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Tian E, Sharma G, Dai C. Neuroprotective Properties of Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1883. [PMID: 37891961 PMCID: PMC10604532 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid natural product, is isolated primarily from Coptis chinensis and other Berberis plants. BBR possesses various bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer, immune-regulation, and antimicrobial activities. Growing scientific evidence underscores BBR's substantial neuroprotective potential, prompting increased interest and scrutiny. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the neuroprotective attributes of BBR, delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms, and assess its clinical safety and efficacy. The multifaceted molecular mechanisms responsible for BBR's neuroprotection encompass the attenuation of oxidative stress, mitigation of inflammatory responses, inhibition of apoptotic pathways, facilitation of autophagic processes, and modulation of CYP450 enzyme activities, neurotransmitter levels, and gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, BBR engages numerous signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, AMPK, CREB, Nrf2, and MAPK pathways, to confer its neuroprotective effects. This comprehensive review aims to provide a substantial knowledge base, stimulate broader scientific discourse, and facilitate advancements in the application of BBR for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erjie Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Kaiyuan Avenue 263, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230, USA
| | - Chongshan Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Biology Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, China
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Gene Expression and Isoform Identification of PacBio Full-Length cDNA Sequences for Berberine Biosynthesis in Berberis koreana. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10071314. [PMID: 34203474 PMCID: PMC8308982 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Berberis koreana is a medicinal plant containing berberine, which is a bioactive compound of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) class. BIA is widely used in the food and drug industry for its health benefits. To investigate the berberine biosynthesis pathway, gene expression analysis was performed in leaves, flowers, and fruits at different stages of growth. This was followed by full-length cDNA sequencing analysis using the PacBio sequencer platform to determine the number of isoforms of those expressed genes. We identified 23,246 full-length unigenes, among which 8479 had more than one isoform. The number of isoforms ranged between two to thirty-one among all genes. Complete isoform analysis was carried out on the unigenes encoding BIA synthesis. Thirteen of the sixteen genes encoding enzymes for berberine synthesis were present in more than one copy. This demonstrates that gene duplication and translation into isoforms may contribute to the functional specificity of the duplicated genes and isoforms in plant alkaloid synthesis. Our study also demonstrated the streamlining of berberine biosynthesis via the absence of genes for enzymes of other BIAs, but the presence of all the genes for berberine biosynthesize in B. koreana. In addition to genes encoding enzymes for the berberine biosynthesis pathway, the genes encoding enzymes for other BIAs were not present in our dataset except for those encoding corytuberine synthase (CTS) and berbamunine synthase (BS). Therefore, this explains how B. koreana produces berberine by blocking the pathways leading to other BIAs, effectively only allowing the pathway to lead to berberine synthesis.
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Zhang J, Tang LL, Li LY, Cui SW, Jin S, Chen HZ, Yang WM, Xie DJ, Yu GR. Gandouling Tablets Inhibit Excessive Mitophagy in Toxic Milk (TX) Model Mouse of Wilson Disease via Pink1/Parkin Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:3183714. [PMID: 33456485 PMCID: PMC7787754 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3183714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gandouling (GDL) tablet is a Chinese patent medicine approved by the National Medical Product Administration, which is used to treat Wilson disease (WD) in China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GDL on mitophagy in the hippocampus in the toxic milk (TX) mouse model of WD. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control, Wilson (model group), D-penicillamine (DPA), and GDL groups. The animal behaviors were evaluated by the water maze experiment, traction test, and pole test. Transmission electron microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrion structure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for the analysis of the changes in liver function. Colocalization of mitophagy-related proteins was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were conducted for the detection of protein expression and mRNA levels, respectively. RESULTS Significant reduction in neurological impairments was observed in the WD model group. All of these results were significantly reversed by GDL intervention. Compared with the levels in the Wilson group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and albumin (ALB) changed obviously. Colocalization between mitophagy-related proteins pink1, parkin, and mitochondria was changed significantly. The mitophagy-related mRNA (pink1, parkin, and LC3II) and protein expression levels (pink1, parkin, and the rate of LC3II/LC3I) were decreased significantly, while p62 was remarkably increased after GDL intervention. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that the neuroprotective mechanism of GDL may occur via the inhibition of excessive mitophagy through the regulation of the pink1/parkin pathway in the TX mouse brain of WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lu-Lu Tang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Liang-Yong Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shen-Wei Cui
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Huai-Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Ming Yang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Dao-Jun Xie
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Gu-Ran Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Abbaszadeh F, Fakhri S, Khan H. Targeting apoptosis and autophagy following spinal cord injury: Therapeutic approaches to polyphenols and candidate phytochemicals. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105069. [PMID: 32652198 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological disorder associated with the loss of sensory and motor function. Understanding the precise dysregulated signaling pathways, especially apoptosis and autophagy following SCI, is of vital importance in developing innovative therapeutic targets and treatments. The present study lies in the fact that it reveals the precise dysregulated signaling mediators of apoptotic and autophagic pathways following SCI and also examines the effects of polyphenols and other candidate phytochemicals. It provides new insights to develop new treatments for post-SCI complications. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was conducted using electronic databases including, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline, along with the authors' expertise in apoptosis and autophagy as well as their knowledge about the effects of polyphenols and other phytochemicals on SCI pathogenesis. The primary mechanical injury to spinal cord is followed by a secondary cascade of apoptosis and autophagy that play critical roles during SCI. In terms of pharmacological mechanisms, caspases, Bax/Bcl-2, TNF-α, and JAK/STAT in apoptosis along with LC3 and Beclin-1 in autophagy have shown a close interconnection with the inflammatory pathways mainly glutamatergic, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, ERK/MAPK, and other cross-linked mediators. Besides, apoptotic pathways have been shown to regulate autophagy mediators and vice versa. Prevailing evidence has highlighted the importance of modulating these signaling mediators/pathways by polyphenols and other candidate phytochemicals post-SCI. The present review provides dysregulated signaling mediators and therapeutic targets of apoptotic and autophagic pathways following SCI, focusing on the modulatory effects of polyphenols and other potential phytochemical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
