Embryo development is impaired by sperm mitochondrial-derived ROS

BACKGROUND: Basal energetic metabolism in sperm, particularly oxidative phosphorylation, is known to condition not only their oocyte fertilising ability, but also the subsequent embryo development. While the molecular pathways underlying these events still need to be elucidated, reactive oxygen species (ROS) could have a relevant role. We, therefore, aimed to describe the mechanisms through which mitochondrial activity can influence the first stages of embryo development. RESULTS: We first show that embryo development is tightly influenced by both intracellular ROS and mitochondrial activity. In addition, we depict that the inhibition of mitochondrial activity dramatically decreases intracellular ROS levels. Finally, we also demonstrate that the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration positively influences sperm DNA integrity, most likely because of the depletion of intracellular ROS formation. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data presented in this work reveals that impairment of early embryo development may result from the accumulation of sperm DNA damage caused by mitochondrial-derived ROS.

Effect of Endometriosis on Cumulus ATP, Number of Mitochondria and Oocyte Maturity in Cumulus Oocyte Complex in Mice / Efeito da endometriose no cumulus ATP, número de mitocôndrias e maturidade oocitária no complexo oocitário cumulus em camundongos

Abstract Objective Endometriosis causes a decrease in oocyte quality. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of endometriosis on cumulus cell adenosine triphosphate ATP level, the number of mitochondria, and the oocyte maturity level. Methods A true experimental study with a post-test only control group design on experimental animals. Thirty-two mice were divided into control and endometriosis groups. Cumulus oocyte complex (COC) was obtained from all groups. Adenosine triphosphate level on cumulus cells was examined using the Elisa technique, the number of mitochondria was evaluated with a confocal laser scanning microscope and the oocyte maturity level was evaluated with an inverted microscope. Results The ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondria in the endometriosis group increased significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.05) while the oocyte maturity level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocyte (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between cumulus cell ATP level and the number of mitochondrial oocytes with oocyte maturity level (p > 0.01; p > 0.01). The ROC curve showed that the number of mitochondrial oocytes (AUC = 0.672) tended to be more accurate than cumulus cell ATP level (AUC = 0.656) in determining the oocyte maturity level. Conclusion In endometriosis model mice, the ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocytes increased while the oocyte maturity level decreased. There was a correlation between the increase in ATP level of cumulus cells and an increase in the number of mitochondrial oocytes.

Over-expression of gastrin inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via reactive oxygen species and annexin A2-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction / La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células de cáncer gástrico a través de especies reactivas de oxígeno y disfunción mitocondrial mediada por anexina A2

SUMMARY: Gastrin plays a vital role in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Its expression is up-regulated in GC tissues and several GC cell lines. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. Here, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of gastrin in GC proliferation. Gastrin-overexpressing GC cell model was constructed using SGC7901 cells. Then the differentially expressed proteins were identified by iTRAQ analysis. Next, we use flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to study the effect of gastrin on the mitochondrial potential and mitochondria-derived ROS production. Finally, we studied the underlying mechanism of gastrin regulating mitochondrial function using Co-IP, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Overexpression of gastrin promoted GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. A total of 173 proteins were expressed differently between the controls and gastrin- overexpression cells and most of these proteins were involved in tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. Among them, Cox17, Cox5B and ATP5J that were all localized to the mitochondrial respiratory chain were down-regulated in gastrin-overexpression cells. Furthermore, gastrin overexpression led to mitochondrial potential decrease and mitochondria-derived ROS increase. Additionally, gastrin-induced ROS generation resulted in the inhibition of cell apoptosis via activating NF-kB, inhibiting Bax expression and promoting Bcl-2 expression. Finally, we found gastrin interacted with mitochondrial membrane protein Annexin A2 using Co-IP and mass spectrometry. Overexpr ession of gastrin inhibits GC cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction through interacting with mitochondrial protein Annexin A2, then up-regulating ROS production to activate NF-kB and further leading to Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decrease.

