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Asghar H, Siddiqui A, Batool L, Batool Z, Ahmed T. Post-exposure self-recovery reverses oxidative stress, ameliorates pathology and neurotransmitters imbalance and rescues spatial memory after time-dependent aluminum exposure in rat brain. Biometals 2024; 37:819-838. [PMID: 38233603 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum is a potent neurotoxin, responsible for memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction. The neurotoxic effect of aluminum on cognitive impairment is well documented, however, exposure to aluminum in a time-dependent manner and post-exposure self-recovery still needs to be elaborated. This research aimed to (1) study the time-dependent effect of aluminum exposure by administering a total dose of 5850 mg/kg of Al over two different time periods: 30 and 45 days (130 and 195 mg/kg of AlCl3 respectively), and (2) study 20 days post-exposure self-recovery effect in both aluminum-exposed groups by giving distilled water. Cognitive abilities were investigated through Morris water maze test and hole board test and compared in both exposure and recovery groups. Oxidative stress markers and neurotransmitter levels were measured for both exposure and recovery groups. To understand the mechanism of aluminum exposure and recovery, immunohistochemical analysis of synaptophysin (Syp) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was performed. Results showed cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress-induced damage, reduced neurotransmitter levels, decreased immunoreactivity of Syp, and increased GFAP. However, these parameters showed a larger improvement in the recovery group where rats were given aluminum for 30 days period in comparison to recovery group followed by 45 days of aluminum exposure. These results suggest that restoration of cognitive ability is affected by the duration of aluminum exposure. The study findings provide us with insight into the adverse effects of aluminum exposure and can be utilized to guide future preventive and therapeutic strategies against aluminum neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humna Asghar
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Alveena Siddiqui
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Laraib Batool
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Batool
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Touqeer Ahmed
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
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2
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Dhapola R, Sharma P, Kumari S, Bhatti JS, HariKrishnaReddy D. Environmental Toxins and Alzheimer's Disease: a Comprehensive Analysis of Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Modulation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3657-3677. [PMID: 38006469 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03805-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Inorganic and organic hazards, susceptibility to harmful metals, pesticides, agrochemicals, and air pollution are major environmental concerns. As merely 5% of AD cases are directly inherited indicating that these environmental factors play a major role in disease development. Long-term exposure to environmental toxins is believed to progress neuropathology, which leads to the development of AD. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have suggested the harmful impact of environmental toxins at cellular and molecular level. Common mechanisms involved in the toxicity of these environmental pollutants include oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal tau, and APP processing. Increased expression of GSK-3β, BACE-1, TNF-α, and pro-apoptotic molecules like caspases is observed upon exposure to these environmental toxins. In addition, the expression of neurotrophins like BDNF and GAP-43 have been found to be reduced as a result of toxicity. Further, modulation of signaling pathways involving PARP-1, PGC-1α, and MAPK/ERK induced by toxins have been reported to contribute in AD pathogenesis. These pathways are a promising target for developing novel AD therapeutics. Drugs like epigallocatechin-gallate, neflamapimod, salsalate, dexmedetomidine, and atabecestat are in different phases of clinical trials targeting the pathways for possible treatment of AD. This review aims to culminate the correlation between environmental toxicants and AD development. We emphasized upon the signaling pathways involved in the progression of the disease and the therapeutics under clinical trial targeting the altered pathways for possible treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Dhapola
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India
| | - Prajjwal Sharma
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India
| | - Sneha Kumari
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India
| | - Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India
| | - Dibbanti HariKrishnaReddy
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India.
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Nam Y, Prajapati R, Kim S, Shin SJ, Cheong DY, Park YH, Park HH, Lim D, Yoon Y, Lee G, Jung HA, Park I, Kim DH, Choi JS, Moon M. Dual regulatory effects of neferine on amyloid-β and tau aggregation studied by in silico, in vitro, and lab-on-a-chip technology. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116226. [PMID: 38301421 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of two critical pathogenic factors: amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau. Aβ and tau become neurotoxic aggregates via self-assembly, and these aggregates contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, there has been growing interest in therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target Aβ and tau aggregates. Although neferine has attracted attention as a suitable candidate agent for alleviating AD pathology, there has been no study investigating whether neferine affects the modulation of Aβ or tau aggregation/dissociation. Herein, we investigated the dual regulatory effects of neferine on Aβ and tau aggregation/dissociation. We predicted the binding characteristics of neferine to Aβ and tau using molecular docking simulations. Next, thioflavin T and atomic force microscope analyses were used to evaluate the effects of neferine on the aggregation or dissociation of Aβ42 and tau K18. We verified the effect of neferine on Aβ fibril degradation using a microfluidic device. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation was used to predict a conformational change in the Aβ42-neferine complex. Moreover, we examined the neuroprotective effect of neferine against neurotoxicity induced by Aβ and tau and their fibrils in HT22 cells. Finally, we foresaw the pharmacokinetic properties of neferine. These results demonstrated that neferine, which has attracted attention as a potential treatment for AD, can directly affect Aβ and tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkwon Nam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ritu Prajapati
- Department of Food and Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Dementia Science, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Yeon Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, South Korea
| | - Yong Ho Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ha Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Danyou Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyudo Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Jung
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Insu Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Departments of Pharmacology and Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Sue Choi
- Department of Food and Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Dementia Science, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea.
