Resveratrol post-treatment protects against neonatal brain injury after hypoxia-ischemia

Neonatal resveratrol treatment in cerebral palsy model recovers neurodevelopment impairments by restoring the skeletal muscle morphology and decreases microglial activation in the cerebellum

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the main motor disorder in childhood resulting from damage to the developing brain. Treatment perspectives are required to reverse the primary damage caused by the early insult and consequently to recover motor skills. Resveratrol has been shown to act as neuroprotection with benefits to skeletal muscle. This study aimed to investigate the effects of neonatal resveratrol treatment on neurodevelopment, skeletal muscle morphology, and cerebellar damage in CP model. Wistar rat pups were allocated to four experimental groups (n = 15/group) according CP model and treatment: Control+Saline (CS), Control+Resveratrol (CR), CP + Saline (CPS), and CP + Resveratrol (CPR). CP model associated anoxia and sensorimotor restriction. CP group showed delay in the disappearance of the palmar grasp reflex (p < 0.0001) and delay in the appearance of reflexes of negative geotaxis (p = 0.01), and free-fall righting (p < 0.0001), reduced locomotor activity and motor coordination (p < 0.05) than CS group. These motor skills impairments were associated with a reduction in muscle weight (p < 0.001) and area and perimeter of soleus end extensor digitorum longus muscle fibers (p < 0.0001), changes in muscle fibers typing pattern (p < 0.05), and the cerebellum showed signs of neuroinflammation due to elevated density and percentage of activated microglia in the CPS group compared to CS group (p < 0.05). CP animals treated with resveratrol showed anticipation of the appearance of negative geotaxis and free-fall righting reflexes (p < 0.01), increased locomotor activity (p < 0.05), recovery muscle fiber types pattern (p < 0.05), and reversal of the increase in density and the percentage of activated microglia in the cerebellum (p < 0.01). Thus, we conclude that neonatal treatment with resveratrol can contribute to the recovery of the delay neurodevelopment resulting from experimental CP due to its action in restoring the skeletal muscle morphology and reducing neuroinflammation from cerebellum.

Therapeutic Effects of Intranasal Administration of Resveratrol on the Rat Model of Brain Ischemia

Background

Resveratrol is a natural phenolic compound widely found in plants. Previous studies have suggested its neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Intranasal administration of resveratrol enhances its capacity to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, increasing therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Objective

We aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of intranasal administration of resveratrol treatment in rats exposed to cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Sixty-four male rats were divided into three groups: the sham group, which was exposed to only surgical stress; the vehicle and resveratrol groups, which received intranasal vehicle or 50 mg/kg resveratrol for 7 days following middle cerebral artery occlusion, respectively. We assessed the modified neurologic severity scores, wire hanging tests, blood-brain barrier disruption, brain water content, and infarct volume. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, nuclear factor-kappa B, B-cell lymphoma protein 2, and B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X messenger RNA expression were examined.

Results

At 3- and 7-days post-ischemia, rats receiving intranasal resveratrol had lower modified neurological severity scores and a smaller brain infarct volume than the rats receiving vehicle. Additionally, the intranasal resveratrol-treated rats showed significantly prolonged wire-hanging performance at the 7-day mark post-ischemia compared to the vehicle group. The blood-brain barrier disruption and brain water content were significantly lower in the resveratrol group than in the vehicle group. Furthermore, the resveratrol-treated group displayed lower expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in contrast to the vehicle group, while the difference in expression levels of B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 were not significant.

Conclusion

Intranasal administration of resveratrol showed neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke by improving neurobehavioral function, reducing blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and infarct volume. This treatment also downregulated Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B expression, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for ischemic stroke.

Aloesin ameliorates hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal mice by suppressing TLR4-mediated neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

At present, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), especially moderate to severe HIE, is a challenging disease for neonatologists to treat, and new alternative/complementary treatments are urgently needed. The neuroinflammatory cascade triggered by hypoxia-ischemia (HI) insult is one of the core pathological mechanisms of HIE. Early inhibition of neuroinflammation provides long-term neuroprotection. Plant-derived monomers have impressive anti-inflammatory effects. Aloesin (ALO) has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in diseases such as ulcerative colitis, but its role in HIE is unclear. To this end, we conducted a series of experiments to explore the potential mechanism of ALO in preventing and treating brain damage caused by HI insult.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) was induced in 7-day-old Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice, which were then treated with 20 mg/kg ALO. The neuroprotective effects of ALO on HIBD and the underlying mechanism were evaluated through neurobehavioral testing, infarct size measurement, apoptosis detection, protein and messenger RNA level determination, immunofluorescence, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

ALO alleviated the long-term neurobehavioral deficits caused by HI insult; reduced the extent of cerebral infarction; inhibited cell apoptosis; decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α; activated microglia and astrocytes; and downregulated the protein expression of members in the TLR4 signaling pathway. In addition, molecular docking showed that ALO can bind stably to TLR4.

CONCLUSION

ALO ameliorated HIBD in neonatal mice by inhibiting the neuroinflammatory response mediated by TLR4 signaling.

Resveratrol alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death and improves functional prognosis after traumatic brain injury in mice

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol antioxidant that has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. We sought molecular mechanisms that emphasize the anti-inflammatory activity of RSV in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). After establishing three experimental groups (sham, TBI, and TBI+RSV), we explored the results of RSV after TBI on ERS and caspase-12 apoptotic pathways. The expression levels of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose regulated protein 78kD (GRP78), caspase-3, and caspase-12 in cortical brain tissues were assessed by western blotting. The qPCR analysis was also performed on mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in cortical brain tissue. In addition, the expression of GRP78 in microglia (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1; Iba-1) and neurons (neuronal nuclei; NeuN) was identified by immunofluorescence staining. The neurological function of mice was assessed by modified neurological severity scores (mNSS). After drug treatment, the expression of CHOP, GRP78, caspase-3 and caspase-12 decreased, and qPCR results showed that TNF-α and IL-1β were down-regulated. Immunofluorescence staining showed down-regulation of Iba-1+/GRP78+ and NeuN+/GRP78+ cells after RSV treatment. The mNSS analysis confirmed improvement after RSV treatment. RSV improved apoptosis by downregulating the ERS signaling pathway and improved neurological prognosis in mice with TBI.

