The neuroprotective effects of Berberine against amyloid β-protein-induced apoptosis in primary cultured hippocampal neurons via mitochondria-related caspase pathway

Berberine: An isoquinoline alkaloid targeting the oxidative stress and gut-brain axis in the models of depression

Depression seriously affects people's quality of life, and there is an urgent need to find novel drugs to cure treatment-resistant depression. Berberine (BBR), extracted from Coptis chinensis Franch., Phellodendron bark, Berberis vulgaris, and Berberis petiolaris, could be a potential multi-target drug for depression. To summarize the effects of BBR on depression in terms of in vitro or in vivo experiments, we searched electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, from inception until May 2024. Then, we summarize that BBR has indirect antidepressant properties to improve depressive symptoms, manifesting in modulating the gut microbial community, strengthening the intestinal barrier, increasing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and regulating tryptophan metabolism. BBR also exerts antidepressant-like effects via remodulating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element pathway, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-delta. Nevertheless, further clinical trials and more high-quality animal studies are needed to show the actual clinical value of BBR for depression.

Berberine can be a Potential Therapeutic Agent in Treatment of Huntington's Disease: A Proposed Mechanistic Insight

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, producing mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. This leads to neuronal damage through protein aggregation, transcriptional dysregulation, excitotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. mHTT impairs protein clearance and alters gene expression, energy metabolism, and synaptic function. Therapeutic strategies include enhancing mHTT degradation, gene silencing via antisense oligonucleotides and RNAi, promoting neuroprotection through BDNF signaling, and modulating neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for HD due to its multifaceted neuroprotective properties. Research indicates that berberine can mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including HD, by targeting various molecular pathways. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy-enhancing effects, which are crucial in reducing neuronal damage and apoptosis associated with HD. These properties make berberine a potential candidate for therapeutic intervention in HD, as demonstrated in both cellular and animal models. Berberine activates the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is vital for cell survival and neuroprotection. It reduces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both of which are implicated in HD pathology. Berberine enhances autophagic processes, promoting the degradation of mutant huntingtin protein, a key pathological feature of HD. In transgenic HD mouse models, berberine administration has been shown to alleviate motor dysfunction and prolong survival. It effectively reduces the accumulation of mutant huntingtin in cultured cells, suggesting a direct impact on the disease's molecular underpinnings. Berberine's safety profile, established through its use in treating other conditions, supports its potential for clinical trials in HD patients. Its ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels and engage multiple signaling pathways further underscores its therapeutic promise. While berberine shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for HD, further research is necessary to fully elucidate its mechanisms and optimize its clinical application. The current evidence in the review paper, primarily from preclinical studies, provides a strong foundation for future investigations into berberine's efficacy and safety in human HD patients.

Neuroprotective Effect of Codonopsis pilosula Polysaccharide on Aβ25-35-Induced Damage in PC12 Cells via the p38MAPK Signaling Pathways

OBJECTIVES

Plant polysaccharides have attracted increasing attention due to their high efficiency and low toxicity. Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPP) is an essential substance extracted from Codonopsis pilosula, known for its excellent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, it is still unclear how CPP improves nerve protection and what its underlying molecular mechanisms are. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of CPP on Aβ25-35-induced damage in PC12 cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The neuroprotective effect of CPP was evaluated using Aβ25-35-induced damage in pheochFfromocytoma (PC12) cells as an in vitro cell model. The cells were treated with CPP alone or in combination with SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38MAPK) in Aβ25-35 culture. The cell viability was assessed using a 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using flow cytometry. The production levels of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD), dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyFde (MDA) were determined using the colorimetric method. Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) staining, as well as 33258 were performed using fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, the effect of adding SB203580 was studied to determine the changes in cell apoptosis induced by CPP treatment and Aβ25-35 induction.

RESULTS

The CPP markedly inhibited Aβ25-35-induced reduction in the viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells. CPP also reduced the Aβ25-35-induced increase in the expression of the apoptosis factors and the levels of free radicals (ROS and MDA) and reversed the Aβ25-35-induced suppression of antioxidant activity. Additionally, inhibition of p38MAPK via the addition of their antagonists reversed the observed anti-apoptosis effects of CPP.

CONCLUSIONS

CPP can efficiently provide neuroprotection against Aβ25-35-induced damage in PC12 cells brought about via oxidation and apoptosis reactions, and the underlying mechanisms involve the p38MAPK pathways. Therefore, CPP could potentially be useful as a neuroprotective agent in natural medicine, pharmacy, and the food industry.

