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Raut S, Bhalerao A, Powers M, Gonzalez M, Mancuso S, Cucullo L. Hypometabolism, Alzheimer's Disease, and Possible Therapeutic Targets: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:2019. [PMID: 37626828 PMCID: PMC10453773 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is a highly dynamic organ that requires a constant energy source to function normally. This energy is mostly supplied by glucose, a simple sugar that serves as the brain's principal fuel source. Glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily controlled via sodium-independent facilitated glucose transport, such as by glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and 3 (GLUT3). However, other glucose transporters, including GLUT4 and the sodium-dependent transporters SGLT1 and SGLT6, have been reported in vitro and in vivo. When the BBB endothelial layer is crossed, neurons and astrocytes can absorb the glucose using their GLUT1 and GLUT3 transporters. Glucose then enters the glycolytic pathway and is metabolized into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which supplies the energy to support cellular functions. The transport and metabolism of glucose in the brain are impacted by several medical conditions, which can cause neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), schizophrenia, etc., are a few of the most prevalent disorders, characterized by a decline in brain metabolism or hypometabolism early in the course of the disease. Indeed, AD is considered a metabolic disorder related to decreased brain glucose metabolism, involving brain insulin resistance and age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the conventional view is that reduced cerebral metabolism is an effect of neuronal loss and consequent brain atrophy, a growing body of evidence points to the opposite, where hypometabolism is prodromal or at least precedes the onset of brain atrophy and the manifestation of clinical symptoms. The underlying processes responsible for these glucose transport and metabolic abnormalities are complicated and remain poorly understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of hypometabolism in AD and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal Raut
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Michael Powers
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
| | - Minelly Gonzalez
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Salvatore Mancuso
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.); (S.M.)
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2
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Shan M, Bai Y, Fang X, Lan X, Zhang Y, Cao Y, Zhu D, Luo H. American Ginseng for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:5716. [PMID: 37570686 PMCID: PMC10420665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent degenerative condition that is increasingly affecting populations globally. American ginseng (AG) has anti-AD bioactivity, and ginsenosides, as the main active components of AG, have shown strong anti-AD effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies. It has been reported that ginsenosides can inhibit amyloid β-protein (Aβ) production and deposition, tau phosphorylation, apoptosis and cytotoxicity, as well as possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus suppressing the progression of AD. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of AD, the potential anti-AD effects of ginsenosides found in AG, and the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with these effects. Additionally, we will discuss the potential use of AG in the treatment of AD, and how ginsenosides in AG may exert more potent anti-AD effects in vivo may be a direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Shan
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yunfan Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xiaoxue Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xintian Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yegang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yiming Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Difu Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Biopharmaceutical and Health Food, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (M.S.); (Y.B.); (X.F.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
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3
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Liu X, Yu C, Su B, Zha D. Synthesis and properties of the kojic acid dimer and its potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:268-276. [PMID: 36846369 PMCID: PMC9945874 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00383j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The kojic acid dimer (KAD) is a metabolite derived from developing cottonseed when contaminated with aflatoxin. The KAD has been shown to exhibit bright greenish-yellow fluorescence, but little else is known about its biological activity. In this study, using kojic acid as a raw material, we developed a four-step synthetic route that achieved the gram-scale preparation of the KAD in approximately 25% total yield. The structure of the KAD was verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The KAD showed good safety in a variety of cells and had a good protective effect in SH-SY5Y cells. At concentrations lower than 50 μM, the KAD was superior to vitamin C in ABTS+ free radical scavenging assay; the KAD resisted the production of reactive oxygen species induced by H2O2 as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy observation and flow cytometry analysis. Notably, the KAD could enhance the superoxide dismutase activity, which might be the mechanism of its antioxidant activity. The KAD also moderately inhibited the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) and selectively chelated Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Al3+, which are related to the progress of Alzheimer's disease. Based on its good effects in terms of oxidative stress, neuroprotection, inhibition of Aβ deposition, and metal accumulation, the KAD shows potential for the multi-target treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350004 Fujian Province China .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University China
