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Kamaei AK, Hosseini SF, Teimourparsaei P, Payamani M, Vaseghi S. The effect of acute crocin on behavioral changes and BDNF expression level in socially isolated rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3929-3944. [PMID: 37987792 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is a reliable method used for the induction of depression and psychiatric disorders in rodents. It has been suggested that social isolation can lead to hyperlocomotion, as a schizophrenic-like symptom in rodents. On the other hand, crocin (the major constituent of Crocus sativus) induces a wide-range of neuroprotective and mood enhancer effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute crocin on social isolation-induced behavioral changes and BDNF expression in the hippocampus. Novelty-suppressed feeding test, open field test, marble burying test, hot plate, forced swim test, and the shuttle box were used to assess anxiety-like behavior, locomotor activity, obsessive-compulsive-like (OCD-like) behavior, pain threshold, depressive-like behavior, and passive avoidance memory, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to assess BDNF hippocampal expression level. The results showed that social isolation decreased anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, pain threshold, and BDNF expression, and induced OCD-like behavior and hyperlocomotion. Crocin dose-dependently restored the effect of social isolation on pain threshold, locomotor activity, depressive-like behavior, OCD-like behavior, and BDNF expression. Passive avoidance memory performance was also unaffected. In conclusion, we showed a hyperlocomotion profile and OCD-like behaviors, and a robust decrease in pain threshold in socially isolated rats. It can be suggested that social isolation from adolescence induces a "hyperlocomotion state" that affects all the behavioral functions of rats. Also, the function of BDNF can be related to a hyperlocomotion state and OCD-like symptom. It seems that BDNF expression level can be related to the therapeutic effect of crocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir-Kamyar Kamaei
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Fatemeh Hosseini
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran
| | - Parisa Teimourparsaei
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Payamani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran.
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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Houshyar M, Karimi H, Ghofrani-Jahromi Z, Nouri S, Vaseghi S. Crocin (bioactive compound of Crocus sativus L.) potently restores REM sleep deprivation-induced manic- and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors in female rats. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:239-252. [PMID: 38567447 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (SD) can induce manic-like behaviors including hyperlocomotion. On the other hand, crocin (one of the main compounds of Crocus sativus L. or Saffron) may be beneficial in the improvement of mental and cognitive dysfunctions. Also, crocin can restore the deleterious effects of SD on mental and cognitive processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of REM SD on female rats' behaviors including depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, locomotion, pain perception, and obsessive-compulsive-like behavior, and also, the potential effect of crocin on REM SD effects. We used female rats because evidence on the role of REM SD in modulating psychological and behavioral functions of female (but not male) rats is limited. REM SD was induced for 14 days (6h/day), and crocin (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Open field test, forced swim test, hot plate test, and marble burying test were used to assess rats' behaviors. The results showed REM SD-induced manic-like behavior (hyperlocomotion). Also, REM SD rats showed decreased anxiety- and depression-like behavior, pain subthreshold (the duration it takes for the rat to feel pain), and showed obsessive compulsive-like behavior. However, crocin at all doses partially or fully reversed REM SD-induced behavioral changes. In conclusion, our results suggested the possible comorbidity of OCD and REM SD-induced manic-like behavior in female rats or the potential role of REM SD in the etiology of OCD, although more studies are needed. In contrast, crocin can be a possible therapeutic choice for decreasing manic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Houshyar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr
| | - Hanie Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
| | - Zahra Ghofrani-Jahromi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
| | - Sarah Nouri
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
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Su W, Wang Y, Shao S, Ye X. Crocin ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by activating PI3K/AKT pathway. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3503. [PMID: 38775292 PMCID: PMC11110482 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crocin has a good prospect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Crocin and its underlying mechanisms in AD. METHODS AD mice were set up by injecting Aβ25-35 solution into the hippocampus. Then, the AD mice were injected intraperitoneally with 40 mg/kg/day of Crocin for 14 days. Following the completion of Crocin treatment, an open-field test, Y-maze test and Morris water maze test were conducted to evaluate the impact of Crocin on spatial learning and memory deficiency in mice. The effects of Crocin on hippocampal neuron injury, proinflammatory cytokine expressions (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and PI3K/AKT signaling-related protein expressions were measured using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, respectively. RESULTS Crocin attenuated Aβ25-35-induced spatial learning and memory deficiency and hippocampal neuron injury. Furthermore, the Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that Crocin effectively suppressed inflammation and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway in Aβ25-35-induced mice. CONCLUSION Crocin restrained neuroinflammation via the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby ameliorating the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Su
- Department of Internal MedicineCiXi Seventh People's HospitalNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Department of NeurologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Sen Shao
- Department of NeurologyThe Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiaojun Ye
