Protective Effects of Total Flavonoids from Epimedium on the Male Mouse Reproductive System Against Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Oxidative Injury by Up‐Regulating the Expressions of SOD3 and GPX1

Total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE) is the main active composition of Epimedium that has been used to treat male reproductive problems. The present aim was to investigate the protective effects of TFE on male mice reproductive system against cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced oxidative injury. The animals were treated with CP to make testicular injury model and the protective effects of TFE were observed. In the CP‐treated group, testicular and epididymal weights, sperm count and motility significantly decreased relative to the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Compared with the CP‐treated group, TFE (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated mice increased testicular weights by 21.6% and 28.4% (P < 0.05), sperm counts by 81.7% and 148.3% (P < 0.01) and sperm motility by 47.2% and 61.3% (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the CP‐treated group showed enhancement of lipid peroxidation leading to testicular reproductive toxicity. TFE restored these oxidative damages by up‐regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, especially SOD3 and GPX1. TUNEL assay and histopathological observations provided supportive evidence for above results, and when the dose of TFE increased, the aforesaid improvement became more and more strong. These results demonstrated that TFE exerted beneficially protective effects on the structural and functional damage of male mice reproductive system and reduced apoptosis in spermatogenic cells by inhibiting CP‐induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of lycopene supplement on the spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress in infertile men: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Infertility is a major, worldwide problem that is affected, and mediated, by several factors, in particular, oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial study, 44 infertile men with oligozoospermia were randomly divided into two groups: The experimental group was supplemented with 25 mg of lycopene, and the control group received placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, physical activity and dietary assessment, semen analysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in total sperm count and concentration in the lycopene group, and the latter total count remained significant after adjustment (p < .05). Intragroup analysis showed a significant increase in ejaculate volume, total sperm count, concentration total motility, nonprogressive, and nonmotility in lycopene group (p < .05). The TAC changes, in both groups, remained significant after adjustment (p < .05). Also, within‐group analysis showed a significant increase in TAC levels (p < .05). Lycopene supplement can improve sperm parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in oligozoospermia infertile men; however, further studies with larger sample size and duration are required.     

Eutigoside C attenuates radiation‐induced crypt injury in the mouse intestine

On Jeju Island, South Korea, the leaves of Eurya emarginata have been traditionally used to treat ulcers or as a diuretic. Eutigoside C isolated from the leaves has been reported to have in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects. We evaluated the radioprotective effects of eutigoside C on jejunal cell apoptosis and crypt survival in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. In addition, the ability of eutigoside C to protect against radiation‐induced oxidative stress was examined by evaluating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in radiation‐induced hepatic injury. Eutigoside C was administered intraperitoneally at 48, 12, and 1 h before irradiation. The administration of eutigoside C (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight) before irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05), and attenuated radiation‐induced decrease of villous height (p < 0.05). Pretreating mice prior to irradiation with eutigoside C (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p < 0.01). The dose reduction factor was 1.09 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment of eutigoside C prior to irradiation significantly protected SOD and CAT activities in radiation‐induced hepatic injury (p < 0.05). These results suggest that eutigoside C is a useful radioprotector capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against indirect depletion, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by gamma irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Atractylodes japonica root extract protects osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells against hydrogen peroxide‐induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation

The rhizome of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. has been used traditionally for the treatment of water retention in the body and is known to have estrogen‐like activity. In the present study, the protective effects of A. japonica root extract on the response of osteoblasts to oxidative stress were evaluated. Osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells were incubated with hydrogen peroxide and/or A. japonica root extract, and markers of osteoblast function and oxidative damage were examined. A. japonica root extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased cell survival, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen and calcium deposition and decreased the production of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kB ligand (RANKL), protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde of osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. These results demonstrate that A. japonica root can protect the cells from oxidative stress‐induced toxicity and may have positive effects on skeletal structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

人参糖蛋白对阿霉素所致心肌毒性的保护作用及其机制研究

目的通过体内外实验,探讨人参糖蛋白对阿霉素心脏毒性的保护作用及机制。方法建立SD大鼠心肌损伤模型,给予人参糖蛋白进行干预后,检测血清中乳酸脱氢酶(lactatedehydrogenase,LDH)、肌酸激酶同工酶MB(creatinekinase isoenzymes-MB,CK-MB)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性及谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)水平;采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察大鼠心肌组织病理变化。建立心肌细胞H9c2损伤模型,采用CCK-8法检测H9c2细胞活力;通过流式细胞术检测H9c2细胞周期、细胞凋亡、活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)水平和线粒体膜电位变化;采用Western blotting法检测H9c2细胞凋亡相关蛋白、丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)信号通路相关蛋白、沉默信息调节因子2相关酶类3(silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 3,Sirt3)...     

