Therapeutic implications of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors in ischemic injury

The effects of breed and routes of administration on the plasma pharmacokinetics and faecal excretion of robenacoxib in goats

Robenacoxib (RX) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma dispositions and faecal excretion profiles of RX in Alpine and Saanen goats following oral and subcutaneous routes. Two different goat breeds were allocated into two treatment groups concerning the breed. RX was administered subcutaneously to animals at a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. Following a one-week washout period, RX was administered by oral route to the same animals at the same dose. Heparinized blood samples were collected from all animals before drug administration (0 h) and subsequently up to 24 h. Faecal samples were collected at various times between 8 h and 36 h. The concentrations of RX in plasma and faeces were determined by HPLC. The plasma half-life (T1/2λz) of RX in Saanen goats (1.21 h) was significantly longer (P < 0.017) than in Alpine goats (0.90 h) after subcutaneous administration. In both goat breeds, statistical differences were observed between subcutaneous and oral administration of RX for T1/2λz, Tlast, Cmax, AUC0-∞, and MRT0-∞. Faecal Cmax and Tmax parameters following oral administrations were 0.92 µg/g and 0.85 µg/g at 30 h and at 24 h in Alpine and Saanen goats, respectively. The difference in plasma protein ratio between Alpine and Saanen goats may have affected the T1/2λz of the drug. NSAIDs are among the drug groups frequently detected in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems around the world and there are data on the effects of NSAID residues on wildlife and aquatic species. Therefore, revealing the excretion of NSAIDs, which are frequently used in the veterinary field, in faeces and urine should be considered for ecological sustainability.

Evidence for reduced anti-inflammatory microglial phagocytic response in late-life major depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are not understood. While it is well established that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble levels of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) increase during early stages of AD, how sTREM2 levels behave in subjects with MDD is not known. In a longitudinal study, we measured CSF sTREM2 levels in 27 elderly cognitively intact individuals with late-life major depression (LLMD) and in 19 healthy controls. We tested the hypothesis that, similarly to what happens in early stages of AD, CSF sTREM2 would be elevated in MDD. In addition, we compared the associations of CSF sTREM2, pro- and anti- inflammatory, and AD biomarkers in LLMD and control subjects. Surprisingly, we found that mean CSF sTREM2 levels were significantly reduced in LLMD compared to controls. This reduction was no longer significant at the 3-year follow-up visit when depression severity improved. In addition, we found that CSF sTREM2 was associated with AD biomarkers and proinflammatory cytokines in controls but not in LLMD. These findings suggest that impaired microglia phagocytic response to AD pathology may be a novel link between MDD and AD.

Mechanistic correlation of molecular pathways in obesity-mediated stroke pathogenesis

Obesity, a prominent risk factor for the development of heart attacks and several cardiovascular ailments. Obesity ranks as the second most significant avoidable contributor to mortality, whereas stroke stands as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. While changes in lifestyle have been demonstrated to have significant impacts on weight management, the long-term weight loss remains challenging, and the global prevalence of obesity continues to rise. The pathophysiology of obesity has been extensively studied during the last few decades, and an increasing number of signal transduction pathways have been linked to obesity preclinically. This review is focused on signaling pathways, and their respective functions in regulating the consumption of fatty food as well as accumulation of adipose tissue, and the resulting morphological and cognitive changes in the brain of individuals with obesity. We have also emphasized the recent progress in the mechanisms behind the emergence of obesity, as elucidated by both experimental and clinical investigations. The mounting understanding of signaling transduction may shed light on the future course of obesity research as we move into a new era of precision medicine.

4-phenylbutyric acid improves sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by modulating amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism via Comt/Ptgs2/Ppara

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac dysfunction after sepsis the most common and severe sepsis-related organ failure. The severity of cardiac damage in sepsis patients was positively associated to mortality. It is important to look for drugs targeting sepsis-induced cardiac damage. Our previous studies found that 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) was beneficial to septic shock by improving cardiovascular function and survival, while the specific mechanism is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the specific mechanism and PBA for protecting cardiac function in sepsis.

