Lactoferrin modification of berberine nanoliposomes enhances the neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have shown that berberine has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease,including antagonizing tau phosphorylation,and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and neural cell apoptosis.However,its low bioavailability and adverse reactions with conventional administration limit its clinical application.In this study,we prepared berberine nanoliposomes using liposomes characterized by low toxicity,high entrapment efficiency,and biodegradability,and modified them with lactoferrin.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes had uniform particle size and high entrapment efficiency.We used the lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease established by injection of amyloid-beta 1-42 into the lateral ventricle.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in the hippocampus,reduced tau over-phosphorylation in the cerebral cortex,and improved mouse behavior.These findings suggest that modification with lactoferrin can enhance the neuroprotective effects of berberine nanoliposomes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Pretreatment with Rhodiola Rosea Extract Reduces Cognitive Impairment Induced by Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin in Rats: Implication of Anti-oxidative and Neuroprotective Effects

Objective To investigate the pretreatment effects of Rhodiola rosea （R. rosea） extract on cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress in hippocampus and hippocampal neuron injury in a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with R. rosea extract at doses of 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 g/kg for 3 weeks, followed by bilateral intracerebroventricular injection with streptozotocin （1.5 mg/kg） on days 1 and 3. Behavioral alterations were monitored after 2 weeks from the lesion using Morris water maze task. Three weeks after the lesion, the rats were sacrificed for measuring the malondialdehyde （MDA）, glutathione reductase （GR） and reduced glutathione （GSH） levels in hippocampus and histopathology of hippocampal neurons. Results The MDA level was significantly increased while the GR and GSH levels were significantly decreased with striking impairments in spatial learning and memory and severe damage to hippocampal neurons in the model rat induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin. These abnormalities were significantly improved by pretreatment with R. rosea extract （3.0 g/kg）. Conclusion R. rosea extract can protect rats against cognitive deficits, neuronal injury and oxidative stress induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin, and may be used as a potential agent in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Neuroprotective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on hemisection-induced spinal cord injury in rats

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate （EGCG）, a naturally occurring compound in green tea, has been widely used as an antioxidant agent. In the present study, model rats with acute spinal cord injury were intraperitoneally injected with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg EGCG, and spinal cord ultrastructure, oxidative stress reaction, inflammatory factors, and apoptosis-associated gene expression were observed. Results showed that EGCG attenuated neuronal and axonal injury 24 hours post injury. It also decreased serum intedeukin-113, tumor necrosis factor-a, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 release, and decreased apoptosis-associated gene expression. Furthermore, it increased the level of the superoxide anion （O2-）, superoxide dismutase, and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2, and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Noticeably, EGCG at the 100 mg/kg dosage exhibited similar effects as methylprednisolone sodium succinate, which has been frequently used for clinical acute spinal cord injury. The results demonstrated that EGCG can significantly inhibit inflammation, suppress oxidation, and reduce apoptosis in acute spinal cord injury.

Neuroprotective effects of statins against amyloid β-induced neurotoxicity

A growing body of evidence suggests that disruption of the homeostasis of lipid metabolism affects the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. In particular, dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain has been reported to considerably increase the risk of developing AD. Thus, dysregulation of lipid homeostasis may increase the amyloid β （Aβ） levels by affecting amyloid precursor protein （APP） cleavage, which is the most important risk factor involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous research demonstrated that Aβ can trigger neuronal insulin resistance, which plays an important role in response to Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in AD. Epidemiological studies also suggested that statin use is associated with a decreased incidence of AD. Therefore, statins are believed to be a good candidate for conferring neuropro- tective effects against AD. Statins may play a beneficial role in reducing A^-induced neurotoxicity. Their effect involves a putative mechanism beyond its cholesterol-lowering effects in preventing A[3-induced neurotoxicity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of statins have not been clearly determined in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Given that statins may provide benefits beyond the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A （HMG-CoA） reductase, these drugs may also improve the brain. Thus, statins may have beneficial effects on impaired insulin signaling by activating AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） in neuronal cells. They play a potential therapeutic role in targeting Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity.

Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill's effect on the learning and memory ability and its neuroprotective effects in vascular dementia rats

Clinical reports have demonstrated that the Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill （KSZZP）, a classical prescription deriving from Valuable Prescription for Emergencies, has good therapeutic effects on vascular dementia. However, the mechanisms that mediate its effects remain unclear. In this study, the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons was determined with in situ hybridization, spectrophotometry and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expressions of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1, nerve growth factor protein, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein were detected with immunohistochemistry. We found that KSZZP could significantly decrease the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA and protein, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons. KSZZP also increased the expression of nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein in the hippocampus CA1 region and in the cerebral cortex. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests verified that KSZZP ameliorated the cognitive impairments of vascular dementia rats. Moreover, the KSZZP-induced improvements in the cognitive functions of vascular dementia rats were correlated with both inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitable neurotoxicity and elevation of neurotrophic factor expression.

