Protective effect against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for beneficial effects of L-arginine on lipopolysaccharide induced memory impairment in rats

Pyrazole derivatives ameliorate synovial inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis mice model via targeting p38 MAPK and COX-2

The type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model and human rheumatoid arthritis exhibit similar characteristics. Both diseases involve the production of inflammatory cytokines and other mediators, triggering an inflammatory cascade linked to bone and cartilage damage. Recently, new pyrazole compounds with various pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents, have been reported. Our aim is to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of two newly synthesized pyrazole derivatives, M1E and M1G, in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritis was induced in DBA/1J mice, and the therapeutic effect of the M1E and M1G is assessed by measuring the arthritic index, quantifying the expression of inflammatory genes such as p38 MAPK, COX-2, IL1β, MMP3, and TNF-α using real-time PCR and analyzing protein expression using western blotting for phosphorylated p38 MAPK and COX-2. Oxidative stress markers and hind paws joint histopathology were also evaluated. Treatment with the two pyrazole derivatives significantly (p < 0.001) improved the arthritic score; downregulated the expression of inflammatory genes p38 MAPK, COX-2, IL1β, MMP3, and TNF-α; and reduced the protein expression of phosphorylated p3  MAPK and COX-2. In addition, both compounds ameliorated oxidative stress by increasing the activities of SOD and reducing the formation of MDA in the paw tissue homogenates. Both M1E and M1G significantly (p < 0.001) improved the pathological features of synovitis. The pyrazole derivatives, M1E and M1G, significantly reduced the arthritic score and the inflammatory cytokine expression, improved synovitis histopathology, and ameliorated oxidative stress in the CIA mice model.

Effects of Ocimum basilicum L. Extract on Hippocampal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and BDNF Expression in Amnesic Aged Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) extract on learning and memory impairment in aged rats. Male rats were divided into the following experimental groups: Group 1 (control): including 2 months old rats, Group 2 (aged) including 2 years old rats, Groups 3-5 (aged-OB): including 2 years old rats received 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg OB for 8 weeks by oral gavage. Aging increased the delay to find the platform but, however, decreased the time spent in the target quadrant when tested by Morris water maze (MWM). Aging also reduced the latency to enter the dark chamber in the passive avoidance (PA) test compared to the control group. Moreover, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were raised in the hippocampus and cortex of aged rats. In contrast, thiol levels and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly reduced. In addition, aging significantly reduced BDNF expression. Finally, OB administration reversed the mentioned effects. The current research showed that OB administration improves learning/memory impairment induced by aging. It also found that this plant extract protects the brain tissues from oxidative damage and neuroinflammation.

Sodium nitroprusside restored lipopolysaccharide-induced learning and memory impairment in male rats via attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress

Inflammation and oxidative stress upset memory. We explored influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on memory deficits resulted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Groups include control, LPS, LPS + SNP 1 mg/kg, LPS + SNP 2 mg/kg, and LPS + SNP 3 mg/kg. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests and biochemical measurements were carried out.In Morris water maze, LPS prolonged time and distance for finding the platform. In probe trial, it diminished time spent and traveled distance in the target zone. Injection of 2 and 3 mg/kg of SNP overturned the effect of LPS. In passive avoidance task, LPS postponed entrance into darkroom and reduced time spent in light room and incremented time spent in darkroom in 3, 24, and 72 h after electrical shock. All three doses of SNP restored the effects of LPS. Biochemical experiments confirmed that LPS elevated interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde concentration and declined total thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hippocampus and cortex tissues. SNP particularly at a 3 mg/kg dose ameliorated LPS effects on these parameters.SNP attenuated memory disabilities resulting from LPS through modifying inflammation and boosting antioxidant defense.

Cedrol supplementation ameliorates memory deficits by regulating neuro-inflammation and cholinergic function in lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment in rats

Background

Cedrol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, is found in a high amount in several conifers. It possess several beneficial health effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study evaluates the neuroprotective role of cedrol against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and memory loss in rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were treated with cedrol (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg, oral, two weeks). During the last week, the rats (except for the control group) were treated with LPS (intraperitoneal injection, 1 mg/kg) to induce memory impairment. After that, the animals were subjected to behavioral studies (Morris water maze and passive avoidance) and biochemical assessments.

Results

Our results showed a significant decrease in learning and memory function-in LPS-induced rats which were reversed by cedrol. Also, there was a significant increase in the cerebral levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in LPS-treated rats. Besides, a significant reduction in total thiol and superoxide dismutase levels was observed in LPS-treated rats. However, cedrol significantly decreased the brain level of AChE, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Administration of cedrol also restored the oxidative stress markers.