| | - Chuanyu Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350004 Fujian Province China
| | - Biling Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350004 Fujian Province China
| | - Daijun Zha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350004 Fujian Province China .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University China
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4
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Thwarting Alzheimer's Disease through Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Hope for the Future. Neurol Int 2023; 15:162-187. [PMID: 36810468 PMCID: PMC9944470 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that slowly disintegrates memory and thinking skills. Age is known to be the major risk factor in AD, but there are several nonmodifiable and modifiable causes. The nonmodifiable risk factors such as family history, high cholesterol, head injuries, gender, pollution, and genetic aberrations are reported to expediate disease progression. The modifiable risk factors of AD that may help prevent or delay the onset of AD in liable people, which this review focuses on, includes lifestyle, diet, substance use, lack of physical and mental activity, social life, sleep, among other causes. We also discuss how mitigating underlying conditions such as hearing loss and cardiovascular complications could be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline. As the current medications can only treat the manifestations of AD and not the underlying process, healthy lifestyle choices associated with modifiable factors is the best alternative strategy to combat the disease.
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New Possibilities in the Therapeutic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168902. [PMID: 36012193 PMCID: PMC9409036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, after many years of research regarding this disease, there is no casual treatment. Regardless of the serious public health threat it poses, only five medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have been authorized, and they only control symptoms rather than changing the course of the disease. Numerous clinical trials of single-agent therapy did not slow the development of disease or improve symptoms when compared to placebo. Evidence indicates that the pathological alterations linked to AD start many years earlier than a manifestation of the disease. In this pre-clinical period before the neurodegenerative process is established, pharmaceutical therapy might prove invaluable. Although recent findings from the testing of drugs such as aducanumab are encouraging, they should nevertheless be interpreted cautiously. Such medications may be able to delay the onset of dementia, significantly lowering the prevalence of the disease, but are still a long way from having a clinically effective disease-modifying therapy.
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Scuto M, Modafferi S, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Tomasello M, Spano’ S, Ontario M, Palmeri A, Trovato Salinaro A, Siracusa R, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Calabrese E, Wenzel U, Calabrese V. Redox modulation of stress resilience by Crocus Sativus L. for potential neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory applications in brain disorders: From molecular basis to therapy. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 205:111686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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The Multifaceted Role of Neuroprotective Plants in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7:geriatrics7020024. [PMID: 35314596 PMCID: PMC8938774 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics7020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impaired cognition, memory loss, and altered personality. Many of the available pharmaceutical treatments do not alter the onset of disease progression. Recently, alternatives to developed drug candidates have been explored including medicinal plants and herbal treatments for the treatment of AD. This article examines the role of herbal plant extracts and the neuroprotective effects as alternative modes of intervention for AD progression. These extracts contain key metabolites that culminate alterations in AD progression. The traditional plant extracts explored in this article induce a variety of beneficial properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and enhanced cognition, while also inducing activity on AD drug targets such as Aβ degradation. While these neuroprotective aspects for AD are relatively recent, there is great potential in the drug discovery aspect of these plant extracts for future use in AD treatment.