La gastrina juega un papel vital en el desarrollo y progresión del cáncer gástrico (CG). Su expresión está regulada al alza en tejidos de CG y en varias líneas celulares de CG. Sin embargo, el mecanismo subyacente aun no se ha investigado. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el papel y el mecanismo de la gastrina en la proliferación de CG. El modelo de células CG que sobre expresan gastrina se construyó usando células SGC7901. Luego, las proteínas expresadas diferencialmente se identificaron mediante análisis iTRAQ. A continuación, utilizamos la citometría de flujo y la inmunofluorescencia para estudiar el efecto de la gastrina en el potencial mitocondrial y la producción de ROS derivada de las mitocondrias. Finalmente, estudiamos el mecanismo subyacente de la gastrina que regula la función mitocondrial utilizando Co-IP, espectrometría de masas e inmunofluorescencia. La sobreexpresión de gastrina promovió la proliferación de células CG in vitro e in vivo. Un total de 173 proteínas se expresaron de manera diferente entre los controles y las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina y la mayoría de estas proteínas estaban implicadas en la tumorigenesis y la proliferación celular. Entre estas, Cox17, Cox5B y ATP5J, todas localizadas en la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial, estaban reguladas a la baja en las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina. Además, la sobreexpresión de gastrina provocó una disminución del potencial mitocondrial y un aumento de las ROS derivadas de las mitocondrias. Por otra parte, la generación de ROS inducida por gastrina resultó en la inhibición de la apoptosis celular mediante la activación de NF-kB, inhibiendo la expresión de Bax y promoviendo la expresión de Bcl-2. Finalmente, encontramos que la gastrina interactuaba con la proteína de membrana mitocondrial Anexina A2 usando Co-IP y espectrometría de masas. La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células CG al inducir la disfunción mitocondrial a través de la interacción con la proteína mitocondrial Anexina A2, luego regula el aumento de la producción de ROS para activar NF-kB y conduce aún más a la disminución de la relación Bax/Bcl-2.

Lower plasma selenoprotein P levels in regularly exercising young adults / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Objective@#Physical exercise can provide many health benefits in humans. Exercise-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and its downstream signaling cascades are reported to induce mitochondrial biogenesis in exercising tissues. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is the antioxidant hepatokine whose hypersecretion is associated with various metabolic diseases. It was reported to impair exercise-induced reactive oxygen species signaling and inhibit subsequent mitochondrial biogenesis in mice. However, the relationship between selenoprotein P and mitochondrial dynamics in humans has not yet been reported. While reduction of plasma selenoprotein P becomes an attractive therapeutic target for metabolic diseases, the role of regular exercise in this regard is still unknown. This study aimed to analyze the influence of regular habitual exercise on plasma selenoprotein P levels and its association with leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number in healthy young adults.@*Methodology@#Plasma selenoprotein P levels and leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were compared in 44 regularly exercising subjects and 44 non-exercising controls, and the correlation between the two parameters was analyzed. Plasma selenoprotein P levels were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, and leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were measured using the qPCR method.@*Results@#The regular-exercise group had lower plasma selenoprotein P levels with higher leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers than the non-exercise group. There was a tendency of negative correlation between the two variables in our studied population.@*Conclusion@#Regular habitual exercise has a beneficial effect on reducing plasma selenoprotein P levels while raising mitochondrial DNA copy numbers.

Remote ischemic preconditioning-induced late cardioprotection: possible role of melatonin-mitoKATP-H2S signaling pathway

Purpose: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) confers cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the precise mechanisms involved in RIPC-induced cardioprotection are not fully explored. The present study was aimed to identify the role of melatonin in RIPC-induced late cardioprotective effects in rats and to explore the role of H2 S, TNF-α and mitoKATP in melatoninmediated effects in RIPC. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to RIPC in which hind limb was subjected to four alternate cycles of ischemia and reperfusion of 5 min duration by using a neonatal blood pressure cuff. After 24 h of RIPC or ramelteon-induced pharmacological preconditioning, hearts were isolated and subjected to IR injury on the Langendorff apparatus. Results: RIPC and ramelteon preconditioning protected the hearts from IR injury and it was assessed by a decrease in LDH-1, cTnT and increase in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP). RIPC increased the melatonin levels (in plasma), H2 S (in heart) and decreased TNF-α levels. The effects of RIPC were abolished in the presence of melatonin receptor blocker (luzindole), ganglionic blocker (hexamethonium) and mitochondrial KATP blocker (5-hydroxydecanoic acid). Conclusion: RIPC produce delayed cardioprotection against IR injury through the activation of neuronal pathway, which may increase the plasma melatonin levels to activate the cardioprotective signaling pathway involving the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels, decrease in TNF-α production and increase in H2 S levels. Ramelteon-induced pharmacological preconditioning may also activate the cardioprotective signaling pathway involving the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels, decrease in TNF-α production and increase in H2 S levels.

