Protective effects of betulinic acid on intestinal mucosal injury induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

BackgroundBetulinic acid (BA) is a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid with a variety of biological activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential protective role of BA against intestinal mucosal injury induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) treatment.MethodsMice were pretreated with BA daily (0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/kg) for 14 days, then injected intraperitoneally with CYP (50 mg/kg) for 2 days.ResultsBA pretreatment reduced the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in small intestine, increased villus hight/crypt depth ratio and restored the morphology of intestinal villi in CYP-induced mice. Moreover, BA pretreatment could significantly down-regulate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-17, IL-12 (P70) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), reduced production of chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and enhanced the levels of anti-inflammatory such as IL-2 and IL-10 in serum, and decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in intestine of CYP-induced mice. Furthermore, RT-PCR demonstrated that BA improved intestinal physical and immunological barrier in CYP-stimulated mice by enhancing the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden 1 (ZO-1) and Claudin-1.ConclusionsBA might be considered as an effective agent in the amelioration of the intestinal mucosal resulting from CYP treatment.     

Ameliorating effect of Celastrus paniculatus standardized extract and its fractions on 3-nitropropionic acid induced neuronal damage in rats: possible antioxidant mechanism

Context: Celastrus paniculatus Wild. (Celasteraceae) (CP) is a well-known Ayurvedic ‘Medhya Rasayana’ (nervine tonic), used extensively as a neuro-protective and memory enhancer, and in different central nervous system disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of CP against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced Huntington's disease (HD) like symptoms in Wistar male rats.

Materials and methods: The ethanol extract of CP seeds (CPEE), prepared by maceration, was standardized on the basis of linoleic acid content (6.42%) using thin layer chromatography densitometric analysis. Protective effect of CPEE (100 and 200?mg/kg) and its various fractions, viz., petroleum ether (40?mg/kg), ethyl acetate (2.5?mg/kg), n-butanol (7?mg/kg) and aqueous (18?mg/kg), administered orally for 20 days, against 3-NP (10?mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) was assessed by their effect on body weight, locomotor activity, grip strength, gait pattern and cognitive dysfunction and biochemical parameters for oxidative damage in the striatum and cortex regions of the brain.

Results: CPEE (100 and 200?mg/kg) treated animals exhibited a significant (p?p?Conclusions: CPEE has a protective action against 3-NP induced HD like symptoms due to its strong antioxidant effect.     

Neuroprotective effect of RO-20-1724-a phosphodiesterase4 inhibitor against intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in rats

Cyclic nucleotides viz cGMP and cAMP are known to play an important role in learning and memory processes. Enhancement of cyclic nucleotide signalling through inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) has been reported to be beneficial in several neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive decline. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of RO-20-1724-a PDE4 inhibitor on streptozotocin (STZ) induced experimental sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type. The STZ was injected twice intracerebroventrically (3 mg/kg i.c.v.) on alternate days (day 1 and day 3) in rats. The STZ injected rats were treated with RO-20-1724 (125, 250 and 500 μg/kg i.p.) for 21 days following first i.c.v. STZ administration. Learning and memory in rats were assessed by passive avoidance [PA (days 14 and 15)] and Morris water maze [MWM (days 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21)] following first i.c.v. STZ administration. On day 22 rat cerebral homogenate was used for all the biochemical estimations. The pharmacological inhibition of PDE4 by RO-20-1724 significantly attenuated STZ induced cognitive deficit and oxidative stress. RO-20-1724 was found to not only improve learning and memory in MWM and PA paradigms but also restore STZ induced elevation in cholinesterase activity. Further, RO-20-1724 significantly reduced malondialdehyde and nitrite levels, and restored the glutathione levels indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Current data complement previous studies by providing evidence for a subset of cognition enhancing effects after PDE4 inhibition. The observed beneficial effects of RO-20-1724 in spatial memory may be due to its ability to restore cholinergic functions and possibly through its antioxidant mechanisms.     

