Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Long term exposure to increased levels of pro-oxidant factors can cause structural defects at a mitochondrial DNA level, as well as functional alteration of several enzymes and cellular structures leading to aberrations in gene expression. The modern lifestyle associated with processed food, exposure to a wide range of chemicals and lack of exercise plays an important role in oxidative stress induction. However, the use of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties has been exploited for their ability to treat or prevent several human pathologies in which oxidative stress seems to be one of the causes. In this review we discuss the diseases in which oxidative stress is one of the triggers and the plant-derived antioxidant compounds with their mechanisms of antioxidant defenses that can help in the prevention of these diseases. Finally, both the beneficial and detrimental effects of antioxidant molecules that are used to reduce oxidative stress in several human conditions are discussed.

/pdf/lifestyle-oxidative-stress-and-antioxidants-back-and-forth-27lvucs2ay.pdf

Lifestyle, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases.

The production of hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) is a key event in the development of diabetic complications. Because resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has been reported to confer vasoprotection, improving endothelial function and preventing complications of diabetes, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on mtROS production in cultured human coronary arterial endothelial cells (CAECs). The measurement of MitoSox fluorescence showed that resveratrol attenuates both steady-state and high glucose (30 mM)-induced mtROS production in CAECs, an effect that was prevented by the knockdown of the protein deacetylase silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an intracellular target of resveratrol. An overexpression of SIRT1 mimicked the effects of resveratrol, attenuating mtROS production. Similar results were obtained in CAECs transfected with mitochondria-targeted H(2)O(2)-sensitive HyPer-Mito fluorescent sensor. Amplex red assay showed that resveratrol and SIRT1 overexpression significantly reduced cellular H(2)O(2) levels as well. Resveratrol upregulated MnSOD expression and increased cellular GSH content in a concentration-dependent manner (measured by HPLC coulometric analysis). These effects were attenuated by SIRT1 knockdown and mimicked by SIRT1 overexpression. We propose that resveratrol, via a pathway that involves the activation of SIRT1 and the upregulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, attenuates mtROS production, suggesting the potential for new treatment approaches targeting endothelial mitochondria in metabolic diseases.

Resveratrol attenuates mitochondrial oxidative stress in coronary arterial endothelial cells

Plants and their corresponding botanical preparations have been used for centuries due to their remarkable potential in both the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders. Aging and aging-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, which have increased exponentially, are intrinsically related with redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Hundreds of biologically active constituents are present in each whole plant matrix, providing promissory bioactive effects for human beings. Indeed, the worldwide population has devoted increased attention and preference for the use of medicinal plants for healthy aging and longevity promotion. In fact, plant-derived bioactives present a broad spectrum of biological effects, and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, more recently, anti-aging effects, are considered to be a hot topic among the medical and scientific communities. Nonetheless, despite the numerous biological effects, it should not be forgotten that some bioactive molecules are prone to oxidation and can even exert pro-oxidant effects. In this sense, the objective of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of plant-derived bioactives in age-related disorders. Specifically, the role of phytochemicals as antioxidants and pro-oxidant agents is carefully addressed, as is their therapeutic relevance in longevity, aging-related disorders, and healthy-aging promotion. Finally, an eye-opening look into the overall evidence of plant compounds related to longevity is presented.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/3/947/pdf

Hamed Haghi Aminjan

Papers

Targeting of oxidative stress and inflammation through ROS/NF-kappaB pathway in phosphine-induced hepatotoxicity mitigation