Akkermansia muciniphila-directed polyphenol chlorogenic acid intervention for obesity in mice

Akkermansia muciniphila play an important in ameliorating obesity but is not allowed for direct consumption in most countries.To date,microbiota-directed foods selectively promote the targeted human gut microbes,providing a strategy for A.muciniphila enhancement.Multiple studies have indicated the potential regulation of the polyphenol on A.muciniphila.Therefore,a polyphenol screening based on A.muciniphila upregulation was performed in mice.Chlorogenic acid(CGA)exhibited a greater response to A.muciniphila upregulation.Furthermore,we found that CGA did not directly promote A.muciniphila growth or mucin secretion.Microbiome and metabolomics revealed that the increased abundance of A.muciniphila resulted from the inhibition of CGA on Desulfovibrio and Alistipes and the influence of docosahexaenoic acid,β-hydroxybutyrate,and N-acetyl-lactosamine.Finally,to confirm the regulation of CGA on A.muciniphila under disease conditions,high-fat diet-fed mice were established.The results showed CGA promoted A.muciniphila growth,and we expectedly found that CGA suppressed the augment in body weight of mice,significantly attenuated adipose tissue abnormality,provided liver protection and improved gut barrier integrity.These results suggest that CGA inhibits the development of obesity.Overall,our results indicate that microbiota-directed food is a promising approach for the treatment of obesity.

Chlorogenic acid alleviates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal mice

Recent studies have shown that chlorogenic acid(CGA),which is present in coffee,has protective effects on the nervous system.However,its role in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we established a newborn mouse model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury using a modified Rice-Vannucci method and performed intraperitoneal injection of CGA.We found that CGA intervention effectively reduced the volume of cerebral infarct,alleviated cerebral edema,restored brain tissue structure after injury,and promoted axon growth in injured brain tissue.Moreover,CGA pretreatment alleviated oxygen-glucose deprivation damage of primary neurons and promoted neuron survival.In addition,changes in ferroptosis-related proteins caused by hypoxic-ischemic brain injury were partially reversed by CGA.Furthermore,CGA intervention upregulated the expression of the key ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4 and its upstream glutamate/cystine antiporter related factors SLC7A11 and SLC3A2.In summary,our findings reveal that CGA alleviates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal mice by reducing ferroptosis,providing new ideas for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Identification and expression analysis of chlorogenic acid biosynthesis key gene PpHCT in peach

Shikimic acid/quinic acid hydroxy cinnamyl transferase(HCT)is one of the key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway.However,the role of the HCT gene in chlorogenic acid(CGA)biosynthesis in peach fruit remains unclear.For this,we identified the accumulation pattern of CGA in four peach cultivars,cloned and characterized 11 PpHCT gene members,and further analyzed the expression patterns of these PpHCT genes during fruit development.The contents of CGAs in the four peach cultivars all exhibited a trend of increasing and then decreasing during the fruit growth and development.Moreover,the contents of CGAs in the peel and flesh were tissue-specific.Gene structure analysis indicated that the PpHCT genes were highly conserved,containing two exons and one intron.The protein structure analysis demonstrated that the PpHCT proteins contained two conserved motifs(HXXXD,DFGWG)and a transferase domain(PF02458),which belonged to the BAHD acyltransferase family.The cis-acting element analysis suggested that the promoters of PpHCT genes contained many light-related,hormone-related,stress-related,tissue-specific,and circadian-related elements,and they could participate in a variety of biological processes.Phylogenetic analysis showed that the HCT proteins of peach were closely related to the HCT proteins of plum and had a close evolutionary relationship.The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of PpHCT1 and PpHCT2 showed an opposite trend to the accumulation of CGA,whereas the expression levels of PpHCT4,PpHCT5,PpHCT7,PpHCT8,and PpHCT11 demonstrated the same trend as CGA accumulation.It was worth noting that only PpHCT4 and PpHCT5 were highly expressed in the two high-CGA cultivars but showed low levels of expression in the two low-CGA cultivars.Therefore,it was hypothesized that these two genes might be key genes to the synthesis of CGA in peach fruit.Those findings provide a theoretical basis for further study on the biological functions of the HCT gene and help to reveal the molecular mechanism of CGA.