METHODS

The cecal ligation and puncture-induced septic shock models were used to observe the therapeutic effects of PBA on myocardial contractility and the serum levels of cardiac troponin-T. The mechanisms of PBA against sepsis were explored by metabolomics and network pharmacology.

RESULTS

The results showed that PBA alleviated the sepsis-induced cardiac damage. The metabolomics results showed that there were 28 metabolites involving in the therapeutic effects of PBA against sepsis. According to network pharmacology, 11 hub genes were found that were involved in lipid metabolism and amino acid transport following PBA treatment. The further integrated analysis focused on 7 key targets, including Comt, Slc6a4, Maoa, Ppara, Pparg, Ptgs2 and Trpv1, as well as their core metabolites and pathways. In an in vitro assay, PBA effectively inhibited sepsis-induced reductions in Comt, Ptgs2 and Ppara after sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

PBA protects sepsis-induced cardiac injury by targeting Comt/Ptgs2/Ppara, which regulates amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. The study reveals the complicated mechanisms of PBA against sepsis.

Pyridazine derivatives as selective COX-2 inhibitors: A review on recent updates

Selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors have several advantages over nonselective COX inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), including the absence of adverse effects (renal and hepatic disorders) associated with the long-term use of standard NSAIDs, as well as an improved gastrointestinal profile. The pyridazine nucleus is regarded as a promising scaffold for the development of powerful COX-2 inhibitors, particularly when selectively functionalized. This article summarizes some methods for the synthesis of pyridazine derivatives. Furthermore, it covers all of the pyridazine derivatives that have appeared as selective COX-2 inhibitors, making it useful as a reference for the rational design of novel selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Therapeutic implications of phosphorylation- and dephosphorylation-dependent factors of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) in neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration is a condition of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by loss of neural structures and function. The most common neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disorders, psychological disorders, dementia with vascular dementia (VaD), Lewy body dementia (DLB), epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, mental illness, and behavioral disorders. CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein) represent a nuclear protein that regulates gene transcriptional activity. The primary focus of the review pertains to the exploration of CREB expression and activation within the context of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in relation to the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events that occur within the CREB signaling pathway under normal physiological conditions. The findings mentioned have contributed to the elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms governing CREB activity. Additionally, they have provided valuable insights into the potential mediation of diverse biological processes, such as memory consolidation and neuroprotective effects, by various related studies. The promotion of synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment in the central nervous system through the targeting of CREB proteins has the potential to contribute to the prevention or delay of the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Multiple drugs have been found to initiate downstream signaling pathways, leading to neuroprotective advantages in both animal model studies and clinical trials. The clinical importance of the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) is examined in this article, encompassing its utility as both a predictive/prognostic marker and a target for therapeutic interventions.

The Role of Micronutrients in Neurological Disorders

Trace elements and vitamins, collectively known as micronutrients, are essential for basic metabolic reactions in the human body. Their deficiency or, on the contrary, an increased amount can lead to serious disorders. Research in recent years has shown that long-term abnormal levels of micronutrients may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of some neurological diseases. Acute and chronic alterations in micronutrient levels may cause other serious complications in neurological diseases. Our aim was to summarize the knowledge about micronutrients in relation to selected neurological diseases and comment on their importance and the possibilities of therapeutic intervention in clinical practice.

Analysis of the mechanism of action of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud on cirrhosis based on network pharmacology

This study aimed to employ network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanism by which Euphorbia fischeriana Steud (EFS) exhibits the efficacy on cirrhosis. The compounds and targets of EFS were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Next, these compounds and targets were analyzed based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling network was established based on KEGG database. We constructed a compound-compound target-intersection target-pathway PPI network, including 20 compounds, 19 intersection targets between compound targets and EFS targets. Among the 20 compounds, 8-Isopentenyl-kaempferol has the most targets, with 27 targets, followed by 3,4',5-Trihydroxy-7-methoxy-8-isopentenylflavone, Formononetin, Isoxanthohumol, and Isokurarinone with potential targets of 26, 22, 18, and 14, respectively. Top 5 targets are HSP90AA1, PTGS2, NOS2, MAPK14, and PPARG. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that pathways such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Lipid and atherosclerosis, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications were closely related to the infection and abnormal metabolism of the liver. The application of network pharmacology could identify potential targets of EFS with a low false-positive rate and provide novel insight into the mechanism of action of EFS on cirrhosis.