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Singh AK, Singh SK, Nandi MK, Mishra G, Maurya A, Rai A, Rai GK, Awasthi R, Sharma B, Kulkarni GT. Berberine: A Plant-derived Alkaloid with Therapeutic Potential to Combat Alzheimer's disease. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:154-170. [PMID: 31429696 DOI: 10.2174/1871524919666190820160053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (a protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid) has shown promising pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, antimicrobial, anti- HIV and cholesterol-lowering effects. It is used in the treatment of the neurodegenerative disorder. It has strong evidence to serve as a potent phytoconstituent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. It limits the extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. It has also lipid-glucose lowering ability, hence can be used as a protective agent in atherosclerosis and AD. However, more detailed investigations along with safety assessment of berberine are warranted to clarify its role in limiting various risk factors and AD-related pathologies. This review highlights the pharmacological basis to control oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and protective effect of berberine in AD, which will benefit to the biological scientists in understanding and exploring the new vistas of berberine in combating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag K Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Santosh K Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manmath K Nandi
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of medicinal chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gaurav Mishra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of medicinal chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anand Maurya
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of medicinal chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arati Rai
- Hygia Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Lucknow-226020, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gopal K Rai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra Awasthi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sec 125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sec 125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Giriraj T Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sec 125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Lee TK, Park JH, Ahn JH, Kim H, Song M, Lee JC, Kim JD, Jeon YH, Choi JH, Lee CH, Hwang IK, Yan BC, Won MH, Kang IJ. Pretreatment of Populus tomentiglandulosa protects hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemia-reperfusion injury in gerbils via increasing SODs expressions and maintaining BDNF and IGF-I expressions. Chin J Nat Med 2019; 17:424-434. [PMID: 31262455 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(19)30050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To examine the effects of Populus tomentiglandulosa (PT) extract on the expressions of antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factors in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus at 5 min after inducing transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI) in gerbils, TGCI was induced by occlusion of common carotid arteries for 5 min. Before ischemic surgery, 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract was orally administrated once daily for 7 d. We performed neuronal nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B staining. Furthermore, we determined in situ production of superoxide anion radical, expression levels of SOD1 and SOD2 as antioxidant enzymes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as neurotrophic factors. Pretreatment with 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract prevented neuronal death (loss). Furthermore, pretreatment with 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract significantly inhibited the production of superoxide anion radical, increased expressions of SODs and maintained expressions of BDNF and IGF-I. Such increased expressions of SODs were maintained in the neurons after IRI. In summary, pretreated PT extract can significantly increase levels of SODs and protect the neurons against TGCI, suggesting that PT can be a useful natural agent to protect against TGCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Kyeong Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ha Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Science, Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Song
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Chul Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Dai Kim
- Division of Food Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Jeon
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24289, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Choi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - In Koo Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bing-Chun Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese, Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il Jun Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea.
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Feng X, Sureda A, Jafari S, Memariani Z, Tewari D, Annunziata G, Barrea L, Hassan ST, Šmejkal K, Malaník M, Sychrová A, Barreca D, Ziberna L, Mahomoodally MF, Zengin G, Xu S, Nabavi SM, Shen AZ. Berberine in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics. Theranostics 2019; 9:1923-1951. [PMID: 31037148 PMCID: PMC6485276 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) are the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent necessity to develop new pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is an eminent component of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years. Recently, BBR has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CVMD. Recent discoveries of basic, translational and clinical studies have identified many novel molecular targets of BBR (such as AMPK, SIRT1, LDLR, PCSK9, and PTP1B) and provided novel evidences supporting the promising therapeutic potential of BBR to combat CVMD. Thus, this review provides a timely overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic application of BBR in CVMD, and underlines recent pharmacological advances which validate BBR as a promising lead drug against CVMD.
