The edaravone and 3-n-butylphthalide ring-opening derivative 10b effectively attenuates cerebral ischemia injury in rats

Therapeutic effect and psychological impact of aspirin plus edaravone on patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND

Cerebral infarction (CI) is characterized by a high prevalence, disability, and mortality. Timely or improper treatment greatly affects patient prognosis.

AIM

To explore the drug efficacy of aspirin plus edaravone and to explore their effect on quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depression in CI patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 124 CI patients treated between June 2019 and February 2021 who were assigned to an observation group (OG) (combination therapy of aspirin and edaravone, 65 patients) or a control group (CG) (aspirin monotherapy, 59 patients). The therapeutic effects, pre- and posttreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, activities of daily living, degree of cognitive impairment, protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B, occurrence of adverse reactions, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were evaluated, detected and compared between the two groups. Finally, posttreatment QOL, anxiety, and depression were assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short Form Health Survey Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the CG, the OG had markedly better therapeutic effects, greater improvements in activities of daily living, and better alleviation in cognitive dysfunction after treatment, as well as lower posttreatment NIHSS scores and serum NSE, GFAP, S-100B, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels; the OG was similar to the CG in terms of adverse reactions but was better than the CG in terms of posttreatment QOL; and the OG also had lower SDS and SAS scores than the CG after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin plus edaravone had a good curative effect on CI. It can reverse cranial nerve damage in patients, improve neurological function and prognosis, and alleviate inflammation, anxiety, and depression; thus, it is considered safe and worthy of clinical application.

A comparative study of the neuroprotective effects of dl-3-n-butylphthalide and edaravone dexborneol on cerebral ischemic stroke rats

INTRODUCTION

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) and edaravone dexborneol (Eda-Dex) are two promising reagents for stroke treatment. However, the impacts of NBP and Eda-Dex on poststroke mental deficits are still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the influences of NBP and Eda-Dex on neurological function and cognitive behavior in rats with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

An ischemic stroke model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After peritoneal administration of the drugs, the rats were subjected to neurological deficit evaluation, cerebral blood flow (CBF) assays, cerebral infarct area evaluations or behavioral tests. Brain tissues were collected and further analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting or immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

NBP and Eda-Dex significantly decreased the neurological score, reduced the cerebral infarct area and improved CBF. Behavioral changes as assessed in the sucrose preference test, novel object recognition test, and social interaction test were significantly alleviated by NBP and Eda-Dex in rats with ischemic stroke. Moreover, NBP and Eda-Dex significantly suppressed inflammation by targeting the nuclear factor kappa-B/inducible nitric oxide synthase (NF-κB/iNOS) pathway and significantly inhibited oxidative stress by targeting the kelch-1ike ECH-associated protein l/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway. In addition, NBP and Eda-Dex distinctly suppressed the activation of microglia and astrocytes and improved neuronal viability in the ischemic brain.

CONCLUSIONS

NBP and Eda-Dex improved neurological function and alleviated cognitive disorders in rats with ischemic stroke by synergistically inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) alleviates poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) by suppressing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

Currently, the recovery of cognitive function has become an essential part of stroke rehabilitation. DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is a neuroprotective reagent and has been used in stroke treatment. Clinical studies have confirmed that NBP can achieve better cognitive outcomes in ischemic stroke patients than in healthy controls. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influences of NBP on cognitive function in an ischemic reperfusion (I/R) rat model. Our results showed that NBP profoundly decreased neurological scores, reduced cerebral infarct areas and enhanced cerebral blood flow (CBF). NBP potently alleviated poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) including depression-like behavior and learning, memory and social cognition impairments, in I/R rats. NBP distinctly suppressed the activation of microglia and astrocytes and improved neuron viability in the ischemic brain. NBP inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), by targeting the nuclear factor kappa B/inducible nitric oxide synthase (NF-κB/iNOS) pathway and decreased cerebral oxidative stress factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), by targeting the kelch like ECH associated protein 1/nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway in the ischemic brain. The current study revealed that NBP treatment improved neurological function and ameliorated cognitive impairment in I/R rats, possibly by synergistically suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Improves Neuroinflammation in Mice with Repeated Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury through the Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Response and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a crucial role in the pathology of vascular dementia (VD). Previously, we have found that Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in VD, whereas little is known about its mechanism. Therefore, the objective of our study was to explore the contribution of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) to NBP and its effects on anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model of VD. Our studies revealed that NBP could effectively mitigate cognitive deficits, neuron cell loss, and apoptosis in mice subjected to repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (RCIR). Additionally, NBP promoted both the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) in hippocampus tissue. NBP exhibited antioxidant activity by enhancing Nrf2 nuclear accumulation, increasing HO-1 and NQO1 expression, enhancing SOD activity, and inhibiting RCIR-induced MDA and 8-iso PGF2α generation in the hippocampus. NBP also significantly inhibited TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and suppressed microglial proliferation and the production of proinflammatory mediators in RCIR mice. Importantly, the antioxidant, antineuroinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of NBP above were abolished by Nrf2 knockout. Collectively, these results indicated the effects of NBP on neuroinflammation were strongly associated with the Nrf2 pathway. Modulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway by Nrf2 is involved in the neuroprotective effect of NBP against VD induced by RCIR injury. With antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties, NBP could be a promising drug candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of VD and other neuroinflammatory disorders.