Conclusion

the beneficial effects of cedrol against LPS-induced memory impairment could be due to antioxidant activities and modulation of neuro-inflammatory mediators.

Folic acid improved memory and learning function in a rat model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide

Folic acid (FA) plays an important role in the maintenance of normal neurological functions such as memory and learning function. Neuroinflammation contributes to the progression of cognitive disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of FA supplementation on cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, and neuro-inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injured rats. For this purpose, the rats were given FA (5-20 mg/kg/day, oral) for 3 weeks. In the third week, LPS (1 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneal injection) was given before the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests. Finally, the brains were removed for biochemical assessments. In the MWM test, LPS increased the escape latency and traveled distance to find the platform compared to the control group, whereas all doses of FA decreased them compared to the LPS group. The findings of the probe trial showed that FA increased the traveling time and distance in the target area. LPS impaired the performance of the rats in the PA test. FA increased delay and light time while decreasing the frequency of entry and time in the dark region of PA. LPS increased hippocampal levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. The hippocampal level of malondialdehyde was also increased but thiol content and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased in the LPS group. However, treatment with FA restored the oxidative stress markers along with a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, FA could ameliorate the memory and learning deficits induced by LPS via normalizing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress markers in the brain.

Folic acid supplementation improved cognitive deficits associated with lithium administration during pregnancy in rat offspring

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to analyse both neurobehavioural and biochemical results of neonates born of mothers exposed to different doses of lithium along with the groups that received lithium at the highest dose with folic acid as a preventive treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male and female rats were mated in separate cages, and pregnant rats were divided into eight first group as (1) vehicle; (2) propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism; (3-4) received two different doses of lithium carbonate (15 and 30 mg/kg); (5-7) the highest doses of lithium (30 mg/kg) plus three different doses of folic acid (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg); and (8) received just folic acid (15 mg/kg). All treatments were dissolved in drinking water and continued until delivery, followed by returning to a regular diet without treatment.

RESULTS

Lithium (30 mg/kg) disrupts both behavioural and biochemical markers, including TSH, T3 and T4 as measuring indicators to assess thyroid function, IL-10 and TNF-α as anti-inflammatory and inflammatory agents, respectively, malondialdehyde as an oxidative stress marker, alongside SOD, and catalase activity as antioxidant indicators. Besides, folic acid, almost at the highest dose (15 mg/kg), attenuated memory impairement and anxiety-like behaviour caused by lithium. Moreover, the groups treated with folic acid alone in comparison with vehicles demonstrated higher levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory indicators.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, prenatal exposure to a high dose of lithium (30 mg/kg) leads to foetal neurodevelopmental disorder and growth restriction through various mechanisms more likely attributed to hypothyroidism, which means it should be either prohibited or prescribed cautiously during pregnancy.

Neurotoxic Effect of Fipronil in Male Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine and L-Carnitine

Simple Summary

Insecticides are widely used in agricultural and household environments. They induce wide range of deleterious effects. Fipronil is one of the most widely used phenylpyrazoles insecticides. The neurotoxic effect of such insecticide was tested in the present study with special emphasis on cognitive deficit as well as testing the possible ameliorative impacts of L-arginine and L-carnitine. The study proposed fipronil-induced cognitive deficit as a reflection to oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. Moreover, L-arginine and L-carnitine exerted ameliorative influence on fipronil induced oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. Therefore, L-arginine and L-carnitine can be considered as prospective candidates for mitigation of pesticide induced neurotoxicity especially in people with high-risk exposure to pesticide.

Abstract

The ameliorative effect of L-arginine (LA) and L-carnitine (LC) against fipronil (FPN)-induced neurotoxicity was explored. In this case, 36 adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups: group I received distilled water, group II received 500 mg/kg LA, group III received 100 mg/kg LC, group IV received 4.85 mg/kg FPN, group V received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 500 mg/kg LA and group VI received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 100 mg/kg LC for 6 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using Barnes maze (BM). Serum corticosterone, brain total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and dopamine were measured. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium-binding adaptor (Iba-1), doublecortin (DCX) and serotonin (S-2A) receptors were performed. Fipronil induced noticeable deterioration in spatial learning and memory performance. In addition, FPN significantly (p < 0.05) diminished brain antioxidant defense system and dopamine coincide with elevated serum corticosterone level. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. Furthermore, Iba-1 and DCX were significantly expressed in cortex and hippocampus whereas S-2A receptors were significantly lowered in FPN group. However, administration of LA or LC alleviated FPN-induced deteriorations. In conclusion, LA and LC could be prospective candidates for mitigation of FPN-induced neurotoxicity via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuropotentiating effects.

