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Exposure to endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) may lead to a potent inflammatory cytokine response and a severe impairment of metabolism, causing tissue injury. The protective effect provided by cactus seed oil (CSO), from

State-of-the-Art review.; International audience; Maintaining energy balance is essential for survival and health. This physiological function is controlled by the brain, which adapts food intake to energy needs. Indeed, the brain constantly receives a multitude of biological signals that are derived from digested foods, or that originate from the gastrointestinal tract, energy stores (liver and adipose tissues), and from other metabolically active organs (muscles). These signals, which include circulating nutrients, hormones, and neuronal inputs from the periphery, collectively provide information on the overall energy status of the body. In the brain, several neuronal populations can specifically detect these signals. Nutrient-sensing neurons are found in discrete brain areas and are highly enriched in the hypothalamus. In turn, specialized brain circuits coordinate homeostatic responses acting mainly on appetite, peripheral metabolism, activity and arousal. Accumulating evidence shows that hypothalamic microglial cells located at the vicinity of these circuits can influence the brain control of energy balance. However, microglial cells could have opposite effects on energy balance, i.e., homeostatic or detrimental, and the conditions for this shift are not totally understood yet. One hypothesis relies on the extent of microglial activation, and nutritional lipids can considerably change it.

Aims: This work aimed to reveal some mechanisms of influence of three basil EO on the microglial cells, as recently, research data stated that these oils have anti-aging and neuroprotective properties, and they are found to be effective against some forms of neurodegeneration. Background: The microglial cells play a pivotal role as the neuroprotective agents against neuroinflammation. Ocimum subspecies are a rich source of essential oils (EO) and used to be applied since antiquity for different purposes, including the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Objective: In this study, the influence of the essential oils extracted from three basil cultivars (O. basilicum var. purpureum, O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora, and O. x citriodorum), possessing remarkable antioxidant activity, on the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes in microglial BV-2 wild type (WT) and Acetyl-CoA oxidase deficient cell lines (Acox1-/-) was evaluated. Method: All manipulations were carried out using murine microglial BV-2 cell lines (BV-2, Acyl- CoA oxidase type 1 (ACOX1) deficient mutants (Acox1-/-), and WT cells). Result: Data included in the present article state that plant origin substances can play a role in the regulation of enzymatic antioxidant activity of cells. EOs extracted from the Ocimum different cultivars are able to trigger the activity of acetyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (or palmitoyl-CoA oxidase type 1), which can serve as a basis for the regulation of redox deviation in WT cells. Conclusion: Thus, it can be suggested to apply them for the prevention of some processes, which can influence aging, as the process of ageing is commonly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress caused by the increased level of free radical production, dysfunction of the microglia, high blood pressure, and so on. Practical Applications: The microglial cells play a pivotal role as the neuroprotective agents against neuroinflammation. Different data included in the present article described that plant origin substances can play a role in regulating the enzymatic antioxidant activity of cells. EOs extracted from different cultivars of Ocimum are able to trigger the activity of acetyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (palmitoyl-CoA oxidase type 1), which can serve as a basis for the regulation of redox deviation in WT cells. Therefore, it can be proposed to apply them as prevention of some processes, which can influence aging, since the process of aging is commonly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress caused by the increased level of free radical production, dysfunction of the microglia, high blood pressure and so on.