Protective effect of quercetin against acetic acid induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like symptoms in rats: Possible morphological and biochemical alterations

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by most common symptoms such as rectal bleeding. Lack of specific, curative treatments tempted us to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of quercetin against acetic acid induced IBD like symptoms.MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): naive, control, sulphasalazine and quercetin, and were pretreated for three days. Colitis was induced by intra-rectal administration of 3% acetic acid.ResultsPretreatment with sulphasalazine or quercetin significantly attenuated the biochemical and morphological alterations in the colon induced by acetic acid in rats.ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest the possible role of quercetin as therapeutics in IBD.     

Protective effect of embelin against acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of embelin isolated from Embelia ribes on acetic acid induced colitis in rats. Experimental animals received embelin (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) and sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for five consecutive days before induction of colitis by intra-rectal acetic acid (3% v/v) administration and the treatment continued up to 7 days. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by clinical, macroscopic, biochemical and histopathological examinations. Embelin treatment significantly decreased clinical activity score, gross lesion score, percent affected area and wet colon weight when compared to acetic acid induced controls. The treatment also reduced significantly the colonic myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxides and serum lactate dehydrogenase and significantly increased the reduced glutathione. The histopathological studies also confirmed the foregoing findings. The protective effect may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.     

左旋黄皮酰胺对冈田酸和β淀粉样肽25-35神经毒性的保护作用

探讨左旋黄皮酰胺对冈田酸(okadaic acid，OA)诱导的人神经瘤细胞(SH-SY5Y)和去卵巢(ovariectomy，OVX)及单侧侧脑室注射Aβ_25-35所致神经元损伤的保护作用。通过MTT试验、LDH释放测定试验、Hoechst 33258荧光染色试验以及SH-SY5Y细胞检测，考察左旋黄皮酰胺拮抗冈田酸诱导的细胞毒作用。通过避暗试验、电镜检测、Nissl体染色及HE染色，考察左旋黄皮酰胺对去卵巢及侧脑室注射Aβ_25-35大鼠神经元的保护作用。左旋黄皮酰胺可明显拮抗冈田酸诱导的细胞毒作用，提高去卵巢及侧脑室注射Aβ_25-35大鼠的学习记忆能力，保护海马及皮层神经元。左旋黄皮酰胺可拮抗冈田酸及Aβ_25-35诱导的神经毒性，具有神经保护作用。     

Protective effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis standardized extract and its fractions against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Context: Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois. (Convolvulaceae), a well-known Ayurvedic “Medhya Rasayana” (nervine tonic), is extensively used for different central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of standardized hydro-methanol extract of C. pluricaulis (CPE) and its fractions, namely ethyl acetate (EAE), butanol (BE), and aqueous (AE), against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: The extract of the whole plant was standardized on the basis of scopoletin content (0.014%) using thin layer chromatography densitometric analysis. CPE (100 and 200?mg/kg) and its fractions, namely EAE (15 and 30?mg/kg), BE (25 and 50?mg/kg), and AE (50 and 100?mg/kg) were administered orally for 20?d. Their protective effect against 3-NP (10?mg/kg, i.p. for 14?d) was assessed by the effect on various behavioral parameters, namely body weight, locomotor activity, grip strength, gait pattern, and the effect on cognitive dysfunction. Biochemical parameters for oxidative damage were also assessed in the striatum and cortex regions of the brain.

Results: Administration of 3-NP induced HD-like symptoms that were indicated by reduced body weight, locomotor activity, memory, grip strength, and oxidative defense. CPE (200?mg/kg), EAE (30?mg/kg), and BE (50?mg/kg) significantly (p?<?0.001) attenuated 3-NP induced reduction in locomotor activity, grip strength, memory, body weight, and oxidative defense in comparison with 3-NP-treated animals on 10 and 15?d.

Conclusion: The present study suggested that CPE has a protective action against 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity and can be further explored for its efficacy against Huntington’s disease.     

Melatonin alleviates memory deficits and neuronal degeneration induced by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin in rats

In the present study the effect of melatonin on intracerebroventricularly administered streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neurodegeneration was investigated in rats. STZ (3 mg/kg), administered twice with an interval of 48 h between the two doses, showed impairment in spatial memory tested by water maze test after 14 days of 1st dose. Administration of melatonin (2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was started 1 h prior to 1st dose of STZ and continued up to 14 days. Glutathione and malondialdehyde were used as biochemical markers of oxidative stress in different brain regions. Histopathological changes were examined by using hematoxylin and eosin stain. STZ administration caused significant decrease in glutathione and increase in malondialdehyde as compared to control and artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid treated rats indicating oxidative stress. Brain sections of STZ-treated rats showed increased vacuoles in the periventricular cortical area, damaged periventricular cells and damaged cells in the hippocampal CA4 region as compared to control and artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid treated groups. Melatonin treatment significantly attenuated the effect of STZ-induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes. The results indicate that melatonin is effective in providing protection against memory deficit, oxidative stress and neuronal damage induced by STZ.     

