Beneficial Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic Effects of Aerial Branches and Roots Extract of Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats

Eryngium caeruleum (Apiacea) is native to the northern forests of Iran. The anti-diabetic effect of other species of the genus Eryngium has already been reported in previous studies. In this study, the anti-diabetic effect of this extract on animal blood lipid factors was investigated. Hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from different parts of the plant, including roots, leaves, and aerial branches with fruits were prepared by maceration with 70% ethanol. Oral acute toxicity of the extracts was assayed in different doses of 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg in rats. To induce diabetes in the studied animals, 60-70 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) was injected intraperitoneally (IP). For the purpose of this study, 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into different groups of normal, diabetic, and positive controls (metformin 500 mg/kg) as well as 9 diabetic groups that orally received 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of extracts. The effects of the treatment with extracts for a 14-day period were investigated on weight, blood glucose, and lipid profile. By comparing the control groups with the groups of hydroalcoholic extracts of E. caeruleum showed that the most effective sample on weight gain and also on reducing blood glucose was the group receiving 800 mg/kg of the aerial branches extract (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) after 14 days. As well, the most effective sample on lowering the blood lipid factors was the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of E. coareleum with a dose of 200 mg/kg, which showed a significant effect on lowering total cholesterol in diabetic rats compared to the diabetic controls (P < 0.05). Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves with 200 mg/kg also showed a better effect on lowering the LDL and VLDL levels compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.001). The results of pancreatic histology in the samples showed that the extracts of the aerial branch and root (800 mg/kg) had significant effects on the regeneration of the islets of Langerhans compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, E. caeruleum could significantly improve glycemic and lipid profiles in diabetic rats.

PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) ameliorate learning and memory deficit in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: Potential participation of STIMs

The amyloid-beta (Aβ) fibrillation process seems to execute a principal role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accordingly, novel therapeutic plans have concentrated on the inhibition or degradation of Aβ oligomers and fibrils. Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs), e.g., gold and iron oxide NPs, take a unique capacity in redirecting Aβ fibrillation kinetics; nevertheless, their impacts on AD-related memory impairment have not been adequately evaluated in vivo. Here, we examined the effect of commercial PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the learning and memory of an AD-animal model. The outcomes demonstrated the dose-dependent effect of SPIONs on Aβ fibrillation and learning and memory processes. In vitro and in vivo findings revealed that Low doses of SPIONs inhibited Aβ aggregation and ameliorated learning and memory deficit in the AD model, respectively. Enhanced level of hippocampal proteins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, phosphorylated-cAMP response element-binding protein, p-CREB, and stromal interaction molecules, e.g., STIM1 and STIM2, were also observed. However, at high doses, SPIONs did not improve the detrimental impacts of Aβ fibrillation on spatial memory and hippocampal proteins expression. Overall, we revealed the potential capacity of SPIONs on retrieval of behavioral and molecular manifestations of AD in vivo, which needs further investigations to determine the mechanistic effect of SPIONs in the AD conundrum.

The situation of small molecules targeting key proteins to combat SARS-CoV-2: Synthesis, metabolic pathway, mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic applications

Due to the global epidemic and high mortality of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there is an immediate need to discover drugs that can help before a vaccine becomes available. Given that the process of producing new drugs is so long, the strategy of repurposing existing drugs is one of the promising options for the urgent treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. Although FDA has approved Remdesivir for the use in hospitalized adults and pediatric patients suffering from COVID-19, no fully effective and reliable drug has been yet identified worldwide to treat COVID-19 specifically. Thus, scientists are still trying to find antivirals specific to COVID-19. This work reviews the chemical structure, metabolic pathway, mechanism of action of existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications for COVID-19. Further, we summarized the molecular docking stimulation of the medications related to key protein targets. These already drugs could be developed for further clinical trials to supply suitable therapeutic options for patients suffering from COVID-19.

