Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Diosgenin in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Brain

Plant based steroidal and triterpenoid sapogenins: Chemistry on diosgenin and biological aspects

Plants are rich in steroidal and triterpenoid saponins. Diosgenin is an important sapogenin obtained from various steroidal saponins and specially from dioscin. It possesses diverse pharmacological activities as it is capable of modulating various endogenous pathways. Diosgenin is the molecule of choice for the industrial synthesis of the steroid based clinical drugs namely progesterone, testosterone, dexamethasone, dehydroepiandrosterone, vitamin D3, steroidal contraceptive pills, norethindrone, norgestrel etc. Diosgenin has been a molecule of discussion due to its high demand in industry as well as for future research applications. Present review describes its chemistry and detailed pharmacological profile.

Ferulic Acid-Loaded Nanostructure Maintains Brain Levels of ACh, Glutamate, and GABA and Ameliorates Anxiety and Memory Impairments Induced by the D-Galactose Aging Process in Rats

Population aging is a global reality driven by increased life expectancy. This demographic phenomenon is intrinsically linked to the epidemic of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, posing challenges for elderly and their families. In this context, the search for new therapeutic strategies to prevent or minimize cognitive impairments becomes urgent, as these deficits are primarily associated with oxidative damage and increased neuroinflammation. Ferulic acid (FA), a natural and potent antioxidant compound, is proposed to be nanoencapsulated to target the central nervous system effectively with lower doses and an extended duration of action. Here, we evaluated the effects of the nanoencapsulated FA on d-galactose (d-Gal)- induced memory impairments. Male Wistar adult rats were treated with ferulic acid-loaded nanocapsules (FA-Nc) or non-encapsulated ferulic acid (D-FA) for 8 weeks concurrently with d-Gal (150 mg/kg s.c.) injection. As expected, our findings showed that d-Gal injection impaired memory processes and increased anxiety behavior, whereas FA-Nc treatment ameliorated these behavioral impairments associated with the aging process induced by d-Gal. At the molecular level, nanoencapsulated ferulic acid (FA-Nc) ameliorated the decrease in ACh and glutamate induced by d-galactose (d-Gal), and also increased GABA levels in the dorsal hippocampus, indicating its therapeutic superiority. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying our current promising outcomes. Nanoscience applied to pharmacology can reduce drug dosage, thereby minimizing adverse effects while enhancing therapeutic response, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. Therefore, the strategy of brain-targeted drug delivery through nanoencapsulation can be effective in mitigating aging-related factors that may lead to cognitive deficits.

Caffeic Acid Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Memory Deficits via Antioxidant Properties in Aging Rats Induced by D-Galactose

Aging is a main factor related to cognitive deficits. D-Galactose (D-gal), a monosaccharide, increases oxidative stress leading to cellular senescence, memory deficits, and neuronal apoptosis. Caffeic acid (CA) is an antioxidant that can interrupt free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The present study purposely evaluated the benefits of CA in attenuating loss of neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, and memory in D-gal-activated rat brain aging. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were arbitrarily allocated into 6 groups (9 rats per group). The D-gal group was intraperitoneal (i.p.) injected with D-gal (50 mg/kg). The CA groups were orally given 20 or 40 mg/kg CA for 8 weeks. During that time, the co-treatment groups were given 50 mg/kg of D-gal and 20 or 40 mg/kg of CA. The results reveal that animals receiving only D-gal showed memory deficit in both the novel object location (NOL) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Reduction in scavenging enzyme activities and levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression were detected in the D-gal group. Furthermore, D-gal treatment significantly enhanced in the number of p21 positive cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and caspase3 protein expression, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. By contrast, both 20 and 40 mg/kg CA treatment alleviated these effects. These consequences confirmed that D-gal-activated brain aging led to enhancing apoptotic protein expression including Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase3 and memory impairments. Nevertheless, CA attenuated these effects in brain aging induced by D-gal via antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant and Anti-Apoptotic Neuroprotective Effects of Cinnamon in Imiquimod-Induced Lupus

BACKGROUND

Despite accumulating evidence correlating oxidative stress with lupus disease activity, the brain redox pathways are still poorly investigated. Cinnamomum cassia, a widely used spice with powerful antioxidant properties, could be a novel therapeutic candidate in lupus.