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Zheng YM, Chen B, Jiang JD, Zhang JP. Syntaxin 1B Mediates Berberine's Roles in Epilepsy-Like Behavior in a Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure Zebrafish Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:378. [PMID: 30534049 PMCID: PMC6275243 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neuronal dysfunction syndrome characterized by transient and diffusely abnormal discharges of neurons in the brain. Previous studies have shown that mutations in the syntaxin 1b (stx1b) gene cause a familial, fever-associated epilepsy syndrome. It is unclear as to whether the stx1b gene also correlates with other stimulations such as flashing and/or mediates the effects of antiepileptic drugs. In this study, we found that the expression of stx1b was present mainly in the brain and was negatively correlated with seizures in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure zebrafish model. The transcription of stx1b was inhibited by PTZ but rescued by valproate, a broad-spectrum epilepsy treatment drug. In the PTZ-seizure zebrafish model, stx1b knockdown aggravated larvae hyperexcitatory swimming and prompted abnormal trajectory movements, particularly under lighting stimulation; at the same time, the expression levels of the neuronal activity marker gene c-fos increased significantly in the brain. In contrast, stx1b overexpression attenuated seizures and decreased c-fos expression levels following PTZ-induced seizures in larvae. Thus, we speculated that a deficiency of stx1b gene expression may be related with the onset occurrence of clinical seizures, particularly photosensitive seizures. In addition, we found that berberine (BBR) reduced larvae hyperexcitatory locomotion and abnormal movement trajectory in a concentration-dependent manner, slowed down excessive photosensitive seizure-like swimming, and assisted in the recovery of the expression levels of STX1B. Under the downregulation of STX1B, BBR's roles were limited: specifically, it only slightly regulated the levels of the two genes stx1b and c-fos and the hyperexcitatory motion of zebrafish in dark conditions and had no effect on the overexcited swimming behavior seen in conjunction with lighting stimulation. These findings further demonstrate that STX1B protein levels are negatively correlated with a seizure and can decrease the sensitivity of the photosensitive response in a PTZ-induced seizure zebrafish larvae; furthermore, STX1B may partially mediate the anticonvulsant effect of BBR. Additional investigation regarding the relationship between STX1B, BBR, and seizures could provide new cues for the development of novel anticonvulsant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Min Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Pu Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Elufioye TO, Berida TI, Habtemariam S. Plants-Derived Neuroprotective Agents: Cutting the Cycle of Cell Death through Multiple Mechanisms. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2017; 2017:3574012. [PMID: 28904554 PMCID: PMC5585568 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3574012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprotection is the preservation of the structure and function of neurons from insults arising from cellular injuries induced by a variety of agents or neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The various NDs including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases as well as amyotropic lateral sclerosis affect millions of people around the world with the main risk factor being advancing age. Each of these diseases affects specific neurons and/or regions in the brain and involves characteristic pathological and molecular features. Hence, several in vitro and in vivo study models specific to each disease have been employed to study NDs with the aim of understanding their underlying mechanisms and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Of the most prevalent drug development efforts employed in the past few decades, mechanisms implicated in the accumulation of protein-based deposits, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and certain neurotransmitter deficits such as acetylcholine and dopamine have been scrutinized in great detail. In this review, we presented classical examples of plant-derived neuroprotective agents by highlighting their structural class and specific mechanisms of action. Many of these natural products that have shown therapeutic efficacies appear to be working through the above-mentioned key multiple mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomayo Ireti Berida
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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Prolyl oligopeptidase and its role in the organism: attention to the most promising and clinically relevant inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), also called prolyl endopeptidase, is a cytosolic enzyme investigated by several research groups. It has been proposed to play an important role in physiological processes such as modulation of the levels of several neuronal peptides and hormones containing a proline residue. Due to its proteolytic activity and physiological role in cell signaling pathways, inhibition of POP offers an emerging approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as other diseases related to cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it may also represent an interesting target for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and as an antiangiogenesis or antineoplastic agent. In this review paper, we summarized naturally occurring POP inhibitors together with peptide-like inhibitors and their biological effects. Some of them have shown promising results and interesting pharmacological profiles. However, to date, there is no POP inhibitor available on the market although several clinical trials have been undertaken.
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New insights into the ameliorative effects of ferulic acid in pathophysiological conditions. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 103:41-55. [PMID: 28237775 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ferulic acid, a natural phytochemical has gained importance as a potential therapeutic agent by virtue of its easy commercial availability, low cost and minimal side-effects. It is a derivative of curcumin and possesses the necessary pharmacokinetic properties to be retained in the general circulation for several hours. The therapeutic effects of ferulic acid are mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It exhibits different biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective actions, etc. The current review addresses its therapeutic effects under different pathophysiological conditions (eg. cancer, cardiomyopathy, skin disorders, brain disorders, viral infections, diabetes etc.).
