Scutellarin and caffeic acid ester fraction, active components of Dengzhanxixin injection, upregulate neurotrophins synthesis and release in hypoxia/reoxygenation rat astrocytes

A critical appraisal on the involvement of plant-based extracts as neuroprotective agents (2012-2022): an effort to ease out decision-making process for researchers

The purpose of this review study is to provide a condensed compilation of 164 medicinal plants that have been investigated for their neuroprotective aspects by researchers between the years 2012 and 2022 which also includes a recent update of 2023-2024. After using certain keywords to retrieve the data from SCOPUS, it was manually sorted to eliminate any instances of duplication. The article is streamlined into three major segments. The first segment takes a dig into the current global trend and attempts to decrypt vital information related to plant names, families, plant parts used, and neurological disorders investigated. The second segment of the article makes an attempt to present a comprehensive insight into the various mechanistic pathways through which phytochemicals can intervene to exert neuroprotection. The final segment of the manuscript is a bibliometric appraisal of all researches conducted. The study is based on 256 handpicked articles based on decided inclusion criteria. Illustrative compilation of various pathways citing their activation and deactivation channels are also presented with possible hitting points of various phytochemicals. The present study employed Microsoft Excel 2019 and VOS viewer as data visualisation tools.

Flavonoids Derived from Chinese Medicine: Potential Neuroprotective Agents

Due to their complex pathological mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases have brought great challenges to drug development and clinical treatment. Studies have shown that many traditional Chinese medicines have neuroprotective pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties and have certain effects on improving the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases and delaying disease progression. Flavonoids are the main active components of many traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, regulation of autophagy balance, inhibition of apoptosis, and promotion of neuronal regeneration. This paper focuses on the neuroprotective effects of six common flavonoids: quercetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, baicalein, and puerarin. It then systematically reviews their characteristics, mechanisms, and key signaling pathways, summarizes the common characteristics and laws of their neuroprotective effects, and discusses the significance of strengthening the research on the neuroprotective effects of these compounds, aiming to provide reference for more research and drug development of these substances as neuroprotective drugs.

Mechanism of scutellarin inhibition of astrocyte activation to type A1 after ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of scutellarin on the activation of astrocytes into the A1 type following cerebral ischemia and to explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

In vivo, a mouse middle cerebral artery wire embolism model was established to observe the regulation of astrocyte activation to A1 type by scutellarin, and the effects on neurological function and brain infarct volume. In vitro, primary astrocytes were cultured to establish an oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the mRNA and protein expression of C3, a specific marker of A1-type astrocytes pretreated with scutellarin, were examined. The neurons were cultured in vitro to detect the toxic effects of ischemia-hypoxia-activated A1 astrocyte secretion products on neurons, and to observe whether scutellarin could reduce the neurotoxicity of A1 astrocytes. To validate the signaling pathway-related proteins regulated by scutellarin on C3 expression in astrocytes.

RESULTS

The results showed that scutellarin treatment reduced the volume of cerebral infarcts and attenuated neurological deficits in mice caused by middle cerebral artery embolism. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that treatment with scutellarin down-regulated middle cerebral artery embolism and OGD/R up-regulated A1-type astrocyte marker C3. The secretory products of ischemia-hypoxia-activated A1-type astrocytes were toxic to neurons and induced an increase in neuronal apoptosis, and astrocytes treated with scutellarin reduced the toxic effects on neurons. Further study revealed that scutellarin inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and thus inhibited the activation of astrocytes to A1 type.

Natural products regulate mitochondrial function in cognitive dysfunction-A scoping review

Medicines from natural products can not only treat neurodegenerative diseases but also improve the cognitive dysfunction caused by treatments with western medicines. This study reviews the literature related to the regulation of mitochondrial participation in cognitive function by natural products. In this study, we focused on English articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from 15 October 2017, to 15 October 2022. Fourteen studies that followed the inclusion criteria were integrated, analyzed, and summarized. Several studies have shown that natural products can improve or reduce cognitive dysfunction by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest that natural products may serve as new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of breviscapine on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and intestinal flora imbalance by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz.,a Chinese herbal medicine with multiple pharmacological effects and clinical applications, has been traditionally used in the treatment of paralysis caused by stroke and joint pain from rheumatism by the Yi minority people of Southwest China for generations.However, its mechanism involves many factors and has not been fully clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Taking intestinal flora as the target, the protective effect of extract(breviscapine) of E. breviscapus on cerebral ischemia and its possible mechanism were discussed from the perspective of brain inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4, which depends on intestinal flora.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we first verified the binding ability between major active ingredient of Erigeron breviscapus and the core target TLR4 protein by molecular docking using Vina software.We established a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo.The neurological function of rats was scored by Bederson score table, the cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining, and the serum NSE level was detected by ELASA. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora of rats in each group.The expression levels of cerebral TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in different intestinal segments were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the neurological injury score, infarct volume and serum NSE concentration of breviscapine low, medium and high dose groups and nimodipine groups decreased significantly. Meanwhile, breviscapine could significantly reduce the expression level of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in brain tissue and CYP3A4 in different intestinal segments of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, breviscapine also significantly ameliorated intestinal flora dysbiosis of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Breviscapine can protect rats from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating intestinal flora, inhibiting brain TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4 expression.

Metanil yellow promotes oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and apoptosis in the cerebellar cortex of adult male rat with possible protective effect of scutellarin: A histological and immunohistochemical study

Metanil yellow is a food dye that has harmful impacts on different body systems. Scutellarin has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the current research was to study the effect of chronic administration of metanil yellow on the cerebellar cortex of rats and to evaluate the protective effect of scutellarin. Forty adult male rats were allocated into four groups: group I acted as control, group II was administrated scutellarin (100 mg/kg/day), group III was administrated metanil yellow (200 mg/kg/day), and group IV was administrated scutellarin and metanil yellow as in group II and group III. The agents were administered via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Metanil yellow induced a significant rise in the malondialdehyde coupled with a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The Purkinje cells were irregular and shrunken with condensed nuclei. A significant elevation in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cleaved caspase-3 as well as a significant reduction of synaptophysin expression were revealed in comparison with the control group. Interestingly, few changes were noticed in rats given metanil yellow concomitant with scutellarin. In conclusion, scutellarin could protect against metanil yellow-induced alterations in the cerebellar cortex by reducing oxidative stress and minimizing gliosis.