Exploring the anti-aging effects of chlorogenic acid and the underlying mechanisms based on a Caenorhabditis elegans model

Objective:To explore the anti-aging effects of chlorogenic acid(CGA)and the underlying mechanisms based on a Caenorhabditis elegans(C.elegans)model.Methods:The anti-agingactivityofCGAwasstudied basedon thebodylength,exercisebehavior,lipofuscin content,antioxidative stress ability,swallowing frequency,body-bending frequency,and head-swinging ability of C.elegans.Through DAF-16 nuclear translocation and SOD-3-GFP fluorescence experiments,the effects of CGA on ROS levels,antioxidant enzyme activities,MDA content,mutant-strain lifespan,and anti-aging molecular signaling pathways were explored,as well as the underlying mechanisms.Results:CGA improved multiple indices of the nematode:body length was increased(all P<0.001),head-swing frequency and body-bending frequency were increased(all P<0.05),nematode longevity was prolonged(P=0.0021),lipofuscin deposition in nematodes was slowed down(all P<0.001),the chemotaxis index was improved(P=0.0012),ROS levels were reduced(all P<.001),and SOD activity and MDA content were reduced(SOD:P=0.0017 between the low-concentration group and the control group,P<.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group;MDA:P=0.0135 between the low-concentration group and the control group,and P<0.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group).In addition,CGA also activated the DAF-16 transcription factor,promoted DAF-16 nuclear translocation under oxidative stress conditions(both P<0.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group),and increased SOD-3 gene expression in nematodes(all P<0.001).Conclusion:CGA plays an anti-aging role in C.elegans.The underlying mechanisms include activation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and enhancement of DAF-16 activity.This study lays a foundation for further research into the anti-aging effects of CGA.

Modulating Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Lipids and Glucose Metabolism and Expression of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-α in Golden Hamsters Fed on High Fat Diet

Objective To examine the effects of chlorogenic acid （CGA） on lipid and glucose metabolism under a high dietary fat burden and to explore the possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α （PPAR-α） in these effects. Methods Twenty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into CGA treatment group （n=10, given peritoneal injection of CGA solution prepared with PBS, 80 mg CGA/kg body weight daily）, and control group （n=10, given PBS i.p. at the average volume of the treatment group）. Animals in both groups were given 15% high fat diet. Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the level of biochemical parameters in fasting serum and tissues and the expression of hepatic mRNA and protein PPAR-α were determined. Results Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the levels of fasting serum triglyceride （TG）, free fatty acid （FFA）, total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）, glucose （FSG）, and insulin （FSI） were significantly lower in the GGA treatment group than in the control group. CGA also led to higher activity of hepatic lipase （HL） lower contents of TG and FFA in liver, and lower activity of lipoprotein lipase （LPL） in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CGA significantly elevated significantly elevated the expression level of mRNA and protein expression in hepatic PPAR-α. Conclusion CGA can modify lipids and glucose metabolism, which may be attributed to PPAR-α facilitated lipid clearance in liver and improved insulin sensitivity.

Chlorogenic Acid Maintains Glucose Homeostasis through Modulating the Expression of SGLT-1,GLUT-2,and PLG in Different Intestinal Segments of Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Objective To reveal the effects and related mechanisms of chlorogenic acid(CGA)on intestinal glucose homeostasis.Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups:normal chow(NC),high-fat diet(HFD),HFD with low-dose CGA(20 mg/kg,HFD-LC),and HFD with high-dose CGA(90 mg/kg,HFD-HC).The oral glucose tolerance test was performed,and fast serum insulin(FSI)was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The m RNA expression levels of glucose transporters(Sglt-1 and Glut-2)and proglucagon(Plg)in different intestinal segments(the duodenum,jejunum,ileum,and colon)were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.SGLT-1 protein and the morphology of epithelial cells in the duodenum and jejunum was localized by using immunofluorescence.Results At both doses,CGA ameliorated the HFD-induced body weight gain,maintained FSI,and increased postprandial 30-min glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion.High-dose CGA inhibited the HFD-induced elevation in Sglt-1 expression.Both CGA doses normalized the HFD-induced downregulation of Glut-2 and elevated the expression of Plg in all four intestinal segments.Conclusion An HFD can cause a glucose metabolism disorder in the rat intestine and affect body glucose homeostasis.CGA can modify intestinal glucose metabolism by regulating the expression of intestinal glucose transporters and Plg,thereby controlling the levels of blood glucose and insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles with sustained release property,retained antioxidant activity and enhanced bioavailability

