Formoterol attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in a rat model: Role of PINK-1/PARKIN and PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF/TrKB axis

β-2 agonist and antagonist adrenoceptors induce neuroprotection in a progressive model of parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dopaminergic dysfunction in the nigrostriatal pathway, as well as alterations in other monoamines systems. Research indicates that the use of β-adrenergic agonist and antagonists influences the risk of PD. This study evaluated the effects of salbutamol and propranolol on motor and neurochemical parameters in a progressive model of parkinsonism induced by reserpine (RES). Male Wistar rats were chronically treated with 12 subcutaneous injections of RES (0,1 mg/kg) given every other day for 24 days. From the 16th day onwards, the animals were daily treated with salbutamol (5 mg/kg) or propranolol (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 8 days. Salbutamol reduced the motor deficit caused by RES in the catalepsy test, while propranolol reduced the damages caused by RES in the vacuous chewing movements evaluation. In immunohistochemical analysis both salbutamol and propranolol prevented dopaminergic damage in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), striatum and noradrenergic damage in locus coeruleus (LC). In addition, salbutamol and propranolol prevented the increase in α-synuclein immunoreactivity caused by RES in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), striatum, prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. These data show that salbutamol and propranolol promote neuroprotective effects against reserpine-induced parkinsonism. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in β-adrenoceptors role in PD development.

Combining vinpocetine or cocoa with levodopa, Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B complex mitigates rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats: Impact on Nrf2/HO-1, NF-kB, AMPK/SIRT-1/Beclin-1, AKT/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF and Apoptotic Pathways

There are no curative treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD), and current treatments focus on symptomatic management. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of combining L-DOPA/Carbidopa with essential cofactors (vitamin (VIT) B complex and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)), alone or in conjunction with vinpocetine (VIN) or cocoa, as a potential strategy to enhance neuroprotection in rotenone (RT)-induced PD rat model, highlighting mechanistic insights into their underlying neuroprotective mechanisms and focusing on addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. These combinations were tested on adult male Wistar rats allocated into six groups. Group I received saline (normal control), while groups II-VI were injected with RT for 19 days to induce PD. Group II received RT alone, group III received daily oral L-DOPA/Carbidopa, and groups IV-VI received L-DOPA/Carbidopa with VIT B complex and CoQ10, either alone (Group IV) or combined with cocoa (Group V) or VIN (Group VI). These treatments markedly improved RT-induced perturbations in locomotor and cognitive outcomes; neurotransmitters' levels; oxidative stress (Nrf2/HO-1, MDA, INOS, SOD and TAC); inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, GFAP and COX-2); neurotrophic (AKT/CREB/BDNF); apoptotic (BAX, caspase-3, AIF, and Bcl-2); and autophagic (AMPK/SIRT-1/Beclin-1) biomarkers; histopathological findings and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoexpression. Furthermore, the best outcomes were observed in cocoa and VIN combinations. These results indicated that combining L-DOPA with CoQ10 and VIT B complex in conjunction with either VIN or cocoa could provide a potential strategy for managing motor impairments and preventing neurodegeneration in PD. The interaction between key signaling pathways, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-kB, AMPK/SIRT-1, and AKT/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF, likely mediates this effect. However, further clinical validation is required to assess this approach's real-world applicability and therapeutic potential.

Mitophagy in Brain Injuries: Mechanisms, Roles, and Therapeutic Potential

Mitophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway crucial for clearing damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to various brain injuries. By promptly removing damaged mitochondria, mitophagy protects cells from further harm and support cellular repair and recovery after injury. In different types of brain injury, mitophagy plays complex and critical roles, from regulating the balance between cell death and survival to influencing neurological recovery. This review aims to deeply explore the role and mechanism of mitophagy in the context of brain injuries and uncover how mitophagy regulates the brain response to injury and its potential therapeutic significance. It emphasizes mitophagy's potential in treating brain injuries, including reducing cell damage, promoting cell recovery, and improving neurological function, thus opening new perspectives and directions for future research and clinical applications.