In vitro protective effects of an aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea L. flower against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity and UV‐induced mtDNA damage in human keratinocytes

The traditional practice of eating the flowers of Clitoria ternatea L. or drinking their infusion as herbal tea in some of the Asian countries is believed to promote a younger skin complexion and defend against skin aging. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of C. ternatea flower water extract (CTW) against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity and ultraviolet (UV)‐induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in human keratinocytes. The protective effect against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity was determined by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium assay, and mtDNA damage induced by UV was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Preincubation of HaCaT with 100, 250, and 500 μg/ml CTW reduced cytotoxicity effects of H₂O₂ compared with control (H₂O₂ alone). CTW also significantly reduced mtDNA damage in UV‐exposed HaCaT (p < .05). CTW was chemically‐characterized using high resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The main compounds detected were assigned as anthocyanins derived from delphinidin, including polyacylated ternatins, and flavonol glycosides derived from quercetin and kaempferol. These results demonstrated the protective effects of C. ternatea flower extracts that contain polyacylated anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides as major constituents, against H₂O₂ and UV‐induced oxidative stress on skin cells, and may provide some explanation for the putative traditional and cosmetic uses of C. ternatea flower against skin aging.     

Celastrol inhibits growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer cell MKN45 by down‐regulating microRNA‐21

Celastrol could inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro. However, effect(s) of celastrol on gastric cancer is not well studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of celastrol on human gastric cancer cell line MKN45 and the underlying mechanisms. We found that celastrol inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). Under celastrol treatment, overexpression of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) increased cell viability, migration, and invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis compared with negative control (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). In addition, the phosphorylation of PTEN was significantly up‐regulated, whereas PI3K, AKT, p65, and IκBα phosphorylation was statistically decreased by celastrol (p < .05 or p < .01) and then further reversed by miR‐21 overexpression (p < .05 or p < .01). On the other side, miR‐21 silence showed contrary results (p < .05) as relative to miR‐21 overexpression. In conclusion, celastrol inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion and inactivates PTEN/PI3K/AKT and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways in MKN45 cells by down‐regulating miR‐21.     

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (–SH groups), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre‐ to post‐supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Berberine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury via the PERK‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling axis

A fundamental element of acute lung injury (ALI) is the inflammatory response, which can affect the entire respiratory system, including the respiratory tract and alveoli. Berberine has gained attention because of its anti‐inflammatory effects. Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are involved in lung injury. Nrf2 also acts as a protein kinase‐like ER kinase (PERK) substrate in heart disease. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of berberine against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI and the role of the PERK‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling axis. Berberine promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation in vitro. After LPS stimulation, this effect was further enhanced, whereas inflammatory factor (IL‐6 and IL‐8) release and reactive oxygen species generation were significantly decreased. Berberine effectively alleviated lung injury by reducing lung edema and neutrophil infiltration. Berberine also significantly reduced histopathological inflammatory changes via inhibition of ER stress and activation of Nrf2 signaling. Thapsigargin‐induced ER stress and small interference RNA (siRNA)‐mediated Nrf2 inhibition abrogated the protective effects of berberine in vitro, whereas siRNA‐mediated suppression of ER stress and sulforaphane‐induced Nrf2 activation further improved those effects. Importantly, ER stress induction led to Nrf2 activation, whereas PERK depletion partly reduced the level of Nrf2 phosphorylation and translocation in LPS‐induced cells. Therefore, berberine inhibits LPS‐induced ALI through the PERK‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling axis.     

