International journal of molecular medicine
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The kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling axis plays an important role in regulating oxidative stress in ischemic cardiomyocytes. Targeting Keap1 in order to promote Nrf2 activation is considered a potential method for protecting cardiomyocytes against ischemic injury. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have emerged as powerful tools for controlling gene expression. ⋯ The inhibition of miR-200a displayed the opposite effects. Restoring the expression of Keap1 significantly abrogated the protective effect of miR‑200a. Taken together, these findings indicate that the suppression of Keap1 by miR-200a exerted a cardioprotective effect against hypoxia-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, and suggest that the activation of Nrf2 signaling by miR‑200a represents a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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The volatile anaesthetic isoflurane is one of the most frequently employed general anaesthetics in neonates, children and adults. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that exposure to anaesthetics is associated with widespread neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Thus, the identification and development of compounds capable of preventing or reducing these adverse effects is of great clinical importance. ⋯ Furthermore, naringenin increased the expression of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway. Significant improvements in learning capacity and memory retention were observed following naringenin treatment. Naringenin effectively ameliorated cognitive dysfunction and reduced isoflurane‑induced apoptosis as well as modulating the PI3/Akt/PTEN and NF-κB signalling pathways.