Montelukast potentiates the protective effect of rofecoxib against kainic acid-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats

There is an evolving consensus that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) serves as a prodrome to Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2) inhibitors have also been reported to have beneficial effects against conditions of memory impairment. Newer drugs like cysteinyl leukotriene inhibitors have shown neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemia. Thus, the present study purports to explore the potential role of montelukast (a cysteinyl leukotriene inhibitor) in concert with rofecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) and caffeic acid (a 5-LOX inhibitor and potent antioxidant) against kainic acid induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. In the experimental protocol, kainic acid (0.4 μg/2 μl) in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) was given intrahippocampally (CA3 region) to induce a condition similar to MCI. Memory performance was measured on days 10-14 and the locomotor activity was measured on days 1, 7 and 14. For estimation of biochemical, mitochondrial and histopathological parameters, animals were sacrificed on day 14, stored at − 80 °C and the estimation was done on the 15th day. The treatment groups consisting of montelukast (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), rofecoxib (5 and 10 mg/kg) and caffeic acid (5 and 10 mg/kg) showed significant improvement in memory performance, oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial function as compared to that of control (kainic acid treated), however, combination of montelukast with rofecoxib showed significant improvement in their protective effect. Thus the present study emphasizes the positive modulation of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor inhibition on COX (cyclooxygenase) and LOX (lipoxygenase) pathways in the control of the neuroinflammation in kainic acid induced cognitive dysfunction in rats.     

Protective effect against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for beneficial effects of L-arginine on lipopolysaccharide induced memory impairment in rats

L-Arginine (LA) and nitric oxide (NO) have been suggested to have some effects on learning, memory, brain tissues oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation. In this study, protective effect against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for beneficial effects of LA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced memory impairment was investigated. The rats were grouped into and treated by (1) control (saline), (2) LPS (1?mg/kg, IP), (3) LA (200?mg/kg) – LPS (4) LA. In passive avoidance (PA) test, LPS administration shortened the latency to enter the dark compartment in LPS group compared to control (p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Protective effect of gallic acid against lindane induced toxicity in experimental rats

Lindane is an organochlorine pesticide that persists in the environment, bioaccumulate through food chain and has a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. It induces cell damage by producing free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of gallic acid (a plant derived polyphenol) against lindane induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. Liver damage was assessed by hepatic serum marker enzymes like SGOT, SGPT and ALP and histopathological observation. Renal damage was observed by histopathological examination and serum markers like creatinine and urea. Treatment with lindane increased the levels of lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzyme activity with a concomitant decrease in GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx and GST. Histological alterations were also observed in kidney and liver tissue with lindane treatment. Co-treatment of gallic acid significantly prevented the lindane induced alterations in kidney and liver tissues with a decrease in LPO, serum marker enzyme activity and a significant increase in antioxidant levels. These results suggest that gallic acid has protective effect over lindane induced oxidative damage in rat liver and kidney.     

Cognitive effects of vanillic acid against streptozotocin-induced neurodegeneration in mice

Abstract

Context: Vanillic acid (VA), a flavoring agent used in food and drug products, obtained naturally from the plant Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Apiaceae), used in the traditional Chinese medicine. It is reported to possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the pharmacological effects on oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration are not well investigated.

Objective: This study investigates the neuroprotective effect of VA on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neurodegeneration in mice through behavioral and biochemical parameters.

Materials and methods: The behavioral effects were determined using the Y-maze and open-field habituation memory. In biochemical parameters, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), corticosterone, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase) were measured. Five groups of animals used were of control, negative control, and three separate groups treated with 25, 50, and 100?mg/kg of VA, respectively, for 28?d. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of STZ were performed for all groups except control on 14th and 16th of 28?d of VA treatment.

