Neuroprotective Effects of Diets Containing Olive Oil and DHA/EPA in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia

Plaque enhancement of middle cerebral artery and pre-stroke diet are associated with prognosis of subacute ischemic stroke: A prospective high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of middle cerebral artery (MCA) plaque characteristics in predicting the outcomes of subacute ischemic stroke and the incremental value of the previous diet on predictive performance.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-seven subacute ischemic stroke patients attributed to MCA plaques were included and analyzed in this prospective study. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score, and other clinical data were assessed. The plaque area, degree of stenosis, plaque burden, enhancement ratio, remodeling type, and intraplaque hemorrhage were measured using high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to assess the predictive performance of clinical and plaque characteristics for subacute ischemic stroke outcomes at 3 months.

RESULTS

Patients with poor outcomes exhibited high NIHSS scores, and low MEDAS scores (P<0.001). Plaque burden, enhancement ratio, and degree of stenosis were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes (P<0.001). Multivariate analyses further indicated that NIHSS score (P=0.001), MEDAS score (P=0.013), and enhancement ratio (P=0.011) were independent predictors of subacute ischemic stroke outcomes. The three models' area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.811, 0.844, and 0.794. Combining these three factors resulted in an AUC of 0.908 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of NIHSS score, MEDAS score, and enhancement ratio showed significant superiority in the prognostic evaluation of subacute ischemic stroke. Clinical data combined with plaque characteristics improves the accuracy of 3-month outcome prediction on subacute ischemic stroke.

The association between fatty acids and atherosclerotic diseases: A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The current observational studies have disputed the relationship between various fatty acids and atherosclerotic diseases, and the causal relationship between the two is still unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized the available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data on fatty acids and atherosclerotic diseases from the IEU OpenGWAS project. After identifying the appropriate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables, we employed the MR-PRESSO outlier test to remove extreme values. Subsequently, we conducted a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and performed sensitivity analyses to ensure the reliability of the results.

RESULTS

The results of MR analysis suggest that ratio of saturated fatty acids to total fatty acids is positively correlated with the incidence rate of coronary heart disease (OR = 1.341, 95% CI = 1.016-1.769, P value = 0.038), monounsaturated fatty acid levels is negatively correlated with the incidence of stroke (OR = 0.800, 95% CI = 0.642-0.996, P value = 0.046), and docosahexaenoic acid levels is negatively correlated with the incidence of peripheral artery disease (OR = 0.747, 95% CI = 0.572-0.976, P value = 0.033). All results showed no heterogeneity or pleiotropy, but leave-one-out tests showed that the analysis results of some fatty acids were driven by a single SNP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the existence of causal relationships between fatty acids and atherosclerotic diseases at the genetic level. These findings provide valuable insights for potential prevention measures and therapeutic targets for the three atherosclerotic diseases.

Eicosatrienoic acid enhances the quality of in vitro matured porcine oocytes by reducing PRKN-mediated ubiquitination of CISD2

Oocytes and early embryos are exposed to many uncontrollable factors that trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during in vitro culture. Prevention of ER stress is an effective way to improve the oocyte maturation rate and oocyte quality. Increasing evidence suggests that dietary intake of sufficient n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with health benefits, particularly in the domain of female reproductive health. We found that supplementation of eicosatrienoic acid (ETA) during in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte significantly downregulated ER stress-related genes. Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) are communications areas between the ER and mitochondria. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is a key calcium channels in MAMs and, participates in the regulation of many cellular functions. Notably, the MAM area was significantly decreased in ETA-treated oocytes. CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) is presents in MAMs, but its role in oocytes is unknown. ETA treatment significantly increased CISD2 expression, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of CISD2 blocked the inhibitory effect of ETA on IP3R. Transcriptomic sequencing and immunoprecipitation experiments showed that ETA treatment significantly decreased expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase PRKN. PRKN induced ubiquitination and degradation of CISD2, indicating that the PRKN-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates CISD2. In conclusion, our study reveals the mechanism by which ETA supplementation during IVM alleviates mitochondrial calcium overload under ER stress conditions by decreasing PRKN-mediated ubiquitination of CISD2 and facilitating inhibition of IP3R by CISD2/BCL-2. This improves oocyte quality and subsequent embryo developmental competence prior to implantation.