- Department of NeurologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
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Han S, Cao Y, Wu X, Xu J, Nie Z, Qiu Y. New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2276-2302. [PMID: 38424688 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Han
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Wu
- Male Department of General Psychiatry, Shanxi Provincial Mental Health Center and Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zizheng Nie
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Yaribeygi H, Maleki M, Rashid-Farrokhi F, Abdullahi PR, Hemmati MA, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Modulating effects of crocin on lipids and lipoproteins: Mechanisms and potential benefits. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28837. [PMID: 38617922 PMCID: PMC11015417 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia poses a significant risk to cardiovascular health in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to normalize lipid homeostasis in order to prevent or minimize complications associated with dyslipidemia. However, pharmacological interventions for controlling lipid metabolism often come with adverse effects. As an alternative, utilizing herbal-based agents, which typically have fewer side effects, holds promise. Crocin, a naturally occurring nutraceutical, has been shown to impact various intracellular pathways, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate inflammatory processes. Recent evidence suggests that crocin may also confer lipid-related benefits and potentially contribute to the normalization of lipid homeostasis. However, the specific advantages and the cellular pathways involved are not yet well understood. In this review, we present the latest findings regarding the lipid benefits of crocin, which could be instrumental in preventing or reducing disorders associated with dyslipidemia. Additionally, we explore the potential cellular mechanisms and pathways that mediate these lipid benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Yaribeygi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mina Maleki
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farin Rashid-Farrokhi
- CKD Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, IranNephrology Department, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Telemedicine Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Amin Hemmati
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Monchaux de Oliveira C, Morael J, Guille A, Amadieu C, Vancassel S, Gaudout D, Capuron L, Pourtau L, Castanon N. Saffron extract interferes with lipopolysaccharide-induced brain activation of the kynurenine pathway and impairment of monoamine neurotransmission in mice. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1267839. [PMID: 37867499 PMCID: PMC10585275 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1267839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although activation of inflammatory processes is essential to fight infections, its prolonged impact on brain function is well known to contribute to the pathophysiology of many medical conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, identifying novel strategies to selectively counter the harmful effects of neuroinflammation appears as a major health concern. In that context, this study aimed to test the relevance of a nutritional intervention with saffron, a spice known for centuries for its beneficial effect on health. Methods For this purpose, the impact of an acute oral administration of a standardized saffron extract, which was previously shown to display neuromodulatory properties and reduce depressive-like behavior, was measured in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 830 μg/kg, ip). Results Pretreatment with saffron extract (6.5 mg/kg, per os) did not reduce LPS-induced sickness behavior, preserving therefore this adaptive behavioral response essential for host defense. However, it interfered with delayed changes of expression of cytokines, chemokines and markers of microglial activation measured 24 h post-LPS treatment in key brain areas for behavior and mood control (frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum). Importantly, this pretreatment also counteracted by that time the impact of LPS on several neurobiological processes contributing to inflammation-induced emotional alterations, in particular the activation of the kynurenine pathway, assessed through the expression of its main enzymes, as well as concomitant impairment of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Conclusion Altogether, this study provides important clues on how saffron extract interferes with brain function in conditions of immune stimulation and supports the relevance of saffron-based nutritional interventions to improve the management of inflammation-related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Monchaux de Oliveira
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
- Activ’Inside, Beychac-et-Caillau, France
| | - Jennifer Morael
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandrine Guille
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Amadieu
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sylvie Vancassel
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Lucile Capuron
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nathalie Castanon
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
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Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of how the saffron (Crocus sativus) petal and its main constituents interact with the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1879-1909. [PMID: 37067583 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The primary by-product of saffron (Crocus sativus) processing is saffron petals, which are produced in large quantities but are discarded. The saffron petals contain a variety of substances, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, kaempferol, and minerals. Pharmacological investigations revealed the antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antitussive, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and renoprotective properties of saffron petals, which are based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway protects against oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) is a protein complex involved in approximately all animal cells and participates in different biological procedures such as apoptosis, cell growth, development, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transcription, immune response, and inflammation. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its compounds are discussed in this review, along with their associated modes of action, particularly the Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Without considering a time constraint, our team conducted this review using search engines or electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Saffron petals and their main constituents may have protective effects in numerous organs such as the brain, colon, heart, joints, liver, lung, and pancreas through several mechanisms, including the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling cascade, which would then result in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L. Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15535. [PMID: 37404473 PMCID: PMC10315134 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is located in the upper part of the crocus stigma of iridaceae, which has a long history of medicinal use. Crocin (molecular formula C44H64O24) is a natural floral glycoside ester compound extracted from saffron, which is a type carotenoid. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that crocin has multiple therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-stone effects. In recent years, crocin has been widely noticed due to its considerable anti-tumor effects manifested by the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of tumor cell invasion and metastasis, enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity and improvement of immune status. The anti-tumor effects have been shown in various malignant tumors such as gastric cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. In this review, we compiled recent studies on the anti-tumor effects of crocin and summarized its anti-tumor mechanism for developing ideas of treating malignancies and exploring anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Bao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- The Third Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Ruixue Jia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Lei Xia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Crocin Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Mouse Peritonitis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2090-2104. [PMID: 36975504 PMCID: PMC10047758 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid pigment found in the stigma of Crocus sativus or the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. In this study, we investigated the effects of Crocin on the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in J774A.1 murine macrophage cells and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis. Crocin significantly inhibited Nigericin-, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-, MSU-induced interleukin (IL)-1β secretion, and caspase-1 cleavage without affecting pro-IL-1β and pro-caspase-1. Crocin also suppressed gasdermin-D cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release and enhanced cell viability, indicating that Crocin reduces pyroptosis. Similar effects were observed in primary mouse macrophages. However, Crocin did not affect poly(dA:dT)-induced absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and muramyl dipeptide-induced NLRP1 inflammasomes. Crocin decreased Nigericin-induced oligimerization and the speck formation of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Crocin also dramatically alleviated the ATP-induced production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Finally, Crocin ameliorated the MSU-induced production of IL-1β and IL-18 and the recruitment of neutrophils during peritoneal inflammation. These results suggest that Crocin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking mtROS production and ameliorates MSU-induced mouse peritonitis. Thus, Crocin may have therapeutic potential in various NLRP3 inflammasome-related inflammatory diseases.
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Mehrabanifar S, Hesami-Tackallou S, Vaseghi S, Nasehi M. The effect of crocin on cholestasis-induced spatial memory impairment with respect to the expression level of TFAM and PGC-1α and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1167-1176. [PMID: 36807082 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Large evidence has shown that cholestasis has a wide-range of deleterious effects on brain function, and also, on neurocognitive functions including learning and memory. On the other hand, crocin (derived from Crocus sativus) is a medicinal natural compound that induces neuroprotective and precognitive effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin on spatial learning and memory in cholestatic rats with respect to the level of mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (TFAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was used to induce cholestasis. Y-maze apparatus was used to assess spatial memory performance and real-time PCR was used to assess TFAM and PGC-1α gene expression. Also, crocin was injected intraperitoneal at the doses of 15, 20, and 30 mg/kg for thirty days. The results showed that BDL impaired spatial memory in rats. BDL also decreased SOD, TFAM, and PGC-1α level. In addition, crocin partially reversed the impairment effect of BDL on spatial memory. Crocin (30 mg/kg) also reversed the effect of BDL on SOD, TFAM, and PGC-1α. Of note, the effect of BDL on CAT activity was controversial. It seems that BDL can increase CAT activity. In addition, crocin (30 mg/kg) reversed the enhancement of CAT following BDL to its control level. In conclusion, crocin may induce a significant neuroprotective effect on cholestasis-induced memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Mehrabanifar
- Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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Han S, Song R, Cao Y, Yan X, Gao H, Lian F. Crocin mitigates atherosclerotic progression in LDLR knockout mice by hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction reduction, and intestinal barrier improvement and gut microbiota modulation. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Scuto M, Modafferi S, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Tomasello M, Spano’ S, Ontario M, Palmeri A, Trovato Salinaro A, Siracusa R, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Calabrese E, Wenzel U, Calabrese V. Redox modulation of stress resilience by Crocus Sativus L. for potential neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory applications in brain disorders: From molecular basis to therapy. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 205:111686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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