Cordycepin attenuates traumatic brain injury-induced impairments of blood-brain barrier integrity in rats

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Cordyceps militaris and In Silico Analysis of Antifungal Property of Cordycepin Against Plant Pathogens

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal fungus, has gained considerable attention owing to its potential health benefits, notably the production of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin. Cordycepin possesses significant antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The present study focused on optimizing the fermentation conditions for C. militaris to boost the production of mycelia and cordycepin, alongside investigating its antifungal properties using in silico and in vitro approaches. The optimal conditions, yielding the highest cordycepin and mycelial biomass, were a temperature of 20°C and a pH range of 4-6, with glucose and sucrose as carbon sources and yeast extract and casein hydrolysate as nitrogen sources. Under these conditions, cordycepin production peaked at low pH (600-1000 mg/L) and with carbon and maltose (400-500 mg/L). The low temperature favored cordycepin production (400 mg/L), whereas casein hydrolysate as a nitrogen source boosted cordycepin yield (600 mg/L). The docking analysis indicated that cordycepin had the highest binding affinity for the tubulin beta chain 2 (-10.4 kcal/mol) compared to the fungicide tebuconazole (-7.9 kcal/mol for both targets). The in silico results were corroborated by in vitro studies, where the mycelial extract of C. militaris inhibited approximately 75% of fungal growth at a concentration of 6000 ppm. These findings suggest that optimizing fermentation conditions significantly enhances cordycepin production, and cordycepin shows antifungal solid activity, making it a promising agent for biocontrol in agriculture.

Cordycepin inhibits glioma growth by downregulating PD-L1 expression via the NOD-like receptor/NFKB1/STAT1 axis

Glioma is a serious primary malignant tumor of the human central nervous system with a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate; however, inhibition of immune checkpoints can greatly improve the survival rate of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of PD-L1 by cordycepin and the mechanism of its anti-tumor action. The results of previous studies indicate that cordycepin has good anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities and can induce apoptosis in U251 and T98G cells in vitro. Here, transcriptome sequencing showed that cordycepin may exert anti-tumor effects through the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Further intervention with BMS-1, a small molecule inhibitor of PD-L1, was used to explore whether inhibition of PD-L1 affected the regulation of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway by cordycepin. Mechanistically, on the one hand, cordycepin regulated the expression of NFKB1 and STAT1 through the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the expression of PD-L1. In addition, inhibition of PD-L1 enhanced the regulation by cordycepin of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. On the other hand, cordycepin directly upregulated expression of STAT1 and downregulated that of PD-L1. In vivo studies further showed that cordycepin could downregulate expression of PD-L1 and NFKB1 and upregulate that of STAT1 in glioma xenograft tumor tissues, consistent with the results of in vitro studies. The results suggest that cordycepin may down-regulate the expression of PD-L1 through NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and NFKB signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the immune escape of glioma, and can be developed as a PD-L1 inhibitor. Our results therefore provide a theoretical foundation for the use of cordycepin in treatment of glioma and enrich our understanding of its pharmacological mechanism.

Experimental Models in Unraveling the Biological Mechanisms of Mushroom-Derived Bioactives against Aging- and Lifestyle-Related Diseases: A Review

Mushrooms have garnered considerable interest among researchers due to their immense nutritional and therapeutic properties. The presence of biologically active primary and secondary metabolites, which includes several micronutrients, including vitamins, essential minerals, and other dietary fibers, makes them an excellent functional food. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of mushrooms has been reported to reduce the incidence of aging- and lifestyle-related diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and stroke, as well as to provide overall health benefits by promoting immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and enhancement of gut microbial flora. The multifunctional activities of several mushroom extracts have been evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo studies using cell lines along with invertebrate and vertebrate model systems to address human diseases and disorders at functional and molecular levels. Although each model has its own strengths as well as lacunas, various studies have generated a plethora of data regarding the regulating players that are modulated in order to provide various protective activities; hence, this review intends to compile and provide an overview of the plausible mechanism of action of mushroom-derived bioactives, which will be helpful in future medicinal explorations.

Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents

Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor deficiency protects against the impairment of blood-brain barrier in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), usually expressed at astrocytes end-feet, is a main component of the lymph-lymphatic system and promotes paravascular cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid exchange. Moreover, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor affects amyloid β (Aβ) levels. This study aimed to detect the effect of AT1 receptor deficiency on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) mice and the effect on Aβ level and glial lymphatic circulation.

METHODS

TBI model was built using AT1 receptor knockout mice (AT1-KO) and C57BL/6 mice (wild type, WT). BBB integrity was detected by Evans blue extravasation. The expression of the astrocytic water channel AQP4 and astrocyte activation were evaluated with immunofluorescence. The expressions of amyloid precursor protein (APP), junction protein zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in mice brain were detected by Western blot (WB). Aβ levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

AT1 receptor deficiency defended BBB integrity and rescued occludin and ZO-1 decrease in mice brain induced by TBI. AT1-KO mice had less increase of APP expression and Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40 levels compared to WT mice under TBI. Moreover, AT1 receptor deficiency was found to significantly inhibit AQP4 depolarization after TBI.

CONCLUSION

T1 receptor deficiency attenuated TBI-induced impairments of BBB by rescuing tight junction proteins and inhibited AQP4 polarization, thus improving the function of glymphatic system to enhance interstitial Aβ clearance in TBI mice brain.

