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Ouyang N, Yang C, Li X, Zheng Z, Xu Y, Wang Y, Xiong W, Wu H. Development of lactoferrin-coated multifunctional copolymer micelles to cross the blood-brain barrier. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:773-787. [PMID: 37721695 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01432-6] [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] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents pathogens and toxins in the bloodstream from reaching the brain, but also inhibits the delivery of agents intended to treat central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we prepared and evaluated a novel nano-delivery vehicle system composed of lactoferrin-conjugated (Lf-PIC@Se) micelles. We used a COOH-PEG-PAsp-PV@Se synthesis-based method to prepare the micelles, which involved self-assembly followed by EDC-NHS coupling. Using glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor 8 as a model encapsulated chemical, Lf-PIC@Se micelles achieved a good loading capacity. In vitro analysis demonstrated that Lf-PIC@Se/8 micelles were stable in both neutral and acidic pH solutions in the presence or absence of H2O2, and confirmed their biosafety and compatibility in PC12 and bEND.3 cells. Notably, the cell uptake of Lf-PIC@Se/C6 micelles was much higher than that of PIC@Se micelles, and occurred through LfR-mediated endocytosis. The presence of Se meant that Lf-PIC@Se micelles acted as ROS scavengers in PC12 cells under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, which inhibited oxidative damage and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Hemolysis assays further demonstrated that Lf-PIC@Se represent a biocompatible carrier. Finally, in vivo experiments in mice suggested that Lf-PIC@Se micelles successfully crossed the BBB, confirming their potential as vehicles for drug delivery when treating AD and other central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunhua Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenting Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
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Samy MVG, Perumal S. Systems pharmacology and multi-scale mechanism of Enicostema axillare bioactives in treating Alzheimer disease. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:575-593. [PMID: 37845599 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
As a progressive neurological disease with increased morbidity and mortality, Alzheimer Disease (AD) is characterized by neuron damage that controls memory and mental functions. Enicostema axillare (EA), an herb with a history of combativeness and effectiveness in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, and Diabetes, is used in Indian folk medicine from a holistic point of view. Though the herb is used for many illnesses, the molecular mechanism of its bioactive on AD has not been deciphered by intricate research. A unique pharmacology approach based on ADME drug screening and targeting, pathway enrichment (GO and KEGG), and network pharmacology, was established to explore the molecular mechanisms of E. axillare (EA) bioactive compounds for the treatment of AD. In brief, we bring to light the three active compounds of EA and seven potential molecular targets of AD, which are mainly implicated in four signaling pathways, i.e., MAPK, Apoptosis, neurodegeneration, and the TNF pathway. Moreover, the network analysis of the active compounds, molecular targets, and their pathways reveals the pharmacological nature of the compounds. Further, molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the interactions between the EA bioactive compounds and the targets and examine the binding affinity. The outcome of the work reflects the potential therapeutic effects of the compounds for treating AD through the modulation of the key proteins, which further corroborates the reliability of our network pharmacology analysis. This study not only helps in understanding the molecular mechanism of the drugs but also helps in finding and sorting new drugs for the treatment of AD, and other complex diseases through modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sasidharan Perumal
- Cell and Molecular Biology Division, Biome Live Analytical Center, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Maggini V, Bertazza G, Gallo E, Mascherini V, Calvi L, Marra C, Michelucci F, Liberati C, Trassi A, Baraldi R, Firenzuoli F. The Different Phytochemical Profiles of Salvia officinalis Dietary Supplements Labelled for Menopause Symptoms. Molecules 2023; 29:94. [PMID: 38202677 PMCID: PMC10779573 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytochemical screening of four commercial products containing Salvia officinalis was carried out. Total phenolic content was estimated spectrophotometrically through the use of the Folin-Ciocalteau method, flavonoid content was measured through the use of aluminum chloride and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine colorimetric assays, and isoflavones and α/β-thujones were analyzed through the use of high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and the gas chromatographic method. The analyses revealed the absence of thujones and isoflavones (i.e., genistin, genistein, and daidzein) in all four different extracts. The content of polyphenolic compounds varied among the samples, with the extract T being richer in both polyphenols and flavonoids than the other products by 1.8-3.2 and 1.4-4.0 times, respectively (p-value < 0.05). These results highlight the importance of quality control in salvia-based products since a thujone-free extract rich in polyphenols and flavonoids could be a good candidate for further preclinical and clinical studies to identify an effective herbal approach suitable for the long-term therapy of menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maggini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine—CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Gianpaolo Bertazza
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE CNR), Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Eugenia Gallo
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine—CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Vittorio Mascherini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine—CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Calvi
- Independent Researcher, Via Fratelli Cervi 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Chiara Marra
- Casa Medica, Via Camozzi 77, 24121 Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Michelucci
- DAI Anesthesia and Rianimation, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Anna Trassi
- General Practioner ASL Central Tuscany, Piazza IV Novembre 28, 51035 Pistoia, Italy;
| | - Rita Baraldi
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE CNR), Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine—CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.G.); (V.M.)
