of SI were extracted via reflux and identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways. The neuroprotective effects of SI were first assessed in PC12 cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in vitro. For in vivo evaluation, transient cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury was induced using the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model in adult male ICR rats (27.3 ± 1.8 g; 6–8 weeks old), obtained from the Shanghai Experimental Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n= 12): sham, model (BCCAO), SI-treated (100 mg/kg, oral gavage for 5 days), and edaravone (EDA)-treated (10 mg/kg, i.p., positive control). All procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Changchun Normal University (Approval No. 2024003, 13 March 2024) and conducted in accordance with the NIH guidelines and ARRIVE 2.0 reporting standards.Results: In vitro, SI significantly enhanced PC12 cell viability from 57.23 ± 2.88% to 80.76 ± 4.43% following OGD/R. It also reduced intracellular Ca2+by 58.42%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by 37.67%, caspase-3 activity by 55.05%, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 74.13% (p< 0.05). A flow cytometry analysis revealed that OGD/R increased the apoptosis rate from 5.34% (control) to 30.85% (model group), which was significantly attenuated by SI treatment, especially in the 560 µg/mL group (20.00%), followed by the 140 and 280 µg/mL groups. In vivo, SI improved neurological scores from 8.3 ± 1.09 to 6.8 ± 1.68, reduced cerebral infarction volume by 18.49%, and alleviated brain edema by 10.42% (p< 0.05). SI also decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDH levels by 31.15% and 39.46%, respectively, while increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 11.70%, catalase (CAT) by 26.09%, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) by 27.55% (p< 0.01). Scratch assay results showed that SI restored the impaired migratory ability of the OGD/R-treated PC12 cells, further supporting its role in cellular repair. A Western blot analysis demonstrated the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and the downregulation of Kelch-like, ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion model.Conclusions: These findings indicate that soy isoflavone confers significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms, reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting cell migration. The protective effects are likely mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, supporting the therapeutic potential of SI in ischemic stroke treatment.
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International Journal of Biological Sciences
·
2017
·
IF 3.873
Chenxiao Yu,Yang Jiao,Jiao Xue,Qi Zhang,Hongying Yang,Ligang Xing,Guangxia Chen,Jinchang Wu,Shuyu Zhang,Wei Zhu,Jianping Cao
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, is widely studied as a cancer chemopreventive agent with potential anti-cancer effects. The NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway is considered to mediate cellular resistance to EGCG. Metformin, a classical antidiabetic drug, has been shown to prevent cancer progression. Researchers have not reported whether metformin potentiates the anti-cancer efficacy of EGCG. In this study, metformin inhibited HO-1 expression and augmented the anti-tumor effect of EGCG. Metformin also enhanced ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation induced by EGCG (100 μM), subsequently resulting in apoptosis. Based on the results of the in vivo study, size of xenografts treated with the combination of metformin and EGCG was smaller than other groups. Mechanistically, metformin modulated the EGCG-activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway through Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-dependent deacetylation of Nrf2. Moreover, metformin upregulated SIRT1 expression partially through the NF-kB pathway. Comparatively, the combination of EGCG and metformin showed little impact on normal lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Based on our findings, metformin sensitized NSCLC cells to the EGCG treatment by suppressing the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
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FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
·
2021
·
IF 7.376
Rana Dhar,Mohammad Nasiruddin Rana,Lejun Zhang,Yajun Li,Ning Li,Zhengqiang Hu,Chungunag Yan,Xuefeng Wang,Xuyang Zheng,Hongyun Liu,Huashun Cui,Zigang Li,Huifang Tang
Acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with overproduction of inflammatory mediators in lung tissue. Previous studies have revealed that inflammation induces activation of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) accompanied by the production of inflammatory mediators, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Here, we focused on the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome complexes to study the crosstalk between PDE4B and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). We used global knockout PDE4B or Nrf2 mice to prepare LPS induced acute lung injury model by intratracheally administration, and LPS primed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), following overexpression of PDE4B or Nrf2, luciferase activity analysis, and chIP-qPCR analyses. We found that deficiency of PDE4B could potently attenuate the lung histopathological changes, suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and cleaved caspase-1, 8, and GSDMD accompanied with defective activation of the ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3. Meanwhile deficiency of Nrf2 showed the similar results. Furtherly, overexpression by PDE4B or Nrf2 plasmid transfection in MH-S cells could enhance the Nrf2 or PDE4B expression. Luciferase analysis suggested that Nrf2 activated PDE4B promoter activity, while PDE4B could increase Nrf2 substrate ARE activity in MH-S cells in dose dependent manners. ChIP-qPCR analyses showed that Nrf2 bound to the PDE4B promoter region at ̴ 1532 to ̴1199 position in macrophages. Altogether, deficiency of PDE4B inhibit the inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in LPS stimulated lung injury model and macrophages by regulating ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3 activation. The study provides new insight that PDE4B is required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation by positive feedback with Nrf2.
