MORIN MITIGATES OXIDATIVE STRESS, APOPTOSIS AND INFLAMMATION IN CEREBRAL ISCHEMIC RATS

Neuroprotective effects of flavonoids: endoplasmic reticulum as the target

The incidence of neurological disorders, particularly age-related neurodegenerative pathologies, exhibits an alarming upward trend, while current pharmacological interventions seldom achieve curative outcomes. Despite their diverse clinical presentations, neurological diseases often share a common pathological thread: the aberrant accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This phenomenon, known as ER stress, arises when the cell's intrinsic quality control mechanisms fail to cope with the protein-folding burden. Consequently, misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER lumen, triggering a cascade of cellular stress responses. Recognizing this challenge, researchers have intensified their efforts over the past two decades to explore natural compounds that could potentially slow or even reverse these devastating pathologies. Flavonoids constitute a vast and heterogeneous class of plant polyphenols, with over 10,000 identified from diverse natural sources such as wines, vegetables, medicinal plants, and organic products. Flavonoids are generally divided into six different subclasses: anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, and flavonols. The diverse family of flavonoids, featuring a common phenolic ring backbone adorned with varying hydroxyl groups and additional modifications, exerts its antioxidant activity by inhibiting the formation of ROS, as evidenced by research. Also, studies suggest that polyphenols such as flavonoids can regulate ER stress through apoptosis and autophagy. By understanding these mechanisms, we can unlock the potential of flavonoids as novel therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, this review critically examines the literature exploring the modulatory effects of flavonoids on various steps of the ER stress in neurological disorders.

Morin ameliorates myocardial injury in diabetic rats via modulation of inflammatory pathways

BACKGROUND

High blood glucose levels in diabetes lead to vascular inflammation which accelerates atherosclerosis. Herein, Morin was orally administered in male Wistar rats, at the dose of 40 mg/kg for 28 days, and on the 27th and 28th day, ISO was administered to designate groups at the dose of 85 mg/kg s.c., to induce myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Free radical generation, including ROS, in diabetes following ISO administration, leads to the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Morin significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, SOD), cardiac injury markers (CK-MB, LDH), inflammation (TNF, IL-6), and apoptosis (Bax, BCl2, Caspase-3). In addition, it also reduced insulin and blood glucose levels. Akt/eNOS, Nrf2/HO-1, MAPK signaling pathways, and Insulin signal transduction pathways were positively modulated by morin pre-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Morin attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation and also modified the activity of various molecular pathways to mitigate cardiomyocyte damage during ISO-induced MI in diabetic rats.

The mechanisms of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction in treating ischaemic stroke based on network pharmacology and experiment verification

CONTEXT

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWD) is effective in treating ischaemic stroke (IS). However, its mechanism of action is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Network pharmacology integrated with in vivo experiments were used to clarify the underlying mechanisms of HGWD for treating IS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TCMSP, GeneCards, OMIM and STRING were used to retrieve and construct visual protein interaction networks for the key targets. The AutoDock tool was used for molecular docking between key targets and active compounds. The neuroprotective effect of HGWD were verified in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model rat. The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into sham, model, low-dose (5 g/kg, i.g.), high-dose (20 g/kg, i.g.), and nimodipine (20 mg/kg, i.g.) groups once daily for 7 days. The neurological scores, brain infarct volumes, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory cytokines, Nissl bodies, apoptotic neurons, and signalling pathways were all investigated and evaluated in vivo.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified 117 HGWD targets related to IS and 36 candidate compounds. GO and KEGG analyses showed that HGWD anti-IS effects were mainly associated with PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signalling pathways. HGWD effectively reduced the cerebral infarct volumes (19.19%), the number of apoptotic neurons (16.78%), and the release of inflammatory cytokines, etc. in MCAO rats. Furthermore, HGWD decreased the levels of HIF-1A, VEGFA, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, p-MAPK1, and p-c-Jun while increasing the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT1, and Bcl-2.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study initially elucidated the mechanism of HGWD anti-IS, which contributed to the further promotion and secondary development of HGWD in clinical practice.