Advances in Chemical Constituents, Clinical Applications, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of Erigeron breviscapus

Dengzhanxixin (DZXX), the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus (Vaniot) Hand.-Mazz., belonging to Compositae and first published in Materia Medica of South Yunnan by Lan Mao in the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD–1644 AD), is included in Medicinal Materials and Decoction Pieces of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People’s Republic of China. Its main chemical components are flavonoids that mainly include flavonoid, flavonols, dihydroflavones, flavonol glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, coffee acyl compounds, and other substances, such as volatile oil compounds, coumarins, aromatic acids, pentacyclic terpenoids, phytosterols, and xanthones. Among them, scutellarin and 1,5-dicoffeoylquininic acid are the main active components of DZXX. DZXX has pharmacological effects, such as improving cerebral and cerebrovascular ischemia, increasing blood flow, inhibiting platelet aggregation, promoting antithrombotic formation, improving microcirculation, reducing blood viscosity, protecting optic nerves, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, scavenging free radicals, and eliciting antioxidant activities. It is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, diabetic complications, and glaucoma. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the active components of DZXX have a low bioavailability and a high elimination rate in vivo. Nevertheless, its utilization can be improved through liposome preparation and combination with other drugs. Acute and subacute toxicity studies have shown that DZXX is a safe medicinal material widely used in clinical settings. However, its target and drug action mechanism are unclear because of the complexity of its composition. In this paper, the clinical application and pharmacological toxicology of DZXX are reviewed to provide a reference for further studying its active components and action mechanism.

Dengzhanxixin Injection Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment Through a Neuroprotective Mechanism Based on Mitochondrial Preservation in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a global health burden and cognitive impairment is one of its most serious complication. Adequate interventions for AIS may have the potential to improve cognitive outcomes. In the present study, we selected Erigeron breviscapus (Vaniot) Hand.-Mazz. injection (Dengzhanxixin injection, DZXI), a widely used Chinese herbal injection, in contrast to edaravone as the positive control drug to test its potential to ameliorates neurological and cognitive impairments caused by AIS. We performed a 2-week randomized trial with these two drugs in AIS patients presenting mild to moderate cognitive impairments. Neuropsychological tests and MRI examinations showed that DZXI attenuated the neurological and cognitive impairments of patients and protected the grey matter in specific regions from ischemic damage. Notably, DZXI exerted better effects than edaravone in some neuropsychological tests, probably due to the protective effect of DZXI on grey matter. To explore the therapeutic mechanisms, we carried out an experiment with a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. We found that DZXI decreased the infarct volume and increased the survival of neuronal cells in the ischemic penumbra; furthermore, DZXI modulated the mitochondrial respiratory chain process and preserved the mitochondrial structure in the brain tissue. Overall, our data suggested that the administration of DZXI is effective at ameliorating neurological and cognitive impairments in AIS, and the underlying mechanisms are related to the protective effects of DZXI on cerebral neurons and neuronal mitochondria.

Neuroprotective Phytochemicals in Experimental Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications

Ischemic stroke is a challenging disease with high mortality and disability rates, causing a great economic and social burden worldwide. During ischemic stroke, ionic imbalance and excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation are developed in a relatively certain order, which then activate the cell death pathways directly or indirectly via the promotion of organelle dysfunction. Neuroprotection, a therapy that is aimed at inhibiting this damaging cascade, is therefore an important therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Notably, phytochemicals showed great neuroprotective potential in preclinical research via various strategies including modulation of calcium levels and antiexcitotoxicity, antioxidation, anti-inflammation and BBB protection, mitochondrial protection and antiapoptosis, autophagy/mitophagy regulation, and regulation of neurotrophin release. In this review, we summarize the research works that report the neuroprotective activity of phytochemicals in the past 10 years and discuss the neuroprotective mechanisms and potential clinical applications of 148 phytochemicals that belong to the categories of flavonoids, stilbenoids, other phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Among them, scutellarin, pinocembrin, puerarin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, salvianolic acids, rosmarinic acid, borneol, bilobalide, ginkgolides, ginsenoside Rd, and vinpocetine show great potential in clinical ischemic stroke treatment. This review will serve as a powerful reference for the screening of phytochemicals with potential clinical applications in ischemic stroke or the synthesis of new neuroprotective agents that take phytochemicals as leading compounds.

Metabolism and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Erigeron breviscapus

BACKGROUND

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. is a plant species in the Compositae family. More than ten types of compounds-such as flavonoids, caffeinate esters, and volatile oils-have been identified in Erigeron breviscapus; however, it remains unknown as to which compounds are associated with clinical efficacy. In recent years, flavonoids and phenolic acids have been considered as the main effective components of Erigeron breviscapus. The metabolism and mechanisms of these compounds in vivo have been extensively studied to improve our understanding of the drug.

METHODS

In the present review, we summarize the relationships among these compounds, their metabolites, and their pharmacodynamics. Many methods have been implemented to improve the separation and bioavailability of these compounds from Erigeron breviscapus.

RESULTS

In China, Erigeron breviscapus has been used for many years. In recent years, through the study of its metabolism and the mechanisms of its effective components, the effects of Erigeron breviscapus in the treatment of various diseases have been extensively studied. Findings have indicated that Erigeron breviscapus improves cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function and that one of its ingredients, scutellarin, has potential value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetic vascular complications, and other conditions. In addition, phenolic acid compounds and their metabolites also play an important role in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and improving blood lipids.

CONCLUSION

Erigeron breviscapus plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular diseases, neuroprotection, and cancer through many different mechanisms of action. Further investigation of its efficacious components and metabolites may provide more possibilities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of novel drugs.