In this study,chlorogenic acid(CGA),a phenolic compound widely distributed in fruits and vegetables,was encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles by ionic gelation method.The particles exhibited the size and zeta potential of 210 nm and 33 mV respectively.A regular,spherical shaped distribution of nanoparticles was observed through scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and the success of entrapment was confirmed by FTIR analysis.The encapsulation efficiency of CGA was at about 59%with the loading efficiency of 5.2%.In vitro ABTS assay indicated that the radical scavenging activity of CAG was retained in the nanostructure and further,the release kinetics study revealed the burst release of 69%CGA from nanoparticles at the end of 100th hours.Pharmacokinetic analysis in rats showed a lower level of Cmax,longer Tmax,longer MRT,larger AUC0et and AUC0e∞for the CGA nanoparticles compared to free CGA.Collectively,these results suggest that the synthesised nanoparticle with sustained release property can therefore ease the fortification of food-matrices targeted for health benefits through effective delivery of CGA in body.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of chlorogenic acid after oral administration in rats

The present study was aimed at the comparison of the pharmacokinetics of pure chlorogenic acid and extract of Solanum lyratum Thunb. The animals were allocated to two groups, and were administered chlorogenic acid or extract of S. lyratum Thunb. at a dose of 50.0 mg/kg orally. Blood samples were collected up to 8 h post-dosing. Plasma chlorogenic acid analyses were performed using an HPLC method with UV detector. The pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using non-compartmental assessment. Significant differences existed in the two groups for AUCo-t, AUCo-∞ and CLz/F. The reliable HPLC method was successfully applied to the determination of chlorogenic acid in rat plasma at dosting of 50.0 mg/kz.

Overexpression of IbPAL1 promotes chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in sweetpotato

Sweetpotato[Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.],a food crop with both nutritional and medicinal uses,plays essential roles in food security and health-promoting.Chlorogenic acid(CGA),a polyphenol displaying several bioactivities,is distributed in all edible parts of sweetpotato.However,little is known about the specific metabolism of CGA in sweetpotato.In this study,IbPAL1,which encodes an endoplasmic reticulum-localized phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL),was isolated and characterized in sweetpotato.CGA accumulation was positively associated with the expression pattern of IbPAL1 in a tissue-specific manner,as further demonstrated by overexpression of IbPAL1.Overexpression of IbPAL1 promoted CGA accumulation and biosynthetic pathway genes expression in leaves,stimulated secondary xylem cell expansion in stems,and inhibited storage root formation.Our results support a potential role for IbPAL1 in sweetpotato CGA biosynthesis and establish a theoretical foundation for detailed mechanism research and nutrient improvement in sweetpotato breeding programs.

Determination of chlorogenic acid by flow injection irreversible biamperometry

A flow injection irreversible biamperometric method for the determination of chlorogenic acid is described. The proposed method is based on the electrochemical oxidation of chlorogenic acid at pretreated platinum electrode and the reduction of permanganate at another electrode to form an irreversible biamperometric detection system. Under the external potential difference （z^v） of 0 V, in the 0.05 mol/L sulfuric acid, chlorogenic acid can be determined over the range 0.8-120 mg/L with a sample measurement frequency of 80 samples/h. The detection limit is 0.18 mg/L. The proposed method exhibits the satisfactory reproducibility with a relative standard derivation （R.S.D.） of 2.21% for 19 successive determinations of 40 mg/L.

Chlorogenic acid complex(CGA7),standardized extract from green coffee beans exerts anticancer effects against cultured human colon cancer HCT-116 cells

Coffee is commonly consumed beverage in the world and it has been suggested to have beneficial effect.Chlorogenic acids(CGAs)are main ingredient of coffee beans which has been extensively used in nutraceuticals and medicine.Recently,various therapeutic effects of chlorogenic acids have been investigated.However,there are limited studies to investigate its anticancer properties.In the present study,we have used chlorogenic acid complex(CGA7)a decaffeinated water soluble green coffee bean extract to evaluate its cytotoxic effect on human and mouse cancer cell lines by using different approaches.From our results we found CGA7 treatment induces cell death in a dose and time dependent manner in different cancer cell lines.Further,CGA7 induced apoptosis was characterized by DNA fragmentation,PARP-1 cleavage,caspase-9 activation,and down regulation of Bcl-2,an anti-apoptotic protein and up regulation of pro-apoptotic protein BAX.Overall findings indicated that CGA7 complex a potent anticancer molecule found in green coffee beans could be a safe bioactive ingredient for prevention of cancer.

