Atractylenolide III ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury and neuroinflammation associated with inhibiting JAK2/STAT3/Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission in microglia

Pharmacokinetic study and neuropharmacological effects of atractylenolide Ⅲ to improve cognitive impairment via PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese herbal remedy Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz is renowned for its purported gastrointestinal regulatory properties and immune-enhancing capabilities. Atractylenolide III (ATL III), a prominent bioactive compound in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities. However, its impact on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and therapeutic potential concerning Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain inadequately investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to assess the plasma pharmacokinetics of ATL III in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and elucidate its neuropharmacological effects on AD via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway. Through this research, we endeavor to furnish experimental substantiation for the advancement of novel therapeutics centered on ATL III.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmacokinetic profile of ATL III in SD rat plasma was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). AD models were induced in SD rats through bilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ). ATL III was administered at doses of 0.6 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, and 2.4 mg/kg, while donepezil (1 mg/kg) served as control. Cognitive function assessments were conducted employing behavioral tests including the Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition. Neuronal pathology and histological changes were evaluated through Nissl staining and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, respectively. Oxidative stress levels were determined by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity. Molecular docking analysis was employed to explore the direct binding between ATL III and its relevant targets, followed by validation using Western blot (WB) experiments to assess the expression of p-Tau, PI3K, AKT, GSK3β, and their phosphorylated forms.

RESULTS

Within the concentration range of 5-500 ng/mL, ATL III demonstrated exceptional linearity (R2 = 0.9991), with a quantification limit of 5 ng/mL. In male SD rats, ATL III exhibited a Tmax of 45 min, a t1/2 of 172.1 min, a Cmax of 1211 ng/L, and an AUC(0-t) of 156031 ng/L*min. Treatment with ATL III significantly attenuated Tau hyperphosphorylation in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) rats. Furthermore, ATL III administration mitigated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced Nissl body loss, alleviated histological alterations, decreased MDA content, and enhanced T-SOD activity. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinity between ATL III and the target genes PI3K, AKT, and GSK3β. Experimental validation corroborated that ATL III stimulated the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT while reducing the phosphorylation of GSK3β.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ATL III can mitigate Tau protein phosphorylation through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway. This attenuation consequently ameliorates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, leading to enhanced learning and memory abilities in ICV-STZ rats.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide ameliorated ulcerative colitis by remodeling intestinal mucosal barrier function via regulating the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by a chronic and protracted course and often leads to a poor prognosis. Patients with this condition often experience postoperative complications, further complicating the management of their condition. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide (THP) has demonstrated considerable potential as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. However, its underlying mechanism in the treatment of UC remains unclear. This study systematically and comprehensively investigated the effects of THP on dextran sulfate-induced UC mice and illustrated its specific mechanism of action. The colon and spleen in UC mice were restored after THP treatment. The levels of key markers, such as secretory immunoglobulin A, β-defensin, and mucin-2 were increased, collagen deposition and epithelial cell apoptosis were decreased. Notably, THP administration led to increased levels of Ki67 and tight junction proteins in colon tissue and reduced colon tissue permeability. THP contributed to the restored balance of intestinal flora. Furthermore, THP downregulated the expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-17 and promoted those of the regulatory factors forkhead box protein P3. It also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by promoting suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS1) expression and inhibiting the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that THP had an efficacy comparable to that of JAK inhibitor in treating UC. In addition, THP might play a role in UC therapy through modulation of the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and remodeling of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Drp1 and neuroinflammation: Deciphering the interplay between mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases

Neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are closely intertwined with the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Recent studies have elucidated profound alterations in mitochondrial dynamics across a spectrum of neurological disorders. Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) emerges as a pivotal regulator of mitochondrial fission, with its dysregulation disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis and fueling neuroinflammation, thereby exacerbating disease severity. In addition to its role in mitochondrial dynamics, DRP1 plays a crucial role in modulating inflammation-related pathways. This review synthesizes important functions of DRP1 in the central nervous system (CNS) and the impact of epigenetic modification on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The intricate interplay between neuroinflammation and DRP1 in microglia and astrocytes, central contributors to neuroinflammation, is expounded upon. Furthermore, the use of DRP1 inhibitors to influence the activation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as their involvement in processes such as mitophagy, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and calcium ion transport in CNS-mediated neuroinflammation, is scrutinized. The modulation of microglia to astrocyte crosstalk by DRP1 and its role in inflammatory neurodegeneration is also highlighted. Overall, targeting DRP1 presents a promising avenue for ameliorating neuroinflammation and enhancing the therapeutic management of neurological disorders.

Elabela ameliorates neuronal pyroptosis and mitochondrial fission via APJ/ZBP1 signaling in ischemic stroke

Pyroptosis signifies a significant form of programmed neuronal demise subsequent to ischemic stroke. In our prior investigations, we demonstrated that the Elabela (ELA)-Apelin receptor (APJ) axis alleviated neuronal death by improving collateral circulation and mitigating ferroptosis in a murine model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). However, the connection between ELA and neuronal pyroptosis remains further elucidation. Here, we observed an upregulation of ELA and APJ expression in both murine brain specimens and cultured HT-22 hippocampal neurons exposed to experimental ischemic stroke. ELA administration markedly diminished the infarct size in comparison to controls. ELA treatment ameliorated neurological deficits and anxiety-like symptoms in mice with stroke, concurrently inhibiting pyroptosis and mitochondria fission in neurons. Conversely, ELA knockdown yielded the opposite effects. Utilizing RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified a candidate for pyroptosis priming, Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1), which was suppressed in ELA-treated HT-22 neurons during oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). Subsequent co-immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated the binding between APJ and ZBP1. Specifically, APJ suppressed ZBP1 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and dynamin-related protein 1-mediated mitochondrial fission in neurons. In summary, our findings suggest that ELA functions as a stroke-induced signal limiting neuronal pyroptosis and mitochondrial fission via APJ/ZBP1 signaling, thereby underscoring ELA as a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke treatment.

*The traditional Chinese medicine processing change chemical composition and pharmacological effectiveness: Taking Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. and honey bran-fried Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. as examples

BACKGROUND

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Baizhu in Chinese, BZ) is a typical traditional edible-medicinal herb used for thousands of years. Known as "the spleen-reinforcing medicine", it is often used clinically to treat reduced digestive function, abdominal distension, and diarrhoea, which are all caused by spleen deficiency. Among BZ's processing products, honey bran-fried BZ (HBBZ) is the only processed product recorded in BZ in the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP). There are differences in effectiveness, traditional application, and clinical indications between them.

PURPOSE

This review reviewed BZ and its main product HBBZ from botany, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, pharmacological effectiveness, and safety. The changes in chemical composition and pharmacological effectiveness of BZ induced by the processing of traditional Chinese medicine were emphatically described.

METHODS

Keywords related to Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., honey bran frying, essential oil, lactones, polysaccharide and combinations to include published studies of BZ and HBBZ from 2004-2023 were searched in the following databases: Pubmed, Chengdu University of TCM Library, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang database. All studies, published in English or Chinese, were included. However, in the process of chemical composition collection, we reviewed all available literature on the chemical composition of BZ and HBBZ.

CONCLUSION

Honey bran frying processing methods will affect BZ's chemical composition and pharmacological effectiveness. The types and contents of chemical components in the HBBZ showed some changes compared with those in BZ. For example, the content of volatile oil decreased and the content of lactones increased after stir-fried bran. In addition, new ingredients such as phenylacetaldehyde, 2-acetyl pyrrole, 6- (1,1-dimethylethyl) -3,4-dihydro-1 (2H) -naphthalone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural appeared. Both BZ and HBBZ have a variety of pharmacological effectiveness. After stir-fried with honey bran, the "Zao Xing" is reduced, and the efficacy of tonify spleen is strengthened, which is more suitable for patients with weak spleen and stomach.

STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 affects DRP1 (dynamin-related protein 1) controlled-mitochondrial fission during the development of apoptotic-resistance in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

The apoptosis-resistant pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) are known to be major players in the pulmonary remodeling of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and exhibit an abnormal metabolic profile with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial fission has been shown to regulate the apoptosis of several cell types, but this is largely unexplored in the PAECs.

