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Keywords = Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway

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15 pages, 9834 KiB  
Article
Rosmarinic Acid Protects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Suppressing Ferroptosis and Oxidative Stress Through Nrf2/HO-1 Activation in Mice
by Liqin Wu, Li Lv, Yifei Xiang, Dandan Yi, Qiuling Liang, Min Ji, Zhaoyou Deng, Lanqian Qin, Lingyi Ren, Zhengmin Liang and Jiakang He
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(7), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23070287 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Liver injury caused by the irrational use of acetaminophen (APAP) represents a significant challenge in the field of public health. In clinical treatment, apart from N—acetylcysteine (NAC), the only approved antidote, there are extremely limited effective intervention measures for APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, exploring [...] Read more.
Liver injury caused by the irrational use of acetaminophen (APAP) represents a significant challenge in the field of public health. In clinical treatment, apart from N—acetylcysteine (NAC), the only approved antidote, there are extremely limited effective intervention measures for APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, exploring novel liver-protecting drugs and elucidating their mechanisms of action is of great scientific significance and clinical value. Rosmarinic acid (RA), as a natural polyphenolic compound, has been proven to have significant antioxidant activity. Previous studies have shown that it has a protective effect against drug-induced liver injury. Nevertheless, the precise protective mechanism of RA in APAP-induced acute liver injury (AILI) has not been fully defined. This study was based on an AILI mouse model to systematically explore the liver-protecting effect of RA and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The research results showed that pretreatment with RA could notably mitigate liver pathological injury. It could decrease the activities of ALT and AST in the serum, suppress the liver inflammatory reaction, and reverse the decline in the levels of CAT, T-AOC, SOD, and GSH caused by APAP. Meanwhile, RA could enhance antioxidant defense capabilities by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulate the xCT/GPX4 axis to inhibit lipid peroxidation, and thus block the process of ferroptosis. In conclusion, this study confirmed that RA exerts a protective effect against AILI by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis to enhance antioxidant capacity and inhibit ferroptosis through the xCT/GPX4 pathway. Our research provides a theoretical basis for RA as a potential therapeutic agent for APAP-induced liver injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Specialized Metabolites from Marine Plants)
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25 pages, 4620 KiB  
Review
Network Pharmacology as a Tool to Investigate the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Plant Secondary Metabolites—A Review and Perspectives
by Anna Merecz-Sadowska, Arkadiusz Sadowski, Hanna Zielińska-Bliźniewska, Karolina Zajdel and Radosław Zajdel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6678; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146678 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their complex polypharmacological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Network pharmacology has emerged as a powerful systems-level approach for investigating multi-target interactions of natural products. This review systematically analyzes network pharmacology applications in elucidating the [...] Read more.
Plant secondary metabolites possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their complex polypharmacological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Network pharmacology has emerged as a powerful systems-level approach for investigating multi-target interactions of natural products. This review systematically analyzes network pharmacology applications in elucidating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of plant metabolites, evaluating concordance between computational predictions and experimental validation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (2015–2025), focusing on network pharmacology studies with experimental validation. Analysis revealed remarkable convergence toward common molecular mechanisms, despite diverse chemical structures. For antioxidant activities, the Nrf2/KEAP1/ARE pathway emerged as the most frequently validated mechanism, along with PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms consistently involved NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Key targets, including AKT1, TNF-α, COX-2, NFKB1, and RELA, were repeatedly identified. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids dominated as bioactive compounds. Molecular docking studies supported predicted interactions, with experimental validation showing good concordance for pathway modulation and cytokine regulation. Network pharmacology provides a valuable framework for investigating the complex bioactivities of plant metabolites. The convergence toward common regulatory hubs suggests that natural compounds achieve protective effects by modulating central nodes that integrate redox balance and inflammatory responses. Despite limitations, including database dependency, integrating network pharmacology with experimental validation accelerates mechanistic understanding in natural-product drug discovery. Full article
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18 pages, 5392 KiB  
Article
Kaempferol Alleviates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice by Regulating Intestinal Short-Chain Fatty Acids
by Siqi Zhang, Fei Tang, Zhe Zhou, Linhui Li, Yang Tang, Kaiwen Fu, Yang Tan and Ling Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146666 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Liver fibrosis remains a critical health concern with limited therapeutic options. Kaempferol (Kae) is a natural flavonoid widely present in natural plants, yet its role in modulating gut–liver axis interactions during fibrosis is unexplored. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of Kae on [...] Read more.
