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Fukuyama Y, Kubo M, Harada K. Neurotrophic Natural Products. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 123:1-473. [PMID: 38340248 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42422-9_1] [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: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyasu Fukuyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
| | - Miwa Kubo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
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2
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Nisar A, Jagtap S, Vyavahare S, Deshpande M, Harsulkar A, Ranjekar P, Prakash O. Phytochemicals in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases: the journey from preclinical trials to clinical practice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1177050. [PMID: 37229273 PMCID: PMC10203425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1177050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in biomedical research have demonstrated that inflammation and its related diseases are the greatest threat to public health. Inflammatory action is the pathological response of the body towards the external stimuli such as infections, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions to reduce tissue damage and improve patient comfort. However, when detrimental signal-transduction pathways are activated and inflammatory mediators are released over an extended period of time, the inflammatory process continues and a mild but persistent pro-inflammatory state may develop. Numerous degenerative disorders and chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, are associated with the emergence of a low-grade inflammatory state. Though, anti-inflammatory steroidal, as well as non-steroidal drugs, are extensively used against different inflammatory conditions, they show undesirable side effects upon long-term exposure, at times, leading to life-threatening consequences. Thus, drugs targeting chronic inflammation need to be developed to achieve better therapeutic management without or with a fewer side effects. Plants have been well known for their medicinal use for thousands of years due to their pharmacologically active phytochemicals belonging to diverse chemical classes with a number of these demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Some typical examples include colchicine (alkaloid), escin (triterpenoid saponin), capsaicin (methoxy phenol), bicyclol (lignan), borneol (monoterpene), and quercetin (flavonoid). These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular mechanisms that synergize the anti-inflammatory pathways such as increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines or interfere with the inflammatory pathways such as to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other modulators to improve the underlying pathological condition. This review describes the anti-inflammatory properties of a number of biologically active compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their mechanisms of pharmacological intervention to alleviate inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis is given to information on anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been evaluated at the preclinical and clinical levels. Recent trends and gaps in the development of phytochemical-based anti-inflammatory drugs have also been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akib Nisar
- Biochemical Sciences Division, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT and Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Jagtap
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Vyavahare
- Shatayu Ayurved and Research Centre, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manasi Deshpande
- Department of Dravyagun Vigyan, College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhay Harsulkar
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Om Prakash
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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3
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Bayless RL, Sheats MK, Jones SL. Withaferin A Inhibits Neutrophil Adhesion, Migration, and Respiratory Burst and Promotes Timely Neutrophil Apoptosis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:900453. [PMID: 35782542 PMCID: PMC9247543 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.900453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils play a major role in many equine conditions, including equine asthma, laminitis, and intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury, and therefore represent an attractive target for innovative therapeutic approaches. Novel strategies for reducing neutrophilic inflammation include modulation of neutrophil functions and lifespan. Withaferin A (WFA) is a phytochemical with well-established in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties, but its direct effects on neutrophils are largely unknown. We hypothesized that WFA would inhibit adhesion, migration, and respiratory burst by equine neutrophils and promote timely apoptosis of primed equine neutrophils. Consistent with this hypothesis, our data show that WFA causes a significant, concentration-dependent inhibition of equine neutrophil adhesion, migration, and respiratory burst in response to diverse stimuli. Further, WFA treatment increased apoptosis of equine neutrophils exposed to GM-CSF for 24 h. This pro-apoptotic effect of WFA was not observed in unprimed neutrophils, nor at the 2-h time point relevant to our functional neutrophil experiments. Our data demonstrate that WFA may reduce neutrophil-mediated inflammation through multiple mechanisms, including suppression of inflammatory responses and promotion of apoptosis. Additional research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for these effects and evaluate the potential clinical use of WFA in veterinary and human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary L Bayless