Resveratrol prevents cognitive impairment and hippocampal inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide in a mouse model of chronic neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative disorders are associated with chronic neuroinflammation, which contributes to their pathogenesis and progression. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated whether RSV could protect against cognitive impairment and inflammatory response in a mouse model of chronic neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHOD

Mice received oral RSV (30 mg/kg) or vehicle for two weeks, and injected with LPS (0.75 mg/kg) or saline daily for the last seven days. After two weeks, mice were subjected to behavioral assessments using the Morris water maze and Y-maze. Moreover, mRNA expression of several inflammatory markers, neuronal loss, and glial density were evaluated in the hippocampus of treated mice.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that RSV treatment effectively improved spatial and working memory impairments induced by LPS. In addition, RSV significantly reduced hippocampal glial densities and neuronal loss in LPS-injected mice. Moreover, RSV treatment suppressed LPS-induced upregulation of NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, and GFAP in the hippocampus of treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results highlight the detrimental effect of systemic inflammation on the hippocampus and the potential of natural products with anti-inflammatory effects to counteract this impact.

Piceatannol improved cerebral blood flow and attenuated JNK3 and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in a global ischemic model to produce neuroprotection

Cerebral ischemia is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The only FDA-approved treatment is recanalization with systemic tissue plasminogen activators like alteplase, although reperfusion caused by recanalization can result in neuroinflammation, which can cause brain cell apoptosis. Therefore, after an ischemic/reperfusion injury, interventions are needed to minimize the neuroinflammatory cascade. In the present study, piceatannol (PCT) was studied for its neuroprotective efficacy in a rat model of global ischemic injury by attenuating c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) downstream signaling. PCT is a resveratrol analog and a polyphenolic stilbenoid naturally occurring in passion fruit and grapes. The neuroprotective efficacy of PCT (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) in ischemic conditions was assessed through pre- and post-treatment. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and tests for functional recovery were assessed. Protein and gene expression were done for JNK3 and other inflammatory markers. A docking study was performed to identify the amino acid interaction. The results showed that PCT improved motor and memory function as measured by a functional recovery test believed to be due to an increase in cerebral blood flow. Also, the caspase signaling which promotes apoptosis was found to be down-regulated; however, nitric oxide synthase expression was up-regulated, which could explain the enhanced cerebral blood flow (CBF). According to our findings, PCT impeded c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) signaling by suppressing phosphorylation and disrupting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, which resulted in the neuroprotective effect. Molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the atomic-level interaction of JNK3 and PCT, which reveals that Met149, Leu206, and Lys93 amino acid residues are critical for the interaction of PCT and JNK3. According to our current research, JNK3 downstream signaling and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway are both inhibited by PCT, which results in neuroprotection under conditions of global brain ischemia. Piceatannol attenuated JNK3 phosphorylation during the ischemic condition and prevented neuronal apoptosis.

Neuroprotective strategies for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: Current status and challenges

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a prominent contributor to both immediate mortality and long-term impairment in newborns. The elusive nature of the underlying mechanisms responsible for neonatal HIBD presents a significant obstacle in the effective clinical application of numerous pharmaceutical interventions. This comprehensive review aims to concentrate on the potential neuroprotective agents that have demonstrated efficacy in addressing various pathogenic factors associated with neonatal HIBD, encompassing oxidative stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the precise molecular pathways by which these drugs elicit neuroprotective effects in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBD). Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neonatal HIBD in animal experiments, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the feasibility of clinical translation and establishing a solid theoretical foundation for the clinical management of neonatal HIBD.

Neonatal treatment with resveratrol decreases postural and strength impairments and improves mitochondrial function in the somatosensory cortex rats submitted to cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by postural, motor, and cognitive disorders, being one of the main causes of physical and intellectual disability in childhood. To minimize functional impairments, the use of resveratrol as a therapeutic strategy is highlighted due to its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in different regions of the brain. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of neonatal treatment with resveratrol on postural development, motor function, oxidative balance, and mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain of rats submitted to a cerebral palsy model. Neonatal treatment with resveratrol attenuated deficits in somatic growth, postural development, and muscle strength in rats submitted to cerebral palsy. Related to oxidative balance, resveratrol in cerebral palsy decreased the levels of MDA and carbonyls. Related to mitochondrial biogenesis, was observed in animals with cerebral palsy treated with resveratrol, an increase in mRNA levels of TFAM, in association with the increase of citrate synthase activity. The data demonstrated a promising effect of neonatal resveratrol treatment, improving postural and muscle deficits induced by cerebral palsy. These findings were associated with improvements in oxidative balance and mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain of rats submitted to cerebral palsy.

Effectiveness of Polyphenols on Perinatal Brain Damage: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies

Polyphenol supplementation during early life has been associated with a reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in diseases caused by oxygen deprivation, including cerebral palsy, hydrocephaly, blindness, and deafness. Evidence has shown that perinatal polyphenols supplementation may alleviate brain injury in embryonic, fetal, neonatal, and offspring subjects, highlighting its role in modulating adaptative responses involving phenotypical plasticity. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the administration of polyphenols during the early life period may be considered a potential intervention to modulate the inflammatory and oxidative stress that cause impairments in locomotion, cognitive, and behavioral functions throughout life. The beneficial effects of polyphenols are linked with several mechanisms, including epigenetic alterations, involving the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. To highlight these new perspectives, the objective of this systematic review was to summarize the understanding emerging from preclinical studies about polyphenol supplementation, its capacity to minimize brain injury caused by hypoxia-ischemia in terms of morphological, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters and its repercussions for motor and behavioral functions.

Indole-3-carbinol ameliorated the thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is reported to have hepatic and neuroprotective properties. However, the I3C role in the protection of the liver and brain in the pathological condition of hepatic encephalopathy has not been investigated. Therefore, in the present study, we have assessed the hepatic and neuroprotective roles of I3C against thioacetamide (TAA)- induced hepatic encephalopathy in Wistar rats. TAA (300mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to Wistar rats to induce hepatic encephalopathy. The elevated levels of ammonia in the blood, liver, and brain were substantially lowered by I3C treatment (25, 50, and 100mg/kg, oral, 7 days). I3C significantly ameliorated the TAA-induced liver dysfunction by decreasing the alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes and reduced the elevated cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) activity in the liver and brain. Further, I3C alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the brain. I3C treatment improved the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 while reducing inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-1 and IL-6 in hepatic encephalopathy rats. I3C reduced the levels of apoptotic indicators mediated by the mitochondria, including cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3. Concurrently, I3C mitigated the liver and brain histological abnormalities in hepatic encephalopathy rats. Therefore, the present study concluded that the I3C protected the liver and brain from TAA-induced hepatic encephalopathy injury by inhibiting CYP2E1 enzyme activity and decreasing ammonia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The present study provides preclinical validation of I3C use as hepatic and neuroprotective for hepatic encephalopathy management.