Effect of Guizhi Fuling Capsule on Apoptosis of Myeloma Cells Through Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFLC) on myeloma cells and explore the mechanisms.@*METHODS@#MM1S and RPMI 8226 cells were co-cultured with different concentrations of serum and the cell experiments were divided into negative (10%, 20% and 40%) groups, GZFLC (10%, 20%, and 40%) groups and a control group. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry were used to detect the viability and apoptosis levels of myeloma cells. The effects on mitochondria were examined by reactive oxygen specie (ROS) and tetrechloro-tetraethylbenzimidazol carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) assays. Western blot was used to detect the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, -9, cytochrome C (Cytc) and apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). RPMI 8226 cells (2 × 107) were subcutaneously inoculated into 48 nude mice to study the in vivo antitumor effects of GZFLC. The mice were randomly divided into four groups using a completely randomized design, the high-, medium-, or low-dose GZFLC (840, 420, or 210 mg/kg per day, respectively) or an equal volume of distilled water, administered daily for 15 days. The tumor volume changes in and survival times of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups and a control group were observed. Cytc and Apaf-1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#GZFLC drug serum decreased the viability and increased the apoptosis of myeloam cells (P<0.05). In addition, this drug increased the ROS levels and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). Western blot showed that the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were decreased in the GZFLC drug serum-treated groups, whereas the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, -9, Cytc and Apaf-1 were increased (all P<0.01). Over time, the myeloma tumor volumes of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups decreased, and survival time of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups were longer than that of the mice in the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues from the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups revealed that the Cytc and Apaf-1 expression levels were increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#GZFLC promoted apoptosis of myeloma cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and significantly reduced the tumor volumes in mice with myeloma, which prolonged the survival times of the mice.

Role of Mitophagy in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Chinese Medicine Treatment / 中国结合医学杂志

Mitophagy is one of the important targets for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Moderate mitophagy can remove damaged mitochondria, inhibit excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation, and protect mitochondria from damage. However, excessive enhancement of mitophagy greatly reduces adenosine triphosphate production and energy supply for cell survival, and aggravates cell death. How dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively recognized and engulfed is related to the interaction of adaptors on the mitochondrial membrane, which mainly include phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-induced kinase 1/Parkin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α/Bcl-2 and adenovirus e1b19k Da interacting protein 3, FUN-14 domain containing protein 1 receptor-mediated mitophagy pathway and so on. In this review, the authors briefly summarize the main pathways currently studied on mitophagy and the relationship between mitophagy and MIRI, and incorporate and analyze research data on prevention and treatment of MIRI with Chinese medicine, thereby provide relevant theoretical basis and treatment ideas for clinical prevention of MIRI.

Berberine targets the electron transport chain complex I and reveals the landscape of OXPHOS dependency in acute myeloid leukemia with IDH1 mutation / 中国天然药物

Metabolic reprogramming, a newly recognized trait of tumor biology, is an intensively studied prospect for oncology medicines. For numerous tumors and cancer cell subpopulations, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is essential for their biosynthetic and bioenergetic functions. Cancer cells with mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) exhibit differentiation arrest, epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming, and sensitivity to mitochondrial OXPHOS inhibitors. In this study, we report that berberine, which is widely used in China to treat intestinal infections, acted solely at the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I, and that its association with IDH1 mutant inhibitor (IDH1mi) AG-120 decreased mitochondrial activity and enhanced antileukemic effect in vitro andin vivo. Our study gives a scientific rationale for the therapy of IDH1 mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients using combinatory mitochondrial targeted medicines, particularly those who are resistant to or relapsing from IDH1mi.