NADPH is superior to NADH or edaravone in ameliorating metabolic disturbance and brain injury in ischemic stroke

Our previous studies confirm that exogenous reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) exerts a neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemic stroke, and its primary mechanism is related to anti-oxidative stress and improved energy metabolism. However, it is unknown whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) also plays a neuroprotective role and whether NADPH is superior to NADH against ischemic stroke? In this study we compared the efficacy of NADH, NADPH, and edaravone in ameliorating brain injury and metabolic stress in ischemic stroke. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (t-MCAO/R) mouse model and in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model were established. The mice were intravenously administered the optimal dose of NADPH (7.5 mg/kg), NADH (22.5 mg/kg), or edaravone (3 mg/kg) immediately after reperfusion. We showed that the overall efficacy of NADPH in ameliorating ischemic injury was superior to NADH and edaravone. NADPH had a longer therapeutic time window (within 5 h) after reperfusion than NADH and edaravone (within 2 h) for ischemic stroke. In addition, NADPH and edaravone were better in alleviating the brain atrophy, while NADH and NADPH were better in increasing the long-term survival rate. NADPH showed stronger antioxidant effects than NADH and edaravone; but NADH was the best in terms of maintaining energy metabolism. Taken together, this study demonstrates that NADPH exerts better neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke than NADH and edaravone.

AK003290 Protects Myocardial Cells Against Apoptosis and Promotes Cardiac Function Recovery Via miR-539-3p/ErbB4 Axis in Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury

Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Reperfusion is the main treatment method. However, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury aggravates tissue and cell damage. In this study, we aim to find a strategy to reduce I/R injury and promote cardiac function recovery. The expression of AK003290 was downregulated in I/R injury both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of AK003290 reduced infarction area, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and promoted cardiac function recovery. AK003290 was observed to sponge miR-539-3p. Moreover, the expression of miR-539-3p was upregulated in I/R injury. Overexpression of miR-539-3p reversed the beneficial role of AK003290 in I/R injury. The target gene of miR-539-3p was proved to be ErbB4, as identified by database prediction, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and pull-down assay. The expression of ErbB4 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-539-3p, but positively correlated with the expression of AK003290. Subsequently, the key downstream proteins were determined. AK003290 promoted p-AKT and bcl-2 expression and inhibited p-ERK1/2, Bax, cytoplasmic cyto-c, and c-caspase-3 expression. The application of ErbB4 siRNA significantly reversed the effect of AK003290 on the expression of these proteins. These results suggest that ErbB4 is the key downstream gene, which regulates myocardial cell apoptosis by influencing the miR-539-3p expression. To the best of knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that the AK003290/miR-539-3p/ErbB4 axis regulates myocardial cell apoptosis. These findings provide a potential novel target for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

Thioredoxin interacting protein, a key molecular switch between oxidative stress and sterile inflammation in cellular response

Tissue and systemic inflammation have been the main culprit behind the cellular response to multiple insults and maintaining homeostasis. Obesity is an independent disease state that has been reported as a common risk factor for multiple metabolic and microvascular diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), retinopathy, critical limb ischemia, and impaired angiogenesis. Sterile inflammation driven by high-fat diet, increased formation of reactive oxygen species, alteration of intracellular calcium level and associated release of inflammatory mediators, are the main common underlying forces in the pathophysiology of NAFLD, ischemic retinopathy, stroke, and aging brain. This work aims to examine the contribution of the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) to the expression and activation of NLRP3-inflammasome resulting in initiation or exacerbation of sterile inflammation in these disease states. Finally, the potential for TXNIP as a therapeutic target and whether TXNIP expression can be modulated using natural antioxidants or repurposing other drugs will be discussed.

Protective multi‑target effects of DL‑3‑n‑butylphthalide combined with 3‑methyl‑1‑phenyl‑2‑pyrazolin‑5‑one in mice with ischemic stroke

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) and 3-methyl-1- phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (edaravone) are acknowledged neuroprotective agents that protect against ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of a combination therapy with NBP and edaravone have not yet been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the co-administration of NBP and edaravone had multi-target protective effects on the neurovascular unit (NVU) of mice affected by ischemic stroke. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: i) Sham operation control, ii) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion, iii) and MCAO/reperfusion with the co-administration of NBP (40 mg/kg) and edaravone (6 mg/kg) delivered via intraperitoneal injection at 0 and 4 h after reperfusion (NBP + edaravone). After ischemia and reperfusion, infarct volumes and neurological deficits were evaluated. The immunoreactivity of the NVU, comprising neurons, endothelial cells and astrocytes, was determined using immunofluorescence staining of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. The infarct volume, neurological function scores and cell damage were increased in the MCAO group compared with the sham operation group. Furthermore, the MCAO mice had reduced NeuN and CD31 expression and increased GFAP expression compared with the sham group. By contrast, the NBP + edaravone group exhibited reduced cell damage and consequently lower infarct volume and neurological deficit scores compared with the MCAO group. The NBP + edaravone group exhibited increased NeuN and CD31 expression and decreased GFAP expression compared with the MCAO group. Furthermore, the expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the NBP + edaravone group were decreased significantly compared with the MCAO group, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c were increased. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that NBP and edaravone effectively prevented ischemic stroke damage with multi-target protective effects. In addition, NBP + edaravone may be a promising combination therapy for ischemic stroke.

Albiflorin alleviates cognitive dysfunction in STZ-induced rats

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect of albiflorin (AL) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in rats.

METHODS

A mouse model of diabetic encephalopathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1%STZ. Step down test and water maze test were used to test the cognitive function of rats. Congo Red Staining was used to detect the distribution of Aβ plaques in the hippocampus of rats. Cytokine levels in serum and hippocampus were measured using ELISA. Serum insulin, oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured by commercial kits. And the content of Nrf-2/HO-1/HMGB1/NF-kB in the hippocampus of diabetic rats were detected by western blot.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Compared with the STZ model group, the average escape latency of rats in the AL group in the Morris water maze test was significantly shortened, and the average number of platform crossings and the ratio of distance/total swimming distance in the target quadrant were increased significantly. Staining of tissue sections and ELISA showed a decrease in Aβ plaque density in the hippocampus of rats in the AL group. And serum insulin levels of rats in the ALgroup were significantly reduced and OGTT was improved. In addition, AL could also regulate the Nrf-2/HO-1/HMGB1/NF-kB signal pathway in the hippocampus. Therefore, AL may ameliorate STZ-induced cognitive impairment in rats by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.

Effects of Microglial Activation and Polarization on Brain Injury After Stroke

Stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. The subsequent development of neuroinflammation and brain edema dramatically increases the risks associated with stroke, leading to a substantial increase in mortality. Although considerable progress has been made in improving cerebral perfusion in the acute phase of stroke, effective treatment options for the subacute and chronic phases associated with cerebral infarction are limited. Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), can be activated and polarized to take on different phenotypes in response to stimulations associated with stroke, including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, which affect the prognosis of stroke. Therefore, investigation of the activation and polarizing mechanisms of microglia plays a critical role in treating stroke. The aim of this article was to investigate the significance of microglial phenotype regulation in stroke treatment by summarizing the activation, polarizing mechanisms, and general microglia characteristics.

Synthesis and radioprotective effects of novel hybrid compounds containing edaravone analogue and 3-n-butylphthalide ring-opening derivatives

As the potential risk of radiation exposure is increasing, radioprotectors studies are gaining importance. In this study, novel hybrid compounds containing edaravone analogue and 3-n-butylphthalide ring-opening derivatives were synthesized, and their radioprotective effects were evaluated. Among these, compound 10a displayed the highest radioprotective activity in IEC-6 and HFL-1 cells. Its oral administration increased the survival rates of irradiated mice and alleviated total body irradiation (TBI)-induced hematopoietic damage by mitigating myelosuppression and improving hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell frequencies. Furthermore, 10a treatment prevented abdominal irradiation (ABI)-induced structural damage to the small intestine. Experiment results demonstrated that 10a increased the number of Lgr5⁺ intestinal stem cells, lysozyme⁺ Paneth cells and Ki67⁺ transient amplifying cells, and reduced apoptosis of the intestinal epithelium cells in irradiated mice. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the radioprotective activity of 10a is associated to the reduction of oxidative stress and the inhibition of DNA damage. Furthermore, compound 10a downregulated the expressions of p53, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3, and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2, suggesting that it could prevent irradiation-induced intestinal damage through the p53-dependent apoptotic pathway. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that 10a is beneficial for the prevention of radiation damage and has the potential to be a radioprotector.

Design, synthesis, and neuroprotective effects of novel hybrid compounds containing edaravone analogue and 3-n-butylphthalide ring-opened derivatives

To develop anti-ischemic stroke drugs with higher blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating capability and neuroprotective activity, a series of hybrid compounds containing edaravone analogue and 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) ring-opened derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated. Among them, compound 10a displayed the highest protective activity in SH-SY5Y cells against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and H₂O₂ insults. Experiment results indicated that 10a could inhibit platelet aggregation via the synergistic action of the edaravone analogue and NBP, and its oral administration protected the rats against ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury. Moreover, 10a effectively inhibited apoptosis and reduced oxidative stress in OGD-exposed cells. Further analysis suggested that 10a might alleviate oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells via the modulation of the Nrf2 pathway. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that 10a can emerge as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

The Emerging Role of TXNIP in Ischemic and Cardiovascular Diseases; A Novel Marker and Therapeutic Target

Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is a metabolism- oxidative- and inflammation-related marker induced in cardiovascular diseases and is believed to represent a possible link between metabolism and cellular redox status. TXNIP is a potential biomarker in cardiovascular and ischemic diseases but also a novel identified target for preventive and curative medicine. The goal of this review is to focus on the novelties concerning TXNIP. After an overview in TXNIP involvement in oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolism, the remainder of this review presents the clues used to define TXNIP as a new marker at the genetic, blood, or ischemic site level in the context of cardiovascular and ischemic diseases.

The KATP channel opener, nicorandil, ameliorates brain damage by modulating synaptogenesis after ischemic stroke

With population growth and aging, more and more patients with cerebral infarction have varying degrees of disability. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels regulate many cellular functions by coupling metabolic status with cell membrane electrical activity. Nicorandil (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-nicotinamide nitrate) is the first KATP channel opener approved for clinical use. It has been reported that it might exert protective effects on the cerebral infarction by increasing cerebral blood flow and reducing inflammation. However, only a few studies explored its role in synaptogenesis. We made the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Nicorandil was administered to rats via oral administration immediately after the surgery at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg and then daily for the next days. Infarct volume, cerebral edema, neurological deficits, cognitive impairment, and the level of Synaptophysin (SYP)、Growth associated protein-43 (GAP43) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) levels were measured to evaluate the effect of nicorandil. Our data showed that nicorandil treatment could decrease brain damage, improve learning and memory, and increase SYP、GAP43 and NeuN level. Taken together, we propose that nicorandil, as an opener of the KATP channel, provides a neuroprotective role in MCAO by promoting synaptic connections.

Ameliorative Effect of Parishin C Against Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Brain Tissue Injury by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses in Rat Model

BACKGROUND

Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae) is a widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the clinical practice of China, to treat nervous headache, convulsions, dizziness, neurasthenia, and so on. Parishin C (Par C), one of the major bioactive components of Gastrodia elata Blume, is known to exert many different biological activities, including antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects. However, there is little research about its neuroprotective effect in an ischemic stroke model. The objective of the present study is thus to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Par C against cerebral ischemia damage.

METHODS

Rats were pretreated with Par C (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 21 days, then subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and 22 h of reperfusion. Neurological deficient scores, brain water content, histopathology, TCC staining were performed to assess the neuroprotective effects of Par C. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis-related markers of brain tissue were evaluated by corresponding assay kits. Besides, the antioxidant and pro-inflammatory expression was measured by real-time quantification PCR (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that the pre-treatment with Par C improved nerve function, suppressed oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory factors release in rats with cerebral ischemia damage. Besides, Par C significantly increased antioxidant expression and declined pro-inflammatory cytokines expression.

CONCLUSION

Par C is shown to exert neuroprotective effects partly via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model of MCAO.

From Seeds of Apium graveolens Linn. to a Cerebral Ischemia Medicine: The Long Journey of 3-n-Butylphthalide

3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) as well as its derivatives and analogues (NBPs), in racemic or enantiomerically pure forms, possess potent and diverse pharmacological properties and have shown a great potential therapeutic interest for many human conditions, especially for cerebral ischemia. This Perspective outlines the synthesis and therapeutic applications of NBPs.

Luteolin alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats via Siti1/NLRP3/NF-κB pathway

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of luteolin (Lu) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. I/R model was established by ligating left anterior descending branch of coronary artery in rats. Cardiac hemodynamic measurement, myocardial infarction and damage assessment, antioxidant enzymes activities analysis, and various biochemical indexes of myocardial tissue were measured. Finally, the expression of proteins levels of Siti1/NLRP3/NF-κB pathway of myocardial tissue in rat were measured by Western Blotting. Lu obviously reduced the myocardial infarction in rats. Compared with sham group, I/R rats showed significant increase in LDH and CK-MB levels. In Lu group, LDH and CK-MB in I/R rats significantly decreased. In addition, Lu significantly reduced leukocyte infiltration compared with the sham group. On the other hand, Lu pretreatment effectively decreased the levels of cytokines in serum. The Siti1/NLRP3/NF-κBpathway in I/R group was significantly imbalance that in I/R group. Lu significantly restored the above protein changes. Lu may reduce I/R by regulation of Sirt1/NLRP3/NF-κBpathway.

Human urinary kallidinogenase or edaravone combined with butylphthalide in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke

AIM

The effectiveness of neuroprotective agents is still unclear. Here we analyzed the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with human urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) or edaravone (Eda) combined with butylphthalide (NBP).

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 165 AIS patients were enrolled in this open-label, randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated into HUK group and Eda group in a ratio of 2:1. All the patients received basic treatments and NBP (200 mg p.o. qid) while HUK group received 0.15 PNA unit of HUK injection (ivgtt. qd) and Eda group received 30 mg Eda (ivgtt. bid) for 14 consecutive days. Independency rate [12-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 1] and related factors were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Twelve-month mRS score of the HUK group (1, IQR 0~1) was significantly lower compared with Eda group (2, IQR 1~3, p < .0001). The HUK treatment achieved an independency rate of 79.1% while the Eda treatment only had 45.3% (p < .0001). Further binary logistic regression showed that recurrent stroke (RR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0~0.1, p = .038) and HUK treatment (RR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1~16.5, p = .041) could significantly affect patients' 12-month outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Human urinary kallidinogenase combined with NBP can enhance AIS patients' long-term independency rate, and the effectiveness of HUK combined therapy is better than Eda.

Effect of dl-3-n-butylphthalide on infarction volume in animal models of ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a frequently-occurring disease in the elderly and characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a synthetic compound based on natural celery seeds, has potential therapeutic effects on cerebral ischemia, brain trauma, memory impairment, and epilepsy.

AIM

To evaluated the effect of NBP on infarct volume in experimental ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Twenty one relevant literatures were included from the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP information database, and Wanfang database, and data on the effect of dl-3-n-butylphthalide on infarction volume in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using standard mean difference with random effects model of Revman 5.3.

RESULTS

The data of meta-analysis of the 21 studies had suggested that NBP reduced the cerebral infarction volume of middle cerebral artery occlusion model animals compared to the control group significantly [SMD: -3.97, 95%CI: -4.71 to -3.23, P < 0.01; heterogeneity: χ² = 59.09, df = 20 (P < 0.01); I² = 66 %].

CONCLUSION

NBP was effective in experimental ischemic stroke.

Ameliorative effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate on hepatic encephalopathy by Epirubicin

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate (MI) on Epirubicin (EPI)-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and explore its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Mice were divided randomly into groups for treatments as follows: control group, EPI group (Model group), EPI + MI (25, 50 mg/kg) group. Morris water maze test were conducted to evaluate the spatial learning and memory ability. The serum and hippocampus levels of oxidative stress or inflammation were uncovered with the detection of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).

RESULTS

As a result, treatment with MI effectively ameliorated the EPI-induced decline in the ability of spatial learning and memory. MI also significantly relieved the severity of oxidative stress or inflammation in serum and hippocampus, which was accompanied with regulating liver functional parameters. Western blot data demonstrated that administration of MI could regulate the redox-related expressions of Txnip, Trx, Nrf2, HO-1, p-IκB-α, p-NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 in EPI-stimulated hepatic encephalopathy (HE). And the potency of MI treatments on Nrf2, NF-κB expression was also confirmed with immunohistochemical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the protective effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate on EPI-induced hepatic encephalopathy might be mediated via the Txnip/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mangiferin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via MAPK/Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB In Vitro and In Vivo

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin (MAF) in vitro and in vivo. Oxidative stress and inflammatory injury were detected in coronary artery ligation in rats and also in hypoxia-reoxygenation- (H/R-) induced H9c2 cells. MAF inhibited myocardial oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines in rats with coronary artery occlusion. The ST segment of MAF treatment groups also resumed. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that MAF could significantly reduce myocardial injury. In vitro data showed that MAF could improve hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) induced H9c2 cell activity. In addition, MAF could significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory pathway protein expression in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. This study has clarified the protective effects of MAF on myocardial injury and also confirmed that oxidative stress and inflammation were involved in the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) model.

Critical Role of Nrf2 in Experimental Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide; however, effective clinical approaches are still limited. The transcriptional factor Nrf2 is a master regulator in cellular and organismal defense against endogenous and exogenous stressors by coordinating basal and stress-inducible activation of multiple cytoprotective genes. The Nrf2 network not only tightly controls redox homeostasis but also regulates multiple intermediary metabolic processes. Therefore, targeting Nrf2 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases including stroke. Here, the current understanding of the Nrf2 regulatory network is critically examined to present evidence for the contribution of Nrf2 pathway in rodent ischemic stroke models. This review outlines the literature for Nrf2 studies in preclinical stroke and focuses on the in vivo evidence for the role of Nrf2 in primary and secondary brain injuries. The dynamic change and functional importance of Nrf2 signaling, as well as Nrf2 targeted intervention, are revealed in permanent, transient, and global cerebral ischemia models. In addition, key considerations, pitfalls, and future potentials for Nrf2 studies in preclinical stroke investigation are discussed.

Huang Qi Tong Bi Decoction Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via HMGB1/TLR/NF-κB Pathway

The aim of this study was to study the protective effect of Huang Qi Tong Bi Decoction (HQTBT) on the heart of rats. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by coronary artery ligation. Proinflammatory cytokines were decreased by XFZY in coronary artery ligated rats. ST segment was also restored with the treatment of HQTBT. Triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that HQTBT reduced myocardial injury. Besides, the expressions of HMGB1/TLR/NF-κB pathway in rats were significantly decreased by HQTBT. This study shows that HQTBT inhibited inflammatory reaction on myocardial injury in rats.

Protective effect of troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate injection on cerebral ischemia through inhibition of oxidative stress and promotion of angiogenesis in rats

Brain ischemia, including cerebral ischemia and cerebrovascular ischemia, leads to poor oxygen supply or cerebral hypoxia, and causes brain tissue death or cerebral infarction/ischemic stroke. The troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate injection (TCHI), is widely applied in China to improve blood supply in ischemic brain tissues and to enhance neuroprotective effects in clinical practice. However, the benefits and detailed underlying mechanism elaborating the effectiveness of TCHI in cerebrovascular diseases require further investigation. Therefore, in the present study, experimental in vivo and in vitro models were employed to investigate the potential mechanisms of TCHI on cerebral ischemic injury. The results demonstrated that TCHI increased the lactate dehydrogenase levels in the brain homogenate and conversely decreased lactic acid levels. TCHI was further observed to significantly increase superoxide dismutase activity and decrease malondialdehyde levels in ischemic brain tissues. In addition, TCHI significantly induced vascular maturation processes, including proliferation, adhesion, migration and tube formation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Additionally, TCHI significantly stimulated microvessel formation in the rat aortic ring and chick chorioallantoic membrane assays. Taken together, these results provided strong evidence that TCHI stimulated angiogenesis at multiple steps, and indicated that TCHI attenuated cerebral ischemic damage through the amelioration of oxidative stress and promotion of angiogenesis.

Y-27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of a Rho‑kinase inhibitor, Y‑27632, and the underlying mechanisms. A rat model of myocardial ischemia‑reperfusion (I/R) injury was generated by ligation of the coronary artery, and global ischemia of isolated rat hearts was conducted using the Langendorff system. Staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and hematoxylin and eosin was performed to analyze the myocardial infarct size and histopathological alterations of the I/R‑induced rat heart. In addition, coronary flow, myocardial contractility and an electrocardiogram were analyzed. The effects of Y‑27632 on inflammatory cytokines and cardiac enzymes in the serum were assessed by ELISA. The expression of apoptosis‑ and inflammation‑associated proteins was also analyzed via western blotting. Rats in the Y‑27632 group exhibited alleviated myocardial I/R injury according to TTC staining and histopathological diagnosis. Additionally, Y‑27632 restored the ST segment. The data of coronary flow and myocardial contractility in isolated rat hearts indicated that Y‑27632 improved heart function following I/R. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and cardiac enzymes in the serum were downregulated by Y‑27632. The mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)‑κB signaling pathways were inhibited by Y‑27632. Furthermore, apoptosis‑associated protein expression in rats and the isolated hearts was effectively inhibited by Y‑27632. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that Y‑27632 attenuated myocardial injury via inhibiting the activation of the MAPK and NF‑κB signaling pathways; thus, apoptosis and the inflammatory response were suppressed.

Quercetin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via downregulation of the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway

The goal of this study was to assess the ability of quercetin (Qu) to protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cardiac injury was assessed in the context of global ischemia of isolated hearts, coronary artery ligated rats, and H9C2 cells. Qu was shown to significantly inhibit inflammatory cytokine production in coronary artery occlusion-induced rats, isolated hearts, and H9C2 cells. Electrocardiographic analysis revealed a restoration of the ST segment to normal levels following treatment of Qu. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that Qu could significantly alleviate myocardial injury in vivo. Furthermore, ex vivo analyses showed improved recovery of heart function in response to Qu, characterized by enhanced myocardial contractility and coronary flow in isolated hearts. From a mechanistic standpoint, these effects appeared to be mediated through the HMGB1-related pathway, with expression of downstream targets significantly downregulated in rats, isolated hearts, and H9C2 cells following Qu treatment. Taken together, these data demonstrate the protective effects of Qu against myocardial injury via inhibition of the HMGB1 pathway in a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) model.

Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP) in Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Regulation and Implication

Neurological diseases, including acute attacks (e.g., ischemic stroke) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), have always been one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These debilitating diseases represent an enormous disease burden, not only in terms of health suffering but also in economic costs. Although the clinical presentations differ for these diseases, a growing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in brain tissue significantly contribute to their pathology. However, therapies attempting to prevent oxidative damage or inhibiting inflammation have shown little success. Identification and targeting endogenous "upstream" mediators that normalize such processes will lead to improve therapeutic strategy of these diseases. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is an endogenous inhibitor of the thioredoxin (TRX) system, a major cellular thiol-reducing and antioxidant system. TXNIP regulating redox/glucose-induced stress and inflammation, now is known to get upregulated in stroke and other brain diseases, and represents a promising therapeutic target. In particular, there is growing evidence that glucose strongly induces TXNIP in multiple cell types, suggesting possible physiological roles of TXNIP in glucose metabolism. Recently, a significant body of literature has supported an essential role of TXNIP in the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP3)-inflammasome, a well-established multi-molecular protein complex and a pivotal mediator of sterile inflammation. Accordingly, TXNIP has been postulated to reside centrally in detecting cellular damage and mediating inflammatory responses to tissue injury. The majority of recent studies have shown that pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of TXNIP is neuroprotective and able to reduce detrimental aspects of pathology following cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Conspicuously, the mainstream of the emerging evidences is highlighting TXNIP link to damaging signals in endothelial cells. Thereby, here, we keep the trend to present the accumulative data on CNS diseases dealing with vascular integrity. This review aims to summarize evidence supporting the significant contribution of regulatory mechanisms of TXNIP with the development of brain diseases, explore pharmacological strategies of targeting TXNIP, and outline obstacles to be considered for efficient clinical translation.

A Dual AMPK/Nrf2 Activator Reduces Brain Inflammation After Stroke by Enhancing Microglia M2 Polarization

AIMS

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in focal ischemic stroke, a disorder with no effective therapeutic agents. Since microglial polarization to the M2 phenotype and reduction of oxidative stress are mediated through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation, we assessed the dual therapeutic effect of AMPK and Nrf2 activation by a novel neuroprotectant HP-1c in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

We developed a novel class of hybrids (HP-1a-HP-1f) of telmisartan and 2-(1-hydroxypentyl)-benzoate (HPBA) as a ring-opening derivative of NBP. The most promising hybrid, HP-1c, exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in vitro and reduced brain infarct volume and improved neurological deficits in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia when compared with telmisartan alone, NBP alone, or a combination of telmisartan and NBP. HP-1c had a therapeutic window of up to 24 h, ameliorated ischemic cerebral injury in permanent focal cerebral ischemia, and improved motor function. The beneficial effects of HP-1c in ischemic stroke were associated with microglial polarization to the M2 phenotype and reduced oxidative stress. HP-1c also shifted the M1/M2 polarization in a mouse neuroinflammatory model. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of HP-1c were associated with AMPK-Nrf2 pathway activation for neuroprotection. We showed that HP-1c penetrates the brain, has a plasma half-life of around 3.93 h, and has no toxicity in mice. Innovation and Conclusion: Our study results suggest that HP-1c, with dual AMPK- and Nrf2-activating properties, may have potential in further studies as a novel therapy for ischemic stroke. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 141-163.

Retracted Article: Chrysin attenuates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting myocardial inflammation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chrysin (CH) on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. Cytokines were reduced by CH in coronary artery occlusion-induced rats and also in H9C2 cells. The ST segment was also restored by CH. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that CH could alleviate myocardial injury. Results in H9C2 cells showed that CH improved heart injury in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) of H9C2 cells. In addition, the expressions of the HMGB1-related inflammation pathway in rats and H9C2 cells were significantly decreased by CH. The present study shows the protective effects of CH on myocardial injury via inflammation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chrysin (CH) on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury.

