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A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2024) | Viewed by 19015

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Prof. Dr. Claus Jacob

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Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
Interests: bioorganic chemistry; catalytic sensor/effector agents; epistemology; intracellular diagnostics; nanotechnology; natural products; reactive sulfur and selenium species; redox regulation via the cellular thiolstat
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Muhammad Jawad Nasim

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Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
Interests: reactive sulfur species; reactive; selenium species; redox modulation; drug design
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Dr. Ahmad Yaman Abdin

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Guest Editor Assistant

Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
Interests: pharmacy; bioorganic chemistry; philosophy of science; history of science; science communication; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is mounting evidence from animal studies, human trials, and meta-analyses of the literature pointing towards a negligent beneficial impact of orally taken antioxidants on animal and human health. In some instances these studies have even shown detrimental activity, which has led many colleagues to become rather critical of the entire concept of antioxidation and redox control in health and disease.

This Special Issue aims to answer some of the mounting criticism associated with the activities of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants. Such issues include, for instance, chemical oxidants and redox-inactive ions that eventually stimulate the body’s own antioxidant defense via feedback loops and thus overall act as antioxidants; reducing agents that lose their activity during uptake and metabolism; the thorny issue of the limited bioavailability of many natural products; and, of course, the overarching role of the cell’s own redox defense systems, which may eclipse any contribution of externally administered redox-active agents.

Submissions from various disciplines involved in antioxidant research are welcome, from smelly natural products and (redox) chemistry to medicine and microbiotics, including interdisciplinary approaches, literature analyses, and innovative, even if critical and more philosophical, hypotheses in this field.

Prof. Dr. Claus Jacob
Dr. Muhammad Jawad Nasim
Guest Editors

Ahmad Yaman Abdin
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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16 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Inflammatory and Oxidative Status of Newly Diagnosed Class III and Class IV Lupus Nephritis, with Six-Month Follow-Up

by José Ignacio Cerrillos-Gutiérrez, Miguel Medina-Pérez, Jorge Andrade-Sierra, Alejandra De Alba-Razo, Fermín Paul Pacheco-Moisés, Ernesto Germán Cardona-Muñoz, Wendy Campos-Pérez, Erika Martínez-López, Daniela Itzel Sánchez-Lozano, Andrés García-Sánchez, Tannia Isabel Campos-Bayardo and Alejandra Guillermina Miranda-Díaz

Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122065 - 1 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1316

Abstract

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most frequent and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A prospective cohort with a six-month follow-up was performed. Twelve SLE patients diagnosed with LN Class III, twelve NL Class IV patients, and twelve healthy control subjects (HC) were included. SLE data, renal function, oxidants, antioxidants, and inflammation were determined at baseline and six-month follow-up. During the six-month follow-up, the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) decreased in both LN Class III (20.08 ± 6.92 vs. 11.92 ± 5.87, p < 0.001) and LN Class IV (25.33 ± 6.01 vs. 13.83 ± 5.52, p < 0.001) patients. Furthermore, the values of the C4 component also increased during follow-up for LN Class III (25.36 ± 6.34 vs. 30.91 ± 9.22, p = 0.027) and LN Class IV (12.18 ± 3.90 vs. 20.33 ± 8.95, p = 0.008) groups. Regarding inflammation markers, both groups presented decreased C-reactive protein (CRP), but this was only significant for patients with LN class III (7.93 ± 1.77 vs. 4.72 ± 3.23, p = 0.006). Renal function remained stable in both groups, with no changes in eGFR. Patients with LN Class III and Class IV showed higher baseline levels for lipoperoxides (Class III p < 0.01, Class IV p < 0.1) and carbonyl groups in proteins (Class III p < 0.01, Class IV p < 0.1) compared to HC. Moreover, both groups presented lower baseline values of total antioxidant capacity (Class III p < 0.01, Class IV p < 0.1) and catalase (Class III p < 0.01, Class IV p < 0.1) compared to HCs. However, antioxidant and oxidant markers did not show significant differences between baseline values and at six months for either of the two study groups. In conclusion, patients show an imbalance in the oxidative state characterized by the increase in the oxidants LPO and protein carbonyl groups and the decrease in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes TAC and CAT compared to HC. However, the patients did not present an increase in disease activity and renal function improvement. The glomerular filtration rate did not change during the length of the study, and SLEDAI -2K, C3, and C4 improved. The early co-management between Rheumatologists and Nephrologists is essential to prevent the rapid progression of LN. It would be interesting to administer antioxidant supplements to patients with a recent diagnosis of LN and evaluate its effect in a follow-up study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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18 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Oxidative Status in People with Obesity: Relation to Tissue Losses, Glucose Levels, and Weight Reduction

