Parthenolide ameliorates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain injury in rats

Parthenolide ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and osteoporosis by activating ERK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Parthenolide (PTL) is a natural sesquiterpene lactone that possesses significant effects on stimulating osteoblast differentiation. The present study focused on the potential of PTL in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).

METHODS

MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX; 10 µM) or/and PTL (5, 10, and 20 µM). The changes in osteogenic differentiation were analyzed by conducting ALP and Alizarin Red staining and assessing the levels of osteogenic markers (Runx2, Osx, and OPN). PTL (3 and 10 mg/kg/day) was injected into rat models of GIOP induced by DEX. Bone formation was analyzed by assessing the levels of bone turnover markers (ALP, TRAP, OCN, and CTx) in the serum and osteoblast differentiation markers (BMP2 and Runx2) in the femurs. The pathological changes of the femurs were determined by H&E staining. Bone mass and osteoblast numbers in the femurs were measured. Western blotting evaluated ERK phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

PTL promoted osteogenic differentiation and enhanced the levels of Runx2, Osx, OPN, and ERK phosphorylation in DEX-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. ERK inhibitor U0126 reversed the promoting effect of PTL on osteogenesis in DEX-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. After the administration of PTL in rat models of GIOP, the levels of ALP, TRAP, OCN, and CTx in the serum and the levels of BMP2, Runx2, and ERK phosphorylation in the femurs were restored. PTL increased trabecular bone number, reduced trabecular separation, and increased the number of osteoblasts in GIOP rat model.

CONCLUSION

Overall, PTL alleviates osteoporosis by promoting osteogenic differentiation via activation of ERK signaling.

Examining the role of antioxidant supplementation in mitigating oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the key pathological features of Alzheimer's disease is oxidative stress, which is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of antioxidant supplementation in mitigating oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer's disease. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on antioxidant supplementation in Alzheimer's disease and its effects on oxidative stress markers. The paper will examine the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease, the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation, and the challenges and limitations of using antioxidants as a therapeutic strategy.

Parthenolide alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities

Parthenolide (PTL) is a sesquiterpene lactone that occurs naturally. It demonstrates a variety of beneficial effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. The study investigated the potential protective impact of PTL on indomethacin (INDO) induced stomach ulcers in rats. The rats were classified into 5 distinct categories. Group 1 served as the "control" group. Rats in the second group received a single oral dosage of INDO (50 mg kg-1). Rats in Groups three and four received 20 and 40 mg kg-1 oral PTL 1 h before INDO. Omeprazole (30 mg kg-1) was given orally to Group 5 rats 1 h before INDO. Pretreatment with PTL increased stomach pH and decreased gastric volume as well as reduced the morphological and histological changes induced by INDO. Analysis of probable pathways showed that pre-treatment with PTL successfully reduced oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic consequences caused by INDO. The ingestion of PTL leads to a notable increase in the levels of glutathione reduced (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, PTL decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, it was shown that PTL increased both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PTL shows a significant decrease in the expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). PTL therapy resulted in a decrease in Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) levels and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) levels. In conclusion, PTL offers gastroprotection by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic qualities.

Parthenolide alleviates cognitive dysfunction and neurotoxicity via regulation of AMPK/GSK3β(Ser9)/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as the predominant age-related neurodegenerative disorder, for which efficacious treatment remains elusive. An auspicious avenue for this disease lies in natural compounds sourced from tranditional medicine and plant origins. Parthenolide (PTN) is a natural product with multiple biological functionsand. Recent investigations have illuminated PTN's protective properties against neurological maladies; however, its potential therapeutic role against AD remains uncharted. This study aims to explore the role of PTN in treating AD. Our in vitro findings underscore PTN's bioactivity, as evidenced by its capacity to curtail apoptosis, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and restore mitochondrial membrane potential in PC12 cells. Moreover, PTN treatment demonstrates a capacity to ameliorate deficits in spatial learning and memory in the 3 ×Tg-AD murine model. Notably, PTN's therapeutic efficacy surpasses that of a clinical agent, donepezil. Mechanistically, PTN's neuroprotective effects stem from its adept regulation of the AMPK/GSK3β(ser9)/Nrf2 signaling pathway and protection on neuronal cells from ROS-related apoptosis. Although the molecular target and the pre-clinical evaluations of PTN need to be further explored, this study indicates PTN as a potential agent or lead compound for the drug development against AD.