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Park JH, Cho JH, Kim IH, Ahn JH, Lee JC, Chen BH, Shin BN, Tae HJ, Yoo KY, Hong S, Kang IJ, Won MH, Kim JD. Oenanthe Javanica Extract Protects Against Experimentally Induced Ischemic Neuronal Damage via its Antioxidant Effects. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 128:2932-7. [PMID: 26521793 PMCID: PMC4756874 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.168063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) as a popular traditional medicine in Asia shows various biological properties including antioxidant activity. In this study, we firstly examined the neuroprotective effect of Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) in the hippocampal cornus ammonis 1 region (CA1 region) of the gerbil subjected to transient cerebral ischemia. METHODS Gerbils were established by the occlusion of common carotid arteries for 5 min. The neuroprotective effect of OJE was estimated by cresyl violet staining. In addition, 4 antioxidants (copper, zinc superoxide dismutase [SOD], manganese SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) immunoreactivities were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region showed neuronal death at 5 days postischemia; at this point in time, all antioxidants immunoreactivities disappeared in CA1 pyramidal neurons and showed in many nonpyramidal cells. Treatment with 200 mg/kg, not 100 mg/kg, OJE protected CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemic damage. In addition, 200 mg/kg OJE treatment increased or maintained antioxidants immunoreactivities. Especially, among the antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase immunoreactivity was effectively increased in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of the OJE-treated sham-operated and ischemia-operated groups. CONCLUSION Our present results indicate that treatment with OJE can protect neurons from transient ischemic damage and that the neuroprotective effect may be closely associated with increased or maintained intracellular antioxidant enzymes by OJE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, South Korea
| | - Jong-Dai Kim
- Division of Food Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, South Korea
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Abstract
Berberine, an important protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid, has several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, glucose- and cholesterol-lowering, antitumoral, and immunomodulatory properties. Substantial studies suggest that berberine may be beneficial to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by limiting the pathogenesis of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Increasing evidence has indicated that berberine exerts a protective role in atherosclerosis related to lipid- and glucose-lowering properties, implicating that berberine has the potential to inhibit these risk factors for AD. This review also attempts to discuss the pharmacological basis through which berberine may retard oxidative stress and neuroinflammation to exhibit its protective role in AD. Accordingly, berberine might be considered a potential therapeutic approach to prevent or delay the process of AD. However, more detailed investigations along with a safety assessment of berberine are warranted to clarify the role of berberine in limiting these risk factors and AD-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyou Cai
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan Renmin Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei Province
| | - Chuanling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan Renmin Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei Province
| | - Wenming Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
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Berberine and neurodegeneration: A review of literature. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:970-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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The therapeutic potential of berberine against the altered intrinsic properties of the CA1 neurons induced by Aβ neurotoxicity. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 758:82-8. [PMID: 25861937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It was demonstrated that treatment with beta amyloid (Aβ) led to extreme alterations in the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Also, malfunction of the cholinergic system is correlated to the memory and cognitive impairments. Several new studies have suggested that Berberis vulgaris can act as a cholinesterase inhibitor. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of berberine (BER) on the Aβ-induced impairments in learning and memory. The male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of Sham, BER, Aβ and Aβ+BER. The administration of BER or its vehicle started immediately after the injection of Aβ and followed by 13 days. Then, the animals were tested for learning and memory performance using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance tests. Then, they were sacrificed for the whole cell patch clamp recording. The results of the MWM and passive avoidance tasks indicated that administration of the BER in the Aβ+BER group prevented the memory impairment induced by Aβ. The results of the whole cell patch clamp also showed that administration of the BER restored the Aβ-induced impairments in the firing frequency, half-width and rebound action potential. These results suggested that administration of the BER could ameliorate neurotoxicity induced by Aβ. However, this neuroprotection impact could be resulted from the balance effect of the Ca(2+) entry. The optimal level of Ca(2+) entry by BER could be a major factor that modified the function of the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and decreased the half-width in the Aβ treated rats.
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Kim KH, Kim HK, Kim SN, Choi SU. A New Cytotoxic Cadinane Sesquiterpene from Berberis koreana. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2014. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2014.35.11.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Campisi A, Acquaviva R, Bonfanti R, Raciti G, Amodeo A, Mastrojeni S, Ragusa S, Iauk L. Antioxidant properties of Berberis aetnensis C. Presl (Berberidaceae) roots extract and protective effects on astroglial cell cultures. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:315473. [PMID: 25177720 PMCID: PMC4142662 DOI: 10.1155/2014/315473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberis aetnensis C. Presl (Berberidaceae) is a bushy-spiny shrub common on Mount Etna (Sicily). We demonstrated that the alkaloid extract of roots of B. aetnensis C. Presl contains prevalently berberine and berbamine, possesses antimicrobial properties, and was able to counteract the upregulation evoked by glutamate of tissue transglutaminase in primary rat astroglial cell cultures. Until now, there are no reports regarding antioxidant properties of B. aetnensis C. Presl collected in Sicily. Air-dried, powdered roots of B. aetnensis C. Presl were extracted, identified, and quantified by HPLC. We assessed in cellular free system its effect on superoxide anion, radicals scavenging activity of antioxidants against free radicals like the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity. In primary rat astroglial cell cultures, exposed to glutamate, we evaluated the effect of the extract on glutathione levels and on intracellular production of reactive oxygen species generated by glutamate. The alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis C. Presl inhibited superoxide anion, restored to control values, the decrease of GSH levels, and the production of reactive oxygen species. Potent antioxidant activities of the alkaloid extract of roots of B. aetnensis C. Presl may be one of the mechanisms by which the extract is effective against health disorders associated to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Campisi
