Apigenin Ameliorates Post-Stroke Cognitive Deficits in Rats Through Histone Acetylation-Mediated Neurochemical Alterations

Microbiota-gut-brain axis in perioperative neurocognitive and depressive disorders: Pathogenesis to treatment

An increasing number of people undergo anesthesia and surgery. Perioperative neurocognitive and depressive disorders are common central nervous system complications with similar pathogeneses. These conditions pose a deleterious threat to human health and a significant societal burden. In recent years, numerous studies have focused on the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis. Its involvement in perioperative neurocognitive and depressive disorders has attracted considerable attention. This review aimed to elucidate the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of perioperative neurocognitive and depressive disorders, as well as the value of targeted interventions and treatments.

COVID-19-Associated Sepsis: Potential Role of Phytochemicals as Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

The acute manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit the hallmarks of sepsis-associated complications that reflect multiple organ failure. The inflammatory cytokine storm accompanied by an imbalance in the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to severe and critical septic shock. The sepsis signature in severely afflicted COVID-19 patients includes cellular reprogramming and organ dysfunction that leads to high mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of improved clinical care and advanced therapeutic interventions for sepsis associated with COVID-19. Phytochemicals of functional foods and nutraceutical importance have an incredible impact on the healthcare system, which includes the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases. Hence, in the present review, we aim to explore the pathogenesis of sepsis associated with COVID-19 that disrupts the physiological homeostasis of the body, resulting in severe organ damage. Furthermore, we have summarized the diverse pharmacological properties of some potent phytochemicals, which can be used as functional foods as well as nutraceuticals against sepsis-associated complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The phytochemicals explored in this article include quercetin, curcumin, luteolin, apigenin, resveratrol, and naringenin, which are the major phytoconstituents of our daily food intake. We have compiled the findings from various studies, including clinical trials in humans, to explore more into the therapeutic potential of each phytochemical against sepsis and COVID-19, which highlights their possible importance in sepsis-associated COVID-19 pathogenesis. We conclude that our review will open a new research avenue for exploring phytochemical-derived therapeutic agents for preventing or treating the life-threatening complications of sepsis associated with COVID-19.

Comparative neuroprotective effects of royal jelly and its unique compound 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid on ischemia-induced inflammatory, apoptotic, epigenetic and genotoxic changes in a rat model of ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of royal jelly (RJ) and its major fatty acid 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) on ischemic stroke-related pathologies using histological and molecular approaches.

METHODS

Male rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) to induce ischemic stroke and were supplemented daily with either vehicle (control group), RJ or 10-HDA for 7 days starting on the day of surgery. On the eighth day, rats were sacrificed and brain tissue and blood samples were obtained to analyze brain infarct volume, DNA damage as well as apoptotic, inflammatory and epigenetic parameters.

RESULTS

Both RJ and 10-HDA supplementation significantly reduced brain infarction and decreased weight loss when compared to control animals. These effects were associated with reduced levels of active caspase-3 and PARP-1 and increased levels of acetyl-histone H3 and H4. Although both RJ and 10-HDA treatments significantly increased acetyl-histone H3 levels, the effect of RJ was more potent than that of 10-HDA. RJ and 10-HDA supplementation also alleviated DNA damage by significantly reducing tail length, tail intensity and tail moment in brain tissue and peripheral lymphocytes, except for the RJ treatment which tended to reduce tail moment in lymphocytes without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that neuroprotective effects of RJ in experimental stroke can mostly be attributed to 10-HDA.

Clarifying the mechanism of apigenin against blood-brain barrier disruption in ischemic stroke using systems pharmacology

Currently, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is an effective therapy for ischemic stroke (IS). However, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a serious side effect of rtPA therapy and may lead to patients' death. The natural polyphenol apigenin has a good therapeutic effect on IS. Apigenin has potential BBB protection, but the mechanism by which it protects the BBB integrity is not clear. In this study, we used network pharmacology, bioinformatics, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to reveal the mechanisms by which apigenin protects the BBB. Among the 146 targets of apigenin for the treatment of IS, 20 proteins were identified as core targets (e.g., MMP-9, TLR4, STAT3). Apigenin protects BBB integrity by inhibiting the activity of MMPs through anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. These mechanisms included JAK/STAT, the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and Nitrogen metabolism signaling pathways. The findings of this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of apigenin in the treatment of BBB disruption and provide ideas for the development of drugs to treat IS.

Study on network pharmacology of Ginkgo biloba extract against ischaemic stroke mechanism and establishment of UPLC-MS/MS methods for simultaneous determination of 19 main active components

INTRODUCTION

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an effective substance from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) G. biloba for treating ischaemic stroke (IS). However, its active ingredients and mechanism of action remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to reveal the potential active component group and possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The network pharmacology method was used to reveal the possible anti-IS mechanism of these active ingredients in GBE. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous detection of the active ingredients of GBE.