研究领域:
免疫学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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病理生理学
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BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
·
2026
·
IF 2.5
Mengya Cai,Weijian Chen,Chao Lu,Wenqiang Li,Yimin Lu,Ling Cheng,Meirong Guo,Yun Liang,Yuanmei He,Wengang Liu,Tao Jiang
Impaired infected wound healing is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and ferroptosis has emerged as a key mechanism connecting oxidative stress to mitochondrial damage. Baicalein holds potential for modulating this process, yet its application is constrained by poor bioavailability. Herein, a multifunctional nano-delivery system (Ba@Zn-MSN@CH) was rationally designed for infected wound treatment. Zinc-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Zn-MSN) were synthesized to serve as a baicalein carrier. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and dihydrocaffeic acid were covalently grafted onto the surface of the nanoparticles via silanization and amidation reactions, leading to the formation of a stable core-shell structure. The introduction of macromolecular coating was found to not only prolong drug release but also enhance antioxidant and antibacterial efficacy. What's more, Ba@Zn-MSN@CH effectively alleviated mitochondrial damage by inhibiting ferroptosis, thereby restoring cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, and ultimately accelerating infected wound healing. Mechanistically, Ba@Zn-MSN@CH inhibited ferroptosis by inducing AMP-activated Protein Kinase α (AMPKα) phosphorylation in fibroblasts. AMPKα sustained the abundance of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which subsequently suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited ferroptotic cell death through upregulation of downstream antioxidant factors. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that Ba@Zn-MSN@CH accelerated infected wound healing by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway, highlighting the potential of baicalein-based nanotherapeutics as a promising strategy for infected wound management.
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International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2026
·
IF 8.7
Feifei Chen,Hui Jiang,Xueyi Song,Jianfeng Wang,Xu Ma,Quan Zhou,Abdullah Al Mamun,Lingna Li,Yunfang Zhou,Hongbin Xu,Shuanghu Wang
Introduction: Cerebral ischemic stroke has high mortality and disability rates with limited targeted therapeutic strategies. Biomimetic nanocarriers can optimize drug delivery efficiency and exert neuroprotection effects, providing a promising strategy for ischemia-reperfusion injury treatment.Methods: Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were synthesized via an improved Stoer method and loaded with imperatorin (IMP). Subsequently, neutrophil cell membranes (NCM) extracted from DMSO-induced HL-60 cells were coated onto the nanoparticles to construct NCM/IMP@HMSNs. Nanomaterial characterization was carried out. In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models in SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) models were established to explore the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms.Results: The synthesized NCM/IMP@HMSNs nanoparticles possessed uniform particle size (~143 nm) and favorable stability, with an encapsulation efficiency of 31.84%. In vitro results revealed that IMP significantly increased the viability of OGD/R-injured SH-SY5Y cells compared with the model group. In vivo experiments showed that NCM/IMP@HMSNs efficiently accumulated in ischemic brain tissue, notably decreased mNSS scores, and reduced cerebral infarct volume by approximately 33.31% compared with the MCAO/R group. This nanosystem activated the Nrf2/ARE/Keap1 pathway, thereby upregulating HO-1 expression to strengthen antioxidant capacity, alleviate the accumulation of cerebral oxidative stress products, and regulate the activities of SOD, GSH, CAT and LDH.Conclusion: The biomimetic NCM/IMP@HMSNs nanoplatform enhances the neuroprotective efficacy against ischemia–reperfusion injury via activating the Nrf2/ARE/Keap1 pathway, offering a promising targeted therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke therapy.