Curcumin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at a badly high-risk of morbidity and mortality in the world.

Methods

Our study was attempted to investigate the cardioprotective role of curcumin. Hearts injury was assessed in isolated hearts and the rats of coronary artery ligated.

Results and Conclusions

The inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed by curcumin in coronary artery ligated rats. ST segment was also reduced by curcumin. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) staining and pathological analysis were also showed that curcumin could dramatically alleviate myocardial injury. Besides, the results in vitro also demonstrated that curcumin could improved the function of isolated hearts. Besides, the expressions of inflammation-related pathway in both rats and isolated hearts treated with curcumin were significantly decreased. The present study investigated the protective effects of curcumin on myocardial injury and its mechanism.

Anti-hepatocarcinoma effect of cordycepin against NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinomas via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway in mice

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cordycepin (CA) on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and explore its potential mechanisms. Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control group, NDEA group, NDEA+CA (20mg/kg) group, NDEA+CA (40mg/kg) group. The animal of each group were given NDEA (100ppm) in drinking water. One hour later, CA, which was dissolved in PBS, were intragastrically administered for continuous seven days. The results showed that CA reduced the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in liver and serum. CA also reduced the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), and stored the activity of superoxygen dehydrogenises (SOD) in serum. CA could obviously attenuate the hepatic pathological alteration. Furthermore, CA effectively inhibited the phosphorylations of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In conclusion, our research suggested that CA exhibited protective effects on NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinomas via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Antihepatocarcinoma Effect of Portulaca oleracea L. in Mice by PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Pathway

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Portulaca oleracea L. (Purslane) (PL) on N-nitrosodiethylamine- (NDEA-) induced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and explore its potential mechanism. Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control group, NDEA group, NDEA + Purslane (100 mg/kg) group, and NDEA + Purslane (200 mg/kg) group. The animal of each group was given NDEA (100 ppm) in drinking water. 1 h later, Purslane dissolved in PBS was intragastrically administered for continuous seven days. The results showed that Purslane reduced the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in liver and serum. Purslane also reduced the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) and restored the activity of superoxygen dehydrogenises (SOD) in serum. Purslane could obviously attenuate the hepatic pathological alteration. Furthermore, treatment with Purslane effectively inhibited the phosphorylations of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and inhibitor of NF-κBα (IκBα) and upregulated the expressions of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1. In conclusion, our research suggested that Purslane exhibited protective effects on NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinomas by anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.

14-3-3 Isoforms Differentially Regulate NFκB Signaling in the Brain After Ischemia-Reperfusion

Mammalian 14-3-3 isoforms exist predominantly in the brain and are heavily involved in neurological diseases. However, the isoform-specific role of 14-3-3 proteins in the brain remains largely unclear. Here, we investigated the role of 14-3-3 isoforms in rat brains after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. 14-3-3β, η, γ and ζ but not ε or τ were selectively upregulated in cerebral cortical neurons after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Selectively, 14-3-3β, γ and ζ were translocated from cytoplasm into the nuclei of neurons after I/R. 14-3-3 bound to p65 and suppressed p65 expression in N2a cells. In the brain, 14-3-3 could either colocalize with p65 in the nuclei of neurons or segregate from p65 expression in cortical neurons after I/R. All evidence together suggests that 14-3-3 isoforms are differentially induced to enter into the nuclei of neurons after I/R, which might regulate NFκB signaling directly or indirectly. Since 14-3-3 proteins are essential for cell survival and NFκB is a key transcriptional factor, our data suggest that the 14-3-3/p65 signaling pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for stroke.

Diosmetin protects against ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury remains to be a troublesome condition in clinical practice. Although the exact molecular mechanisms underlying renal I/R injury are incompletely understood, the deleterious progress of renal I/R injury involves inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Diosmetin is a member of the flavonoid glycosides family, which suppresses the inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis and enhances antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of diosmetin on I/R-induced renal injury in mice.

METHODS

Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups. Four groups of mice received diosmetin (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) or vehicle (I/R group) before ischemia. Another group received vehicle without ischemia to serve as a negative control (sham-operated group). Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, serum and renal tissues were harvested to evaluate renal function and histopathologic features. In addition, the expression of inflammation-related proteins, apoptotic molecules, and antioxidant enzymes was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with sham mice, the I/R group significantly exacerbated renal function and renal tube architecture and increased the inflammatory response and renal tubule apoptosis. Nevertheless, pretreatment with diosmetin reversed these changes. In addition, diosmetin treatment resulted in a marked increase in antioxidant protein expression compared with I/R mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The renoprotective effects of diosmetin involved suppression of the nuclear factor-κB and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, as well as activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. Diosmetin has significant potential as a therapeutic intervention to ameliorate renal injury after renal I/R.

Protective Effect of Astragaloside IV Against Paraquat-Induced Lung Injury in Mice by Suppressing Rho Signaling

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of astragaloside IV (AS IV) against paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary injury in vivo. Fifty BALB/C mice were randomized into five groups: (1) control, (2) PQ, (3) PQ + dexamethasone (Dex, 5 mg/kg), (4) PQ + AS IV (50 mg/kg), and (5) PQ + AS IV (100 mg/kg). A single dose of PQ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was intraperitoneally given to induced acute lung injury. Then, mice were treated with AS IV (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 5 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized; then, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected for histological observation, biochemical assay, and Western blot analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in lung tissues, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in BALF were determined. Histological examination indicated that AS IV attenuated lung damage caused by PQ. Biochemical results showed that AS IV treatment significantly reduced the levels of MDA, MPO, and inflammatory cytokines while increased the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px compared with those in PQ group. Western blot results revealed that AS IV attenuated the Txnip/Trx expressions and inhibited Rho/ROCK/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in PQ-challenged mice. These findings suggested the protective effect of AS IV as a natural product on PQ-induced pulmonary injury.

Liujunzi Tang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced mouse model of COPD

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liujunzi Tang is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in East Asia and clinically applied to treat Phlegm-Heat Syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Liujunzi Tang on cigarette smoke-induced (CS) mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explore its potential molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mice received 1h of cigarette smoke for 8 weeks. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were tested by biochemical methods. Histopathological alteration was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Additionally, the expressions of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κBp65) and (inhibitor of NF-κB)IκB-α were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis.

RESULTS

Liujunzi Tang enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and attenuated the levels of lipid oxidative production, meanwhile significantly inhibited the generations of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that Liujunzi Tang exhibited the protective effect on cigarette smoke-induced COPD mice by anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties through the inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Dimethyl Fumarate and Monomethyl Fumarate Promote Post-Ischemic Recovery in Mice

Oxidative stress plays an important role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and its primary metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) are antioxidant agents that can activate the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and induce the expression of antioxidant proteins. Here, we evaluated the impact of DMF and MMF on ischemia-induced brain injury and whether the Nrf2 pathway mediates the effects provided by DMF and MMF in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using a mouse model of transient focal brain ischemia, we show that DMF and MMF significantly reduce neurological deficits, infarct volume, brain edema, and cell death. Further, DMF and MMF suppress glial activation following brain ischemia. Importantly, the protection of DMF and MMF was mostly evident during the subacute stage and was abolished in Nrf2-/- mice, indicating that the Nrf2 pathway is required for the beneficial effects of DMF and MMF. Together, our data indicate that DMF and MMF have therapeutic potential in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and their protective role is likely mediated by the Nrf2 pathway.

Protective effect of betulin on cognitive decline in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Betulin is extracted from birch tree bark and exerts diverse pharmacological activities. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of betulin (BE) on cognitive decline in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The diabetic model was built by streptozotocin (STZ) (30mg/kg, ip). After 4 weeks, the diabetic rats were treated with vehicle or BE (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) and serum insulin were detected. Three days later, Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate memory function. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in hippocampus were examined. Inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and hippocampus were measured. The protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NF-κB pathways-related molecules in hippocampus were examined. As a results, BE could improve glucose intolerance and modify basal learning performance. Treatment with BE significantly restored SOD activity and decreased MDA content in hippocampus. BE also markedly reduced the contents of inflammatory cytokines in serum and hippocampus. Furthermore, administration of BE effectively upregulated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and blocked the phosphorylations of IκB, NF-κB. In summary, BE might exhibit protective effect on cognitive decline in STZ-induced diabetic rats through HO-1/Nrf-2/NF-κB pathway.

Protective effect of Sophoraflavanone G on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced inflammation in diabetic rats

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Sophoraflavanone G (SG) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (35mg/kg). 7days later, the rats were intragastrically administered with Metformin (MET, 150mg/kg), SG (20mg/kg) or SG (40mg/kg) once daily for consecutive 30 days. The animals were anaesthetized, the blood and liver samples were also collected for further assay. SG significantly decreased the serum levels of glucose, insulin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In addition, SG increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum. SG also ameliorated the histopathological condition. Furthermore, SG attenuated the expressions of thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) and the phosphorylations of inhibitory kappa B kinase (IKK)α, IKKβ, nuclear factor-κB inhibitory proteins (IκB)α, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). These findings demonstrated that SG showed beneficial effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Suppressing receptor-interacting protein 140: a new sight for esculetin to treat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of esculetin (ES) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage in rats and investigate the potential mechanism.

Suppressing Receptor-Interacting Protein 140: a New Sight for Salidroside to Treat Cerebral Ischemia

The purpose of the current study was to detect the effect of salidroside (Sal) on cerebral ischemia and explore its potential mechanism. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to investigate the effects of Sal on cerebral ischemia. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group, vehicle group, clopidogrel (7.5 mg/kg) group, Sal (20 mg/kg) group, and Sal (40 mg/kg) group. SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury to verify the protective effect of Sal in vitro. We also built the stable receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140)-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. The results showed that Sal significantly reduces brain infarct size and cerebral edema. Sal could effectively decrease the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum of the MCAO rats and supernatant of I/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Immunohistochemical and Western blot results demonstrated that Sal inhibited RIP140-mediated inflammation and apoptosis in the MCAO rats and SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, we further confirmed that RIP140/NF-κB signaling plays a crucial role by evaluating the protein expression in RIP140-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings suggested that Sal could be used as an effective neuroprotective agent for cerebral ischemia due to its significant effect on preventing neuronal cell injury after cerebral ischemia both in vivo and in vitro by the inhibitions of RIP140-mediated inflammation and apoptosis.