The neuroprotective effects of the anti-diabetic drug linagliptin against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity

Impaired insulin signaling in Alzheimer’s disease（AD）brains：The insulin signaling pathway is a fundamental physiological mechanism that presents in nearly all vertebrate cells.However,sometimes cells stop responding properly to insulin stimulation.This condition is known as insulin resistance,which is a hallmark of two very common conditions,metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes（T2D）.

Interferon beta(IFN-β) treatment exerts potential neuroprotective effects through neurotrophic factors and novel neurotensin/neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 pathway

Multiple sclerosis（MS）is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system（CNS）characterized by coexisting processes of inflammation,demyelination,axonal neurodegeneration,and gliosis.It is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adulthood.

Magnesium-L-threonate exhibited a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress damage in HT22 cells and Alzheimer’s disease mouse model

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress results in the production of excess reactive oxygen species(ROS)and triggers hippocampal neuronal damage as well as occupies a key role in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD).A recent study confirmed that magnesium had an inhibitory effect against oxidative stress-related malondialdehyde in vitro.However,whether Magnesium-L-threonate(MgT)is capable of suppressing oxidative stress damage in amyloidβ(Aβ)_(25-35)-treated HT22 cells and the AD mouse model still remains to be investigated.AIM To explore the neuroprotective effect of MgT against oxidative stress injury in vitro and in vivo,and investigate the mechanism.METHODS Aβ_(25-35)-induced HT22 cells were preconditioned with MgT for 12 h.APPswe/PS1dE9(APP/PS1)mice were orally administered with MgT daily for 3 mo.After MgT treatment,the viability of Aβ_(25-35)-treated HT22 cells was determined via conducting cell counting kit-8 test and the cognition of APP/PS1 mice was measured through the Morris Water Maze.Flow cytometry experiments were applied to assess the ROS levels of HT22 cells and measure the apoptosis rate of HT22 cells or hippocampal neurons.Expression of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X(Bax),hypoxiainducible factor(HIF)-1α,NADPH oxidase(NOX)4,Aβ_(1-42) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway proteins was quantified by Western blot.RESULTS In vitro data confirmed that Aβ_(25-35)-induced HT22 cells had a significantly lower cell viability,higher ROS level and higher apoptosis rates compared with those of control cells(all P<0.001).MgT prevented the Aβ_(25-35)-triggered oxidative stress damage by elevating viability and decreasing ROS formation and apoptosis of HT22 cells(all P<0.001).APP/PS1 mice exhibited worse cognitive performance and higher apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons than wild-type(WT)mice(all P<0.01).Meanwhile,significant higher expression of Aβ_(1-42) and NOX4 proteins was detected in APP/PS1 mice than those of WT mice(both P<0.01).MgT also ameliorated the cognitive deficit,suppressed the apoptosis of hippocampal neuron and downregulated the expression of Aβ_(1-42) and NOX4 proteins in APP/PS1 mouse(all P<0.05).Moreover,MgT intervention significantly downregulated HIF-1αand Bax,upregulated Bcl-2 and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway both in vitro and in vivo(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION MgT exhibits neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in Aβ_(25-35)-treated HT22 cells and APP/PS1 mice.

The neuroprotective effect of walnut-derived peptides against glutamate-induced damage in PC12 cells: mechanism and bioavailability

In our previous study, defatted walnut meal hydrolysate(DWMH) could attenuate D-galactose-induced acute memory deficits in vivo, and six potent active peptides including WSREEQ, WSREEQE, WSREEQEREE, ADIYTE, ADIYTEEAG and ADIYTEEAGR were identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism underlying their neuroprotective effects on glutamate-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and their digestive stability. Results showed that all these peptides could attenuate the reduction of cell viability caused by glutamate in PC12 cells, especially WSREEQEREE and ADIYTEEAGR. The addition of Arg residue in WSREEQEREE and ADIYTEEAGR might be the potential reason for their stronger protective effects. Additionally, these two peptides possibly protected PC12 cells against glutamate-induced apoptosis via activating intracellular antioxidant defence(superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)) through Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1) inhibition, inhibiting ROS production, Ca;influx and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) collapse as well as regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins(Bax and Bcl-2). This might be due to the presence of Trp, Tyr and Arg in these two peptides. However, encapsulation of WSREEQEREE and ADIYTEEAGR should be considered based on their digestive sensibility during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

Neuroprotective effect of the Chinese medicine Tiantai No.1 and its molecular mechanism in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8