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AbdEl-Raouf K, Farrag HSH, Rashed R, Ismail MA, El-Ganzuri MA, El-Sayed WM. New bithiophene derivative attenuated Alzheimer's disease induced by aluminum in a rat model via antioxidant activity and restoration of neuronal and synaptic transmission. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 82:127352. [PMID: 38070385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the hypotheses that leads to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of aluminum in the brain's frontal cortex. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of a novel bithiophene derivative at two doses against AlCl3-induced AD in a rat model. METHODOLOGY Adult male rats were divided into six groups, 18 rats each. Group 1: naïve animals, group 2: animals received a daily oral administration of bithiophene dissolved in DMSO (1 mg/kg) for 30 days every other day, groups 3-6: animals received a daily oral administration of AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/day) for 45 consecutive days. Groups 4 and 5 received an oral administration of low or high dose of the bithiophene (0.5 or 1 mg/kg, respectively). Group 6; Animals were treated with a daily oral dose of memantine (20 mg/kg) for 30 consecutive days. MAIN FINDINGS Al disturbed the antioxidant milieu, elevated the lipid peroxidation, and depleted the antioxidants. It also disturbed the synaptic neurotransmission by elevating the activities of acetylcholine esterase and monoamine oxidase resulting in the depletion of dopamine and serotonin and accumulation of glutamate and norepinephrine. Al also deteriorated the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and the production of amyloid-β plaques as well as phosphorylation of tau. The new bithiophene at the low dose reversed most of the previous deleterious effects of aluminum in the cerebral cortex and was in many instances superior to the reference drug; memantine. CONCLUSION Taking together, the bithiophene modulated the AD etiology through antioxidant activity, prevention of neuronal and synaptic loss, and probably mitigating the formation of amyloid-β plaques and phosphorylation of tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kholoud AbdEl-Raouf
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rashed Rashed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ismail
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Monir A El-Ganzuri
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wael M El-Sayed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt.
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Ali H, Usman H, Ashraf W, Alqahtani F, Javaid S, Siddique F, Rasool MF, Imran I, Ahmad T, Abdel Rahman AM, AlMalki RH. Demaghi, a polyherbal formulation, mitigates aluminum chloride-induced neurological impairment in mice: Insights from phytochemical analysis and behavioral assessment. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21234. [PMID: 38027790 PMCID: PMC10643107 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal products have been very popular in Pakistan for their curative significance against various disorders. Demaghi (DEMG) is a widely used herbal product claimed to own natural substances having neuroprotective potential. The current study aims to scientifically validate the chemical composition as well as its neuroprotective claims of this widely used herbal tonic. The commercially available Demaghi product was chemically characterized for its phytocomposition. The mice were treated with two doses of Demaghi (DEMG 50 mg and 100 mg/kg/day), and the effects of its prolonged exposure on animal anxiety, memory, and depression were noted through a series of behavioral tests in the AlCl3-induced memory deficient mice model. Besides that, dissected brains were biochemically analyzed for oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase activity, as well as histopathological changes. The study outcomes showed that DEMG (100 mg/kg/day) has prominent anti-anxiety effects, memory-enhancing properties, and anti-depressants effects observed in the AlCl3-induced memory-deficient mice model. Biochemical assays also showed a greater decrease in oxidative stress of tested animals treated with 100 mg/kg/day of DEMG. The histopathological analysis also revealed that administration of DEMG reduced the AlCl3-induced toxicity. UPLC-MS results revealed the presence of many phytoconstituents, which showed to support cholinergic signaling in in-silico studies. The current research validates the neurological benefits of Demaghi for memory-boosting properties. The phytocompounds present in Demaghi exert neuroprotective effects, possibly by enhancing the cholinergic neurotransmission and combating the neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Usman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Ashraf
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sana Javaid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Women University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Siddique
- Departmenmt of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fawad Rasool
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Imran Imran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Institut pour l’Avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA / INSERM U1209 / CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, France
| | - Anas M. Abdel Rahman
- Metabolomics Section, Department of Clinical Genomics, Center for Genomics Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem H. AlMalki
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Elzayat EM, Shahien SA, El-Sherif AA, Hosney M. Therapeutic potential of stem cells and acitretin on inflammatory signaling pathway-associated genes regulated by miRNAs 146a and 155 in AD-like rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9613. [PMID: 37311848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia. Several drugs are used to improve the symptoms, but do not stop AD progression. There are more promising treatments that may have a significant role in AD diagnosis and treatment such as miRNAs and stem cells. The present study aims to develop a new approach for AD treatment by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or acitretin with special reference to inflammatory signaling pathway as NF-kB and its regulator miRNAs in AD-like rat model. Fourty-five male albino rats were allotted for the present study. The experimental periods were divided into induction, withdrawal, and therapeutic phases. Expression levels of miR-146a, miR-155, necrotic, growth and inflammatory genes were assessed using RT-qPCR. Histopathological examination of brain tissues was performed in different rat groups. The normal physiological, molecular, and histopathological levels were restored after treatment with MSCs and/or acitretin. The present study demonstrates that the miR-146a and miR-155 might be used as promising biomarkers for AD. MSCs and/or acitretin proved their therapeutic potential in restoring the expression levels of targeted miRNAs and their related genes concerning NF-kB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad M Elzayat