METHODS

C57BL/6J female mice were divided into five groups: sham, sham-cinnamon, lupus, lupus-cinnamon starting from induction, and lupus-cinnamon starting two weeks before induction. Lupus was induced by skin application on the right ear with 1.25 mg of 5% imiquimod cream three times per week for six weeks. Cinnamomum cassia was given orally, five days per week, at 200 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Concomitant to TLR7-MYD88 pathway activation, the p-NRF2/NRF2 and p-FOXO3/FOXO3 ratios were increased in the hippocampus and alleviated by cinnamon treatment. BCL-2 positivity was enhanced in hippocampal neurons and reversed only by preventive cinnamon administration. In vitro, exposure of hippocampal cells to the plasma of different groups induced a surge in oxidative stress. This was associated with an increased t-BID/BID ratio. Cinnamon treatment, particularly in the preventive arm, normalized these modifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a neuroprotective effect of cinnamon by rescuing brain redox and apoptosis homeostasis in lupus, paving the way for its use as a natural therapeutic compound in the clinical management of lupus.

Diosgenin alleviates D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in rats' brain and liver targeting aging and apoptotic marker genes

The theory of aging is primarily concerned with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in reactive oxygen species generation and cellular antioxidants. To alleviate the oxidative stress, we investigated the protective effect of diosgenin (DSG) for D-galactose (D-gal) using 20 and 40 mg of DSG/kg/day/orally for 42 days. The findings showed that D-gal caused brain and liver oxidative injuries by upregulating aging and oxidative markers. To counteract the oxidative stress caused by D-gal, DSG upregulated glutathione peroxidase-1, superoxide dismutase-1, and glutathione S-transferase-α. DSG also diminished the expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and mammalian target of rapamycin in brain and liver, as well as the build-up of β-galactosidase. DSG, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the oxidative aging effects of D-gal in brain and liver tissues through targeting of aging and apoptotic marker genes. Finally, it should be noted that consuming DSG supplements is a suggesting natural preventative agent that may counteract aging and preserve health through improvement of body antioxidant status and control aging associated inflammation and cellular apoptosis.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the automobile manufacturing industry in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become one of the major occupational health problems. Lots of auto workers in China are exposed to WMSDs. However, there are few systematic review and meta-analysis about WMSDs in this field. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of WMSDs among these workers.

METHODS

This study was carried out using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses method under the most up to date PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted for studies on the epidemiology of WMSDs among auto workers in China from inception to August 2022, using English and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine Disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science). All statistical analyses were performed using STATA V.16.0.

RESULTS

Out of the 849 references identified, 26 articles were were eligible for inclusion, of which 12 reported the overall 12-month prevalence of WMSDs, while 14 stated the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs on body regions. The overall 12-month prevalence rate of WMSDs among workers was 53.1% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 46.3% to 59.9%]. The lower back/waist was the body region affected most (36.5%, 95%CI = 28.5% to 44.5%). The definition on WMSDs of "Chinese version" resulted in a high prevalence of WMSDs. Obesity, high educational level, long job tenure, female, logistic workers, and foundry workers are factors that led to a high prevalence rate of WMSDs in the lower back/waist.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a high prevalence rate of WMSDs among auto workers in China. Thus, it is necessary to pay particular stress to them. Several effective measures should be taken to prevent these workers from WMSDs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023467152).

Aerobic exercise mitigates hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by regulating DAPK1/CDKN2A/REDD1/FoXO1/FasL signaling pathway in D-galactose-induced aging mice

Brain aging is the most important risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, and abnormal apoptosis is linked to neuronal dysfunction. Specifically, studies have found that exercise effectively inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, while the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the impact of aerobic exercise on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in aging mice and the potential involvement of DAPK1 and its downstream pathways based on recent data that DAPK1 may be associated with neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. Senescent mice were subjected to 8 weeks of Aerobic training. Following behavioral testing, hippocampal samples were examined histologically and biochemically to detect pathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, and mRNA and protein levels. We found that the exercise intervention improved spatial memory and alleviated neuronal apoptosis in the brain. Notably, exercise down-regulated DAPK1 expression and inhibited Fas death receptor transactivation and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the hippocampus. These results shed new light on the protective effect of regular exercise against brain aging though modulating the DAPK1 pathway.

Herbal/Natural Compounds Resist Hallmarks of Brain Aging: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Aging is a complex process of impaired physiological integrity and function, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The cellular environment of the aging brain exhibits perturbed bioenergetics, impaired adaptive neuroplasticity and flexibility, abnormal neuronal network activity, dysregulated neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis, accumulation of oxidatively modified molecules and organelles, and clear signs of inflammation. These changes make the aging brain susceptible to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In recent years, unprecedented advances have been made in the study of aging, especially the effects of herbal/natural compounds on evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways and biological processes. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the aging process and age-related diseases, and we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic properties of herbal/natural compounds against the hallmarks of brain aging.

Gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering drug, improves hepatorenal damages in a mouse model of aging

Gemfibrozil (GFZ) is a medication of the fibrate category with agonistic effects on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and is effective for hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia. This agent also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The current study investigated the effects of GFZ on hepatorenal damages in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model. We used 28 male mice, which were equally and randomly divided into four groups as follows: normal, D-gal (150 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneal [i.p.], for 6 weeks), GFZ (100 mg/kg/day GFZ, orally [p.o.] for 6 weeks), and the combined D-gal + GFZ. Liver and kidney function indices were measured as serum creatinine, blood urine nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissue was evaluated through malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. Finally, the liver and kidney tissues were assessed for histopathological lesions. The results showed that D-gal-induced aging leads to abnormalities in liver and kidney function indices. D-gal also induced significant oxidative stress and histopathological lesions in these organs. GFZ improved function indices and oxidative stress compared to the D-gal-treated animals. Histological evaluations of the liver and kidney also confirmed these results. These data provide evidence for the potential therapeutic of GFZ in clinical practice for mitigating the hepatorenal damages of aging.

Metformin alleviates neurocognitive impairment in aging via activation of AMPK/BDNF/PI3K pathway

Slowing down age-related neurocognitive impairment has been a challenge. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of metformin in D-galactose-induced aging. Additionally, we studied the potential molecular mechanisms that could be responsible for metformin's anti-aging effects. Thirty male rats were equally divided into: 1-control group, which received saline solution, 2-D-galactose (D-gal) group, which received D-galactose (100 mg/kg/day) by gastric lavage for eight weeks, and 3-D-galactose + Metformin (D-gal + Met) treated group, which received D-galactose + metformin (200 mg/kg/day) by gastric lavage for eight weeks. Neurocognitive assessment was done. Measurement of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and BDNF biomarkers was performed. AMPK and PI3K genes expression were assessed. Hippocampal tissues were dissected for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. D-gal resulted in neurocognitive impairments, elevation of inflammatory biomarkers, altered oxidative stress markers, decreased BDNF, decreased expression of synaptophysin and Bcl2 with increased expression of Caspase-3, and down-regulation of AMPK and PI3K genes. Neurodegenerative changes were present in the hippocampus. Metformin restored significantly D-gal induced neurodegenerative changes. We concluded that metformin could alleviate age-induced neurocognitive deficit via amelioration of neuroinflammation, attenuation of oxidative stress, reduction of apoptosis, as well as promotion of synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms could be mediated via the activation of the AMPK/BDNF/PI3K pathway.

Zuogui Wan slowed senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Zuogui Wan (ZGW) is a classical prescription for senile disorders and delay aging. Modern studies show that ZGW promotes central nerve cell regeneration, prevents and cures osteoporosis, enhances the body's antioxidant capacity, regulates the body's immune function, and promotes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

It has been shown that MSCs aging is closely associated with organism's aging and age-related disorders. The study aimed to define the effects of ZGW on the aging bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to identify the mechanisms of ZGW delaying BMSCs senescence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology analysis combined with GEO data mining, molecular docking and experimental validation were used to evaluate the mechanisms by which ZGW delays MSCs senescence (MSCS). LC-MS was used for quality control analysis of ZGW.