Modulating Multiple Molecular Trajectories by Nutraceuticals and/or Physical Activity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Like Behaviors in Rat Pups

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting cognitive and social functions all over childhood. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive associated with ADHD-like symptoms in children. Nutraceuticals, like sesamol (SE) and astaxanthin (AST), or physical activity (PHA) were reported to possess beneficial effects on human health. Meanwhile, still their neuroprotective effect against ADHD has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SE, AST and PHA either separately or combined on ADHD-like behaviors induced by MSG in rat pups. Eighty-four male Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly allocated into seven groups; control, MSG, (PHA + MSG), (SE + MSG), (AST + MSG), (SE + AST + MSG), and (COMB [PHA + SE + AST] + MSG) and treated for eight weeks. MSG-induced ADHD-like behavior was evaluated, via assessing behavioral outcomes; neurotransmitters' levels; five pathway biomarkers, coupled with histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Rats exposed to PHA or treated with SE or AST either separately or combined exhibited enhanced attention, locomotor, and cognitive abilities, compared to MSG-intoxicated group. All treatments remarkably improved MSG-induced abnormalities in neurotransmitters' levels; biochemical markers; along with histological findings, via modulating HMGB1/RAGE/JAK-2/STAT-3, PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF, AMPK/SIRT-1 and PERK/CHOP pathways. Nevertheless, the combination of PHA with nutraceuticals (SE and AST) elicited more favorable effects in all measured parameters and histological findings, compared to other treated groups. In conclusion, this study revealed the superiority of the combination of nutraceuticals with PHA, over other standalone treatments, in amelioration of MSG-induced ADHD-like behaviors in rat pups, via fine-tuning of HMGB1/RAGE, PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF, AMPK/SIRT-1 and PERK/CHOP pathways.

Multifaceted therapeutic potentials of catalpol, an iridoid glycoside: an updated comprehensive review

Catalpol, classified as an iridoid glucoside, is recognized for its significant role in medicine, particularly in the treatment of various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, neuronal disorders, and inflammatory diseases. This review aims to evaluate the biological implications of catalpol and the mechanisms underlying its diverse pharmacological effects. A thorough exploration of existing literature was conducted utilizing the keyword "Catalpol" across prominent public domains like Google Scholar, PubMed, and EKB. Catalpol has demonstrated a diverse array of pharmacological effects in experimental models, showcasing its anti-diabetic, cardiovascular-protective, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In summary, catalpol manifests a spectrum of biological effects through a myriad of mechanisms, prominently featuring its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Its diverse pharmacological profile underscores its potential for therapeutic applications across a range of conditions. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the clinical implications of catalpol and optimize its use in medical practice.

Electroacupuncture Neural Stimulation Mitigates Bladder Dysfunction and Mechanical Allodynia in Cyclophosphamide Induced Cystitis through Downregulation of the BDNF-TrkB Signaling Pathway

Central sensitization plays a critical role in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). Electroacupuncture (EA) nerve stimulation therapy has been broadly acknowledged as an effective means of alleviating chronic pathological pain. However, it remains to be explored whether EA is effective in mitigating pain-sensitive symptoms of BPS/IC and the mechanisms involved. This study aims to investigate the analgesic effect and mechanism of EA therapy. To achieve this goal, we employed several techniques: mechanical pain threshold tests to assess pain sensitivity, urodynamic studies to evaluate bladder function, Western blotting (WB) for protein analysis, immunofluorescence for visualizing, and transcriptomics. A rat cystitis model was established through a systemic intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide (CYP). EA therapy was executed by stimulating the deep part of the hypochondriac point, where the 2nd-4th sacral nerves traverse. EA treatment was observed to effectively reduce mechanical allodynia, enhance urinary function, suppress the activation of microglial cells, and alleviate neuroinflammation. Additionally, EA demonstrated the capability to downregulate BDNF-TrkB signal transduction in the spinal dorsal horn. Transcriptome sequencing has indicated that EA therapy potentially inhibits excitatory neural transmission and modulates several pathways related to longevity. Furthermore, EA therapy has shown efficacy in treating conditions such as Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. In conclusion, by regulating the BDNF-TrkB signaling, EA nerve stimulation can effectively alleviate bladder dysfunction and mechanical allodynia in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis model. Our research elucidates the underlying mechanisms of EA therapy in treating bladder dysfunction and offers new theoretical insights for addressing painful sensitization in BPS.Significance Statement Central sensitization is a major factor in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), making effective pain management crucial. This study explores the potential of electroacupuncture (EA) as a therapeutic approach to alleviate pain and improve bladder function in a rat model of BPS/IC induced by cyclophosphamide. Our findings demonstrate that EA therapy significantly reduces mechanical allodynia, enhances urinary function, and decreases neuroinflammation by modulating BDNF-TrkB signaling in the spinal dorsal horn. The research highlights EA's capability to inhibit excitatory neural transmission and provide relief in chronic pain conditions. These results offer new insights into the mechanisms of EA therapy, potentially improving treatment strategies for BPS/IC and similar pain syndromes.