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Sherif A Shahien
- Biotechnology/Bimolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Sherif
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hosney
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
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Gaber HA, Aly EM, Mohamed ES, Elfouly M, Talaat MS, El-Sayed ESM. Prognosis of Biomarker of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Function of the Retina and Secondary Molecular Structure Variation of the Retina and Brain. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 2023:9775921. [PMID: 37035098 PMCID: PMC10076121 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9775921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most serious neurodegenerative diseases in the globe. As a result, there is an acute need to discover indications that allow for early disease detection. There is growing scientific data showing the similarities between the eye and other central nervous system components, suggesting that information obtained in ophthalmic research might be valuable in the study and diagnosis of AD. Fifty male albino Wistar rats were separated into five groups: the first group served as control, and the other four groups of animals were administrated aluminium chloride (AlCl3) in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Insights into the function of the retina by electroretinogram (ERG) and the changes thought to have occurred in the molecular structure of the retina and brain using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as a result of AD progression induced by AlCl3 in rats were done. Moreover, the measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was done. After 6 and 8 weeks of AlCl3 injection, there was a substantial reduction (
) in a- and b-wave amplitudes and a significant rise (
) in implicit time compared to controls. A significant elevation (
) of AchE content was observed after 4, 6, and 8 weeks. FTIR revealed a significant increase (
) of β-turn and β-sheet content associated with significant decrease (
) of α-helix content for all groups administrated with AlCl3. Our findings suggest that retinal biomarkers such as ERG of the retina may be used as a screening tool for detection of AD. Secondary structural changes in the proteins of the retina and the brain were similar in AD rats’ model and precede retinal dysfunction.
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Alsharif KF, Albrakati A, Al Omairi NE, Almalki AS, Alsanie W, Abd Elmageed ZY, Alharthi F, Althagafi HA, Alghamdi AAA, Hassan IE, Habotta OA, Lokman MS, Kassab RB, El-Hennamy RE. Neuroprotective efficacy of the bacterial metabolite, prodigiosin, against aluminium chloride-induced neurochemical alternations associated with Alzheimer's disease murine model: Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:266-277. [PMID: 36447373 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Prodigiosin (PDG) is a bacterial metabolite with numerous biological and pharmaceutical properties. Exposure to aluminium is considered a root etiological factor in the pathological progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, in this investigation, we explored the neuroprotective potential of PDG against aluminium chloride (AlCl3 )-mediated AD-like neurological alterations in rats. For this purpose, rats were gavaged either AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), PDG (300 mg/kg), or both for 42 days. As a result of the analyzes performed on the hippocampal tissue, it was observed that AlCl3 induced biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes like those related to AD. PDG pre-treatment significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and restored the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), and transmembrane protein (Na+ /K+ -ATPase). Furthermore, PDG boosted the hippocampal antioxidant capacity, as shown by the increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione contents. These findings were accompanied by decreases in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. The antioxidant effect may promote the upregulation of the expression of antioxidant genes (Nrf2 and HO-1). Moreover, PDG exerted notable anti-inflammatory effects via the lessening of interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa B, and decreases in the gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, noteworthy decreases in pro-apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) levels and increases in anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) biomarkers suggested an anti-apoptotic effect of PDG. In support, the hippocampal histological examination validated the aforementioned changes. To summarize, the promising neuromodulatory, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities of PDG establish it as a potent therapeutic option for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalaf F Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Albrakati
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif E Al Omairi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Walaa Alsanie
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zakaria Y Abd Elmageed
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Fahad Alharthi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam A Althagafi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Baha University, Almakhwah, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A A Alghamdi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Eid Hassan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Physics, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Alnbhaniah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ola A Habotta