OBJECTIVE

The roles of mitochondrial fission control by Dynamin related protein-1 (DRP1) in the development of PAECs apoptosis suppression were investigated in present study and the potential mechanisms behind this were furtherly explored.

METHODS

The mitochondrial morphology was investigated in PAECs from PAH rats with the pulmonary plexiform lesions, and the relations of it with DRP1 expression and apoptosis were furtherly identified in apoptosis-resistant PAECs induced by hypoxia. PAECs were isolated from rats with severe PAH and from normal subjects, the apoptotic-resistant PAECs were induced by hypoxia. DRP1 gene knockdown was achieved via DRP1-siRNA, DRP1 and STAT3 phosphorylation were blocked using its inhibitors, respectively. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and mitochondrial morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscope and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

The PAECs isolated from PAH rats with the pulmonary plexiform-like lesions and displayed lower apoptotic rate with increased DRP1 expression and mitochondrial fragmentation. In addition, similar observations were achieved in apoptosis-resistant PAECs induced by hypoxia. Targeting DRP1 using siRNA and pharmacologic blockade prevented the mitochondrial fission and subsequent apoptotic resistance in PAECs under hypoxia. Mechanistically, STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 was shown to be activated in both PAH and hypoxia-treated PAECs, leading to the regulation of DRP1 expression. Of importance, targeting STAT3Tyr705 phosphorylation prevented DRP1 disruption on apoptosis in PAECs under hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicated that STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 impacted DRP1-controlled mitochondrial fission during the development of apoptosis-resistance in PAECs, suggesting mitochondrial dynamics may represent a therapeutic target for PAH.

Efficacy and safety of traditional plant-based medicines for preventing chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis with core herb contribution

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional plant-based medicines (TMs) have been widely used to prevent chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN). However, the prevention and safety of TMs for chronic OIPN remain ambiguous. Furthermore, diverse TM prescriptions and complicated components limit in-depth research on the mechanisms of TMs.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To determine core TMs and potential pharmacological pathways on the basis of a thorough investigation into the preventive benefits and safety of oral TMs for chronic OIPN in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

A search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for RCTs reporting on TMs for chronic OIPN was conducted through December 1, 2022. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were applied to assess the impacts of influencing variables. The assessment of Risk of Bias was relied on Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The funnel plot, Egger's test, and the Trim and Fill method were applied to identify potential publication bias. Trial sequential analyses (TSA) were carried out by the TSA tool to increase the robustness. The assessment of the quality of evidence was according to the GRADE system. System pharmacology analysis was employed to screen core herbal combinations to elucidate possible mechanisms for preventing chronic OIPN in CRC.

RESULTS

The pooled effect estimate with robustness increased by TSA analysis demonstrated that oral TMs appeared to significantly decrease the incidence of chronic OIPN (RR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.56, 0.78); P＜0.00001), leukocytopenia (RR = 0.65, 95% CI (0.54,0.79); P＜0.00001), and nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.72, 95% CI (0.61,0.84); P＜0.0001) as well as improve the Objective Response Rate (ORR) (RR = 1.31, 95% CI (1.09,1.56); P = 0.003). The incidence of severe chronic OIPN was revealed a significant reduction, particularly when chemotherapy was administered for periods of time shorter than six months (RR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.15,0.71); P = 0.005; actuation duration＜3 months; RR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.17,0.62); P = 0.0007; actuation duration≥3 months, ＜6 months). The considerable heterogeneity among studies may be attributable to the severity of dysfunction categorized by grade and accumulated dosage. Using core TMs consisting of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz., Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. To regulate nuclear factor-kappa B against inflammation caused by activation of microglia might be an approach to preventing chronic OIPN.

CONCLUSIONS

TMs appear to be effective and safe in the prevention of chronic OIPN, especially severe chronic OIPN. Additionally, core TMs consisting of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz., Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf were presumably responsible for reducing the incidence of chronic OIPN, and the mechanism may be related to relieving inflammation. However, quality-assured trials with long-term follow-up for exploring inflammatory factors and preliminary research on core TMs and pharmacological pathways are needed.

Mitochondrial fission enhances IL-6-induced metastatic potential in ovarian cancer via ERK1/2 activation

Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecologic cancer mostly diagnosed in an advanced stage with an accumulation of ascites. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine is highly elevated in malignant ascites and plays a pleiotropic role in cancer progression. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo fission and fusion in response to external stimuli and dysregulation in their dynamics has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we investigate the effect of IL-6 on mitochondrial dynamics in ovarian cancer cells (OVCs) and its impact on metastatic potential. Treatment with IL-6 on ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and PA-1) led to an elevation in the metastatic potential of OVCs. Interestingly, a positive association was observed between dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a regulator of mitochondrial fission, and IL-6R in metastatic ovarian cancer tissues. Additionally, IL-6 treatment on OVCs was linked to the activation of Drp1, with a notable increase in the ratio of the inhibitory form p-Drp1(S637) to the active form p-Drp1(S616), indicating enhanced mitochondrial fission. Moreover, IL-6 treatment triggered the activation of ERK1/2, and inhibiting ERK1/2 mitigated IL-6-induced mitochondrial fission. Suppressing mitochondrial fission through siRNA transfection and a pharmacological inhibitor reduced the IL-6-induced migration and invasion of OVCs. This was further supported by 3D invasion assays using patient-derived spheroids. Altogether, our study suggests the role of mitochondrial fission in the metastatic potential of OVCs induced by IL-6. The inhibition of mitochondrial fission could be a potential therapeutic approach to suppress the metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Somatostatin and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease

Among the central features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression are altered levels of the neuropeptide somatostatin (SST), and the colocalisation of SST-positive interneurons (SST-INs) with amyloid-β plaques, leading to cell death. In this theoretical review, I propose a molecular model for the pathogenesis of AD based on SST-IN hypofunction and hyperactivity. Namely, hypofunctional and hyperactive SST-INs struggle to control hyperactivity in medial regions in early stages, leading to axonal Aβ production through excessive presynaptic GABAB inhibition, GABAB1a/APP complex downregulation and internalisation. Concomitantly, excessive SST-14 release accumulates near SST-INs in the form of amyloids, which bind to Aβ to form toxic mixed oligomers. This leads to differential SST-IN death through excitotoxicity, further disinhibition, SST deficits, and increased Aβ release, fibrillation and plaque formation. Aβ plaques, hyperactive networks and SST-IN distributions thereby tightly overlap in the brain. Conversely, chronic stimulation of postsynaptic SST2/4 on gulutamatergic neurons by hyperactive SST-INs promotes intense Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) p38 activity, leading to somatodendritic p-tau staining and apoptosis/neurodegeneration - in agreement with a near complete overlap between p38 and neurofibrillary tangles. This model is suitable to explain some of the principal risk factors and markers of AD progression, including mitochondrial dysfunction, APOE4 genotype, sex-dependent vulnerability, overactive glial cells, dystrophic neurites, synaptic/spine losses, inter alia. Finally, the model can also shed light on qualitative aspects of AD neuropsychology, especially within the domains of spatial and declarative (episodic, semantic) memory, under an overlying pattern of contextual indiscrimination, ensemble instability, interference and generalisation.

HSPA9 reduction exacerbates symptoms and cell death in DSS-Induced inflammatory colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is influenced by various factors, including environmental factors, immune responses, and genetic elements. Among the factors that influence IBD progression, macrophages play a significant role in generating inflammatory mediators, and an increase in the number of activated macrophages contributes to cellular damage, thereby exacerbating the overall inflammatory conditions. HSPA9, a member of the heat shock protein 70 family, plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial processes and responding to oxidative stress. HSPA9 deficiency disrupts mitochondrial dynamics, increasing mitochondrial fission and the production of reactive oxygen species. Based on the known functions of HSPA9, we considered the possibility that HSPA9 reduction may contribute to the exacerbation of colitis and investigated its relevance. In a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model, the downregulated HSPA9 exacerbates colitis symptoms, including increased immune cell infiltration, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, decreased tight junctions, and altered macrophage polarization. Moreover, along with the increased mitochondrial fission, we found that the reduction in HSPA9 significantly affected the superoxide dismutase 1 levels and contributed to cellular death. These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying colitis and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this challenging condition.