Neuroprotective Effects of Medicinal Plants in Cerebral Hypoxia and Anoxia: A Systematic Review

Background:

Hypoxia and anoxia are dangerous and sometimes irreversible complications in the central nervous system (CNS), which in some cases lead to death.

Objective:

The aim of this review was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants in cerebral hypoxia and anoxia.

Methods:

The word hypox*, in combination with some herbal terms such as medicinal plant, phyto* and herb*, was used to search for relevant publications indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) and PubMed from 2000-2019.

Results:

Certain medicinal plants and herbal derivatives can exert their protective effects in several ways. The most important mechanisms are the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), production of NO, inhibition of both hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and tumor necrosis factor-alpha activation, and reduction of extracellular glutamate, N-Methyl-D-aspartic and intracellular Ca (2+). In addition, they have an antioxidant activity and can adjust the expression of genes related to oxidant generation or antioxidant capacity. These plants can also inhibit lipid peroxidation, up-regulate superoxide dismutase activity and inhibit the content of malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, they also have protective effects against cytotoxicity through down-regulation of the proteins that causes apoptosis, anti-excitatory activity, inhibition of apoptosis signaling pathway, reduction of pro-apoptotic proteins, and endoplasmic reticulum stress that causes apoptosis during hypoxia, increasing anti-apoptotic protein, inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activation, decreasing proteases activity and DNA fragmentation, and upregulation of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that medicinal plants and their compounds mainly exert their neuroprotective effects in hypoxia via regulating proteins that are related to antioxidant, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory activities.

Role of the neurovascular unit in the process of cerebral ischemic injury

Cerebral ischemic injury exhibits both high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional research of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury has focused on separate analyses of the involved cell types. In recent years, the neurovascular unit (NVU) mechanism of cerebral ischemic injury has been proposed in modern medicine. Hence, more effective strategies for the treatment of cerebral ischemic injury may be provided through comprehensive analysis of brain cells and the extracellular matrix. However, recent studies that have investigated the function of the NVU in cerebral ischemic injury have been insufficient. In addition, the metabolism and energy conversion of the NVU depend on interactions among multiple cell types, which make it difficult to identify the unique contribution of each cell type. Therefore, in the present review, we comprehensively summarize the regulatory effects and recovery mechanisms of four major cell types (i.e., astrocytes, microglia, brain-microvascular endothelial cells, and neurons) in the NVU under cerebral ischemic injury, as well as discuss the interactions among these cell types in the NVU. Furthermore, we discuss the common signaling pathways and signaling factors that mediate cerebral ischemic injury in the NVU, which may help to provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive elucidation of cerebral ischemic injury.

Microglia mediated neuroinflammation - signaling regulation and therapeutic considerations with special reference to some natural compounds

Neuroinflammation plays a central role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral ischemic injury etc. In this connection, microglia, the key players in the central nervous system, mediate the inflammatory response process. In brain injuries, activated microglia can clear the cellular debris and invading pathogens and release neurotrophic factors; however, prolonged microglia activation may cause neuronal death through excessive release of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of microglia activation to design an effective therapeutic strategy to alleviate neuronal injury. Recent studies have shown that some natural compounds and herbal extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that may suppress microglial activation and ameliorate neuroinflammation and hence are neuroprotective. In this review, we will update some of the common signaling pathways that regulate microglia activation. Among the various signaling pathways, the Notch-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) have been reported to exacerbate microglia mediated neuroinflammation that is implicated in different neuropathological diseases. The search for natural compounds or agents, specifically those derived from natural herbal extracts such as Gastrodin, scutellarin, RG1 etc. has been the focus of many of our recent studies because they have been found to regulate microglia activation. The pharmacological effects of these agents and their potential mechanisms for regulating microglia activation are systematically reviewed here for a fuller understanding of their biochemical action and therapeutic potential for treatment of microglia mediated neuropathological diseases.

Effect and Safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke of Blood Stasis Syndrome: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multiple-Dose, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect and safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection (HSYAI) in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS).

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, active-controlled phase II trial was conducted at 9 centers in China from July 2013 to September 2015. Patients with moderate or severe AIS and BSS were randomly assigned to low-, medium-, high-dose HSYAI groups (25, 50 and 70 mg/d HSYAI by intravenous infusion, respectively), and a control group (Dengzhan Xixin Injection (, DZXXI) 30 mL/d by intravenous infusion), for 14 consecutive days. The primary outcome was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment. The secondary outcomes included the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ⩽1, Barthel Index (BI) score ⩾95, and BSS score reduced ⩾30% from baseline at days 14, 30, 60, and 90 after treatment. The safety outcomes included any adverse events during 90 days after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 266 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 66, 67, 65 and 68 cases were in the low-, medium-, and high-dose HSYAI and control groups, respectively. The proportions of patients in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups with mRS score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment were significantly larger than the control group (P<0.05). The incidences of favorable outcomes of NIHSS and BI at days 90 after treatment as well as satisfactory improvement of BSS at days 30 and 60 after treatment in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups were all significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was reported among the 4 groups in any specific adverse events (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HSYAI was safe and well-tolerated at all doses for treating AIS patients with BSS. The medium (50 mg/d) or high dose (75 mg/d) might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR-2000029608).