Inhibitory effect of parthenolide on peripheral nerve degeneration

Traumatic axonal damage disrupts connections between neurons, leading to the loss of motor and sensory functions. Although damaged peripheral nerves can regenerate, recovery depends on the variety and severity of nerve damage. Thus, many phytochemicals have been studied for their ability to reduce peripheral nerve degeneration, and among them, Parthenolide (PTL), which is extracted from Feverfew has effects against production of free radicals, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, we conducted a study to investigate whether PTL has an inhibitory effect on peripheral nerve degeneration during peripheral nerve damage. To verify the effect of PTL on peripheral nerve degeneration process, a morphological comparison of peripheral nerves with and without PTL was performed. PTL significantly reduced the quantity of fragmented ovoid formations at 3DIV (days in vitro). Immunostaining for MBP revealed that the ratio of intact myelin sheaths increased significantly in sciatic nerve with PTL compared with absence of PTL at 3DIV. Furthermore, nerve fibers in the presence of PTL maintained the continuity of Neurofilament (NF) compared to those without at 3DIV. Immunostaining for LAMP1 and p75 NTR showed that the expression of LAMP1 and p75 NTR decreased in the nerve after PTL addition at 3DIV. Lastly, immunostaining for anti-Ki67 revealed that PTL inhibited Ki67 expression at 3DIV compared to without PTL. These results confirm that PTL inhibits peripheral nerve degenerative processes. PTL may be a good applicant to inhibit peripheral nerve degeneration. Our study examined the effect of Parthenolide in preventing degeneration of peripheral nerves by inhibiting the breakdown of peripheral axons and myelin, also inhibiting Schwann cell trans-dedifferentiation and proliferation.

Parthenolide alleviates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling to ameliorate cognitive disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation, mainly mediated by microglia, is involved in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Parthenolide (PTL) has diverse pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress. However, whether PTL can modulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation to improve cognitive impairment in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice is unclear.

METHODS

LPS/IFN-γ-induced BV2 and HMC3 microglia were used for in vitro experiments; the roles of PTL on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, phagocytic activity, and neuroprotection were assessed by inflammatory cytokines assays, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, phagocytosis, and cell counting kit-8 assays. Western blot and immunofluorescence（IF） were used to examine related molecular mechanisms. In vivo, IF and western blot were applied in LPS-treated wild-type (WT) mice and APP/PS1 mice models. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the effects of PTL on cognitive disorders.

RESULTS

In vitro, PTL dramatically suppressed proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release and increased IL-10 levels. Moreover, PTL decreased reactive oxygen species and restored microglial phagocytic activities via the AKT/MAPK/ NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, we discovered that PTL obviously enhanced TRIM31 expression and siTRIM31 elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, we determined that the anti-inflammatory role of PTL was mostly TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling-dependent. In vivo, PTL alleviated microgliosis and astrogliosis in LPS-treated WT and APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, PTL significantly ameliorated memory and learning deficits in cognitive behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

PTL improved cognitive and behavioral dysfunction, inhibited neuroinflammation, and showed potent anti-neuroinflammatory activity and neuroprotective effects by improving the MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 axis. Our study emphasized the therapeutic potential of PTL for improving cognitive disorders during AD progression.

Parthenolide Phytosomes Attenuated Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats via Activation of Sirt-1, Nrf2, OH-1, and NQO1 Axis