Pharmacological effects and target analysis of Guipi wan in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Guipi wan (GPW) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in clinical practice, typically to treat neurological diseases such as neurasthenia and traumatic brain injury. It may have positive effects on cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury (cI/R). This study aimed to assess the effects of GPW in a mouse model of cI/R and find its possible targets. C57BL/6J mice were used to establish the cI/R model, and the laser speckle doppler was used to determine the success of the model. GPW was administered intragastrically for 7 days, brain tissue sections were stained with TTC, HE, and TUNEL, Western blot assay was performed to detect the effect of apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, we screened active ingredients from the TCM Database and constructed a compound‒target network using the Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. Moreover, we employed protein‒protein interaction and component‒target‒pathway network analyses to determine the potential components of GPW and its target genes, the key target was verified through molecular docking. Finally, we detected the influence of the downstream signaling pathway of the target through Western blot. The results showed that GPW decreased the cerebral infarction area, neurological function scores, and neuronal apoptosis in mice by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Network analysis indicated that gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor 1 (GABBR1) might be a potential target for the treatment of cI/R. Molecular docking indicated that 9 active components in GPW could bind to GABBR1 with desirable binding energy. This study represented the demonstratable effect of GPW in the treatment of cI/R injury and suggested GABBR1 as a potential target using network analysis.

Ruxolitinib induces apoptosis and pyroptosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer via the transcriptional inhibition of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a 100% disease-specific mortality rate. The JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway presents a promising target for treating hematologic and solid tumors. However, it is unknown whether the JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway is activated in ATC, and the anti-cancer effects and the mechanism of action of its inhibitor, ruxolitinib (Ruxo, a clinical JAK1/2 inhibitor), remain elusive. Our data indicated that the JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway is significantly upregulated in ATC tumor tissues than in normal thyroid and papillary thyroid cancer tissues. Apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis were observed in ATC cells following the in vitro and in vivo administration of Ruxo. Mechanistically, Ruxo suppresses the phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in the repression of DRP1 transactivation and causing mitochondrial fission deficiency. This deficiency is essential for activating caspase 9/3-dependent apoptosis and GSDME-mediated pyroptosis within ATC cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate DRP1 is directly regulated and transactivated by STAT3; this exhibits a novel and crucial aspect of JAK1/2-STAT3 on the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In ATC, the transcriptional inhibition of DRP1 by Ruxo hampered mitochondrial division and triggered apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis through caspase 9/3-dependent mechanisms. These results provide compelling evidence for the potential therapeutic effectiveness of Ruxo in treating ATC.

Mitochondrial stress: a key role of neuroinflammation in stroke

Stroke is a clinical syndrome characterized by an acute, focal neurological deficit, primarily caused by the occlusion or rupture of cerebral blood vessels. In stroke, neuroinflammation emerges as a pivotal event contributing to neuronal cell death. The occurrence and progression of neuroinflammation entail intricate processes, prominently featuring mitochondrial dysfunction and adaptive responses. Mitochondria, a double membrane-bound organelle are recognized as the "energy workshop" of the body. Brain is particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial disturbances due to its high energy demands from mitochondria-related energy production. The interplay between mitochondria and neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of stroke. The biological and pathological consequences resulting from mitochondrial stress have substantial implications for cerebral function. Mitochondrial stress serves as an adaptive mechanism aimed at mitigating the stress induced by the import of misfolded proteins, which occurs in response to stroke. This adaptive response involves a reduction in misfolded protein accumulation and overall protein synthesis. The influence of mitochondrial stress on the pathological state of stroke is underscored by its capacity to interact with neuroinflammation. The impact of mitochondrial stress on neuroinflammation varies according to its severity. Moderate mitochondrial stress can bolster cellular adaptive defenses, enabling cells to better withstand detrimental stressors. In contrast, sustained and excessive mitochondrial stress detrimentally affects cellular and tissue integrity. The relationship between neuroinflammation and mitochondrial stress depends on the degree of mitochondrial stress present. Understanding its role in stroke pathogenesis is instrumental in excavating the novel treatment of stroke. This review aims to provide the evaluation of the cross-talk between mitochondrial stress and neuroinflammation within the context of stroke. We aim to reveal how mitochondrial stress affects neuroinflammation environment in stroke.

Real-world observations and impacts of Chinese herbal medicine for migraine: results of a registry-based cohort study

Background: Migraine is a prevalent, recurrent condition with substantial disease burden. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used frequently for migraine in controlled clinical settings. This study is to summarise the characteristics of patients who seek clinical care in a tertiary Chinese medicine hospital in China; to gather their preferences and values of using CHM; to explore the effect of CHM for migraine and its comorbidities in a real-world setting, and to collect first-hand expertise of clinicians' practice pattern in prescribing CHM for migraine. Methods: This registry-based cohort study was prospectively conducted at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to May 2022. Adult migraine patients seeking their initial anti-migraine clinical care at the hospital were consecutively recruited and followed up for 12 weeks. Practitioners specialised in headache management prescribed individualised treatments without research interference. Standardised case report forms were employed to gather information on patients' preferences and perspective of seeking clinical care, as well as to assess participants' migraine severity, comorbidities, and quality of life, at 4-weeks intervals. Various analytical methods were utilised based on the computed data. Results: In this study, we observed 248 participants. Of these, 73 received CHM treatment for 28 days or longer. Notably, these participants exhibited a greater disease severity, compared to those treated with CHM for less than 28 days. Of the 248 participants, 83.47% of them expected CHM would effectively reduce the severity of their migraine, around 50% expected effects for migraine-associated comorbidities, while 51.61% expressing concerns about potential side effects. CHM appeared to be effective in reducing monthly migraine days and pain intensity, improving patients' quality of life, and potentially reducing comorbid anxiety, with a minimum of 28 days CHM treatment. Herbs such as gan cao, gui zhi, chuan xiong, fu ling, bai zhu, yan hu suo, etc. were frequently prescribed for migraine, based on patients' specific symptoms. Conclusion: CHM appeared to be beneficial for migraine and comorbid anxiety in real-world clinical practice when used continuously for 28 days or more. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2000041003.

Combination of Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide III, and Paeoniflorin promotes angiogenesis and improves neurological recovery in a mouse model of ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Prognosis is critically important in stroke cases, with angiogenesis playing a key role in determining outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Atractylenolide I (Atr I), Atractylenolide III (Atr III), and Paeoniflorin (Pae) in promoting angiogenesis following cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

The bEnd.3 cell line was used to evaluate the effects of these three compounds on vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by daily intragastric administration of the Chinese medicine compounds to assess their impact on brain protection and angiogenesis. In vivo experiments included measuring infarct size and assessing neurological function. Immunofluorescence staining and an angiogenesis antibody array were used to evaluate angiogenesis in ischemic brain tissue. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to further investigate the pathways involved in the protective effects of the compounds. Molecular docking analysis explored the potential binding affinity of the compounds to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), and Western blotting was used to measure levels of angiogenesis-related proteins.

RESULTS

In vitro, the combination of Atr I, Atr III, and Pae enhanced cell proliferation, promoted migration, and stimulated tube formation. In vivo, the combined treatment significantly facilitated neurological function recovery and angiogenesis by day 14. The treatment also increased levels of angiogenesis-related proteins, including IGF-2. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between IGF-2 levels in ischemic brain tissue and angiogenesis, suggesting a good affinity of the compounds for the IGF-2 binding site, as supported by molecular docking analysis.

CONCLUSION

The administration of Atr I, Atr III, and Pae has shown significant enhancements in long-term stroke recovery in mice, likely due to the promotion of angiogenesis via increased activation of the IGF-2 pathway in ischemic brain tissue.

Neurotrophic Natural Products

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.

