Search Results (9,156)

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) serves as a master transcriptional regulator of cellular antioxidant responses through orchestration of cytoprotective gene expression, establishing its significance as a therapeutic target in cerebral pathophysiology. Classical electrophilic NRF2 activators, despite potent activation potential, exhibit paradoxically reduced therapeutic efficacy relative to single antioxidants, attributable to concurrent oxidative stress generation, glutathione depletion, mitochondrial impairment, and systemic toxicity. Although emerging non-electrophilic pharmacological activators offer therapeutic potential, their utility remains limited by bioavailability and suboptimal potency, underscoring the imperative for innovative therapeutic strategies to harness this cytoprotective pathway. Non-pharmacological interventions, including neuromodulation, physical exercise, and lifestyle modifications, activate NRF2 through non-canonical, non-electrophilic pathways involving protein–protein interaction inhibition, KEAP1 degradation, post-translational and transcriptional modulation, and protein stabilization, though mechanistic characterization remains incomplete. Such interventions utilize multi-mechanistic approaches that synergistically integrate multiple non-electrophilic NRF2 pathways or judiciously combine electrophilic and non-electrophilic mechanisms while mitigating electrophile-induced toxicity. This strategy confers neuroprotective effects without the contraindications characteristic of classical electrophilic activators. This review comprehensively examines the mechanistic underpinnings of non-pharmacological NRF2 modulation, highlighting non-electrophilic activation pathways that bypass the limitations inherent to electrophilic activators. The evidence presented herein positions non-pharmacological interventions as viable therapeutic approaches for achieving non-electrophilic NRF2 activation in the treatment of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies. Full article

Background: Meniere’s disease (MD) is a rare inner ear disorder characterized by endolymphatic hydrops and symptoms such as vertigo and hearing loss, with no curative treatment currently available. XuanYunNing tablets (XYN) have been clinically used to treat MD, but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the pharmacological effects of XYN in a guinea pig model of MD and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of both MD pathogenesis and XYN intervention through integrated multi-omics analyses, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Methods: A guinea pig model of endolymphatic hydrops was induced by intraperitoneal injection of desmopressin acetate (dDAVP). Pharmacodynamic efficacy was evaluated via behavioral scoring and histopathological analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) modulated by XYN treatment were identified using high-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing. These data were integrated through multi-omics bioinformatic analysis. Key molecular targets and signaling pathways were further validated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Results: Pharmacological evaluations showed that guinea pigs in the model group exhibited a 26% increase in endolymphatic hydrops area, while high-dose XYN treatment reduced this area by 19% and significantly improved functional parameters, including overall physiological condition (e.g., weight and general appearance), auricular reflexes to low-, medium-, and high-frequency sound stimuli, nystagmus, and the righting reflex. High-throughput sequencing combined with integrative omics analysis identified 513 potential molecular targets of XYN. Subsequent network and module analyses pinpointed the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as the central axis. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis further supported a causal relationship between MD and metabolic, immune, and inflammatory traits, reinforcing the central role of JAK-STAT signaling in both MD progression and XYN-mediated intervention. Mechanistic studies confirmed that XYN downregulated IFNG, IFNGR1, JAK1, p-STAT3/STAT3, and AOX at both mRNA and protein levels, thereby inhibiting aberrant JAK-STAT pathway activation in MD model animals. In addition, a total of 125 chemical constituents were identified in XYN by UHPLC-MS analysis. ZBTB20 and other molecules were identified as potential blood-based biomarkers for MD. Conclusions: This study reveals that XYN alleviates MD symptoms by disrupting a pathological cycle driven by JAK-STAT signaling, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. These findings support the clinical potential of XYN in the treatment of Meniere’s disease and may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