Nephrotoxicity is a serious complication that limits the clinical use of gentamicin (GEN). Parthenolide (PTL) is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from feverfew with various therapeutic benefits. However, PTL possesses low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic protective effects of PTL-phytosomes against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The PTL was prepared as phytosomes to improve the pharmacological properties with a particle size of 407.4 nm, and surface morphology showed oval particles with multiple edges. Rats were divided into six groups: control, nano-formulation plain vehicle, PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg), GEN (100 mg/kg), GEN + PTL-phytosomes (5 mg/kg), and GEN + PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg). The administration of PTL-phytosomes alleviated GEN-induced impairment in kidney functions and histopathological damage, and decreased kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). The anti-oxidative effect of PTL-phytosomes was demonstrated by the reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Furthermore, PTL-phytosomes treatment significantly enhanced sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Additionally, PTL-phytosomes treatment exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in the kidney tissue. These findings suggest that PTL-phytosomes attenuate renal dysfunction and structural damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidney.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is the main cause of dementia in the elderly. Much evidence shows that the onset and late symptoms of AD are caused by multiple factors. Among them, aging is the main factor in the pathogenesis of AD, and the most important risk factor for AD is neuroinflammation. So far, there is no cure for AD, but the relationship between neuroinflammation and AD may provide a new strategy for the treatment of AD. We herein discussed the main etiology hypothesis of AD and the role of neuroinflammation in AD, as well as anti-inflammatory natural products with the potential to prevent and alleviate AD symptoms, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, which are available with great potential for the development of anti-AD drugs.

Parthenolide promotes expansion of Nestin+ progenitor cells via Shh modulation and contributes to post-injury cerebellar replenishment

Background: Regeneration of injuries occurring in the central nervous system is extremely difficult. Studies have shown that the developing cerebellum can be repopulated by a group of Nestin-expressing progenitors (NEPs) after irradiation injury, suggesting that modulating the mobilization of NEPs is beneficial to promoting nerve regeneration. To date, however, effect of exogenous pharmaceutical agonist on NEPs mobilization remains unknown. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from shoots of feverfew. Although it has been shown to possess several pharmacological activities and is considered to have potential therapeutic effects on the regeneration of peripheral nerve injury, its efficacy in promoting central nervous system (CNS) regeneration is unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role and possible mechanism of PTL on regeneration in injured CNS after irradiation using a developing cerebellum model. Methods: We investigated the radioprotective effects of PTL on the developing cerebellum by immunoblotting as well as immunofluorescence staining and ROS detection in vivo and in vitro experiments, and then determined the effects of PTL on NEPs in Nestin CFP and Nestin GFP fluorescent mice. Inducible lineage tracing analysis was used in Nestin-CreERT2×ROSA26-LSL YFP mice to label and track the fate of NEPs in the cerebellum after irradiation. Combined with cell biology and molecular biology techniques to determine changes in various cellular components in the cerebellum and possible mechanisms of PTL on NEPs mobilization in the injured developing cerebellum. Results: We found that PTL could attenuate radiation-induced acute injury of granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) in irradiated cerebellar external granule layer (EGL) by alleviating apoptosis through regulation of the cells' redox state. Moreover, PTL increased cerebellar Shh production and secretion by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus promoting expansion of NEPs, which is the compensatory replenishment of granule neurons after radiation damage. Conclusion: Collectively, our results indicate that activation and expansion of NEPs are critical for regeneration of the injured cerebellum, and that PTL is a promising drug candidate to influence this process.

Parthenolide modulates cerebral ischemia-induced microglial polarization and alleviates neuroinflammatory injury via the RhoA/ROCK pathway

BACKGROUND

Microglia can be activated as proinflammatory (M1) phenotypes and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes after stroke. Parthenolide (PTL) has anti-inflammatory and protective effects on neurological diseases, but until now, the exact mechanisms of these processes after stroke have been unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of PTL on microglial polarization after stroke and its target for inducing microglial polarization.

METHODS

Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and neurological evaluation were performed in a focal transient cerebral ischemia rat model. The human microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used for in vitro experiments. Microglial polarization was assessed by RT-PCR and immunostaining. Inflammatory cytokine assays and western blotting were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying PTL-mediated microglial polarization in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

PTL significantly reduced cerebral infarction and neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia, reduced the level of inflammatory factors and alleviated neurological deficits. PTL treatment decreased the expression of microglia/macrophage markers in M1 macrophages and increased the expression of microglia/macrophage markers in M2 macrophages after stroke, which induced the transformation of microglia cells from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype. Furthermore, PTL significantly reduced RhoA/ROCK-NF-κB pathway activity and downregulated the effects of pentanoic acid (ROCK agonist).