Evaluation of Analytes Characterized with Potential Protective Action after Rat Exposure to Lead

Lead (Pb) was revealed for its role as a neurodevelopmental toxin. The determination of neurotransmitters (NTs) in particular brain regions could ameliorate the precise description and optimization of therapeutic protocols able to restore the harmony of signaling pathways in nervous and immune systems. The determination of selected analytes from the group of NTs based on the liquid chromatography (LC)-based method was carried out to illustrate the changes of amino acid (AA) and biogenic amine (BA) profiles observed in chosen immune and nervous systems rat tissues after Pb intoxication. Also, a protective combination of AA was proposed to correct the changes caused by Pb intoxication. After the administration of Pb, changes were observed in all organs studied and were characterized by a fluctuation of NT concentrations in immune and nervous systems (hypothalamus samples). Using a protective mixture of bioactive compounds prevented numerous changes in the balance of NT. The combined analysis of the immune and nervous system while the normalizing effect of curative agents on the level of differentially secreted NTs and AA is studied could present a new approach to the harmonization of those two essential systems after Pb intoxication.

Beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in rats, the roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nitric oxide and neuroinflammation

The effect of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cytokines, and renin angiotensin system (RAS) on memory function have been demonstrated. In this study, the effects of RAS inhibitor captopril (Capto) on hippocampal BDNF, interleukin -6 (IL-6), oxidative stress indicators, and nitric oxide (NO) in scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory impairment in rats were examined. The groups were (1) control, (2) Sco in which Sco was applied 30 min prior to the behavioral tests, and (3-5) Sco-Capto 10, 50, and 100 groups, where Capto (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg), were applied 2 weeks prior to the experiment, as well as 30 min prior to each Sco injection. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was conducted, and BDNF, IL-6, NO metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. Sco increased the delay and distance to the platform in the MWM test (P < .01 to P < .001), while shortening the time and distance in the target area (P < .01 to P < .001). Additionally, Sco increased IL-6, NO metabolites, and MDA, while decreasing BDNF, thiol, SOD, and CAT (P < .01 to P < .001). Although the Capto reduced the latency and distance traveled to the platform (P < .05 to P < .001), it elevated the time and distance traveled in the target area (P < .05 to P < .01). Furthermore, Capto improved BDNF, thiol, SOD, and CAT levels, and decreased IL-6, NO metabolites, and MDA (P < .05 to P < .001). RAS has a role in learning and memory impairment due to cholinergic system dysfunction. The possible mechanism(s) are including its effects on BDNF, neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress.

Active Peptide KF-8 from Rice Bran Attenuates Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Aging Induced by d-Galactose

This study investigated the effects of a physiologically active peptide derived from rice bran (KF-8) on oxidative stress in d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging mice and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The aging model was developed by subcutaneously injecting Institute of Cancer Research mice with 250 mg/kg d-gal daily for 12 weeks and simultaneously treating them with 30 mg/kg KF-8. The relative expression levels of Nrf2 and NF-κB in the liver were determined by the western blot. The regulation of Nrf2 and NF-κBp65 by KF-8 was further validated in NIH/3T3 cells. Compared with the control mice, the aging mice had significantly decreased body weights as well as superoxide dismutase and GSH-Px levels (p < 0.05); however, they had increased serum reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels accompanied by aortic and brain injuries. They also had elevated RAGE, TLR4, IκB, Bax, and caspase-8 expressions and NF-κB/p65 phosphorylation but reduced BcL-2 expression in the liver. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the pretreatment of H₂O₂-treated NIH/3T3 cells with KF-8 significantly mitigated the NF-κB signaling and attenuated the Nrf2 nuclear transport (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, KF-8 treatment inhibited aging-induced oxidative stress-related organ injury in mice by attenuating NF-κB/p38 signaling and preserving Nrf2 activity.

