Arctigenin Confers Neuroprotection Against Mechanical Trauma Injury in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells by Regulating miRNA-16 and miRNA-199a Expression to Alleviate Inflammation

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound: A Physical Stimulus with Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Potential

Ultrasound has expanded into the therapeutic field as a medical imaging and diagnostic technique. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a kind of therapeutic ultrasound that plays a vital role in promoting fracture healing, wound repair, immunomodulation, and reducing inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects are manifested by decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, accelerated regression of immune cell invasion, and accelerated damage repair. Although the anti-inflammatory mechanism of LIPUS is not very clear, many in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that LIPUS may play its anti-inflammatory role by activating signaling pathways such as integrin/Focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Serine threonine kinase (Akt), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), or inhibiting signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and p38-Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). As a non-invasive physical therapy, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of LIPUS deserve further exploration.

Current Updates on the Role of MicroRNA in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression. The literature has explored the key involvement of miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDD), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). The miRNA regulates various signalling pathways; its dysregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of NDD.

OBJECTIVE

The present review is focused on the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NDD and their role in the treatment or management of NDD. The literature provides comprehensive and cutting-edge knowledge for students studying neurology, researchers, clinical psychologists, practitioners, pathologists, and drug development agencies to comprehend the role of miRNAs in the NDD's pathogenesis, regulation of various genes/signalling pathways, such as α-synuclein, P53, amyloid-β, high mobility group protein (HMGB1), and IL-1β, NMDA receptor signalling, cholinergic signalling, etc. Methods: The issues associated with using anti-miRNA therapy are also summarized in this review. The data for this literature were extracted and summarized using various search engines, such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, and NCBI using different terms, such as NDD, PD, AD, HD, nanoformulations of mRNA, and role of miRNA in diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

The miRNAs control various biological actions, such as neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, cytoprotection, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and chaperone-mediated autophagy, and neurite growth in the central nervous system and diagnosis. Various miRNAs are involved in the regulation of protein aggregation in PD and modulating β-secretase activity in AD. In HD, mutation in the huntingtin (Htt) protein interferes with Ago1 and Ago2, thus affecting the miRNA biogenesis. Currently, many anti-sense technologies are in the research phase for either inhibiting or promoting the activity of miRNA.

CONCLUSION

This review provides new therapeutic approaches and novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NDDs by using miRNA.

Efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia

PURPOSE

As a public health emergency of international concern, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still lacks specific antiviral drugs, and symptomatic treatment is currently the mainstay. The overactivated inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients is associated with a high risk of critical illness or even death. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can mitigate inflammation and inhibit edema formation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of LIPUS therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

62 patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group (LIPUS treatment area - Group 1; self-control area - Group 2) and an external control group (Group 3). The primary outcomes were the volume absorption rate (VAR) and the area absorption rate (AAR) of lung inflammation in CT images.

RESULTS

After an average duration of treatment 7.2 days, there were significant differences in AAR and VAR between Group 1 and Group 2 (AAR 0.25 vs 0.12, p=0.013; VAR 0.35 vs 0.11, p=0.005), and between Group 1 and Group 3 (AAR 0.25 vs 0.11, p=0.047; VAR 0.35 vs 0.19, p=0.042). Neither AAR nor VAR was statistically different between Group 2 and Group 3. After treatment, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, leukocyte, and fingertip arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) improved in Group 1, while in Group 3 only fingertip SaO2 increased.

CONCLUSION

LIPUS therapy reduced lung inflammation and serum inflammatory factor levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, which might be a major advancement in COVID-19 pneumonia therapy.

Effect of arctigenin on neurological diseases: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Arctium lappa L. is a common specie of Asteraceae. Its main active ingredient, Arctigenin (AG), in mature seeds exerts pharmacological effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To review studies on the specific effects of the AG mechanism on various CNS diseases and elucidate signal transduction mechanisms and their pharmacological actions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This investigation reviewed the essential role of AG in treating neurological disorders. Basic information on Arctium lappa L. was retrieved from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The related articles from 1981 to 2022 on the network database (including CNKI, PubMed, and Wan Fang and so on) were reviewed using AG and CNS diseases-related terms such as Arctigenin and Epilepsy.

