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Lee JY, Kim S, Kim H, Yeon SH, Kim SY, Son RH, Park CL, Lee YH. Improvement in Testosterone Production by Acorus gramineus for the Alleviation of Andropause Symptoms. J Med Food 2024. [PMID: 38828543 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acorus gramineus has a number of beneficial effects, including protective effects against age-related disorders. In this study, the effects of A. gramineus on testosterone production and andropause symptoms were evaluated. We first treated TM3 mouse Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, with A. gramineus aqueous extract at different concentrations. In TM3 cells, the testosterone concentration increased in a concentration-dependent manner compared with those in the control. In addition, at 400 μg/mL extract, the mRNA expression level of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 was increased. Subsequently, 23-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats exhibiting an age-related reduction in serum testosterone (approximately 80% lower than that in 7-week-old SD rats) were administered A. gramineus aqueous extract for 8 weeks. Serum total testosterone and free testosterone levels were higher and serum estradiol, prostate-specific antigen levels, and total cholesterol levels were lower in the AG50 group (A. gramineus aqueous extract 50 mg/kg of body weight/day) than in the OLD (control group). The AG50 group also showed significant elevations in sperm count, grip strength, and mRNA expression of StAR, CYP11A1, 17β-HSD, and CYP17A1 compared with those in the OLD group. In conclusion, A. gramineus aqueous extract facilitated steroidogenesis in Leydig cells, elevated testosterone levels, lowered serum estradiol and total cholesterol levels, and increased muscle strength and sperm count, thus alleviating the symptoms of andropause. These findings suggest that A. gramineus aqueous extract is a potentially effective therapeutic agent against various symptoms associated with andropause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Yoon Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Suwon, Hwasung, South Korea
| | - Seokho Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Suwon, Hwasung, South Korea
| | - Hongeun Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Suwon, Hwasung, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hum Yeon
- Healthcare Research Division, Huons(O) Global Ltd., Seongnam(O), South Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Kim
- Healthcare Research Division, Huons(O) Global Ltd., Seongnam(O), South Korea
| | - Rak Ho Son
- Healthcare Research Division, Huons(O) Global Ltd., Seongnam(O), South Korea
| | - Chae Lee Park
- Healthcare Research Division, Huons(O) Global Ltd., Seongnam(O), South Korea
| | - Yoo-Hyun Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Suwon, Hwasung, South Korea
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Anbaraki A, Dindar Z, Mousavi-Jarrahi Z, Ghasemi A, Moeini Z, Evini M, Saboury AA, Seyedarabi A. The novel anti-fibrillary effects of volatile compounds α-asarone and β-caryophyllene on tau protein: Towards promising therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132401. [PMID: 38761902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal deposition of tau protein is one of the critical causes of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, there has been great interest in the use of essential oils and volatile compounds in aromatherapy for treating AD, since volatile compounds can directly reach the brain through intranasal administration. The volatile compounds α-asarone (ASA) and β-caryophyllene (BCP) have revealed various important neuroprotective properties, useful in treating AD. In this study, the volatile compounds ASA and BCP were assessed for their effectiveness in preventing tau fibrillation, disassembly of pre-formed tau fibrils, and disaggregation of tau aggregates. SDS-PAGE and AFM analyses revealed that ASA and BCP inhibited tau fibrillation/aggregation and decreased the mean size of tau oligomers. Tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, showed a reduction in ThT and ANS fluorescence intensities, and a decrease in the β-sheet content. Additionally, ASA and BCP disassembled the pre-formed tau fibrils to the granular and linear oligomeric intermediates. Treatment of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, revealed protective effects as shown by reduced toxicity of the cells, due to the inhibition of tau fibrillation/aggregation. Overall, ASA and BCP appeared to be promising therapeutic candidates for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrooz Anbaraki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Dindar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atiyeh Ghasemi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moeini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Evini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Seyedarabi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Umeda T, Sakai A, Shigemori K, Nakata K, Nakajima R, Yamana K, Tomiyama T. New Value of Acorus tatarinowii/ gramineus Leaves as a Dietary Source for Dementia Prevention. Nutrients 2024; 16:1589. [PMID: 38892521 PMCID: PMC11175135 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The rhizomes of Acorus tatarinowii Schott and Acorus gramineus Solander are widely used for treating amnesia in traditional Chinese medicine. In contrast, their leaves are usually discarded without their medicinal properties being known. Here, we found that the hot water extract of leaves improved cognition and tau pathology in model mice of frontotemporal dementia, similar to or even better than that of rhizomes. To explore the optimal method of processing, we made three preparations from dried leaves: hot water extract, extraction residue, and non-extracted simple crush powder. Among them, the simple crush powder had the strongest effect on tauopathy in mice. The crush powder also ameliorated Aβ and α-synuclein pathologies and restored cognition in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. These findings suggest the potential of Acorus tatarinowii/gramineus leaves as a dietary source for dementia prevention and reveal that simple crushing is a better way to maximize their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Umeda
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.)
