#oxidativestress — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Adaptation of the master antioxidant response connects metabolism, lifespan and feather development pathways in birds [2020] - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16129-4

“Birds (Aves) display high metabolic rates and oxygen consumption relative to mammals, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Although excess ROS reduces lifespan by causing extensive cellular dysfunction and damage, birds are remarkably long-lived. We address this paradox by identifying the constitutive activation of the NRF2 master antioxidant response in Neoaves (~95% of bird species), providing an adaptive mechanism capable of counterbalancing high ROS levels. We demonstrate that a KEAP1 mutation in the Neoavian ancestor disrupted the repression of NRF2 by KEAP1, leading to constitutive NRF2 activity and decreased oxidative stress in wild Neoaves tissues and cells. Our evidence suggests this ancient mutation induced a compensatory program in NRF2-target genes with functions beyond redox regulation—including feather development—while enabling significant metabolic rate increases that avoid trade-offs with lifespan. The strategy of NRF2 activation sought by intense clinical investigation therefore appears to have also unlocked a massively successful evolutionary trajectory.

The physiological risks of constitutive NRF2 activation due to loss of KEAP1 binding have been demonstrated in vivo through KEAP1 knockout mice, which die from starvation shortly after birth from hyperkeratosis of the gastrointestinal tract, likely through overexpression of α-keratins and loricrins in squamous cells (ref. 38; Fig. 4c). In addition to α-keratins, avian skin keratinocytes also express β-keratin genes, which combine with α-keratins to form avian skin appendages (feathers, scales, claws, beaks; ref. 3). ...

This strongly suggests that the NRF2-mediated regulation of β-keratins we detected in Chicken skin has been compensated for by the loss of AREs and downregulation of ARE binding by NRF2 at Neoaves β-keratin loci. This pattern closely mirrors the loss of NRF2-mediated ARE-regulation in Neoaves GSTA2 (Fig. 4b). Together these analyses provide in vivo evidence that the evolution of NRF2-associated feather development genes may have been shaped by the constitutive activation of NRF2 in Neoaves.”

This reminded me of some work on the evolution of large brain size in humans & loss of body hair:

Hair for brain trade-off, a metabolic bypass for encephalization [2014] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190188/

“Hair loss in humans is perplexing and raises many hypothetical explanations. This paper suggests that hair loss in humans is metabolically related to encephalization; and that hair covered hominids would have been unable to evolve large brains because of a dietary restriction of several amino acids which are essential for hair and brain development. We use simulations to imply that hair loss must have preceded increase in brain size & volume. In this respect we see hair loss as a major force in human evolution. We assume that hair reduction required favorable climatic conditions and must have been quick. Using evolutionary and ecological time scales, we pinpoint hair loss to a period around 2.2-2.4 million years ago. The dating is further supported by a rapid selection at that time of the sialic acid deletion mutation which may have protected growing human brains against calcium ion flux. In summary we view encephalization, in part, as a metabolic trade-off between hair and brain. Other biochemical changes may have intervened in the process too; and the deletion mutation of sialic acid hydroxylation may have been involved as well.

Human hair is composed of about 17% cysteine, a sulphuric amino acid noted for its ability to add rigidity to biological tissue (Table 3).”

Cysteine is also a major component of glutathione and a rate limiter for its synthesis; glutathione production is regulated through Nrf2. The Dror & Hopp 2014 paper mentions glutathione briefly; if the theory presented is correct, the increased need for glutathione synthesis is likely the major driver. In short, humans may have lost their body hair because of the increased demand for cysteine to produce glutathione which is needed to manage oxidative stress in the brain.

Birds upregulated glutathione synthesis by constitutive upregulation of Nrf2 and also avoided the problem of hyperkeratosis through downregulation of ARE binding by NRF2 at β-keratin loci. They have more glutathione, still have all their feathers, and no hyperkeratosis.

