The contribution of S100B to the glioprotective effects of valproic and arundic acids

Preventive role of cinnamaldehyde against tenuazonic acid- and Freund's adjuvant-induced histopathological and biochemical alterations in the mouse model

Introduction

This study was designed to assess the protective role of cinnamaldehyde (Cin) against the synergistic effect of tenuazonic acid (TeA) and Freund's adjuvant on different organs of Swiss albino mice.

Methods

TeA was administered singly and in combination with Freund's adjuvant intra-peritoneally. The mice were divided into control (vehicle treated), mycotoxicosis-induced (MI) groups, and treatment groups. The route of administration of TeA was intra-peritoneal. The treatment group (FAICT) received Cin orally as a protective agent against TeA-induced mycotoxicosis. The effects on performance, differential leukocyte counts (DLC), and pathological measurements in eight organs (liver, lungs, kidney, spleen, stomach, heart, brain, and testis) were taken into consideration.

Results

The body weight and feed consumption decreased significantly in the MI groups, which were reversed in the FAICT group. The necropsy observations revealed an increase in the relative organ-to-body weight percentage in the MI groups, which was restored to normal in the FAICT group. Freund's adjuvant enhanced the effects of TeA on DLC. The antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT decreased, while MDA increased in the MI groups. Caspase-3 activity was reduced in all organs and remained stable in the treatment group. TeA elevated the ALT concentration in the liver and kidneys and the AST in the liver, kidney, heart, and brain tissues. The oxidative stress induced by TeA in the MI groups was ameliorated in the treatment group. Histopathological observations consisted of NASH, pulmonary oedema and fibrosis, renal crystals and inflammation, splenic hyperplasia, gastric ulceration and cyst, cerebral axonopathy, testicular hyperplasia, and vacuolation in the MI groups. However, no such pathology was recorded in the treatment group.

Discussions

Thus, it can be concluded that the toxicity of TeA was found to be enhanced when combined with Freund's adjuvant. However, Cin exhibited promising protective effects against TeA + Freund's adjuvant toxicity and reverted the pathological alterations caused by them. Additionally, this study emphasizes Freund's adjuvant's ability to increase mycotoxicity rather than just acting as an immunopotentiator.

The next step of neurogenesis in the context of Alzheimer's disease

Among different pathological mechanisms, neuronal loss and neurogenesis impairment in the hippocampus play important roles in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive and complex neurodegenerative diseases, which is very debilitating. The purpose of this paper is to review recent research into neurogenesis and AD and discuss how pharmacological drugs and herbal active components have impacts on neurogenesis and consequently improve cognitive functions. To date, despite huge research, no effective treatment has been approved for AD. Therefore, an avenue for future research and drug discovery is stimulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Evidence suggests that neurogenesis is regulated by the pharmacological treatment that may be recommended as a part of prophylaxis and therapeutic options for AD. However, the underlying mechanisms of regulating neurogenesis in AD are not well understood. To this point, we highlight to achieve an efficient treatment in AD by manipulating neurogenesis, it's necessary to target all steps of neurogenesis.

Potential Herb-Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

Late-life mild cognitive impairment and dementia represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and a unique challenge to medicine due to the currently limited treatment options. Plant phytochemicals have been considered in alternative, or complementary, prevention and treatment strategies. Herbals are consumed as such, or as food supplements, whose consumption has recently increased. However, these products are not exempt from adverse effects and pharmacological interactions, presenting a special risk in aged, polymedicated individuals. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions is warranted to avoid undesirable adverse drug reactions, which may result in unwanted side-effects or therapeutic failure. The present study reviews the potential interactions between selected bioactive compounds (170) used by seniors for cognitive enhancement and representative drugs of 10 pharmacotherapeutic classes commonly prescribed to the middle-aged adults, often multimorbid and polymedicated, to anticipate and prevent risks arising from their co-administration. A literature review was conducted to identify mutual targets affected (inhibition/induction/substrate), the frequency of which was taken as a measure of potential interaction. Although a limited number of drugs were studied, from this work, interaction with other drugs affecting the same targets may be anticipated and prevented, constituting a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.