Mediterranean Diet Prior to Ischemic Stroke and Potential Circulating Mediators of Favorable Outcomes

Background/Objectives. A Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with neuroprotective effects. We aimed to assess the MD's association with stroke prognosis and the potential mediators involved. Methods. Seventy patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke were included. Dietary patterns were evaluated using the MEDAS scale, a food-frequency questionnaire, and a 24 h recall. Circulating biomarkers including insulin resistance (HOMA index), adipokines (resistin, adiponectin, leptin), choline pathway metabolites (TMAO, betaine, choline), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were measured. Early neurological improvement (ENI) at 24 h, final infarct volume, and functional outcome at 3 months were assessed. Results. Adherence to MD and olive oil consumption were associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes and atherothrombotic stroke, and with lower levels of fasting glycemia, hemoglobinA1C, insulin resistance, and TMAO levels. Monounsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid consumption correlated with lower resistin levels, while olive oil consumption was significantly associated with EPC mobilization. Multivariate analysis showed that higher MD adherence was independently associated with ENI and good functional prognosis at 3 months. EPC mobilization, lower HOMA levels, and lower resistin levels were associated with ENI, a smaller infarct volume, and good functional outcome. Conclusions. MD was associated with better prognosis after ischemic stroke, potentially mediated by lower insulin resistance, increased EPC mobilization, and lower resistin levels, among other factors.

Maternal n-3 enriched diet reprograms the offspring neurovascular transcriptome and blunts inflammation induced by endotoxin in the neonate

Infection during the perinatal period can adversely affect brain development, predispose infants to ischemic stroke and have lifelong consequences. We previously demonstrated that diet enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) transforms brain lipid composition in the offspring and protects the neonatal brain from stroke, in part by blunting injurious immune responses. Critical to the interface between the brain and systemic circulation is the vasculature, endothelial cells in particular, that support brain homeostasis and provide a barrier to systemic infection. Here, we examined whether maternal PUFA-enriched diets exert reprograming of endothelial cell signalling in postnatal day 9 mice after modeling aspects of infection using LPS. Transcriptome analysis was performed on microvessels isolated from brains of pups from dams maintained on 3 different maternal diets from gestation day 1: standard, n-3 enriched or n-6 enriched diets. Depending on the diet, in endothelial cells LPS produced distinct regulation of pathways related to immune response, cell cycle, extracellular matrix, and angiogenesis. N-3 PUFA diet enabled higher immune reactivity in brain vasculature, while preventing imbalance of cell cycle regulation and extracellular matrix cascades that accompanied inflammatory response in standard diet. Cytokine analysis revealed a blunted LPS response in blood and brain of offspring from dams on n-3 enriched diet. Analysis of cerebral vasculature in offspring in vivo revealed no differences in vessel density. However, vessel complexity was decreased in response to LPS at 72 h in standard and n-6 diets. Thus, LPS modulates specific transcriptomic changes in brain vessels of offspring rather than major structural vessel characteristics during early life. N-3 PUFA-enriched maternal diet in part prevents an imbalance in homeostatic processes, alters inflammation and ultimately mitigates changes to the complexity of surface vessel networks that result from infection. Importantly, maternal diet may presage offspring neurovascular outcomes later in life.

The Interaction between ADK and SCG10 Regulate the Repair of Nerve Damage

The cytoskeleton must be remodeled during neurite outgrowth, and Superior Cervical Ganglion 10 (SCG10) plays a critical role in this process by depolymerizing Microtubules (MTs), conferring highly dynamic properties to the MTs. However, the precise mechanism of action of SCG10 in the repair of injured neurons remains largely uncertain. Using transcriptomic identification, we discovered that SCG10 expression was downregulated in neurons after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Additionally, through mass spectrometry identification, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays, we established that SCG10 could interact with Adenosine Kinase (ADK). Furthermore, we developed an excitotoxicity-induced neural injury model and discovered that ADK suppressed injured neurite re-growth, whereas, through overexpression and small molecule interference experiments, SCG10 enhanced it. Moreover, we discovered ADK to be the upstream of SCG10. More importantly, the application of the ADK inhibitor called 5-Iodotubercidin (5-ITu) was found to significantly enhance the recovery of motor function in mice with SCI. Consequently, our findings suggest that ADK plays a negative regulatory role in the repair of injured neurons. Herein, we propose a molecular interaction model of the SCG10-ADK axis to regulate neuronal recovery.