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maha S Lokman
- Biology Department, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rami B Kassab
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Baha University, Almakhwah, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab E El-Hennamy
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Akhtar A, Gupta SM, Dwivedi S, Kumar D, Shaikh MF, Negi A. Preclinical Models for Alzheimer's Disease: Past, Present, and Future Approaches. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47504-47517. [PMID: 36591205 PMCID: PMC9798399 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A robust preclinical disease model is a primary requirement to understand the underlying mechanisms, signaling pathways, and drug screening for human diseases. Although various preclinical models are available for several diseases, clinical models for Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain underdeveloped and inaccurate. The pathophysiology of AD mainly includes the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Furthermore, neuroinflammation and free radical generation also contribute to AD. Currently, there is a wide gap in scientific approaches to preventing AD progression. Most of the available drugs are limited to symptomatic relief and improve deteriorating cognitive functions. To mimic the pathogenesis of human AD, animal models like 3XTg-AD and 5XFAD are the primarily used mice models in AD therapeutics. Animal models for AD include intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ), amyloid beta-induced, colchicine-induced, etc., focusing on parameters such as cognitive decline and dementia. Unfortunately, the translational rate of the potential drug candidates in clinical trials is poor due to limitations in imitating human AD pathology in animal models. Therefore, the available preclinical models possess a gap in AD modeling. This paper presents an outline that critically assesses the applicability and limitations of the current approaches in disease modeling for AD. Also, we attempted to provide key suggestions for the best-fit model to evaluate potential therapies, which might improve therapy translation from preclinical studies to patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansab Akhtar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shraddha M. Gupta
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shubham Dwivedi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, DIT University, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248009, India
| | - Mohd. Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology
Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Arvind Negi
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- E-mail:
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10
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Medicinal Herbs and Their Derived Ingredients Protect against Cognitive Decline in In Vivo Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911311. [PMID: 36232612 PMCID: PMC9569503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has pathological hallmarks including amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque formation. Currently approved single-target drugs cannot effectively ameliorate AD. Medicinal herbs and their derived ingredients (MHDIs) have multitarget and multichannel properties, engendering exceptional AD treatment outcomes. This review delineates how in in vivo models MHDIs suppress Aβ deposition by downregulating β- and γ-secretase activities; inhibit oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant activities and reducing lipid peroxidation; prevent tau hyperphosphorylation by upregulating protein phosphatase 2A expression and downregulating glycogen synthase kinase-3β expression; reduce inflammatory mediators partly by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2-mediated signaling and downregulating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated signaling; attenuate synaptic dysfunction by increasing presynaptic protein, postsynaptic protein, and acetylcholine levels and preventing acetylcholinesterase activity; and protect against neuronal apoptosis mainly by upregulating Akt/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling and downregulating p38 MAPK/JNK/Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax)/caspase-3-, Bax/apoptosis-inducing factor-, C/EBP homologous protein/glucose-regulated protein 78-, and autophagy-mediated apoptotic signaling. Therefore, MHDIs listed in this review protect against Aβ-induced cognitive decline by inhibiting Aβ accumulation, oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, inflammation, synaptic damage, and neuronal apoptosis in the cortex and hippocampus during the early and late AD phases.
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Dong Z, Xie Q, Xu F, Shen X, Hao Y, Li J, Xu H, Peng Q, Kuang W. Neferine alleviates chronic stress-induced depression by regulating monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and gut microbiota structure. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:974949. [PMID: 36120376 PMCID: PMC9479079 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.974949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neferine (Nef) might possess anti-depressive properties; however, its therapeutic effects are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the anti-depressant property of Nef using a mouse model of chronic stress-induced depression. Fifteen depression-prone mice were randomly selected and divided into three groups, namely, the model, Nef, and fluoxetine (Flu) groups. We observed that in tail suspension and forced swimming tests, the Nef and Flu treatments significantly decreased the immobility time of the depressed mice, and increased their sucrose preference indices. Moreover, both Nef and Flu treatments induced significant increases in the levels of anti-depressant neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE), and also reduced pathological damage to the hippocampus of the depressed mice. Incidentally, Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the intestinal microbiota of depressed mice was restored after Nef/Flu treatment. Moreover, colonic Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with the levels of DA, 5-HT, and NE in the hippocampus of the mice. In conclusion, Nef improved monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and modulated the intestinal flora structure, particularly the abundance of Lactobacillus. Hence, it showed considerable anti-depressant potential, and might be a prospective anti-depressant therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinglian Xie
