Moderating effects of crocin on some stress oxidative markers in rat brain following demyelination with ethidium bromide

Protective effect of crocin on cuprizone-induced model of multiple sclerosis in mice

Crocin is the main bioactive components of the saffron which has positive role in the nervous system; however, its neuroprotective activity is not fully elicited. So, the aim of the current study was to determine effects of the crocin on reflexive motor and anti-depressive behaviors as well as serum and brain tissue antioxidant activities in cuprizone-induced (CPZ) model of multiple sclerosis (MS) mice. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Mice in the control group were received normal diet. In group 2, mice received normal diet and orally received crocin (100 mg/kg) 3 times per week for 5 weeks. In group 3, CPZ-induced demyelination was done by chew palate containing 0.2% (w/w) CPZ for 5 weeks. In group 4, mice feed CPZ containing diet and orally received crocin (100 mg/kg) three times per for 5 weeks. After determination of the MS signs, reflexive motor behavior and depressive tests were done. Also, serum and brain tissue antioxidant activity was determined. According to the data, CPZ had negative effects on hind-limb foot angle, hind- and front-limb suspension, surface righting, grip strength, and negative geotaxis while crocin improved it. Co-administration of the CPZ + crocin reversed effect of the CPZ on the reflexive motor behaviors. CPZ increased immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), while co-administration of the CPZ + crocin reversed effect of the CPZ on immobility time. CPZ decreased number of cross in open field test (OFT) and spending time on rotarod, while co-administration of the CPZ + crocin reversed effect of the CPZ. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production increased, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased in serum and brain tissue of the mice treated with CPZ. Pretreatment with crocin decreased adverse effect of the CPZ on serum and brain tissue antioxidants. These results suggested crocin has protective effect against CPZ-induced MS in mice.

The Multiple Sclerosis Modulatory Potential of Natural Multi-Targeting Antioxidants

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. Although its pathogenesis is rather vague in some aspects, it is well known to be an inflammatory process characterized by inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative burden, resulting in demyelination and reduced remyelination and axonal survival together with microglial activation. Antioxidant compounds are gaining interest towards the manipulation of MS, since they offer, in most of the cases, many benefits, due to their pleiotropical activity, that mainly derives from the oxidative stress decrease. This review analyzes research articles, of the last decade, which describe biological in vitro, in vivo and clinical evaluation of various categories of the most therapeutically applied natural antioxidant compounds, and some of their derivatives, with anti-MS activity. It also summarizes some of the main characteristics of MS and the role the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species may have in its progression, as well as their relation with the other mechanistic aspects of the disease, in order for the multi-targeting potential of those antioxidants to be defined and the source of origination of such activity explained. Antioxidant compounds with specific characteristics are expected to affect positively some aspects of the disease, and their potential may render them as effective candidates for neurological impairment reduction in combination with the MS treatment regimen. However, more studies are needed in order such antioxidants to be established as recommended treatment to MS patients.

Neuroprotective effects of crocin and crocin-loaded niosomes against the paraquat-induced oxidative brain damage in rats

Paraquat (PQ) is a nonselective herbicide that induces oxidative reactions and multiple-organ failure on exposure. Crocin, a carotenoid obtained from saffron, has demonstrated many therapeutic effects against neural conditions because of its antioxidant properties. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups to evaluate the protective effects of crocin and crocin-loaded niosomes (NC) against PQ in the brain. The levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol groups (TTG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured as the markers of redox status. Histopathological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were evaluated by cresyl violet staining. Results indicated that both crocin and NC were able to attenuate the adverse effects of PQ at the histopathological level, which was following the changes in LPO (P < 0.0001), TAC (P < 0.01), and TTG (P < 0.05) level. The activity of CAT (P < 0.01) and SOD (P < 0.01) could be restored either by crocin or NC. Also, results indicated that nanoformulation of crocin in niosomes appears to be more promising. In conclusion, both crocin and NC showed favourable effects of PQ in the brain of rats, and were determined to be excellent agents to prevent acute toxicities of PQ. Furthermore, these two compounds can be known to provide neuroprotection.

Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Stimulation through Acetyl-11-Keto-Beta-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) Provides Neuroprotection in Ethidium Bromide-Induced Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe immune-mediated neurological disease characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). This is frequently linked to motor abnormalities and cognitive impairments. The pathophysiological hallmarks of MS include inflammatory demyelination, axonal injury, white matter degeneration, and the development of CNS lesions that result in severe neuronal degeneration. Several studies suggested downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling is a causative factor for MS pathogenesis. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is an active pentacyclictriterpenoid obtained from Boswellia serrata, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study explores the protective potential of AKBA on behavioral, molecular, neurochemical, and gross pathological abnormalitiesandhistopathological alterations by H&E and LFB staining techniques in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis, emphasizing the increase inNrf2/HO-1 levels in the brain. Moreover, we also examine the effect of AKBA on the intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP) in CSF and rat brain homogenate. Specific apoptotic markers (Bcl-2, Bax, andcaspase-3) were also estimated in rat brain homogenate. Neuro behavioralabnormalities in rats were examined using an actophotometer, rotarod test, beam crossing task (BCT),and Morris water maze (MWM). AKBA 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg were given orally from day 8 to 35 to alleviate MS symptoms in the EB-injected rats. Furthermore, cellular, molecular, neurotransmitter, neuroinflammatory cytokine, and oxidative stress markers in rat whole brain homogenate, blood plasma, and cerebral spinal fluid were investigated. This study shows that AKBA upregulates the level of antioxidant proteins such as Nrf2 and HO-1 in the rat brain. AKBA restores altered neurochemical levels, potentially preventing gross pathological abnormalities during MS progression.

Neuroprotective Effect of Chrysophanol as a PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Inhibitor in an Experimental Model of Autologous Blood-induced Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to predominant, sporadic, and non-traumatic bleeding in the brain parenchyma. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is an important signal transduction pathway regulated by enzyme-linked receptors and has many biological functions in mammals. It plays a key role in neuronal metabolism, gene expression regulation, and tissue homeostasis in the healthy and diseased brain.

METHODS

In the present study, the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor chrysophanol (CPH) (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, orally) in the improvement of ICH-associated neurological defects in rats was investigated. Autologous blood (20 µL/5 min/unilateral/intracerebroventricular) mimics ICH-like defects involving cellular and molecular dysfunction and neurotransmitter imbalance. The current study also included various behavioral assessments to examine cognition, memory, and motor and neuromuscular coordination. The protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR as well as myelin basic protein and apoptotic markers, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, were examined using ELISA kits. Furthermore, the levels of various neuroinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Additionally, the neurological severity score, brain water content, gross brain pathology, and hematoma size were used to indicate neurological function and brain edema.

RESULTS

CPH was found to be neuroprotective by restoring neurobehavioral alterations and significantly reducing the elevated PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein levels, and modulating the apoptotic markers such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in rat brain homogenate. CPH substantially reduced the inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. CPH administration restored the neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine, dopamine, and various oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that CPH may be a promising therapeutic approach for overcoming neuronal damage caused by the overexpression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ICH-induced neurological dysfunctions in rats.

Neuroprotective Effect of Chrysophanol as a PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Inhibitor in an Experimental Model of Autologous Blood-induced Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to predominant, sporadic, and non-traumatic bleeding in the brain parenchyma. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is an important signal transduction pathway regulated by enzyme-linked receptors and has many biological functions in mammals. It plays a key role in neuronal metabolism, gene expression regulation, and tissue homeostasis in the healthy and diseased brain.

METHODS

In the present study, the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor chrysophanol (CPH) (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, orally) in the improvement of ICH-associated neurological defects in rats was investigated. Autologous blood (20 µL/5 min/unilateral/intracerebroventricular) mimics ICH-like defects involving cellular and molecular dysfunction and neurotransmitter imbalance. The current study also included various behavioral assessments to examine cognition, memory, and motor and neuromuscular coordination. The protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR as well as myelin basic protein and apoptotic markers, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, were examined using ELISA kits. Furthermore, the levels of various neuroinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Additionally, the neurological severity score, brain water content, gross brain pathology, and hematoma size were used to indicate neurological function and brain edema.

RESULTS

CPH was found to be neuroprotective by restoring neurobehavioral alterations and significantly reducing the elevated PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein levels, and modulating the apoptotic markers such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in rat brain homogenate. CPH substantially reduced the inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. CPH administration restored the neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine, dopamine, and various oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that CPH may be a promising therapeutic approach for overcoming neuronal damage caused by the overexpression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ICH-induced neurological dysfunctions in rats.