- Cerebro Pharma Inc., 4-5-6-3F Minamikyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0058, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sakai
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.)
- Cerebro Pharma Inc., 4-5-6-3F Minamikyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0058, Japan
| | - Keiko Shigemori
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.)
| | - Kunio Nakata
- NOMON Co., Ltd., New Business Development Unit, Teijin Ltd., Kasumigaseki Common Gate West Tower 3-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8585, Japan; (K.N.); (R.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Ryota Nakajima
- NOMON Co., Ltd., New Business Development Unit, Teijin Ltd., Kasumigaseki Common Gate West Tower 3-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8585, Japan; (K.N.); (R.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kei Yamana
- NOMON Co., Ltd., New Business Development Unit, Teijin Ltd., Kasumigaseki Common Gate West Tower 3-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8585, Japan; (K.N.); (R.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Takami Tomiyama
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.)
- Cerebro Pharma Inc., 4-5-6-3F Minamikyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0058, Japan
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Zheng Y, Wang C, Liu W, Chen J, Sun Y, Chang D, Wang H, Xu W, Lu JJ, Zhou X, Huang M. Upregulation of Nrf2 signaling: A key molecular mechanism of Baicalin's neuroprotective action against diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116579. [PMID: 38631145 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Diabetes-associated cognitive impairment (DCI) is a prevalent complication of diabetes. However, there is a lack of viable strategies for preventing and treating DCI. This study aims to explore the efficacy of baicalin (Bai) in attenuating DCI and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE GK rats fed a high-fat and high-glucose diet were utilized to investigate the therapeutic potential of Bai. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bai's neuro-protective effects, co-cultured BV2/HT22 cells were established under high-glucose (HG) stimulation. The modes of action of Bai were subsequently confirmed in vivo using the DCI model in db/db mice. KEY RESULTS Bai restored cognitive and spatial memory and attenuated neuron loss, along with reducing expressions of Aβ and phosphorylated Tau protein in diabetic GK rats. At the cellular level, Bai exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against HG stimulation. These effects were associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and supressed Keap1 levels. Consistent with these in vitro findings, similar mechanisms were observed in db/db mice. The significant neuroprotective effects of Bai were abolished when co-administered with ATRA, a Nrf2 blocker, in db/db mice, confirming that KEAP1-Nrf2 signaling pathway was responsible for the observed effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Bai demonstrates a great therapeutic potential for attenuating DCI. The antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory actions of Bai were mediated through the KEAP1-Nrf2 axis. These findings advance our understanding of potential treatment approaches for DCI, a common complication associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Chenxiang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jiaying Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yibin Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Huan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Wen Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao 999078, China.
| | - Xian Zhou
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Mingqing Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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Hu M, Ying X, Zheng M, Wang C, Li Q, Gu L, Zhang X. Therapeutic potential of natural products against Alzheimer's disease via autophagic removal of Aβ. Brain Res Bull 2024; 206:110835. [PMID: 38043648 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, include the deposition of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular tau neurofibrillary tangles. A decline in cognitive ability is related to the accumulation of Aβ in patients with AD. Autophagy, which is a primary intracellular mechanism for degrading aggregated proteins and damaged organelles, plays a crucial role in AD. In this review, we summarize the most recent research progress regarding the process of autophagy and the effect of autophagy on Aβ. We further discuss some typical monomers of natural products that contribute to the clearance of Aβ by autophagy, which can alleviate AD. This provides a new perspective for the application of autophagy modulation in natural product therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China
| | - Xinyi Ying
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China
| | - Miao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China
| | - Can Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China
| | - Qin Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China
| | - Lili Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China.
