Neuroprotective effects of the immunomodulatory drug Setarud on cerebral ischemia in male rats

Ozanimod-Dependent Activation of SIRT3/NF-κB/AIM2 Pathway Attenuates Secondary Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. To date, satisfactory therapeutic approaches for ICH remain limited, so it is urgently needed to develop a safer and more effective prescription. Secondary inflammatory response has been acknowledged as an aggravating factor to neurological deterioration after ICH. As a component of inflammasome sensors, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) plays an important role in the neuroinflammation process. Here, ozanimod, a novel selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, has gained much attention, which alleviates the resultant neuroinflammation and improves functional recovery derived from ICH. In this study, ozanimod improved neurological functions of ICH mice via reduction of hematoma size. Furthermore, both microglial and AIM2 inflammasome activations were reversed by ozanimod, which are confirmed by the downregulation of related inflammatory proteins and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), coupled with the upregulation of SIRT3, by leveraging the Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, we find that ozanimod decreases nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression. Notably, in vitro cell experiments induced by lipopolysaccharide confirms that the anti-inflammatory effect of ozanimod could be abolished by the SIRT3 inhibitor. In conclusion, these results indicate that ozanimod mitigates ICH-induced secondary inflammatory responses by modulating AIM2 inflammasome mediated by SIRT3/NF-κB/AIM2 pathway. This demonstrates ozanimod orchestrates ICH-induced neuroinflammation and could be a targeted therapy for improving prognosis of ICH.

Nootkatone alleviates rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease symptoms through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Nootkatone (NKT) has been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects and in this study, we systematically studied the efficacy and mechanism of action of NKT in rotenone (ROT)-induced PD rats. Firstly, through behavioral experiments and brain tissue staining, we found that NKT alleviated behavioral dysfunction and protected dopaminergic neurons associated with ROT-induced PD rats. Next, target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and pathway enrichment analyses were used to obtain potential targets, specific biological processes, and molecular mechanisms of NKT for the potential treatment of PD. Furthermore, we also applied molecular docking to predict the binding capacity of NKT and related targets. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed that NKT could inhibit the expression of Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammation, and ultimately ameliorating ROT-induced PD symptoms. Taken together, the results of the study provide a clear explanation for the remission of PD symptoms by NKT, suggesting that it may be a promising candidate for the treatment of PD.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Type 1 (FGF1)-Overexpressed Adipose-Derived Mesenchaymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCFGF1) Induce Neuroprotection and Functional Recovery in a Rat Stroke Model

Stroke, as the second most common cause of death, imposes a great financial burden on both the individual and society. Mesenchymal stem cells from rodents have demonstrated efficacy in experimental animal models of stroke due to enhanced neurological recovery. Since FGF1 (fibroblast growth factor 1) displays neuroprotective properties, for the first time, we investigated the effect of acute intravenous administration of FGF1 gene transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC^FGF1) on transient experimental ischemic stroke in rats. Stroke induction was made by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). 2 × 10⁶ AD-MSC^FGF1 was administrated intravenously 30 min after carotid reperfusion. The ability of technetium^99m-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (^99mTc-HMPAO)-labeled AD-MSC^FGF1 to enter into ischemic brain was evaluated 2 h post injection. 24 h post operation, the neurological recovery (rotarod and Roger's tests), the infarct volume (2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, TTC assay), apoptosis rate (TUNEL assay), and the expression of FGF1 protein (western blotting) in the ischemic hemisphere were assessed. The ^99mTc-HMPAO-labeled AD-MSC^FGF1 could enter into the ischemic brain. Ischemic hemisphere activity was significantly higher than that observed in the contralateral hemisphere (p = 0.002). The administration of AD-MSC^FGF1 resulted in significant improvement of neurological function tests and increased density of FGF1 protein in the peri-infarct area, while the infarct volume and the apoptotic index were significantly decreased, in comparison to the other treated groups. In conclusion, acute intravenous administration of AD-MSC^FGF1 can be a novel and promising candidate approach for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Nepeta Dschuparensis Bornm Extract Moderates COX-2 and IL-1β Proteins in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Nepeta dschuparensis Bornm (NP) is used as a medicinal herb in Iran. In traditional medicine, this herb is extensively employed for curing ailments such as cardiovascular diseases. NP has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This project examined the effects of the NP extract on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein levels and its efficacy in neuroprotection in a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model.

METHODS

Twenty-six male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) sham (n=6): no middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure, 2) control (n=10): MCAO procedure and treatment with normal saline, and 3) NP extract (n=10): MCAO procedure and treatment with the NP extract (20 mg/kg, i.p.) at the beginning of reperfusion. To examine the injury caused by cerebral ischemia, we measured motor coordination and the infarct area using the rotarod test and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, respectively. IL-1β and COX-2 protein levels, as inflammatory markers, were measured by immunoblotting assay. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 16, and the data are expressed as means±SEMs. Statistical difference was evaluated using the one-way ANOVA, followed by the post hoc LSD test (P<0.01).

RESULTS

Treatment with the NP extract significantly diminished the infarct volume and alleviated the motor coordination disorder induced by cerebral ischemia. The NP extract administration significantly attenuated the increase in IL-1β and COX-2 protein levels too (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of the NP extract are related to its ability to decrease the levels of IL-1β and COX-2.

Natural product HTP screening for attenuation of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemo attractants (CINCs) and NO2- in LPS/IFNγ activated glioma cells

Chronic and acute central nervous system (CNS) inflammation are contributors toward neurological injury associated with head trauma, stroke, infection, Parkinsons or Alzheimers disease. CNS inflammatory illnesses can also contribute toward risk of developing glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). With growing public interest in complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), we conduct a high throughput (HTP) screening of >1400 natural herbs, plants and over the counter (OTC) products for anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon gamma (IFNγ) activated C6 glioma cells. Validation studies were performed showing a pro-inflammatory profile of [LPS 3 µg/ml/ IFNγ 3 ng/ml] consistent with greater release [>8.5 fold] of MCP-1, NO2-, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemo-attractants (CINC) 1, CINC 2a and CINC3. The data show no changes to the following, IL-13, TNF-a, fracktaline, leptin, LIX, GM-CSF, ICAM1, L-Selectin, activin A, agrin, IL-1α, MIP-3a, B72/CD86, NGF, IL-1b, MMP-8, IL-1 R6, PDGF-AA, IL-2, IL-4, prolactin R, RAGE, IL-6, Thymus Chemokine-1, CNTF,IL-10 or TIMP-1. A HTP screening was conducted, where we employ an in vitro efficacy index (iEI) defined as the ratio of toxicity (LC₅₀)/anti-inflammatory potency (IC₅₀). The iEI was precautionary to ensure biological effects were occurring in fully viable cells (ratio > 3.8) independent of toxicity. Using NO2- as a guideline molecule, the data show that 1.77% (25 of 1410 tested) had anti-inflammatory effects with iEI ratios >3.8 and IC₅₀s <250µg/ml. These include reference drugs (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone N6-(1-iminoethyl)-l-lysine and NSAIDS: diclofenac, tolfenamic acid), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (apicidin) and the following natural products; Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), Elecampagne Root (Inula helenium), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa) Ganthoda (Valeriana wallichii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Maddar Root (Rubia tinctoria), Red Sandle wood (Pterocarpus santalinus), Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae), quercetin, cardamonin, fisetin, EGCG, biochanin A, galangin, apigenin and curcumin. The herb with the largest iEI was Ashwaganda where the IC₅₀/LC₅₀ was 11.1/>1750.0μg/ml, and the compound with the greatest iEI was quercetin where the IC₅₀/LC₅₀ was 10.0/>363.6μg/ml. These substances also downregulate the production of iNOS expression and attenuate CINC-3 release. In summary, this HTP screening provides guideline information about the efficacy of natural products that could prevent inflammatory processes associated with neurodegenerative disease and aggressive glioma tumor growth.

Tetramethylpyrazine Ameliorates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats: Involvement of Its Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Actions

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. Apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress are the current hypothesized mechanisms for PD pathogenesis. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), the major bioactive component of Ligusticum wallichii Franchat (ChuanXiong), Family Apiaceae, reportedly has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study investigated the role of 'TMP' in preventing rotenone-induced neurobiological and behavioral sequelae. A preliminary dose-response study was conducted where rats received TMP (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, i.p.) concomitantly with rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c.) for 4 weeks. Catalepsy, locomotor activity, striatal dopamine content, and tyrosine hydroxylase "TH" and α-synuclein immunoreactivity were evaluated. The selected TMP dose (20 mg/kg) was used for western blot analysis of Bax, Bcl2, and DJ-1, immunohistochemical detection of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, in addition to biochemical analysis of caspase-3 activity, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels. Results showed that TMP (20 mg/kg) significantly improved midbrain and striatal TH expression and striatal dopamine content as well as the motor deficits, compared to rotenone-treated group. These results were correlated with reduction in caspase-3 activity and α-synuclein expression, along with improvement of midbrain and striatal Bax/Bcl2 ratio compared to rotenone-treated group. TMP also attenuated rotenone-induced upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Furthermore, TMP downregulated rotenone-induced neuroinflammation markers: NF-кB, iNOS, COX2, and GFAP expression in both the midbrain and striatum. Taken together, the current study suggests that TMP is entitled to, at least partially, preventing PD neurobiological and behavioral deficits by virtue of its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions.

Effect of IMOD™ on the inflammatory process after acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial

Background and purpose of the study

Considering the role of inflammation in acute cerebrovascular accidents, anti-inflammatory treatment has been considered as an option in cerebrovascular diseases. Regarding the properties of Setarud (IMOD™) in immune regulation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of this medication in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 99 patients with their first ever acute ischemic stroke were divided into two groups of IMOD™ (n = 49) and control (n = 50). The control group underwent routine treatment and the intervention group underwent routine treatment plus daily intermittent infusion of IMOD™ (250mg on the first day and then 375mg into DW5% serum during a 30-minute period for 7 days). The serum levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated on the first day (baseline) and on 4th and 7th days. Data were analyzed and the results were compared.

Results and major conclusion

58 males (58.6%) and 41 females (41.4%) with a mean age of 67.00 ± 8.82 years, who had their first ever stroke attack, were enrolled in this trial. Treatment with IMOD™ showed a decreasing trend in IL-6 levels compared to the control group (p = 0.04). In addition, the treatment resulted in the control of increasing serum levels of hsCRP after 7 days compared to the control group (p = 0.02). There was an insignificant decrease in TNF-α and IL-1 levels in the IMOD™ group. Considering the prominent role of inflammation after an ischemic cerebral damage, it appears that treatment with IMOD™ improves the inflammatory profile. Therefore, IMOD™ (Setarud) might be considered as a therapeutic option in the acute ischemic stroke. However, future studies are necessary on its long-term results and clinical efficacy.