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Ribeiro LR, Dos Santos AMF, da Cruz Guedes E, Bezerra TLDS, de Souza TL, Filho JMB, de Almeida RN, Salvadori MGDSS. Effects of acute administration of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol in mouse models of seizures. Epilepsy Res 2024; 205:107421. [PMID: 39068729 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107421] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, presents a substantial challenge in approximately one-third of cases exhibiting resistance to conventional pharmacological treatments. This study investigated the effect of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol, a phenolic compound derived from various natural sources, in different models of induced seizures and its impact on animal electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. Adult male Swiss albino mice were pre-treated (i.p.) with a dose curve of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), its vehicle (Tween), or standard antiepileptic drug (Diazepam; or Phenytoin). Subsequently, the mice were subjected to different seizure-inducing models - pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA), pilocarpine (PILO), or maximal electroshock seizure (MES). EEG analysis was performed on other animals surgically implanted with electrodes to evaluate brain activity. Significant results revealed that animals treated with 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol exhibited increased latency to the first myoclonic jerk in the PTZ and PILO models; prolonged latency to the first tonic-clonic seizure in the PTZ, 3-MPA, and PILO models; reduced total duration of tonic-clonic seizures in the PTZ and PILO models; decreased intensity of convulsive seizures in the PTZ and 3-MPA models; and diminished mortality in the 3-MPA, PILO, and MES models. EEG analysis indicated an increase in the percentage of total power attributed to beta waves following 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol administration. Notably, the substance protected from behavioral and electrographic seizures in the PTZ model, preventing increases in the average amplitude of recording signals while also inducing an increase in the participation of theta and gamma waves. These findings suggest promising outcomes for the tested phenolic compound across diverse pre-clinical seizure models, highlighting the need for further comprehensive studies to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and validate its clinical relevance in epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rodrigo Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Aline Matilde Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Erika da Cruz Guedes
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Thamires Lucena da Silva Bezerra
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Thaíze Lopes de Souza
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - José Maria Barbosa Filho
- Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo Nóbrega de Almeida
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Mirian Graciela da Silva Stiebbe Salvadori
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Institute of Research in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Graduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Yadollahi-Farsani Y, Vanani VR, Lorigooini Z, Farahzad A, Amini-Khoei H. Anethole via increase in the gene expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR mitigates the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:1-7. [PMID: 38145174 PMCID: PMC10733685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodegenerative disease with increasing incidence in the world. The maternal separation (MS) stress at early life with its own neuroendocrine and neurostructural changes can provide the basis for development of ASD. Previously it has been reported neuroprotective characteristics for anethole. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has pivotal role in the function of central nervous system (CNS). This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of anethole on the autistic-like behaviors in the maternally separated (MS) mice focusing on the potential role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Forty male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to five groups (n = 8) comprising a control group (treated with normal saline) and four groups subjected to MS and treated with normal saline and or anethole at doses of 31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg, respectively. All gents were administrated via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route for 14 constant days. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box and resident-intruder test. The gene expression of the PI3K, AKT and mTOR assessed in the hippocampus by qRT-PCR. Findings indicated that MS is associated with autistic-like behaviors. Anethole increased the sociability and social preference indexes in the three-chamber test, increased duration of secondary latency in the shuttle box test and decreased aggressive behaviors in the resident-intruder test. Also, anethole increased the gene expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in the hippocampus of MS mice. We concluded that anethole through increase in the gene expression of PI3K/ AKT/mTOR mitigated autistic-like behaviors induced by MS in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Yadollahi-Farsani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Vahid Reisi Vanani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Lorigooini
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Anahita Farahzad
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Ulusoy E, Bozkurt A, Durmaz S, Servi H, Vardar F, Erisen S. Impact of silver nanoparticles on secondary metabolite composition and toxicity in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) callus culture. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:362. [PMID: 38702604 PMCID: PMC11069286 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise). RESULTS AgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole. CONCLUSION AgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Ulusoy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, P. O. Box 34662, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Aysenur Bozkurt
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, P. O. Box 34662, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sumeyye Durmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, P. O. Box 34662, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Servi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeni Yüzyıl University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Vardar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semiha Erisen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ali SO, Ghaiad HR, Elmasry GF, Mehana NA. Sinapic Acid Mitigates Pentylenetetrazol-induced Acute Seizures By Modulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating Calcium/calcineurin Signaling: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02019-0. [PMID: 38662166 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02019-0] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Sinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in citrus fruits and cereals. Recent studies have shown that SA has potential anti-seizure properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. The present study investigated the neuroprotective role of SA at two different dosages in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute seizure model. Mice were divided into six groups: normal control, PTZ, SA (20 mg/kg), SA (20 mg/kg) + PTZ, SA (40 mg/kg), and SA (40 mg/kg) + PTZ. SA was orally administered for 21 days, followed by a convulsive dose of intraperitoneal PTZ (50 mg/kg). Seizures were estimated via the Racine scale, and animals were behaviorally tested using the Y-maze. Brain tissues were used to assess the levels of GABA, glutamate, oxidative stress markers, calcium, calcineurin, (Nod)-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Bcl-2-associated death protein (Bad) and Bcl-2. Molecular docking of SA using a multistep in silico protocol was also performed. The results showed that SA alleviated oxidative stress, restored the GABA/glutamate balance and calcium/calcineurin signaling, downregulated NLRP3 and apoptosis, and improved recognition and ambulatory activity in PTZ-treated mice. In silico results also revealed that SA strongly interacts with the target proteins NLRP3 and ASC. Overall, the results suggest that SA is a promising antiseizure agent and that both doses of SA are comparable, with 40 mg/kg SA being superior in normalizing glutathione, calcium and IL-1β, in addition to calcineurin, NLRP3, ASC and Bad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa O Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Heba R Ghaiad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Ghada F Elmasry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Noha A Mehana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
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He X, Chen X, Yang Y, Xie Y, Liu Y. Medicinal plants for epileptic seizures: Phytoconstituents, pharmacology and mechanisms revisited. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117386. [PMID: 37956914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117386] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that presents with recurring and spontaneous seizures. It is prevalent worldwide, affecting up to 65 million people, with 80% of cases found in lower-income countries. Medicinal plants are commonly employed for managing and treating epilepsy and convulsions due to their unique therapeutic properties. With increasing research and clinical application, medicinal plants are gaining attention globally due to their potent therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. The development of new plant-based antiepileptic/anticonvulsant agents has become a major focus in the pharmaceutical industry. AIM OF THE REVIEW This article summarizes recent research on medicinal plants with reported antiepileptic/anticonvulsant effects. It provides pharmacological and molecular mechanism of action information for the crude extracts and related active constituents evaluated in preclinical research for the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions, and offers a reference for the development of future related studies in this area. MATERIALS AND METHODS Articles related to ethnopharmacological and antiepileptic studies on plants or natural products from 2018 to 2023 were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, etc. using keywords related to epilepsy, medicinal plants, and natural products, etc. RESULTS: Eighty plant species are commonly used to treat epilepsy and convulsions in African and Asian countries. Sixty natural products showing potential for antiepileptic/anticonvulsant effects have been identified from these medicinal plants. These products can be broadly classified as alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and other compounds. The antiepileptic action of plant extracts and their active ingredients can be classified according to their abilities to modulate the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems, act as antioxidants, exhibit anti-neuroinflammatory effects, and provide neuroprotection. In addition, we highlight that some medicinal plants capable of pharmacologically relieving epilepsy and cognition may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS The review highlights the fact that herbal medicinal products used in traditional medicine are a valuable source of potential candidates for antiepileptic drugs. This confirms and encourages the antiepileptic/anticonvulsant activity of certain medicinal plants, which could serve as inspiration for further development. However, the aspects of structural modification and optimization, metabolism, toxicology, mechanisms, and clinical trials are not fully understood and need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui He
- Shool of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519041, China.
| | - Xufei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Western Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology, Northwest University, 710065, Shaanxi, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Shool of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519041, China
| | - Yulu Xie
- Shool of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519041, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Shool of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519041, China
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Rodrigues TCML, Dias AL, dos Santos AMF, Messias Monteiro AF, Oliveira MCN, Oliveira Pires HF, de Sousa NF, Salvadori MGDSS, Scotti MT, Scotti L. Multi-target Phenylpropanoids Against Epilepsy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:2168-2190. [PMID: 38847378 PMCID: PMC11337686 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240524160126] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease with no defined cause, characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. These occur due to the dysregulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Psychopharmaceuticals have undesirable side effects; many patients require more than one pharmacotherapy to control crises. With this in mind, this work emphasizes the discovery of new substances from natural products that can combat epileptic seizures. Using in silico techniques, this review aims to evaluate the antiepileptic and multi-target activity of phenylpropanoid derivatives. Initially, ligand-based virtual screening models (LBVS) were performed with 468 phenylpropanoid compounds to predict biological activities. The LBVS were developed for the targets alpha- amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), voltage-gated calcium channel Ttype (CaV), gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA), gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter type 1 (GAT-1), voltage-gated potassium channel of the Q family (KCNQ), voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV), and N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA). The compounds that had good results in the LBVS were analyzed for the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters, and later, the best molecules were evaluated in the molecular docking consensus. The TR430 compound showed the best results in pharmacokinetic parameters; its oral absorption was 99.03%, it did not violate any Lipinski rule, it showed good bioavailability, and no cytotoxicity was observed either from the molecule or from the metabolites in the evaluated parameters. TR430 was able to bind with GABAA (activation) and AMPA (inhibition) targets and demonstrated good binding energy and significant interactions with both targets. The studied compound showed to be a promising molecule with a possible multi-target activity in both fundamental pharmacological targets for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur Lins Dias
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-085, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Aline Matilde Ferreira dos Santos
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-085, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Alex France Messias Monteiro
- Cheminformatics Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Mayara Cecile Nascimento Oliveira
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-085, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Hugo Fernandes Oliveira Pires
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-085, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira de Sousa
- Cheminformatics Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Cheminformatics Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Cheminformatics Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
- Teaching and Research Management, University Hospital Lauro Wanderley, Federal University of Paraíba, 58050-585, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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