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - M Katie Sheats
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Samuel L Jones
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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4
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Ben Bakrim W, El Bouzidi L, Manouze H, Hafsa J, Sobeh M, Ba-M'hamed S, Bekkouche K, Kouisni L. Anti-amnesic effects of withaferin A, a steroidal lactone isolated from Withania adpressa, on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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5
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Hellenbrand DJ, Quinn CM, Piper ZJ, Morehouse CN, Fixel JA, Hanna AS. Inflammation after spinal cord injury: a review of the critical timeline of signaling cues and cellular infiltration. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:284. [PMID: 34876174 PMCID: PMC8653609 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that results in a loss of motor and sensory function. Although extensive research to develop treatments for SCI has been performed, to date, none of these treatments have produced a meaningful amount of functional recovery after injury. The primary injury is caused by the initial trauma to the spinal cord and results in ischemia, oxidative damage, edema, and glutamate excitotoxicity. This process initiates a secondary injury cascade, which starts just a few hours post-injury and may continue for more than 6 months, leading to additional cell death and spinal cord damage. Inflammation after SCI is complex and driven by a diverse set of cells and signaling molecules. In this review, we utilize an extensive literature survey to develop the timeline of local immune cell and cytokine behavior after SCI in rodent models. We discuss the precise functional roles of several key cytokines and their effects on a variety of cell types involved in the secondary injury cascade. Furthermore, variations in the inflammatory response between rats and mice are highlighted. Since current SCI treatment options do not successfully initiate functional recovery or axonal regeneration, identifying the specific mechanisms attributed to secondary injury is critical. With a more thorough understanding of the complex SCI pathophysiology, effective therapeutic targets with realistic timelines for intervention may be established to successfully attenuate secondary damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hellenbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Charles M Quinn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Zachariah J Piper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Carolyn N Morehouse
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Jordyn A Fixel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Amgad S Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Abstract
Covering: March 2010 to December 2020. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2011, 28, 705This review summarizes the latest progress and perspectives on the structural classification, biological activities and mechanisms, metabolism and pharmacokinetic investigations, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and structural modifications, as well as future research directions of the promising natural withanolides. The literature from March 2010 to December 2020 is reviewed, and 287 references are cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Yang Xia
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China. .,Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Shi-Jie Cao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Li-Xia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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7
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Moon H, Ko M, Park Y, Kim J, Yoon D, Lee E, Lee T, Kim H. Δ 8(14)-Ergostenol Glycoside Derivatives Inhibit the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and Matrix Metalloproteinase. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154547. [PMID: 34361701 PMCID: PMC8347845 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease accompanied by pathological reactions such as swelling, redness, fever, and pain in various joint areas. The drugs currently available to treat arthritis are associated with diverse side-effects. Therefore, there is a need for safer and more effective treatments to alleviate the inflammation of arthritis with fewer side-effects. In this study, a new sterol, Δ8(14)-ergostenol, was discovered, and its glycosides were synthesized and found to be more efficient in terms of synthesis or anti-inflammatory activity than either spinasterol or 5,6-dihydroergosterol is. Among these synthetic glycosides, galactosyl ergostenol inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators in TNF-α-stimulated FLS and TNF-α-induced MMPs and collagen type II A1 degradation in human chondrocytes. These results suggest the new galactosyl ergostenol as a treatment candidate for arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Moon
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Myoungsil Ko
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Yujin Park
- Graduate School of East-West Medicinal Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (Y.P.); (E.L.)
| | - Jeonguk Kim
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dowon Yoon
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Eunjoohwang Lee
- Graduate School of East-West Medicinal Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (Y.P.); (E.L.)
| | - Taehoon Lee
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (H.K.); Tel.: +823-1201-5317 (T.L.); +823-1201-2459 (H.K.)
| | - Hakwon Kim
- Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea; (H.M.); (M.K.); (J.K.); (D.Y.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (H.K.); Tel.: +823-1201-5317 (T.L.); +823-1201-2459 (H.K.)