Biological Application of the Allopathic Characteristics of the Genus Maclura: A Review

Maclura is a plant genus little known and used, species of which have been mainly used in the recovery of soils, for medicinal purposes such as dental infection treatments, and as wood for making furniture and construction. The overexploitation of this genus has placed certain species in endangered extinction status in some countries, such as Brazil. In addition, the scarce research and information limit the development, cultivation, and management of its species regarding their biochemical composition, which includes bioactive compounds such as the phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in some species such as M. pomifera, M. cochinchinensis, and M. tinctoria. The plants' antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have been attributed to these compounds. Other biochemical components such as ashes, insoluble lignin, holocellulose, and the high content of lipids and carbohydrates have been identified to be used to produce biofuels, with characteristics very similar to fuels derived from petroleum. This review aims to analyze the current knowledge on the plant genus Maclura, exploring its biochemical compounds and potential applications, including as a food additive, antioxidant supplement, in agriculture, for therapeutic purposes, aquaculture, and the cosmetic and industrial sector.

Morin protects chicks with T-2 toxin poisoning by decreasing heterophil extracellular traps, oxidative stress and inflammatory response

1. Fusarium tritici widely exists in a variety of grain feeds. The T-2 toxin is the main hazardous component produced by Fusarium tritici, making a serious hazard to poultry industry. Morin, belonging to the flavonoid family, can be extracted from mulberry plants and possesses anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, but whether morin protects chicks with T-2 toxin poisoning remains unclear. This experiment firstly established a chick model of T-2 toxin poisoning and then investigated the protective effects and mechanism of morin against T-2 toxin in chicks.2. The function of liver and kidney was measured by corresponding alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre) and uric acid (UA) kits. Histopathological changes were observed by haematoxylin-eosin staining. The status of oxidative stress was measured by MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH-PX kits. The mRNA levels of TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-11 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Heterophil extracellular trap (HET) release was analysed by immunofluorescence and fluorescence microplate.3. The model with T-2 toxin poisoning in chicks was successfully established. Morin significantly decreased T-2 toxin-induced ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, Cre and UA, and improved T-2 toxin-induced liver cell rupture, liver cord disorder and kidney interstitial oedema. Oxidative stress analysis showed that morin ameliorated T-2 toxin-induced damage by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). The qRT-PCR analysis showed that morin reduced T-2 toxin-induced mRNA expressions of TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-11. Moreover, morin significantly reduced the release of T-2 toxin-induced HET in vitro and in vivo.4. Morin can protect chicks from T-2 toxin poisoning by decreasing HETs, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which make it a useful compound against T-2 toxin poisoning in poultry feed.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Flavonoids in Common Neurological Disorders Associated with Aging

Aging reduces homeostasis and contributes to increasing the risk of brain diseases and death. Some of the principal characteristics are chronic and low-grade inflammation, a general increase in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory markers. Aging-related diseases include focal ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Flavonoids are the most common class of polyphenols and are abundantly found in plant-based foods and beverages. A small group of individual flavonoid molecules (e.g., quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and myricetin) has been used to explore the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro studies and in animal models of focal ischemic stroke and AD and PD, and the results show that these molecules reduce the activated neuroglia and several proinflammatory cytokines, and also, inactivate inflammation and inflammasome-related transcription factors. However, the evidence from human studies has been limited. In this review article, we highlight the evidence that individual natural molecules can modulate neuroinflammation in diverse studies from in vitro to animal models to clinical studies of focal ischemic stroke and AD and PD, and we discuss future areas of research that can help researchers to develop new therapeutic agents.

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.

Morin attenuates neurobehavioural deficits, hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats co-exposed to bisphenol S and diethyl phthalate

Endocrine-disrupting pollutants (EDPs) remain pervasive in the environment. Bisphenol S (BPS) and diethyl phthalates (DEP) are commonly used to replace the more toxic EDPs. However, it is unclear if they induce neurotoxicity, like their predecessors. Morin possesses relevant neuro-pharmacological activities. Hence, we sought to evaluate the protective effects of morin against the neurotoxic effects previously reported for EDPs. Male Wistar rats were exposed to a mixture of BPS and DEP (MBD) and treated with morin for 21 days. Behavioural assessments were conducted, and the hippocampal tissues were processed for analysis. Rats exposed to MBD presented anxiety-like behaviours, impaired cognitive and motor functions compared to the control group. MBD exposure induced hyperactivity of neurosignalling enzymes (AChE, ADA, MAO-A) and depleted hippocampal antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH). MBD exposure increased calcium levels and inhibited total Ca²⁺-ATPase activity. Levels of reactive species (NO and H₂O₂) and oxidative damage markers (MDA and AOPP) were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated compared to control. The hippocampal expressions of IL-1β, TNFα, BAX, and APAF-1 in the MBD-exposed rats were significantly higher compared to control. Correspondingly, NF-κB and caspase-3 pathways were activated in the hippocampus of MBD-exposed rats, while the expressions of IL-10 and BDNF were repressed. However, co-treatment with morin improved the neurobehavioral outcomes, alleviated the hyperactivity of neurosignalling enzymes, while suppressing hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Histological and stereological evaluations supported these findings. In conclusion, co-exposure to BPS and DEP elicit similar neurotoxic outcomes as their predecessors, while morin confers marked protection against these outcomes.

