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Huang L, Bai D, Su X. Altered expression of transfer RNAs and their possible roles in brain white matter injury. Neuroreport 2024; 35:536-541. [PMID: 38597261 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) can regulate cell behavior and are associated with neurological disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of tRNAs in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and their possible roles in the regulation of brain white matter injury (WMI). Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats (postnatal day 5) were used to establish a model that mimicked neonatal brain WMI. RNA-array analysis was performed to examine the expression of tRNAs in OPCs. psRNAtarget software was used to predict target mRNAs of significantly altered tRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG were used to analyze the pathways for target mRNAs. Eighty-nine tRNAs were changed after WMI (fold change absolute ≥1.5, P < 0.01), with 31 downregulated and 58 upregulated. Among them, three significantly changed tRNAs were identified, with two being significantly increased (chr10.trna1314-ProTGG and chr2.trna2771-ProAGG) and one significantly decreased (chr10.trna11264-GlyTCC). Further, target mRNA prediction and GO/KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target mRNAs of these tRNAs are mainly involved in G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways and beta-alanine metabolism, which are both related to myelin formation. In summary, the expression of tRNAs in OPCs was significantly altered after brain WMI, suggesting that tRNAs may play important roles in regulating WMI. This improves the knowledge about WMI pathophysiology and may provide novel treatment targets for WMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyi Huang
- Department of Orthodontics, West China College of Stomatology/State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University
| | - Ding Bai
- Department of Orthodontics, West China College of Stomatology/State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Ma J, Chen T, Wang R. Astragaloside IV ameliorates cognitive impairment and protects oligodendrocytes from antioxidative stress via regulation of the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Neurochem Int 2023; 167:105535. [PMID: 37209830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105535] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD), which is caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, is a common subtype of vascular dementia, accompanied by white matter damage and cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of white matter damage. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the main active components of astragaloside, has antioxidant properties and promotes cognitive improvement; however, its effect on SIVD and its potential mechanism remain unknown. We aimed to clarify whether AS-IV had a protective effect against SIVD injury caused by right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that AS-IV treatment improved cognitive function and white matter damage, inhibited oxidative stress and glial cells activation, and promoted the survival of mature oligodendrocytes after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Moreover, the protein expression levels of NQO1, HO-1, SIRT1 and Nrf2 were increased by AS-IV treatment. However, pre-treatment with EX-527, a SIRT1-specific inhibitor, eliminated the beneficial effects of AS-IV. These results demonstrate that AS-IV plays a neuroprotective role in SIVD by suppressing oxidative stress and increasing the number of mature oligodendrocytes via the modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling. Our results support AS-IV as a potential therapeutic agent for SIVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Ranran Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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3
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Pedroza-García KA, Calderón-Vallejo D, Quintanar JL. Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Perspectives of Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Treatments. Neuropediatrics 2022; 53:402-417. [PMID: 36030792 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition that could have deleterious neurological outcomes, such as cerebral palsy, neuromotor disability, developmental disability, epilepsy, and sensitive or cognitive problems, and increase the risk of death in severe cases. Once HIE occurs, molecular cascades are triggered favoring the oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and inflammation damage that promote cell death via apoptosis or necrosis. Currently, the therapeutic hypothermia is the standard of care in HIE; however, it has a small window of action and only can be used in children of more than 36 gestational weeks; for this reason, it is very important to develop new therapies to prevent the progression of the hypoxic-ischemic injury or to develop neuroregenerative therapies in severe HIE cases. The objective of this revision is to describe the emerging treatments for HIE, either preventing cell death for oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, or exacerbated inflammation, as well as describing a new therapeutic approach for neuroregeneration, such as mesenchymal stem cells, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and gonadotropin realizing hormone agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Pedroza-García
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Denisse Calderón-Vallejo
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México.,Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - J Luis Quintanar
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
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4