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feiyu Xu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Shen
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanni Hao
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haizhen Xu
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Peng, ; Weihong Kuang,
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Peng, ; Weihong Kuang,
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12
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Kaur K, Narang RK, Singh S. AlCl 3 induced learning and memory deficit in zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2022; 92:67-76. [PMID: 35843305 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Aluminium is a metal known to cause neurotoxicity in the brain, by promoting neurodegeneration and affecting memory and cognitive ability. AlCl3 has been reported to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory markers which are further responsible for the degeneration of neurons. AlCl3 exposure to zebrafish causes behavioral, biochemical, and neurochemical changes in the brain. In our study, Zebrafish were exposed to AlCl3 at three different doses (50 µg/L, 100 µg/L, and 200 µg/L) for four consecutive days. On days 1st and 4th, a novel diving test was performed to check anxiety in zebrafish. T - maze and novel object recognition test were used to check the memory on days 3rd and 4th with the help of ANY-maze software. On the last day (4th day), zebrafishes were sacrificed and whole brains were used to perform the biochemical, neurotransmitters, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Our study revealed that AlCl3 exposure significantly decreased the total distance traveled, and the number of entries in the top zone and increased the time spent in the bottom zone, checked through the novel diving test. In the T maze test, AlCl3 treated zebrafish showed significantly increased transfer latency to the favorable zone and time spent, and the number of entries to the unfavorable zone. The exploration time with the novel object was reduced significantly after AlCl3 treatment. Moreover, reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly reduced in AlCl3 treated zebrafish whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) level was found to be increased, indicating high oxidative stress. The neurotransmitters level was also disturbed indicated by the significantly decreased GABA, dopamine, noradrenaline, and Serotonin levels and increased glutamate level in the brain of zebrafish treated with AlCl3. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistochemistry study shows a markedly increased number of pyknotic neurons and reduced the expression of Nrf2 in the zebrafish brain after AlCl3 exposure. These findings suggest that AlCl3 significantly causes behavioral, biochemical, neurotransmitters, morphological, and molecular changes in zebrafish, ultimately causing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamjeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab 142001, India; Affiliated to IKG, Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab 144603, India
| | - R K Narang
- Nanomedicine Research Centre, Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab 142001, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab 142001, India.
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Lin TY, Hung CY, Chiu KM, Lee MY, Lu CW, Wang SJ. Neferine, an Alkaloid from Lotus Seed Embryos, Exerts Antiseizure and Neuroprotective Effects in a Kainic Acid-Induced Seizure Model in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084130. [PMID: 35456948 PMCID: PMC9027762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current anti-seizure drugs fail to control approximately 30% of epilepsies. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective anti-seizure drugs, and medicinal plants provide an attractive source for new compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the possible anti-seizure and neuroprotective effects of neferine, an alkaloid from the lotus seed embryos of Nelumbo nucifera, in a kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure rat model and its underlying mechanisms. Rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administrated neferine (10 and 50 mg/kg) 30 min before KA injection (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Neferine pretreatment increased seizure latency and reduced seizure scores, prevented glutamate elevation and neuronal loss, and increased presynaptic protein synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 expression in the hippocampi of rats with KA. Neferine pretreatment also decreased glial cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) expression in the hippocampi of rats with KA. In addition, NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, caspase-1, and interleukin-18 expression levels were decreased in the hippocampi of seizure rats pretreated with neferine. These results indicated that neferine reduced seizure severity, exerted neuroprotective effects, and ameliorated neuroinflammation in the hippocampi of KA-treated rats, possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and decreasing inflammatory cytokine secretion. Our findings highlight the potential of neferine as a therapeutic option in the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yu Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 32003, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yu Hung
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
| | - Kuan-Ming Chiu
- Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 32003, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Lee
- Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-M.C.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Cheng-Wei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 32003, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-W.L.); (S.-J.W.)
| | - Su-Jane Wang
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-W.L.); (S.-J.W.)