Chromone-lipoic acid conjugate: Neuroprotective agent having acceptable butyrylcholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant and copper-chelation activities

PURPOSE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disease. To target simultaneously multiple pathological processes involved in AD, natural-origin compounds with unique characteristics are promising scaffolds to develop novel multi-target compounds in the treatment of different neurodegenerative disease, especially AD. In this study, novel chromone-lipoic acid hybrids were prepared to find a new multifunctional lead structure for the treatment of AD.

METHODS

Chromone-lipoic acid hybrids were prepared through click reaction and their neuroprotection and anticholinesterase activity were fully evaluated. The anti-amyloid aggregation, antioxidant and metal-chelation activities of the best compound were also investigated by standard methods to find a new multi-functional agent against AD.

RESULTS

The primary biological screening demonstrated that all compounds had significant neuroprotection activity against H2O2-induced cell damage in PC12 cells. Compound 19 as the most potent butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitor (IC50 = 7.55 μM) having significant neuroprotection activity as level as reference drug was selected for further biological evaluations. Docking and kinetic studies revealed non-competitive mixed-type inhibition of BuChE by compound 19. It could significantly reduce formation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed excellent reducing power (85.57 mM Fe+2), comparable with quercetin and lipoic acid. It could also moderately inhibit Aβ aggregation and selectively chelate with copper ions in 2:1 M ratio.

CONCLUSION

Compound 19 could be considered as a hopeful multifunctional agent for the further development gainst AD owing to the acceptable neuroprotective and anti-BuChE activity, moderate anti-Aβ aggregation activity, outstanding antioxidant activity as well as selective copper chelation ability. A new chromone-lipoic acid hybrid was synthesized as anti-Alzheimer agent with BuChE inhibitory activity, anti-Aβ aggregation, metal-chelation and antioxidant properties.

Astaxanthin Decreases Spatial Memory and Glutamate Transport Impairment Induced by Fluoride

Excessive exposure to the sources of fluoride in drinking water, oral care products, and food is a widespread problem. Fluoride is associated with impairment in child intelligence development. It causes DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, mainly due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been postulated that the use of antioxidants such as astaxanthin, may alleviate fluoride's adverse effects. This study assessed the effects of fluoride on cellular ROS content and rat's learning and memory ability and investigated the protective potency of astaxanthin with emphasis on the role of glutamate using the Morris Water Maze test, glutamate concentration determination, and western blot techniques. The fluoride treatment of cells results in an increment of cellular ROS, whereas astaxanthin inhibits lipid peroxidation. Fluoride significantly decreases the cellular glutamate uptake and glutamate transporter, protein level, possibly due to the disruption of mitochondrial energy metabolism and defect of the transporter recycle, respectively. The in-vivo study indicated that the treatment of rats with fluoride led to a loss of learning, while astaxanthin improved memory dysfunction. Measurement of ROS and glutamate levels of rat brain hippocampus showed that fluoride increased the ROS but decreased the glutamate. On the other hand, the utilization of astaxanthin decreased the brain ROS content and increased the glutamate level. It seems that fluoride disrupts the normal function of neurons via increment of ROS production and decrement of glutamate level, whereas astaxanthin has neuroprotective potency due to the ROS scavenging ability.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel cinnamic acid-tryptamine hybrid for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase

BACKGROUND

Acetylcholine deficiencies in hippocampus and cortex, aggregation of β-amyloid, and β-secretase over activity have been introduced as main reasons in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Colorimetric Ellman's method was used for determination of IC50 value in AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. The kinetic studies, neuroprotective and β-secretase inhibitory activities, evaluation of inhibitory potency on β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregations induced by AChE, and docking study were performed for prediction of the mechanism of action.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

A new series of cinnamic acids-tryptamine hybrid was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as dual cholinesterase inhibitors. These compounds demonstrated in-vitro inhibitory activities against acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BChE). Among of these synthesized compounds, (E)-N-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylamide (5q) demonstrated the most potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 11.51 μM) and (E)-N-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)acrylamide (5b) were the best anti-BChE (IC50 = 1.95 μM) compounds. In addition, the molecular modeling and kinetic studies depicted 5q and 5b were mixed type inhibitor and bound with both the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic sites (CAS) of AChE and BChE. Moreover, compound 5q showed mild neuroprotective in PC12 cell line and weak β-secretase inhibitory activities. This compound also inhibited aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in self-induced peptide aggregation test at concentration of 10 μM.