Liver fibrosis remains a critical health concern with limited therapeutic options. Kaempferol (Kae) is a natural flavonoid widely present in natural plants, yet its role in modulating gut–liver axis interactions during fibrosis is unexplored. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of Kae on alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms, focusing on oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are revealed. A mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was built by the subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Meanwhile, Kae was administered by gavage at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight. Serum biomarkers, liver histopathology, oxidative damage markers, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling were analyzed. AML12 hepatocytes were pretreated with Kae or SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) before H2O2-induced oxidative injury. The changes in gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs were assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing and GC-MS, respectively. Kae effectively alleviated the destruction of the liver morphology and tissue structure, reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, collagen deposition in the liver, and the expression of fibrotic factors, and downregulated the oxidative stress level in the liver of mice with liver fibrosis by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway (p < 0.05 or 0.01). In vitro, Kae significantly mitigated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Furthermore, Kae restored gut microbiota diversity, increased beneficial genera (e.g., Lactobacillus), and elevated both intestinal and hepatic SCFA levels (p < 0.01). The discrepant SCFA pretreatment similarly protected AML12 cells by activating Nrf2 signaling (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Our research suggests that Kae could inhibit CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by restoring the levels of intestinal metabolite SCFAs to reduce oxidative damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)
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15 pages, 2958 KiB  
Article
Isostrictiniin Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury via the Regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 and MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
by Wanting Ding, Yuan Sun, Wulipan Tuohudaali, Chenyang Li, Yuhan Yao and Jun Zhao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125912 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of isostrictiniin (ITN) from Nymphaea candida against acute lung injury (ALI) through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice and LPS-induced A549 cells. Compared with the model group, ITN (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the lung indexes, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of isostrictiniin (ITN) from Nymphaea candida against acute lung injury (ALI) through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice and LPS-induced A549 cells. Compared with the model group, ITN (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the lung indexes, W/D rates, BALF WBC counts, and total protein contents in ALI mice (p < 0.05), as well as the blood neu counts (p < 0.01), while increasing the blood lym counts (p < 0.01). ITN (50 and 100 mg/kg) also markedly decreased the lung tissue TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, and MPO activities in ALI mice (p < 0.01) and enhanced the SOD and GSH levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, ITN (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly improved lung histopathological damage in ALI mice. Moreover, ITN (10 and 25 µM) significantly reduced the NO, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels in LPS-induced A549 cells (p < 0.01) while significantly increasing the SOD and GSH activities (p < 0.01). After LPS-induced A549 cells, the Keap1, p-JNK/JNK, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-P38/P38, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-NF-κBp65/NF-κB p65 levels were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), whereas the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions were downregulated (p < 0.05). After treatment with ITN (25 μM), the changes in these relative protein expressions in LPS-induced A549 cells were significantly reversed (p < 0.05). The above results indicate that ITN has a better preventive effect against ALI, and its mechanisms are related to the regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants: The Molecular Guardians Against Oxidative Stress)
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31 pages, 2599 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenosides in Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
by Rongrong Bai, Zhigao Zhao, Xing Han, Mingying Shang, Guangxue Liu, Feng Xu and Shaoqing Cai
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122527 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 693
Abstract
Anthracyclines play an irreplaceable role in cancer treatment, although their clinical application is limited due to severe side effects such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. The currently available clinical drugs for treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are limited by numerous drawbacks, including the [...] Read more.