Neuroprotective effect and preparation methods of berberine

Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid, which has played an important role in the field of medicine since its discovery in the late 19th century. However, the low availability of BBR in vivo prevents its full effect. In recent years, a large number of studies confirmed that BBR has a protective effect on the nervous system through various functions, yet the issue of the inability to systematically understand the protection of BBR on the nervous system remains a gap that needs to be addressed. Many existing literature introductions about berberine in neurodegenerative diseases, but the role of berberine in the nervous system goes far beyond these. Different from these literatures, this review is divided into three parts: preparation method, mechanism, and therapeutic effect. Various dosage forms of BBR and their preparation methods are added, in order to provide a reasonable choice of BBR, and help to solve the problem of low bioavailability in treatment. More importantly, we more comprehensively summarize the mechanism of BBR to protect the nervous system, in addition to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (anti-oxidative stress, anti-neuroinflammation, regulation of apoptosis), two extra mechanisms of berberine for the protection of the nervous system were also introduced: bidirectional regulation of autophagy and promote angiogenesis. Also, we have clarified the precise mechanism by which BBR has a therapeutic effect not only on neurodegenerative illnesses but also on multiple sclerosis, gliomas, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. To sum up, we hope that these can evoke more efforts to comprehensively utilize of BBR nervous system, and to promote the application of BBR in nervous system protection.

Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments

Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/β-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Effects of the major alkaloid constituents of Evodia rutaecarpa in Alzheimer's disease

Since the report of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907, it has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms, significant impact on patients' lives, and the substantial burden it places on society. Presently, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. Recent pharmacological studies on the traditional East Asian herb, Evodia rutaecarpa, have revealed that the bioactive alkaloid components within it can ameliorate AD-related cognitive impairments and neurological damage through various pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. Consequently, this article provides an overview of the pharmacological effects and research status of the four main alkaloid components found in Evodia concerning AD. We hope this article will serve as a valuable reference for experimental and clinical research on the use of Evodia in AD prevention and treatment.

Evaluation of calf thymus DNA binding of newly synthesize five 9 O Imidazolyl alkyl berberine derivative: A comparative multi-spectroscopic and calorimetric study

DNA binding with small molecule plays an important role in the designing of various anticancer drugs with greater efficacy. The five 9-O-imidazolyl alkyl berberine derivatives (BI) of different chain length has been synthesized and fully characterized. The binding study of calf thymus DNA with these newly synthesized berberine derivative was performed using various biophysical techniques. The binding affinity of BI to calf thymus DNA increased with increasing the chain length. The binding constant value obtained from UV-Vis spectral analysis was 1.84x105for BI1, 2.01x105for BI2, 1.51 × 106 for BI3, 3.66 × 106 for BI4, 6.68 × 106. Partial intercalative binding with strong stabilization of the DNA helix was revealed from circular dichroism spectral study and viscosity measurement. From the ITC experiment it was revealed that the bindings of BI1, BI2, BI3, BI4 and BI5 to calf thymus DNA were favoured by a large positive favourable entropy and negative enthalpy change and the highest spontaneity found for BI5. With the increase in chain length the binding was driven by a stronger entropy term with a higher binding constant indicates involvement of hydrophobic force for all these interaction. High binding affinities of calf thymus DNA with berberine-imidazole derivatives might be helpful for new drug design.

The Role of Caspases in Alzheimer's Disease: Pathophysiology Implications and Pharmacologic Modulation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Although the main cause of the onset and development of AD is not known yet, neuronal death due to pathologic changes such as amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and calcium dyshomeostasis are considered to be the main cause. At the present, there is no cure for this insidious disorder. However, accurate identification of molecular changes in AD can help provide new therapeutic goals. Caspases are a group of proteases which are known because of their role in cellular apoptosis. In addition, different caspases are involved in other cellular responses to the environment, such as induction of inflammation. Emerging evidence suggest that these proteases play a central role in AD pathophysiology due to their role in the processing of amyloid-β protein precursor, tau cleavage, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, it seems that targeting caspases may be a suitable therapeutic option to slow the progression of AD. This review focuses on the role of caspases in AD pathophysiology and introduce results from studies targeted caspases in different models of AD.