CONCLUSION

It is worth noting that both the kinetic study and the molecular modeling of 5q and 5b depicted that these compounds simultaneously interacted with both the catalytic active site and the peripheral anionic site of AChE and BChE. These findings match with those resulted data from the enzyme inhibition assay. Graphical abstract A new series of cinnamic-derived acids-tryptamine hybrid derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and neuroprotective agents. Compound 5b and 5q, as the more potent compounds, interacted with both the peripheral site and the choline binding site having mixed type inhibition. Results suggested that derivatives have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.

Neuroprotective Potential of Curcumin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Behavioral and Biochemical Evidence

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and is caused by accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and is associated with neurological abnormalities in learning and memory. The protective role of curcumin on nerve cells, along with a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, has been widely studied. However, its low bioavailability and limited transport ability across the blood-brain barrier are two major drawbacks of its application in the treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was designed to improve the effectiveness of curcumin in the treatment of Aβ-induced cognitive deficiencies in a rat model of AD by loading it into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The accumulation rate of curcumin (505.76±38.4 ng/g-1 h) in rat brain, as well as its serum levels, were significantly increased by using curcumin-loaded NLCs. The effective role of NLCs for brain delivery of curcumin was confirmed by reduced oxidative stress parameters (ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, and ADP/ATP ratio) in the hippocampal tissue and improvement of spatial memory. Also, histopathological studies revealed the potential of Cur-NLCs in decreasing the hallmarks of Aβ in AD in the animal model. The result of studying the neuroprotective potential of Cur-NLC in both pre-treatment and treatment modes showed that loading curcumin in NLCs is an effective strategy for increasing curcumin delivery to the brain and reducing Aβ-induced neurological abnormalities and memory defects and that it can be the basis for further studies in the area of AD prevention and treatment.

A review on inputs and outputs in determining the efficiency of universities of medical sciences by data envelopment analysis method

Background: Increasing the number of students in universities, simultaneously limiting allocation of funds to them, and maintaining the highest efficiency level in education and research are of paramount importance. There are several methods to assess the efficiency of universities, and one of the most widely used of which is data envelopment analysis (DEA). The aim of this study was to determine the input and output criteria to evaluate the efficiency of universities of medical sciences through review-related articles using the DEA method.

Methods: The time limit for retrieving articles was considered from the beginning of the publication of the first paper in this field until the end of 2017. The data were retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct, and PubMed using advanced searches. Inclusion criteria were as follow: relevancy of the articles to the purpose of the research, availability of the articles’ full-text, articles published to the end of 2017, and articles published in English.

Results: The most inputs used in the literature to determine university efficiency were number of academic staffs, budget and costs, number of students, number of nonacademic staffs, spaces, and equipment and student's entrance scores. Also, the most outputs used in the literature to determine university efficiency were number of graduates, publications, incomes, number of students, and student's scores.

Conclusion: This study showed that a large number of researchers have focused on measuring and comparing the efficiency of universities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and manage the resources. Efficiency analysis by DEA allows the policymakers to define and develop policies and guidelines to improve their performances.

Anticholinesterase Activity of Cinnamic Acids Derivatives: In Vitro, In Vivo Biological Evaluation, and Docking Study

Background:

Acetylcholine deficiency in the hippocampus and cortex, aggregation of amyloid-beta, and beta-secretase overactivity have been introduced as the main reasons in the formation of Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective:

A new series of cinnamic derived acids linked to 1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazole moiety were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities.

Methods:

Colorimetric Ellman’s method was used for the determination of IC50% of AchE and BuChE inhibitory activity. The kinetic studies, neuroprotective activity, BACE1 inhibitory activity, evaluation of inhibitory potency on Aβ1-42 self-aggregation induced by AchE, and docking study were performed for studying the mechanism of action.