Regulation of DAPK1 by Natural Products: An Important Target in Treatment of Stroke

Stroke is a sudden neurological disorder that occurs due to impaired blood flow to an area of the brain. Stroke can be caused by the blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, called ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively. Stroke is more common in men than women. Atrial fibrillation, hypertension, kidney disease, high cholesterol and lipids, genetic predisposition, inactivity, poor nutrition, diabetes mellitus, family history and smoking are factors that increase the risk of stroke. Restoring blood flow by repositioning blocked arteries using thrombolytic agents or endovascular therapy are the most effective treatments for stroke. However, restoring circulation after thrombolysis can cause fatal edema or intracranial hemorrhage, and worsen brain damage in a process known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, there is a pressing need to find and develop more effective treatments for stroke. In the past, the first choice of treatment was based on natural compounds. Natural compounds are able to reduce the symptoms and reduce various diseases including stroke that attract the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, as a result of the numerous studies carried out in the field of herbal medicine, many useful and valuable effects of plants have been identified. The death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family is one of the vital families of serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of some biological functions in human cells. DAPK1 is the most studied kinase within the DAPKs family as it is involved in neuronal and recovery processes. Dysregulation of DAPK1 in the brain is involved in the developing neurological diseases such as stroke. Natural products can function in a variety of ways, including reducing cerebral edema, reducing brain endothelial cell death, and inhibiting TNFα and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) through regulating the DAPK1 signal against stroke. Due to the role of DAPK1 in neurological disorders, the aim of this article was to investigate the role of DAPK1 in stroke and its modulation by natural compounds.

Morin hydrate protects type-2-diabetic wistar rats exposed to diesel exhaust particles from inflammation and oxidative stress

Background

Studies have demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust particle (DEP) aggravates diabetes condition by inducing oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects. Morin hydrate (MH), a flavonol found in common guava, among others has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of morin hydrate (MH) on the pancreas of type-2 diabetic (T2D) wistar rats exposed to DEP.

Methods

Rats were induced with type 2 diabetes by oral fructose therapy for 14 days followed by injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). These rats were pre-treated with DEP (0.4 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) through nasal instillation prior to receiving oral MH (30 mg/kg).This study determined oxidative stress parameters using biochemical assay, and some pancreatic genes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation and glucose uptake were quantified using RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The results indicate that MH reverses oxidative stress in T2D rats exposed to DEP via substantial increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, but a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated diene (CD) levels. Moreover, PCR assay showed that MH mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress but promote glucose uptake by increasing the mRNA expression of IL-10, HO-1, and GLUT 4; decreasing mRNA expression of IL-1 and modulating AKT/PI3K/GLUT4 and AMPK/GLUT4 signaling. Histopathological examination revealed that MH reverses DEP induced pancreatic fibrosis and necrosis.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MH alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress and promote glucose uptake in the pancreas of type-2 diabetic rats, either in the presence or absence of DEP.

Icaritin attenuates 6-OHDA-induced MN9D cell damage by inhibiting oxidative stress

Background

We assessed whether ICT can alleviate 6-OHDA-induced cell damage via inhibition of oxidative stress by evaluating the protective effect of icaritin (ICT) against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced MN9D cell damage and further determined the mechanism by which ICT reduces oxidative stress.

Methods

MN9D cells were treated with 6-OHDA, to study the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ICT. MN9D cell damage was assessed by the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry was performed to measure the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) kit was used to evaluate SOD activity, and Western blotting was used to measure the expression of α-synuclein (α-Syn), Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1).