Engineered Multifunctional Zinc-Organic Framework-Based Aggregation-Induced Emission Nanozyme for Accelerating Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Functional recovery following a spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging. Traditional drug therapies focus on the suppression of immune responses; however, strategies for alleviating oxidative stress are lacking. Herein, we developed the zinc-organic framework (Zn@MOF)-based aggregation-induced emission-active nanozymes for accelerating recovery following SCI. A multifunctional Zn@MOF was modified with the aggregation-induced emission-active molecule 2-(4-azidobutyl)-6-(phenyl(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)amino)-1H-phenalene-1,3-dione via a bioorthogonal reaction, and the resulting nanozymes were denoted as Zn@MOF-TPD. These nanozymes gradually released gallic acid and zinc ions (Zn2+) at the SCI site. The released gallic acid, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoted antioxidation and alleviated inflammation, re-establishing the balance between ROS production and the antioxidant defense system. The released Zn2+ ions inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) to facilitate the regeneration of neurons via the ROS-mediated NF-κB pathway following secondary SCI. In addition, Zn@MOF-TPD protected neurons and myelin sheaths against trauma, inhibited glial scar formation, and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, thereby facilitating the repair of neurons and injured spinal cord tissue and promoting functional recovery in rats with contusive SCI. Altogether, this study suggests that Zn@MOF-TPD nanozymes possess a potential for alleviating oxidative stress-mediated pathophysiological damage and promoting motor recovery following SCI.

Maternal n-3 enriched diet reprograms neurovascular transcriptome and blunts inflammation in neonate

Infection during perinatal period can adversely affect brain development, predispose infants to ischemic stroke and have lifelong consequences. We previously demonstrated that diet enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) transforms brain lipid composition and protects from neonatal stroke. Vasculature is a critical interface between blood and brain providing a barrier to systemic infection. Here we examined whether maternal PUFA-enriched diets exert reprograming of endothelial cell signalling in 9-day old mice after endotoxin (LPS)-induced infection. Transcriptome analysis was performed on brain microvessels from pups born to dams maintained on 3 diets: standard, n-3 or n-6 enriched. N-3 diet enabled higher immune reactivity in brain vasculature, while preventing imbalance of cell cycle regulation and extracellular matrix cascades that accompanied inflammatory response in standard diet. LPS response in blood and brain was blunted in n-3 offspring. Cerebral angioarchitecture analysis revealed modified vessel complexity after LPS. Thus, n-3-enriched maternal diet partially prevents imbalance in homeostatic processes and alters inflammation rather than affects brain vascularization during early life. Importantly, maternal diet may presage offspring neurovascular outcomes later in life.

Expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers was enhanced following pre-treatment of olive leaf extract and olive oil in animal model of ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Neuroprotective role of olive and its natural products can introduce them as alternative candidates for the management of neurodegenerative diseases including stroke. The present study was designed to evaluate whether pretreatment of olive oil and leaf extract can attenuate the most important destructive processes in cerebral ischemia called excitotoxicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The male rats were categorized into control, virgin olive oil (OVV), MCAO, MCAO + OVV (with doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 ml/kg as treatment groups), olive leaf extract, MCAO + olive leaf extract (with doses 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg as treatment groups) groups. Rats of treatment groups received gastric gavage with olive oil or leaf extract for 30 consecutive days. After pretreatment, the intraluminal filament technique was used to block middle cerebral artery (MCA) transiently. Neurological deficits, infarct volume and expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCX1, NCX2 and NCX3) proteins were measured.