Regulation of Microglial Activation by Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling After Global Cerebral Ischemia in Mice

Microglia are immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system. Following cerebral ischemia, microglia will be rapidly activated and undergo proliferation, morphological transformation, and changes in gene expression and function. At present, the regulatory mechanisms of microglial activation following ischemia remain largely unclear. In this study, we took advantage of CX3CR1GFP/+ fluorescent mice and a global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model to investigate the mechanisms of microglial activation following different degrees of global ischemia. Our results showed that the proliferation of microglia was gated by the degree of ischemia. Marked microglial de-ramification and proliferation were observed after 60 min of ischemia but not in transient ischemia (20 min). Immunohistology, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting analysis showed that microglial activation was accompanied with a reduction in Wnt/β-catenin signaling after cerebral ischemia. Downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using Wnt antagonist XAV939 during 20 min ischemia promoted microglial de-ramification and proliferation. In contrast, enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling using Wnt agonist LiCl during 60 min ischemia-reduced microglial de-ramification and proliferation. Importantly, we found that Wnt agonist inhibited inflammation in the ischemic brain and was conducive to animal behavioral recovery. Collectively, these data demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling played a key role in microglial activation following cerebral ischemia, and regulating microglial activation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Reveal the correlation between hub hypoxia/immune-related genes and immunity and diagnosis, and the effect of SAP30 on cell apoptosis, ROS and MDA production in cerebral ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is a common cerebrovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism of hypoxia and immune-related genes in CIS.

METHODS

All data were downloaded from public databases. Hub mRNAs was identified by differential expression analysis, WGCNA analysis and machine learning. Hub mRNAs were used to construct the classification models. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between hub mRNAs and immune cell infiltration. Finally, the SAP30 was selected for verification in HMC3 cells.

RESULTS

The SVM, RF and DT classification models constructed based on 6 hub mRNAs had higher area under the curve values, which implied that these classification models had high diagnostic accuracy. Pearson correlation analysis found that Macrophage has the highest negative correlation with CCR7, while Neutrophil has the highest positive correlation with SLC2A3. Drug prediction found that ruxolitinib, methotrexate, resveratrol and resatorvid may play a role in disease treatment by targeting different hub mRNAs. Notably, inhibition of SAP30 expression can reduce the apoptosis of HMC3 cells and inhibit the production of ROS and MDA.

CONCLUSION

The identification of hub miRNAs and the construction of classification diagnosis models provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and management of CIS.

Atractylodes lancea volatile oils target ADAR2-miR-181a-5p signaling to mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenic differentiation

Atractylodeslancea Rhizoma (Rhizoma atractylodis [RA]) has long been recommended for the treatment of arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. RA contains a large amount of Atractylodes lancea volatile oils (Atr). In this study, we investigated whether Atr can promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) chondrogenic differentiation. The Atr were extracted from RA by steam distillation method, and the effect of Atr on MSCs was detected by the CCK8 assay. The optimal concentration of Atr for MSCs cultivation was 3 μg/ml. The differentially expressed miR-181a-5p was screened by miRNA microarray assay, and its mimics and inhibitors were transfected into MSCs. It was found that the inhibitor of miR-181a-5p could upregulate cartilage-specific genes such as SOX9, COL2A1, and ACAN. Meanwhile, we also found that the expression of gene editing enzyme ADAR2 was significantly increased in the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs induced by Atr, and the bases of precursor sequence of miR-181a-5p were changed from A to G. After ADAR2 deletion, the expression of cartilage-specific genes was significantly down-regulated and the precursor sequence bases of miR-181a-5p were not changed. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the predicted target gene of miR-181a-5p was yingyang1 (YY1), and the targeting relationship was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. After deleting YY1, the expression of cartilage-specific genes was significantly down-regulated. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Atr can promote chondrogenic differentiation of MSC through regulation of the ADAR2-miR-181a-5p signaling pathway. This may provide a new insight into the possible mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (Atr) in treating inflammatory joint diseases.

Microglia dynamic response and phenotype heterogeneity in neural regeneration following hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury poses a significant threat to the neural niche within the central nervous system. In response to this pathological process, microglia, as innate immune cells in the central nervous system, undergo rapid morphological, molecular and functional changes. Here, we comprehensively review these dynamic changes in microglial response to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury under pathological conditions, including stroke, chronic intermittent hypoxia and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. We focus on the regulation of signaling pathways under hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and further describe the process of microenvironment remodeling and neural tissue regeneration mediated by microglia after hypoxic-ischemic injury.

Lyoniresinol attenuates cerebral ischemic stroke injury in MCAO rat based on oxidative stress suppression via regulation of Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling

Stroke is one of the predominant causes of death and disability. Currently, besides thrombolytic therapy, neuroprotection is also generally recognized as a promising way for stroke treatment, which would be very important for the functional recovery of stroke patients. However, it's reported that all the current available neuroprotective drugs have failed in clinical investigations of stroke treatments so far. Lyoniresinol (LNO) is a natural lignan with powerful antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. In this study, OGD/R leaded HT22 cell damage models and Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) rats were used to investigate the effect of LNO on cerebral ischemic stroke injury and related mechanisms. The cell experiments revealed LNO can suppress the oxygen glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGD/R) induced apoptosis of HT22 cells. Subsequently, LNO can improve nerve function deficit and brain injury in MCAO rats with a higher neurological function scores and less infarct size. And the further molecular mechanisms studies suggested LNO activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/NRF2 signaling and improved the oxidative stress in cells to inhibit the OGD/R induced apoptosis in HT22 cells. Collectively, our findings would be useflu for the further drug development of LNO as new drug for stroke and its related diseases.

The antidepressant-like effects of Danzhi Xiaoyao San and its active ingredients

BACKGROUND

Depression is a severe mental illness that endangers human health. Depressed individuals are prone to sleep less and to the loss of appetite for food; their thinking and cognition processes, as well as mood, may even be affected. Danzhi Xiaoyao San (DXS), documented in the Internal Medicine Summary, has been used for hundreds of years in China and is widely applied traditionally to treat liver qi stagnation, liver and spleen blood deficiency, menstrual disorders, and spontaneous and night sweating. DXS can also clear heat and drain the liver. Presently, it is used frequently in the treatment of depression based on its ability to clear the liver and alleviate depression.

PURPOSE

To summarize clinical and preclinical studies on the antidepressant-like effects of DXS, understand the material basis and mechanisms of these effects, and offer new suggestions and methods for the clinical treatment of depression.

METHODS

"Danzhi Xiaoyao", "Danzhixiaoyao", "Xiaoyao", "depression" and active ingredients were entered as keywords in PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI and WANFANG DATA databases in the search for material on DXS and its active ingredients. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in this review process.

RESULTS

Per clinical reports, DXS has a therapeutic effect on patients with depression but few side effects. DXS and its active ingredients allegedly produce their neuroprotective antidepressant-like effects by modulating monoamine neurotransmitter levels, inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperfunction, reducing neuroinflammation and increasing neurotrophic factors.

CONCLUSION

Overall, DXS influences multiple potential mechanisms to exert its antidepressant-like effects thanks to its multicomponent character. Because depression is not caused by a single mechanism, probing the antidepressant-like effects of DXS could further help understand the pathogenesis of depression and discover new antidepressant drugs.

Time-dependent dual effect of microglia in ischemic stroke

Stroke, the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide, is classified into ischemic or hemorrhagic, in which approximately 85% of strokes are ischemic. Ischemic stroke occurs as a result of arterial occlusion due to embolus or thrombus, with ischemia in the perfusion territory supplied by the occluded artery. The traditional concept that ischemic stroke is solely a vascular occlusion disorder has been expanded to include the dynamic interaction between microglia, astrocytes, neurons, vascular cells, and matrix components forming the "neurovascular unit." Acute ischemic stroke triggers a wide spectrum of neurovascular disturbances, glial activation, and secondary neuroinflammation that promotes further injury, ultimately resulting in neuronal death. Microglia, as the resident macrophages in the central nervous system, is one of the first responders to ischemic injury and plays a significant role in post-ischemic neuroinflammation. In this review, we reviewed the mechanisms of microglia in multiple stages of post-ischemic neuroinflammation development, including acute, sub-acute and chronic phases of stroke. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic variation and the time-dependent role of microglia in post-stroke neuroinflammation could aid in the search for more effective therapeutics and diagnostic strategies for ischemic stroke.