Results

ICT reduced damage to MN9D cells induced by 6-OHDA. ICT increased SOD activity and TH expression and reduced ROS production and α-Syn expression. ICT promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and further increased the protein expression of HO-1.

Conclusions

ICT protects against 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuronal cell injury by attenuating oxidative stress, and the mechanism is related to modulate the activities of Nrf2, HO-1 protein, and SOD.

Neuroprotective effect of Morin via TrkB/Akt pathway against diabetes mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in neuronal cells

Long term Diabetes mellitus results in neuronal damage by increased intracellular glucose leading to oxidative stress. This condition is known as diabetic encephalopathy. Morin is a bioflavonoid, has significant antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated whether the antioxidant properties of morin has beneficial effects on structural brain damage, neuronal apoptosis and dysregulation of TrkB/Akt signalling associated with diabetes. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were induced diabetes by an intraperitoneal injection of 40mg/kg of streptozotocin and kept untreated for 30 days to induce DE. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Morris water maze test followed by morin and metformin administration at the doses of 50 and 100mg/kg, respectively, for 60 days. After 60 days of treatment, animals were subjected to the behavioural test and sacrificed to collect blood and brain and checked biochemical parameters.The treatment with Morin could significantly reduce the escape latency time in Morris water maze test, blood glucose level, HbA1C, toxicity markers, lipid peroxidation products and protein carbonyl content, downregulated the expression of Bax, Caspase 3 and Cytochrome C and upregulated Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Akt, BDNF and TrkB expressions. Besides, enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, plasma insulin level. Histomorphological observations also confirmed the protective effect of morin on neuronal degeneration. Morin 50mg once daily for 60 days was the most effective dose with a significant reduction in diabetes mediated complications in the brain associated with neuronal apoptosis and dysregulation of TrkB/Akt signalling.

Chemical elucidation of an arabinogalactan from rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum with antioxidant activities

Polygonatum sibiricum is traditionally used as Chinese medicine for immunity enhancement. Exploration of polysaccharides from Polygonatum species would provide a wider insight into the studies on their chemical structures and function activities. In this study, the alkali-extracted polysaccharide from P. sibiricum (PSP) was isolated and examined. The polysaccharide was firstly isolated by ion-exchange chromatography equipped with DE52 column, followed by isolated through Superdex-200 column. The obtained PSPJWA fraction was a homogenous one with average molecular weight of 141 kDa. The monosaccharide composition was galactose, arabinose and rhamnose in a ratio of 14:4:1. The glycosidic linkages of PSPJWA fraction were indicated to be Araf-(1→, →5)-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-Araf-(1→, Galp-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-Galp-(1→ and →2,4)-Rhap-(1→ residue by methylation analysis. NMR and enzymatic studies showed that PSPJWA was a novel arabinogalactan-type structure. PSPJW polysaccharides with different molecular weight and similar chemical structure had different antioxidant activities. Together, P. sibiricum polysaccharide has the potential to be a natural antioxidant.

Macrophages induce the expression of lncRNA ATB via the secretion of TGF-β to relieve ischemia-reperfusion injury in cardiomyocytes

Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion can cause severe damage to cardiomyocytes. Previous studies have revealed that TGF-β can alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury in cardiomyocytes by inducing the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) activated by TGF-β (ATB). However, M2 macrophages can secrete a large amount of TGF-β. However, whether M2 macrophages alleviate the ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury of cardiomyocytes by secreting TGF-β is unclear. In the present study, macrophages and cardiomyocytes were cultured under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) conditions to simulate ischemia-reperfusion injury. M2-type macrophage markers (IL-10, Arginase-1 and IL-13) were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Subsequently, the culture medium of M2-type macrophages was collected for the treatment of cardiomyocytes, which were cultured under OGD/R conditions. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidase enzymes were detected with ELISA. The apoptotic rates of cardiomyocytes were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cell apoptosis-related proteins and the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB were analyzed by western blotting. The expression levels of specific inflammatory cytokines and the levels of malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase were suppressed in cardiomyocytes following treatment with culture medium derived from M2-type macrophages, which were cultured under OGD/R conditions. Furthermore, OGD/R-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was also relieved following treatment of the cells with macrophage medium. It was found that M2-type macrophages could secrete TGF-β and that the culture medium of M2-type macrophages could activate the expression of lncRNA ATB in cardiomyocytes. TGF-β secreted by M2 macrophages relieved the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by inducing the expression of lncRNA ATB.