CONCLUSIONS

PTL has been shown to mediate neuroinflammation and protect against ischemic brain injury by regulating microglial polarization via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Targeting Oxidative Stress in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Prospects of the Natural Products Approach

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the second most common subtype of stroke, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathological mechanism of ICH is very complex, and it has been demonstrated that oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ICH. Previous studies have shown that OS is a therapeutic target after ICH, and antioxidants have also achieved some benefits in the treatment of ICH. This review aimed to explore the promise of natural products therapy to target OS in ICH. We searched PubMed using the keywords "oxidative stress in intracerebral hemorrhage" and "natural products in intracerebral hemorrhage". Numerous animal and cell studies on ICH have demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of natural products, including polyphenols and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, etc. In summary, natural products such as antioxidants offer the possibility of treatment of OS after ICH. However, researchers still have a long way to go to apply these natural products for the treatment of ICH more widely in the clinic.

Parthenolide ameliorates neurological deficits and neuroinflammation in mice with traumatic brain injury by suppressing STAT3/NF-κB and inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a set of complex inflammation that results in secondary injury. Parthenolide (PTN) is a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the herb Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) and has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress effects in the central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases. This study focuses on investigating the potential neuroprotective effect of PTN on TBI and the related mechanism.

METHODS

Bv2 microglia, primary microglia were stimulated by LPS, and HT22 neuron cells were stimulated by OGD/R, and they were treated with different doses of PTN. The expression profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins, oxidative stress mediators, STAT3/NF-κB pathway, inflammasomes were detected. Forty male/female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the sham, PTN, TBI, and TBI + PTN groups (10 mice per group). A mouse TBI model was set up with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) device. The modified nerve severity score (mNSS) was implemented to check short-term neurological impairment in mice, and the mice's memory and learning were assessed by the Morris water maze test. The water content in the mice's brains was measured by the dry-wet method. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were applied for neuronal apoptosis.

RESULTS

PTN dramatically alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in microglia, and OGD-mediated neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress. In addition, PTN repressed LPS- or OGD-modulated STAT3/NF-κB and NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, NLR family CARD domain containing 4 (NLRC4) inflammasomes activation. Administering the STAT3 inhibitor Stattic or NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 attenuated PTN-mediated effects. In vivo, PTN treatment relieved neural function deficits, brain edema and neuron apoptosis and improved the memory and learning function of TBI mice. Additionally, PTN impeded microglial activation and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in brain lesions of TBI mice. Furthermore, PTN hindered STAT3/NF-κB and inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSION

PTN can curb microglial activation and neuron apoptosis by dampening the STAT3/NF-κB pathway, thus exerting neuroprotective effects in TBI mice.

The effect of parthenolide on methamphetamine-induced blood-brain barrier and astrocyte alterations

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine abuse is a worldwide concern with long-term health complications. Its impact on neurons has been extensively investigated, and it is currently known that glial cells, including astrocytes, are involved in drug-induced outcomes. Importantly, METH also causes blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and astrocytes are critical for BBB (dys)function. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the involvement of neuroinflammation mediated by astrocytes in BBB permeability and brain oedema induced by METH. Further, we aimed to identify a new approach to counteract METH effects.

METHODS

Mice were administered with a METH binge regimen (4 × 10 mg/kg) alone or in combination with parthenolide (PTL; 4 × 1 mg/kg), and hippocampi were analysed. For in vitro studies, mouse primary cultures of astrocytes were exposed to 250 µM METH, alone or co-treated with 10 µM PTL.

RESULTS

We observed a neuroinflammatory response characterized by astrocytic morphological changes and increased TNF-α, iNOS and ICAM-1 protein levels (213.62%, 205.76% and 191.47% of control, respectively). Additionally, brain oedema and BBB disruption were identified by increased water content (81.30% of tissue weight) and albumin (224.40% of control) in the hippocampal tissue, as well as a significant decrease in vessel coverage by astrocytes after METH exposure. Regarding astrocyte cultures, we further identified TNF-α as a key player in METH-induced cell swelling. Importantly, PTL (present in feverfew plant) prevented both animal and in vitro effects induced by METH.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided important insights on brain dysfunction induced by METH, and we also suggest a new approach to counteract such negative effects.