Voltage-gated Na⁺ channels (Nav) are the molecular determinants of action potential initiation and propagation. Among the nine voltage-gated Na⁺ channel isoforms (Nav1.1–Nav1.9), Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 are of particular interest because of their developmental expression profile throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and their association with channelopathies. Although the α-subunit coded by each of the nine isoforms can sufficiently confer transient Na⁺ currents (I_Na), in vivo these channels are modulated by auxiliary proteins like intracellular fibroblast growth factor (iFGFs) through protein–protein interaction (PPI), and probes developed from iFGF/Nav PPI complexes have been shown to precisely modulate Nav channels. Previous studies identified ZL0177, a peptidomimetic derived from a short peptide sequence at the FGF14/Nav1.6 PPI interface, as a functional modulator of Nav1.6-mediated I_Na⁺. However, the isoform specificity, binding sites, and putative physiological impact of ZL0177 on neuronal excitability remain unexplored. Here, we used automated planar patch-clamp electrophysiology to assess ZL0177’s functional activity in cells stably expressing Nav1.2 or Nav1.6. While ZL0177 was found to suppress I_Na in both Nav1.2- and Nav1.6-expressing cells, ZL0177 elicited functionally divergent effects on channel kinetics that were isoform-specific and supported by differential docking of the compound to AlphaFold structures of the two channel isoforms. Computational modeling predicts that ZL0177 modulates Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 in an isoform-specific manner, eliciting phenotypically divergent effects on action potential discharge. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of PPI derivatives for isoform-specific regulation of Nav channels and the development of therapeutics for channelopathies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of blood cancers that arise in the lymphatic nodes and other tissues after an injury to the DNA of B/T lineage and NK lymphocytes. Recently, we reported that incomptine A (IA) has in vivo antilymphoma properties. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of IA in the treatment of NHL using antilymphoma activity, Tandem Mass Tag (TMT), and bioinformatics approaches. Methods: The antilymphoma activity of IA was tested on male Balb/c mice inoculated with U-937 cells. Also, TMT, gene ontology enrichment, Reactome pathway, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway, molecular docking, toxicoinformatic, and pharmaceutical analyses were performed. Results: By TMT analysis of the altered levels of proteins present in the lymph nodes of Balb/c mice with NHL and treated with IA, we identified 106 significantly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including Il1rap, Ifi44, Timd4, Apoa4, and Fabp3 as well as Myh3, Eno 2, and H4c11. Among these, the Fhl1 result was the most important cluster altered and a potential core target of IA for the treatment of NHL. Network pharmacology studies have revealed that DEPs are associated with processes such as muscle contraction, glycolysis, hemostasis, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, transport of small molecules, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, and platelet activation, signaling, and aggregation. Computational studies revealed strong binding affinities with six proteins associated with cancer, positive pharmacokinetic properties, and no toxicity. Conclusions: Our contribution suggests that IA may be a compound with potential therapeutic effects against NHL. Full article

Hypoxic stress is increasingly recognized as a convergent pathological factor in various age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), encompassing both acute events such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have revealed that hemoglobin (Hb), beyond its classical oxygen-transport function, exhibits unexpected expression and functional relevance within the central nervous system. Notably, both cerebral and circulating Hb appear to be dysregulated under hypoxic and aging conditions, potentially influencing disease onset and progression of these diseases. However, Hb’s impact on neurodegeneration appears to be context-dependent: in acute NDDs, it may exert neuroprotective effects by stabilizing mitochondrial and iron homeostasis, whereas in chronic NDDs, aberrant Hb accumulation may contribute to toxic protein aggregation and neuronal dysfunction. This review provides an integrative overview of the emerging roles of Hb in hypoxia-related NDDs, highlighting both shared and distinct mechanisms across acute and chronic conditions. We further discuss potential therapeutic implications of targeting Hb-related pathways in NDDs and identify key gaps for future investigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency assessment has proven to be a valuable tool for prognostic evaluation and therapeutic management guidance in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aimed to investigate the associations between MMR deficiency and a range of clinicopathological parameters. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 264 patients diagnosed with CRC, for whom immunohistochemical (IHC) data were available. Statistical analysis was performed using the Python 3.12.7 programming language within the Jupyter Notebook environment (Anaconda distribution). Results: MMR deficiency was identified in 18.18% of patients. It was significantly associated with younger age (<50 years), female sex, right-sided tumor location, poor tumor differentiation (G3), smoking, and loss of CDX2 expression (p < 0.001). MLH1 and PMS2 were the most frequently affected proteins, with concurrent loss in 77.08% of MMR-deficient cases. Loss of MLH1 expression correlated with female sex (p = 0.004), right-sided location (p < 0.001), poor differentiation (p < 0.001), and loss of CDX2 expression (p < 0.001). Additionally, the loss of PMS2 expression was associated with female sex (p = 0.015), right-sided tumor location (p = 0.003), and poor differentiation (p < 0.001). No significant associations were identified between MMR status and tumor stage, histological subtype, PLR, or NLR values. Conclusions: Gaining deeper insights into the clinical relevance of MMR status in CRC could contribute to improved testing rates and support the design of tailored management strategies that address the specific biological features of these tumors. Full article

