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Farzan M, Farzan M, Shahrani M, Navabi SP, Vardanjani HR, Amini-Khoei H, Shabani S. Neuroprotective properties of Betulin, Betulinic acid, and Ursolic acid as triterpenoids derivatives: a comprehensive review of mechanistic studies. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:223-240. [PMID: 36821092 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2180865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are the main outcome of neurological disorders whose occurrence has risen over the past three decades. Although there are some pharmacologic approaches approved for managing neurological disorders, it remains largely ineffective. Hence, exploring novel nature-based nutraceuticals is a pressing need to alleviate the results of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some triterpenoids and their derivates can be considered potential therapeutics against neurological disorders due to their neuroprotective and cognitive-improving effects. Betulin (B), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds with a variety of biological activities, including antioxidative, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and probable molecular mechanisms of triterpenoids in damage prevention to neurons and restoring cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Considering few studies on this concept, the precise mechanisms that mediate the effect of these compounds in neurodegenerative disorders have remained unknown. The findings can provide sufficient information about the advantages of these compounds against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahour Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Parisa Navabi
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossien Rajabi Vardanjani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sahreh Shabani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Désiré GNS, Simplice FH, Guillaume CW, Kamal FZ, Parfait B, Hermann TDS, Hervé NAH, Eglantine KW, Linda DKJ, Roland RN, Balbine KN, Blondelle KDL, Ciobica A, Romila L. Cashew ( Anacardium occidentale) Extract: Possible Effects on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis in Modulating Chronic Stress. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1561. [PMID: 38002521 PMCID: PMC10670073 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111561] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression presents a significant global health burden, necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments. This investigation aims to assess the antidepressant effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) on depression-related behaviors in rats. The depression model involved 42 days of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) exposure and was assessed using the sucrose preference and the forced swimming (FST) test. Additionally, memory-related aspects were examined using the tests Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM), following 21 days of treatment with varying doses of the AO extract (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and Imipramine (20 mg/kg), commencing on day 21. The monoamines (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine), oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD), and cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) within the brain were evaluated. Additionally, the concentration of blood corticosterone was measured. Treatment with AO significantly alleviated UCMS-induced and depressive-like behaviors in rats. This was evidenced by the ability of the extract to prevent further decreases in body mass, increase sucrose consumption, reduce immobility time in the test Forced Swimming, improve cognitive performance in both tests Y-maze and the Morris water maze by increasing the target quadrant dwelling time and spontaneous alternation percentage, and promote faster feeding behavior in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, corticosterone, and MDA levels, and increased monoamine levels and SOD activity. HPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of triterpenoid compounds (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and lupane) and polyphenols (catechin quercetin and kaempferol). These results evidenced the antidepressant effects of the AO, which might involve corticosterone and monoaminergic regulation as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guedang Nyayi Simon Désiré
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Foyet Harquin Simplice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Camdi Woumitna Guillaume
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Fatima Zahra Kamal
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Processes and Materials, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University, B.P. 539, Settat P.O. Box 26000, Morocco
- Preclinical Department, Apollonia University, Păcurari Street 11, 700511 Iași, Romania
| | - Bouvourné Parfait
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Tchinda Defo Serge Hermann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Ngatanko Abaissou Hervé Hervé
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Keugong Wado Eglantine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Damo Kamda Jorelle Linda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Rebe Nhouma Roland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Kamleu Nkwingwa Balbine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Kenko Djoumessi Lea Blondelle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 814, Cameroon (F.H.S.); (C.W.G.); (B.P.); (T.D.S.H.); (K.W.E.); (K.D.L.B.)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Blvd., 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Romila
- Preclinical Department, Apollonia University, Păcurari Street 11, 700511 Iași, Romania
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Gravandi MM, Abdian S, Tahvilian M, Iranpanah A, Moradi SZ, Fakhri S, Echeverría J. Therapeutic targeting of Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway by natural products: A systematic and mechanistic approach for neurodegeneration. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 115:154821. [PMID: 37119761 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs); however, the crucial targets are still unknown. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation are the most dominant pathways that strongly influence neurodegeneration. In this way, targeting the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway appears to be a developing strategy for combating NDDs like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, aging, and other NDDs. Accordingly, plant secondary metabolites have shown promising potentials for the simultaneous modulation of the Ras/Raf/MAPKs pathway and play an essential role in NDDs. MAPKs include p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which are important molecular players in neurodegeneration. Ras/Raf, which is located the upstream of MAPK pathway influences the initiation and progression of neurodegeneration and is regulated by natural products. PURPOSE Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective roles of plant- and marine-derived secondary metabolites against several NDDs through the modulation of the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic and comprehensive review was performed to highlight the modulatory roles of natural products on the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway in NDDs, according to the PRISMA guideline, using scholarly electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. Associated reference lists were also searched for the literature review. RESULTS From a total of 1495 results, finally 107 articles were included in the present study. The results show that several natural compounds such as alkaloid, phenolic, terpenoids, and nanoformulation were shown to have modulatory effects on the Ras/Raf/MAPKs pathway. CONCLUSION Natural products are promising multi-targeted agents with on NDDs through Ras/Raf/MAPKs pathway. Nevertheless, additional and complementary studies are necessary to check its efficacy and potential side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sadaf Abdian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Maedeh Tahvilian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile.
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Chen C, Ai Q, Shi A, Wang N, Wang L, Wei Y. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid: therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric diseases and other brain disorders. Nutr Neurosci 2023; 26:414-428. [PMID: 35311613 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2022.2051957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Brain disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases have become serious threatens to human health and quality of life. Oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid isomers widely distributed in various plant foods and Chinese herbal medicines. Accumulating evidence indicates that OA and UA exhibit neuroprotective effects on multiple brain disorders. Therefore, this paper reviews researches of OA and UA on neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric diseases and other brain disorders including ischemic stroke, epilepsy, etc, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces and College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Axi Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of General medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Pediatric surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
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Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanisms of Herbal Bioactive Compounds for Sickness Behaviour. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121215. [PMID: 36557252 PMCID: PMC9782141 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The host's response to acute infections or tissue injury is a sophisticated and coordinated adaptive modification called sickness behaviour. Many herbs have been studied for their ability to protect animals against experimentally induced sickness behaviour. However, there is a lack of knowledge and experimental evidence on the use of herbal bioactive compounds (HBACs) in the management of sick behaviour. The goal of this review is to provide a concise summary of the protective benefits and putative mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on the reduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behaviour. Relevant studies were gathered from the search engines Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases (between 2000 and to date). The keywords used for the search included "Lipopolysaccharide" OR "LPS" OR "Sickness behaviour" OR "Sickness" AND "Bioactive compounds" OR "Herbal medicine" OR "Herbal drug" OR "Natural products" OR "Isolated compounds". A total of 41 published articles that represented data on the effect of HBACs in LPS-induced sickness behaviour were reviewed and summarised systemically. There were 33 studies that were conducted in mice and 8 studies in rats. A total of 34 HBACs have had their effects against LPS-induced changes in behaviour and biochemistry investigated. In this review, we examined 34 herbal bioactive components that have been tested in animal models to see if they can fight LPS-induced sickness behaviour. Future research should concentrate on the efficacy, safety, and dosage needed to protect against illness behaviour in humans, because there is a critical shortage of data in this area.