Results:

Some of the synthesized compounds, compound 7b-4 ((E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-((1- (4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl) methyl) acrylamide) depicted the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities ( IC50 = 5.27 μM ) and compound 7a-1 (N- ( (1- benzyl- 1H- 1, 2, 3- triazole - 4-yl) methyl) cinnamamide) demonstrated the most potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities (IC50 = 1.75 μM). Compound 7b-4 showed neuroprotective and β-secretase (BACE1) inhibitory activitiy. In vivo studies of compound 7b-4 in Scopolamine-induced dysfunction confirmed memory improvement.

Conculusion:

It should be noted that molecular modeling (compounds 7b-4 and 7a-1) and kinetic studies (compounds 7a-1 and 7b-4) showed that these synthesis compounds interacted simultaneously with both the catalytic site (CS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE and BuChE.

Design of peptide-based inhibitor agent against amyloid-β aggregation: Molecular docking, synthesis and in vitro evaluation

Formation of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregations represents an indispensable role in appearing and progression of Alzheimer disease. β-sheet breaker peptides can be designed and modified with different amino acids in order to improve biological properties and binding affinity to the amyloid beta peptide. In the present study, three peptide sequences were designed based on the hopeful results of LIAIMA peptide and molecular docking studies were carried out onto the monomer and fibril structure of amyloid beta peptide using AutoDock Vina software. According to the obtained interactions and binding energy from docking, the best-designed peptide (d-GABA-FPLIAIMA) was chosen and synthesized in great yield (%96) via the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis and purity of the resulting peptide were estimated and evaluated by Mass spectroscopy and Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) methods, respectively. Stability studies in plasma and Thioflavin T (ThT) assay were performed in order to measure the binding affinity and in vitro aggregation inhibition of Aβ peptide. The d-GABA-FPLIAIMA peptide showed good binding energy and affinity to Aβ fibrils, high stability (more than 90%) in human serum, and a reduction of 20% in inhibition of the Aβ aggregation growth. Finally, the favorable characteristics of our newly designed peptide make it a promising candidate β-sheet breaker agent for further in vivo studies.

Anticonvulsant Effects of Thalidomide on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in Mice: A Role for Opioidergic and Nitrergic Transmissions

Although accumulating evidence indicates that the immunomodulatory medication thalidomide exerts anticonvulsant properties, the mechanisms underlying such effects of thalidomide are still unknown. Our previous preclinical study suggested that nitric oxide (NO) signaling may be involved in the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide in a mouse model of clonic seizure. Additionally, several studies have shown a modulatory interaction between thalidomide and opioids in opioids intolerance, nociception and neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear whether opioidergic transmission or its interaction with NO signaling is involved in the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide. Given the fact that both opioidergic and nitrergic transmissions have bimodal modulatory effects on seizure thresholds, in the present study we explored the involvement of these signaling pathways in the possible anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizure in mice. Our data showed that acute administration of thalidomide (5-50 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min prior PTZ injection) dose-dependently elevated PTZ-induced clonic seizure thresholds. Acute administration of low doses (0.5-3 mg/kg, i.p., 60 min prior PTZ) of morphine exerted anticonvulsant effects (P < 0.001), whereas higher doses (15-60 mg/kg, 60 min prior PTZ) had proconvulsant effects (P < 0.01). Acute administration of a non-effective anticonvulsant dose of morphine (0.25 mg/kg) prior non-effective dose of thalidomide (5 mg/kg) exerted a robust (P < 0.01) anticonvulsant effect. Administration of a non-effective proconvulsant dose of morphine (7.5 mg/kg) prior thalidomide (5 mg/kg) didn't affect clonic seizure thresholds. Acute administration of a non-effective dose of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prevented anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with non-effective dose of the NO precursor L-arginine (60 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the anticonvulsant effects of combined low doses of morphine (0.25 mg/kg) and thalidomide (5 mg/kg). Conversely, pretreatment with non-effective doses of either non-selective (L-NAME, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) or selective neuronal (7-nitroindazole, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors significantly augmented the anticonvulsant effects of combined low doses of thalidomide and morphine, whereas the inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) did not exert such effect. Our results indicate that opioidergic transmission and its interaction with neuronal NO signaling may contribute to the anti-seizure activity of thalidomide in the mice PTZ model of clonic seizure.