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China.
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Chen L, Zhen Y, Wang X, Wang J, Zhu G. Neurovascular glial unit: A target of phytotherapy for cognitive impairments. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:155009. [PMID: 37573807 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurovascular glial unit (NVGU) dysfunction has been reported to be an early and critical event in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). Although herbal medicines, with their favorable safety profiles and low adverse effects, have been suggested to be useful for the treatment of cognitive impairment, the potential role of the NVGU as the target of the effects of herbal medicines is still unclear. PURPOSE This review aimed to retrieve evidence from experimental studies of phytopharmaceuticals targeting the NVGU for the treatment of cognitive impairment in AD and VD, and discussed the potential of phytopharmaceuticals to improve cognitive impairment from the perspective of the NVGU. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords used for searching information on the NVGU in the treatment of cognitive impairments included "Alzheimer's disease," "Vascular dementia," "Herbal medicines," "Natural products," "Neurovascular," "Adverse reaction," and "Toxicity, etc." We selected studies on the basis of predefined eligibility criteria. RESULTS NVGU mainly consists of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and neurons, and damage to these cells can induce cognitive impairment by impairing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) as well as neuronal function. The active components of herbal medicines, including Ginkgo biloba L., Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Epimedium Folium, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Carthami flos, and Acorus tatarinowii Schott, as well as traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions have shown the potential to improve BBB function and increase CBF to prevent cognitive impairment by inhibiting astrocyte and microglia activation, protecting oligodendrocyte myelin function, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and promoting angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Herbal medicines demonstrate great potential to prevent cognitive impairment. Multiple components from herbal medicines may function through different signaling pathways to target the NVGU. Future studies using novel drug-carrier or delivery systems targeting the NVGU will certainly facilitate the development of phytopharmaceuticals for AD and VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yilan Zhen
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jingji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230061, China.
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
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Yang P, Liao C, Hu Q, Zhang J, Yang H, Xian S, Mao S. Benzene, 1,2,4-trimethoxy-5-(2-methyl-1-propen-1-yl) Attenuates D-galactose /AlCl 3-induced Cognitive Impairment by Inhibiting Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Improving ExpressionofMemory-Related Proteins. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00262-2. [PMID: 37327966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by decreased learning ability and memory deficits. Our previous findings suggested that benzene, 1,2,4-trimethoxy-5-(2-methyl-1-propen-1-yl) (BTY) can ameliorate the dysfunction of GABAergic inhibitory neurons associated with neurological diseases. On this basis, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of BTY on AD and explored the underlying mechanism. This study included in vitro and in vivo experiments. BTY could maintain cell morphology, improve cell survival rate, reduce cell damage, and inhibit cell apoptosis in vitro experiments. Further, BTY has good pharmacological activity in vivo experiments, of which behavioral experiments showed that BTY could improve AD-like mice's learning and memory abilities. Besides, histopathological experiments indicated that BTY could maintain the morphology and function of neurons, reduce amyloid β-protein 42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) accumulation, and decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, western blot experiments showed that BTY could inhibit the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and promote the expression of memory-related proteins. In conclusion, this study indicated that BTY may be a promising drug candidate for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Can Liao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Qinrui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Huiyuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Shuze Xian
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Shengjun Mao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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He X, Chen X, Yang Y, Liu Y, Xie Y. Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser: Insight into current research on ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 210:113626. [PMID: 36871902 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A. calamus var. angustatus Besser is an important traditional medicinal herb commonly used in China and other Asian countries. This study is the first systematic review of the literature to thoroughly analyze the ethnopharmacological application, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacokinetic properties of A. calamus var. angustatus Besser and provides a rationale for future research and prospects for application in clinical treatment. Information on relevant studies investigating A. calamus var. angustatus Besser was collected from SciFinder, the Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Elsevier, ResearchGate, ACS, Flora of China, and Baidu Scholar, etc. up to December 2022. In addition, information was also obtained from Pharmacopeias, books on Chinese herbal classics, local books, as well as PhD and MS dissertations. A. calamus var. angustatus Besser has played an important role in the herbal treatment of coma, convulsion, amnesia, and dementia for thousands of years. Studies investigating the chemical constituents of A. calamus var. angustatus Besser have isolated and identified 234 small-molecule compounds and a few polysaccharides. Among them, simple phenylpropanoids represented by asarone analogues and lignans are the two main active ingredients, which can be considered characteristic chemotaxonomic markers of this herb. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies indicated that crude extracts and active compounds from A. calamus var. angustatus Besser display a wide range of pharmacological activities, especially as treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and anticonvulsant, antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like, anti-fatigue, anti-Parkinson, neuroprotection, and brain protection properties, providing more evidence to explain the traditional medicinal uses and ethnopharmacology. The clinical therapeutic dose of A. calamus var. angustatus Besser does not present any toxic effects, but its main active ingredients α-asarone and β-asarone at excessive dose may lead to toxicity, and in particular, their respective epoxide metabolites may exert potential toxicity to the liver. This review provides a reference and further information for the future development and clinical application of A. calamus var. angustatus Besser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui He
- College of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China.