Polyphenols Mediate Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke-An Update

Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality and disability, and it is due to be included in monetary implications on wellbeing frameworks around the world. Ischemic stroke is caused by interference in cerebral blood flow, leading to a deficit in the supply of oxygen to the affected region. It accounts for nearly 80-85% of all cases of stroke. Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the pathophysiologic cascade in brain damage leading to stroke. In the acute phase, oxidative stress mediates severe toxicity, and it initiates and contributes to late-stage apoptosis and inflammation. Oxidative stress conditions occur when the antioxidant defense in the body is unable to counteract the production and aggregation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The previous literature has shown that phytochemicals and other natural products not only scavenge oxygen free radicals but also improve the expressions of cellular antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Consequently, these products protect against ROS-mediated cellular injury. This review aims to give an overview of the most relevant data reported in the literature on polyphenolic compounds, namely, gallic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, mangiferin, epigallocatechin, and pinocembrin, in terms of their antioxidant effects and potential protective activity against ischemic stroke.

Neuroprotection by trans-resveratrol in rats with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal injury: Insights into the role of adenosine A1 receptors

Adenosine A1 receptors (AA1R) have been shown to counteract N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated glutamatergic excitotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the role of AA1R in neuroprotection by trans-resveratrol (TR) against NMDA-induced retinal injury. In total, 48 rats were divided into the following four groups: normal rats pretreated with vehicle; rats that received NMDA (NMDA group); rats that received NMDA after pretreatment with TR; and rats that received NMDA after pretreatment with TR and 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), an AA1R antagonist. Assessment of general and visual behaviour was performed using the open field test and two-chamber mirror test, respectively, on Days 5 and 6 post NMDA injection. Seven days after NMDA injection, animals were euthanized, and eyeballs and optic nerves were harvested for histological parameters, whereas retinae were isolated to determine the redox status and expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the present study, the retinal and optic nerve morphology in the TR group was protected from NMDA-induced excitotoxic damage. These effects were correlated with the lower retinal expression of proapoptotic markers, lipid peroxidation, and markers of nitrosative/oxidative stress. The general and visual behavioural parameters in the TR group showed less anxiety-related behaviour and better visual function than those in the NMDA group. All the findings observed in the TR group were abolished by administration of DPCPX.

Indole-3-carbinol ameliorated the neurodevelopmental deficits in neonatal anoxic injury in rats

Neonatal anoxia is linked to long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits. Due to the lack of pharmacological intervention to treat neonatal anoxia, there is interest in finding new molecules for its treatment. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) has shown neuroprotective effects in some disease conditions. However, the neuroprotective role of I3C in neonatal anoxia has not been explored. Consequently, we have investigated the effect of I3C on neonatal anoxia-induced brain injury and neurodevelopmental deficits. Rat pups after 30 h of birth were subjected to two episodes of anoxia (10 min in each) at a time interval of 24 h by flowing 100% nitrogen. I3C was administered within 30 min of the second episode of anoxia on a postnatal day (PND) 3 and continued for PND 9. Neurodevelopmental deficits, cortical mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), electron transport chain (ETC) enzyme activities, oxidative stress, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) levels, histopathological changes, and apoptosis were measured. I3C treatment dose-dependently ameliorated the neurodevelopmental deficits and somatic growth in anoxic pups. I3C improved mitochondrial function by enhancing the MMP, mitochondrial ETC enzymes, and antioxidants. It blocked the MPTP opening and release of cytochrome C in anoxic pups. Further, I3C reduced the elevated cortical HIF-1α in neonatal anoxic pups. Furthermore, I3C ameliorated histopathological abnormalities and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic indicators Cyt C, caspase-9, and caspase-3. Our study concludes that I3C improved neuronal development in anoxic pups by enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing HIF-1α, and mitigating apoptosis.

Resveratrol Mediated Regulation of Hippocampal Neuroregenerative Plasticity via SIRT1 Pathway in Synergy with Wnt Signaling: Neurotherapeutic Implications to Mitigate Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major form of dementia. Abnormal amyloidogenic event-mediated degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the cognitive centers of the brain has been attributed to neuropathological sequelae and behavioral deficits in AD. Besides, impaired adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus has experimentally been realized as an underlying cause of dementia regardless of neurodegeneration. Therefore, nourishing the neurogenic process in the hippocampus has been considered an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate memory loss. In the physiological state, the Wnt pathway has been identified as a potent mitogenic generator in the hippocampal stem cell niche. However, downstream components of Wnt signaling have been noticed to be downregulated in AD brains. Resveratrol (RSV) is a potent Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) enhancer that facilitates neuroprotection and promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus of the adult brain. While SIRT1 is an important positive regulator of Wnt signaling, ample reports indicate that RSV treatment strongly mediates the fate determination of stem cells through Wnt signaling. However, the possible therapeutic roles of RSV-mediated SIRT1 enhancement on the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and reversal of memory loss through the Wnt signaling pathway have not been addressed yet. Taken together, this review describes RSV-mediated effects on the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis via the activation of SIRT1 in synergy with the Wnt signaling. Further, the article emphasizes a hypothesis that RSV treatment can provoke the activation of quiescent neural stem cells and prime their neurogenic capacity in the hippocampus via Wnt signaling in AD.

