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.

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.

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）.

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.

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.

Bioactive chemical constituents from the marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp.DLT-5

A new isochromanone,cladosporinisochromanone(1),accompanied by 15 known compounds(2–16)were obtained from secondary metabolites produced by marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp.DLT-5.NMR and HRESIMS spectra elucidation determined the planar structure of 1.Subsequent electronic circular dichroism(ECD)experiment assigned the absolute configuration of 1.Compounds 1,2,4–6,and 10 displayed different degrees of neuroprotective activities on human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y.Five compounds(1,3–5,and 13)emerged resistance to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B),further kinetic analysis and molecular docking study indicated that the most potent compound 13(IC50value of 10.74±0.61μmol/L)was found as a noncompetitive inhibitor for PTP1B.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)and molecular docking studies also demonstrated the interaction between compound 12 and Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1(NPC1L1),which has been identified as significant therapeutic target for hypercholesteremia.In addition,compounds 3,6,and 14 showed attractive inhibitory activity against the phytopathogenic fungi:Colletotrichum capsici.Therefore,library of Cladosporium metabolites is enriched and new active uses of known compounds are explored.

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.

(＋)-Borneol is neuroprotective against permanent cerebral ischemia in rats by suppressing production of proinflammatory cytokines

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death globally.It occurs when a major artery is occluded in the brain and leads to death of cells within the injured tissue.（＋）-Borneol,a simple bicyclic monoterpene extracted from traditional Chinese medicine,is widely used in various types of diseases.However,no study has proved the effects of（＋）-borneol on functional recovery from permanent ischemic stroke and the mechanism is still unknown.Here,we report that in the rat model of permanent cerebral ischemia,we found that（＋）-borneol（1.0 mg/kg） significantly ameliorated infarct size and neurological scores via reducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase（iNOS）and tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） in a dose dependent manner.Notably,（＋）-borneol showed long-term effects on the improvement of sensorimotor functions in the photothrombotic model of stroke,which decreased the number of foot faults in the grid-walking task and forelimb asymmetry scores in the cylinder task,at least in part through reducing loss of dendritic spines in the length,brunch number and density.These findings suggest that（＋）-borneol could serve as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

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.

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.

Interleukin-4 promotes microglial polarization toward a neuroprotective phenotype after retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Glaucoma results from irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)through an unclear mechanism.Microglial polarization and neuroinflammation play an important role in retinal degeneration.Our study aimed to explore the function of microglial polarization during glaucoma progression and identify a strategy to alleviate retinal neuroinflammation.Retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in C57BL/6 mice.In a separate cohort of animals,interleukin(IL)-4(50 ng/mL,2μL per injection)or vehicle was intravitreally injected after retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.RGC loss was assessed by counting cells that were positive for the RGC marker RNA binding protein,mRNA processing factor in retinal flat mounts.The expression of classically activated(M1)and alternatively activated(M2)microglial markers were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,immunofluorescence,and western blotting.The results showed that progressive RGC loss was accompanied by a continuous decrease in M2 microglia during the late phase of the 28-day period after retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.IL-4 was undetectable in the retina at all time points,and intravitreal IL-4 administration markedly improved M2 microglial marker expression and ameliorated RGC loss in the late phase post-retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.In summary,we observed that IL-4 treatment maintained a high number of M2 microglia after RIR and promoted RGC survival.

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.

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.

Effects of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum on neurotoxicity and synaptogenesis in amyloid-beta 1-40-induced Alzheimer's disease in vitro models

BACKGROUND： Neuronal loss, synapse mutilation, and increasing malnourished axons are pathologically related to Alzheimer＇s disease. Microtubule-associated protein 2 （MAP2） is of importance for neuronal, axonal, and dendritic generation, extension, and stabilization, as well as for the regulation of synaptic plasticity. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the antagonistic effects of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum on beta amyloid protein 1-40 （Aβ1-40）-induced neurotoxicity from the standpoints of cell proliferation, synaptogenesis, and cytoskeleton formation （MAP2 expression）. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A paralleled, controlled, neural cell, and molecular biology experiment was performed at the Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University between February 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： PC12 cells, derived from the rat central nervous system, were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. A β1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. Natural-cerebrolysin was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. The natural-cerebrolysin was predominantly composed of Renshen （Radix Ginseng）, Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae）, and Yixingye （Ginkgo Leaf） in a proportion of 1：2：2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract （1：20） was prepared. Each gram of extract equaled 20 grams of crude drug. In a total of 12 adult male New Zealand rabbits, six underwent intragastric administration of natural-cerebrolysin extract for 1 month to prepare natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, and the remaining six rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS： An AIzheimer＇s disease in vitro model was induced in PC12 cells using Aβ1-40. The cells were incubated with varying doses of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum （2.5%, 5%, and 10%）. Normal blank serum-treated PC12 cells served as a blank control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Through the use of inverted phase contrast microscope, cell morphology and neurite growth were observed, neurite length was measured, and the percentage of neurite-positive cells was calculated. Cell proliferation rate was determined by MTT assay, and MAP 2 expression was detected by fluorescent immunocytochemistry. RESULTS： Following Aβ1-40 treatments, some PC12 cells were apoptotic/dying, and only a few short neurites were observed. Following interventions with natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, the PC12 cells proliferated, there was an increased number of neurites, and neurite length was enhanced. After middle- and high-dose natural-cerebrolysin treatments, the percentage of neurite-positive cells, as well as the average length of neurites, was significantly greater than the normal blank serum-treated PC12 cells （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. Compared with the blank control group, MAP2 expression in the Aβ1-40-treated PC12 cells was significantly inhibited, and the cell proliferation rate was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. Following incubations with natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, MAP2 expression and cell proliferation rate in the PC12 cells were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, compared with treatments with blank control serum （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Natural-cerebrolysin exhibited antagonistic effects on neurotoxicity in Aβ1-40 induced Alzheimer＇s disease in vitro models. These effects were likely related to cell proliferation and the upregulation of intracellular MAP2 expression.

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.