Protective effect of curcumin against chronic alcohol-induced cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation in the adult rat brain

Unraveling the protective effects of curcumin against drugs of abuse

Curcumin, a natural compound derived from the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), has garnered significant attention for its diverse neuroprotective properties. Curcumin has been widely recognized for its remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, which have shown great potential in the treatment of various disorders, encompassing psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we delve into the protective effects of curcumin against drugs of abuse, including morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol, with a particular focus on the underlying mechanisms from a neuroscience perspective. Overall, curcumin demonstrates promising effects against the neurotoxicity induced by abused drugs through a wide range of mechanisms. These include the modulation of inflammatory cytokines, maintenance of ion homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, as well as the activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways. These findings suggest that curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic agent in combatting the detrimental effects induced by drugs of abuse, and further research is warranted to fully comprehend the molecular pathways and optimize its utilization for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse-related neurotoxicity.

Oral administration of resveratrol reduces oxidative stress generated in the hippocampus of Wistar rats in response to consumption of ethanol

Introduction

Chronic ethanol intake has been found to favor hippocampal deterioration and alter neuronal morphological maturation; resveratrol has been suggested as an antioxidant that may counteract these effects. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress markers, endogenous antioxidant system in the hippocampus, and the behavior of male Wistar rats administered different concentrations of ethanol.

Methods

The animals, at 3 months old, were randomly distributed into 11 study groups (n = 6/group), orally administered (5 days on, 2 days off) with water (control), ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%), or ethanol (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%) plus resveratrol (10 mg/Kg/day) for 2 months. Subsequently, the production of nitrites, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxy-alkenal (HNE) and the enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantified.

Results

The levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation products were significantly increased in each ethanol concentration and were statistically different compared to the control group; however, resveratrol significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by high ethanol concentration. The SOD and CAT did not present significant changes with respect to the controls in any of the study groups. In the different concentrations of ethanol used, GR increases significantly in the groups administered with resveratrol but not GPx. Resveratrol was shown to maintain the results similar to the control at most ethanol concentrations.

Discussion

Our results suggest that resveratrol prevents oxidative stress induced by ethanol in the hippocampus by decreasing cellular lipid peroxidation, but does not prevent the activation of catalase or SOD enzymes; however, allows glutathione to be kept active and in adequate concentrations in its reduced form and avoids alterations in the locomotor system.

A Review of the Characteristics of Clinical Trials and Potential Medications for Alcohol Dependence: Data Analysis from ClinicalTrials.gov

Objective. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of clinical trials related to alcohol dependence that are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Methods. All ClinicalTrials.gov trials registered up to 1 January 2023 were examined, focusing on trials that involved alcohol dependence. All 1295 trials were summarized by presenting their characteristics and results and reviewed most intervention drugs used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Results. The study analysis identified a total of 1295 clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov that were focused on alcohol dependence. Of these, 766 trials had been completed, representing 59.15% of the total, while 230 trials were currently recruiting participants, accounting for 17.76% of the total. None of the trials had yet been approved for marketing. The majority of the studies included in this analysis were interventional studies (1145 trials, or 88.41%), which accounted for most of the patients enrolled in the trials. In contrast, observational studies represented only a small portion of the trials (150 studies, or 11.58%) and involved a smaller number of patients. In terms of geographic distribution, the majority of registered studies were located in North America (876 studies, or 67.64%), while only a small number of studies were registered in South America (7 studies, or 0.54%). Conclusions. The purpose of this review is to provide a basis for the treatment of alcohol dependence and prevention of its onset through an overview of clinical trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. It also offers essential information for future research to guide future studies.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Alcohol readily crosses the placenta and may disrupt fetal development. Harm from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is determined by the dose, pattern, timing and duration of exposure, fetal and maternal genetics, maternal nutrition, concurrent substance use, and epigenetic responses. A safe dose of alcohol use during pregnancy has not been established. PAE can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth. FASD are a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disability. The prevalence of FASD in 76 countries is >1% and is high in individuals living in out-of-home care or engaged in justice and mental health systems. The social and economic effects of FASD are profound, but the diagnosis is often missed or delayed and receives little public recognition. Future research should be informed by people living with FASD and be guided by cultural context, seek consensus on diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatments, and describe the pathophysiology and lifelong effects of FASD. Imperatives include reducing stigma, equitable access to services, improved quality of life for people with FASD and FASD prevention in future generations.

Neuroprotective potential of curcuminoids in modulating Alzheimer's Disease via multiple signaling pathways

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and frequent neurodegenerative disease of elderly people. In the 21st century, owing to the increasing prevalence of AD, there is a crucial need for finding better and effective pharmacotherapeutic approaches. This review article demonstrated the various sources and possible metabolic pathways of curcuminoids obtained from Curcuma longa herb, to prevent and treat AD but the information related to the metabolic fate of curcuminoids is deficient. Different in vitro and in vivo research studies demonstrating the mechanisms by which curcuminoids attenuated AD have been summarized. Administration of curcuminoids has been indicated to inhibit hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, deposition, and oligomerization of amyloid beta plaques in several AD models. Curcuminoids also chelate metals and form complexes, have antioxidant properties, mediates neuroinflammatory signaling pathways by modifying microglial cells activity, inhibit acetylcholinesterase activities and also modulates other associated signaling pathways including insulin signaling pathways and heme-oxygenase pathway. Briefly curcuminoids exhibit the capability to be more productive and efficacious compared to many recent treatments due to their antioxidant, delayed neuron degeneration and anti-inflammatory potential. Although their effectiveness as a curative agent is considered to be reduced due to their low bioavailability, If the issue of curcuminoids' low bioavailability is resolved then curcuminoid-based medications are hopefully on the horizon against AD.

Acetylsalicylic Acid Suppresses Alcoholism-Induced Cognitive Impairment Associated with Atorvastatin Intake by Targeting Cerebral miRNA155 and NLRP3: In Vivo, and In Silico Study

Alcoholism is one of the most common diseases that can lead to the development of several chronic diseases including steatosis, and cognitive dysfunction. Statins are lipid-lowering drugs that are commonly prescribed for patients with fatty liver diseases; however, the exact effect of statins on cognitive function is still not fully understood. In the present study, we have investigated the molecular and microscopic basis of cognitive impairment induced by alcohol and/or Atorvastatin (ATOR) administration to male Wistar albino rats and explored the possible protective effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The biochemical analysis indicated that either alcohol or ATOR or together in combination produced a significant increase in the nucleotide-binding domain–like receptor 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) miRNA155 expression levels in the frontal cortex of the brain tissue. The histological and morphometric analysis showed signs of degeneration in the neurons and the glial cells with aggregations of inflammatory cells and a decrease in the mean thickness of the frontal cortex. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the caspase-8 immunoreaction in the neurons and glial cells of the frontal cortex. Interestingly, administration of ASA reversed the deleterious effect of the alcohol and ATOR intake and improved the cognitive function as indicated by biochemical and histological analysis. ASA significantly decreased the expression levels of miRNA155, NLRP3, and IL1B, and produced a significant decrease in caspase-8 immunoreaction in the neurons and glial cells of the frontal cortex with a reduction in the process of neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. To further investigate these findings, we have performed an extensive molecular docking study to investigate the binding affinity of ASA to the binding pockets of the NLRP3 protein. Our results indicated that ASA has high binding scores toward the active sites of the NLRP3 NACHT domain with the ability to bind to the NLRP3 pockets by a set of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, the present study highlights the protective pharmacological effect of ASA to attenuate the deleterious effect of alcohol intake and long term ATOR therapy on the cognitive function via targeting miRNA155 and NLRP3 proteins.