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8
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SILAC-based quantitative MS approach reveals Withaferin A regulated proteins in prostate cancer. J Proteomics 2021; 247:104334. [PMID: 34298187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Withaferin A (WA) is a steroidal lactone extracted from Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha. WA has several therapeutic benefits. The current study aims to identify proteins that are potentially regulated by WA in prostate cancer (PCA) cells. We used a SILAC-based proteomic approach to analyze the expression of proteins in response to WA treatment at 4 h and 24 h time points in three PCA cell lines: 22Rv1, DU-145, and LNCaP. Ontology analysis suggested that prolonged treatment with WA upregulated the expression of proteins involved in stress-response pathways. Treatment with WA increased oxidative stress, reduced global mRNA translation, and elevated the expression of cytoprotective stress granule (SG) protein G3BP1. WA treatment also enhanced the formation of SGs. The elevated expression of G3BP1 and the formation of SGs might constitute a mechanism of cytoprotection in PCA cells. Knockdown of G3BP1 blocked SG formation and enhanced the efficacy of WA to reduce PCA cell survival. SIGNIFICANCE: Withaferin A, a steroidal lactone, extracted from Withania somnifera is a promising anti-cancer drug. Using a SILAC-based quantitative proteomic approach, we identified proteins changed by WA-treatment at 4 h and 24 h in three prostate cancer (PCA) cell lines. WA-treatment induced the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and reduced the expression of proteins involved in cell growth at 4 h. WA-treatment for 24 h enhanced the expression of proteins involved in stress response pathways. WA-treated cells exhibited increased oxidative stress, reduced mRNA translation and enhanced SG formation. PCA is characterized by higher metabolic rate and increased oxidative stress. PCA with a higher stress tolerance can effectively adapt to anti-cancer treatment stress, leading to drug resistance and cellular protection. Enhancing the level of oxidative stress along with inhibition of corresponding cytoprotective stress response pathways is a feasible option to prevent PCA from getting adapted to treatment stress. WA-treatment induced oxidative stress, in combination with blocking SGs by G3BP1 targeting, offers a therapeutic strategy to reduce PCA cell survival.
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9
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Kumar S, Phaneuf D, Julien JP. Withaferin-A Treatment Alleviates TAR DNA-Binding Protein-43 Pathology and Improves Cognitive Function in a Mouse Model of FTLD. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:286-296. [PMID: 33078279 PMCID: PMC8116414 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Withaferin-A, an active withanolide derived from the medicinal herbal plant Withania somnifera induces autophagy, reduces TDP-43 proteinopathy, and improves cognitive function in transgenic mice expressing mutant TDP-43 modelling FTLD. TDP-43 is a nuclear DNA/RNA-binding protein with cellular functions in RNA transcription and splicing. Abnormal cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 occur in several neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). To date, no effective treatment is available for TDP-43 proteinopathies. Here, we tested the effects of withaferin-A (WFA), an active withanolide extracted from the medicinal herbal plant Withania somnifera, in a transgenic mouse model of FTLD expressing a genomic fragment encoding mutant TDP-43G348C. WFA treatment ameliorated the cognitive performance of the TDP-43G348C mice, and it reduced NF-κB activity and neuroinflammation in the brain. WFA alleviated TDP-43 pathology while it boosted the levels of the autophagic marker LC3BII in the brain. These data suggest that WFA and perhaps other autophagy inducers should be considered as potential therapy for neurodegenerative diseases with TDP-43 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Kumar
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Phaneuf
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Canada Research Chair in Neurodegeneration, Université Laval, 2601, Chemin de la Canardière, Québec City, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada.