RESULTS

The results revealed that olive oil at doses of 0.50 and 0.75 ml/kg reduced the infarction and neurological score and upregulated NCXs expression in rat brain. In addition, olive leaf extract at doses of 75 and 100 mg/kg attenuated the infarction and neurological score and enhanced NCXs expression in rat brain.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the view that olive oil and leaf extract play the neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia due to the upregulation of NCXs protein expression.

Unraveling the impact of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and glymphatic function

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia represent major public health challenges but effective therapeutic options are limited. Pathological brain aging is associated with microvascular changes and impaired clearance systems. The application of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 or omega-3 PUFAs) is one of the most promising nutritional interventions in neurodegenerative disorders from epidemiological data, clinical and pre-clinical studies. As essential components of neuronal membranes, n-3 PUFAs have shown neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as modulatory effects through microvascular pathophysiology, amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance and glymphatic pathways. This review meticulously explores these underlying mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs against AD and dementia, synthesizing evidence from both animal and interventional studies.

Decoding the Gene Regulatory Network of Muscle Stem Cells in Mouse Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Revelations from Single-Nuclei RNA Sequencing Analysis

The gene dystrophin is responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a grave X-linked recessive ailment that results in respiratory and cardiac failure. As the expression of dystrophin in muscle stem cells (MuSCs) is a topic of debate, there exists a limited understanding of its influence on the gene network of MuSCs. This study was conducted with the objective of investigating the effects of dystrophin on the regulatory network of genes in MuSCs. To comprehend the function of dystrophin in MuSCs from DMD, this investigation employed single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to appraise the transcriptomic profile of MuSCs obtained from the skeletal muscles of dystrophin mutant mice (DMDmut) and wild-type control mice. The study revealed that the dystrophin mutation caused the disruption of several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), leading to the inhibition of MEG3 and NEAT1 and the upregulation of GM48099, GM19951, and GM15564. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of biological processes (BP) indicated that the dystrophin mutation activated the cell adhesion pathway in MuSCs, inhibited the circulatory system process, and affected the regulation of binding. The study also revealed that the metabolic pathway activity of MuSCs was altered. The metabolic activities of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis were elevated in MuSCs from DMDmut. In summary, this research offers novel insights into the disrupted gene regulatory program in MuSCs due to dystrophin mutation at the single-cell level.

The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid EPA, but Not DHA, Enhances Neurotrophic Factor Expression through Epigenetic Mechanisms and Protects against Parkinsonian Neuronal Cell Death

ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been found to exert many actions, including neuroprotective effects. In this regard, the exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that PD is the result of complex interactions between genetic abnormalities, environmental toxins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other cellular processes, such as DNA methylation. In this context, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) have a pivotal role because they are both involved in neuron differentiation, survival, and synaptogenesis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the potential role of two PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and their effects on BDNF and GDNF expression in the SH-SY5Y cell line. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and flow cytometry analysis was used to verify the level of apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the cell ultrastructure and mitochondria morphology. BDNF and GDNF protein levels and mRNA were assayed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Finally, methylated and hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation were performed in the BDNF and GDNF promoter regions. EPA, but not DHA, is able (i) to reduce the neurotoxic effect of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in vitro, (ii) to re-establish mitochondrial function, and (iii) to increase BNDF and GDNF expression via epigenetic mechanisms.

The Effect of Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) Add-On Treatment on Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, Lipid, and Biochemical Parameters in the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Methods

Sixty patients with a mean age of 68.60 ± 2.10 comprising 29 females (48.33%), who were admitted to an academic tertiary care facility within the first 12 hours poststroke symptoms onset or last known well (LKW), in case symptom onset time is not clear, were included in this study. AIS was confirmed based on a noncontrast head CT scan and also neurological symptoms. Patients were randomly and blindly assigned to OEA of 300 mg/day (n = 20) or 600 mg/day (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) in addition to the standard AIS treatment for three days. A blood sample was drawn at 12 hours from symptoms onset or LKW as the baseline followed by the second blood sample at 72 hours post symptoms onset or LKW. Blood samples were assessed for inflammatory and biochemical parameters, oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, and lipid profile.