Natural-Derived Molecules as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Normal Cell Protectors and Cancer Cell Sensitizers

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a global threat to humans and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer treatment includes, among other things, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, compounds that are vital for treating and preventing cancer. However, chemotherapeutic agents produce oxidative stress along with other side effects that would affect the human body.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the oxidative stress of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer and normal cells by naturally derived compounds with anti-cancer properties, and protect normal cells from the oxidation process. Therefore, the need to develop more potent chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects has become increasingly important.

METHOD

Recent literature dealing with the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the naturally naturally-derived compounds: morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin has been surveyed and examined in this review. For this, data were gathered from different search engines, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scifinder, among others. Additionally, several patient offices such as WIPO, CIPO, and USPTO were consulted to obtain published articles related to these compounds.

RESULT

Numerous plants contain flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds such as morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, which exhibit ‎antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic actions via several mechanisms. These compounds show sensitizers of cancer cells and protectors of healthy cells. Moreover, these compounds can reduce oxidative stress, which is accelerated by chemotherapeutics and exhibit a potent anticancer effect on cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, more research is recommended to explore and evaluate such flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.

Morin as an imminent functional food ingredient: an update on its enhanced efficacy in the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndromes

Flavonoids represent polyphenolic plant secondary metabolites with a general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton comprising two phenyl rings and a heterocyclic ring. Over 5000 natural flavonoids (flavanones, flavanonols, and flavans) from various plants have been characterized. Several studies provide novel and promising insights into morin hydrate for its different biological activities against a series of metabolic syndromes. The present review is a rendition of its sources, chemistry, functional potency, and protective effects on metabolic syndromes ranging from cancer to brain injury. Most importantly this systematic review article also highlights the mechanisms of interest to morin-mediated management of metabolic disorders. The key mechanisms (anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory) responsible for its therapeutic potential are well featured after collating the in vitro and in vivo study reports. As a whole, based on the prevailing information rationalizing its medicinal use, morin can be identified as a therapeutic agent for the expansion of human health.

Morin hydrate: A comprehensive review on novel natural dietary bioactive compound with versatile biological and pharmacological potential

Flavonoids are natural plant-derived dietary bioactive compounds having a substantial impact on human health. Morin hydrate is a bioflavonoid mainly obtained from fruits, stem, and leaves of Moraceae family members' plants. Plenty of evidences supported that morin hydrate exerts its beneficial effects against various chronic and life-threatening degenerative diseases. Our current article discloses the recent advances that have been studied to explore the biological/pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms to better understand the beneficial and multiple health benefits of morin hydrate. Indeed, Morin hydrate exerts free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, antidiabetic, anti-arthritis, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Moreover, morin hydrate exhibits its pharmacological activities by modulating various cellular signaling pathways such as Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-қB), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Janus kinases/ Signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAKs/STATs), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1/Nuclear erythroid-2-related factor (Keap1/Nrf2), Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, Wnt/β-catenin, and Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Most importantly, morin hydrate has the potential to modulate a variety of biological networks. Therefore, it can be predicted that this therapeutically potent compound could serve as a dietary agent for the expansion of human health and might be helpful for the development of the novel drug in the future. However, due to the lack of clinical trials, special human clinical trials are needed to address the effects of morin hydrate on various life-threatening disparities to recommend morin and/or morin-rich foods with other foods or bioactive dietary components, as well as dose-response interaction and safety profile.

Novel peripheral role of Nurr-1/GDNF/AKT trajectory in carvedilol and/or morin hydrate hepatoprotective effect in a model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion

Although the central role of Nurr-1/GDNF has been reviewed amply, scarce data are available on their peripheral impact. Carvedilol and morin hydrate have previously conferred their hepatic anti-fibrotic action.

AIM

Thus, our aim was to unveil the potential hepatoprotective role of carvedilol (CR) and/or morin hydrate (MH) using a hepatic 70% partial warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model.

MAIN METHOD

Rats were allocated into sham-operated, hepatic I/R, and I/R preceded by oral administration of CR (10 and 30 mg/kg; CR₁₀/CR₃₀), MH (30 mg/kg), or CR₁₀ + MH for one week.