Cordycepin improved neuronal synaptic plasticity through CREB-induced NGF upregulation driven by MG-M2 polarization: a microglia-neuron symphony in AD

PURPOSE

Microglia-neuron crosstalk is critically involved in synaptic plasticity and degeneration by releasing diverse mediators in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, determining contributors that modulate the systemic microenvironment is essential. Cordycepin (CCS) is a novel neuroprotective compound obtained from Cordyceps militaris. However, the anti-AD efficacy and potential mechanism of CCS treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the microglia-neuron symphony in AD after CCS treatment and to explore the possible mechanisms of its neuroprotective efficacy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CCS treatment improved learning and memory impairment in 9-month-old APP/PS1 mice by behavioral tests. CCS polarized the microglia from M1 to M2, inhibited neuronal apoptosis and promoted synaptic remodeling accompanied by in vivo and in vitro upregulation of NGF. The cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) was also activated after MG-M2 polarization. Further, we verified that the sg3 promoter region of NGF (-1018 to -1011) is the key binding site for CREB-induced NGF transcription, which increased NGF expression and secretion. Finally, microglia-derived NGF was confirmed as an important mediator in microglia-neuron symphony to improve the neuronal microenvironment after CCS treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

CCS improved the neuronal synaptic plasticity and senescence by promoting MG-M2 activation driven by CREB-induced NGF upregulation and facilitated symphony communication between the microglia and neuron in AD. This study provides a new perspective on the development of a novel strategy for anti-AD therapy and offers new targets for anti-AD drug development.

The role of Toll-like receptors and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, significantly affecting patients' life. Pathologically, PD is associated with the extensive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in various regions of the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the substantia nigra. This neuronal loss is accompanied by the aggregation of misfolded protein, named α-synuclein.

MAIN TEXT

Recent studies detected several clues of neuroinflammation in PD samples using postmortem human PD brains and various PD animal models. Some evidence of neuroinflammation in PD patients included higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), presence of activated microglia in various brain regions such as substantia nigra, infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cells in affected brain regions, and altered function of cellular immunity like monocytes phagocytosis defects. On the other side, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune receptors primarily located on microglia, as well as other immune and non-immune cells, expressing pivotal roles in recognizing exogenous and endogenous stimuli and triggering inflammatory responses. Most studies indicated an increased expression of TLRs in the brain and peripheral blood cells of PD samples. Besides, this upregulation was associated with excessive neuroinflammation followed by neurodegeneration in affected regions. Therefore, evidence proposed that TLR-mediated neuroinflammation might lead to a dopaminergic neural loss in PD patients. In this regard, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 have the most prominent roles.

CONCLUSION

Although the presence of inflammation in acute phases of PD might have protective effects concerning the clearance of α-synuclein and delaying the disease advancement, the chronic activation of TLRs and neuroinflammation might lead to neurodegeneration, resulting in the disease progression. Therefore, this study aimed to review additional evidence of the contribution of TLRs and neuroinflammation to PD pathogenesis, with the hope that TLRs could serve as novel disease-modifying therapeutic targets in PD patients in the future.

Cordycepin alleviated metabolic inflammation in Western diet-fed mice by targeting intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal flora

Metabolic inflammation is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of obesity and promotes related complications. Accumulating evidence has indicated that regulating intestinal integrity and the gut microbiota may be new treatment strategies for metabolic inflammation and obesity. Cordycepin has been reported to improve obesity, but the mechanism is not yet clear. Here, we showed that cordycepin considerably alleviated systemic inflammation while reducing body weight gain and metabolic disorders in Western diet (WD)-fed mice. Further investigations showed that cordycepin significantly ameliorated WD-induced damage to the intestinal barrier and decreased the leakage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood in mice by suppressing intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress damage, and decreasing intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. In addition, by using metagenomic sequencing, we found that cordycepin can also regulate the homeostasis of intestinal flora, including selectively increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and reducing the production of fecal LPS. Besides, we demonstrated that the intestinal flora partially mediated the beneficial effects of cordycepin on improving intestinal barrier function, and obesity-related symptoms in WD-fed mice by a fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. Hence, our findings provided new insights into the role of cordycepin in improving metabolic inflammation and obesity from the perspective of regulating the intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora, and further provided data support for the utility of cordycepin in the treatment of obesity and its complications.

Exploring the mechanism of cordycepin combined with doxorubicin in treating glioblastoma based on network pharmacology and biological verification

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma is the most common and fatal primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and the prognosis is poor. Currently, there are no effective treatments for glioblastoma. Cordycepin is a natural active substance with significant anticancer activity and doxorubicin is a broad-spectrum anticancer drug. Cordycepin administered with doxorubicin is a potential drug combination for the treatment of glioblastoma. However, the mechanism of action for this drug combination has not yet been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the complex mechanism of cordycepin combined with doxorubicin against glioblastoma using network pharmacology and biological verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used an MTT assay, colony formation assay, and scratch healing to detect the growth, proliferation, and migration of LN-229, U251 and T98G cells. Putative targets and the potential mechanism of action for the drug combination in glioblastoma were obtained through online databases, network construction, and enrichment analyses. We verified the expression of EMT-related genes and identified important therapeutic targets by western blot.