Progress in the Enantioselective Synthesis of Sulfur (VI) Compounds

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the prominence of enantioenriched sulfur(VI) compounds within the chemical science, particularly in the realm of bioactive molecules. However, the synthesis of these enantioenriched sulfur(VI) compounds has posed significant challenges, necessitating the exploration of diverse synthetic methods. Accordingly, this review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in the synthesis of sulfoximines, sulfonimidate esters, sulfonimidamides, and sulfonimidoyl halides, with a focus on developments since 1971.

Preparing to strike: Acute events in signaling by the serpentine receptor for thromboxane A2

Over the last two decades, awareness of the (patho)physiological roles of thromboxane A₂ signaling has been greatly extended. From humble beginnings as a short-lived stimulus that activates platelets and causes vasoconstriction to a dichotomous receptor system involving multiple endogenous ligands capable of modifying tissue homeostasis and disease generation in almost every tissue of the body. Thromboxane A₂ receptor (TP) signal transduction is associated with the pathogenesis of cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, asthma, and host response to parasitic infection amongst others. The two receptors mediating these cellular responses (TPα and TPβ) are derived from a single gene (TBXA2R) through alternative splicing. Recently, knowledge about the mechanism(s) of signal propagation by the two receptors has undergone a revolution in understanding. Not only have the structural relationships associated with G-protein coupling been established but the modulation of that signaling by post-translational modification to the receptor has come sharply into focus. Moreover, the signaling of the receptor unrelated to G-protein coupling has become a burgeoning field of endeavor with over 70 interacting proteins currently identified. These data are reshaping the concept of TP signaling from a mere guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Gα activation to a nexus for the convergence of diverse and poorly characterized signaling pathways. This review summarizes the advances in understanding in TP signaling, and the potential for new growth in a field that after almost 50 years is finally coming of age.

Literature review: are NSAIDs harmful and is acetaminophen well tolerated?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

On the basis of previous literature, NSAID use is typically avoided in patients at risk for kidney disease, while acetaminophen has generally been considered well tolerated. However, the extent of NSAID effect on the kidneys is not clear, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the concerns about the safety of acetaminophen have been rising. In this review, we will discuss the latest evidence of the effects of NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the context of nephrology and hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) by NSAIDs is higher with longer courses and in the presence of several factors such as older age, diabetes mellitus, lower eGFR, diuretic use and cardiovascular disease. The timing of NSAID use in relation to the onset of AKI may affect its progression. Regular NSAID use could be associated with an increased incidence of CKD, but the relation between NSAID use and CKD progression is less clear. Regular acetaminophen use was associated with increased SBP, while its use could have a renoprotective effect in certain situations.

SUMMARY

In patients at risk of kidney disease, NSAIDs may be used cautiously after discussing possible adverse effects. Regular acetaminophen use should be reassessed in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

A story of the potential effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Parkinson's disease: beneficial or detrimental effects

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an advanced neurodegenerative disease (NDD) caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) in the substantia nigra (SN). As PD is an age-related disorder, the majority of PD patients are associated with musculoskeletal disorders with prolonged use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therefore, NSAIDs can affect PD neuropathology in different ways. Thus, the objective of the present narrative review was to clarify the potential role of NSAIDs in PD according to the assorted view of preponderance. Inhibition of neuroinflammation and modulation of immune response by NSAIDs could be an effective way in preventing the development of NDD. NSAIDs affect PD neuropathology in different manners could be beneficial or detrimental effects. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) by NSAIDs may prevent the development of PD. NSAIDs afforded a neuroprotective role against the development and progression of PD neuropathology through the  modulation of neuroinflammation. Though, NSAIDs may lead to neutral or harmful effects by inhibiting neuroprotective prostacyclin (PGI2) and accentuation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs). In conclusion, there is still a potential conflict regarding the effect of NSAIDs on PD neuropathology.

