Cerebroprotective Potential of Hesperidin Nanoparticles Against Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion Reperfusion Injury in Rats and In silico Approaches

Short-term steaming during processing impacts the quality of Citri Reticulatae 'Chachi' peel

Citrus peel is a commonly used food-medicine material in the production of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). For instance, Ganpu tea is manufactured by combining the peel of Citri Reticulatae 'Chachi' (PCRC) with Pu-erh tea. The alleviated irritation of PCRC through years of aging makes Citri reticulatae Pericarpium a traditional Chinese medicine. Herein, we introduced short-term steaming into the processing of PCRC to favor the quick removal of its irritation while retaining its food-medicine properties. Sensory evaluation and volatile component analysis showed that 60-s steaming reduced irritation of freshly prepared PCRC. Biological evaluations indicated no effects of steaming on the neuroprotective activity of PCRC. The process increased the contents of several bioactive ingredients, including hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and synephrine. In addition, physical indications of accelerating PCRC aging were observed. Taken together, our findings suggest that short-term steaming may offer a promising new possibility for enhancing the quality of citrus peel.

Dapoxetine prevents neuronal damage and improves functional outcomes in a model of ischemic stroke through the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress

Stroke is a medical emergency that is associated with substantial mortality and functional disability in adults. The most popular class of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs, have recently been shown in studies to have positive effects on post-stroke motor and cognitive function. Thus, we hypothesized that dapoxetine (DAP), a short-acting SSRI, would be effective against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult male Wister rats (200-250 g) were subjected to a sham operation or bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 30 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion to induce global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats were treated with vehicle or DAP (30 or 60 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h before BCCAO. The neurobehavioral performance of rats was assessed. The infarct volume, histopathological changes, oxidative stress parameters, and apoptotic and inflammatory mediators were determined in the brain tissues of euthanized rats. Our results confirmed that DAP significantly ameliorated cerebral I/R-induced neurobehavioral deficits, reduced cerebral infarct volume, and histopathological damage. Moreover, DAP pretreatment reduced lipid peroxidation, caspase-3, and inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and iNOS) compared to I/R-injured rats. Thus, DAP pretreatment potentially improves neurological function, and cerebral damage in cerebral ischemic rats may be partly related to the reduction in the inflammatory response, preservation of oxidative balance, and suppression of cell apoptosis in brain tissues.

Nose-to-brain delivery of hesperidin nanoparticles loaded in-situ gel for neuroprotective action

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a serious mental health condition that has a detrimental impact on a person's mood, thoughts, and behaviour. The presence of oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of developing depression. A flavonoid called hesperidin (HSP) has been proven to be helpful in experimental depression because of its powerful antioxidant properties. However, due to its limited bioavailability, gastro-intestinal degradation, inadequate permeability, and low water solubility, the clinical development of HSP has been impeded. The objective of the present research was to develop HSP nanoparticles (NPs) loaded in-situ gel for nose-to-brain delivery to provide neuroprotective action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HSP NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and were tailored to the size by using ultrasonication technique. Optimisation of NPs was conducted using the central composite design. Prepared particles were analysed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DSC, and UV technique. Forced swim test was conducted as a behavioural assessment to gauze the neuroprotective antidepressant activity of the prepared formulation.

RESULTS

The particle size was found to be in the range of 76.5±0.86nm to 239.2+0.31nm, zeta potential in the range of -8.37±0.6mV to 22.4±1.37mV, and entrapment efficiency in the range of 54.92±1.36% to 74.53±1.28%. Pharmacodynamic study showed formulation significantly decreased the immobility time in experimental animals.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the potential of HSP NPs to be an effective neuroprotective agent.

Recent developments in citrus bioflavonoid encapsulation to reinforce controlled antioxidant delivery and generate therapeutic uses: Review

Citrus fruits contain numerous antioxidative biomolecules including phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanones, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), and their derivatives. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies thoroughly investigated the antioxidant and therapeutic potential of bioflavonoids extracted from different citrus varieties and fruit fractions. Major bioflavonoids such as hesperidin, naringin, naringenin, and PMFs, had restricted their incorporation into food and health products due to their poor solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability. Considering these limitations, modern encapsulation methodologies such as hydrogelation, liposomal interactions, emulsifications, and nanoparticles have been designed to shield bioflavonoids with improved target distribution for therapeutic enhancements. The size, durability, and binding efficiency of bioflavonoid-loaded encapsulates were acquired by the optimized chemical and instrumental parameters such as solubility, gelation, dispersion, extrusion, and drying. Bioflavonoid-enriched encapsulates have been also proven to be effective against cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and various other illnesses. However, in the future, newer natural binding agents with higher binding capacity might accelerate the encapsulating potential, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability of citrus bioflavonoids. Overall, these modern encapsulation systems are currently leading to a new era of diet-based medicine, as demand for citrus fruit-based nutritional supplements and edibles grows.

