Questions about which reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can escape from the mitochondria and activate signals must be addressed. In this study, two parameters, the calculated dipole moment (debye, D) and permeability coefficient (Pm) (cm s⁻¹), are listed for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide (O₂^•−), hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂•), nitric oxide (•NO), nitrogen dioxide (•NO₂), peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), and peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) in comparison to those for water (H₂O). O₂^•− is generated from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), and several other ROS and RNS can be generated subsequently. The candidates which pass through the mitochondrial membrane include ROS with a small number of dipoles, i.e., H₂O₂, HO₂•, ONOOH, •OH, and •NO. The results show that the dipole moment of •NO₂ is 0.35 D, indicating permeability; however, •NO₂ can be eliminated quickly. The dipole moments of •OH (1.67 D) and ONOOH (1.77 D) indicate that they might be permeable. This study also suggests that the mitochondria play a central role in protecting against further oxidative stress in cells. The amounts, the long half-life, the diffusion distance, the Pm, the one-electron reduction potential, the pK_a, and the rate constants for the reaction with ascorbate and glutathione are listed for various ROS/RNS, •OH, singlet oxygen (¹O₂), H₂O₂, O₂^•−, HO₂•, •NO, •NO₂, ONOO⁻, and ONOOH, and compared with those for H₂O and oxygen (O₂). Molecules with negative electrical charges cannot directly diffuse through the phospholipid bilayer of the mitochondrial membranes. Short-lived molecules, such as •OH, would be difficult to contribute to intracellular signaling. Finally, HO₂• and ONOOH were selected as candidates for the ROS/RNS that pass through the mitochondrial membrane.

The universe began 13.8 billion years ago, and Earth was born 4.6 billion years ago. Early traces of life were found as soon as 4.1 billion years ago; then, ~200,000 years ago, the human being was born. The evolution of life on earth was to become individual rather than cellular life. The birth of mitochondria made this possible to be the individual life. Since then, individuals have had a limited time of life. It was 1.4 billion years ago that a bacterial cell began living inside an archaeal host cell, a form of endosymbiosis that is the development of eukaryotic cells, which contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound compartments. The bacterium started to provide its host cell with additional energy, and the interaction eventually resulted in a eukaryotic cell, with both archaeal (the host cell) and bacterial (mitochondrial) origins still having genomes. The cells survived high concentrations of oxygen producing more energy inside the cell. Further, the roles of mitochondria in human being’s life and aging will be discussed.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid loss of renal function due to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with limited targeted therapies. Alpha-mangostin (AM), a natural compound from Garcinia mangostana, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies, but its efficacy in AKI has not been reviewed. This systematic review and meta-analysis, registered on the Open Science Framework and adhering to PRISMA guidelines, analyzed in vivo and in vitro studies on AM’s effects in AKI models through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included serum creatinine and cell viability, while secondary outcomes encompassed oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS)), inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis indicators, and histopathology. Data were extracted independently and assessed using the Toxicological Data Reliability Assessment Tool (ToxRTool). AM significantly reduced serum creatinine (mean difference (MD) = −0.67 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.28 to −0.06; p = 0.03) and improved cell viability (MD = 28.26%; 95% CI: 17.25 to 39.26; p < 0.0001). It markedly decreased MDA and ROS, increased GSH, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD)). In vivo, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were lowered, and histopathology showed reduced tubular necrosis and structural damage. Subgroup analyses indicated dose- and model-dependent effects, with lower doses often yielding greater benefits. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness despite heterogeneity. Preclinical evidence supports AM’s nephroprotective potential and underscores the need for dose optimization, mechanistic validation, and clinical translation.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), an aggressive biliary tract cancer whose prevalence is rising, particularly in Thailand, is marked by elevated oxidative stress driven by chronic inflammation, parasitic infections, and dysregulated redox signaling. This study investigates the anticancer potential of tiliacorinine using a silico approach, including drug-likeness, ADMET, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations. Tiliacorinine and 216 predicted targets were identified, with 79 overlapping CCA-related genes from GeneCards. GO and KEGG analyses revealed involvement in cell migration, membrane structure, kinase activity, and cancer-associated pathways. Network and PPI analyses identified ten key targets, including SRC, HIF1A, HSP90AA1, NFKB1, MTOR, MMP9, MMP2, PIK3CA, ICAM1, and MAPK1. Tiliacorinine showed the strongest affinity for MTOR (−10.78 kcal/mol, K_i = 12.62 nM), binding at the same site as known inhibitors with superior energy and specificity, supported by hydrogen bonding at ASP950 and hydrophobic interactions. Tiliacorinine also demonstrated strong binding to SRC, MMP9, and MAPK1. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed stable binding of tiliacorinine to MTOR, particularly at residues ASP950, TRP1086, and PHE1087. Comparative analysis with the MTOR–GDC-0980 complex confirmed consistent interaction patterns, reinforcing the structural stability and specificity of tiliacorinine. These results highlight its strong pharmacological potential and support its candidacy as a promising lead compound for cholangiocarcinoma therapy.

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a growing global health burden characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Alpha-mangostin (AM), a xanthone from Garcinia mangostana pericarp, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties in preclinical models. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled in vivo studies to assess AM’s anti-hyperglycemic effects. Fourteen studies (25 comparisons) in rodent models of diabetes or hyperglycemia were included. Primary outcome was blood glucose; secondary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that AM significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (mean difference (MD) = −8.75 mmol/L; 95% CI: −10.73 to −6.78; p < 0.001) and HbA1c (MD = −2.20%; 95% CI: −3.07 to −1.32; p < 0.001). AM did not significantly alter circulating insulin (Hedges’ g = 0.43; 95% CI: −0.62 to 1.49; p = 0.42) but improved insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR (MD = −0.90; 95% CI: −1.68 to −0.12; p = 0.02). Subgroup, sensitivity, and risk-of-bias analyses supported the robustness of the glucose-lowering association, although substantial between-study heterogeneity was present. Overall, this study provides preclinical evidence that AM exerts significant antihyperglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects, supporting its potential as a multitarget metabolic modulator. Further standardized and mechanistically informed studies are warranted to facilitate translational progression.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multidomain serine/threonine kinase and a major genetic contributor to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although LRRK2 has been extensively studied in neurodegeneration, emerging evidence indicates that it also plays a critical role in systemic metabolism. LRRK2 regulates glucose homeostasis through modulation of insulin signaling, vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory responses. Studies using LRRK2 knockout and knock-in models, including the pathogenic G2019S mutation, have revealed abnormalities in insulin sensitivity, adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic glucose production, and skeletal muscle metabolism. Mechanistically, LRRK2 phosphorylates Rab GTPases, thereby controlling insulin receptor trafficking and GLUT4 translocation. In addition, LRRK2 influences mitochondrial dynamics and reactive oxygen species production, linking metabolic stress to inflammatory signaling. Importantly, LRRK2 also regulates innate immune pathways, including TLR4–NFκB signaling and inflammasome activation, thereby connecting peripheral metabolic dysfunction to neuroinflammation. Here, we propose an integrated metabolic–neuroinflammatory crosstalk model in which LRRK2 functions as a molecular coordinator linking peripheral metabolic dysfunction to central neurodegeneration. In this framework, systemic metabolic stress—characterized by insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation, and blood–brain barrier disruption—drives microglial activation and neurodegenerative processes. Understanding this systemic axis may provide new therapeutic opportunities targeting both metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in PD.