Panax notoginseng Saponins Attenuate Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury in Human SH-SY5Y Cells by Regulating the Expression of Inflammatory Factors through miR-155

Panax notoginseng Saponins Activate Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 to Inhibit Ferroptosis and Attenuate Inflammatory Injury in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the primary medicinal ingredient of Panax notoginseng, mitigates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by inhibiting inflammation, regulating oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and improving microcirculation. Moreover, PNS activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is known to inhibit ferroptosis and reduce inflammation in the rat brain. However, the molecular regulatory roles of PNS in CIRI-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNS on ferroptosis and inflammation in CIRI. We induced ferroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells via erastin stimulation and oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Furthermore, we determined the effect of PNS treatment in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion and assessed the underlying mechanism. We also analyzed the changes in the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors in the established rat model. OGD/R led to an increase in the levels of ferroptosis markers in SH-SY5Y cells, which were reduced by PNS treatment. In the rat model, combined treatment with an Nrf2 agonist, Nrf2 inhibitor, and PNS-Nrf2 inhibitor confirmed that PNS promotes Nrf2 nuclear localization and reduces ferroptosis and inflammatory responses, thereby mitigating brain injury. Mechanistically, PNS treatment facilitated Nrf2 activation, thereby regulating the expression of iron overload and lipid peroxidation-related proteins and the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. This cascade inhibited ferroptosis and mitigated CIRI. Altogether, these results suggest that the ferroptosis-mediated activation of Nrf2 by PNS reduces inflammation and is a promising therapeutic approach for CIRI.

Traditional Chinese medicines treat ischemic stroke and their main bioactive constituents and mechanisms

Ischemic stroke (IS) remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in humans. Unfortunately, none of the treatments effectively provide functional benefits to patients with IS, although many do so by targeting different aspects of the ischemic cascade response. The advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in preventing and treating IS are obvious in terms of early treatment and global coordination. The efficacy of TCM and its bioactive constituents has been scientifically proven over the past decades. Based on clinical trials, this article provides a review of commonly used TCM patent medicines and herbal decoctions indicated for IS. In addition, this paper also reviews the mechanisms of bioactive constituents in TCM for the treatment of IS in recent years, both domestically and internationally. A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies will hopefully provide new ideas to address the threat of IS.

Panax notoginseng saponins reverse steroid resistance in lupus nephritis: Involvement of the suppression of exosomal P-gp levels from lymphocytes to glomerular endothelial cells

Microangiopathy is the most basic pathological manifestation of lupus nephritis (LN), and glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) injury is an important pathological mechanism. LN patients with microangiopathy are prone to steroid resistance (SR). Our previous studies confirmed that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) could reverse SR by downregulating the expression of P-gp in SR lymphocytes of LN mice (SLCsL/S). However, the mechanism of how circulating lymphocytes transmit SR information to GECs and thus affect the efficacy of kidney treatment is not clear. Recent studies have found that exosomes (exos) are an important carrier for intercellular bioactive substance communication. But whether exosomes derived from SLCsL/S mediate SR in GECs and PNS interventions. To solve this problem, Exosomes isolated from SLCsL/S were characterized, and in vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate the effect of SLCsL/S-derived exosomes in the SR of GECs and PNS intervention. Sequencing was used to define the exosomal miRNA expression profiling of SR GECs. Moreover, the in vivo experiments were performed through the injection of exosomes extracted from SLCsL/S into the tail vein of mice. Our research results indicate that exosomes derived from SLCsL/S could transmit SR information to GECs and lead to the aggravation of inflammatory injury through conferring P-gp, which were negated by a P-gp inhibitor. Further, we identified higher levels of exosomal miR-125b-5p from SR GECs were associated with SR in LN and could serve as biomarker for the risk of developing SR. PNS could reverse the SR of GECs and alleviate inflammatory injury by suppressing exosomal P-gp levels from lymphocytes to GECs in vitro and in vivo. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which PNS regulates exosomes has not yet been elucidated, and we need to conduct more in-depth research in the future. Overall, Our findings suggest that exosomal transfer of SLCsL/S derived P-gp confer SR to GECs, and PNS can target exosome communication to reverse SR in LN, which provides new ideas and a scientific basis for improving the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of refractory LN.