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Honarvar F, Hojati V, Zare L, Bakhtiari N, Javan M. Ursolic Acid Enhances Myelin Repair in Adult Mice Brains and Stimulates Exhausted Oligodendrocyte Progenitors to Remyelinate. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2081-2093. [PMID: 35976486 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis patients, long-term inflammation makes the oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) exhausted; therefore, a new therapy that makes them responsive to insults to participate in remyelination is highly in demand. Here, we investigated the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on myelin repair after mid-term and long-term demyelination periods induced by 6 or 12 weeks of cuprizone treatment followed by 2 weeks of recovery with or without UA. Immunohistochemistry studies and myelin genes expression assessment were used to evaluate the myelination status of mouse corpora callosa and the cellular mechanisms of myelin repair. Results showed that UA significantly promoted recovery from myelin loss after discontinuing 6 or 12 weeks of cuprizone feeding, as measured by luxol fast blue (LFB), fluoroMyelin (FM), anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) staining, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell counts. It led to reduced inflammation and gliosis as evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Iba1, or other marker gene transcripts. Following long-term demyelination, gliosis and TNF-α were observed as potential players in lesion pathology, which were restored by UA. An increased IL-10 may contribute to UA anti-inflammatory effect and making responsive the exhausted OPCs. UA increased the number of new oligodendrocyte lineage cells and myelination. Our findings indicated that UA can enhance myelin repair after cuprizone challenge through the prevention of gliosis and increasing the newly generated myelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Honarvar
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Vida Hojati
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Leila Zare
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nuredin Bakhtiari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. .,Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Shimizu S, Kasai S, Yamazaki H, Tatara Y, Mimura J, Engler MJ, Tanji K, Nikaido Y, Inoue T, Suganuma H, Wakabayashi K, Itoh K. Sulforaphane Increase Mitochondrial Biogenesis-Related Gene Expression in the Hippocampus and Suppresses Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158433. [PMID: 35955572 PMCID: PMC9369397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a potent activator of the transcriptional factor, Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-Related factor 2 (NRF2). SFN and its precursor, glucoraphanin (sulforaphane glucosinolate, SGS), have been shown to ameliorate cognitive function in clinical trials and in vivo studies. However, the effects of SGS on age-related cognitive decline in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) is unknown. In this study, we determined the preventive potential of SGS on age-related cognitive decline. One-month old SAMP8 mice or control SAM resistance 1 (SAMR1) mice were fed an ad libitum diet with or without SGS-containing broccoli sprout powder (0.3% w/w SGS in diet) until 13 months of age. SGS significantly improved long-term memory in SAMP8 at 12 months of age. Interestingly, SGS increased hippocampal mRNA and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), which are master regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, both in SAMR1 and SAMP8 at 13 months of age. Furthermore, mRNAs for nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and mitochondrial DNA-encoded respiratory complex enzymes, but not mitochondrial DNA itself, were increased by SGS in SAMP8 mice. These results suggest that SGS prevents age-related cognitive decline by maintaining mitochondrial function in senescence-accelerated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Shimizu
- Innovation Division, KAGOME Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara 329-2762, Tochigi, Japan; (S.S.); (T.I.); (H.S.)
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Shuya Kasai
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Hiromi Yamazaki
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Yota Tatara
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Junsei Mimura
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Máté János Engler
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
| | - Kunikazu Tanji
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (K.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Yoshikazu Nikaido
- Department of Metabolomics Innovation, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan
| | - Takuro Inoue
- Innovation Division, KAGOME Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara 329-2762, Tochigi, Japan; (S.S.); (T.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Hiroyuki Suganuma
- Innovation Division, KAGOME Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara 329-2762, Tochigi, Japan; (S.S.); (T.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (K.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Ken Itoh
- Department of Vegetable Life Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan; (S.K.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Stress Response Science, Center for Advanced Medical Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Aomori, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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Nguyen HT, Le XT, Van Nguyen T, Phung HN, Pham HTN, Nguyen KM, Matsumoto K. Ursolic acid and its isomer oleanolic acid are responsible for the anti-dementia effects of Ocimum sanctum in olfactory bulbectomized mice. J Nat Med 2022; 76:621-633. [PMID: 35218459 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-022-01609-2] [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: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to clarify the bioactive constituents responsible for the anti-dementia effects of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract (OS) using olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice, an animal model of dementia. The effects of OS or its extract further fractionated with n-hexane (OS-H), ethyl acetate (OS-E), and n-butanol (OS-B) on the spatial cognitive deficits of OBX mice were elucidated by the modified Y-maze tests. The effects of the major constituents of the most active OS fraction were also elucidated using the reference drug donepezil. The administration of OS and OS-E ameliorated the spatial cognitive deficits caused by OBX, whereas OS-H or OS-B had no effect. Two major constituents, ursolic acid (URO) and oleanolic acid (OLE), and three minor constituents were isolated from OS-E. URO (6 and 12 mg/kg) and OLE (24 mg/kg) attenuated the OBX-induced cognitive deficits. URO (6 mg/kg) and donepezil reversed the OBX-induced down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and choline acetyltransferase expression levels in the hippocampus. URO inhibited the ex vivo activity of acetylcholinesterase with similar efficacy to donepezil. URO inhibited the in vitro activity of acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 106.5 μM), while the effects of OS, OS-E, and other isolated compounds were negligible. These findings suggest that URO and OLE are responsible for the anti-dementia action of OS extract, whereas URO possesses a more potent anti-dementia effect than its isomer OLE. The effects of URO are, at least in part, mediated by normalizing the function of central cholinergic systems and VEGF protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Thu Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Xoan Thi Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.
| | - Tai Van Nguyen
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Nhu Phung
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Hang Thi Nguyet Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Khoi Minh Nguyen
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, 815-8511, Japan
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Liu KM, Huang Y, Wan PP, Lu YH, Zhou N, Li JJ, Yu CY, Chou JJ, Zhang L, Zhang C, Qiang YY, Zhang R, Guo L. Ursolic Acid Protects Neurons in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment by Repressing Inflammation and Oxidation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:877898. [PMID: 35677445 PMCID: PMC9169096 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.877898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized as an impaired ability of learning and memory with periodic and unpredictable seizures. Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the main causes of TLE. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are directly involved in epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration, promoting chronic epilepsy and cognitive deficit. Previous studies have shown that ursolic acid (UA) represses inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to neuroprotection. Herein, we demonstrated that UA treatment alleviated seizure behavior and cognitive impairment induced by epilepsy. Moreover, UA treatment rescued hippocampal neuronal damage, aberrant neurogenesis, and ectopic migration, which are commonly accompanied by epilepsy occurrence. Our study also demonstrated that UA treatment remarkably suppressed the SE-induced neuroinflammation, evidenced by activated microglial cells and decreased inflammation factors, including TNF-α and IL-1β. Likewise, the expression levels of oxidative stress damage markers and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzyme complexes of mitochondria were also remarkably downregulated following the UA treatment, suggesting that UA suppressed the damage caused by the high oxidative stress and the defect mitochondrial function induced by SE. Furthermore, UA treatment attenuated GABAergic interneuron loss. In summary, our study clarified the notable anti-seizure and neuroprotective properties of UA in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, which is mainly achieved by abilities of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. Our study indicates the potential advantage of UA application in ameliorating epileptic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-mei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Medical Science Research Institution of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Kun-mei Liu, ; Le Guo,
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Pan-pan Wan
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yun-hua Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Juan-juan Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chun-yang Yu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jin-jiang Chou
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lianxiang Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Qiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Le Guo
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Kun-mei Liu, ; Le Guo,
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, El-Saber Batiha G. The possible role of ursolic acid in Covid-19: A real game changer. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 47:414-417. [PMID: 35063236 PMCID: PMC8724013 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic terpenoid is usually found in the fruit peels and stem bark as secondary metabolites. UA has antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. UA has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities against different infections. Because of the greatest antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of UA, so it could be a plausible therapeutic herbal medicine in Covid-19 treatment. Covid-19 is a recent worldwide virulent disease pandemic due to severe acute respiratory coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to the direct cytopathic effect and exaggerated immune response by which acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome might be developed in critical cases. UA may inhibit main protease of SARS-CoV-2, and inhibits the interface flanked by SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins and its entry point commonly recognized as angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In addition, UA attenuates SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. Therefore, UA could avert SARS-CoV-2 infection from causing ALI. This opinion proposed that UA might be a potential candidate therapy against Covid-19 and can mitigate post-Covid-19 complications such as lung fibrosis. In this regards, forthcoming studies are reasonable to substantiate the therapeutic role of UA in Covid-19. However, taken into account that Covid-19 is yet to be investigating for further evaluations, therefore, clinical trials are recommended regarding use and dose of UA in Covid-19 treatment, as well as secondary effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medicine and Therapeutic, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medicine and Therapeutic, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemotherapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El Beheira, Egypt.