| | - Xufei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The General Hospital of the Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- College of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yulu Xie
- College of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
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Balakrishnan R, Park JY, Cho DY, Ahn JY, Yoo DS, Seol SH, Yoon SH, Choi DK. AD−1 Small Molecule Improves Learning and Memory Function in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Mice Model through Regulation of CREB/BDNF and NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030648. [PMID: 36978896 PMCID: PMC10045324 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline and memory impairment induced by oxidative brain damage are the critical pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Based on the potential neuroprotective effects of AD−1 small molecule, we here explored the possible underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of AD-1 small molecule against scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. According to our findings, scopolamine administration resulted in increased AChE activity, MDA levels, and decreased antioxidant enzymes, as well as the downregulation of the antioxidant response proteins of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression; however, treatment with AD−1 small molecule mitigated the generation of oxidant factors while restoring the antioxidant enzymes status, in addition to improving antioxidant protein levels. Similarly, AD−1 small molecule significantly increased the protein expression of neuroprotective markers such as BDNF and CREB and promoted memory processes in scopolamine-induced mice. Western blot analysis showed that AD−1 small molecule reduced activated microglia and astrocytes via the attenuation of iba-1 and GFAP protein expression. We also found that scopolamine enhanced the phosphorylation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and, conversely, that AD−1 small molecule significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling in the brain regions of hippocampus and cortex. We further found that scopolamine promoted neuronal loss by inducing Bax and caspase-3 and reducing the levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. In contrast, AD−1 small molecule significantly decreased the levels of apoptotic markers and increased neuronal survival. Furthermore, AD−1 small molecule ameliorated scopolamine-induced impairments in spatial learning behavior and memory formation. These findings revealed that AD−1 small molecule attenuated scopolamine-induced cognitive and memory dysfunction by ameliorating AChE activity, oxidative brain damage, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rengasamy Balakrishnan
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Young Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk-Yeon Cho
- Research and Development, Sinil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., & APIMEDS Inc. Room 608 Namseong Plaza Building, Digital-ro 130 Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08589, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Ahn
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Sun Yoo
- Research and Development, Sinil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., & APIMEDS Inc. Room 608 Namseong Plaza Building, Digital-ro 130 Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08589, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Seol
- Research and Development, Sinil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., & APIMEDS Inc. Room 608 Namseong Plaza Building, Digital-ro 130 Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08589, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwa Yoon
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Zhang D, Li X, Jing B, Chen Z, Shi H, Zheng Y, Chang S, Sun J, Zhao G. α-Asarone attenuates chronic sciatica by inhibiting peripheral sensitization and promoting neural repair. Phytother Res 2023; 37:151-162. [PMID: 36070878 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the therapeutic effect of α-asarone on chronic sciatica. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: the sham group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, pregabalin group, and α-asarone group. Hot hyperalgesia was induced after the CCI operation, and α-asarone was found to relieve chronic neuralgia. Furthermore, α-asarone reduced IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, CRP, and LPS levels and increased IL10 levels in serum. α-Asarone decreased the protein levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1-4 and the mRNA levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1-4, IL1β, and TNF-α in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In the sciatic nerve, α-asarone treatment reduced the number of inflammatory cells and promoted the proliferation of Schwann cells, favouring recovery of the nerve structure. In cellular experiments, LPS induced Schwann cell apoptosis via TLR4/p38MAPK signalling; α-asarone attenuated LPS-induced Schwann cell apoptosis by decreasing TLR4, p-p38MAPK, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-caspase7 levels and increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. Overall, these findings suggest that α-asarone relieves chronic sciatica by decreasing the levels of inflammatory factors, inhibiting peripheral sensitization, and favouring the repair of damaged nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxin Sun