RESULTS

It was confirmed that AG has a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease, Glioma, infectious CNS diseases (such as Toxoplasma and Japanese Encephalitis Virus), Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy, etc. In these diseases, related experiments such as a Western blot analysis revealed that AG could alter the content of some key factors (such as the reduction of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease). However, in-vivo AG's metabolic process and possible metabolites are still undetermined.

CONCLUSION

Based on this review, the existing pharmacological research has indeed made objective progress to elucidate how AG prevents and treats CNS diseases, especially senile degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's diseases. It was revealed that AG could be used as a potential nervous system drug as it has a wide range of effects in theory with markedly high application value, especially in the elder group. However, the existing studies are limited to in-vitro experiments; therefore, little is known about how AG metabolizes and functions in-vivo, limiting its clinical application and requiring further research.

Efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for the treatment of viral pneumonia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Viral pneumonia has always been a problem faced by clinicians because of its insidious onset, strong infectivity, and lack of effective drugs. Patients with advanced age or underlying diseases may experience more severe symptoms and are prone to severe ventilation dysfunction. Reducing pulmonary inflammation and improving clinical symptoms is the focus of current treatment. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can mitigate inflammation and inhibit edema formation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of therapeutic LIPUS in improving lung inflammation in hospitalized patients with viral pneumonia.

METHODS

Sixty eligible participants with clinically confirmed viral pneumonia will be assigned to either (1) intervention group (LIPUS stimulus), (2) control group (null stimulus), or (3) self-control group (LIPUS stimulated areas versus non-stimulated areas). The primary outcome will be the difference in the extent of absorption and dissipation of lung inflammation on computed tomography. Secondary outcomes include changes in lung inflammation on ultrasonography images, pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, fingertip arterial oxygen saturation, serum inflammatory factor levels, the sputum excretion volume, time to the disappearance of pulmonary rales, pneumonia status score, and course of pneumonia. Adverse events will be recorded.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first clinical study of the efficacy of therapeutic LIPUS in the treatment of viral pneumonia. Given that the current clinical recovery mainly depends on the body's self-limiting and conventional symptomatic treatment, LIPUS, as a new therapy method, might be a major advance in the treatment of viral pneumonia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200059550 Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, May 3, 2022.

Arctium lappa (Burdock): Insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine

Arctium lappa L. is a medicinal edible homologous plant, commonly known as burdock or bardana, which belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed throughout Northern Asia, Europe, and North America and has been utilized for hundreds of years. The roots, fruits, seeds, and leaves of A. lappa have been extensively used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A. lappa has attracted a great deal of attention due to its possession of highly recognized bioactive metabolites with significant therapeutic potential. Numerous pharmacological effects have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo by A. lappa and its bioactive metabolites, including antimicrobial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, antiviral, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. Additionally, A. lappa has demonstrated considerable clinical efficacies and valuable applications in nanomedicine. Collectively, this review covers the properties of A. lappa and its bioactive metabolites, ethnopharmacology aspects, pharmacological effects, clinical trials, and applications in the field of nanomedicine. Hence, a significant attention should be paid to clinical trials and industrial applications of this plant with particular emphasis, on drug discovery and nanotechnology.

Arctigenin inhibits apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation, and inflammation in human nucleus pulposus cells by up-regulating miR-483-3p

BACKGROUND

Arctigenin (ATG) is the active ingredient of the Chinese herbal medicine Arctium lappa, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Excessive inflammation and cell apoptosis are important causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Hence, this study probed into the possible role of ATG in IDD.

METHODS

Interleukin (IL)-1β (10 ng/ml) was adopted to induce human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) as a cell model for IDD. The effects of different concentrations of ATG (0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 μmol/L) on the viability of HNPCs and effects of ATG (10, 50 μmol/L) on the viability of IL-1β-induced HNPCs were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After IL-1β-induced HNPCs were transfected with miR-483-3p inhibitor and/or treated with ATG, cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 and flow cytometry; the expressions of miR-483-3p, extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and inflammation-related genes were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and expressions of ECM/apoptosis/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were quantified by Western blot.