Transcriptome analysis to identify candidate genes related to chlorogenic acid biosynthesis during development of Korla fragrant pear in Xinjiang

Korla fragrant pear(KFP)with special fragrance is a unique cultivar in Xinjiang,China.In order to explore the biosynthesis molecular mechanism of chlorogenic acid(CGA)in KFP,the samples at different development periods were collected for transcriptome analysis.High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that CGA contents of KFP at 88,118 and 163 days after full bloom were(20.96±1.84),(12.01±0.91)and(7.16±0.41)mg/100 g,respectively,and decreased with the fruit development.Pears from these typical 3 periods were selected for de novo transcriptome assemble and 68059 unigenes were assembled from 444037960 clean reads.One‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’pathway including 57 unigenes,11 PALs,1 PTAL,64CLs,9 C4Hs,25 HCTs and 5 C3’Hs related to CGA biosynthesis was determined.It was found that the expression levels of 11 differentially expressed genes including 1 PAL,2 C4Hs,34CLs and 5 HCTs were consistent with the change of CGA content.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis further showed that 8 unigenes involved in CGA biosynthesis were consistent with the RNA-seq data.These findings will provide a comprehensive understanding and valuable information on the genetic engineering and molecular breeding in KFP.

Differences Between the Concentrations in Rabbit Body Fluid of Berberine Hydrochloride, Chlorogenic Acid, Baicalin, and Their Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations

To explore the relationship between the heat-clearing and detoxicating functions and the bacteriostatic actions of berberine hydrochloride （Ber. H）, chlorogenic acid （Chlo. A）, and baicalin （Bai）, their concentrations in rabbit body fluid were compared with their minimal inhibitory concentrations （MICs）. Their concentrations in rabbit blood and tissue fluid were determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, and their MICs to Escherichia coli were determined by tube dilution method. The results showed that the peak concentrations of Ber. H, Chlo. A, and Bai in rabbit blood were 3.2, 5.03, and 7.63 μg mL^-1, and in rabbit tissue fluid were 0.12, 0.11, and 0.12 μg mL^-1, respectively. Their MICs to E. coli were, respectively, 1.0×10^3, 3.75 × 10^3, and 6.75 ×10^3μg mL^-1, which were far higher than the concentrations in rabbit body fluids. This study indicates that Ber. H, Chlo. A, and Bai have weak bacteriostatic actions and do not reach their effective inhibitory concentrations in rabbit body fluids, and their heat-clearing and detoxicating functions are independent on the bacteriostatic actions.

Ionic Liquid and HP-β-CD Modified Capillary Zone Electrophoresis to Separate Hyperoside, Luteolin and Chlorogenic Acid

Ionic liquid （1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1E-3MI-TFB） and HP-β- CD as modifier was added to the buffer to separate hyperoside, luteolin and chlorogenic acid. Experiments explored the effect of concentration of 1E-3MI-TFB and HP-β-CD on separation. The results indicated that 1.0 mmol/L HP-β-CD and 1%0 （v/v） 1E-3MI-TFB added to the buffer simultaneously could achieve a good compromise of resolution and analysis time. Capillary experiments and UV spectra indicated that there was interaction between 1E-3MI-TFB and analytes.

Chlorogenic Acid Metabolism:The Evolution and Roles in Plant Response to Abiotic Stress

During the evolution,plants acquired the ability to synthesize different phenylpropanoid compounds like chlorogenic acid(CGA),which plays vital roles in resistance mechanisms to abiotic stresses.These environmental factors,including heavy metal,cold,heat,ultraviolet(UV)light,drought,and salinity affect the plant physiological processes,resulting in massive losses of agriculture production.As plants evolve from green algae to bryophytes,ferns,gymnosperms and angiosperms,phenylpropanoids are produced and accumulated in different tissues,giving the plant the capacity to counteract the harmful effects of the adverse environments.Studies have been performed on the metabolic evolution of rosmarinic acid,flavonoids and lignin,showing that the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids begins in green algae until the emersion of genes found in angiosperms;however,the evolution of the CGA pathway has not yet been reviewed.We hypothesize that CGA could also be synthesized from algae to angiosperms.In the present review,the evolutionary analysis of CGA pathway and the function of this compound in plant tolerance to abiotic stresses are summarized.Bioinformatics analyzes were carried out on CGA-related genes across 37 plant species and revealed that the metabolic pathway starts in algae and gradually increases until it becomes complete in angiosperms.The key genes exhibited different expression patterns in stress and plant tissues.Interestingly,some genes accumulated rapidly during evolution and were more sensitive to environmental stresses,while others appeared only later in angiosperms.Further studies are needed to better understand the evolution of the CGA metabolic pathway in plants under environmentally stressed conditions.