RESULTS

The active components of GBE anti-IS were screened by literature integration. Network pharmacology results showed that the anti-IS effect of GBE is achieved through key active components such as protocatechuic acid, bilobalide, ginkgolide A, and so on. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE is regulating the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and other signal pathways closely related to inflammatory response and apoptosis regulation combined with AKT1, MAPK, TNF, ALB, CASP3, and other protein targets. Nineteen main constituents in seven batches of GBE were successfully analysed using the established UPLC-MS/MS method, and the results showed that the content of protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, ginkgolide A, and so forth was relatively high, which was consistent with network pharmacology results, indicating that these ingredients may be the key active anti-IS ingredients of GBE.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the key active components and the anti-IS mechanism of GBE. It also provided a simple and sensitive method for the quality control of related preparations.

Protective effects of butyrate on cerebral ischaemic injury in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Cerebral ischaemic stroke is a common disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Butyrate is an important metabolite of intestinal microorganisms. Recent studies have shown that butyrate has a significant protective effect in animal models of cerebral ischaemic injury.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of butyrate on cerebral ischaemic stroke by meta-analysis, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of butyrate in patients with cerebral ischaemia.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was conducted for all relevant studies published before 23 January 2024, in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Methodological quality was assessed using Syrcle's risk of bias tool for animal studies. Data were analysed using Rev Man 5.3 software.

Results

A total of nine studies were included, and compared with controls, butyrate significantly increased BDNF levels in the brain (SMD = 2.33, 95%CI = [1.20, 3.47], p < 0.005) and P-Akt expression (SMD = 3.53, 95% CI = [0.97, 6.10], p < 0.05). Butyrate also decreased IL-β levels in the brain (SMD = -2.02, 95% CI = [-3.22, -0.81], p < 0.005), TNF-α levels (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI = [-1.60, -0.12], p < 0.05), and peripheral vascular IL-1β levels (SMD = -2.10, 95%CI = [-3.59, -0.61], p < 0.05). In addition, butyrate reduced cerebral infarct volume (MD = -11.29, 95%CI = [-17.03, -5.54], p < 0.05), mNSS score (MD = -2.86, 95%CI = [-4.12, -1.60], p < 0.005), foot fault score (MD = -7.59, 95%CI = [-9.83, -5, 35], p < 0.005), and Morris water maze time (SMD = -2.49, 95%CI = [-4.42, -0.55], p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that butyrate has a protective effect on cerebral ischaemic stroke in animal models, and the mechanism is related to reducing inflammation and inhibiting apoptosis. It provides an evidence-based basis for the future clinical development of butyrate in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023482844.

The Beneficial Role of Apigenin against Cognitive and Neurobehavioural Dysfunction: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Investigations

Apigenin is a flavone widely present in different fruits and vegetables and has been suggested to possess neuroprotective effects against some neurological disorders. In this study, we systematically reviewed preclinical studies that investigated the effects of apigenin on learning and memory, locomotion activity, anxiety-like behaviour, depressive-like behaviour and sensorimotor and motor coordination in rats and mice with impaired memory and behaviour. We searched SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant articles. A total of 34 studies were included in this review. The included studies revealed that apigenin enhanced learning and memory and locomotion activity, exhibited anxiolytic effects, attenuated depressive-like behaviour and improved sensorimotor and motor coordination in animals with cognitive impairment and neurobehavioural deficit. Some of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of apigenin include activation of the ERK/CREB/BDNF signalling pathway; modulation of neurotransmitter levels and monoaminergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems; inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production; and attenuation of oxidative neuronal damage. These results revealed the necessity for further research using established doses and short or long durations to ascertain effective and safe doses of apigenin. These results also point to the need for a clinical experiment to ascertain the therapeutic effect of apigenin.

Pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases ameliorates cognitive impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage with epigenetic alteration in the hippocampus

OBJECTIVES

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) interferes with neurorehabilitation in patients with stroke. Epigenetic regulation of the hippocampus has been targeted to ameliorate cognitive function. In particular, the acetylation level of histones is modulated by exercise, a potent therapy for patients with stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the effects of exercise and pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) using sodium butyrate (NaB) on cognitive function and epigenetic factors in the hippocampus after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to seek beneficial neuronal conditioning against PSCI. Forty rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham, control, NaB, exercise, and NaB plus exercise groups (n=8 in each group). Except for those in the sham group, all rats underwent stereotaxic ICH surgery with a microinjection of collagenase solution. Intraperitoneal administration of NaB (300 mg/kg) and treadmill exercise (11 m/min for 30 min) were conducted for approximately 4 weeks starting 3 days post-surgery.