Emerging Targets for Modulation of Immune Response and Inflammation in Stroke

The inflammatory and immunological responses play a significant role after stroke. The innate immune activation stimulated by microglia during stroke results in the migration of macrophages and lymphocytes into the brain and are responsible for tissue damage. The immune response and inflammation following stroke have no defined targets, and the intricacies of the immunological and inflammatory processes are only partially understood. Innate immune cells enter the brain and meninges during the acute phase, which can cause ischemia damage. Activation of systemic immunity is caused by danger signals sent into the bloodstream by injured brain cells, which is followed by a significant immunodepression that encourages life-threatening infections. Neuropsychiatric sequelae, a major source of post-stroke morbidity, may be induced by an adaptive immune response that is initiated by antigen presentation during the chronic period and is directed against the brain. Thus, the current review discusses the role of immune response and inflammation in stroke pathogenesis, their role in the progression of injury during the stroke, and the emerging targets for the modulation of the mechanism of immune response and inflammation that may have possible therapeutic benefits against stroke.

Neuroinflammatory mediators in acquired epilepsy: an update

Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders that have diverse etiologies but are commonly characterized by spontaneous seizures and behavioral comorbidities. Although the mechanisms underlying the epileptic seizures mostly remain poorly understood and the causes often can be idiopathic, a considerable portion of cases are known as acquired epilepsy. This form of epilepsy is typically associated with prior neurological insults, which lead to the initiation and progression of epileptogenesis, eventually resulting in unprovoked seizures. A convergence of evidence in the past two decades suggests that inflammation within the brain may be a major contributing factor to acquired epileptogenesis. As evidenced in mounting preclinical and human studies, neuroinflammatory processes, such as activation and proliferation of microglia and astrocytes, elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, blood-brain barrier breakdown, and upregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, are commonly observed after seizure-precipitating events. An increased knowledge of these neuroinflammatory processes in the epileptic brain has led to a growing list of inflammatory mediators that can be leveraged as potential targets for new therapies of epilepsy and/or biomarkers that may provide valued information for the diagnosis and prognosis of the otherwise unpredictable seizures. In this review, we mainly focus on the most recent progress in understanding the roles of these inflammatory molecules in acquired epilepsy and highlight the emerging evidence supporting their candidacy as novel molecular targets for new pharmacotherapies of acquired epilepsy and the associated behavioral deficits.

POTENTIAL CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GENIPIN VIA CYCLOOXIDASE 2 SUPPRESSION AND P53 SIGNAL PATHWAY ATTENUATION IN INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN RATS

ABSTRACT

Background and aims: Genipin, an iridoid derived from geniposide by β-glucosidase hydrolysis, has shown potential benefit in the treatment of heart function insufficiency despite its unclear therapeutic mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the primary cardioprotective mechanism of genipin. We hypothesized that genipin demonstrated the antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation for cardiac protection by inhibiting the cyclooxidase 2 (COX2)-prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and murine double minute 2 (MDM2)-p53 pathways. Methods: The normal Sprague-Dawley rats were made into myocardial infarction models by conventional methods. Animals were treated with genipin for 5 weeks after myocardial infarction (MI). Morphometric and hemodynamic measurements were performed 5 weeks post-MI. Biological and molecular experiments were performed after the termination. Results: Both morphometry and hemodynamics in systole and diastole were significantly impaired in the model group but restored close to basal level after treatment with genipin. Genipin also restored the post-MI upregulated expressions of cytochrome c, p53, COX2, and PGD2 and downregulated expression of MDM2 to the approximate baseline. Genipin inhibited apoptotic and inflammatory pathways to prevent post-MI structure-function remodeling. Conclusions: This study showed the cardioprotective mechanism of genipin and implied its potential clinical application for the treatment of ischemic heart failure.