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11
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Luan M, Wang H, Wang J, Zhang X, Zhao F, Liu Z, Meng Q. Advances in Anti-inflammatory Activity, Mechanism and Therapeutic Application of Ursolic Acid. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:422-436. [PMID: 34517797 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210913113522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies reveal that Ursolic Acid (UA) is able to counteract endogenous and exogenous inflammatory stimuli and has favorable anti-inflammatory effects. The antiinflammatory mechanisms mainly include decreasing the release of histamine in mast cells, suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and phospholipase, and reducing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, blocking the activation of the signal pathway, downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting the activities of elastase and complement. These mechanisms can open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, liver diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, dermatitis, bowel diseases, cancer. The anti-inflammatory activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ursolic acid and its therapeutic applications are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Huiyun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Shandong Province, 276826, P.R. China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Fenglan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
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12
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Tasinov O, Dincheva I, Badjakov I, Kiselova-Kaneva Y, Galunska B, Nogueiras R, Ivanova D. Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory and ER Stress-Reducing Potential of Sambucus ebulus L. Fruit Extract. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112446. [PMID: 34834808 PMCID: PMC8623228 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sambucus ebulus L. (SE) fruits are used for their immunostimulation, hematopoietic and antiviral potential. Recently, we focused on analyzing the mechanism underlying SE fruit aqueous extract's (FAE) immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory activities, with attention to its endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-reducing potential. J774A.1 macrophages were treated with SE FAE alone or in conditions of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, its phytochemical composition was analyzed. To measure transcription and protein levels, we used qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The prevailing phytochemicals in SE FAE were hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. The content of some amino acids, organic acids, alcohols, fatty acids and esters were newly reported. Extracts exerted an immunostimulation potential by stimulating IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, COX2 and iNOS transcription, without inducing ER stress. SE FAE suppressed the LPS-induced transcription of inflammation related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, Icam-1, Fabp4, COX2, iNOS, Noxo1, IL-1ra, Sirt-1) and reduced the protein levels of iNOS, peIF2α, ATF6α and CHOP. The effects were comparable to that of salicylic acid. SE suppresses LPS-stimulated inflammatory markers on the transcription and translation levels. Targeting ER stress is possibly another mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory potential. These findings reveal the potential of SE fruits as a beneficial therapeutic of inflammation and ER stress-related pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskan Tasinov
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 84B Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 9002 Varna, Bulgaria; (Y.K.-K.); (B.G.); (D.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-896-036961
| | - Ivayla Dincheva
- AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, 8 Dr. Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.D.); (I.B.)
| | - Ilian Badjakov
- AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, 8 Dr. Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.D.); (I.B.)
| | - Yoana Kiselova-Kaneva
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 84B Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 9002 Varna, Bulgaria; (Y.K.-K.); (B.G.); (D.I.)
| | - Bistra Galunska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 84B Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 9002 Varna, Bulgaria; (Y.K.-K.); (B.G.); (D.I.)
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Department of Physiology, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Diana Ivanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 84B Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 9002 Varna, Bulgaria; (Y.K.-K.); (B.G.); (D.I.)
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Alam M, Ali S, Ahmed S, Elasbali AM, Adnan M, Islam A, Hassan MI, Yadav DK. Therapeutic Potential of Ursolic Acid in Cancer and Diabetic Neuropathy Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12162. [PMID: 34830043 PMCID: PMC8621142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid frequently found in medicinal herbs and plants, having numerous pharmacological effects. UA and its analogs treat multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, and inflammatory diseases. UA inhibits cancer proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and induced cell death, scavenging free radicals and triggering numerous anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins. The biochemistry of UA has been examined broadly based on the literature, with alterations frequently having been prepared on positions C-3 (hydroxyl), C12-C13 (double bonds), and C-28 (carboxylic acid), leading to several UA derivatives with increased potency, bioavailability and water solubility. UA could be used as a protective agent to counter neural dysfunction via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a potential therapeutic drug implicated in the treatment of cancer and diabetic complications diseases provide novel machinery to the anti-inflammatory properties of UA. The pharmacological efficiency of UA is exhibited by the therapeutic theory of one-drug → several targets → one/multiple diseases. Hence, UA shows promising therapeutic potential for cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases. This review aims to discuss mechanistic insights into promising beneficial effects of UA. We further explained the pharmacological aspects, clinical trials, and potential limitations of UA for the management of cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sabeeha Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sarfraz Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21924, Korea
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Fakhri S, Iranpanah A, Gravandi MM, Moradi SZ, Ranjbari M, Majnooni MB, Echeverría J, Qi Y, Wang M, Liao P, Farzaei MH, Xiao J. Natural products attenuate PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway: A promising strategy in regulating neurodegeneration. PHYTOMEDICINE 2021; 91:153664. [PMID: 34391082 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As common, progressive, and chronic causes of disability and death, neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) significantly threaten human health, while no effective treatment is available. Given the engagement of multiple dysregulated pathways in neurodegeneration, there is an imperative need to target the axis and provide effective/multi-target agents to tackle neurodegeneration. Recent studies have revealed the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in some diseases and natural products with therapeutic potentials. PURPOSE This is the first systematic and comprehensive review on the role of plant-derived secondary metabolites in managing and/or treating various neuronal disorders via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic and comprehensive review was done based on the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases. Two independent investigators followed the PRISMA guidelines and included papers on PI3K/Akt/mTOR and interconnected pathways/mediators targeted by phytochemicals in NDDs. RESULTS Natural products are multi-target agents with diverse pharmacological and biological activities and rich sources for discovering and developing novel therapeutic agents. Accordingly, recent studies have shown increasing phytochemicals in combating Alzheimer's disease, aging, Parkinson's disease, brain/spinal cord damages, depression, and other neuronal-associated dysfunctions. Amongst the emerging targets in neurodegeneration, PI3K/Akt/mTOR is of great importance. Therefore, attenuation of these mediators would be a great step towards neuroprotection in such NDDs. CONCLUSION The application of plant-derived secondary metabolites in managing and/or treating various neuronal disorders through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is a promising strategy towards neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ranjbari
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Yaping Qi
- Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Mingfu Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Pan Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain.
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15
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Ursolic Acid and Related Analogues: Triterpenoids with Broad Health Benefits. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081161. [PMID: 34439409 PMCID: PMC8388988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a well-studied natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in herbs, fruit and a number of traditional Chinese medicinal plants. UA has a broad range of biological activities and numerous potential health benefits. In this review, we summarize the current data on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of UA and review the literature on the biological activities of UA and its closest analogues in the context of inflammation, metabolic diseases, including liver and kidney diseases, obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. We end with a brief overview of UA’s main analogues with a special focus on a newly discovered naturally occurring analogue with intriguing biological properties and potential health benefits, 23-hydroxy ursolic acid.
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Kim YJ, Park SY, Koh YJ, Lee JH. Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects and Mechanism of Action of Fructus ligustri lucidi Extract in BV2 Microglia. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040688. [PMID: 33918375 PMCID: PMC8066913 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, Fructus ligustri lucidi (FLL; the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Aiton or Ligustrum japonicum Thunb.) has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating hepatitis and aging-related symptoms and in traditional Korean medicine to detoxify kidneys and the liver. Pharmacological research has shown FLL has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis, and hepatoprotective activities. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of FLL extract (FLLE) on neuroinflammation. After setting a non-toxic concentration using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay data, we investigated the effects of FLLE using Western blotting, cell migration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a nitric oxide (NO) assay, and immunofluorescence staining in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine BV2 microglial cells. FLLE was non-toxic to BV2 cells up to a concentration of 500 μg/mL and concentration-dependently inhibited the production of NO and prostaglandin E2 and the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 under LPS-induced inflammatory conditions. It also inhibited the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, FLLE pretreatment attenuated LPS-induced increases of CD68 (a marker of microglia activation) and suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, and significantly increased heme oxygenase (HO)-1 levels. FLLE also reduced the LPS-induced increase in the migratory ability of BV2 cells and the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1. Collectively, FLLE effectively inhibited inflammatory response by suppressing the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and inducing HO-1 in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Our findings provide a scientific basis for further study of FLL as a candidate for preventing or alleviating neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Ju Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea;
| | - Sung Yun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea;
| | - Young Jun Koh
- GI Innovation, Inc., Seoul 05855, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-961-5839 (J.-H.L.)
| | - Ju-Hee Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea;
- Correspondence: (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-961-5839 (J.-H.L.)
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Savi FF, de Oliveira A, de Medeiros GF, Bozza FA, Michels M, Sharshar T, Dal-Pizzol F, Ritter C. What animal models can tell us about long-term cognitive dysfunction following sepsis: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 124:386-404. [PMID: 33309906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Survivors of sepsis often develop long-term cognitive impairments. This review aimed at exploring the results of the behavioral tools and tests which have been used to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in different animal models of sepsis. Two independent investigators searched for sepsis- and cognition-related keywords. 6323 publications were found, of which 355 were selected based on their title, and 226 of these were chosen based on manuscript review. LPS was used to induce sepsis in 171 studies, while CLP was used in 55 studies. Inhibitory avoidance was the most widely used method for assessing aversive memory, followed by fear conditioning and continuous multi-trial inhibitory avoidance. With regard to non-aversive memory, most studies used the water maze, open-field, object recognition, Y-maze, plus maze, and radial maze tests. Both CLP and LPS models of sepsis were effective in inducing short- and long-term behavioral impairment. Our findings help elucidate the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced cognitive changes, as well as the available methods and tests used to study this in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Figueredo Savi
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Brazil
| | - Alexandre de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Augusto Bozza
- Laboratório de Medicina Intensiva, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monique Michels
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Brazil
| | - Tarek Sharshar
- Laboratoire de Neuropathologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Department of Neuro-Intensive Care Medicine, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Felipe Dal-Pizzol
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Brazil; Laboratoire de Neuropathologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Cristiane Ritter
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Brazil.