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe stroke subtype often complicated by symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (sVP), contributing to delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcomes. Immune dysregulation, particularly T-cell imbalances and pro-inflammatory cytokines, is implicated in vasospasm development. Soluble immune checkpoint proteins—CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) and PD-L1 (sPD-L1)—regulate immune homeostasis and may serve as biomarkers or modulators of inflammation in aSAH. This prospective cohort study included 179 aSAH patients, divided into sVP+ (n = 48) and sVP− (n = 131), plus 50 healthy controls. Serum sCTLA-4 and sPD-L1 levels were measured on days 1, 5, and 9 post-ictus using Luminex xMAP. Associations with clinical outcomes were analyzed using non-parametric statistics and hierarchical clustering. Both sCTLA-4 and sPD-L1 were significantly elevated in sVP+ patients versus sVP− and controls, increasing over time. sCTLA-4 was significantly higher in sVP+ on days 5 (p = 0.001) and 9 (p < 0.001), and sPD-L1 on days 5 and 9 (both p < 0.001). Clustering revealed distinct expression patterns between sVP+ and sVP− groups. Elevated sCTLA-4 and sPD-L1 levels are associated with sVP after aSAH and may serve as biomarkers for early immune dysfunction, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets. Full article

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a multifunctional cytokine with therapeutic applications in oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. However, its clinical use is limited by the high cost of eukaryotic production systems. Here, we developed a cost-effective Escherichia coli-based platform for high-yield production of biologically active recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) using SUMO fusion technology. The engineered pET-SUMO-GM plasmid enabled expression of a 33 kDa fusion protein, accounting for 23–25% of total cellular protein, though it primarily accumulated in inclusion bodies. A multi-step purification strategy—including nickel affinity chromatography, Ulp protease cleavage, and hydrophobic chromatography—yielded >99.5% pure rhGM-CSF. In vitro functional assays demonstrated equivalent activity to the WHO international standard (ED50: 0.045 vs. 0.043 ng/mL in TF-1 cell proliferation). In vivo, the preparation significantly restored neutrophil counts (3.4-fold increase, p ≤ 0.05) in a murine cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression model. Our results establish a scalable, prokaryotic-based method to produce functional rhGM-CSF, overcoming solubility and folding challenges while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This approach could facilitate broader clinical and research applications of GM-CSF, particularly in resource-limited settings. Full article

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia among adults, poses significant therapeutic challenges due to diagnostic limitations and the frequent development of treatment resistance. While genomics-based approaches have advanced, DNA aberrations do not always reflect the expression levels of genes and proteins, which are more tightly connected to disease phenotypes. Recently, the role of the gut microbiota in AML has gained increasing attention. AML patients often exhibit gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is linked to disease progression and heightened infection risk. Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbiota metabolism influences hematopoiesis and immune function via the “gut-bone marrow axis,” with microbiota composition and diversity significantly affecting treatment outcomes and prognosis. High-throughput sequencing and metabolomics have identified correlations between gut microbiota composition and its metabolic products with AML clinical characteristics, paving the way for new biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) show promise in enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and improving patient outcomes. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of the gut microbiota in AML and explores new perspectives for its diagnosis and treatment. Full article