Pharmacological modulation of phosphodiesterase-7 as a novel strategy for neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative illness develops as a result of genetic defects that cause changes at numerous levels, including genomic products and biological processes. It entails the degradation of cyclic nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). PDE7 modulates intracellular cAMP signalling, which is involved in numerous essential physiological and pathological processes. For the therapy of neurodegenerative illnesses, the normalization of cyclic nucleotide signalling through PDE inhibition remains intriguing. In this article, we shall examine the role of PDEs in neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Stroke, and Epilepsy are related to alterations in PDE7 expression in the brain. Earlier, animal models of neurological illnesses including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis have had significant results to PDE7 inhibitors, i.e., VP3.15; VP1.14. In addition, modulation of CAMP/CREB/GSK/PKA signalling pathways involving PDE7 in neurodegenerative diseases has been addressed. To understand the etiology, treatment options of these disorders mediated by PDE7 and its subtypes can be the focus of future research.

Adenosine as a Key Mediator of Neuronal Survival in Cerebral Ischemic Injury

Several experimental studies have linked adenosine's neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia. During ischemia, adenosine is formed due to intracellular ATP breakdown into ADP, further when phosphate is released from ADP, the adenosine monophosphate is formed. It acts via A1, A2, and A3 receptors found on neurons, blood vessels, glial cells, platelets, and leukocytes. It is related to various effector systems such as adenyl cyclase and membrane ion channels via G-proteins. Pharmacological manipulation of adenosine receptors by agonists (CCPA, ADAC, IB-MECA) increases ischemic brain damage in various in vivo and in vitro models of cerebral ischemia whereas, agonist can also be neuroprotective. Mainly, receptor antagonists (CGS15943, MRS1706) indicated neuroprotection. Later, various studies also revealed that the downregulation or upregulation of specific adenosine receptors is necessary during the recovery of cerebral ischemia by activating several downstream signaling pathways. In the current review, we elaborate on the dual roles of adenosine and its receptor subtypes A1, A2, and A3 and their involvement in the pathobiology of cerebral ischemic injury. Adenosine-based therapies have the potential to improve the outcomes of cerebral injury patients, thereby providing them with a more optimistic future.

Targeting ferroptosis in ischemia/reperfusion renal injury

Renal I/R injury is a severe medical condition contributing to acute kidney injury (AKI), leading to rapid kidney dysfunction and high mortality rates. It is generally observed during renal transplantation, shock, trauma, and urologic and cardiovascular surgery, for which there is no effective treatment. Cell death and damage are commonly linked to I/R. Cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, such as ferroptosis, has been demonstrated to have a significant detrimental effect in renal IRI models, making it a new type of cell death currently being researched. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic type of cell death that occurs when free iron enters the cell and is a critical component of many biological processes. In ferroptosis-induced renal I/R injury, iron chelators such as Deferasirox, Deferiprone, and lipophilic antioxidants are currently suppressed lipid peroxidation Liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1), Ferrostatin-1 along with antioxidants like vitamin and quercetin. Ferroptosis has been considered a potential target for pharmaceutical intervention to alleviate renal IRI-associated cell damage. Thus, this review emphasized the role of ferroptosis and its inhibition in renal IRI. Also, Pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis mechanism in renal I/R injury has been conferred. Graphical abstract.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase: An Overview of Mechanistic Approaches and Therapeutic Opportunities in the Management of Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality accompanied by blood supply loss to a particular brain area. Several mechanistic approaches such as inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, therapies against tissue thrombosis, and neutrophils lead to stroke's therapeutic intervention. Evidence obtained with the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition and animals having a deficiency of PARP enzymes; represented the role of PARP in cerebral stroke, ischemia/reperfusion, and neurotrauma. PARP is a nuclear enzyme superfamily with various isoforms, each with different structural domains and functions, and out of all, PARP-1 is the best-characterized member. It has been shown to perform multiple physiological as well as pathological processes, including its role in inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The enzyme interacts with NF-κB, p53, and other transcriptional factors to regulate survival and cell death and modulates multiple downstream signaling pathways. Clinical trials have also been conducted using PARP inhibitors for numerous disorders and have shown positive results. However, additional information is yet to be established for the therapeutic intervention of PARP inhibitors in stroke. These agents' utilization appears to be challenging due to their unknown potential long-term side effects. PARP activity increased during ischemia, but its inhibition provided significant neuroprotection. Despite the increased interest in PARP as a pharmacological modulator for novel therapeutic therapies, the current review focused on stroke and poly ADP-ribosylation.