Phillyrin Prevents Neuroinflammation-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Damage Following Traumatic Brain Injury via Altering Microglial Polarization

Background: Phillyrin (Phi) is the main polyphenolic compound found in Forsythia suspensa. Recent studies have revealed that Phi has potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether Phi could relieve blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to activate primary microglia, which were then treated with different doses of Phi or the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) antagonist (GW9662). CCK-8 assay was used for evaluating cell viability, and the cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, and TGFβ), microglial phenotypic markers (iNOS, COX2, and CD86 for "M1" polarization; Arg1, Ym1, and CD206 for "M2" polarization), PPARγ, and NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, or cellular immunofluorescence. Primary cultured mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were stimulated by the condition medium (CM) from microglia. The cell viability, angiogenesis, and tight junction of BMECs were determined via CCK-8 assay, tube formation assay, and Western blot (for detecting MMP3, MMP9, ZO1, claudin-5, and occludin). Furthermore, the mouse TBI model was constructed and treated with Phi and/or GW9662. The BBB integrity was evaluated by H&E staining, Evans blue staining, and tissue immunofluorescence. Results: Phi markedly restrained the pro-inflammatory ("M1" state) cytokines and promoted anti-inflammatory ("M2" polarization) cytokines in LPS-mediated microglia. Phi mitigated "M1" polarization and promoted "M2" polarization of microglia via enhancing PPARγ and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. The PPARγ antagonist GW9662 significantly repressed Phi-mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, Phi enhanced the viability, tube formation ability, and cell junction of BMECs. In the TBI mouse model, Phi promoted "M2" polarization, whereas it repressed the "M1" polarization of microglia. In addition, Phi reduced TBI-mediated BBB damage. However, the protective effects of Phi were reversed mainly by GW9662 treatment. Conclusion: Phi prevents BBB damage via inhibiting the neuroinflammation of microglia through the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway, which provides a potential therapeutic drug against TBI.

Rivaroxaban Modulates TLR4/Myd88/NF-Kβ Signaling Pathway in a Dose-Dependent Manner With Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in an Experimental Model of Depression

Depression is a common mental illness leading to upset or anxiety, with a high incidence rate in the world. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban (RVX), in the model of depression induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) in rats. Fifty-six male Wister rats were randomly divided into seven experimental groups (8 rats/group); Group 1: Control group given vehicle per oral (p.o.), Group 2: RVXL-control group (received rivaroxaban 20 mg/kg/day, p.o..), Group 3: RVXH-control group (received rivaroxaban 30 mg/kg/day, p.o.), Group 4: chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, Group 5: FLX-treated CUMS group (received fluoxetine 10 mg/kg/day, p.o..), Group 6: RVXL-treated CUMS group (received rivaroxaban 20 mg/kg/day, p.o.), and Group 7: RVXH-treated CUMS group (received rivaroxaban 30 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The rats received the drugs from the first day of the experiment and continued till 4 weeks-the duration of the study. The following were measured: monoamine neurotransmitters, malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). A forced swimming test (FST) was done. Furthermore, histological changes and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoexpression were evaluated. CUMS showed a significant decrease in hypothalamic neurotransmitters, hippocampal GSH, SOD, BNDF, and VEGF-A with a significant increase in hippocampal MDA, NOx, NF-kβ, Myd88, TLR4, TNF-α, and GFAP immunoexpression. RVX showed significant improvement in all parameters (p -value < 0.0001). In conclusion, RVX in a dose-dependent manner possesses potent ameliorative effects against depression by reducing the oxidative stress and inflammatory process, through the regulation of the TLR4/Myd88/NF-kβ signaling pathway.

Alcohol's Impact on the Fetus

BACKGROUND

Alcohol is a teratogen and prenatal exposure may adversely impact the developing fetus, increasing risk for negative outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Global trends of increasing alcohol use among women of childbearing age due to economic development, changing gender roles, increased availability of alcohol, peer pressure and social acceptability of women's alcohol use may put an increasing number of pregnancies at risk for prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This risk has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some countries.

METHOD

This literature review presents an overview on the epidemiology of alcohol use among childbearing age and pregnant women and FASD by World Health Organization regions; impact of PAE on fetal health, including FASD; associated comorbidities; and social outcomes.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

The impact of alcohol on fetal health and social outcomes later in life is enormous, placing a huge economic burden on countries. Prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and early identification of affected individuals should be a global public health priority.

The Effect of Curcumin Nanoparticles on Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Male Wistar Albino Rats

The cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs as cisplatin has become a major issue in recent years. The present study investigates the efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles against the cardiotoxic effects of cisplatin by assessment of oxidative stress parameters, Na+,K+-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cardiac tissue in addition to serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Rats were divided into three groups: control rats that received saline for 14 days; cisplatin-treated rats that received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (12 mg/kg) followed by a daily oral administration of saline (0.9%) for 14 days and rats treated with a single i.p. injection of cisplatin (12 mg/kg) followed by a daily oral administration of curcumin nanoparticles (50 mg/kg) for 14 days. Cisplatin resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO), and TNF-α and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and Na+, K+- ATPase activity. Moreover, significant increases in cardiac AchE and serum lactate dehydrogenase activities were recorded. Treatment of cisplatin-injected animals with curcumin nanoparticles ameliorated all the alterations induced by cisplatin in the heart of rats. This suggests that curcumin nanoparticles can be used as an important therapeutic adjuvant in chemotherapeutic and other toxicities mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation.

Curcumin attenuates spatial memory impairment by anti-oxidative, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory mechanism against methamphetamine neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats: Histological and biochemical changes

OBJECTIVE

Methamphetamine is used extensively around the world as a psychostimulant. The complications related to methamphetamine include methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity, mainly involving intraneuronal processes, such as oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Curcumin is effective against neuronal injury due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the protective effects of curcumin against methamphetamine neurotoxicity.