RESULTS

ICH reduced cognitive function, as detected by the object location test, accompanied by enhanced activity of HDACs. Although exercise did not modulate HDAC activity or cognitive function, repetitive NaB administration increased HDAC activity and ameliorated cognitive impairment induced by ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that pharmacological treatment with an HDAC inhibitor could potentially present an enriched epigenetic platform in the hippocampus and ameliorate PSCI for neurorehabilitation following ICH.

Exopolysaccharide is the potential effector of Lactobacillus fermentum PS150, a hypnotic psychobiotic strain

Psychobiotics are a class of probiotics that confer beneficial effects on the mental health of the host. We have previously reported hypnotic effects of a psychobiotic strain, Lactobacillus fermentum PS150 (PS150), which significantly shortens sleep latency in experimental mice, and effectively ameliorate sleep disturbances caused by either caffeine consumption or a novel environment. In the present study, we discovered a L. fermentum strain, GR1009, isolated from the same source of PS150, and found that GR1009 is phenotypically distinct but genetically similar to PS150. Compared with PS150, GR1009 have no significant hypnotic effects in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in mice. In addition, we found that heat-killed PS150 exhibited hypnotic effects and altered the gut microbiota in a manner similar to live bacteria, suggesting that a heat-stable effector, such as exopolysaccharide (EPS), could be responsible for these effects. Our comparative genomics analysis also revealed distinct genetic characteristics in EPS biosynthesis between GR1009 and PS150. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy imaging showed a sheet-like EPS structure in PS150, while GR1009 displayed no apparent EPS structure. Using the phenol-sulfate assay, we found that the sugar content value of the crude extract containing EPS (C-EPS) from PS150 was approximately five times higher than that of GR1009, indicating that GR1009 has a lower EPS production activity than PS150. Through the pentobarbital-induced sleep test, we confirmed the hypnotic effects of the C-EPS isolated from PS150, as evidenced by a significant reduction in sleep latency and recovery time following oral administration in mice. In summary, we utilized a comparative approach to delineate differences between PS150 and GR1009 and proposed that EPS may serve as a key factor that mediates the observed hypnotic effect.

Epigenetic modifications in the motor cortex caused by exercise or pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)

Epigenetic regulation is expected to provide an enriched platform for neurorehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Acetylation of specific lysine residues in histones is a potent epigenetic target essential for transcriptional regulation. Exercise modulates histone acetylation and gene expression in neuroplasticity in the brain. This study sought to examine the effect of epigenetic treatment using a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaB), and exercise on epigenetic markers in the bilateral motor cortex after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to identify a more enriched neuronal condition for neurorehabilitation. Forty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham (n = 8), control (n = 9), NaB, exercise (n = 8), and NaB and exercise (n = 8). Intraperitoneal administration of an HDAC inhibitor (300 mg/kg NaB) and treadmill exercise (11 m/min for 30 min) was conducted five days a week for approximately-four weeks. ICH specifically decreased the acetylation level of histone H4 in the ipsilateral cortex, and HDAC inhibition with NaB increased the acetylation level of histone H4 over the sham level, accompanied by an improvement in motor function as assessed by the cylinder test. Exercise increased the acetylation levels of histones (H3 and H4) in the bilateral cortex. Synergistic effects of exercise and NaB were not observed during histone acetylation. Pharmacological treatment with a HDAC inhibitor and exercise can provide an enriched epigenetic platform for neurorehabilitation in an individual manner.

Peripheral Regulation of Central Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression through the Vagus Nerve

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an extensively studied neurotrophin es sential for both developing the brain and maintaining adult brain function. In the adult hippocampus, BDNF is critical for maintaining adult neurogenesis. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved not only in memory formation and learning ability, but also mood regulation and stress responses. Accordingly, decreased levels of BDNF, accompanied by low levels of adult neurogenesis, occurs in brains of older adults with impaired cognitive function and in those of patients with major depression disorder. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms that maintain hippocampal BDNF levels is biologically and clinically important. It has been revealed that signalling from peripheral tissues contribute to the regulation of BDNF expression in the brain across the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, recent studies indicated evidence that neuronal pathways can also be a mechanism by which peripheral tissues signal to the brain for the regulation of BDNF expression. In this review, we give an overview of the current status in the regulation of central BDNF expression by peripheral signalling, with a special interest in the regulation of hippocampal BDNF levels by signals via the vagus nerve. Finally, we discuss the relationship between signalling from peripheral tissues and age-associated control of central BDNF expression.

