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Cha J, Ryu J, Rawal D, Lee WJ, Shim WS. Antipruritic effect of ursolic acid through MRGPRX2/MrgprB2-dependent inhibition of mast cell degranulation and reduced TSLP production. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176896. [PMID: 39147012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene, exhibits diverse pharmacological effects, including potential treatment for allergic diseases. It downregulates thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and disrupts mast cell signaling pathways. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which UA interferes with mast cell action remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to uncover molecular entities underlying the effect of UA on mast cells and its potential antipruritic effect, specifically investigating its modulation of key molecules such as TRPV4, PAR2, and MRGPRX2, which are involved in TSLP regulation and sensation. Calcium imaging experiments revealed that UA pretreatment significantly suppressed MRGPRX2 activation (and its mouse orthologue MrgprB2), a G protein-coupled receptor predominantly expressed in mast cells. Molecular docking predictions suggested potential interactions between UA and MRGPRX2/MrgprB2. UA pretreatment also reduced mast cell degranulation through MRGPRX2 and MrgprB2-dependent mechanisms. In a dry skin mouse model, UA administration decreased tryptase and TSLP production in the skin, and diminished TSLP response in the sensory neurons. While PAR2 and TRPV4 activation enhances TSLP production, UA did not inhibit their activity. Notably, UA attenuated compound 48/80-induced scratching behaviors in mice and suppressed spontaneous scratching in a dry skin model. The present study confirms the effective inhibition of UA on MRGPRX2/MrgprB2, leading to reduced mast cell degranulation and suppressed scratching behaviors. These findings highlight the potential of UA as an antipruritic agent for managing various allergy- or itch-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Ryu
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Diwas Rawal
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Wook-Joo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Sik Shim
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hambangmoero 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea.
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Dong J, Ye T, Dong Y, Hui J, Wang X. Ursolic acid attenuates oligospermia in busulfan-induced mice by promoting motor proteins. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17691. [PMID: 38978752 PMCID: PMC11229684 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oligospermia is one of the most common reasons for male infertility which is troubling numerous couples of child-bearing age. This investigation scrutinizes the implications and mechanistic underpinnings of ursolic acid's effect on busulfan-induced oligospermia in mouse models. Methods A singular intraperitoneal injection of busulfan at a dosage of 30 mg/kg induced oligospermia. Two weeks subsequent to this induction, mice were subjected to various dosages of ursolic acid (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively) on a daily basis for four consecutive weeks. Following this treatment period, a meticulous analysis of epididymal sperm parameters, encompassing concentration and motility, was conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The histopathology of the mice testes was performed utilizing hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the cytoskeleton regeneration of the testicular tissues was analyzed via immunofluorescent staining. Serum hormone levels, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as reactive oxygen species levels (inclusive of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), were gauged employing specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Differentially expressed genes of testicular mRNA between the oligospermia-induced group and the various ursolic acid treatment groups were identified through RNA sequencing analysis. Results The results revealed that a dosage of 50 mg/kg ursolic acid treatment could increase the concentration of epididymal sperm in oligospermia mice, promote the recovery of testicular morphology, regulate hormone levels and ameliorate oxidative damage. The mechanism research results indicated that ursolic acid increased the expression level of genes related to motor proteins in oligospermia mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, JIangsu, China
| | - Taowen Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanli Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Hui
- Lianyungang Higher Vocational Technical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, JIangsu, China
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Saadat M, Dahmardeh N, Sheikhbahaei F, Mokhtari T. Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone and its nanoformulations in neuropsychological disorders: a comprehensive review on molecular mechanisms in preclinical studies. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3541-3564. [PMID: 38010395 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (THQ) and its nanoformulation (NFs) have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of neurological diseases due to their diverse pharmacological properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we conducted an extensive search across reputable scientific websites such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather relevant information. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of THQ have been observed to enhance the survival of neurons in affected areas of the brain, leading to significant improvements in behavioral and motor dysfunctions. Moreover, THQ and its NFs have demonstrated the capacity to restore antioxidant enzymes and mitigate oxidative stress. The primary mechanism underlying THQ's antioxidant effects involves the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, THQ has been found to modulate key components of inflammatory signaling pathways, including toll-like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review explores the various beneficial effects of THQ and its NFs on neurological disorders and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Saadat
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Narjes Dahmardeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sheikhbahaei
- Department of Anatomy, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Mando Z, Mando H, Afzan A, Shaari K, Hassan Z, Mohamad Taib MNA, Zakaria F. Biomarker triterpenoids of Centella asiatica as potential antidepressant agents: Combining in vivo and in silico studies. Behav Brain Res 2024; 466:114976. [PMID: 38599249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Although there are various treatments available for depression, some patients may experience resistance to treatment or encounter adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) is an ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating, neuroprotective and psychoactive properties. This study aims to explore the antidepressant-like effects of the major constituents found in C. asiatica, i.e., asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside at three doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, i.p), on the behavioural and cortisol level of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) zebrafish model. Based on the findings from the behavioural study, the cortisol levels in the zebrafish body after treatment with the two most effective compounds were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted to predict the inhibitory impact of the triterpenoid compounds on serotonin reuptake. The in vivo results indicate that madecassoside (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg), asiaticoside and asiatic acid (5 mg/kg) activated locomotor behaviour. Madecassoside at all tested doses and asiaticoside at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly decreased cortisol levels compared to the stressed group, indicating the potential regulation effect of madecassoside and asiaticoside on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity. This study highlights the potential benefits of madecassoside and asiaticoside in alleviating depressive symptoms through their positive effects on behaviour and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)- axis in a chronic unpredictable stress zebrafish model. Furthermore, the in silico study provided additional evidence to support these findings. These promising results suggest that C. asiatica may be a valuable and cost-effective therapeutic option for depression, and further research should be conducted to explore its potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Mando
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia
| | - Huda Mando
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Control, Arab International University, Daraa, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Adlin Afzan
- Phytochemistry Unit, Herbal Medicine Research Institute, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Khozirah Shaari
- Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Products (NaturMeds), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Nurul Azmi Mohamad Taib
- Natural Products and Synthesis Organic Laboratory (NPSOLab), School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Fauziahanim Zakaria
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia.
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Curtis AF, Musich M, Costa AN, Gonzales J, Gonzales H, Ferguson BJ, Kille B, Thomas AL, Wei X, Liu P, Greenlief CM, Shenker JI, Beversdorf DQ. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4352. [PMID: 38673938 PMCID: PMC11050618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite data showing that nutritional interventions high in antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties (anthocyanin-rich foods, such as blueberries/elderberries) may decrease risk of memory loss and cognitive decline, evidence for such effects in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is limited. This study examined preliminary effects of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) juice on cognition and inflammatory markers in patients with MCI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with MCI (n = 24, Mage = 76.33 ± 6.95) received American elderberry (n = 11) or placebo (n = 13) juice (5 mL orally 3 times a day) for 6 months. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, patients completed tasks measuring global cognition, verbal memory, language, visuospatial cognitive flexibility/problem solving, and memory. A subsample (n = 12, 7 elderberry/5 placebo) provided blood samples to measure serum inflammatory markers. Multilevel models examined effects of the condition (elderberry/placebo), time (baseline/3 months/6 months), and condition by time interactions on cognition/inflammation outcomes. Attrition rates for elderberry (18%) and placebo (15%) conditions were fairly low. The dosage compliance (elderberry-97%; placebo-97%) and completion of cognitive (elderberry-88%; placebo-87%) and blood-based (elderberry-100%; placebo-100%) assessments was high. Elderberry (not placebo) trended (p = 0.09) towards faster visuospatial problem solving performance from baseline to 6 months. For the elderberry condition, there were significant or significantly trending decreases over time across several markers of low-grade peripheral inflammation, including vasorin, prenylcysteine oxidase 1, and complement Factor D. Only one inflammatory marker showed an increase over time (alpha-2-macroglobin). In contrast, for the placebo, several inflammatory marker levels increased across time (L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain, complement Factor D), with one showing deceased levels over time (L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain). Daily elderberry juice consumption in patients with MCI is feasible and well tolerated and may provide some benefit to visuospatial cognitive flexibility. Preliminary findings suggest elderberry juice may reduce low-grade inflammation compared to a placebo-control. These promising findings support the need for larger, more definitive prospective studies with longer follow-ups to better understand mechanisms of action and the clinical utility of elderberries for potentially mitigating cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F. Curtis
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (A.F.C.); (A.N.C.)
| | - Madison Musich
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (M.M.); (B.K.)
| | - Amy N. Costa
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (A.F.C.); (A.N.C.)
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Joshua Gonzales
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, A. T. Still University, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hyeri Gonzales
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Bradley J. Ferguson
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.J.F.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Briana Kille
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (M.M.); (B.K.)
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andrew L. Thomas
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Southwest Research Extension and Education Center, Mt. Vernon, MO 65201, USA;
| | - Xing Wei
- Charles W. Gehrke Proteomics Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (X.W.); (P.L.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Pei Liu
- Charles W. Gehrke Proteomics Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (X.W.); (P.L.); (C.M.G.)
| | - C. Michael Greenlief
- Charles W. Gehrke Proteomics Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (X.W.); (P.L.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Joel I. Shenker
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.J.F.); (J.I.S.)
| | - David Q. Beversdorf
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (M.M.); (B.K.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.J.F.); (J.I.S.)
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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6
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Han T, Sun Z, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Jiao A, Gao Q. Ursolic acid alleviates meiotic abnormalities induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in mouse oocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 485:116910. [PMID: 38521372 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), a toxic metabolite produced by mold, is mainly found in moldy sugarcane. 3-NPA inhibits the activity of succinate dehydrogenase that can induce oxidative stress injury in cells, reduce ATP production and induce oxidative stress in mouse ovaries to cause reproductive disorders. Ursolic acid (UA) has a variety of biological activities and is a pentacyclic triterpene compound found in many plants. This experiment aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of 3-NPA during mouse oocyte in vitro maturation and the protective effects of UA on oocytes challenged with 3-NPA. The results showed that UA could alleviate 3-NPA-induced oocyte meiotic maturation failure. Specifically, 3-NPA induced a decrease in the first polar body extrusion rate of oocytes, abnormal distribution of cortical granules, and an increase in the proportion of spindle abnormalities. In addition, 3-NPA caused mitochondrial dysfunction and induced oxidative stress, including decreases in the GSH, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, and increases in the ROS levels, and these effects led to apoptosis and autophagy. The addition of UA could significantly improve the adverse effects caused by 3-NPA. In general, our data show that 3-NPA affects the normal development of oocytes during the in vitro culture, and the addition of UA can effectively repair the damage caused by 3-NPA to oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancang Han
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Zhaoyang Sun
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Anhui Jiao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Qingshan Gao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China.
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Jain NK, Tailang M, Chandrasekaran B, Khazaleh N, Thangavel N, Makeen HA, Albratty M, Najmi A, Alhazmi HA, Zoghebi K, Alagusundaram M, Jain HK. Integrating network pharmacology with molecular docking to rationalize the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. for efficient treatment of depression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1290398. [PMID: 38505421 PMCID: PMC10949534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1290398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. (A. laxiflora) has been indicated in traditional medicine to treat depression. However, scientific rationalization is still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of A. laxiflora using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Materials and methods: The active compounds and potential targets of A. laxiflora and depression-related targets were retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed, PubChem, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, SwissTargetprediction, BindingDB, STRING, and DAVID. Essential bioactive compounds, potential targets, and signaling pathways were predicted using in silico analysis, including BA-TAR, PPI, BA-TAR-PATH network construction, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Later on, with molecular docking analysis, the interaction of essential bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora and predicted core targets of depression were verified. Results: The network pharmacology approach identified 15 active compounds, a total of 219 compound-related targets, and 14,574 depression-related targets with 200 intersecting targets between them. SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1 were the core targets, whereas 3-acetyloleanolic acid and 3-acetylursolic acid were the most active compounds of A. laxiflora with anti-depressant potential. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 129 GO terms, including 82 biological processes, 14 cellular components, and 34 molecular function terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded significantly enriched 108 signaling pathways. Out of them, PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways might have a key role in treating depression. Molecular docking analysis results exhibited that core targets of depression, such as SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1, bind stably with the analyzed bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora. Conclusion: The present study elucidates the bioactive compounds, potential targets, and pertinent mechanism of action of A. laxiflora in treating depression. A. laxiflora might exert an antidepressant effect by regulating PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. However, further investigations are required to validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nem Kumar Jain
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Tailang
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Neelaveni Thangavel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz A. Makeen
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Ahmad Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Alagusundaram
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Jain
- Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Dong J, Dong Y, Chen H, Ye T, Chen G, Fan B, Wang X, Shi J, Wang C. Ursonic acid attenuates spermatogenesis in oligozoospermia mice through inhibiting ferroptosis. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107174. [PMID: 38320369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Ursonic acid (UNA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene found in some medicinal plants and foods. The reproductive protective effect of UNA was evaluated in a mouse model of oligozoospermia induced by busulfan (BUS) at 30 mg/kg b.w.. The mice were initially divided into groups with UNA concentrations of 10, 30, 50, 100 mg/kg. Subsequently, based on sperm parameters, the optimal concentration of 50 mg/kg was identified. As a control, an additional group was supplemented with ursolic acid at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. The results indicated that BUS caused the loss of spermatogenic cells in testis, the decrease of sperm in epididymis, the disorder of testicular cytoskeleton, the decrease of serum sex hormones such as testosterone which induced an increase in feedback of androgen receptor and other testosterone-related proteins, the increase of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels and the increase of ferroptosis in testis while UNA successfully reversed these injuries. High-throughput sequencing revealed that UNA administration significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with spermatogenesis, such as Tnp1, Tnp2, Prm1, among others. These proteins are crucial in the histone to protamine transition during sperm chromatin remodeling. Network pharmacology analysis reveals a close association between UNA and proteins related to the transformation of histones to protamine. Molecular docking studies reveal that UNA can interact with the ferroptosis-inhibiting gene SLC7A11, thereby modulating ferroptosis. Taken together, UNA alleviated BUS-induced oligozoospermia by regulating hormone secretion, mitigating oxidative stress and promoting recovery of spermatogenesis by inhibiting the ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yanli Dong
- Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Taowen Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Guangtong Chen
- Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Boyi Fan
- Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226018, China; Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226018, China; Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226018, China.
| | - Jianwu Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
| | - Chengniu Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
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Farzan M, Farzan M, Shahrani M, Navabi SP, Vardanjani HR, Amini-Khoei H, Shabani S. Neuroprotective properties of Betulin, Betulinic acid, and Ursolic acid as triterpenoids derivatives: a comprehensive review of mechanistic studies. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:223-240. [PMID: 36821092 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2180865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are the main outcome of neurological disorders whose occurrence has risen over the past three decades. Although there are some pharmacologic approaches approved for managing neurological disorders, it remains largely ineffective. Hence, exploring novel nature-based nutraceuticals is a pressing need to alleviate the results of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some triterpenoids and their derivates can be considered potential therapeutics against neurological disorders due to their neuroprotective and cognitive-improving effects. Betulin (B), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds with a variety of biological activities, including antioxidative, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and probable molecular mechanisms of triterpenoids in damage prevention to neurons and restoring cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Considering few studies on this concept, the precise mechanisms that mediate the effect of these compounds in neurodegenerative disorders have remained unknown. The findings can provide sufficient information about the advantages of these compounds against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahour Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Parisa Navabi
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossien Rajabi Vardanjani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sahreh Shabani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Raj R, Shen P, Yu B, Zhang J. A patent review on HMGB1 inhibitors for the treatment of liver diseases. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:127-140. [PMID: 38557201 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2338105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HMGB1 is a non-histone chromatin protein released or secreted in response to tissue damage or infection. Extracellular HMGB1, as a crucial immunomodulatory factor, binds with several different receptors to innate inflammatory responses that aggravate acute and chronic liver diseases. The increased levels of HMGB1 have been reported in various liver diseases, highlighting that it represents a potential biomarker and druggable target for therapeutic development. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structure, function, and interacting receptors of HMGB1 and its significance in multiple liver diseases. The latest patented and preclinical studies of HMGB1 inhibitors (antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) for liver diseases are summarized by using the keywords 'HMGB1,' 'HMGB1 antagonist, HMGB1-inhibitor,' 'liver disease' in Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and PubMed databases in the year from 2017 to 2023. EXPERT OPINIONS In recent years, extensive research on HMGB1-dependent inflammatory signaling has discovered potent inhibitors of HMGB1 to reduce the severity of liver injury. Despite significant progress in the development of HMGB1 antagonists, few of them are approved for clinical treatment of liver-related diseases. Developing safe and effective specific inhibitors for different HMGB1 isoforms and their interaction with receptors is the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Raj
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Shen
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Boyang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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11
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Wu Y, Zhang J, Liu Q, Miao Z, Chai R, Chen W. Development of Chinese herbal medicine for sensorineural hearing loss. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:455-467. [PMID: 38322328 PMCID: PMC10840432 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization's world report on hearing, nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide will suffer from hearing loss by 2050, which may contribute to a severe impact on individual life quality and national economies. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs commonly as a result of noise exposure, aging, and ototoxic drugs, and is pathologically characterized by the impairment of mechanosensory hair cells of the inner ear, which is mainly triggered by reactive oxygen species accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Though recent advances have been made in understanding the ability of cochlear repair and regeneration, there are still no effective therapeutic drugs for SNHL. Chinese herbal medicine which is widely distributed and easily accessible in China has demonstrated a unique curative effect against SNHL with higher safety and lower cost compared with Western medicine. Herein we present trends in research for Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of SNHL, and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action, to pave the way for further research and development of novel effective drugs in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiuping Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100085, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wenyong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
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Kadasah SF, Radwan MO. Overview of Ursolic Acid Potential for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, and Cancers via Nuclear Receptor Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 37893218 PMCID: PMC10604592 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) form a family of druggable transcription factors that are regulated by ligand binding to orchestrate multifaceted physiological functions, including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and growth. NRs represent attractive and valid targets for the management and treatment of a vast array of ailments. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are ubiquitously distributed natural products in medicinal and aromatic plants, of which ursolic acid (UA) is an extensively studied member, due to its diverse bio-pertinent activities against different cancers, inflammation, aging, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver injury. In fact, PTs share a common lipophilic structure that resembles NRs' endogenous ligands. Herein, we present a review of the literature on UA's effect on NRs, showcasing the resulting health benefits and potential therapeutic outcomes. De facto, UA exhibited numerous pharmacodynamic effects on PPAR, LXR, FXR, and PXR, resulting in remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties, by lowering lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and mitigating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its subsequent liver fibrosis. Furthermore, UA reversed valproate and rifampicin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, UA showed great promise for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autoimmune arthritis by antagonizing RORγ. UA exhibited antiproliferative effects against skin, prostate, and breast cancers, partially via PPARα and RORγ pathways. Herein, for the first time, we explore and provide insights into UA bioactivity with respect to NR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
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Iwasa K, Yagishita S, Yagishita-Kyo N, Yamagishi A, Yamamoto S, Yamashina K, Haruta C, Asai M, Maruyama K, Shimizu K, Yoshikawa K. Long term administration of loquat leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-β burden and memory impairment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16770. [PMID: 37798424 PMCID: PMC10556093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44098-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. We investigated the effects of loquat leaf powder and methanol extract in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells) and C57BL/6 J mice. Surprisingly, the extract greatly enhanced cellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) 42 productions in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of leaf powder increased Aβ42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. Administration of UA decreased Aβ42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of leave powder for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Aβ42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin increased Aβ42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of leaf powder for 3 months. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Aβ42 and P-tau levels. Also, amygdalin might be one of the compounds responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Aβ42 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Iwasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Sosuke Yagishita
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Nan Yagishita-Kyo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Anzu Yamagishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Shinji Yamamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Kota Yamashina
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Chikara Haruta
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Masashi Asai
- Laboratory of Kampo Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, Kanagawa, 245-0066, Japan
| | - Kei Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Kuniyoshi Shimizu
- Laboratory of Systematic Forest and Forest Products Sciences, Division of Sustainable Bioresources Science, Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yoshikawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-Hongo, Moroyama-Machi, Iruma-Gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan.
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Rajizadeh MA, Khaksari M, Bejeshk MA, Amirkhosravi L, Jafari E, Jamalpoor Z, Nezhadi A. The Role of Inhaled Estradiol and Myrtenol, Alone and in Combination, in Modulating Behavioral and Functional Outcomes Following Traumatic Experimental Brain Injury: Hemodynamic, Molecular, Histological and Behavioral Study. Neurocrit Care 2023; 39:478-498. [PMID: 37100976 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important and growing cause of disability worldwide, and its cognitive consequences may be particularly significant. This study assessed the neuroprotective impacts of estradiol (E2), myrtenol (Myr), and the combination of the two on the neurological outcome, hemodynamic parameters, learning and memory, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K/AKT) signaling, and inflammatory and oxidative factors in the hippocampus after TBI. METHODS Eighty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 groups with seven rats in each (six groups to measure intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, brain water content, and veterinary coma scale, and six groups for behavioral and molecular studies): sham, TBI, TBI/vehicle, TBI/Myr, TBI/E2, and TBI/Myr + E2 (Myr 50 mg/kg and E2 33.3 μg/kg via inhalation for 30 min after TBI induction). Brain injury was induced by using Marmarou's method. Briefly, a 300-g weight was dropped down from a 2-m height through a free-falling tube onto the head of the anesthetized animals. RESULTS Veterinary coma scale, learning and memory, brain water content, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure were impaired following TBI, and inflammation and oxidative stress were raised in the hippocampus after TBI. The BDNF level and PI3K/AKT signaling were impaired due to TBI. Inhalation of Myr and E2 had protective effects against all negative consequences of TBI by decreasing brain edema and the hippocampal content of inflammatory and oxidant factors and also by improving BDNF and PI3K/AKT in the hippocampus. Based on these data, there were no differences between alone and combination administrations. CONCLUSIONS Our results propose that Myr and E2 have neuroprotective effects on cognition impairments due to TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khaksari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbas Bejeshk
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ladan Amirkhosravi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Jafari
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Pathology Department, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Jamalpoor
- Trauma Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Nezhadi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Zhao M, Wu F, Tang Z, Yang X, Liu Y, Wang F, Chen B. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of ursolic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1256946. [PMID: 37841938 PMCID: PMC10568483 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1256946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is currently evidence suggesting that ursolic acid may exert a favorable influence on both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant impact. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ursolic acid have not been systematically evaluated. Consequently, this study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the impact of ursolic acid on markers of inflammatory and antioxidant activity in both animal models and in vitro systems. Methods: The search encompassed databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, up until May 2023. All eligible articles in English were included in the analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) was pooled using a random-effects model, and the included studies underwent a thorough assessment for potential bias. Results: The final review comprised 31 articles. In disease-model related studies, animal experiments have consistently shown that ursolic acid significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory parameters IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in mouse tissues. In vitro studies have similarly showed that ursolic acid significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory parameters IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Our results showed that ursolic acid could significantly elevate SOD and GSH levels, while significantly reducing MDA levels in animal tissues. The results of in vitro studies shown that ursolic acid significantly increased the level of GSH and decreased the level of MDA. Discussion: Findings from both animal and in vitro studies suggest that ursolic acid decreases inflammatory cytokine levels, elevates antioxidant enzyme levels, and reduces oxidative stress levels (graphical abstract). This meta-analysis furnishes compelling evidence for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ursolic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Fengyang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhaohong Tang
- Hebei Research Institute of Microbiology Co., Ltd., Baoding, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Fengxia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Baojiang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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16
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Um S, Jeong H, An JS, Jo SJ, Kim YR, Oh DC, Moon K. Chromatographic Determination of the Absolute Configuration in Sanjoinine A That Increases Nitric Oxide Production. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2023; 31:566-572. [PMID: 37019875 PMCID: PMC10468421 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A chiral derivatization strategy with phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) was employed to develop a straightforward method to determine the absolute configurations of N,N-dimethyl amino acids. The PGME derivatives were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the absolute configurations of various N,N-dimethyl amino acids based on their elution time and order. The established method was applied to assign the absolute configuration of the N,N-dimethyl phenylalanine in sanjoinine A (4), a cyclopeptide alkaloid isolated from Zizyphi Spinosi Semen widely used as herbal medicine for insomnia. Sanjoinine A displayed production of nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Um
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongju Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Soo An
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ran Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Oh
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuho Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Meng RY, Li CS, Hu D, Kwon SG, Jin H, Chai OH, Lee JS, Kim SM. Inhibition of the interaction between Hippo/YAP and Akt signaling with ursolic acid and 3'3-diindolylmethane suppresses esophageal cancer tumorigenesis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 27:493-511. [PMID: 37641811 PMCID: PMC10466072 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2023.27.5.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Hippo/YAP signaling hinders cancer progression. Inactivation of this pathway contributes to the development of esophageal cancer by activation of Akt. However, the possible interaction between Akt and Hippo/YAP pathways in esophageal cancer progression is unclear. In this study, we found that ursolic acid (UA) plus 3'3-diindolylmethane (DIM) efficiently suppressed the oncogenic Akt/Gsk-3β signaling pathway while activating the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway in esophageal cancer cells. Moreover, the addition of the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and the PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine enhanced the inhibitory effects of UA plus DIM on Akt pathway activation and further stimulated the Hippo pathway, including the suppression of YAP nuclear translocation in esophageal cancer cells. Silencing YAP under UA plus DIM conditions significantly increased the activation of the tumor suppressor PTEN in esophageal cancer cells, while decreasing p-Akt activation, indicating that the Akt signaling pathway could be down-regulated in esophageal cancer cells by targeting PTEN. Furthermore, in a xenograft nude mice model, UA plus DIM treatment effectively diminished esophageal tumors by inactivating the Akt pathway and stimulating the Hippo signaling pathway. Thus, our study highlights a feedback loop between the PI3K/Akt and Hippo signaling pathways in esophageal cancer cells, implying that a low dose of UA plus DIM could serve as a promising chemotherapeutic combination strategy in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Cong Shan Li
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Soon-Gu Kwon
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Hua Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
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Liang TS, Tang N, Xian MH, Wen WL, Huang CJ, Cai LH, Li QL, Wu YH. Identification of Critical Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi on Vitiligo Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:2061-2071. [PMID: 37575147 PMCID: PMC10416786 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s413733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin that targets pigment-producing melanocytes and results in patches of depigmentation that are visible as white spots. Recent research studies have yielded a strong mechanistic understanding of this disease. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) has been used for premature graying of hair since ancient China and is currently used to treat vitiligo. However, the key biomarkers and mechanisms underlying FLL in vitiligo remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers and mechanisms of FLL in vitiligo using network pharmacology analysis. Methods The expression profiles of GSE65127 and GSE75819 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the vitiligo and healthy samples. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of DEGs were performed using R analyses. We performed R to further understand the functions of the critical targets. Cytoscape tools have facilitated network topology analysis. Molecular docking was performed using Auto Dock Vina software. Results The results showed that 13 DEGs were screened in vitiligo. Based on bioinformatics, network pharmacology and Western blot, we found that the critical targets of melanoma antigen recognized by 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase (TYRP1) may be related to the mechanism of action of FLL in the treatment of vitiligo. Conclusion TYRP1, as a melanocyte molecular biomarker, may be closely related to the underlying mechanism of FLL in the treatment of vitiligo via the inhibition of melanocyte death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Shan Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Xian
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Lun Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Jin Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan-Hua Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi-Lin Li
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hua Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People’s Republic of China
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Lopera YMZ, Trejo-Tapia G, González-Cortazar M, Herrera-Ruiz M, Zamilpa A, Jiménez-Ferrer E. Cyclic Hexapeptide from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. and Neuroprotective Effects of Root Extracts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2600. [PMID: 37514215 PMCID: PMC10416155 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. is a shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is distributed throughout México; it has been used for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aimed to evaluate the protective effects of B. ternifolia root extracts on the blood-brain barrier and the positive regulation of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the characterization of compounds present in the dichloromethane (BtD) and hexane (BtH) extracts. Male ICR mice were orally administered with B. ternifolia extracts for 5 days before a single injection of LPS. Administration of BtH and BtD significantly decreased Evans blue leakage into brain tissue by 70% and 68%, respectively. Meloxicam (MX) decreased the concentration of IL-1β by 39.6%; BtM by 53.9%; BtAq by 48.4%; BtD by 31.9%, and BtH by 37.7%. BtH was the only treatment that significantly decreased the concentration of IL-6 by 32.2%. The concentration of TNF-α declined with each of the treatments. The chemical composition of BtD and BtH was characterized by GC-MS, and the cyclic hexapeptide was identified by 13C, 1H NMR, and two-dimension techniques. In the BtD extract, seven compounds were found and in BtH 13 compounds were found. The methanolic (BtM) and aqueous (BtAq) extracts were not subjected to chemical analysis, because they did not show a significant difference in the BBB protection activity. Therefore, the results suggested that the extracts BtD and BtH protect the blood-brain barrier, maintaining stable its selective permeability, thereby preventing LPS from entering the brain tissue. Simultaneously, they modulate the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. It is important to note that this research only evaluated the complete extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Maritza Zapata Lopera
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (Y.M.Z.L.); (M.G.-C.); (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.)
- Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Yautepec 62730, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Trejo-Tapia
- Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Yautepec 62730, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Manasés González-Cortazar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (Y.M.Z.L.); (M.G.-C.); (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.)
| | - Maribel Herrera-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (Y.M.Z.L.); (M.G.-C.); (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.)
| | - Alejandro Zamilpa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (Y.M.Z.L.); (M.G.-C.); (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.)
| | - Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (Y.M.Z.L.); (M.G.-C.); (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.)
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20
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Zhang H, Xing Z, Zheng J, Shi J, Cui C. Ursolic acid ameliorates traumatic brain injury in mice by regulating microRNA-141-mediated PDCD4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110258. [PMID: 37244112 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal apoptosis and inflammation are the key pathogenic features of secondary brain injury, which results in the neurological impairment that traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients experience. Ursolic Acid (UA) has been shown to have neuroprotective properties against brain damage, however, detailed mechanisms have not been fully disclosed. Research on brain-related microRNAs (miRNAs) has opened up new possibilities for the neuroprotective treatment of UA by manipulating miRNAs. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of UA on neuronal apoptosis and the inflammatory response in TBI mice. METHODS The mice's neurologic condition was assessed using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). Cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were utilized to examine the impact of UA on neuronal pathological damage. miR-141-3p was selected to evaluate whether UA influences miRNAs in a way that has neuroprotective benefits. RESULTS The results showed that UA markedly decreased brain edema and neuronal mortality through oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in TBI mice. Using data from the GEO database, we found that miR-141-3p was considerably downregulated in TBI mice and that this downregulation was reversed by UA treatment. Further studies have shown that UA regulates miR-141-3p expression to exhibit its neuroprotective effect in mouse models and cell injury models. Then, miR-141-3p was discovered to directly target PDCD4 in TBI mice and neurons, a well-known PI3K/AKT pathway regulator in the neurons. Most importantly, the upregulation of phosphorylated (p)-AKT and p-PI3K provided the most compelling evidence that UA reactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway in the TBI mouse model, which was through regulating miR-141-3p. CONCLUSION Our findings support the notion that UA can improve TBI by modulating miR-141 mediated PDCD4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenyi Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, China.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, China
| | - Jiantao Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chong'qing 40000, China
| | - Chengxi Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, China
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Madireddy S, Madireddy S. Therapeutic Strategies to Ameliorate Neuronal Damage in Epilepsy by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neuroinflammation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050784. [PMID: 37239256 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder involving spontaneous and recurring seizures that affects 50 million individuals globally. Because approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to drug therapy, the development of new therapeutic strategies against epilepsy could be beneficial. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are frequently observed in epilepsy. Additionally, neuroinflammation is increasingly understood to contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also recognized for its contributions to neuronal excitability and apoptosis, which can lead to neuronal loss in epilepsy. This review focuses on the roles of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, NAPDH oxidase, the blood-brain barrier, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation in the development of epilepsy. We also review the therapies used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures, including anti-seizure medications, anti-epileptic drugs, anti-inflammatory therapies, and antioxidant therapies. In addition, we review the use of neuromodulation and surgery in the treatment of epilepsy. Finally, we present the role of dietary and nutritional strategies in the management of epilepsy, including the ketogenic diet and the intake of vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By reviewing available interventions and research on the pathophysiology of epilepsy, this review points to areas of further development for therapies that can manage epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahithi Madireddy
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Kornel A, Nadile M, Retsidou MI, Sakellakis M, Gioti K, Beloukas A, Sze NSK, Klentrou P, Tsiani E. Ursolic Acid against Prostate and Urogenital Cancers: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087414. [PMID: 37108576 PMCID: PMC10138876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed form of cancer in men worldwide and accounted for roughly 1.3 million cases and 359,000 deaths globally in 2018, despite all the available treatment strategies including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Finding novel approaches to prevent and treat prostate and other urogenital cancers effectively is of major importance. Chemicals derived from plants, such as docetaxel and paclitaxel, have been used in cancer treatment, and in recent years, research interest has focused on finding other plant-derived chemicals that can be used in the fight against cancer. Ursolic acid, found in high concentrations in cranberries, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In the present review, we summarize the research studies examining the effects of ursolic acid and its derivatives against prostate and other urogenital cancers. Collectively, the existing data indicate that ursolic acid inhibits human prostate, renal, bladder, and testicular cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. A limited number of studies have shown significant reduction in tumor volume in animals xenografted with human prostate cancer cells and treated with ursolic acid. More animal studies and human clinical studies are required to examine the potential of ursolic acid to inhibit prostate and other urogenital cancers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kornel
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Matteo Nadile
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Maria Ilektra Retsidou
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Minas Sakellakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan Hospital, 18547 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Gioti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
- National AIDS Reference Centre of Southern Greece, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Newman Siu Kwan Sze
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Panagiota Klentrou
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Evangelia Tsiani
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Bang Y, Kwon Y, Kim M, Moon SH, Jung K, Choi HJ. Ursolic acid enhances autophagic clearance and ameliorates motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease mice model. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:752-765. [PMID: 36138143 PMCID: PMC10042858 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation and the abnormal accumulation of aggregates are considered as common mechanisms of neurodegeneration such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has shown a protective activity in several experimental models of brain dysfunction through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and suppressing apoptotic signaling in the brain. In this study, we investigated whether UA promoted autophagic clearance of protein aggregates and attenuated the pathology and characteristic symptoms in PD mouse model. Mice were injected with rotenone (1 mg · kg-1 · d-1, i.p.) five times per week for 1 or 2 weeks. We showed that rotenone injection induced significant motor deficit and prodromal non-motor symptoms accompanied by a significant dopaminergic neuronal loss and the deposition of aggregated proteins such as p62 and ubiquitin in the substantia nigra and striatum. Co-injection of UA (10 mg · kg-1 · d-1, i.p.) ameliorated all the rotenone-induced pathological alterations. In differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, two-step treatment with a proteasome inhibitor MG132 (0.25, 2.5 μM) induced marked accumulation of ubiquitin and p62 with clear and larger aggresome formation, while UA (5 μM) significantly attenuated the MG132-induced protein accumulation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that UA (5 μM) significantly increased autophagic clearance by promoting autophagic flux in primary neuronal cells and SH-SY5Y cells; UA affected autophagy regulation by increasing the phosphorylation of JNK, which triggered the dissociation of Bcl-2 from Beclin 1. These results suggest that UA could be a promising therapeutic candidate for reducing PD progression from the prodromal stage by regulating abnormal protein accumulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeojin Bang
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea
| | - Mihyang Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea
| | - Soung Hee Moon
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea
| | - Kiwon Jung
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, South Korea.
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Investigation of the Neuroprotective Action of Japanese Sake Yeast on Dementia Type of Alzheimer Disease in Rats: Behavioral and Neurobiochemical Assessment. NEUROSCI 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci4010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia involves several factors, and it is required to administer an agent with several efficiencies for its treatment. Sake is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and improves the serum concentration of BDNF. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective action of Japanese sake yeast on dementia of the Alzheimer disease type in rats by behavioral evaluation and neurobiochemical assessment. The rats were grouped as non-Alzheimer rats (control rats) and Alzheimer rats administrated with 0 (AD), 10 (10-AD), 20 (20-AD), 30 (30-AD), and 40 mg/kg (40-AD) of sake. Anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors, the concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were evaluated. The expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were assessed. The results showed that Alzheimer disease caused anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors (p = 0.000), decreased the concentrations of BDNF (p = 0.000) and FRAP (p = 0.000), increased the concentration of MDA (p = 0.000), and increased the expressions of IL-1β (p = 0.000), TNF-α (p = 0.000), and IL-6 (p = 0.000). The results showed that oral gavage of sake in higher doses decreased anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors (p = 0.000), increased the concentrations of BDNF (p = 0.000) and FRAP (p = 0.000), and reduced the concentration of MDA (p = 0.000) and the expressions of IL-1β (p = 0.000), TNF-α (p = 0.000), and IL-6 (p = 0.000). In sum, Japanese sake yeast can have roles in treating dementia of the Alzheimer disease type, but its mechanisms must be assessed in future studies.
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Alizade S, Faramarzi M, Banitalebi E, Saghaei E. Effect of resistance and endurance training with ursolic acid on oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in hippocampal tissue in HFD/STZ-induced aged diabetic rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:1449-1459. [PMID: 37970434 PMCID: PMC10634045 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.71230.15477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The increase in age-related cognitive impairment (CIs) and diabetes mellitus is a global health concern. Exercise training has been reported to activate the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling and enhance the antioxidant defense pathways in some animal models. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) associated with resistance or endurance training on antioxidant markers, and the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway in the brain of older diabetic rats. Materials and Methods 23-month-aged diabetes induced male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups (n=8). UA supplementation (250 mg/kg, daily) was administered along with resistance (60% maximum capacity of voluntary carrying [MVCC], 14-20 climbs) or endurance training (60-75% velocity at maximal oxygen uptake [vVO2max]), five days/week for eight weeks. Cognitive-motor functioning was assessed through open-field and passive avoidance response tests. Nrf2, Keap1, and antioxidant markers including SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH were measured in the hippocampus tissue. Results The results showed positive effect of resistance training (P≤0.001) on Nrf2. There was endurance training with supplementation main effect (P=0.018) on Keap1 concentration. SOD revealed a significant endurance/resistance training by supplementation interaction effect (P≤0.05); however, there was no main training or UA supplementation effects on CAT, GPx, and GSH, despite improving spatial memory changes in exercise or UA groups. Conclusion It appears that UA treatment with resistance or endurance exercise has some beneficial effects on Nrf2 and some antioxidant markers. However, more research is needed to elucidate UA's interaction effects and exercise interventions in diabetic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Alizade
- Department of Sport Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Faramarzi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Elham Saghaei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Ursolic Acid Analogs as Potential Therapeutics for Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248981. [PMID: 36558113 PMCID: PMC9785537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from a large variety of vegetables, fruits and many traditional medicinal plants. It is a structural isomer of Oleanolic Acid. The medicinal application of UA has been explored extensively over the last two decades. The diverse pharmacological properties of UA include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, etc. Especially, UA holds a promising position, potentially, as a cancer preventive and therapeutic agent due to its relatively non-toxic properties against normal cells but its antioxidant and antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. Cell culture studies have shown interference of UA with multiple pharmacological and molecular targets that play a critical role in many cells signaling pathways. Although UA is considered a privileged natural product, its clinical applications are limited due to its low absorption through the gastro-intestinal track and rapid elimination. The low bioavailability of UA limits its use as a therapeutic drug. To overcome these drawbacks and utilize the importance of the scaffold, many researchers have been engaged in designing and developing synthetic analogs of UA via structural modifications. This present review summarizes the synthetic UA analogs and their cytotoxic antiproliferative properties reported in the last two decades.
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Zafar S, Khan K, Hafeez A, Irfan M, Armaghan M, Rahman AU, Gürer ES, Sharifi-Rad J, Butnariu M, Bagiu IC, Bagiu RV. Ursolic acid: a natural modulator of signaling networks in different cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:399. [PMID: 36496432 PMCID: PMC9741527 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02804-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence rate of cancer is estimated to increase by 40% in 2030. Furthermore, the development of resistance against currently available treatment strategies has contributed to the cancer-associated mortality. Scientists are now looking for the solutions that could help prevent the disease occurrence and could provide a pain-free treatment alternative for cancers. Therefore, efforts are now put to find a potent natural compound that could sever this purpose. Ursolic acid (UA), a triterpene acid, has potential to inhibit the tumor progression and induce sensitization to conventional treatment drugs has been documented. Though, UA is a hydrophobic compound therefore it is usually chemically modified to increase its bioavailability prior to administration. However, a thorough literature indicating its mechanism of action and limitations for its use at clinical level was not reviewed. Therefore, the current study was designed to highlight the potential mechanism of UA, its anti-cancer properties, and potential applications as therapeutic compound. This endeavour is a valuable contribution in understanding the hurdles preventing the translation of its potential at clinical level and provides foundations to design new studies that could help enhance its bioavailability and anti-cancer potential for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameen Zafar
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Amna Hafeez
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Armaghan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Anees ur Rahman
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Eda Sönmez Gürer
- grid.411689.30000 0001 2259 4311Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- grid.442126.70000 0001 1945 2902Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Monica Butnariu
- University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- grid.22248.3e0000 0001 0504 4027Department of Microbiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania ,Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Vasile Bagiu
- grid.22248.3e0000 0001 0504 4027Department of Microbiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania ,Preventive Medicine Study Center, Timisoara, Romania
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Qu YJ, Ding MR, Gu C, Zhang LM, Zhen RR, Chen JF, Hu B, An HM. Acteoside and ursolic acid synergistically protects H 2O 2-induced neurotrosis by regulation of AKT/mTOR signalling: from network pharmacology to experimental validation. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1751-1761. [PMID: 36102631 PMCID: PMC9487927 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2098344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ursolic acid (UA) and acteoside (ATS) are important active components that have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of their neuroprotective effects, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE Network pharmacology was used to explore the mechanism of UA + ATS in treating AD, and cell experiments were used to verify the mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS UA + ATS targets and AD-related genes were retrieved from TCMSP, STITCH, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DisGeNET and GEO. Key targets were obtained by constructing protein interaction network through STRING. The neuroprotective effects of UA + ATS were verified in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. The subsequent experiments were divided into Normal, Model (H2O2 pre-treatment for 4 h), Control (H2O2+ solvent pre-treatment), UA (5 μM), ATS (40 μM), UA (5 μM) + ATS (40 μM). Then apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activity, ATG5, Beclin-1 protein expression and Akt, mTOR phosphorylation levels were detected. RESULTS The key targets of UA + ATS-AD network were mainly enriched in Akt/mTOR pathway. Cell experiments showed that UA (ED50: 5 μM) + ATS (ED50: 40 μM) could protect H2O2-induced (IC50: 250 μM) nerve damage by enhancing cells viability, combating apoptosis, restoring MMP, reducing the activation of caspase-3, lessening the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, and increasing the expression of ATG5 and Beclin-1. CONCLUSIONS ATS and UA regulates multiple targets, bioprocesses and signal pathways against AD pathogenesis. ATS and UA synergistically protects H2O2-induced neurotrosis by regulation of AKT/mTOR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Rui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Rong Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Fang Chen
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Mei An
- Department of Science & Technology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yin J, Gong G, Wan W, Liu X. Pyroptosis in spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:949939. [PMID: 36467606 PMCID: PMC9715394 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.949939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often brings devastating consequences to patients and their families. Pathophysiologically, the primary insult causes irreversible damage to neurons and glial cells and initiates the secondary damage cascade, further leading to inflammation, ischemia, and cells death. In SCI, the release of various inflammatory mediators aggravates nerve injury. Pyroptosis is a new pro-inflammatory pattern of regulated cell death (RCD), mainly mediated by caspase-1 or caspase-11/4/5. Gasdermins family are pore-forming proteins known as the executor of pyroptosis and the gasdermin D (GSDMD) is best characterized. Pyroptosis occurs in multiple central nervous system (CNS) cell types, especially plays a vital role in the development of SCI. We review here the evidence for pyroptosis in SCI, and focus on the pyroptosis of different cells and the crosstalk between them. In addition, we discuss the interaction between pyroptosis and other forms of RCD in SCI. We also summarize the therapeutic strategies for pyroptosis inhibition, so as to provide novel ideas for improving outcomes following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Gong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Wan
- Department of Geriatrics, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kornel A, Nadile M, Tsiani E. Evidence of the Beneficial Effects of Ursolic Acid against Lung Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:7466. [PMID: 36364289 PMCID: PMC9655894 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite current treatment approaches that include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapies, lung cancer accounted for 1.79 million deaths worldwide in 2020, emphasizing the urgent need to find novel agents and approaches for more effective treatment. Traditionally, chemicals derived from plants, such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, have been used in cancer treatment, and in recent years, research has focused on finding other plant-derived chemicals that can be used in the fight against lung cancer. Ursolic acid is a polyphenol found in high concentrations in cranberries and other fruits and has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this review, we summarize recent research examining the effects of ursolic acid and its derivatives on lung cancer. Data from in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal studies show potent anticancer effects of ursolic acid and indicate the need for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kornel
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Matteo Nadile
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Evangelia Tsiani
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Evaluation of the effect of alpha-tocopherol on anxiety and the neuroinflammatory process during alcohol withdrawal in a model of forced and chronic self-administration of liquid diet containing ethanol: Behavioral and neurochemical evidence. Alcohol 2022; 104:31-44. [PMID: 35987315 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholism affects about 2 billion people worldwide. Withdrawal causes a neuroinflammatory response that increases anxiety. α-tocopherol is the most important antioxidant that has its in vivo action currently known. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol on the neuroinflammatory process in brain regions involved in anxiety and its anxiolytic potential during alcohol withdrawal. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and submitted to a procedure of forced and chronic self-administration of liquid diet containing 6% and 8% ethanol for 15 days, followed by abrupt interruption of treatment. Animals in the control group received the liquid diet without ethanol. Twenty-four or 48 h after ethanol discontinuation, and 30 min after the last administration of α-tocopherol or saline, animals were evaluated in the elevated plus maze, light/dark box, and open field tests. At the end of the tests, each experimental group underwent brain tissue collection for analysis of cytokine levels. The results showed that: alcohol induces the neuroinflammatory process and anxiety; the stress generated by withdrawal can induce oxidative stress, which alters the production of inflammatory cytokines in the amygdaloid nuclei (AN) and medial hypothalamic nucleus (mHN); α-tocopherol exhibited anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activity, attenuating the anxious behavior of abstinent animals and reducing neuroinflammation in AN and mHN; and the intensity of the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of α-tocopherol is dose-dependent. These results identify α-tocopherol as a potential therapeutic target supporting the fight against relapse during alcohol withdrawal.
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The Protective Effect of Ursolic Acid on Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction in Rats by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Signaling Pathway. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:3690524. [PMID: 36059402 PMCID: PMC9436538 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3690524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathological feature of a variety of kidney diseases that progress to end-stage renal disease. The excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a typical pathological change of renal interstitial fibrosis. The production of reactive oxygen species in renal tubules is an important factor leading to the development of renal interstitial fibrosis. Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene carboxylic acid compound widely found in plants. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor cell proliferation effects. It can reduce the development of fibrosis by inhibiting the oxidative stress response of the liver; there is currently no relevant research on whether UA can protect the renal interstitial fibrosis by resisting oxidative stress in the kidneys. In this study, our purpose is to investigate the effect of ursolic acid on renal interstitial fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats and its related mechanisms. We established a UUO model by surgically ligating the right ureter of the rat and instilling UA preparation (40 mg/kg/d) through the stomach after the operation, once a day for 7 days. We found that UUO caused impaired renal function, increased pathological damage, increased renal interstitial fibrosis, increased apoptosis, increased oxidative stress damage, and decreased antioxidants. However, after UA preparations were given, the abovementioned damage was significantly improved. At the same time, we also found that UA preparations can significantly increase the relative expression of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in kidney tissue after UUO. In order to further verify whether the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is involved in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis, we injected zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP, 45 umol/kg), a specific blocker of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, into the intraperitoneal cavity after UUO in rats and before the gastric perfusion of ursolic acid preparations. Subsequently, we observed that the protective effect of UA on renal interstitial fibrosis after UUO in rats was reversed. Combining all the research results, we proved that UA has a protective effect on renal interstitial fibrosis after UUO in rats, which may be achieved by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Honarvar F, Hojati V, Zare L, Bakhtiari N, Javan M. Ursolic Acid Enhances Myelin Repair in Adult Mice Brains and Stimulates Exhausted Oligodendrocyte Progenitors to Remyelinate. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2081-2093. [PMID: 35976486 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis patients, long-term inflammation makes the oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) exhausted; therefore, a new therapy that makes them responsive to insults to participate in remyelination is highly in demand. Here, we investigated the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on myelin repair after mid-term and long-term demyelination periods induced by 6 or 12 weeks of cuprizone treatment followed by 2 weeks of recovery with or without UA. Immunohistochemistry studies and myelin genes expression assessment were used to evaluate the myelination status of mouse corpora callosa and the cellular mechanisms of myelin repair. Results showed that UA significantly promoted recovery from myelin loss after discontinuing 6 or 12 weeks of cuprizone feeding, as measured by luxol fast blue (LFB), fluoroMyelin (FM), anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) staining, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell counts. It led to reduced inflammation and gliosis as evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Iba1, or other marker gene transcripts. Following long-term demyelination, gliosis and TNF-α were observed as potential players in lesion pathology, which were restored by UA. An increased IL-10 may contribute to UA anti-inflammatory effect and making responsive the exhausted OPCs. UA increased the number of new oligodendrocyte lineage cells and myelination. Our findings indicated that UA can enhance myelin repair after cuprizone challenge through the prevention of gliosis and increasing the newly generated myelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Honarvar
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Vida Hojati
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Leila Zare
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nuredin Bakhtiari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. .,Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Investigation of Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Teucrium polium on Common Pathogens in Vaginitis: A Review. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-128060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Pathological vaginal discharges are one of the most common reasons for referring to gynecological clinics. The use of herbal medicines has been considered as an effective and low-complication treatment method in recent years. In this study, we introduce Teucrium polium according to traditional Persian medicine and modern medicine’s point of view to investigate the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects of T. polium on common pathogens in vaginitis. Evidence Acquisition: This study is a simple review based on studies conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Scopus databases, from October 1984 to June 2019. Finally, 58 articles were selected from 88 for the final review. Results: The results indicate that T. polium is a potential source of antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant in producing plant products for vaginal infections treatment thanks to its flavonoid compounds, sesquiterpenes, α-pinene, and linalool. Conclusions: Teucrium polium can be considered as a potential source for vaginal infection treatments. Much clinical research has not been conducted on its use in vaginal infection treatment, so it is recommended to conduct more clinical trials to prove the T. polium’s efficiency against common microorganisms in vaginitis and its treatment.
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Tang X, Li Q, Huang T, Zhang H, Chen X, Ling J, Yang Y. Regenerative Role of T Cells in Nerve Repair and Functional Recovery. Front Immunol 2022; 13:923152. [PMID: 35865551 PMCID: PMC9294345 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is essential in the process of nerve repair after injury. Successful modulation of the immune response is regarded as an effective approach to improving treatment outcomes. T cells play an important role in the immune response of the nervous system, and their beneficial roles in promoting regeneration have been increasingly recognized. However, the diversity of T-cell subsets also delivers both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative functions. Therefore, this review mainly discusses the beneficial impact of T-cell subsets in the repair of both peripheral nervous system and central nervous system injuries and introduces studies on various therapies based on T-cell regulation. Further discoveries in T-cell mechanisms and multifunctional biomaterials will provide novel strategies for nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jue Ling
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Jue Ling, ; Yumin Yang,
| | - Yumin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Jue Ling, ; Yumin Yang,
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Wu S, Luo H, Zhong Z, Ai Y, Zhao Y, Liang Q, Wang Y. Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Quality Control of Xiasangju: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:930813. [PMID: 35814215 PMCID: PMC9259862 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.930813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a traditional Chinese herbal formula, Xiasangju (XSJ) is widely used in China for antipyresis and influenza treatment. However, XSJ still fails to have a comprehensive summary of the research progress in the last decade. This review summarizes the advanced research on the extraction process, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and quality control of XSJ. Current research mainly focuses on quality control and the pharmacological effects of single herbs and active ingredients, but many pharmacological mechanisms of the formula are unclear. The development of active ingredients reflects the active characteristics of triterpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids, but the hepatotoxicity of Prunella vulgaris L. has not been taken into account. XSJ has extensive historical practical experiences, while systematic clinical trials remain lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to study the active ingredients and define the mechanisms of XSJ to develop multiple applications, and further studies on the dose range between its hepatoprotective activity and hepatotoxicity are necessary to improve the safety of the clinical application. In this review, the current problems are discussed to facilitate the reference basis for the subsequent research on the development of XSJ and future application directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wu
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yongjian Ai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghua Zhao
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghua Zhao, ; Qionglin Liang, ; Yitao Wang,
| | - Qionglin Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghua Zhao, ; Qionglin Liang, ; Yitao Wang,
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghua Zhao, ; Qionglin Liang, ; Yitao Wang,
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Evidence for Oxidative Pathways in the Pathogenesis of PD: Are Antioxidants Candidate Drugs to Ameliorate Disease Progression? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136923. [PMID: 35805928 PMCID: PMC9266756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that arises due to a complex and variable interplay between elements including age, genetic, and environmental risk factors that manifest as the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Contemporary treatments for PD do not prevent or reverse the extent of neurodegeneration that is characteristic of this disorder and accordingly, there is a strong need to develop new approaches which address the underlying disease process and provide benefit to patients with this debilitating disorder. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and inflammation have been implicated as pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons seen in PD. However, results of studies aiming to inhibit these pathways have shown variable success, and outcomes from large-scale clinical trials are not available or report varying success for the interventions studied. Overall, the available data suggest that further development and testing of novel therapies are required to identify new potential therapies for combating PD. Herein, this review reports on the most recent development of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory approaches that have shown positive benefit in cell and animal models of disease with a focus on supplementation with natural product therapies and selected synthetic drugs.
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Liu KM, Huang Y, Wan PP, Lu YH, Zhou N, Li JJ, Yu CY, Chou JJ, Zhang L, Zhang C, Qiang YY, Zhang R, Guo L. Ursolic Acid Protects Neurons in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment by Repressing Inflammation and Oxidation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:877898. [PMID: 35677445 PMCID: PMC9169096 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.877898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized as an impaired ability of learning and memory with periodic and unpredictable seizures. Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the main causes of TLE. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are directly involved in epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration, promoting chronic epilepsy and cognitive deficit. Previous studies have shown that ursolic acid (UA) represses inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to neuroprotection. Herein, we demonstrated that UA treatment alleviated seizure behavior and cognitive impairment induced by epilepsy. Moreover, UA treatment rescued hippocampal neuronal damage, aberrant neurogenesis, and ectopic migration, which are commonly accompanied by epilepsy occurrence. Our study also demonstrated that UA treatment remarkably suppressed the SE-induced neuroinflammation, evidenced by activated microglial cells and decreased inflammation factors, including TNF-α and IL-1β. Likewise, the expression levels of oxidative stress damage markers and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzyme complexes of mitochondria were also remarkably downregulated following the UA treatment, suggesting that UA suppressed the damage caused by the high oxidative stress and the defect mitochondrial function induced by SE. Furthermore, UA treatment attenuated GABAergic interneuron loss. In summary, our study clarified the notable anti-seizure and neuroprotective properties of UA in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, which is mainly achieved by abilities of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. Our study indicates the potential advantage of UA application in ameliorating epileptic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-mei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Medical Science Research Institution of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Kun-mei Liu, ; Le Guo,
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Pan-pan Wan
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yun-hua Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Juan-juan Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chun-yang Yu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jin-jiang Chou
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lianxiang Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Qiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Le Guo
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Kun-mei Liu, ; Le Guo,
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Butkevičiūtė A, Janulis V, Kviklys D. Triterpene Content in Flesh and Peel of Apples Grown on Different Rootstocks. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1247. [PMID: 35567248 PMCID: PMC9100339 DOI: 10.3390/plants11091247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in rootstock breeding and selection have revolutionized the manner in which apples are grown throughout the world. Fruit tree breeding has typically focused on key horticultural characteristics. Even though agents with health benefits have been investigated more frequently during the recent years, information about the effect of different cultivation factors, such as the rootstock, on triterpene concentration is still lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate triterpene profiles and the quantitative composition of different parts of apple fruit that was grown on 17 various origin and vigor rootstocks. HPLC analyses of triterpenes in apple samples were performed. The highest total content of triterpenes (7.72 ± 0.39 mg/g) was found in peel samples of apples grown on the dwarf rootstock 62-396-B10®. Depending on the rootstock, apple peel samples accumulated 3.52 to 4.74 times more triterpene compounds than apple flesh samples. Ursolic acid was the predominant triterpene compound in apple peel and flesh samples. The highest content of ursolic acid (5.84 ± 0.29 mg/g) was found in peel samples of apples grown on the dwarf rootstock 62-396-B10®. Meanwhile, the lowest amount of ursolic acid (3.25 ± 0.16 mg/g) was found in apple peel samples grown on the dwarf rootstock Cepiland-Pajam®2. A proper match of a cultivar and a rootstock can program a fruit tree to grow larger amounts of higher quality, antioxidant-rich, and high-nutrition-value fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurita Butkevičiūtė
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Valdimaras Janulis
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Darius Kviklys
- Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Kauno St. 30, 54333 Babtai, Lithuania;
- Department of Horticulture, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research—NIBIO Ullensvang, Ullensvangvegen 1005, 5781 Lofthus, Norway
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Singla RK, Dhir V, Madaan R, Kumar D, Singh Bola S, Bansal M, Kumar S, Dubey AK, Singla S, Shen B. The Genus Alternanthera: Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:769111. [PMID: 35479320 PMCID: PMC9036189 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.769111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) comprises 139 species including 14 species used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, pain, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, microbial and mental disorders. Aim of the review: To search research gaps through critical assessment of pharmacological activities not performed to validate traditional claims of various species of Alternanthera. This review will aid natural product researchers in identifying Alternanthera species with therapeutic potential for future investigation. Materials and methods: Scattered raw data on ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various species of the genus Alternanthera have been compiled utilizing search engines like SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Open J-Gate for 100 years up to April 2021. Results: Few species of Alternanthera genus have been exhaustively investigated phytochemically, and about 129 chemical constituents related to different classes such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds have been isolated from 9 species. Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, CNS depressive, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator effects have been explored in the twelve species of the genus. A toxicity study has been conducted on 3 species and a clinical study on 2 species. Conclusions: The available literature on pharmacological studies of Alternanthera species reveals that few species have been selected based on ethnobotanical surveys for scientific validation of their traditional claims. But most of these studies have been conducted on uncharacterized and non-standardized crude extracts. A roadmap of research needs to be developed for the isolation of new bioactive compounds from Alternanthera species, which can emerge out as clinically potential medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K. Singla
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation, New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Dhir
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University Punjab, Rajpura, India
| | - Reecha Madaan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University Punjab, Rajpura, India
- *Correspondence: Bairong Shen, ; Reecha Madaan,
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Civil Hospital, Rampura Phul, India
| | - Simranjit Singh Bola
- Akal College of Pharmacy and Technical Education, Mastuana Sahib, Sangrur, India
| | - Monika Bansal
- Akal College of Pharmacy and Technical Education, Mastuana Sahib, Sangrur, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | | | - Shailja Singla
- iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation, New Delhi, India
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Bairong Shen, ; Reecha Madaan,
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Miao HH, Liu Q, Wang N, Liu YP, Chen C, Wang HB, Huang H, Wu WF, Lin JT, Qiu YK, Zhang CW, Zhou CH, Wu YQ. The Effect of SIRT3/Ac-SOD2 Mediated Oxidative Stress and HCN1 Channel Activity on Anesthesia/Surgery Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:783931. [PMID: 35372451 PMCID: PMC8965289 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.783931] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric diseases, and perioperative factors often increase the incidence of anxiety. However, the mechanism and treatment for perioperative anxiety, especially anesthesia/surgery-induced postoperative anxiety, are largely unknown. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) which located in the mitochondria is the NAD-dependent deacetylase protein. SIRT3 mediated oxidative stress is associated with several neuropsychiatric diseases. In addition, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated 1 (HCN1) channel is also reported involved in anxiety symptoms. The purpose was to assess the role of SIRT3 on postoperative anxiety like behavior in C57/BL6 mice. We found that SIRT3 level reduced and HCN1 expression level increased in mice medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as well as anxiety like behavior postoperatively. In interventional research, SIRT3 adeno-associated virus vector or control vector was injected into the mPFC brain region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were employed to detect oxidative stress reactions and HCN1 channel activity. SIRT3 overexpression attenuated postoperative anxiety in mice. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) acetylation levels, SOD2 oxidative stress activity, mitochondrial membrane potential levels, and HCN1 channels were also inhibited by SIRT3 overexpression. Furthermore, the HCN1 channel inhibitor ZD7288 significantly protected against anesthesia/surgery-induced anxiety, but without SIRT3/ac-SOD2 expression or oxidative stress changes. Our results suggest that SIRT3 may achieve antianxiety effects through regulation of SOD2 acetylation-mediated oxidative stress and HCN1 channels in the mPFC, further strengthening the therapeutic potential of targeting SIRT3 for anesthesia/surgery-induced anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ping Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei-Feng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jia-Tao Lin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yong-Kang Qiu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Wu Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Luan M, Xu Y, Zhang X, Li D, Yan M, Hou G, Meng Q, Zhao F, Zhao F. Design and synthesis of novel aza-ursolic acid derivatives: in vitro cytotoxicity and nitric oxide release inhibitory activity. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:535-555. [PMID: 35286228 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a validated target for anti-inflammatory treatment. Based on the authors' previous work, novel aza-ursolic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized and their inhibitory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) release from RAW264.7 cells was evaluated. Materials & results: 16 novel derivatives were screened for their in vitro inhibitory activity against NO release using Griess assays and the cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assays. The presence of furoxan joined to the A-ring of ursolic acid and N-methylpiperazine groups in the lead compound was identified for anti-inflammatory activity, and compound 21b showed 94.96% inhibition of NO release at 100 μM with an IC50 value of 8.58 μM. Conclusion: Compound 21b has potential anti-inflammatory activity with low cytotoxicity that warrants further preclinical study and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Dalei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Mengjun Yan
- Yantai Raphael Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yantai, 264043, PR China
| | - Guige Hou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Feng Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Fenglan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System & Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
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Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Fawcett JP, Gu J. A novel, differential mobility spectrometry tandem mass spectrometric method for the in vivo quantitation of ursolic acid. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 210:114559. [PMID: 35016029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene widely distributed in fruits and plants. It is pharmacologically active and has the potential to be a useful therapeutic compound. To date, bioanalysis of UA has been limited by biomatrix interference and poor collision induced dissociation (CID) efficiency in tandem mass spectrometry. In this study, we developed a method based on liquid chromatography differential mobility spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry LC-DMS-MS/MS with multiple ion monitoring (MIM) for quantitation of UA in rat plasma. The method involves efficient sample preparation by solid phase extraction and requires only a limited volume of plasma (40 μL) to achieve linearity in the 1-100 ng/mL range with good accuracy and precision. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of orally administered UA in rat. The results indicate that LC-DMS-MS/MS with MIM is a useful strategy for the bioassay of UA suitable for high throughput analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyao Zhang
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Beijing Institute of Drug Metabolism, Beijing 102209, PR China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Beijing Institute of Drug Metabolism, Beijing 102209, PR China
| | - John Paul Fawcett
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Beijing Institute of Drug Metabolism, Beijing 102209, PR China
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Beijing Institute of Drug Metabolism, Beijing 102209, PR China.