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Shimizu S, Maeda N, Takahashi Y, Uomoto S, Takesue K, Ojiro R, Tang Q, Ozawa S, Okano H, Takashima K, Woo GH, Yoshida T, Shibutani M. Oral exposure to aluminum chloride for 28 days suppresses neural stem cell proliferation and increases mature granule cells in adult hippocampal neurogenesis of young-adult rats. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1337-1353. [PMID: 35146777 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al), a common light metal, affects the developing nervous system. Developmental exposure to Al chloride (AlCl3 ) induces aberrant neurogenesis by targeting neural stem cells (NSCs) and/or neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of rats and mice. To investigate whether hippocampal neurogenesis is similarly affected by AlCl3 exposure in a general toxicity study, AlCl3 was orally administered to 5-week-old Sprague Dawley rats at dosages of 0, 4000, or 8000 ppm in drinking water for 28 days. AlCl3 downregulated Sox2 transcript levels in the DG at the highest dosage and produced a dose-dependent decrease of SOX2+ cells without altering numbers of GFAP+ or TBR2+ cells in the subgranular zone, suggesting that AlCl3 decreases Type 2a NPCs. High-dose exposure downregulated Pcna, upregulated Pvalb, and altered expression of genes suggestive of oxidative stress induction (upregulation of Nos2 and downregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes), indicating suppressed proliferation and differentiation of Type 1 NSCs. AlCl3 doses also increased mature granule cells in the DG. Upregulation of Reln may have contributed to an increase of granule cells to compensate for the decrease of Type 2a NPCs. Moreover, upregulation of Calb2, Gria2, Mapk3, and Tgfb3, as well as increased numbers of activated astrocytes in the DG hilus, may represent ameliorating responses against suppressed neurogenesis. These results suggest that 28-day exposure of young-adult rats to AlCl3 differentially targeted NPCs and mature granule cells in hippocampal neurogenesis, yielding a different pattern of disrupted neurogenesis from developmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Shimizu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuno Maeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suzuka Uomoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Takesue
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Ojiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qian Tang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ozawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Okano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumi Takashima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gye-Hyeong Woo
- Laboratory of Histopathology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Semyung University, Jecheon-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Toshinori Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Shibutani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Bharathi Priya L, Huang CY, Hu RM, Balasubramanian B, Baskaran R. An updated review on pharmacological properties of neferine-A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13986. [PMID: 34779018 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phytochemicals have recently received a lot of recognition for their pharmacological activities such as anticancer, chemopreventive, and cardioprotective properties. In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) such as lotus seeds, fruits, stamens, and leaves are used for treating various diseases. Neferine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, a major component from the seed embryos of N. nucifera. Neferine is effective in the treatment of high fevers and hyposomnia, as well as arrhythmia, platelet aggregation, occlusion, and obesity. Neferine has been found to have a variety of therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, anti-amnesic, and negative inotropic. Neferine also exhibited anti-anxiety effects, anti-cancerous, and chemosensitize to other anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, cisplatin, and taxol. Induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest are the key pathways that underlying the anticancer activity of neferine. Therefore, the present review summarizes the neferine biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and its effects in myocardium, cancer, chemosensitizing to cancer drug, central nervous system, diabetes, inflammation, and kidney diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural phytochemical is gaining medicinal importance for a variety of diseases like including cancer, neurodegenerative disorder, diabetes, and inflammation. Alkaloids and flavonoids, which are abundantly present in Nelumbo nucifera have many therapeutic applications. Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from N. nucifera has many pharmacological properties. This present review was an attempt to compile an updated pharmacological action of neferine in different disease models in vitro and in vivo, as well as to summarize all the collective evidence on the therapeutic potential of neferine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Centre of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rouh-Mei Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Rathinasamy Baskaran
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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16
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Kalocayova B, Snurikova D, Vlkovicova J, Navarova-Stara V, Michalikova D, Ujhazy E, Gasparova Z, Vrbjar N. Effect of handling on ATP utilization of cerebral Na,K-ATPase in rats with trimethyltin-induced neurodegeneration. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4323-4330. [PMID: 34427815 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Previously it was shown that for reduction of anxiety and stress of experimental animals, preventive handling seems to be one of the most effective methods. The present study was oriented on Na,K-ATPase, a key enzyme for maintaining proper concentrations of intracellular sodium and potassium ions. Malfunction of this enzyme has an essential role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. It is known that this enzyme requires approximately 50% of the energy available to the brain. Therefore in the present study utilization of the energy source ATP by Na,K-ATPase in the frontal cerebral cortex, using the method of enzyme kinetics was investigated. As a model of neurodegeneration treatment with trimethyltin (TMT) was applied. Daily handling (10 min/day) of healthy rats and rats suffering neurodegeneration induced by administration of TMT in a dose of (7.5 mg/kg), at postnatal days 60-102 altered the expression of catalytic subunits of Na,K-ATPase as well as kinetic properties of this enzyme in the frontal cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats. In addition to the previously published beneficial effect on spatial memory, daily treatment of rats was accompanied by improved maintenance of sodium homeostasis in the frontal cortex. The key system responsible for this process, Na,K-ATPase, was able to utilize better the energy substrate ATP. In rats, manipulation of TMT-induced neurodegeneration promoted the expression of the α2 isoform of the enzyme, which is typical for glial cells. In healthy rats, manipulation was followed by increased expression of the α3 subunit, which is typical of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kalocayova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Denisa Snurikova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Vlkovicova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Veronika Navarova-Stara
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Dominika Michalikova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eduard Ujhazy
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zdenka Gasparova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Norbert Vrbjar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Gupta R, Sahu M, Srivastava D, Tiwari S, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Post-translational modifications: Regulators of neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101336. [PMID: 33775891 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmark features in the neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) is the accumulation of aggregated and/or non-functional protein in the cellular milieu. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are an essential regulator of non-functional protein aggregation in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Any alteration in the post-translational mechanism and the protein quality control system, for instance, molecular chaperone, ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathway, enhances the accumulation of misfolded protein, which causes neuronal dysfunction. Post-translational modification plays many roles in protein turnover rate, accumulation of aggregate and can also help in the degradation of disease-causing toxic metabolites. PTMs such as acetylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, palmitoylation, SUMOylation, nitration, oxidation, and many others regulate protein homeostasis, which includes protein structure, functions and aggregation propensity. Different studies demonstrated the involvement of PTMs in the regulation of signaling cascades such as PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, MAPK cascade, AMPK pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Further, mounting evidence suggests that targeting different PTMs with small chemical molecules, which acts as an inhibitor or activator, reverse misfolded protein accumulation and thus enhances the neuroprotection. Herein, we briefly discuss the protein aggregation and various domain structures of different proteins involved in the NDDs, indicating critical amino acid residues where PTMs occur. We also describe the implementation and involvement of various PTMs on signaling cascade and cellular processes in NDDs. Lastly, we implement our current understanding of the therapeutic importance of PTMs in neurodegeneration, along with emerging techniques targeting various PTMs.