Predictive Analysis of Quality Markers of Atractylodis Rhizoma Based on Fingerprint and Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. (A. chinensis) is a perennial herbaceous plant that is widely used as a Chinese medicine herb for gastric diseases. However, the bioactive compounds of this herbal medicine have not been defined, and quality control is imperfect.

OBJECTIVE

Although the method of quality evaluation method for A. chinensis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting has been reported in related papers, it remains unknown whether the chemical markers selected are representative of their clinical efficacy. To develop methods for qualitative analysis and improved quality evaluation of A. chinensis.

METHOD

In this study, HPLC was used to establish fingerprints and conduct similarity evaluation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to reveal the differences of these fingerprints. Network pharmacology was used to analyze the corresponding targets of the active ingredients. Meantime, an active ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed to investigate the characteristics of the medical efficacy of A. chinensis and to predict potential Q-markers.

RESULTS

Combining network pharmacological effectiveness and composition specificity with the Q-marker concept, atractylodin (ATD), β-eudesmol, atractylenolide Ι (AT-I) and atractylenolide III (AT-III) were predicted to be potential Q-markers of A. chinensis that showed anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-gastric, and antiviral effects by acting on 10 core targets and 20 key pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPLC fingerprinting method established in this study is straightforward, and the identified four active constituents can be used as Q-markers of A. chinensis. These findings facilitate effective quality evaluation of A. chinensis and suggest this approach could be applied to evaluate the quality of other herbal medicines.

HIGHLIGHTS

The fingerprints of Atractylodis rhizoma were organically combined with network pharmacology to further clarify its criteria for quality control.

Molecular characterization and function of JAK/STAT pathway in IPEC-J2 cells during Clostridium perfringens beta2 toxin stimulation

Intestinal infection with C. perfringens is responsible for outbreaks of diarrhea in piglets. Janus kinase / signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) is a vital signaling pathway that regulates cellular activity and inflammatory response, closely correlated with multiple diseases development and advances. Currently, the potential effect of JAK/STAT on C. perfringens beta2 (CPB2) treatment on porcine intestinal epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells has not been explored. The expression of JAK/STAT genes or proteins in IPEC-J2 cells induced by CPB2 were observed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, and further used WP1066 to explore the effect of JAK2/STAT3 on mechanism employed by CPB2 on apoptosis, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines of IPEC-J2 cells. JAK2, JAK3, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT6 were highly expressed in CPB2-induced IPEC-J2 cells, among which STAT3 had the highest expression. Moreover, apoptosis, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were attenuated via blocking the activation of JAK2/STAT3 by using WP1066 in CPB2-treated IPEC-J2 cells. Furthermore, WP1066 significantly suppressed the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and TNF-α induced by CPB2 in IPEC-J2 cells.Our findings provide some insights into the functional roles of JAK2/STAT3 in piglets against to C. perfringens infection.

The role of dynamin-related protein 1 in cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury

Mitochondrial dysfunction, especially in terms of mitochondrial dynamics, has been reported to be closely associated with neuronal outcomes and neurological impairment in cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is a cytoplasmic GTPase that mediates mitochondrial fission and participates in neuronal cell death, calcium signaling, and oxidative stress. The neuroprotective role of Drp1 inhibition has been confirmed in several central nervous system disease models, demonstrating that targeting Drp1 may shed light on novel approaches for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury. In this review, we aimed to highlight the roles of Drp1 in programmed cell death, oxidative stress, mitophagy, and mitochondrial function to provide a better understanding of mitochondrial disturbances in cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury, and we also summarize the advances in novel chemical compounds targeting Drp1 to provide new insights into potential therapies for cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury.

Novel Psychopharmacological Herbs Relieve Behavioral Abnormalities and Hippocampal Dysfunctions in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic or frightening events, with intensified anxiety, fear memories, and cognitive impairment caused by a dysfunctional hippocampus. Owing to its complex phenotype, currently prescribed treatments for PTSD are limited. This study investigated the psychopharmacological effects of novel COMBINATION herbal medicines on the hippocampus of a PTSD murine model induced by combining single prolonged stress (SPS) and foot shock (FS). We designed a novel herbal formula extract (HFE) from Chaenomeles sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Atractylodes macrocephala. SPS+FS mice were administered HFE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. The effects of HFE of HFE on the hippocampus were analyzed using behavioral tests, immunostaining, Golgi staining, and Western blotting. HFE alleviated anxiety-like behavior and fear response, improved short-term memory, and restored hippocampal dysfunction, including hippocampal neurogenesis alteration and aberrant migration and hyperactivation of dentate granule cells in SPS+FS mice. HFE increased phosphorylation of the Kv4.2 potassium channel, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cAMP response element-binding protein, which were reduced in the hippocampus of SPS+FS mice. Therefore, our study suggests HFE as a potential therapeutic drug for PTSD by improving behavioral impairment and hippocampal dysfunction and regulating Kv4.2 potassium channel-related pathways in the hippocampus.

Role of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury:a review of the mechanism

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a pathological process wherein reperfusion of an ischemic organ or tissue exacerbates the injury, posing a significant health threat and economic burden to patients and their families. I/R triggers a multitude of physiological and pathological events, such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neuronal cell death, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Hence, the development of effective therapeutic strategies targeting the pathological processes resulting from I/R is crucial for the rehabilitation and long-term enhancement of the quality of life in patients with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers refer to bioactive compounds extracted from Chinese herbal medicine, possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, and the ability to modulate programmed cell death (PCD). TCM monomers have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of CIRI and its subsequent complications. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that TCM monomers can enhance the recovery of neurological function following CIRI by mitigating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, reducing neuronal cell death and functional impairment, as well as minimizing cerebral infarction volume. The neuroprotective effects of TCM monomers on CIRI have been extensively investigated, and a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms can pave the way for novel approaches to I/R treatment. This review aims to update and summarize evidence of the protective effects of TCMs in CIRI, with a focus on their role in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, PCD, glutamate excitotoxicity, Ca2+ overload, as well as promoting blood-brain barrier repairment and angiogenesis. The main objective is to underscore the significant contribution of TCM monomers in alleviating CIRI.

Pterostilbene attenuates microglial inflammation and brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in an OPA1-dependent manner

Microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory responses are critical processes in aggravating secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Pterostilbene (3', 5'-dimethoxy-resveratrol) features antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties and has been proven neuroprotective. In this study, we aimed to explore whether Pterostilbene could attenuate neuroinflammation after experimental ICH, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, a collagenase-induced ICH in mice was followed by intraperitoneal injection of Pterostilbene (10 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily. PTE-treated mice performed significantly better than vehicle-treated controls in the neurological behavior test after ICH. Furthermore, our results showed that Pterostilbene reduced lesion volume and neural apoptosis, and alleviated blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and brain edema. RNA sequencing and subsequent experiments showed that ICH-induced neuroinflammation and microglial proinflammatory activities were markedly suppressed by Pterostilbene treatment. With regard to the mechanisms, we identified that the anti-inflammatory effects of Pterostilbene relied on remodeling mitochondrial dynamics in microglia. Concretely, Pterostilbene reversed the downregulation of OPA1, promoted mitochondrial fusion, restored normal mitochondrial morphology, and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and superoxide in microglia after OxyHb treatment. Moreover, conditionally deleting microglial OPA1 in mice largely countered the effects of Pterostilbene on alleviating microglial inflammation, BBB damage, brain edema and neurological impairment following ICH. In summary, we provided the first evidence that Pterostilbene is a promising agent for alleviating neuroinflammation and brain injury after ICH in mice, and uncovered a novel regulatory relationship between Pterostilbene and OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion.