KEY FINDINGS

On the molecular level, pretreatment with CR and/or MH increased the hepatic contents of Nurr-1, GDNF, and the protein expression of active/p-AKT. On the other hand, they inactivated GSK3β and NF-κB to increase the antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, CAT). All regimens also enhanced the autophagy/lysosomal function and boosted the protein expression of beclin-1, LC3II, and TFEB. Moreover, their antiapoptotic effect was signified by increasing the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl2 and inhibiting Bax, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and caspase-3, effects that were confirmed by the TUNEL assay. These improvements were reflected on liver function, as they decreased serum aminotransferases and liver structural alterations induced by I/R. Despite its mild impact, CR₁₀ showed marked improvements when combined with MH; this synergistic interaction overrides the effect of either regimen alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, CR, MH, and especially the combination regimen, conferred hepatoprotection against I/R via activating the Nurr-1/GDNF/AKT trajectory to induce autophagy/lysosomal biogenesis, inhibit GSK3β/NF-кB hub and apoptosis, and amend redox balance.

Recent progress in the use of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore in mitochondrial dysfunction-related disease therapies

Mitochondria have various cellular functions, including ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis, cell senescence, and death. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in a variety of disorders correlated with human health. Among the many underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, the opening up of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is one that has drawn increasing interest in recent years. It plays an important role in apoptosis and necrosis; however, the molecular structure and function of the mPTP have still not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the abnormal opening up of the mPTP has been implicated in the development and pathogenesis of diverse diseases including ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), neurodegenerative disorders, tumors, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review provides a systematic introduction to the possible molecular makeup of the mPTP and summarizes the mitochondrial dysfunction-correlated diseases and highlights possible underlying mechanisms. Since the mPTP is an important target in mitochondrial dysfunction, this review also summarizes potential treatments, which may be used to inhibit pore opening up via the molecules composing mPTP complexes, thus suppressing the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.

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.

Protective effects of polysaccharides on cerebral ischemia: A mini-review of the mechanisms

Cerebral ischemia, a common cerebrovascular disease, is one of the great threats to human health. Nowadays, many drugs used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia such as clot busting drugs, antiplatelet drugs, and neuroprotective drugs have limits. It is urgent finding new effective treatments for the patients. Researches have confirmed that many kinds of polysaccharides from natural resources possess therapeutic effects on cerebral ischemia, but are still lack of a comprehensively understanding. In this paper, based on the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemic injury, we summarize the latest discoveries and advancements of 29 kinds of polysaccharides, focusing on their ameliorating effects on cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanisms. Several mechanisms are involved, mainly including antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory activities, regulating neuron apoptosis, as well as resisting nitrosative stress injury. Besides, polysaccharides show protective effects through certain signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, PARP-1/AIF, JNK3/c-Jun/Fas-L, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. The main goal of this mini-review is to emphasize the important roles of polysaccharides in attenuating cerebral ischemic injury through the elucidation of mechanisms.

Morin protects the blood-brain barrier integrity against cerebral ischemia reperfusion through anti-inflammatory actions in rats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of morin on cerebral damage and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion model. Wistar rats were exposed to MCAO for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Thirty mg/kg of morin was administered via intraperitoneal injection at the different time points: before ischemia, during ischemia, and at reperfusion. The rats were divided into five groups, including sham, vehicle, and three groups of morin. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the rats were tested for neurological deficits, and the brains were harvested to assess brain damage. In addition, brains were harvested 72 h to determine BBB disruption. We found that morin significantly reduced reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation. It also decreased inflammation via reducing the expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-beta. Morin ameliorated cerebral damage and reduced apoptosis through decreasing the cerebral infarct size, including apoptotic cell death. Moreover, morin decreased the BBB damage via reducing Evans blue extravasation, neutrophil infiltration, and increasing tight junction protein expression. Therefore, morin protected against cerebral and BBB damage by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in MCAO and reperfusion models.