Results

Compared to the baseline, there is a significant reduction in the urea, creatinine, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups (TTG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein levels on the follow-up blood testing in the OEA (300 mg/day) group. In patients receiving OEA (600 mg/day) treatment, there was only a significant reduction in the MDA level comparing baseline with follow-up blood testing. Also, the between-group analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between patients receiving OEA (300 mg/day) and placebo in terms of IL-6 and TTG level reduction when comparing them between baseline and follow-up blood testing.

Conclusion

OEA in moderate dosage, 300 mg/day, add-on to the standard stroke treatment improves short-term inflammatory, OS, lipid, and biochemical parameters in patients with AIS. This effect might lead to a better long-term neurological prognosis.

In Vivo Assessment of the Ameliorative Impact of Some Medicinal Plant Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Multiple Sclerosis in Wistar Rats

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to the demyelination of nerve fibers, which is the major cause of non-traumatic disability all around the world. Herbal plants Nepeta hindustana L., Vitex negundo L., and Argemone albiflora L., in addition to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, have shown great potential as neuroprotective agents. The study was aimed to develop a neuroprotective model to study the effectiveness of herbal plants (N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora) against multiple sclerosis. The in vivo neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extracts isolated from N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora were evaluated in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced multiple sclerosis Wistar rat model. The rat models were categorized into seven groups including group A as normal, B as LPS induced diseased group, while C, D, E, F, and G were designed as treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation and biochemical markers including stress and inflammatory (MMP-6, MDA, TNF-α, AOPPs, AGEs, NO, IL-17 and IL-2), antioxidant (SOD, GSH, CAT, GPx), DNA damage (Isop-2α, 8OHdG) as well as molecular biomarkers (RAGE, Caspase-8, p38) along with glutamate, homocysteine, acetylcholinesterase, and myelin binding protein (MBP) were investigated. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. The different extract treated groups (C, D, E, F, G) displayed a substantial neuroprotective effect regarding remyelination of axonal terminals and oligodendrocytes migration, reduced lymphocytic infiltrations, and reduced necrosis of Purkinje cells. The levels of stress, inflammatory, and DNA damage markers were observed high in the diseased group B, which were reduced after treatments with plant extracts. The antioxidant activity was significantly reduced in diseased induced group B, however, their levels were raised after treatment with plant extract. Group F (a mélange of all the extracts) showed the most significant change among all other treatment groups (C, D, E, G). The communal dose of selected plant extracts regulates neurodegeneration at the cellular level resulting in restoration and remyelination of axonal neurons. Moreover, 400 mg/kg dose of three plants in conjugation (Group F) were found to be more effective in restoring the normal activities of all measured parameters than independent doses (Group C, D, E) and is comparable with standard drug nimodipine (Group G) clinically used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The present study, for the first time, reported the clinical evidence of N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora against multiple sclerosis and concludes that all three plants showed remyelination as well neuroprotective effects which may be used as a potential natural neurotherapeutic agent against multiple sclerosis.

Pien-Tze-Huang attenuates neuroinflammation in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats through the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway

CONTEXT

Pien-Tze-Huang (PTH) is traditionally applied to treat various inflammation-related diseases including stroke. However, literature regarding the anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of PTH in ischaemic stroke is unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects and its underlying mechanism of PTH on ischaemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury was induced through 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 h reperfusion in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats receiving oral pre-treatment with PTH (180 mg/kg) for 4 days. TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 (3 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 1.5 h after MCAO. MRI, HE staining, qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence methods were employed.

RESULTS

PTH treatment markedly reduced cerebral infarct volume (by 51%), improved neurological function (by 33%), and ameliorated brain histopathological damage in MCAO rats. It also reduced the levels of four inflammatory mediators including IL-1β (by 70%), IL-6 (by 78%), TNF-α (by 60%) and MCP-1 (by 58%); inhibited microglia and astrocyte activation; and decreased protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in injured brains. Moreover, PTH down-regulated the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and TRAF6; reduced the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB; and lowered the protein expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38. Similar effects were observed in MCAO rats with TAK-242 treatment. However, combined administration of PTH and TAK-242 did not significantly reinforce the anti-inflammatory effects of PTH.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

PTH improved cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting neuroinflammation partly via the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway, which will help guide its clinical application.