It is possible humans lost hair first, which freed up cysteine to be used for glutathione, which then allowed for encephalization.

#Birds #cysteine #evolution #flight #HumanEvolution #OxidativeStress #KEAP1 #Nrf2

#birds #cysteine #evolution #flight #humanevolution #oxidativestress

Rhyothemis @[email protected]

2026-01-10

@ScienceScholar

This is really interesting, especially that there a sex difference.

I'd like to write something about why, but am unable to do so at present.

Here's a old blog post I wrote on the topic of cysteine in birds and humans:

Flight & Brains, Feathers & Hair
June 03, 2020
https://rhyobrain.blogspot.com/2020/06/flight-brains-feathers-hair.html

#cysteine #Nrf2 #HumanEvolution #Birds #glutathione #OxidativeStress

#cysteine #nrf2 #humanevolution #birds #glutathione #oxidativestress

Marc Baaden @[email protected]

2025-10-28

This year’s GGMM meeting spotlighted multiscale simulations—from electron transfer in membranes to oxidative damage in nucleosomal DNA. Highlights: Aurélien de la Lande’s talk on NADPH oxidases, Natacha Gillet on ionization‑to‑repair pathways, and Mariia Avstrikova’s thesis on allosteric modulation of α7 nAChR. How do you tackle bridging such scales in your work? 🔬🧬 #MultiscaleSim #MolecularDynamics #OxidativeStress #OpenScience

https://idees.moleculair.es/ggmm25-multiscale

#multiscalesim #moleculardynamics #oxidativestress #openscience

PLOS Biology @[email protected]

2025-09-30

During chlorite-induced #OxidativeStress MsrPQ repairs periplasmic proteins oxidized at Met residues. This study shows that in these conditions the #Ecoli chaperone Spy is overproduced & oxidized; its reduction by MsrPQ helps maintain functionality @PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3VHTAI9

#oxidativestress #ecoli

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-08-10

Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress: How Science is Helping Your Brain

#BrainHealth #Neuroscience #HydrogenTherapy #OxidativeStress #Neuroinflammation #BrainRecovery #NeuroScience #MentalHealth #InnovativeMedicine #Neuroprotection

https://youtube.com/shorts/5Xgb_BGHOLo?feature=share

#brainhealth #neuroscience #hydrogentherapy #oxidativestress #neuroinflammation #brainrecovery

ScienceOpen @[email protected]

2025-07-28

'The effect of antioxidants on the morphology and function of ovaries in rats inflammatory process (pregnancy) within the framework of the analysis of the assessment of their action and effectiveness on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes' - a Bulletin Of Medical And Biological Research article on #ScienceOpen:

📌 https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=14cb6417-373a-429f-8dca-79c2d55e6984

#ReproductiveBiology #AntioxidantResearch #PregnancyInflammation #OxidativeStress #OvarianHealth

#scienceopen #reproductivebiology #antioxidantresearch #pregnancyinflammation #oxidativestress #ovarianhealth

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-07-25

Tryptophan and the Kynurenine Pathway: Metabolic Routes Impacting Mood and Neurodegeneration

#BrainChemistry #Neuroimmune #KynureninePathway #GutBrainAxis #Neuroinflammation #Microglia #Astrocytes #Neurodegeneration #OxidativeStress #MentalHealth #BrainHealth #Metabolism #NervousSystem #DietAndBrain #Neuroscience

https://youtube.com/shorts/boyH2vLgGow?feature=share

#brainchemistry #neuroimmune #kynureninepathway #gutbrainaxis #neuroinflammation #microglia