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Neuroprotection of boropinol-B in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Brain Res 2023; 1798:148132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Paramanick D, Singh VD, Singh VK. Neuroprotective effect of phytoconstituents via nanotechnology for treatment of Alzheimer diseases. J Control Release 2022; 351:638-655. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Reducing PDK1/Akt Activity: An Effective Therapeutic Target in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111735. [PMID: 35681431 PMCID: PMC9179555 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease that leads to memory loss and cognitive function damage due to intracerebral neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid-β (Aβ) protein deposition. The phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase (PDK1)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a significant role in neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and neurotransmission via the axon–dendrite axis. The phosphorylation of PDK1 and Akt rises in the brain, resulting in phosphorylation of the TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE) at its cytoplasmic tail (the C-terminal end), changing its internalization as well as its trafficking. The current review aimed to explain the mechanisms of the PDK1/Akt/TACE signaling axis that exerts its modulatory effect on AD physiopathology. We provide an overview of the neuropathological features, genetics, Aβ aggregation, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and aging in the AD brain. Additionally, we summarized the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/PDK1/Akt pathway-related features and its molecular mechanism that is dependent on TACE in the pathogenesis of AD. This study reviewed the relationship between the PDK1/Akt signaling pathway and AD, and discussed the role of PDK1/Akt in resisting neuronal toxicity by suppressing TACE expression in the cell membrane. This work also provides a perspective for developing new therapeutics targeting PDK1/Akt and TACE for the treatment of AD.
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Wei W, Han Q, Tian S, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang H, Liang Q. Effective separation of α-asarone and β-asarone in TCM by covalent organic framework modified magnetic solid phase extraction. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.107015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Tian H, Jiang T, Yang K, Ning R, Wang T, Zhou Q, Qian N, Huang P, Guo L, Jiang M, Xi X, Xu X, Deng L. α-Asarone Attenuates Osteoclastogenesis and Prevents Against Oestrogen-Deficiency Induced Osteoporosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:780590. [PMID: 35370648 PMCID: PMC8971932 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.780590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) is defined as low bone mineral density which features over activated osteoclasts (OCs) and bone resorption. Targeting excessive OCs activity is thought to be an effective therapeutic approach for OP treatment. α-asarone (ASA), a compound from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Acorus tatarinowii, has been widely used as a therapeutic agent against several diseases such as epilepsy, cough, bronchitis and asthma for many years. Recently, it was reported that ASA-derived lignins which were purified from Acorus tatarinowii root tissues effectively suppressed both RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Besides, a classic Chinese formulation Bajitianwan (BJTW) which consisted of root and rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott also showed positive effects on age-related bone loss. In the present study, we aimed to study the effects of ASA on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. As illustrated by TRAP staining, ASA was capable of inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, not only at an early-stage, but also in the late-stage. Besides, it also effectively suppressed bone resorption of mature OCs in a pit resorption assay. The formation of F-actin ring during osteoclastogenesis, which was important in OCs bone-resorption, was impaired as well. Subsequent mechanism experiments exposed that ASA inhibited osteoclastogenesis related genes in a time-dependent manner through AKT, p38 and NF-κB, followed by NFATc1/c-fos signaling pathway. Notably, our in vivo study uncovered that ASA was capable of improving the bone microstructure in oestrogen-deficiency induced OP models. Thus, our current work highlighted the important role of an old drug ASA in bone metabolism especially in OCs differentiation. ASA may find its potential as a lead compound to treat excessive OCs activity-induced bone loss diseases and more structure optimization is further needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruonan Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Niandong Qian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Min Jiang, ; Xiaobing Xi, ; Xing Xu,
| | - Xiaobing Xi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Min Jiang, ; Xiaobing Xi, ; Xing Xu,
| | - Xing Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Min Jiang, ; Xiaobing Xi, ; Xing Xu,
