Morin post-treatment confers neuroprotection in a novel rat model of mild repetitive traumatic brain injury by targeting dementia markers, APOE, autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium mitigates repetitive mild traumatic brain injury: Regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a/BDNF/ Klotho/Foxo3a cue

This study aims to explore the protective machinery of pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium (PMBS) against secondary neuronal damage triggered by mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI). After PMBS characterization in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy, the selected formula was used to investigate its potency against experimental RTBI. Five groups of rats were used; group 1 (control) and the other four groups were subjected to RTBI. Groups 2 was RTBI positive control, while 3, 4, and 5 received boswellic acid (BSA), selenium (SEL), and PMBS, respectively. The open-field behavioral test was used for behavioral assessment. Subsequently, brain tissues were utilized for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting, and ELISA in addition to evaluating microRNA expression (miR-155 and miR-146a). The behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation triggered by RTBI were all improved by PMBS. Moreover, PMBS mitigated excessive glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the dysregulation in miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Besides, connexin43 (Cx43) expression as well as klotho and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated with diminished neuronal cell death and apoptosis because of reduced Forkhead Box class O3a(Foxo3a) expression in the PMBS-treated group. The current study has provided evidence of the benefits produced by incorporating BSA and SEL in PEGylated polymeric micelles formula. PMBS is a promising therapy for RTBI. Its beneficial effects are attributed to the manipulation of many pathways, including the regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression, as well as the BDNF /Klotho/Foxo3a signaling pathway.

Novel insights into gut health: Cilostazol strengthens gut integrity by adjusting TLR-2/NF-κB/IL-23 and CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1 trajectories in methotrexate-induced mucositis model

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is a common adverse effect characterized by redox imbalance and overproduction of inflammatory mediators that perturb intestinal integrity. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for this condition and its prevention is still far beyond comprehension. Because of its pleiotropic pharmacological actions, we aimed to explore the potential mechanisms through which cilostazol (CILO) can protect against MTX-induced intestinal mucositis. Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups, control, CILO (100 mg/kg, p.o for 14 days), MTX (7.5 mg/kg for 4 successive days), and CILO + MTX. The improving effect of CILO on the morphological structure was confirmed by an upturn in the histopathological and transition electron microscope examinations evidenced by the increased jejunal villus height/width and the crypt depth besides the maintenance of tight junctions. These findings were verified biochemically; on the molecular level, CILO reduced the MTX-induced lipid peroxidation, cleaved caspase-3, p53, and the inflammatory parameters (TLR-2, NF-κB, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-1β), while increasing the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 and the antioxidant enzyme SOD. Moreover, CILO decreased the injurious axis AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1, and CD44+, but increased the immunoexpression of the cell proliferating marker PCNA. CILO also upheld the intestinal barrier by enhancing the tight junction molecules (ZO-1, claudin-4) and the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex while abating the mesenchymal marker vimentin. In conclusion, CILO protected gut integrity by reducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, the MTX-induced oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory mediators, and turning off the CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin D1 trajectory and intensifying the expression of PCNA.

Morin suppresses mTORc1/IRE-1α/JNK and IP3R-VDAC-1 pathways: Crucial mechanisms in apoptosis and mitophagy inhibition in experimental Huntington's disease, supported by in silico molecular docking simulations

AIMS

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) with aberrant mitochondrial-ER contact (MERC), mitophagy, and apoptosis are interconnected determinants in neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, we proved the potential of Morin hydrate (MH), a potent antioxidant flavonoid, to mitigate Huntington's disease (HD)-3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) model by modulating glutamate/calpain/Kidins220/BDNF trajectory. Extending our work, we aimed to evaluate its impact on combating the ERS/MERC, mitophagy, and apoptosis.

METHODS

Rats were subjected to 3-NP for 14 days and post-treated with MH and/or the ERS inducer WAG-4S for 7 days. Disease progression was assessed by gross inspection and striatal biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscopical (TEM) examinations. A molecular docking study was attained to explore MH binding to mTOR, JNK, the kinase domain of IRE1-α, and IP3R.