Results: VA improved spatial learning and memory retention by preventing oxidative stress compared with control animals. VA at 50 and 100?mg/kg dose significantly (p?<?0.001) improved the habituation memory, decreased the AChE, corticosterone, TNF-α, and increased the antioxidants (p?<?0.001). VA (100?mg/kg) exhibited dose-dependent effect in all parameters with p?<?0.001 except antioxidants in which VA showed the significance of p?<?0.01.

Discussion and conclusion: VA exhibited reduction in AChE, TNF-α, and corticosterone with improved antioxidants to contribute neuroprotection and could be an effective therapeutic agent for treating neurodegenerative disorders.     

Protective effect of ferulic acid on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats

This study aims to determine the potential protective effects of ferulic acid against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and to compare its effect with curcumin, a well-known protective agent against cisplatin- induced toxicity in rats. Administration of cisplatin resulted in high BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), creatinine, MDA (Malondialdehyde), MPO (Myeloperoxidase), TOS (Total Oxidative Status), PtNT (Protein Nitrotyrosine) levels (p < 0.05). Histological observations showed abnormal morphology of kidney; in addition with appearance of TUNEL positive cells indicating apoptosis in cisplatin administered group. HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase-1) levels measured by RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction), and TAS (Total Antioxidative Status) revealed antioxidant depletion due to cisplatin toxicity in animals (p < 0.05). All parameters showed improvement in groups treated with ferulic acid (p < 0.05). Ferulic acid treatment was found significant in preventing oxidative stress, increasing antioxidative status and regaining histological parameters to normal, indicating nephroprotective and antioxidant effects of this phenolic compound.     

兰索拉唑对乙醇诱导大鼠胃黏膜损伤的保护作用及其机制

目的　研究兰索拉唑 (LP)对乙醇诱导大鼠胃黏膜损伤的保护作用 ,探讨胃泌素受体和环氧化酶 2 (COX 2 )表达在此过程中的作用。方法　大鼠ig给予LP 0 5、5、5 0mg·kg-1·d-1,或ig联合给予LP 5 0mg·kg-1·d-1和胃泌素受体拮抗剂AG 0 4 1R 3、10、30mg·kg-1·d-1,对照组ig给予羧甲基纤维素 (CMC) 2 5mg·kg-1·d-1,连续 14d。末次给药后 8h各组大鼠ig给予无水乙醇 1ml,观察胃损伤指数 (LI)及光镜下的胃黏膜病理学改变。酶免疫方法测定胃黏膜前列腺素E2 (PGE2 )水平 ,WesternBlot和免疫组化检测胃黏膜COX 2表达。评价特异性COX 2抑制剂NS 398对LP诱导的PGE2 合成及胃黏膜保护作用的影响。结果　在 0 5、5、5 0mg·kg-1LP组 ,LI分别为 (2 5 3± 0 33) %、(1 84±0 2 9) %和 (0 83± 0 12 ) % ,小于对照组 (3 6 5± 0 19) % (P<0 0 5 ) ;胃黏膜PGE2 含量分别为 (42 7± 32 ) ,(483± 12 1)和 (6 14± 82 ) pg·g-1wwt ,高于对照组 (2 6 6± 81) pg·g-1wwt(P <0 0 5 )。LP剂量依赖性地增加大鼠胃黏膜COX 2表达。然而 ,同时给予AG 0 4 1R阻断了LP诱导的胃黏膜保护作用、COX 2表达和PGE2 合成。NS 398抑制LP诱导的PGE2 合成及胃黏膜保护作用。结论　LP的胃黏膜保护作用与内源性胃泌素激活胃泌素受     

Effect of lycopene and epigallocatechin-3-gallate against 3-nitropropionic acid induced cognitive dysfunction and glutathione depletion in rat: A novel nitric oxide mechanism

Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms like chorea and dementia. There is no exact therapeutic agent available to manage and cure this disease. 3-Nitropropionic acid, a neurotoxin causes gait and memory impairment which leads to oxidative damage and upsets glutathione defense in animals. 3-NP model is a useful tool to develop suitable therapeutic agent in the treatment of Huntington’s disease. Present study compares the effects of lycopene and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on memory impairment and disturbs glutathione system against 3-NP treatment. 3-NP treatment significantly impaired memory as assessed in Morris water maze and elevated plus maze tasks. On the 15 day, the levels of reduced glutathione, total glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase were also significantly decreased in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex areas of the brain. The treatment with lycopene (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and EGCG (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly improved memory and restored glutathione system functioning. Further, L-arginine and L-NAME pretreatment with the sub effective dose of lycopene (5 mg/kg) and EGCG (20 mg/kg) reversed and potentiate their protective effects respectively. In conclusion, lycopene and EGCG could be used to mange 3-NP induced behavioral and biochemical alterations by involving nitric oxide pathways.     