Effect of Captopril on Brain Oxidative Damage in Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Mice

Background: Frequent seizure is followed by overproduction of free radicals and brain oxidative stress. Renin angiotensin system (RAS) has some effects on central nervous system. We designed this research to challenge the effect of captopril as an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor against brain oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) -induced seizures in mice. Methods: The groups were including (1) Control (saline); (2) PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.), (3-5) PTZ- captopril (Capto) that received three doses of Capto 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg 30 min before PTZ injection. Latency time in the onset minimal clonic seizures (MCS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were recorded. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiol, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the hippocampus and cortex were measured. Results: All doses of captopril postponed the onset of MCS and GTCS. Accumulation of MDA in the brain tissues of PTZ group was higher than control group, while total thiol content and CAT activity were lower. Pretreatment with captopril (100 mg/kg) diminished MDA concentration compared with PTZ group. Captopril (50 and 100 mg/kg) also increased the level of total thiol groups versus PTZ group. Captopril injection (50 and 100 mg/kg) elevated the activity of SOD and CAT in the brain tissues. In addition captopril administration diminished mortality rate caused by PTZ. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that convulsions caused by PTZ were followed by oxidative stress status in the brain tissues. Pretreatment with captopril attenuated the effect of PTZ on brain tissue oxidative damage.<br />

Effects of monosodium glutamate on apoptosis of germ cells in testicular tissue of adult rat: An experimental study

Background

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavoring and food seasoning. Some studies have reported the oxidative effects of using this substance on various tissues.

Objective

This study has investigated the effects of MSG and the protective effect of vitamin C (vit C) on apoptosis of testicular germ cells and biochemical factors.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (received distilled water), vit C group (150 mg/kg), experimental group 1 (MSG 3 gr/kg), experimental group 2 (MSG 3 gr/kg + vit C 150 mg/kg). The rats were gavaged for 30 days, and then were sacrificed, the right testis was isolated for biochemical examinations for the glutathione, malondialdehyde, and left testis used in histological experiments. Tunnel staining was used to determine the number of apoptotic cells.

Results

The results showed that apoptotic cells in the MSG group had a significant increase compared to the control group (P = 0.001), but the number of these cells in the MSG co-administered with vit C and vit C groups were significantly lower than the MSG group. Germinal epithelial thickness also decreased in MSG group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

MSG can lead to increase apoptotic changes in the germinal epithelial of the testicle, and vit C as an antioxidant can modify the pathological and biochemical changes induced by MSG.

Protective effect of aminoguanidine against lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatotoxicity and liver dysfunction in rat

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as the major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria activates macrophages to produce a high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines which is considered as a cause of liver dysfunction. Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to have a role in hepatic injury. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor against LPS -induced liver dysfunction in rat. The animals were divided into five groups: (1) control (2) LPS (3) LPS-AG50, (4) LPS-AG100 and (5) LPS-AG150. LPS (1 mg/kg) was injected for 5 weeks and AG (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before LPS. Drugs were injected intraperitoneally. LPS induced liver dysfunction presented by increasing the serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Pretreatment with AG restored harmful effects of LPS on liver function. In addition, LPS resulted in hepatotoxicity, accompanied by enhancing the level of interleukin (IL)-6, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and decreasing the content of total thiol groups and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Injection of AG before LPS attenuated LPS-induced hepatotoxicity through decreasing the level of IL-6, MDA and NO metabolites and increasing total thiols and SOD and CAT activity. Considering the protective effect of AG which was seen in the present study, it seems that increased levels of NO due to activation of iNOS has a role in LPS-induced hepatic injury.

A Hydrolyzed Chicken Extract CMI-168 Enhances Learning and Memory in Middle-Aged Mice

There has been increasing evidence that consumption of dietary supplements or specific nutrients can influence cognitive processes and emotions. A proprietary chicken meat extraction, Chicken Meat Ingredient-168 (CMI-168), has previously been shown to enhance cognitive function in humans. However, the mechanism underlying the CMI-168-induced benefits remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of CMI-168 on hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory function in middle-aged (9⁻12 months old) mice. The mice in the test group (termed the "CMI-168 group") were fed dietary pellets produced by mixing CMI-168 and normal laboratory mouse chow to provide a daily CMI-168 dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight for 6 weeks. The control mice (termed the "Chow group") were fed normal laboratory mouse chow pellets. CMI-168 supplementation did not affect the body weight gain, food intake, or exploratory behavior of the mice. In the novel object recognition test, the CMI-168 group showed better hippocampus-related non-spatial memory compared to the control Chow group. However, spatial memory examined by the Morris Water Maze test was similar between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation and dendritic complexity of the hippocampal cornu ammonis region 1 (CA1) neurons, as well as the levels of neuroplasticity-related proteins in the hippocampi of the CMI-168 and Chow groups. Interestingly, we observed that CMI-168 appeared to protect the mice against stress-induced weight loss. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CMI-168 was found to improve learning and memory in middle-aged mice, independent of structural or functional changes in the hippocampus. The resilience to stress afforded by CMI-168 warrants further investigation.

Pathophysiological changes in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome in female albino rats: Using either hemin or L-arginine

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the important endocrine disorders affecting females in the reproductive age, is caused mainly by an abnormal oxidation status that subsequently causes inflammatory conditions. Thus, this study aims to examine the possible individual prophylactic effects of gasotransmitters, hemin, or L-arginine in letrozole-induced PCOS. Fifty adult female albino rats were used and separated into a control group, which received the vehicle; a letrozole-induced PCOS group (L), which received letrozole orally at a dose level of 1 mg/kg for 21 days; a letrozole+hemin (L+H) group, which received letrozole plus hemin at a dose level of 25 mg/kg injected IP twice per week for 21 days; and a letrozole+L-arginine (L+A) group, which received letrozole plus L-arginine at a dose level of 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. During PCO induction, the body weight and Lee index were measured. Serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assayed, while ovarian tissues were analyzed to measure the oxidative state and histopathological changes. Our results proved that either hemin or L-arginine administration could improve the oxidative state, the inflammatory reaction, the hormonal imbalance, and the metabolic disturbances in PCO rats, which was confirmed by a histopathological examination of the rats' ovaries. In conclusion, either hemin or L-arginine had protective effects against PCOS with better pathophysiological changes with hemin.

Protective effect of Anwulignan against D-galactose-induced hepatic injury through activating p38 MAPK-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway in mice

Background

Liver aging is a significant risk factor for chronic liver diseases. Oxidative stress has been considered as a conjoint pathological mechanism for the initiation and progression of liver aging. It has been reported that d-galactose (d-gal)-induced hepatic injury is an experimental model well established closely similar to morphological and functional features of liver aging. Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils (S. sphenanthera, Schisandraceae), as a famous tradi-tional Chinese medicine, has been used for thousands of years in China to treat various disorders, including liver dysfunctions. This study was aimed to understand whether Anwulignan, one of the monomeric compounds in the lignans from S. sphenanthera, could improve the hepatic injury induced by d-gal in mice and to examine the possible mechanisms.

Methods

ICR mice were used to produce hepatic injury by 220 mg kg-1 d-gal subcutaneously once daily for 42 days. The effects of oral Anwulignan on liver index; serial AST and ALT levels; histological changes; SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, and 8-OHdG in the liver and peripheral blood; expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Nrf2, and HO-1 in the liver; and HepG2 cell viability, and decrease caspase-3 contents in liver were examined.

Results

Anwulignan could significantly increase the liver index, lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the peripheral blood, elevate superoxide dis-mutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and decrease malonaldehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents in the peripheral blood and liver. Furthermore, Anwulignan could upregulate the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Nrf2, and HO-1 in the liver, increase the HepG2 cell viability, and decrease caspase-3 contents in liver.

Conclusion

Anwulignan has protective effects against the hepatic injury induced by d-gal, which may be related to its antioxidant capacity through activating p38 MAPK-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway, increases the injured cell viability, and decreases the caspase-3 contents in liver.

Effectiveness of Essence of Chicken on Cognitive Function Improvement: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

High-quality, adequately-powered clinical trials investigating the effect of Essence of Chicken (EC) on cognitive function are lacking. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on healthy adult volunteers to determine the effect of EC on short-term memory, working memory, and selective and sustained attention. As a secondary objective, we evaluated baseline stress as a modifying factor by including treatment, stress and visit as main effects in a three-way ANOVA model. Cognitive function was evaluated at baseline, and Days 7 and 14. Data from 235 participants were analyzed on a per-protocol basis. The three-way interaction effect was significant (p = 0.020) in Digit Span Forward and further analyses showed EC improved test performance in moderate (p = 0.041) and severe stress (p = 0.065) but not in normal and mild stress subgroups. In Digit Span Backward, EC group showed greater improvement compared to placebo (p = 0.028), with 0.60 digits (8.50% improvement from baseline) more recalled on Day 7. No treatment or interaction effects were statistically significant in selective and sustained attention tests. Our findings support EC’s effect in improving mental processes used in working memory among healthy adults and short-term memory among healthy adults experiencing stress in daily life.