A comprehensive review of stroke-related signaling pathways and treatment in western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine

This review provides insight into the complex network of signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in stroke pathophysiology. It summarizes the historical progress of stroke-related signaling pathways, identifying potential interactions between them and emphasizing that stroke is a complex network disease. Of particular interest are the Hippo signaling pathway and ferroptosis signaling pathway, which remain understudied areas of research, and are therefore a focus of the review. The involvement of multiple signaling pathways, including Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and AMPK in pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress and apoptosis, highlights the complexity of stroke. The review also delves into the details of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies such as Rehmanniae and Astragalus, providing an analysis of the recent status of western medicine in the treatment of stroke and the advantages and disadvantages of TCM and western medicine in stroke treatment. The review proposes that since stroke is a network disease, TCM has the potential and advantages of a multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of action in the treatment of stroke. Therefore, it is suggested that future research should explore more treasures of TCM and develop new therapies from the perspective of stroke as a network disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions induce PANoptosis and ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: from pathology to therapeutic potential

Ischemic stroke (IS) accounts for more than 80% of the total stroke, which represents the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) is a cascade of pathophysiological events following the restoration of blood flow and reoxygenation, which not only directly damages brain tissue, but also enhances a series of pathological signaling cascades, contributing to inflammation, further aggravate the damage of brain tissue. Paradoxically, there are still no effective methods to prevent CI/RI, since the detailed underlying mechanisms remain vague. Mitochondrial dysfunctions, which are characterized by mitochondrial oxidative stress, Ca²⁺ overload, iron dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) disruption, are closely relevant to the pathological process of CI/RI. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunctions play vital roles in the regulation of programmed cell deaths (PCDs) such as ferroptosis and PANoptosis, a newly proposed conception of cell deaths characterized by a unique form of innate immune inflammatory cell death that regulated by multifaceted PANoptosome complexes. In the present review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunctions and how this key event contributes to inflammatory response as well as cell death modes during CI/RI. Neuroprotective agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunctions may serve as a promising treatment strategy to alleviate serious secondary brain injuries. A comprehensive insight into mitochondrial dysfunctions-mediated PCDs can help provide more effective strategies to guide therapies of CI/RI in IS.

Regulatory mechanisms of natural compounds from traditional Chinese herbal medicines on the microglial response in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Development of clinically effective neuroprotective agents for stroke therapy is still a challenging task. Microglia play a critical role in brain injury and recovery after ischemic stroke. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) are based on a unique therapeutic principle, have various formulas, and have long been widely used to treat stroke. Therefore, the active compounds in TCHMs and their underlying mechanisms of action are attracting increasing attention in the field of stroke drug development.

PURPOSE

To summarize the regulatory mechanisms of TCHM-derived natural compounds on the microglial response in animal models of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We searched studies published until 10 April 2023 in the Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: natural compounds, natural products or phytochemicals, traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese herbal medicine, microglia, and ischemic stroke. This review was prepared according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines.

RESULTS

Natural compounds derived from TCHMs can attenuate the M1 phenotype of microglia, which is involved in the detrimental inflammatory response, via inhibition of NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK/STAT, Notch, TLR4, P2X7R, CX3CR1, IL-17RA, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-oxidant enzymes. Additionally, the neuroprotective response of microglia with the M2 phenotype can be enhanced by activating Nrf2/HO-1, PI3K/AKT, AMPK, PPARγ, SIRT1, CB2R, TREM2, nAChR, and IL-33/ST2. Several clinical trials showed that TCHM-derived natural compounds that regulate microglial responses have significant and safe therapeutic effects, but further well-designed clinical studies are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research regarding the direct targets and potential pleiotropic or synergistic effects of natural compounds would provide a more reasonable approach for regulation of the microglial response with the possibility of successful stroke drug development.

Mitochondrial impairment and downregulation of Drp1 phosphorylation underlie the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of alantolactone on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent and fatal oral cancers. Mitochondria-targeting therapies represent promising strategies against various cancers, but their applications in treating OSCC are limited. Alantolactone (ALT) possesses anticancer properties and also regulates mitochondrial events. In this study, we explored the effects of ALT on OSCC and the related mechanisms.

METHODS

The OSCC cells were treated with varying concentrations and duration of ALT and N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The cell viability and colony formation were assessed. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. We used DCFH-DA and flow cytometry to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DAF-FM DA to investigate reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level. Mitochondrial function was reflected by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP levels. KEGG enrichment analyses determined the mitochondrial-related hub genes involved in OSCC progression. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) overexpression plasmids were further transfected into the cells to analyze the role of Drp1 in OSCC progression. Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot verified the expression of the protein.

RESULTS

ALT exerted anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis effects on OSCC cells. Mechanistically, ALT elicited cell injury by promoting ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ATP depletion, which were reversed by NAC. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Drp1 played a crucial role in OSCC progression. OSCC patients with low Drp1 expression had a higher survival rate. The OSCC cancer tissues presented higher phosphorylated-Drp1 and Drp1 levels than the normal tissues. The results further showed that ALT suppressed Drp1 phosphorylation in OSCC cells. Moreover, Drp1 overexpression abolished the reduced Drp1 phosphorylation by ALT and promoted the cell viability of ALT-treated cells. Drp1 overexpression also reversed the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ALT, with decreased ROS production, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level.

CONCLUSIONS

ALT inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis and regulation of Drp1. The results provide a solid basis for ALT as a therapeutic candidate for treating OSCC, with Drp1 being a novel therapeutic target in treating OSCC.

Chemical Constitution, Pharmacological Effects and the Underlying Mechanism of Atractylenolides: A Review

Atractylenolides, comprising atractylenolide I, II, and III, represent the principal bioactive constituents of Atractylodes macrocephala, a traditional Chinese medicine. These compounds exhibit a diverse array of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and organ-protective effects, underscoring their potential for future research and development. Recent investigations have demonstrated that the anti-cancer activity of the three atractylenolides can be attributed to their influence on the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Additionally, the TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways primarily mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds. Atractylenolides can protect multiple organs by modulating oxidative stress, attenuating the inflammatory response, activating anti-apoptotic signaling pathways, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. These protective effects extend to the heart, liver, lung, kidney, stomach, intestine, and nervous system. Consequently, atractylenolides may emerge as clinically relevant multi-organ protective agents in the future. Notably, the pharmacological activities of the three atractylenolides differ. Atractylenolide I and III demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory and organ-protective properties, whereas the effects of atractylenolide II are infrequently reported. This review systematically examines the literature on atractylenolides published in recent years, with a primary emphasis on their pharmacological properties, in order to inform future development and application efforts.

Inhibition of Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission by natural compounds as a therapeutic strategy for organ injuries

Mitochondria are morphologically dynamic organelles frequently undergoing fission and fusion processes that regulate mitochondrial integrity and bioenergetics. These processes are considered critical for cell survival. The mitochondrial fission process regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. It is associated with apoptosis, while mitochondrial fusion controls the accurate distribution of mitochondrial DNA and metabolic substances across the mitochondria. Excessive mitochondrial fission results in mitochondrial structural changes, dysfunction, and cell damage. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mitochondrial dynamics affect neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases along with several other diseases. Biological molecules regulating the process of mitochondrial fission are potential targets for developing therapeutic agents. Many natural products target the dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-dependent mitochondrial fission pathway, and their inhibitory effects ameliorate mitochondrial fragmentation. In this article, we reviewed the research literature that describes Drp1-dependent inhibition as a mechanism for the protective effects of natural compounds.

Traditional Chinese medicine in treating ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria: A comprehensive overview of experimental studies

Ischemic stroke has been a prominent focus of scientific investigation owing to its high prevalence, complex pathogenesis, and difficulties in treatment. Mitochondria play an important role in cellular energy homeostasis and are involved in neuronal death following ischemic stroke. Hence, maintaining mitochondrial function is critical for neuronal survival and neurological improvement in ischemic stroke, and mitochondria are key therapeutic targets in cerebral stroke research. With the benefits of high efficacy, low cost, and high safety, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has great advantages in preventing and treating ischemic stroke. Accumulating studies have explored the effect of TCM in preventing and treating ischemic stroke from the perspective of regulating mitochondrial structure and function. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which mitochondria are involved in ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we summarized the current advances in TCM in preventing and treating ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria. We aimed to provide a new perspective and enlightenment for TCM in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria.

Targeted Mitochondrial Drugs for Treatment of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a complex hemodynamic pathology that is a leading cause of death worldwide and occurs in many body organs. Numerous studies have shown that mitochondria play an important role in the occurrence mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury and that mitochondrial structural abnormalities and dysfunction lead to the disruption of the homeostasis of the whole mitochondria. At this time, mitochondria are not just sub-organelles to produce ATP but also important targets for regulating ischemia-reperfusion injury; therefore, drugs targeting mitochondria can serve as a new strategy to treat ischemia-reperfusion injury. Based on this view, in this review, we discuss potential therapeutic agents for both mitochondrial structural abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting the application and prospects of targeted mitochondrial drugs in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and try to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of the ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Bergaptol Alleviates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation, Neurological Damage and Cognitive Impairment via Regulating the JAK2/STAT3/p65 Pathway

Purpose

Neuroinflammation is considered a critical pathological process in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases and is closely related to neuronal death and dysfunction. Bergaptol is a natural 5-hydroxyfurocoumarin found in lemon, bergamot and other plants. Some studies have confirmed its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic functions, indicating that it may have significant medicinal value. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of Bergaptol in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammatory models.

Methods

Mice were injected with LPS (40 μg/kg) into the hippocampal CA1 region and then injected intraperitoneally with Bergaptol (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) once a day for two weeks. In addition, to verify the effect of Bergaptol on BV2 cells, Bergaptol with different concentrations (5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) was firstly incubated for 1 hour, then LPS with a concentration of 1 μg/mL was added and incubated for 23 hours.

Results

Bergaptol treatment significantly improved the cognitive impairment induced by LPS. In addition, Bergaptol significantly inhibited the reduction of dendritic spines and the mRNA level of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in hippocampal induced by LPS. In vitro, Bergaptol inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β from LPS-treated BV-2 cells. In addition, Bergaptol treatment significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of JAK2, STAT3 and p65 in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results suggest that Bergaptol alleviates LPS-induced neuroinflammation, neurological damage and cognitive impairment by regulating the JAK2/STAT3/P65 pathway, suggesting that Bergaptol is a promising neuroprotective agent.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in microglia: a novel perspective for pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly globally. Emerging evidence has demonstrated microglia-driven neuroinflammation as a key contributor to the onset and progression of AD, however, the mechanisms that mediate neuroinflammation remain largely unknown. Recent studies have suggested mitochondrial dysfunction including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, metabolic defects, and quality control (QC) disorders precedes microglial activation and subsequent neuroinflammation. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and microglial activation in AD is important to unveil the pathogenesis of AD and develop effective approaches for early AD diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we summarized current progress in the roles of mtDNA, mitochondrial metabolism, mitochondrial QC changes in microglial activation in AD, and provide comprehensive thoughts for targeting microglial mitochondria as potential therapeutic strategies of AD.

Impacts of impaired mitochondrial dynamics in hearing loss: Potential therapeutic targets

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cells. Under physiological conditions, mitochondrial fission and fusion maintain a dynamic equilibrium in the cytoplasm, which is referred to as mitochondrial dynamics. As an important approach to regulating mitochondrial function and quantity, the role of mitochondrial dynamics has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of various disease models, including brain damage, neurodegeneration, and stress. As the vital organ of the peripheral auditory system, the cochlea consumes a significant amount of energy, and the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis is essential for the cochlear auditory capacity. OPA1 functions as both a necessary gene regulating mitochondrial fusion and a pathogenic gene responsible for auditory neuropathy, suggesting that an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics may play a critical role in hearing loss, but relevant studies are few. In this review, we summarize recent evidence regarding the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the pathogenesis of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), drug-induced hearing loss, hereditary hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss. The impacts of impaired mitochondrial dynamics on hearing loss are discussed, and the potential of mitochondrial dynamics for the prevention and treatment of hearing loss is considered.

The antitumor properties of atractylenolides: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

Drugs that exhibit a high degree of tumor cell selectivity while minimizing normal cell toxicity are an area of active research interest as a means of designing novel antitumor agents. The pharmacological benefits of Chinese herbal medicine-based treatments have been the focus of growing research interest in recent years. Sesquiterpenoids derived from the Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil preparations exhibit in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Atracylenolides exhibit anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and immunomodulatory activity in a range of tumor cell lines in addition to being capable of regulating metabolic activity such that it is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of diverse cancers. The present review provides a summary of recent advances in Atractylenolide-focused antitumor research efforts.

Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction Alleviates DSS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

An imbalance of macrophage M1/M2 polarization significantly influences the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Qingchang Wenzhong decoction (QCWZD) has a proven therapeutic effect on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can significantly inhibit the inflammatory response in mice with colitis. However, its effect on macrophages during IBD treatment remains nebulous. Aim of the Study. Explore the mechanism underlying QCWZD effects in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model in vivo and RAW264.7 cell in vitro by observing macrophage polarization dynamics.

Methods

The main active components of QCWZD were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Surface marker expression on M1-type macrophages was analyzed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) released by M1 type macrophages was determined using ELSA and RT-PCR. The expression of key proteins in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was analyzed using western blotting. QCWZD cytotoxicity in macrophages was measured using CCK8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays.

Results

The main active components of QCWZD were berberine chloride, coptisine chloride, epiberberine chloride, gallic acid, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, indigo, indirubin, notoginsenoside R1, palmatine chloride, and 6-curcumin. QCWZD markedly alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, as revealed by the rescued weight loss and disease activity index, attenuated the colonic shortening and mucosal injury associated with the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization and expression of related cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, QCWZD decreased the iNOS, JAK2, and STAT3 levels in vivo and in vitro, regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

QCWZD administration improves intestinal inflammation by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway may mediate the effects of QCWZD on M1 macrophage polarization in colitis treatment. This study presents a novel macrophage-mediated therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IBD.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity after stroke

Stroke remains a major cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. The immune system plays an important role in determining the condition of the brain following stroke. As the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia are the primary responders in a defense network covering the entire brain parenchyma, and exert various functions depending on dynamic communications with neurons, astrocytes, and other neighboring cells under both physiological or pathological conditions. Microglia activation and polarization is crucial for brain damage and repair following ischemic stroke, and is considered a double-edged sword for neurological recovery. Microglia can exist in pro-inflammatory states and promote secondary brain damage, but they can also secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors and facilitate recovery following stroke. In this review, we focus on the role and mechanisms of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity after ischemia and relevant potential microglia-based interventions for stroke therapy.

Roles of microglial mitophagy in neurological disorders

Microglia are the resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that serve as the first line innate immunity in response to pathogen invasion, ischemia and other pathological stimuli. Once activated, they rapidly release a variety of inflammatory cytokines and phagocytose pathogens or cell debris (termed neuroinflammation), which is beneficial for maintaining brain homeostasis if appropriately activated. However, excessive or uncontrolled neuroinflammation may damage neurons and exacerbate the pathologies in neurological disorders. Microglia are highly dynamic cells, dependent on energy supply from mitochondria. Moreover, dysfunctional mitochondria can serve as a signaling platform to facilitate innate immune responses in microglia. Mitophagy is a means of clearing damaged or redundant mitochondria, playing a critical role in the quality control of mitochondrial homeostasis and turnover. Mounting evidence has shown that mitophagy not only limits the inflammatory response in microglia but also affects their phagocytosis, whereas mitochondria dysfunction and mitophagy defects are associated with aging and neurological disorders. Therefore, targeting microglial mitophagy is a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. This article reviews and highlights the role and regulation of mitophagy in microglia in neurological conditions, and the research progress in manipulating microglial mitophagy and future directions in this field are also discussed.

