Gastrodin attenuates proliferation and inflammatory responses in activated microglia through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Combating anoikis resistance: bioactive compounds transforming prostate cancer therapy

The study aims to discuss the challenges associated with treating prostate cancer (PCa), which is known for its complexity and drug resistance. It attempts to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as those linked to anoikis resistance and circulating tumor cells, in PCa samples. This study involves analyzing the functional roles of these DEGs using gene enrichment analysis, and then screening of 102 bioactive compounds to identify a combination that can control the expression of the identified DEGs. In this study, 53 DEGs were identified from PCa samples including anoikis-resistant PCa cells and circulating tumor cells in PCa. Gene enrichment analysis with regards to functional enrichment of DEGs was performed. An inclusive screening process was carried out among 102 bioactive compounds to identify a combination capable of affecting and regulating the expression of selected DEGs. Eventually, gastrodin, nitidine chloride, chenodeoxycholic acid, and bilobalide were selected, as their combination demonstrated ability to modulate expression of 50 out of the 53 genes targeted. The subsequent analysis focused on investigating the biological pathways and processes influenced by this combination. The findings revealed a multifaceted and multidimensional approach to tumor regression. The combination of bioactive compounds exhibited effects on various genes including those related to production of inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The current study has made a valuable contribution to the development of a combination of bioactive natural compounds that can significantly impede the development of treatment resistance in prostate tumor while countering the tumors' evasion of the immune system. The implications of this study are highly significant as it suggests the creation of an enhanced immunotherapeutic, natural therapeutic concoction with combinatorial potential.

The role of gastrodin in the management of CNS-related diseases: Underlying mechanisms to therapeutic perspectives

Central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases have a high mortality rate, are a serious threat to physical and mental health, and have always been an important area of research. Gastrodin, the main active metabolite of Gastrodia elata Blume, used in Chinese medicine and food, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, mostly related to CNS disorders. This review aims to systematically summarize and discuss the effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin in the treatment of CNS diseases, and to assess its potential for further development as a lead drug in both biomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Studies on the pharmacological effects of gastrodin on the CNS indicate that it may exert anti-neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular protective, and ameliorative effects on diabetic encephalopathy, perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction, epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, depression and anxiety, and sleep disorders through various mechanisms. To date, 110 gastrodin products have been approved for clinical use, but further multicenter clinical case-control studies are relatively scarce. Preclinical studies have confirmed that gastrodin can be used to treat CNS-related disorders. However, important concerns need to be addressed in the context of likely non-specific, assay interfering effects when gastrodin is studied using in vitro and in silico approaches, calling for a systematic assessment of the evidence to date. High-quality clinical trials should have priority to evaluate the therapeutic safety and clinical efficacy of gastrodin. Further experimental research using appropriate in vivo models is also needed, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, cerebral ischemic and hypoxic diseases, brain damage caused by methamphetamine or heavy metals, and epilepsy.

Gastrodin ameliorates synaptic impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in N2a/APP cells

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by abnormal β-amyloid and tau accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction. Here, we aimed to assess the mechanisms and signalling pathways in the neuroprotective effect of gastrodin, a phenolic glycoside, on murine neuroblastoma N2a cells expressing human Swedish mutant APP (N2a/APP). We found that gastrodin increased the levels of presynaptic-SNAP, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic-PSD95 and reduced phospho-tau Ser396, APP and Aβ1-42 levels in N2a/APP cells. Gastrodin treatment reduced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial fragmentation and DNA oxidation; restored mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP production. Upregulated phospho-GSK-3β and reduced phospho-ERK and phospho-JNK were involved in the protective effect of gastrodin. In conclusion, we demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of gastrodin in the N2a/APP cell line by ameliorating the impairment on synaptic and mitochondrial function, reducing tau phosphorylation, Aβ1-42 levels as well as reactive oxygen species generation. These results provide new mechanistic insights into the potential effect of gastrodin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Pharmacological Properties of Gastrodin: Mechanism Insights

Gastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from the rhizome of the orchid Gastrodia elata, exhibits a diverse range of biological activities. With documented neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-tumor effects, gastrodin stands out as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. Notably, it has demonstrated efficacy in protecting against neuronal damage and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. Additionally, gastrodin showcases immunomodulatory effects by mitigating inflammation and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Its cytotoxic activity involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the myriad potential effects of Gastrodin, delving into the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its pharmacological properties. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of gastrodin in addressing various conditions linked to neuroinflammation and cancer.