DJ-1 Alleviates Neuroinflammation and the Related Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Destruction by Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via SOCS1/Rac1/ROS Pathway in a Rat Model of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

DJ-1 has been shown to play essential roles in neuronal protection and anti-inflammation in nervous system diseases. This study aimed to explore how DJ-1 regulates neuroinflammation after traumatic spinal cord injury (t-SCI). The rat model of spinal cord injury was established by the clamping method. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and the inclined plane test (IPT) were used to evaluate neurological function. Western blot was then applied to test the levels of DJ-1, NLRP3, SOCS1, and related proinflammatory factors (cleaved caspase 1, IL-1β and IL-18); ROS level was also examined. The distribution of DJ-1 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining (IF). BSCB integrity was assessed by the level of MMP-9 and tight junction proteins (Claudin-5, Occludin and ZO-1). We found that DJ-1 became significantly elevated after t-SCI and was mainly located in neurons. Knockdown of DJ-1 with specific siRNA aggravated NLRP3 inflammasome-related neuroinflammation and strengthened the disruption of BSCB integrity. However, the upregulation of DJ-1 by Sodium benzoate (SB) reversed these effects and improved neurological function. Furthermore, SOCS1-siRNA attenuated the neuroprotective effects of DJ-1 and increased the ROS, Rac1 and NLRP3. In conclusion, DJ-1 may alleviate neuroinflammation and the related BSCB destruction after t-SCI by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation by SOCS1/Rac1/ROS pathways. DJ-1 shows potential as a feasible target for mediating neuroinflammation after t-SCI.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and Its Role in Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selective, semi-permeable layer of endothelial cells that protects the central nervous system from harmful substances circulating in blood. It is one of the important barriers of the nervous system. BBB dysfunction is an early pathophysiological change observed in nervous system diseases. There are few treatments for BBB dysfunction, so this motivates the review. Ferroptosis is a novel cell death mode caused by iron-mediated lipid peroxidation accumulation, which has recently attracted more attention due to its possible role in nervous system disorders. Studies have shown that lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation are related to the barrier dysfunction, especially the expression of tight junction proteins. Therefore, examination of the relationship between ferroptosis and BBB dysfunction may reveal new targets for the treatment of brain diseases.

α-Lipoic Acid, an Organosulfur Biomolecule a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Mechanistic Perspective

Lipoic acid (α-LA) (1,2-dithiolane3-pentanoic acid (C₈H₁₄O₂S₂) is also called thioctic acid with an oxidized (disulfide, LA) and a reduced (di-thiol: dihydro-lipoic acid, DHLA) form of LA. α-LA is a potent anti-oxidative agent that has a significant potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders. α-LA is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic in nature. It is widely distributed in plants and animals in cellular membranes and in the cytosol, which is responsible for LA's action in both the cytosol and plasma membrane. A systematic literature review of Bentham, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases was carried out to understand the Nature and mechanistic interventions of the α-Lipoic acid for central nervous system diseases. Moreover, α-LA readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant factor for CNS activities. The mechanisms of α-LA reduction are highly tissue-specific. α-LA produces its neuroprotective effect by inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and neuronal damage, modulating protein levels, and promoting neurotransmitters and anti-oxidant levels. Hence, the execution of α-LA as a therapeutic ingredient in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders is promising. Finally, based on evidence, it can be concluded that α-LA can prevent diseases related to the nervous system.