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Ramos-Hryb AB, Pazini FL, Costa AP, Cunha MP, Kaster MP, Rodrigues ALS. Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the antidepressant-like effect of ursolic acid in the tail suspension test. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:13-21. [PMID: 34791376 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the involvement of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the antidepressant-like effects of ursolic acid (UA), a plant-derived compound with neuroprotective and antidepressant-like properties. METHODS Mice received intracerebroventricular injections of zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) or cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) to inhibit or induce HO-1, respectively, together with effective (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) or sub-effective (0.01 mg/kg, p.o.) doses of UA or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Immobility time was assessed using the tail suspension test (TST) and the ambulatory behaviour with the open field test. HO-1 immunocontent was evaluated in mice hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. KEY FINDINGS ZnPP prevented the anti-immobility effects of UA and fluoxetine. Combined treatment with a sub-effective dose of CoPP and UA synergistically exerted antidepressant-like effects in the TST. Acute administration of UA or CoPP, but not fluoxetine, increased the HO-1 immunocontent in the hippocampus. None of the treatments altered the HO-1 immunocontent in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this work shows that increased hippocampal HO-1 content and activity mediate the antidepressant-like effect of UA in the TST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belen Ramos-Hryb
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Costa
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mauricio P Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Manuella P Kaster
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Wang N, Wang E, Wang R, Muhammad F, Li T, Yue J, Zhou Y, Zhi D, Li H. Ursolic acid ameliorates amyloid β-induced pathological symptoms in Caenorhabditis elegans by activating the proteasome. Neurotoxicology 2022; 88:231-240. [PMID: 34902447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyloid β induces pathological symptoms in various neurodegenerative disorders. It is the hallmark of these neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, and is reported to induce neurotoxicity leading to neuronal impairment. The continuous development of neurodegenerative disease accompanies pathological changes in amyloid β deposition in the brain. After amyloid β accumulates, the inadequate clearance of amyloid β further accelerates the development of events in the pathological cascade. In eukaryotes, the proteasome is responsible for the degradation of misfolded and damaged proteins to maintain proteostasis. Therefore, screening candidates that preserve proteasomal activity may promote amyloid β homeostasis, which is expected to provide new therapeutic opportunities for these neurodegenerative diseases. Ursolic acid, a natural triterpenoid, has prominent pharmacological antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and nontoxic activities. Here, we explored the protective effects of ursolic acid on amyloid β-induced pathological symptoms. METHODS This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ursolic acid and its underlying molecular mechanisms using a Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic pathological model. RESULTS In our study, ursolic acid successfully repressed amyloid β-induced paralysis and hypersensitivity to serotonin in Caenorhabditis elegans. The levels of amyloid β monomers, oligomers, and deposits were decreased after treatment with ursolic acid in transgenic nematodes overexpressing human amyloid β; however, ursolic acid did not affect exogenous transgene transcription and expression levels. Ursolic acid transcriptionally enhanced the ubiquitin-proteasome system and augmented proteasome activity in vivo. However, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 abolished the therapeutic effect of ursolic acid on behavioral paralysis, and Parkinson's disease-related-1 was required for the therapeutic effect of ursolic acid. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that ursolic acid prevented amyloid β-induced proteotoxic stress, specifically by reducing the amount of amyloid β and increasing proteasome activity in vivo. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of ursolic acid on transgenic nematodes expressing amyloid β depended on the increased activity of the proteasome. This work provides an essential supplement to the information on the pharmacological mechanism of ursolic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China
| | - Enhui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China
| | - Ruyue Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China
| | | | - Ting Li
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China
| | - Juan Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, China
| | - Yongtao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Clinical Center for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dejuan Zhi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, China.
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, China.
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46
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Luan M, Wang H, Wang J, Zhang X, Zhao F, Liu Z, Meng Q. Advances in Anti-inflammatory Activity, Mechanism and Therapeutic Application of Ursolic Acid. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:422-436. [PMID: 34517797 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210913113522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies reveal that Ursolic Acid (UA) is able to counteract endogenous and exogenous inflammatory stimuli and has favorable anti-inflammatory effects. The antiinflammatory mechanisms mainly include decreasing the release of histamine in mast cells, suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and phospholipase, and reducing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, blocking the activation of the signal pathway, downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting the activities of elastase and complement. These mechanisms can open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, liver diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, dermatitis, bowel diseases, cancer. The anti-inflammatory activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ursolic acid and its therapeutic applications are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Huiyun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Shandong Province, 276826, P.R. China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Fenglan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
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Animal model of repeated low-level blast traumatic brain injury displays acute and chronic neurobehavioral and neuropathological changes. Exp Neurol 2021; 349:113938. [PMID: 34863680 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT) is not only a signature injury to soldiers in combat field and training facilities but may also a growing concern in civilian population due to recent increases in the use of improvised explosives by insurgent groups. Unlike moderate or severe BINT, repeated low-level blast (rLLB) is different in its etiology as well as pathology. Due to the constant use of heavy weaponry as part of combat readiness, rLLB usually occurs in service members undergoing training as part of combat readiness. rLLB does not display overt pathological symptoms; however, earlier studies report chronic neurocognitive changes such as altered mood, irritability, and aggressive behavior, all of which may be caused by subtle neuropathological manifestations. Current animal models of rLLB for investigation of neurobehavioral and neuropathological alterations have not been adequate and do not sufficiently represent rLLB conditions. Here, we developed a rat model of rLLB by applying controlled low-level blast pressures (<10 psi) repeated successively five times to mimic the pressures experienced by service members. Using this model, we assessed anxiety-like symptoms, motor coordination, and short-term memory as a function of time. We also examined levels of superoxide-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase, microglial activation, and reactive astrocytosis as factors likely contributing to these neurobehavioral changes. Animals exposed to rLLB displayed acute and chronic anxiety-like symptoms, motor and short-term memory impairments. These changes were paralleled by increased microglial activation and reactive astrocytosis. Conversely, animals exposed to a single low-level blast did not display significant changes. Collectively, this study demonstrates that, unlike a single low-level blast, rLLB exerts a cumulative impact on different brain regions and produces chronic neuropathological changes in so doing, may be responsible for neurobehavioral alterations.
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Nebie O, Carvalho K, Barro L, Delila L, Faivre E, Renn TY, Chou ML, Wu YW, Nyam-Erdene A, Chou SY, Buée L, Hu CJ, Peng CW, Devos D, Blum D, Burnouf T. Human platelet lysate biotherapy for traumatic brain injury: preclinical assessment. Brain 2021; 144:3142-3158. [PMID: 34086871 PMCID: PMC8634089 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to major brain anatomopathological damages underlined by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and progressive neurodegeneration, ultimately leading to motor and cognitive deterioration. The multiple pathological events resulting from TBI can be addressed not by a single therapeutic approach, but rather by a synergistic biotherapy capable of activating a complementary set of signalling pathways and providing synergistic neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neurorestorative activities. Human platelet lysate might fulfil these requirements as it is composed of a plethora of biomolecules readily accessible as a TBI biotherapy. In the present study, we tested the therapeutic potential of human platelet lysate using in vitro and in vivo models of TBI. We first prepared and characterized platelet lysate from clinical-grade human platelet concentrates. Platelets were pelletized, lysed by three freeze-thaw cycles, and centrifuged. The supernatant was purified by 56°C 30 min heat treatment and spun to obtain the heat-treated platelet pellet lysate that was characterized by ELISA and proteomic analyses. Two mouse models were used to investigate platelet lysate neuroprotective potential. The injury was induced by an in-house manual controlled scratching of the animals' cortex or by controlled cortical impact injury. The platelet lysate treatment was performed by topical application of 60 µl in the lesioned area, followed by daily 60 µl intranasal administration from Day 1 to 6 post-injury. Platelet lysate proteomics identified over 1000 proteins including growth factors, neurotrophins, and antioxidants. ELISA detected several neurotrophic and angiogenic factors at ∼1-50 ng/ml levels. We demonstrate, using two mouse models of TBI, that topical application and intranasal platelet lysate consistently improved mouse motor function in the beam and rotarod tests, mitigated cortical neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in the injury area, as revealed by downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and the reduction in reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, platelet lysate treatment reduced the loss of cortical synaptic proteins. Unbiased proteomic analyses revealed that heat-treated platelet pellet lysate reversed several pathways promoted by both controlled cortical impact and cortical brain scratch and related to transport, postsynaptic density, mitochondria or lipid metabolism. The present data strongly support, for the first time, that human platelet lysate is a reliable and effective therapeutic source of neurorestorative factors. Therefore, brain administration of platelet lysate is a therapeutical strategy that deserves serious and urgent consideration for universal brain trauma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouada Nebie
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of
Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000,
France
| | - Kevin Carvalho
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000,
France
| | - Lassina Barro
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Liling Delila
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of
Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Emilie Faivre
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000,
France
| | - Ting-Yi Renn
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Li Chou
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of
Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University,
Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of
Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ariunjargal Nyam-Erdene
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Yi Chou
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and
Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science
and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Luc Buée
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000,
France
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Univ. Lille, Lille,
F-59000 France
| | - Chaur-Jong Hu
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and
Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science
and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Dementia Center, Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical
University, New Taipei City, 23561, Taiwan
- Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - David Devos
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Univ. Lille, Lille,
F-59000 France
| | - David Blum
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience and
Cognition, Lille F-59000, France
- Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000,
France
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science
and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of
Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical
University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University,
Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- International PhD Program in Cell Therapy and Regeneration, College of
Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho
Hospital, New Taipei City, 23561, Taiwan
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Bioactive Compounds in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Diseases: Targeting the NRF2/ARE Signaling Pathway and Epigenetic Regulation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10121859. [PMID: 34942962 PMCID: PMC8698417 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a pathological condition occurring due to an imbalance between the oxidants and antioxidant defense systems in the body. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), encoded by the gene NFE2L2, is the master regulator of phase II antioxidant enzymes that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. NRF2/ARE signaling has been considered as a promising target against oxidative stress-mediated diseases like diabetes, fibrosis, neurotoxicity, and cancer. The consumption of dietary phytochemicals acts as an effective modulator of NRF2/ARE in various acute and chronic diseases. In the present review, we discussed the role of NRF2 in diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cancer, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, we discussed the phytochemicals like curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, sulforaphane, and ursolic acid that have effectively modified NRF2 signaling and prevented various diseases in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on the literature, it is clear that dietary phytochemicals can prevent diseases by (1) blocking oxidative stress-inhibiting inflammatory mediators through inhibiting Keap1 or activating Nrf2 expression and its downstream targets in the nucleus, including HO-1, SOD, and CAT; (2) regulating NRF2 signaling by various kinases like GSK3beta, PI3/AKT, and MAPK; and (3) modifying epigenetic modulation, such as methylation, at the NRF2 promoter region; however, further investigation into other upstream signaling molecules like NRF2 and the effect of phytochemicals on them still need to be investigated in the near future.
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Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of New N-Containing Hybrid Derivatives of Gallic and Ursolic Acids. Chem Nat Compd 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10600-021-03546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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