Identification of ferroptosis-related genes in heart tissues of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the role of ferroptosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. The objective is to identify differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis in HCM and understand the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

METHODS

Comprehensive genomic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis in HCM. The analysis focused on TFRC, SCD, SLC2A1, EGR1, GDF15, SNCA, PLIN2, and NQO1 as hub genes regulating ferroptosis. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to uncover their involvement in pathways such as ferroptosis, ubiquinone biosynthesis, and HIF-1 signaling. In addition, immune cell infiltration patterns in HCM were explored, and associations between the hub genes and immune infiltration were identified.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed TFRC, SCD, SLC2A1, EGR1, GDF15, SNCA, PLIN2, and NQO1 as hub genes involved in the regulation of ferroptosis in HCM. Functional enrichment analysis indicated their contribution to key pathways related to ferroptosis, ubiquinone biosynthesis, and HIF-1 signaling. Furthermore, associations between the hub genes and immune infiltration in HCM were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of HCM by identifying differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis. The findings suggest potential molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCM. These findings contribute to a better understanding of HCM and may pave the way for the development of targeted therapies and improved diagnostic approaches for this debilitating cardiac disorder.

Mitophagy in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms of Action and the Advances of Drug Discovery

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), are devastating brain diseases and are incurable at the moment. Increasing evidence indicates that NDDs are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy removes defective or redundant mitochondria to maintain cell homeostasis, whereas deficient mitophagy accelerates the accumulation of damaged mitochondria to mediate the pathologies of NDDs. Therefore, targeting mitophagy has become a valuable therapeutic pathway for the treatment of NDDs. Several mitophagy modulators have been shown to ameliorate neurodegeneration in PD and AD. However, it remains to be further investigated for other NDDs. Here, we describe the mechanism and key signaling pathway of mitophagy and summarize the roles of defective mitophagy on the pathogenesis of NDDs. Further, we underline the development advances of mitophagy modulators for PD and AD therapy, discuss the therapeutic challenges and limitations of the existing modulators, and provide guidelines for mitophagy mechanism exploration and drug design.

Okra seed polysaccharides mitigate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB, NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3, AMPK/SIRT1/m-TOR, PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF/TrkB and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 axes

Global healthcare systems are under tremendous strain due to the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders. Growing data suggested that overconsumption of high-fat/high-carbohydrates diet (HFHCD) is associated with enhanced incidence of metabolic alterations, neurodegeneration, and cognitive dysfunction. Functional foods have gained prominence in curbing metabolic and neurological deficits. Consequently, this study endeavored to explore effects of purified Okra seed polysaccharides (OP) (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) against HFHCD-induced metabolic alterations and cognitive dysfunction, with elucidating underlying contributed mechanistic pathways. OP hydrolysate was analyzed using GC-MS analysis. The biological study encompassed two phases, the first phase I (model establishment phase), for 3 months, involved a control group, fed standard diet, and HFHCD group. The second phase (phase II) where HFHCD fed rats were re-divided into 3 equal subgroups, 1st subgroup received HFHCD, whereas second and third subgroups received OP, 200 or 400 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 28 days. GC-MS characterized OP as an arabinogalactouranan and revealed the monosaccharide composition as galacturonic acid: arabinose: glucose: galactose: rhamnose: xylose in ratio of 28.2: 23.3: 11.5: 4.2: 3.5: 2.0. The findings demonstrated that OP dose-dependently mitigated HFHCD-induced rise in body weights, lipid profiles, levels of blood glucose and disruption in behavioral outcomes, neurotransmitters, together with histopathological alterations in brain. Moreover, OP dose-dependently improved redox, neuroinflammatory, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagic and apoptotic biomarkers. OP can be regarded as promising functional food candidate to hamper HFHCD-induced metabolic alterations and cognitive deficit, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT/CREB axes, long with dampening of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4, NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3 and PERK/CHOP axes.

Cilostazol counteracts mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatic encephalopathy rat model: Insights into the role of cAMP/AMPK/SIRT1/ PINK-1/parkin hub and p-CREB /BDNF/ TrkB neuroprotective trajectory

A devasting stage of chronic hepatic dysfunction is strictly correlated with neurological impairment, signifying hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE is a multifactorial condition; therefore, hyperammonemia, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction interplay in HE's progressive development. Cilostazol (Cilo) has shown promising neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effectiveness in different neuronal and hepatic disorders; however, its efficiency against HE hasn't yet been explored. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of Cilo against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats targeting mitochondrial dysfunction via modulation of Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) dependent pathways. Rats were allocated into three groups: the normal control group, the TAA group received (100 mg/kg, three times per week, for six weeks) to induce HE, and the Cilo group received (Cilo 100 mg/kg/day for six weeks, oral gavage) concurrently with TAA. Cilo counteracted HE indicated in the enhancement of cognitive impairment and the motor performance of rats (P < 0.0001), modulation AMPK/SIRT1signaling pathway causing reduction of NF-kB p65 (P < 0.0001) evoked inflammation along with histopathological alterations and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity (P < 0.0001), restoration nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (P < 0.0001) antioxidant effects, reduction of Bax and elevation of Bcl2 immunoreactivity (P < 0.0001) in addition to boosting mitochondrial biogenesis by upregulation of PTEN-induced kinase-1 (PINK-1)/Parkin (P < 0.0001)and restoration of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (P = 0.0002)/tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) (P < 0.0001)/cAMP response element-binding (CREB) (P < 0.0001) neuroprotective axis. Collectively, Cilo activates the SIRT1 trajectory to abridge mitochondrial dysfunction invigorated in the HE rat model via restoration of mitochondrial hemostasis.

Unveiling the protective potential of mirabegron against thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats: Insights into cAMP/PPAR-γ/p-ERK1/2/p S536 NF-κB p 65 and p-CREB/BDNF/TrkB in parallel with oxidative and apoptotic trajectories

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most prevalent and severe hepatic and brain disorders in which escalation of the oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic trajectories pathologically connects acute liver injury with neurological impairment. Mirabegron (Mira) is a beta3 adrenergic receptor agonist with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current research pointed to exploring Mira's hepato-and neuroprotective impacts against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats. Rats were distributed into three experimental groups: the normal control group, the TAA group, received TAA (200 mg/kg/day for three consecutive days) and the Mira-treated group received Mira (10 mg/kg/day; oral gavage) for 15 consecutive days and intoxicated with TAA from the 13th to the 15th day of the experimental period. Mira counteracted hyperammonemia, enhanced rats' locomotor capability and motor coordination. It attenuated hepatic/neurological injuries by its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic as well as anti-inflammatory potentials. Mira predominantly targeted cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-Erk1/2)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) dependent pathways via downregulation of p S536-nuclear factor kappa B p65 (p S536 NF-κB p 65)/tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) axis. Meanwhile, it attenuated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) depletion in parallel with restoring of the neuroprotective defensive pathway by upregulation of cerebral cAMP/PPAR-γ/p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB/BDNF/TrkB besides reduction of GFAP immunoreactivity. Mira showed anti-apoptotic activity through inhibition of Bax immunoreactivity and elevation of Bcl2. To summarize, Mira exhibited a hepato-and neuroprotective effect against TAA-induced HE in rats via shielding antioxidant defense and mitigation of the pathological inflammatory and apoptotic axis besides upregulation of neuroprotective signaling pathways.

Activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by tropisetron mitigates 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease in rats: Role of PI3K/Akt and JAK2/NF-κB signaling pathways

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inheritable autosomal-dominant disorder that targets mainly the striatum. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induces obvious deleterious behavioral, neurochemical, and histological effects similar to the symptoms of HD. Our study aimed to examine the neuroprotective activity of tropisetron, an alpha-7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α-7nAChR) agonist, against neurotoxic events associated with 3-NP-induced HD in rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Group I received normal saline, while Groups II, III and IV received 3-NP for 2 weeks. In addition, Group III and IV were treated with tropisetron 1 h after 3-NP administration. Meanwhile, Group IV received methyllycaconitine (MLA), an α-7nAChR antagonist, 30 min before tropisetron administration. Treatment with tropisetron improved motor deficits as confirmed by the behavioral tests and restored normal histopathological features of the striatum. Moreover, tropisetron showed an anti-oxidant activity via increasing the activities of SDH and HO-1 as well as Nrf2 expression along with reducing MDA level. Tropisetron also markedly upregulated the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt which in turn hampered JAK2/NF-κB inflammatory cascade. In addition, tropisetron showed an anti-apoptotic activity through boosting the expression of Bcl-2 and reducing Bax expression and caspase-3 level. Interestingly, all the aforementioned effects of tropisetron were blocked by pre-administration of MLA, which confirms that such neuroprotective effects are mediated via activating of α-7nAChR. In conclusion, tropisetron showed a neuroprotective activity against 3-NP-induced HD via activating PI3K/Akt signaling and suppressing JAK2/NF-κB inflammatory axis. Thus, repositioning of tropisetron could represent a promising therapeutic strategy in management of HD.