Protection of the Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense extracts against oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation induced astrocytes injury via BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway

Geum japonicum Tunb. var. chinense (GJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine usually used for the alleviation of dizziness and headache. Previous studies have reported that the GJ extracts could alleviate cerebral I/R injury by reducing apoptosis in vivo. To further elucidate the positive role and underlying mechanism of the GJ extracts in cerebral I/R injury, the current study investigated the effects of the GJ extracts on oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced astrocytes injury in light of BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB signaling pathway with seropharmacological method. In the present study, the LC-MS profiling of the GJ extracts, obtain by reflux extraction, led to the identification of three possible active components were 5-desgalloylstachyurin, tellimagrandin II (TG II) and 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzaldehyde (THBA). Drug-containing serum was collected from rats given different doses of the GJ extracts (0, 1.75 g/kg, 7 g/kg). Data indicated that the GJ extracts could increase the cell viability and decrease apoptosis and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in OGD/R-induced astrocytes. In addition, the detection of apoptosis-related factors showed that the GJ extracts could obviously increase the expression of Bcl-2 and reduce the expression of Bax, Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3. Furthermore, the GJ extracts markedly increased the expression of BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, p-Akt and p-CREB. All these effects of the GJ extracts could be significantly reversed by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K. These data indicated that the GJ extracts could protect astrocytes against OGD/R-induced injury by inhibiting astrocytes reactivity and apoptosis, owing to the activation of the BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway. The results support the application of the GJ extracts in the treatment of ischemic stroke and other ischemic encephalopathy.

β-Glucuronidase- and OATP2B1-mediated drug interaction of scutellarin in Dengzhan Xixin Injection: A formulation aspect

Scutellarin is the major and active constituent of Dengzhan Xixin Injection (DZXX), a traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the aqueous extract of Erigeron breviscapus and widely used for the treatment of various cerebrovascular diseases in clinic. In present study, the possible pharmacokinetic differences of scutellarin after intravenous administration of scutellarin alone or DZXX were explored. Additional, the potential roles of β-glucuronidase (GLU) and OATP2B1 in drug-drug interaction (DDI) between scutellarin and constituents of DZXX were further evaluated in vitro. The plasma concentration, urinary and biliary excretion of scutellarin in rats after administration of DZXX, were significantly higher than those received scutellarin, while pharmacokinetic profile of Apigenin 7-O-glucuronide (AG) in rats was similar no matter AG or DZXX group. Furthermore, higher concentration in brain and plasma, however, lower level of scutellarin in intestine were observed after intravenous administration of DZXX. Finally, AG and caffeoylquinic acid esters were found to significantly inhibit GLU and OATP2B1 in vitro, which might explain, at least in part, the pharmacokinetic DDI between scutellarin and other chemical constituents in DZXX. The findings provided deep insight into the prescription-formulating principle in DZXX for treating the cerebrovascular diseases.

Modulation of ERK1/2 and Akt Pathways Involved in the Neurotrophic Action of Caffeic Acid Alkyl Esters

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of human lives all over the world. The number of afflicted patients is rapidly growing, and disease-modifying agents are urgently needed. Caffeic acid, an important member of the hydroxycinnamic acid family of polyphenols, has considerable neurotrophic effects. We have previously shown how caffeate alkyl ester derivatives significantly promote survival and differentiation in neuronal cells. In this study, the mechanisms by which these ester derivatives exert their neurotrophic effects are examined. A series of eight caffeic acid esters with different alkyl chain lengths, ranging from methyl (CAF1) to dodecyl esters (CAF8), were synthesized and studied for their influence on neurotrophic signaling pathways. Caffeate esters did not induce tropomyosin-receptor kinase A (TrkA) phosphorylation, which was assessed by immunoblotting up to a concentration of 25 µM. NIH/3T3 cells overexpressing TrkA were generated to further examine phosphorylation of this receptor tyrosine kinase. None of the esters induced TrkA phosphorylation in these cells either. Assessment of the effect of caffeate derivatives on downstream neurotrophic pathways by immunoblotting showed that the most potent esters, decyl caffeate (CAF7) and dodecyl caffeate (CAF8) caused extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and Akt serine threonine kinase phosphorylation in PC12 cells at 5 and 25 µM concentrations. In conclusion, this study shows that caffeate esters exert their neurotrophic action by modulation of ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways in neuronal cells, and further demonstrates the potential therapeutic implications of these derivatives for neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroprotective role of dexmedetomidine pretreatment in cerebral ischemia injury via ADRA2A-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in adult rats

Neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) have been reported in various models of brain injury. However, to our knowledge, the neuroprotective mechanism of Dex pretreatment in rats remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to detect the expression of the α2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) in focal ischemic brain tissues and to investigate the protective role and corresponding mechanism of Dex pretreatment in cerebral ischemia in rats. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell model in primary cultured astrocytes and a focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model in adult rats were used. The expression of ADRA2A and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the primary cultured astrocytes and rat brain ischemic tissues was detected in the different conditions prior to and following Dex pretreatment using western blotting. The H/R model of primary cultured astrocytes and the focal cerebral I/R model in adult rats were successfully constructed. Under the normal oxygen conditions, 500 ng/ml Dex pretreatment increased the expression of ADRA2A and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 in the astrocytes compared with in the control group. Hypoxic culture for 6 h and then reoxygenation for 24 h decreased the levels of p-ERK1/2 in the astrocytes compared with those in control group. This decrease was prevented by Dex pretreatment for 3 h. The hypoxic culture and then reoxygenation increased the expression of ADRA2A. Similarly, compared with those prior to Dex treatment, the levels of ADRA2A and p-ERK1/2 in the brain ischemic tissues following Dex treatment were increased. The levels of ADRA2A and p-ERK1/2 were 0.72±0.23 and 0.66±0.25 following Dex treatment, compared with 0.76±0.22 and 0.31±0.18, respectively, prior to Dex treatment. The effect of Dex pretreatment increasing p-ERK1/2 expression was attenuated by AG1478 pretreatment. In summary, Dex appeared to promote phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in astrocytes under H/R. As a specific agonist of ADRA2A, Dex may activate phosphorylation of ERK1/2 via ADRA2A in astrocytes. Thus, the neuroprotective role of Dex pretreatment against cerebral ischemic injury may function via ADRA2A-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Scutellarin Mitigates Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity and Improves Behavior Impairments in AD Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) within extracellular spaces of the brain. Aggregation of Aβ has been shown to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity resulting in cognitive dysfunction. In this study, we use models of cerebral Aβ amyloidosis to investigate anti-amyloidogenic effects of scutellarin in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that scutellarin, through binding to Aβ42, efficiently inhibits oligomerization as well as fibril formation and reduces Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal toxicity in cell line SH-SY5Y. After nine months of treatment in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice, scutellarin significantly improves behavior, reduces soluble and insoluble Aβ levels in the brain and plasma, decreases Aβ plaque associated gliosis and levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, attenuates neuroinflammation, displays anti-amyloidogenic effects, and highlights the beneficial effects of intervention on development or progression of AD-like neuropathology.