KEY FINDINGS

MH decreased weight loss and motor dysfunction using open field and rotarod tests. It halted HD degenerative striatal neurons and nucleus/mitochondria ultra-microscopic alterations reflecting neuroprotection. Mechanistically, MH deactivated striatal mTOR/IRE1-α/XBP1s&JNK/IP3R, PINK1/Ubiquitin/Mfn2, and cytochrome c/caspase-3 signaling pathways, besides enhancing p-PGC-1α and p-VDAC1. WAG-4S was able to ameliorate all effects initiated by MH to different extents. Molecular docking simulations revealed promising binding patterns of MH and hence its potential inhibition of the studied proteins, especially mTOR, IP3R, and JNK.

SIGNIFICANCE

MH alleviated HD-associated ERS, MERC, mitophagy, and apoptosis. This is mainly achieved by combating the mTOR/IRE1-α signaling, IP3R/VDAC hub, PINK1/Ubiquitin/Mfn2, and cytochrome c/caspase 3 axis to be worsened by WAG-4S. Molecular docking simulations showed the promising binding of MH to mTOR and JNK as novel identified targets.

Effects of aerobic exercise and dietary flavonoids on cognition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Studies have shown that exercise increases angiogenesis and perfusion in the hippocampus, activates neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and increases synaptic plasticity, as well as increases the complexity and number of dendritic spines, all of which promote memory function and protect against cognitive decline. Flavonoids are gaining attention as antioxidants in health promotion due to their rich phenolic content, particularly for their modulating role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this, there has been no comprehensive review of cognitive improvement supplemented with flavonoid and prescribed with exercise or a combination of the two interventions has been conducted. The purpose of this review is to determine whether a combined intervention produces better results when given together than when given separately. Methods: Relevant articles assessing the effect of physical exercise, flavonoid or in combination on cognitive related biomarkers and neurobehavioral assessments within the timeline of January 2011 until June 2023 were searched using three databases; PubMed, PROQUEST and SCOPUS. Results: A total of 705 articles were retrieved and screened, resulting in 108 studies which are in line with the objective of the current study were included in the analysis. Discussion: The selected studies have shown significant desired effect on the chosen biomarkers and neurobehavioral assessments. Systematic Review Registration: identifier: [CRD42021271001].

From Plants to Psycho-Neurology: Unravelling the Therapeutic Benefits of Bioactive Compounds in Brain Disorders

The brain's sensitivity to oxidative stress and neuronal cell death requires effective pharmacotherapy approaches. Current pharmacological therapies are frequently ineffective and display negative side effects. Bioactive chemicals found in plants may provide a potential alternative due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties and can be used in therapy and the management of a variety of neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative illnesses. Several natural products, including vitamin C, Cammelia sinensis polyphenols, Hypericum perforatum, and Crocus sativus have shown promise in lowering oxidative stress and treating symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). Similarly, bioactive compounds such as curcumin, luteolin, resveratrol, quercetin, and plants like Acorus gramineus, Rhodiola rosea, and Ginkgo biloba are associated with neuroprotective effects and symptom improvement in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, in neurodegenerative diseases, natural compounds from Rhodiola rosea, Morinda lucida, and Glutinous rehmannia provide neurological improvement. Further study in clinical samples is required to thoroughly investigate the therapeutic advantages of these bioactive substances for persons suffering from these illnesses.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Morin: Preparation, Characterization, and Ex Vivo Permeation Studies