Chlorogenic acid alters the voltage-gated potassium channel currents of trigeminal ganglion neurons

Chlorogenic acid（5-caffeoylquinic acid, CGA） is a phenolic compound that is found ubiquitously in plants, fruits and vegetables and is formed via the esterification of caffeic acid and quinic acid. In addition to its notable biological functions against cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes and inflammatory conditions, CGA was recently hypothesized to be an alternative for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer＇s disease and neuropathic pain disorders. However, its mechanism of action is unclear.Voltage-gated potassium channel（Kv） is a crucial factor in the electro-physiological processes of sensory neurons. Kv has also been identified as a potential therapeutic target for inflammation and neuropathic pain disorders. In this study, we analysed the effects of CGA on the two main subtypes of Kv in trigeminal ganglion neurons, namely, the IK,Aand IK,Vchannels. Trigeminal ganglion（TRG）neurons were acutely disassociated from the rat TRG, and two different doses of CGA（0.2 and 1 mmol·L21） were applied to the cells.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to observe alterations in the activation and inactivation properties of the IK,Aand IK,Vchannels. The results demonstrated that 0.2 mmol·L21CGA decreased the peak current density of IK,A. Both 0.2 mmol·L21and1 mmol·L21CGA also caused a significant reduction in the activation and inactivation thresholds of IK,Aand IK,V. CGA exhibited a strong effect on the activation and inactivation velocities of IK,Aand IK,V. These findings provide novel evidence explaining the biological effects of CGA, especially regarding its neurological effects.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effects of Three Chlorogenic Acid Extracts

[Objectives] To study the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of chlorogenic acid extracts of Gynura procumbens,Lonicera japonica,and Eucommia ulmoides leaves,and provide a reference for their usage as natural food preservatives and antioxidants. [Methods]The disc diffusion method was applied to study the antibacterial activity of chlorogenic acid extracts of G. procumbens,L. japonica,and E. ulmoides leaves against several common pathogens. In the antioxidant effects,study was carried out on the anti-lipid peroxidation,reducing capacity,and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity of chlorogenic acid extracts of G. procumbens,L. japonica,and E. ulmoides leaves,respectively.[Results]Three chlorogenic acid extracts had strong inhibitory effects on bacteria,especially the inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus. At the concentration of 100 mg/m L,the bacteriostatic ring of chlorogenic acid extracts of G. procumbens,L. japonica,and E. ulmoides leaves reached 21. 4,23. 6 and 24. 7 mm respectively. Besides,these chlorogenic acid extracts had significant inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Salmonella,but the inhibitory effect on the yeast was not obvious; the antibacterial intensity of antibacterial compounds was chlorogenic acid extracts of E. ulmoides > chlorogenic acid extracts of L. japonica > chlorogenic acid extracts of G. procumbens. Among these three chlorogenic acid extracts,the chlorogenic acid extracts of E. ulmoides had higher anti-lipid peroxidation,reducing capacity,and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity than other two chlorogenic acid extracts. [Conclusions] This paper reveals that among chlorogenic acid extracts of G. procumbens,L. japonica,and E. ulmoides leaves,the chlorogenic acid extracts of E. ulmoides leaves have a stronger antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity.

Preparation of Fe_(3)O_(4)@SW-MIL-101-NH_(2) for selective preconcentration of chlorogenic acid metabolites in rat plasma,urine,and feces samples

An innovative sandwich-structural Fe-based metal-organic framework magnetic material(Fe_(3)O_(4)@SWMIL-101-NH_(2))was fabricated using a facile solvothermal method.The characteristic properties of the material were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray powder diffraction,vibrating sample magnetometry,and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements.Fe_(3)O_(4)@SW-MIL-101-NH_(2) is associated with advantages,such as robust magnetic properties,high specific surface area,and satisfactory storage stability,as well as good selective recognition ability for chlorogenic acid(CA)and its metabolites via chelation,hydrogen bonding,and p-interaction.The results of the static adsorption experiment indicated that Fe_(3)O_(4)@SW-MIL-101-NH_(2) possessed a high adsorption capacity toward CA and its isomers,cryptochlorogenic acid(CCA)and neochlorogenic acid(NCA),and the adsorption behaviors were fitted using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.Then,a strategy using magnetic solid-phase extraction(MSPE)and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS)was developed and successfully employed for the selective pre-concentration and rapid identification of CA metabolites in rat plasma,urine,and feces samples.This work presents a prospective strategy for the synthesis of magnetic adsorbents and the high-efficiency pretreatment of CA metabolites.