Gastrodin: a comprehensive pharmacological review

Tianma is the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), which is frequently utilized in clinical practice as a traditional Chinese medicine. Gastrodin (GAS) is the main active ingredient of Tianma, which has good pharmacological activity. Therefore, for the first time, this review focused on the extraction, synthesis, pharmacological effects, and derivatives of GAS and to investigate additional development options for GAS. The use of microorganisms to create GAS is a promising method. GAS has good efficacy in the treatment of neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, and liver diseases. GAS has significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, vascular protective, blood sugar lowering, lipid-regulating, analgesic, anticancer, and antiviral effects. The mechanism involves various signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK. In addition, the derivatives of GAS and biomaterials synthesized by GAS and PU suggested a broader application of GAS. The research on GAS is thoroughly summarized in this paper, which has useful applications for tackling a variety of disorders and exhibits good development value.

Gastrodin regulates the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway to reduce neuroinflammation and microglial activation in an AD model

BACKGROUND

Gastrodia elata (Orchidaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The rhizomes contain numerous active components, of which Gastrodin (p-hydroxymethylphenyl-B-D-glucopyranoside) forms the basis of the traditional medicine Gastrodiae Rhizoma. Gastrodin is also found in other medicinal plants and has neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in neurodegeneration. Research indicates that consuming meals and drinks containing Gastrodiaelata can enhance cognitive functioning and memory in elderly patients. The mechanisms relevant to the problem have not been completely understood.

PURPOSE

The aim was to examine the in vivo and in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Gastrodin.

STUDY DESIGN

The neuroprotective effects of Gastrodin on the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway and Stat3 phosphorylation in LPS-treated C57BL/6 mice and BV-2 cells were investigated.

METHODS

1. C57BL/6 mice were assigned to model, gastrodin, donepezil, and control groups (n = 10 per group). The Gastrodin group received 100 mg/kg/d for five days, and the Dopenezil group 1.3 mg/kg/d. A neuroinflammation model was established by administering intraperitoneal injections of 2 mg/kg LPS to all groups, excluding the control. To induce microglial activation in Gastrodin-treated mouse microglial BV-2 cells, 1 µg/ml LPS was introduced for 24 h Morris water mazes were utilized to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Expression and subcellular localization of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB axis-related proteins and p-Stat3, Iba-1, GFAP, iNOS, and CD206 were assessed by immunofluorescence, western blots, and ELISA. qRT-PCR was performed to determine and measure IL-1β, TNF-α, cell migration, and phagocytosis. Overexpression of TRAF6 was induced by transfection, and the effect of Gastrodin on IL-1β and p-NF-κB p65 levels was assessed.

RESULTS

1. In mice, gastrodin treatment mitigated LPS-induced deficits in learning and spatial memory, as well as reducing neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, expression of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway proteins, activation of microglia and astrocytes, and phosphorylation of Stat3. 2. Gastrodin pretreatment improved LPS-induced inflammation in vitro, reducing expression of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB-associated proteins and p-Stat3, inducing microglial transformation from M1 to M2, and inhibiting migration and phagocytosis. Overexpression of TRAF6 inhibited the Gastrodin-induced effects.

CONCLUSION

Gastrodin suppresses neuroinflammation and microglial activation by modifying the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway and Stat3 phosphorylation.

Ser9p-GSK3β Modulation Contributes to the Protective Effects of Vitamin C in Neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

The prolonged activation of microglia and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic neuroinflammation, which is an important pathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have previously reported the protective effect of Vitamin C (Vit C) on a mouse model of PD. However, its effect on microglial functions in neuroinflammation remains to be clarified. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a serine/threonine kinase having a role in driving inflammatory responses, making GSK3β inhibitors a promising target for anti-inflammatory research.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of GSK3β in Vit C neuroprotective effects by using a well-known 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced animal model of PD and a cellular model of neuroinflammation, represented by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglial cells.

RESULTS

We demonstrated the ability of Vit C to decrease the expression of different mediators involved in the inflammatory responses, such as TLR4, p-IKBα, and the phosphorylated forms of p38 and AKT. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that Vit C promotes the GSK3β inhibition by stimulating its phosphorylation at Ser9.

CONCLUSION

This study evidenced that Vit C exerts an anti-inflammatory function in microglia, promoting the upregulation of the M2 phenotype through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Wnt signalling pathways as mediators of neuroprotective mechanisms: therapeutic implications in stroke

A stroke is a complicated neurological illness that occurs when there is a disruption in the blood flow to the brain. This disruption results in the damage of neurons, which then leads to functional abnormalities. The Wnt signalling pathway, which is already well-known for its important function in development and tissue homeostasis, has recently been recognised as a critical factor in the pathophysiology of stroke. Recent studies have shown the Wnt pathway's roles in stroke-related events. The complex-interactions between the Wnt pathway and stroke emphasising the pathway's contributions to neuro-protection and synaptic plasticity. The Wnt pathway's influence on neuro-genesis and synaptic plasticity underscores its potential for driving stroke recovery and rehabilitation strategies. The current review discusses about the Wnt signalling pathway in brain pathophysiology and stroke with special emphasis on the various pathways involved in the positive and negative modulation of Wnt pathway namely Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K), Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway.