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosaria Acquaviva
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Bonfanti
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Raciti
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Amodeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvana Mastrojeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ragusa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Liliana Iauk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Park JH, Park OK, Cho JH, Chen BH, Kim IH, Ahn JH, Lee JC, Yan BC, Yoo KY, Lee CH, Hwang IK, Kwon SH, Lee YL, Won MH, Choi JH. Anti-inflammatory effect of tanshinone I in neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in the gerbil hippocampus. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:1300-12. [PMID: 24760430 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tanshinone I (TsI) is an important lipophilic diterpene extracted from Danshen (Radix Salvia miltiorrhizae) and has been used in Asia for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as ischemic stroke. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of TsI against ischemic damage and its neuroprotective mechanism in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) induced by 5 min of transient global cerebral ischemia. Pre-treatment with TsI protected pyramidal neurons from ischemic damage in the stratum pyramidale (SP) of the CA1 after ischemia-reperfusion. The pre-treatment with TsI increased the immunoreactivities and protein levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13] in the TsI-treated-sham-operated-groups compared with those in the vehicle-treated-sham-operated-groups; however, the treatment did not increase the immunoreactivities and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α). On the other hand, in the TsI-treated-ischemia-operated-groups, the immunoreactivities and protein levels of all the cytokines were maintained in the SP of the CA1 after transient cerebral ischemia. In addition, we examined that IL-4 injection into the lateral ventricle did not protect pyramidal neurons from ischemic damage. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the pre-treatment with TsI can protect against ischemia-induced neuronal death in the CA1 via the increase or maintenance of endogenous inflammatory cytokines, and exogenous IL-4 does not protect against ischemic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Ha Park
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, South Korea
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Ren LM, Zhuo YJ, Hao ZS, He HM, Lu HG, Zhao D. Berberine improves neurogenic contractile response of bladder detrusor muscle in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 150:1128-1136. [PMID: 24184080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coptidis Rhizoma has been used to treat diabetes mellitus for more than 1400 years in China. Berberine, one of the main alkaloids of Coptidis Rhizoma, is a principal antidiabetic component of Coptidis Rhizoma. To investigate the effects of berberine on impaired neurogenic contractility of detrusor muscle from urinary bladder of rats with early stage diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The detrusor muscle strips were isolated from urinary bladders of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, 5% sucrose-induced diuretic rats or normal rats, and were placed in organ bath. The contractions induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), carbachol, KCl, adenosine triphosphate, and the effects of berberine on those contractions were measured. RESULTS The EFS- or KCl-induced contraction of detrusor muscle was significantly decreased in diabetic rats as compared with diuretic or normal rats. Atropine and suramin inhibited EFS-induced contraction. In diabetic rats, the atropine sensitive components were decreased in EFS-induced contraction of detrusor muscle, and the adenosine triphosphate-induced contraction was significantly increased. The carbachol-induced contrations were not different among groups. Berberine significantly potentiated EFS-induced contractions of detrusor muscle both from normal and diabetic rats, but the potentiated effect of BBR was more sensitive to atropine in diabetic rats. Berberine also potentiated adenosine triphosphate-induced contraction of detrusor muscle, but did not change carbachol- or KCl-induced contraction. CONCLUSION The neurogenic contraction of urinary bladder detrusor muscle is decreased while purinergic contraction of bladder detrusor muscle is increased in rats with early stage diabetes. Berberine increases the neurogenic contractile response to EFS possibly via both presynaptic increasing neurotransmitters release and postsynaptic potentiation of purinergic transmitter-regulated response in rat urinary bladder detrusor; and in diabetic rats, berberine increases neurogenic contractile response mainly via the presynaptic increasing acetylcholine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Ming Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
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20
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Abd El-Wahab AE, Ghareeb DA, Sarhan EEM, Abu-Serie MM, El Demellawy MA. In vitro biological assessment of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine: antioxidants, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-diabetic and anticancer effects. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:218. [PMID: 24007270 PMCID: PMC4016550 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberis vulgaris is a well known plant with traditional herbal medical history. The aims of this study was to bioscreen and compare the in vitro biological activity (antioxidant, cholinergic, antidaibetic and the anticancer) of barberry crude extract and berberine active compound. METHODS The effect of B. vulgaris extract and berberine chloride on cellular thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) formation, diphenyle-α-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) oxidation, cellular nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging capability, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-gulcosidase activities were spectrophotometrically determined. On the other hand, the effect of extract and berberine as anticancer was estimated on three different cell lines which were MCF-7, HepG-2, and Caco-2 cells by using neutral red uptake assay which compared with control normal cells (PBMC). RESULTS Our results showed that barberry crude extract contains 0.6 mg berberine/mg crude extract. Barberry extract showed potent antioxidative capacity through decreasing TBARS, NO and the oxidation of DPPH that associated with GPx and SOD hyperactivation. Inhibitory effect of berberis crude extract on α-glucosidase was more potent than that of berberine chloride, while both had the same AChE inhibitory effect. Besides, different concentrations of both berberine chloride and barberry ethanolic extract showed to have no growth inhibitory effect on normal blood cells (PBMC). Otherwise, both berberine chloride and barberry ethanolic extract showed to have inhibitory effect on the growth of breast, liver and colon cancer cell lines (MCF7, HepG2 and CACO-2, respectively) at different incubation times starting from 24 hrs up to 72 hrs and the inhibitory effect increased with time in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates the potential of the barberry crude extract and its active alkaloid, berberine, on suppressing lipid peroxidation, suggesting a promising use in the treatment of hepatic oxidative stress, Alzheimer and idiopathic male factor infertility. Beside, berberis vulgaris ethanolic extract is safe non-toxic extract as it was not inhibit the growth of PBMC that can induce cancer cell death that could return to its powerful antioxidant activity.
