Poria cocos polysaccharide attenuates damage of nervus in Alzheimer's disease rat model induced by D-galactose and aluminum trichloride

Exploring the anti-ferroptosis mechanism of Kai-Xin-San against Alzheimer's disease through integrating network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation strategy in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kai Xin San (KXS), first proposed by Sun Simiao during the Tang Dynasty, has been utilized to treat dementia by tonifying qi and dispersing phlegm.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which KXS exerts its therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD) by targeting ferroptosis, using a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active target sites and the further potential mechanisms of KXS in protecting against AD were investigated through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and network pharmacology, and combined with the validation of animal experiments.

RESULTS

Computational and experimental findings provide the first indication that KXS significantly improves learning and memory defects and inhibits neuronal ferroptosis by repairing mitochondria damage and upregulating the protein expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in vivo APP/PS1 mice AD model. According to bioinformatics analysis, the mechanism by which KXS inhibits ferroptosis may involve SIRT1. KXS notably upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 in both vivo APP/PS1 mice and in vitro APP-overexpressed HT22 cells. Additionally, KXS inhibited ferroptosis induced by APP-overexpression in HT22 cells through activating the SIRT1-FSP1 signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings suggest that KXS may inhibit neuronal ferroptosis through activating the SIRT1/FSP1 signaling pathway. This study reveals the scientific basis and underlying modern theory of replenishing qi and eliminating phlegm, which involves the inhibition of ferroptosis. Moreover, it highlights the potential application of SIRT1 or FSP1 activators in the treatment of AD and other ferroptosis-related diseases.

Chemical structures, extraction and analysis technologies, and bioactivities of edible fungal polysaccharides from Poria cocos: An updated review

Poria cocos is a popular medicinal food. Polysaccharides are the key component of Poria cocos, forming 70-90 % of the dry sclerotia mass. Recent studies indicate that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-Cs) have multiple beneficial functions and applications. A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases. For this review, we provided an updated research progress in chemical structures, various extraction and analysis technologies, bioactivities of PCP-Cs, and insights into the directions for future research. The main polysaccharides identified in Poria cocos are water-soluble polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides. Hot water, alkali, supercritical fluid, ultrasonic, enzyme, and deep eutectic solvent-based methods are the most common methods for PCP-Cs extraction. Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, are commonly used to evaluate the qualities of PCP-Cs. In addition, PCP-Cs have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroregulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and gut microbiota regulatory properties. Future research is needed to focus on scaling up extraction, enhancing quality control, elucidating mechanisms of bioactivities, and the utilisation of PCP-Cs in food industries. Overall, Poria cocos is a good source of edible fungi polysaccharides, which can be developed into functional foods with potential health benefits.

Neuroprotective Effects of Polysaccharides and Gallic Acid from Amauroderma rugosum against 6-OHDA-Induced Toxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells

The pharmacological activity and medicinal significance of Amauroderma rugosum (AR) have rarely been documented. We examined the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of AR on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in an SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and explored the active ingredients responsible for these effects. The results showed that the AR aqueous extract could scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce SH-SY5Y cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, the AR aqueous extract increased the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans upon juglone-induced toxicity. Among the constituents of AR, only polysaccharides and gallic acid exhibited antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The AR aqueous extract reduced apoptosis and increased the expression of phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, phospho-MEK, phospho-ERK, and superoxide dismutase-1 in 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The polysaccharide-rich AR extract was slightly more potent than the aqueous AR extract; however, it did not affect the expression of phospho-Akt or phospho-mTOR. In conclusion, the AR aqueous extract possessed antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The mechanism of action involves the upregulation of the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK-dependent pathways. These findings indicate the potential utility of AR and its active ingredients in preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders associated with oxidative stress such as PD.

Coconut oil ameliorates behavioral and biochemical alterations induced by D-GAL/AlCl3 in rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by cognitive impairment. Although coconut oil has been shown to be potentially beneficial in reducing AD-related cognitive deficits, information on its mechanism of action is limited. Thus, we investigated the effects of coconut oil on spatial cognitive ability and non-cognitive functions in a rat model of AD induced by G-galactose (D-GAL) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and examined the changes in synaptic transmission, cholinergic activity, neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress in this process. The AD model was established by administering D-GAL and AlCl3 for 90 days, while also supplementing with coconut oil during this time. Cognitive and non-cognitive abilities of the rats were evaluated at the end of the 90-day supplementation period. In addition, biochemical markers related to the pathogenesis of the AD were measures in the hippocampus tissue. Exposure to D-GAL/AlCl3 resulted in a reduction in locomotor activity, an elevation in anxiety-like behavior, and an impairment of spatial learning and memory (P < 0.05). The aforementioned behavioral disturbances were observed to coincide with increased oxidative stress and cholinergic impairment, as well as reduced synaptic transmission and levels of neurotrophins in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). Interestingly, treatment with coconut oil attenuated all the neuropathological changes mentioned above (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that coconut oil shows protective effects against cognitive and non-cognitive impairment, AD pathology markers, oxidative stress, synaptic transmission, and cholinergic function in a D-GAL/AlCl3-induced AD rat model.