Suppression of knee joint osteoarthritis induced secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats by resveratrol: role of glycated haemoglobin and hyperlipidaemia and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress

Background: We investigated whether the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, resveratrol can inhibit type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in rats and whether it is associated with the suppression of glycaemia, dyslipidemia and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.Materials and methods: T2DM was induced by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) and high carbohydrate and fat diet (HCFD). The protective group was put on resveratrol (30 mg/kg) 14 days prior to the induction of diabetes and continued on resveratrol and HCFD until being sacrificed at week 12.Results: Diabetic rats showed a substantial damage to the knee joints and loss of proteoglycans from the articular cartilage, which were effectively but not completly protected by resveratrol. Resveratrol also significantly (p ≤ .0029) reduced diabetic up-regulation of HbA1c, hyperlipidaemia, inflammation and oxidative stress.Conclusions: Resveratrol protects against T2DM-induced OA associated with the inhibition of glycated haemoglobin, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Resveratrol and Some of Its Derivatives as Promising Prophylactic Treatments for Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia

Due to the rate of occurrence of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, its neuronal sequelae, and the lack of effective therapies, the development of new neuroprotective strategies is required. Polyphenols (including resveratrol) are molecules whose anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties could be effective against the damage induced by neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. In this review article, very recent data concerning the neuroprotective role of polyphenols and the mechanisms at play are detailed, including a boost in brain energy metabolism. The results obtained with innovative approaches, such as maternal supplementation at nutritional doses, suggest that polyphenols could be a promising prophylactic treatment for neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research

Resveratrol (RV) is a well-known polyphenolic compound in various plants, including grape, peanut, and berry fruits, which is quite famous for its association with several health benefits such as anti-obesity, cardioprotective neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidants, anti-age effects, and glucose metabolism. Significantly, promising therapeutic properties have been reported in various cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis and are regulated by several synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Similarly, RV possesses a strong anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting fat accumulation processes and activating oxidative and lipolytic pathways, exhibiting their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The RV also shows significant antibacterial effects against various food-borne pathogens (Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli) by inhibiting an electron transport chain (ETC) and F0F1-ATPase, which decreases the production of cellular energy that leads to the spread of pathogens. After collecting and analyzing scientific literature, it may be concluded that RV is well tolerated and favorably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic disorders. As such, it is possible that RV can be considered the best nutritional additive and a complementary drug, especially a therapeutic candidate. Therefore, this review would increase knowledge about the blend of RV as well as inspire researchers around the world to consider RV as a pharmaceutical drug to combat future health crises against various inhumane diseases. In the future, this article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural compound as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in medicine.

Behavioral and morphological effects of resveratrol and curcumin in rats submitted to doxorubicin-induced cognitive impairment

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known to cause cognitive impairments in patients submitted to long-term chemotherapy (deficits also known as chemobrain). Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies capable of returning cancer survivors back to their previous quality of life. The present study investigated whether resveratrol (RSV) or curcumin (CUR) administration could affect mnemonic function and brain morphological changes following DOX administration in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: DOX group (2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus distilled water for 28 days, oral gavage - OG), DOX + RSV group (DOX, 2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus RSV, 10 mg/kg/day for 28 days, OG), DOX + CUR group (DOX, 2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus CUR, 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days, OG) and control (CTR) group (0.9% saline solution weekly for 4 weeks, i.p., plus distilled water for 28 days, OG). Behavioral analyses (open field - OF - and the novel object recognition test - NORT) were performed. Brains were collected and analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining techniques and by immunohistochemistry for GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) expression in astrocytes and Iba1 (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1) expression in microglia. DOX-injected rats presented short-term and long-term memory impairments as seen in the NORT at 3 and 24 h after habituation and increased GFAP and Iba1 expression, respectively, in astrocytes and microglia of the frontal cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Such cognitive deficits were prevented by CUR at both periods and by RSV at 24 h. DOX-induced astrogliosis and microgliosis were avoided by RSV and CUR. No signs of demyelination or neuronal loss were found in any group. Thus, CUR and RSV prevented memory loss, astrogliosis and microgliosis induced by DOX monotherapy.

Current Therapies for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic and Infection-Sensitised Hypoxic-Ischaemic Brain Damage

Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive disabilities. The majority of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic cases arise as a result of impaired cerebral perfusion to the foetus attributed to uterine, placental, or umbilical cord compromise prior to or during delivery. Bacterial infection is a factor contributing to the damage and is recorded in more than half of preterm births. Exposure to infection exacerbates neuronal hypoxic-ischaemic damage thus leading to a phenomenon called infection-sensitised hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Models of neonatal hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) have been developed in different animals. Both human and animal studies show that the developmental stage and the severity of the HI insult affect the selective regional vulnerability of the brain to damage, as well as the subsequent clinical manifestations. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only clinically approved treatment for neonatal HI. However, the number of HI infants needed to treat with TH for one to be saved from death or disability at age of 18-22 months, is approximately 6-7, which highlights the need for additional or alternative treatments to replace TH or increase its efficiency. In this review we discuss the mechanisms of HI injury to the immature brain and the new experimental treatments studied for neonatal HI and infection-sensitised neonatal HI.

Resveratrol suppresses cholestasis-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats associated with the inhibition of TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis and profibrogenic and hepatic injury biomarkers

Cholestasis caused by slowing or blockage of bile flow is a serious liver disease that can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The link between transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), Smad family member 3 (Smad3), and microRNA 21 (miR21) in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis in the presence and absence of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, resveratrol (RSV), has not been previously studied. Therefore, we tested whether RSV can protect against BDL-induced liver fibrosis associated with the inhibition of the TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis and profibrogenic and hepatic injury biomarkers. The model group of rats had their bile duct ligated (BDL) for 3 weeks before being killed, whereas, the BDL-treated rats were separated into three groups that received 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg RSV daily until the end of the experiment. Using light microscopy and ultrasound examinations, we documented in the BDL group, the development of hepatic injury and fibrosis as demonstrated by hepatocytes necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, collagen deposition, enlarged liver with increased echogenicity, irregular nodular border and dilated common bile duct, which were more effectively inhibited by the highest used RSV dosage. In addition, RSV significantly (p ≤ 0.0027) inhibited BDL-induced hepatic TGFβ1, Smad3, miR21, the profibrogenic biomarker tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-17a (IL-17a), and blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin. These findings show that RSV at 30 mg/kg substantially protects against BDL-induced liver injuries, which is associated with the inhibition of TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis, and biomarkers of profibrogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Resveratrol-mediated neurorestoration after cerebral ischemic injury - Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway

AIMS

Resveratrol pretreatment can decrease ischemic cerebral injury and enhance proliferation of neural stem cells via mediation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling. However, it is relatively little known about whether neurorestorative effects of resveratrol are mediated by Shh signaling in ischemic cerebral injury. The present study tests whether the Shh signaling pathway mediates resveratrol to promote neurorestoration of ischemic cerebral injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats or neurons before middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) or oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury were pretreated with resveratrol. Immunohistochemistry is used to be determined BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/Nestin+ and BrdU+/NG2+ cell (markers of new proliferated neural stem/progenitor and oligodendrocyte precursor cell, respectively), BrdU+/MAP2+ and BrdU+/CNPase+ cell (markers of new mature neuron and oligodendrocyte, respectively), BrdU+/TUNEL+ cell (marker of apoptosis for new proliferated cell), SY, NF200, Iba-1 and GFAP (markers of synaptogenesis, axon, microglia and astrocyte, respectively). Shh and Gli-1 mRNAs were detected by RT-PCR assay. Iba-1, GFAP, Shh and Gli-1 proteins were detected by Western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

Resveratrol pretreatment significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, promoted proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival of neural stem/progenitor and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, inhibited astrocyte and microglia activation, strengthened synaptophysin and NF200 expression, at the same time, promoted neurite outgrowth of neurons. Meanwhile, expression levels of Shh and Gli-1 proteins were significantly increased and Gli-1 translocated into the nucleus. However, cyclopamine, a Smo inhibitor, canceled the above effects of resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be mediated, at least partly, by the Shh signaling pathway that resveratrol pretreament promote neurorestoration of ischemic cerebral injury.

RETRACTED: microRNA-139-5p alleviates neurological deficit in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage via HDAC4 depletion and BCL-2 activation

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief as there are concerns about the reliability of the results. Concerns have been raised about the western blot bands in Figs. 5A, 6D having the same eyebrow shaped phenotype as found in many other publications as tabulated here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/149EjFXVxpwkBXYJOnOHb6RhAqT4a2llhj9LM60MBffM/edit#gid=0). The journal requested the corresponding author to comment on these concerns and send the raw data, however the author was not able to provide uncropped images of the original gels. The Editor-in-Chief therefore no longer has confidence in the data and conclusions of this study.

Pharmacological Targeting of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common aging-associated disease that clinically manifests as joint pain, mobility limitations, and compromised quality of life. Today, OA treatment is limited to pain management and joint arthroplasty at the later stages of disease progression. OA pathogenesis is predominantly mediated by oxidative damage to joint cartilage extracellular matrix and local cells such as chondrocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and synovial fibroblasts. Under normal conditions, cells prevent the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidatively stressful conditions through their adaptive cytoprotective mechanisms. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an iron-dependent cytoprotective enzyme that functions as the inducible form of HO. HO-1 and its metabolites carbon monoxide and biliverdin contribute towards the maintenance of redox homeostasis. HO-1 expression is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level through transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2), specificity protein 1 (Sp1), transcriptional repressor BTB-and-CNC homology 1 (Bach1), and epigenetic regulation. Several studies report that HO-1 expression can be regulated using various antioxidative factors and chemical compounds, suggesting therapeutic implications in OA pathogenesis as well as in the wider context of joint disease. Here, we review the protective role of HO-1 in OA with a focus on the regulatory mechanisms that mediate HO-1 activity.

Resveratrol ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced alterations to the knee joint articular cartilage ultrastructure in rats

Diabetes-induced osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the cartilage in the joints and could lead to disability. The protective effect of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, resveratrol, against alterations to the knee articular cartilage ultrastructure induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with the inhibition of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we modeled OA in rats 10 weeks post diabetic induction using a high carbohydrate and fat diet and a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight), and the protective group of rats started resveratrol (30 mg/kg; orally) treatment 2 weeks before diabetic induction and continued on resveratrol until the end of the experiment at week 12. Blood chemistry analysis confirmed hyperglycemia (elevated glucose and glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c), dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), and upregulation of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α) biomarkers in the model group. In addition, using light and electron microscopy examinations, we also observed in the model group substantial damage to the articular cartilage and profound chondrocyte and territorial matrix ultrastructural alterations such as chondrocytes with degenerated nucleus and mitochondria, scarce cytoplasmic processes, and absence of the fine fibrillar appearance of territorial matrix. Resveratrol pretreatment significantly (p ≤ 0.0029) but not completely protected from T2DM-induced OA. We conclude that resveratrol protects against alterations to the articular cartilage ultrastructure induced secondary to T2DM in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of glycemia, hyperlipidemia, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Neuroprotective Effect of Maternal Resveratrol Supplementation in a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (nHI) is a major cause of death or subsequent disabilities in infants. Hypoxia-ischemia causes brain lesions, which are induced by a strong reduction in oxygen and nutrient supply. Hypothermia is the only validated beneficial intervention, but not all newborns respond to it and today no pharmacological treatment exists. Among possible therapeutic agents to test, trans-resveratrol is an interesting candidate as it has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects in some neurodegenerative diseases. This experimental study aimed to investigate a possible neuroprotection by resveratrol in rat nHI, when administered to the pregnant rat female, at a nutritional dose. Several groups of pregnant female rats were studied in which resveratrol was added to drinking water either during the last week of pregnancy, the first week of lactation, or both. Then, 7-day old pups underwent a hypoxic-ischemic event. Pups were followed longitudinally, using both MRI and behavioral testing. Finally, a last group was studied in which breastfeeding females were supplemented 1 week with resveratrol just after the hypoxic-ischemic event of the pups (to test the curative rather than the preventive effect). To decipher the molecular mechanisms of this neuroprotection, RT-qPCR and Western blots were also performed on pup brain samples. Data clearly indicated that when pregnant and/or breastfeeding females were supplemented with resveratrol, hypoxic-ischemic offspring brain lesions were significantly reduced. Moreover, maternal resveratrol supplementation allowed to reverse sensorimotor and cognitive deficits caused by the insult. The best recoveries were observed when resveratrol was administered during both gestation and lactation (2 weeks before the hypoxic-ischemic event in pups). Furthermore, neuroprotection was also observed in the curative group, but only at the latest stages examined. Our hypothesis is that resveratrol, in addition to the well-known neuroprotective benefits via the sirtuin’s pathway (antioxidant properties, inhibition of apoptosis), has an impact on brain metabolism, and more specifically on the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) as suggested by RT-qPCR and Western blot data, that contributes to the neuroprotective effects.