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10
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Vilahur G, Ben-Aicha S, Diaz-Riera E, Badimon L, Padró T. Phytosterols and Inflammation. Curr Med Chem 2020; 26:6724-6734. [PMID: 29932029 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180622151438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Besides the well-characterized effect of foods and supplements enriched with plant sterols/stanols on serum LDL-C concentrations, evidence is now emerging that phytosterols exert beneficial effects on non-lipid variables such as inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, coagulation parameters and endothelial function. This makes sterols and stanols an attractive alternative for dietary interventions in cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in populations at low or medium risk. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge derived from experimental studies and human data on the anti-inflammatory effects of phytosterols/stanols and their relevance in promoting atheroprotection and preventing cardiovascular disease. The anti-inflammatory effects induced by plant sterols/stanols have been demonstrated in in vitro studies and in experimental animal models. However, not all the beneficial effects seen at an experimental level have translated into clinical benefit. Indeed, clinical studies that evaluate the association between phytosterols consumption and inflammatory variables (CRP and cytokines) are inconsistent and have not yet provided a solid answer. Plant sterols have been proposed as useful adjuncts to statin therapy to further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited available data and more research needs to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Vilahur
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute - Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERCV Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soumaya Ben-Aicha
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute - Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Diaz-Riera
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute - Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute - Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERCV Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Cardiovascular Research Chair, UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Padró
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute - Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERCV Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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Withaferin A alleviates traumatic brain injury induced secondary brain injury via suppressing apoptosis in endothelia cells and modulating activation in the microglia. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 874:172988. [PMID: 32032599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently used medications, though effective, are also associated with several adverse effects. Development of effective neuroprotective agents with fewer side-effects would be of clinical value. Previous studies have shown that withaferin compounds have a potential neuroprotective effect in nervous system disorders. However, the effect of withaferin compounds, especially withaferin A (WFA), on traumatic brain injury is unclear. In the present study, both in vivo and in vitro models were used to assess whether WFA could exert a neuroprotective effect after TBI and were used to explore the associated mechanisms. The results showed that WFA significantly improved neurobehavioral function in a dose-dependent fashion and alleviated histological alteration of injury to tissues in TBI mice. In vitro models of TBI revealed that dose-dependent WFA treatment increased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, WFA treatment could attenuate blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema via suppressing apoptosis in endothelial cells. Furthermore, both our in vivo and in vitro results reveal that WFA treatment could significantly reduce levels of several neuroinflammation cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), which correlate with an overall reduction in microglial activation. These data suggest that the neuroprotection by WFA is, at least in part, related to regulation of microglial activation and inhibition of vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. Taken together, these findings support further investigation of WFA as a promising therapeutic agent for promoting functional recovery after traumatic brain injury.
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12
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Costa TEMM, Raghavendra NM, Penido C. Natural heat shock protein 90 inhibitors in cancer and inflammation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112063. [PMID: 31972392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein (HSP)90 is the most abundant HSPs, which are chaperone molecules whose major roles are cell protection and maintenance by means of aiding the folding, the stabilization and the remodeling of a wide range of proteins. A few hundreds of proteins depend on HSP90 chaperone activity, including kinases and transcriptional factors that play essential roles in cancer and inflammation, so that HSP90-targeted therapies have been considered as a potential strategy for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory-associated diseases. HSP90 inhibition by natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds have yield promising results in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials for different types of cancers and inflammation. Natural products are a huge source of biologically active compounds widely used in drug development due to the great diversity of their metabolites which are capable to modulate several protein functions. HSP90 inhibitors have been isolated from bacteria, fungi and vegetal species. These natural compounds have a noteworthy ability to modulate HSP90 activity as well as serve as scaffolds for the development of novel synthetic or semi-synthetic inhibitors. Over a hundred clinical trials have evaluated the effect of HSP90 inhibitors as adjuvant treatment against different types of tumors and, currently, new studies are being developed to gain sight on novel promising and more effective approaches for cancer treatment. In this review, we present the naturally occurring HSP90 inhibitors and analogues, discussing their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thadeu E M M Costa
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil; Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Institute of Drug Technology, Farmanguinhos, 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Nulgumnalli Manjunathaiah Raghavendra
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya and BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, 560090, India.