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Pao LH, Lu SW, Sun GG, Chiou SH, Ma KH. Three Chinese herbal medicines promote neuroproliferation in vitro, and reverse the effects of chronic mild stress on behavior, the HPA axis, and proliferation of hippocampal precursor cell in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 144:261-269. [PMID: 23000114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The present study investigated whether Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) could reverse the effects of chronic mild stress (CMS) in a depression-like mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of three Chinese herbals, Rhizome Chuanxiong, Radix Scutellaria and Radix Phellodendri on promoting neuroproliferation were evaluated in vitro first and followed by in vivo study of mice which were received by an experimental setting of CMS for 14 days. The effects of the three CHMs on depression were evaluated using a behavioral test, named a forced swimming test (FST). The possible anti-depressive mechanisms of these three CHMs, including the modulation of HPA axis and promoting the hippocampal precursor cell proliferation, were evaluated by measuring plasma corticosterone levels and BrdU incorporation. RESULTS The in vitro results of MTS assay showed that Rhizome Chuanxiong, Radix Scutellaria and Radix Phellodendri could promote the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in a concentration-dependent manner. The oral administration of these three CHMs for 14 days reversed not only the elevation of plasma corticosterone levels and body weight loss, but also the decreasing of hippocampal precursor cell proliferation and abnormal behavior in the CMS induced depression-like mouse model. CONCLUSION These results indicated that Rhizome Chuanxiong, Radix Scutellaria and Radix Phellodendri have the potential to ameliorate depression. The possible mechanisms were the inhibition of HPA axis hyperactivity and the increasing of hippocampal precursor cell proliferation. These findings supported the multicomponent and multitargeted approach of Chinese herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Heng Pao
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Zhang Q, Qian Z, Pan L, Li H, Zhu H. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 mediates the anti-apoptosis of berberine in neurons during hypoxia/ischemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 99:311-23. [DOI: 10.1556/aphysiol.99.2012.3.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Potdar D, Hirwani R, Dhulap S. Phyto-chemical and pharmacological applications of Berberis aristata. Fitoterapia 2012; 83:817-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang C, Li Y, Dong L, Cui L, Wang L, Liu Z, Qiao H, Zhu C, Xing Y, Cao X, Ji Y, Zhao K. Neuroprotection of early and short-time applying berberine in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia: up-regulated pAkt, pGSK and pCREB, down-regulated NF-κB expression, ameliorated BBB permeability. Brain Res 2012; 1459:61-70. [PMID: 22560097 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine (BBR) has gained attention for its vast beneficial biological effects through immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis properties. Inflammatory and apoptosis damage play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent a target for treatment. The aim of this study was to explore BBR's effect in ischemic injury and the role of the Akt/GSK (glycogen synthase kinase) signaling cascade in mediating the anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects in the rat brain of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to pMCAO and randomly assigned into four groups: Sham (sham-operated) group, pMCAO (pMCAO+0.9% saline) group, BBR-L (pMCAO+BBR 10 mg/kg) and BBR-H (pMCAO+BBR 40 mg/kg) group. BBR was administered immediately after pMCAO and the neuroprotection was detected. Phospho-Akt (pAkt), phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (pGSK3β), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and claudin-5 in ischemic cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Compared with pMCAO group, BBR dramatically lessened neurological deficits scores, brain water contents and infarct sizes, upregulated the expression of pAkt, pGSK3β, pCREB and claudin-5, and decreased the nuclear accumulation of NF-κB (P<0.05) in ischemic brain. The results showed that BBR reduced ischemic brain injury after pMACO, and this effect may be via the increasing the activation of Akt/GSK signaling and claudin-5, and decreasing NF-κB expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
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Han AM, Heo H, Kwon YK. Berberine promotes axonal regeneration in injured nerves of the peripheral nervous system. J Med Food 2012; 15:413-7. [PMID: 22316297 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2011.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid component of Coptidis Rhizoma (goldenthread) extract, has been reported to have therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia, and schizophrenia. We have previously shown that berberine promotes the survival and differentiation of hippocampal precursor cells. In a memory-impaired rat model induced by ibotenic acid injection, the survival of pyramidal and granular cells was greatly increased in the hippocampus by berberine administration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of berberine on neurite outgrowth in the SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line and axonal regeneration in the rat peripheral nervous system (PNS). Berberine enhanced neurite extension in differentiating SH-SY5Y cells at concentrations of 0.25-3 μg/mL. In an injury model of the rat sciatic nerve, we examined the neuroregenerative effects of berberine on axonal remyelination by using immunohistochemical analysis. Four weeks after berberine administration (20 mg/kg i.p. once per day for 1 week), the thickness of remyelinated axons improved approximately 1.4-fold in the distal stump of the injury site. Taken together, these results indicate that berberine promotes neurite extension and axonal regeneration in injured nerves of the PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah Mi Han
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Chen JH, Huang SM, Tan TW, Lin HY, Chen PY, Yeh WL, Chou SC, Tsai CF, Wei IH, Lu DY. Berberine induces heme oxygenase-1 up-regulation through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT and NF-E2-related factor-2 signaling pathway in astrocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2012; 12:94-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Hu J, Chai Y, Wang Y, Kheir MM, Li H, Yuan Z, Wan H, Xing D, Lei F, Du L. PI3K p55γ promoter activity enhancement is involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of berberine against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 674:132-42. [PMID: 22119079 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Berberine is a candidate clinical neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke. In the present study, we examined the influence of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mediating the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation of nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells and primary neurons, and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mice were used as in vitro and in vivo ischemia models. We found that the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine against ischemia were indeed mediated by the increased phosphor-activation of Akt (higher p-Akt to total Akt), leading to the intensified phosphorylation of Bad and the decreased cleavage of the pro-apoptotic protease caspase-3. Berberine action is specific for PI3K, rather than the upstream receptor tyrosine kinase. The anti-apoptotic effect is maintained in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor PD153035, but is suppressed by the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 and the Akt inhibitor Akti-1/2.The unique PI3K regulatory subunit p55γ was upregulated by berberine during ischemia-reperfusion and was not blocked by these inhibitors. We constructed a reporter plasmid to detect PI3K p55γ promoter activity and found that berberine enhanced PI3K p55γ promoter activity during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hu
- Protein Science Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Souto AL, Tavares JF, da Silva MS, Diniz MDFFM, de Athayde-Filho PF, Filho JMB. Anti-inflammatory activity of alkaloids: an update from 2000 to 2010. Molecules 2011; 16:8515-34. [PMID: 21989312 PMCID: PMC6264344 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16108515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many natural substances with proven anti-inflammatory activity have been isolated throughout the years. The aim of this review is to review naturally sourced alkaloids with anti-inflammatory effects reported from 2000 to 2010. The assays were conducted mostly in vivo, and carrageenan-induced pedal edema was the most used experimental model. Of the 49 alkaloids evaluated, 40 demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Of these the most studied type were the isoquinolines. This review was based on NAPRALERT data bank, Web of Science and Chemical Abstracts. In this review, 95 references are cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Lopes Souto
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraiba, 58051-900, João Pessoa-PB, Brazil; (A.L.S.); (J.F.T.); (M.S.S.); (M.F.F.M.D.)
| | - Josean Fechine Tavares
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraiba, 58051-900, João Pessoa-PB, Brazil; (A.L.S.); (J.F.T.); (M.S.S.); (M.F.F.M.D.)
| | - Marcelo Sobral da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraiba, 58051-900, João Pessoa-PB, Brazil; (A.L.S.); (J.F.T.); (M.S.S.); (M.F.F.M.D.)
| | | | | | - José Maria Barbosa Filho
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraiba, 58051-900, João Pessoa-PB, Brazil; (A.L.S.); (J.F.T.); (M.S.S.); (M.F.F.M.D.)
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Sikder MA, Lee HJ, Lee SY, Bae HS, Kim JH, Chang GT, Lee CJ. Effect of Berberine on MUC5AC Mucin Gene Expression and Mucin Production from Human Airway Epithelial Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2011. [DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2011.19.3.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Zeng H, Dou S, Zhao J, Fan S, Yuan X, Zhu S, Li L, Zhang W, Liu R. The inhibitory activities of the components of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) on eicosanoid generation via lipoxygenase pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 135:561-568. [PMID: 21466840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory use. In the present study, the effects of its component herbs and pure components were observed on eicosanoid generation to find out the contributory components and their precise targets on arachidonic acid (AA) cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS By monitoring leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), we compared the effects of HLJDT, HLJDT free of one or two component herbs, and water extract of four single component herbs of HLJDT (Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, Cortex phellodendri and Fructus gardeniae) on eicosanoid generation in rat elicited peritoneal macrophages. In addition, thirteen pure compounds from HLJDT (baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, magnoflorine, phellodendrine, coptisine, palmatine, jateorrhizine, crocin, chlorogenic acid, and geniposide) were tested in the macrophages. Furthermore, the efficacies of these thirteen compounds were evaluated on cell-free purified enzymes: leukotriene A(4) hydrolase (LTA(4)H), 5-, 15-lipoxygenase (5-, 15-LO), and cyclo-oxygenase-1/2 (COX-1/2). Moreover, the possible synergetic effect on LO pathway derived LTB(4) generation between the active components was also tested in rat peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS Our experiments showed that Rhizoma coptidis and Radix scutellariae were responsible for the suppressive effect of HLJDT on eicosanoid generation. Some of the pure components including baicalein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, coptisine, and magnoflorine inhibited eicosanoid generation in rat macrophages via LO pathway of AA cascade. Further experiments on cell-free purified enzymes confirmed that Radix scutellariae derived baicalein and baicalin showed significant inhibition on 5-LO and 15-LO, while Rhizoma coptidis derived coptisine showed medium inhibition on LTA(4)H. On the other hand, no significant inhibition of thirteen components on COX-1/2 was observed. Moreover, the slight synergetic inhibition on LTB(4) between baicalein and coptisine was proved in the rat peritoneal macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Baicalein and coptisine, the active components of HLJDT, for the first time are found to interfere with arachidonic acid cascade via inhibition on different points of LO pathway. This finding makes the mechanism of HLJDT clearer and achieves its safer therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Zeng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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Lee T, Heo H, Kim Kwon Y. Effect of Berberine on Cell Survival in the Developing Rat Brain Damaged by MK-801. Exp Neurobiol 2010; 19:140-5. [PMID: 22110353 PMCID: PMC3214786 DOI: 10.5607/en.2010.19.3.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from goldenthread, Coptidis Rhizoma and shown to have many biological and pharmacological effects. We previously reported that berberine promotes cell survival and differentiation of neural stem cells. To examine whether berberine has survival promoting effect on damaged neuronal cells, we generated a cellular model under oxidative stress and an neonatal animal model of degenerating brain disease by injecting MK-801. MK801, a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, acts as a neurotoxin in developing rats by inhibiting NMDA receptors and induce neuronal cell death. We found that the survival rate of the SH-SY5Y cells under oxidative stress was increased by 287% and 344%, when treated with 1.5 and 3.0µg/ml berberine, respectively. In the developing rats injected by MK801, we observed that TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were outspread in entire brain. The cell death was decreased more than 3 fold in the brains of the MK-801-induced neurodegenerative animal model when berberine was treated to the model animals. This suggests that berberine promotes activity dependent cell survival mediated by NMDA receptor because berberine is known to activate neurons by blocking K(+) current or lowering the threshold of the action potential. Taken together, berberine has neuroprotective effect on damaged neurons and neurodegenerating brains of neonatal animal model induced by MK-801 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehwan Lee