Tiantai No.1, a Chinese medicine predominantly composed of powdered Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Radix Ginseng, and Ginkgo leaf at a ratio of 2：1：2 and dissolved in pure water, is neuroprotective in animal models of various cognitive disorders, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We administered Tiantai No.1 intragastrically to senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8（SAMP8） mice（a model of Alzheimer＇s disease） at doses of 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks and evaluated their behavior in the Morris water maze and expression of Alzheimer＇s disease-related proteins in the brain. Tiantai No.1 shortened the escape latency in the water maze training trials, and increased swimming time in the target quadrant during the spatial probe test, indicating that Tiantai No.1 improved learning and memory in SAMP8 mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Tiantai No.1 restored the proliferation potential of Ki67-positive cells in the hippocampus. In addition, mice that had received Tiantai No.1 had fewer astrocytes, and less accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau. These results suggest that Tiantai No.1 is neuroprotective in the SAMP8 mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease and acts by restoring neuronal number and proliferation potential in the hippocampus, decreasing astrocyte infiltration, and reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.

Outlook on the neuroprotective effect of estrogen

Epidemiologic studies often consider gender differences in a particular pathology, and constantly observe variations between men and wom- en. Indeed, a remarkable sexual dimorphism exists in the epidemiology of neurological conditions and brain diseases. Physiologically, males and females differ by their levels of circulating hormones that drive sexual behavioral, as well as endocrine functions. Estrogen is the pri- mary female sex hormonal group that enwraps estradiol, estrone and estriol, and which are the major naturally occurring hormones preva- lent in women. Their role in the reproductive function has long been established, although the ubiquitous expression of its receptors （alpha, beta and G protein-coupled, GPR30） presumes a broader spectrum of action. This short review will summarize the current knowledge in estrogen therapy with particular focus on some of the recent work that might lead to new neuroprotective treatments.

Syringaldehyde exerts neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia injury in rats through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties

There are few studies on the neuroprotective effects of syringaldehyde in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. The study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of syringaldehyde on ischemic brain cells. Rat models of cerebral ischemia were intraperitoneally administered syringaldehyde. At 6 and 24 hours after syringaldehyde administration, cell damage in the brain of cerebral ischemia rats was obviously reduced, superoxide dismutase activity and nuclear respiratory factor 1 expression in the brain tissue were markedly increased, malondi-adehyde level was obviously decreased, apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase caspase-3 and -9 immunoreactivity was obviously decreased, and neurological function was markedly improved. These ifndings suggest that syringaldehyde exerts neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia injury through anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effect of antioxidant compounds

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide.It has been estimated that the number of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease（AD）,Parkinson’s disease（PD）,Huntington’s disease（HD）,

URB597 exerts neuroprotective effect against transient cerebral ischemic injury via restor⁃ing autophagy flux and inhibiting neuronal necroptosis in mice

OBJECTIVE URB597(KDS-4103)is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase(FAAH)and can ele⁃vate the level of oleoylethanolamide(OEA),a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in the brain.However,the effect of URB597 on cerebral isch⁃emic injury in mice remains unclear.METHODS Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h in mice.To observe the dose-dependent effect,URB597(0.04-5.00 mg·kg-1,ip)was administered at the same time of reperfu⁃sion.To determine the time-dependent effect,URB597(1.00 mg·kg-1,ip)was administered as a single dose at 0,1,3 or 5 h after reperfusion.Twenty-four hours after brain ischemia,Beder⁃son scoring test and grip strength test were used to evaluate the neurological function;brain in⁃farct volume was assayed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetra⁃zolium chloride(TTC)staining or diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Laser speckle imaging(LSI)technique was used to assay the regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF);NeuN immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the neuron survival in the penumbra.To further investigate the underlying mechanism,au⁃tophagy flux related proteins(LC3-Ⅱ,P62 and LAMP2)and necroptosis related proteins(pRIPK3 and pMLKL)were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Twenty-four hours after brain ischemia,URB597 dose-dependently improved neurological func⁃tion and reduced brain infarct volume.The most effective dose was 1.00 mg·kg-1;the therapeutic time window was within 1 h after ischemic stroke.The protective effect is further confirmed by the results that post-ischemic treatment with URB597(1.00 mg·kg-1)significantly increased neurons survival,promoted autophagy flux and reduced cell necroptosis in cortical penumbra after cerebral I/R.CONCLUSION URB597 dose-and time-dependently exerts a neuroprotective effect against acute cerebral I/R injury.This neu⁃roprotective effect of URB597 may be associated with its restoration of autophagy flux and inhibi⁃tion of neuronal necroptosis in the cortical penumbra.

Mercury-induced neurotoxicity and neuroprotective effects of berberine

Exposure to mercury can cause immune, sensory, neurological, motor and behavioral dysfunctions similar to traits associated with autism spectrum disorders （ASDs）, and these similarities extend to neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters and biochemistry. It also affects antioxidant system in the cell, resulting in loss of membrane integrity and finally cellular necrosis （Abdel Moneim, 2015）.