| | - Carmen Penido
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil; Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Institute of Drug Technology, Farmanguinhos, 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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13
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Khan TI, Hemalatha S, Waseem M. Promising Role of Nano-Encapsulated Drugs for Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:1978-1985. [PMID: 31900861 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01862-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nanomaterials have been utilized for the drug delivery in the central nervous system (CNS), and many research investigators are currently focussing on this specified area. There has been a lot of advancement in the nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery to the brain. Neuronal injuries including spinal cord injury (SCI) and their targeted therapies are still in its infancy on this planet. SCI has been known to cause axonal damage followed by the loss of communication between CNS and other non-neuronal systems. SCI has been critically associated with prolonged inflammation, sensory dysfunction, and motor impairment in SCI patients. There has been a critical crosstalk in SCI and blood brain barriers (BBBs) for drug absorption and distribution in patients. There is a paucity of possible therapies for proper intervention of SCI due to selective permeability of the drugs across BBB. Nanomaterials are contemplated in the drug delivery system for SCI. In addition, self-assembled nanomicelles, lipid nanoparticles, and other co-polymers have now been explored for neuronal injuries. This review focuses on the promising approach and/or role of nanodrug delivery to target SCI in both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Ismail Khan
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600048, India
| | - S Hemalatha
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600048, India
| | - Mohammad Waseem
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600048, India.
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Gupta M, Kaur G. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ameliorates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with systemic inflammation. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:217. [PMID: 31416451 PMCID: PMC6694620 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic inflammation driven neuroinflammation is an event which correlates with pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, targeting peripheral and central inflammation simultaneously could be a promising approach for the management of these diseases. Nowadays, herbal medicines are emerging as potent therapeutics against various brain pathologies. Therefore, in this contemporary study, the neuroprotective activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) was elucidated against the inflammation associated neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments induced by systemic LPS administration using in vivo rat model system. METHODS To achieve this aim, young adult wistar strain male albino rats were randomized into four groups: (i) Control, (ii) LPS alone, (iii) LPS + ASH-WEX, (iv) ASH-WEX alone. Post regimen, the animals were subjected to Rotarod, Narrow Beam Walking and Novel Object Recognition test to analyze their neuromuscular coordination, working memory and learning functions. The rats were then sacrificed to isolate the brain regions and expression of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity and cell survival was studied using Western blotting and Quantitative real time PCR. Further, neuroprotective potential of ASH-WEX and its active fraction (FIV) against inflammatory neurodegeneration was studied and validated using in vitro model system of microglial conditioned medium-treated neuronal cultures and microglial-neuronal co-cultures. RESULTS Orally administered ASH-WEX significantly suppressed the cognitive and motor-coordination impairments in rats. On the molecular basis, ASH-WEX supplementation also regulated the expression of various proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell survival. Since microglial-neuronal crosstalk is crucial for maintaining CNS homeostasis, the current study was further extended to ascertain whether LPS-mediated microglial activation caused damage to neurons via direct cell to cell contact or through secretion of inflammatory mediators. ASH-WEX and FIV pretreatment was found to restore neurite outgrowth and protect neurons from apoptotic cell death caused by LPS-induced neuroinflammation in both activated microglial conditioned medium-treated neuronal cultures as well as microglial-neuronal co-cultures. CONCLUSION This extensive study using in vivo and in vitro model systems provides first ever pre-clinical evidence that ASH-WEX can be used as a promising natural therapeutic remedial for the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muskan Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
| | - Gurcharan Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
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Nguyen H, Zarriello S, Coats A, Nelson C, Kingsbury C, Gorsky A, Rajani M, Neal EG, Borlongan CV. Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders: A focus on aging. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 126:85-104. [PMID: 30219376 PMCID: PMC6650276 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related neurological disorders continue to pose a significant societal and economic burden. Aging is a complex phenomenon that affects many aspects of the human body. Specifically, aging can have detrimental effects on the progression of brain diseases and endogenous stem cells. Stem cell therapies possess promising potential to mitigate the neurological symptoms of such diseases. However, aging presents a major obstacle for maximum efficacy of these treatments. In this review, we discuss current preclinical and clinical literature to highlight the interactions between aging, stem cell therapy, and the progression of major neurological disease states such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and multiple system atrophy. We raise important questions to guide future research and advance novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sydney Zarriello