Lyciumbarbarum polysaccharides ameliorate canine acute liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, protecting mitochondrial function, and regulating metabolic pathways / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The development of acute liver injury can result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer, yet there is currently no effective therapy for it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and therapeutic mechanism of Lyciumbarbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). To create a model of acute liver injury, experimental canines received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg of CCl4 solution. The experimental canines in the therapy group were then fed LBPs (20 mg/kg). CCl4-induced liver structural damage, excessive fibrosis, and reduced mitochondrial density were all improved by LBPs, according to microstructure data. By suppressing Kelch-like epichlorohydrin (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap1), promoting the production of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and phase II detoxification genes and proteins downstream of Nrf2, and restoring the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), LBPs can restore and increase the antioxidant capacity of liver. To lessen mitochondrial damage, LBPs can also enhance mitochondrial respiration, raise tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and reactivate the respiratory chain complexes I‒V. According to serum metabolomics, the therapeutic impact of LBPs on acute liver damage is accomplished mostly by controlling the pathways to lipid metabolism. 9-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE), lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC/LPC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) may be potential indicators of acute liver injury. This study confirmed that LBPs, an effective hepatoprotective drug, may cure acute liver injury by lowering oxidative stress, repairing mitochondrial damage, and regulating metabolic pathways.

Overexpression of miR-431-5p impairs mitochondrial function and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase3 pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of microRNA miR-431-5p in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and its effects on apoptosis and mitochondrial function in GC cells.@*METHODS@#The expression level of miR-431-5p in 50 clinical samples of GC tissues and paired adjacent tissues was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and its correlation with the clinicopathological features of the patients was analyzed. A cultured human GC cell line (MKN-45 cells) were transfected with a miR-431-5p mimic or a negative control sequence, and the cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial number, mitochondrial potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were detected using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, fluorescent probe label, or ATP detection kit. The changes in the expression levels of the apoptotic proteins in the cells were detected with Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The expression level of miR-431-5p was significantly lower in GC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.001) and was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.0227), T stage (P=0.0184), N stage (P=0.0005), TNM stage (P=0.0414) and vascular invasion (P=0.0107). In MKN-45 cells, overexpression of miR-431-5p obviously inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, causing also mitochondrial function impairment as shown by reduced mitochondrial number, lowered mitochondrial potential, increased mPTP opening, increased ROS production and reduced ATP content. Overexpression of miR-431-5p significantly downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and increased the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins p53, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 protein.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of miR-431-5p is down-regulated in GC, which results in mitochondrial function impairment and promotes cell apoptosis by activating the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase3 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential role of miR-431-5p in targeted therapy for GC.

Regulation and influence of mitochondria on macrophages during hepatitis B virus infection / 中华肝脏病杂志

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health concern, as approximately 3.5% of the world's population is currently chronically infected. Chronic HBV infection is the primary cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths related to liver disease globally. Studies have found that in HBV infection, viruses can directly or indirectly regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, respiratory chain metabolites, and autophagy, thereby altering macrophage activation status, differentiation types, and related cytokine secretion type and quantity regulations. Therefore, mitochondria have become an important signal source for macrophages to participate in the body's immune system during HBV infection, providing a basis for mitochondria to be considered as a potential therapeutic target for chronic hepatitis B.

Research progress of the regulatory role of autophagy in metabolic liver diseases / 中华肝脏病杂志

Autophagy is one of several hepatic metabolic processes in which starved cells are supplied with glucose, free fatty acids, and amino acids to produce energy and synthesize new macromolecules. Moreover, it regulates the quantity and quality of mitochondria and other organelles. As the liver is a vital metabolic organ, specific forms of autophagy are necessary for maintaining liver homeostasis. Protein, fat, and sugar are the three primary nutrients that can be altered by different metabolic liver diseases. Drugs that have an effect on autophagy can either promote or inhibit autophagy, and as a result, it can either increase or inhibit the three major nutritional metabolisms that are affected by liver disease. Thus, this opens up a novel therapeutic option for liver disease.

Research of progress of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by dysregulation of the body's response to infection, with high morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of sepsis is still unclear, and there are no specific treatment drugs. As a cell energy supply unit, the dynamic changes of mitochondria are closely related to various diseases. Studies have shown that structure and function of mitochondria are changed in different organs during sepsis. The energy shortage, oxidative stress change, imbalance of fusion and fission, autophagy reduce, biological functions of mitochondria play important roles in sepsis progress, which can provide a research target for the treatment of sepsis.

Research progress of mtDNA in acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中华危重病急救医学

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of death in critically ill patients. At present, the pathogenesis of ARDS has not been clarified, which is mainly related to excessive inflammatory response, increased endothelial and epithelial permeability, and decreased alveolar surfactant. In recent years, many studies have shown that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is involved in the occurrence and development of ARDS by inducing inflammation and activating immune response, and has the potential to be used as biomarkers for ARDS. This article reviews the role of mtDNA in the pathogenesis of ARDS, aiming to provide new strategies for the treatment of ARDS, and ultimately reduce the mortality of ARDS patients.