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Huang R, Zhu Z, Wu Q, Bekhit AEDA, Wu S, Chen M, Wang J, Ding Y. Whole-plant foods and their macromolecules: untapped approaches to modulate neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 63:2388-2406. [PMID: 34553662 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1975093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Recently, sustained neuroinflammatory response in microglia and astrocytes has been found to cause the deposition of amyloid beta plaques and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, thereby accelerating AD progression. The lipoxin A4-transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory processes. There is growing research-based evidence suggesting that dietary whole-plant foods, such as mushrooms and berries, may be used as inhibitors for anti-neuroinflammation. The beneficial effects of whole-plant foods were mainly attributed to their high contents of functional macromolecules including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and bioactive peptides. This review provides up-to-date information on important molecular signaling pathways of neuroinflammation and discusses the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of whole-plant foods. Further, a critical evaluation of plants' macromolecular components that have the potential to prevent and/or relieve AD is provided. This work will contribute to better understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of neuroinflammation in AD and provide new approaches for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjun Zhu
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | | | - Shujian Wu
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mengfei Chen
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Ding
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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9
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Zhang B, Zhao J, Wang Z, Guo P, Liu A, Du G. Identification of Multi-Target Anti-AD Chemical Constituents From Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae by Integrating Virtual Screening and In Vitro Validation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709607. [PMID: 34335272 PMCID: PMC8322649 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that seriously threatens the health of the elderly. At present, no drugs have been proven to cure or delay the progression of the disease. Due to the multifactorial aetiology of this disease, the multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) approach provides an innovative and promising idea in search for new drugs against AD. In order to find potential multi-target anti-AD drugs from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae, a compound database derived from anti-AD Chinese herbal formulae was constructed and predicted by the anti-AD multi-target drug prediction platform established in our laboratory. By analyzing the results of virtual screening, 226 chemical constituents with 3 or more potential AD-related targets were collected, from which 16 compounds that were predicted to combat AD through various mechanisms were chosen for biological validation. Several cell models were established to validate the anti-AD effects of these compounds, including KCl, Aβ, okadaic acid (OA), SNP and H2O2 induced SH-SY5Y cell model and LPS induced BV2 microglia model. The experimental results showed that 12 compounds including Nonivamide, Bavachromene and 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid could protect model cells from AD-related damages and showed potential anti-AD activity. Furthermore, the potential targets of Nonivamide were investigated by molecular docking study and analysis with CDOCKER revealed the possible binding mode of Nonivamide with its predicted targets. In summary, 12 potential multi-target anti-AD compounds have been found from anti-AD TCM formulae by comprehensive application of computational prediction, molecular docking method and biological validation, which laid a theoretical and experimental foundation for in-depth study, also providing important information and new research ideas for the discovery of anti-AD compounds from traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyue Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ailin Liu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Nițulescu G, Margină D. Vitamin E beyond Its Antioxidant Label. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050634. [PMID: 33919211 PMCID: PMC8143145 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E, comprising tocopherols and tocotrienols, is mainly known as an antioxidant. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways linked to inflammation and malignancy modulated by its vitamers. Preclinical reports highlighted a myriad of cellular effects like modulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress response, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, regulating cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, animal-based models have shown that these molecules affect the activity of various enzymes and signaling pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, acting as the underlying mechanisms of their reported anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. In clinical settings, not all of these were proven, with reports varying considerably. Nonetheless, vitamin E was shown to improve redox and inflammatory status in healthy, diabetic, and metabolic syndrome subjects. The anti-cancer effects were inconsistent, with both pro- and anti-malignant being reported. Regarding its neuroprotective properties, several studies have shown protective effects suggesting vitamin E as a potential prevention and therapeutic (as adjuvant) tool. However, source and dosage greatly influence the observed effects, with bioavailability seemingly a key factor in obtaining the preferred outcome. We conclude that this group of molecules presents exciting potential for the prevention and treatment of diseases with an inflammatory, redox, or malignant component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Nițulescu
- Department Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
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11
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Gregory J, Vengalasetti YV, Bredesen DE, Rao RV. Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040543. [PMID: 33917843 PMCID: PMC8068256 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background—Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, personality changes, and a decline in cognitive function. While the exact cause of AD is still unclear, recent studies point to lifestyle, diet, environmental, and genetic factors as contributors to disease progression. The pharmaceutical approaches developed to date do not alter disease progression. More than two hundred promising drug candidates have failed clinical trials in the past decade, suggesting that the disease and its causes may be highly complex. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies are now gaining more interest as complementary and alternative interventions and are a valuable source for developing drug candidates for AD. Indeed, several scientific studies have described the use of various medicinal plants and their principal phytochemicals for the treatment of AD. This article reviews a subset of herbs for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cognitive-enhancing effects. Methods—This article systematically reviews recent studies that have investigated the role of neuroprotective herbs and their bioactive compounds for dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and pre-Alzheimer’s disease. PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases of articles were collected, and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter. Conclusions—Medicinal plants have great potential as part of an overall program in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with AD. It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gregory
- Apollo Health, P.O. Box 117040, Burlingame, CA 94011, USA;
| | | | - Dale E. Bredesen
- Apollo Health, P.O. Box 117040, Burlingame, CA 94011, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Correspondence: (D.E.B.); (R.V.R.)