A Review on Polyphenols in Salicornia ramosissima with Special Emphasis on Their Beneficial Effects on Brain Ischemia

There has been an increasing interest in the consumption of halophytes as a healthy food in the last few years. Salicornia ramosissima is a seasonal Mediterranean halophyte with an interesting profile of bioactive compounds, including more than 60 identified polyphenols with a broad range of biological activities. Accumulating evidence supports the role of dietary polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. Stroke is the second cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that a substantial proportion of stroke incidence and recurrence may be prevented by healthier dietary patterns. Here, we have grouped the phenolic acids and flavonoids identified in S. ramosissima and reviewed their potential protective effect on brain ischemia, which are mostly related to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, the inhibition of cell death pathways and their role in the preservation of the vascular function. Despite the fact that most of these compounds have been reported to be neuroprotective through multiple mechanisms, human studies are still scarce. Given the safe profile of polyphenols identified in S. ramosissima, this halophyte plant could be considered as a source of bioactive compounds for the nutraceutical industry.

Acid/Base-Steered Cascade Cyclization: An Efficient One-Pot Access to Diverse Isobenzofuranone and Isoindolobenzoxazinone Derivatives

We herein report the acid/base-steered two distinct reaction pathways of 2-acylbenzoic acids with isatoic anhydrides. In the presence of Na₂CO₃, the cascade process consists of the cyclization of 2-acetylbenzoic acid and nucleophilic ring-opening reaction of isatoic anhydride to furnish isobenzofuranone derivatives with high efficiency. However, p-toluenesulfonic acid can promote the product isobenzofuranones to undergo sequential intramolecular rearrangment, nucleophilic addition and cyclization reaction to produce diverse isoindolobenzoxazinones in good yields. The synthetic utility of this method was further demonstrated by the gram-scale preparation of the desired products and the facile transformations of the resulting products.

Pharmacological and Molecular Insight on the Cardioprotective Role of Apigenin

Apigenin is a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. It possesses a wide range of biological properties that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. These effects have been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury, and diabetic cardiomyopathy, and provide protection against drug-induced cardiotoxicity. These potential therapeutic effects advocate the exploration of the cardioprotective actions of apigenin. This review focuses on apigenin, and the possible pharmacological mechanisms involved in the protection against cardiovascular diseases. We further discuss its therapeutic uses and highlight its potential applications in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders. Apigenin displays encouraging results, which may have implications in the development of novel strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. With the commercial availability of apigenin as a dietary supplement, the outcomes of preclinical studies may provide the investigational basis for future translational strategies evaluating the potential of apigenin in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are required to characterize the safety and efficacy of apigenin and establish it as a nutraceutical as well as a therapeutic agent to be used alone or as an adjuvant with current drugs.

Vinpocetine, a PDE1 modulator, regulates markers of cerebral health, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a rat model of prenatal alcohol-induced experimental attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to induce symptomatology associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by altering neurodevelopmental trajectories. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) is expressed centrally and has been used in various experimental brain conditions. We investigated the role of vinpocetine, a PDE1 inhibitor, on behavioral phenotypes and important biochemical deficits associated with a PAE rat model of ADHD. Protein markers of cerebral health (synapsin-IIa, BDNF, and pCREB), inflammation (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), and oxidative stress (TBARS, GSH, and SOD) were analyzed in three brain regions (frontal cortex, striatum, and cerebellum). Hyperactivity, inattention, and anxiety introduced in the offspring due to PAE were assayed using open-field, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze, respectively. Administration of vinpocetine (10 & 20 mg/kg, p.o. [by mouth]) to PAE rat offspring for 4 weeks resulted in improvement of the behavioral profile of the animals. Additionally, levels of protein markers such as synapsin-IIa, BDNF, pCREB, IL-10, SOD, and GSH were found to be significantly increased, with a significant reduction in markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and TBARS in selected brain regions of vinpocetine-treated animals. Vinpocetine, a selective PDE1 inhibitor, rectified behavioral phenotypes associated with ADHD, possibly by improving cerebral function, reducing brain inflammation, and reducing brain oxidative stress. This study provides preliminary analysis and suggests that the PDE1 enzyme may be an important pharmacological tool to study ADHD as a result of PAE.

Plant based food bioactives: A boon or bane for neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are the foremost occurring diseases across the globe resulting in progressive dysfunction, loss of neuronal structure ultimately cell death. Therefore, attention has been drawn toward the natural resources for the search of neuroprotective agents. Plant-based food bioactives have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This comprehensive review primarily focuses on various plant food bioactive, mechanisms, therapeutic targets, in vitro and in vivo studies in the treatment of neurological disorders to explore whether they are boon or bane for neurological disorders. In addition, the clinical perspective of plant food bioactives in neurological disorders are also highlighted. Scientific evidences point toward the enormous therapeutic efficacy of plant food bioactives in the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, identification of food bioactive components accountable for the neuroprotective effects, mechanism, clinical trials, and consolidation of information flow are warranted. Plant food bioactives primarily act by mediating through various pathways including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, specific proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reversing neurodegeneration and can be used for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, the plant based food bioactives are boon for neurological disorders.

In Silico Identification and Mechanism Exploration of Active Ingredients against Stroke from An-Gong-Niu-Huang-Wan (AGNHW) Formula

An-Gong-Niu-Huang-Wan (AGNHW) is a well-known formula for treating cerebrovascular diseases, with roles including clearing away heat, detoxification, and wake-up consciousness. In recent years, AGNHW has been commonly used for the treatment of ischemic stroke, but the mechanism by which AGNHW relieves stroke has not been clearly elucidated. In the current study, we developed a multiple systems pharmacology-based framework to identify the potential antistroke ingredients in AGNHW and explore the underlying mechanisms of action (MOA) of AGNHW against stroke from a holistic perspective. Specifically, we performed a network-based method to identify the potential antistroke ingredients in AGNHW by integrating the drug-target network and stroke-associated genes. Furthermore, the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was used to validate the anti-inflammatory effects of the key ingredients by determining the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The antiapoptotic effects of the key ingredients were also confirmed in vitro. Integrated pathway analysis of AGNHW revealed that it might regulate three biological signaling pathways, including IL-17, TNF, and PI3K-AKT, to play a protective role in stroke. Moreover, 30 key antistroke ingredients in AGNHW were identified via network-based in silico prediction and were confirmed to have known neuroprotective effects. After drug-like property evaluation and pharmacological validation in vitro, scutellarein (SCU) and caprylic acid (CA) were selected for further antistroke investigation. Finally, systems pharmacology-based analysis of CA and SCU indicated that they might exert antistroke effects via the apoptotic signaling pathway and inflammatory response, which was further validated in an in vitro stroke model. Overall, the current study proposes an integrative systems pharmacology approach to identify antistroke ingredients and demonstrate the underlying pharmacological MOA of AGNHW in stroke, which provides an alternative strategy to investigate novel traditional Chinese medicine formulas for complex diseases.

How Microbes Affect Depression: Underlying Mechanisms via the Gut-Brain Axis and the Modulating Role of Probiotics

Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiome influences the brain functions and psychological state of its host via the gut-brain axis, and gut dysbiosis has been linked to several mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Animal experiments have shown that a depletion of the gut microbiota leads to behavioral changes, and is associated with pathological changes, including abnormal stress response and impaired adult neurogenesis. Short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate are known to contribute to the up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and gut dysbiosis causes decreased levels of BDNF, which could affect neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Increased gut permeability causes an influx of gut microbial components such as lipopolysaccharides, and the resultant systemic inflammation may lead to neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. In light of the fact that gut microbial factors contribute to the initiation and exacerbation of depressive symptoms, this review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in MDD onset, and discusses the therapeutic potential of probiotics, including butyrate-producing bacteria, which can mediate the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

|Therapeutic and preventive effects of apigenin in cerebral ischemia: a review

APG can exert various protective effects against cerebral ischemia. Moreover, APG has shown a highly promising ability to prevent cerebral ischemia in terms of regulating blood glucose, blood pressure, lipids and gut microbes.

Current Status and Future Perspectives on Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin: Focus on Metabolic-Syndrome-Dependent Organ Dysfunction

Metabolic syndrome and its associated disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus are globally prevalent. Different molecules showing therapeutic potential are currently available for the management of metabolic syndrome, although their efficacy has often been compromised by their poor bioavailability and side effects. Studies have been carried out on medicinal plant extracts for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome. In this regard, isolated pure compounds have shown promising efficacy for the management of metabolic syndrome, both in preclinical and clinical settings. Apigenin, a natural bioactive flavonoid widely present in medicinal plants, functional foods, vegetables and fruits, exerts protective effects in models of neurological disorders and cardiovascular diseases and most of these effects are attributed to its antioxidant action. Various preclinical and clinical studies carried out so far show a protective effect of apigenin against metabolic syndrome. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on both in vitro and in vivo evidence related to the promising antioxidant role of apigenin in cardioprotection, neuroprotection and renoprotection, and to its beneficial action in metabolic-syndrome-dependent organ dysfunction. We also provide evidence on the potential of apigenin in the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic syndrome, analysing the potential and limitation of its therapeutic use.