RESULTS

ATG had no significant effect on the viability of HNPCs but could promote the viability of IL-1β-induced HNPCs. ATG inhibited apoptosis, ECM degradation, inflammation, and activation of NF-κB pathway in HNPCs induced by IL-1β, but promoted the expression of miR-483-3p. MiR-483-3p inhibitor reversed the above-mentioned regulatory effects of ATG.

CONCLUSION

Arctigenin suppresses apoptosis, ECM degradation, inflammation, and NF-κB pathway activation in HNPCs by up-regulating miR-483-3p.

Human platelet lysate biotherapy for traumatic brain injury: preclinical assessment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to major brain anatomopathological damages underlined by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and progressive neurodegeneration, ultimately leading to motor and cognitive deterioration. The multiple pathological events resulting from TBI can be addressed not by a single therapeutic approach, but rather by a synergistic biotherapy capable of activating a complementary set of signalling pathways and providing synergistic neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neurorestorative activities. Human platelet lysate might fulfil these requirements as it is composed of a plethora of biomolecules readily accessible as a TBI biotherapy. In the present study, we tested the therapeutic potential of human platelet lysate using in vitro and in vivo models of TBI. We first prepared and characterized platelet lysate from clinical-grade human platelet concentrates. Platelets were pelletized, lysed by three freeze-thaw cycles, and centrifuged. The supernatant was purified by 56°C 30 min heat treatment and spun to obtain the heat-treated platelet pellet lysate that was characterized by ELISA and proteomic analyses. Two mouse models were used to investigate platelet lysate neuroprotective potential. The injury was induced by an in-house manual controlled scratching of the animals' cortex or by controlled cortical impact injury. The platelet lysate treatment was performed by topical application of 60 µl in the lesioned area, followed by daily 60 µl intranasal administration from Day 1 to 6 post-injury. Platelet lysate proteomics identified over 1000 proteins including growth factors, neurotrophins, and antioxidants. ELISA detected several neurotrophic and angiogenic factors at ∼1-50 ng/ml levels. We demonstrate, using two mouse models of TBI, that topical application and intranasal platelet lysate consistently improved mouse motor function in the beam and rotarod tests, mitigated cortical neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in the injury area, as revealed by downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and the reduction in reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, platelet lysate treatment reduced the loss of cortical synaptic proteins. Unbiased proteomic analyses revealed that heat-treated platelet pellet lysate reversed several pathways promoted by both controlled cortical impact and cortical brain scratch and related to transport, postsynaptic density, mitochondria or lipid metabolism. The present data strongly support, for the first time, that human platelet lysate is a reliable and effective therapeutic source of neurorestorative factors. Therefore, brain administration of platelet lysate is a therapeutical strategy that deserves serious and urgent consideration for universal brain trauma treatment.

Dietary Phytoestrogens and Their Metabolites as Epigenetic Modulators with Impact on Human Health

The impact of dietary phytoestrogens on human health has been a topic of continuous debate since their discovery. Nowadays, based on their presumptive beneficial effects, the amount of phytoestrogens consumed in the daily diet has increased considerably worldwide. Thus, there is a growing need for scientific data regarding their mode of action in the human body. Recently, new insights of phytoestrogens’ bioavailability and metabolism have demonstrated an inter-and intra-population heterogeneity of final metabolites’ production. In addition, the phytoestrogens may have the ability to modulate epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. This review highlights the complexity and particularity of the metabolism of each class of phytoestrogens, pointing out the diversity of their bioactive gut metabolites. Futhermore, it presents emerging scientific data which suggest that, among well-known genistein and resveratrol, other phytoestrogens and their gut metabolites can act as epigenetic modulators with a possible impact on human health. The interconnection of dietary phytoestrogens’ consumption with gut microbiota composition, epigenome and related preventive mechanisms is discussed. The current challenges and future perspectives in designing relevant research directions to explore the potential health benefits of dietary phytoestrogens are also explored.