Unveiling the neuroprotective potential of dietary polysaccharides: a systematic review

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders present a growing and costly global health challenge, accounting for over 11% of the diseases burden in high-income countries. Despite current treatments, patients often experience persistent symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life. Dietary polysaccharides have garnered attention for their potential as interventions for CNS disorders due to their diverse mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Through an analysis of research articles published between January 5, 2013 and August 30, 2023, encompassing the intervention effects of dietary polysaccharides on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and stroke, we have conducted a comprehensive review with the aim of elucidating the role and mechanisms of dietary polysaccharides in various CNS diseases, spanning neurodegenerative, psychiatric, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurological dysfunctions. At least four categories of mechanistic bases are included in the dietary polysaccharides' intervention against CNS disease, which involves oxidative stress reduction, neuronal production, metabolic regulation, and gut barrier integrity. Notably, the ability of dietary polysaccharides to resist oxidation and modulate gut microbiota not only helps to curb the development of these diseases at an early stage, but also holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic agents for CNS diseases. In conclusion, this comprehensive review strives to advance therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders by elucidating the potential of dietary polysaccharides and advocating interdisciplinary collaboration to propel further research in this realm.

The differences between the water- and alkaline-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide: A review

Poria cocos (PC) refers to a fungal species which is also known as "Fuling" in China. For >2000 years, PC has demonstrated its therapeutic values as a kind of traditional medicine. It is believed that the various biological benefits created by PCs highly rely on the Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP). This review recapitulates the recent progress made in PCP in four aspects: i) the methods of extraction, separation, and purification, ii) structural characterization and identification, iii) the related bioactivities and mechanism of action, and iv) structure-activity relationships. Through discussion about the objective as mentioned above, it can be found out that PCP is categorized into water-soluble polysaccharide (WPCP) and alkaline-soluble polysaccharide (APCP), which are totally different in structure and bioactivity. The structures of WPCP are multiplicity whose backbone can be (1,6)-α-galactan and (1,3)-β-mannoglucan etc. to perform various bioactivities including anti-tumor effect, anti-depressant effect, anti-Alzheimer effect, anti-atherosclerosis effect, hepatoprotection etc. The structures of APCP are much more single with backbone of (1,3)-β-D-glucan and the studies of activity concentrate on anti-tumor effect, anti-inflammatory effect and immunomodulation. Besides, the future opportunities of WPCP are primary structure identification. For APCP, scholars can focus on the conformation of polysaccharide and its relationship with activity.

Neuroprotection of Food Bioactives in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of the Gut Microbiota and Innate Immune Receptors

Gut-brain connections may be mediated by an assortment of microbial molecules, which can subsequently traverse intestinal and blood-brain barriers and impact neurological function. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are important innate immune proteins in the gut. Gut microbiota act in concert with the PRRs is a novel target for regulating host-microbe signaling and immune homeostasis, which may involve the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Natural food bioactives bestow a protective advantage on neurodegenerative diseases through immunomodulatory effects of the modified gut microbiota or alterations in the landscape of microbiota-produced metabolites via PRRs modulation. In this review, we discuss the effect of natural food bioactives on the gut microbiota and the role of PRRs in the gut-brain crosstalk. We focused on the neuroprotective mechanisms of natural bioactive compounds behind the action of the gut microbiota and PRRs. Research advances in natural food bioactives as antineurodegeneration agents were also presented.

Chinese herbal medicine for migraine management: A hospital-based retrospective analysis of electronic medical records

Background

Migraine is a chronic neurological disease causing significant socioeconomic burden and impaired quality of life. Chinese medicine is commonly used for migraine in China. Clinical trials have generated evidence of the effectiveness of Chinese medicine therapies for migraine. However, little is known about how to use these therapies to treat migraine in real-world clinical settings.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of 2,023 migraine patients who attended the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM) between July 2018 and July 2020.

Results

More than three-quarters (77.21%) of the patients were female. Most (78.20%) of the patients were aged between 18 and 50 years, 18.49% were aged above 50 years, and the remaining 3.31% were under 18 years. Sleep disorders were the most documented comorbidity occurring in 27.29% of patients, and more common in females (29.77%) than male (18.87%). Fatigue was the most frequently reported trigger of migraine attacks among all patients (9.39%), while menstruation was the most common trigger for female patients (10.24%). Less than a quarter of patients (21.01%) reported a history of taking analgesic medication for their migraine. The median treatment duration reported by the patients was 10 days. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was the predominant treatment for migraine at the hospital (88.48%), while pharmacotherapies were prescribed to 28.97% of the patients. CHM was prescribed more often as a sole treatment (53.58% of patients) than combined with pharmacotherapies (27.39% of patients). Among patients who reported improvements after taking CHM, the most frequently used herbs were fu ling and chuan xiong, the most frequent patented CHM product was tong tian oral solution, and the main herbal formulae were chuan xiong cha tiao san and yi qi cong ming tang.