Supplemental N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Limit A1-Specific Astrocyte Polarization via Attenuating Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Ischemic Stroke in Mice

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability for adults, which lacks effective treatments. Dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exerts beneficial effects on ischemic stroke by attenuating neuron death and inflammation induced by microglial activation. However, the impact and mechanism of n-3 PUFAs on astrocyte function during stroke have not yet been well investigated. Our current study found that dietary n-3 PUFAs decreased the infarction volume and improved the neurofunction in the mice model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Notably, n-3 PUFAs reduced the stroke-induced A1 astrocyte polarization both in vivo and in vitro. We have demonstrated that exogenous n-3 PUFAs attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress and increased the mitophagy of astrocytes in the condition of hypoxia. Furthermore, we provided evidence that treatment with the mitochondrial-derived antioxidant, mito-TEMPO, abrogated the n-3 PUFA-mediated regulation of A1 astrocyte polarization upon hypoxia treatment. Together, this study highlighted that n-3 PUFAs prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby limiting A1-specific astrocyte polarization and subsequently improving the neurological outcomes of mice with ischemic stroke.

Transcranial low-level laser therapy in an in vivo model of stroke: Relevance to the brain infarct, microglia activation and neuroinflammation

Stroke is the main cause of death and functional disability. The available therapy affects only 5% of patients, and new therapeutic approaches have been constantly tested. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) is promising for its neuroprotective effect on brain injuries. Thus, the present study investigated the PBM effects in an in vivo model of ischemic stroke induced by photothrombosis (PT). Five different groups of Wistar rats were submitted or not to a daily dose of fish oil or/and laser sessions for 2 months. The ischemia volume was evaluated by stereology; GFAP, Iba and NeuN by immunohistochemistry; TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β by ELISA assay. PBM influenced both the lesion volume and the GFAP. Furthermore, PBM and Ω-3 or both reduced Iba RNAm. PBM reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, brain damage, neuroinflammation and microglial activation, and it increased astroglial activity in peri-lesioned region after stroke.

Olive Oil Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: "Seek and You Shall Find"

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present narrative review focuses on the up-to-date clinical data on the correlations between olive oil consumption and cardiovascular (CV) diseases (i.e., CHD, stroke, and peripheral artery disease).

RECENT FINDINGS

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, several antioxidant phenols, and other micronutrients that mediate CV-protective effects via improvements in oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombosis, blood pressure, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. High consumption of olive oil, and in particular the extra-virgin, which is rich in phenolic antioxidants, has been suggested to prevent against coronary heart disease (CHD). The olive oil-induced cardioprotection was further supported by the findings of a very recent analysis of 2 large US prospective cohort studies showing that a higher olive oil intake was related to a lower risk of CV morbidity and mortality after 24 years of follow-up and that replacement of dairy fat, margarine, butter, or mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil significantly reduced CV risk. There is evidence for associations between olive oil consumption and lower risk for CV diseases. Both health policy makers and physicians should be aware of these associations and thus promote the intake of olive oil in both primary and secondary prevention settings to minimize individual's CV risk.

Simultaneous Treatment of Long-chain Monounsaturated Fatty Acid and n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Decreases Lipid and Cholesterol Levels in HepG2 Cell

The n-3 type polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), from fish oil exhibit health benefits such as triacylglycerol- and cholesterol-lowering effects. Some pelagic fishes contain long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs) such as eicosenoic acid (C20:1), which exert health-promoting effects. However, no study has evaluated beneficial effects of n-3PUFA and LC-MUFA combination. Here, we investigated effects of simultaneous treatment with n-3PUFA (EPA and DHA) and LC-MUFA (cis-5-C20:1 and cis-7-C20:1) and found that n-3PUFA and LC-MUFA combination significantly decreased lipid accumulation and reduced total cholesterol in HepG2 cells. Cholesterol level was significantly lower in DHA + cis-7-C20:1 group than in DHA + EPA group. These results suggest the importance of LC-MUFA as a functional molecule in fish oil.