Background: The effects of vegetable oils on human health depend on their components. Therefore, their profiles of lipid nutrients and polyphenols were determined. Objective: To establish and compare the fatty acid, tocopherol, phytosterol and polyphenol profiles of Mediterranean oils: cosmetic and dietary argan oils (AO; Morocco: Agadir, Berkane); olive oils (OO; Morocco, Spain, Tunisia); milk thistle seed oils (MTSO; Tunisia: Bizerte, Sousse, Zaghouane); nigella seed oil (NSO). Methods: The biochemical profiles were determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization, high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry as required. The antioxidant and cytoprotective activities were evaluated with the KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres) and the fluorescein diacetate tests on nerve cells treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC). Results: The fatty acid profile revealed high linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) content in AO, OO, MTSO and NSO. The highest levels of oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) were found in AO and OO. The tocopherol profile showed that Agadir AO contained the highest amount of α-tocopherol, also present at high level in MTSO and Tunisian OO; Berkane AO was rich in γ-tocopherol. The phytosterol profile indicated that β-sitosterol was predominant in the oils, except AO; spinasterol was only present in AO. Polyphenol profiles underlined that OO was the richest in polyphenols; hydroxytyrosol was only found in OO; few polyphenols were detected in AO. The oils studied have antioxidant activities, and all of them, except NSO, prevented 7KC-induced cell death. The antioxidant characteristics of AO were positively correlated with procatechic acid and compestanol levels. Conclusion: Based on their biochemical profiles, antioxidant and cytoprotective characteristics, AO, OO, and MTSO are potentially beneficial to human health.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in neurodegenerative diseases associated with an enhancement of lipid peroxidation products such as 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC). It is, therefore, important to study the ability of 7β-OHC to trigger mitochondrial defects, oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunctions and cell death, which are hallmarks of neurodegeneration, and to identify cytoprotective molecules. The effects of biotin were evaluated on 158N murine oligodendrocytes, which are myelin synthesizing cells, exposed to 7β-OHC (50 µM) with or without biotin (10 and 100 nM) or α-tocopherol (positive control of cytoprotection). The effects of biotin on 7β-OHC activities were determined using different criteria: cell adhesion; plasma membrane integrity; redox status. The impact on mitochondria was characterized by the measurement of transmembrane mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, mitochondrial mass, quantification of cardiolipins and organic acids. Sterols and fatty acids were also quantified. Cell death (apoptosis, autophagy) was characterized by the enumeration of apoptotic cells, caspase-3 activation, identification of autophagic vesicles, and activation of LC3-I into LC3-II. Biotin attenuates 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxicity: loss of cell adhesion was reduced; antioxidant activities were normalized. ROS overproduction, protein and lipid oxidation products were decreased. Biotin partially restores mitochondrial functions: attenuation of the loss of ΔΨm; reduced levels of mitochondrial O2•− overproduction; normalization of cardiolipins and organic acid levels. Biotin also normalizes cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, and prevents apoptosis and autophagy (oxiapoptophagy). Our data support that biotin, which prevents oligodendrocytes damages, could be useful in the treatment of neurodegeneration and demyelination.

In mammalian cells, two cellular organelles, mitochondria and peroxisomes, share the ability to degrade fatty acid chains. Although each organelle harbors its own fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, a distinct mitochondrial system feeds the oxidative phosphorylation pathway for ATP synthesis. At the same time, the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway participates in cellular thermogenesis. A scientific milestone in 1965 helped discover the hepatomegaly effect in rat liver by clofibrate, subsequently identified as a peroxisome proliferator in rodents and an activator of the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. These peroxisome proliferators were later identified as activating ligands of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα), cloned in 1990. The ligand-activated heterodimer PPARα/RXRα recognizes a DNA sequence, called PPRE (Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element), corresponding to two half-consensus hexanucleotide motifs, AGGTCA, separated by one nucleotide. Accordingly, the assembled complex containing PPRE/PPARα/RXRα/ligands/Coregulators controls the expression of the genes involved in liver peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation. This review mobilizes a considerable number of findings that discuss miscellaneous axes, covering the detailed expression pattern of PPARα in species and tissues, the lessons from several PPARα KO mouse models and the modulation of PPARα function by dietary micronutrients.

Herein we report the synthesis of peptide-like and tetrazole-based organoselenium compounds via Ugi and Ugi-azide reactions, respectively. The organoselenium compounds' intrinsic cytoprotective and antioxidant capacities were evaluated in 158 N and 158JP murine oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, their redox properties were theoretically evaluated using Molecular Operating Environment-docking studies. Most of the compounds did not exhibit any cytotoxicity against the 158JP and 158 N cells. Among the tested compounds, the tetrazole- (e.g., 6, 7, and 9) and the pseudopeptide-based organoselenium compounds (e.g., 11, 15, and 17) displayed antioxidant properties. On the other hand, the quinones- (e.g., 4c and 18) and the pseudopeptides-based (e.g., 12, 14, and 17) organoselenium compounds exhibited prooxidant activities. Furthermore, the tetrazole-based organoselenium compounds 5 and 9 and the selenopeptide 11 and 15 showed good GPx-like activity. Some of the newly synthesized organoselenium compounds presented interesting antioxidant and cytoprotective activities and are therefore considered potential myelin diseases drug candidates.

Age-related diseases for which there are no effective treatments include cardiovascular diseases; neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease; eye disorders such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration; and, more recently, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). These diseases are associated with plasma and/or tissue increases in cholesterol derivatives mainly formed by auto-oxidation: 7-ketocholesterol, also known as 7-oxo-cholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol. The formation of these oxysterols can be considered as a consequence of mitochondrial and peroxisomal dysfunction, leading to increased in oxidative stress, which is accentuated with age. 7-ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol cause a specific form of cytotoxic activity defined as oxiapoptophagy, including oxidative stress and induction of death by apoptosis associated with autophagic criteria. Oxiaptophagy is associated with organelle dysfunction and in particular with mitochondrial and peroxisomal alterations involved in the induction of cell death and in the rupture of redox balance. As the criteria characterizing 7-ketocholesterol- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced cytotoxicity are often simultaneously observed in major age-related diseases (cardiovascular diseases, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease) the involvement of these oxysterols in the pathophysiology of the latter seems increasingly likely. It is therefore important to better understand the signalling pathways associated with the toxicity of 7-ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol in order to identify pharmacological targets, nutrients and synthetic molecules attenuating or inhibiting the cytotoxic activities of these oxysterols. Numerous natural cytoprotective compounds have been identified: vitamins, fatty acids, polyphenols, terpenes, vegetal pigments, antioxidants, mixtures of compounds (oils, plant extracts) and bacterial enzymes. However, few synthetic molecules are able to prevent 7-ketocholesterol- and/or 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced cytotoxicity: dimethyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG126, memantine, simvastatine, Trolox, dimethylsufoxide, mangafodipir and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) inhibitors. The effectiveness of these compounds, several of which are already in use in humans, makes it possible to consider using them for the treatment of certain age-related diseases associated with increased plasma and/or tissue levels of 7-ketocholesterol and/or 7β-hydroxycholesterol.

Investigation of dietary biologically active phytochemicals is of interest due to the availability, low cost, and low rate of side effects of these substances. The main objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus on the antioxidant capacity of cells as this plant is one of the most available and widely used as spice and in folk medicine. For this, BV-2 microglial wild type (WT) and acyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (ACOX1) deficient cells (Acox1-/- ) were used. Acox1-/- cells were applied as the model of cellular oxidative damage. The main component of EO of A. dracunculus was estragole, which was reaching 84.9% in plants cultivated at high altitude Armenian landscape. IC50 value of EO in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay was 94.2 µg/ml. Sub-cytotoxic concentration in the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test for both BV-2 WT and Acox1-/- cell lines was 5.10-1 µg/ml. Seventy-two-hours treatment with EO leads to the increased viability (up to 12% in WT and up to 14% -in BV-2 Acox1-/- cells). The 48-hr treatment increased the ACOX1 activity up to 70% in WT cells. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of both cell lines increased following the 24-48-hr treatment. These results indicate that A. dracunculus EO can be considered as a potential protective agent useful in preventive medicine.

Peroxisomopathies are rare diseases due to dysfunctions of the peroxisome in which this organelle is either absent or with impaired activities. These diseases, at the exception of type I hyperoxaluria and acatalasaemia, affect the central and peripheral nervous system. Due to the significant impact of peroxisomal abnormalities on the functioning of nerve cells, this has led to an interest in peroxisome in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. In these diseases, a role of the peroxisome is suspected on the basis of the fatty acid and phospholipid profile in the biological fluids and the brains of patients. It is also speculated that peroxisomal dysfunctions could contribute to oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations which are recognized as major players in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on clinical and in vitro studies, the data obtained support a potential role of peroxisome in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Background: There are now significant evidences that lipid metabolism is affected in numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. These dysfunctions lead to abnormal levels of certain lipids in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. It is consequently of interest to establish lipid profiles in neurodegenerative diseases. This approach, which can contribute to identify lipid biomarkers of Alzheimers' disease, can also permit to identify new therapeutic targets. It was therefore of interest to focus on central and peripheral biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. Methods: A review of the literature on 148 papers was conducted. Based on this literature, the involvement of lipids (cholesterol and oxysterols, fatty acids, phospholipids) in Alzheimer's disease has been proposed. Results: Of the 148 references cited for lipid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, 65 refer to cholesterol and oxysterols, 35 to fatty acids and 40 to phospholipids. Among these lipids, some of them such as 24S-hydroxyckolesterol, open up new therapeutic perspectives in gene therapy, in particular. The results on the very long-chain fatty acids suggest the potential of peroxisomal dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease. As for the phospholipids, they could constitute interesting biomarkers for detecting the disease at the prodromal stage. Conclusion: There are now several lines of evidence that lipids play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of AD and that some of them have a prognostic and diagnosis value. This may pave the way for the identification of new therapeutic targets, new effective drugs and / or new treatments.