In Vitro Models of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health challenge that is also the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is also the leading cause of long-term disability in children and young adults worldwide. Despite a large body of research using predominantly in vivo and in vitro rodent models of brain injury, there is no medication that can reduce brain damage or promote brain repair mainly due to our lack of understanding in the mechanisms and pathophysiology of the TBI. The aim of this review is to examine in vitro TBI studies conducted from 2008-2018 to better understand the TBI in vitro model available in the literature. Specifically, our focus was to perform a detailed analysis of the in vitro experimental protocols used and their subsequent biological findings. Our review showed that the uniaxial stretch is the most frequently used way of load application, accounting for more than two-thirds of the studies reviewed. The rate and magnitude of the loading were varied significantly from study to study but can generally be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe injuries. The in vitro studies reviewed here examined key processes in TBI pathophysiology such as membrane disruptions leading to ionic dysregulation, inflammation, and the subsequent damages to the microtubules and axons, as well as cell death. Overall, the studies examined in this review contributed to the betterment of our understanding of TBI as a disease process. Yet, our review also revealed the areas where more work needs to be done such as: 1) diversification of load application methods that will include complex loading that mimics in vivo head impacts; 2) more widespread use of human brain cells, especially patient-matched human cells in the experimental set-up; and 3) need for building a more high-throughput system to be able to discover effective therapeutic targets for TBI.

MicroRNAs in central nervous system disorders: current advances in pathogenesis and treatment

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding, regulatory RNA molecules that function as post transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Altered expression of multiple miRNAs was found to be extensively involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of excitotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and blood–brain barrier protection. Consequently, miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for different neurological disorders. In recent years, advances in the miRNA field led to identification of potentially novel prospects in the development of new therapies for incurable CNS disorders. MiRNA-based therapeutics include miRNA mimics and inhibitors that can decrease or increase the expression of target genes. Better understanding of the mechanisms by which miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders may provide novel targets to researchers for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Review on experimental study and clinical application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in inflammation

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), as physical therapy, is widely used in both research and clinical settings. It induces multiple bioeffects, such as alleviating pain, promoting tissue repair, and shortening disease duration. LIPUS can also mediate inflammation. This paper reviews the application of LIPUS in inflammation and discusses the underlying mechanism. In basic experiments, LIPUS can regulate inflammatory responses at the cellular level by affecting some signaling pathways. In a clinical trial, LIPUS has been shown to alleviate inflammatory responses efficiently. As a cheap, safe, and convenient physical method, LIPUS is promising as anti-inflammatory therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle-based therapies protect against coupled degeneration of the central nervous and vascular systems in stroke

Stem cell-based treatments have been suggested as promising candidates for stroke. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported as potential therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. In particular, clinical trial studies have suggested MSCs for stroke therapy. The focus of MSC treatments has been directed towards cell replacement. However, recent research has lately highlighted their paracrine actions. The secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is offered to be the main therapeutic mechanism of MSC therapy. However, EV-based treatments may provide a wider therapeutic window compared to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the traditional treatment for stroke. Exosomes are nano-sized EVs secreted by most cell types, and can be isolated from conditioned cell media or body fluids such as plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Exosomes apply their effects through targeting their cargos such as microRNAs (miRs), DNAs, messenger RNAs, and proteins at the host cells, which leads to a shift in the behavior of the recipient cells. It has been indicated that exosomes, in particular their functional cargoes, play a significant role in the coupled pathogenesis and recovery of stroke through affecting the neurovascular unit (NVU). Therefore, it seems that exosomes could be utilized as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in stroke treatment. The miRs are small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules which serve as the main functional cargo of exosomes, and apply their effects as epigenetic regulators. These versatile non-coding RNA molecules are involved in various stages of stroke and affect stroke-related factors. Moreover, the involvement of aging-induced changes to specific miRs profile in stroke further highlights the role of miRs. Thus, miRs could be utilized as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools in stroke. In this review, we discuss the roles of stem cells, exosomes, and their application in stroke therapy. We also highlight the usage of miRs as a therapeutic choice in stroke therapy.