Impact of Mediterranean Diet prior to Stroke on the Prognosis of Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) has been associated with lower risk of stroke. Additionally, animal models suggested that some components of MeDiet are associated with better outcomes after ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to evaluate the association between global adherence to the MeDiet and the consumption of particular components of the MeDiet with stroke outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Multicenter observational study of consecutive IS patients treated with endovascular therapy. Inclusion criteria were large anterior circulation vessel occlusion and pre-stroke modified Rankin scale (mRS) <2. Adherence to MeDiet prior to stroke was evaluated using MEDAS 14-item scale. We evaluated the total score and also individual components of the scale. Clinical, radiological, and prognostic variables were collected. Good functional prognosis was considered as mRS ≤2 and complete recanalization as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3.

RESULTS

From January 1 to October 30, 2018, 239 patients were included (mean age 71 years, 48% women, median baseline NIHSS 16). Median MEDAS scale was 8 points (7-10). Patients with a higher adherence to MeDiet had significantly lower total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Total adherence score was not associated with stroke outcomes. In multivariate analyses, consumption of olive oil as the principal source of fat was independently associated with good functional outcome at 3 months, OR 3.2 (1.1-10.1) and daily consumption of wine was independently associated with complete recanalization, OR 2.0 (1.1-3.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that some components of MeDiet, such as olive oil and wine consumption, are related to better prognosis after stroke. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Eicosapentaenoic acid changes muscle transcriptome and intervenes in aging-related fiber type transition in male mice

Age-related sarcopenia is associated with a variety of changes in skeletal muscle. These changes are interrelated with each other and associated with systemic metabolism, the details of which, however, are largely unknown. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a promising nutrient against sarcopenia and has multifaceted effects on systemic metabolism. In this study, we hypothesized that the aging process in skeletal muscle can be intervened by the administration of EPA. Seventy-five-week-old male mice were assigned to groups fed an EPA-deprived diet (EPA-) or an EPA-enriched diet with 1 wt% EPA (EPA+) for 12 wk. Twenty-four-week-old male mice fed with normal chow were also analyzed. At baseline, the grip strength of the aging mice was lower than that of the young mice. After 12 wk, EPA+ showed similar muscle mass but increased grip strength compared with EPA-. EPA+ displayed higher insulin sensitivity than EPA-. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis of myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) revealed fast-to-slow fiber type transition in aging muscle, which was partially inhibited by EPA. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis suggested that EPA supplementation exerts pathway-specific effects in skeletal muscle including the signatures of slow-to-fast fiber type transition. In conclusion, we revealed that aging skeletal muscle in male mice shows lower grip strength and fiber type changes, both of which can be inhibited by EPA supplementation irrespective of muscle mass alteration.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrated that the early phenotype of skeletal muscle in aging male mice is characterized by muscle weakness with fast-to-slow fiber type transition, which could be ameliorated by feeding with EPA-enriched diet. EPA induced metabolic changes such as an increase in systemic insulin sensitivity and altered muscle transcriptome in the aging mice. These changes may be related to the fiber type transition and influence muscle quality.

Therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals to protect brain after stroke

Stroke leads to significant neuronal death and long-term neurological disability due to synergistic pathogenic mechanisms. Stroke induces a change in eating habits and in many cases, leads to undernutrition that aggravates the post-stroke pathology. Proper nutritional regimen remains a major strategy to control the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. Studies indicate that nutraceuticals (isolated and concentrated form of high-potency natural bioactive substances present in dietary nutritional components) can act as prophylactic as well as adjuvant therapeutic agents to prevent stroke risk, to promote ischemic tolerance and to reduce post-stroke consequences. Nutraceuticals are also thought to regulate blood pressure, delay neurodegeneration and improve overall vascular health. Nutraceuticals potentially mediate these effects by their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses the studies that have highlighted the translational potential of nutraceuticals as stroke therapies.

Short Term Usage of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Ameliorate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampal Tissue

Objective: To investigate the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in neonatal rat brain.