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18
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ELBini-Dhouib I, Doghri R, Ellefi A, Degrach I, Srairi-Abid N, Gati A. Curcumin Attenuated Neurotoxicity in Sporadic Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:3011. [PMID: 34070220 PMCID: PMC8158738 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia. Despite research efforts, currently there are no effective pharmacotherapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of AD. Recently, numerous studies highlighted the beneficial effects of curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol, in the neuroprotection. Especially, its dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties attracted the interest of researchers. In fact, besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this biomolecule is not degraded in the intestinal tract. Additionally, CUR is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and could therefore to be used to treat neurodegenerative pathologies associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The present study aimed to assess the ability of CUR to induce neuronal protective and/or recovery effects on a rat model of neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3), which mimics the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. Our results showed that treatment with CUR enhances pro-oxidant levels, antioxidant enzymes activities and anti-inflammatory cytokine production and decreases apoptotic cells in AlCl3-exposed hippocampus rats. Additionally, histopathological analysis of hippocampus revealed the potential of CUR in decreasing the hallmarks in the AlCl3-induced AD. We also showed that CUR post-treatment significantly improved the behavioral, oxidative stress and inflammation in AlCl3-exposed rats. Taken together, our data presented CUR as a nutraceutical potential through its protective effects that are more interesting than recovery ones in sporadic model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines ELBini-Dhouib
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms and Theranostic Applications, LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur of Tunis, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia; (A.E.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Raoudha Doghri
- Laboratory of Anatomo-Pathology, Institut Salah Azaiez, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia;
| | - Amenallah Ellefi
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms and Theranostic Applications, LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur of Tunis, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia; (A.E.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Imen Degrach
- Animal Unit, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia;
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms and Theranostic Applications, LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur of Tunis, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia; (A.E.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Asma Gati
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia;
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Zhu JJ, Yu BY, Huang XK, He MZ, Chen BW, Chen TT, Fang HY, Chen SQ, Fu XQ, Li PJ, Lin ZL, Zhu JH. Neferine Protects against Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage in Neonatal Rats by Suppressing NLRP3-Mediated Inflammasome Activation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6654954. [PMID: 34046147 PMCID: PMC8128543 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6654954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is recognized as the main cause of neonatal death, and efficient treatment strategies remain limited. Given the prevalence of HIE and the associated fatality, further studies on its pathogenesis are warranted. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory injury are two important factors leading to brain tissue injury and nerve cell loss in HIE. Neferine, an alkaloid extracted from lotus seed embryo, exerts considerable effects against several diseases such as cancers and myocardial injury. In this study, we demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of neferine on HIE and hypothesized that it involves the inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis, thereby ameliorating neurological inflammation and oxidative stress. We demonstrated that the mRNA levels of proteins associated with pyroptosis including caspase-1, the caspase adaptor ASC, gasdermin D, interleukin- (IL-) 18, IL-1β, and some inflammatory factors were significantly increased in neonatal HIBD model rats compared to those in the control group. The increase in these factors was significantly suppressed by treatment with neferine. We stimulated PC12 cells with CoCl2 to induce neuronal HIBD in vitro and investigated the relationship between neferine and pyroptosis by altering the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The overexpression of NLRP3 partially reversed the neuroprotective effect of neferine on HIBD, whereas NLRP3 knockdown further inhibited caspase-1 activation and IL-1β and IL18 expression. In addition, simultaneous alteration of NLRP3 expression induced changes in intracellular oxidative stress levels after HIBD. These findings indicate that neferine ameliorates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress injury by inhibiting pyroptosis after HIBD. Our study provides valuable information for future studies on neferine with respect to neuroinflammation and pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-jin Zhu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Bin-yuan Yu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiao-kai Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Min-zhi He
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Bin-wen Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ting-ting Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Huang-yi Fang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Shang-qin Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiao-qin Fu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Pei-jun Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhen-lang Lin