RESULTS

In this study, the combination of doxorubicin and cordycepin was found to significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration and can induce apoptosis. These effects are better together than with either drug alone. The drug combination inhibited EMT by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin protein and downregulating the expression of N-cadherin, ZEB1, and Twist1 proteins. There were 71 potential targets for the drug combination in glioblastoma, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis suggested that the anticancer process may be mediated by proteoglycans in cancer, the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, microRNA in cancer, pathways in cancer, and other pathways. To study the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity, we detected the expression of target proteins with downregulated expression of NFKB1, MAPK8, MYC, and MMP-9 proteins and upregulated expression of cleaved caspase 3 that promoted the apoptosis of LN-229 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the drug combination of doxorubicin and cordycepin effectively inhibits the growth and proliferation of LN-229 cells through multiple targets and multiple pathways, and the combination inhibits cell invasion and migration by regulating the EMT switch of tumor cells. Our findings provide new ideas about, and a theoretical basis for, the treatment of glioblastoma.

Cordyceps militaris as a Bio Functional Food Source: Pharmacological Potential, Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Related Molecular Mechanisms

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a medicinal mushroom possessing a variety of biofunctionalities. It has several biologically important components such as polysaccharides and others. The diverse pharmacological potential of C. militaris has generated interest in reviewing the current scientific literature, with a particular focus on prevention and associated molecular mechanisms in inflammatory diseases. Due to rising global demand, research on C. militaris has continued to increase in recent years. C. militaris has shown the potential for inhibiting inflammation-related events, both in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Inflammation is a multifaceted biological process that contributes to the development and severity of diseases, including cancer, colitis, and allergies. These functions make C. militaris a suitable functional food for inhibiting inflammatory responses such as the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, on the basis of existing information, the current study provides insights towards the understanding of anti-inflammatory activity-related mechanisms. This article presents a foundation for clinical use, and analyzes the roadmap for future studies concerning the medical use of C. militaris and its constituents in the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Blood-Brain Barrier Mechanisms in Stroke and Trauma

The brain microenvironment is tightly regulated. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is composed of cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes, plays an important role in maintaining the brain homeostasis by regulating the transport of both beneficial and detrimental substances between circulating blood and brain parenchyma. After brain injury and disease, BBB tightness becomes dysregulated, thus leading to inflammation and secondary brain damage. In this chapter, we overview the fundamental mechanisms of BBB damage and repair after stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding these mechanisms may lead to therapeutic opportunities for brain injury.

Cordycepin Ameliorates Intracerebral Hemorrhage Induced Neurological and Cognitive Impairments Through Reducing Anti-Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model

OBJECTIVES

The nerve damage and cognitive impairment caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Cordycepin has been reported to have antioxidant and neuroprotective functions. However, the therapeutic effect of cordycepin on cognitive impairment caused by ICH is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Autologous whole blood was injected into the basal ganglia to construct a mouse ICH model. The Modified Neurological Severity Score was used to assess nerve damage in mice. The wet/dry method was used to detect brain water content. Open field test was used to assess the anxiety of mice. Morris water maze testing, Y-maze test and nest-building test were used to evaluate the cognitive function of mice. qRT-PCR and western blotting assay were used to evaluate the expression of genes.

RESULTS

Cordycepin treatment could ameliorate ICH-induced neurological deficits, brain edema, anxiety, cognitive impairments, oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in ICH mice.

CONCLUSION

Cordycepin ameliorates ICH-induced neurological and cognitive impairments through reducing anti-oxidative stress in mouse model.

NADPH Oxidases in the Central Nervous System: Regional and Cellular Localization and the Possible Link to Brain Diseases

Significance: The significant role of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox) in signal transduction is mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the central nervous system (CNS). The pathogenesis of some neurologic and psychiatric diseases is regulated by ROS, acting as a second messenger or pathogen. Recent Advances: In the CNS, the involvement of Nox-derived ROS has been implicated in the regulation of multiple signals, including cell survival/apoptosis, neuroinflammation, migration, differentiation, proliferation, and synaptic plasticity, as well as the integrity of the blood/brain barrier. In these processes, the intracellular signals mediated by the members of the Nox family vary among different tissues. The present review illuminates the regions and cellular, subcellular localization of Nox isoforms in the brain, the signal transduction, and the role of NOX enzymes in pathophysiology, respectively. Critical Issues: Different signal transduction cascades are coupled to ROS derived from various Nox homologues with varying degrees. Therefore, a critical issue worth noting is the varied role of the homologues of NOX enzymes in different signaling pathways and also they mediate different phenotypes in the diverse pathophysiological condition. This substantiates the effectiveness of selective Nox inhibitors in the CNS. Future Directions: Further investigation to elucidate the role of various homologues of NOX enzymes in acute and chronic brain diseases and signaling mechanisms, and the development of more specific NOX inhibitors for the treatment of CNS disease are urgently needed. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 951-973.