Gastrodin inhibits prostate cancer proliferation by targeting canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Prostate cancer is an epithelial malignant tumor occurring in the prostate and is the most common malignant tumor in the male genitourinary system. In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer in China has shown a trend of sudden increase. The search for new and effective drugs to treat prostate cancer is therefore extremely important.The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in the regulation of tumor proliferation, migration and differentiation. Activation of the canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in the prostate has oncogenic effects. Drugs targeting the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have great potential in the treatment of prostate cancer. In this study, we found that Gastrodin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cell line PC3 and DU145. Oral administration Gastrodin could significantly inhibit the tumor growth of PC3 cells subcutaneously injected. Gastrodin has an inhibitory effect on canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in Prostate cancer, and this inhibitory effect can be abolished by Wnt/β-Catenin agonist LiCl. These findings raise the possibility that Gastrodin can be used in the treatment of Prostate cancer by targeting canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.

Review on pharmacological effects of gastrodin

Gastrodia elata Blume is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used to treat diseases related to the nervous system, such as stroke, epilepsy, and headache. Gastrodin is the main bioactive component of Gastrodia elata Blume, and studies have shown that it has extensive pharmacological activity. This narrative review aims to systematically review relevant studies on the pharmacological effects of gastrodin to provide researchers with the latest and most useful information. Studies have shown that gastrodin has prominent neuroprotective effects and can treat or improve epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, emotional disorders, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, cognitive impairment, and neuropathic pain. Gastrodin can also improve myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, gastrodin can mitigate liver, kidney, and bone tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. In short, gastrodin is expected to treat many diseases, and it is worth investing more effort in research on this compound.

The processing methods, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Gastrodia elata Bl.: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) is one of the rare Chinese medicinal materials with a long history of medicine and cooking. It consists of a variety of chemical components, including aromatic compounds, organic acids and esters, steroids, saccharides and their glycosides, etc., which has medicinal and edible value, and is widely used in various diseases, such as infantile convulsions, epilepsy, tetanus, headache, dizziness, limb numbness, rheumatism and arthralgia. It is also commonly used in health care products and cosmetics. Thus, its chemical composition and pharmacological activity have attracted more and more attention from the scientific community.

AIM

In this review, the processing methods, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of GE were comprehensively and systematically summarized, which provides a valuable reference for researchers the rational of GE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of published literature and classic books from 1958 to 2023 was conducted using online bibliographic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ACS, Science Direct Database, CNKI and others to identify original research related to GE, its processing methods, active ingredients and pharmacological activities.

RESULTS

GE is traditionally used to treat infantile convulsion, epilepsy, tetanus, headache, dizziness, limb numbness, rheumatism and arthralgia. To date, more than 435 chemical constituents were identified from GE including 276 chemical constituents, 72 volatile components and 87 synthetic compounds, which are the primary bioactive compounds. In addition, there are other biological components, such as organic acids and esters, steroids and adenosines. These extracts have nervous system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system activities such as sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, neuron protection and regeneration, analgesia, antidepressant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, etc. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the processing methods, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanism of GE over the last 66 years, which provides a valuable reference for researchers to understand its research status and applications.

Gastrodin programs an Arg-1+ microglial phenotype in hippocampus to ameliorate depression- and anxiety-like behaviors via the Nrf2 pathway in mice

BACKGROUND

Regulating the microglial phenotype is an attractive strategy for treating diseases of the central nervous system such as depression and anxiety. Gastrodin can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and mitigate microglia-mediated inflammation, which widely used to treat a variety of central nervous system diseases associated with microglial dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism by which gastrodin regulates the functional phenotype of microglia remains unclear.

PURPOSE

Since the transcription factor "nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2″ (Nrf2) is associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of gastrodin, we hypothesized that gastrodin induces Nrf2 expression in microglia and thereby programs an anti-inflammatory phenotype.

STUDY DESIGN

Male C57BL/6 mice, treated or not with gastrodin, were given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 0.25 mg/kg/d for 10 days to induce chronic neuroinflammation. The effects of gastrodin on microglial phenotypes, neuroinflammation and depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated. In another experiment, animals were treated with Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 throughout the 13-day gastrodin intervention period.

METHODS

The effects of gastrodin on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated through the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, open field test and elevated plus-maze test; as well as its effects on morphology and molecular and functional phenotypes of hippocampal microglia through immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

Chronic exposure to LPS caused hippocampal microglia to secrete inflammatory cytokines, their somata to enlarge, and their dendrites to lose branches. These changes were associated with depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Gastrodin blocked these LPS-induced alterations and promoted an Arg-1+ microglial phenotype that protected neurons from injury. The effects of gastrodin were associated with Nrf2 activation, whereas blockade of Nrf2 antagonized gastrodin.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that gastrodin acts via Nrf2 to promote an Arg-1+ microglial phenotype, which buffers the harmful effects of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Gastrodin may be a promising drug against central nervous system diseases that involve microglial dysfunction.

Gastrodin Regulates the Notch-1 Signal Pathway via Renin-Angiotensin System in Activated Microglia

Notch-1 and renin angiotensin system (RAS) are involved in microglia activation. It has been reported that gastrodin inhibited inflammatory responses mediated by activated microglia. This study explored the possible interaction between this two pathways, and to determine whether gastrodin would exert its effects on both of them. Expression of RAS, Notch-1 signaling and proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated BV-2 microglia subjected to various treatments was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The protein expression of RAS, Notch-1 pathway and TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly increased in activated microglia. Exogenous Ang II markedly enhanced the expression of these biomarkers. Meanwhile, Azilsartan [a specific inhibitor of AT₁ (AT₁I)] inhibited the expression of Notch-1 pathway and proinflammatory cytokines. When Notch-1 signaling was inhibited with DAPT, ACE and AT₁ expression remained unaffected, indicating that RAS can regulate the Notch-1 pathway in activated microglia but not reciprocally. Additionally, we showed here that gastrodin inhibited the RAS, Notch-1 pathway and inflammatory response. Remarkably, gastrodin did not exert any effect on expression of Notch-1 signaling when RAS was blocked by AT₁I, suggesting that gastrodin acts on the RAS directly, not through the Notch-1 pathway. Furthermore, TNF-α and IL-1β expression was significantly increased in activated microglia treated with exogenous Ang II; the expression, however, was suppressed by gastrodin. Of note, expression of proinflammatory cytokines was further decreased in gastrodin and AT₁I combination treatment. The results suggest that gastrodin acts via the RAS which regulates the Notch-1 signaling and inflammation in LPS-induced microglia.

Gastrodin Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in REM Sleep-Deprived Rats by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways

Gastrodin is the active ingredient in Gastrodia elata. Our previous studies demonstrated that gastrodin ameliorated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and hypoperfusion injury and improved cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease. This study aims to examine the effects of gastrodin on REM sleep deprivation in rats. Gastrodin (100 and 150 mg/kg) was orally administered for 7 consecutive days before REM sleep deprivation. Seventy-two hours later, pentobarbital-induced sleep tests and a Morris water maze were performed to measure REM sleep quality and learning and memory ability. Histopathology was observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the expression of the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways was examined using Western blot. After REM sleep deprivation, sleep latency increased and sleep duration decreased, and the ability of learning and memory was impaired. Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and the cortex were damaged. Gastrodin treatment significantly improved REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance, cognitive deficits and neuron damage in the hippocampus CA1 region and cerebral cortex. A mechanism analysis revealed that the NF-κB pathway was activated and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited after REM sleep deprivation, and gastrodin ameliorated these aberrant changes. Gastrodin improves REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of REM sleep deprivation.

Preparation of gastrodin-modified dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles as a drug delivery system for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of multifunctional gastrodin (GAS)-containing nano-drug carrier system against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI).

METHODS

The drug-loaded nanocomposite (Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS) with certain encapsulation efficiency (EE) was prepared by physical adsorption method using different proportions of GAS and drug-carrying system (Au-G5.NHAc-PS). High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the drug loading and EE. Cultured rat astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons were assigned into four groups: PBS, Au-G5.NHAc-PS, Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS, and GAS. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to examine the cell viability, apoptosis, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6 in the astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons, respectively. Cellular uptake of GAS and Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS was analyzed by using Hoechst 33342 staining. The animal model with focal cerebral ischemia was generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and pathological changes of brain tissue and major organs in the rats were identified by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Apoptosis in rat astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons was detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Au-G5.NHAc-PS had a spherical shape with a uniform size of 157.3 nm. Among the nanoparticles, Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS with an EE of 70.3% displayed the best release delay effect. Moreover, we observed that in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS were higher than those of GAS, whereas the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was significantly downregulated in Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS group as compared to G5.NHAc-PS group. Notably, HE staining revealed that although Au-G5.NHAc-PS/GAS had no toxic and side effects on the main organs of rats, it alleviated the damage of brain tissue in the MCAO rats. Besides, Au-G5.NHAc/GAS markedly reduced MCAO-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Au-G5.NHAc-PS showed favorable surface morphology, sustained drug release ability, no measurable toxicity, and good biocompatibility, indicating that GAS exerts anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects on CIRI.

The effects of bioactive components from the rhizome of gastrodia elata blume (Tianma) on the characteristics of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related chronic neurodegenerative disease caused by the death and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. The decrease of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the patient's brain leads to various motor symptoms. PD drugs mainly enhance dopamine levels but cannot prevent or slow down the loss of dopaminergic neurons. In addition, they exhibit significant side effects and addiction issues during long-term use. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to develop novel drugs that have fewer side effects, can improve PD symptoms, and prevent the death of dopaminergic neurons. The rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume (Tianma) is a well-known medicinal herb and has long been used as a treatment of nervous system-related diseases in China. Several clinical studies showed that formula comprising Tianma could be used as an add-on therapy for PD patients. Pharmacological studies indicated that Tianma and its bioactive components can reduce the death of dopaminergic neurons, α-synuclein accumulation, and neuroinflammation in various PD models. In this review, we briefly summarize studies regarding the effects of Tianma and its bioactive components' effects on major PD features and explore the potential use of Tianma components for the treatment of PD.

Characterization of Ex Vivo and In Vitro Wnt Transcriptome Induced by Spinal Cord Injury in Rat Microglial Cells

It is well known that inflammation is crucial in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries, and that microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation. Therefore, the exploration of molecular signaling pathways that are involved in the microglia/macrophage response might help us to shed light on their eventual therapeutic modulation. Interestingly, there is growing evidence showing that the Wnt family of proteins is involved in different neuropathologies that are characterized by a dysregulated neuroinflammatory response, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we aimed to validate a methodology with competence to assess the physiologically relevant Wnt expression patterns of active microglia and MDMs in a rat model of SCI. For that purpose, we have selected and adapted an in vitro system of primary microglia culture that were stimulated with a lesioned spinal cord extract (SCE), together with an ex vivo protocol of flow cytometry sorting of rat microglia/MDMs at different time-points after contusive SCI. Our study demonstrates that the expression profile of Wnt-related genes in microglia/MDM cells exhibit important differences between these particular scenarios which would be in line with previous studies where similar discrepancies have been described for other molecules. Moreover, our results provide for a first experimental report of the Wnt transcriptome in rat microglia and MDMs after SCI which, together with the research platform that was used in the study, and considering its limitations, we expect might contribute to foster the research on Wnt-driven immunomodulatory therapies.

Gastrodin and Vascular Dementia: Advances and Current Perspectives

Gastrodia elata, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used since ancient times to treat diseases such as dizziness, epilepsy, stroke, and memory loss. Gastrodin, one of the active components of Gastrodia elata, has been used in the treatment of migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and depression in recent years. It can improve cognitive function and related neuropsychiatric symptoms through various effects and is considered as a promising treatment for dementia. Vascular dementia is a kind of severe cognitive impairment syndrome caused by vascular factors, and it is the dementia syndrome with the largest number of patients besides Alzheimer's disease. Although there is still a lack of evidence-based explorations, the paper reviewed the mechanism and methods of gastrodin in the treatment of vascular dementia, providing a reference for clinical therapy.

Characterization of circRNA-Associated-ceRNA Networks Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a clinical entity associated with declined cognitive function following surgery. It occurs more frequently in elderly patients. Recent studies have shown that circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks, constructed based on interactions between circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA, provide key insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases. However, the mechanism of POCD remains undetermined. In this study, laparotomies were performed under isoflurane anesthesia on young (2-month-old) and aging (17-month-old) male C57BL/6 mice. The results showed that the aging mice were more likely than the young mice to develop POCD. Subsequently, differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were characterized by RNA sequencing the hippocampi of young and aging mice under control and surgery conditions. Six circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 203 mRNAs were identified to construct the circRNA-associated-ceRNA network for the control condition, while 13 circRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 189 mRNAs were used for the circRNA-associated-ceRNA network for the surgery condition. Further Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of these two networks revealed that the circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks are involved in POCD pathogenesis though modulating the Wnt and VEGF signaling pathways, as well as neural processes associated with long-term synaptic depression and synaptic transmission. In particular, the mmu-miR-298-5P regulatory pathway identified in this study’s mouse model suggests that mm9_circ_009789- and mm9_circ_004229-associated-ceRNA networks as closely related to the occurrence of POCD through regulating PKC signaling pathway, neural cell apoptosis and glycolipid metabolism pathway. These findings provide possible insight into the role of the circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks, helping to unravel the complexity of the molecular pathogenesis of POCD.

Spinal Microglia and Astrocytes: Two Key Players in Chronic Visceral Pain Pathogenesis

Chronic visceral pain (CVP) is one of the common symptoms of many diseases triggered by underlying diseases of the internal organs of the human body. Its causes include vascular mechanisms, mechanical factors, persistent inflammation, and unexplained functional mechanisms. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, more and more research has begun to shift from the neuronal aspect to the glial cells in recent years. Some data highlight that the spinal glial cells, particularly the microglia and astrocytes, play an essential role in CVP. Based on this, we highlight the mechanisms of microglia and astrocytes in CVP concerning the release of cytokines, chemokines, and neuroactive substances and alterations in intracellular signaling pathways during the process. Finally, because CVP is widespread in various diseases, we present future perspectives targeting microglia and astrocytes for treatment.

Identifying the mechanism underlying antidepressant-like effects of loganin by network pharmacology in combination with experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Loganin, an iridoid glycoside, is one of the quality control indexes of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. Increasing evidence emphasize the important role of inflammation in the pathology of depression, which links depression with other chronic diseases. Loganin prevents inflammatory response in multiple diseases and reverses depressive-like behaviors. However, the mechanisms underlying antidepressant-like effects of loganin for the treatment of inflammation-associated depression are not utterly understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to predict the potential targets of loganin against inflammation-associated depression using a network pharmacology approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmmapper and Uniport were used to predict loganin-related targets. Targets of inflammation were identified through GeneCards databases and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify the potential mechanism. Finally, qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to confirm the role of loganin on these targets.

RESULTS

There were 15 nodes in the loganin-inflammation-depression intersection targets network. In the network, the degree value of CTNNB1 was above 3. Among top ten pathways identified by KEGG analysis, Th1/Th2 cell differentiation and IL-17 signaling pathways were related with both inflammation and depression. As indicated by qRT-PCR results, loganin increased CTNNB1 mRNA level. Moreover, loganin elevated M2 markers of microglia but decreased M1 markers of microglia against lipopolysaccharide (LPS), indicated by qRT-PCR results and ELISA results.

CONCLUSION

CTNNB1 was the main target of loganin. Loganin alleviated LPS-induced inflammation through inhibiting M1 polarization of microglia. Our results provide a better understanding of loganin-induced antidepressant-like effects for the treatment of inflammation-associated depression.

Gastrodin modified polyurethane conduit promotes nerve repair via optimizing Schwann cells function

Peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery remain a major clinical challenge. Nerve guidance conduit (NGC) that can regulate biological behavior of Schwann cells (SCs) and facilitate axonal regeneration through microenvironmental remodeling is beneficial for nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Gastrodin, a main constituent of a Chinese traditional herbal medicine, has been known to display several biological and pharmacological properties, especially antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory and nerve regeneration. Herein, polyurethane (PU) NGCs modified by different weight ratio of Gastrodin (0, 1 and 5 wt%) were designed for sequential and sustainable drug release, that created a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration. The scaffold showed suitable pore structure and biocompatibility in vitro, and evidently promoted morphological and functional recovery of regenerated sciatic nerves in vivo. Compared to the PU and 1%Gastrodin/PU scaffolds, the 5%Gastrodin/PU significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration and myelination of SCs and up-regulated expression of neurotrophic factors, as well as induction of the differentiation of PC12 cells. Interestingly, the obvious anti-inflammatory response was observed in 5%Gastrodin/PU by reduced expression of TNF-α and iNOS, which also evidenced by the few fibrous capsule formation in the subcutaneous implantation. Such a construct presented a similarity to autograft in vivo repairing a 10 mm sciatic nerve defects. It was able to not only boost the regenerated area of nerve and microvascular network, but also facilitate functional axons growth and remyelination, leading to highly improved functional restoration. These findings demonstrate that the 5%Gastrodin/PU NGC efficiently promotes nerve regeneration, indicating their potential for use in peripheral nerve regeneration applications.

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NGC with a sustained release of Gastrodin creates a favorable microenvironment. .

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Gastrodin/PU has superior anti-inflammatory effects.

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SCs-mediated tissue engineering strategies effectively drive myelination.

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5Gastrodin/PU boosts nerve regeneration and functional restoration in vivo.

Effects of a New Combination of Natural Extracts on Glaucoma-Related Retinal Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness; it is a neuropathy characterized by structural alterations of the optic nerve, leading to visual impairments. The aim of this work is to develop a new oral formulation able to counteract the early changes connected to glaucomatous degeneration. The composition is based on gastrodin and vitamin D3 combined with vitamin C, blackcurrant, and lycopene.

METHODS

Cells and tissues of the retina were used to study biological mechanisms involved in glaucoma, to slow down the progression of the disease. Experiments mimicking the conditions of glaucoma were carried out to examine the etiology of retinal degeneration.

RESULTS

Our results show a significant ability to restore glaucoma-induced damage, by counteracting ROS production and promoting cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. These effects were confirmed by the intracellular mechanism that was activated following administration of the compound, either before or after the glaucoma induction. In particular, the main results were obtained as a preventive action of glaucoma, showing a beneficial action on all selected markers, both on cells and on eyecup preparations. It is therefore possible to hypothesize both the preventive and therapeutic use of this formulation, in the presence of risk factors, and due to its ability to inhibit the apoptotic cycle and to stimulate cell survival mechanisms, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This formulation has exhibited an active role in the prevention or restoration of glaucoma damage for the first time.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Modulates the Inflammatory Response Activated by Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites

Knowledge of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity and the molecules identified that regulate its function in infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms is crucial to understanding how the intensity of the inflammatory response can be controlled in the course of infections. In recent years many reports have described small molecular weight synthetic and natural compounds, proteins, and interference RNA with the potential to regulate the GSK3β activity and reduce the deleterious effects of the inflammatory response. Our goal in this review is to summarize the most recent advances on the role of GSK3β in the inflammatory response caused by bacteria, bacterial virulence factors (i.e. LPS and others), viruses, and parasites and how the regulation of its activity, mainly its inhibition by different type of molecules, modulates the inflammation.

Gastrodin alleviates perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction of aged mice by suppressing neuroinflammation

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication of elderly patients after surgery and lacks effective prevention and treatment measures. We investigated the effect and mechanism of gastrodin (GAS), a natural plant ingredient, on postoperative cognition induced by laparotomy in aged mice. Male aged (18 months) mice were subjected to laparotomy and orally treated with GAS (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) 3 weeks before surgery and 1 week after surgery. In addition, some male aged (18 months) mice were subjected to viral vector or GSK-3β expression virus injection followed by laparotomy with or without 100 mg/kg GAS treatment. GAS improved learning and memory in aged mice after surgery. Surgery increased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and decreased the level of an anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) in the mouse hippocampus, and these changes were reversed by GAS treatment. GAS also suppressed the activation of microglia. GAS inhibited the phosphorylation of GSK-3β and Tau. Furthermore, surgery induced more serious cognitive dysfunction, inflammatory factors, activation of microglia, and phosphorylation of GSK-3β and Tau in GSK-3β overexpressing aged mice. The improvement of learning and memory, the reduction of inflammation and microglia activation, and the suppression of GSK-3β and Tau phosphorylation by GAS were prevented when GSK-3β was overexpressed in aged mice subjected to surgery. Our finding suggested that GAS exerts neuroprotective effects in aged mice subjected to laparotomy by suppressing neuroinflammation and GSK-3β and Tau phosphorylation. Thus, these findings suggest that GAS may be a promising agent for PND.

Interaction of NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathways in Alzheimer's Disease and Potential Active Drug Treatments

The most important neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are extracellular amyloid-β protein (Aβ) deposition, tau protein hyperphosphorylation and activation of neurometabolic reaction in the brain accompanied by neuronal and synaptic damage, and impaired learning and memory function. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, increased Aβ deposits in the brain to form the core of the senile plaques that initiate cascade reactions, affecting the synapses and stimulating activation of microglia, resulting in neuroinflammation. A growing number of studies has shown that NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin pathways play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD. In this review, we briefly introduce the connection between neuroinflammation-mediated synaptic dysfunction in AD and elaborated on the mechanism of these two signaling pathways in AD-related pathological changes, as well as their interaction. Based on our interest in natural compounds, we also briefly introduce and conduct preliminary screening of potential therapeutics for AD.

Mechanisms and Future of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Metastasis

Lung cancer, renowned for its fast progression and metastatic potency, is rising to become a leading cause of death globally. It has been long observed that lung cancer is particularly ept in spawning distant metastasis at its early stages, and it can readily colonize virtually any human organ. In recent years, cancer research has shed light on why lung cancer is endowed with its exceptional ability to metastasize. In this review, we will take a comprehensive look at the current research on lung cancer metastasis, including molecular pathways, anatomical features and genetic traits that make lung cancer intrinsically metastatic, as we go from lung cancer’s general metastatic potential to the particular metastasis mechanisms in multiple organs. We highly concerned about the advanced discovery and development of lung cancer metastasis, indicating the importance of lung cancer specific gene mutations, heterogeneity or biomarker discovery, and discussing potential opportunities and challenges. We will also introduce some current treatments that targets certain metastatic strategies of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Advances made in these regards could be critical to our current knowledge base of lung cancer metastasis.

Gastrodin Regulates the Notch Signaling Pathway and Sirt3 in Activated Microglia in Cerebral Hypoxic-Ischemia Neonatal Rats and in Activated BV-2 Microglia

In response to hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), microglia activation and its mediated inflammation contribute to neuronal damage. Inhibition of over-activated microglia is deemed to be a potential therapeutic strategy. Our previous studies showed that gastrodin efficiently depressed the neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia in HIBD neonatal rats. The underlying mechanisms through which gastrodin acts on activated microglia have not been fully elucidated. This study is designed to determine whether gastrodin would regulate the Notch signaling pathway and Sirtuin3 (Sirt3), which are implicated in regulating microglia activation. The present results showed that gastrodin markedly suppressed the expression of members of Notch signaling pathway (Notch-1, NICD, RBP-JK and Hes-1) in activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Conversely, Sirt3 expression was enhanced. In BV-2 microglia treated with a γ-secretase inhibitor of Notch pathway- DAPT, the expression of RBP-JK, Hes-1, and NICD was suppressed in activated microglia. Treatment with DAPT and gastrodin further decreased NICD and Hes-1 expression. Sirt3 expression was also decreased after DAPT treatment. However, Sirt3 expression in activated BV-2 microglia given a combined DAPT and gastrodin treatment was not further increased. In addition, combination of DAPT and Gastrodin cumulatively decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression. The results suggest that gastrodin regulates microglia activation via the Notch signaling pathway and Sirt3. More importantly, interference of the Notch signaling pathway inhibited Sirt3 expression, indicating that Sirt3 is a downstream gene of the Notch signaling pathway. It is suggested that Notch and Sirt3 synergistically regulate microglia activation such as in TNF-α production.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine improved Ki67 as a marker of neurogenesis and learning and memory in juvenile hypothyroid rats

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, the effect of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG) on neurogenesis indicators, learning and memory, and oxidative stress status in juvenile hypothyroid (Hypo) rats was evaluated.