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-07-23

How Cellular Senescence and Inflammation Impact Your Health

#CellBiology #AgingScience #OxidativeStress #Mitochondria #DNA #Proteins #Neurodegeneration #Telomeres #CellHealth #BiologyExplained

https://youtube.com/shorts/oC_u-7gQ8Tw?feature=share

#cellbiology #agingscience #oxidativestress #mitochondria #dna #proteins

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-07-23

How Tiny Molecular Machines Keep Our Cells Alive and Thriving

#CellBiology #AgingScience #Telomeres #OxidativeStress #Mitochondria #CircadianRhythms #StemCells #Genetics #CancerResearch #HealthAndWellness

https://youtube.com/shorts/B8zklp2WQsg?feature=share

#cellbiology #agingscience #telomeres #oxidativestress #mitochondria #circadianrhythms

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-07-22

From Synapses to DNA Repair: The Science of Brain Health and Cellular Survival

#CellBiology #Neuroscience #Mitochondria #OxidativeStress #Autophagy #Neurodegeneration #DNARepair #Epigenetics #BrainHealth #BiologyExplained #Neurons #CalciumSignaling #Neuroplasticity #CellDeath #MolecularMedicine

https://youtube.com/shorts/rHr1BIBV5yg?feature=share

#cellbiology #neuroscience #mitochondria #oxidativestress #autophagy #neurodegeneration

Mediterranean Diet @[email protected]

2025-07-01

These Plant-Based Foods Can Positively Influence Aging Processes

It is well-known that diet influences physical aging processes. Certain dietary habits are …
#dining #cooking #diet #food #mediterranean #MediterraneanDiet #MediterraneanFood #acceleratedaging #antioxidanteffect #beneficialeffects #FITBOOK #Healthyaging #Mediterranean #OliveOil #oxidativestress #PlantBasedDiet #prematureaging
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2155519/these-plant-based-foods-can-positively-influence-aging-processes/

#dining #cooking #diet #food #mediterranean #mediterraneandiet

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-04-18

Unlocking the Secrets of Brain Chemistry: Glutamate, NAC, and the Power of Our Inner Defenses

#BrainHealth #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #Glutamate #NAC #Glutathione #OxidativeStress #MentalWellness #BrainChemistry #InnerDefense #Neurobiology #HealthInnovation #SelfCare #BiologyIsAmazing

https://youtube.com/shorts/4Rw-owQHqBc?feature=share

#brainhealth #neuroscience #mentalhealth #glutamate #nac #glutathione

CITO Greenhouse @[email protected]

2025-02-18

Igniting the Mind: Exploring the Kindling Hypothesis and Its Impact on Brain Health

#KindlingHypothesis #BrainHealth #Neuroscience #OxidativeStress #SleepDeprivation #MentalHealth #Neurobiology #ProtectYourBrain #StressManagement #ScienceExplained #HealthyMind #WellnessJourney

https://youtube.com/shorts/mQrjUx95tP8?feature=share

#kindlinghypothesis #brainhealth #neuroscience #oxidativestress #sleepdeprivation #mentalhealth

John Hobbs @[email protected]

2024-12-20

2/7
Delving into scientific research, a paper in 'Antioxidants & Redox Signaling' (2017) highlights ALA's effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. This discovery has immense implications for preventive health strategies. #OxidativeStress #PreventiveMedicine

#oxidativestress #preventivemedicine

PsyPost @[email protected]

2024-11-20

Chronic alcohol consumption reduces sperm quality by altering testicular proteins https://www.psypost.org/chronic-alcohol-consumption-reduces-sperm-quality-by-altering-testicular-proteins/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #AlcoholAndSpermQuality #TesticularProteins #OxidativeStress #CellDivision #RodentStudy

#alcoholandspermquality #testicularproteins #oxidativestress #celldivision #rodentstudy

WikiPathways @wikipathways

2024-11-02

Bioactivated Glucoraphanin Modulates Genes Involved in Necroptosis on Motor-Neuron-like Nsc-34: A Transcriptomic Study. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091111 #Glucosinolates #Isothiocyanates #TranscriptomicAnalysis #PathwayAnalysis #OxidativeStress

#glucosinolates #isothiocyanates #transcriptomicanalysis #pathwayanalysis #oxidativestress

Victoria Stuart 🇨🇦 🏳️‍⚧️ @[email protected]

2024-10-25

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation drives senescence
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado5887

* cellular senescence: stress-induced irreversible cell cycle arrest in tumor suppression/aging
* pharmacological activation of fatty acid oxidation induced senescence in vitro/in vivo
* mitochondrial energy metabolism: critical role in senescence induction
* potential intervention to control senescence

#ageing #aging #senescence #lipids #LipidMetabolism #mitochondria #CellularStress #TumorSuppression #OxidativeStress

#tumorsuppression #oxidativestress #ageing #aging #senescence #lipids

John Hobbs @[email protected]

2024-10-14

2/7
Delving into scientific research, a paper in 'Antioxidants & Redox Signaling' (2017) highlights ALA's effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. This discovery has immense implications for preventive health strategies. #OxidativeStress #PreventiveMedicine

#oxidativestress #preventivemedicine

Rhyothemis @[email protected]

2024-10-02

research article from 2011:

Loss of functional albumin triggers acceleration of transthyretin amyloid fibril formation in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy
https://www.nature.com/articles/labinvest201171

"Human serum albumin, the most abundant protein in plasma, serves as a transporter of various ligands and an antioxidant in blood circulation. Human serum albumin is a mixture of a reduced form (human mercaptalbumin: HMA) and an oxidized form (human nonmercaptalbumin: HNA). Albumin is the major antioxidant in plasma, and a large proportion of all the serum antioxidant properties can be attributed to albumin. Previous work has shown the total reactive antioxidant potential in plasma, considered as an index of the level of antioxidants, decreased in patients with FAP. In addition, more recent work demonstrated that albumin suppressed amyloid formation of amyloid-β(Aβ), a component of amyloid fibrils in Alzheimer's disease, by reducing oxidative stress. These data suggest that albumin functing as an antioxidant may perform a crucial role in amyloid formation in FAP."

#amyloidosis #albumin #OxidativeStress

#amyloidosis #albumin #oxidativestress

John Hobbs @[email protected]

2024-07-31

2/7
Delving into scientific research, a paper in 'Antioxidants & Redox Signaling' (2017) highlights ALA's effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. This discovery has immense implications for preventive health strategies. #OxidativeStress #PreventiveMedicine

#oxidativestress #preventivemedicine

WikiPathways @wikipathways

2024-07-09

Neuroprotective effect of acetoxypachydiol against oxidative stress through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04474-6 #Acetoxypachydiol #NeuroprotectiveEffect #Keap1Nrf2/Ho1Pathway #OxidativeStress

#acetoxypachydiol #neuroprotectiveeffect #keap1nrf2 #oxidativestress

John Hobbs @[email protected]

2024-05-17

2/7
Delving into scientific research, a paper in 'Antioxidants & Redox Signaling' (2017) highlights ALA's effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. This discovery has immense implications for preventive health strategies. #OxidativeStress #PreventiveMedicine

#oxidativestress #preventivemedicine

John Hobbs @[email protected]

2024-03-12

2/7
Delving into scientific research, a paper in 'Antioxidants & Redox Signaling' (2017) highlights ALA's effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. This discovery has immense implications for preventive health strategies. #OxidativeStress #PreventiveMedicine

#oxidativestress #preventivemedicine

Lukas VFN 🇪🇺 @[email protected]

2024-03-11

Study illuminates the protective role of #fluorescence in neon-colored sea anemones
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-illuminates-role-fluorescence-neon-sea.html

#FluorescentProteins generate a genetic color polymorphism and counteract #OxidativeStress in intertidal #SeaAnemones https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317017121

"The team turned to the community platform #iNaturalist, which empowers #CitizenScientists to document #biodiversity in their quest to find locations of the sometimes rare neon-green sea anemones."

#fluorescence #fluorescentproteins #oxidativestress #seaanemones #inaturalist #citizenscientists