The effect of cordycepin on brain oxidative stress and protein expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by metabolic disorders and psychological deficits, including cognitive decline. Here, we investigated the effect of cordycepin on oxidative stress and protein expression in the brains of diabetic mice. Twenty-four mice were divided into four groups, one comprising untreated healthy mice (N); one comprising healthy mice treated with cordycepin (24 mg/kg body weight) (N+Cor); one comprising untreated DM mice; and one comprising DM mice treated with cordycepin (24 mg/kg body weight) (DM+Cor). After 14 days of treatment, cognitive behavior was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test. The brain levels of oxidative stress markers (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) were examined using the respective detection kits. Protein expression in brain tissues was assessed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); the functions of the identified proteins were annotated by PANTHER, while major protein-protein interactions were assessed using STITCH. We found that cordycepin treatment significantly decreased body weight and food and water intake in the DM+Cor group compared with that in the DM group; however, no differences in blood glucose levels were found between the two groups. Cordycepin treatment significantly reversed cognitive decline in diabetic mice in the NOR test and ameliorated antioxidant defenses. Additionally, we identified ULK1 isoform 2, a protein associated with cognitive function via the activated AMPK and autophagic pathways, as being uniquely expressed in the DM+Cor group. Our findings provide novel insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying how cordycepin improves cognitive decline in diabetic mice.

CircLphn3 protects the blood-brain barrier in traumatic brain injury

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new and large group of non-coding RNA molecules that are abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. However, very little is known about their roles in traumatic brain injury. In this study, we firstly screened differentially expressed circRNAs in normal and injured brain tissues of mice after traumatic brain injury. We found that the expression of circLphn3 was substantially decreased in mouse models of traumatic brain injury and in hemin-treated bEnd.3 (mouse brain cell line) cells. After overexpressing circLphn3 in bEnd.3 cells, the expression of the tight junction proteins, ZO-1, ZO-2, and occludin, was upregulated, and the expression of miR-185-5p was decreased. In bEnd.3 cells transfected with miR-185-5p mimics, the expression of ZO-1 was decreased. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that circLphn3 bound to miR-185-5p, and that miR-185-5p bound to ZO-1. Additionally, circLphn3 overexpression attenuated the hemin-induced high permeability of the in vitro bEnd.3 cell model of the blood-brain barrier, while miR-185-5p transfection increased the permeability. These findings suggest that circLphn3, as a molecular sponge of miR-185-5p, regulates tight junction proteins' expression after traumatic brain injury, and it thereby improves the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Chongqing Medical University of China (approval No. 2021-177) on March 22, 2021.

Emerging pathogenic role of peripheral blood factors following BBB disruption in neurodegenerative disease

The responses of central nervous system (CNS) cells such as neurons and glia in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) suggest that regulation of neuronal and glial functions could be a strategy for ND prevention and/or treatment. However, attempts to develop such therapeutics for NDs have been hindered by the challenge of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and continued constitutive neuronal loss. These limitations indicate the need for additional perspectives for the prevention/treatment of NDs. In particular, the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that accompanies NDs allows brain infiltration by peripheral factors, which may stimulate innate immune responses involved in the progression of neurodegeneration. The accumulation of blood factors like thrombin, fibrinogen, c-reactive protein (CRP) and complement components in the brain has been observed in NDs and may activate the innate immune system in the CNS. Thus, strengthening the integrity of the BBB may enhance its protective role to attenuate ND progression and functional loss. In this review, we describe the innate immune system in the CNS and the contribution of blood factors to the role of the CNS immune system in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.

Cordycepin confers long-term neuroprotection via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury

Background

The secondary injury caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially white matter injury (WMI), is highly sensitive to neuroinflammation, which further leads to unfavored long-term outcomes. Although the cross-talk between the three active events, immune cell infiltration, BBB breakdown, and proinflammatory microglial/macrophage polarization, plays a role in the vicious cycle, its mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been reported that cordycepin, an extract from Cordyceps militaris, can inhibit TBI-induced neuroinflammation although the long-term effects of cordycepin remain unknown. Here, we report our investigation of cordycepin’s long-term neuroprotective function and its underlying immunological mechanism.

Methods

TBI mice model was established with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. Cordycepin was intraperitoneally administered twice daily for a week. Neurological outcomes were assessed by behavioral tests, including grid walking test, cylinder test, wire hang test, and rotarod test. Immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy, and electrophysiology recording were employed to assess histological and functional lesions. Quantitative-PCR and flow cytometry were used to detect neuroinflammation. The tracers of Sulfo-NHS-biotin and Evans blue were assessed for the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage. Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to analyze protein activity or expression. Neutrophil depletion in vivo was performed via using Ly6G antibody intraperitoneal injection.

Results

Cordycepin administration ameliorated long-term neurological deficits and reduced neuronal tissue loss in TBI mice. Meanwhile, the long-term integrity of white matter was also preserved, which was revealed in multiple dimensions, such as morphology, histology, ultrastructure, and electrical conductivity. Cordycepin administration inhibited microglia/macrophage pro-inflammatory polarization and promoted anti-inflammatory polarization after TBI. BBB breach was attenuated by cordycepin administration at 3 days after TBI. Cordycepin suppressed the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the neutrophil infiltration at 3 days after TBI. Moreover, neutrophil depletion provided a cordycepin-like effect, and cordycepin administration united with neutrophil depletion did not show a benefit of superposition.

Conclusions

The long-term neuroprotective function of cordycepin via suppressing neutrophil infiltration after TBI, thereby preserving BBB integrity and changing microglia/macrophage polarization. These findings provide significant clinical potentials to improve the quality of life for TBI patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02188-x.