The chemical and phytochemical characteristics of argan oil (Argania spinosa L. skeels), olive oil (Olea europaea L. cv. Moroccan picholine), cactus pear (Opuntia megacantha salm-dyck) seed oil and cactus cladode essential oil were investigated. The values for acidity varied from 0.28% in argan oil to 1.05% in olive oil. The peroxide values were between 2.26 and 2.84 meq O2/kg oil while the coefficients of specific extinction at 232 and 270 nm ranged from 1.04 to 1.83 and from 0.14 to 0.23, respectively. Regarding fatty acids composition, the essential oil of cactus cladodes (CCEO) contains high concentration of linolenic acid. The cactus pear seed oil has the highest content of linoleic acid, while in argan oil, oleic and linoleic acids were the main fatty acids detected. The total phytosterols content ranged from 203.80 mg/100 g in olive oil to 2131.40 mg/100 g in the CCEO. β-sitosterol was the main phytosterol found in olive oil and cactus pear seed oil. The argan oil is rich in spinasterol and schottenol while the CCEO contains high level of sitostanol. Olive oil encloses 115.80 mg/kg of tocopherols, mainly α-tocopherol form; argan oil has 752.20 mg/kg of tocopherols with dominantly γ-tocopherol, while cactus pear seed oil contains mainly both β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol. However, α-tocopherol was the only tocopherol detected in CCEO, which interestingly revealed the highest concentration (17.82 mg/kg) of saturated hydrocarbons.

Peroxisomopathies are rare diseases due to dysfunctions of the peroxisome in which this organelle is either absent or with impaired activities. These diseases, at the exception of type I hyperoxaluria and acatalasaemia, affect the central and peripheral nervous system. Due to the significant impact of peroxisomal abnormalities on the functioning of nerve cells, this has led to an interest in peroxisome in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. In these diseases, a role of the peroxisome is suspected on the basis of the fatty acid and phospholipid profile in the biological fluids and the brains of patients. It is also speculated that peroxisomal dysfunctions could contribute to oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations which are recognized as major players in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on clinical and in vitro studies, the data obtained support a potential role of peroxisome in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

International audience; Objective: Dietary and energetic restrictions are endowed with protection against experimental injuries. However, a drop in cell energetic status under a critical threshold may prevent protection, as previously observed for livers isolated from rat donors undergoing 18-h fasting versus feeding. The aim of this study was to further explore, in the latter model, links between nutritional status, energy availability, and protection through lengthening of rat fasting to 24 h and withdrawal of energy sources from perfusions.Methods: Energy-free perfused ex vivo livers from fed, 18-h-fasted, and 24-h-fasted rats were studied during 135 min for cytolysis (potassium, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase releases in perfusates), cell deaths (activated caspase-3 [apoptosis], LC3 II/actin and p62/actin ratios [autophagy]), glycogen stores, glucose, and lactate production.Results: Cytolysis was significantly increased by 18-h and 24-h fasting versus feeding but unexpectedly the increase was less for 24-h fasting than it was for 18-h fasting. Apoptotic marker caspase 3 significantly increased under fed and 18-h fasting but not 24-h fasting conditions. Autophagic marker LC3 II/actin significantly increased during perfusion in the 24-h fasted group but neither fed nor 18-h fasted groups. Autophagic induction also was supported by a drop in the p62/actin ratio. Under perfusion with 3-methyladenine, a standard autophagy inhibitor, protection and enhanced autophagy provided by 24-h but not 18-h fasting were lost without affecting apoptosis.Conclusions: Liver protections are obviously influenced by nutritional status in a way that is parallel to hepatic energy mobilization capacities (glycogen plus autophagy) with a decreased order of protection: Fed >24-h fasted >18-h fasted >24-h fasted + 3-methyladenine livers. By showing that autophagy induction limits starvation-induced cytolysis, the present work supports the emerging view that autophagy inducers might improve health benefits of diet restriction.

Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) deficiency is a rare and severe peroxisomal leukodystrophy associated with a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) β–oxidation defect. This neurodegenerative disease lacks relevant cell models to further decipher the pathomechanisms in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. Since peroxisomal defects in microglia appear to be a key component of peroxisomal leukodystrophies, we targeted the Acox1 gene in the murine microglial BV-2 cell line. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we generated an Acox1-deficient cell line and validated the allelic mutations, which lead to the absence of ACOX1 protein and enzymatic activity. The activity of catalase, the enzyme degrading H 2O 2, was increased, likely in response to the alteration of redox homeostasis. The mutant cell line grew more slowly than control cells without obvious morphological changes. However, ultrastructural analysis revealed an increased number of peroxisomes and mitochondria associated with size reduction of mitochondria. Changes in the distribution of lipid droplets containing neutral lipids have been observed in mutant cells; lipid analysis revealed the accumulation of saturated and monounsaturated VLCFA. Besides, expression levels of genes encoding interleukin-1 beta and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6), as well as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) were found modified in the mutant cells suggesting modification of microglial polarization and phagocytosis ability. In summary, this Acox1-deficient cell line presents the main biochemical characteristics of the human disease and will serve as a promising model to further investigate the consequences of a specific microglial peroxisomal β–oxidation defect on oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular functions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) report from 2014 documented that non-communicable socalled civilization diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer or type 2 diabetes are responsible for over 50% of all premature deaths in the world. Research carried out over the past 20 years has provided data suggesting that diet is an essential factor influencing the risk of development of these diseases. The increasing knowledge on chemopreventive properties of certain food ingredients, in particular, those of plant origin, opened the discussion on the possibility to use edible plants or their active components in the prevention of these chronic diseases. Health-promoting properties of plant foods are associated with the presence of secondary metabolites that can affect many biological mechanisms of critical importance to the proper functioning of the human organism. Particularly, there have been numerous investigations indicating strong physiological effects of bioactive plant phenols belonging to the flavonoid family. These observations initiated mass production of dietary supplements containing flavonoids commercialized under the name antioxidants, even if their chemical properties did not justify such a term. However, epidemiological studies revealed that isolated bioactive phytochemicals are not as effective as fruits and vegetables containing these substances whereas they are of interest of the functional food industry. In this paper, the critical assessment of reasons for this turn of events has been attempted and the concept of food synergy has been suggested as a future strategy of dietary chemoprevention.

Here a new series of twenty-one organoselenides, of potential protective activity, were synthesized and tested for their intrinsic cytotoxicity, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant capacities in oligodendrocytes. Most of the organoselenides were able to decrease the ROS levels, revealing antioxidant properties. Compounds 5b and 7b showed a high glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activities, which were 1.5 folds more active than ebselen. Remarkably, compound 5a diminished the formation of the oligodendrocytes SubG1 peak in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating its anti-apoptotic properties. Furthermore, based on the SwissADME web interface, we performed an in-silico structure-activity relationship to explore the drug-likeness of these organoselenides, predicting the pharmacokinetic parameters for compounds of interest that could cross the blood-brain barrier. Collectively, we present new organoselenide compounds with cytoprotective and antioxidant properties that can be considered as promising drug candidates for myelin diseases.

This review presents recent evidence implicating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the beneficial effects of resveratrol (trihydroxystilbene), a nonflavonoid plant polyphenol, with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory effects. Many diseases and pathologies have been linked, directly or indirectly, to inflammation. These include infections, injuries, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cancer, osteoarthritis, age-related macular degeneration, demyelination, and neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol can both decrease the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines; it also decreases the expression of adhesion proteins (e.g., ICAM-1) and leukocyte chemoattractants (e.g., MCP-1). Resveratrol's primary targets appear to be the transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB, as well as the gene COX2. Although no mechanistic link between any particular miRNA and resveratrol has been identified, resveratrol effects depend at least in part upon the modification of the expression of a variety of miRNAs that can be anti-inflammatory (e.g., miR-663), proinflammatory (e.g., miR-155), tumor suppressing (e.g., miR-663), or oncogenic (e.g., miR-21).

This work was presented as an oral presentation at the 7th ENOR (European Network for Oxysterol Research) Symposium ‘Oxysterols and Sterol Derivatives in Health and Disease’, September 21–22, 2017, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (https://www.oxysterols.net/).; International audience; The involvement of organelles in cell death is well established especially for endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, the role of the peroxisome is not well known, though peroxisomal dysfunction favors a rupture of redox equilibrium. To study the role of peroxisomes in cell death, 158 N murine oligodendrocytes were treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7 KC: 25-50 mu M, 24 h). The highest concentration is known to induce oxiapoptophagy (OXIdative stress + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY), whereas the lowest concentration does not induce cell death. In those conditions (with 7 KC: 50 mu M) morphological, topographical and functional peroxisome alterations associated with modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria, with mitochondrial dysfunction (loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential, decreased level of cardiolipins) and oxidative stress were observed: presence of peroxisomes with abnormal sizes and shapes similar to those observed in Zellweger fibroblasts, lower cellular level of ABCD3, used as a marker of peroxisomal mass, measured by flow cytometry, lower mRNA and protein levels (measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting) of ABCD1 and ABCD3 (two ATP-dependent peroxisomal transporters), and of ACOX1 and MFP2 enzymes, and lower mRNA level of DHAPAT, involved in peroxisomal beta-oxidation and plasmalogen synthesis, respectively, and increased levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA: C24:0, C24:1, C26:0 and C26:1, quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) metabolized by peroxisomal beta-oxidation. In the presence of 7 KC (25 mu M), slight mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress were found, and no induction of apoptosis was detected; however, modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria and clusters of mitochondria were detected. The peroxisomal alterations observed with 7 KC (25 mu M) were similar to those with 7 KC (50 mu M). In addition, data obtained by transmission electron microcopy and immunofluorescence microscopy by dual staining with antibodies raised against p62, involved in autophagy, and ABCD3, support that 7 KC (25-50 mu M) induces pexophagy. 7 KC (25-50 mu M)-induced side effects were attenuated by alpha-tocopherol but not by alpha-tocotrienol, whereas the anti-oxidant properties of these molecules determined with the FRAP assay were in the same range. These data provide evidences that 7 KC, at concentrations inducing or not cell death, triggers morphological, topographical and functional peroxisomal alterations associated with minor or major mitochondrial changes.