Anthracyclines play an irreplaceable role in cancer treatment, although their clinical application is limited due to severe side effects such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. The currently available clinical drugs for treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are limited by numerous drawbacks, including the side effects of the therapeutic agents, single treatment mechanisms, and individual patient variations. Therefore, novel drugs with broader applicability and multitarget synergistic protective effects are, therefore, urgently needed. Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive constituents of plants belonging to the genus Panax (family Araliaceae), exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antitumor effects, and have demonstrated cardioprotective properties against AIC. This article examines the mechanisms of AIC and the modulatory effects of ginsenosides on these mechanisms. This review highlights the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways through which ginsenosides exert therapeutic effects on AIC, including the regulation of oxidative-stress-related pathways such as Keap1/Nrf2, MAPK, STAT, PI3K/Akt, and AMPK; the restoration of mitochondrial function; the modulation of autophagy; and the inhibition of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and apoptosis. Therefore, this review serves as a theoretical basis and provides a research direction for future investigation regarding the prevention and treatment of AIC with ginsenosides, as well as clinical translation studies. Full article
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24 pages, 2492 KiB  
Review
Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Woody Oil Resources: Mechanisms of Redox Protection and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities
by Jia Tu, Jie Peng, Li Wen, Changzhu Li, Zhihong Xiao, Ying Wu, Zhou Xu, Yuxi Hu, Yan Zhong, Yongjun Miao, Jingjing Xiao and Sisi Liu
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060842 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
Antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resource by-products exhibit strong free radical scavenging abilities and offer potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This review summarizes the latest advances in preparation technologies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, recombinant expression, and [...] Read more.
Antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resource by-products exhibit strong free radical scavenging abilities and offer potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This review summarizes the latest advances in preparation technologies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, recombinant expression, and molecular imprinting, each with distinct advantages in yield, selectivity, and scalability. The structure–activity relationships of antioxidant peptides are explored with respect to amino acid composition, molecular weight, and 3D conformation, which collectively determine their bioactivity and stability. Additionally, emerging delivery systems—such as nanoliposomes, microencapsulation, and cell-penetrating peptides—are discussed for their role in enhancing peptide stability, absorption, and targeted release. Mechanistic studies reveal that antioxidant peptides from woody oil resources act through network pharmacology, engaging core signaling pathways, including Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and JAK/STAT, to regulate oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and inflammation. Preliminary safety data from in vitro, animal, and early clinical studies suggest low toxicity and favorable tolerability. The integration of omics technologies, molecular docking, and bioinformatics is accelerating the mechanism-driven design and functional validation of peptides. In conclusion, antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resources represent a sustainable, multifunctional, and scalable solution for improving human health and promoting a circular bioeconomy. Future research should focus on structural optimization, delivery enhancement, and clinical validation to facilitate their industrial translation. Full article
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17 pages, 3505 KiB  
Article
A Novel Hybrid Peptide VLP-Aβ Exhibits Antioxidant Activity In Vitro and In Vivo via KEAP1-NRF2-ARE Signaling Pathway
by Junyong Wang, Wenxiu Zhang, Rijun Zhang, Xuelian Zhao, Jing Zhang, Yichen Zhou, Yucui Tong, Zaheer Abbas, Zhenzhen Li, Haosen Zhang, Di Yang, Sichao Chen, Cong Hu, Dayong Si and Xubiao Wei
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050583 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 513
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various diseases. Antioxidant peptides have attracted great attention in agricultural, food, and clinical fields due to their low toxicity, high efficacy, and easy absorption, but the development of antioxidant peptides and [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various diseases. Antioxidant peptides have attracted great attention in agricultural, food, and clinical fields due to their low toxicity, high efficacy, and easy absorption, but the development of antioxidant peptides and their in-depth molecular mechanisms are still lacking. The previous study established a platform for the high-throughput design and screening of multifunctional peptides and successfully identified a novel hybrid peptide, VLP-Aβ (VA), which exhibits both antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of VA and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The antioxidant effects of VA were evaluated using both in vitro (H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells) and in vivo (CCl4-induced liver damage in mice) models. VA exhibited significant antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo, significantly improving the cell viability and increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) to alleviate oxidative stress. These findings indicated that the antioxidant effect of VA is dependent on NRF2, as evidenced by NRF2 knockdown experiments. Further investigation revealed that VA alleviates oxidative stress by modulating the KEAP1-NRF2-ARE signaling pathway. These findings provide insights into the properties of the antioxidant peptide VA, expand the understanding of its molecular mechanisms, and suggest new opportunities for developing VA as a novel functional agent in the agricultural, food, and clinical industries. Full article