Acteoside‐improved streptozotocin‐induced learning and memory impairment by upregulating hippocampal insulin,glucose transport,and energy metabolism

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, has been, by and large, correlated to insulin pathway, glucose level, and energy metabolism in the brain. Intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (ICV‐STZ) leads to glucose and energy metabolism dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and increased oxidative stress in the brain. Acteoside has a myriad of pharmacological effects on the brain, namely, neuroprotection and recuperation of cognitive functions. The primary focus of the current study was to examine the effect of acteoside on insulin, glucose transport, and energy metabolism in the hippocampal area of the brain. The behavioral experiments such as spatial memory, active learning, and passive memory suggested that acetoside ameliorated the ICV‐STZ‐induced learning and cognitive impairment. The acteoside induced increase in the protein expression of glucose transporters (Glu T1, Glu T3, and Glu T4), glucose, and insulin levels in the hippocampus for maintaining normal learning and memory function were demonstrated by Western blot. In addition, acteoside's long‐term oral administration increased the the ratio of ATP content divided by ADP content (ATP/ADP) ratio, which, in turn, reduced the reactiveoxygen species (ROS) level and improved the cellular oxidative stress response. Compared with the model group, the above results show significant differences in different degrees (p < .05 or p < .01). This study suggests that acteoside can ameliorate the ICV‐STZ‐induced learning and memory impairment caused due to insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, Glu T1, Glu T3, and Glu T4 pathways by triggering intracerebral metabolism.     

Celastrol attenuates renal injury in diabetic rats via MAPK/NF‐κB pathway

The purpose of this study was to investigate the renal protective effect of celastrol on diabetic rats. Furthermore, the mechanism of its action was discussed whether it was related to MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway. There were a total of 36 rats. Six rats were randomly chosen as the control group. The remaining 30 rats were given 1% streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg) and were randomly divided into five groups: the model control group, the low‐dose celastrol group, the high‐dose celastrol group, the Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group, and the MAPK/NF‐κB inhibitor group. After 4 weeks of continuous administration, 24‐hr urine volume, urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine content were observed, and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining of the kidney and liver were evaluated. p38MAPK was designated by immunohistochemical method, and NF‐κB p65 in renal tissue was detected by western blotting. Our results showed that celastrol could not only reduce contents of creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood but also reduce excretion of urinary protein in diabetic rats, improve renal pathological injury, and down‐regulate the expression of p38MAPK and NF‐κB p65. In conclusion, celastrol could protect kidney of diabetic rats by regulating the signal pathway of MAPK/NF‐κB, inhibiting inflammation and delaying renal injury.     

Boswellia serrata has Beneficial Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties in a Model of Experimental Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that involves only the colon and rectum, being characterized by leukocyte infiltrate and superficial ulcers in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extract from the Boswellia serrata plant in an experimental rat model of acute ulcerative colitis induced by the administration of acetic acid (AA). An extract of B. serrata (34.2 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 2 days before and after the induction of colitis with 4 mL of 4% AA. The anal sphincter pressure in the colitis group showed a significant decrease compared to that of the control groups (p < 0.001). The analysis of the values of lipid peroxidation (LPO) obtained by substances that react with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) showed a significantly increased LPO in the colitis group compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). The nitric oxide levels and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) showed a significant increase in the colitis group compared to control groups (p < 0.01). Both pretreatment and treatment with B. serrata exhibited significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and iNOS and showed improvements in tissue injury and anal sphincter pressure in animals with ulcerative colitis. The B. serrata extract has protective anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects that inhibit inflammatory mediators in acute experimental colitis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiproliferation of keratinocytes and alleviation of psoriasis by the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris

The therapeutic potentials of the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris (ACE) for psoriasis were verified in HaCaT cells (as an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line) and imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse models. In HaCaT cells, IC₅₀ value of ACE was 37.5 μg/ml after incubating for 72 hr. The antiproliferation activity of ACE in HaCaT cells was further verified by apoptosis assays. The percentage of apoptotic population in ACE‐treated group was significantly higher than that of control group (p < .05). The result of cell cycle arrest assay also supported the observed antiproliferation efficacy of ACE in HaCaT cells. In IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse models, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score of ACE (50 mg/ml; ACE50)‐treated group was significantly lower than that of IMQ group on Day 4 (p < .05). After topical application of ACE on psoriasis‐like lesion for 4 days, the epidermal thickness of (IMQ + ACE50) group was significantly lower than that of IMQ group (p < .05). The expression levels of Ki‐67 and intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 in excised skin tissues of (IMQ + ACE50) group were also lower than those of IMQ group. All these findings suggest that ACE can be used as a promising antipsoriatic agent.     