| | - Rammohan V. Rao
- Apollo Health, P.O. Box 117040, Burlingame, CA 94011, USA;
- California College of Ayurveda, 700 Zion Street, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
- Correspondence: (D.E.B.); (R.V.R.)
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12
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Ayati Z, Yang G, Ayati MH, Emami SA, Chang D. Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:333. [PMID: 33167948 PMCID: PMC7650148 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) from Iridaceae family is a well-known traditional herbal medicine that has been used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases such as depressive mood, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Recently, anti-dementia property of saffron has been indicated. However, the effects of saffron for the management of dementia remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of saffron in treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS An electronic database search of some major English and Chinese databases was conducted until 31st May 2019 to identify relevant randomised clinical trials (RCT). The primary outcome was cognitive function and the secondary outcomes included daily living function, global clinical assessment, quality of life (QoL), psychiatric assessment and safety. Rev-Man 5.3 software was applied to perform the meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of four RCTs were included in this review. The analysis revealed that saffron significantly improves cognitive function measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sums of Boxes (CDR-SB), compared to placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference between saffron and conventional medicine, as measured by cognitive scales such as ADAS-cog and CDR-SB. Saffron improved daily living function, but the changes were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Saffron may have the potential to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, due to limited high-quality studies there is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations for clinical use. Further clinical trials on larger sample sizes are warranted to shed more light on its efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ayati
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Guoyan Yang
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | | | - Seyed Ahmad Emami
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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Jahanshahi M, Nikmahzar E, Sayyahi A. Vitamin E therapy prevents the accumulation of congophilic amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:86-92. [PMID: 32395206 PMCID: PMC7206846 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.38165.9067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vitamin E may have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and Aβ-associated reactive oxygen species production in Alzheimer's disease. But, the exact role of vitamin E as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis still needs to be studied. Hence, we examined the therapeutic effects of vitamin E on the density of congophilic amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in rats' hippocampi. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (no drug treatment), sham scopolamine (3 mg/kg)+saline and Sham scopolamine+sesame oil groups, and three experimental groups that received scopolamine+vitamin E (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) daily for 14 days after scopolamine injection. The rats' brains were collected immediately following transcardial perfusion and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Pathological brain alterations were monitored through Congo red and bielschowsky silver staining. RESULTS Scopolamine treatment led to a significant increase in the density of congophilic amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus. IP injection of vitamin E in three doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced increase of the congophilic amyloid plaque density and density of neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus. Although vitamin E (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) doses were also effective, but a 100 mg/kg/day dose of vitamin E was more effective in the reduction of congophilic amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle density. CONCLUSION Vitamin E could exert a therapeutic effect in the reduction of congophilic amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle density in the hippocampus of scopolamine-treated rats and it is useful for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Jahanshahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Emsehgol Nikmahzar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Sayyahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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14
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Rezaei N, Avan A, Pashirzad M, Rahmani F, Moradi Marjaneh R, Behnam-Rassouli R, Shafiee M, Ryzhikov M, Hashemzehi M, Ariakia F, Bahreyni A, Hassanian SM, Khazaei M. Crocin as a novel therapeutic agent against colitis. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 43:514-521. [PMID: 30714419 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1527850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with high incidence and prevalence worldwide. To investigate the therapeutic potency of crocin, as a pharmacologically active component of saffron, in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Experimental colitis was induced by 7-day administration of DSS dissolved in water at a concentration of 1.5% (w/v). The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n¼6 for each group). (1) Control group received regular drinking water for four weeks, (2) the second group of mice received regular drinking water for three weeks and then received DSS for one week, (3) and (4) the other two groups received 50-ppm or 200-ppm crocin for three weeks, respectively, and then treated with DSS for one week. Our results showed that Crocin attenuates colitis disease activity index including body weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon shortening in crocin pre-tread mice. Comparison of histology of colon tissues between groups showed that crocin significantly decreases colon histopathological score, at least partially, by eliciting anti-inflammatory responses in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results clearly showed that crocin is a novel therapeutic agent with low toxicity as well as great clinical significance in treatment of colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Rezaei