RESULTS

PPI network analysis revealed that EGF, TNF, JUN, MMPs, IL-6, MAPK8, and MYC are components of the core PPI network. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that oxidative stress, regulation of response to DNA damage stimuli, and Wnt signaling were significantly enriched. GEO database validation also indicated that Wnt signaling closely correlated with MSCs aging. Molecular docking analysis of the top-13 active components in the "ZGW-Targets-MSCS" network indicated that most components have strong affinity for key proteins in Wnt signaling, suggesting that modulation of Wnt signaling is an important mechanism of ZGW activity against MSCS. Further experimental validation found that ZGW indeed regulates Wnt signaling and suppresses the expression of age-related factors to enhance cell proliferation, ameliorate DNA damage, and reduce senescence-related secretory phenotype (SASP) secretion, thereby maintaining multidirectional differentiation of rat BMSCs. Similar results were obtained using the Wnt inhibitor, XAV-939.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data show that ZGW slows BMSCs aging by suppressing Wnt signaling.

Exercise Training Enhances BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway and Inhibits Apoptosis in Diabetic Cerebral Cortex

This study aimed to clarify the therapeutic effects of exercise training on neural BDNF/TrkB signaling and apoptotic pathways in diabetic cerebral cortex. Thirty-six male C57BL/6JNarl mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON-G), diabetic group (DM-G, 100 mg/kg streptozotocin, i.p.), and diabetic with exercise training group (DMEX-G, Swim training for 30 min/day, 5 days/week). After 12 weeks, H&E staining, TUNEL staining, and Western blotting were performed to detect the morphological changes, neural apoptosis, and protein levels in the cerebral cortex. The Bcl2, BclxL, and pBad were significant decreased in DM-G compared with CON-G, whereas they (excluded the Ras and pRaf1) were increased in DMEX-G. In addition, interstitial space and TUNEL(+) apoptotic cells found increased in DM-G with increases in Fas/FasL-mediated (FasL, Fas, FADD, cleaved-caspase-8, and cleaved-caspase-3) and mitochondria-initiated (tBid, Bax/Bcl2, Bak/BclxL, Bad, Apaf1, cytochrome c, and cleaved-caspase-9) apoptotic pathways. However, diabetes-induced neural apoptosis was less in DMEX-G than DM-G with observed raises in the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway as well as decreases in Fas/FasL-mediated and mitochondria-initiated pathways. In conclusion, exercise training provided neuroprotective effects via enhanced neural BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and prevent Fas/FasL-mediated and mitochondria-initiated apoptotic pathways in diabetic cerebral cortex.

Recombinant human erythropoietin upregulates PPARγ through the PI3K/Akt pathway to protect neurons in rats subjected to oxidative stress

In vitro cell experiments have suggested that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation exert protective effects on neurons. This study observed the learning and memory ability, antioxidant capacity and the ratio of apoptotic cells after rhEPO intervention and investigated the relationship among rhEPO, PI3K/Akt and PPARγ in the anti-neural oxidative stress injury process in vivo. The results showed that rhEPO significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats subjected to oxidative stress, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of cells, and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Then, the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways were inhibited, and TUNEL staining were used to observe the changes in the effect of rhEPO. After the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways were inhibited, the effect of rhEPO on rats subjected to oxidative stress was significantly weakened, suggesting that both the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways are involved in the process by which rhEPO protects neurons. Finally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the changes in PI3K/Akt and PPARγ signalling proteins in the neurons after the rhEPO intervention and to explore the relationship among the three. The results showed that rhEPO significantly increased the levels of the p-Akt and PPARγ proteins and the level of the PPARγ protein in the nucleus, indicating that the PI3K/Akt pathway was located upstream of and regulates PPARγ. In conclusion, this study suggested that rhEPO activates the PI3K/Akt to upregulate PPARγ, enhance the cellular antioxidant capacity, and protect neurons in rats subjected to oxidative stress.

Gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering drug, reduces anxiety, enhances memory, and improves brain oxidative stress in d-galactose-induced aging mice

Gemfibrozil (GFZ) is a lipid-lowering drug with several other effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, chronic d-galactose treatment (d-gal, 150 mg/kg/day; i.p., 6 weeks) induced a model of accelerated aging in male mice and was used to study the behavioral, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects of GFZ (100 mg/kg/day; p.o.). Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze while working memory was measured by spontaneous alternation in a Y-maze. Brain oxidative stress was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Neuropathological evaluation of the brain with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining was also performed. The results demonstrated that the anxious-like phenotype and the cognitive impairments observed in d-gal-treated mice could be prevented in those animals coadministered with GFZ. Besides, the decrease in SOD and GPx antioxidant enzymatic activities and increase of MDA levels were also prevented in the brains of d-gal plus GFZ treated mice. Preliminary hematoxylin-eosin staining also suggested neuroprotective effects of GFZ. The results of Masson's trichrome staining showed no evidence of fibrosis in brain sections of different experimental groups. The current data provide novel insights into GFZ in the d-galactose-induced aging mouse model that open promising future research lines to determine inflammatory mediators and cell signaling underlying these effects.

Targeting transforming growth factor-β signalling for cancer prevention and intervention: Recent advances in developing small molecules of natural origin

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the world's second leading cause of death, but a significant advancement in cancer treatment has been achieved within the last few decades. However, major adverse effects and drug resistance associated with standard chemotherapy have led towards targeted treatment options.

OBJECTIVES

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis, regeneration, and tissue homeostasis. The prime objective of this review is to decipher the role of TGF-β in oncogenesis and to evaluate the potential of various natural and synthetic agents to target this dysregulated pathway to confer cancer preventive and anticancer therapeutic effects.

METHODS

Various authentic and scholarly databases were explored to search and obtain primary literature for this study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria was followed for the review.

RESULTS

Here we provide a comprehensive and critical review of recent advances on our understanding of the effect of various bioactive natural molecules on the TGF-β signaling pathway to evaluate their full potential for cancer prevention and therapy.

CONCLUSION

Based on emerging evidence as presented in this work, TGF-β-targeting bioactive compounds from natural sources can serve as potential therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of various human malignancies.

Anti-apoptotic effects of diosgenin on ovariectomized hearts

BACKGROUND

The anti-apoptotic effects of diosgenin, a steroid saponin, on hearts in female with estrogen deficiency have been less studied. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-apoptotic effects of diosgenin on cardiac widely dispersed apoptosis in a bilateral ovariectomized animal model.

METHODS

A total of 60 female Wistar rats, aged 6-7 months, were divided into the sham-operated group (Sham), bilateral ovariectomized rats for 2 months, and ovariectomized rats administered with 0, 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg diosgenin daily (OVX, OVX 10, OVX 50, and OVX 100, respectively) in the second month. The excised hearts were analyzed by H&E staining, TUNEL(+) assays and Western Blot.

RESULT

Cardiac TUNEL(+) apoptotic cells, the levels of Fas ligand, Fas death receptors, Fas-associated death domain, active caspase-8, and active caspase-3 (FasL/Fas-mediated pathways) as well as the levels of Bax, Bad, Bax/Bcl2, Bad/p-Bad, cytosolic Cytochrome c, active caspase-9, and active caspase-3 (mitochondria-initiated pathway) were increased in OVX compared with Sham group but those were decreased in OVX 50 compared with OVX.

CONCLUSION

Diosgenin appeared to prevent or suppress ovariectomy-induced cardiac FasL/Fas-mediated and mitochondria-initiated apoptosis. These findings might provide one of the possible therapeutic approaches of diosgenin for potentially preventing cardiac apoptosis in women after bilateral ovariectomy or women with estrogen deficiency.

Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic Perspectives

Plants including Rhizoma polgonati, Smilax china, and Trigonella foenum-graecum contain a lot of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin. This bioactive phytochemical has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various disorders such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to being an important starting material for the preparation of several steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's pharmacological effects and to discuss the safety issues. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects on cancer, neuroprotection, atherosclerosis, asthma, bone health, and other pathologies. Clinical investigations have demonstrated diosgenin's nontoxic nature and promising benefits on cognitive function and menopause. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to address the other effects seen in preclinical studies, as well as a better knowledge of the diosgenin's safety profile.

NMDA receptor-dependent and -independent effects of natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states as revealed by drebrin imaging analysis

Effective drugs that can cure cognitive impairments remain elusive. Because synaptic dysfunction has been correlated with cognitive impairments, drug development to target synaptic dysfunction is important. Recently, natural compounds and crude drugs have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for cognitive disorders. However, their effects on synaptic function remain unclear, because of lack of evaluation system with high reproducibility. We have recently developed highly reproducible in vitro high-content imaging analysis system for evaluation of synaptic function using drebrin as a marker for synaptic states. Therefore, we aimed to examine the direct effects of well-known natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states using this system. Rat hippocampal neurons were treated using natural compounds (nobiletin, diosgenin and tenuifolin) and crude drugs (Uncaria Hook [UH], Bezoar Bovis [BB], Coptis Rhizome [CR], Phellodendron Bark [PB] and Polygala Root [PR]). Immunocytochemical analysis was performed, and dendrite lengths and drebrin cluster densities were automatically quantified. We found that diosgenin, tenuifolin, CR, PB and PR decreased drebrin cluster densities, and the effects of PB and PR were partially dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Nobiletin and UH did not show any effects, whereas low-dose BB treatment increased drebrin cluster densities. Our results showed that diosgenin, tenuifolin, BB, CR, PB and PR appeared to directly change synaptic states. Particularly, the NMDAR dependency of PB and PR appears to affect synaptic plasticity.

Effect of Fluorofenidone Against Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is an anti-fibrotic small-molecule compound. Its mechanism of action on paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis is still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-eight SD rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, PQ group, PQ+AKF-PD group, and AKF-PD group. The pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by Masson and HE staining. The UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis was performed to detect the differences in metabolites among groups, then the possible mechanisms of the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of fluorofenidone were further revealed by network pharmacology analysis. Biological methods were used to verify the results of the network pharmacology analysis. RESULTS The results showed that fluorofenidone treatment significantly alleviated paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Metabolomics analysis showed that 18 metabolites were disordered in the serum of paraquat-poisoned rats, of which 13 were restored following fluorofenidone treatment. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the drug screened a total of 12 targets and mainly involved multiple signaling pathways and metabolic pathways to jointly exert anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects. Autophagy is the main pathway of fluorofenidone in treatment pulmonary fibrosis. The western blot results showed that fluorofenidone upregulated the expression of LC3-II/I and E-cadherin, and downregulated the expression of p62, alpha-SMA, and TGF-ß1, which validated that fluorofenidone could inhibit the development of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by increasing autophagy. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, metabolomics combined with network pharmacology research strategy revealed that fluorofenidone has a multi-target and multi-path mechanism of action in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Crystal Structures, Stability, and Solubility Evaluation of a 2:1 Diosgenin-Piperazine Cocrystal

A cocrystal of diosgenin with piperazine in 2:1 stoichiometry was successfully synthesized. The solid form was prepared by liquid assisted grinding, slurry and crystallization methods. The cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, the hydrogen bonds formed into fish bone structure along the [010] direction and all the molecules packed into 3D layer structure along a axis. After formation of cocrystal, the solubility of diosgenin was improved, and the solubility value in 0.2% SDS solution was approximately 1.5 times as large as that of the parent material.

Targeting apoptosis and autophagy following spinal cord injury: Therapeutic approaches to polyphenols and candidate phytochemicals

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological disorder associated with the loss of sensory and motor function. Understanding the precise dysregulated signaling pathways, especially apoptosis and autophagy following SCI, is of vital importance in developing innovative therapeutic targets and treatments. The present study lies in the fact that it reveals the precise dysregulated signaling mediators of apoptotic and autophagic pathways following SCI and also examines the effects of polyphenols and other candidate phytochemicals. It provides new insights to develop new treatments for post-SCI complications. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was conducted using electronic databases including, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline, along with the authors' expertise in apoptosis and autophagy as well as their knowledge about the effects of polyphenols and other phytochemicals on SCI pathogenesis. The primary mechanical injury to spinal cord is followed by a secondary cascade of apoptosis and autophagy that play critical roles during SCI. In terms of pharmacological mechanisms, caspases, Bax/Bcl-2, TNF-α, and JAK/STAT in apoptosis along with LC3 and Beclin-1 in autophagy have shown a close interconnection with the inflammatory pathways mainly glutamatergic, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, ERK/MAPK, and other cross-linked mediators. Besides, apoptotic pathways have been shown to regulate autophagy mediators and vice versa. Prevailing evidence has highlighted the importance of modulating these signaling mediators/pathways by polyphenols and other candidate phytochemicals post-SCI. The present review provides dysregulated signaling mediators and therapeutic targets of apoptotic and autophagic pathways following SCI, focusing on the modulatory effects of polyphenols and other potential phytochemical candidates.