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Geerlofs L, He Z, Xiao S, Xiao ZC. 15-Day subchronic developmental toxicity studies of ursolic acid in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 144:111537. [PMID: 32649969 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid and has the characteristics to serve as a potential therapeutic agent for a range of disorders. However, detailed studies of the toxicity of UA, especially developmental toxicity of UA, are non-existing. The objective of this study was to determine the potential effects of UA on fetal development, adult reproductive system, and major organs. UA was dissolved in a 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 0.1% Tween 80 in Milli-Q Water solution. A 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day dose of UA or a control vehicle was administered orally for 15 days to adults (Han Wistar) and pregnant females (Sprague-Dawley). The administration of UA in adults did not cause deaths or resulted in abnormal (reproductive) organ or body weights at the dose up to 1000 mg/kg/day. The administration of UA resulted in no significant toxicological changes in either maternal nor fetal subjects in terms of body weight, organ weights, food consumption, gross pathology, sex organs, maternal performances, and fetal performances. Together, this study indicates that oral dosing with UA is safe for adult rats and their offspring and the no observed adverse effect level for UA is likely higher than 1000 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Geerlofs
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3168; iRiccorgpharm Health Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia, 3168
| | - Zhiyong He
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3168; iRiccorgpharm Health Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia, 3168.
| | - Sa Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3168; iRiccorgpharm Health Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia, 3168
| | - Zhi-Cheng Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 3168; iRiccorgpharm Health Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia, 3168.
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Hao W, Kwek E, He Z, Zhu H, Liu J, Zhao Y, Ma KY, He WS, Chen ZY. Ursolic acid alleviates hypercholesterolemia and modulates the gut microbiota in hamsters. Food Funct 2020; 11:6091-6103. [PMID: 32568327 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00829j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid acid widely abundant in fruits and vegetables such as apple, blueberry and cranberry. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of UA supplementation in diet on blood cholesterol, intestinal cholesterol absorption and gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. A total of thirty-two hamsters were randomly assigned to four groups and given a non-cholesterol diet (NCD), a high-cholesterol diet containing 0.1% cholesterol (HCD), an HCD diet containing 0.2% UA (UAL), or an HCD diet containing 0.4% UA (UAH) for 6 weeks. Results showed that UA supplementation reduced plasma cholesterol by 15-16% and inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 2.6-9.2%. The in vitro micellar cholesterol solubility experiment clearly demonstrated that UA could displace 40% cholesterol from micelles. In addition, UA decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, whereas it enhanced the growth of short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in the intestine. In conclusion, UA possessed a cholesterol-lowering activity and could favorably modulate the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjun Hao
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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20
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Zahra W, Rai SN, Birla H, Singh SS, Rathore AS, Dilnashin H, Singh R, Keswani C, Singh RK, Singh SP. Neuroprotection of Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism by Ursolic Acid in PD Mouse Model. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2020; 19:527-540. [PMID: 32787765 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200812224457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. The presynaptic neuronal protein, α-Synuclein, plays a pivotal role in PD pathogenesis and is associated with both genetic and sporadic origin of the disease. Ursolic Acid (UA) is a well-known bioactive compound found in various medicinal plants, widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. OBJECTIVE In this research article, the neuroprotective potential of UA has been further explored in the Rotenone-induced mouse model of PD. METHODS To investigate our hypothesis, we have divided mice into 4 different groups, control, drug only control, Rotenone-intoxicated group, and Rotenone-intoxicated mice treated with UA. After the completion of dosing, behavioral parameters were estimated. Then mice from each group were sacrificed and the brains were isolated. Further, the biochemical tests were assayed to check the balance between the oxidative stress and endogenous anti-oxidants; and TH (Tyrosine Hydroxylase), α-Synuclein, Akt (Serine-threonine protein kinase), ERK (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and inflammatory parameters like Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) and Tumor Necrosis Factor- α (TNF-α) were assessed using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blotting was also done to check the expressions of TH and α-Synuclein. Moreover, the expression levels of PD related genes like α-Synuclein, β-Synuclein, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assessed by using Real-time PCR. RESULTS The results obtained in our study suggested that UA significantly reduced the overexpression of α-Synuclein and regulated the phosphorylation of survival-related kinases (Akt and ERK) apart from alleviating the behavioral abnormalities and protecting the dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION Thus, our study shows the neuroprotective potential of UA, which can further be explored for possible clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walia Zahra
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Sachchida Nand Rai
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002, India
| | - Hareram Birla
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Saumitra Sen Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Aaina Singh Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Hagera Dilnashin
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Richa Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Chetan Keswani
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
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Zhang QH, Hao JW, Li GL, Ji XJ, Zhou M, Yao YM. Long-lasting neurobehavioral alterations in burn-injured mice resembling post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. Exp Neurol 2019; 323:113084. [PMID: 31697945 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish an animal model for posttraumatic stress disorder in burn-injured patients. METHODS Thermal-injured mice with 15% total body surface area were subjected to a series of neurobehavioral tests at 1 and 3 months postburn. Brains were collected for analysis of key molecules expression, spleens for T cell function analysis, and blood for biochemistry and hormones detection. RESULTS Comparison with sham mice, burn mice showed extremely high locomotion in homecage, open field, and forced swimming tests, indicating a hyper-arousal state. Burn mice exhibited improved spatial memory in Morris Water Maze test and heightened context fear memory in context fear conditioning, suggesting re-experiencing behavior. Although burn mice showed pronounced passive avoidance in the step-through test, their active avoidance capability in response to the conditional stimulus in the shuttle box test was relatively deteriorated. Likewise, the retention of cue-feared memory was impaired in fear conditioning test. The above negative alterations in mood were recapitulated in open-field test, in which the burn mice displayed an anxiety-like behavior with less time spent in the center. However, no sign of depression was found in the forced swimming and sucrose preference tests. The negative mood of burn mice was reinforced by a deficit in sociality and preference for social novelty in social interaction test. These neurobehavioral alterations were associated with an increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor along with a remarkable microgliosis and a moderate astrocytosis in the brain of burn vs. sham mice. Moreover, a prominent Th2 switch and consequent increased nuclear NF-κB translocation were seen in the splenic T cells from burn relative to sham mice. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that even mild burn injury could lead to long-lasting cognitive and effective alterations in mice. These findings shed light on the interactions among neuropsychology, neurobiology, and immunology throughout the recovery period of burn injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hong Zhang
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China.