METHOD

The studied groups were including: (a) Control, (b) Hypo, (c-e) Hypo-AG 10, Hypo-AG 20, and Hypo-AG 30. Hypothyroidism was induced in the groups 2-5 by adding propylthiouracil in drinking water (0.05%). AG (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) was daily injected intraperitoneally in the groups 3-5. The rats of the groups 1 and 2 were injected by saline instead of AG. After 6 weeks treatment, Morris water maze (MMW) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were done. Deep anesthesia was then induced and the brain tissue was excised for biochemical parameters measuring.

RESULTS

Ki67 as a maker of neurogenesis and thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) as oxidative stress indicators were decreased in the brain of Hypo group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO metabolites were enhanced. AG improved Ki67, thiol, CAT, and SOD while decreased MDA and NO metabolites. The escape latency in the MWM test increased in the Hypo group. The spending time in the target quadrant in the probe test of MWM and step-through latency in the PA test in the Hypo group was lower than Control group. AG reversed all the negative behavioral effects of hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSION

These results revealed that AG improved neurogenesis, learning and memory impairments, and oxidative imbalance in the brain juvenile Hypo rats.

Microglia mediated neuroinflammation - signaling regulation and therapeutic considerations with special reference to some natural compounds

Neuroinflammation plays a central role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral ischemic injury etc. In this connection, microglia, the key players in the central nervous system, mediate the inflammatory response process. In brain injuries, activated microglia can clear the cellular debris and invading pathogens and release neurotrophic factors; however, prolonged microglia activation may cause neuronal death through excessive release of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of microglia activation to design an effective therapeutic strategy to alleviate neuronal injury. Recent studies have shown that some natural compounds and herbal extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that may suppress microglial activation and ameliorate neuroinflammation and hence are neuroprotective. In this review, we will update some of the common signaling pathways that regulate microglia activation. Among the various signaling pathways, the Notch-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) have been reported to exacerbate microglia mediated neuroinflammation that is implicated in different neuropathological diseases. The search for natural compounds or agents, specifically those derived from natural herbal extracts such as Gastrodin, scutellarin, RG1 etc. has been the focus of many of our recent studies because they have been found to regulate microglia activation. The pharmacological effects of these agents and their potential mechanisms for regulating microglia activation are systematically reviewed here for a fuller understanding of their biochemical action and therapeutic potential for treatment of microglia mediated neuropathological diseases.

Effects of Gastrodin against Lead-Induced Brain Injury in Mice Associated with the Wnt/Nrf2 Pathway

Gastrodin (GAS), the main phenolic glycoside extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume, exhibited potential neuroprotective properties. Here we examined the protective effects of GAS against lead(Pb)-induced nerve injury in mice, and explores its underlying mechanisms. Our research findings revealed that GAS improved behavioral deficits in Pb-exposed mice. GAS reduced the accumulation of p-tau and amyloid-beta (Aβ). GAS inhibited Pb-induced inflammation in the brain, as indicated by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). GAS increased the expression levels of NR2A and neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). GAS inhibited Pb-induced apoptosis of neurons in hippocampus tissue, as indicated by the decreased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of GAS were associated with inhibiting oxidative stress by modulating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant signaling. GAS supplement activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and reduced the expression of Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1). Collectively, this study clarified that GAS exhibited neuroprotective property by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects and its ability to regulate the Wnt/Nrf2 pathway.

Microglia and Wnt Pathways: Prospects for Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a major health issue for more than one century since it was first reported in 1906. As one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, AD is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the affected brain area. Microglia are the major regulators of neuroinflammation in the brain, and neuroinflammation has become recognized as the core pathophysiological process of various neurodegenerative diseases. In the central nervous system (CNS), microglia play a dual role in AD development. For one thing, they degrade amyloid β (Aβ) to resist its deposition; for another, microglia release pro-inflammatory and inflammatory factors, contributing to neuroinflammation as well as the spreading of Aβ and tau pathology. Wnt pathways are important regulators of cell fate and cell activities. The dysregulation of Wnt pathways is responsible for both abnormal tau phosphorylation and synaptic loss in AD. Recent studies have also confirmed the regulatory effect of Wnt signaling on microglial inflammation. Thus, the study of microglia, Wnt pathways, and their possible interactions may open up a new direction for understanding the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in AD. In this review, we summarize the functions of microglia and Wnt pathways and their roles in AD in order to provide new ideas for understanding the pathogenesis of AD.