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Antioxidants
·
2026
·Vol. 15
·期 8
·970
·
IF 8.2
Xiaofen Li,Yinju Zhang,Wenxia Dai,Ming Xia,Lang Zhou
Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder characterized by excessive oxidative stress and persistent inflammatory cascades, yet safe multi-target natural therapeutic agents remain scarce.Cinnamomum migaois a well-known Miao ethnic medicine used for cardiovascular conditions, yet its cardioprotective effects and mechanisms remain largely unclear. This study investigated the efficacy and underlying mechanism ofC. migaoethyl acetate extract (MGE) against AMI. MGE significantly improved the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to OGD/R injured. UPLC-MS/MS and molecular networking identified 30 constituents in MGE, among which sesquiterpenoids predominated. In ISO-induced AMI rats, MGE dose-dependently mitigated myocardial injury, as reflected by reduced ST-segment elevation, serum CK-MB and LDH levels, and alleviated histopathological damage. MGE enhanced SOD and CAT activities, decreased MDA content, and inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Mechanistically, MGE downregulated the expression of NOX4, HIF-1α, p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65, while activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Oxyphyllenone A and magnodelavin C were identified as key active sesquiterpenoids that stably bound to IL-17 and TNF. Collectively, MGE alleviates AMI injury via anti-oxidative, anti-hypoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of the HIF-1α/Nrf2/NF-κB/MAPK axis downstream of oxidative stress, with sesquiterpenoids serving as its key bioactive components. This work provides robust experimental evidence supportingC. migaoas a promising natural antioxidant candidate for the prevention and treatment of AMI.
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JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 5.4
Meng Kong,Zixuan Xu,Haifei Lu,Yumeng Chen,Yini Zhang,Xia Jiang,Ping Wang
Ethnopharmacological relevance ShengHui decoction (SHD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has long been used clinically to mitigate Alzheimer’s disease (AD), demonstrating significant efficacy in alleviating cognitive impairment. However, its molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Aim of the study To clarify the effects of SHD on oxidative stress–related markers and inflammatory cytokines in an aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 )-induced zebrafish model of AD and as well as uncover its underlying mechanisms in alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.. Materials and methods Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to identify the bioactive constituents of SHD. Behavioral tests and histopathological analyses were then conducted to evaluate the effects of SHD (0.74, 1.48, and 2.96 mg/mL) on apoptosis and amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in an AlCl 3 -induced AD zebrafish model. Biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-18.. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p–NF-κB p65), and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). Results UPLC–MS/MS profiling identified phenolic acids, saponins, lignans/coumarins, flavonoids, and aliphatic alcohols as the main constituents of SHD. SHD significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits and histopathological abnormalities in AlCl 3 -induced zebrafish. Moreover, SHD attenuated oxidative stress by upregulating Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression, while downregulating AlCl 3 -induced levels of NF-κB p65, p–NF-κB p65, NLRP3 and pro-inflammatory factors. Conclusions SHD effectively improved cognitive performance and reduced AD-like pathological lesions in AlCl 3 -induced zebrafish. Importantly, SHD exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and inhibiting NF-κB signaling, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses in AD. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting SHD as a potential therapeutic agent for AD, and substantiate the traditional Chinese medicine principle of tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence in the treatment of AD.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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民族药理学
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分子生物学
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中医中药
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危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）