Shanzhiside methylester protects against depression by inhibiting inflammation via the miRNA-155-5p/SOCS1 axis

Inflammation is a key player in the regulation of depression. Shanzhiside methylester (SM) is an iridoid glycoside with strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, the antidepressant effect of SM remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether SM protects against depression by targeting inflammation. A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mouse model of depression was established to assess the antidepressant effect of SM in vivo. In addition, an LPS plus ATP-induced cellular model of inflammation was used to explore the related inflammatory mechanism. We found that both SM and miRNA-155-5p sponge markedly remedied CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in the sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST), accompanied by decreased Iba1 expression and the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, SM and miRNA-155-5p sponge upregulated the protein levels of SOCS1 and downregulated the protein expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice. miRNA-155-5p expression was also decreased following SM and miRNA-155-5p sponge administration. Furthermore, SM repressed LPS- and ATP-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells by regulating the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, which was similar to the anti-inflammatory effects induced by the miRNA-155-5p sponge. Collectively, these findings suggested that SM exerted antidepressant actions by targeting the miRNA-155-5p/SOCS1 axis.

Atractylenolide III ameliorates spinal cord injury in rats by modulating microglial/macrophage polarization

Background

Inflammatory reactions induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) are essential for recovery after SCI. Atractylenolide III (ATL‐III) is a natural monomeric herbal bioactive compound that is mainly derived in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and has anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Objective

Here, we speculated that ATL‐III may ameliorate SCI by modulating microglial/macrophage polarization. In the present research, we focused on investigating the role of ATL‐III on SCI in rats and explored the potential mechanism.

Methods

The protective and anti‐inflammatory effects of ATL‐III on neuronal cells were examined in a rat SCI model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV2 microglial line. The spinal cord lesion area, myelin integrity, and surviving neurons were assessed by specific staining. Locomotor function was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale, grid walk test, and footprint test. The activation and polarization of microglia/macrophages were assessed by immunohistofluorescence and flow cytometry. The expression of corresponding inflammatory factors from M1/M2 and the activation of relevant signaling pathways were assessed by Western blotting.

Results

ATL‐III effectively improved histological and functional recovery in SCI rats. Furthermore, ATL‐III promoted the transformation of M1 into M2 and attenuated the activation of microglia/macrophages, further suppressing the expression of corresponding inflammatory mediators. This effect may be partly mediated by inhibition of neuroinflammation through the NF‐κB, JNK MAPK, p38 MAPK, and Akt pathways.

Conclusion

This study reveals a novel effect of ATL‐III in the regulation of microglial/macrophage polarization and provides initial evidence that ATL‐III has potential therapeutic benefits in SCI rats.

Zhen-Wu-Tang Induced Mitophagy to Protect Mitochondrial Function in Chronic Glomerulonephritis via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK Pathways

Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is one of the major causes of end-stage kidney disease. Zhen-wu-tang (ZWT), as a famous Chinese herbal prescription, is widely used in China for CGN therapy in clinic. However, the mechanism of ZWT in CGN has not been fully understood. The present study explored the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of ZWT on mitochondrial function in cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA)-induced CGN model rats and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)-damaged mouse podocytes. The renal functions were measured by serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Renal pathological changes and ultrastructure of kidney tissues were evaluated by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and transmission electron microscopy. The levels of antioxidases, including mitochondrial catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), in CGN rats were examined by real-time PCR. The mitochondrial functions of podocytes were measured by ATP concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS). For mitophagy level detection, the expressions of mitophagy-related proteins, including LC3, p62, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), were measured by Western blot, as the colocation of LC3 and mitochondrial marker COX IV were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Our results manifested that ZWT ameliorated CGN model rats by a remarkable decrease in Scr and BUN, inhibition of mesangial matrix proliferation, protection against foot processes fusion, and basement membrane thickening. More importantly, ZWT protected against mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the expressions of CAT, SOD2, and PRDX3 in CGN model rats, increased ATP content and MMP in podocytes, and decreased excessive mtROS. Furthermore, ZWT induced mitophagy in CGN through increasing the expression of LC3, and decreasing p62, HSP60, TOMM20, and ZWT also enhanced the colocation of LC3 to the mitochondria. We found that ZWT inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which could be disturbed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and agonist insulin-like growth factor 1. Moreover, ZWT reversed the inhibition of the AMPK pathway in CGN. Overall, ZWT ameliorated renal mitochondrial dysfunction probably by inducing mitophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK pathways.

Deltamethrin and Its Nanoformulations Induce Behavioral Alteration and Toxicity in Rat Brain through Oxidative Stress and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Deltamethrin (DM) is the most powerful synthetic pyrethroid that has toxicity to the central nervous system and results in behavioral changes in both animals and humans. This effect is mediated by inducing alterations in the action of neurotransmitters and brain pathological changes. Nanocarrier encapsulated pesticides may decrease the toxicity of pesticides. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of an inorganic metal carrier (silica Nps) and polymeric capsule (chitosan Nps) of deltamethrin nano-formulations on antioxidant levels and oxidative stress in the brain and on behavior of the male albino rat. Sixty male albino rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I: control group; group II given DM liquefied in corn oil at 3.855 mg/kg BW; group III receiving silica-loaded deltamethrin (S/DM Nps) at 8.795 mg/kg BW; and group IV: given chitosan encapsulated deltamethrin (CS/DM Nps) at 30.44 mg/kg BW. All treatments were given orally for four weeks. Following this, behavioral tests were conducted to record locomotor activity, anxiety like behaviors, exploration, and the short memory of rats. In addition, brain antioxidant/oxidant, serum neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO), JAK2 and STAT3 gene and proteins expression were measured. The DM group showed a highly significant elevation in malondialdehyde content, MAO, AchE, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and the expression level of neurogenic genes, JAK2 and STAT3, in comparison with the control group. Both S/DM Nps and CS/DM Nps significantly decreased MAO, AchE, and VEGF compared with the DM group. Moreover, both S/DM Nps and CS/DM Nps significantly decreased the gene and proteins expression of JAK2 and STAT3 compared with the DM group. These alterations were evidenced by the deficiency in memory and learning behaviors that were accompanied by histopathological findings of the hippocampus and the cortex. It was concluded that the nano formulations containing DM induced less neurobehavioral toxicity than free DM. Additionally, the use of nanocarriers reduced the damage to health and the environment.

Interleukin 13 promotes long-term recovery after ischemic stroke by inhibiting the activation of STAT3

BACKGROUND

Microglia/macrophages are activated after cerebral ischemic stroke and can contribute to either brain injury or recovery by polarizing microglia/macrophage into distinctive functional phenotypes with pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that regulates microglia/macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. However, it is not clear whether IL-13 is beneficial after ischemic stroke long-term and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remain unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of IL-13 on long-term recovery and microglia/macrophage polarization in mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (tMCAO).

METHODS

tMCAO was induced in adult male C57BL/6J mice. IL-13 (60 μg/kg) was administered intranasally starting 2 h after stroke and continued for seven consecutive days. Sensorimotor function, spatial learning and memory function, as well as brain infarct volume were assessed up to 35 days after stroke. White matter integrity was evaluated by electrophysiology, immunofluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Microglia/macrophage activation was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in immune cells in the brain and the periphery, and expression of IL-13 receptors in different brain cells were detected by flow cytometry. Primary neuron/microglia co-cultures and a STAT3 inhibitor were used for mechanistic studies.

RESULTS

Post-treatment with IL-13 improved long-term neurofunctional recovery and decreased brain tissue atrophy after stroke. Intranasal delivery of IL-13 enhanced the structural and functional integrity of white matter after stroke. Furthermore, the neuroprotection afforded by IL-13 administration was not due to a direct effect on neurons, but by indirectly regulating the anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglia/macrophages. IL-13 treatment also had no effect on peripheral immune cells. Mechanistically, IL-13 improved the long-term outcome after ischemic stroke by promoting the polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory phenotype at least partially by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-13 promotes white matter repair and improves neurofunctional outcomes after ischemic stroke by modulating microglia/macrophages via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation.