1
|
Banaeeyeh S, Afkhami-Goli A, Moosavi Z, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-mitophagy effects of trans sodium crocetinate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in BALB/C57 mice. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:783-801. [PMID: 38739183 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the degeneration of myelin and inflammation in the central nervous system. Trans sodium crocetinate (TSC), a novel synthetic carotenoid compound, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of TSC against the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a well-established model for MS. Female BALB/C57 mice were divided into different groups, including control, EAE, vehicle, TSC-treated (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, administered via gavage) + EAE, methyl prednisone acetate + EAE, and TSC-treated (100 mg/kg, administered via gavage for 28 days) groups. EAE was induced using MOG35-55, complete Freund's adjuvant, and pertussis toxin. In the mice spinal cord tissues, the oxidative markers (GSH and MDA) were measured using spectrophotometry and histological evaluation was performed. Mitophagic pathway proteins (PINK1and PARKIN) and inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) were evaluated by western blot. Following 21 days post-induction, EAE mice exhibited weight loss, and the paralysis scores increased on day 13 but recovered after TSC (100 mg/kg) administration on day 16. Furthermore, TSC (50 and 100 mg/kg) reversed the altered levels of MDA and GSH in the spinal cord tissue of EAE mice. TSC (100 mg/kg) also decreased microgliosis, demyelination, and the levels of inflammatory markers IL-1β and TNF-α. Notably, TSC (100 mg/kg) modulated the mitophagy pathway by reducing PINK1 and Parkin protein levels. These findings demonstrate that TSC protects spinal cord tissue against EAE-induced MS through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-mitophagy mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Banaeeyeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Afkhami-Goli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Moosavi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Marjan Razavi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Huang Y, Ma A, You J, Miao J, Li J. Natural Antioxidants: An Effective Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease at the Early Stage. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11854-11870. [PMID: 38743017 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The critical role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recognized by researchers recently, and natural antioxidants have been demonstrated to have anti-AD activity in animal models, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, soy isoflavones, lycopene, and so on. This paper summarized these natural antioxidants and points out that natural antioxidants always have multiple advantages which are help to deal with AD, such as clearing free radicals, regulating signal transduction, protecting mitochondrial function, and synaptic plasticity. Based on the available data, we have created a relatively complete pathway map of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and AD-related targets and concluded that oxidative stress caused by ROS is the core of AD pathogenesis. In the prospect, we introduced the concept of a combined therapeutic strategy, termed "Antioxidant-Promoting Synaptic Remodeling," highlighting the integration of antioxidant interventions with synaptic remodeling approaches as a novel avenue for therapeutic exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| | - Aixia Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| | - Jiahe You
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| | - Jing Miao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Materia Medica, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| | - Jinyao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boozari M, Hosseinzadeh H. Crocin molecular signaling pathways at a glance: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3859-3884. [PMID: 35989419 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid that is synthesized in the flowers of the Crocus genus. Numerous in vitro and in vivo research projects have been published about the biological and pharmacological properties and toxicity of crocin. Crocin acts as a memory enhancer, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and so on. Here, we introduce an updated and comprehensive review of crocin molecular mechanisms based on previously examined and mentioned in the literature. Different studies confirmed the significant effect of crocin to control pathological conditions, including oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. The neuroprotective effect of crocin could be related to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Notch, and cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein signaling pathways. The crocin also protects the cardiovascular system through the inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors. The regulatory effect of crocin on PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways can play an effective role in the treatment of metabolic disorders. The crocin has anticancer activity through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinases-signal transducer and activator of transcription suppression. Also, the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 and p53 signaling pathway activation may be effective in the anticancer effect of crocin. Finally, among signaling pathways regulated by crocin, the most important ones seem to be those related to the regulatory effect on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Boozari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shahbaz K, Chang D, Zhou X, Low M, Seto SW, Li CG. Crocins for Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Current Evidence. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:825842. [PMID: 35991882 PMCID: PMC9388830 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.825842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocins (CRs) and the related active constituents derived from Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) have demonstrated protective effects against cerebral ischemia and ischemic stroke, with various bioactivities including neuroprotection, anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protection. Among CRs, crocin (CR) has been shown to act on multiple mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in ischemic stroke, including mitochondrial apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of B cells pathway, S100 calcium-binding protein B, interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. CR is generally safe and well-tolerated. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that CR has poor bioavailability and needs to convert to crocetin (CC) in order to cross the blood-brain barrier. Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of saffron and CR in treating various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronary artery disease. There is evidence supporting CR as a treatment for ischemic stroke, although further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shahbaz
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kiran Shahbaz, ; Chung Guang Li,
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Xian Zhou
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Mitchell Low
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Sai Wang Seto
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Reserach Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Guang Li
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kiran Shahbaz, ; Chung Guang Li,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bastani S, Vahedian V, Rashidi M, Mir A, Mirzaei S, Alipourfard I, Pouremamali F, Nejabati H, Kadkhoda J, Maroufi NF, Akbarzadeh M. An evaluation on potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocin. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113297. [PMID: 35738178 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin, an active ingredient derived from saffron, is one of the herbal components that has recently been considered by researchers. Crocin has been shown to have many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and therefore can be used to treat various diseases. It has been shown that Crocin has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. In addition, the role of this substance in COVID-19 pandemic has been identified. In this review article, we tried to have a comprehensive review of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocin in different diseases and different tissues. In conclusion, Crocin may be helpful in pathological conditions that are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Bastani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Vahedian
- Cancer Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biotechnology (FMB-IBTEC) Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Mir
- Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, P.O. Box 87317-51167, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institutitue of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection - Faculty of Natural Sciences - University of Silesia - Katowice - Poland
| | - Farhad Pouremamali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jamileh Kadkhoda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kuchta K, Aritake K, Urade Y, Tung NH, Yuan CS, Sasaki Y, Shimizu K, Shoyama Y. Preventing Dementia Using Saffron, The Kampo Medicine, Kamiuntanto, and Their Combination, Kamiuntantokabankoka. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:779821. [PMID: 35310894 PMCID: PMC8931200 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.779821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this review is to evaluate the anti-dementia activities of saffron and its combination with Kampo medicine. The Kampo formula Kamiuntanto composed of 13 crude drugs is well known for its anti-dementia activity. A significant increase in choline acetyltransferase activity and mRNA levels were observed. Polygala radix was identified as the most essential component drug in Kamiuntanto, probably due to the saponins, tenuifolin, and sinapinic acid. Ginseng was also identified as an essential Kamiuntanto component in terms of its synergistic functions with Polygala radix. Saffron, which was recommended in the Bencao Gangmu for memory and dementia, and is used as an anti-spasmodic, anti-catarrhal, and sedative herbal drug. Saffron and its major constituent, crocin were shown to enhance learning-memory, non-rapid eye movement (rem) sleep, and inhibit depression and neuronal cell death due to strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation activities. In addition based on the epidemiological studies such as the treatment of sleeping disorders and the clinical trials of saffron for Alzheimer patients, we demonstrated the indirect and direct anti-dementia activities of crocin and saffron.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Kuchta
- Forschungsstelle für Fernöstliche Medizin, Department of Vegetation Analysis and Phytodiversity, Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Chun-Su Yuan
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yui Sasaki
- Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Shimizu
- Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shoyama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yukihiro Shoyama,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Soliman MM, Aldhahrani A, Gaber A, Alsanie WF, Mohamed WA, Metwally MMM, Elbadawy M, Shukry M. Ameliorative impacts of chrysin against gibberellic acid-induced liver and kidney damage through the regulation of antioxidants, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis biomarkers. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:235-244. [PMID: 35237428 PMCID: PMC8882807 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gibberellic acid (GA3), a widely known plant growth regulator, has been mostly used in agriculture. Little is known regarding its toxicity or the impact of its metabolic mechanism on human health. The current study examined the protective impact of chrysin against GA3-induced liver and kidney dysfunctions at biochemical, molecular, and histopathological levels. Forty male albino rats were allocated into 4 groups. The control group received saline; the chrysin group received 50 mg/kg/BW orally daily for 4 weeks; the GA3 group received 55 mg/kg/BW GA3 via daily oral gavage for 4 weeks, and the protective group (chrysin + GA3) was administered both chrysin and GA3 at the same dosage given in chrysin and GA3 groups. Chrysin was administered 1 h earlier than GA3. The GA3 induced liver and kidney injuries as proven by the elevation of hepatic and renal markers with a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels. Furthermore, a decrease of catalase and glutathione was reported in the GA3-administered rats. Pre-administration of chrysin significantly protected the hepatorenal tissue against the deleterious effects of GA3. Chrysin restored the hepatorenal functions and their antioxidant ability to normal levels. Moreover, chrysin modulated the hepatorenal toxic effects of GA3 at the molecular level via the upregulation of the antiapoptotic genes, interleukin-10 (IL-10), hemoxygenase-1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expressions; the downregulation of the kidney injury molecule-1 and caspase-3 mRNA expressions; and a decrease in IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α secretions. Additionally, the pre-administration of chrysin effectively attenuated the GA3-induced hepatorenal histopathological changes by regulating the immunoexpression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and pregnane X receptor, resulting in normal values at the cellular level. In conclusion, chrysin attenuated GA3-induced oxidative hepatorenal injury by inhibiting free-radical production and cytokine expression as well as by modulating the antioxidant, apoptotic, and antiapoptotic activities. Chrysin is a potent hepatorenal protective agent to antagonize oxidative stress induced by GA3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohamed Soliman
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif 21995 Saudi Arabia,Corresponding author: Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif, P.O. Box 21995 Saudi Arabia.
| | - Adil Aldhahrani
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif 21995 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Gaber
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia,Center of Biomedical Sciences Research, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa F Alsanie
- Center of Biomedical Sciences Research, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafaa Abdou Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elbadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Qalioubiya 13736, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Shukry
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh, P.O.Box 33516, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Eteghadi MR, Nasehi M, Vaseghi S, Hesami-Tackallou S. The effect of Crocin on TFAM and PGC-1α expression and Catalase and Superoxide dismutase activities following cholestasis-induced neuroinflammation in the striatum of male Wistar rats. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1791-1801. [PMID: 34019207 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bile secretion is a physiological function that is disrupted following Bile Duct Ligation (BDL) and induces cholestasis. Cholestasis is a bile flow reduction that induces apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and alters the expression of genes. Evidence shows the relationship between cholestasis and neuroinflammation. Cholestasis via attenuating mitochondrial biogenesis and anti-oxidant activity can induce neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (TFAM) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, and TFAM, PGC-1α, Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) have a role in upregulating antioxidant pathways. On the other hand, many studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of Crocin, the water-soluble carotenoid of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Crocin on the level of TFAM, PGC-1α, CAT, and SOD following cholestasis-induced neuroinflammation in the rat's striatum. Cholestasis was induced by BDL surgery and administration of Crocin was intraperitoneal, at the dose of 30 mg/kg every day, 24 h after BDL surgery up to thirty days. The results showed that TFAM, PGC-1α, and SOD were decreased following cholestasis; while, CAT was increased. In addition, Crocin restored the effects of cholestasis on the level of TFAM, PGC-1α, and SOD. In conclusion, Crocin may have improvement effects on cholestasis-induced neuroinflammation in the rat's striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Eteghadi
- Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Hesami-Tackallou
- Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yousefsani BS, Mehri S, Pourahmad J, Hosseinzadeh H. Protective Effect of Crocin against Mitochondrial Damage and Memory Deficit Induced by Beta-amyloid in the Hippocampus of Rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:79-94. [PMID: 34567148 PMCID: PMC8457717 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.112206.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among the elderly. This progressive neurodegenerative disorder affects brain regions that control cognition, memory, language, speech, and awareness. As a potent antioxidant, crocin has been proposed to effectively manage the neurodegenerative disease. In this study, the recovery effects of crocin on the memory deficits caused by the intra-hippocampal injection of amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ1-42) were evaluated in rats. We also considered the protective effects of crocin on the mitochondrial damage caused by Aβ1-42. We examined the memory deficits of rats with the help of the Morris water maze. Then, we determined different mitochondrial toxicity endpoints caused by Aβ1-42, including mitochondrial ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, mitochondrial outer membrane integrity, and cytochrome c release. Our results demonstrated that the behavioral signs of memory deficiency caused by Aβ1-42 significantly (P < 0.01) reduced by both pretreatment and post-treatment with crocin (30 mg/kg). Furthermore, crocin prevented all the Aβ1-42 induced above referenced mitochondrial upstream toxic events leading to neuronal apoptosis. These results demonstrated that crocin is a promising preventive candidate for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, it seems that the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of crocin are better seen when the compound is pretreated beforehand rather than introduced afterward in Aβ1-42 exposed mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Sadat Yousefsani
- Research Institute for Islamic and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soghra Mehri
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalal Pourahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pitsikas N. Crocus sativus L. Extracts and Its Constituents Crocins and Safranal; Potential Candidates for Schizophrenia Treatment? Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051237. [PMID: 33669124 PMCID: PMC7956290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental devastating disease. Current therapy suffers from various limitations including low efficacy and serious side effects. Thus, there is an urgent necessity to develop new antipsychotics with higher efficacy and safety. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (CS) commonly known as saffron, are used in traditional medicine for various purposes. It has been demonstrated that saffron and its bioactive components crocins and safranal exert a beneficial action in different pathologies of the central nervous system such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy and memory problems. Recently, their role as potential antipsychotic agents is under investigation. In the present review, I intended to critically assess advances in research of these molecules for the treatment of schizophrenia, comment on their advantages over currently used neuroleptics as well-remaining challenges. Up to our days, few preclinical studies have been conducted to this end. In spite of it, results are encouraging and strongly corroborate that additional research is mandatory aiming to definitively establish a role for saffron and its bioactive components for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Soheili M, Karimian M, Hamidi G, Salami M. Alzheimer's disease treatment: The share of herbal medicines. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 24:123-135. [PMID: 33953850 PMCID: PMC8061323 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.50536.11512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One of the most frequent forms of dementia in neurological disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by impaired learning and memory. Pathological symptoms as extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles occur in AD. Due to the aging of the population and increased prevalence of AD, discovery of new therapeutic agents with the highest effectiveness and fewer side effect seems to be necessary. Numerous synthetic medicines such as tacrine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, glutathione, ascorbic acid, ubiquinone, ibuprofen, and ladostigil are routinely used for reduction of the symptoms and prevention of disease progression. Nowadays, herbal medicines have attracted popular attention for numerous beneficial effects with little side effects. Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Crocus sativus, Ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Magnolia officinalis have been widely used for relief of symptoms of some neurological disorders. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of phytomedicines with prominent effects against various factors implicated in the emergence and progression of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Soheili
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Gholamali Hamidi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Salami
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nassar R, Eid S, Chahine R, Chabi B, Bonnieu A, Sabban ME, Najjar F, Hamade A. Antioxidant effects of lebanese Crocus sativus L. and its main components, crocin and safranal, on human skeletal muscle cells. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Kermanshahi S, Ghanavati G, Abbasi-Mesrabadi M, Gholami M, Ulloa L, Motaghinejad M, Safari S. Novel Neuroprotective Potential of Crocin in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Illustrated Mechanistic Review. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:2573-2585. [PMID: 32940861 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration. Recent studies reported that crocin, a carotenoid chemical compound common in crocus and gardenia flowers, has protective effects in neurodegenerative disorders due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in the nervous system. This article reviews the new experimental, clinical, and pharmacological studies on the neuroprotective properties of crocin and its potential mechanisms to modulate metabolic oxidative stress and inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kermanshahi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazal Ghanavati
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Abbasi-Mesrabadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Gholami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Majid Motaghinejad
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Safari
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang P, Cui J, Mansooridara S, Kalantari AS, Zangeneh A, Zangeneh MM, Sadeghian N, Taslimi P, Bayat R, Şen F. Suppressor capacity of copper nanoparticles biosynthesized using Crocus sativus L. leaf aqueous extract on methadone-induced cell death in adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11631. [PMID: 32669563 PMCID: PMC7363853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this research, we prepared and formulated a neuroprotective supplement (copper nanoparticles in aqueous medium utilizing Crocus sativus L. Leaf aqueous extract) for determining its potential against methadone-induced cell death in PC12. The results of chemical characterization tests i.e., FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the study showed that copper nanoparticles were synthesized in the perfect way possible. In the TEM and FE-SEM images, the copper nanoparticles were in the mean size of 27.5 nm with the spherical shape. In the biological part of the present research, the Rat inflammatory cytokine assay kit was used to measure the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to show DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Caspase-3 activity was assessed by the caspase activity colorimetric assay kit and mitochondrial membrane potential was studied by Rhodamine123 fluorescence dye. Also, the cell viability of PC12 was measured by trypan blue assay. Copper nanoparticles-treated cell cutlers significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased the inflammatory cytokines concentrations, caspase-3 activity, and DNA fragmentation and they raised the cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential in the high concentration of methadone-treated PC12 cells. The best result of neuroprotective properties was seen in the high dose of copper nanoparticles i.e., 4 µg. According to the above results, copper nanoparticles containing C. sativus leaf aqueous extract can be used in peripheral nervous system treatment as a neuroprotective promoter and central nervous system after approving in the clinical trial studies in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Medical College of Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, No. 30 South Street Powder Lane, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710002, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shirin Mansooridara
- Medical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atoosa Shahriyari Kalantari
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Zangeneh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.,Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Zangeneh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.,Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Nastaran Sadeghian
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Parham Taslimi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Bartin University, 74100, Bartin, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Bayat
- Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Dumlupınar, 43000, Kütahya, Turkey
| | - Fatih Şen
- Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Dumlupınar, 43000, Kütahya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Albogami S, Hassan A, Ahmed N, Alnefaie A, Alattas A, Alquthami L, Alharbi A. Evaluation of the effective dose of amygdalin for the improvement of antioxidant gene expression and suppression of oxidative damage in mice. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9232. [PMID: 32509470 PMCID: PMC7246030 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding the toxic and therapeutic doses of amygdalin. Treatment regimens and schedules can vary between humans and animal models, and there have been reports of cyanide toxicity due to amygdalin use. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of amygdalin on antioxidant gene expression and suppression of oxidative damage in mice. METHODS Forty adult male mice were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10) as follows and treated orally for two weeks: a control group treated with saline solution, a group treated with amygdalin at 200 mg/kg body weight, a group treated with amygdalin at 100 mg/kg body weight, and a group treated with amygdalin at 50 mg/kg body weight. Liver and testis samples were collected for gene expression, biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS The mice treated with medium-dose amygdalin (100 mg/kg) showed upregulated mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.01) and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) in hepatic and testicular tissues compared to those in the untreated groups (controls), with mild histopathological effects. The mice treated with high-dose of amygdalin (200 mg/kg) showed downregulated mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01) and significantly increased lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) in both hepatic and testicular tissues compared to those in the untreated groups (controls), with an apparent effect at the histopathological level. No effects were observed in the mice treated with low-dose amygdalin (50 mg/kg) at the gene, protein and histopathological level. CONCLUSION Low-and medium-dose amygdalin did not induce toxicity in the hepatic and testicular tissues of male mice, unlike high-dose amygdalin, which had a negative effect on oxidative balance in mice. Therefore, amygdalin at a moderate dose may improve oxidative balance in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aziza Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Cell Biology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nibal Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Alnefaie
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Alattas
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama Alquthami
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- General Department of Education, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf Alharbi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- General Department of Education, Taif, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qiu Y, Jiang X, Liu D, Deng Z, Hu W, Li Z, Li Y. The Hypoglycemic and Renal Protection Properties of Crocin via Oxidative Stress-Regulated NF-κB Signaling in db/db Mice. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:541. [PMID: 32425787 PMCID: PMC7212392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the main ingredient of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) extract, crocin- I (CR) has been reported to show various pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and renal protection properties of CR in db/db mice. Methods Eight-week-old db/db mice were treated with metformin (Met) (100 mg/kg) and CR (50 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Results CR treatment showed hypoglycemic functions indicated by reduced bodyweight, food and water intake, plasma glucose, and serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c. Additionally, the CR group showed increased serum levels of insulin and pyruvate kinase, hypolipidemic functions indicated by the suppressed levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which are also indicators of hypoglycemic functions. The renal protection function of CR was demonstrated by its protection of renal structures and its regulation of potential indicators of nephropathy. The anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects of CR were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the kidneys of db/db mice, CR decreased the expression of phospho-IκBα and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), whereas it enhanced the expression of nuclear respiratory factor 2, manganese superoxide dismutase 1, heme oxygenase-1, and catalase. Conclusions The anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of CR were related to its modulation of oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qiu
- National Engineering Lab for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Danping Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Zichun Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- National Engineering Lab for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Margaritis I, Angelopoulou K, Lavrentiadou S, Mavrovouniotis IC, Tsantarliotou M, Taitzoglou I, Theodoridis A, Veskoukis A, Kerasioti E, Kouretas D, Zervos I. Effect of crocin on antioxidant gene expression, fibrinolytic parameters, redox status and blood biochemistry in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:4. [PMID: 32161725 PMCID: PMC7053078 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-020-00114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Diabetes is regarded as an epidemiological threat for the twenty-first century. Phytochemicals with known pharmaceutical properties have gained interest in the field of alleviating secondary complications of diseases. Such a substance is crocin, a basic constituent of saffron (Crocus sativus). The present study aimed at examining the beneficial effects of per os crocin administration on the antioxidant status, blood biochemical profile, hepatic gene expression and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1) in the liver, kidney and plasma (an important marker of pre-diabetic status and major factor of thrombosis in diabetes) of healthy rats, as well as of rats with nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Results Diabetes disrupted the oxidation-antioxidation balance, while crocin improved the antioxidant state in the liver by significantly affecting SOD1 gene expression and/or by restoring SOD and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. In the kidney, crocin improved hydrogen peroxide decomposing activity and TAC. In blood, hepatic transaminases ALT and AST decreased significantly, while there was a trend of decrease regarding blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression of PAI-1 gene was affected in the liver by the dose of 50 mg kg−1. Conclusions Crocin treatment contributed in restoring some parameters after diabetes induction, primarily by affecting significantly hepatic transaminases ALT and AST, SOD1 and PAI-1 gene expression and nephric H2O2 decomposing activity. In conclusion, crocin did contribute to the alleviation of some complications of diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Margaritis
- 1Laboratory of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- 2Laboratory of Biochemistry & Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia Lavrentiadou
- 1Laboratory of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Maria Tsantarliotou
- 1Laboratory of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Taitzoglou
- 1Laboratory of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Theodoridis
- 4Laboratory of Animal Production Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aristidis Veskoukis
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthalia Kerasioti
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kouretas
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zervos
- 1Laboratory of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abdel-Rahman RF, El Awdan SA, Hegazy RR, Mansour DF, Ogaly HA, Abdelbaset M. Neuroprotective effect of Crocus sativus against cerebral ischemia in rats. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:427-439. [PMID: 31728890 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the neuroprotective effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) in rats. Four groups of a total forty I/R rats with 60-min occlusion followed by 48 h reperfusion or sham surgery were used. The sham and left-brain I/R control groups where treated with normal saline. The rats of the other two groups received saffron extract (100 or 200 mg/kg, ip, respectively) for 3 successive weeks prior to left-brain I/R. Other four doses of saffron extract were received by the rats of the last 2 groups 60 min prior to operation, during the surgery, and on days 1 and 2 following reperfusion. I/R group showed marked neurobehavioral, neurochemical and histopathological alterations. The results revealed a significant reduction in neurological deficit scores in the saffron-treated rats at both doses. Saffron significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation, decreased NO and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) contents in I/R-brain tissue. On the other hand, saffron reversed the depletion of GSH in the injured brain. Moreover, saffron treatment evidently reduced apoptosis as revealed by a decrease in caspase-3 and Bax protein expression with a marked decrease in the apoptotic neuronal cells compared to I/R group. In addition, saffron administration effectively upregulated the expression of VEGF in I/R-brain tissue. In conclusion, saffron treatment offers significant neuroprotection against I/R damage possibly through diminishing oxidative stress and apoptosis and enhancement of VEGF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rehab R Hegazy
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina F Mansour
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - H A Ogaly
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mehrabani M, Goudarzi M, Mehrzadi S, Siahpoosh A, Mohammadi M, Khalili H, Malayeri A. Crocin: a protective natural antioxidant against pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:992-1001. [PMID: 31997260 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-019-00023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fibrotic lung disease of unknown causes. Given the crucial role of oxidative stress in the progression of IPF, antioxidant therapy may be speculated to be an efficient therapeutic approach. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Crocin as a potent, natural antioxidant against Bleomycin-induced PF in male Wistar rats. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received intratracheal saline on day 7 and oral gavage of saline for 28 days. Group 2 received a single dose of Bleomycin on day 7 and oral gavage of saline for 28 days. Groups 3 received a single dose of Bleomycin on day 7, accompanied with oral administration of Crocin for 28 days. Group 4 orally received Crocin for 28 days. Finally, the lungs were removed for measuring the biochemical and histopathological markers. RESULTS The results showed that Crocin therapy remarkably decreased TNF-α, MDA and NO levels in the lungs of Bleomycin-exposed rats. Furthermore, a significant increase was seen in lung GSH content, catalase, and GPx activities in the Crocin/Bleomycin-treated group as compared with Bleomycin-treated group. However, Crocin could not markedly change the lung index and SOD activity. Histopathological changes, fibrosis and hydroxyproline content of lungs also significantly decreased by Crocin therapy in the Crocin/Bleomycin-treated group. CONCLUSION In sum, Crocin therapy could modulate biochemical and histological changes induced by Bleomycin; therefore, it might be considered as an effective therapeutic approach against IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnaz Mehrabani
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Siahpoosh
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Khalili
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Malayeri
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ebrahimzadeh A, Moghadam SY, Rahimi H, Motaghinejad M, Motevalian M, Safari S, Mesrabadi MA. Crocin acts as a neuroprotective mediator against methylphenidate-induced neurobehavioral and neurochemical sequelae: Possible role of the CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2019-033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
21
|
Abedimanesh S, Bathaie SZ, Ostadrahimi A, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Taban Sadeghi M. The effect of crocetin supplementation on markers of atherogenic risk in patients with coronary artery disease: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food Funct 2019; 10:7461-7475. [PMID: 31667483 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo01166h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Molecular mechanisms of atherogenesis are considered to be emerging therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis prevention. Cell and animal studies have shown that crocetin can decelerate atherogenesis. However, the anti-atherogenic properties of crocetin in humans are still ambiguous. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty clinically diagnosed CAD patients were randomly divided into two parallel groups, crocetin and placebo, who received one capsule of crocetin (10 mg) and placebo per day, respectively, for two months. Serum circulating homocysteine (Hcy) [-1.09 (-1.64 to -0.54) μM, P = 0.001], heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) [-2.07 (-2.72 to -1.43) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [-14.92 (-21.92 to -7.92) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [-18.61 (-29.73 to -7.49) ng mL-1, P = 0.002], and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [-4.67 (-6.50 to -2.83) pg mL-1, P = 0.001] decreased significantly after the trial in the crocetin group, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased [+4.21 (0.68 to 7.73) mg mL-1, P = 0.021]. Also, systolic [-0.21 (-0.32 to -0.10) mmHg, P = 0.001] and diastolic [-0.20 (-0.34 to -0.07) mmHg, P = 0.004] blood pressures decreased significantly in the crocetin group. Nevertheless, clinically significant percentage changes were only observed in Hcy (-15.25 ± 3.15, μM), HDL (-10.70 ± 5.06, mg dL-1), and h-FABP (-21.10 ± 3.09, ng mL-1) in the crocetin group. Furthermore, the relative increase in the gene expressions of sirtuin1 and AMP-activated protein kinase and a decrease in the lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the crocetin group were significant at the end of the trial in comparison with the placebo. CONCLUSION As the first human study, we showed the ability of crocetin to alter the expression of atherogenic genes and endothelial cell adhesion molecules in CAD patients. It appears that crocetin could be considered as a promising anti-atherogenic candidate for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Abedimanesh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutritional Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ghaderi A, Rasouli‐Azad M, Vahed N, Banafshe HR, Soleimani A, Omidi A, Ghoreishi FS, Asemi Z. Clinical and metabolic responses to crocin in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2714-2725. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ghaderi
- Department of Addiction Studies, School of MedicineKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit – Matini/Kargarnejad HospitalKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
| | - Morad Rasouli‐Azad
- Education and Psychology Department, College of EducationUniversity of Raparin Kurdistan Region Iraq
| | - Neda Vahed
- Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry)Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Banafshe
- Department of Addiction Studies, School of MedicineKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
- Physiology Research CenterKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
| | - Anvar Soleimani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Abdollah Omidi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of MedicineKashan University of Medical Science Kashan Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Ghoreishi
- Clinical Research Development Unit – Matini/Kargarnejad HospitalKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
- Department of Psychiatry, School of MedicineKashan University of Medical Science Kashan Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic DiseasesKashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang W, He P, Zhao D, Ye L, Dai L, Zhang X, Sun Y, Zheng J, Bi C. Construction of Escherichia coli cell factories for crocin biosynthesis. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:120. [PMID: 31277660 PMCID: PMC6610952 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crocin is a carotenoid-derived natural product found in the stigma of Crocus spp., which has great potential in medicine, food and cosmetics. In recent years, microbial production of crocin has drawn increasing attention, but there were no reports of successful implementation. Escherichia coli has been engineered to produce various carotenoids, including lycopene, β-carotene and astaxanthin. Therefore, we intended to construct E. coli cell factories for crocin biosynthesis. Results In this study, a heterologous crocetin and crocin synthesis pathway was first constructed in E. coli. Firstly, the three different zeaxanthin-cleaving dioxygenases CsZCD, CsCCD2 from Crocus sativus, and CaCCD2 from Crocus ancyrensis, as well as the glycosyltransferases UGT94E5 and UGT75L6 from Gardenia jasminoides, were introduced into zeaxanthin-producing E. coli cells. The results showed that CsCCD2 catalyzed the synthesis of crocetin dialdehyde. Next, the aldehyde dehydrogenases ALD3, ALD6 and ALD9 from Crocus sativus and ALD8 from Neurospora crassa were tested for crocetin dialdehyde oxidation, and we were able to produce 4.42 mg/L crocetin using strain YL4(pCsCCD2-UGT94E5-UGT75L6,pTrc-ALD8). Glycosyltransferases from diverse sources were screened by in vitro enzyme activity assays. The results showed that crocin and its various derivatives could be obtained using the glycosyltransferases YjiC, YdhE and YojK from Bacillus subtilis, and the corresponding genes were introduced into the previously constructed crocetin-producing strain. Finally, crocin-5 was detected among the fermentation products of strain YL4(pCsCCD2-UGT94E5-UGT75L6,pTrc-ALD8,pET28a-YjiC-YdhE-YojK) using HPLC and LC–ESI–MS. Conclusions A heterologous crocin synthesis pathway was constructed in vitro, using glycosyltransferases from the Bacillus subtilis instead of the original plant glycosyltransferases, and a crocetin and crocin-5 producing E. coli cell factory was obtained. This research provides a foundation for the large-scale production of crocetin and crocin in E. coli cell factories. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12934-019-1166-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping He
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Ye
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Longhai Dai
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanxia Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.
| | - Changhao Bi
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xi L, Qian Z. Pharmacological Properties of Crocetin and Crocin (Digentiobiosyl Ester of Crocetin) from Saffron. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x0600100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional plant foods and medicinal herbs provide a wide variety of natural products for new drug research and development. Crocetin and crocin (digentiobiosyl ester of crocetin) are the major bioactive ingredients of saffron which is used as a costly spice, food colorant and traditional herbal medicine. These particular carotenoids have gained much research attention for their extensive pharmacological activities. Following oral administration, crocetin is rapidly absorbed into the blood circulation and widely distributed into the extra-vascular tissues of the body, whereas the water-soluble compound crocin is hardly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Crocetin and crocin have been shown to be effective in the prevention and/or treatment of several diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, hemorrhagic shock, cancer and cerebral injury. The compounds exert their biological and pharmacological effects largely through their strong antioxidant activity. However, there seems to be substantial variation in the effectiveness of both phytochemicals when used in different diseases. The aim of this review is to discuss the pharmacokinetic and medicinal properties of crocetin and crocin based on related literature and our research results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xi
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, P.O. Box 46, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, P.O. Box 46, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Motaghinejad M, Safari S, Feizipour S, Sadr S. Crocin may be useful to prevent or treatment of alcohol induced neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral sequels via modulation of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK signaling pathway. Med Hypotheses 2019; 124:21-25. [PMID: 30798909 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral consequences of alcohol are serious and offering therapeutic approaches for management of these types of neurodegeneration is one of the main concerns of researchers in this manner. Alcohol-stimulated oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation, with modulation of involved signaling pathway in neuroprotection, was reported previously. Neuroprotective strategy for management of alcohol induced neurodegeneration through a new generation neuroprotective agent and based on modulation of some neuroprotective signaling pathway such as CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK has always been superior to any other therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the introduction and development of potential new neuroprotective properties and clarification of their effects on major cell signaling such as CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK is necessitated. During recent years, using new neuroprotective compounds with therapeutic probability for treatment of alcohol induced neuro-biochemical and neuro-behavioral malicious effects have been amazingly increased. Many previous studies have reported the neuroprotective roles of crocin (major active component of saffron) in multiple neurodegenerative events and diseases in animal model. But the role of crocin neuroprotective effects against alcohol induced neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral sequels and also role of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK in this manner remain unclear. Hence we hypothesized that by using crocin in alcohol dependent subject it would provide neuroprotection against alcohol induced neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral and probably can manage sequels of alcohol abuses. Also we hypothesized that crocin, via intonation of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK signaling pathway, can inhibit alcohol induced neurodegeneration. In this article, we tried to discuss our hypothesis regarding the possible role of crocin, as a potent neuroprotective agent, and also role of Akt/GSK and CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in treatment of alcohol induced neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral through its anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress and cognitive enhancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Motaghinejad
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Iran Psychiatric Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Safari
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Feizipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Sadr
- Research and Development Department, Parsian-Exir-Aria pharmaceutical Company, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang C, Cai X, Hu W, Li Z, Kong F, Chen X, Wang D. Investigation of the neuroprotective effects of crocin via antioxidant activities in HT22 cells and in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Int J Mol Med 2018; 43:956-966. [PMID: 30569175 PMCID: PMC6317678 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.4032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its complex pathogenesis, the prevention and therapization of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a serious challenge. Crocin, the main compound isolated from Crocus sativus L., demonstrates various pharmacological activities including anti-apoptotic properties. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of crocin and the underlying mechanisms. In l-glutamate-damaged HT22 cells, 3-h crocin pretreatment strongly enhanced the HT22 cell viability, reduced the apoptotic rate, mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction, suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and Ca2+ overload compared with untreated cells. Additionally, crocin significantly decreased the expression levels of Bax, Bad and cleaved caspase-3 and increased the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-extra large, phosphorylated (P-) protein kinase B and P-mammalian target of rapamycin compared with untreated cells. In mice with AD induced by d-galactose and aluminum trichloride, crocin substantially improved the cognition and memory abilities of the mice as measured by their coordination of movement in an open field test, and reduced their escape time in the Morris water maze test compared with untreated mice. Biochemical analysis confirmed that crocin was able to reduce the Aβ1-42 content in the mouse brains, increase the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase, and reduce the levels of ROS and acetylcholinesterase in the serum, cerebral cortex and hypothalamus compared with untreated mice. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that crocin reduced Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampus of the brains of treated mice compared with untreated mice. In conclusion, crocin demonstrates good prospects in the treatment of AD through the oxidative stress-associated apoptosis signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Wenji Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130006, P.R. China
| | - Fange Kong
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ghaffari S, Roshanravan N. Saffron; An updated review on biological properties with special focus on cardiovascular effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:21-27. [PMID: 30391705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Saffron as a natural product has long been used to impede and treat different disorders including cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Stigma is the most principal part of saffron. Various compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids are the essential components of saffron stigma. The health benefits of saffron have been shown in previous studies; however, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the mechanistic aspects of its cardiovascular-health properties. This current comprehensive review focuses on the medicinal applications of saffron, and then the new findings regarding its cardiovascular-health effects and various cellular and molecular mechanisms of action will be debated. METHODS The literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library was performed for all comparative studies since 2000-2018 with the limitations of the English language. RESULTS The results provided new evidence about antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- atherogenic, anti- apoptotic, anti- hypertensive, and hypolipidemic effects of saffron. Pharmacological effects of saffron are due to a number of ingredients contained within this spice, including safranal, crocetin and crocins. CONCLUSIONS Our study concludes that saffron with wide range of usefulness in medicine may be the potent candidate in the process of new drug production for the treatment of CVDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samad Ghaffari
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shafahi M, Vaezi G, Shajiee H, Sharafi S, Khaksari M. Crocin Inhibits Apoptosis and Astrogliosis of Hippocampus Neurons Against Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity via Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:2252-2259. [PMID: 30259275 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2644-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a stimulant drug, which can cause neurotoxicity and increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. The mechanisms of acute METH intoxication comprise intra-neuronal events including oxidative stress, dopamine oxidation, and excitotoxicity. According to recent studies, crocin protects neurons by functioning as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic compound. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine if crocin can protect against METH-induced neurotoxicity. Seventy-two male Wistar rats that weighed 260-300 g were randomly allocated to six groups of control (n = 12), crocin 90 mg/kg group (n = 12), METH (n = 12), METH + crocin 30 mg/kg (n = 12), METH + crocin 60 mg/kg (n = 12), and METH + crocin 90 mg/kg (n = 12). METH neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of METH in four injections (e.g., 4 × 10 mg/kg q. 2 h, IP). Crocin was intraperitoneally (IP) injected at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the final injection of METH. Seven days after METH injection, the rats' brains were removed for biochemical assessment using the ELISA technique, and immunohistochemistry staining was used for caspase-3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) detection. Crocin treatment could significantly increase superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and glutathione (P < 0.01) levels and reduce malondialdehyde and TNF-α in comparison with the METH group (P < 0.05). Moreover, crocin could significantly decline the level of caspase-3 and GFAP-positive cells in the CA1 region (P < 0.01). According to the results, crocin exerts neuroprotective effects on METH neurotoxicity via the inhibition of apoptosis and neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monire Shafahi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Golamhassan Vaezi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Hooman Shajiee
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Shahram Sharafi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khaksari
- Addiction Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Miah AG, Bathgate R, Hamano KI, Salma U. Effects of pre-freeze Nigella sativa oil supplementation on cryosurvival of ovine spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1424-1433. [PMID: 30242923 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed with three experiments to evaluate the effects of pre-freeze supplementation of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) on total motility, progressive motility, biokinetic characteristics, acrosomal integrity and DNA integrity of cryopreserved ovine spermatozoa. Semen samples collected from three proven fertile Merino rams were diluted with a Tris-based cryomedia containing different levels of NSO (Experiment I: 0, 10, 100 and 1,000 g/ml), TQ (Experiment II: 0, 1, 10 and 20 g/ml) and their optimum levels (Experiment III: 100 g/ml of NSO, 10 g/ml of TQ and 1 mM of α-tocopherol and cryopreserved as pellet (200µL) and subsequently evaluated at different post-thaw incubation periods (0, 2 and 4 hr). The results revealed that the percentage of total motility, progressive motility and biokinetic characteristics such as average path velocity, curvilinear velocity and straight-line velocity were higher (p < 0.05) in the sperm aliquots cryopreserved with 100 g/ml NSO or 10 g/ml TQ than in the sperm aliquots cryopreserved without supplementation just after thawing and 2 hr of post-thaw incubation. Among the supplements, NSO (100 g/ml) showed higher values of the total motility, progressive motility, biokinetic characteristics specially, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity and straight-line velocity, acrosome integrity and DNA integrity compared with the spermatozoa frozen without supplementation. Therefore, the results suggest that NSO may be added to the cryomedium to improve the cryosurvival of ovine spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul G Miah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Roslyn Bathgate
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Koh-Ichi Hamano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Functions in Mammals, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Ummay Salma
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Akouchekian S, Omranifard V, Maracy MR, Pedram A, Zefreh AA. Efficacy of herbal combination of sedge, saffron, and Astragalus honey on major neurocognitive disorder. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 23:58. [PMID: 30057642 PMCID: PMC6040152 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_949_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Major neurocognitive disorder (MCD) is an acquired progressive decline in cognitive abilities that causes a drop in specific acquired performance compared to former performances. We tried to investigate the efficacy of herbal combination of sedge, saffron, and Astragalus honey on cognitive and depression score of patients with MCD. Materials and Methods It was a randomized double-blind clinical trial conducted on sixty patients with MCD, who referred to the geriatric psychiatry clinic of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. All the study participants had been using anti-MCD medications. Participants were randomized to receive a combination of sedge, saffron, and Astragalus honey in case group (n = 30) or placebo group for 8 weeks other than anti-MCD medications. Cognitive and depression scores were assessed using Addenbrook's Cognitive Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively, before intervention and at the 1st and 2nd months after intervention. The ANCOVA repeated-measure test was used to analyze the data using SPSS 20 software. Results The Addenbrook's Cognitive Test score was 32.2 ± 26.5 in intervention and 22.1 ± 15.1 in control group before intervention (P = 0.074) and 38.8 ± 27.7 in intervention group and 22.6 ± 14.1 in control group in control group 1 month after intervention (P = 0.007). In addition, Geriatric Depression Scale score was 14.6 ± 7.9 in intervention group and 14.5 ± 6.9 in control group before intervention (P = 0.945) and 12.9 ± 6.9 in intervention and 14.3 ± 7.1 in control group 1 month after intervention (P = 0.465) and 12.2 ± 6.5 in intervention group and 14.4 ± 7.1 in control group 2 month after intervention (P = 0.224). Conclusion Our findings suggest that adding the herbal combination of sedge, saffron, and Astragalus honey to the current protocols of treatment of MCD patients could be useful in the improvement of cognitive and depression score of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Akouchekian
- Behaviour Science Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Victoria Omranifard
- Behaviour Science Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Maracy
- Behaviour Science Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ainour Pedram
- Behaviour Science Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Asiyeh Almasi Zefreh
- Behaviour Science Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Boroja T, Katanić J, Rosić G, Selaković D, Joksimović J, Mišić D, Stanković V, Jovičić N, Mihailović V. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) extract: Phytochemical profile and modulation of cisplatin-induced liver, renal and testicular toxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 118:252-263. [PMID: 29746935 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to examine the potential ameliorating effect of the methanolic extract of Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) aerial parts against cisplatin-induced oxidative damage in renal, hepatic, and testicular tissues. S. hortensis methanol extract at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight were orally administered to Wistar rats once daily for 10 days. Toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg of body weight) on the 5th day of the experiment. Applied treatment with S. hortensis extract restored tissue morphology, ameliorated levels of serum parameters for liver, renal and testes function, tissue oxidative stress parameters, and increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio as an indicator of apoptosis in experimental animals caused by application of cisplatin. UHPLC/DAD/HESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that S. hortensis extract was rich in phenolic compounds with rosmarinic acid (24.9 mg/g) as the main compound, followed by caffeic acid (1.28 mg/g) and naringenin (1.06 mg/g). Our findings suggest that S. hortensis may be a valuable source of dietary and pharmacologically important phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, in pharmaceutical and functional food formulations in order to maintain normal health conditions or as a remedy in various diseases caused by oxidative damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Boroja
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jelena Katanić
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Gvozden Rosić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragica Selaković
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jovana Joksimović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Danijela Mišić
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Stanković
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Jovičić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Mihailović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yousefsani BS, Pourahmad J, Hosseinzadeh H. The mechanism of protective effect of crocin against liver mitochondrial toxicity caused by arsenic III. Toxicol Mech Methods 2017; 28:105-114. [DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2017.1368054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Sadat Yousefsani
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalal Pourahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang X, Huo F, Liu B, Liu J, Chen T, Li J, Zhu Z, Lv B. Crocin Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Pro-inflammatory Response of Microglial Cells Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy Through the Activation of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 61:581-589. [PMID: 28238066 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is closely associated with the degeneration and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) caused by diabetic microangiopathy and subsequent oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. Microglial cells are classed as neurogliocytes and play a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases. Over-activated microglial cells may cause neurotoxicity and induce the death and apoptosis of RGCs. Crocin is one of the two most pharmacologically bioactive constituents in saffron. In the present study, we focused on the role of microglial cells in DR, suggesting that DR may cause the over-activation of microglial cells and induce oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory factors. Microglial cells BV-2 and N9 were cultured, and high-glucose (HG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were used to simulate diabetes. The results showed that HG-FFA co-treatment caused the up-regulated expression of CD11b and Iba-1, indicating that BV-2 and N9 cells were over-activated. Moreover, oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory factors were significantly enhanced by HG-FFA treatment. We found that crocin prevented the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory response induced by HG-FFA co-treatment. Moreover, using the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, we revealed that PI3K/Akt signaling plays a significant role in blocking oxidative stress, suppressing the pro-inflammatory response, and maintaining the neuroprotective effects of crocin. In total, these results provide a new insight into DR and DR-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, which provide a potential therapeutic target for neuronal damage, vision loss, and other DR-induced complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinguang Yang
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuquan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Junping Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiao Zhu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bochang Lv
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pitsikas N, Tarantilis PA. Crocins, the active constituents of Crocus sativus L., counteracted apomorphine-induced performance deficits in the novel object recognition task, but not novel object location task, in rats. Neurosci Lett 2017; 644:37-42. [PMID: 28216334 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that affects nearly 1% of the population worldwide. Several lines of evidence suggest that the dopaminergic (DAergic) system might be compromised in schizophrenia. Specifically, the mixed dopamine (DA) D1/D2 receptor agonist apomorphine induces schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including disruption of memory abilities. Crocins are among the active components of saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. plant) and their implication in cognition is well documented. The present study investigated whether crocins counteract non-spatial and spatial recognition memory deficits induced by apomorphine in rats. For this purpose, the novel object recognition task (NORT) and the novel object location task (NOLT) were used. The effects of compounds on mobility in a locomotor activity chamber were also investigated in rats. Post-training peripheral administration of crocins (15 and 30mg/kg) counteracted apomorphine (1mg/kg)-induced performance deficits in the NORT. Conversely, crocins did not attenuate spatial recognition memory deficits produced by apomorphine in the NOLT. The present data show that crocins reversed non-spatial recognition memory impairments produced by dysfunction of the DAergic system and modulate different aspects of memory components (storage and/or retrieval). The effects of compounds on recognition memory cannot be attributed to changes in locomotor activity. Further, our findings illustrate a functional interaction between crocins and the DAergic system that may be of relevance for schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits. Therefore, the utilization of crocins as an adjunctive agent, for the treatment of cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenic patients should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Finley JW, Gao S. A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water-Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:1005-1020. [PMID: 28098452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Several factors are thought to play roles in the development and course of AD. Existing medical therapies only modestly alleviate and delay cognitive symptoms. Current research has been focused on developing antibodies to remove the aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein. This approach has achieved removal of Aβ; however, no cognitive improvement in AD patients has been reported. The biological properties of saffron, the dry stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., and particularly its main constituent crocin, have been studied extensively for many conditions including dementia and traumatic brain injury. Crocin is a unique antioxidant because it is a water-soluble carotenoid. Crocin has shown potential to improve learning and memory as well as protect brain cells. A search of the studies on saffron and crocin that have been published in recent years for their impact on AD as well as crocin's effects on Aβ and tau protein has been conducted. This review demonstrates that crocin exhibits multifunctional protective activities in the brain and could be a promising agent applied as a supplement or drug for prevention or treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Finley
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, 111 Food Science Building, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
- 14719 Secret Harbor Place, Bradenton, Florida 34202, United States
| | - Song Gao
- Quality Phytochemicals LLC , 13 Dexter Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ahmadi M, Rajaei Z, Hadjzadeh MA, Nemati H, Hosseini M. Crocin improves spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze via attenuating cortical oxidative damage in diabetic rats. Neurosci Lett 2017; 642:1-6. [PMID: 28137647 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of crocin on improving spatial memory deficits and cerebral oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Crocin was administered intraperitoneally daily at doses of 15, 30 and 60mg/kg for 6 weeks. Spatial memory performance was measured in rats by the Morris water maze paradigm. Lipid peroxidation and total thiol levels as parameters of oxidative stress were assessed in the cerebral cortex at the end of week 6. Diabetic rats showed spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze which was accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation levels in the cerebral cortex. By contrast, chronic treatment with crocin (15, 30 and 60mg/kg, ip, 6 weeks) improved cognitive performance and lowered hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that beneficial effects of crocin on streptozotocin-induced memory dysfunction may be attributed to its antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, which could find clinical use in treating cognitive dysfunction in diabetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Ahmadi
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Z Rajaei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - M A Hadjzadeh
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - H Nemati
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M Hosseini
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Boussabbeh M, Prola A, Ben Salem I, Guilbert A, Bacha H, Lemaire C, Abis-Essefi S. Crocin and quercetin prevent PAT-induced apoptosis in mammalian cells: Involvement of ROS-mediated ER stress pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:1851-1858. [PMID: 26314699 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Patulin (PAT) is a secondary metabolite produced by several species of the genera of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys that can be found in rotting fruits, especially in apples and apple-based products. Exposure to this mycotoxin has been reported to induce intestinal and kidney injuries. The mechanism underlying such toxicity has been linked to the induction of apoptosis which occurred with reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the two common dietary compounds Quercetin (QUER), a natural flavonoid, and Crocin (CRO), a natural carotenoid, on PAT-induced toxicity in human colon carcinoma (HCT116) and embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). We showed that antioxidant properties of QUER and CRO help to prevent ER stress activation and lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the reduction in GRP78 and GADD34 expressions and the decrease in malondialdehyde production. Furthermore, we demonstrated their ability to re-establish the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential to inhibit caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1851-1858, 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manel Boussabbeh
- Faculty of Dentistry, Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Rue Avicenne, Monastir, 5019, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizetre, Carthage University, Tunisia
| | | | - Intidhar Ben Salem
- Faculty of Dentistry, Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Rue Avicenne, Monastir, 5019, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizetre, Carthage University, Tunisia
| | | | - Hassen Bacha
- Faculty of Dentistry, Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Rue Avicenne, Monastir, 5019, Tunisia
| | - Christophe Lemaire
- INSERM UMR-S 1180, LabEx LERMIT, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Faculté De Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Université De Versailles Saint Quentin En Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - Salwa Abis-Essefi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Rue Avicenne, Monastir, 5019, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ansari FA, Ali SN, Mahmood R. Crocin protects human erythrocytes from nitrite-induced methemoglobin formation and oxidative damage. Cell Biol Int 2016; 40:1320-1331. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fariheen Aisha Ansari
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry; Aligarh Muslim University; Aligarh Uttar Pradesh 202002 India
| | - Shaikh Nisar Ali
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry; Aligarh Muslim University; Aligarh Uttar Pradesh 202002 India
| | - Riaz Mahmood
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry; Aligarh Muslim University; Aligarh Uttar Pradesh 202002 India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ben Salem I, Boussabbeh M, Prola A, Guilbert A, Bacha H, Lemaire C, Abid-Essefi S. Crocin protects human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) from α- and β-Zearalenol-induced ER stress and apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:15504-15514. [PMID: 27121014 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6741-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZOL) are the major metabolites of Zearalenone (ZEN) and are known to induce many toxic effects. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in α- and β-ZOL-mediated toxicity in human kidney cells (HEK293) and evaluated the effect of a common dietary compound Crocin (CRO), from saffron. We show that α- and β-ZOL treatment induces ER stress as evidenced by the upregulation of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and the Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein (GADD34). Activation of the ER stress response is associated with activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. This apoptotic process is characterized by an increase in ROS generation and lipid peroxidation, a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and activation of caspases. We also demonstrate that the antioxidant properties of CRO help to prevent ER stress and reduce α- and β-ZOL-induced apoptosis in HEK293 cells. Our results suggest that saffron consumption might be helpful to prevent α- and β-ZOL-induced ER stress and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Intidhar Ben Salem
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Boussabbeh
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Hassen Bacha
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Christophe Lemaire
- INSERM UMR-S 769, LabEx LERMIT, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Pharmacie, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Université de Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ben Salem I, Boussabbeh M, Kantaoui H, Bacha H, Abid-Essefi S. Crocin, the main active saffron constituent, mitigates dichlorvos-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 82:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
|
41
|
Pitsikas N. Constituents of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Schizophrenia. Molecules 2016; 21:303. [PMID: 26950102 PMCID: PMC6273654 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are common public health issues. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (C. sativus) commonly known as saffron are used in folk medicine for various purposes. Several lines of evidence suggest that C. sativus, crocins and safranal are implicated in anxiety and schizophrenia. Here, I intend to critically review advances in research of these emerging molecules for the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia, discuss their advantages over currently used anxiolytics and neuroleptics, as well remaining challenges. Current analysis shows that C. sativus and its components might be a promising class of compounds for the treatment of the above mentioned psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Panepistimiou 3 (Biopolis), Larissa 41500, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Baba SA, Ashraf N. Pharmacological Importance of Crocus sativus Apocarotenoids. APOCAROTENOIDS OF CROCUS SATIVUS L: FROM BIOSYNTHESIS TO PHARMACOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1899-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
|
43
|
Ben Salem I, Boussabbeh M, Helali S, Abid-Essefi S, Bacha H. Protective effect of Crocin against zearalenone-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney of Balb/c mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:19069-19076. [PMID: 26233739 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin from Fusarium species commonly found in many food commodities and known to cause reproductive disorders. Several studies have shown that ZEN is hematotoxic and hepatotoxic and causes several alterations of immunological parameters. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Crocin (CRO), a natural carotenoid, against ZEN-induced toxicity in both renal and hepatic tissues of Balb/c mice. We demonstrated that ZEN (40 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) induced oxidative stress in both kidney and liver as monitored by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the protein carbonyl generation, the catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, and the expression of the heat shock proteins (Hsp70). However, combined treatment of ZEN with different doses of CRO (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg b.w.) significantly reduced ZEN-induced alterations in all tested oxidative stress markers. It could be concluded that CRO was effective in the protection against ZEN-induced toxicity in the liver and kidney of Balb/c mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Intidhar Ben Salem