METHODS

Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control (n = 12), DMSO (n = 12), methamphetamine (n = 12), and methamphetamine + curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneal [IP]; n = 12). Neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of methamphetamine administrated through 4 injections (4 × 10 mg/kg, q2h, IP). Curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered at 7 days after the last methamphetamine injection. By using a Morris water maze task, the hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning were evaluated 1 day after the last curcumin injection. Then, the animal brains were isolated for biochemical measurements, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1(Iba-1) and caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The current study demonstrated that administration of curcumin significantly attenuates spatial memory impairment (P < 0.01) following methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Curcumin caused a significant increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05). However, it decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) levels as compared to the methamphetamine group. Also, curcumin significantly reduced Iba-1 (P < 0. 01), GFAP and caspase-3 positive cells in the hippocampus (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Curcumin exerted neuroprotective effects on methamphetamine neurotoxicity because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

A targeted polypeptide-based nanoconjugate as a nanotherapeutic for alcohol-induced neuroinflammation

Alcohol abuse induces the expression of inflammatory mediators by activating the immune receptors to trigger neuroinflammation and brain damage; however, therapies that reduce neuroimmune system activation may protect against alcohol's damaging effects. Curcuminoids possess anti-inflammatory properties but suffer from low bioavailability; therefore, we designed a new receptor-targeted biodegradable star-shaped crosslinked polypeptide polymer that bears propargylamine moieties and bisdemethoxycurcumin (StClPr-BDMC-ANG) as an enhanced anti-inflammatory therapeutic that penetrates the blood-brain-barrier and ameliorates alcohol-induced neuroinflammation. StClPr-BDMC-ANG administration maintains the viability of primary glia and inhibits the ethanol-induced upregulation of crucial inflammatory mediators in the prefrontal and medial cortex in a mouse model of chronic ethanol consumption. StClPr-BDMC-ANG treatment also suppresses the ethanol-mediated downregulation of microRNAs known to negatively modulate neuroinflammation in the brain cortex (miRs 146a-5p and let-7b-5p). In summary, our results demonstrate the attenuation of alcohol-induced neuroinflammation by an optimized and targeted polypeptide-based nanoconjugate of a curcuminoid.

A Potential Role for Mitochondrial DNA in the Activation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Liver Disease

Mitochondria are organelles that are essential for cellular homeostasis including energy harvesting through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in liver diseases as it produces a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in turn leading to further oxidative damage to the structure and function of mitochondria and other cellular components. More severe oxidative damage occurred in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) than in nuclear DNA. mtDNA dysfunction results in further oxidative damage as it participates in encoding respiratory chain polypeptides. In addition, mtDNA can leave the mitochondria and enter the cytoplasm and extracellular environment. mtDNA is derived from ancient bacteria, contains many unmethylated CpG dinucleotide repeats similar to bacterial DNA, and thus can induce inflammation to exacerbate damage to liver cells and distal organs by activating toll-like receptor 9, inflammatory bodies, and stimulator of interferon genes (STING). In this review, we focus on the mechanism by which mtDNA alterations cause liver injuries, including nonalcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer.

Curcumin treatment attenuates alcohol-induced alterations in a mouse model of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Alcohol exposure during development produces physical and mental abnormalities in the foetus that result in long-term molecular adjustments in the brain, which could underlie the neurobehavioural deficits observed in individuals suffering from foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In this study, we assessed the effects of curcumin on cognitive impairments caused by prenatal and lactational alcohol exposure (PLAE). Furthermore, we examined whether curcumin could counteract the molecular alterations that may underlie these behavioural impairments. We focused on inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms by analysing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as microglia and astrocyte activation in the dentate gyrus. We also assessed the activity of histone acetyltransferase in these brain areas. To model binge alcohol drinking, we exposed pregnant C57BL/6 mice to a 20% v/v alcohol solution during gestation and lactation, with limited access periods. We treated male offspring with curcumin during postnatal days (PD28-35) and then evaluated their behaviour in adulthood (PD60). Our results showed that curcumin treatment during the peri-adolescence period improved the anxiety and memory deficits observed in PLAE mice. At the molecular level, we found enhanced histone acetyltransferase activity in mice subjected to PLAE that curcumin treatment could not reverse to baseline levels. These mice also showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which could be rescued by curcumin treatment. They also displayed astrogliosis and microglia activation. Our study provides further evidence to support the use of curcumin as a therapeutic agent for counteracting behavioural and molecular alterations induced by PLAE.

Police Violence among Adults Diagnosed with Mental Disorders

Police violence is reportedly common among those diagnosed with mental disorders characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms or pronounced emotional lability. Despite the perception that people with mental illness are disproportionately mistreated by the police, there is relatively little empirical research on this topic. A cross-sectional general population survey was administered online in 2017 to 1,000 adults in two eastern U.S. cities to examine the relationship between police violence exposure, mental disorders, and crime involvement. Results from hierarchical logistic regression and mediation analyses revealed that a range of mental health conditions are broadly associated with elevated risk for police violence exposure. Individuals with severe mental illness are more likely than the general population to be physically victimized by police, regardless of their involvement in criminal activities. Most of the excess risk of police violence exposure related to common psychiatric diagnoses was explained by confounding factors including crime involvement. However, crime involvement may necessitate more police contact, but does not necessarily justify victimization or excessive force (particularly sexual and psychological violence). Findings support the need for adequate training for police officers on how to safely interact with people with mental health conditions, particularly severe mental illness.

Effect of curcumin on the inflammatory reaction and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in a hyperglycemic rat model

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on the histological changes and functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI).

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into a sham, SCI only, SCI-hyperglycemia, and SCI-hyperglycemia-curcumin (200 mg/kg/day, i.p.) groups.

METHODS

SCI was induced using a clip at T9-10 and hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (60-70 mg/kg, i.v.). Plasma malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity was measured to determine oxidative stress. The activity of macrophages in the spinal cord after SCI was stained by the anti-CD68 antibody (ED-1). The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot was used to verify the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases and STAT3. The glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis. Functional recovery was assessed according to the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale and histologic outcome was evaluated by the lesion volume and spared tissue area.

RESULTS

Superoxide dismutase activity increased, the malondialdehyde level decreased, and ED-1 macrophage marker level decreased in the SCI-hyperglycemia-curcumin group than in the SCI-hyperglycemia group at 2 weeks after SCI (p<.01). The SCI-hyperglycemia-curcumin group showed a statistically significant reduction in IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels compared with the SCI-hyperglycemia group after SCI. The phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphorylated-JNK, and phospho-p38 levels were significantly lower in the SCI-hypoglycemia-curcumin group than in the SCI-hypoglycemia group. The SCI-hyperglycemia-curcumin group showed a decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein expression after SCI compared with the SCI-hyperglycemia group. The SCI-hyperglycemia-curcumin group showed a lower lesion volume, higher spared tissue, and better functional recovery than the SCI-hyperglycemia group.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin may have a potential neuroprotective effect in SCI with hyperglycemia.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Curcumin decreased the inflammatory response and decreased astrogliosis and improved the functional recovery and histologic outcomes in SCI with hyperglycemia.