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alexandreya Coats
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Cannon Nelson
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Chase Kingsbury
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anna Gorsky
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Mira Rajani
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Elliot G Neal
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Narirutin produces antidepressant-like effects in a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model. Neuroreport 2019; 29:1264-1268. [PMID: 30028378 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a highly debilitating and life-threatening mental disorder, which is accompanied by dysregulation of the peripheral and central immune system. Narirutin (NR), which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, is one of the active constituents isolated from Citrus unshiu. However, its potential antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects are poorly understood. The present study was aimed to investigate whether NR confers an antidepressant-like effect in mice exposed to a chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression. The results showed that NR treatment for 1 week significantly alleviated the depressive-like behaviours of CMS-exposed mice, as indicated by restored decreased sucrose preference and shortened floating time in the forced swimming test. Moreover, NR treatment significantly blocked the CMS-induced anxiety-like behaviors, including increased time spent in the central zone in the open field test, and shortened the latency to feeding in the novelty suppressed feeding test. Taken together, our findings suggested that NR exerted potential antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects in CMS mice model of depression, which support further exploration into developing NR as a novel agent to treat depression and even other stress-related disorders.
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Hyperbaric oxygen improves functional recovery of rats after spinal cord injury via activating stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 axis and promoting brain-derived neurothrophic factor expression. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 132:699-706. [PMID: 30855350 PMCID: PMC6416102 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a worldwide medical concern. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) against SCI-induced neurologic defects in rats via exploring the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: An acute SCI rat model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using the Allen method. Sixty rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 in each group): sham-operated, SCI, SCI treated with HBO (SCI + HBO), and SCI treated with both HBO and AMD3100 (an antagonist of CXCR4; SCI + HBO + AMD) groups. The rats were treated with HBO twice a day for 3 days and thereafter once a day after the surgery for up to 28 days. Following the surgery, neurologic assessments were performed with the Basso-Bettie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system on postoperative day (POD) 7, 14, 21, and 28. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to assess the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and BDNF at mRNA and protein levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and histopathologic analysis. Results: HBO treatment recovered SCI-induced descent of BBB scores on POD 14, (1.25 ± 0.75 vs. 1.03 ± 0.66, P < 0.05), 21 (5.27 ± 0.89 vs. 2.56 ± 1.24, P < 0.05), and 28 (11.35 ± 0.56 vs. 4.23 ± 1.20, P < 0.05) compared with the SCI group. Significant differences were found in the mRNA levels of SDF-1 (mRNA: day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 2.89 ± 1.60 vs. 1.56 ± 0.98, P < 0.05), CXCR4 (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.99 ± 1.60 vs.1.31 ± 0.98, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 4.18 ± 1.60 vs. 0.80 ± 0.34, P < 0.05; day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.10 ± 1.01 vs.1.15 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), and BDNF (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.04 ± 0.41 vs. 2.75 ± 0.31, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.88 ± 1.59 vs. 1.11 ± 0.40, P < 0.05), indicating the involvement of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the protective effect of HBO. Conclusions: HBO might promote the recovery of neurologic function after SCI in rats via activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and promoting BDNF expression.
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Antidotal effects of thymoquinone against neurotoxic agents. Interdiscip Toxicol 2019; 11:122-128. [PMID: 31719783 PMCID: PMC6829686 DOI: 10.2478/intox-2018-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several plants which contain the active component thymoquinone (TQ) have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat various diseases. Several studies indicated the protective effects of TQ against neurotoxic agents. The present study was aimed to highlight the protective effects of TQ against neurotoxic agents. For this reason, the literature from 1998 to 2017 regarding the protective effects of TQ against neurotoxic agents and their involvement mechanisms has been studied. The present review suggests the protective effects of TQ against neurotoxic agents in experimental models. More clinical trial studies are however needed to confirm the antidotal effects of TQ in human intoxication.