Study on the regulatory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins combined with bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on IRAK1/TRAF6-NF-κB pathway in patients with diabetic cutaneous ulcers

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNSs) have been found as the major active ingredient of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen (PN) leaves, which has the effect of reducing inflammatory response, facilitating fibroblast proliferation, as well as promoting angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of PNS combined with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for treating diabetic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) and its mechanism of action.

METHODS

A total of 75 SD rats were selected to make diabetic cutaneous ulcers model. According random number table method, the rats were randomly divided into a control group, a DCU group, a BMSCs group, a PNS group and BMSCs + PNS group. Five groups of rats were given without treatment. After being treated for 7 days, the rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and granulation tissue was collected from the central point of the wound. They were used for pathological analysis, Western blot (WB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

RESULTS

The wound healing area was the largest in the BMSCs + PNS group. HE staining results showed that the PNS + BMSCs group could promote the formation of new epidermis and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that the PNS + BMSCs group could up-regulate the expression of Ki67 protein and cell proliferation. In addition, PNS combined with BMSCs up-regulated the expression of miR-146-5p and down-regulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, IRAK1, TRAF6 and p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PNS combined with bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation up-regulated miR-146a-5p targeting and binding to IRAK1/TRAF6, inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway, which reduced the inflammatory response of DCU and facilitated the skin healing of DCU. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis and a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of DFU with PNS combined with BMSCs.

Changes in nanomechanical properties of single neuroblastoma cells as a model for oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)

Although complex, the biological processes underlying ischemic stroke are better known than those related to biomechanical alterations of single cells. Mechanisms of biomechanical changes and their relations to the molecular processes are crucial for understanding the function and dysfunction of the brain. In our study, we applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to quantify the alterations in biomechanical properties in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation (RO). Obtained results reveal several characteristics. Cell viability remained at the same level, regardless of the OGD and RO conditions, but, in parallel, the metabolic activity of cells decreased with OGD duration. 24 h RO did not recover the metabolic activity fully. Cells subjected to OGD appeared softer than control cells. Cell softening was strongly present in cells after 1 h of OGD and with longer OGD duration, and in RO conditions, cells recovered their mechanical properties. Changes in the nanomechanical properties of cells were attributed to the remodelling of actin filaments, which was related to cofilin-based regulation and impaired metabolic activity of cells. The presented study shows the importance of nanomechanics in research on ischemic-related pathological processes such as stroke.

Pharmacological Effect of Panax notoginseng Saponins on Cerebral Ischemia in Animal Models

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), bioactive compounds, are commonly used to treat ischemic heart and cerebral diseases in China and other Asian countries. Most previous studies of PNS have focused on the mechanisms underlying their treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases but not cerebral ischemic diseases. This study sought to explore the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of PNS in treating cerebral ischemic diseases. Different experimental cerebral ischemia models (including middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and the blockade of four arteries in rats, collagen-adrenaline-induced systemic intravascular thrombosis in mice, thrombosis of carotid artery-jugular vein blood flow in the bypass of rats, and hypoxia tolerance in mice) were used to investigate the mechanisms underlying the actions of PNS on cerebral ischemia. The results indicated that (1) PNS improved neurological function and reduced the cerebral ischemia infraction area in MCAO rats; (2) PNS improved motor coordination function in rats with complete cerebral ischemia (blockade of four arteries), decreased Ca²⁺ levels, and ameliorated energy metabolism in the brains of ischemia rats; (3) PNS reduced thrombosis in common carotid artery-jugular vein blood flow in the bypass of rats; (4) PNS provided significant promise in antistroke hemiplegia and hypoxia tolerance in mice. In conclusion, PNS showed antagonistic effects on ischemic stroke, and pharmacological mechanisms are likely to be associated with the reduction of cerebral pathological damage, thrombolysis, antihypoxia, and improvement in the intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and cerebral energy metabolism.

Panax notoginseng saponins reverse P-gp-mediated steroid resistance in lupus: involvement in the suppression of the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway in lymphocytes

Background

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated steroid resistance (SR) has been suggested to play a significant role in lupus nephritis (LN) treatment failure. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main effective components of the traditional Chinese medicine notoginseng, exhibited potent reversal capability of P-gp-mediated SR, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PNS on reversing SR in lupus and its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

In this study, an SR animal and splenic lymphocyte model were established using low-dose methylprednisolone (MP). Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of PNS on reversing P-gp-mediated SR and the expression of P-gp in different T-cells phenotypes. Serum levels of ANA and dsDNA in lupus mice were measured by ELISA. Apoptosis was identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. RT–PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT1, FoxO1, and MDR1 in SR splenic lymphocytes from lupus mice (SLCs/MPs).

Results

PNS could reverse the SR in lupus mice. Simultaneously, PNS increased the apoptotic effect of MP on SLCs/MP cells. The increased accumulation of rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) indicated that intracellular steroid accumulation could be increased by the action of PNS. Moreover, PNS decreased the expression of P-gp levels. Further experiments elucidated that the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway existed in SLCs/MP cells, and PNS suppressed its expression level to reverse SR. The expression of P-gp in Th17 from SLCs/MP cells was increased, while PNS could reduce its level in a more obvious trend.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that PNS reversed P-gp-mediated SR via the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway, which might become a valuable drug for the treatment of SR in lupus. Th17 might be the main effector cell of PNS reversing SR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03499-5.

Proteomics and transcriptome reveal the key transcription factors mediating the protection of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transcription factors (TFs) play a critical role in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are extensively used in the treatment of acute cerebral ischemia in China, but the mechanism of their effects, especially at the TF level, remains unclear. In this study, a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics and network pharmacology analysis was used to identify the key TFs involved in the protection of PNS against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced IRI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sprague-Dawley rats which were subjected to 1.5 hours of MCAO-induced occlusionand then followed by reperfusion, were treated with PNS at a concentration of 36 mg/kg or 72 mg/kg daily for 7 days. PNS significantly decreased neurological deficient scores and infarction rate; prevented cerebral tissue damage; and reduced CASP3 activity, levels of TNF, IL1B and CCL2 after IRI. Through a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics, 9 critical TFs were identified, including Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2), Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) and 7 other TFs. The targets of ERCC2 and NR4A3, such as Ubxn11, Ush2a, Numr2, Oxt, Ubxn11, Scrt2, Ttc34 and Lrrc23, were verified by using real-time PCR analysis. RNA-seq analyses indicated that PNS regulated nerve system development and inflammation, and the majority of the identified TFs were also involved in these processes. By using network pharmacology analysis, 73 chemical components in PNS were predicted to affect ERCC2, NR4A3 and 3 other identified TFs.

CONCLUSION

ERCC2, NR4A3 and 7 other TFs were of importance in the protection of PNS against IRI. This study promoted the understanding of protective mechanism of PNS against cerebral IRI and facilitated the identification of possible targets of PNS.

Challenges and Improvements of Novel Therapies for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is the third most common disease all over the world, which is regarded as a hotspot in medical research because of its high mortality and morbidity. Stroke, especially ischemic stroke, causes severe neural cell death, and no effective therapy is currently available for neuroregeneration after stroke. Although many therapies have been shown to be effective in preclinical studies of ischemic stroke, almost none of them passed clinical trials, and the reasons for most failures have not been well identified. In this review, we focus on several novel methods, such as traditional Chinese medicine, stem cell therapy, and exosomes that have not been used for ischemic stroke till recent decades. We summarize the proposed basic mechanisms underlying these therapies and related clinical results, discussing advantages and current limitations for each therapy emphatically. Based on the limitations such as side effects, narrow therapeutic window, and less accumulation at the injury region, structure transformation and drug combination are subsequently applied, providing a deep understanding to develop effective treatment strategies for ischemic stroke in the near future.

Medicarpin Protects Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells Against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO Pathway: A Study of Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Medicarpin, a pterocarpan class of naturally occurring phytoestrogen possesses various biological functions. However, the effect of medicarpin on oxygen-glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) remains largely unknown. Target genes of medicarpin were predicted from PharmMapper. Target genes of ischemic stroke were predicted from public databases GeneCards and DisGeNET. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of the intersecting targets was analyzed via DAVID 6.8. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. Malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione level were detected using corresponding commercially available kits. Cell death was assessed by TUNEL assays. Expression of protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-Akt, forkhead box protein O1, phosphorylated-FoxO1, FoxO3a, and phosphorylated-FoxO3a (p-FoxO3a) was detected by western blot analysis. The intersecting targets of medicarpin and ischemic stroke were significantly enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and FoxO pathways. Medicarpina attenuated OGD/R-evoked viability inhibition, oxidative stress, and cell death in HCMECs. Additionally, medicarpin activated the PI3K/Akt and FoxO pathways in OGD/R-induced HCMECs. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway abrogated the neuroprotective effect of medicarpin on OGD/R-induced injury and activation of FoxO pathway in HCMECs. In conclusion, medicarpin suppressed OGD/R-induced injury in HCMECs by activating PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway.

Propofol Pretreatment Prevents Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced Inflammation Through Nuclear Transcription Factor κB (NF-κB) Pathway in Neuroblastoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is one of the causes of neuroblastoma progression. Propofol attenuates inflammation by repressing nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) in different diseases. But its effect on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced inflammation is not known.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the role and mechanism of action of propofol on OGD/Rinduced inflammation in mouse N2A neuroblastoma cells.

METHODS

MTT was performed on mouse neuroblastoma cells N2A to assess and select the maximum safe dose of propofol. Next, N2A cells were pretreated with propofol and then, exposed to the OGD condition for 3 h and reoxygenated for 6 h. The content of the inflammatory factors, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in the medium was measured by ELISA, while their protein expression was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. The protein expression of P65, p-P65, IKBα and p-IKBα belonging to the NF-κB pathway was also determined by western blot in N2A cells. To further confirm the mechanism of propofol on OGD/R-induced inflammation in mouse N2A cells, P65 was over-expressed and the above experiments were repeated.

RESULTS

Propofol did not affect cell viability of N2A cells even at the maximum concentration used (30 µM), thus, 30 µM of propofol was selected to perform our experiments. Besides, OGD/R induced inflammation and activation of NF-κB pathway with increased p-P65 and p-IKBα expression, and propofol pretreatment inhibited OGD/R induced inflammation and activation of NF-κB pathway in N2A cells. Over-expression of P56 abolished the effects of propofol on OGD/Rinduced inflammation and activation of NF-κB pathway in N2A cells.

CONCLUSION

Our work demonstrated for the first time that propofol pretreatment ameliorated OGD/R induced inflammation via NF-κB pathway modulation in mouse neuroblastoma N2A cells, indicating that propofol might be considered as a potential therapeutic approach to reduce inflammation in neuroblastoma.

Ginkgolide B Alleviates Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats With Vascular Dementia by Reducing Neuroinflammation via Regulating NF-κB Pathway

Ginkgobalide B (GB) as the main active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine Ginkgo biloba extract is reported to reduce neuroinflammation, protect neurons and promote cognitive learning ability. To explore that GB can reduce neuroinflammation through regulating nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and overcome cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD), we aim at investigating the potential effect of GB on enhancing cognitive function in rats with VD. It was found that GB improved survival of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) treated SH-SY5Y cells by attenuating inflammatory response via Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway. When rats were treated with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 24 h, saline and GB were administered in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats via a single intraperitoneal injection for consecutive 14 days. The behavioral changes of VD like rats treated with GB were observed through open field test, Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze electric maze. Nissl staining and immunofluorescence were used to observe changes of neurons in the hippocampus of rats. Western blot analysis was performed by detecting NF-κB pathway related inflammatory factors. The results found that GB can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of VD rats by reducing TLR4/NF-κB mediated neuroinflammation. In conclusion, GB seemed to be a potential drug for amelioration of learning and memory impairment in rats with VD.

Efficacy and Safety of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (Xueshuantong) in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke (EXPECT) Trial: Rationale and Design

Background: Although revascularization treatment is recommended as the first-line therapy for patients with non-minor acute ischemic stroke (AIS), it only benefits a minority of patients. Previous studies have reported the positive effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) (Xueshuantong lyophilized powder) on AIS, however, there have been no rigorous trials. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of PNS therapy for patients with AIS.

Methods: The Evaluation of Xueshuantong in Patients with acutE ischemiC sTroke (EXPECT) trial is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study aiming to enroll 480 patients in China. Eligible patients with AIS within 72 h of symptom onset will randomly receive either PNS or PNS placebo for 10 days and subsequently be followed up to 90 days. The primary outcome will be a change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from baseline to 10 post-randomization days. The secondary outcomes include early neurological improvement (proportion of patients with NIHSS score 0–1), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Scale for Stroke score at 10 post-randomization days, the proportion of patients with life independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1), the proportion of patients with a favorable outcome (Barthel Index ≥90), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life score at 90 days. Adverse events or clinically significant changes in vital signs and laboratory parameters, regardless of the severity, will be recorded during the trial to assess the safety of PNS.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first double-blind trial to assess the efficacy and safety of PNS in patients with AIS. Findings of the EXPECT trial will be valuable in improving evidence regarding the clinical application of PNS therapy in patients with AIS ineligible for revascularization treatment in the reperfusion era.

Genes Induced by Panax Notoginseng in a Rodent Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that results in decreased blood flow. Although Panax notoginseng (PN), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been proven to promote stroke recovery, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in rats with thrombi generated by thread and subsequently treated with PN. After that, staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride was employed to evaluate the infarcted area, and electron microscopy was used to assess ultrastructural changes of the neurovascular unit. RNA-Seq was performed to determine the differential expressed genes (DEGs) which were then verified by qPCR. In total, 817 DEGs were identified to be related to the therapeutic effect of PN on stroke recovery. Further analysis by Gene Oncology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed that most of these genes were involved in the biological function of nerves and blood vessels through the regulation of neuroactive live receptor interactions of PI3K-Akt, Rap1, cAMP, and cGMP-PKG signaling, which included in the 18 pathways identified in our research, of which, 9 were reported firstly that related to PN's neuroprotective effect. This research sheds light on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PN on stroke recovery.

Using mRNA deep sequencing to analyze differentially expressed genes during Panax notoginseng saponin treatment of ischemic stroke

Treatment with Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) can prevent neurological damage in middle cerebral artery occlusion model rats to promote recovery after a stroke. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are unknown and require further study. In the present study, mRNA sequencing was employed to investigate differential gene expression between model and sham groups, and between model and PNS-treated groups. Enrichment of gene data was performed using Gene Ontology analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. Hub genes were identified and networks were constructed using Cytoscape that were further verified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. A total of 1,104 genes of interest were found, which included 690 upregulated and 414 downregulated genes that were identified when the model was compared with the sham group. Additionally, 817 genes of interest, which included 390 upregulated and 427 downregulated genes, were identified when the PNS-treated group was compared with the model group. There were 303 overlapping genes of interest between the analysis of model to sham groups, and the analysis of model to PNS-treated groups. The top 10 genes from the 303 aberrantly expressed genes of interest included ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 variant 2, small ubiquitin-related modifier 1, small RNA binding exonuclease protection factor La, Finkel-Biskis-Reilly murine sarcoma virus (FBR-MuSV) ubiquitously expressed, centrosomal protein 290 kDa, DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit K, cullin-4B, matrin-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. In conclusion, these genes may be important in the underlying mechanism of PNS treatment in ischemic stroke. Additionally, the present data provided novel insight into the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.

Bacopa Monnieri Protects the Directly Affected Organ as Well as Distant Organs Against I/R Injury by Modulating Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nitrosative Pathways in A Rat Model for Infra-Renal Aortic Occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of B. monnieri, a medicinal plant, on kidney and skeletal muscle injury induced by infra-renal abdominal aorta clamping for 2-hours (ischemia) and following removal of the clamp (reperfusion, 2-hours).

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): (I) animals given only saline (sham-control); (II) animals given B. monnieri extract for 10-days (300 mg/kg/day) (Bacopa-treated sham); (III) animals subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R); (IV) animals given B. monnieri extract and then subjected to I/R. Kidneys and lower extremity muscles were examined for GPx, CAT, iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α. Apoptosis and injury were evaluated by TUNEL and H&E staining, respectively.

RESULTS

I/R resulted in TUNEL positive cells, periarterial edema and glomerular capillary dilatation, decreased GPx activity, unchanged CAT, iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α in kidney. B. monnieri minimized renal remote reperfusion injury, and Group IV showed a lower degree of renal histopathology score when compared to the others. B. monnieri mitigated muscle I/R injury, decreased muscle hypertrophy, myofibril abnormalities and apoptosis. Muscle 3-NT and cytokine levels were increased by I/R, and B. monnieri inhibited iNOS and 3-NT both in sham-control and I/R groups. Muscle GPx unaffected by I/R or B. monnieri, but CAT was inhibited only in B. monnieri-treated I/R group. Muscle iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β, TNF-α levels and CAT activity of B. monnieri-treated I/R rats were lower than those in sham-control or Bacopa-treated sham.

CONCLUSIONS

B. monnieri can protect the directly affected organ as well as distant organs against I/R injury by modulating anti-inflammatory and anti-nitrosative pathways.