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehran Pashirzad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Moradi Marjaneh
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reihane Behnam-Rassouli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mikhail Ryzhikov
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA MO
| | - Milad Hashemzehi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ariakia
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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15
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Tung B, Thu D, Vui D. Two Lycopodium alkaloids from the aerial parts of Huperzia phlegmaria. Pharmacognosy Res 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/pr.pr_82_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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16
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Yadav E, Singh D, Yadav P, Verma A. Comparative Evaluation of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce and Its ZnO Nanoparticles on Scopolamine Induced Amnesia. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:549. [PMID: 29875670 PMCID: PMC5974226 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent years, utilization of green synthesized nanomaterials has been widely growing on human body because of its special properties. With the increasing acceptance of nanoparticle approach for various clinical treatments, the biosafety and toxicological effects on the vital organs such as central nervous system, have received more concern. Main focus of this study was to evaluate acute exposure of n-butanol fraction of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce hydroethanolic extract (BuPC) and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles of BuPC (ZnOPC) on spatial cognition behavior, and to assess underlying mechanism by estimation of enzymatic antioxidative status along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in mice brain. Strongest in vitro antioxidant and AChE inhibitory activity exhibiting fraction, BuPC, was examined for inhibition kinetic study by Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots. BuPC was further used for fabrication ZnOPC and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X ray (EDX), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis. Old male swiss albino mice were randomly divided into seven groups and treated for 21 days. Subsequently spatial memory was determined by two behavioral models [Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Hebbs William maze (HWM)] and supernatant of brain homogenate was analyzed for enzymatic antioxidant level and AChE inhibitory activity. Zinc content of blood plasma and brain was estimated. Results showed prolonged transfer latency (TL) and time taken to reach reward chamber (TRC) by scopolamine was not ameliorated by the ZnOPC group, whereas BuPC group showed significant reduction in scopolamine induced increase in TL and TRC compared to control and scopolamine treated groups. ZnOPC alleviated enzymatic antioxidant activity and AChE as compared to donepezil and BuPC treated groups. Study concludes that ZnOPC attenuated spatial learning and memory by increase in oxidative stress and decrease in AChE activity at both dose levels. Our results suggest that BuPC exhibited a strong neuroprotective effect on cognitive deficit mice and it may be employed as a strong substance for the treatment of dementia whereas the green synthesized ZnOPC was not proficient to reverse the memory impairment induced by scopolamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Yadav
- Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Allahabad, India
| | - Deepika Singh
- Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Allahabad, India
| | - Pankajkumar Yadav
- Pharmaceutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Allahabad, India
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Allahabad, India
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Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing the leading cause of dementia and is affecting nearly 44 million people worldwide. AD is characterized by a progressive decline in acetylcholine levels in the cholinergic systems, which results in severe memory loss and cognitive impairments. Expression levels and activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme has been noted to increase significantly in the late stages of AD, thus making it a viable drug target. A series of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzofurans compounds were designed, synthesized and their inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BChE enzymes were evaluated. Two compounds (15 and 17) displayed higher inhibitory activity towards BChE with IC50 values of 6.23 μM and 3.57 μM, and a good antioxidant activity with EC50 values 14.9 μM and 16.7 μM, respectively. The same compounds further exhibited selective inhibitory activity against BChE over AChE. Computational studies were used to compare protein-binding pockets and evaluate the interaction fingerprints of the compound. Molecular simulations showed a conserved protein residue interaction network between the compounds, resulting in similar interaction energy values. Thus, combination of biochemical and computational approaches could represent rational guidelines for further structural modification of these hydroxy-benzofuran derivatives as future drugs for treatment of AD.
