5,19-cyclo-9beta,10xi-androstane-3,17-dione promotes neurotrophic factor biosynthesis in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells and improves passive avoidance learning impairment

Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of myco synthesized AuNPs from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. on pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells

Background

Hericium erinaceus has been reported to have a wide range of medicinal properties such as stimulation of neurite outgrowth, promotion of functional recovery of axonotmetic peroneal nerve injury, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. In recent years, the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has attracted intense interest due to the potential use in biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AuNPs from aqueous extract of H. erinaceus on neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells.

Methods

The formation of AuNPs was characterized by UV–visible spectrum, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the neurite extension study of synthesized AuNPs was evaluated by in vitro assay.

Results

The AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance between 510 and 600 nm in UV–visible spectrum. FESEM and TEM images showed the existence of nanoparticles with sizes of 20–40 nm. FTIR measurements were carried out to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the nanoparticles. The purity and the crystalline properties were confirmed by EDX diffraction analysis, which showed strong signals with energy peaks in the range of 2–2.4 keV, indicating the existence of gold atoms. The synthesized AuNPs showed significant neurite extension on PC-12 cells. Nerve growth factor 50 ng/mL was used as a positive control. Treatment with different concentrations (nanograms) of AuNPs resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation. AuNPs induced maximum neurite outgrowth of 13% at 600 ng/mL concentration.

Conclusion

In this study, the AuNPs synthesis was achieved by a simple, low-cost, and rapid bioreduction approach. AuNPs were shown to have potential neuronal differentiation and stimulated neurite outgrowth. The water-soluble bioconstituents could be responsible for the neuroactivity. This is the first report for the biosynthesis of AuNPs using the hot aqueous extract of H. erinaceus.

Combination Effects of Curcumin and Aqueous Extract of Lignosus rhinocerotis Mycelium on Neurite Outgrowth Stimulation Activity in PC-12 Cells

Neurotrophic factors are necessary for neuronal navigation to form viable neuronal networks. These factors are high molecular weight polypeptides that cannot cross the blood brain-barrier. Therefore, small molecules from mushrooms and plants are utilized to maintain neuronal function or up-regulate neurotrophic factors. The present study investigated whether a combination of Lignosus rhinocerotis mycelium aqueous extract and curcumin was more effective than L. rhinocerotis mycelium or curcumin alone in the stimulation of neurite outgrowth of PC-12 cells. The maximum neurite extension for L. rhinocerotis and curcumin was at 21.1% at 20 μg/mL and 29.5% at 10 μg/mL, respectively. Combining 20 μg/mL of L. rhinocerotis with one μg/mL curcumin gave 27.2% neurite extension. This combination was preferred because high concentrations of curcumin were toxic to cells. In the combination, 20 μg/mL of L. rhinocerotis enhanced neurite outgrowth activity at a lower dosage of curcumin at one μg/mL, and produced a comparable percentage of neurite outgrowth stimulation activity to L. rhinocerotis and curcumin alone in PC-12 cells.