Mechanistic insights into nitrogen-induced changes in pasting characteristics of rice during storage based on proteomics analysis

Nitrogen application delays rice quality deterioration due to changes in its pasting characteristics; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using a label-free quantitative proteomics approach, we identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) during storage in paddy rice treated with different nitrogen levels. On combining the changes in physiological indicators, high-nitrogen treatment was found to downregulate β-1,3-glucanase, reduce the decomposition of cell wall components, downregulate three proteins involved in starch metabolism, decrease the range of the amylose content and increase the range of the amylopectin, upregulate three proteins related to the lysosomal pathway, and enhance glutelin degradation. In addition, it upregulated three proteins related to flavonoid synthesis, which enhanced the stress response ability of rice, thereby contributing to the stability of biological macromolecules. The discovery of these key DEPs provides potential targets for further control over the deterioration of crop seed storage quality.

Biochemistry behind firmness retention of jujube fruit by combined treatment of acidic electrolyzed water and high-voltage electrostatic field

Harvested jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill) is prone to softening due to active metabolism. This study investigated the effects of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) and their combination (AEW + HVEF) on softening and associated cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), cell membrane integrity and antioxidant system of 'Huping' jujube during storage at 0 ± 1 °C. The results indicated that fruit subjected to AEW + HVEF, AEW or HVEF treatments maintained firmness 15.7%, 10.7%, and 5.3% higher than that of untreated control fruit at the end of 90 days cool storage. Fruit treated with AEW + HVEF could better maintain cell membrane integrity and exhibit lower activities of CWDEs and higher antioxidant capacity than that treated with either AEW or HVEF. Correlation analysis suggested that inhibition of softening was associated with reduction of CWDEs activities, and maintenance of membrane integrity and antioxidant system.

Histone demethylase UTX aggravates acetaminophen overdose induced hepatotoxicity through dual mechanisms

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute liver failure, while the underlying mechanisms of APAP hepatotoxicity are not fully understood. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic enzymes play roles in APAP-induced liver injury. Here, we found that Utx (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome, also known as KDM6A), a X-linked histone demethylase which removes the di- and tri-methyl groups from histone H3K27, was markedly induced in the liver of APAP-overdosed female mice. Hepatic deletion of Utx suppressed APAP overdose-induced hepatotoxicity in female but not male mice. RNA-sequencing analysis suggested that Utx deficiency in female mice upregulated antitoxic phase II conjugating enzymes, including sulfotransferase family 2 A member 1 (Sult2a1), thus reduces the amount of toxic APAP metabolites in injured liver; while Utx deficiency also alleviated ER stress through downregulating transcription of ER stress genes including Atf4, Atf3, and Chop. Mechanistically, Utx promoted transcription of ER stress related genes in a demethylase activity-dependent manner, while repressed Sult2a1 expression through mediating H3K27ac levels independent of its demethylase activity. Moreover, overexpression of Sult2a1 in the liver of female mice rescued APAP-overdose induced liver injury. Together, our results indicated a novel UTX-Sult2a1 axis for the prevention or treatment of APAP-induced liver injury.

Melatonin triggers metabolic and gene expression changes leading to improved quality traits of two sweet cherry cultivars during cold storage

Sweet cherry is a valuable non-climacteric fruit with elevated phytonutrients, whose fruit quality attributes are prone to rapid deterioration after harvest, especially peel damage and water loss of stem. Here the metabolic and transcriptional response of exogenous melatonin was assessed in two commercial cultivars of sweet cherry (Santina and Royal Rainier) during cold storage. Gene expression profiling revealed that cuticle composition and water movement may underlie the effect of melatonin in delaying weight loss. An effect of melatonin on total soluble solids and lower respiration rate was observed in both cultivars. Melatonin induces overexpression of genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis, which correlates with increased anthocyanin levels and changes in skin color (Chroma). Our results indicate that along with modulating antioxidant metabolism, melatonin improves fruit quality traits by triggering a range of metabolic and gene expression changes, which ultimately contribute to extend sweet cherry postharvest storability.