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Neuroprotective Potential of Carnosine in Cerebrovascular Diseases. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Yu W, Jin H, Sun W, Nan D, Deng J, Jia J, Yu Z, Huang Y. Connexin43 promotes angiogenesis through activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:2656-2675. [PMID: 33899559 PMCID: PMC8504949 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, a major vascular contributor to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, can exacerbate small vessel pathology. Connexin43, the most abundant gap junction protein in brain tissue, has been found to be critically involved in the pathological changes of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning its role are unclear. We established a mouse model via bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis on connexin43 heterozygous male mice and demonstrated that connexin43 improves brain blood flow recovery by mediating reparative angiogenesis under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which subsequently reduces the characteristic pathologies of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia including white matter lesions and irreversible neuronal injury. We additionally found that connexin43 mediates hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression and then activates the PKA signaling pathway to regulate vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis. All the above findings were replicated in bEnd.3 cells treated with 375 µM CoCl2in vitro. These results suggest that connexin 43 could be instrumental in developing potential therapies for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqiang Jin
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ding Nan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Jia
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zemou Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yining Huang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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6
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Youssef MI, Ma J, Chen Z, Hu WW. Potential therapeutic agents for ischemic white matter damage. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105116. [PMID: 34229025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic white matter damage (WMD) is increasingly being considered as one of the major causes of neurological disorders in older adults and preterm infants. The functional consequences of WMD triggers a progressive cognitive decline and dementia particularly in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Despite the major stride made in the pathogenesis mechanisms of ischemic WMD in the last century, effective medications are still not available. So, there is an urgent need to explore a promising approach to slow the progression or modify its pathological course. In this review, we discussed the animal models, the pathological mechanisms and the potential therapeutic agents for ischemic WMD. The development in the studies of anti-oxidants, free radical scavengers, anti-inflammatory or anti-apoptotic agents and neurotrophic factors in ischemic WMD were summarized. The agents which either alleviate oligodendrocyte damage or promote its proliferation or differentiation may have potential value for the treatment of ischemic WMD. Moreover, drugs with multifaceted protective activities or a wide therapeutic window may be optimal for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, PR China.
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China.
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Calabrese V, Scuto M, Salinaro AT, Dionisio G, Modafferi S, Ontario ML, Greco V, Sciuto S, Schmitt CP, Calabrese EJ, Peters V. Hydrogen Sulfide and Carnosine: Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Kidney and Brain Axis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121303. [PMID: 33353117 PMCID: PMC7767317 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of cellular redox homeostasis and chronic inflammatory processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney and brain disorders. In this light, endogenous dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exert cytoprotective actions through the modulation of redox-dependent resilience pathways during oxidative stress and inflammation. Several recent studies have elucidated a functional crosstalk occurring between kidney and the brain. The pathophysiological link of this crosstalk is represented by oxidative stress and inflammatory processes which contribute to the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, and dementia during the natural history of chronic kidney disease. Herein, we provide an overview of the main pathophysiological mechanisms related to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and neurotoxins, which play a critical role in the kidney–brain crosstalk. The present paper also explores the respective role of H2S and carnosine in the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney–brain axis. It suggests that these activities are likely mediated, at least in part, via hormetic processes, involving Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-like 2), Hsp 70 (heat shock protein 70), SIRT-1 (Sirtuin-1), Trx (Thioredoxin), and the glutathione system. Metabolic interactions at the kidney and brain axis level operate in controlling and reducing oxidant-induced inflammatory damage and therefore, can be a promising potential therapeutic target to reduce the severity of renal and brain injuries in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.T.S.)
| | - Maria Scuto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Dionisio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Center Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark;
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Maria Laura Ontario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Claus Peter Schmitt
- Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.P.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Edward J. Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Verena Peters
- Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.P.S.); (V.P.)
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8
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Mirzakhani N, Farshid AA, Tamaddonfard E, Imani M, Erfanparast A, Noroozinia F. Carnosine improves functional recovery and structural regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. Life Sci 2018; 215:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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9
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Berezhnoy DS, Stvolinsky SL, Lopachev AV, Devyatov AA, Lopacheva OM, Kulikova OI, Abaimov DA, Fedorova TN. Carnosine as an effective neuroprotector in brain pathology and potential neuromodulator in normal conditions. Amino Acids 2018; 51:139-150. [PMID: 30353356 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (b-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide widely distributed in excitable tissues, such as muscle and neural tissues-though in minor concentrations in the latter. Multiple benefits have been attributed to carnosine: direct and indirect antioxidant effect, antiglycating, metal-chelating, chaperone and pH-buffering activity. Thus, carnosine turns out to be a multipotent protector against oxidative damage. However, the role of carnosine in the brain remains unclear. The key aspects concerning carnosine in the brain reviewed are as follows: its concentration and bioavailability, mechanisms of action in neuronal and glial cells, beneficial effects in human studies. Recent literature data and the results of our own research are summarized here. This review covers studies of carnosine effects on both in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral damage, such as neurodegenerative disorders and ischemic injuries and the data on its physiological actions on neuronal signaling and cerebral functions. Besides its antioxidant and homeostatic properties, new potential roles of carnosine in the brain are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Berezhnoy
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - S L Stvolinsky
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - A V Lopachev
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - A A Devyatov
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - O M Lopacheva
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - O I Kulikova
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia.,Faculty of Ecology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - D A Abaimov
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - T N Fedorova
- Research Center of Neurology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurochemistry, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow, 125367, Russia
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Glycotoxins: Dietary and Metabolic Origins; Possible Amelioration of Neurotoxicity by Carnosine, with Special Reference to Parkinson’s Disease. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:164-172. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Li X, Liu RZ, Zeng Q, Huang ZH, Zhang JD, Liu ZL, Zeng J, Xiao H. 3'-Daidzein sulfonate sodium protects against memory impairment and hippocampal damage caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1561-1567. [PMID: 30127116 PMCID: PMC6126135 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.237119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium (DSS) is a new synthetic water-soluble compound derived from daidzein, a soya isoflavone that plays regulatory roles in neurobiology. In this study, we hypothesized that the regulatory role of DSS in neurobiology exhibits therapeutic effects on hippocampal damage and memory impairment. To validate this hypothesis, we established rat models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) by the permanent occlusion of the common carotid arteries using the two-vessel occlusion method. Three weeks after modeling, rat models were intragastrically administered 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg DSS, once a day, for 5 successive weeks. The Morris water maze test was performed to investigate CCH-induced learning and memory deficits. TUNEL assay was used to analyze apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1, CA3 regions and dentate gyrus. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal CA1, CA3 regions and dentate gyrus. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the phosphorylation of PKA, ERK1/2 and CREB in the hippocampal PKA/ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathway. Results showed that DSS treatment greatly improved the learning and memory deficits of rats with CCH, reduced apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampal CA1, CA3 regions and dentate gyrus, and increased the phosphorylation of PKA, ERK1/2, and CREB in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that DSS protects against CCH-induced memory impairment and hippocampal damage possibly through activating the PKA/ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Rui-Zhen Liu
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Huang
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | | | - Zong-Liang Liu
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hai Xiao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
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Zhu JD, Wang JJ, Zhang XH, Yu Y, Kang ZS. Panax ginseng extract attenuates neuronal injury and cognitive deficits in rats with vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:664-672. [PMID: 29722318 PMCID: PMC5950676 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.230292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant. Panax ginseng extract has numerous biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antistress activities. Panax ginseng extract also has a cognition-enhancing effect in rats with alcohol-induced memory impairment. In this study, we partially occluded the bilateral carotid arteries in the rat to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, a well-known model of vascular dementia. The rats were then intragastrically administered 50 or 100 mg/kg Panax ginseng extract. Morris water maze and balance beam tests were used to evaluate memory deficits and motor function, respectively. Protein quantity was used to evaluate cholinergic neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells. Western blot assay was used to evaluate protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, Bcl-2 and Bax. Treatment with Panax ginseng extract for 8 weeks significantly improved behavioral function and increased neuronal density and VEGF and bFGF protein expression in the hippocampal CA3 area. Furthermore, Panax ginseng extract reduced the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells, and it decreased apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax protein expression. The effect of Panax ginseng extract was dose-dependent and similar to that of nimodipine, a commonly used drug for the treatment of vascular dementia. These findings suggest that Panax ginseng extract is neuroprotective against vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, and therefore might have therapeutic potential for preventing and treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-De Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xian-Hu Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhao-Sheng Kang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou Province, China
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