Effects of the prenatal exposure to crocin in the expression of withdrawal syndrome on reflexive motor behaviors in mice offspring's

The aim of the current study was to determine effects of the prenatal exposure to crocin in the expression of withdrawal syndrome on reflexive motor behaviors in mice offspring's. Fourteen male mice and 56 adult female mice were randomly divided into seven groups as: control group (morphine-abstinent male and female); group 2, drug-naïve female and morphine-abstinent male; group 3, drug-naïve male and morphine-abstinent females; group 4, drug-naïve male and female. Groups 5-7, were similar to groups 2-4, except crocin (5 mg/kg) were injected to drug-naïve subjects. Following delivery, 20 pups from each litter were selected and behavior and reflexive motor behaviors were determined. Also, blood samples were taken to determine serum antioxidant activity. According to the results, immobility time significantly increased in offspring of the paternal + maternal exposed to morphine swimming test and tail suspension tests (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased in offspring of paternal + maternal exposed to morphine + crocin group (P < 0.05). Ambulation, surface righting, hind-limb suspension, grip strength and front limb suspension significantly decreased in offspring of the mice exposed to morphine (P < 0.05) and significantly improved in offspring of paternal + maternal exposed to morphine + crocin group (P < 0.05). Hind-limb foot angle and negative geotaxis significantly increased in mice with morphine-exposed offspring's (P < 0.05) while improved in offspring of paternal + maternal exposed to morphine + crocin group (P < 0.05). Prenatal exposure to morphine increased Malondialdehyde while decreased Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant status in mice offspring's (P < 0.05) and these results reversed by prenatal exposure to crocin (P < 0.05). In all studied factors, paternal + maternal exposed to morphine + crocin group had better results compared to the other crocin-received drug-naïve groups (P < 0.05). These results suggested prenatal exposure to crocin decreased morphine-induced adverse effect which paternal and maternal exposed to morphine + crocin had the highest prevention against these effects in mice offspring's.

Neuroprotective efficacy of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine in experimentally induced intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe form of brain injury, which is a major cause of mortality in humans. Hydrocephalus and cerebral hematoma lead to severe neurological deficits. A single autologous blood (ALB) injection in rats' brains induces hemorrhage and other conditions that regularly interfere with the standard treatment of several cellular and molecular pathways. Several studies have found that IGF-1/GLP-1 decreases the production of inflammatory markers in peripheral tissues, while some have found that they also have pro-inflammatory functions. Since these receptors are down-regulated in hemorrhagic situations, we looked into the potential neuroprotective effect of 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HI); 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, an active compound Trigonellafoenum-graecum, on post-hemorrhagic deficits in rats. Long-term oral administration of 4-HI for 35 days has improved behavioral and neurochemical deficits and severe pathological changes and improved cellular and molecular markers, apoptotic markers in the ALB-induced ICH experimental model.

Furthermore, the findings revealed that 4-HI also improved the levels of other neurotransmitters (Ach, DOPA, GABA, glutamate); inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1β, IL-17), and oxidative stress markers (MDA, nitrite, LDH, AchE, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) in the brain when evaluated after Day 35. There is no proven treatment available for the prevention of post-brain hemorrhage and neurochemical malfunction; available therapy is only for symptomatic relief of the patient. Thus, 4-HI could be a potential clinical approach for treating post-brain haemorrhage and neurochemical changes caused by neurological damage. Furthermore, 4-HI may be linked to other standard therapeutic therapies utilized in ICH as a potential pharmacological intervention.

Phytoconstituents from ten natural herbs as potent inhibitors of main protease enzyme of SARS-COV-2: In silico study

BACKGROUND

Lack of treatment of novel Coronavirus disease led to the search of specific antivirals that are capable to inhibit the replication of the virus. The plant kingdom has demonstrated to be an important source of new molecules with antiviral potential.

PURPOSE

The present study aims to utilize various computational tools to identify the most eligible drug candidate that have capabilities to halt the replication of SARS-COV-2 virus by inhibiting Main protease (Mpro) enzyme.

METHODS

We have selected plants whose extracts have inhibitory potential against previously discovered coronaviruses. Their phytoconstituents were surveyed and a library of 100 molecules was prepared. Then, computational tools such as molecular docking, ADMET and molecular dynamic simulations were utilized to screen the compounds and evaluate them against Mpro enzyme.

RESULTS

All the phytoconstituents showed good binding affinities towards Mpro enzyme. Among them laurolitsine possesses the highest binding affinity i.e. -294.1533 kcal/mol. On ADMET analysis of best three ligands were simulated for 1.2 ns, then the stable ligand among them was further simulated for 20 ns. Results revealed that no conformational changes were observed in the laurolitsine w.r.t. protein residues and low RMSD value suggested that the Laurolitsine-protein complex was stable for 20 ns.

CONCLUSION

Laurolitsine, an active constituent of roots of Lindera aggregata, was found to be having good ADMET profile and have capabilities to halt the activity of the enzyme. Therefore, this makes laurolitsine a good drug candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.

Guggulsterone ameliorates ethidium bromide-induced experimental model of multiple sclerosis via restoration of behavioral, molecular, neurochemical and morphological alterations in rat brain

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with clinical signs of neuroinflammation and the central nervous system's demyelination. Numerous studies have identified the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) overexpression and the low level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) in MS pathogenesis. Guggulsterone (GST), an active component derived from 'Commiphora Mukul,' has been used to treat various diseases. Traditional uses indicate that GST is a suitable agent for anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic potential of GST (30 and 60 mg/kg) in ethidium bromide (EB) induced demyelination in experimental rats and investigated the molecular mechanism by modulating the JAK/STAT and PPAR-γ receptor signaling. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). EB (0.1%/10 μl) was injected selectively in the intracerebropeduncle (ICP) region for seven days to cause MS-like manifestations. The present study reveals that long-term administration of GST for 28 days has a neuroprotective effect by improving behavioral deficits (spatial cognition memory, grip, and motor coordination) associated with lower STAT-3 levels. While elevating PPAR-γ and myelin basic protein levels in rat brains are consistent with the functioning of both signaling pathways. Also, GST modulates the neurotransmitter level by increasing Ach, dopamine, serotonin and by reducing glutamate. Moreover, GST ameliorates inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1β), and oxidative stress markers (AchE, SOD, catalase, MDA, GSH, nitrite). In addition, GST prevented apoptosis, as demonstrated by the reduction of caspase-3 and Bax. Simultaneously, Bcl-2 elevation and the restoration of gross morphology alterations are also recovered by long-term GST treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that GST may be a potential alternative drug candidate for MS-related motor neuron dysfunctions.

Study of the cardioprotective effects of crocin on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells and reduction of oxidative stress produced by aluminum phosphide poisoning

OBJECTIVES

The effects of Crocin as a cardioprotective material against Aluminum phosphide poisoning by reducing the oxidative stress is investigated.

METHODS

The level of biomarkers of oxidative stress (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, Malondialdehyde and Protein carbonyl) were measured in the cell culture model on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells to detect the protective effect of crocin. Initially, to define the pure impact of aluminum phosphide poison and crocin on the heart cells, their effects on the biomarkers quantity in cell line were measured, separately, using the standard related kits. Later the effect of crocin with different concentration as a treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers of the poisoned heart cells were monitored. Note that in pre-treatment case, the crocin was initially added to the cells before poisoning them. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance method.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed that crocin treatment reduced the aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning effect significantly. The treatment resulted in substantial deviation in the biomarkers of oxidative stress at the pre- and post-treatment phases for all groups. The oxidative markers values of the poisoned cells were recovered by crocin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Crocin is proposed as a potentially powerful antioxidant to treat the cardiotoxicity caused by aluminum phosphide poisoning.

A comparative study of the role of crocin and sitagliptin in attenuation of STZ-induced diabetes mellitus and the associated inflammatory and apoptotic changes in pancreatic β-islets

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) describes a complex group of metabolic disorders associated with elevated blood glucose levels and increased risks of complications development. Exploring new drug therapies would reduce the increased diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality and will reduce the excessive health care costs. Crocin is the major active ingredient of saffron. In the current study, DM was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (50 mg/kg).DM progression was associated with a significant increase in blood glucose level with reduced insulin and increased glucagon secretion. Pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly escalated, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, catalase activity, thioredoxin level and serum total antioxidant capacity significantly declined. This was associated with a significant increase in pancreatic caspase-3 contents and pancreatic infiltration with inflammatory cells in β-islets. Both sitagliptin and crocin significantly reduced blood glucose levels, enhanced pancreatic insulin expression and secretion and suppressed glucagon secretion with enhancement of anti-oxidant defenses and reduction of oxidative burden, with evident anti-inflammatory impacts. Interestingly, the effect of crocin on DM indices, inflammatory and apoptotic changes was comparable to that of sitagliptin; the standard oral hypoglycemic agent. Nevertheless, crocin had a superior effect compared to sitagliptin on blood sugar level, β-islets diameter and insulin immune-reactivity. In conclusion, crocin reduced blood glucose level mainly via reduction of oxidative burden, modulation of apoptotic pathway and attenuation of pancreatic inflammation.