International audience; Imbalance in the homeostasis of K+ ions has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC), and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0), often found at increased levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and X-ALD, are able to trigger numerous nerve cell dysfunctions. We therefore studied the impact of 7KC, 24S-OHC, and C24:0 on 158N murine oligodendrocytes, and determined their impact on K+ homeostasis. The effects of 7KC, 24S-OHC and C24:0 on lipid membrane organization and membrane potential were examined with merocyanine 540 (MC540) and bis-(1,3-diethylthiobarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol (DiSBAC2(3)), respectively. The intracellular concentration of K+ ([K+]i) was measured by flame photometry and the ratiometric approach using the PBFI-AM fluorescence indicator. To determine the relationships between [K+]i and lipotoxicity, 158N cells were pre-treated with a universal Kv channels blocker, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), without or with 7KC, 24S-OHC or C24:0. Cell adhesion, cell growth, mitochondrial depolarization, cytoplasmic membrane integrity, the presence of SubG1 and the morphological aspect of the nuclei were determined with various microscopy, flow cytometry and biochemistry methods. 7KC, 24S-OHC and C24:0 induced changes in lipid content and polarization of the cytoplasmic membrane. These events were associated with increased [K+]i. Blocking Kv channels with 4-AP exacerbated 7KC-, 24S-OHC- and C24:0-induced cell dysfunction. 4-AP exacerbated loss of cell adhesion and cell growth inhibition, amplified mitochondrial depolarization and cytoplasmic membrane damage, and increased the percentage of SubG1 cells. The positive correlation between [K+]i and cell death supports the potential involvement of K+ in 7KC-, 24S-OHC-, and C24:0-induced cytotoxicity.

To clarify appropriateness of current claims for health and wellness virtues of argan oil, studies were conducted in inflammatory states. LPS induces inflammation with reduction of PGC1-αsignaling and energy metabolism. Argan oil protected the liver against LPS toxicity and interestingly enough preservation of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (ACOX1) activity against depression by LPS. This model of LPS-driven toxicity circumvented by argan oil along with a key anti-inflammatory role attributed to ACOX1 has been here transposed to model aging. This view is consistent with known physiological role of ACOX1 in yielding precursors of specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) and with characteristics of aging and related disorders including reduced PGC1-αfunction and improvement by strategies rising ACOX1 (via hormonal gut FGF19 and nordihydroguaiaretic acid in metabolic syndrome and diabetes conditions) and SPM (neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, and stroke). Delay of aging to resolve inflammation results from altered production of SPM, SPM improving most aging disorders. The strategic metabolic place of ACOX1, upstream of SPM biosynthesis, along with ability of ACOX1 preservation/induction and SPM to improve aging-related disorders and known association of aging with drop in ACOX1 and SPM, all converge to conclude that ACOX1 represents a previously unsuspected and currently emerging antiaging protein.

Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly referred to as prickly pear or nopal cactus, is a dicotyledonous angiosperm plant. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its remarkable adaptation to arid and semi-arid climates in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In the last decade, compelling evidence for the nutritional and health benefit potential of this cactus has been provided by academic scientists and private companies. Notably, its rich composition in polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids has been highlighted through the use of a large panel of extraction methods. The identified natural cactus compounds and derivatives were shown to be endowed with biologically relevant activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. The present review is aimed at stressing the major classes of cactus components and their medical interest through emphasis on some of their biological effects, particularly those having the most promising expected health benefit and therapeutic impacts.