| | - Lianfu Deng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Asarone in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020281. [PMID: 35204164 PMCID: PMC8868500 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are important causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, associated with an aging population, has intensified the societal burden associated with these diseases, for which no effective treatment strategies currently exist. Therefore, the identification and development of novel therapeutic approaches, able to halt or reverse neuronal loss by targeting the underlying causal factors that lead to neurodegeneration and neuronal cell death, are urgently necessary. Plants and other natural products have been explored as sources of safe, naturally occurring secondary metabolites with potential neuroprotective properties. The secondary metabolites α- and β-asarone can be found in high levels in the rhizomes of the medicinal plant Acorus calamus (L.). α- and β-asarone exhibit multiple pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current research on the therapeutic potential of α- and β-asarone in the treatment of neurological disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), as well as cerebral ischemic disease, and epilepsy. Current research indicates that α- and β-asarone exert neuroprotective effects by mitigating oxidative stress, abnormal protein accumulation, neuroinflammation, neurotrophic factor deficit, and promoting neuronal cell survival, as well as activating various neuroprotective signalling pathways. Although the beneficial effects exerted by α- and β-asarone have been demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo animal studies, additional research is required to translate laboratory results into safe and effective therapies for patients with AD, PD, and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Zheng M, Liu Z, Mana L, Qin G, Huang S, Gong Z, Tian M, He Y, Wang P. Shenzhiling oral liquid protects the myelin sheath against Alzheimer's disease through the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114264. [PMID: 34082015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shenzhiling oral liquid (SZL), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound, is firstly approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). SZL is composed of ten Chinese herbs, and the precise therapy mechanism of its action to AD is far from fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to observe whether SZL is an effective therapy for amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced myelin sheath and oligodendrocytes impairments. Notably, the primary aim was to elucidate whether and through what underlying mechanism SZL protects the myelin sheath through the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in Aβ42-induced OLN-93 oligodendrocytes in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS APP/PS1 mice were treated with SZL or donepezil continuously for three months, and Aβ42-induced oligodendrocyte OLN-93 cells mimicking AD pathogenesis of myelin sheath impairments were incubated with SZL-containing serum or with donepezil. LC-MS/MS was used to analysis the active components of SZL and SZL-containing serum. The Y maze test was administered after 3 months of treatment, and the hippocampal tissues of the APP/PS1 mice were then harvested for observation of myelin sheath and oligodendrocyte morphology. Cell viability and toxicity were assessed using CCK-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis. The expression of the myelin proteins MBP, PLP, and MAG and that of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice were examined after SZL treatment. Simultaneously, the expression of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR were also examined. The expression of proteins, including CNPase, Olig2, NKX2.2, MBP, PLP, MAG, MOG, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the corresponding gene expression was evaluated by qPCR in Aβ42-induced OLN-93 oligodendrocytes. RESULTS LC-MS/MS detected a total of 126 active compounds in SZL-containing serum, including terpenoids, flavones, phenols, phenylpropanoids and phenolic acids. SZL treatment significantly improved memory and cognition in APP/PS1 mice and decreased the G-ratio of myelin sheath, alleviated myelin sheath and oligodendrocyte impairments by decreasing Aβ42 and Aβ40 accumulation and increasing the expression of myelin proteins MBP, PLP, MAG, and PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway associated protein in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice. SZL-containing serum also significantly reversed the OLN-93 cell injury induced by Aβ42 by increasing cell viability and enhanced the expression of MBP, PLP, MAG, and MOG. Meanwhile, SZL-containing serum facilitated the maturation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes in Aβ42-induced OLN-93 cells by heightening the expression of CNPase, Olig2 and NKX2.2. SZL-containing serum treatment also fostered the expression of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, indicating an activating PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in OLN-93 cells. Furthermore, the effects of SZL on myelin proteins, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were clearly inhibited by LY294002 and/or rapamycin, antagonists of PI3K and m-TOR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that SZL exhibits a neuroprotective effect on the myelin sheath by promoting the expression of myelin proteins during AD, and its mechanism of action is closely related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Zhenhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China; Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Lulu Mana
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China; Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Gaofeng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Shuaiyang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Zhuoyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Meijing Tian
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yannan He
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Pengwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology Dongzhimen Hospital (BUCM), State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
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