Neural Glyoxalase Pathway Enhancement by Morin Derivatives in an Alzheimer's Disease Model

The glyoxalase pathway (GP) is an antioxidant defense system that detoxifies metabolic byproduct methylglyoxal (MG). Through sequential reactions, reduced glutathione (GSH), glyoxalase I (glo-1), and glyoxalase II (glo-2) convert MG into d-lactate. Spontaneous reactions involving MG alter the structure and function of cellular macromolecules through the formation of inflammatory advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Accumulation of MG and AGEs in neural cells contributes to oxidative stress (OS), a state of elevated inflammation commonly found in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Morin is a common plant-produced flavonoid polyphenol that exhibits the ability to enhance the GP-mediated detoxification of MG. We hypothesize that structural modifications to morin will improve its inherent GP enhancing ability. Here we synthesized a morin derivative, dibromo-morin (DBM), formulated a morin encapsulated nanoparticle (MNP), and examined their efficacy in enhancing neural GP activity. Cultured mouse primary cerebellar neurons and Caenorhabditis elegans were induced to a state of OS with MG and treated with morin, DBM, and MNP. Results indicated the morin derivatives were more effective compared to the parent compound in neural GP enhancement and preventing MG-mediated OS in an AD model.

Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside Attenuates OGD/R-Induced Damage by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α Pathway in HT22 Cells

Neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a major pathological process that occurs after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CG) is a representative component of isoflavones in Radix Astragali (RA). Previous studies have shown that CG has potential neuroprotective effects. However, whether CG alleviates neuronal apoptosis through antioxidant stress after ischemia-reperfusion remains unknown. To investigate the positive effects of CG on oxidative stress and apoptosis of neurons, we simulated the ischemia-reperfusion process in vitro using an immortalized hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. CG significantly improved cell viability and reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. In addition, CG treatment upregulated the expression of SIRT1, FOXO1, PGC-1α, and Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression of Bax. In summary, our findings indicate that CG alleviates OGD/R-induced damage via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Thus, CG maybe a promising therapeutic candidate for brain injury associated with ischemic stroke.

Protective Effects of Oroxylin A on Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-Induced PC12 Cells by Activating the Sonic Hedgehog Signal Pathway

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of human death. The injury that is induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in stroke remains unsolved. This study first investigated the effects of oroxylin A on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced PC12 cells. This was performed by dividing the cells into a control group, an oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) group, a solvent control group, and experimental groups treated with different concentrations of oroxylin A. Cell viability was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Relevant indicators of oxidant stress were detected by using the appropriate kits. Western blot was applied to detect the expressions of inflammatory cytokine and proteins of the signaling pathway. Oroxylin A pretreatment exerted anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced PC12 cells, thus indicating it as a new avenue for stroke treatment and providing references for future studies.

Ulmosides A: Flavonoid 6-C-glycosides from Ulmus wallichiana attenuates lipopolysacchride induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and neuronal death

Extract of Ulmus wallichiana is being used as traditional medicine used for the treatment of fractured bones however the effect of its individual flavonols is not known. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of its novel flavonol, (2S, 3S)-(+)-30, 40, 5, 7-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol-6-C-b-d-glucopyranoside named as Ulmoside A (UA), on lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treated neurons. LPS treatment to neuronal cells caused significant cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, depletion in glutathione and mitochondrial impairment which were significantly inhibited with UA treatment. LPS treatment also caused significant translocation of cytochrome-c, decreased level of Bcl2, increased level of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in neuronal cells reflecting the involvement of intrinsic apoptotic pathway in neuronal death which was attenuated with UA treatment. Since LPS is a well known pro-inflammatory agent it also offered the significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factors-α & interleukin 1-beta) however, UA treatment did not exhibit significant inhibition against LPS induced inflammatory response. LPS also caused the augmented level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which was also not inhibited with co treatment of UA. We have also observed the significant DNA fragmentation and augmented level of cleaved Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 after LPS treatment which was significantly reverted with UA treatment. Findings suggested that UA acts through mitochondria and exhibited its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities in neuronal cells while no significant anti-inflammatory activity and effect on iNOS were observed.