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Zia SR, Wasim M, Ahmad S. Unlocking therapeutic potential of trigonelline through molecular docking as a promising approach for treating diverse neurological disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2721-2733. [PMID: 37851136 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders pose significant challenges in terms of treatment options, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Trigonelline, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various plants, has emerged as a potential treatment option. It has also been reported that trigonelline is involved in several pathways like; Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant, Inflammatory, Neuroprotection and Neurotrophic, Mitochondrial Function and Energy Metabolism. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of trigonelline for diverse neurological disorders using a molecular docking approach. Molecular docking simulations were performed to predict the binding affinity and interaction between trigonelline and target proteins implicated in neurological disorders. The structural requirements for effective binding were also explored. The molecular docking results revealed strong binding interactions and favorable binding affinities between trigonelline and the target proteins involved in diverse neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression etc. The predicted binding modes provided insights into the key molecular interactions governing the ligand-protein complexes. The findings suggest that trigonelline holds promise as a therapeutic approach for several neurological disorders. The molecular docking approach employed in this study provides a valuable tool for rational drug design and optimization of trigonelline-based compounds. Further experimental validation and preclinical studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of trigonelline as a potential treatment option, paving the way for the development of more effective and targeted therapies for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Rehana Zia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Wasim
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Saara Ahmad
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
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Ji HJ, Zhou XH, Wu HY, Liu HX, Zhang GZ. A bibliometric and thematic analysis of the trends in the research on ginkgo biloba extract from 1985 to 2022. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21214. [PMID: 37964856 PMCID: PMC10641152 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), a complementary and alternative medicine, has been widely used for disorders such as brain infarction, dementia, and coronary heart disease, in recent decades. Given its widespread clinical use, GBE has always been a vital research topic. However, there are no bibliometric analyses on this topic; furthermore, published reviews of GBE focus only on a specific research field or lack scientific and systematic evaluation. This study combined bibliometrics with thematic reviews by visual analysis to identify the current status of GBE research and to better identify research hotspots and trends in the past 40 years to understand future developments in basic and clinical research. Methods Articles and reviews on GBE were retrieved by topic from the Web of Science Core Collection from inception to 2022.12.01. Countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in the field were visually analyzed using CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, and VOSviewer software; then, these visualization results for references and keywords were clarified in detail by thematic reviews in subdivisions of the fields. Results In total, 2015 publications were included. The GBE-related literature has high volumes of publications and citations. The majority of literature is from China, and the USA cooperates most closely with other countries. In GBE research, Christen Yves is the most cited author, Phytotherapy Research is the most prolific journal, and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology is the most co-cited journal. Through a comprehensive analysis of keywords, references, and reviews, the quality of the meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials of GBE in treating dementia was evaluated by the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews scale (ROBIS). Current research on GBE focuses on its pharmacological mechanisms, and neuroprotective application in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and glaucoma. Randomized controlled trials are the current research hotspot. Conclusion Research on GBE is flourishing; using bibliometric and thematic analysis, we identified its hotspots and trends. The pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications of GBE are the focus of present and likely future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jian Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wu
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong-Xia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guo-Zhe Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, China