Polyurethane/carboxymethylcellulose nanofibers containing Malva sylvestris extract for healing diabetic wounds: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies

In this study, new polyurethane (PU)-based nanofibers wound dressings containing Malva sylvestris extract were prepared and their effect on diabetic wound healing process was evaluated. Different amounts of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to improve the absorption ability of wound exudates. The result showed that the usage of 20% w/w CMC in the polymer blend; and producing of nanofibers with an average diameter of 386.5 nm, led to the gradual release of the herbal compound in 85 h and bead-free morphology. Due to the antibacterial activity of wound dressing and wound healing process, the amount of 15% w/w herbal extract was selected as the optimum. For this sample, the fluid absorption was 412.31%. The extract loaded wound dressing samples showed satisfactory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. In vivo wound-healing and histological performance observations indicated that the use of the herbal extract in wound dressing improved wound healing significantly. On day 14, the average healing rate for gauze bandage, PU/CMC, and different amounts of 5, 10, 15 and 20% w/w extract containing wound dressings was 32.1 ± 0.2%, 51.4 ± 0.4%, 71 ± 0.14%, 87.64 ± 1.02%, 95.05 ± 0.24% and 95.11 ± 0.2%, respectively. Compared to the control groups, treatments with extract loaded wound dressings were effective in lowering acute and chronic inflammations. In diabetic rat wounds, collagen deposition and neovascularization were higher in wounds treated with an herbal extract containing wound dressing compared to the wounds treated with a gauze bandage and PU/CMC treated wounds. It can be suggested that this product may be considered as a good dual anti-inflammatory-antimicrobial wound dressing candidate for improving the diabetic wound healing.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and preclinical study of a novel 99mTc-peptide: A targeting probe of amyloid-β plaques as a possible diagnostic agent for Alzheimer's disease

With respect to the main role of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques as one of the pathological hallmarks in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, the development of new imaging probes for targeted detection of Aβ plaques has attracted considerable interests. In this study, a novel cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl Technetium-99 m (^99mTc) agent with peptide scaffold, ^99mTc-Cp-GABA-D-(FPLIAIMA)-NH₂, for binding to the Aβ plaques was designed and successfully synthesized using the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis method. This radiopeptide revealed a good affinity for Aβ42 aggregations (K_d = 20 µM) in binding affinity study and this result was confirmed by binding to Aβ plaques in brain sections of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) and rat models using in vitro autoradiography, fluorescent staining, and planar scintigraphy. Biodistribution studies of radiopeptide in AD and normal rats demonstrated a moderate initial brain uptake about 0.38 and 0.35% (ID/g) 2 min post-injection, respectively. Whereas, AD rats showed a notable retention time in the brain (0.23% ID/g at 30 min) in comparison with fast clearance in normal rat brains. Normal rats following treatment with cyclosporine A as a p-glycoprotein inhibitor showed a significant increase in the radiopeptide brain accumulation compared to non-treated ones. There was a good correlation between data gathered from single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and biodistribution studies. Therefore, these findings showed that this novel radiopeptide could be a potential SPECT imaging agent for early detection of Aβ plaques in the brain of patients with AD.