| | - Ji-Wei Hao
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
| | - Guang-Lei Li
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jing Ji
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China; Department of Emergency, First Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- Neurocritical Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, PR China
| | - Yong-Ming Yao
- Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, PR China
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Habtemariam S. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Neuroprotection by Ursolic Acid: Addressing Brain Injury, Cerebral Ischemia, Cognition Deficit, Anxiety, and Depression. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:8512048. [PMID: 31223427 PMCID: PMC6541953 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8512048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene which is found in common herbs and medicinal plants that are reputed for a variety of pharmacological effects. Both as an active principle of these plants and as a nutraceutical ingredient, the pharmacology of UA in the CNS and other organs and systems has been extensively reported in recent years. In this communication, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory axis of UA's pharmacology is appraised for its therapeutic potential in some common CNS disorders. Classic examples include the traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral ischemia, cognition deficit, anxiety, and depression. The pharmacological efficacy for UA is demonstrated through the therapeutic principle of one drug → multitargets → one/many disease(s). Both specific enzymes and receptor targets along with diverse pharmacological effects associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling are scrutinised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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23
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Wagdy R, Abdelkader RM, El-Khatib AH, Linscheid MW, Hamdi N, Handoussa H. Neuromodulatory Activity of Dietary Phenolics Derived from Corchorus olitorius L. J Food Sci 2019; 84:1012-1022. [PMID: 31017668 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dietary phenolics are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, making them promising candidates for protection against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Hydroalcohol extract of Egyptian species of Corchorus olitorius L. (Co) leaves was investigated for its neuroprotective effects in a lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model. Twenty five metabolites were characterized from the bioactive extract using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC/PDA/HRESI/MSn , revealing 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (Co11) as one of the major constituents (5.7%), which was isolated and its identity was confirmed by spectral data as first report. Co significantly protected microglia against H2 O2 -induced cytotoxicity and immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of the astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the inflammatory marker, cyclooxygenase-2. These findings correlated with significant improvement of cognitive functions and reduction of LPS-induced neurodegeneration in Co-treated mice as revealed by histopathology. The current study shows promising effects of Co in limiting neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment caused by neuroinflammation and glial cell activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Information presented here shed light on the promising effects of Corchorus olitorius (Co) for the modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways improving the neuroinflammation-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. This makes Co a promising candidate as a nutraceutical supplement to be used against neuroinflammation-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Wagdy
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biology, German Univ. in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham M Abdelkader
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, German Univ. in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H El-Khatib
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Ain Shams Univ., Cairo, Egypt.,Dept. of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nabila Hamdi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, German Univ. in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Handoussa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biology, German Univ. in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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Chen M, Wang X, Hu B, Zhou J, Wang X, Wei W, Zhou H. Ursolic acid stimulates UCP2 expression and protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury via p38 signaling. J Biosci 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-018-9801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Basavan D, Chalichem NSS, Kumar MKS. Phytoconstituents and their Possible Mechanistic Profile for Alzheimer's Disease - A Literature Review. Curr Drug Targets 2018; 20:263-291. [PMID: 30101703 DOI: 10.2174/1389450119666180813095637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Memory is an associated part of life without which livelihood of a human being becomes miserable. As the global aged population is increasing tremendously, time has come to concentrate on tail end life stage diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of such diseases whose origin is enigmatic, having an impact on later stage of life drastically due to irreparable damage of cognition, characterised by the presence of neurotoxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and hyper phosphorylated Tau protein as fibrillary tangles. Existing therapeutic regimen mainly focuses on symptomatic relief by targeting neurotransmitters that are secondary to AD pathology. Plant derived licensed drugs, Galantamine and Huperzine-A were studied extensively due to their AChE inhibitory action for mild to moderate cases of AD. Although many studies have proved the efficacy of AChEIs as a preferable symptom reliever, they cannot offer long term protection. The future generation drugs of AD is expected to alter various factors that underlie the disease course with a symptomatic benefit promise. As AD involves complex pathology, it is essential to consider several molecular divergent factors apart from the events that result in the production of toxic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Even though several herbals have shown neuroprotective actions, we have mentioned about the phytoconstituents that have been tested experimentally against different Alzheimer's pathology models. These phytoconstituents need to be considered by the researchers for further drug development process to make them viable clinically, which is currently a lacuna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duraiswamy Basavan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of pharmacy (Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru), Ooty-643001, India
| | - Nehru S S Chalichem
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of pharmacy (Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru), Ooty-643001, India
| | - Mohan K S Kumar
- TIFAC CORE Herbal drugs, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of Pharmacy (Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru), ooty-643001, India
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26
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Wang Y, Li L, Deng S, Liu F, He Z. Ursolic Acid Ameliorates Inflammation in Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury Possibly via High Mobility Group Box 1/Toll-Like Receptor 4/NFκB Pathway. Front Neurol 2018; 9:253. [PMID: 29867706 PMCID: PMC5968106 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury by inducing the production of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukins (ILs) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). According to recent studies, ursolic acid (UA) regulates TLR signaling and exhibits notable anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we explored the mechanism by which UA regulates inflammation in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) model. The MCAO/R model was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats (MCAO for 2 h, followed by reperfusion for 48 h). UA was administered intragastrically at 0.5, 24, and 47 h after reperfusion. The direct high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) inhibitor glycyrrhizin (GL) was injected intravenously after 0.5 h of ischemia as a positive control. The degree of brain damage was estimated using the neurological deficit score, infarct volume, histopathological changes, and neuronal apoptosis. We assessed IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels to evaluate post-ischemic inflammation. HMGB1 and TLR4 expression and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NFκB) were also examined to explore the underlying mechanism. UA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the neurological deficit scores, infarct volume, apoptotic cells, and IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations. The infarct area ratio was reduced by (33.07 ± 1.74), (27.05 ± 1.13), (27.49 ± 1.87), and (39.74 ± 2.14)% in the 10 and 20 mg/kg UA, GL, and control groups, respectively. Furthermore, UA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased HMGB1 release and the TLR4 level and inactivated NFκB signaling. Thus, the effects of intragastric administration of 20 mg/kg of UA and 10 mg/kg of GL were similar. We provide novel evidence that UA reduces inflammatory cytokine production to protect the brain from cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury possibly through the HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shumin Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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27
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Nieoczym D, Socała K, Wlaź P. Assessment of the Anticonvulsant Potency of Ursolic Acid in Seizure Threshold Tests in Mice. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:995-1002. [PMID: 29541930 PMCID: PMC5949134 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2505-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a plant derived compound which is also a component of the standard human diet. It possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor, which have been used in folk medicine for centuries. Moreover, influence of UA on central nervous system-related processes, i.e., pain, anxiety and depression, was proved in experimental studies. UA also revealed anticonvulsant properties in animal models of epilepsy and seizures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of UA on seizure thresholds in three acute seizure models in mice, i.e., the 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizure threshold test, the maximal electroshock threshold (MEST) test and the timed intravenous pentylenetetrazole (iv PTZ) infusion test. We also examined its effect on the muscular strength (assessed in the grip strength test) and motor coordination (estimated in the chimney test) in mice. UA at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly increased the seizure thresholds in the 6 Hz and MEST tests. The studied compound did not influence the seizure thresholds in the iv PTZ test. Moreover, UA did not affect the motor coordination and muscular strength in mice. UA displays only a weak anticonvulsant potential which is dependent on the used seizure model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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28
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Sahu S, Li R, Kadeyala PK, Liu S, Schachner M. The human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) glycan mimetic ursolic acid promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mouse. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 55:219-228. [PMID: 29567576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) cell antigen is a glycan epitope involved in several neural events, such as neuritogenesis, myelination, synaptic plasticity and regeneration of the nervous system after injury. We have recently identified the small organic compound ursolic acid (UA) as a HNK-1 mimetic with the aim to test its therapeutic potential in the central nervous system. UA, a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid, is well known for its multiple biological functions, including neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we evaluated its functions in a mouse model of spinal cord injury (SCI) and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying its positive effects. Oral administration of UA to mice 1 h after SCI and thereafter once daily for 6 weeks enhanced the regaining of motor functions and axonal regrowth, and decreased astrogliosis. UA administration decreased levels of proinflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, in the injured spinal cord at the acute phase of inflammation and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways in the injured spinal cord. Taken together, these results suggest that UA may be a candidate for treatment of nervous system injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Sahu
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Praveen Kumar Kadeyala
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Shisong Liu
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA.
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29
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Yin R, Li T, Tian JX, Xi P, Liu RH. Ursolic acid, a potential anticancer compound for breast cancer therapy. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 58:568-574. [PMID: 27469428 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1203755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There are growing interests in the health benefits associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially for the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular, or other chronic diseases. Epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest that these health benefits are strongly associated with phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. Ursolic acid is a naturally synthesized pentacyclic triterpenoid, widely distributed in different fruits and vegetables. Current research suggested that ursolic acid and its derivatives exhibited anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and induction of apoptosis in several human cancer cells. In particular, ursolic acid inhibited breast cancer proliferation by inducing cell G1/G2 arrest and regulating the expression of key proteins in signal transduction pathways. In addition, ursolic acid induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells through intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Ursolic acid was also determined to scavenge free radicals and have potent anti-inflammation activity. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature on anticancer activity of ursolic acid and focus on its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yin
- a Department of Food Science , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
| | - Tong Li
- a Department of Food Science , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
| | - Jing Xin Tian
- a Department of Food Science , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
| | - Pan Xi
- a Department of Food Science , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
| | - Rui Hai Liu
- a Department of Food Science , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
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Ramos-Hryb AB, Pazini FL, Kaster MP, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic Potential of Ursolic Acid to Manage Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases. CNS Drugs 2017; 31:1029-1041. [PMID: 29098660 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-017-0474-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in several plants. Despite its initial use as a pharmacologically inactive emulsifier in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, several biological activities have been reported for this compound so far, including anti-tumoural, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The biological effects of ursolic acid have been evaluated in vitro, in different cell types and against several toxic insults (i.e. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, amyloid-β peptides, kainic acid and others); in animal models of brain-related disorders (Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression, traumatic brain injury) and ageing; and in clinical studies with cancer patients and for muscle atrophy. Most of the protective effects of ursolic acid are related to its ability to prevent oxidative damage and excessive inflammation, common mechanisms associated with multiple brain disorders. Additionally, ursolic acid is capable of modulating the monoaminergic system, an effect that might be involved in its ability to prevent mood and cognitive dysfunctions associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. This review presents and discusses the available evidence of the possible beneficial effects of ursolic acid for the management of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. We also discuss the chemical features, major sources and potential limitations of the use of ursolic acid as a pharmacological treatment for brain-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Ramos-Hryb