Trends in the Immunomodulatory Effects of Cordyceps militaris: Total Extracts, Polysaccharides and Cordycepin

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a fungus with a long history of widespread use in folk medicine, and its biological and medicinal functions are well studied. A crucial pharmacological effect of C. militaris is immunomodulation. In this review, we catalog the immunomodulatory effects of different extracts of C. militaris, namely total extracts, polysaccharides and cordycepin. Total extracts obtained using water or 50% ethyl alcohol and polysaccharides from C. militaris were discovered to tend to promote type 1 immunity, whereas total extracts obtained using 70-80% ethyl alcohol and cordycepin from C. militaris were more likely to promote type 2 immunity. This article is the first to classify the immunomodulatory effects of different extracts of C. militaris. In addition, we discovered a relationship between different segments or extracts and differing types of immunity. This review can provide the readers a comprehensive understanding on the immunomodulatory effects of the precious folk medicine and guidance on its use for both health people and those with an immunodeficiency.

Anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin: A review

Cordycepin is the major bioactive component extracted from Cordyceps militaris. In recent years, cordycepin has received increasing attention owing to its multiple pharmacological activities. This study reviews recent researches on the anti-inflammatory effects and the related activities of cordycepin. The results from our review indicate that cordycepin exerts protective effects against inflammatory injury for many diseases including acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease (PD), hepatitis, atherosclerosis, and atopic dermatitis. Cordycepin regulates the NF-κB, RIP2/Caspase-1, Akt/GSK-3β/p70S6K, TGF-β/Smads, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways among others. Several studies focusing on cordycepin derivatives were reviewed and found to down metabolic velocity of cordycepin and increase its bioavailability. Moreover, cordycepin enhanced immunity, inhibited the proliferation of viral RNA, and suppressed cytokine storms, thereby suggesting its potential to treat COVID-19 and other viral infections. From the collected and reviewed information, this article provides the theoretical basis for the clinical applications of cordycepin and discusses the path for future studies focusing on expanding the medicinal use of cordycepin. Taken together, cordycepin and its analogs show great potential as the next new class of anti-inflammatory agents.

Cordycepin Exerts Neuroprotective Effects via an Anti-Apoptotic Mechanism based on the Mitochondrial Pathway in a Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism Rat Model

BACKGROUND

Cordycepin (Cor), one of the major bioactive components of the traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps militaris, has been used in clinical practice for several years. However, its neuroprotective effect remains unknown.

AIMS

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Cor using a rotenoneinduced Parkinson's Disease (PD) rat model and to delineate the possible associated molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

In vivo, behavioural tests were performed based on the 10-point scale and grid tests. Levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum and the numbers of TH-positive neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc) were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. In vitro, cell apoptosis rates and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) were analysed by flow cytometry and the mRNA and protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Cytochrome c (Cyt-c), and caspase-3 were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

Showed that Cor significantly improved dyskinesia, increased the numbers of TH-positive neurons in the SNpc, and maintained levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum in rotenone- induced PD rats. We also found that apoptosis was suppressed and the loss of MMP was reversed with Cor treatment. Furthermore, Cor markedly down-regulated the expression of Bax, upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, inhibited the activation of caspase-3, and decreased the release of Cyt-c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, as compared to those in the rotenone-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, Cor protected dopamine neurons against rotenone-induced apoptosis by improving mitochondrial dysfunction in a PD model, demonstrating its therapeutic potential for this disease.

Protective Effect of Iridoid Glycosides of the Leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibition of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Iridoid glycoside (IG) is the major active fraction extracted from the leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. In view of its antimicrobial and antidiarrheal potential, it could be beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In the present study, IG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 days to dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of IG on DSS-induced UC were evaluated by comparing observations in DSS-induced colitis and drug-treated groups using disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic score, histological analysis, and apoptosis assay. To elucidate the antioxidant mechanisms of IG on NOX-dependent ROS production, the activities of 8-OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 in DSS-induced colitis were determined. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, and IL-13 were detected. The inflammation-associated protein and mRNA expressions of TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. The results suggested that IG treatment significantly reduced DAI, macroscopic score, and histological damage compared to untreated animals (p < 0.01), whereas administration of IG remarkably attenuated the upregulation of 8-OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, and IL-13 in DSS-treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, IG treatment could dose dependently suppress the protein and mRNA levels of TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65. The dose of IG that produced the most significant protective effect was 80 mg/kg. The above results demonstrate that IG exerts its inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines in DSS-induced colitis through modulation of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of a high concentration of hydrogen on neurological function after traumatic brain injury in diabetic rats

Reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and apoptosis are major contributors to secondary injuries that follow traumatic brain injury (TBI) in diabetic patients. Hydrogen (H₂) can selectively neutralize reactive oxygen species and downregulate inflammatory and apoptotic factors. Therefore, we investigated the effects of inhaled high and low concentrations of hydrogen on neurological function after TBI in diabetic rats and the potential mechanism. We found that the inhalation of high concentrations of H₂ significantly improved outcomes following TBI in diabetic rats. The inhalation of 42% H₂ for one hour per day for 48 h significantly reduced brain edema, decreased the extravasation of sodium fluorescein, and reduced oxidative stress markers (p < 0.05). In addition, the inhalation of a high concentration of H₂ (42% for one hour per day for 7 days) improved neurological deficits (p < 0.05) and reduced the expression of apoptotic protein markers (p < 0.05). However, the inhalation of 3% H₂ did not yield significant effects. These results showed that the inhalation of 42% H₂ can alleviate nerve damage and improve neurological function after TBI in diabetic rats. Therefore, the inhalation of a high concentration of H₂ may be associated with the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