Methods: Ninety-six 3-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (saline/saline), LPS/ω-3, LPS/ω-6, and LPS/saline (n = 24/group). All rats, except those in the control group, were intraperitoneally challenged once with LPS (0.6 mg/kg) and were treated with ω-3 PUFAs, ω-6 PUFAs, or saline at 15 mL/kg for 1 or 5 consecutive days beginning on the day of LPS-challenge. Rats in the control group underwent the same procedures and received saline (vehicle). After 1 or 5 days of treatment, 12 rats from each group were sacrificed and their hippocampuses were collected. The expression of inflammation-related genes as well as the levels of oxidative stress markers in hippocampal tissues were determined.

Results: After 1 or 5 days of treatment, the expression of toll-like receptor 4 and multiple proinflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased in the LPS/ω-3 group compared with those in the LPS/saline group. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione (GSH) were significantly elevated, whereas amounts of malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the ratio of GSSG/GSH were remarkably lowered in the LPS/ω-3 group compared with those in the LPS/saline group after 1 day of treatment. Opposite effects were observed in the LPS/ω-6 group.

Conclusion: ω-3 PUFAs may protect rat brain tissue against LPS-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Stearic acid methyl ester affords neuroprotection and improves functional outcomes after cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest causes neuronal damage and functional impairments that can result in learning/memory dysfunction after ischemia. We previously identified a saturated fatty acid (stearic acid methyl ester, SAME) that was released from the superior cervical ganglion (sympathetic ganglion). The function of stearic acid methyl ester is currently unknown. Here, we show that SAME can inhibit the detrimental effects of global cerebral ischemia (i.e. cardiac arrest). Treatment with SAME in the presence of asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) revived learning and working memory deficits. Similarly, SAME-treated hippocampal slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation inhibited neuronal cell death. Moreover, SAME afforded neuroprotection against ACA in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, reduced ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 expression and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, with restoration in mitochondria respiration. Altogether, we describe a unique and uncharted role of saturated fatty acids in the brain that may have important implications against cerebral ischemia.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Stroke Burden

Stroke is a major leading cause of death and disability worldwide. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have potent anti-inflammatory effects, reduce platelet aggregation, and regress atherosclerotic plaques. Since the discovery that the Greenland Eskimo population, whose diet is high in marine n-3 PUFAs, have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease than Western populations, numerous epidemiological studies to explore the associations of dietary intakes of fish and n-3 PUFAs with cardiovascular diseases, and large-scale clinical trials to identify the benefits of treatment with n-3 PUFAs have been conducted. In most of these studies the incidence and mortality of stroke were also evaluated mainly as secondary endpoints. Thus, a systematic literature review regarding the association of dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs with stroke in the epidemiological studies and the treatment effects of n-3 PUFAs in the clinical trials was conducted. Moreover, recent experimental studies were also reviewed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of n-3 PUFAs after stroke.

Postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins promote M1/M2 microglia polarization in a fatty-acid-dependent manner

Inhibiting M1 microglia phenotype while stimulating the M2 microglia has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. Our hypothesis is that the type of dietary fatty acids (FAs) into human postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) could modulate the plasticity of microglia. We isolated TRLs at the postprandial hypertriglyceridemic peak from blood samples of healthy volunteers after the ingestion of a meal rich in saturated FAs (SFAs), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) or MUFAs plus omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FAs. We observed that postprandial TRL-MUFAs enhance M2 microglia polarization, whereas postprandial TRL-SFAs made polarized microglia prone to an M1 phenotype. In addition, in contrast to dietary SFAs, dietary MUFAs primed for a reduced proinflammatory profile in the brain of mice fed with the different FA-enriched diets. Our study underlines a role of postprandial TRLs as a metabolic entity in regulating the plasticity of microglia and brings an understanding of the mechanisms by which dietary FAs are environmental factors fostering the innate immune responsiveness. These exciting findings open opportunities for developing nutraceutical strategies with olive oil as the principal source of MUFAs, notably oleic acid, to prevent development and progression of neuroinflammation-related diseases.