The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Alzheimer’s Disease and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment. The typical pathological characteristics of AD are extracellular senile plaques composed of amyloid ß (Aβ) protein, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formed by the hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau, and neuron loss. In the past hundred years, although human beings have invested a lot of manpower, material and financial resources, there is no widely recognized drug for the effective prevention and clinical cure of AD in the world so far. Therefore, evaluating and exploring new drug targets for AD treatment is an important topic. At present, researchers have not stopped exploring the pathogenesis of AD, and the views on the pathogenic factors of AD are constantly changing. Multiple evidence have confirmed that chronic neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. In the field of neuroinflammation, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key molecular link in the AD neuroinflammatory pathway. Under the stimulation of Aβ oligomers and tau aggregates, it can lead to the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and astrocytes in the brain, thereby causing caspase-1 activation and the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, which ultimately triggers the pathophysiological changes and cognitive decline of AD. In this review, we summarize current literatures on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation-related regulation mechanisms, and discuss its possible roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome and combining with the upstream and downstream signaling pathway-related molecules of NLRP3 inflammasome as targets, we review the pharmacologically related targets and various methods to alleviate neuroinflammation by regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which provides new ideas for the treatment of AD.

Antioxidants in Alzheimer's Disease: Current Therapeutic Significance and Future Prospects

Alzheimer's disease (AD) rate is accelerating with the increasing aging of the world's population. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated AD as a global health priority. According to the WHO report, around 82 million people in 2030 and 152 million in 2050 will develop dementia (AD contributes 60% to 70% of cases), considering the current scenario. AD is the most common neurodegenerative disease, intensifying impairments in cognition, behavior, and memory. Histopathological AD variations include extracellular senile plaques' formation, tangling of intracellular neurofibrils, and synaptic and neuronal loss in the brain. Multiple evidence directly indicates that oxidative stress participates in an early phase of AD before cytopathology. Moreover, oxidative stress is induced by almost all misfolded protein lumps like α-synuclein, amyloid-β, and others. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in activating and causing various cell signaling pathways that result in lesion formations of toxic substances, which foster the development of the disease. Antioxidants are widely preferred to combat oxidative stress, and those derived from natural sources, which are often incorporated into dietary habits, can play an important role in delaying the onset as well as reducing the progression of AD. However, this approach has not been extensively explored yet. Moreover, there has been growing evidence that a combination of antioxidants in conjugation with a nutrient-rich diet might be more effective in tackling AD pathogenesis. Thus, considering the above-stated fact, this comprehensive review aims to elaborate the basics of AD and antioxidants, including the vitality of antioxidants in AD. Moreover, this review may help researchers to develop effectively and potentially improved antioxidant therapeutic strategies for this disease as it also deals with the clinical trials in the stated field.

The Influence of Oxidative Stress on Neurological Outcomes in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes, besides the primary brain injury, a secondary brain injury (SBI), which is induced, amongst other things, by oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, determining the patient's outcome. This study aims to assess the impact of OS in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on clinical outcomes in patients with ICH. A total of 19 ICH (volume > 30 cc) patients and 29 control patients were included. From day one until seven, blood and CSF samples were obtained, and ICH volume was calculated. OS markers, like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-sulfhydryl (GSH), and the total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Clinical data on treatment and outcome were determined. Patients with mRS ≤ 4 showed significantly elevated SOD and GSH-Px levels in plasma compared to patients with poor CO (p = 0.004; p = 0.002). Initial increased TAS in plasma and increased MDA in CSF were linked to an unfavorable outcome after six months (p = 0.06, r = 0.45; p = 0.05, r = 0.44). A higher ICH volume was associated with a worse outcome at week six (p = 0.04, r = 0.47). OS plays a significant role in SBI. Larger ICHs, elevated MDA in CSF, and TAS in plasma were associated with a detrimental outcome, whereas higher plasma-SOD and -GSH-Px were associated with a favorable outcome.