Berberine for gastric cancer prevention and treatment: Multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade underlie its therapeutic effects

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a complex multifactorial disease occurring as sequential events commonly referred to as the Correa's cascade, a stepwise progression from non-active or chronic active gastritis, to gastric precancerous lesions, and finally, adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the identification of novel agents with multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade and those functioning as multiple phenotypic regulators are the future direction for drug discovery. Recently, berberine (BBR) has gained traction owing to its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, and immunopotentiation activities. In this article, we investigated and summarized the multi-step actions of BBR on Correa's cascade and its underlying regulatory mechanism in gastric carcinogenesis for the first time, along with a discussion on the strength of BBR to prevent and treat GC. BBR was found to suppress H. pylori infection, control mucosal inflammation, and promote ulcer healing. In the gastric precancerous lesion phase, BBR could reverse mucosal atrophy and prevent lesions in intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia by regulating inflammatory cytokines, promoting cell apoptosis, regulating macrophage polarization, and regulating autophagy. Additionally, the therapeutic action of BBR on GC was partly realized through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis; induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and enhancement of chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. BBR exerted multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade, thereby halting and even reversing gastric carcinogenesis in some cases. Thus, BBR could be used to prevent and treat GC. In conclusion, the therapeutic strategy underlying BBR's multi-step action in the trilogy of Correa's cascade may include "prevention of gastric mucosal inflammation (Phase 1); reversal of gastric precancerous lesions (Phase 2), and rescue of GC (Phase 3)". The NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways may be the key signaling transduction pathways underlying the treatment of gastric carcinogenesis using BBR. The advantage of BBR over conventional drugs is its multifaceted and long-term effects. This review is expected to provide preclinical evidence for using BBR to prevent gastric carcinogenesis and treat gastric cancer.

Structural modifications of berberine and their binding effects towards polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid structures: A review

Berberine (BBR) is a plant derived quaternary benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, which has been widely used in traditional medicines for a long term. It possesses broad pharmacological effects and is widely applied in clinical. In recent years, the anti-tumor effects of BBR have attracted more and more attention of the researchers. The canonical right-handed double-stranded helical deoxyribonucleic acid (B-DNA) and its polymorphs occur under various environmental conditions and are involved in a plethora of genetic instability-related diseases especially tumor. BBR showed differential binding effects towards various polymorphic DNA structures. But its poor lipophilicity and fast metabolism limited its clinical utility. Structural modification of BBR is an effective approach to improve its DNA binding activity and bioavailability in vivo. A large number of studies dedicated to improving the binding affinities of BBR towards different DNA structures have been carried out and achieved tremendous advancements. In this article, the main achievements of BBR derivatives in polymorphic DNA structures binding researches in recent 20 years were reviewed. The structural modification strategy of BBR, the DNA binding effects of its derivatives, and the structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis have also been discussed.

Zi Shen Wan Fang Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Function Via Remodeling the Gut Microbiota in Diabetes-Induced Cognitive Impairment Mice

Background : Cognitive dysfunction is a critical complication of diabetes mellitus, and there are still no clinically approved drugs. Zi Shen Wan Fang (ZSWF) is an optimized prescription composed of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, and Cistanches Herba. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ZSWF on DCI and explore its mechanism from the perspective of maintaining intestinal microbial homeostasis in order to find an effective prescription for treating DCI. Methods: The diabetes model was established by a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ, 120 mg/kg) and the DCI model was screened by Morris water maze (MWM) after 8 weeks of continuous hyperglycemic stimulation. The DCI mice were randomly divided into the model group (DCI), the low- and high-ZSWF-dose groups (9.63 g/kg, 18.72 g/kg), the mixed antibiotic group (ABs), and the ZSWF combined with mixed antibiotic group (ZSWF + ABs). ZSWF was administered orally once a day for 8 weeks. Then, cognitive function was assessed using MWM, neuroinflammation and systemic inflammation were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, intestinal barrier integrity was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Western blot and high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Furthermore, the alteration to intestinal flora was monitored by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: ZSWF restored cognitive function in DCI mice and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, ZSWF protected the integrity of the intestinal barrier by increasing intestinal ZO-1 and occludin protein expression and decreasing urinary lactulose to mannitol ratio. In addition, ZSWF reshaped the imbalanced gut microbiota in DCI mice by reversing the abundance changes of a wide range of intestinal bacteria at the phyla and genus levels. In contrast, removing gut microbiota with antibiotics partially eliminated the effects of ZSWF on improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation, confirming the essential role of gut microbiota in the improvement of DCI by ZSWF. Conclusion: ZSWF can reverse cognitive impairment in DCI mice by remolding the structure of destructed gut microbiota community, which is a potential Chinese medicine prescription for DCI treatment.