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Manuella P Kaster
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
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Lee JY, Choi JK, Jeong NH, Yoo J, Ha YS, Lee B, Choi H, Park PH, Shin TY, Kwon TK, Lee SR, Lee S, Lee SW, Rho MC, Kim SH. Anti-inflammatory effects of ursolic acid-3-acetate on human synovial fibroblasts and a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 49:118-125. [PMID: 28577436 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is a common natural substance known to be effective in the treatment of inflammation, oxidative stress, and ulcers in arthritis. This study examined the effects of ursolic acid-3-acetate (UAA), a derivative of UA, on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and verified the underlying mechanism of action by using a type-II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated RA synovial fibroblasts. The oral administration of UAA showed a decrease in clinical arthritis symptoms, paw thickness, histologic and radiologic changes, and serum IgG1 and IgG2a levels. UAA administration reduced Th1/Th17 phenotype CD4+ T lymphocyte expansion and inflammatory cytokine production in draining lymph nodes. In addition, UAA effectively reduced the expression and production of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase-1/3 in the knee joint tissue and RA synovial fibroblasts, through the downregulation of IKKα/β, ΙκBα, and nuclear factor-κB. Our findings showed that UAA modulated helper T cell immune responses and matrix-degrading enzymes. The effects of UAA were comparable with those of the positive control drug, dexamethasone. In summary, all the evidence presented in this paper suggest that UAA could be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Yeong Lee
- CMRI, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyeong Choi
- CMRI, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Molecular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Na-Hee Jeong
- CMRI, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsoo Yoo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Su Ha
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungheon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjae Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Hoon Park
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yong Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Rae Lee
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woong Lee
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Mun-Chual Rho
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- CMRI, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Tang FR, Loke WK, Wong P, Khoo BC. Radioprotective effect of ursolic acid in radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis, learning and memory in adolescent BALB/c mouse. Physiol Behav 2017; 175:37-46. [PMID: 28341234 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The effect of acute irradiation with 5Gy or fractionated exposure with 0.5Gy continuously for 10days (a total dose of 5Gy) was evaluated in an immature BALB/c mouse model. Radioprotective effect of ursolic acid (at 25mg/kg/daily administered 1h after acute or each of fractionated irradiations, and continuously for 30days) was also investigated. We found that both acute and fractionated irradiation at a total dose of 5Gy did not induce any mortality within 30days after exposure to postnatal day 26 (P26) BALB/c mice, but reduced animal weigh gain in the first few weeks. At 90days after irradiation, the weight of animals with acute irradiation was still significantly lower than the control group; no significant difference though was observed for those fractionatedly exposed mice compared to the control group. Behavioral tests indicated that acute irradiation at 5Gy induced deficits in learning and memory in the contextual fear conditioning test. The memory for novel object recognition was also impaired. Similar changes were not observed in mice with fractionated irradiation. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated clearly that acute and fractionated irradiations induced impairment of neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus although fractionated exposure induced much lesser loss of newly generated neurons. Ursolic acid administered at 25mg/kg/daily for 30days after irradiation greatly improved acute irradiation-induced deficits in contextual learning and memory and in novel object recognition memory although it exacerbated radiation-induced reduction of neurogenesis in SGZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety initiative, National University of Singapore, 1 CREATE Way #04-01, CREATE Tower, 138602, Singapore.
| | - Weng Keong Loke
- Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, 11 Stockport Road, 11760, Singapore
| | - Peiyan Wong
- Neuroscience Phenotyping Core, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Boo Cheong Khoo
- Temasek Laboratories, National University of Singapore, 5A, Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
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Natural products against Alzheimer's disease: Pharmaco-therapeutics and biotechnological interventions. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 35:178-216. [PMID: 28043897 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with memory and cognition impairment ultimately leading to death. It is the commonest reason of dementia in elderly populations mostly affecting beyond the age of 65. The pathogenesis is indicated by accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in brain tissues and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in neurons. The main cause is considered to be the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress. The current treatment provides only symptomatic relief by offering temporary palliative therapy which declines the rate of cognitive impairment associated with AD. Inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is considered as one of the major therapeutic strategies offering only symptomatic relief and moderate disease-modifying effect. Other non-cholinergic therapeutic approaches include antioxidant and vitamin therapy, stem cell therapy, hormonal therapy, use of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications and selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, inhibition of β-secretase and γ-secretase and Aβ aggregation, inhibition of tau hyperphosphorylation and intracellular NFT, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transition metal chelators, insulin resistance drugs, etanercept, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) etc. Medicinal plants have been reported for possible anti-AD activity in a number of preclinical and clinical trials. Ethnobotany, being popular in China and in the Far East and possibly less emphasized in Europe, plays a substantial role in the discovery of anti-AD agents from botanicals. Chinese Material Medica (CMM) involving Chinese medicinal plants has been used traditionally in China in the treatment of AD. Ayurveda has already provided numerous lead compounds in drug discovery and many of these are also undergoing clinical investigations. A number of medicinal plants either in their crude forms or as isolated compounds have exhibited to reduce the pathological features associated with AD. In this present review, an attempt has been made to elucidate the molecular mode of action of various plant extracts, phytochemicals and traditional herbal formulations investigated against AD as reported in various preclinical and clinical tests. Herbal synergism often found in polyherbal formulations were found effective to combat disease heterogeneity as found in complex pathogenesis of AD. Finally a note has been added to describe biotechnological improvement, genetic and genomic resources and mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building associated with anti-AD plant secondary metabolites and their source botanicals.
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Azevedo LF, Silva SMD, Navarro LB, Yamaguchi LF, Nascimento CGO, Soncini R, Ishikawa T. Evidence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Plinia edulis leaf infusion. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 192:178-182. [PMID: 27377340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae) is native and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Popularly known as "cambucá", it has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders, diabetes, bronchitis, inflammation and as tonic. Although there are numerous records concerning its popular use as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, scientific information regarding these pharmacological activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of P. edulis leaf infusion (AEPe) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The acetic acid-induced writhing response and mechanical nociceptive paw tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. The substances in AEPe were identified by HPLC-MS analysis. RESULTS At the test doses 30-300mg/kg p.o., AEPe has clearly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The infusion has shown significant antinociceptive activity in both models of nociception. Gallic acid, myricitrin, guaijaverin, quercitrin, quercetin, corosolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were identified in AEPe. CONCLUSION P. edulis infusion presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all experiments realized in this study, which could be related to the presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of this species in the management of pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara F Azevedo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Simone Maria da Silva
- Department of Food and Drugs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Navarro
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 05599-970 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lydia F Yamaguchi
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 05599-970 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Giovani O Nascimento
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Roseli Soncini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Tati Ishikawa
- Department of Food and Drugs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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Guo C, Yang L, Luo J, Zhang C, Xia Y, Ma T, Kong L. Sophoraflavanone G from Sophora alopecuroides inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells by targeting PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 38:349-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Wang Y, He Z, Deng S. Ursolic acid reduces the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease imbalance in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:1663-74. [PMID: 27274199 PMCID: PMC4876798 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s103829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activators of PPARs, particularly PPARγ, may be effective neuroprotective drugs against inflammatory responses in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Ursolic acid (UA) may act as a PPARγ agonist and serve as an anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, we used a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model to examine how UA acts as a neuroprotective agent to modulate the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance. METHODS The middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model (occlusion for 2 hours followed by reperfusion for 48 hours) was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats. UA was administered intragastrically 0.5, 24, and 47 hours after reperfusion. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (a PPARγ antagonist) was intraperitoneally administered 1, 24.5, and 47.5 hours after reperfusion. Forty-eight hours after reperfusion, neurological deficits and infarct volume were estimated. The PPARγ level and the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The activation of MAPK signaling pathways was also assessed. RESULTS UA-treated (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) rats showed significant improvement in neurological deficit score, infarct volume, and the number of intact neurons compared with control rats (P<0.01). Both the PPARγ protein level and the percentage of PPARγ-positive cells were increased in the UA-treated groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the UA-treated groups exhibited reduced protein levels of MMP2, MMP9, and activated MAPKs (P<0.01) but an increased level of TIMP1 (P<0.01). UA exerted its protective effects in a dose-dependent manner. Co-treatment with UA and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether completely abolished the UA-induced changes in PPARγ expression; however UA continued to exert a significant but partial neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION UA can act as a PPARγ agonist to improve the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance, possibly by inhibiting the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby attenuating cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Therefore, UA may serve as a novel neuroprotective therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shumin Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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Shaikh A, Dhadde SB, Durg S, Veerapur VP, Badami S, Thippeswamy BS, Patil JS. Effect of Embelin Against Lipopolysaccharide-induced Sickness Behaviour in Mice. Phytother Res 2016; 30:815-22. [PMID: 26890475 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashique Shaikh
- Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy; Tumkur 572 102 India
| | - Shivsharan B. Dhadde
- Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy; Tumkur 572 102 India
- VT's Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Pharmacy; Asangaon 421 601 India
| | | | - V. P. Veerapur
- Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy; Tumkur 572 102 India
| | - S. Badami
- Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy; Tumkur 572 102 India
| | - B. S. Thippeswamy
- Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy; Tumkur 572 102 India
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Pharmacy; Shaqra University Al-Dawadmi; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Kashyap D, Tuli HS, Sharma AK. Ursolic acid (UA): A metabolite with promising therapeutic potential. Life Sci 2016; 146:201-13. [PMID: 26775565 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plants are known to produce a variety of bioactive metabolites which are being used to cure various life threatening and chronic diseases. The molecular mechanism of action of such bioactive molecules, may open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle dreadful diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Ursolic acid (UA) is one among the categories of such plant-based therapeutic metabolites having multiple intracellular and extracellular targets that play role in apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis and inflammatory processes. Moreover, the synthetic derivatives of UA have also been seen to be involved in a range of pharmacological applications, which are associated with prevention of diseases. Evidences suggest that UA could be used as a potential candidate to develop a comprehensive competent strategy towards the treatment and prevention of health disorders. The review article herein describes the possible therapeutic effects of UA along with putative mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharambir Kashyap
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, Punjab 160012, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India.