Plant based food bioactives: A boon or bane for neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are the foremost occurring diseases across the globe resulting in progressive dysfunction, loss of neuronal structure ultimately cell death. Therefore, attention has been drawn toward the natural resources for the search of neuroprotective agents. Plant-based food bioactives have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This comprehensive review primarily focuses on various plant food bioactive, mechanisms, therapeutic targets, in vitro and in vivo studies in the treatment of neurological disorders to explore whether they are boon or bane for neurological disorders. In addition, the clinical perspective of plant food bioactives in neurological disorders are also highlighted. Scientific evidences point toward the enormous therapeutic efficacy of plant food bioactives in the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, identification of food bioactive components accountable for the neuroprotective effects, mechanism, clinical trials, and consolidation of information flow are warranted. Plant food bioactives primarily act by mediating through various pathways including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, specific proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reversing neurodegeneration and can be used for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, the plant based food bioactives are boon for neurological disorders.

Silybin phytosome attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by suppressing oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory response: In vivo and in silico approaches

The present study was aimed to develop silybin phytosome (SIBP) and evaluate its effectiveness against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury in rats. Initially, SIBP was prepared and characterized with Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Drug loading and entrapment efficiency of SIBP were also calculated. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to carry out bioavailability studies of SIBP. Adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups. The CIR injury was induced after 14 days of pretreatment by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 30 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Biochemical estimation, histopathological studies, and in silico studies were carried out. Bioavailability studies revealed that SIB concentration was increased to twofolds in SIBP-treated rats. SIBP treatment significantly increases superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels while it decreases monoaldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in both the hippocampus and cortex of the SIBP-treated CIR-injured rats. Histopathological studies reveal SIBP treatment alleviates cortex cell death and arrangement of CA1 neurons in CIR-injured rats. In silico studies against proteins (TNF-α and IL-6) involved in cerebral ischemia revealed that silybin (SIB) exhibits strong binding interaction with the target proteins when compared to thalidomide which was used as the positive control. Phytosome increase SIB bioavailability and SIBP treatment showed promising results when compared to treatment with SIB only. Based on our study, we conclude that phytosome is a suitable drug delivery agent to the brain for SIB as SIBP treatment was able to provide neuroprotective action against CIR injury.

Advances in Non-Animal Testing Approaches towards Accelerated Clinical Translation of Novel Nanotheranostic Therapeutics for Central Nervous System Disorders

Nanotheranostics constitute a novel drug delivery system approach to improving systemic, brain-targeted delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and pharmacological moieties in one rational carrier platform. While there have been notable successes in this field, currently, the clinical translation of such delivery systems for the treatment of neurological disorders has been limited by the inadequacy of correlating in vitro and in vivo data on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation and biocompatibility of nanomaterials. This review aims to identify the most contemporary non-invasive approaches for BBB crossing using nanotheranostics as a novel drug delivery strategy and current non-animal-based models for assessing the safety and efficiency of such formulations. This review will also address current and future directions of select in vitro models for reducing the cumbersome and laborious mandate for testing exclusively in animals. It is hoped these non-animal-based modelling approaches will facilitate researchers in optimising promising multifunctional nanocarriers with a view to accelerating clinical testing and authorisation applications. By rational design and appropriate selection of characterised and validated models, ranging from monolayer cell cultures to organ-on-chip microfluidics, promising nanotheranostic particles with modular and rational design can be screened in high-throughput models with robust predictive power. Thus, this article serves to highlight abbreviated research and development possibilities with clinical translational relevance for developing novel nanomaterial-based neuropharmaceuticals for therapy in CNS disorders. By generating predictive data for prospective nanomedicines using validated in vitro models for supporting clinical applications in lieu of requiring extensive use of in vivo animal models that have notable limitations, it is hoped that there will be a burgeoning in the nanotherapy of CNS disorders by virtue of accelerated lead identification through screening, optimisation through rational design for brain-targeted delivery across the BBB and clinical testing and approval using fewer animals. Additionally, by using models with tissue of human origin, reproducible therapeutically relevant nanomedicine delivery and individualised therapy can be realised.

Attenuation of sodium arsenite-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity with the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of hesperidin

In the scope of the study, the protective effect of hesperidin (HES), a flavanone glycoside, was investigated against sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂, SA) induced heart and brain toxicity. For this purpose, 35 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 5 different groups, 7 in each group. Physiological saline was given to the first group. Dose of 200 mg/kg of HES to the second group, 10 mg/kg dose of SA to the 3rd group, 100 mg/kg HES and 10 mg/kg SA to the 4th group, 200 mg/kg HES, and 10 mg/kg SA to the 5th group were given orally for 15 days. At the end of the study, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on the heart and brain tissues of the rats. According to the results, SA increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and decreased glutathione (reduced, GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in both tissues. Also, it increased cardiac lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) activities and cardiac troponin-I level (cTn-I), cerebral acetylcholine esterase activity, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-one beta (IL-1β), and cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3) levels. In addition, as a result of histopathological examination, it was determined that SA damaged tissue architecture, and as a result of immunohistochemical examination, it increased cardiac Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cerebral glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. The results have also shown that HES co-treatment has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic effect on SA-induced toxicity and aids to protect tissue architecture by showing a regulatory effect on all values. Consequently, it was determined that HES co-treatment had a protective effect on SA-induced heart and brain toxicity in rats.