- Department of Biology and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Campisi A, Acquaviva R, Mastrojeni S, Raciti G, Vanella A, De Pasquale R, Puglisi S, Iauk L. Effect of berberine and Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. alkaloid extract on glutamate-evoked tissue transglutaminase up-regulation in astroglial cell cultures. Phytother Res 2010; 25:816-20. [PMID: 21086546 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. is a bushy-spiny shrub common on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy), containing various alkaloids with several pharmacological properties. This study assessed the effect of berberine and of the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots on the glutamate-evoked tissue transglutaminase (TG2) up-regulation in rat astrocyte primary cultures, used as an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. The findings show that the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots consists mainly of berberine. Furthermore, berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots were able to restore the oxidative status modified by glutamate and the levels of TG2 to control values. It was found that berberine or the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots are able to ameliorate the excessive production of glutamate, protein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and neurodegeneration. Thus, it is suggested that berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots, may represent a natural therapeutic strategy in the neuropathological conditions associated with excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Campisi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Kwon MS, Lee JK, Park SH, Sim YB, Jung JS, Won MH, Kim SM, Suh HW. Neuroprotective Effect of Visnagin on Kainic Acid-induced Neuronal Cell Death in the Mice Hippocampus. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2010; 14:257-63. [PMID: 21165322 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2010.14.5.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Visnagin (4-methoxy-7-methyl-5H-furo[3,2-g][1]-benzopyran-5-one), which is an active principle extracted from the fruits of Ammi visnaga, has been used as a treatment for low blood-pressure and blocked blood vessel contraction by inhibition of calcium influx into blood cells. However, the neuroprotective effect of visnagin was not clearly known until now. Thus, we investigated whether visnagin has a neuroprotective effect against kainic acid (KA)-induced neuronal cell death. In the cresyl violet staining, pre-treatment or post-treatment visnagin (100 mg/kg, p.o. or i.p.) showed a neuroprotective effect on KA (0.1 µg) toxicity. KA-induced gliosis and proinflammatory marker (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2) inductions were also suppressed by visnagin administration. These results suggest that visnagin has a neuroprotective effect in terms of suppressing KA-induced pathogenesis in the brain, and that these neuroprotective effects are associated with its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Soo Kwon
- Department of Aerospace Medical Research, Aerospace Medical Center, ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force), Cheongwon 363-842, Korea
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Kim KH, Choi SU, Lee KR. Bioactivity-guided isolation of cytotoxic triterpenoids from the trunk of Berberis koreana. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:1944-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.01.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kulkarni SK, Dhir A. Berberine: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders. Phytother Res 2009; 24:317-24. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Kim KH, Choi SU, Ha SK, Kim SY, Lee KR. Biphenyls from Berberis koreana. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2009; 72:2061-2064. [PMID: 19813743 DOI: 10.1021/np900460j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Three new biphenyls, berbekorin A (1), 2'-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethoxybiphenyl (2), and 4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxybiphenyl (3), together with 11 known biphenyls (4-14), were isolated from the n-hexane-soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of the trunk of Berberis koreana. The structures of 1-3 were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the SK-MEL-2 skin melanoma cell line, in particular. Moreover, compounds 2, 5, 6, and 14 inhibited NO production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells, a microglial cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Hyun Kim
- Natural Products Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
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Lee CH, Yoo KY, Choi JH, Park OK, Hwang IK, Kang IJ, Won MH. Cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactivity and protein level in the gerbil hippocampus during normal aging. Neurochem Res 2009; 35:99-106. [PMID: 19597708 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-009-0034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) is not only related to inflammation but also plays critical roles in brain development and synaptic signaling. In the present study, we investigated age-related changes in COX-2 immunoreactivity and protein levels in the gerbil hippocampus. In the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG), weak COX-2 immunoreactivity was observed at postnatal month 1 (PM 1), and COX-2 immunoreactivity was markedly increased at PM 18 and 24. In the CA2/3, COX-2 immunoreactivity was strong at PM 1. COX-2 immunoreactivities in the PM 3, 6 and 12 groups were decreased compared to that in the PM 1 group, and it was increased at PM 18 and 24. In addition, age-related changes in COX-2 levels were similar with immunohistochemical results in the CA2/3. These results suggest that COX-2 immunoreactivity and levels were high in the hippocampus of aged gerbils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong Hyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, and Institute of Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702, South Korea
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