Apigenin Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuronal Damage in Mice

We investigated the protective effect and mechanisms of apigenin against cognitive impairments in a scopolamine-injected mouse model. Our results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of scopolamine leads to learning and memory dysfunction, whereas the administration of apigenin (synthetic compound, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) improved cognitive ability, which was confirmed by behavioral tests such as the T-maze test, novel objective recognition test, and Morris water maze test in mice. In addition, scopolamine-induced lipid peroxidation in the brain was attenuated by administration of apigenin. To further evaluate the protective mechanisms of apigenin on cognitive and memory function, Western blot analysis was carried out. Administration of apigenin decreased the B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) ratio and suppressed caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage. Furthermore, apigenin down-regulated the β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme, along with presenilin 1 (PS1) and PS2 protein levels. Apigenin-administered mice showed lower protein levels of a receptor for advanced glycation end-products, whereas insulin-degrading enzyme, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression were promoted by treatment with apigenin. Therefore, this study demonstrated that apigenin is an active substance that can improve cognitive and memory functions by regulating apoptosis, amyloidogenesis, and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways.

Neuroprotective Phytochemicals in Experimental Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications

Ischemic stroke is a challenging disease with high mortality and disability rates, causing a great economic and social burden worldwide. During ischemic stroke, ionic imbalance and excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation are developed in a relatively certain order, which then activate the cell death pathways directly or indirectly via the promotion of organelle dysfunction. Neuroprotection, a therapy that is aimed at inhibiting this damaging cascade, is therefore an important therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Notably, phytochemicals showed great neuroprotective potential in preclinical research via various strategies including modulation of calcium levels and antiexcitotoxicity, antioxidation, anti-inflammation and BBB protection, mitochondrial protection and antiapoptosis, autophagy/mitophagy regulation, and regulation of neurotrophin release. In this review, we summarize the research works that report the neuroprotective activity of phytochemicals in the past 10 years and discuss the neuroprotective mechanisms and potential clinical applications of 148 phytochemicals that belong to the categories of flavonoids, stilbenoids, other phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Among them, scutellarin, pinocembrin, puerarin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, salvianolic acids, rosmarinic acid, borneol, bilobalide, ginkgolides, ginsenoside Rd, and vinpocetine show great potential in clinical ischemic stroke treatment. This review will serve as a powerful reference for the screening of phytochemicals with potential clinical applications in ischemic stroke or the synthesis of new neuroprotective agents that take phytochemicals as leading compounds.

Neuroprotective Effect for Cerebral Ischemia by Natural Products: A Review

Natural products have a significant role in the prevention of disease and boosting of health in humans and animals. Stroke is a disease with high prevalence and incidence, the pathogenesis is a complex cascade reaction. In recent years, it’s reported that a vast number of natural products have demonstrated beneficial effects on stroke worldwide. Natural products have been discovered to modulate activities with multiple targets and signaling pathways to exert neuroprotection via direct or indirect effects on enzymes, such as kinases, regulatory receptors, and proteins. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the established pharmacological effects and multiple target mechanisms of natural products for cerebral ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, and their potential neuro-therapeutic applications. In addition, the biological activity of natural products is closely related to their structure, and the structure-activity relationship of most natural products in neuroprotection is lacking, which should be further explored in future. Overall, we stress on natural products for their role in neuroprotection, and this wide band of pharmacological or biological activities has made them suitable candidates for the treatment of stroke.

Protection of apigenin against acrylonitrile-induced sperm and testis injury in rats: involvement of activation of ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway

This study aims to clarify if apigenin (AP) could play a pivotal role in attenuating acrylonitrile (ACN)-induced sperm and testis injury by inhibiting ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group (corn oil), an ACN group (ACN 46 mg kg^-1), an ACN + AP1 group (ACN + AP 117 mg kg^-1), an ACN + AP2 group (ACN + AP 234 mg kg^-1) and an ACN + AP3 group (ACN + AP 351 mg kg^-1). The ACN + AP groups were given ACN by gavage after a pretreatment with different dosages of AP for 30 min, whereas the rats in the control group received an equivalent volume of corn oil. The gavage was conducted for 6 days per week in 4 weeks. The results showed that AP reduced sperm deformity rate and DNA fragment index and attenuated the testicular injury induced by ACN. AP could also alleviate oxidative stress, downregulate ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway and eventually inhibit mitochondria-mediated testicular apoptosis. In brief, AP could dampen oxidative stress thereby inhibiting testicular apoptosis mediated by ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway, alleviating ACN-induced sperm and testis injury and exerting a protective effect on male reproductive system.

From Preclinical Stroke Models to Humans: Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke

Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many medicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Polyphenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The prevention of stroke promoted by polyphenols relies mainly on their effect on cardio- and cerebrovascular systems. However, a growing body of evidence from preclinical models of stroke points out a neuroprotective role of these molecules. Notably, in many preclinical studies, the polyphenolic compounds were effective also when administered after the stroke onset, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery of patients suffering from stroke. Here, we review the effects of the major polyphenols in cellular and in vivo models of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in immature and adult brains. The results from human studies are also reported.

Apigenin as a Candidate Prenatal Treatment for Trisomy 21: Effects in Human Amniocytes and the Ts1Cje Mouse Model

Human fetuses with trisomy 21 (T21) have atypical brain development that is apparent sonographically in the second trimester. We hypothesize that by analyzing and integrating dysregulated gene expression and pathways common to humans with Down syndrome (DS) and mouse models we can discover novel targets for prenatal therapy. Here, we tested the safety and efficacy of apigenin, identified with this approach, in both human amniocytes from fetuses with T21 and in the Ts1Cje mouse model. In vitro, T21 cells cultured with apigenin had significantly reduced oxidative stress and improved antioxidant defense response. In vivo, apigenin treatment mixed with chow was administered prenatally to the dams and fed to the pups over their lifetimes. There was no significant increase in birth defects or pup deaths resulting from prenatal apigenin treatment. Apigenin significantly improved several developmental milestones and spatial olfactory memory in Ts1Cje neonates. In addition, we noted sex-specific effects on exploratory behavior and long-term hippocampal memory in adult mice, and males showed significantly more improvement than females. We demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of apigenin are pleiotropic, resulting in decreased oxidative stress, activation of pro-proliferative and pro-neurogenic genes (KI67, Nestin, Sox2, and PAX6), reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines INFG, IL1A, and IL12P70 through the inhibition of NFκB signaling, increase of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and IL12P40, and increased expression of the angiogenic and neurotrophic factors VEGFA and IL7. These studies provide proof of principle that apigenin has multiple therapeutic targets in preclinical models of DS.

Apigenin Alleviates Myocardial Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Downregulating miR-15b

Background

We investigated whether apigenin could mitigate myocardial reperfusion injury in rats, and a possible mechanism was proposed.

Material/Methods

The I-R injury model was established in rats along with a sham group as control, and the expressions of microRNA-15b (miR-15b), JAK2, and p-JAK2 in the myocardia of the 2 groups were detected. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also detected. Rats in the I-R injury model were divided into 3 groups in vivo: the 1I-R group, the 2I-R+solvent group, and the 3I-R+apigenin group. Expression of miR-15b, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in the myocardia of the 3 groups were detected. ROS content, apoptosis, MDA content, SOD, and CAT activities were detected. Rat myocardial H9C2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into 5 treatment groups in vitro; expressions of miR-15b, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in H9C2 cells were detected, and the apoptosis and ROS content were detected by flow cytometry.

Results

We found that the increased miR-15b expression during myocardial I-R injury in rats downregulated the expression of JAK2 and activity of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, promoted myocardial apoptosis and ROS production, and aggravated myocardial I-R injury. Apigenin treatment can downregulate miR-15b expression, increase the expression of JAK2 and the activity of JAK2-STAT3 pathway, reduce myocardial apoptosis and ROS production, and alleviate myocardial I-R injury.

Conclusions

Api treatment downregulated the expression of miR-15b and upregulated the expression of JAK2 and the activity of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, thereby alleviating myocardial I-R injury, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and ROS production in vitro.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies evaluating the organ protective effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors

The clinical efficacy of organ protection interventions are limited by the redundancy of cellular activation mechanisms. Interventions that target epigenetic mechanisms overcome this by eliciting genome wide changes in transcription and signaling. We aimed to review preclinical studies evaluating the organ protection effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) with a view to informing the design of early phase clinical trials. A systematic literature search was performed. Methodological quality was assessed against prespecified criteria. The primary outcome was mortality, with secondary outcomes assessing mechanisms. Prespecified analyses evaluated the effects of likely moderators on heterogeneity. The analysis included 101 experimental studies in rodents (n = 92) and swine (n = 9), exposed to diverse injuries, including: ischemia (n = 72), infection (n = 7), and trauma (n = 22). There were a total of 448 comparisons due to the evaluation of multiple independent interventions within single studies. Sodium valproate (VPA) was the most commonly evaluated HDACi (50 studies, 203 comparisons). All of the studies were judged to have significant methodological limitations. HDACi reduced mortality in experimental models of organ injury (risk ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.68, p < 0.001) without heterogeneity. HDACi administration resulted in myocardial, brain and kidney protection across diverse species and injuries that was attributable to increases in prosurvival cell signaling, and reductions in inflammation and programmed cell death. Heterogeneity in the analyses of secondary outcomes was explained by differences in species, type of injury, HDACi class (Class I better), drug (trichostatin better), and time of administration (at least 6 hours prior to injury better). These findings highlight a potential novel application for HDACi in clinical settings characterized by acute organ injury.