by Beata Szlachta, Anna Birková, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Alicja Gospodarczyk, Beáta Hubková, Maria Dydoń and Jolanta Zalejska-Fiolka

Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111923 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

Background: This work aims to study the effect of reductions in various body mass components on the oxidative, glycemic, and lipid parameters of people with obesity (PWO). Methods: A total of 53 PWO underwent a six-month individualized low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise, during which anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative parameters were measured. Probands were divided into groups based on weight, visceral fat area (VFA), total body water (TBW), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) losses. Results: Weight reduction normalizes glycemia, but VFA reduction is less pronounced, while SMM and TBW reductions are more pronounced in patients with higher initial concentrations of glucose and fructosamine. Moreover, changes in oxidative parameters correlate with changes in glucose. Conclusions: Weight loss, regardless of the reduced tissue, decreases cardiovascular risk. We observed a significant change in almost all parameters related to the redox state. In general, parameters responsible for antioxidant action improved, and markers of oxidative damage decreased. Malondialdehyde, lipid peroxides, and total oxidative status levels can be considered biomarkers reflecting only the current severity of reactive oxygen species genesis processes. When considering the glycemic state, the results are not as clear due to the substantial differences between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients. Glycemic status is a factor playing a crucial role in weight reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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23 pages, 5285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction of Garcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) Desr. and Drugs as a Possible Mechanism of Liver Injury: The Case of Montelukast

by Silvia Di Giacomo, Antonella Di Sotto, Ester Percaccio, Erica Scuotto, Cecilia Battistelli, Gabriela Mazzanti, Francesca Menniti-Ippolito and Ilaria Ippoliti

Antioxidants 2023, 12(9), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12091771 - 16 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2035

Abstract

Overweight and obesity prevalence has increased worldwide. Apart from conventional approaches, people also resort to botanical supplements for reducing body weight, although several adverse events have been associated with these products. In this context, the present study aimed at evaluating the toxicity of Garcinia cambogia-based products and shedding light on the mechanisms involved. The suspected hepatotoxic reactions related to G. cambogia-containing products collected within the Italian Phytovigilance System (IPS) were examined. Then, an in vitro study was performed to evaluate the possible mechanisms responsible for the liver toxicity, focusing on the modulation of oxidative stress and Nrf2 expression. From March 2002 to March 2022, the IPS collected eight reports of hepatic adverse reactions related to G. cambogia, which exclusively involved women and were mostly severe. The causality assessment was probable in three cases, while it was possible in five. In the in vitro experiments, a low cytotoxicity of G. cambogia was observed. However, its combination with montelukast greatly reduced cell viability, increased the intracellular ROS levels, and affected the cytoplasmic Nrf2 expression, thus suggesting an impairment of the antioxidant and cytoprotective defenses. Overall, our results support the safety concerns about G. cambogia-containing supplements and shed light on the possible mechanisms underpinning its hepatotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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25 pages, 5363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitofilin Heterozygote Mice Display an Increase in Myocardial Injury and Inflammation after Ischemia/Reperfusion

by Yansheng Feng, Abdulhafiz Imam Aliagan, Nathalie Tombo and Jean C. Bopassa

Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040921 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2737