Chlorogenic acid protection of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons in the hippocampus of mice with impaired learning and memory

BACKGROUND： Clinical practice and modern pharmacology have confirmed that chlorogenic acid can ameliorate learning and memory impairments. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of chlorogenic acid on neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS）-positive neurons in the mouse hippocampus, and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of chlorogenic acid on learning and memory. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The present randomized, controlled, neural cell morphological observation was performed at the Institute of Neurobiology, Central South University between January and May 2005. MATERIALS： Forty-eight female, healthy, adult, Kunming mice were included in this study. Learning and memory impairment was induced with an injection of 0.5 uL kainic acid （0.4 mg/mL） into the hippocampus. METHODS： The mice were randomized into three groups （n = 16）： model, control, and chlorogenic acid-treated. At 2 days following learning and memory impairment induction, intragastric administration of physiological saline or chlorogenic acid was performed in the model and chlorogenic acid-treated groups, respectively. The control mice were administered 0.5uL physiological saline into the hippocampus, and 2 days later, they received an intragastfic administration of physiological saline. Each mouse received two intragastric administrations （1 mL solution once） per day, for a total of 35 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Detection of changes in hippocampal and cerebral cortical nNOS neurons by immunohistochemistry; determination of spatial learning and memory utilizing the Y-maze device. RESULTS： At day 7 and 35 after intervention, there was no significant difference in the number of nNOS-positive neurons in the cerebral cortex between the model, chlorogenic acid, and control groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control group, the number of nNOS-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1-4 region was significantly less in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. However, the control group was not different from the chlorogenic acid-treated group （P 〉 0.05）. At day 7 following intervention, the number of correct responses in the Y-maze test was greater in the chlorogenic acid-treated group than in the model group. CONCLUSION： Chlorogenic acid protects kainic acid-induced injury to nNOS-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1-4 regions, thereby ameliorating learning and memory impairment.

Chlorogenic acid may be a potent inhibitor of dimeric SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CLpro: an in silico study

Background:Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 to date,there is no available approved drug or definitive treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 viral infection,and the identification of novel hits against therapeutic targets has become a global emergency.Echinacea purpurea is a traditional herb utilized to treat cough,fever,sore throat,respiratory tract infection,and so on as an immune stimulant.In this study,in silico molecular docking approach was used to screen phytocompounds from E.purpurea against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease 3C-like protease(3CLpro)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus main peptidase(96%sequence similarity)to blunt the viral gene expression and viral replication.Methods:Initially,we screened phytocompounds for their druggability and ADMET property.Furthermore,x-ray crystallographic structures of main proteases 3CLpro and main peptidase having Protein Data Bank ID 6LU7 and 2GTB were used as protein targets for the identification of potential drug candidates.We performed docking using AutoDock Vina by PyRx 0.8 software.BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer v2019 was used to analyze ligand-protein complex.The probable protein targets of the selected compound were predicted by BindingDB(P≥0.7).STRING and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways are utilized to identify the molecular pathways modulated by the predicted targets(FDR≤0.05),and the network interaction between compounds and protein pathways was constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.1.Results:Among all the compounds,chlorogenic acid showed druggable characteristics and scored the lowest binding energy with main protease and main peptidase via interacting with active site 1 domain amino acid residues.Interestingly,chlorogenic acid interacted with Phe140 main protease 3CLpro,which is potentially involved in the dimerization.Enrichment analysis identified chlorogenic acid to modulate insulin resistance,necroptosis,interleukin-17,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,legionellosis,T helper 17 cell differentiation,advanced glycation end products and receptor for advanced glycation end products,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Ras,estrogen,vascular endothelial growth factor,B-cell receptor,nuclear factor kappa B,Rap1,hypoxia inducible factor-1,phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase-Akt,insulin,mechanistic target of rapamycin,p53,retinoic acid inducible gene I like receptor,and ErbB signaling pathways.Conclusion:Chlorogenic acid may act as a potent main protease 3CLpro inhibitor and may also inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 dimerization,viral gene expression,and replication within the lung epithelium.Chlorogenic acid may go a long way in finding one of the multipronged solutions to tackle coronavirus disease 2019 viral infection in the future.