Scutellarin protects oxygen/glucose-deprived astrocytes and reduces focal cerebral ischemic injury

Scutellarin, a bioactive flavone isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-neurotoxic, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effects and has been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. However, the mechanisms by which scutellarin mediates neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia remain unclear. The interaction between scutellarin and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) was assessed by molecular docking study, which showed that scutellarin selectively binds to NOX2 with high affinity. Cultures of primary astrocytes isolated from the cerebral cortex of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 2, 10 or 50 μM scutellarin for 30 minutes. The astrocytes were then subjected to oxygen/glucose deprivation by incubation for 2 hours in glucose-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium in a 95% N₂/5% CO₂ incubator, followed by simulated reperfusion for 22 hours. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Expression levels of NOX2, connexin 43 and caspase-3 were assessed by western blot assay. Reactive oxygen species were measured spectrophotometrically. Pretreatment with 10 or 50 μM scutellarin substantially increased viability, reduced the expression of NOX2 and caspase-3, increased the expression of connexin 43, and diminished the levels of reactive oxygen species in astrocytes subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. We also assessed the effects of scutellarin in vivo in the rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rats were given intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg scutellarin 2 hours before surgery. The Bederson scale was used to assess neurological deficit, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to measure infarct size. Western blot assay was used to assess expression of NOX2 and connexin 43 in brain tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosin (3-NT) in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to determine the co-expression of caspase-3 and NeuN. Pretreatment with scutellarin improved the neurological function of rats with focal cerebral ischemia, reduced infarct size, diminished the expression of NOX2, reduced levels of 8-OHdG, 4-HNE and 3-NT, and reduced the number of cells co-expressing caspase-3 and NeuN in the injured brain tissue. Furthermore, we examined the effect of the NOX2 inhibitor apocynin. Apocynin substantially increased connexin 43 expression in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our findings suggest that scutellarin protects against ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo by downregulating NOX2, upregulating connexin 43, decreasing oxidative damage, and reducing apoptotic cell death.

Dengzhanxixin injection for cerebral infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

No systematic review has been published in English of Dengzhanxixin (DZXX) injection for cerebral infarction. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects and safety of DZXX injection for cerebral infarction.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched from their inception. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to DZXX for cerebral infarction in English or Chinese without restrictions on the publication status were included. Neurological deficit, quality of life, and response rates were analyzed. Adverse events were also investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty-three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2291 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that DZXX injection plus routine western therapy was better than routine western therapy alone for reducing neurologic deficit (MD -2.86, 95% CI -3.87 to -1.86), for improving quality of life (MD 9.48, 95% CI 8.34-10.63), and for improving response rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15-1.25). No serious adverse drug events (ADE) were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

DZXX injection may have a potential therapeutic effect for cerebral infarction in reducing neurologic deficit, improving life quality and response rates. However, we could not draw any definitive conclusions due to the insufficient evidences. More high-quality trials are needed to provide more strong evidence and to assess the safety of DZXX injection.

Cytotoxic and chemosensitization effects of Scutellarin from traditional Chinese herb Scutellaria altissima L. in human prostate cancer cells

Scutellaria altissima L. is a common traditional Chinese medicine used to treat inflammation in some countries. Scutellarin, an active major flavone glycoside isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria altissima L., has been shown to offer various beneficial biochemical effects on cerebrovascular diseases and inflammation. However, the antiproliferative effects of Scutellarin in prostate cancer and the underlying mechanism are not fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain whether Scutellarin inhibits cancer cell growth and to further explore the molecular mechanism. Scutellarin enhanced the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to cisplatin. MTT assays revealed that cell viability was significantly decreased in the prostate cancer cells treated with Scutellarin. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that Scutellarin suppressed cell proliferation by promoting G2/M arrest and inducing apoptosis. We employed western blotting to delineate the underlying mechanisms involved in the G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Comet assay and γH2AX immunocytochemistry were used to detect levels of DNA damage in PC3 cells exposed to Scutellarin and/or cisplatin. Our data revealed that Scutellarin significantly induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis by activating the caspase cascade. An increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase were accompanied by the apoptosis induction. Additionally, Scutellarin altered the protein expression of cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory genes by downregulating Cdc2, cyclin B1 and Bcl-2 and upregulating caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, Scutellarin sensitized PC3 cells to cisplastin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our data confirmed the cytotoxicity of Scutellarin against prostate cancer PC3 cells and provide new findings in regards to Scutellarin sensitizing prostate cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that Scutellarin has potential to be used as a novel antineoplastic therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer patients.

Scutellarin may alleviate cognitive deficits in a mouse model of hypoxia by promoting proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells

Objective(s):

Scutellarin, a flavonoid extracted from the medicinal herb Erigeron breviscapus Hand-Mazz, protects neurons from damage and inhibits glial activation. Here we examined whether scutellarin may also protect neurons from hypoxia-induced damage.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were exposed to hypoxia for 7 days and then administered scutellarin (50 mg/kg/d) or vehicle for 30 days Cognitive impairment in the two groups was assessed using the Morris water maze test, cell proliferation in the hippocampus was compared using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry, and hippocampal levels of nestin and neuronal class III β-tubulin (Tuj-1) were measured using Western blotting. These results were validated in vitro by treating cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) with scutellarin (30 μM).