Since the first report by Rhodin in 1954, our knowledge on mammalian microbodies/peroxisomes has known several periods. An initial two decades period (1954–1973) has contributed to the biochemical individualisation of peroxisomes as a new class of subcellular organelles (de Duve, 1965). The corresponding research period failed to define a clear role of mammalian peroxisomes in vital functions and intermediary metabolism, explaining why feeling that peroxisomes might be in the human cell oddities has prevailed during several decades. The period standing from 1973 to nowadays has progressively removed this cell oddity view of peroxisomes by highlighting vital function and metabolic role of peroxisomes in health and disease along with genetic and metabolic regulation of peroxisomal protein content, organelle envelope formation and protein signal targeting mechanisms. Research on peroxisomes and their response to various drugs and metabolites, dietary and physiological conditions has also played a key role in the discovery of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and for which impact in science and medicine goes now by far beyond that of the peroxisomes.

Imbalance in the homeostasis of K

PMCID: PMC5666899; International audience; Argan oil is widely used in Morocco in traditional medicine. Its ability to treat cardiovascular diseases is well-established. However, nothing is known about its effects on neurodegenerative diseases, which are often associated with increased oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation and the formation of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) resulting from cholesterol auto-oxidation. As 7KC induces oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death, it is important to identify compounds able to impair its harmful effects. These compounds may be either natural or synthetic molecules or mixtures of molecules such as oils. In this context: (i) the lipid profiles of dietary argan oils from Berkane and Agadir (Morocco) in fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and polyphenols were determined by different chromatographic techniques; and (ii) their anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effects in 158N murine oligodendrocytes cultured with 7KC (25-50 mu M; 24 h) without and with argan oil (0.1% v/v) or -tocopherol (400 mu M, positive control) were evaluated with complementary techniques of cellular and molecular biology. Among the unsaturated fatty acids present in argan oils, oleate (C18:1 n-9) and linoleate (C18:1 n-6) were the most abundant; the highest quantities of saturated fatty acids were palmitate (C16:0) and stearate (C18:0). Several phytosterols were found, mainly schottenol and spinasterol (specific to argan oil), cycloartenol, beta-amyrin and citrostadienol alpha- and gamma-tocopherols were also present. Tyrosol and protocatechic acid were the only polyphenols detected. Argan and extra virgin olive oils have many compounds in common, principally oleate and linoleate, and tocopherols. Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests showed that argan and extra virgin olive oils have anti-oxidant properties. Argan oils were able to attenuate the cytotoxic effects of 7KC on 158N cells: loss of cell adhesion, cell growth inhibition, increased plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial, peroxisomal and lysosomal dysfunction, and the induction of oxiapoptophagy (OXIdation + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY). Altogether, our data obtained in 158N oligodendrocytes provide evidence that argan oil is able to counteract the toxic effects of 7KC on nerve cells, thus suggesting that some of its compounds could prevent or mitigate neurodegenerative diseases to the extent that they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Microglial cells play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases including peroxisomal leukodystrophies. The BV-2 murine immortalized cells are widely used in the context of neurodegenerative researches. It is therefore important to establish the expression pattern of peroxisomal proteins by flow cytometry in these cells. So, the expression pattern of various peroxisomal transporters (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) contributing to peroxisomal β-oxidation was evaluated on BV-2 cells by flow cytometry and complementary methods (fluorescence microscopy, and RT-qPCR). By flow cytometry a strong expression of peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) was observed. These data were in agreement with those obtained by fluorescence microscopy (presence of numerous fluorescent dots in the cytoplasm characteristic of a peroxisomal staining pattern) and RT-qPCR (high levels of Abcd1, Abcd2, and Abcd3 mRNAs). Thus, the peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) are expressed in BV-2 cells, and can be analyzed by flow cytometry.

Pseudo-neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (P-NALD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) deficiency with subsequent impairment of peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation, accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and strong reduction in peroxisome abundance. Increase in peroxisome number has been previously suggested to improve peroxisomal disorders, and in this perspective, the present work was aimed at exploring whether modulation of peroxisomes abundance could be achieved in P-NALD fibroblasts. Here we showed that treatment with the natural Argan oil induced peroxisome proliferation in P-NALD fibroblasts. This induction was independent on activations of both nuclear receptor PPARα and its coactivator PGC-1α. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment, which caused inflammation, induced also a peroxisome proliferation that, in contrast, was dependent on activations of PPARα and PGC-1α. By its ability to induce peroxisome proliferation, Argan oil is suggested to be of potential therapeutic use in patients with P-NALD.