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Xu Lou I, Chen J, Ali K, Shaikh AL, Chen Q. Mapping new pharmacological interventions for cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1190604. [PMID: 37332343 PMCID: PMC10270324 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1190604] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, that is, characterized by cognitive decline. To date, there are no effective treatments for AD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to map new perspectives on the effects of pharmacological treatment on cognitive function and the overall psychological state in patients with AD. Methods: Two independent researchers searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exploring new pharmacological approaches related to cognition in Alzheimer's disease in adults from 2018 to 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. A total of 17 RCTs were included in this review. Results: The results show that in recent years, new drugs have been tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease, including masitinib, methylphenidate, levetiracetam, Jiannao Yizhi, and Huannao Yicong formulas. Most studies have been conducted in populations with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Although some of the drugs found suggested improvement in cognitive function, the scarcity of available studies highlights the need for further research in this area. Systematic review registration: [www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42023409986].
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Xu Lou
- International Education College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayue Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Clinical Medical College Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kamran Ali
- Department of Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Abdul Lateef Shaikh
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qilan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Ott K, Heikkinen T, Lehtimäki KK, Paldanius K, Puoliväli J, Pussinen R, Andriambeloson E, Huyard B, Wagner S, Schnack C, Wahler A, von Einem B, von Arnim CAF, Burmeister Y, Weyer K, Seilheimer B. Vertigoheel promotes rodent cognitive performance in multiple memory tests. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1183023. [PMID: 37325043 PMCID: PMC10264630 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1183023] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive impairment associated with old age or various brain disorders may be very disabling for affected individuals, placing their carers and public health services under considerable stress. The standard-of-care drugs produce only transient improvement of cognitive impairment in older people, so the search for novel, safe and effective therapeutics that would help to reverse or delay cognitive impairment is warranted. Repurposing pharmacological therapies with well-established safety record for additional indications is a promising recent trend in drug development. Vertigoheel (VH-04), a multicomponent drug made of Ambra grisea, Anamirta cocculus L., Conium maculatum, and Petroleum rectificatum, has been successfully used for several decades in the treatment of vertigo. Here, we investigated effects of VH-04 on cognitive performance in standard behavioral tests assessing different types of memory and explored cellular and molecular underpinnings of VH-04's biological activity. Methods In the majority of behavioral experiments, namely in the spontaneous and rewarded alternation tests, passive avoidance test, contextual/cued fear conditioning, and social transmission of food preference, we examined the ability of single and repeated intraperitoneal administrations of VH-04 to improve cognitive parameters of mice and rats disrupted by the application of the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine. In addition, we also assessed how VH-04 affected novel object recognition and influenced performance of aged animals in Morris water maze. Furthermore, we also studied the effects of VH-04 on primary hippocampal neurons in vitro and mRNA expression of synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Results Administration of VH-04 positively influenced visual recognition memory in the novel object recognition test and alleviated the impairments in spatial working memory and olfactory memory caused by the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine in the spontaneous alternation and social transmission of food preference tests. In addition, VH-04 improved retention of the spatial orientation memory of old rats in the Morris water maze. In contrast, VH-04 did not have significant effects on scopolamine-induced impairments in tests of fear-aggravated memory or rewarded alternation. Experiments in vitro showed that VH-04 stimulated neurite growth and possibly reversed the age-dependent decrease in hippocampal synaptophysin mRNA expression, which implies that VH-04 may preserve synaptic integrity in the aging brain. Discussion Our findings allow a cautious conclusion that in addition to its ability to alleviate manifestations of vertigo, VH-04 may be also used as a cognitive enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anke Wahler
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Christine A. F. von Arnim
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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