Abstract

Mitochondrial inner membrane protein (Mitofilin/Mic60) is part of a big complex that constituent the mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS), which plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial architecture and function. We recently showed that Mitofilin physically binds to Cyclophilin D, and disruption of this interaction promotes the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and determines the extent of I/R injury. Here, we investigated whether Mitofilin knockout in the mouse enhances myocardial injury and inflammation after I/R injury. We found that full-body deletion (homozygote) of Mitofilin induces a lethal effect in the offspring and that a single allele expression of Mitofilin is sufficient to rescue the mouse phenotype in normal conditions. Using non-ischemic hearts from wild-type (WT) and Mitofilin^+/− (HET) mice, we report that the mitochondria structure and calcium retention capacity (CRC) required to induce the opening of mPTP were similar in both groups. However, the levels of mitochondrial dynamics proteins involved in both fusion/fission, including MFN2, DRP1, and OPA1, were slightly reduced in Mitofilin^+/− mice compared to WT. After I/R, the CRC and cardiac functional recovery were reduced while the mitochondria structure was more damaged, and myocardial infarct size was increased in Mitofilin^+/− mice compared to WT. Mitofilin^+/− mice exhibited an increase in the mtDNA release in the cytosol and ROS production, as well as dysregulated SLC25As (3, 5, 11, and 22) solute carrier function, compared to WT. In addition, Mitofilin^+/− mice displayed an increase in the transcript of pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-6, ICAM, and TNF-α. These results suggest that Mitofilin knockdown induces mitochondrial cristae damage that promotes dysregulation of SLC25As solute carriers, leading to an increase in ROS production and reduction in CRC after I/R. These effects are associated with an increase in the mtDNA release into the cytosol, where it activates signaling cascades leading to nuclear transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines that aggravate I/R injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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18 pages, 2193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Antioxidant Activity: Redox Properties of Catechins May Affect Changes in the DNA Methylation Profile—The Example of SRXN1 Gene

by Patrycja Jakubek, Jovana Rajić, Monika Kuczyńska, Klaudia Suliborska, Mateusz Heldt, Karol Dziedziul, Melita Vidaković, Jacek Namieśnik and Agnieszka Bartoszek

Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030754 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

The role of catechins in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression has been widely studied; however, if and how this phenomenon relates to the redox properties of these polyphenols remains unknown. Our earlier study demonstrated that exposure of the human colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cell line to these antioxidants affects the expression of redox-related genes. In particular, treatment with (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC) downregulated transcription of gene encoding sulfiredoxin-1 (SRXN1), the peroxidase involved in the protection of cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the observed SRXN1 downregulation was accompanied by changes in the DNA methylation level of its promoter and, if so, whether it was correlated with the redox properties of catechins. The impact on DNA methylation profile in HT29 cells treated with different concentrations of five catechins, varying in chemical structures and standard reduction potentials as well as susceptibility to oxidation, was monitored by a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting technique employing the SRXN1 promoter region as a model target. We demonstrated that catechins, indeed, are able to modulate DNA methylation of the SRXN1 gene in a redox-related manner. The nonlinear method in the statistical analysis made it possible to fish out two parameters (charge transfer in oxidation process Q_ox and time of electron transfer t), whose strong interactions correlated with observed modulation of DNA methylation by catechins. Based on these findings, we present a proof-of-concept that DNA methylation, which limits SRXN1 expression and thus restricts the multidirectional antioxidant action of SRXN1, may represent a mechanism protecting cells against reductive stress caused by particularly fast-reacting reductants such as EGC and (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) in our study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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23 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Ribose-5-Phosphate Isomerase A-1 Expression in Specific Neurons and Time Points Promotes Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

by Wen-Chi Shen, Chiou-Hwa Yuh, Yu-Ting Lu, Yen-Hung Lin, Tsui-Ting Ching, Chao-Yung Wang and Horng-Dar Wang

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010124 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