Conclusion

CHM formulae, such as chuan xiong cha tiao san and yi qi cong ming tang, patented CHM product tong tian oral solution, and some herbs are potentially effective treatments for migraine. As such, CHM can be used as an alternative to conventional pharmacotherapies for migraine and is worth further evaluation in randomized controlled trials.

Effect of Yisui Multipurpose Soup's Amelioration on D-Galactose-Induced Neuronal Cells

This study clarified the regulatory effect of Yisui multipurpose Soup towards D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment cell model on the molecular level. We first constructed and cultured the cell model of cognitive impairment induced by D-galactose in neurons in vitro and then cultured the cells in the medium supplemented with different doses of drug-containing serum of Yisui multipurpose soup. Expressions of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed by the ELISA and western blot, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL. The expression changes of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were estimated by immunofluorescence, qPCR, and western blot. Finally, we analyzed and made the network interaction diagram of Yisui multipurpose soup-components-targets through the network pharmacology method, from which we could learn that there were 1104 gene targets related to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and 1071 component targets of Yisui multipurpose soup. And there were 251 overlapping genes, mainly gathering in protein binding, protein modification, MAPK signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway. The expressions of TNF-α, iNOS, NO, and IL-1β were significantly decreased after the culture medium was replaced by medium containing drug serum. We also found that the effect of high-dose drug-containing serum on the expression of inflammatory factors was better than that of low dose. The Yisui multipurpose soup drug serum in the medium not only significantly increased Bcl-2 expression and effectively reduced Bax expression, but also inhibited the apoptosis of neurons induced by D-galactose. In conclusion, Yisui multipurpose soup could effectively protect D-galactose-induced neuronal cell cognitive impairment by orchestrating expressions of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, iNOS, NO, and IL-1β and the apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax.

Potential for non-starch polysaccharides in the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment: A comprehensive review

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are food ingredients proven to be beneficial in a large number of health issues. However, there is no literature systematic review about the effects and corresponding mechanisms of NSPs on the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment. In this review, studies on prevention and remediation of NSPs for cognitive deficit caused by diseases, menopause, ageing, chronic stress and environmental pollutants were summarized and the corresponding mechanisms were established. The anti-cognitive deficit effects of NSPs were associated with the modulation of amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, p-Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, neuron apoptosis, neurogenesis, neurotransmitters, synaptic plasticity, autophagy and gut microbiota. Although the structure-function relationship has not been elucidated, several structural properties of NSPs such as molecular weight, sulfate content, hydroxyl group content, monosaccharide composition and molecular chain linkage might be crucial for the anti-cognitive deficit property. Notably, this review revealed that NSPs had a positive effect on cognitive impairment and proposed the future perspectives for further research on the anti-cognitive dysfunction effects of NSPs.

Poria cocos Regulates Cell Migration and Actin Filament Aggregation in B35 and C6 Cells by Modulating the RhoA, CDC42, and Rho Signaling Pathways

Poria is used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and mood-stabilizing properties. Poria contains triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which are reported to regulate the cytoplasmic free calcium associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and affect the cell function of neonatal rat nerve cells and hippocampal neurons. Although the modulatory effects of Poria on neuronal function have been widely reported, the molecular mechanism of these effects is unclear. Cell migration ability and the reorganization of actin filaments are important biological functions during neuronal development, and they can be regulated mainly by the Rho signaling pathway. We found that the cell migration ability and actin condensation in B35 cells enhanced by P. cocos (a water solution of P. cocos cum Radix Pini (PRP) or White Poria (WP)) might be caused by increased RhoA and CDC42 activity and increased expression of downstream ROCK1, p-MLC2, N-WASP, and ARP2/3 in B35 cells. Similar modulations of cell migration ability, actin condensation, and Rho signaling pathway were also observed in the C6 glial cell line, except for the PRP-induced regulation of RhoA and CDC42 activities. Ketamine-induced inhibition of cell migration and actin condensation can be restored by P. cocos. In addition, we observed that the increased expression of RhoA and ROCK1 or the decreased expression of CDC42 and N-WASP caused by ketamine in B35 cells could also be restored by P. cocos. The results of this study suggest that the regulatory effects of P. cocos on cell migration and actin filament aggregation are closely related to the regulation of RhoA, CDC42, and Rho signaling pathways in both B35 and C6 cells. PRP and WP have the potential to restore neuronal cell Rho signaling abnormalities involved in some mental diseases.