Inhibition of miR-16 Ameliorates Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Modulating Bcl-2 in Mouse Models

BACKGROUND

In recent years, microRNA (miRNA) is considered as a potential therapy target. To study the regulatory mechanism and therapeutic effect of miRNAs on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we investigated microRNAs that regulate apoptosis-related protein B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). We examined the role of miR-16 in IBD and the effect of inhibiting the expression of miR-16 on disease progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce ulcerative colitis in mice. RNA and protein were extracted from the rectal mucosa of mice. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of miR-16 and Bcl-2. The effects of miR-16 on intestinal mucosal immunity were studied by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected. The weight changes, disease activity index, length of the rectal colon, and pathological score of the mice were used to evaluate the effect of inhibiting miR-16 on disease progression. Through the establishment of overexpression and low expression cell lines of miR-16, the regulation of miR-16 on Bcl-2 was studied.

RESULTS

MiR-16 was overexpressed in the IBD model, whereas Bcl-2 had lower expression in the mucosa. Inhibiting expression of miR-16 significantly decreased the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In mice, the weight change, disease activity index, and pathological score decreased in the experimental group, in which miR-16 was inhibited. High expression of miR-16 can inhibit Bcl-2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-16 plays a critical role in IBD via Bcl-2 and is a promising target in IBD therapy.

Study of immune responses in mice to oral administration of Flor·Essence

Flor·Essence (FE), a natural food grade herbal formula product manufactured by Flora Manufacturing & Distributing Ltd., has been used by patients with cancer in North America to stimulate immune cells in order to attenuate or reverse immune damage. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of FE on the immune system, spleen lymphocyte proliferation was analyzed by an MTT assay, and the phagocytic capacity of macrophages was measured via the neutral red phagocytosis method. The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells towards K562 cells was assessed via a CytoTox 96 assay. The production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ in the peripheral blood was determined via ELISA and PCR analysis. The expression levels of caveolin-1 and NF-κB were measured via western blotting. In addition, cyclophosphamide was used to establish a mouse model of immunosuppression. It was found that the proliferation of splenocytes, the phagocytic capacity of macrophages and the cytotoxicity of NK cells against K562 cells were increased after oral administration of FE to mice. FE augmented the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood of mice. FE significantly increased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and caveolin-1, and decreased NF-κB expression. Finally, FE enhanced the viability of immune cells from cyclophosphamide-treated immunosuppressed mice. The results indicated that FE could activate immune responses and enhance natural immunity, suggesting that oral administration of FE can activate the body's immune response and resist damage caused by cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

Arctigenin prevents the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB axis: In vitro and in vivo studies

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is principally featured by progressive joint metabolic imbalance and subsequent degeneration of articular cartilage, is a common chronic joint disease. Arctigenin (ATG), a dietary phyto-oestrogen, has been described to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, its protective effects on OA have not been clearly established. The target of our following study is to evaluate the protective effects of ATG on IL-1β-induced human OA chondrocytes and mouse OA model. Our results revealed that the ATG pre-treatment effectively decreases the level of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitrous oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in IL-1β-induced human chondrocytes. In addition, ATG protects against the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) under the stimulation of IL-1β and the possible mechanism might be connected with the inactivation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) axis. Furthermore, a powerful binding capacity between ATG and PI3K was also uncovered in our molecular docking research. Meanwhile, ATG may act as a protector on the mouse OA model. Collectively, all these findings suggest that ATG could be utilized as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

Withaferin A alleviates traumatic brain injury induced secondary brain injury via suppressing apoptosis in endothelia cells and modulating activation in the microglia

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently used medications, though effective, are also associated with several adverse effects. Development of effective neuroprotective agents with fewer side-effects would be of clinical value. Previous studies have shown that withaferin compounds have a potential neuroprotective effect in nervous system disorders. However, the effect of withaferin compounds, especially withaferin A (WFA), on traumatic brain injury is unclear. In the present study, both in vivo and in vitro models were used to assess whether WFA could exert a neuroprotective effect after TBI and were used to explore the associated mechanisms. The results showed that WFA significantly improved neurobehavioral function in a dose-dependent fashion and alleviated histological alteration of injury to tissues in TBI mice. In vitro models of TBI revealed that dose-dependent WFA treatment increased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, WFA treatment could attenuate blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema via suppressing apoptosis in endothelial cells. Furthermore, both our in vivo and in vitro results reveal that WFA treatment could significantly reduce levels of several neuroinflammation cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), which correlate with an overall reduction in microglial activation. These data suggest that the neuroprotection by WFA is, at least in part, related to regulation of microglial activation and inhibition of vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. Taken together, these findings support further investigation of WFA as a promising therapeutic agent for promoting functional recovery after traumatic brain injury.