Background: Helcococcus kunzii, a facultative anaerobe and Gram-positive coccus, has been documented as a cunning pathogen, mainly in immunocompromised individuals, as evidenced by recent clinical and microbiological reports. It has been associated with a variety of polymicrobial infections, comprising diabetic foot ulcers, prosthetic joint infections, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and bloodstream infections. Despite its emerging clinical relevance, no licensed vaccine or targeted immunotherapy currently exists for H. kunzii, and its rising resistance to conventional antibiotics presents a growing public health concern. Objectives: In this study, we employed an integrated subtractive proteomics and immunoinformatics pipeline to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine (MEV) candidate against H. kunzii. Initially, pan-proteome analysis identified non-redundant, essential, non-homologous, and virulent proteins suitable for therapeutic targeting. Methods/Results: From these, two highly conserved and surface-accessible proteins, cell division protein FtsZ and peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase FtsW, were selected as promising vaccine targets. Comprehensive epitope prediction identified nine cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL), five helper T-lymphocyte (HTL), and two linear B-cell (LBL) epitopes, which were rationally assembled into a 397-amino-acid-long chimeric construct. The construct was designed using appropriate linkers and adjuvanted with the cholera toxin B (CTB) subunit (NCBI accession: AND74811.1) to enhance immunogenicity. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed persistent and high-affinity ties amongst the MEV and essential immune receptors, indicating a durable ability to elicit an immune reaction. In silico immune dynamic simulations predicted vigorous B- and T-cell-mediated immune responses. Codon optimization and computer-aided cloning into the E. coli K12 host employing the pET-28a(+) vector suggested high translational efficiency and suitability for bacterial expression. Conclusions: Overall, this computationally designed MEV demonstrates favorable immunological and physicochemical properties, and presents a durable candidate for subsequent in vitro and in vivo validation against H. kunzii-associated infections. Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder impacting 5–7% of pregnancies globally. With no causative treatment available, diagnosed patients have limited therapeutic options, putting them at risk for pregnancy complications. The induction of oxidative stress by ROS—one of the major contributors in PE pathogenesis—causes downstream signaling and production of anti-angiogenic factors, such as sFLT1 and sEng. The anti-angiogenic factors may cause endothelial and trophoblast dysfunction, contributing to the development of hypertension, proteinuria, and in severe cases, eclampsia. To target placental oxidative stress, we developed and evaluated an organofluorine hydrazone antioxidant, HY-12, in vitro. Human trophoblast (HTR8/SVneo) cells were incubated with hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative stress and act as a model of PE. The goal of the study was to assess the efficacy of HY-12 and its ability to reduce cell injury, mitochondrial stress, and anti-angiogenic response. In our human trophoblast-based assays, pre-treatment with HY-12 reduced mitochondrial-derived ROS production in cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide, proving its ability to alleviate the oxidative stress associated with the pathogenesis of PE. HY-12 reduced HIF1A expression and sFLT1 protein expression in H₂O₂-exposed HTR8 cells. Furthermore, HY-12 improved the activity of the mitochondrial electron chain enzyme cytochrome C oxidase (COX) in the hydrogen-peroxide-treated HTR8/SVneo cells, which is a promising attribute of the compound. In reducing placental trophoblast oxidative stress, HY-12 shows promise as a potential treatment of preeclampsia. In vivo studies are warranted to further determine the efficacy of this compound. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are prevalent central nervous system (CNS) disorders that share overlapping symptoms but differ in underlying molecular mechanisms. Distinguishing these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this study, we integrated multi-tissue transcriptomic datasets from brain and peripheral samples to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in AD and MDD. Functional enrichment analyses (KEGG, GO) revealed that dysregulated miRNAs in AD were associated with MAPK, PI3K–Akt, Ras, and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, pathways linked to synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and immune regulation. In contrast, MDD-associated miRNAs showed enrichment in Hippo signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, implicating altered neurogenesis and protein homeostasis. Network analysis highlighted key disease- and tissue-specific miRNAs, notably hsa-miR-1202 and hsa-miR-24-3p, with potential roles in neuronal survival and molecular network regulation. These findings suggest that miRNAs may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in both disorders. While therapeutic targeting of miRNAs offers promise, challenges such as blood–brain barrier penetration and tissue-specific delivery remain. This integrative approach provides a translational framework for advancing miRNA-based strategies in CNS disease research. Full article

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how oxidative stress drives inflammation, structural remodeling, and clinical expression of childhood asthma, while critically appraising emerging redox-sensitive biomarkers and antioxidant-focused preventive and therapeutic strategies. Oxidative stress arises when reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) outpace airway defenses. This surplus provokes airway inflammation: ROS/RNS activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), recruit eosinophils and neutrophils, and amplify type-2 cytokines. Normally, an antioxidant network—glutathione (GSH), enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)—maintains redox balance. Prenatal and early exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 micrometers (µm) (PM_2.5), aeroallergens, and tobacco smoke, together with polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and CAT, overwhelm these defenses, driving epithelial damage, airway remodeling, and corticosteroid resistance—the core of childhood asthma pathogenesis. Clinically, biomarkers such as exhaled 8-isoprostane, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) surge during exacerbations and predict relapses. Therapeutic avenues include Mediterranean-style diet, regular aerobic exercise, pharmacological Nrf2 activators, GSH precursors, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants; early trials report improved lung function and fewer attacks. Ongoing translational research remains imperative to substantiate these approaches and to enable the personalization of therapy through individual redox status and genetic susceptibility, ultimately transforming the care and prognosis of pediatric asthma. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) urgently requires new therapeutic strategies due to the limited efficacy of conventional treatments. Recently, PANoptosis, an integrated form of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, has emerged as a promising target in cancer therapy, though effective agents remain scarce. Paclitaxel, a Taxus-derived natural product, is often combined with other drugs to enhance efficacy, yet optimal combinations are limited. This study investigates the synergistic antitumor effects of paclitaxel and cephalomannine in TNBC, focusing on oxygen-regulated cell death pathways. Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that the combination targets multiple cell death- and inflammation-related proteins, including BCL2L1, MAPK14, SYK, TNF, and ADAM17, suggesting multi-target synergy. In vitro, the combination significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell viability, proliferation, and migration, while inducing apoptosis and necrosis. Mechanistically, co-treatment markedly increased intracellular ROS levels and γ-H2AX expression, indicating oxidative stress and DNA damage, both of which were reversible by ROS inhibition. Further analysis demonstrated that the treatment activated the p38 and p53 pathways, regulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and initiated mitochondrial apoptosis. It also promoted RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL phosphorylation and MLKL membrane translocation, triggering necroptosis, as well as upregulated NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD, inducing pyroptosis. The use of specific inhibitors partially reversed these effects, confirming the involvement of ROS-mediated PANoptosis. Similar antitumor effects were also observed in BT-549 cells, indicating the broad applicability of this combination in TNBC. MCF-10A cells exhibited mild but acceptable cytotoxicity, reflecting manageable side effects typical of chemotherapeutic agents. In vivo experiments further validated the combination’s antitumor efficacy and safety. In summary, paclitaxel and cephalomannine synergistically induce PANoptosis in TNBC through oxygen-regulated cell death pathways, offering a novel therapeutic strategy based on oxidative stress modulation by natural compounds. Full article

The oral microbiota, long recognized for their role in local pathologies, are increasingly implicated in systemic disorders, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review focuses on emerging evidence linking oral dysbiosis to neuroglial activation and autonomic dysfunction as key mediators of cardiovascular pathology. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns, as well as gingipains and leukotoxin A from Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, etc., disrupt the blood–brain barrier, activate glial cells in autonomic centers, and amplify pro-inflammatory signaling. This glia driven sympathetic overactivity fosters hypertension, endothelial injury, and atherosclerosis. Crucially, sex hormones modulate these neuroimmune interactions, with estrogen and testosterone shaping microbial composition, glial reactivity, and cardiovascular outcomes in distinct ways. Female-specific factors such as early menarche, pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and menopause exert profound influences on oral microbial ecology, systemic inflammation, and long-term CVD risk. By mapping this oral–brain–heart axis, this review highlights the dual role of oral microbial virulence factors and glial dynamics as mechanistic bridges linking periodontal disease to neurogenic cardiovascular regulation. Integrating salivary microbiome profiling with glial biomarkers [e.g., GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) and sTREM2 (soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2)] offers promising avenues for sex-specific precision medicine. This framework not only reframes oral dysbiosis as a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, but also charts a translational path toward gender tailored diagnostics and therapeutics to reduce the global CVD burden. Full article