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Boussabbeh
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sabeh Helali
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Hassen Bacha
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lv B, Chen T, Xu Z, Huo F, Wei Y, Yang X. Crocin protects retinal ganglion cells against H2O2-induced damage through the mitochondrial pathway and activation of NF-κB. Int J Mol Med 2015; 37:225-32. [PMID: 26718031 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a degenerative nerve disorder that results in irreversible blindness. It has been reported that the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a hallmark of glaucoma. Oxidative stress is one of the major factors that cause apoptosis of RGCs. Crocin has many beneficial effects, including antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions. However, the mechanism by which crocin protects against oxidative stress‑induced damage to RGCs remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which crocin protects RGC-5 cells against H2O2-induced damage. H2O2 was used to establish a model of oxidative stress injury in RGC-5 cells to mimic the development of glaucoma in vitro. Different concentrations (0.1 and 1 µM) of crocin were added to test whether crocin was capable of protecting RGCs from H2O2-induced damage. WST-1, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release and Annexin V/FITC assays were then performed. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using a ROS assay kit, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was analyzed by JC-1 staining, caspase-3 activity was examined using a Caspase-3 assay kit, and the protein levels of Bax, Bcl-1 and cytochrome c were measured using western blot analysis. In addition, the protein level of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB) p65 was also evaluated using western blot analysis. The results showed that crocin protected RGC-5 cells from apoptosis, decreased LDH release and enhanced cell viability. Additional experiments demonstrated that crocin decreased ROS levels, increased ΔΨm, downregulated the protein expression of Bax and cytochrome c, promoted Bcl-2 protein expression and activated NF-κB. Taken together, the findings of this study indicate that crocin prevented H2O2‑induced damage to RGCs through the mitochondrial pathway and activation of NF-κB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bochang Lv
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Xu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Fuquan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Wei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xinguang Yang
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ben Salem I, Prola A, Boussabbeh M, Guilbert A, Bacha H, Abid-Essefi S, Lemaire C. Crocin and Quercetin protect HCT116 and HEK293 cells from Zearalenone-induced apoptosis by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Cell Stress Chaperones 2015; 20:927-38. [PMID: 26134454 PMCID: PMC4595428 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-015-0613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are considered to be significant contaminants of food and animal feed. Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium in cereals and agricultural products. ZEN has been shown to be cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic in different cell types. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in ZEN-mediated toxicity in human intestine (HCT116) and kidney (HEK293) cells and evaluated the effects of the two common dietary compounds Quercetin (QUER) and Crocin (CRO). We show that ZEN treatment induces ER stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) as evidenced by XBP1 mRNA splicing and upregulation of GRP78, ATF4, GADD34, PDIA6, and CHOP. Activation of the ER stress response is associated with activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. This apoptotic process is characterized by an increase in ROS generation and lipid peroxidation, a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), and an activation of caspases and DNA damages. We also demonstrate that the antioxidant properties of QUER and CRO help to prevent ER stress and reduce ZEN-induced apoptosis in HCT116 and HEK293 cells. Our results suggest that antioxidant molecule might be helpful to prevent ZEN-induced ER stress and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Intidhar Ben Salem
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | | | - Manel Boussabbeh
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | | | - Hassen Bacha
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds (LRSBC), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rue Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Christophe Lemaire
- INSERM UMR-S 1180, LabEx LERMIT, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- Université de Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Salem IB, Boussabbeh M, Neffati F, Najjar MF, Abid-Essefi S, Bacha H. Zearalenone-induced changes in biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Hum Exp Toxicol 2015; 35:623-34. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327115597467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin from Fusarium species commonly found in food commodities and is known to cause reproductive disorders. Several in vivo studies have shown that ZEN is haematotoxic and hepatotoxic and causes several alterations of immunological parameters. Meantime, the available information on the cardiotoxic effects of ZEN is very much limited. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of ZEN in heart tissues of Balb/c mice. We demonstrated that ZEN (40 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w.)) increased creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and induced oxidative stress as monitored by measuring the malondialdehyde level, the generation of protein carbonyls, the catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and the expression of the heat shock proteins (Hsp 70). We also demonstrated that acute administration of ZEN triggers apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of crocin (CRO), a natural carotenoid, to prevent ZEN-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. In fact, combined treatment of ZEN with different doses of CRO (50, 100, and 250 mg kg−1 b.w.) showed a significant reduction of ZEN-induced toxicity for all tested markers in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that CRO was effective in the protection against ZEN-induced toxicity in cardiac tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Ben Salem
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Carthage, Tunisia
| | - M Boussabbeh
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Carthage, Tunisia
| | - F Neffati
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - MF Najjar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Monastir University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - S Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - H Bacha
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Monastir, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Crocin prevention of anemia-induced changes in structural and functional parameters of mice testes. J Appl Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jab.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
48
|
Zhang C, Ma J, Fan L, Zou Y, Dang X, Wang K, Song J. Neuroprotective effects of safranal in a rat model of traumatic injury to the spinal cord by anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and edema-attenuating. Tissue Cell 2015; 47:291-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
49
|
Zeka K, Ruparelia KC, Continenza MA, Stagos D, Vegliò F, Arroo RRJ. Petals of Crocus sativus L. as a potential source of the antioxidants crocin and kaempferol. Fitoterapia 2015; 107:128-134. [PMID: 26012879 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Saffron from the province of L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of Italy, is highly prized and has been awarded a formal recognition by the European Union with EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Despite this, the saffron regions are abandoned by the younger generations because the traditional cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is labour intensive and yields only one crop of valuable saffron stamens per year. Petals of the saffron Crocus have had additional uses in traditional medicine and may add value to the crops for local farmers. This is especially important because the plant only flowers between October and November, and farmers will need to make the best use of the flowers harvested in this period. Recently, the petals of C. sativus L., which are considered a waste material in the production of saffron spice, were identified as a potential source of natural antioxidants. The antioxidants crocin and kaempferol were purified by flash column chromatography, and identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC), HPLC-DAD, infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H &(13)C NMR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was determined with the ABTS and DPPH tests. The antioxidant activities are mainly attributed to carotenoid and flavonoid compounds, notably glycosides of crocin and kaempferol. We found in dried petals 0.6% (w/w) and 12.6 (w/w) of crocin and kaempferol, respectively. Petals of C. sativus L. have commercial potential as a source for kaempferol and crocetin glycosides, natural compounds with antioxidant activity that are considered to be the active ingredients in saffron-based herbal medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keti Zeka
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila, Via Giovanni Gronchi 18, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Ketan C Ruparelia
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A Continenza
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Stagos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Ploutonos 26 & Aiolou, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Francesco Vegliò
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila, Via Giovanni Gronchi 18, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Randolph R J Arroo
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
The Effect of Crocus sativus L. and Its Constituents on Memory: Basic Studies and Clinical Applications. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:926284. [PMID: 25713594 PMCID: PMC4331467 DOI: 10.1155/2015/926284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Memory-related disorders are a common public health issue. Memory impairment is frequent in degenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson disease), cerebral injuries, and schizophrenia. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L. (C. sativus), commonly known as saffron, is used in folk medicine for various purposes. Several lines of evidence suggest that C. sativus and its constituents are implicated in cognition. Here we critically review advances in research of these emerging molecular targets for the treatment of memory disorders, and discuss their advantages over currently used cognitive enhancers as well remaining challenges. Current analysis has shown that C. sativus and its components might be a promising target for cognition impairments.
Collapse
|