A Review of Plant Extracts and Plant-Derived Natural Compounds in the Prevention/Treatment of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is one of the major drawbacks of mortality and causes significant short/long-term neurological dysfunction in newborn infants worldwide. To date, due to multifunctional complex mechanisms of brain injury, there is no well-established effective strategy to completely provide neuroprotection. Although therapeutic hypothermia is the proven treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), it does not completely chang outcomes in severe forms of HIE. Therefore, there is a critical need for reviewing the effective therapeutic strategies to explore the protective agents and methods. In recent years, it is widely believed that there are neuroprotective possibilities of natural compounds extracted from plants against HIE. These natural agents with the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neurofunctional regulatory properties exhibit preventive or therapeutic effects against experimental neonatal HI brain damage. In this study, it was aimed to review the literature in scientific databases that investigate the neuroprotective effects of plant extracts/plant-derived compounds in experimental animal models of neonatal HI brain damage and their possible underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

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.

The role of resveratrol as a natural modulator in glia activation in experimental models of stroke

OBJECTIVE

Stroke is one of the most important causes of death and disability in modern and developing societies. In a stroke, both the glial cells and neurons develop apoptosis due to decreased cellular access to glucose and oxygen. Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) as a herbal compound shows neuroprotective and glioprotective effects. This article reviews how resveratrol can alleviate symptoms after stroke to help neurons to survive by modulating some signaling pathways in glia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were searched from 2000 to February 2020 to gather the required articles using appropriate keywords.

RESULTS

Resveratrol enhances anti-inflammatory and decreases inflammatory cytokines by affecting the signaling pathways in microglia such as AMP-activated protein kinase (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, AMPK), SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) and SOCS1 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 1). Furthermore, through miR-155 overexpressing in microglia, resveratrol promotes M2 phenotype polarization. Resveratrol also increases AMPK and inhibits GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) activity in astrocytes, which release energy, makes ATP available to neurons and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Besides, resveratrol increases oligodendrocyte survival, which can lead to maintaining post-stroke brain homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that resveratrol can be considered a novel therapeutic agent for the reduction of stroke symptoms that can not only affect neuronal function but also play an important role in reducing neurotoxicity by altering glial activity and signaling.

C/EBPα-mediated transcriptional activation of miR-134-5p entails KPNA3 inhibition and modulates focal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a frequent cause of mortality and neurological handicaps in infants and children worldwide. To understand better the pathogenesis and management of HIBD, we established a HIBD model by common carotid artery ligation followed by systemic hypoxia in neonatal rats, and in other studies induced neuronal death in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells by 12 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The level of KPNA3 declined in rats following experimental HIBD and in PC12 cells following OGD. KPNA3 overexpression protected neonatal rats against HIBD and PC12 cells against OGD-induced cell death. KPNA3 demonstrated to be the target of miR-134-5p could be activated by the transcriptional factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). The expression of miR-134-5p and C/EBPα was elevated in rats following experimental HIBD and in PC12 cells following OGD. In the parallel experiments, C/EBPα knockdown and miR-134 inhibition protected against HIBD pathology in neonatal rats and against OGD-induced neuronal death in PC12 cells. These findings reveal that the C/EBPα/miR-134-5p/KPNA3 axis mediates hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and neuronal death, thus presenting a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of human newborns at risk for HIBD.

Protective effects of FGF10 on neurovascular unit in a rat model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury remains a devastating clinical disease associated with high mortality and lifetime disability. Neonatal HI injury damages the architecture of neurovascular unit (NVU), thus, therapy targeting the NVU may provide effective neuroprotection against HI. This study was designed to investigate whether fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) protected the NVU against HI and afforded observable neuroprotection in a rat model of neonatal HI brain injury. The results showed that FGF10 treatment significantly reduced brain damage post HI, characterized by reduction in brain infarct volume and tissue loss. Further interesting findings showed that FGF10 treatment exerted neuroprotective effects on HI brain injury in neonate rats through protecting the NVU against HI, evidenced by inhibition of neuronal cell apoptosis, suppression of gliosis, and amelioration of blood-brain barrier disruption. Collectively, our study indicates that FGF10 treatment exhibits great potential for protecting NVU against HI and attenuates neonatal brain injury, suggesting a potential novel therapeutic agent to this disease.

Protective effect of resveratrol on obesity-related osteoarthritis via alleviating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is independent of SOCS3

Resveratrol (RES) has a protective effect on osteoarthritis (OA), nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of RES towards obesity-related OA are still unclear. This study is aimed to determine whether leptin resistant mechanism presents in articular cartilage of obesity-related OA and whether the protective effect of RES is involved in the regulation of leptin signal by affecting suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed with standard chow diet, high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet with RES (45 mg/kg.bw) for 22 weeks. Knee joints of mice were evaluated by histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. Serum level of leptin was measured by ELISA. The leptin, leptin receptor (OB-Rb), SOCS3 mRNA expression and JAK2, STAT3, OB-Rb and SOCS3 protein expression in cartilage were determined by real-time RT-PCR and western blot. In addition, SW1353 cells were pretreated with or without AG490, and stimulated with leptin in the presence or absence of RES to detect JAK2, STAT3, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and SOCS3 expression. We found that HFD could induce obesity-related OA and RES prevented its progression. Serum leptin and mRNA expression in cartilage was up-regulated by HFD, while RES ameliorated the elevation. Besides, RES significantly inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in cartilage, as well as SOCS3. In in vitro study, RES exhibited the same effect in SW1353 cells which stimulated with leptin. In conclusion, no significant leptin resistance existed in cartilage of obesity-related OA and the inhibitory effect of RES on obesity-related OA via alleviating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is independent of SOCS3.

Resveratrol Activates Neuronal Autophagy Through AMPK in the Ischemic Brain

During cerebral ischemia, oxygen and glucose levels decrease, producing many consequences such as the generation of reactive oxygen species, tissue injury, and the general metabolism collapse. Resveratrol triggers signaling dependent on the protein kinase activated by adenosine monophosphate (AMPK), the sensor of cellular energy metabolism that regulates autophagy, eliminates damaged mitochondria, and increases energy sources. In the present study, we investigated the participation of AMPK activation in the protective effect of resveratrol on cerebral ischemia and excitotoxicity. We found that resveratrol increased the levels of phosphorylated AMPK in the cerebral cortex of rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and in primary cultured neurons exposed to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Resveratrol (1.8 mg/Kg; i. v.; administered at the beginning of reperfusion) decreased the infarct area and increased survival of rats subjected to MCAO. In neuronal cultures, resveratrol treatment (40 μM, after excitotoxicity) reduced the production of superoxide anion, prevented the overload of intracellular Ca⁺² associated to mitochondrial failure, reduced the release of the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and reduced death. It also promoted mitophagy (increased Beclin 1 level, favored the recruitment of LC3-II, reduced LAMP1, and reduced mitochondrial matrix protein HSP60 levels). In both models, inhibition of AMPK activation with Compound C obstructed the effect of resveratrol, showing that its protective effect depends, partially, on the activation of the AMPK/autophagy pathway.