Manganese induces autophagy dysregulation: The role of S-nitrosylation in regulating autophagy related proteins in vivo and in vitro

Exposure to excess levels of manganese (Mn) may lead to nitrosative stress and neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The dysfunction of autophagy correlates with Mn-induced nitrosative stress; however, the exact mechanism of Mn-mediated autophagy dysfunction is still unclear. Three S-nitrosylated target proteins, namely, JNK, Bcl-2, and IKKβ, were classified as the pivotal signaling pathway mediators that could play a role in the regulation of autophagy. To reveal whether these three proteins were involved in Mn-mediated autophagy dysregulation, we studied the effects of Mn on C57/BL6 mice and human neuroblastoma cells. Exposing the mice or cells, to 300 μmol/kg or 200 μM Mn, inhibited the degradation system of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Additionally, in Mn-treated mice or cells, S-nitrosylated JNK, Bcl-2, and IKKβ increased while the level of their phosphorylation reduced. The interaction of Beclin1 and Bcl-2 significantly increased in response to 200 μM Mn, whereas the decrease in phosphorylation of AMPK activated the mTOR pathway. We then used 20 μM 1400 W, an iNOS-specific inhibitor, to neutralize the nitrosative stress induced by Mn. Our results show that 1400 W reduced the S-nitrosylated JNK, Bcl-2, and Ikkβ and relieved their downstream signaling molecular functions. Moreover, pretreatment with 20 μM 1400 W alleviated Mn-induced autophagic dysregulation and nerve cell injury. These findings revealed that S-nitrosylated JNK, Bcl-2, and IKKβ are crucial signaling molecules in the Mn-mediated autophagic dysfunction.

3'-Desmethylarctigenin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through reactive oxygen species generation in hepatocarcinoma cells

Previous studies have shown that arctigenin is a promising chemopreventive or therapeutic agent against various cancers. However, less is known about anticancer activity of 3'-desmethylarctigenin (3'-DMAG), which is a biotransformed product from arctigenin or arctin. In this study, we compared the anticancer activity of 3'-DMAG with its parent compound arctigenin and demonstrated that 3'-DMAG exerted a more potent inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells than arctigenin. Mechanistically, reactive oxygen species generation played an apical role in 3'-DMAG-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the Chk2-Cdc25c-Cdc2-cyclin B1 cascade was found to contribute to the cell cycle arrest, whereas the activation of mitochondrial pathway was involved in the cell apoptosis by 3'-DMAG. Additionally, a mouse xenograft hepatocellular carcinoma model was used to evaluate the antitumor effect of 3'-DMAG in vivo, and the results indicated that 3'-DMAG treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth without apparent toxicity. Taken together, 3'-DMAG is highly effective against liver cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The findings of the present study suggest that this compound deserves to be further investigated for its potential anticancer activity.

Exosomes Derived From Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound-Treated Dendritic Cells Suppress Tumor Necrosis Factor-Induced Endothelial Inflammation

OBJECTIVES

Endothelial cell inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography (LIPUS) exerts an anti-inflammatory function on endothelial cells, whereas the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) derived from bone barrow cells were treated with LIPUS, and exosomes secreted into the supernatant were purified. The isolated exosomes were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to investigate their effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced endothelial inflammation. Ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Messenger RNA levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS

The isolated exosomes presented a typical exosomal size of 30 to 100 nm in diameter and expressed exosome positive markers (Alix, CD63, and TSG101) but not the exosome negative marker (Calnexin). Exosomes derived from LIPUS-treated BMDCs were rich in miR-16 and miR-21, which could be engulfed by HUVECs. Pretreatment with exosomes impeded TNFα-induced HUVEC activation and downregulated TNFα-stimulated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, thus preventing TNFα-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Exosomes derived from LIPUS-treated BMDC inhibit TNFα-induced endothelial inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

Osthole alleviates inflammation by down-regulating NF-κB signaling pathway in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common neurotrosis disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which has dramatic consequences on the integrity of damaged tissue. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and anti-inflammatory actions of osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, in both in vivo and in vitro TBI models. We first prepared a mouse model of cortical stab wound brain injury, investigated the capacity for osthole to prevent secondary brain injury and further examined the underlying mechanism. We revealed that osthole significantly improved the neurological function, increased the number of neurons beside injured site. Additionally, osthole treatment reduced the expression of microglia and glial scar, lowered the level of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and blocked the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, the protective effect of osthole was also examined in SH-SY5Y cells subjected to scratch injury. Treatment of osthole prominently suppressed cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors release by blocking injury-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation, and upregulated the IκB-α which functions in the NF-κB signaling pathway of SH-SY5Y cells. However, NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-κB inhibitor, the anti-inflammatory effect of osthole was abolished. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that osthole attenuated inflammatory response by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in TBI.

MicroRNAs and Regeneration in Animal Models of CNS Disorders

microRNAs (miRNAs) are recently identified small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and significantly influence the essential cellular processes associated with CNS repair after trauma and neuropathological conditions including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. A number of specific miRNAs are implicated in regulating the development and propagation of CNS injury, as well as its subsequent regeneration. The review focuses on the functions of the miRNAs and their role in brain recovery following CNS damage. The article introduces a brief description of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms of miRNA-induced gene suppression, followed by an overview of miRNAs involved in the processes associated with CNS repair, including neuroprotection, neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration, vascular reorganization, neuroinflammation, and endogenous stem cell activation. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of multifunctional miRNA miR-155, as it appears to be involved in multiple neurorestorative processes during different CNS pathologies. In association with our own studies on miR-155, I introduce a new and unexplored approach to cerebral regeneration: regulation of brain tissue repair through a direct modulation of specific miRNA activity. The review concludes with discussion on the challenges and the future potential of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to CNS repair.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Silica-Based Drug Delivery System for Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

Acute inflammation is a central component in the progression of spinal cord injury (SCI). Anti-inflammatory drugs used in the clinic are often administered systemically at high doses, which can paradoxically increase inflammation and result in drug toxicity. A cluster-like mesoporous silica/arctigenin/CAQK composite (MSN-FC@ARC-G) drug delivery system was designed to avoid systemic side effects of high-dose therapy by enabling site-specific drug delivery to the spinal cord. In this nanosystem, mesoporous silica was modified with the FITC fluorescent molecule and CAQK peptides that target brain injury and SCI sites. The size of the nanocarrier was kept at approximately 100 nm to enable penetration of the blood-brain barrier. Arctigenin, a Chinese herbal medicine, was loaded into the nanosystem to reduce inflammation. The in vivo results showed that MSN-FC@ARC-G could attenuate inflammation at the injury site. Behavior and morphology experiments suggested that MSN-FC@ARC-G could diminish local microenvironment damage, especially reducing the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-17-related inflammatory factors, inhibiting the activation of astrocytes, thus protecting neurons and accelerating the recovery of SCI. Our study demonstrated that this novel, silica-based drug delivery system has promising potential for clinical application in SCI therapy.

Panaxadiol inhibits synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and targets the Fyn protein in APP/PS1 mice and APP-SH-SY5Y cells

AIM

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by memory loss and synaptic damage. Up to now, there are limited drugs to cure or delay the state of this illness. Recently, the Fyn tyrosine kinase is implicated in AD pathology triggered by synaptic damage. Thus, Fyn inhibition may prevent or delay the AD progression. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated whether Panaxadiol could decrease synaptic damage in AD and the underlying mechanism.