Berberine protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury: A review of evidence from animal models and clinical studies

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality and has seriously negative social and economic influences. Unfortunately, few effective therapeutic strategies are available to improve its outcome. Berberine is a natural medicine possessing multiple beneficial biological activities. Emerging evidence indicates that berberine has potential protective effects against I/R injury in brain, heart, kidney, liver, intestine and testis. However, up-to-date review focusing on the beneficial role of berberine against I/R injury is not yet available. In this paper, results from animal models and clinical studies are concisely presented and its mechanisms are discussed. We found that berberine ameliorates I/R injury in animal models via its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, berberine also attenuates I/R injury by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and promoting autophagy. Additionally, regulation of periphery immune system may also contributes to the beneficial effect of berberine against I/R injury. Although clinical evidence is limited, the current studies indicate that berberine may attenuate I/R injury via inhibiting excessive inflammatory response in patients. Collectively, berberine might be used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the management of I/R injury.

Pigment-depletion in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolt starved at elevated temperature is not influenced by dietary carotenoid type and increasing α-tocopherol level

Pigment-depletion in the fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) arises after periods of elevated water temperatures with voluntary starving. This study tested the effects of dietary pre-loading with different pigment carotenoids (astaxanthin and/or canthaxanthin) combined with two α-tocopherol levels (normal and high: 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) on pigment-depletion in vivo in Atlantic salmon after four weeks of challenge. We also tested whether oxidative stress manifested as an underlying depletion mechanism. Carotenoid levels in whole fillet homogenates were not decreased significantly post-challenge but fillet α-tocopherol concentrations were increased significantly in contrast to decreased oxidative stress indices. However, image analysis revealed localised fillet pigment-depletion following all dietary treatments. These data imply that localised pigment-depletion was not prevented by pre-loading of the fillet with different carotenoid-types/mixtures and increased of α-tocopherol levels from normal to high, respectively. Further, we suggest that oxidative stress might not facilitate pigment-depletion in vivo.

Benzoate fraction from Gentiana rigescens Franch alleviates scopolamine-induced impaired memory in mice model in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

G. rigescens Franch (Long Dan Cao in Chinese) is a well-known TCM herb. It is clinically used with other drugs for the treatment of brain diseases such as epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia in China.

AIM OF STUDY

In our previous study, the 11 dihydroxybenzoates compounds with NGF mimicking activity from G. rigescens Franch were found. In the present study, the neurogenesis and neuroprotection of a mixture of benzoates ( n-GS) were investigated in animal level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NGF mimicking activity of n-GS from G. rigescens Franch was examined in PC12 cells. The neurogenesis effects of n-GS were investigated in ICR mice with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and neuronal neclei (NeuN) double immunostaining. Furthermore, the neuroprotection effects of n-GS on the memory in a scopolamine (SCO)-induced mouse model were evaluated with animal behavior tests.

RESULTS

The NGF-mimicking function and neurogenesis of n-GS were observed in PC12 cells and in normal mice. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of n-GS on the memory in a SCO-induced mouse model. In Y-maze test, SCO significantly lowered the alternation. This finding was reversed by n-GS and donepezil (DONE). SCO significantly impaired the mice's performance in novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. The time spent to explore the novel object was longer in the n-GS- and DONE-treated groups than in the SCO control group. In the MWM test, the escape latency of n-GS- and DONE-treated groups was shorter than that of the SCO control group. Mechanism study showed that SCO significantly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) but increased the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which all can be improved by n-GS and DONE. Additionally, the phosphorylation of type 1 insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP responsive element-binding (CREB) protein in the hippocampus was significantly up-regulated in the treatment group compared with that in the SCO group.

CONCLUSIONS

n-GS could alleviate impaired memory of the SCO-induced mice model by inhibiting AChE activity and oxidative stress, and regulating the IGF-1R/ERK signaling pathway.

Pleiotropic protective effects of Vitamin D against high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats: One for all