From Preclinical Stroke Models to Humans: Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke

Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many medicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Polyphenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The prevention of stroke promoted by polyphenols relies mainly on their effect on cardio- and cerebrovascular systems. However, a growing body of evidence from preclinical models of stroke points out a neuroprotective role of these molecules. Notably, in many preclinical studies, the polyphenolic compounds were effective also when administered after the stroke onset, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery of patients suffering from stroke. Here, we review the effects of the major polyphenols in cellular and in vivo models of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in immature and adult brains. The results from human studies are also reported.

Hesperidin ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury via activation of the Akt pathway

Hesperidin (HDN) is a bioflavonoid that serves a role as an antioxidant in biological systems. However, although HDN has hydrogen radical- and hydrogen peroxide-removal activities, the role of HDN in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of HDN in liver I/R injury. Male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to warm partial liver I/R injury. Liver damage was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, cytokine production, oxidative stress indicators, tissue hematoxylin-eosin staining and cell death. The Akt signaling pathway was examined to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. HDN had no effect on ALT levels and tissue damage in WT mice without liver I/R injury. However, HDN significantly ameliorated liver I/R injury as measured by serum ALT levels and necrotic tissue areas. HDN decreased malondialdehyde content, but increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. In addition, HDN significantly attenuated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β after liver I/R injury. Furthermore, HDN protected the liver against apoptosis in liver I/R injury by increasing the levels of Bcl-2 and decreasing the levels of cleaved-caspase 3. Mechanistically, the levels of phosphorylated Akt were elevated by HDN during liver I/R injury. In addition, HDN could induce Akt activation in hepatocytes in vitro. Most importantly, treatment with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 in WT mice blocked the hepatoprotective effects of HDN in liver I/R injury. In summary, the results of the present study suggested that HDN may protect against liver I/R injury through activating the Akt pathway by ameliorating liver oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation and preventing hepatocyte apoptosis. HDN may be a useful factor for liver injury protection and a potential therapeutic treatment for liver I/R injury in the future.

Molecular mechanisms of action of hesperidin in cancer: Recent trends and advancements

Hesperidin belongs to flavanones class of flavonoids and is known to possess broad-spectrum applicability to prevent dreadful diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The reported anticancer effects of hesperidin have been found to be associated with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Hesperidin interacts with numerous recognized cellular targets and inhibits cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, evidence has suggested its promising role in inhibiting tumor cell metastasis, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. The present mini-review highlights the ongoing development to identify hesperidin targets in cancer. Furthermore, the potential of nano technology-based hesperidin combinations and delivery systems will also be discussed. Overall, this review highlights all the possible molecular targets affected by hesperidin in tumor cells on a single platform.

Impact statement

Experimental findings from numerous studies have demonstrated the anticancer effects of hesperidin (Hesp) to be associated with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities along with its potential role in inhibiting the tumor cell metastasis and angiogenesis. Additionally, Hesp can also reverse drug resistance of cancer cells, which make it a promising candidate to be used in combination with existing anti-cancer drugs. This review will be helpful for upcoming researchers and scientific community to find out complete capsular package about cancer drug targets of Hesp and its role in modulating various important hallmarks of cancer.

Nanotherapeutic modulation of excitotoxicity and oxidative stress in acute brain injury

Excitotoxicity is a primary pathological process that occurs during stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and global brain ischemia such as perinatal asphyxia. Excitotoxicity is triggered by an overabundance of excitatory neurotransmitters within the synapse, causing a detrimental cascade of excessive sodium and calcium influx, generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial damage, and ultimately cell death. There are multiple potential points of intervention to combat excitotoxicity and downstream oxidative stress, yet there are currently no therapeutics clinically approved for this specific purpose. For a therapeutic to be effective against excitotoxicity, the therapeutic must accumulate at the disease site at the appropriate concentration at the right time. Nanotechnology can provide benefits for therapeutic delivery, including overcoming physiological obstacles such as the blood–brain barrier, protect cargo from degradation, and provide controlled release of a drug. This review evaluates the use of nano-based therapeutics to combat excitotoxicity in stroke, TBI, and hypoxia–ischemia with an emphasis on mitigating oxidative stress, and consideration of the path forward toward clinical translation.