Effects of mercuric chloride on spatial memory deficit-induced by beta-amyloid and evaluation of mitochondrial function markers in the hippocampus of rats

Mercury is a highly poisonous heavy metal abundantly found in the environment in its inorganic form. Although evidence have been provided about the possible role of inorganic mercury in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its effect on cognitive and mitochondrial functions have not yet been completely understood. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the chronic exposure to mercuric chloride (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg kg-1 per day for 3 weeks) through drinking water (by gavage) on spatial learning and memory and hippocampal mitochondrial function in beta-amyloid treated rats (1 μg per μL per side, intrahippocampally). The acquisition and retention of spatial memory were evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Several parameters of hippocampal mitochondrial function were also measured. The results indicated that mercury impaired spatial learning and memory as well as aggravated Aβ-induced memory impairments in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, mercury exposure resulted in a significant increase in ROS generation, MMP collapse, mitochondrial swelling, glutathione oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and outer membrane damage. In addition, a reduced cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) activity and elevated ADP/ATP ratio in the rats' hippocampus was also observed. The findings of the current study revealed that chronic mercury exposure led to mitochondrial dysfunction, which resulted in spatial memory impairments. The results also showed that mercury can exacerbate the toxic effects of Aβ on spatial memory and hippocampal mitochondrial function.

Modulatory effect of opioid ligands on status epilepticus and the role of nitric oxide pathway

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Morphine has been the cornerstone of pain controlling medicines for a long time. In addition to the analgesic and opioid responses, morphine has also revealed anticonvulsant effects in different epilepsy models including pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures threshold. Some authors suggest that nitric oxide (NO) pathway interactions of morphine explain the reason for its pro or anticonvulsant activities. To induce SE, injection of a single dose of lithium chloride (127 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) 20 h before pilocarpine (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was used. Administration of morphine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the SE and decreased the mortality in rats when injected 30 min before pilocarpine. On the other hand, injection of L-N^G-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nonselective NO synthase (NOS) blocker; 10 mg/kg, i.p.), 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, a neuronal NOS (nNOS) blocker; 30 mg/kg, i.p.), and aminoguanidine (AG, an inducible NOS (iNOS) blocker; 50 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min before morphine, significantly reversed inhibitory effect of morphine on SE. Subsequently, measurement of nitrite metabolite levels in the hippocampus of SE-induced rats displayed high levels of nitrite metabolite for the control group. However, after injection of morphine in SE-induced rats, nitrite metabolite levels reduced. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that NO pathway (both nNOS and iNOS) interactions are involved in the anticonvulsant effects of morphine on the SE signs and mortality rate induced by lithium-pilocarpine in rats.

Improvement of memory deficits in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease by erythropoietin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Erythropoietin (EPO), a hematopoietic factor, is one of the promising neuroprotective candidates in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Due to the high molecular weight, hydrophilicity and rapid clearance from circulation, EPO could not completely pass the blood-brain barrier in the case of systemic administration. To overcome this limitation, EPO-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle (EPO-SLN) was developed in this study using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method (W₁/O/W₂). Glycerin monostearate (GMS), span®80/span®60, Dichloromethane (DCM) and tween®80 were chosen as lipid, internal phase surfactants, solvent, and external aqueous phase surfactant, respectively. After physicochemical evaluations, the effect of EPO-SLN on the beta-amyloid-induced AD-like animal model was investigated. In vivo evaluations, it was demonstrated that the memory was significantly restored in cognitive deficit rats treated with EPO-SLN compared to the rats treated with native drug using the Morris water maze test. In addition, EPO-SLN reduced the oxidative stress, ADP/ATP ratio, and beta-amyloid plaque deposition in the hippocampus more effectively than the free EPO. Hence, the designed SLN can be regarded as a promising system for safe and effective delivery of EPO in the AD.

Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague, superb essential oil and its major components on peptic ulcers: in vivo combined in silico studies

BACKGROUND

Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Several studies indicated gastric antiulcer activity of T. ammi extract, yet the effect of its essential oil has not been studied on.

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil and anti-peptic ulcer effect of the essential oil as well as its three major components in ethanol induced-gastric ulcers in rats.

METHODS

Primarily chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Rats received the essential oil (500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 mg/kg), thymol (30, 100 mg/kg), para-cymene (100, 150 mg/kg) and gamma-terpinene (100, 150 mg/kg) using gavage tube along with ethanol 80%. Finally, dissected stomachs were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically to evaluate anti-ulcerative effect of the essential oil and the pure compounds. Moreover, molecular docking was utilized to explore the interactive behavior of the main components with active site residues of H⁺/K⁺ ATPase.