Several lines of evidence point to the association of vitamin D deficiency with the different components of metabolic syndrome. Yet, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic syndrome is not clearly elucidated. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that administration of vitamin D, either alone or in combination of metformin can improve metabolic and structural derangements associated with metabolic syndrome. Fifty wistar rats were randomly assigned to serve either as normal control (10 rats) or metabolic syndrome rats, by feeding them with a standard or a high fat diet (HFD), respectively. Metabolic syndrome rats were further assigned to receive either vehicle, Metformin (100mg/Kg orally), vitamin D (6ng/Kg SC.) or both, daily for 8 weeks. Body weight, blood pressure, serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, lipid profile, oxidative stress, serum uric acid and Ca⁺² were assessed at the end of the study. Histopathological examination of hepatic, renal and cardiac tissues were also performed. Treatment with vitamin D was associated with a significant improvement of the key features of metabolic syndrome namely obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia with a neutral effect on Ca⁺² level. When combined with metformin, most of the other metabolic abnormalities were ameliorated. Furthermore, a significant attenuation of the associated hepatic steatosis was observed with vitamin D as well as vitamin D/metformin combination. In conclusion, vitamin D can improve hypertension, metabolic and structural abnormalities induced by HFD, and it provides additional benefits when combined with metformin. Therefore, vitamin D could represent a feasible therapeutic option for prevention of metabolic syndrome.

Neuroprotective effects of Danggui-Jakyak-San on rat stroke model through antioxidant/antiapoptotic pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dangui-Jakyak-San (DJ) is a traditional Korean medicinal polyherb, prescribed typically in patients with insufficient blood supply in Eastern Asia. The DJ also has been reported to have neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo studies.

AIM OF STUDY

The therapeutic potential of DJ was examined in stroke rat model, in comparison with donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ischemic stroke rat model was induced by surgery of permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery (pMCAO). The model was orally administered with distilled water (pMCAO control), donepezil at 10mg/kg (Donepezil) and DJ at 200, 100 and 50mg/kg (DJ 200, DJ 100 and DJ 50, respectively). Sham had the same surgery excepting for the pMCAO, and it was administered with distilled water (sham control).

RESULTS

After the administration for 28 days, the groups of DJ exhibited dose-dependent reduction in infarct/defect volumes with improvement in sensorimotor and cognitive motor function, comparing to pMCAO control. The DJ treatments seemed to enhance antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects; increases in antiapoptotic expressions (STAT3 and Pim-1) and decreases in lipid peroxidation (MDA) together with increases in contents of endogenous antioxidant (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD). The histopathological analyses revealed significant reduction in neuronal apoptosis (caspase-3 and PARP) and neuronal degradation with atrophy and degeneration, in the DJ treatments. Furthermore, the oxidative stresses (nitrotyrosine as an iNOS factor and 4-HNE as a marker of lipid peroxidation) were observed mild. Although the similar neuroprotective effects were observed, the body weight loss was scarcely alleviated in Donepezil comparing to pMCAO control.

CONCLUSION

These suggest that DJ ameliorate the neurological dysfunction of cerebral ischemia through augmentation of antioxidant defense system and up-regulation of STAT3 and Pim-1.

Downstream modulation of extrinsic apoptotic pathway in streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's dementia in rats: Erythropoietin versus curcumin

Erythropoietin and curcumin showed promising neuroprotective effects in various models of Alzheimer's dementia. This study was designed to compare the beneficial effects of erythropoietin and/or curcumin in intracerebro-ventricular (ICV) streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's like disease in rats. Rats received ICV injection of either saline (control, n=8 rats), or streptozotocin. Three weeks following surgery, streptozotocin-injected rats were assigned into 4 groups (8 rats each); vehicle, curcumin (80mg/kg/day, orally), erythropoietin (500 IU/kg every other day, intraperitoneally) and combined (curcumin and erythropoietin)-treated groups. After 3 months of treatment, rats were subjected to neurobehavioral testing, and then killed for biochemical and histological assessment of hippocampus. Fas ligand protein and caspase-8 activity as mediators of extrinsic apoptotic pathway, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione) and β-amyloid (1-40 and 1-42) peptides were measured. The results showed that administration of erythropoietin suppressed extrinsic apoptosis better than curcumin, while curcumin was more effective in combating oxidative stress in ICV-streptozotocin injected rats. Both erythropoietin and curcumin treatments (individually or combined) equally reduced the hippocampal β-amyloid accumulation and improved cognitive impairment in Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks. The combined treatment was the most effective in ameliorating apoptosis and oxidative stress rather than behavioral responses or β-amyloid burden. In conclusion, ICV-streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's dementia activates hippocampal Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis, which could be reduced by erythropoietin and/or curcumin treatment. Curcumin supplementation alone could ameliorate cognitive deficits and reverse biochemical alterations in ICV-streptozotocin Alzheimer's rat model without the hazardous polycythemic effect of long-term erythropoietin injection.