Retracted: Lipopolysaccharides‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA‐192

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS‐sensitive miRNA (miR‐192) and the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 μM significantly attenuated LPS‐induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL‐6 and TNF‐α release. miR‐192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR‐192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR‐192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR‐192. LPS‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR‐192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling.     

Mulberrofuran G Protects Ischemic Injury‐induced Cell Death via Inhibition of NOX4‐mediated ROS Generation and ER Stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of mulberrofuran G (MG) in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia. MG was isolated from the root bark of Morus bombycis. MG inhibited nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) enzyme activity and oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐induced NOX4 protein expression in SH‐SY5Y cells. MG inhibited the expression of activated caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 and cleaved poly adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐ribose polymerase in OGD/R‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, MG protected OGD/R‐induced neuronal cell death and inhibited OGD/R‐induced reactive oxygen species generation in SH‐SY5Y cells. In in vivo model, MG‐treated groups (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg) reduced the infarct volume in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion‐induced ischemic rats. The MG‐treated groups also reduced NOX4 protein expression in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion‐induced ischemic rats. Furthermore, protein expression of 78‐kDa glucose‐regulated protein/binding immunoglobulin protein, phosphorylated IRE1α, X‐box‐binding protein 1, and cytosine enhancer binding protein homologous protein, mediators of endoplasmic reticulum stress, were inhibited in MG‐treated groups. Taken together, MG showed protective effect in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia through inhibition of NOX4‐mediated reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This finding will give an insight that inhibition of NOX enzyme activity and NOX4 protein expression could be a new potential therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bacopa monnieri as augmentation therapy in the treatment of anhedonia,preclinical and clinical evaluation

Bacopa monnieri (L.) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic for improving intelligence and memory. Several studies highlighted its efficacy in neuropsychiatric diseases but there is no evidence regarding anhedonia. Aim of the present work was to preclinically and clinically test against anhedonia a standardized B. monnieri extract (20% bacosides). In a mouse model of a depressive‐like syndrome induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the daily administration of the extract (50–200 mg kg^?1, p.o.) for 1 week, dose‐dependently counteracted the immobility time in Porsolt and Tail suspension tests (p < .01). At the sucrose preference test (directly related to the ability for feeling pleasure) the extract treatment (100 and 200 mg kg^?1) counteracted the reduction of sucrose intake induced by LPS (p < .01). Moreover, B. monnieri significantly reduced cytokines, cortisol, and artemin LPS‐dependent alterations in plasma while increased the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels (p < .05). The efficacy of the same extract was tested in a clinical study in which 42 patients with significant degree of anhedonia (evaluated as Snaith‐Hamilton Pleasure Scale [SHAPS] score ≥ 3) were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups and treated with citalopram or citalopram associated with B. monnieri (300 mg bid) for 4 weeks. The Pears Sample T‐test showed a significant improvement (p < .05) in relevant scales (Hamilton depression rating scale, SHAPS, and strength and difficulties questionnaire) in the extract‐treated group in comparison to citalopram alone was recorded. These data suggest that B. monnieri extract may be effective for the management of anhedonia and therefore should be considered for future controlled trials.     

补阳还五汤对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠血小板Src,Akt和p38 MAPK蛋白的影响

目的:探讨补阳还五汤预处理对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠体内血小板活化信号通路中酪氨酸激酶(Src),蛋白激酶B(Akt)和p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)蛋白及其磷酸化表达的影响。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为正常组、假手术组、模型组、硫酸氢氯吡格雷组(7.81 mg·kg-1)和补阳还五汤高、中、低剂量组(29.69,14.84,7.42 g·kg~(-1))。连续灌胃ig给药14 d后,大脑中动脉线栓法复制脑缺血再灌注损伤模型,并神经功能缺损评分;氯化三苯基四氮唑(TTC)染色法测算脑梗死体积;蛋白质免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测血小板活化信号通路中Src,Akt和p38 MAPK蛋白及其磷酸化表达情况。结果:与模型组比较,补阳还五汤各组及硫酸氢氯吡格雷组能明显降低脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的神经功能缺损评分和脑梗死体积比(P0.05);补阳还五汤不同剂量明显降低Src,Akt和p38 MAPK磷酸化水平(P0.05);硫酸氢氯吡格雷明显降低Src和Akt磷酸化水平(P0.05);各组大鼠血小板Src,Akt和p38 MAPK总蛋白表达水平无统计学差异。结论:补阳还五汤预处理对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的脑组织保护作用,一定程度上是发挥抗血小板活化的作用,且可能与抑制Src家族激酶,PI3K-Akt和p38 MAPK信号通路有关。     