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25 pages, 5759 KiB  
Review
Signaling Pathways in Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Phytochemical Therapeutic Interventions
by Zahra Sebghatollahi, Ruchika Yogesh, Neelima Mahato, Vijay Kumar, Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Kwang-Hyun Baek and Awdhesh Kumar Mishra
Antioxidants 2025, 14(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040457 - 12 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1913
Abstract
Oxidative stress, a pivotal driver of neurodegenerative diseases, results from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular antioxidant defenses. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of key oxidative stress sources, focusing on NADPH oxidase (NOX) hyperactivity and mitochondrial [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress, a pivotal driver of neurodegenerative diseases, results from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular antioxidant defenses. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of key oxidative stress sources, focusing on NADPH oxidase (NOX) hyperactivity and mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein (UCP) downregulation. Critically, we examine the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in mitigating NOX-mediated ROS generation through direct enzyme inhibition, including impacts on NOX subunit assembly and gene expression. Furthermore, we explore the ability of phytochemicals to bolster cellular antioxidant defenses by activating the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway, elucidating the upregulation of antioxidant genes, such as GPx, SOD, CAT, and HO-1. This review expands beyond confined overviews; emphasizes specific molecular interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins, including NOX isoforms; and provides an in-depth analysis of the specific antioxidant genes upregulated via Nrf2. This approach aims to pave the way for targeted and translatable therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, this review illuminates the intricate molecular dynamics of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases; underscores the potential of phytochemicals to restore redox homeostasis and reverse pathological conditions through precise modulation of key signaling pathways. Full article
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24 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Soy Isoflavones Protects Against Stroke by Inhibiting Keap1/NQO1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway: Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined with the Experimental Validation
by Huiming Xue, Zhen Feng, Chang Jin, Yue Zhang, Yongxing Ai, Jing Wang, Meizhu Zheng and Dongfang Shi
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040548 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 960
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Activities of Flavonoids and Their Analogues 2024)
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46 pages, 3165 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Miracle Tree: Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera in Chronic Disease Management and Beyond
by Edgar Yebran Villegas-Vazquez, Rocio Gómez-Cansino, Gabriel Marcelino-Pérez, Domingo Jiménez-López and Laura Itzel Quintas-Granados
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030634 - 5 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5888
Abstract
Moringa oleifera (MO) has gained recognition as a potent natural intervention for preventing and managing chronic diseases (CDs) due to its diverse phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, MO exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-obesity effects. These [...] Read more.
Moringa oleifera (MO) has gained recognition as a potent natural intervention for preventing and managing chronic diseases (CDs) due to its diverse phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, MO exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-obesity effects. These properties make it a valuable therapeutic agent for CDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. MO’s ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation—key drivers of CDs—highlights its significant role in disease prevention and treatment. MO enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid profiles and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and protects against oxidative damage. MO also modulates key signaling pathways involved in cancer and liver disease prevention. Studies suggest that MO extracts possess anticancer activity by modulating apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and interacting with key signaling pathways, including YAP/TAZ, Nrf2-Keap1, TLR4/NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. However, challenges such as variability in bioactive compounds, taste acceptability, and inconsistent clinical outcomes limit their widespread application. While preclinical studies support its efficacy, large-scale clinical trials, standardized formulations, and advanced delivery methods are needed to optimize its therapeutic potential. MO’s multifunctional applications make it a promising and sustainable solution for combating chronic diseases, especially in resource-limited settings. Full article
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14 pages, 4393 KiB  
Article
Structural Characterization of Polysaccharides from Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Juice and Their Preventive Effect on Oxidative Stress Activity
by Bin Zhang, Xiaoyu Wei, Peiwen Du, Huangqun Luo, Lanfang Hu, Liping Guan and Guangying Chen
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051103 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
Polysaccharides are very promising molecules in the field of pharmacotherapy. Knowing this, the aim of this study was to extract, characterize, and evaluate the action of the polysaccharides in noni juice, using biological models of Type 2 diabetes mellitus processes. In this study, [...] Read more.
Polysaccharides are very promising molecules in the field of pharmacotherapy. Knowing this, the aim of this study was to extract, characterize, and evaluate the action of the polysaccharides in noni juice, using biological models of Type 2 diabetes mellitus processes. In this study, one polysaccharide named NJSPd−1 was separated from fermented noni fruit juice. The characterization assay showed that NJSPd−1 had a molecular weight (Mw) of 18,545 Da. NJSPd−1 consisted of galacturonic acid, galactose, rhamnose, and arabinose, with a molar ratio of 28.79:20.34:19.80:18.84 according to HPGPC analysis, and the glycosidic bond mainly included →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→, 4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, and →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→. The prevention of oxidative stress activities by NJSPd−1 was evaluated using high-glucose-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. In vitro results showed that NJSPd−1 influenced the downregulation of the proteins and genes Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that NJSPd−1 exerted a protective effect against oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. Full article
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19 pages, 3294 KiB  
Article
A Novel Selenium-Based Nanozyme (GSH-Se) Ameliorates Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Nrf2/Keap1 and GPx4 Pathways
by Caimei Wu, Yuwei Zhang, Ziyun Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yixuan Zhou, Jiayong Tang, Ruinan Zhang, Hua Li, Fali Wu, Shipping Bai, Xianxiang Wang and Yang Lyu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051866 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 733
Abstract
Combination of selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) can reduce the dose of Se used while concurrently exploiting their antioxidative performance, which can be used as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis. Nanozymes possess higher stability, are more economical, and have more multifunctionalities [...] Read more.
Combination of selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) can reduce the dose of Se used while concurrently exploiting their antioxidative performance, which can be used as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis. Nanozymes possess higher stability, are more economical, and have more multifunctionalities than natural enzymes and thus could be an ideal approach for their combination. Therefore, this study synthesised a nanozyme using glutathione (GSH) and Se—GSH-Se—and evaluated its alleviating effects on colitis in mice induced by dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS). Three doses of GSH-Se, 6 mM, 12 mM, and 18 mM were supplemented in DSS-induced colitis in mice. Findings showed that GSH-Se supplementation ameliorated colitis by improving the colonic mucosal integrity, reducing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and alleviating gut microbiota imbalance in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, an in vitro experiment was performed to unravel the molecular mechanism by which GSH-Se ameliorated colitis in mice, based on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mouse colon epithelial cells. The results suggested that the alleviating effects of GSH-Se on mouse colitis was likely mediated by the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) and GPx4 signalling pathways. Full article
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42 pages, 3983 KiB  
Review
Antioxidant-Rich Functional Foods and Exercise: Unlocking Metabolic Health Through Nrf2 and Related Pathways
by Halina Tkaczenko and Natalia Kurhaluk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031098 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4767
Abstract
This article reviews the synergistic effects of antioxidant-enriched functional foods and exercise in improving metabolic health, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms. The review incorporates evidence from PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and reference lists of relevant reviews up to 20 December [...] Read more.
This article reviews the synergistic effects of antioxidant-enriched functional foods and exercise in improving metabolic health, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms. The review incorporates evidence from PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and reference lists of relevant reviews up to 20 December 2024, highlighting the central role of the Nrf2 pathway. As a critical regulator of oxidative stress and metabolic adaptation, Nrf2 mediates the benefits of these interventions. This article presents an innovative approach to understanding the role of Nrf2 in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting its potential in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, ageing, and infections such as COVID-19. The novelty of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of bioactive compounds found in functional foods (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins) and exercise-induced oxidative stress on the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. This combined approach reveals their potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation, offering a promising strategy for the management of chronic diseases. However, there are significant gaps in current research, particularly regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between diet, physical activity, and Nrf2 activation, as well as their long-term effects in different populations, including those with chronic diseases. In addition, the interactions between Nrf2 and other critical signalling pathways, including AMPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, and their collective contributions to metabolic health are explored. Furthermore, novel biomarkers are presented to assess the impact of these synergistic strategies, such as the NAD+/NADH ratio, the GSH ratio, and markers of mitochondrial health. The findings provide valuable insights into how the integration of an antioxidant-rich diet and regular exercise can improve metabolic health by activating Nrf2 and related molecular pathways and represent promising strategies for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. Further studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of these interventions in diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, and cancer. Full article
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28 pages, 12568 KiB  
Article
Lactobacillus fermentum 016 Alleviates Mice Colitis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Gut Microbiota, and Microbial Metabolism
by Huachun Pan, Shumin Yang, Md. F. Kulyar, Hongwei Ma, Kewei Li, Lihong Zhang, Quan Mo and Jiakui Li
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030452 - 26 Jan 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1970
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory gastrointestinal disease closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic homeostasis disruption. Although targeted microbial therapies are an emerging intervention strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the mechanisms by which specific probiotics, such as [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory gastrointestinal disease closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic homeostasis disruption. Although targeted microbial therapies are an emerging intervention strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the mechanisms by which specific probiotics, such as Lactobacillus fermentum 016 (LF), alleviate UC remain unclear. The current study evaluated the effects of LF supplementation on gut health in a basal model using C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, the preventive effects and mechanisms of LF supplementation on DSS-induced UC were systematically investigated. According to our findings, LF supplementation revealed immunoregulatory capabilities with significantly altered gut the composition of microbiota and metabolic activities, particularly enhancing tryptophan metabolism. In the UC model, LF supplementation effectively mitigated weight loss, increased the disease activity index (DAI), and alleviated diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon shortening. Moreover, it reduced colonic pathological damage and histological injury scores. LF intervention improved antioxidant markers and intestinal mucosal barrier function with the activation of the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway and regulation of systemic inflammatory markers, i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. Importantly, LF supplementation reversed metabolic disturbances by significantly increasing the abundance of beneficial genera (e.g., g_Dubosiella, g_Faecalibaculum, g_Odoribacter, g_Candidatus_saccharimonas, g_Roseburia, and g_Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group) and elevating tryptophan metabolites (e.g., melatonin, kynurenic acid, 3-indoleacetic acid, 5-methoxytryptophan, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid). In conclusion, Lactobacillus fermentum 016 exhibits potential for regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, enhancing tryptophan metabolism, and alleviating UC, providing critical insights for developing probiotic-based precision therapeutic strategies for IBD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Dietary Components on Gut Homeostasis and Microbiota)
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Article
Gboxin Induced Apoptosis and Ferroptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells by Promoting Autophagy-Mediated Inhibition of Nrf2 Signaling Under Low-Glucose Conditions
by Wei Liu, Junlin Lu, Jiarui Li, Lu Wang, Yao Chen, Yulun Wu, Ziying Zhang, Jingying Zhang, Feng Gao, Chaoran Jia, Yongli Bao, Xiaoguang Yang and Zhenbo Song
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020502 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1351
Abstract
Cervical cancer poses a substantial threat to women’s health, underscoring the necessity for effective therapeutic agents with low toxicity that specifically target cancer cells. As cancer progresses, increased glucose consumption causes glucose scarcity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, it is imperative to [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer poses a substantial threat to women’s health, underscoring the necessity for effective therapeutic agents with low toxicity that specifically target cancer cells. As cancer progresses, increased glucose consumption causes glucose scarcity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, it is imperative to identify pharmacological agents capable of effectively killing cancer cells under conditions of low glucose availability within the TME. Previous studies showed that Gboxin, a small molecule, inhibited glioblastoma (GBM) growth by targeting ATP synthase without harming normal cells. However, its effects and mechanisms in cervical cancer cells in low-glucose environments are not clear. This study indicates that Gboxin notably enhanced autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in cervical cells under low-glucose conditions without significantly affecting cell survival under normal conditions. Further analysis revealed that Gboxin inhibited the activity of complex V and the production of ATP, concurrently leading to a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and the mtDNA copy number under low-glucose culture conditions. Moreover, Gboxin inhibited tumor growth under nutrient deprivation conditions in vivo. A mechanistic analysis revealed that Gboxin activated the AMPK signaling pathway by targeting mitochondrial complex V. Furthermore, increased AMPK activation subsequently promoted autophagy and reduced p62 protein levels. The decreased levels of p62 protein facilitated the degradation of Nrf2 by regulating the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 axis, thereby diminishing the antioxidant capacity of cervical cancer cells, ultimately leading to the induction of apoptosis and ferroptosis. This study provides a better theoretical basis for exploring Gboxin as a potential drug for cervical cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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