Results:

Treating mice with scutellarin shortened escape times and increased the number of platform crossings, it increased the number of BrdU-positive proliferating cells in the hippocampus, and it up-regulated expression of nestin and Tuj-1. Treating NSC cultures with scutellarin increased the number of proliferating cells and the proportion of cells differentiating into neurons instead of astrocytes. The increase in NSC proliferation was associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, while neuronal differentiation was associated with altered expression of differentiation-related genes.

Conclusion:

Scutellarin may alleviate cognitive impairment in a mouse model of hypoxia by promo-ting proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs.

DPPH·-luminol chemiluminescence system and its application in the determination of scutellarin in pharmaceutical injections and rat plasma with flow injection analysis

In this article, a DPPH·-luminol chemiluminescence (CL) system was reported and the CL mechanism was discussed according to the CL kinetic properties after sequence injecting DPPH· into the DPPH·-luminol reaction mixture. It was observed that scutellarin could inhibit the CL response of the DPPH·-luminol system. Based on this observation, a simple and rapid flow injection CL method was developed for the determination of scutellarin using the inhibition effect in alkaline medium. The optimized chemical conditions for the CL reaction were 5 × 10^-6  mol/L DPPH· and 1.0 × 10^-4  mol/L luminol in 0.01 mol/L NaOH. Under optimized conditions, the CL intensity was inversely proportional to the concentration of scutellarin over the ranges 5-2000 and 40-3200 ng/ml in pharmaceutical injection and rat plasma, respectively. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) were 5 and 40 ng/ml in preparations and rat plasma, respectively. Furthermore, the precision, recovery and stability of the validated method were acceptable for the determination of scutellarin in both pharmaceutical injections and rat plasma. The presented method was successfully applied in the determination of scutellarin in pharmaceutical injections and real rat plasma samples.

Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Combined With Sodium Ferulate and n-Butylidenephthalide Promote the Effect of Therapeutic Angiogenesis via Advancing Astrocyte-Derived Trophic Factors After Ischemic Stroke

Being a potential candidate for stroke treatment, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have been demonstrated to be able to enhance angiogenesis and proliferation of reactive astrocytes, which subsequently leads to the amelioration of neurological injury. Increasing evidence further indicates that combining BM-MSCs with certain agents, such as simvastatin, may improve therapeutic effects. Sodium ferulate (SF) and n-butylidenephthalide (BP), two main components of Radix Angelica Sinensis, are proven to be important regulators of stem cells in cell migration, differentiation, and pluripotency maintenance. This study aimed to investigate whether combining BM-MSCs with SF and BP had better therapeutic effect in the treatment of stroke, and the underlying molecular basis for the therapeutic effects was also investigated. The results showed that combination treatment notably reduced neurological injury after stroke and increased the expression of astrocyte-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and von Willebrand factor-positive vascular density in the ischemic boundary zone as evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. After treatment with BM-MSCs plus SF and BP, astrocytes showed increased expression of VEGF and BDNF by upregulating protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) expression in an oxygen- and glucose-deprived (OGD) environment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) incubated with the conditioned medium (CM) derived from OGD astrocytes treated with BM-MSCs plus SF and BP showed significantly increased migration and tube formation compared with those incubated with the CM derived from OGD astrocytes treated with BM-MSCs alone. These results demonstrate that combination treatment enhances the expression of astrocyte-derived VEGF and BDNF, which contribute to angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, and the underlying mechanism is associated with activation of the astrocytic AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our study provides a potential therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke.

Scutellarin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Cerebral Ischemia

The cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases in the central nervous system that causes progressive disability or even death. In this connection, the inflammatory response mediated by the activated microglia is believed to play a central role in this pathogenesis. In the event of brain injury, activated microglia can clear the cellular debris and invading pathogens, release neurotrophic factors, etc., but in chronic activation microglia may cause neuronal death through the release of excessive inflammatory mediators. Therefore, suppression of microglial over-reaction and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is deemed to be a therapeutic strategy of choice for cerebral ischemic damage. In the search for potential herbal extracts that are endowed with the property in suppressing the microglial activation and amelioration of neuroinflammation, attention has recently been drawn to scutellarin, a Chinese herbal extract. Here, we review the roles of activated microglia and the effects of scutellarin on activated microglia in pathological conditions especially in ischemic stroke. We have further extended the investigation with special reference to the effects of scutellarin on Notch signaling, one of the several signaling pathways known to be involved in microglial activation. Furthermore, in light of our recent experimental evidence that activated microglia can regulate astrogliosis, an interglial "cross-talk" that was amplified by scutellarin, it is suggested that in designing of a more effective therapeutic strategy for clinical management of cerebral ischemia both glial types should be considered collectively.

Neuroprotective Effect of Scutellarin on Ischemic Cerebral Injury by Down-Regulating the Expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and AT1 Receptor

Background and Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is involved in brain ischemic injury. In the present study, we investigated whether Scutellarin (Scu) exerts neuroprotective effects by down-regulating the Expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and AT1 receptor in a rat model of permanent focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were administrated with different dosages of Scu by oral gavage for 7 days and underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Blood pressure was measured 7 days after Scu administration and 24 h after pMCAO surgery by using a noninvasive tail cuff method. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined by Laser Doppler perfusion monitor and the neuronal dysfunction was evaluated by analysis of neurological deficits before being sacrificed at 24 h after pMCAO. Histopathological change, cell apoptosis and infarct area were respectively determined by hematoxylin–eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transfer-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Tissue angiotensin II (Ang II) and ACE activity were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expression levels of ACE, Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by Western blot and real-time PCR. ACE inhibitory activity of Scu in vitro was detected by the photometric determination.

Results

Scu treatment dose-dependently decreased neurological deficit score, infarct area, cell apoptosis and morphological changes induced by pMCAO, which were associated with reductions of ACE and AT1R expression and the levels of Ang II, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ischemic brains. Scu has a potent ACE inhibiting activity.

Conclusion

Scu protects brain from acute ischemic injury probably through its inhibitory effect on the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis, CBF preservation and proinflammation inhibition.

Modulation of neurotrophic signaling pathways by polyphenols

Polyphenols are an important class of phytochemicals, and several lines of evidence have demonstrated their beneficial effects in the context of a number of pathologies including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In this report, we review the studies on the effects of polyphenols on neuronal survival, growth, proliferation and differentiation, and the signaling pathways involved in these neurotrophic actions. Several polyphenols including flavonoids such as baicalein, daidzein, luteolin, and nobiletin as well as nonflavonoid polyphenols such as auraptene, carnosic acid, curcuminoids, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives including caffeic acid phentyl ester enhance neuronal survival and promote neurite outgrowth in vitro, a hallmark of neuronal differentiation. Assessment of underlying mechanisms, especially in PC12 neuronal-like cells, reveals that direct agonistic effect on tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) receptors, the main receptors of neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) explains the action of few polyphenols such as 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. However, several other polyphenolic compounds activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways. Increased expression of neurotrophic factors in vitro and in vivo is the mechanism of neurotrophic action of flavonoids such as scutellarin, daidzein, genistein, and fisetin, while compounds like apigenin and ferulic acid increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. Finally, the antioxidant activity of polyphenols reflected in the activation of Nrf2 pathway and the consequent upregulation of detoxification enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 as well as the contribution of these effects to the neurotrophic activity have also been discussed. In conclusion, a better understanding of the neurotrophic effects of polyphenols and the concomitant modulations of signaling pathways is useful for designing more effective agents for management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Delineation of Platelet Activation Pathway of Scutellarein Revealed Its Intracellular Target as Protein Kinase C

Erigeron breviscapus has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its total flavonoid component is commonly used to treat ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Scutellarin is the major ingredient of E. breviscapus and scutellarein is one of the main bioactive metabolites of scutellarin in vivo, but the latter's pharmacological activities have not been fully characterized. Provided evidence that could inhibit platelet aggregation, the effect of scutellarein on rat washed platelets and its underlying mechanisms were evaluated in our research. Scutellarein inhibited platelet adhesion and aggregation induced by multiple G protein coupled receptor agonists such as thrombin, U46619 and ADP, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the mild effect of scutellarein on intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and cyclic AMP (cAMP) level was observed. On the other hand, the role of scutellarein as potential protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor was confirmed by PKC activity analysis and molecular docking. The phorbol myristate acetate-induced platelets aggregation assay with or without ADP implied that the scutellarein takes PKC(s) as its primary target(s), and acts on it in a reversible way. Finally, scutellarein as a promising agent exhibited a high inhibition effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation among its analogues. This study clarifies the PKC-related signaling pathway involved in antiplatelet action of scutellarein, and may be beneficial for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Scutellarin Alleviates Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis, Possibly Through Protecting Neural Stem Cells

Scutellarin, a flavonoid extracted from an herbal medication (Erigeron breviscapus Hand-Mazz), has been shown to protect neurons against damage and to promote neurogenesis, and thus has therapeutic potential in the treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Since neural stem cells (NSCs) could differentiate into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, we speculate that scutellarin could also be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). In the current study, we examined potential effects of scutellarin using a mouse model of MS. Briefly, adult C57BL/6 mice exposed to cuprizone (8 mg/day through diet, for 6 consecutive weeks) randomly received scutellarin (50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 10 consecutive days. In the scutellarin-treated group, rotarod testing at the end of the treatment showed significant improvement of motor function (increased time to fall); myelin basic protein (MBP) staining of the corpus callosum revealed decreased demyelination; TUNEL staining followed by Nestin or Sox2 staining revealed increased number of NSCs and decreased rate of NSC apoptosis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles (LV). In a series of experiments using cultured NSCs subjected to cuprizone injury, we confirmed the protective effects of scutellarin. At 30 μM, scutellarin increased the commitment of NSCs to the oligodendrocyte and neuronal lineages, as evidenced by NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) and doublecortin (DCX) staining. Differentiation into astrocytes (as revealed by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining) was decreased. Maturation of the NSCs committed to the oligodendrocyte lineage, as evidenced by oligodendrocyte marker O4 antibody (O4) staining and MBP staining, was also promoted by scutellarin. Further analysis revealed that scutellarin might suppress the phosphorylation of p38 in cuprizone-induced NSCs. In summary, scutellarin could alleviate motor deficits in a mouse model for MS, possibly by inhibiting NSC apoptosis and promoting differentiation of NSCs to myelin-producing oligodendrocytes.

Protective effects of caffeic acid against hypothalamic neuropeptides alterations induced by malathion in rat

Exposure to pesticides is suspected to cause human health problems. Our study aimed to evaluate preventive effects of caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) in the hypothalamus against malathion-induced neuropeptides gene expression alterations. Malathion at 100 mg/kg was administered intragastrically to rats alone or in combination with caffeic acid at 100 mg/kg during 4 weeks. A molecular expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides and plasmatic cholinesterase activity was investigated. Furthermore, we used in silico analysis, known as computational docking, to highlight the nature of acetylcholinesterase-malathion/caffeic acid interactions. Our findings showed differences in the responses and indicate that caffeic acid reversed malathion-induced decrease in corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor which presented an increased tendency. We suggest that caffeic acid can interact with acetylcholinesterase as the primary target of organophosphorus compounds. Results predict that caffeic acid can block partly the acetylcholinesterase gorge entrance via π-π stacking interaction with Tyr 124 and Trp 286 residues of the peripheral site leading to its stricture. Under this condition, we suggested that acetylcholine trafficking toward the catalytic site is ameliorated compared to malaoxon according to their sizes.

Biological evaluation and molecular docking of baicalin and scutellarin as Helicobacter pylori urease inhibitors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baicalin and scutellarin are the principal bioactive components of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi which has extensively been incorporated into heat-clearing and detoxification formulas for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastrointestinal disorders in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the mechanism of action remained to be defined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the inhibitory effect, kinetics and mechanism of Helicobacter pylori urease (the vital pathogenetic factor for Helicobacter pylori infection) inhibition by baicalin and scutellarin, for their therapeutic potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ammonia formations, indicator of urease activity, were examined using modified spectrophotometric Berthelot (phenol-hypochlorite) method. The inhibitory effect of baicalin and scutellarin was characterized with IC50 values, compared to acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), a well known Helicobacter pylori urease inhibitor. Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots for the Helicobacter pylori urease inhibition of baicalin and scutellarin was constructed from the kinetic data. SH-blocking reagents and competitive active site Ni(2+) binding inhibitors were employed for mechanism study. Molecular docking technique was used to provide some information on binding conformations as well as confirm the inhibition mode. Moreover, cytotoxicity experiment using Gastric Epithelial Cells (GES-1) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Baicalin and scutellarin effectively suppressed Helicobacter pylori urease in dose-dependent and time-independent manner with IC50 of 0.82±0.07 mM and 0.47±0.04 mM, respectively, compared to AHA (IC50=0.14±0.05 mM). Structure-activity relationship disclosed 4'-hydroxyl gave flavones an advantage to binding with Helicobacter pylori urease. Kinetic analysis revealed that the types of inhibition were non-competitive and reversible with inhibition constant Ki of 0.14±0.01 mM and 0.18±0.02 mM for baicalin and scutellarin, respectively. The mechanism of urease inhibition was considered to be blockage of the SH groups of Helicobacter pylori urease, since thiol reagents (L,D-dithiothreitol, L-cysteine and glutathione) abolished the inhibitory action and competitive active site Ni(2+) binding inhibitors (boric acid and sodium fluoride) carried invalid effect. Molecular docking study further supported the structure-activity analysis and indicated that baicalin and scutellarin interacted with the key residues Cys321 located on the mobile flap through S-H·π interaction, but did not interact with active site Ni(2+). Moreover, Baicalin (at 0.59-1.05 mM concentrations) and scutellarin (at 0.23-0.71 mM concentrations) did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity to GES-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalin and scutellarin were non-competitive inhibitors targeting sulfhydryl groups especially Cys321 around the active site of Helicobacter pylori urease, representing potential to be good candidate for future research as urease inhibitor for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Furthermore, our work gave additional scientific support to the use of Scutellaria baicalensis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Clinical tolerability and pharmacokinetics of Erigerontis hydroxybenzene injection: results of a randomized phase I study in healthy Chinese volunteers

Multiple phenolic compounds in the extract of Erigeron breviscapus synergistically contribute to the neurovascular protective effects. We conducted a phase I and pharmacokinetic study with the phenolic compound-enriched product extracted from Erigeron breviscapus, Erigerontis hydroxybenzenes injection (EHI), in healthy Chinese volunteers. A randomized, open-label, single-center, double-arm, dose-escalation study of EHI was conducted. The tolerability of intravenously EHI administrated in single- or multiple-dose (once daily for 7 days) was studied in 40 healthy Chinese volunteers and the pharmacokinetics of EHI was studied in additional 10 volunteers. The tolerated dose of intravenous infusion of EHI in healthy Chinese volunteers was 6 vials (equivalent to 90 mg bioactive phenolic compounds). The main limitations to dose escalation of EHI were transit changes in electrocardiogram and mild, transit increase in alanine aminotransferase. After intravenous administration of EHI, the average systemic clearance of multiple phenolic compounds of scutellarin, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid were 131, 29, 262, 112 L/h for male volunteers and 202, 28, 252, 117 L/h for female volunteers. The intervention of intravenous infusion of EHI in healthy Chinese volunteers was generally tolerated. The findings from this study provide data on the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the extract from Erigeron breviscapus and support further trials.

Genetic dys-regulation of astrocytic glutamate transporter EAAT2 and its implications in neurological disorders and manganese toxicity

Astrocytic glutamate transporters, the excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 2 and EAAT1 (glutamate transporter 1 and glutamate aspartate transporter in rodents, respectively), are the main transporters for maintaining optimal glutamate levels in the synaptic clefts by taking up more than 90% of glutamate from extracellular space thus preventing excitotoxic neuronal death. Reduced expression and function of these transporters, especially EAAT2, has been reported in numerous neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy. The mechanism of down-regulation of EAAT2 in these diseases has yet to be fully established. Genetic as well as transcriptional dys-regulation of these transporters by various modes, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and epigenetics, resulting in impairment of their functions, might play an important role in the etiology of neurological diseases. Consequently, there has been an extensive effort to identify molecular targets for enhancement of EAAT2 expression as a potential therapeutic approach. Several pharmacological agents increase expression of EAAT2 via nuclear factor κB and cAMP response element binding protein at the transcriptional level. However, the negative regulatory mechanisms of EAAT2 have yet to be identified. Recent studies, including those from our laboratory, suggest that the transcriptional factor yin yang 1 plays a critical role in the repressive effects of various neurotoxins, such as manganese (Mn), on EAAT2 expression. In this review, we will focus on transcriptional epigenetics and translational regulation of EAAT2.

In vitro inhibitory effects of scutellarin on six human/rat cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein

Inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are regarded as the most frequent and clinically important pharmacokinetic causes among the various possible factors for drug-drug interactions. Scutellarin is a flavonoid which is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the in vitro inhibitory effects of scutellarin on six major human CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) and six rat CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2C7, CYP2C11, CYP2C79, CYP2D4, and CYP3A2) activities were examined by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effects of scutellarin on P-gp activity were examined on a human metastatic malignant melanoma cell line WM-266-4 by calcein-AM fluorometry screening assay. Results demonstrated that scutellarin showed negligible inhibitory effects on the six major CYP isoenzymes in human/rat liver microsomes with almost all of the IC50 values exceeding 100 μM, whereas it showed values of 63.8 μM for CYP2C19 in human liver microsomes, and 63.1 and 85.6 μM for CYP2C7 and CYP2C79 in rat liver microsomes, respectively. Scutellarin also showed weak inhibitory effect on P-gp. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that scutellarin is unlikely to cause any clinically significant herb-drug interactions in humans when co-administered with substrates of the six CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) and P-gp.