1.4'-O-methylbavachalcone improves vascular cognitive impairment by inhibiting neuroinflammation via EPO/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Xin-Yuan ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Hong-Qing CHEN ; Xiang-Bing ZENG ; Jun-Jie WANG ; Qing-Guang ZHANG ; Jin-Wen XU ; Shuang LING
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3990-4002
This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of 4'-O-methylbavachalcone(MeBavaC), an active compound from Psoraleae Fructus, in regulating white matter neuroinflammation to improve vascular cognitive impairment. Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, model group, high-dose MeBavaC group(14 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose MeBavaC group(7 mg·kg~(-1)). The rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH) was established using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the rats. Luxol fast blue staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of the white matter myelin sheaths, axon integrity, the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons, and the loss and activation of glial cells in the white matter. Transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of white matter injury induced by CCH. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to measure the expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), absent in melanoma 2(AIM2), gasdermin D(GSDMD), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), erythropoietin(EPO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the white matter of rats. The results showed that compared with the model group, MeBavaC significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats with CCH, improved the damage of white matter myelin sheath, maintained axonal integrity, reduced the loss of hippocampal neurons and oligodendrocytes in the white matter, inhibited the activation of microglia and the proliferation of astrocytes in the white matter, and suppressed the NLRP3/AIM2/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly reduced, while EPO expression and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway were notably elevated. In conclusion, MeBavaC can alleviate cognitive impairment in rats with CCH and suppress neuroinflammation in cerebral white matter. The mechanism of action may involve activation of EPO activity, promotion of endogenous antioxidant pathways, and inhibition of neuroinflammation in the white matter. This study suggests that MeBavaC exhibits antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, showing potential application in improving cognitive dysfunction.
Animals
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
;
Rats
;
Chalcones/administration & dosage*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/genetics*
2.Mechanism of puerarin improving myocardial contractile function in myocardial hypertrophy by inhibiting ferroptosis via Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Yan-Dong LIU ; Wei QIAO ; Zhao-Hui PEI ; Guo-Liang SONG ; Wei JIN ; Wei-Bing ZHONG ; Qin-Qin DENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4679-4689
This study aims to explore the specific mechanism by which puerarin inhibits ferroptosis and improves the myocardial contractile function in myocardial hypertrophy through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element(ARE)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway. The hypertrophic cardiomyocyte model was established using phenylephrine, and H9c2 cells were divided into control group, model group, puerarin group, and puerarin+ML385 group. Cell viability and surface area were detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) and immunofluorescence experiments. The mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca~(2+) concentration were measured. The ferroptosis-related indicators were detected by biochemical and fluorescence staining methods. The expression of proteins related to ferroptosis and the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. A myocardial hypertrophy model was established, and 40 rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, puerarin group, and puerarin+Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) group, with 10 rats in each group. Echocardiogram, hemodynamic parameters, and myocardial hypertrophy parameters were measured. Histopathological changes of myocardial tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Biochemical methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and fluorescence staining were used to detect inflammatory factors and ferroptosis-related indicators. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proteins related to ferroptosis and the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway. Cell experiments showed that puerarin intervention significantly enhanced the viability of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, reduced their surface area, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca~(2+) homeostasis. Mechanism studies revealed that puerarin promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulated the expression of HO-1, solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and decreased malondialdehyde(MDA), reactive oxygen species(ROS), and iron levels. These protective effects were reversed by ML385. In animal experiments, puerarin improved cardiac function in rats with myocardial hypertrophy, alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, inhibited inflammatory responses and ferroptosis, and promoted nuclear Nrf2 translocation and HO-1 expression. However, combined intervention with ML385 led to deterioration of hemodynamics and a rebound in ferroptosis marker levels. In conclusion, puerarin may inhibit cardiomyocyte ferroptosis through the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby improving myocardial contractile function in myocardial hypertrophy.
Animals
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
;
Rats
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Isoflavones/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Cardiomegaly/genetics*
;
Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism*
;
Antioxidant Response Elements/drug effects*
;
Myocardial Contraction/drug effects*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
;
Cell Line
3.Mechanism analysis of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in alleviating oxidative stress and promoting osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through activating Nrf2/NQO1 pathway.
Jiahui HUANG ; Long CHEN ; Chen XU ; Haojie YU ; Shishuai ZHOU ; Jianzhong GUAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1459-1467
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism by which ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (hereinafter referred to as "ω-3") exert antioxidant stress protection and promote osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells, and to reveal the relationship between ω-3 and the key antioxidant stress pathway involving nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD (P) H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in MC3T3-E1 cells.
METHODS:
The optimal concentration of H 2O 2 (used to establish the oxidative stress model of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro) and the optimal intervention concentrations of ω-3 were screened by cell counting kit 8. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group, oxidative stress group (H 2O 2), low-dose ω-3 group (H 2O 2+low-dose ω-3), and high-dose ω-3 group (H 2O 2+high-dose ω-3). After osteoblastic differentiation for 7 or 14 days, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by fluorescence staining and flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by biological transmission electron microscope; the expression levels of Nrf2, NQO1, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), and Mfn2 were detected by Western blot to evaluate the cells' antioxidant stress capacity; the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot; osteogenic potential of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining.
RESULTS:
Compared with the oxidative stress group, the content of ROS in the low and high dose ω-3 groups significantly decreased, and the protein expressions of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 significantly increased ( P<0.05). At the same time, the mitochondrial morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells improved, and the expressions of mitochondrial morphology-related proteins Mfn1 and Mfn2 significantly increased ( P<0.05). ALP staining and alizarin red staining showed that the low-dose and high-dose ω-3 groups showed stronger osteogenic ability, and the expressions of osteogenesis-related proteins RUNX2 and OCN significantly increased ( P<0.05). And the above results showed a dose-dependence in the two ω-3 treatment groups ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
ω-3 can enhance the antioxidant capacity of MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress conditions and upregulate their osteogenic activity, possibly through the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Osteoblasts/drug effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology*
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Antioxidants/pharmacology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
4.Therapeutic effects of natural products on animal models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Xinru FEI ; Guixian YANG ; Junnan LIU ; Tong LIU ; Wei GAO ; Dongkai ZHAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(6):1067-1079
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently lacks effective treatments to halt disease progression, making the search for preventive and therapeutic drugs a pressing issue. Natural products, with their accessibility, affordability, and low toxicity, offer promising avenues. Investigating the pharmacological effects and related signaling mechanisms of active components from natural products on COPD animal models induced by various triggers has become an important focus. In animal models induced by cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), air pollution, elastase, bacterial or viral infections, the active compounds of natural products, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, can exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mucus-regulating, and airway remodeling-inhibiting effects through key signaling pathways including nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COPD but also point to new directions for future scientific research.
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/etiology*
;
Animals
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Biological Products/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Terpenes/pharmacology*
;
Antioxidants/pharmacology*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Smoke/adverse effects*
;
Phenols/therapeutic use*
5.Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment through sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway.
Wenqin YANG ; Wen WEN ; Hao CHEN ; Haijun ZHANG ; Yun LU ; Ping WANG ; Shijun XU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):77-89
The activation of the sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid (ZFXN) ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, the underlying mechanism, particularly whether it involves protecting mitochondria and inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, remains unclear. This study employed an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model using SH-SY5Y cells and induced PSCI in rats through modified bilateral carotid artery ligation (2VO). The effects of ZFXN on learning and memory, neuroprotective activity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Results indicated that ZFXN significantly increased the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)/Bcl2-associated X (Bax) ratio, reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling (TUNEL)+ cells, and markedly improved cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal function in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, ZFXN exhibited potent antioxidant activity, evidenced by decreased ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels. ZFXN also demonstrated considerable enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Tom20 fluorescence intensity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge (EC) levels, and mitochondrial complex I and III activity, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial damage. Additionally, ZFXN significantly increased SIRT1 activity and elevated SIRT1, nuclear Nrf2, and HO-1 levels. Notably, these effects were substantially counteracted when SIRT1 was suppressed by the inhibitor EX-527 in vitro. In conclusion, ZFXN alleviates PSCI by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and preventing mitochondrial damage.
Sirtuin 1/genetics*
;
Animals
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
;
Stroke/complications*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Neuroprotective Agents
6.Dexmedetomidine attenuates heat stress-induced oncosis in human skeletal muscle cells by activating the Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway.
Yang LIU ; Yiqing JIA ; Chengcheng LI ; Handing MAO ; Shuyuan LIU ; Yi SHAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):603-613
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) against heat stress (HS)-induced oncosis in human skeletal muscle cells (HSKMCs) and its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
A HSKMC model of HS-induced oncosis were established by 43 ℃ water bath for 4 h, and the effects of treatments with 30 μmol/L DEX, ML385 (a Nrf2 inhibitor) +DEX, si-Nrf2+HS, and si-Nrf2+DEX prior to modeling on cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay. Oncosis characteristics were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry. The oxidative stress markers (GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD and ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, energy metabolism, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in the cells were quantified using standard kits, and the expressions of porimin, caspase-3 and Nrf2 pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting and qRT-PCR.
RESULTS:
HS induced typical oncotic features in HSKMCs including organelle swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolization. DEX pretreatment significantly attenuated these changes, reduced Annexin V+/PI+ cell ratio and cellular porimin expression, and lowered the levels of ROS and MDA while restoring GSH and SOD levels. DEX pretreatment also significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level, upregulated the expressions of Nrf2, p-Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1, and suppressed the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. The protective effects of DEX were obviously attenuated by interventions with ML385 or si-Nrf2.
CONCLUSIONS
DEX mitigates HS-induced HSKMC oncosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to relieve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses.
Humans
;
Dexmedetomidine/pharmacology*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Heat-Shock Response/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
;
Muscle, Skeletal/cytology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
7.Role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in cypermethrin-induced oxidative injury of mice hippocampal neurons.
Lihua ZHOU ; Xun ZHANG ; Yingying YU ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):893-900
OBJECTIVES:
To explore whether the antioxidant axis Nrf2/HO-1 is involved in the regulation of hippocampus injury induced by cypermethrin and its underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Ten-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and cypermethrin exposure groups with low, medium, and high exposure levels. After 21 days of oral gavage of corn oil (control) or cypermethrin, the levels of MDA, T-SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in the hippocampus of the mice were examined to evaluate the oxidative stress levels. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes of the hippocampal neurons. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR were employed to detect the protein expressions and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and HO-1.
RESULTS:
Subacute oral exposure to cypermethrin significantly increased MDA level, decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes T-SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and induced neuronal damage in the CA1 and CA3 regions in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice. Cypermethrin exposure also caused Nrf2 protein translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, accompanied by upregulated expression levels of the key antioxidant factor Nrf2 and its downstream target kinase HO-1.
CONCLUSIONS
Cypermethrin exposure dose-dependently causes oxidative damage in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice, which is regulated by the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.
Animals
;
Pyrethrins/toxicity*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Hippocampus/cytology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Neurons/pathology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Membrane Proteins
8.Electroacupuncture pretreatment alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the gut-brain axis and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Anbang ZHANG ; Xiuqi SUN ; Bo PANG ; Yuanhua WU ; Jingyu SHI ; Ning ZHANG ; Tao YE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):911-920
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) mediated by gut microbiota modulation, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation, and ferroptosis suppression.
METHODS:
Adult male SD rats were divided into sham operation group, CIRI model group, and EA preconditioning group. In the latter two groups, rat models of CIRI were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and in EA preconditioning group, EA was applied at Baihui (DU20) and Zusanli (ST36) for 3 days before modeling. Neurological deficits, cerebral infarction, and hippocampal pathology of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests, TTC staining, and Nissl and HE staining, and the oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS, and SOD), apoptosis/ferroptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, GPX4, and SLC7A11), and changes in gut microbiota were analyzed.
RESULTS:
EA preconditioning significantly reduced neurological deficits, decreased infarct volume, promoted hippocampal neuronal survival, and improved structural integrity of the hippocampal neurons in MCAO rats. EA preconditioning also significantly lowered MDA and ROS and increased SOD levels, upregulated Bcl-2, GPX4, and SLC7A11 expressions, and downregulated Bax expression in the hippocampal tissue of the rats, causing also activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and improvement of gut microbiota composition.
CONCLUSIONS
EA preconditioning alleviates CIRI in rats by suppressing ferroptosis and apoptosis, enhancing antioxidant defenses via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, and regulating the gut-brain axis.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction
;
Reperfusion Injury/therapy*
;
Ferroptosis
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Brain Ischemia
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/metabolism*
;
Brain/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis
9.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and oridonin synergistically induce ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by activating PIEZO1 via the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Bihang SUN ; Yujun GUO ; Yulin QI ; Dan YAO ; Wenzhi CHEN ; Nianzhi CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2160-2170
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the inhibitory effect of oridonin against proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).
METHODS:
PANC-1 cells treated with different concentrations of oridonin were examined for changes in cell proliferation using CCK-8 assay and in MDA, GSH and ATP levels using flow cytometry. The protein expressions of GPX4, Nrf2 and HO-1 in the treated cells were detected with Western blotting. The effect of Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, on proliferation of oridonin-treated cells were assessed, and the effects of oridonin combined with LIPUS on PIEZO1 protein expression was evalauted using Western blotting. A C57BL/6J mouse model bearing pancreatic cancer cell xenograft was established and treated with oridonin, LIPUS, or both, and the histological changes in the tumor tissues and tumor cell proliferation were examined with HE staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki67; the changes in GPX4 expression in the tumor tissues were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
In PANC-1 cells, oridonin treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased intracellular Fe2+, ROS, and MDA levels, and decreased GSH and ATP levels. Oridonin also resulted in lowered GPX4 and increased HO-1 and Nrf2 protein expression levels in the cells. The combined treatment with LIPUS signficiantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of oridonin on PANC-1 cell viability in vitro and on xenograft growth in the mouse models, resulting also in more obvious reduction of the intensity of Ki67 staining and GPX4 protein expression and more pronounced increase of PIEZO1 protein expression in the tumor tissues in the mouse models.
CONCLUSIONS
LIPUS enhances the effect of oridonin to promote ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by activating PIEZO1 through the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Diterpenes, Kaurane/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Ion Channels/metabolism*
;
Ultrasonic Waves
;
Signal Transduction
10.Fexolone inhibits neuronal ferroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway to alleviates sepsis-associated brain injury.
Rao SUN ; Jinyao ZHOU ; Yang JIAO ; Kaixuan NIU ; Cheng YUAN ; Ximing DENG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(5):452-457
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the protective effect of Fisetin on sepsis-associated brain injury and explore its possible mechanism from the perspective of ferroptosis.
METHODS:
Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (6-8-week-old male) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (Sham group), colonic ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model group (CLP group) and Fisetin preprocessing group (CLP+Fisetin group), with 18 rats in each group (12 for observing survival rate and 6 for indicator testing). The CLP+Fisetin group was given Fisetin solution 50 mg×kg-1×d-1 by gavage continuously for 5 days before CLP, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solute, while Sham group and CLP group were given the same dose of DMSO. The model was established at 2 hours after the last gavage. The general condition of each group of rats were observed, and the 10-day mortality were record. The behavioral testing (new object recognition experiment, elevated cross maze experiment) were performed after 7 days of modeling. After 24 hours of modeling, nerve reflex scoring was performed, and then the rats were euthanized and brain tissue was collected. The pathological changes of brain tissue were observed under a microscope by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the deposition of iron ion in brain tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The content of iron in brain tissue was determined by tissue iron kit, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue was determined by colorimetry. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neuron damage marker S100β, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenases-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
On day 10 post-operation, 12, 3, and 7 animals survived in the Sham group, CLP group, and CLP+Fisetin group, respectively. Compared with the Sham group, rats in the CLP group showed significantly decreased nerve reflex score, new object discrimination index and open arm dwell time. HE staining showed arranged disorderly of neuronal cells, cytoplasm deep staining, nuclear condensation, unclear structures, neuron loss, and significant inflammation in the hippocampus in the hippocampus. Prussian blue staining showed iron ion deposition in the brain tissue. The contents of iron and MDA in brain tissue were elevated, and the expressions of TNF-α and S100β were up-regulated, while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were down-regulated. Compared with the CLP group, the CLP+Fisetin group showed significantly increased neurological reflex score (7.33±1.15 vs. 4.67±1.53), improved new object discrimination index (0.44±0.02 vs. 0.32±0.04), and longer open arm dwell time (minutes: 78.33±9.29 vs. 41.15±9.64). Neuronal cells in the hippocampus were more organized, with less cytoplasmic staining, nuclear condensation, reduced neuronal loss, and fewer inflammatory cells. Iron ion deposition was reduced, and the contents of iron ions and MDA in brain tissue were decreased [iron ion (μg/g): 151.27±14.90 vs. 224.69±17.64, MDA (μmol/g): 470.0±44.3 vs. 709.3±65.4]. The expressions of TNF-α and S100β were significantly decreased (TNF-α/GAPDH: 0.651±0.060 vs. 0.896±0.022, S100β/GAPDH: 0.685±0.032 vs. 0.902±0.014), while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 0.708±0.108 vs. 0.316±0.112, HO-1/GAPDH: 0.694±0.022 vs. 0.538±0.024, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.620±0.170 vs. 0.317±0.039). All differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Fisetin pretreatment can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce sepsis-associated brain injury by Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Sepsis/complications*
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Neurons/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Brain Injuries/metabolism*
;
Flavonols
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)

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