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Kheradmand E, Hajizadeh Moghaddam A, Zare M. Neuroprotective effect of hesperetin and nano-hesperetin on recognition memory impairment and the elevated oxygen stress in rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 97:1096-1101. [PMID: 29136946 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive dementia affecting a large proportion of the aging population. There is evidence that brain tissue in patients with AD is exposed to oxidative stress during the course of the disease. Hesperetin (Hst) is a natural flavonoid, which has been reported to exert various biological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of hesperetin and nano-hesperetin on neurobehavioral activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx) and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in hippocampal area of rats in an experimental model of AD. The AD was induced in animals by intracerebroventricular injection of STZ (icv-STZ) unilaterally. Animals were treated with the Hst and nano-Hst (10, 20 mg/kg body weight), then after three successive weeks, recognition memory was examined (passive avoidance test and novel object recognition test) and antioxidant parameters were evaluated. In our study behavioral testes showed improvement on memory retrieval and recognition memory consolidation. Furthermore the Hst and nano-Hst increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione GPx, GRx and CAT) and GSH levels and decreased MDA in the hippocampal area. These results suggested that Hst and nano-Hst may inhibit STZ-induced oxidative stress, and that it may possess therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kheradmand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
| | | | - Mahboobeh Zare
- Faculty of Herbs, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
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19
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Tung BT, Hai NT, Thu DK. Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in vitro of different fraction of Huperzia squarrosa (Forst.) Trevis extract and attenuation of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 198:24-32. [PMID: 28025162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huperzia squarrosa (Forst.) Trevis is used in traditional medicine for improving memory deficits. Alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids are main bioactive compounds of Huperzia squarrosa (Forst.) Trevis. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, AChE inhibitory activities in vitro of differents fraction of Huperzia squarrosa (Forst.) Trevis extract and neuroprotective effects of EtOAc fraction on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH assay. AChE inhibitory effect in vitro and detail kinetic inhibition mechanism was evaluated by Ellman's assay. For in vivo assay, mice were administrated orally EtOAc fraction (150 and 300mg/kg) for fourteen days, and injected scopolamine at a dose of 1mg/kg intraperitoneally for four days to induce memory injured. The memory behaviors were evaluated using the Morris water maze. ACh levels were measured in brain tissue. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, malondialdehyde and protein thiol groups were also evaluated in the brains. RESULTS Our data also demonstrated that EtOAc fraction had the strongest antioxidant with an IC50 value of 9.35±1.68µg/mL and AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 23.44±3.14μg/mL in a concentration-dependent manner. Kinetic inhibition analysis indicated that EtOAc fraction was mixed inhibition type with Ki (representing the affinity of the enzyme and inhibitor) was 34.75±1.42µg/mL. Scopolamine significantly increased the escape latency time, reduced the crossings number, and swimming time in the target quadrant, while EtOAc fraction reversed these scopolamine-induced effects. EtOAc fraction significantly increased levels of acetylcholine in the brain. EtOAc fraction also significantly decreased oxidative stress in mice. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that EtOAc fraction of Huperzia squarrosa extract exhibited a strong neuroprotective effect on cognitive impairment, and may be a potential candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bui Thanh Tung
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Thanh Hai
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Dang Kim Thu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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