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jiang-hu Zhu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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Yeh KC, Hung CF, Lin YF, Chang DC, Pai MS, Wang SJ. Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid of Nelumbo nucifera, inhibits glutamate release in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals through 5-HT1A receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 889:173589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Flores-Cuadra JA, Madrid A, Fernández PL, Pérez-Lao AR, Oviedo DC, Britton GB, Carreira MB. Critical Review of the Alzheimer's Disease Non-Transgenic Models: Can They Contribute to Disease Treatment? J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 82:S227-S250. [PMID: 33216029 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing neurodegenerative disease without effective treatments or therapies. Despite the use of different approaches and an extensive variety of genetic amyloid based models, therapeutic strategies remain elusive. AD is characterized by three main pathological hallmarks that include amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammatory processes; however, many other pathological mechanisms have been described in the literature. Nonetheless, the study of the disease and the screening of potential therapies is heavily weighted toward the study of amyloid-β transgenic models. Non-transgenic models may aid in the study of complex pathological states and provide a suitable complementary alternative to evaluating therapeutic biomedical and intervention strategies. In this review, we evaluate the literature on non-transgenic alternatives, focusing on the use of these models for testing therapeutic strategies, and assess their contribution to understanding AD. This review aims to underscore the need for a shift in preclinical research on intervention strategies for AD from amyloid-based to alternative, complementary non-amyloid approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Flores-Cuadra
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Alanna Madrid
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Patricia L Fernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Ambar R Pérez-Lao
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Diana C Oviedo
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá.,Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA), Panamá
| | - Gabrielle B Britton
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Maria B Carreira
- Centro de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
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Fakhri S, Pesce M, Patruno A, Moradi SZ, Iranpanah A, Farzaei MH, Sobarzo-Sánchez E. Attenuation of Nrf2/Keap1/ARE in Alzheimer's Disease by Plant Secondary Metabolites: A Mechanistic Review. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214926. [PMID: 33114450 PMCID: PMC7663041 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neuronal/cognitional dysfunction, leading to disability and death. Despite advances in revealing the pathophysiological mechanisms behind AD, no effective treatment has yet been provided. It urges the need for finding novel multi-target agents in combating the complex dysregulated mechanisms in AD. Amongst the dysregulated pathophysiological pathways in AD, oxidative stress seems to play a critical role in the pathogenesis progression of AD, with a dominant role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)/antioxidant responsive elements (ARE) pathway. In the present study, a comprehensive review was conducted using the existing electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, as well as related articles in the field. Nrf2/Keap1/ARE has shown to be the upstream orchestrate of oxidative pathways, which also ameliorates various inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. So, developing multi-target agents with higher efficacy and lower side effects could pave the road in the prevention/management of AD. The plant kingdom is now a great source of natural secondary metabolites in targeting Nrf2/Keap1/ARE. Among natural entities, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpene/terpenoids, carotenoids, sulfur-compounds, as well as some other miscellaneous plant-derived compounds have shown promising future accordingly. Prevailing evidence has shown that activating Nrf2/ARE and downstream antioxidant enzymes, as well as inhibiting Keap1 could play hopeful roles in overcoming AD. The current review highlights the neuroprotective effects of plant secondary metabolites through targeting Nrf2/Keap1/ARE and downstream interconnected mediators in combating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; (S.F.); (S.Z.M.)
| | - Mirko Pesce
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio CH-PE, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Antonia Patruno
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio CH-PE, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (M.H.F.)
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; (S.F.); (S.Z.M.)
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; (S.F.); (S.Z.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (M.H.F.)
| | - Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile
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Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe Improves Cognitive Performance, Inhibits Apoptosis, and Reduces Pathological Deposits in APP/PS1 Double Transgenic Mice via the PI3K/Akt Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:3019674. [PMID: 32419798 PMCID: PMC7204341 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3019674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The traditional Chinese medicine of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to investigate whether QKR improves the cognitive ability and takes neuroprotective effect on APP/PS1 double transgenic mice via the PI3K/Akt pathway. APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model, donepezil-treated, or QKR-treated group (L-QKR: 4.75 mg/kg/d, M-QKR: 9.5 mg/kg/d, and H-QKR: 19 mg/kg/d, respectively). Wild-type C57/BL6J mice were used as the control group. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to test the ability of spatial navigation and memorization; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay was applied to test the apoptosis; amyloid protein granule deposition was detected via Methenamine silver staining; Western blot (WB) analysis, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR were applied to measure the expression of Aβ and corresponding indicators of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Compared with the model group, QKR significantly relieved the cognitive impairment, reduced the deposition of senile plaques, decreased the expression of GSK-3α and Aβ, and increased the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and IDE. In addition, the number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased after treatment using QKR. The current study proved that QKR, especially at the high dose tested, exerted a protective effect on improving learning and memory, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing the process of pathological degeneration in the hippocampus of AD mice.
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