Neuroprotective Natural Products for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the number one neurovegetative disease, but its treatment options are relatively few and ineffective. In efforts to discover new strategies for AD therapy, natural products have aroused interest in the research community and in the pharmaceutical industry for their neuroprotective activity, targeting different pathological mechanisms associated with AD. A wide variety of natural products from different origins have been evaluated preclinically and clinically for their neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and attenuating the multifactorial pathologies of AD. This review mainly focuses on the possible neuroprotective mechanisms from natural products that may be beneficial in AD treatment and the natural product mixtures or extracts from different sources that have demonstrated neuroprotective activity in preclinical and/or clinical studies. It is believed that natural product mixtures or extracts containing multiple bioactive compounds that can work additively or synergistically to exhibit multiple neuroprotective mechanisms might be an effective approach in AD drug discovery.

Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Therapeutic Targets following Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Oxidative stress (OS) is induced by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and plays an important role in secondary brain injury caused by the inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of brain injury after ICH, markers for detecting OS, and therapeutic strategies that target OS to mitigate brain injury.

Parthenolide promotes the repair of spinal cord injury by modulating M1/M2 polarization via the NF-κB and STAT 1/3 signaling pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disease; however, there is no effective treatment for spinal cord injury. Neuroinflammation involves the activation of resident microglia and the infiltration of macrophages is the major pathogenesis of SCI secondary injury and considered to be the therapeutic target of SCI. Parthenolide (PN) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in fever, migraines, arthritis, and superficial inflammation; however, the role of PN in SCI therapeutics has not been clarified. In this study, we showed that PN could improve the functional recovery of spinal cord in mice as revealed by increased BMS scores and decreased cavity of spinal cord injury in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining experiments confirmed that PN could promote axonal regeneration, increase myelin reconstitution, reduce chondroitin sulfate formation, inhibit scar hyperplasia, suppress the activation of A1 neurotoxic reactive astrocytes and facilitate shift from M1 to M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages. To verify how PN exerts its effects on microglia/macrophages polarization, we performed the mechanism study in vitro in microglia cell line BV-2. PN could significantly reduce M1 polarization in BV2 cells and partially rescue the decrease in the expression of M2 phenotype markers of microglia/macrophage induced by LPS, but no significant effect on M2 polarization stimulated with IL-4 was observed. Further study demonstrated PN inhibited NF-κB signal pathway directly or indirectly, and suppressed activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 or 3 (STAT1/3) via reducing the expression of HDAC1 and subsequently increasing the levels of STAT1/3 acetylation. Overall, our study illustrated that PN may be a promising strategy for traumatic SCI.

Alzheimer's disease: natural products as inhibitors of neuroinflammation

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and affects 44 million people worldwide. New emerging evidence from pre-clinical and clinical investigations shows that neuroinflammation is a major pathological component of AD suggesting that anti-inflammatory strategies are important in delaying the onset or slowing the progression of the disease. However, efforts to employ current anti-inflammatory agents in AD clinical trials have produced limited success. Consequently, there is a need to explore anti-inflammatory natural products, which target neuroinflammatory pathways relevant to AD pathogenesis. This review summarises important druggable molecular targets of neuroinflammation and presents classes of anti-neuroinflammatory natural products with potentials for preventing and reducing symptoms of AD.

Neuroinflammation Mediated by NLRP3 Inflammasome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most fatal subtype of stroke; there is still a lack of effective treatment. Microglia are a major component of the innate immune system, and they respond to acute brain injury by activating and forming classic M1-like (pro-inflammatory) or alternative M2-like (anti-inflammatory) phenotype. The existence of the polarization indicates that the role of microglia in disease's progression and recovery after ICH is still unclear, perhaps involving microglial secretion of anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is considered to be the main participant in neuroinflammation. Recent evidence has shown that NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated after ICH, resulting in inflammatory cascade reactions and aggravating brain injury. Furthermore, previous studies have reported that NLRP3 inflammasome is mainly present in microglia, so we speculate that its activation may be strongly associated with microglial polarization. Many scholars have investigated the role of brain injury caused by NLRP3 inflammasome after ICH, but the precise operating mechanisms remain uncertain. This review summarized the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome after ICH and the possible mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome promoting neuroinflammation and aggravating nerve injury and discussed the relevant potential therapeutic targets.