Apigenin Protects the Brain against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Caveolin-1/VEGF In Vitro and In Vivo

Apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in several dietary plant foods as vegetables and fruits. To investigate potential anti-ischemia/reperfusion injury properties of apigenin in vitro, cell proliferation assay, tube formation, cell migration, apoptosis, and autophagy were performed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The effect of apigenin was also explored in rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) via neurobehavioral scores, pathological examination, and measurement of markers involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Data in vitro indicated that apigenin could prompt cell proliferation, tube formation, and cell migration while inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy by affecting Caveolin-1/VEGF, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Beclin-1, and mTOR expression. Results in vivo showed that apigenin significantly reduced neurobehavioral scores and volume of cerebral infarction while prompting vascular endothelial cell proliferation by upregulating VEGFR2/CD34 double-labeling endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number and affecting Caveolin-1, VEGF, and eNOS expression in brain tissue of MCAO/R rats. All the data suggested that apigenin may be protective for the brain against ischemia/reperfusion injury by alleviating apoptosis and autophagy, promoting cell proliferation in HBMVECs of OGD/R, and attenuating brain damage and improved neurological function in rats of MCAO/R through the Caveolin-1/VEGF pathway.

Histone Hyperacetylation as a Response to Global Brain Ischemia Associated with Hyperhomocysteinemia in Rats

Epigenetic regulations play an important role in both normal and pathological conditions of an organism, and are influenced by various exogenous and endogenous factors. Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy), as a risk factor for several pathological conditions affecting the central nervous system, is supposed to alter the epigenetic signature of the given tissue, which therefore worsens the subsequent damage. To investigate the effect of hHcy in combination with ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and histone acetylation, we used the hHcy animal model of global forebrain ischemia in rats. Cresyl violet staining showed massive neural disintegration in the M1 (primary motor cortex) region as well as in the CA1 (cornu ammonis 1) area of the hippocampus induced by IRI. Neural loss was significantly higher in the group with induced hHcy. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis of the brain cortex showed prominent changes in the acetylation of histones H3 and H4, at lysine 9 and 12, respectively, as a result of IRI and induced hHcy. It seems that the differences in histone acetylation patterns in the cortical region have a preferred role in pathological processes induced by IRI associated with hHcy and could be considered in therapeutic strategies.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Therapy for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Chemotherapy can cause adverse effects such as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). In this prospective study, the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy in relieving CRCI and its impact on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are evaluated.

Material/Methods

Eighty patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group with 40 patients in each group. The treatment group was treated at the following acupuncture points: Baihui (DU20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (DU24), Zusanli (ST36), Taixi (K13), Dazhong (K14), and Juegu (GB39). Cognitive function was assessed using the functional assessment of cancer treatment cognition test (FACT-COG, version 3), the auditory-verbal learning test (AVLT), the verbal fluency test (VFT), the symbol digit modality test (SDMT), the clock-drawing test (CDT), and the trail-making test part B (TMT-B). In addition, blood serum levels of BDNF were measured before and after treatment. Correlations between change in BDNF levels and cognitive function were also analyzed.

Results

CRCI was ameliorated in the acupuncture treatment group, with scores on FACT-COG, AVLT-recognition and CDT assessments all significantly increased (P<0.05 in all cases). In addition, serum BDNF levels after acupuncture treatment were significantly higher than before treatment (t=3.242, P<0.01). Moreover, the level of BDNF was positively correlated with the total score of FACT-COG, AVLT-recognition, and CDT (r=0.694, 0.628, and 0.532, respectively; all P<0.05). The control group showed no statistically significant difference in any measures over the same period.

Conclusions

Acupuncture therapy is effective in the treatment of CRCI in breast cancer patients through a mechanism that may be related to an increase of BDNF.

Epigenetic regulation of inflammation in stroke

Despite extensive research, treatments for clinical stroke are still limited only to the administration of tissue plasminogen activator and the recent introduction of mechanical thrombectomy, which can be used in only a limited proportion of patients due to time constraints. A plethora of inflammatory events occur during stroke, arising in part due to the body's immune response to brain injury. Neuroinflammation contributes significantly to neuronal cell death and the development of functional impairment and death in stroke patients. Therefore, elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory damage following stroke injury will be essential for the development of useful therapies. Research findings increasingly point to the likelihood that epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of stroke. Epigenetics involves the differential regulation of gene expression, including those involved in brain inflammation and remodelling after stroke. Hence, it is conceivable that epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to differential interindividual vulnerability and injury responses to cerebral ischaemia. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the emerging role of epigenetics in the regulation of neuroinflammation in stroke. We also discuss potential epigenetic targets that may be assessed for the development of stroke therapies.