Downregulation of nitric oxide by electroacupuncture against hypoxic‑ischemic brain damage in rats via nuclear factor‑κB/neuronal nitric oxide synthase

Crosstalk between Acupuncture and NF-κB in Inflammatory Diseases

Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years and concerned as a typical alternative medicine in inflammatory diseases nowadays. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor is an important regulator of inflammation. In this article, we discuss the role of acupuncture in NF-κB pathways and also present the acupoints selection, acupuncture administration, and related inflammation diseases and models from previous studies to bring readers close to a more complete understanding of the mechanisms between acupuncture and NF-κB in inflammatory diseases.

Mechanism and Treatment Related to Oxidative Stress in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of neonatal brain injury, which occurs due to lack of supply and oxygen deprivation to the brain. It is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. There are several therapeutic strategies that can be used to improve outcomes in patients with HIE. These include cell therapies such as marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCBCs), which are being incorporated into the new protocols for the prevention of ischemic brain damage. The focus of this review is to discuss the mechanism of oxidative stress in HIE and summarize the current available treatments for HIE. We hope that a better understanding of the relationship between oxidative stress and HIE will provide new insights on the potential therapy of this devastating condition.

Uremia induces upregulation of cerebral tissue oxidative/inflammatory cascade, down-regulation of Nrf2 pathway and disruption of blood brain barrier

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in various central nervous systems (CNS) disorders including cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, movement disorders, seizures and encephalopathy. Uremic retention products, oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired blood-brain barrier have been implicated as the major mediators of CKD-induced CNS disorders. However, mechanisms of CKD-induced cerebral tissue oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired blood brain barrier have not been fully elucidated and were explored. Male Sprague Dawley rats underwent sham operation or 5/6 nephrectomy and were observed for 10 weeks. Arterial pressure, body weight, and renal function were monitored. Under general anesthesia the animals' cerebral cortex was harvested. Nuclear translocations of NF-κB and Nrf2 and their key target gene products, neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthase (NOS) isoforms, markers of oxidative, nitrosative and myeloperoxidase reactions, fibrosis mediators and key protein constituents of capillary endothelial junctional complex were determined by Western blot analysis. The CKD rats exhibited reduced body weight, hypertension, elevated serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Compared to control group cerebral cortex of the CKD group showed activation (increased nuclear translocation) of NF-κB, elevation of pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory molecules, diminished nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of cytoprotective antioxidant molecules and depletion of the key protein constituents of endothelial junctional complex. In conclusion CKD results in the cerebral tissue activation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways, inhibition of antioxidant and cytoprotective system and erosion of cerebral capillary junctional complex, events that contribute to CNS dysfunction and impaired blood brain barrier.

Oxidative Stress in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Because of high concentrations of sensitive immature cells, metal-catalyzed free radicals, non-saturated fatty acids, and low concentrations of antioxidant enzymes, the brain requires high levels of oxygen supply and is, thus, extremely sensitive to hypoxia. Strong evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis and progression. Following hypoxia and ischemia, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rapidly increases and overwhelms antioxidant defenses. A large excess of ROS will directly modify or degenerate cellular macromolecules, such as membranes, proteins, lipids, and DNA, and lead to a cascading inflammatory response, and protease secretion. These derivatives are involved in a complex interplay of multiple pathways (e.g., inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis) which finally lead to brain injury. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanism for oxidative stress in HIE, summarize current research on therapeutic strategies utilized in combating oxidative stress, and try to explore novel potential clinical approaches.

Anti-inflammation Effects of Oxysophoridine on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice

Oxysophoridine (OSR) is a bioactive alkaloid extracted from the Sophora alopecuroides Linn. Our aim is to explore the potential anti-inflammation mechanism of OSR in cerebral ischemic injury. Mice were intraperitoneally pretreated with OSR (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg) or nimodipine (Nim) (6 mg/kg) for 7 days followed by cerebral ischemia. The inflammatory-related cytokines in cerebral ischemic hemisphere tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry staining, Western blot and enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA). OSR-treated groups observably suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). OSR-treated group (250 mg/kg) markedly reduced the inflammatory-related protein prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Meanwhile, it dramatically increased the interleukin-10 (IL-10). Our study revealed that OSR protected neurons from ischemia-induced injury in mice by downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines and blocking the NF-κB pathway.