In recent years, bioactive compounds have been the focus of much interest in scientific research, due to their low toxicity and extraordinary properties. However, they possess poor solubility, low chemical stability, and unsustainable bioavailability. New drug delivery systems, and among them solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), could minimize these drawbacks. In this work, morin (MRN)-loaded SLNs (MRN-SLNs) were prepared using a solvent emulsification/diffusion method, using two different lipids, Compritol^® 888 ATO (COM) or Phospholipon^® 80H (PHO). SLNs were investigated for their physical-chemical, morphological, and technological (encapsulation parameters and in vitro release) properties. We obtained spherical and non-aggregated nanoparticles with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 60 to 70 nm and negative zeta potentials (about -30 mV and -22 mV for MRN-SLNs-COM and MRN-SLNs-PHO, respectively). The interaction of MRN with the lipids was demonstrated via μ-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and DSC analysis. High encapsulation efficiency was obtained for all formulations (about 99%, w/w), particularly for the SLNs prepared starting from a 10% (w/w) theoretical MRN amount. In vitro release studies showed that about 60% of MRN was released within 24 h and there was a subsequent sustained release within 10 days. Finally, ex vivo permeation studies with excised bovine nasal mucosa demonstrated the ability of SLNs to act as a penetration enhancer for MRN due to the intimate contact and interaction of the carrier with the mucosa.

Morin post-treatment surpassed calpeptin in ameliorating 3-NP-induced cortical neurotoxicity via modulation of glutamate/calpain axis, Kidins220, and BDNF/TrkB/AKT/CREB trajectory

The neuroprotective capacity of morin hydrate (MH), a potent antioxidant flavonoid, and calpeptin (CP), a calpain inhibitor, was documented against different insults but not Huntington's disease (HD). Accordingly, we aim to assess the neuroprotective potential of MH and/or CP in a 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced HD model. The 3-NP-treated rats were post-treated with saline, MH, CP, or MH + CP for a week. Post-treatment with MH and/or CP amended motor function (beam walking test) and short-/ long-term spatial memory (novel object recognition test) and improved cortical microscopic architecture. On the molecular level, MH, and to a lesser extent CP, inhibited the cortical content/expression of glutamate, calpain, and Kidins220 and abated the inflammatory molecules, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, as well as lipid peroxidation. However, MH, but barely CP, activated the molecules of the neuroprotective trajectory; viz., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB), protein kinase B (AKT), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Compared to the single treatments, the combination regimen mediated further reductions in the cortical contents of glutamate, calpain, and Kidins220, effects that extended to entail the anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant potentials of MH and to a greater extent CP. However, the combination of MH strengthened the fair effect of CP on the survival signaling pathway BDNF/TrkB/AKT/CREB. In conclusion, MH, CP, and especially their combination, afforded neuroprotection against HD through curbing the glutamate/calpain axis, Kidins220, as well as NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation/oxidative stress, besides activating the BDNF/TrkB/AKT/CREB hub that was partly dependent on calpain inhibition.

Autophagy and Apoptosis in Acute Brain Injuries: From Mechanism to Treatment

Significance: Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular mechanisms behind brain injuries, which are severe clinical situations with increasing incidences worldwide. To search for more and better treatments for brain injuries, it is essential to deepen the understanding of autophagy, apoptosis, and their interactions in brain injuries. This article first analyzes how autophagy and apoptosis participate in the pathogenetic processes of brain injuries respectively and mutually, then summarizes some promising treatments targeting autophagy and apoptosis to show the potential clinical applications in personalized medicine and precision medicine in the future. Recent Advances: Most current studies suggest that apoptosis is detrimental to brain recovery. Several studies indicate that autophagy can cause unnecessary death of neurons after brain injuries, while others show that autophagy is beneficial for acute brain injuries (ABIs) by facilitating the removal of damaged proteins and organelles. Whether autophagy is beneficial or detrimental in ABIs depends on many factors, and the results from different research groups are diverse or even controversial, making this topic more appealing to be explored further. Critical Issues: Neuronal autophagy and apoptosis are two primary pathological processes in ABIs. How they interact with each other and how their regulations affect the outcome and prognosis of brain injuries remain uncertain, making these answers more critical. Future Directions: Insights into the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis and the accurate regulations of their balance in ABIs may promote personalized and precise treatments in the field of brain injuries. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 234-257.

Nose to brain delivery of melatonin lipidic nanocapsules as a promising post-ischemic neuroprotective therapeutic modality

Ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes, causing long-term disability in adults, and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In search of new therapeutic modalities, the use of neuroprotective agents loaded in nanocarriers to be delivered by noninvasive means (i.e. via intranasal route) became a popular approach. In the current study, melatonin (MEL) was loaded in lipidic nanocapsules (LNCs) prepared using the phase inversion method, and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, viscosity, storage stability, and ex vivo permeation across sheep nasal mucosa. Moreover, MEL-LNCs were tested for efficacy in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R/) injury model through histopathological assessment, and analysis of oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers. Results showed that LNCs exhibited particle size ranging from 18.26 to 109.8 nm, negative zeta potential, good storage stability, spherical morphology, and a burst release followed by a sustained release pattern. LNCs exhibited 10.35 folds higher permeation of MEL than the drug solution across sheep nasal mucosa. Post-ischemic intranasal administration of MEL-LNCs revealed lowering of oxidative stress manifested by a decrease in malondialdehyde levels, and elevation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels, lowering of the inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-α, NO, myeloperoxidase, and significant inhibition of Caspase-3 activity as an apoptotic marker. Western blot analysis delineated a recovery of protein expression Nrf-2 and HO-1 with downregulation in the parent inflammatory markers nuclear factor kappa B p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase, Bax, and Cytochrome C expressions, and upregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 Bcl-2, hence promoting neuronal survival. This was supported by histological evidence, revealing significant restoration of hippocampal neurons. In light of the above, it can be concluded that MEL-LNCs could be a promising delivery system for nose to brain delivery for treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Repetitive mild TBI causes pTau aggregation in nigra without altering preexisting fibril induced Parkinson’s-like pathology burden

Population studies have shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and among U.S. Veterans with a history of TBI this risk is 56% higher. The most common type of TBI is mild (mTBI) and often occurs repeatedly among athletes, military personnel, and victims of domestic violence. PD is classically characterized by deficits in fine motor movement control resulting from progressive neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) midbrain region. This neurodegeneration is preceded by the predictable spread of characteristic alpha synuclein (αSyn) protein inclusions. Whether repetitive mTBI (r-mTBI) can nucleate PD pathology or accelerate prodromal PD pathology remains unknown. To answer this question, an injury device was constructed to deliver a surgery-free r-mTBI to rats and human-like PD pathology was induced by intracranial injection of recombinant αSyn preformed fibrils. At the 3-month endpoint, the r-mTBI caused encephalomalacia throughout the brain reminiscent of neuroimaging findings in patients with a history of mTBI, accompanied by astrocyte expansion and microglial activation. The pathology associated most closely with PD, which includes dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the SNpc and Lewy body-like αSyn inclusion burden in the surviving neurons, was not produced de novo by r-mTBI nor was the fibril induced preexisting pathology accelerated. r-mTBI did however cause aggregation of phosphorylated Tau (pTau) protein in nigra of rats with and without preexisting PD-like pathology. pTau aggregation was also found to colocalize with PFF induced αSyn pathology without r-mTBI. These findings suggest that r-mTBI induced pTau aggregate deposition in dopaminergic neurons may create an environment conducive to αSyn pathology nucleation and may add to preexisting proteinaceous aggregate burden.

New insights into the interplay between autophagy and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in neuronal cell death and survival

Autophagy is a dynamic process that maintains the normal homeostasis of cells by digesting and degrading aging proteins and damaged organelles. The effect of autophagy on neural tissue is still a matter of debate. Some authors suggest that autophagy has a protective effect on nerve cells, whereas others suggest that autophagy also induces the death of nerve cells and aggravates nerve injury. In mammals, oxidative stress, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) constitute important defense mechanisms to help cells adapt to and survive the stress conditions caused by physiological and pathological stimuli. Under many pathophysiological conditions, oxidative stress, autophagy and ERS are integrated and amplified in cells to promote the progress of diseases. Over the past few decades, oxidative stress, autophagy and ERS and their interactions have been a hot topic in biomedical research. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the interactions between oxidative stress, autophagy and ERS in neuronal cell death and survival.

Morin offsets PTZ-induced neuronal degeneration and cognitive decrements in rats: The modulation of TNF-α/TNFR-1/RIPK1,3/MLKL/PGAM5/Drp-1, IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/GFAP and Keap-1/Nrf-2/HO-1 trajectories

Morin is a bioactive flavonoid with prominent neuroprotective potentials, however, its impact on epilepsy-provoked cognitive dysregulations has not been revealed. Hence, the present investigation aims to divulge the potential anticonvulsant/neuroprotective effects of morin in rats using a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling model with an emphasis on the possible signaling trajectories involved. Kindling was induced using a sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.), once every other day for 25 days (12 injections). The expression of targeted biomarkers and molecular signals were examined in hippocampal tissues by ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. Contrary to PTZ effects, administration of morin (10 mg/kg, i.p., from day 15 of PTZ injection to the end of the experiment) significantly reduced the severity of seizures coupled with a delay in kindling acquisition. It also preserved hippocampal neurons, and diminished astrogliosis to counteract cognitive deficits, exhibited by the enhanced performance in MWM and PA tests. These favorable impacts of morin were mediated via the abrogation of the PTZ-induced necroptotic changes and mitochondrial fragmentation proven by the suppression of p-RIPK-1/p-RIPK-3/p-MLKL and PGAM5/Drp-1 cues alongside the enhancement of caspase-8. Besides, morin inhibited the inflammatory cascade documented by the attenuation of the pro-convulsant receptor/cytokines TNFR-1, TNF-α, I L-1β, and IL-6 and the marked reduction of hippocampal IL-6/p-JAK2/p-STAT3/GFAP cue. In tandem, morin signified its anti-oxidant capacity by lowering the hippocampal contents of MDA, NOX-1, and Keap-1 with the restoration of the impaired Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Together, these versatile neuro-modulatory effects highlight the promising role of morin in the management of epilepsy.

Mitophagy in neurological disorders

Selective autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that removes excess protein aggregates and damaged intracellular components. Most eukaryotic cells, including neurons, rely on proficient mitophagy responses to fine-tune the mitochondrial number and preserve energy metabolism. In some circumstances (such as the presence of pathogenic protein oligopolymers and protein mutations), dysfunctional mitophagy leads to nerve degeneration, with age-dependent intracellular accumulation of protein aggregates and dysfunctional organelles, leading to neurodegenerative disease. However, when pathogenic protein oligopolymers, protein mutations, stress, or injury are present, mitophagy prevents the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Accordingly, mitophagy mediates neuroprotective effects in some forms of neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and acute brain damage (e.g., stroke, hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury). The complex interplay between mitophagy and neurological disorders suggests that targeting mitophagy might be applicable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injury. However, due to the complexity of the mitophagy mechanism, mitophagy can be both harmful and beneficial, and future efforts should focus on maximizing its benefits. Here, we discuss the impact of mitophagy on neurological disorders, emphasizing the contrast between the positive and negative effects of mitophagy.

Further insights for the role of Morin in mRTBI: Implication of non-canonical Wnt/PKC-α and JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathways

The slightly available data about the pathogenesis process of mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (mRTBI) indicates to the necessity of further exploration of mRTBI consequences. Several cellular changes are believed to contribute to the cognitive disabilities, and neurodegenerative changes observed later in persons subjected to mRTBI. We investigated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the important severity related biomarker, where it showed further increase after multiple trauma compared to single one. To authenticate our aim, Morin (10 mg/kg loading dose, then twice daily 5 mg/kg for 7 days), MK-801 (1 mg/kg; i.p) and their combination were used. The results obtained has shown that all the chosen regimens opposed the upregulated dementia markers (Aβ1-40,p(Thr231)Tau) and inflammatory protein contents/expression of p(Ser53s6)NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-6,and IL-1β and the elevated GFAP in immune stained cortex sections. Additionally, they exerted anti-apoptotic activity by decreasing caspase-3 activity and increasing Bcl-2 contents. Saving brain tissues was evident after these therapeutic agents via upregulating the non-canonical Wnt-1/PKC-α cue and IL-10/p(Tyr(1007/1008))JAK-2/p(Tyr705)STAT-3 signaling pathway to confirm enhancement of survival pathways on the molecular level. Such results were imitated by correcting the injury dependent deviated behavior, where Morin alone or in combination enhanced behavior outcome. On one side, our study refers to the implication of two survival signaling pathways; viz.,the non-canonical Wnt-1/PKC-α and p(Tyr(1007/1008))JAK-2/p(Tyr705)STAT-3 in single and repetitive mRTBI along with distorted dementia markers, inflammation and apoptotic process that finally disrupted behavior. On the other side, intervention through affecting all these targets by Morin alone or with MK-801 affords a promising neuroprotective effect.

Morin alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced mischief: In vivo and in silico contribution of Nrf2, TLR4, and NLRP3

OBJECTIVE

Morin (MRN), a known natural flavonol, has demonstrated its shielding aptitude against ischemia/reperfusion (I/Re) lesion in various organs. Nonetheless, its potential influence on hepatic I/Re-induced injury modulation has not been fully elucidated. Consequently, the current study strived to investigate the mechanistic maneuvering of MRN against hepatic I/Re. Furthermore, the effects of MRN on Nrf2, TLR4, and NLRP3 proteins were evaluated via molecular docking studies.

METHODS

For fulfilling this aim, Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into 4 groups; Sham-operated (ShG), hepatic I/Re (30 min/24 h), and 10 days orally pre-treated MRN (50 and 100 mg/kg).

KEY FINDINGS

MRN mechanistic maneuver disclosed its ability to safeguard the hepatocytes partially due to antioxidant aptitude through intensifying the expression/content of Nrf2/HO-1 trajectory accompanied by total antioxidant capacity boosting besides MDA lessening. In addition, MRN anti-inflammatory attribute was affirmed by downsizing the expression/content of TLR4/NF-κB trajectory accompanied by a sequent lessening of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and ICAM-1 content. Moreover, MRN action entangled NLRP3 inhibitory character with subsequent MPO rebating. Furthermore, MRN anti-apoptotic trait verified by diminishing the pro-apoptotic and the executioner markers; Bax and caspase-3 levels, respectively. On the other hand, MRN administration proved its shielding action by improving the histopathological deterioration and lessening the serum ALT and AST levels. Finally, in silico studies exhibited moderate to promising binding affinities of MRN with the selected proteins ranging from -4.23 to -6.09 kcal mol-1.

CONCLUSION

Higher and lower doses of MRN purveyed plausible defensive mechanisms and abated episodes concomitant with hepatic I/Re mischief in part, by modifying oxidative status and inflammation by the impact on Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/ NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathway.

Novel peripheral role of Nurr-1/GDNF/AKT trajectory in carvedilol and/or morin hydrate hepatoprotective effect in a model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion

Although the central role of Nurr-1/GDNF has been reviewed amply, scarce data are available on their peripheral impact. Carvedilol and morin hydrate have previously conferred their hepatic anti-fibrotic action.

AIM

Thus, our aim was to unveil the potential hepatoprotective role of carvedilol (CR) and/or morin hydrate (MH) using a hepatic 70% partial warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model.

MAIN METHOD

Rats were allocated into sham-operated, hepatic I/R, and I/R preceded by oral administration of CR (10 and 30 mg/kg; CR₁₀/CR₃₀), MH (30 mg/kg), or CR₁₀ + MH for one week.

KEY FINDINGS

On the molecular level, pretreatment with CR and/or MH increased the hepatic contents of Nurr-1, GDNF, and the protein expression of active/p-AKT. On the other hand, they inactivated GSK3β and NF-κB to increase the antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, CAT). All regimens also enhanced the autophagy/lysosomal function and boosted the protein expression of beclin-1, LC3II, and TFEB. Moreover, their antiapoptotic effect was signified by increasing the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl2 and inhibiting Bax, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and caspase-3, effects that were confirmed by the TUNEL assay. These improvements were reflected on liver function, as they decreased serum aminotransferases and liver structural alterations induced by I/R. Despite its mild impact, CR₁₀ showed marked improvements when combined with MH; this synergistic interaction overrides the effect of either regimen alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, CR, MH, and especially the combination regimen, conferred hepatoprotection against I/R via activating the Nurr-1/GDNF/AKT trajectory to induce autophagy/lysosomal biogenesis, inhibit GSK3β/NF-кB hub and apoptosis, and amend redox balance.

Inhibition of microRNA-203 protects against traumatic brain injury induced neural damages via suppressing neuronal apoptosis and dementia-related molecues

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to cognitive dysfunction and motor dysfunction. TBI is a potential risk factor for subsequent dementia. Hyperphosphorylation of Tau and ApoE4 has been found in patients with TBI. A significant increase in miR-203 was also found in the peripheral blood of TBI mice. Thus, we hypothesize that miR-203 inhibitor protects against neuronal damage and behavioral deficits by inhibition of Tau phosphorylation, ApoE4 expression and apoptosis.

METHODS

TBI mice were induced and treated with miR-203 inhibitor. Tau phosphorylation and ApoE4, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory, and motor function were separately detected by Western blot analysis, electrophysiology recording and behavioral assessments including Morris water maze test, beam-balance test, beam-walk test and rotarod test. Caspase-3 activity and bcl-2 expression were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

TBI induction led to increased phosphorylation of Tau and ApoE4 expression. Administration of miR-203 inhibitor suppressed TBI induced ApoE4 expression and Tau hyperphosphorylation, rescued TBI mediated hippocampal LTP deficits and hippocampus dependent learning and memory dysfunction. miR-203 inhibitor treatment also improved motor function. In addition, miR-203 inhibitor treatment inhibited neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 activity and increasing bcl-2 expression.

CONCLUSION

miR-203 inhibitor treatment can rescue TBI-induced neural damage by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and dementia markers like ApoE4 expression and Tau phosphorylation.

Homer1a protects against neuronal injury via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Purpose: Homer1a is a member of the post-synaptic density protein family that plays an important role in neuronal synaptic activity and is extensively involved in neurological disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Homer1a in modulating neuronal survival using an in vitro traumatic neuronal injury model.Materials and methods: Neurons were extracted from rats and identifited. Then, the cells were treated with Homerla overexpression or interference vectors. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of Homerla, apoptosis-related proteins(caspase3, caspase8, caspase9, Fasl, Bax, and p53), autophagy-related proteins (LC3ll and Beclin1), and the activiation of PI3K/AKT/mTOM pathway. In addition, the cell viability and apoptosis rate were measured. Results: After transfection with overexpression or interference vectors, the mRNA and protein expression of Homer1a increased or decreased significantly, respectively. Upregulation of Homer1a significantly alleviated apoptosis and enhanced cell viability and autophagy after traumatic neuronal injury. Homer1a overexpression also significantly decreased the expression of the pro-apoptosis proteins caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, Fasl, Bax, and p53 in neurons. Furthermore, neuron autophagy was increased after traumatic neuronal injury as demonstrated by the greater accumulation of autophagosomes and higher expression of LC3II and Beclin1 induced by Homer1a overexpression. In addition, Homer1a overexpression inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Conclusion: These findings indicated that Homer1a potentially protects neurons from traumatic injury by regulating apoptosis and autophagy via the caspase and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and may be an effective intervention target in traumatic brain injury.

Modulation of autophagy in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a traumatically induced structural injury or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of external forces, leading to adult disability and death. A growing body of evidence reveals that alterations in autophagy-related proteins exist extensively in both experimentally and clinically after TBI. Of note, the autophagy pathway plays an essential role in pathophysiological processes, such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thus contributing to neurological properties of TBI. With this in mind, this review summarizes a comprehensive overview on the beneficial and detrimental effects of autophagy in pathophysiological conditions and how these activities are linked to the pathogenesis of TBI. Moreover, the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy occur TBI. Ultimately, multiple compounds and various drugs targeting the autophagy pathway are well described in TBI. Therefore, autophagy flux represents a potential clinical therapeutic value for the treatment of TBI and its complications.