Protective effects of curcumin against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice through modulating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress

Background

Curcumin is a major active ingredient extracted from powdered dry rhizome of Curcuma longa. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used as a hepatoprotective agent for centuries. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear.

Objective

The present study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and explore its mechanism.

Design

Alcohol-exposed Balb/c mice were treated with curcumin (75 and 150 mg/kg) once per day for 8 weeks. Tissue from individual was fixed with formaldehyde for pathological examination. The activities of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, Na⁺/k⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, and Ca²⁺Mg²⁺-ATPase, were determined. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening was also determined. The expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, Mn-SOD, GRP78, PERK, IRE1α, nuclear NF-κB, and phosphorylated IκBα was quantified by western blot. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the liver were measured using the ELISA method.

Results

Curcumin significantly promoted hepatic mitochondrial function by reducing the opening of MPTP, thus increasing the MMP, promoting the activity of Na⁺/k⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase, and attenuating oxidative stress. Curcumin upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, and Mn-SOD, and downregulated the expression of GRP78, PERK, and IRE1α in hepatic tissue. Curcumin also attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the IκBα–NF-κB pathway, which reduced the production of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Conclusion

Curcumin attenuates alcohol-induced liver injury via improving mitochondrial function and attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation. This study provides strong evidence for the beneficial effects of curcumin in the treatment of chronic alcohol-induced liver injury.

Aging with alcohol-related brain damage: Critical brain circuits associated with cognitive dysfunction

Alcoholism is associated with brain damage and impaired cognitive functioning. The relative contributions of different etiological factors, such as alcohol, thiamine deficiency and age vulnerability, to the development of alcohol-related neuropathology and cognitive impairment are still poorly understood. One reason for this quandary is that both alcohol toxicity and thiamine deficiency produce brain damage and cognitive problems that can be modulated by age at exposure, aging following alcohol toxicity or thiamine deficiency, and aging during chronic alcohol exposure. Pre-clinical models of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) have elucidated some of the contributions of ethanol toxicity and thiamine deficiency to neuroinflammation, neuronal loss and functional deficits. However, the critical variable of age at the time of exposure or long-term aging with ARBD has been relatively ignored. Acute thiamine deficiency created a massive increase in neuroimmune genes and proteins within the thalamus and significant increases within the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Chronic ethanol treatment throughout adulthood produced very minor fluctuations in neuroimmune genes, regardless of brain region. Intermittent "binge-type" ethanol during the adolescent period established an intermediate neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, that can persist into adulthood. Chronic excessive drinking throughout adulthood, adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure, and thiamine deficiency all led to a loss of the cholinergic neuronal phenotype within the basal forebrain, reduced hippocampal neurogenesis, and alterations in the frontal cortex. Only thiamine deficiency results in gross pathological lesions of the thalamus. The behavioral impairment following these types of treatments is hierarchical: Thiamine deficiency produces the greatest impairment of hippocampal- and prefrontal-dependent behaviors, chronic ethanol drinking ensues mild impairments on both types of tasks and adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure leads to impairments on frontocortical tasks, with sparing on most hippocampal-dependent tasks. However, our preliminary data suggest that as rodents age following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure, hippocampal functional deficits began to emerge. A necessary requirement for the advancement of understanding the neural consequences of alcoholism is a more comprehensive assessment and understanding of how excessive alcohol drinking at different development periods (adolescence, early adulthood, middle-aged and aged) influences the trajectory of the aging process, including pathological aging and disease.

The effect of curcumin on cognition in Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: A systematic review of pre-clinical and clinical studies

Alzheimer's disease constitutes a growing cause of cognitive impairment in aging population. Given that current treatments do not produce the desired therapeutic effects, the need for finding alternative biological and pharmacological approaches is critical. Accumulating evidence suggests inflammatory and oxidative stress responses as potential causal factors of cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging. Curcumin has received increased interest due to its unique molecular structure that targets inflammatory and antioxidant pathways as well as (directly) amyloid aggregation; one of the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, this review summarizes preclinical and clinical findings on curcumin as a potential cognitive enhancer in Alzheimer's disease and normal aging. Databases used for literature searches include PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science; in addition, clinicaltrials.gov was used to search for clinical studies. Overall, animal research has shown very promising results in potentiating cognition, both physiologically and behaviourally. However, human studies are limited and results are less consistent, complicating their interpretation. These inconsistencies may be related to differences in methodology and the included population. Taking into account measurements of important inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, optimal dosages of curcumin, food interactions, and duration of treatment would increase our understanding on curcumin's promising effects on cognition. In addition, increasing curcumin's bioavailability could benefit future research.

Natural Dietary Supplementation of Curcumin Protects Mice Brains against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neurodegeneration and Memory Impairment via Nrf2/TLR4/RAGE Signaling

The aim of the current study was to explore the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms of curcumin (50 mg/kg, for six weeks) against ethanol (5 mg/kg i.p., for six weeks) induced oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated cognitive dysfunction in mice. According to our findings, ethanol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and memory impairment, which were significantly inhibited with the administration of curcumin, as assessed by ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and Nrf2/HO-1 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Heme-oxygenase-1) expression in the experimental mice brains. Moreover, curcumin regulated the expression of the glial cell markers in ethanol-treated mice brains, as analyzed by the relative expression TLR4 (Toll like Receptor 4), RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycations End products), GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein), and Iba-1 (Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1), through Western blot and confocal microscopic analysis. Moreover, our results showed that curcumin downregulated the expression of p-JNK (Phospo c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase), p-NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), and its downstream targets, as assessed by Western blot and confocal microscopic analysis. Finally, the expression of synaptic proteins and the behavioral results also supported the hypothesis that curcumin may inhibit memory dysfunction and behavioral alterations associated with ethanol intoxication. Altogether, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that curcumin may serve as a potential, promising, and cheaply available neuroprotective compound against ethanol-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Chronic Alcohol Exposure Induced Neuroapoptosis: Diminishing Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Aralia elata

An ethyl acetate fraction from Aralia elata (AEEF) was investigated to confirm its neuronal cell protective effect on ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in MC-IXC cells and its ameliorating effect on neurodegeneration in chronic alcohol-induced mice. The neuroprotective effect was examined by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assays. As a result, AEEF reduced alcohol-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. To evaluate the improvement of learning, memory ability, and spatial cognition, Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests were conducted. The AEEF groups showed an alleviation of the decrease in cognitive function in alcohol-treated mice. Then, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content were measured to evaluate the antioxidant effect of AEEF in the brain tissue. Treatment with AEEF showed a considerable ameliorating effect on biomarkers such as SOD and MDA content in alcohol-induced mice. To assess the cerebral cholinergic system involved in neuronal signaling, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and acetylcholine (ACh) content were measured. The AEEF groups showed increased ACh levels and decreased AChE activities. In addition, AEEF prevented alcohol-induced neuronal apoptosis via improvement of mitochondrial activity, including reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate content. AEEF inhibited apoptotic signals by regulating phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau). Finally, the bioactive compounds of AEEF were identified as caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA), and chikusetsusaponin IVa using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS system.

Antineuroinflammatory Activities and Neurotoxicological Assessment of Curcumin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia Cell Models

Curcumin, which is a potential antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective compound, exhibits poor bioavailability in brain cells due to its difficulty in crossing the blood–brain barrier and its rapid metabolism during circulation, which decreases its efficacy in treating chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in the central nervous system. The bioavailability and potential of curcumin can be improved by using a nanodelivery system, which includes solid lipid nanoparticles. Curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were efficiently developed to have a particle size of about 86 nm and do not exhibit any toxicity in the endothelial brain cells. Furthermore, the curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were studied to assess their efficacy in BV-2 microglial cells against LPS-induced neuroinflammation. The SLCN showed a higher inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production compared to conventional curcumin in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the mRNA and proinflammatory cytokine levels were also reduced in a dose-dependent manner when compared to those with free curcumin. Thus, SLCN could be a potential delivery system for curcumin to treat microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.

Chronic Binge Alcohol-Associated Differential Brain Region Modulation of Growth Factor Signaling Pathways and Neuroinflammation in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Male Macaques

AIMS

Microarray analysis of hippocampal tissue from chronic binge alcohol (CBA)-administered, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected male macaques identified altered immune response and neurogenesis as potential mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in macaques. This study investigated the differential brain region associations between markers of neuroinflammation and growth factor signaling with microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression.

METHODS

Adult male rhesus macaques were administered CBA (13-14 g EtOH/kg/week, n = 8) or sucrose (SUC, n = 7) beginning 3 months prior to SIV infection and continued until animals reached end-stage disease criteria (3-24 months post infection). Expression of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and viral loads were determined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), caudate (CD), and hippocampus (HP). Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) expression and phosphorylation of intracellular kinases downstream of BDNF were investigated in the PFC.

RESULTS

Our results show reduced MAP2 expression in the PFC of longer-surviving, CBA/SIV macaques. BDNF expression was most closely associated with MAP2 expression in the PFC. In the caudate, significant positive associations were observed between MAP2 and BDNF, time to end-stage and set-point viral load and significant negative associations for CBA. In the hippocampus, positive associations were observed between MAP2 and inflammatory cytokines, and negative associations for brain viral load and CBA.

CONCLUSIONS

CBA differentially affects growth factor and inflammatory cytokine expression and viral load across brain regions. In the PFC, suppression of growth factor signaling may be an important neuropathological mechanism, while inflammatory processes may play a more important role in the CD and HP.

Protective effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. seed on oxidative stress and cognitive impairment induced by chronic alcohol consumption in mice

Chronic alcohol consumption induces damage to the brain that can cause various forms of dementia. An abundance of acetaldehyde is produced by excessive alcohol consumption and accumulates in the body to induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in neuronal cells, which results in learning and cognitive decline. In the present study, C57BL/N mice were orally administered alcohol (16%) and Carthamus tinctorius L. seed (CTS) (100 and 200 mg/kg/day). Behavioral experiments showed that memory and cognitive abilities were significantly higher in the CTS groups than the alcohol-treated control group in the T-maze test, novel object recognition test, and Morris water maze test. In addition, CTS inhibited alcohol-induced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in the brain, kidney, and liver. Moreover, alcohol increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, but this was significantly decreased by the administration of CTS. Therefore, CTS may play role in the prevention of alcohol-related dementia.

PI3K/Akt/GSK3β induced CREB activation ameliorates arsenic mediated alterations in NMDA receptors and associated signaling in rat hippocampus: Neuroprotective role of curcumin

Protective efficacy of curcumin in arsenic induced NMDA receptor dysfunctions and PI3K/Akt/ GSK3β signalling in hippocampus has been investigated in vivo and in vitro. Exposure to sodium arsenite (in vivo - 20 mg/kg, body weight p.o. for 28 days; in vitro - 10 μM for 24 h) and curcumin (in vivo - 100 mg/kg body weight p.o. for 28 days; in vitro - 20 μM for 24 h) was carried out alone or simultaneously. Treatment with curcumin ameliorated sodium arsenite induced alterations in the levels of NMDA receptors, its receptor subunits and synaptic proteins - pCaMKIIα, PSD-95 and SynGAP both in vivo and in vitro. Decreased levels of BDNF, pAkt, pERK1/2, pGSK3β and pCREB on sodium arsenite exposure were also protected by curcumin. Curcumin was found to decrease sodium arsenite induced changes in hippocampus by modulating PI3K/Akt/GSK3β neuronal survival pathway, known to regulate various cellular events. Treatment of hippocampal cultures with pharmacological inhibitors for ERK1/2, GSK3β and Akt individually inhibited levels of CREB and proteins associated with PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway. Simultaneous treatment with curcumin was found to improve sodium arsenite induced learning and memory deficits in rats assessed by water maze and Y-maze. The results provide evidence that curcumin exercises its neuroprotective effect involving PI3K/Akt pathway which may affect NMDA receptors and downstream signalling through TrKβ and BDNF in arsenic induced cognitive deficits in hippocampus.

Proanthocyanidins prevent ethanol-induced cognitive impairment by suppressing oxidative and inflammatory stress in adult rat brain

Excessive chronic alcohol consumption enhances brain oxidative and inflammatory stress, resulting in cognitive deficit. This study investigated the potential alleviating effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs) on ethanol-induced cognitive impairment and stress in brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Adult male rats were administered saline, PACs, ethanol, or combinations of ethanol with different doses of PACs for 8 weeks. Then, the Morris water-maze test was performed. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide were chosen as parameters of oxidative stress, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β chosen as parameters of inflammatory stress. The results indicated that ethanol led to cognitive impairment along with enhanced oxidative and inflammatory stress in brain regions, whereas PACs per se had no significant effects. Moreover, coadministration with PACs in ethanol-treated rats dose dependently rescued cognitive impairment accompanied by suppressed oxidative and inflammatory stress in brain regions. Thus, the protective effects of PACs on ethanol-induced cognitive impairments may be because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The Mechanisms of Action of Curcumin in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly. As the prevalence of AD rises in the 21st century, there is an urgent need for the development of effective pharmacotherapies. Currently, drug treatments target the symptoms of the disease and do not modify or halt the disease progress. Thus, natural compounds have been investigated for their ability to treat AD. This review examines the efficacy of curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric herb, to treat AD. We summarize the in vivo and in vitro research describing the mechanisms of action in which curcumin modifies AD pathology: curcumin inhibits the formation and promotes the disaggregation of amyloid-β plaques, attenuates the hyperphosphorylation of tau and enhances its clearance, binds copper, lowers cholesterol, modifies microglial activity, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, mediates the insulin signaling pathway, and is an antioxidant. In conclusion, curcumin has the potential to be more efficacious than current treatments. However, its usefulness as a therapeutic agent may be hindered by its low bioavailability. If the challenge of low bioavailability is overcome, curcumin-based medications for AD may be in the horizon.

Postnatal nutritional treatment of neurocognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Ethanol is the most important teratogen agent in humans. Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a wide range of adverse effects, which are broadly termed as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The most severe consequence of maternal alcohol abuse is the development of fetal alcohol syndrome, defined by growth retardation, facial malformations, and central nervous system impairment expressed as microcephaly and neurodevelopment abnormalities. These alterations generate a broad range of cognitive abnormalities such as learning disabilities and hyperactivity and behavioural problems. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, differences in genetic susceptibility related to ethanol metabolism, alcohol consumption patterns, obstetric problems, and environmental influences like maternal nutrition, stress, and other co-administered drugs are all factors that may influence FASD manifestations. Recently, much attention has been paid to the role of nutrition as a protective factor against alcohol teratogenicity. There are a great number of papers related to nutritional treatment of nutritional deficits due to several factors associated with maternal consumption of alcohol and with eating and social disorders in FASD children. Although research showed the clinical benefits of nutritional interventions, most of work was in animal models, in a preclinical phase, or in the prenatal period. However, a minimum number of studies refer to postnatal nutrition treatment of neurodevelopmental deficits. Nutritional supplementation in children with FASD has a dual objective: to overcome nutritional deficiencies and to reverse or improve the cognitive deleterious effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Further research is necessary to confirm positive results, to determine optimal amounts of nutrients needed in supplementation, and to investigate the collective effects of simultaneous multiple-nutrient supplementation.

Transcriptional Regulators as Targets for Alcohol Pharmacotherapies

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disease that currently afflicts over 15 million adults in the United States. Despite its prevalence, there are only three FDA-approved medications for AUD treatment, all of which show limited efficacy. Because of their ability to alter expression of a large number of genes, often with great cell-type and brain-region specificity, transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers serve as promising new targets for the development of AUD treatments aimed at the neural circuitry that underlies chronic alcohol abuse. In this chapter, we will discuss transcriptional regulators that can be targeted pharmacologically and have shown some efficacy in attenuating alcohol consumption when targeted. Specifically, the transcription factors cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as the epigenetic enzymes, the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), will be discussed.

Pinocembrin alleviates cognition deficits by inhibiting inflammation in diabetic mice

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is one of the most common diabetic complications in diabetes mellitus and is characterized by cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. It has been reported that hyperglycemia can induce hippocampal and cortical neuronal damage, which can result in severe spatial learning and memory impairment. Pinocembrin (Pino) has been widely used in the therapy of cancer and other diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-viral activities. However, the effects of Pino on DE-induced cognition deficits and its precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Pino on cognition and its potential mechanisms in a DE mouse model induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 150mg/kg). Here, we demonstrated that Pino significantly improved the behavior and cognitive deficits of DE mice in open field tasks and the Morris water maze. Pino also markedly increased neuronal survival in the frontal cortex and hippocampal CA3 region. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to measure nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. The results demonstrated that Pino could suppress the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and decrease TNF-α expression in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of DE mice. Taken together, the results suggest that Pino alleviates cognition deficits by protecting neurons from inflammation injury in diabetic mice.

Curcumin prevents reperfusion injury following ischemic stroke in rats via inhibition of NF‑κB, ICAM-1, MMP-9 and caspase-3 expression

Reperfusion is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke; however, it can cause excessive inflammation responses and aggravate brain damage. Therefore, supplementary treatment against inflammation caused by reperfusion is required. In a previous study from our group, curcumin was demonstrated to decrease infarction volume, brain edema and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study was conducted to understand whether curcumin protects against cerebral I/R injury through anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Ischemia for 1 h was induced in vivo in Wistar rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by reperfusion for 24 h, and curcumin was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min prior to reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and caspase-3. The findings revealed that inflammation (NF-κB, ICAM-1 and MMP-9) and apoptosis (caspase-3)-related markers were significantly downregulated in the curcumin-treated MCAO group compared with the vehicle-treated MCAO group. Furthermore, brain infarction size, brain edema and neurological dysfunction were attenuated in the curcumin-treated MCAO group compared with the vehicle-treated MCAO group. Taken together, the present results provided evidence that the protective effect of curcumin against cerebral I/R injury might be mediated by anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Therefore, curcumin may be a promising supplementary agent against cerebral I/R injury in the future.

An Update on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-Pathogenesis, Risks, and Treatment

Alcohol is a well-established teratogen that can cause variable physical and behavioral effects on the fetus. The most severe condition in this spectrum of diseases is known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The differences in maternal and fetal enzymes, in terms of abundance and efficiency, in addition to reduced elimination, allow for alcohol to have a prolonged effect on the fetus. This can act as a teratogen through numerous methods including reactive oxygen species (generated as by products of CYP2E1), decreased endogenous antioxidant levels, mitochondrial damage, lipid peroxidation, disrupted neuronal cell-cell adhesion, placental vasoconstriction, and inhibition of cofactors required for fetal growth and development. More recently, alcohol has also been shown to have epigenetic effects. Increased fetal exposure to alcohol and sustained alcohol intake during any trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of FAS. Other risk factors include genetic influences, maternal characteristics, for example, lower socioeconomic statuses and smoking, and paternal chronic alcohol use. The treatment options for FAS have recently started to be explored although none are currently approved clinically. These include prenatal antioxidant administration food supplements, folic acid, choline, neuroactive peptides, and neurotrophic growth factors. Tackling the wider impacts of FAS, such as comorbidities, and the family system have been shown to improve the quality of life of FAS patients. This review aimed to focus on the pathogenesis, especially mechanisms of alcohol teratogenicity, and risks of developing FAS. Recent developments in potential management strategies, including prenatal interventions, are discussed.

Energy Drink Administration in Combination with Alcohol Causes an Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus and Temporal Cortex of Rats

Energy drinks (EDs) are often consumed in combination with alcohol because they reduce the depressant effects of alcohol. However, different researches suggest that chronic use of these psychoactive substances in combination with alcohol can trigger an oxidative and inflammatory response. These processes are regulated by both a reactive astrogliosis and an increase of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS, causing cell death (apoptosis) at the central and peripheral nervous systems. Currently, mechanisms of toxicity caused by mixing alcohol and ED in the brain are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol consumption in combination with ED on inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the temporal cortex (TCx) and hippocampus (Hp) of adult rats (90 days old). Our results demonstrated that consuming a mixture of alcohol and ED for 60 days induced an increase in reactive gliosis, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide, in the TCx and Hp. We also found immunoreactivity to caspase-3 and a decrease of synaptophysin in the same brain regions. The results suggested that chronic consumption of alcohol in combination with ED causes an inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which induced cell death via apoptosis in the TCx and Hp of the adult rats.

Curcumin Attenuates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Ultrastructural Damage Induced by Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

OBJECTIVES

Curcumin is a molecule found in turmeric root that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been widely used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated whether curcumin stimulates the neurorepair process and improves locomotor function in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (190-220 g) were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 8 rats each: 1 sham-operated group and 3 ischemia-reperfusion injury groups that received intraperitoneal injections of saline vehicle, methylprednisolone (MP, 30 mg/kg following induction of ischemia-reperfusion [IR] injury), or curcumin (200 mg/kg for 7 days before induction of IR injury). Spinal cord IR injury was induced by occlusion of the abdominal aorta for 30 minutes. After 24 hours of reperfusion, locomotor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale. All animals were sacrificed. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to evaluate histopathological and ultrastructural alterations and to analyze levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, nitric oxide, and caspase-3, as well as enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, attenuated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, prevented apoptosis, and increased antioxidant defense mechanism activity in comparison to treatment with MP or saline. Histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities were significantly reduced in curcumin-treated rats compared to the MP- and saline-treated groups. Furthermore, curcumin significantly improved locomotor function.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin treatment preserves neuronal viability against inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Hepato- and neuro-protective effects of watermelon juice on acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Chronic and acute alcohol exposure has been extensively reported to cause oxidative stress in hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is known to possess various beneficial properties including; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcerogenic effects. However, there is a lack of pertinent information on its importance in acute alcohol-induced hepato- and neuro-toxicity. The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of watermelon juice on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the liver and brain of male Wistar rats. Rats were pre-treated with the watermelon juice at a dose of 4 ml/kg body weight for a period of fifteen days prior to a single dose of ethanol (50%; 12 ml/kg body weight). Ethanol treatment reduced body weight gain and significantly altered antioxidant status in the liver and brain. This is evidenced by the significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration; depletion in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and an increased catalase (CAT) activity in the brain and liver. There was no significant difference in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver and brain.

Oral administration of watermelon juice for fifteen (15) days prior to ethanol intoxication, significantly reduced the concentration of MDA in the liver and brain of rats. In addition, water melon pre-treatment increased the concentration of GSH and normalized catalase activity in both tissues in comparison to the ethanol control group. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenol, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and steroids in watermelon juice. Our findings indicate that watermelon juice demonstrate anti-oxidative effects in ethanol-induced oxidation in the liver and brain of rats; which could be associated with the plethora of antioxidant phyto-constituents present there-in.

Examining the potential clinical value of curcumin in the prevention and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

Curcumin derived from turmeric is well documented for its anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies show that curcumin also possesses neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties that may help delay or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Currently, clinical diagnosis of AD is onerous, and it is primarily based on the exclusion of other causes of dementia. In addition, phase III clinical trials of potential treatments have mostly failed, leaving disease-modifying interventions elusive. AD can be characterised neuropathologically by the deposition of extracellular β amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular accumulation of tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles. Disruptions in Aβ metabolism/clearance contribute to AD pathogenesis. In vitro studies have shown that Aβ metabolism is altered by curcumin, and animal studies report that curcumin may influence brain function and the development of dementia, because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to influence Aβ metabolism. However, clinical studies of curcumin have revealed limited effects to date, most likely because of curcumin’s relatively low solubility and bioavailability, and because of selection of cohorts with diagnosed AD, in whom there is already major neuropathology. However, the fresh approach of targeting early AD pathology (by treating healthy, pre-clinical and mild cognitive impairment-stage cohorts) combined with new curcumin formulations that increase bioavailability is renewing optimism concerning curcumin-based therapy. The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence supporting an association between curcumin and modulation of AD pathology, including in vitro and in vivo studies. We also review the use of curcumin in emerging retinal imaging technology, as a fluorochrome for AD diagnostics.

Curcumin by down-regulating NF-kB and elevating Nrf2, reduces brain edema and neurological dysfunction after cerebral I/R

BACKGROUND

Oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis are three critical factors for the pathogenic mechanism of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Curcumin exhibits substantial biological properties via anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptotic effects; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of curcumin against cerebral I/R injury remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of curcumin on cerebral I/R injury associated with water content, infarction volume, and the expression of nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2).

METHODS

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 1-hour occlusion and 24-hour reperfusion) was performed in male Wistar rats (n=64) as a cerebral I/R injury model. In the MCAO+CUR group, the rats were administered curcumin (300mg/kg BW, i.p.) at 30min after occlusion. The same surgical procedures were performed in SHAM rats without MCAO occlusion. At 24h post-operation, the parameters, including neurological deficit scores, blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, water content, and infarction volume, were determined. Brain tissue NF-κB and Nrf2 expression levels were assayed through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the SHAM group, BBB disruption, neurological deficit, and increased brain water content and infarction volume were markedly demonstrated in the MCAO group. NF-κB expression was enhanced in the MCAO group. However, in the MCAO+CUR group, the upregulation of Nrf2, an anti-oxidation related protein, was consistent with a significant decline in the water content, infarction volume, and NF-κB expression.

CONCLUSION

The protective effects of curcumin against cerebral I/R injury reflect anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptotic activities, resulting in the elevation of Nrf2 and down-regulation of NF-κB.

Tiliacora triandra, an Anti-Intoxication Plant, Improves Memory Impairment, Neurodegeneration, Cholinergic Function, and Oxidative Stress in Hippocampus of Ethanol Dependence Rats

Oxidative stress plays an important role in brain dysfunctions induced by alcohol. Since less therapeutic agent against cognitive deficit and brain damage induced by chronic alcohol consumption is less available, we aimed to assess the effect of Tiliacora triandra extract, a plant possessing antioxidant activity, on memory impairment, neuron density, cholinergic function, and oxidative stress in hippocampus of alcoholic rats. Male Wistar rats were induced ethanol dependence condition by semivoluntary intake of alcohol for 15 weeks. Alcoholic rats were orally given T. triandra at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg⁻¹BW for 14 days. Memory assessment was performed every 7 days while neuron density, activities of AChE, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and, MDA level in hippocampus were assessed at the end of study. Interestingly, the extract mitigated the increased escape latency, AChE and MDA level. The extract also mitigated the decreased retention time, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities, and neurons density in hippocampus induced by alcohol. These data suggested that the extract improved memory deficit in alcoholic rats partly via the decreased oxidative stress and the suppression of AChE. Therefore, T. triandra is the potential reagent for treating brain dysfunction induced by alcohol. However, further researches are necessary to understand the detail mechanism and possible active ingredient.

Curcumin alleviates cisplatin-induced learning and memory impairments

The present study has been designed to investigate the role of curcumin on cisplatin-inducedcognitive impairment and to reveal mechanisms of cisplatin's detrimental actions on cognition in rats. Animals were treated with cisplatin (5mg/kg/week) and/or curcumin (300mg/kg/day) for 5weeks. Morris water maze test was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated from hippocampus and plasma samples, and malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the end-product of lipid peroxidation, was determined by a colorimetric method. Our results showed that cisplatin (5mg/kg/week, 5weeks) caused learning and memory deficits, elevated MDA content, decreased SOD activity in the hippocampus and plasma, and AChE activity in the hippocampus. Curcumin improved learning and memory in rats with administration of cisplatin. In addition, curcumin significantly reduced the level of MDA and increased the activities of SOD and AChE. Taken together, our findings indicate that curcumin ameliorates cisplatin-induced spatial learning and memory impairment, possibly through restored cholinergic function and enhanced oxidative status.

17α-Estradiol: a candidate neuroserm and non-feminizing estrogen for postmenopausal neuronal complications

Extensive evidence suggests that decline in ovarian function with menopause is associated with neuronal dysfunction. Major cause of this is rise in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines because of estrogen deficiency. 17β-Estradiol (E2, hormone with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity) has profound protective actions on multiple organ systems, but feminizing side effects of β-estradiol limits its clinical efficacy. 17α-Estradiol (E2α), a non feminizing congener, gives a ray of hope to the scientific community as an alternative strategy to treat menopause associated neuronal pathologies. We assessed the protective actions of 17α-estradiol (5, 10μg/kg) against cognitive deficits, depression and motor coordination after 4weeks of ovariectomy in rats and compared its efficacy with E2 at same doses. After the behavioral assay animals were sacrificed and their brains were harvested for biochemical studies. Uterine weights were also assessed. E2 and E2α (5, 10μg/kg) were equally protective against attenuating cognitive deficits, depressive symptoms and motor incoordination in OVX rats. Both demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and E2, but not E2α, increased serum estradiol levels and proliferated uterine weights, markers of feminizing action. It can thus be concluded that E2α offers safe alternative to E2 in protecting against menopausal neuropathologies.

Advances in the development of novel antioxidant therapies as an approach for fetal alcohol syndrome prevention

Ethanol is the most common human teratogen, and its consumption during pregnancy can produce a wide range of abnormalities in infants known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The major characteristics of FASD can be divided into: (i) growth retardation, (ii) craniofacial abnormalities, and (iii) central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. FASD is the most common cause of nongenetic mental retardation in Western countries. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms of ethanol neurotoxicity are not completely determined, the induction of oxidative stress is believed to be one central process linked to the development of the disease. Currently, there is no known effective strategy for prevention (other than alcohol avoidance) or treatment. In the present review we will provide the state of art in the evidence for the use of antioxidants as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment using whole-embryo and culture cells models of FASD. We conclude that the imbalance of the intracellular redox state contributes to the pathogenesis observed in FASD models, and we suggest that antioxidant therapy can be considered a new efficient strategy to mitigate the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure.

Chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence in rats induces motor impairments and cerebral cortex damage associated with oxidative stress

Binge drinking is common among adolescents, and this type of ethanol exposure may lead to long-term nervous system damage. In the current study, we evaluated motor performance and tissue alterations in the cerebral cortex of rats subjected to intermittent intoxication with ethanol from adolescence to adulthood. Adolescent male Wistar rats (35 days old) were treated with distilled water or ethanol (6.5 g/kg/day, 22.5% w/v) during 55 days by gavage to complete 90 days of age. The open field, inclined plane and the rotarod tests were used to assess the spontaneous locomotor activity and motor coordination performance in adult animals. Following completion of behavioral tests, half of animals were submitted to immunohistochemical evaluation of NeuN (marker of neuronal bodies), GFAP (a marker of astrocytes) and Iba1 (microglia marker) in the cerebral cortex while the other half of the animals were subjected to analysis of oxidative stress markers by biochemical assays. Chronic ethanol intoxication in rats from adolescence to adulthood induced significant motor deficits including impaired spontaneous locomotion, coordination and muscle strength. These behavioral impairments were accompanied by marked changes in all cellular populations evaluated as well as increased levels of nitrite and lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex. These findings indicate that continuous ethanol intoxication from adolescence to adulthood is able to provide neurobehavioral and neurodegenerative damage to cerebral cortex.

Alcohol, phospholipase A2-associated neuroinflammation, and ω3 docosahexaenoic acid protection

Chronic alcohol (ethanol) abuse causes neuroinflammation and brain damage that can give rise to alcoholic dementia. Insightfully, Dr. Albert Sun was an early proponent of oxidative stress as a key factor in alcoholism-related brain deterioration. In fact, oxidative stress has proven to be critical to the hippocampal and temporal cortical neurodamage resulting from repetitive "binge" alcohol exposure in adult rat models. Although the underlying mechanisms are uncertain, our immunoelectrophoretic and related assays in binge alcohol experiments in vivo (adult male rats) and in vitro (rat organotypic hippocampal-entorhinal cortical slice cultures) have implicated phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))-activated neuroinflammatory pathways, release of pro-oxidative arachidonic acid (20:4 ω6), and elevated oxidative stress adducts (i.e., 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts). Also, significantly increased by the binge alcohol treatments was aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel enriched in astrocytes that, when augmented, may trigger brain (esp. cellular) edema and neuroinflammation; of relevance, glial swelling is known to provoke increased PLA(2) activities or levels. Concomitant with PLA(2) activation, the results have further implicated binge alcohol-elevated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), an oxidative stress-responsive DNA repair enzyme linked to parthanatos, a necrotic-like neuronal death process. Importantly, supplementation of the brain slice cultures with docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 ω3) exerted potent suppression of the induced changes in PLA(2) isoforms, AQP4, PARP-1 and oxidative stress footprints, and prevention of the binge alcohol neurotoxicity, by as yet unknown mechanisms. These neuroinflammatory findings from our binge alcohol studies and supportive rat binge studies in the literature are reviewed.

Curcumin can prevent the changes in cerebellar structure and function induced by sodium metabisulfite in rat

Sulfites are used as anti-microbial and anti-oxidant agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Curcumin, a flavonoid, is an Asian spice that shows neuroprotective activities. The current study aimed to stereologically assess the rats' cerebellar cortex and rotarod performance following sulfite exposure and determine the possible neuroprotective potential of curcumin. The rats were divided into five groups: distilled water, olive oil, curcumin (100 mg/kg/day), sodium metabisulfite (25 mg/kg/day), and sodium metabisulfite+curcumin. At 56 days after treatment, rotarod performance was tested, and then the cerebellum was removed for stereological analysis. The study results revealed 31%, 36%, 19% and 24% decrease in the total volume of the cerebellum, cortex, the total number of the Purkinje cells and length of the nerve fibers in the cortex per Purkinje, respectively in the sodium metabisulfite-treated rats compared to the distilled water group (p<0.01). The pre-trained animals on the rotarod apparatus were tested first on the fixed speed rotarod protocol followed by the accelerating rotarod protocol two days later. The results showed a significant decrease in the latency to fall in both test in sulfite-treated rats. The sulfite effects on the structural parameters and rotarod performance were significantly protected by the concomitant curcumin treatment (p<0.001). Sulfite can induce structural and functional changes in the rats' cerebellum and concomitant curcumin prescription plays a neuroprotective role.