Phosphate and tension homology-induced kinase 1/Parkin signaling mediates cognitive dysfunction in sepsis-associated encephalopathy through activation of hippocampal mitochondrial autophagy / 中华危重病急救医学

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of gene of phosphate and tension homology (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway on hippocampal mitophagy and cognitive function in mice with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into Sham group, cecal ligation puncture (CLP) group, PINK1 plasmid transfection pretreatment groups (p-PINK1+Sham group, p-PINK1+CLP group), empty vector plasmid transfection control group (p-vector+CLP group), with 16 mice in each group. The mice in CLP groups were treated with CLP to reproduce SAE models. The mice in the Sham groups were performed laparotomy only. Animals in the p-PINK1+Sham and p-PINK1+CLP groups were transfected with PINK1 plasmid through the lateral ventricle at 24 hours before surgery, while mice in the p-vector+CLP group were transfected with the empty plasmid. Morris water maze experiment was performed 7 days after CLP. The hippocampal tissues were collected, the pathological changes were observed under a light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the mitochondrial autophagy was observed under a transmission electron microscopy after uranyl acetate and lead citrate staining. The expressions of PINK1, Parkin, Beclin1, interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) were detected by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the Sham group, CLP group mice in Morris water maze experiment had longer escape latency, shorter target quadrant residence time, and fewer times of crossing the platform at 1-4 days. Under the light microscope, the hippocampal structure of the mouse was injured, the neuronal cells were arranged in disorder, and the nuclei were pyknotic. Under the electron microscope, the mitochondria appeared swollen, round, and wrapped by bilayer or multilayer membrane structures. Compared with the Sham group, CLP group had higher expressions of PINK1, Parkin, Beclin1, LC3II/LC3I ratio, IL-6 and IL-1β in hippocampus, indicating that sepsis induced by CLP could activated inflammatory response and caused PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Compared with the CLP group, p-PINK1+CLP group had shorter escape latencies, spent more time in the target quadrant and had more number of crossings in the target quadrant at 1-4 days. Under the light microscope, the hippocampal structures of mice was destroyed, the neurons were arranged disorderly, and the nuclei were pyknotic. Under transmission electron microscope, swollen and rounded mitochondria and mitochondrial structure wrapped by double membrane or multilayer membrane structure were observed. Compared with the CLP group, the levels of PINK1, Parkin, Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3 ratio in the p-PINK1+CLP group were significantly increased [PINK1 protein (PINK1/β-actin): 1.95±0.17 vs. 1.74±0.15, Parkin protein (Parkin/β-actin): 2.06±0.11 vs. 1.78±0.12, Beclin1 protein (Beclin1/β-actin): 2.11±0.12 vs. 1.67±0.10, LC3II/LC3I ratio: 3.63±0.12 vs. 2.27±0.10, all P < 0.05], while the levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly decreased [IL-6 protein (IL-6/β-actin): 1.69±0.09 vs. 2.00±0.11, IL-1β protein (IL-1β/β-actin): 1.11±0.12 vs. 1.65±0.12, both P < 0.05], suggesting that overexpression of PINK1 protein could further activate mitophagy and reduce the inflammatory response caused by sepsis. There was no statistically significant difference in the above pathological changes and related indicators between Sham group and p-PINK1+Sham group, CLP group and p-vector+CLP group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#PINK1 overexpression can further activate CLP-induced mitophagy by upregulating Parkin, thereby inhibiting inflammation response and alleviate cognitive function impairment in SAE mice.

4E-BP1 counteracts human mesenchymal stem cell senescence via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis

Although the mTOR-4E-BP1 signaling pathway is implicated in aging and aging-related disorders, the role of 4E-BP1 in regulating human stem cell homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of 4E-BP1 decreases along with the senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genetic inactivation of 4E-BP1 in hMSCs compromises mitochondrial respiration, increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accelerates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the absence of 4E-BP1 destabilizes proteins in mitochondrial respiration complexes, especially several key subunits of complex III including UQCRC2. Ectopic expression of 4E-BP1 attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities and alleviates cellular senescence in 4E-BP1-deficient hMSCs as well as in physiologically aged hMSCs. These f indings together demonstrate that 4E-BP1 functions as a geroprotector to mitigate human stem cell senescence and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly for the mitochondrial respiration complex III, thus providing a new potential target to counteract human stem cell senescence.

NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Neuroinflammation and Related Mitochondrial Impairment in Parkinson's Disease / 神经科学通报·英文版

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and the formation of Lewy bodies, which are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein fibrils. Alpha-synuclein plays a vital role in the neuroinflammation mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in PD. A better understanding of the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation and the related mitochondrial impairment during PD progression may facilitate the development of promising therapies for PD. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation, comprising priming and protein complex assembly, as well as the role of mitochondrial impairment and its subsequent inflammatory effects on the progression of neurodegeneration in PD. In addition, the therapeutic strategies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for PD treatment are discussed, including the inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammatory pathways, mitochondria-focused treatments, microRNAs, and other therapeutic compounds.

REEP1 Preserves Motor Function in SOD1G93A Mice by Improving Mitochondrial Function via Interaction with NDUFA4 / 神经科学通报·英文版

A decline in the activities of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes has been consistently reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and animal models of ALS, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we report that receptor expression enhancing protein 1 (REEP1) acts as an important regulator of complex IV assembly, which is pivotal to preserving motor neurons in SOD1G93A mice. We found the expression of REEP1 was greatly reduced in transgenic SOD1G93A mice with ALS. Moreover, forced expression of REEP1 in the spinal cord extended the lifespan, decelerated symptom progression, and improved the motor performance of SOD1G93A mice. The neuromuscular synaptic loss, gliosis, and even motor neuron loss in SOD1G93A mice were alleviated by increased REEP1 through augmentation of mitochondrial function. Mechanistically, REEP1 associates with NDUFA4, and plays an important role in preserving the integrity of mitochondrial complex IV. Our findings offer insights into the pathogenic mechanism of REEP1 deficiency in neurodegenerative diseases and suggest a new therapeutic target for ALS.

Andrographolide protects against atrial fibrillation by alleviating oxidative stress injury and promoting impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia seen in clinical settings, which has been associated with substantial rates of mortality and morbidity. However, clinically available drugs have limited efficacy and adverse effects. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of andrographolide (Andr) with respect to AF. We used network pharmacology approaches to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of Andr. To define the role of Andr in AF, HL-1 cells were pro-treated with Andr for 1 h before rapid electronic stimulation (RES) and rabbits were pro-treated for 1 d before rapid atrial pacing (RAP). Apoptosis, myofibril degradation, oxidative stress, and inflammation were determined. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate the relevant mechanism. Andr treatment attenuated RAP-induced atrial electrophysiological changes, inflammation, oxidative damage, and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. RNA-seq indicated that oxidative phosphorylation played an important role. Transmission electron microscopy and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content assay respectively validated the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria. The translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the nucleus and the molecular docking suggested that Andr might exert a therapeutic effect by influencing the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. In conclusions, this study revealed that Andr is a potential preventive therapeutic drug toward AF via activating the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus and the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to promote mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Regulation of Mitochondria on Platelet Apoptosis and Activation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the regulation of mitochondria on platelet apoptosis and activation, and the relationship between platelet apoptosis and activation.@*METHODS@#Platelets were isolated from peripheral venous blood of healthy volunteers. Cyclosporin A (CsA), which has a protective effect on the function of platelet mitochondria, BAPTA, which can chelate calcium ions across membranes in platelets, and NAC, an antioxidant that reduces the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, were selected for coincubation with washed platelets, respectively. By flow cytometry, platelet aggregator was used to detect the changes of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet activation indexes after different interventions.@*RESULTS@#H89, staurosporine, and A23187 led to platelet mitochondrial abnormalities, while CsA could effectively reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential caused by them. Antioxidant NAC could reverse platelet mitochondrial damage correspondingly, and completely reverse platelet shrinkage and phosphatidylserine eversion induced by H89. BAPTA, prostaglandin E1, acetylsalicylic acid and other inhibitors could not reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential.@*CONCLUSION@#Mitochondrial function plays an important role in platelet apoptosis and activation. Abnormal mitochondrial function causes the imbalance of reduction/oxidation state in platelets, which leads to platelet apoptosis. Platelet apoptosis and activation are independent signal processes.