In vitro and in vivo evidence of hypouricemic and anti-inflammatory activities of Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner heartwood extract

Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner (MC) heartwood extracts have been used for the treatment of gout, hyperuricemia, and inflammation in Thai traditional medicine. Despite their traditional use, their mechanisms of action remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms of MC heartwood extract activity using both in vitro and in vivo models . The extraction methods were optimized to yield the highest contents of biochemical compounds and antioxidant activities. The effects of MC heartwood extract on xanthine oxidase and its enzyme kinetics were determined in vitro and the antihyperuricemic effect was evaluated in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of MC heartwood extract was also tested against lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory mRNA upregulation in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Soxhlet extraction of MC heartwood with 70% ethanol produced stronger antioxidant activity, and higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than conventional methods did (maceration or decoction). By using HPLC, we found that MC contains morin as a major constituent, which may account for its pharmacological activities. Moreover, administration of MC heartwood extract (500 mg/kg) markedly decreased uric acid levels in PO-induced hyperuricemic mice (p < 0.05). MC heartwood extract inhibited the hepatic activity of xanthine oxidase ex vivo by approximately 53%. In addition, MC heartwood extract markedly downregulated mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, and COX-2) and this inhibition was comparable with that of dexamethasone. Therefore, MC heartwood extract is a promising candidate as a natural treatment for inflammation and the hyperuricemia that causes gout.

Protective effect of morin on myocardial ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rats

Morin, a natural flavonol, exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in various pathological and physiological processes. However, whether morin exerts a protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is unknown. The present study aimed to determine the effect of morin on MIRI in cultured cardiomyocytes and isolated rat hearts, and to additionally explore the underlying mechanism. The effect of morin on the viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation, and cardiac function and infarct size of rat hearts following ischemia/reperfusion in an animal model were measured. Furthermore, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and the change in the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2 and mitochondrial apoptosis-associated proteins following MPTP opening were also detected. The results indicated that morin treatment significantly increased cell viability, decreased LDH activity and cell apoptosis, improved the recovery of cardiac function and decreased the myocardial infarct size. Furthermore, morin treatment markedly inhibited MPTP opening, prevented the decrease of ΔΨm, and decreased the expression of cytochrome c, apoptotic protease activating factor-1, caspase-9, caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, these beneficial effects were reversed by treatment with atractyloside, an MPTP opener. The present study demonstrated that morin may prevent MIRI by inhibiting MPTP opening and revealed the possible mechanism of the cardioprotection of morin and its acting target. It also provided an important theoretical basis for the research on drug interventions for MIRI in clinical applications.

Involvement of GABAergic, BDNF and Nox-2 mechanisms in the prevention and reversal of ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behavior by morin in mice

GABAergic (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) and neurotrophic derangements have important implication in schizophrenia, a neuropsychiatric disease. Previous studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-oxidase) alters GABAergic and neurotrophic activities via inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Thus, it has been proposed that agents with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might be beneficial for the treatment of the disease. Morin is neuroactive bioflavonoid compound, which has been reported to demonstrate antipsychotic and anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we further evaluated its effects on the brain markers of GABAergic, neurotrophic and oxidative alterations in the preventive and reversal of schizophrenia-like behavior induced by ketamine (KET). In the prevention protocol, adult mice were treated intraperitoneally with morin (100 mg/kg/day), haloperidol (1 mg/kg/day), risperidone (0.5 mg/kg/day), or saline (10 mL/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days. In addition, the animals were administered KET (20 mg/kg/day) from the 8th to the 14th day. In the reversal protocol, the animals received KET or saline for 14 days. From 8th to 14th days mice were additionally treated with morin, haloperidol, risperidone or saline. Schizophrenic-like behaviors consisting of positive (stereotypy test), negative (behavioral despair in forced swim test) and cognitive (novel-object recognition test) symptoms were evaluated. Afterwards, brain levels of biomarkers of GABAergic (Glutamic acid decarboxylase-67, GAD₆₇), neurotrophic (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) and oxidative [NADPH-oxidase, superoxide dismutase, (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] alterations were determined in the striatum, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, respectively. Morin significantly (p < 0.05) prevented and reversed KET-induced increased stereotypy, behavioral despair and deficit in cognitive functions when compared with KET-treated mice respectively. Also, morin and risperidone but not haloperidol, significantly (p < 0.05) prevented and reversed the decreases in expressions of GAD₆₇ and BDNF immunoreactivity in the striatum, PFC and hippocampus caused by KET. Moreover, morin and risperidone significantly (p < 0.05) decreased regional brain expressions of NADPH-oxidase immunopositive cells and increased endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the striatum, PFC and hippocampus relative to KET controls respectively. Taken together, these findings further suggest that the antipsychotic-like activity of morin may be mediated via mechanisms related to enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission and neurotrophic factor, and suppression of NADPH-oxidase induced oxidative damage in mice.