Imperatorin ameliorates learning and memory deficits through BDNF/TrkB and ERK/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling in prenatally‐stressed female offspring

Prenatal stress (PS) can lead to impaired spatial learning and memory in offspring. Imperatorin (IMP) is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin with many pharmacological properties. However, the effects of IMP on cognitive impairment induced by PS and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the protective effect of IMP treatment after PS on learning and memory deficits in female offspring at postnatal 60 days. After treating prenatally‐stressed offspring with IMP (15 and 30 mg/kg) for 28 days, we found that IMP increased body weight and ameliorated spatial learning and memory and working memory deficits in female offspring rats. Meanwhile, hippocampal Glu and serum corticosterone levels in prenatally‐stressed offspring were significantly decreased after IMP administration. Additionally, IMP treatment significantly increased BDNF, TrkB, CaMKII, and CREB mRNA expression in the hippocampus of offspring rats. Furthermore, PS‐mediated induction of RKIP protein and mRNA expression and glucocorticoid receptor protein expression in the hippocampus of offspring rats were significantly decreased by IMP treatment, and the protein expression of BDNF and TrkB and relative levels of p‐EKR/ERK, p‐CaMKIIα/CaMKIIα, and p‐CREB/CREB were remarkably increased after IMP treatment. Taken together, IMP can ameliorate PS‐induced learning and memory deficits through BDNF/TrkB and ERK/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.     

Polysaccharide extracted from Potentilla anserina L ameliorate acute hypobaric hypoxia‐induced brain impairment in rats

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a high altitude malady caused by acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH), in which pathogenesis is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Potentilla anserina L is mainly distributed in Tibetan Plateau, and its polysaccharide possesses many physiological and pharmacological properties. In the present study, the protective effect and potential treatment mechanism of Potentilla anserina L polysaccharide (PAP) in HACE were explored. First, we measured the brain water content and observed the pathological changes in brain tissues, furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were evaluated by kits. Finally, the protein contents and mRNA expressions of pro‐inflammatory (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, vascular endothelial cell growth factor [VEGF], NF‐κB, and hypoxia inducible factor‐1 α [HIF‐1α]) were detected by ELISA kits, RT‐PCR, and western blotting. The results demonstrated that PAP reduced the brain water content, alleviated brain tissue injury, reduce the levels of MDA and NO, and increased the activity of SOD and GSH level. In addition, PAP blocking the NF‐κB and HIF‐1α signaling pathway activation inhibited the generation of downstream pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and VEGF). Therefore, PAP has a potential to treat and prevent of HACE by suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.     

Possible therapeutic effect of carvacrol on asthmatic patients: A randomized,double blind,placebo‐controlled,Phase II clinical trial

The relaxant effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, on tracheal smooth muscle and its preventive effect on asthmatic animals were reported. The effect of carvacrol in asthmatic patients was examined in the placebo group (Group P, n = 11) receiving placebo and treatment group (Group C, n = 12), which received carvacrol capsule (1.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 months in a double‐blind manner. Pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, hematological indices, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured before, 1 and 2 months after starting treatment. At the end of treatment period, Pulmonary function tests values in Group C were significantly increased (p < .05 to p < .001). Most respiratory symptoms were also significantly reduced in Group C at the end of 2‐month treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). Total and differential white blood cell (p < .05 to p < .001), as well as serum levels of hs‐CRP in Group C were also significantly reduced after 2‐month treatment with carvacrol (p < .001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were changed in Group C (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). However, in Group P, there was no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Pulmonary function tests were increased but respiratory symptoms, inflammatory cells, and hs‐CRP were reduced in asthmatic patients who received carvacrol that indicates its therapeutic effect on asthma.