Suppression of acetaminophen-induced hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations in rats using a combination of resveratrol and quercetin

Ingestion of a toxic dose of the analgesic drug, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol or APAP), is among the most common causes of acute liver injury in humans. We tested the hypothesis that the combined polyphenolic compounds, resveratrol (RES) and quercetin (QUR), can substantially protect against hepatocyte ultrastructural damage induced by a toxic dose of APAP in a rat model of APAP-induced acute liver injury. The model group of rats received a single dose of APAP (2 g/kg), whereas the protective group of rats was pretreated for 7 days with combined doses of RES (30 mg/kg) and QUR (50 mg/kg) before being given a single dose of APAP. All rats were then sacrificed 24 hours post APAP ingestion. Harvested liver tissues were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) staining, and liver homogenates were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In addition, blood samples were assayed for the liver injury enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as an indicator of liver damage. TEM images showed that APAP overdose induced acute liver injury as demonstrated by profound hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations, which were substantially protected by RES+QUR. In addition, APAP significantly (p < 0.05) modulated TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, SOD, GPx, and ALT biomarkers, which were completely protected by RES+QUR. Thus, RES+QUR effectively protects against APAP-induced acute liver injury in rats, possibly via the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

SIRT1-regulated HMGB1 release is partially involved in TLR4 signal transduction: A possible anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of resveratrol in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a knotty disease that lacks appropriate treatment. Inflammation is an important contributor to brain damage, and microglia are responsible for eliciting early and pronounced inflammatory reactions in the immature brain after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insult. Acetylated HMGB1 can be released from immune cells into the extracellular space, where it acts as a danger-associated molecular pattern molecule to activate TLR4 signalling-mediated inflammatory responses. Resveratrol has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects against HIBI, but whether these effects involve the regulation of the TLR4 signalling pathway and whether HMGB1 participates in this process is still unclear. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in HIBI and the molecular mechanisms potentially involved in the effect. The in vivo and in vitro results indicated that the level of cytoplasmic HMGB1 in microglia increased after insult and that treating experimental animals or mouse BV2 microglial cells with resveratrol attenuated HI insult-induced neuroinflammation, which was characterized by improved behavioural defects, reduced microglial activation and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling, and attenuated primary neuronal damage; this was accompanied by the inhibition of HMGB1 nucleoplasmic transfer and extracellular release. EX527 pretreatment reversed these effects. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that SIRT1 was directly involved in the HMGB1 acetylation process in BV2 cells after oxygen glucose deprivation. These data demonstrate that resveratrol plays a neuroprotective role in neonatal HIBI by activating SIRT1 to inhibit HMGB1/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling and subsequent neuroinflammatory responses.

The Role of Mast Cells in Stroke

Mast cells (MCs) are densely granulated perivascular resident cells of hematopoietic origin. Through the release of preformed mediators stored in their granules and newly synthesized molecules, they are able to initiate, modulate, and prolong the immune response upon activation. Their presence in the central nervous system (CNS) has been documented for more than a century. Over the years, MCs have been associated with various neuroinflammatory conditions of CNS, including stroke. They can exacerbate CNS damage in models of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by amplifying the inflammatory responses and promoting brain–blood barrier disruption, brain edema, extravasation, and hemorrhage. Here, we review the role of these peculiar cells in the pathophysiology of stroke, in both immature and adult brain. Further, we discuss the role of MCs as potential targets for the treatment of stroke and the compounds potentially active as MCs modulators.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of brain energy metabolism in the male Oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) in response to hypoxia and reoxygenation

Hypoxia is as an endocrine disruptor, and, in crustaceans, the energy metabolic consequences of hypoxia in the brain tissue are still poorly understood. We combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic analysis and high-throughput RNA sequencing to evaluate the metabolic effects and subjacent regulatory pathways in the brain tissue of the male Oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) in response to hypoxia and reoxygenation. We recorded LC₅₀ and heartbeats per minute of male M. nipponense juveniles. Hypoxia resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species in the brain cells and alterations in gene expression and metabolite concentrations in the prawn brain tissue in a time-dependent manner. The transcriptomic analyses revealed specific changes in the expression of genes associated with metabolism pathways, which was consistent with the changes in energy metabolism indicated by the GC-MS metabolomic analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot confirmed the transcriptional induction of these genes because of hypoxia. The lactate levels increased significantly during hypoxia and decreased to normal after reoxygenation; this is consistent with a shift towards anaerobic metabolism, which may cause metabolic abnormalities in the brain tissue of M. nipponense. Overall, these results are consistent with metabolic disruption in the brain of M. nipponense exposed to hypoxia and will help in understanding how crustacean brain tissue adapts and responds to hypoxia and reoxygenation.

A comprehensive review of the health perspectives of resveratrol

Many natural products present in our diet, including flavonoids, can prevent the progression of cancer and other diseases. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in various fruits and vegetables, plays an important role as a therapeutic and chemopreventive agent used in the treatment of various illnesses. It exhibits effects against different types of cancer through different pathways. It additionally exerts antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects in a variety of cell types. Furthermore, the cardiovascular protective capacities of resveratrol are associated with multiple molecular targets and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure. Accordingly, this article presents an overview of recent developments in the use of resveratrol for the prevention and treatment of different diseases along with various mechanisms. In addition, the present review summarizes the most recent literature pertaining to resveratrol as a chemotherapeutic agent against multiple diseases and provides an assessment of the potential of this natural compound as a complementary or alternative medicine.