Therapeutic Potential and Biological Applications of Cordycepin and Metabolic Mechanisms in Cordycepin-Producing Fungi

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), a cytotoxic nucleoside analogue found in Cordyceps militaris, has attracted much attention due to its therapeutic potential and biological value. Cordycepin interacts with multiple medicinal targets associated with cancer, tumor, inflammation, oxidant, polyadenylation of mRNA, etc. The investigation of the medicinal drug actions supports the discovery of novel targets and the development of new drugs to enhance the therapeutic potency and reduce toxicity. Cordycepin may be of great value owing to its medicinal potential as an external drug, such as in cosmeceutical, traumatic, antalgic and muscle strain applications. In addition, the biological application of cordycepin, for example, as a ligand, has been used to uncover molecular structures. Notably, studies that investigated the metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin-producing fungi have yielded significant information related to the biosynthesis of high levels of cordycepin. Here, we summarized the medicinal targets, biological applications, cytotoxicity, delivery carriers, stability, and pros/cons of cordycepin in clinical applications, as well as described the metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin in cordycepin-producing fungi. We posit that new approaches, including single-cell analysis, have the potential to enhance medicinal potency and unravel all facets of metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris.

Protective role of Cordyceps militaris in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease in vivo

According to the "amyloid cascade hypothesis", amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein occupied one of the risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cordyceps militaris (CM) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective activities; however, its activity against cognitive dysfunction has not been studied yet. In this study, the CM ethanol extract was administered with a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg for 2 weeks, and behavioral assessments were performed for learning and memory function in Aβ_1-42-induced AD mice models. Supplementation with CM extract enhanced new route consciousness and novel object recognition, and in the Morris water maze test, CM-administered groups showed less time to reach to the hidden platform compared with the control group. Moreover, the CM extract inhibited nitric oxide production and lipid peroxidation in the brain, liver, and kidney. The present study indicated that CM could have the protective role from cognitive impairment and progression of AD.

Cordycepin Augments the Chemosensitivity of Human Glioma Cells to Temozolomide by Activating AMPK and Inhibiting the AKT Signaling Pathway

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most commonly encountered subtype of deadly brain cancer in human adults. It has a high recurrence rate and shows aggressive proliferation. The novel cytotoxic agent temozolomide (TMZ) is now frequently applied as the first-line chemotherapeutic treatment for GBM; however, a considerable number of patients treated with TMZ turn out to be refractory to this drug. Hence, a more effective therapeutic approach is urgently required to overcome this critical issue. Accumulating evidence has shown that both AMPK and AKT are activated by TMZ, while only AMPK contributes to apoptosis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition. Accordingly, AKT increases the tumorigenicity and chemoresistance of various tumor cells. In addition, AKT overexpression increases the resistance of glioma cells to TMZ. Cordycepin, a major bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris, exhibits immunomodulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, among other therapeutic effects. To date, whether GBM sensitivity to TMZ can be enhanced by cordycepin largely remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the combined use of cordycepin and TMZ in the treatment of GBM and explored the molecular mechanisms. Notably, we found that treatment with cordycepin led to inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in glioma cell lines in vitro. Likewise, the combined treatment with both cordycepin and TMZ synergistically resulted in inhibition of cellular growth, migration, and tumor metastasis as well as induction of cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we also demonstrated that cordycepin effectively enhanced the activation of AMPK and suppressed the activity of AKT, whose activation was only induced by TMZ. Furthermore, there was an apparent reduction in the expression levels of p-mTOR, p-p70S6K, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 in the group treated with both cordycepin and TMZ, in comparison with those in the groups treated with either cordycepin or TMZ alone. In vivo, the combination therapy also obviously reduced the tumor volume as well as prolonged the median survival time of xenograft models. In brief, our results suggested that cordycepin augments TMZ sensitivity in human glioma cells at least partially through activation of AMPK and suppression of the AKT signaling pathway. Overall, the combination therapy of cordycepin and TMZ potentially provides a novel option for a better prognosis of patients with GBM in clinical practice.

Cordycepin Accelerates Osteoblast Mineralization and Attenuates Osteoclast Differentiation In Vitro

Bone homeostasis destruction is triggered by the uncontrolled activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Targeting both the regulation of bone formation and resorption is a promising strategy for treating bone disorders. Cordycepin is a major component of Chinese caterpillar fungus Cordyceps militaris. It exerts a variety of biological actions in various cells and animal models. However, its function on bone metabolism remains unclear. In the present study, we discovered a dual-action function of cordycepin in murine MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in an osteogenic medium in the presence of 1 μM cordycepin for up two weeks. Cordycepin was used for effects of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Osteoblast differentiation was confirmed by alizarin red staining, ALP activity, western blot, and real-time PCR. Osteoclast differentiation and autophagic activity were confirmed via TRAP staining, pit formation assay, confocal microscopy, western blot, and real-time PCR. Cordycepin promoted osteoblast differentiation, matrix mineralization, and induction of osteoblast markers via BMP2/Runx2/Osterix pathway. On the other hand, RAW264.7 cells were differentiated into osteoclast by RANKL treatment for 72 h. 1 μM cordycepin significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and resorption activity through disturbing the actin ring-formatted sealing zone and activating cathepsin K and MMP9. These findings indicate that cordycepin might be an innovative dual-action therapeutic agent for bone disease caused by an imbalance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption following traumatic brain injury: Pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most frequent cause of death and disability in young adults and children in the developed world, occurring in over 1.7 million persons and resulting in 50,000 deaths in the United States alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 3.2 and 5.3 million persons in the United States live with a TBI-related disability, including several neurocognitive disorders and functional limitations. Following the primary mechanical injury in TBI, literature suggests the presence of a delayed secondary injury involving a variety of neuroinflammatory changes. In the hours to days following a TBI, several signaling molecules and metabolic derangements result in disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to an extravasation of immune cells and cerebral edema. The primary, sudden injury in TBI occurs as a direct result of impact and therefore cannot be treated, but the timeline and pathophysiology of the delayed, secondary injury allows for a window of possible therapeutic options. The goal of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of the primary and delayed injury in TBI as well as present several preclinical studies that identify molecular targets in the potential treatment of TBI. Additionally, certain recent clinical trials are briefly discussed to demonstrate the current state of TBI investigation.

Breakdown of blood brain barrier as a mechanism of post-traumatic epilepsy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for approximately 16% of acute symptomatic seizures which usually occur in the first week after trauma. Children are at higher risk for post-traumatic seizures than adults. Post-traumatic seizures are a risk factor for delayed development of epilepsy. Delayed, chronic post-traumatic epilepsy is preceded by a silent period during which therapeutic interventions may arrest, revert or prevent epileptogenesis. A number of recent review articles summarize the most important features of post-traumatic seizures and epilepsy; this review will instead focus on the link between cerebrovascular permeability, epileptogenesis and ictal events after TBI. The possibility of acting on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the neurovascular unit to prevent, disrupt or treat post-traumatic epilepsy is also discussed. Finally, we describe the latest quest for biomarkers of epileptogenesis which may allow for a more targeted intervention.

NADPH oxidases in traumatic brain injury - Promising therapeutic targets?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite intense investigation, no neuroprotective agents for TBI have yet translated to the clinic. Recent efforts have focused on identifying potential therapeutic targets that underlie the secondary TBI pathology that evolves minutes to years following the initial injury. Oxidative stress is a key player in this complex cascade of secondary injury mechanisms and prominently contributes to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a family of enzymes whose unique function is to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Human post-mortem and animal studies have identified elevated NOX2 and NOX4 levels in the injured brain, suggesting that these two NOXs are involved in the pathogenesis of TBI. In support of this, NOX2 and NOX4 deletion studies have collectively revealed that targeting NOX enzymes can reduce oxidative stress, attenuate neuroinflammation, promote neuronal survival, and improve functional outcomes following TBI. In addition, NOX inhibitor studies have confirmed these findings and demonstrated an extended critical window of efficacious TBI treatment. Finally, the translational potential, caveats, and future directions of the field are highlighted and discussed throughout the review.

Clostridium butyricum exerts a neuroprotective effect in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury via the gut-brain axis

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common occurrence following gastrointestinal dysfunction. Recently, more and more attentions are being focused on gut microbiota in brain and behavior. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is considered as a mediator that links the gut-brain axis. The aim of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of Clostridium butyricum (Cb) on brain damage in a mouse model of TBI.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a model of TBI-induced by weight-drop impact head injury and were treated intragastrically with Cb. The cognitive deficits, brain water content, neuronal death, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were evaluated. The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, Bcl-2, Bax, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) in the brain were also measured. Moreover, the intestinal barrier permeability, the expression of TJ protein and GLP-1, and IL-6 level in the intestine were detected.

RESULTS

Cb treatment significantly improved neurological dysfunction, brain edema, neurodegeneration, and BBB impairment. Meanwhile, Cb treatment also significantly increased the expression of TJ proteins (occludin and zonula occluden-1), p-Akt and Bcl-2, but decreased expression of Bax. Moreover, Cb treatment exhibited more prominent effects on decreasing the levels of plasma d-lactate and colonic IL-6, upregulating expression of Occludin, and protecting intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, Cb-treated mice showed increased the secretion of intestinal GLP-1 and upregulated expression of cerebral GLP-1R.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of Cb in TBI mice and the involved mechanisms were partially attributed to the elevating GLP-1 secretion through the gut-brain axis.

Nucleotide and nucleoside involvement in immunomodulation in experimental Chagas disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Trypanosma cruzi infections cause alterations in the levels of seric purines, which could contribute to host immunomodulation. Twelve mice were divided into two groups identified as control (uninfected) and infected (T. cruzi) groups. The influence of the disease on seric purine levels was verified on day 20 post-infection (PI) by HPLC. Infected mice had circulating trypomastigotes during the experiment, as well as amastigote forms in the heart associated with inflammatory infiltrates. Increases on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine (ADO), inosine (INO), and uric acid (URIC) levels were observed in the infected animals, while the adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and xanthine (XAN) levels were reduced compared with mice of the control group, indicating a possible impairment on the purinergic system, and consequently, on the immune system during the clinical course of the disease. In summary, the T. cruzi infection alters the seric purine levels, and consequently, modulates the immune system.