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Sozbilen MC, Ozturk M, Kaftan G, Dagci T, Ozyalcin H, Armagan G. Neuroprotective Effects of C-terminal Domain of Tetanus Toxin on Rat Brain Against Motorneuron Damages After Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:E327-E333. [PMID: 28767631 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Experimental animal study investigating the efficacy of C-terminal domain of tetanus toxin application as neuroprotective effects on rat brain in a model of spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of C-terminal domain of tetanus toxin (Hc-TeTx) on cell death mechanisms including apoptosis and autophagy following SCI. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Traumatic SCI can lead to posttraumatic inflammation, oxidative stress, motor neuron apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy of tissue. To promote and enhance recovery after SCI, recent development of devices and therapeutic interventions are needed. METHODS Twenty-eight adult rats were divided into four groups (n = 7 each) as follows: sham, trauma (SCI), SCI + Hc-TeTx, and SCI + methylprednisolone groups. The functional neurological deficits due to the SCI were assessed by behavioral analysis using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) open-field locomotor test. The alterations in pro-/anti-apoptotic and autophagy related-protein levels were measured by Western blotting technique. RESULTS In this study, Hc-TeTx promotes locomotor recovery and motor neuron survival of SCI rats. Hc-TeTx also decreased expression of bax, bad, bak, cleaved caspase-3, Ask1, and autophagy-related proteins including Atg5 and LC3II in brain. Our study provides an evidence that cell death mechanisms play critical roles in SCI and that the nontoxic peptides including Hc-TeTx may exert protective effect and decrease cell death following SCI. CONCLUSION Our preliminary findings suggest a possible therapeutic agent to improve survival after spinal cord trauma, but further analysis are still needed to evaluate the difference between acute and chronic injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Celal Sozbilen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dr Behcet Uz Child Diseases and Surgery Research and Training Hospital, Konak Izmir, Turkey
| | - Murat Ozturk
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine Hospital, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gizem Kaftan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Taner Dagci
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Halit Ozyalcin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine Hospital, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Guliz Armagan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Choudhary D, Adhikary S, Ahmad N, Kothari P, Verma A, Trivedi PK, Mishra PR, Trivedi R. Prevention of articular cartilage degeneration in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis by oral treatment with Withaferin A. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:151-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Aliper A, Jellen L, Cortese F, Artemov A, Karpinsky-Semper D, Moskalev A, Swick AG, Zhavoronkov A. Towards natural mimetics of metformin and rapamycin. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:2245-2268. [PMID: 29165314 PMCID: PMC5723685 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aging is now at the forefront of major challenges faced globally, creating an immediate need for safe, widescale interventions to reduce the burden of chronic disease and extend human healthspan. Metformin and rapamycin are two FDA-approved mTOR inhibitors proposed for this purpose, exhibiting significant anti-cancer and anti-aging properties beyond their current clinical applications. However, each faces issues with approval for off-label, prophylactic use due to adverse effects. Here, we initiate an effort to identify nutraceuticals-safer, naturally-occurring compounds-that mimic the anti-aging effects of metformin and rapamycin without adverse effects. We applied several bioinformatic approaches and deep learning methods to the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) dataset to map the gene- and pathway-level signatures of metformin and rapamycin and screen for matches among over 800 natural compounds. We then predicted the safety of each compound with an ensemble of deep neural network classifiers. The analysis revealed many novel candidate metformin and rapamycin mimetics, including allantoin and ginsenoside (metformin), epigallocatechin gallate and isoliquiritigenin (rapamycin), and withaferin A (both). Four relatively unexplored compounds also scored well with rapamycin. This work revealed promising candidates for future experimental validation while demonstrating the applications of powerful screening methods for this and similar endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Aliper
- Insilico Medicine, Inc, Research Department, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Leslie Jellen
- Insilico Medicine, Inc, Research Department, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Franco Cortese
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, Research Department, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Artem Artemov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc, Research Department, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | | | - Alexey Moskalev
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiobiology and Gerontology, Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia
| | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc, Research Department, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, Research Department, Oxford, United Kingdom
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