Effect of plasma activated water on the postharvest quality of button mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus

Non-thermal plasma is a new approach to improving microbiological safety while maintaining the sensory attributes of the treated foods. Recent research has reported that plasma activated water (PAW) can also efficiently inactivate a wide variety of microorganisms. This study invested the effects of plasma-activated water soaking on the postharvest preservation of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) over seven days of storage at 20°C. Plasma activated water reduced the microbial counts by 1.5 log and 0.5 log for bacteria and fungi during storage, respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding physicochemical and biological properties were assessed between plasma activated water soaking groups and control groups. The results for firmness, respiration rate and relative electrical conductivity suggested that plasma activated water soaking can delay mushroom softening. Meanwhile, no significant change was observed in the color, pH, or antioxidant properties of A. bisporus treated with plasma activated water. Thus, plasma activated water soaking is a promising method for postharvest fresh-keeping of A. bisporus.

Effects of 4-nonylphenol on oxidant/antioxidant balance system inducing hepatic steatosis in male rat

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Intraperitoneal administration of 4-NP induces hepatic steatosis in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

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Hepatocytes apoptosis is highly implicated in the occurrence and development of NAFLD.

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Hepatic mitochondrial disturbance promotes deleterious consequences, such as OS and accumulation of triglycerides (steatosis).

An emerging literature suggests that early life exposure to 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), a widespread endocrine disrupting chemical, may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that intraperitoneal administration of 4-NP induces hepatic steatosis in rat. 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with 4-NP (0, 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg b.wt) in corn oil for 30 days. Liver histology, biochemical analysis and gene expression profiling were examined. After treatment, abnormal liver morphology and function were observed in the 4-NP-treated rat, and significant changes in gene expression an indicator of hepatic steatosis and apoptosis were observed compared with controls. Up-regulated genes involved in apoptosis, hepatotoxity and oxidative stress, increased ROS and decrease of antioxidant enzyme were observed in the 4-NP exposed rat. Extensive fatty accumulation in liver section and elevated serum GOT, GPT, LDH and γ-GT were also observed. Incidence and severity of liver steatosis was scored and taken into consideration (steatosis, ballooning and lobular inflammation). Hepatocytes apoptosis could promote NAFLD progression; Fas/FasL, TNF-α and Caspase-9 mRNA activation were important contributing factors to hepatic steatosis. These findings provide the first evidence that 4-NP affects the gene expression related to liver hepatotoxicity, which is correlated with hepatic steatosis.

Production of ready-to-eat lentil sprouts with improved antioxidant capacity: optimization of elicitation conditions with hydrogen peroxide

This study evaluates the optimal conditions for elicitation with H2O2 for improving the antioxidant capacity of lentil sprouts. Generally, except for 3-day-old sprouts, elicitation increased phenolic content (in respect to the control). The highest phenolic content was determined for 2-day-old sprouts treated with 15 mM H2O2 (0.71 mg/gf.m.). All the studied modifications increased the antioxidant potential of sprouts. The highest elevation (3.2-fold) was found for 5-day-old sprouts (single 15 mM H2O2 treatment). A significant increase was also found on the 2nd and 4th days (2.13- and 2.14-fold, respectively). Elicitation induced tyrosine and phenylalanine ammonia-lyases activities. H2O2 treatments induced the activity of catalase - especially for 2-day-old sprouts treated with 150 mM H2O2 (597 U/gf.m.). Elicitation with H2O2 is a useful tool for designing some features of sprouts. Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity are strongly affected by concentration of the elicitor, and time and intervals of its application.

6-Benzylaminopurine inhibits growth of Monilinia fructicola and induces defense-related mechanism in peach fruit

This study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), the first generation synthetic cytokinin, on the invasion of Monilinia fructicola in peach fruit and the possible mechanism involved for the first time. Our results suggested that BAP treatment had a 63% lower disease incidence and approximately 10 times lower lesion diameter compared to the control throughout the incubation period. In vitro BAP showed a direct inhibitory effect on M. fructicola spore germination. BAP could prevent fruit texture deterioration and protect the cell membrane from oxidative stress, while no adverse effects were observed on fruit quality maintenance. Analysis of defense-related enzymes activities indicated that the use of BAP induced higher specific polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities which triggered stronger host defensive responses. Thus, our results verified the proposed mechanism of BAP in controlling M. fructicola by direct inhibitory effect, delay peach senescence and activation of defensive enzymes.

Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. polysaccharide ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia and vascular inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. (RG) has been widely used as traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treatment of diabetes and its complications. The polysaccharide fraction of RG has been proposed to possess hypoglycemic effect by intraperitoneal administration, however, the mechanisms responsible for the hypoglycemic effect of RG polysaccharide (RGP) remain poorly understood. Here we studied the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effect of oral administration of a purified RGP and its underlying mechanisms in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The preliminary structure of RGP was determined by GC and FT-IR. Mice were injected with STZ to induce type 1 diabetes. RGP at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/day was orally administered to mice for 4 weeks, and metformin was used as positive control. After 4 weeks, the blood biochemical parameters, the pancreatic insulin contents, in vitro insulin secretion, the hepatic glycogen contents and mRNA expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK) were assayed.

RESULTS

RGP was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose and galactose in the molar ratio of 1.00:1.26:0.73:16.45:30.40 with the average molecular weight of 63.5 kDa. RGP administration significantly decreased the blood levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and increased the blood levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and insulin in diabetic mice, concurrent with increases in body weights and pancreatic insulin contents. The in vitro study revealed that RGP significantly enhanced both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretions, as well as islet insulin contents in the pancreatic islets of diabetic mice. Moreover, RGP reversed the increased mRNA expression of PEPCK and the reduced glycogen contents in the liver of diabetic mice. Furthermore, RGP exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, as evidenced by the decreased blood levels of TNF-α, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MDA, and also the elevated blood levels of SOD and GPx activities in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, RGP can effectively ameliorate hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic mice, and thus may be a potential therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes.

Effect of the refining process on Moringa oleifera seed oil quality

We evaluated the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of the oil extracted from the seeds of Moringa oleifera during its refining process. Refining is accomplished in three stages: neutralization, degumming, and bleaching. Four samples were analyzed, corresponding to each step of the processed and crude oil. Increases in the density, viscosity, saponification value and oxidation of the oil were detected during the refining, while the peroxide value and carotenoid content diminished. Moreover, the refractive index and iodine content were stable throughout the refining. Nine fatty acids were detected in all four samples, and there were no significant differences in their composition. Oleic acid was found in the largest amount, followed by palmitic acid and behenic acid. The crude, neutralized, and degummed oils showed high primary oxidation stability, while the bleached oil had a low incidence of secondary oxidation.

Biochemical changes associated with ascorbic acid-cisplatin combination therapeutic efficacy and protective effect on cisplatin-induced toxicity in tumor-bearing mice

Cisplatin is one of the well-established anticancer drugs being used against a wide spectrum of cancers. However, full therapeutic efficacy of the drug is limited due to development of various toxicities in the host. This study examines the comparative therapeutic effectiveness and toxicities of cisplatin alone and in combination of dietary ascorbic acid (AA) in ascites Dalton's lymphoma-bearing mice. The findings show that the combination treatment of mice with ascorbic acid plus cisplatin has much better therapeutic efficacy against murine ascites Dalton's lymphoma (DL) in comparison to cisplatin alone and this may involve a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase activity and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in Dalton's lymphoma tumor cells. At the same time, combination treatment indicates a protective role of ascorbic acid against cisplatin-induced tissue toxicities (side effects) in the hosts. Cisplatin-induced histopathological changes in liver, kidney and testes were decreased after combination treatment. The analysis of renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT) and sperm abnormalities also suggest an improvement in these parameters after combination treatment. Therefore, it may be concluded that the increased GSH level, catalase activity and decreased LPO in the tissues, i.e., liver, kidney and testes after combination treatment may be involved in its protective ability against cisplatin-induced tissue toxicities in the host.

Improvement in spatial memory dysfunction by telmisartan through reduction of brain angiotensin II and oxidative stress in experimental uremic mice

AIMS

We previously reported that chronic uremia induces spatial working memory dysfunction in mice, and that it is attributed to cerebral oxidative stress. The source of oxidative stress was considered to be uremic toxins, but this remains unclear. In the present study, we examined whether the brain renin-angiotensin system was activated in the CKD mouse model, and whether it contributed to cognitive impairment.

MAIN METHODS

CKD was induced in 8-week-old male mice by 5/6 nephrectomy. Mice were divided into four groups: control mice administered tap water (Cont-V), control mice treated with 0.5mg/kg/day telmisartan, an angiotensin II (AII) receptor blocker, for 8 weeks (Cont-T), CKD mice administered tap water (CKD-V), and CKD mice treated with 0.5 mg/kg/day telmisartan for 8 weeks (CKD-T). After the treatment period, a radial arm water maze (RAWM) test was performed, and angiotensin II (AII) concentrations and markers of oxidative stress were measured in the brains of mice.

KEY FINDINGS

Errors in the RAWM test were more frequent in the CKD-V group than in the Cont-V group. In addition, errors in the CKD-T group were comparable to control mice. Tissue brain AII concentrations were greater in the CKD-V group compared with the other groups. Oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the brain were also greater in the CKD-V group compared with the other groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that brain AII levels were exaggerated in CKD mice, and that this contributes to cognitive impairment through oxidative stress.

Protective effects of bajijiasu in a rat model of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced neurotoxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVENCE

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) caused by neurons and/or myelin loss lead to devastating effects on patients׳ lives. Although the causes of such complex diseases have not yet been fully elucidated, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and energy metabolism dysfunction, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis have been recognized as influential factors. Current therapies that were designed to address only a single target are unable to mitigate or prevent disease progression, and disease-modifying drugs are desperately needed, and Chinese herbs will be a good choice for screening the potential drugs. Previous studies have shown that bajijiasu, a dimeric fructose isolated from Morinda officinalis radix which was used frequently as a tonifying and replenishing natural herb medicine in traditional Chinese medicine clinic practice, can prevent ischemia-induced neuronal damage or death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to investigate whether bajijiasu protects against beta-amyloid (Aβ₂₅₋₃₅)-induced neurotoxicity in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms of bajijiasu in vivo, we prepared an Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) model by injecting Aβ25-35 into the bilateral CA1 region of rat hippocampus and treated a subset with oral bajijiasu. We observed the effects on learning and memory, antioxidant levels, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter levels, and neuronal apoptosis.

RESULTS

Bajijiasu ameliorated Aβ-induced learning and memory dysfunction, enhanced antioxidative activity and energy metabolism, and attenuated cholinergic system damage. Our findings suggest that bajijiasu can enhance antioxidant capacity and prevent free radical damage. It can also enhance energy metabolism and monoamine neurotransmitter levels and inhibit neuronal apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The results provide a scientific foundation for the use of Morinda officinalis and its constituents in the treatment of various AD. Future studies will assess the multi-target activity of the drug for the treatment of AD.

Suramin inhibits hepatic tissue damage in hepatocellular carcinoma through deactivation of heparanase enzyme

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and is rarely amenable to radiotherapy. Heparanase, enzyme attacks heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), is preferentially expressed in human tumors and its overexpression in low-metastatic tumor confers a highly invasive phenotype in experimental animals. Meanwhile, high doses of suramin dramatically increase tissue glycosaminoglycans due, in part, to inhibition of heparanase enzymes. Therefore, the following study was conducted to evaluate the chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of suramin in in-vivo model of HCC. Therefore, HCC was induced in SD rats by thioacetamide (200mg/kg) in presence/absence of suramin (20mg/kg). Liver impairment was assessed by measuring serum α-fetoprotein and investigating liver sections stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin. Hepatic HSPGs and heparanse were measured by ELISA. Glucosamine and glucuronic acid were measured by chemical methods. Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and caspase-3 was measured. Apoptotic pathway was evaluated by measuring the activity of caspase-3/8/9. Suramin increased the animal survival and decreased serum α-fetoprotein. In addition, suramin ameliorated fibrosis and massive hepatic tissue breakdown. Suramin restored hepatic HSPGs and reduced the activity of hepatic heparanase leading to decreased hepatic levels of glucosamine and glucuronic acid. Moreover, suramin reduced the gene expression of FGF-2 and caspase-3. Finally, suramin blocked the elevated activity of caspase-3/8/9. In conclusion, surmain showed antitumor activity as well as hepatoprotective effects. Besides its antioxidant activity, other mechanisms are involved including restoration of HSPGs and inhibition of heparanase and FGF-2. Suramin inhibits intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Targeting HSPGs expression is potential therapeutic target for HCC.