| | - Anil K Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
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Rai SN, Yadav SK, Singh D, Singh SP. Ursolic acid attenuates oxidative stress in nigrostriatal tissue and improves neurobehavioral activity in MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mouse model. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 71:41-9. [PMID: 26686287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a slow and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region of brain. Oxidative stress and inflammation plays important role in the neurodegeneration and development of PD. Ursolic Acid (UA: 3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in various medicinal plants. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity is a well-established fact. In this paper, the neuroprotective efficiency of UA in MPTP induced PD mouse model has been explored. For this purpose, we divided 30 mice into 5 different groups; first was control, second was MPTP-treated, third, fourth and fifth were different doses of UA viz., 5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg body weight (wt) respectively, along with MPTP. After 21 days of treatment, different behavioral parameters and biochemical assays were conducted. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining of SN dopaminergic neurons as well as HPLC quantification of dopamine and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanilic acid (HVA) were also performed. Our results proved that, UA improves behavioral deficits, restored altered dopamine level and protect dopaminergic neurons in the MPTP intoxicated mouse. Among three different doses, 25 mg/kg body wt was the most effective dose for the PD. This work reveals the potential of UA as a promising drug candidate for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachchida Nand Rai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Satyndra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Divakar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Woźniak Ł, Skąpska S, Marszałek K. Ursolic Acid--A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid with a Wide Spectrum of Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2015; 20:20614-41. [PMID: 26610440 PMCID: PMC6332387 DOI: 10.3390/molecules201119721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural terpene compound exhibiting many pharmaceutical properties. In this review the current state of knowledge about the health-promoting properties of this widespread, biologically active compound, as well as information about its occurrence and biosynthesis are presented. Particular attention has been paid to the application of ursolic acid as an anti-cancer agent; it is worth noticing that clinical tests suggesting the possibility of practical use of UA have already been conducted. Amongst other pharmacological properties of UA one can mention protective effect on lungs, kidneys, liver and brain, anti-inflammatory properties, anabolic effects on skeletal muscles and the ability to suppress bone density loss leading to osteoporosis. Ursolic acid also exhibits anti-microbial features against numerous strains of bacteria, HIV and HCV viruses and Plasmodium protozoa causing malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Woźniak
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Skąpska
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Krystian Marszałek
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
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Colla ARS, Rosa JM, Cunha MP, Rodrigues ALS. Anxiolytic-like effects of ursolic acid in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 758:171-6. [PMID: 25861934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid that possesses several biological and neuropharmacological effects including antidepressant-like activity. Anxiety disorders represent common and disability psychiatric conditions that are often associated with depressive symptoms. This work investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of ursolic acid administration in different behavioral paradigms that evaluate anxiety in mice: open field test, elevated plus maze test, light/dark box test and marble burying test. To this end, mice were administered with ursolic acid (0.1, 1 and 10mg/kg, p.o.) or diazepam (2mg/kg, p.o.), positive control, and submitted to the behavioral tests. The results show that ursolic acid (10mg/kg) elicited an anxiolytic-like effect observed by the increased total time in the center and decreased number of rearings responses in the open field test and an increased percentage of entries and total time spent in the open arms of elevated plus maze, similarly to diazepam. No significant effects of ursolic acid were shown in the light/dark box and marble burying test. These data indicate that ursolic acid exhibits anxiolytic-like effects in the open field and elevated plus maze test, but not in the light/dark box and marble burying test, showing the relevance of testing several behavioral paradigms in the evaluation of anxiolytic-like actions. Of note, the results extend the understanding on the effects of ursolic acid in the central nervous system and suggest that it may be a novel approach for the management of anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- André R S Colla
- Department of Biochemistry, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário - Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Julia M Rosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário - Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mauricio P Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário - Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário - Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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The effect of the antipsychotic drug quetiapine and its metabolite norquetiapine on acute inflammation, memory and anhedonia. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 135:136-44. [PMID: 26047769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The atypical antipsychotic drug, quetiapine, has recently been suggested to not only show efficacy in schizophrenia, bipolar, major depressive and general anxiety disorders, but to also have a possible anti-inflammatory effect, which could be important in the treatment of the inflammatory aspects of psychiatric diseases. Male C57BL/6 mice were given either quetiapine (i.p. 10mg/kg), its main active metabolite norquetiapine (i.p. 10mg/kg), or saline as a vehicle control, once a day for 14days. On the 14th day, this dose was followed by a single dose of either LPS (i.p. 1mg/kg) or saline. 24h post LPS short-term recognition memory and anhedonia behaviour were measured using the Y-maze and saccharin preference test respectively. Immediately following behavioural testing, mice were culled before serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampal analysis of cytokine levels was conducted. It was found that LPS challenge led to increased serum and brain cytokine levels as well as anhedonia, with no significant effect on recognition memory. Quetiapine and norquetiapine both increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in serum 4h post LPS. Within the brain, a similar pattern was seen in gene expression in the hippocampus at 4h for Il-10 and Ifn-γ, however norquetiapine led to an increase in Il-1β expression in the PFC at 4h, while both drugs attenuated the increased Il-10 in different regions of the brain at 24h. These effects in the serum and brain, however, had no effect on the observed LPS induced changes in behaviour. Both quetiapine and its metabolite norquetiapine appear to have a partial anti-inflammatory effect on IL-10 and IFN-γ following acute LPS challenge in serum and brain, however these effects did not translate into behavioural changes.