吡拉西坦对大鼠慢性脑缺血所致认知功能障碍和神经元损伤的保护作用

目的:观察吡拉西坦(别名脑复康)对慢性脑部低灌注所致认知功能障碍和神经元损伤的改善作用。方法:采用大鼠双侧颈总动脉永久性结扎模型,30只SD大鼠分为假手术组、脑缺血组和吡拉西坦治疗组,每组10只。吡拉西坦治疗组用吡拉西坦600 mg/kg灌胃,1次/d,从手术当天开始,持续37 d。Morris水迷宫实验用于检测空间学习记忆行为。生化测量脑内花生四烯酸代谢产物血栓素B2(TXB2)和6-酮前列腺素F1α(6-酮-PGF1α)的水平。HE染色观察大脑皮层和海马神经元的组织形态学改变,免疫组化分析p53蛋白及Bax蛋白的表达。结果:慢性脑部低灌注能够引起大鼠学习记忆损伤,表现为逃离潜伏期的延长和在目标象限中游泳时间的缩短,伴随着TXB2和6-酮-PGF1α水平的升高,p53和Bax蛋白的高表达以及皮层和海马神经元延迟性损害。吡拉西坦灌胃可显著提高损伤大鼠的学习记忆能力,降低TXB2水平,抑制p53和Bax蛋白的过量表达,改善神经元结构异常。结论:吡拉西坦对大鼠慢性脑缺血有保护作用,提示其可能在血管性痴呆的治疗中发挥积极有效的作用。     

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine against radiation induced DNA damage and hepatic toxicity in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of N- acetylcysteine (NAC) on gamma-radiation induced toxicity in hepatic tissue in rat. The cellular changes were estimated using malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total nitrate/nitrite (NO(x)) as markers of hepatic oxidative stress in rats following gamma-irradiation. The DNA damage was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. To achieve the ultimate goal of this study, 40 adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Group I was injected intraperitoneally with saline solution for 7 consecutive days and served as control group. Group II was irradiated with a single dose of 6Gy gamma-radiation. Group III was daily injected with NAC (1g/kg, i.p.) for 7 consecutive days. Group IV received a daily i.p. injection of NAC (1g/kg, i.p.) for 7 consecutive days and 1h after the last dose, rats were irradiated with a single dose (6Gy) gamma-radiation. The animals were sacrificed after 24h. DNA damage was observed in tissue after total body irradiation with a single dose of 6Gy. Malondialdehyde and total nitrate/nitrite were increased significantly whereas the levels of GSH and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in gamma-irradiated group. Pretreatment with NAC showed a significant decrease in the levels of MDA, NO(x) and DNA damage. The antioxidant enzymes increased significantly along with the levels of GSH. Moreover, histopathological examination of liver tissues confirmed the biochemical data. Thus, our results show that pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine offers protection against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage.     