Resveratrol ameliorates autophagic flux to promote functional recovery in rats after spinal cord injury

Resveratrol is known to improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury, but the exact mechanism involved is yet unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify whether resveratrol can exert neuroprotective effects via activating neuronal autophagic flux, in view of the underlying role of the autophagic flux mediated by resveratrol on neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury, and identify the role of the liver kinase B1(LKB1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/ p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70s6k) signal pathway in the autophagic flux mediated by resveratrol. The results obtained strongly indicate that resveratrol improved functional recovery in Sprague–Dawley rats after acute spinal cord injury, preserved their motor neurons, alleviated the neuronal apoptosis, and ameliorated neuronal autophagic flux. After blocking the autophagic flux, the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol were eliminated. Furthermore, it was proved that resveratrol can activate the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR/p70s6k pathway in vivo and in vitro, and the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR/p70s6k pathway plays a vital role in activating the autophagic flux mediated by resveratrol in PC12 cells. Thus, resveratrol enables to ameliorate neuronal autophagic flux via the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR/p70s6k pathway to alleviate apoptosis, and finally ameliorating functional recovery after acute SCI in SD rats.

Resveratrol ameliorates inflammatory damage and protects against osteoarthritis in a rat model of osteoarthritis

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol compound with a stilbene structure. As a type of phytoalexin produced under stress in plants, it improves the plant's resistance against pathogens and environment deterioration, and performs important functions beneficial to human health, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, regulating blood lipid levels and prolonging life span. The effects of resveratrol were examined in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA) and observed to ameliorate inflammatory damage and protect against OA. In the present study, resveratrol significantly inhibited the induction of clinical scores in rats with OA. Resveratrol inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 expression levels, and decreased caspase-3/9 activity in rats with OA. Inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphorylated-(p)-AMP-activated protein kinase and sirtuin 1 protein expression were significantly suppressed and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) protein expression was stimulated in rats with OA treated with resveratrol. The current results indicate that resveratrol ameliorates inflammatory damage and protects against OA in a rat model of OA via NF-κB and HO-1/Nrf-2 signaling.

Live or let die: Neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects of nutraceutical antioxidants

Diet sources are closely involved in the pathogenesis of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders and cancers, in addition to inherited factors. Currently, natural products or nutraceuticals (commonly called medical foods) are increasingly employed for adjunctive therapy of these patients. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of the nutrient efficacy remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the neuroprotective and anti-cancer mechanisms of nutraceuticals. It was concluded that the nutraceuticals exerted neuroprotection and suppressed tumor growth possibly through the differential modulations of redox homeostasis. In addition, the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS elimination was manipulated by multiple molecular mechanisms, including cell signaling pathways, inflammation, transcriptional regulation and epigenetic modulation, which were involved in the therapeutic potential of nutraceutical antioxidants against neurological diseases and cancers. We specifically proposed that ROS scavenging was integral in the neuroprotective potential of nutraceuticals, while alternation of ROS level (either increase or decrease) or disruption of redox homeostasis (ROS addiction) constituted the anti-cancer property of these compounds. We also hypothesized that ROS-associated ferroptosis, a novel type of lipid ROS-dependent regulatory cell death, was likely to be a critical mechanism for the nutraceutical antioxidants. Targeting ferroptosis is advantageous to develop new nutraceuticals with more effective and lower adverse reactions for curing patients with neuropsychiatric diseases or carcinomas.

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) contributes to resveratrol‑induced neuroprotection against oxygen‑glucose deprivation and re‑oxygenation injury in HT22 cells: Involvement in reducing oxidative DNA damage

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, exhibits a neuroprotective role in models of central nervous system diseases, including cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a multifunctional enzyme that contributes to base excision repair of oxidative DNA damage and redox activation of transcription factors, associated with neuronal survival against hypoxic‑ischemic injury. It was hypothesized that resveratrol protects HT22 cells against oxygen‑glucose deprivation and re‑oxygenation (OGD/R)‑induced injuries through upregulation of APE1. It was demonstrated that resveratrol pretreatment significantly increased the viability of HT22 cells and decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), accompanied by the upregulation of APE1 mRNA, and protein levels, as well as the activity of APE1 under OGD/R conditions. In addition, resveratrol reversed OGD/R‑induced oxidative DNA damage as evidenced by the decreases in the levels of 8‑hydroxy‑2'‑deoxyguanosine and APE sites. However, APE1 knockdown using short hairpin RNA sequence targeting APE1 abolished resveratrol‑elicited beneficent effects against OGD/R‑induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. This was indicated by decreased cell viability, superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels, and increased LDH release and reactive oxygen species levels. The results of the present study indicate that APE1 contributes to the protective effects of resveratrol against neonatal hypoxic‑ischemic brain injuries, and suggest that DNA repair enzymes, including APE1, may be a unique strategy for neuroprotection against this disease.

Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the development of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury

Birth asphyxia in term neonates affects 1–2/1000 live births and results in the development of hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy with devastating life-long consequences. The majority of neuronal cell death occurs with a delay, providing the potential of a treatment window within which to act. Currently, treatment options are limited to therapeutic hypothermia which is not universally successful. To identify new interventions, we need to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the injury. Here, we provide an overview of the contribution of both oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of neonatal brain injury and identify current preclinical therapeutic strategies.

Danshen-Chuanxiong-Honghua Ameliorates Cerebral Impairment and Improves Spatial Cognitive Deficits after Transient Focal Ischemia and Identification of Active Compounds

Previously, we only apply a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Danshen-Chuanxiong-Honghua (DCH) for cardioprotection via anti-inflammation in rats of acute myocardial infarction by occluding coronary artery. Presently, we select not only DCH but also its main absorbed compound ferulic acid (FA) for cerebra protection via similar action of mechanism above in animals of the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We investigated whether oral administration of DCH and FA could ameliorate MCAO-induced brain lesions in animals. By using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we analyzed four compounds, including tanshinol, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and especially FA as the putative active components of DCH extract in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and injured hippocampus of rats with MCAO. In our study, it was assumed that FA played a similar neuroprotective role to DCH. We found that oral pretreatment with DCH (10 or 20 g/kg) and FA (100 mg/kg) improved neurological function and alleviated the infarct volume as well as brain edema in a dose-dependent manner. These changes were accompanied by improved ischemia-induced apoptosis and decreased the inflammatory response. Additionally, chronic treatment with DCH reversed MCAO-induced spatial cognitive deficits in a manner associated with enhanced neurogenesis and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in lesions of the hippocampus. These findings suggest that DCH has the ability to recover cognitive impairment and offer neuroprotection against cerebral ischemic injury via inhibiting microenvironmental inflammation and triggering of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. FA could be one of the potential active compounds.