A role for lipids as agents to alleviate stroke damage： the neuroprotective effect of 2-hydroxy arachidonic acid

Cerebrovascular accident（CVA）or stroke is one of the world＇s leading causes of death and permanent disability.The high social and medical costs associated with this pathology mean there is an urgent need to find effective therapies.Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery（MCAO）,mainly by clots,is the origin of most CVAs in humans.

Pseudotargeted metabolomics for exploring the changes of neurotransmitters profile in aging rat brain and the potential neuroprotective effect of alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla

Background:Aging is an essential risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.However,changes in the levels of neurotransmitters that are associated with aging are not well understood.Methods:Methods such as liquid-liquid extraction,protein precipitation,and solid-phase extraction,using 20 different extraction solvents,were evaluated to optimize the extraction of neurotransmitters.A pseudotargeted metabolomics approach was developed to detect neurotransmitters in brain tissues using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.Alkaloids that crossed into the brain were used to evaluate the effect of glutamic acid-induced excitatory neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.Results:The overall extraction efficiency using protein precipitation was high.The changes in neurotransmitters’levels in the brain exhibited changes during the different growth cycles.The levels of seven neurotransmitters(aspartic acid,tyrosine,isoleucine,leucine,tryptophan,valine,andγ-aminobutyric acid)were significantly different.Meanwhile,alkaloids could reduce the excitatory neurotoxicity of glutamic acid-induced SH-SY5Y cells via suppression of oxidative stress.Conclusion:Significant differences were observed in neurotransmitter profiling between 1-and 8-month-old rats,and the discrepant neurotransmitters were associated with aging.Seven indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla,which could cross the blood-brain barrier,were screened and used to explore their protective effects against aging.Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloids exhibited a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting oxidative stress,indicating that the alkaloid could be a potential therapeutic candidate for neurological disorders caused by glutamic acid toxicity.

GPCR-Gs mediates the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 against oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced astrocyte injury

Objectives:To investigate whether the protective actions of ginsenoside Rb1(Rb1)on astrocytes are mediated through the G_(s)-type G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR-G_(s)).Methods:Primary astrocyte cultures derived from neonatal mouse brain were used.Astrocyte injury was induced via oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation(OGD/R).Cell morphology,viability,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)leakage,apoptosis,glutamate uptake,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)secretion were assessed to gauge cell survival and functionality.Western blot was used to investigate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.GPCR-G_(s)-specific inhibitors and molecular docking were used to identify target receptors.Results:Rb1 at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 5μM did not significantly affect the viability,glutamate uptake,or BDNF secretion in normal astrocytes.OGD/R reduced astrocyte viability,increasing their LDH leakage and apoptosis rate.It also decreased glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion by these cells.Rb1 had protective effects of astrocytes challenged by OGD/R,by improving viability,reducing apoptosis,and enhancing glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion.Additionally,Rb1 activated the cAMP and Akt pathways in these cells.When the GPCR-G_(s) inhibitor NF449 was introduced,the protective effects of Rb1 completely disappeared,and its activation of cAMP and Akt signaling pathways was significantly inhibited.Conclusion:Rb1 protects against astrocytes from OGD/R-induced injury through GPCR-G_(s) mediation.

Characteristic Dihydroagarofuran Sesquiterpenoids with Neuroprotective Effects from the Celastraceae Plant Tripterygium wilfordii

Ten new characteristic dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoids and three known ones were acquired from the Celastraceae plant Tripterygium wilfordii.Their structure characterizations were done through spectroscopic data,while compounds 10-12 were further con firmed by single crystal diffractions.Several dihydroagarofurans protected PC12 cells against H2O2-i nduced cytotoxicity as detected by CCK8 assay.Compounds 5-7 and 13 sign ificantly in creased the levels of reactive oxyge n species(ROS)and superoxide dismutase(SOD),and decreased malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.In addition,compounds 5-7 and 13 activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and increased Nrf2,NQO1,and HO1 expression levels in PC12 cells after H_(2)O_(2) treatment.

Diverse sesquiterpenoids from Litsea lancilimba Merr.with potential neuroprotective effects against H_(2)O_(2)-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury

Five undescribed sesquiterpenoids(1–5),and nine known sesquiterpenoids(6–14)were obtained from the fruits of Litsea lancilimba Merr.by LC-MS/MS molecular networking strategies.Litsemene A(1)possessed a unique 8-member ring through unexpected cyclization of the methyl group on C-10 of guaiane.Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including IR,UV,NMR,HR-ESI-MS,and their absolute configurations were assigned by ECD calculations.All isolated sesquiterpenoids were analyzed by bioinformatics and evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against H_(2)O_(2)-induced injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.