油酰乙醇胺对东莨菪碱诱导小鼠认知功能损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨油酰乙醇胺对东莨菪碱诱导小鼠认知功能损伤的保护作用。方法 将小鼠随机分为6组：对照组、模型组、多奈哌奇组（阳性药,3 mg·kg^-1）和油酰乙醇胺低、中、高剂量（50、100、200 mg·kg^-1）组,每组6只。在ig给药4周后,除对照组外,各组ip 3 mg·kg^-1的东莨菪碱建立阿尔茨海默病（AD）模型。避暗、跳台行为学实验检测小鼠记忆功能; ELISA法检测小鼠海马和大脑皮层中乙酰胆碱（Ach）和乙酰胆碱酯酶（AChE）水平;HE染色观察小鼠大脑皮层及海马损伤。结果 与对照组比较,模型组的避暗潜伏期显著缩短、避暗错误次数显著增加（P<0.001）;大脑皮层、海马的Ach水平显著减少（P<0.01、0.001）,AChE活性显著升高（P<0.001）;模型组的小鼠脑组织形态结构不均匀,组织细胞呈弥散状,提示组织存在病变。与模型组比较,各给药组的避暗潜伏期显著升高、避暗错误次数显著减少（P<0.01）;油酰乙醇胺给药组的小鼠大脑皮层、海马组织Ach水平显著升高（P<0.05、0.01）,AChE活性显著降低（P<0.01、0.001）;小鼠脑组织形态结构病理改变减轻。结论 油酰乙醇胺对东莨菪碱诱导学习记忆障碍模型小鼠的认知功能具有改善作用,其作用机制可能与调节胆碱能系统功能、促进神经细胞存活有关。     

二氢石蒜碱对过氧化氢损伤的PC12细胞的保护作用

目的:探讨二氢石蒜碱(DL)对H2O2诱导的PC12细胞氧化损伤的影响及其可能机制。方法:用H2O2(200μmol.L-1)处理PC12细胞建立氧化应激模型,并加入二氢石蒜碱预处理作为保护。噻唑蓝(MTT)法和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)检测细胞存活率和细胞损伤程度,利用荧光探针DCFH-DA和JC-1分别检测细胞内活性氧(ROS)和线粒体膜电位。结果:H2O2作用于PC12细胞后,细胞存活率下降,LDH活性和ROS含量增高,线粒体膜电位降低,与正常对照组比较具有显著性差异(P<0.01);10-7～10-5mol.L-1DL预处理后,细胞存活率提高,LDH和ROS变低,线粒体膜电位回升,且在一定范围呈剂量依赖性。结论:DL对H2O2诱导PC12细胞氧化损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与减少ROS产生和稳定线粒体膜电位有关。     

Impact of levetiracetam on cognitive impairment,neuroinflammation, oxidative stress,and neuronal apoptosis caused by lipopolysaccharides in rats

IntroductionNeuroinflammation is associated with the elevation of toxic proinflammatory mediators that promote neurodegeneration and subsequently affect cognition. Causes of inflammation in the neuronal cells are believed to initiate various neurodegenerative disorders, mainly Alzheimer’s disease. Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug. There is evidence supporting the memory-enhancing effect of levetiracetam from numerous experimental and clinical studies. Therefore, this research focused on finding its protective effects against lipopolysaccharides prompted cognitive impairment and exploring possible mechanisms underlining their neuroprotection.MethodologyTwo doses (100 or 200 mg/kg) of levetiracetam were administrated orally for 30 days. Additionally, four doses (250 µg/kg) of lipopolysaccharide were injected peripherally to induce neurotoxicity. Behavioral tests were carried out using various maze models. At the end of the tests, brain tissues were collected for biochemical evaluations. Cholinergic, neuroinflammatory, apoptosis, and oxidative-related parameters were analyzed in the brain homogenate to explore the possible mechanisms of action of levetiracetam.ResultsIn lipopolysaccharide-induced rats, levetiracetam indicated a reduction (p < 0.01) in transfer latency using the elevated plus-maze. An improvement (p < 0.01) in novel and familiar objects exploration time using novel object recognition test. A rise (p < 0.05) in novel arm entries and extended time spent in the novel arm using the Y-maze test. In extension, the levels of acetylcholine (p < 0.001), anti-inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor-β1; p < 0.01 and interleukin-10; p < 0.05), and an antioxidant (catalase; p < 0.01) were elevated in lipopolysaccharide-induced rats after the administration of levetiracetam. In contrast, inflammatory factors (cyclooxygenase-2; p < 0.05, nuclear factor kappa B; p < 0.05, tumor necrosis factor-α; p < 0.01, and interleukin-6 (p < 0.01), apoptosis inducers (BCL2-associated X protein; p < 0.05 and Caspase-3 (p < 0.001), and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde; p < 0.05) were considerably reduced with levetiracetam in lipopolysaccharide-induced rats.ConclusionThe collective results suggested that levetiracetam may be able to treat neuroinflammatory-related memory loss by enhancing cholinergic activity while reducing neuroinflammation, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress.