PKM2 interacts with and phosphorylates PHB2 to sustain mitochondrial quality control against septic cerebral-cardiac injury.

Sepsis induces profound disruptions in cellular homeostasis, particularly impacting mitochondrial function in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. This study elucidates the regulatory role of the Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2)- Prohibitin 2 (PHB2) axis in mitochondrial quality control during septic challenges and its protective effects against myocardial and cerebral injuries. Employing LPS-induced mouse models, we demonstrate a significant downregulation of PKM2 and PHB2 in both heart and brain tissues post-sepsis, with corresponding impairments in mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, and mitophagy. Overexpression of PKM2 and PHB2 not only restores mitochondrial function, as evidenced by normalized ATP production and membrane potential but also confers resistance to oxidative stress by mitigating reactive oxygen species generation. These cellular mechanisms translate into substantial in vivo benefits, with transgenic mice overexpressing PKM2 or PHB2 displaying remarkable resistance to sepsis-induced cardiomyocyte and neuronal apoptosis, and organ dysfunction. Our findings highlight the PKM2-PHB2 interaction as a novel therapeutic target for sepsis, providing a foundation for future research into mitochondrial-based interventions to treat this condition. The study's insights into the molecular underpinnings of sepsis-induced organ failure pave the way for potential clinical applications in the management of sepsis and related pathologies.

Screening of an FDA-approved compound library identifies apigenin for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Apigenin is the active ingredient in Ludangshen. Although previous studies reported the cardioprotective actions of apigenin against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiomyopathy, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Since apigenin beneficially regulates various aspects of mitochondrial function and dynamics, we asked whether apigenin improves heart function in mice with Dox-induced cardiomyopathy by regulating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Co-administration of apigenin significantly restored heart function, reduced myocardial swelling, inhibited cardiac inflammation, increased cardiac transcription of UPRmt-related genes, and promoted cardiomyocyte survival in Dox-treated mice. In turn, blockade of UPRmt abolished the mito- and cytoprotective effects of apigenin, evidenced by decreased ATP production, suppressed mitochondrial antioxidant capacity, and increased apoptosis, in Dox-treated, cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, apigenin treatment prevented Dox-induced downregulation of Sirt1 and Atf5 expression, and the beneficial effects of apigenin were completely nullified in Sirt1 knockout (KO) mice or after siRNA-mediated Sirt1 knockdown in vitro. We thus provide novel evidence for a promotive effect of apigenin on UPRmt via regulation of the Sirt1/Atf5 pathway. Our findings uncover that apigenin seems to be an effective therapeutic agent to alleviate Dox-mediated cardiotoxicity.

Schisandrin A ameliorates MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease in a mouse model via regulation of brain autophagy.

Schisandrin A (Sch A) is one of the principal bioactive lignans isolated from Fructus schisandrae. In this study, we demonstrated its protective effect and biochemical mechanism of action in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Sch A significantly ameliorated behavioural abnormalities and increased the number of nigral dopaminergic neurons detected by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Pre-treatment with Sch A significantly decreased the levels of the inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and markedly improved antioxidant defences by inhibiting the activity of MDA and increasing that of SOD. Furthermore, Sch A activated expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3-II, beclin1, parkin, and PINK1 and increased mTOR expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that Sch A has neuroprotective effects against the development of Parkinson's disease via regulation of brain autophagy.

Assessment of effect of Zhu-tan Tong-luo decoction on CYP450 isoforms activity of rats.

In order to investigate the effects of Zhu-tan Tong-luo decoction on the metabolic capacity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, a cocktail method was employed to evaluate the activities of CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6. The rats were randomly divided into acute Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction group (Low, High), chronic Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction group (Low, High) and control group. The acute group rats were given 0.6, 1.2 g/kg (Low, High) Zhu-tan Tong-luo decoction by intragastric administration for 1 day, and the chronic group for 14 days. Six probe drugs bupropion, omeprazole, phenacetin, testosterone, tolbutamide, and metroprolol were given to rats through intragastric administration, and the plasma concentrations were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. There statistical pharmacokinetics differences for omeprazole, phenacetin, testosterone, tolbutamide, and metroprolol in rats were observed by comparing acute Zhu-tan Tong-luo decoction group with control group; and statistical pharmacokinetics differences for bupropion, omeprazole, phenacetin, testosterone, tolbutamide, and metroprolol were observed by comparing chronic Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction group with control group. After intragastric administration of Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction may slightly induce the activities of CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 of rats. Induction of drug metabolizing enzyme by Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction would reduce the efficacy of other drug. Additional, there no statistical difference for biochemical results after 1 or 14 intragastric administration of Zhu-Tan Tong-Luo decoction.