Tanshinone IIA improves Alzheimer’s disease via RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

Long Non-Coding RNAs: Crucial Regulators in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis and Prospects for Precision Medicine

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. With the capacity to modulate gene expression at various levels, LncRNAs are implicated in multiple pathological mechanisms of AD, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, tau protein phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of LncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets due to their differential expression patterns in AD patients. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of LncRNAs in AD, focusing on their involvement in key molecular pathways and their promise as indicators for early diagnosis and prognosis. We discuss the regulatory networks of LncRNAs in the context of AD, their interaction with miRNAs, and the implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Despite the complexity and variability in LncRNA function, the prospect of harnessing these molecules for precision medicine in AD is gaining momentum. The translational potential of LncRNA-based interventions offers a new frontier in the quest for effective treatments and a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of AD.

MicroRNAs modulation by curcumin, catalpol, and other natural products in Alzheimer's disease: a review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited pharmacological treatment options, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-124, play crucial roles in AD pathogenesis, influencing amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Natural products have been identified as potential modulators of miRNA expression, offering neuroprotective benefits through multi-target mechanisms. This review systematically examines the impact of curcumin, catalpol, Allium jesdianum, Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), and Tiaoxin Recipe (TXR) on miRNA regulation in AD, summarizing their molecular targets and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we discuss challenges related to bioavailability and clinical translation, highlighting the need for advanced delivery systems and personalized medicine approaches. By integrating recent findings, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of miRNA modulation in AD therapy and underscores the potential of natural products as novel therapeutic agents.

Targeting to miR-130b-5p/TLR4: How sodium danshensu suppresses inflammatory response of microglia in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a crucial process in the inflammatory response. Sodium danshensu (SDSS) is of protective effects in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that SDSS administration reduces infarct volume, attenuates neurological impairment, and inhibits microglia activation in rat models of CIRI. While it is well established that miRNAs play roles in a wide range of diseases through multiple pathways. However, the mechanism by which SDSS alleviates inflammatory injury after CIRI and its potential interaction with miRNAs remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of SDSS in CIRI, and to verify whether it exerts anti-inflammatory effects by affecting miRNA. Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we identified miR-130b-5p is a key gene in the CIRI process, with SDSS administration leading to an upregulation of miR-130b-5p that is indispensable for its anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, both SDSS and miR-130b-5p reduced the expression of TLR4. Overall, the beneficial effects of SDSS on CIRI can be attributed to the up-regulation of miR-130b-5p and the inhibition of TLR4, resulting in the attenuation of the inflammatory response.

Proteins and DNA Sequences Interacting with Tanshinones and Tanshinone Derivatives

Tanshinones, biologically active diterpene compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, interact with specific proteins and DNA sequences, influencing signaling pathways in animals and humans. This study highlights tanshinone-protein interactions observed at concentrations achievable in vivo, ensuring greater physiological relevance compared to in vitro studies that often employ supraphysiological ligand levels. Experimental data suggest that while tanshinones interact with multiple proteomic targets, only a few enzymes are significantly affected at biologically relevant concentrations. This apparent paradox may be resolved by tanshinones' ability to bind DNA and influence enzymes involved in gene expression or mRNA stability, such as RNA polymerase II and human antigen R protein. These interactions trigger secondary, widespread changes in gene expression, leading to complex proteomic alterations. Although the current understanding of tanshinone-protein interactions remains incomplete, this study provides a foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of S. miltiorrhiza diterpenes. Additionally, numerous tanshinone derivatives have been developed to enhance pharmacokinetic properties and biological activity. However, their safety profiles remain poorly characterized, limiting comprehensive insights into their medicinal potential. Further investigation is essential to fully elucidate the therapeutic and toxicological properties of both native and modified tanshinones.