RESULTS

Analysis of the essential oil indicated that para-cymene (37.18%), gamma-terpinene (35.36%) and thymol (20.51%) are the main components. Administration of different doses of the essential oil noticeably diminished the number of peptic ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. Among the main components, thymol was more potent than para-cymene and gamma-terpinene. Administration of the essential oil (500 mg/kg) and thymol (100 mg/kg) observed maximum inhibition percentage (98.58% and 79.37%, respectively). Molecular docking study provides the evidence of thymol ability to inhibit H⁺/K⁺ ATPase.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed that T. ammi essential oil can be applied to treat gastric ulcer as a natural agent. Graphical abstract.

Impact of Gold Nanoparticles on Amyloid β-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in a Rat Animal Model: Involvement of STIM Proteins

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative amyloid disorder causing progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. A considerable number of therapies for AD rely on inhibition/delay/dissociation of amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and fibrils. In this case, nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrated substantial effects on the Aβ fibrillation process; however, their effects on progressive cognitive decline and memory have been poorly investigated in vivo. In this study, acquisition and retention of spatial learning and memory are studied in a rat animal model of AD after intrahippocampal (IH) and intraperitoneal (IP) injections of a model NP, i.e., gold NPs (AuNPs). The outcomes revealed that the AuNPs could improve the acquisition and retention of spatial learning and memory in Aβ treated rats as indicated by decreased time (Aβ: 39.60 ± 3.23 s vs Aβ+AuNPs: 25.78 ± 2.80 s) and distance (Aβ: 917.98 ± 50.81 cm vs Aβ+AuNPs: 589.09 ± 65.96 cm) of finding the hidden platform during training days and by increased time spent in the target quadrant (Aβ: 19.40 ± 0.98 s vs Aβ+AuNPs: 29.36 ± 1.14 s) in the probe test in Morris water maze (MWM). Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, cAMP response element binding protein, CREB, and stromal interaction molecules, e.g., STIM1 and STIM2 was also increased, supporting improved neural survival. Our outcomes may pave a way for mechanistic insights toward the role of NPs on retrieval of the deteriorated behavioral functions in brain tissue after AD outbreak.

Magnetic bio-metal-organic framework nanocomposites decorated with folic acid conjugated chitosan as a promising biocompatible targeted theranostic system for cancer treatment

In this work, a multifunctional magnetic Bio-Metal-Organic Framework (Fe₃O₄@Bio-MOF) coated with folic acid-chitosan conjugate (FC) was successfully prepared for tumor-targeted delivery of curcumin (CUR) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) simultaneously. Bio-MOF nanocomposite based on CUR as organic linker and zinc as metal ion was prepared by hydrothermal method in the presence of amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@NH₂ MNPs). 5-FU was loaded in the magnetic Bio-MOF and the obtained nanocarrier was then coated with FC network. The prepared nanocomposite (NC) was fully characterized by high resolution-transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV-vis analyses. In vitro release study showed controlled release of CUR and 5-FU in acidic pH confirming high selectivity and performance of the carrier in cancerous microenvironments. The selective uptake of 5-FU-loaded Fe₃O₄@Bio-MOF-FC by folate receptor-positive MDA-MB-231 cells was investigated and verified. The ultimate nanocarrier exhibited no significant toxicity, while drug loaded nanocarrier showed selective and higher toxicity against the cancerous cells than normal cells. SDS PAGE was also utilized to determine the protein pattern attached on the surface of the nanocarriers. In vitro and in vivo MRI studies showed negative signal enhancement in tumor confirming the ability of the nanocarrier to be applied as diagnostic agent. Owing to the selective anticancer release and cellular uptake, acceptable blood compatibility as well as suitable T₂ MRI contrast performance, the target nanocarrier could be considered as favorable theranostic in breast cancer.