Cordycepin, a Characteristic Bioactive Constituent in Cordyceps militaris, Ameliorates Hyperuricemia through URAT1 in Hyperuricemic Mice

Recently, we've reported the anti-hyperuricemic effects of Cordyceps militaris. As a characteristic compound of C. militaris, we hypothesized that cordycepin may play a role in preventing hyperurecimia. Remarkably, cordycepin produced important anti-hyperuricemic actions, decreasing SUA (serum uric acid) to 216, 210, and 203 μmol/L (P < 0.01) at 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg in comparison of hyperuricemic control (337 μmol/L), closing to normal control (202 μmol/L). Elisa, RT-PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that the actions may be attributed to its downregulation of uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1) in kidney. Serum creatinine levels and blood urine nitrogen and liver, kidney, and spleen coefficients demonstrated that cordycepin may not impact liver, renal, and spleen functions. In addition, we used computational molecular simulation to investigate the binding mechanism of cordycepin. Of which, van der Waals interaction dominated the binding. Residues TRP290, ARG17, ALA408, GLY411, and MET147 contributed mainly on nonpolar energy. This provided the theoretical guidance to rationally design and synthesis novel URAT1 inhibitors.

Development of Cordycepin Formulations for Preclinical and Clinical Studies

There is extensive literature on in vivo studies with cordycepin, but these studies were generally conducted without validation of the various formulations, especially in terms of the solubility of cordycepin in the dosing vehicles used. Cordycepin is a promising drug candidate in multiple therapeutic areas, and there is a growing interest in studies aimed at assessing the pharmacological activity of this compound in relevant animal disease models. It is likely that many reported in vivo studies used formulations in which cordycepin was incompletely soluble. This can potentially confound the interpretation of pharmacokinetics and efficacy results. Furthermore, the presence of particles in intravenously administered suspension can cause adverse effects and should be avoided. Here, we present the results from our development of simple and readily applicable formulations of cordycepin based on quantitative solubility assessment. Homogeneous solutions of cordycepin were prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at different pH levels, suitable as formulations for both intravenously and oral administration. For the purpose of high-dose oral administration, we also developed propylene glycol (PPG)-based vehicles in which cordycepin is completely soluble. The stability of the newly developed formulations was also assessed, as well as the feasibility of their sterilisation by filtration. Additionally, an HPLC-UV method for the determination of cordycepin in the formulations, which may also be useful for other purposes, was developed and validated. Our study could provide useful information for improvement of future preclinical and clinical studies involving cordycepin.

Effects of over-expression of SOD2 in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on traumatic brain injury

Intravenous administration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has been shown to promote nerve cell regeneration following traumatic brain injury (TBI). As the anti-oxidant defense systems in neuronal tissue including superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) are crucial to defend cell against oxidative stress. We proposed a new stratege to increase the therapeutic effect of MSCs by preventing cells death from oxidative stress. We overexpressed SOD2 in BM-MSCs, transplanted these MSCs into TBI model mice, assessed the protective effect of SOD2 against oxidation-induced apoptosis in BM-MSCs both in vitro and in vivo, evaluated brain functional recovery by the rotarod behavioral test, and tested the oxidation status of TBI mice brain after BM-MSCs transplantation by monitoring the superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malonaldehyde level. We found over-expression of SOD2 protected BM-MSCs from H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis. Injection of SOD2 over-expressed BM-MSCs attenuated neuro-inflammation in the ipsilateral cortex of TBI mice, and protected TBI mice against loss of blood-brain barrier integrity. Furthermore, the rotarod behavioral test showed functional recovery of TBI mice after MSC treatment. Our experiments indicated that SOD2-over-expressed BM-MSCs have an improved therapeutic effect on brain injury treatment in TBI mice.

Cordycepin inhibits LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common severe clinical syndrome in intensive care unit. Inflammation has been reported to play a critical role in the development of ALI. Cordycepin, an active component isolated from Cordyceps militaris, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin on LPS-induced ALI remain unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed whether cordycepin could attenuate ALI induced by LPS. The mice were conditioned with cordycepin 1h before intranasal instillation of LPS. Lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, MPO activity, MDA content, and inflammatory cytokines production were detected. The expression of NF-κB p65, I-κB, Nrf2, and HO-1 were detected by western blot analysis. We found that LPS significantly increased lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, MPO activity, MDA content, and inflammatory cytokines production. However, the increases were significantly inhibited by treatment of cordycepin. LPS-induced NF-κB activation was also suppressed by cordycepin. In addition, cordycepin was found to up-regulate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that cordycepin could attenuate LPS-induced ALI effectively, probably due to inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Cordycepin confers neuroprotection in mice models of intracerebral hemorrhage via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Neuroinflammation has been recognized as a major contributor to brain injury caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome acts as an important mediator of inflammatory response in various inflammation-related diseases including hemorrhagic insults. Cordycepin has recently been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effect; however, its role and the possible underlying mechanisms in ICH remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of cordycepin in mice models of ICH and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. ICH was induced in male ICR mice by injecting autologous blood infusion stereotactically. Cordycepin was then given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 30 min after ICH induction. The results demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome was activated and exacerbated the inflammatory progression after ICH. Cordycepin treatment significantly alleviated neurological deficits, brain edema, and perihematomal tissue damage following ICH. These changes were accompanied by downregulated NLRP3 inflammasome components expression and a reduction of production and release of inflammasome substrates interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Furthermore, cordycepin ameliorated neuronal death in the perihematomal regions, accompanied by a large reduction in the expression of high-mobility group protein B 1 (HMGB1) post-ICH. In conclusion, this study provides in vivo evidence that cordycepin confers neuroprotective effect in the models of ICH, possibly through the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.