International audience; Increased levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), which results mainly from cholesterol auto-oxidation, are often found in the plasma and/or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and might contribute to activation of microglial cells involved in neurodegeneration. As major cellular dysfunctions are induced by 7KC, it is important to identify molecules able to impair its side effects. Since consumption of olive and argan oils, and fish is important in the Mediterranean diet, the aim of the study was to determine the ability of oleic acid (OA), a major compound of olive and argan oil, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) present in fatty fishes, such as sardines, to attenuate 7KC-induced cytotoxic effects. Since elaidic acid (EA), the trans isomer of OA, can be found in hydrogenated cooking oils and fried foods, its effects on 7KC-induced cytotoxicity were also determined. In murine microglial BV-2 cells, 7KC induces cell growth inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunctions, reactive oxygen species overproduction and lipid peroxidation, increased plasma membrane permeability and fluidity, nuclei condensation and/or fragmentation and caspase-3 activation, which are apoptotic characteristics, and an increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, which is a criterion of autophagy. 7KC is therefore a potent inducer of oxiapoptophagy (OXIdation + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY) on BV-2 cells. OA and EA, but not DHA, also favor the accumulation of lipid droplets revealed with Masson's trichrome, Oil Red O, and Nile Red staining. The cytotoxicity of 7KC was strongly attenuated by OA and DHA. Protective effects were also observed with EA. However, 7KC-induced caspase-3 activation was less attenuated with EA. Different effects of OA and EA on autophagy were also observed. In addition, EA (but not OA) increased plasma membrane fluidity, and only OA (but not EA) was able to prevent the 7KC-induced increase in plasma membrane fluidity. Thus, in BV-2 microglial cells, the principal fatty acids of the Mediterranean diet (OA, DHA) were able to attenuate the major toxic effects of 7KC, thus reinforcing the interest of natural compounds present in the Mediterranean diet to prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

International audience; State of the art. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic articular disease characterized by cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation. OA physiopathology is multifactorial and involves mechanical and hereditary factors. So far, there is neither preventive medicine to delay cartilage breakdown nor curative treatment. Objectives. To investigate pro-inflammatory paracrine interactions between human primary chondrocytes and macrophages following interleukin-1-β (IL-1β) treatment; to evaluate the molecular mechanism responsible for the inhibitory effect of resveratrol. Results. The activation of NF-κB in chondrocytes by IL-1β induced IL-6 secretion. The latter will then activate STAT3 protein in macrophages. Moreover, STAT3 was able to positively regulate IL-6 secretion, as confirmed by the doubling level of IL-6 in the coculture compared to macrophage monoculture. These experiments confirm the usefulness of the coculture model in the inflammatory arthritis-linked process as a closer biological situation to the synovial joint than separated chondrocytes and macrophages. Il also demonstrated the presence of an inflammatory amplification loop induced by IL-1β. Resveratrol showed a strong inhibitory effect on the pro-inflammatory marker secretion. The decrease of IL-6 secretion is dependent on the NFκB inhibition in the chondrocytes. Such reduction of the IL-6 level can limit STAT3 activation in the macrophages, leading to the interruption of the inflammatory amplification loop. Conclusion. These results increase our understanding of the anti-inflammatory actions of resveratrol and open new potential approaches to prevent and treat osteoarthritis.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT), the role played by peroxisomes is not well known. Peroxisomes are present in all eukaryotic cells, with the exception of erythrocytes. They are involved in the β-oxidation process of long-chain fatty acids, very-long-chain fatty acids, and branched-chain fatty acids. They participate in the α-oxidation of phytanic acid, the biosynthesis of bile acids, and the breakdown of eicosanoids. Peroxisomes are also involved in the synthesis of specific fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for the brain and retina, and plasmalogens (PLGN), which play crucial roles in neural cells and are essential components of myelin. Several studies conducted in animal models and in humans provided evidence for a role of DHA in preventing brain degeneration. Significantly lower levels of PLGN were observed in patients with severe dementia. Moreover, a decreased activity of carnitine acetyltransferase, an enzyme present in peroxisome (but also detected in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus), was reported in AD patients. We give an overview of the potential role of peroxisomes, especially in the part played by DHA, PLGN, carnitine, and carnitine-dependent peroxisomal enzymes, on the development of AD and DAT. The potential of developing novel therapies targeted on peroxisomal metabolism to prevent cognitive decline and other age-related neurological disorders is discussed.