MAIN METHODS

The ability of learning and memory of mice has detected by Morris Water Maze. The pathological changes detected by H&E staining and Nissl staining. The percentage of cell apoptosis and the calcium concentration were detected by Flow Cytometry in vitro. The amount of synaptic protein and related proteins in the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway were detected by Western Blot.

KEY FINDINGS

In the present article, Panaxadiol could significantly improve the ability of learning and memory of mice and reduce its synaptic dysfunction. Panaxadiol could down-regulate GluN2B's phosphorylation level by inhibition Fyn kinase activity, Subsequently, decrease Ca²⁺-mediated synaptic damage, reducing LDH leakage, inhibiting apoptosis in AD, resulting in facilitating the cells survival. For the underlying molecular mechanism, we used PP2 to block the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway. The results from WB showed that the expression of related proteins in the Fyn signaling pathway decreased with PP2 treated.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results indicate that Panaxadiol could decrease synaptic damage, which will cause AD via inhibition of the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway. Thus, the Panaxadiol is a best promising candidate to test as a potential therapy for AD.

MicroRNA-based therapeutics in central nervous system injuries

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), are important causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. MicroRNA (miRNA), small non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression, can serve as diagnostic biomarkers and are emerging as novel therapeutic targets for CNS injuries. MiRNA-based therapeutics include miRNA mimics and inhibitors (antagomiRs) to respectively decrease and increase the expression of target genes. In this review, we summarize current miRNA-based therapeutic applications in stroke, TBI and SCI. Administration methods, time windows and dosage for effective delivery of miRNA-based drugs into CNS are discussed. The underlying mechanisms of miRNA-based therapeutics are reviewed including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, blood-brain barrier protection, angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Pharmacological agents that protect against CNS injuries by targeting specific miRNAs are presented along with the challenges and therapeutic potential of miRNA-based therapies.

Overview of the anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacies of arctigenin and arctiin from Arctium lappa L

Arctigenin (AR) and its glycoside, arctiin, are two major active ingredients of Arctium lappa L (A lappa), a popular medicinal herb and health supplement frequently used in Asia. In the past several decades, bioactive components from A lappa have attracted the attention of researchers due to their promising therapeutic effects. In the current article, we aimed to provide an overview of the pharmacology of AR and arctiin, focusing on their anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetics properties and clinical efficacies. Compared to acrtiin, AR was reported as the most potent bioactive component of A lappa in the majority of studies. AR exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via modulation of several cytokines. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects, AR may serve as a potential therapeutic compound against both acute inflammation and various chronic diseases. However, pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated the extensive glucuronidation and hydrolysis of AR in liver, intestine and plasma, which might hinder its in vivo and clinical efficacy after oral administration. Based on the reviewed pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of AR, further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of AR via alternative administration routes are suggested to promote its ability to serve as a therapeutic agent as well as an ideal bioactive marker for A lappa.

Arctigenin protects against neuronal hearing loss by promoting neural stem cell survival and differentiation

Neuronal hearing loss has become a prevalent health problem. This study focused on the function of arctigenin (ARC) in promoting survival and neuronal differentiation of mouse cochlear neural stem cells (NSCs), and its protection against gentamicin (GMC) induced neuronal hearing loss. Mouse cochlea was used to isolate NSCs, which were subsequently cultured in vitro. The effects of ARC on NSC survival, neurosphere formation, differentiation of NSCs, neurite outgrowth, and neural excitability in neuronal network in vitro were examined. Mechanotransduction ability demonstrated by intact cochlea, auditory brainstem response (ABR), and distortion product optoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) amplitude in mice were measured to evaluate effects of ARC on GMC-induced neuronal hearing loss. ARC increased survival, neurosphere formation, neuron differentiation of NSCs in mouse cochlear in vitro. ARC also promoted the outgrowth of neurites, as well as neural excitability of the NSC-differentiated neuron culture. Additionally, ARC rescued mechanotransduction capacity, restored the threshold shifts of ABR and DPOAE in our GMC ototoxicity murine model. This study supports the potential therapeutic role of ARC in promoting both NSCs proliferation and differentiation in vitro to functional neurons, thus supporting its protective function in the therapeutic treatment of neuropathic hearing loss in vivo.