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Yang Y, Zhao Z, Liu Y, Kang X, Zhang H, Meng M. Suppression of oxidative stress and improvement of liver functions in mice by ursolic acid via LKB1-AMP-activated protein kinase signaling. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:609-18. [PMID: 25168399 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatic cirrhosis is the final stage of liver dysfunction, characterized by diffuse fibrosis, which is the main response to the liver injury. This study is to investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on liver functions and fibrosis in bile duct ligation (BDL) mice and to determine the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Cultured hepatocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of UA. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, protein levels of IκBα, iNOS and Cox-2, and NF-κB activation were detected, respectively. C57/BL6 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α2(-/-) mice were subjected to BDL for 14 days. UA was administered by gavage. The markers of liver function and oxidative stress, and liver histopathology were analyzed after treatment. RESULTS Treatment of hepatocytes with UA dose-dependently activates AMPK, which is abolished by silence of liver kinase B1 (LKB1). LPS significantly increased ROS productions, apoptosis, NF-κB activation, and expressions of iNOS and Cox-2 in cultured hepatocytes. All these effects were blocked by co-incubation with UA. Importantly, silence of LKB1, AMPK, or iNOS/Cox-2 by small interference RNA transfection reversed UA-induced effects in cultured cells. In an animal study, 14-day BDL induced liver fibrosis and liver injury, accompanied with increased oxidative stress and protein expressions of iNOS and Cox-2 in liver. Treatment of UA significantly attenuated the BDL-induced detrimental effects in wild-type mice but not in AMPKα2(-/-) mice. CONCLUSION UA via LKB1-AMPK signaling offers protective effects on BDL-induced liver injury in mice, which may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbin Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Health Science Center, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Yang H, Liu C, Zhang YQ, Ge LT, Chen J, Jia XQ, Gu RX, Sun Y, Sun WD. Ilexgenin A induces B16-F10 melanoma cell G1/S arrest in vitro and reduces tumor growth in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 24:423-431. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Jang SE, Jeong JJ, Hyam SR, Han MJ, Kim DH. Ursolic acid isolated from the seed of Cornus officinalis ameliorates colitis in mice by inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide to Toll-like receptor 4 on macrophages. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:9711-21. [PMID: 25213465 DOI: 10.1021/jf501487v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid, which was isolated from an ethanol extract of Cornus officinalis seed, potently inhibited nuclear factor κ light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ursolic acid in LPS-stimulated macrophages and colitic mice. Ursolic acid inhibited phosphorylation of interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)1, TAK1, inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase subunit β (IKKβ), and IκBα as well as activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Ursolic acid suppressed LPS-stimulated interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible NO synthetase (iNOS) expression as well as PGE2 and NO levels. Ursolic acid not only inhibited the Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated LPS-mediated shift of macrophages but also reduced the intensity of fluorescent LPS bound to the macrophages transiently transfected with or without MyD88 siRNA. However, ursolic acid did not suppress NF-κB activation in peptidoglycan-stimulated macrophages. Oral administration of ursolic acid significantly inhibited 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colon shortening and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in mice. Ursolic acid also suppressed TNBS-induced COX-2 and iNOS expression as well as NF-κB activation in colon tissues. Ursolic acid (20 mg/kg) also inhibited TNBS-induced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α by 93, 86, and 85%, respectively (p < 0.05). However, ursolic acid reversed TNBS-mediated downregulation of IL-10 expression to 79% of the normal control group (p < 0.05). On the basis of these findings, ursolic acid may ameliorate colitis by regulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways via the inhibition of LPS binding to TLR4 on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Eun Jang
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Department of Food and Nutrition, and §Department of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Baek SY, Lee J, Lee DG, Park MK, Lee J, Kwok SK, Cho ML, Park SH. Ursolic acid ameliorates autoimmune arthritis via suppression of Th17 and B cell differentiation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:1177-87. [PMID: 25087995 PMCID: PMC4155530 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in most plant species, which has been shown anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In this study, we examined the effects of UA on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, and to identify the mechanisms underlying the effects. METHODS CIA was induced in mice. Two weeks later, the mice were treated with UA (150 mg/kg, ip, 3 times per week) for 4 weeks. The expression of cytokines and oxidative stress markers in joint tissues was measured with immunohistochemistry. The numbers of CD4+IL-17+, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and pSTAT3 cells in spleens were determined using confocal immunostaining or flowcytometric analyses. Serum antibody levels and B cell-associated marker mRNAs were analyzed with ELISAs and qRT-PCR, respectively. CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells were purified from mice spleens for in vitro studies. RESULTS UA treatment significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA-induced arthritis, accompanied by decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-21 and IL-17) and oxidative stress markers (nitrotyrosine and iNOS) in arthritic joints. In CIA mice, UA treatment significantly decreased the number of Th17 cells, while increased the number of Treg cells in the spleens, which was consistent with decreased expression of pSTAT3, along with IL-17 and RORγt in the splenocytes. In addition, UA treatment significantly reduced the serum CII-specific IgG levels in CIA mice. The inhibitory effects of UA on Th17 cells were confirmed in an in vitro model of Th17 differentiation. Furthermore, UA dose-dependently suppressed the expression of B cell-associated markers Bcl-6, Blimp1 and AID mRNAs in purified CD19+ B cells pretreated with IL-21 or LPS in vitro. CONCLUSION UA treatment significantly ameliorates CIA in mice via suppression of Th17 and differentiation. By targeting pathogenic Th17 cells and autoantibody production, UA may be useful for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis and other Th17-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-ye Baek
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaeseon Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-gun Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi-kyung Park
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jennifer Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Divison of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137–040, South Korea
| | - Seung-ki Kwok
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Divison of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137–040, South Korea
| | - Mi-la Cho
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-hwan Park
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Divison of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137–040, South Korea
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Islam MS, Akhtar MM, Ciavattini A, Giannubilo SR, Protic O, Janjusevic M, Procopio AD, Segars JH, Castellucci M, Ciarmela P. Use of dietary phytochemicals to target inflammation, fibrosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis in uterine tissues: promising options for prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids? Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:1667-84. [PMID: 24976593 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids, myomas) are the most common benign tumors of female reproductive tract. They are highly prevalent, with 70-80% of women burdened by the end of their reproductive years. Fibroids are a leading cause of pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pressure on the bladder, miscarriage, and infertility. They are the leading indication for hysterectomy, and costs exceed 6 billion dollars annually in the United States. Unfortunately, no long-term medical treatments are available. Dysregulation of inflammatory processes are thought to be involved in the initiation of leiomyoma and extracellular matrix deposition, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis are the key cellular events implicated in leiomyoma growth. In modern pharmaceutical industries, dietary phytochemicals are used as source of new potential drugs for many kinds of tumors. Dietary phytochemicals may exert therapeutic effects by interfering with key cellular events of the tumorigenesis process. At present, a negligible number of phytochemicals have been tested as therapeutic agents against fibroids. In this context, our aim was to introduce some of the potential dietary phytochemicals that have shown anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antifibrotic, and antiangiogenic activities in different biological systems. This review could be useful to stimulate the evaluation of these phytochemicals as possible therapies for uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Soriful Islam
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy; Biotechnology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
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Carpenter OL, Wu S. Regulation of MSK1-Mediated NF-κB Activation Upon UVB Irradiation. Photochem Photobiol 2013; 90:155-61. [PMID: 24033137 DOI: 10.1111/php.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that controls expression of genes involved in the immune and inflammatory responses as well as being a key component in the onset of cancers. In this study, we provided evidence that mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK1) is responsible for a noncanonical late-phase activation of NF-κB upon UVB irradiation. Our data demonstrated that following UVB irradiation, MSK1 is activated via phosphorylation at the 24 h time point coinciding with translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus. Investigations into the signaling pathways upstream of MSK1 through the use of specific inhibitors for mitogen-activated protein kinase and p38 revealed that both kinases are required for full phosphorylation during the late phase (24 h), while p38 is paramount for phosphorylation during the early phase (6 h). Electromobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that inhibition of MSK1 resulted in a marked reduction in NF-κB binding affinity without altering the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Supershift EMSA implicate that the p65, but not p50, isoform of NF-κB is involved in late-phase activation in response to UVB irradiation. Together, the results of these studies shed light onto a novel pathway of MSK1-mediated late-phase activation of NF-κB in response to UVB irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver L Carpenter
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Shiyong Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
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Wu DM, Lu J, Zhang YQ, Zheng YL, Hu B, Cheng W, Zhang ZF, Li MQ. Ursolic acid improves domoic acid-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 271:127-36. [PMID: 23707761 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Our previous findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is the mechanism underlying cognitive deficits induced by domoic acid (DA). Ursolic acid (UA), a natural triterpenoid compound, possesses many important biological functions. Evidence shows that UA can activate PI3K/Akt signaling and suppress Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) activity. FoxO1 is an important regulator of mitochondrial function. Here we investigate whether FoxO1 is involved in the oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in DA-treated mice and whether UA inhibits DA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive deficits through regulating the PI3K/Akt and FoxO1 signaling pathways. Our results showed that FoxO1 knockdown reversed the mitochondrial abnormalities and cognitive deficits induced by DA in mice through decreasing HO-1 expression. Mechanistically, FoxO1 activation was associated with oxidative stress-induced JNK activation and decrease of Akt phosphorylation. Moreover, UA attenuated the mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive deficits through promoting Akt phosphorylation and FoxO1 nuclear exclusion in the hippocampus of DA-treated mice. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling, significantly decreased Akt phosphorylation in the hippocampus of DA/UA mice, which weakened UA actions. These results suggest that UA could be recommended as a possible candidate for the prevention and therapy of cognitive deficits in excitotoxic brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-mei Wu
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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Liu K, Guo L, Miao L, Bao W, Yang J, Li X, Xi T, Zhao W. Ursolic acid inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the expression of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 in human nonsmall cell lung cancer A549 cells. Anticancer Drugs 2013; 24:494-503. [PMID: 23511428 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328360093b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most death-related cancers worldwide. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, has a wide range of anticancer functions such as proapoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and antimetastasis. This study was carried out to explore the inhibition mechanism of UA on metastasis of lung cancer A549 cells. First, we found that UA inhibited the metastasis of lung cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner through an adhesion assay, a cell wound healing assay, and a transwell migration assay in vitro. In addition, after treatment with UA, the A549 cells showed decreased expression of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) accompanied by upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, which have been reported to characterize the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further results also confirmed that the expression of vimentin was decreased by the siRNA technique to directly knock down AEG-1 expression, indicating that AEG-1 was involved in UA-mediated EMT inhibition. Furthermore, our results showed that UA suppressed the expression level of AEG-1 by repressing nuclear factor-κB signaling. Altogether, UA inhibited the EMT by suppressing the expression of AEG-1, correlating with inhibition of nuclear factor-κB in A549 cells. These findings suggested that UA was a potent anti-lung cancer agent, and it may be able to prevent invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunmei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009 People's Republic of China
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