Deregulation of redox homeostasis is often associated with an accelerated aging process. Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase A (RPIA) mediates redox homeostasis in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Our previous study demonstrated that Rpi knockdown boosts the healthspan in Drosophila. However, whether the knockdown of rpia-1, the Rpi ortholog in Caenorhabditis elegans, can improve the healthspan in C. elegans remains unknown. Here, we report that spatially and temporally limited knockdown of rpia-1 prolongs lifespan and improves the healthspan in C. elegans, reflecting the evolutionarily conserved phenotypes observed in Drosophila. Ubiquitous and pan-neuronal knockdown of rpia-1 both enhance tolerance to oxidative stress, reduce polyglutamine aggregation, and improve the deteriorated body bending rate caused by polyglutamine aggregation. Additionally, rpia-1 knockdown temporally in the post-developmental stage and spatially in the neuron display enhanced lifespan. Specifically, rpia-1 knockdown in glutamatergic or cholinergic neurons is sufficient to increase lifespan. Importantly, the lifespan extension by rpia-1 knockdown requires the activation of autophagy and AMPK pathways and reduced TOR signaling. Moreover, the RNA-seq data support our experimental findings and reveal potential novel downstream targets. Together, our data disclose the specific spatial and temporal conditions and the molecular mechanisms for rpia-1 knockdown-mediated longevity in C. elegans. These findings may help the understanding and improvement of longevity in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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14 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Gasotransmitter to Immunomodulator: The Emerging Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Macrophage Biology

by Alex Cornwell and Alireza Badiei

Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040935 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2535

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial inflammatory mediator in immune cells, particularly macrophages, due to its direct and indirect effects on cellular signaling, redox homeostasis, and energy metabolism. The intricate regulation of endogenous H₂S production and metabolism involves the coordination of transsulfuration pathway (TSP) enzymes and sulfide oxidizing enzymes, with TSP’s role at the intersection of the methionine pathway and glutathione synthesis reactions. Additionally, H₂S oxidation mediated by sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) in mammalian cells may partially control cellular concentrations of this gasotransmitter to induce signaling. H₂S is hypothesized to signal through the posttranslational modification known as persulfidation, with recent research highlighting the significance of reactive polysulfides, a derivative of sulfide metabolism. Overall, sulfides have been identified as having promising therapeutic potential to alleviate proinflammatory macrophage phenotypes, which are linked to the exacerbation of disease outcomes in various inflammatory conditions. H₂S is now acknowledged to have a significant influence on cellular energy metabolism by affecting the redox environment, gene expression, and transcription factor activity, resulting in changes to both mitochondrial and cytosolic energy metabolism processes. This review covers recent discoveries pertaining to the involvement of H₂S in macrophage cellular energy metabolism and redox regulation, and the potential implications for the inflammatory response of these cells in the broader framework of inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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11 pages, 1300 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase in Regulation of NOX-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer

by Ali A. Akhiani and Anna Martner

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010067 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2873

Abstract

Activation of NADPH oxidases (NOX) and the ensuing formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a vital aspect of antimicrobial defense but may also promote tumorigenesis. Enhanced NOX activity has been associated with aberrant activation of oncogenic cascades such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway, which is upregulated in several malignancies. In this review, we examine the role of PI3K on the regulation of NOX-induced ROS formation in cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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13 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Antioxidants: A Hot Controversy Defused by Cool Semantics

by Ahmad Yaman Abdin, Muhammad Jawad Nasim and Claus Jacob

Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101264 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 498

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a rather controversial debate on what antioxidants are and how beneficial they may be in the context of human health. Despite a considerable increase in scientific evidence, the matter remains highly divisive as different pieces of new data seem to support both the pro- and the anti-antioxidant perspective. Here, we argue that the matter at the heart of this debate is not necessarily empirical but of semantics. Thus, the controversy cannot be resolved with the traditional tools of natural sciences and by the mere accumulation of new data. In fact, the term “antioxidants” has been part of the scientific language game for a few decades and is nowadays used differently in the context of different scientific disciplines active at different levels of scientific complexity. It, therefore, represents not a single expression but an entire family of words with distinctively different connotations and associations. The transcendent use of this expression from a basic to a more complex discipline, such as going from chemistry to physiology, is problematic as it assigns the term with connotations that are not corroborated empirically. This may lead to false claims and aspirations not warranted by empirical data. Initially, health claims may not even be indented, yet, on occasion, they are welcome for reasons other than scientific ones. To resolve this debate, one may need to refrain from using the term “antioxidants” in disciplines and contexts where its meaning is unclear, limit its use to disciplines where it is essential and beneficial, and, in any case, become more specific in such contexts where its use is warranted, for instance, in the case of “dietary antioxidants”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Something is Rotten in the State of Redox)

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