A review on the neuroprotective effect of berberine against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment

Chemobrain is one of the major side effects of chemotherapy, despite increased research, the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes remain unknown. Though, several possibly important candidate mechanisms have been identified and will be studied further in the future. Chemobrain is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, difficulty in language, concentration, acceleration, and learning. The major characteristic of chemobrain is oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, hormonal alteration, white matter abnormalities, and DNA damage. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various berberine species. BBR is a small chemical that easily passes the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies on the pharmacology of BBR have been reported in the past. Furthermore, several clinical and experimental research indicates that BBR has a variety of pharmacological effects. So, in this review, we explore the pathogenesis of chemobrain and the neuroprotective potential of BBR against chemobrain. We also introduced the therapeutic role of BBR in various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, mental depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and also some stroke.

Berberine Suppresses EMT in Liver and Gastric Carcinoma Cells through Combination with TGFβR Regulating TGF-β/Smad Pathway

Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid derived from Coptis, has anticancer activity. Some researchers have found that it could restrain epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma, neuroblastoma, and other tumor cells. However, it is unclear whether BBR can reverse EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastric carcinoma (GC). In our study, BBR inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2, MGC803, and SGC7901 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Transcription sequencing assays showed that Vimentin, MMP, and Smad3 were downregulated, but Smad2, Smad6, TAB2, ZO-1, and claudin 7 were upregulated when treated with BBR. GO Enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway showed that BBR significantly inhibited TGF-β/Smad at 12 h, then, PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways at 24 h, which were closely related to the proliferation, migration, and EMT. The results of the transcriptome sequencing analysis were verified by Western Blot. It showed that the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and ZO-1 remarkably augmented with BBR treatment, as well as declined mesenchymal markers, including N-cadherin and Vimentin, decreased transcription factor Snail and Slug. The effects of BBR were similar to those of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542. Furthermore, β-catenin and phosphorylation of AKT, Smad2, and Smad3 were changed dose-dependently by BBR treatment, which upregulated p-Smad2 and downregulated the others. Combined with LY or SB, respectively, BBR could enhance the effects of the two inhibitors. Simultaneously, IGF-1 and TGF-β, which is the activator of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad, respectively, could reverse the anti-EMT effect of BBR. The Molecular Docking results showed BBR had a high affinity with the TGF-β receptor I (TGFβR1), and the binding energy was -7.5 kcal/mol, which is better than the original ligand of TGFβR1. Although the affinity of BBR with TGF-β receptor II (TGFβR2) was lower than the original ligand of TGFβR2, the more considerable negative binding energy (-8.54 kcal/mol) was obtained. BBR upregulated p-Smad2, which was different from other reports, indicating that the function of Smad2 was relatively complex. Combination BBR with SB could enhance the effect of the inhibitor on EMT, and the results indicated that BBR binding to TGFβR was not competitive with SB to TGFβR since different binding amino acid sites. Our experiments demonstrated BBR increased p-Smad2 and decreased p-Smad3 by binding to TGFβR1 and TGβFR2 inhibiting TGF-β/Smad, then, PI3K/AKT and other signaling pathways to restrain EMT, metastasis, and invasion in tumor cells. The effect of BBR was similar on the three tumor cells.

Recent Progress on Biological Activity of Amaryllidaceae and Further Isoquinoline Alkaloids in Connection with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disease recognized as the most common form of dementia among elderly people. Due to the fact that the exact pathogenesis of AD still remains to be fully elucidated, the treatment is only symptomatic and available drugs are not able to modify AD progression. Considering the increase in life expectancy worldwide, AD rates are predicted to increase enormously, and thus the search for new AD drugs is urgently needed. Due to their complex nitrogen-containing structures, alkaloids are considered to be promising candidates for use in the treatment of AD. Since the introduction of galanthamine as an antidementia drug in 2001, Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) and further isoquinoline alkaloids (IAs) have been one of the most studied groups of alkaloids. In the last few years, several compounds of new structure types have been isolated and evaluated for their biological activity connected with AD. The present review aims to comprehensively summarize recent progress on AAs and IAs since 2010 up to June 2021 as potential drugs for the treatment of AD.

Stachydrine Inhibits PC12 Cell Apoptosis Induced by Aβ25-35 in an in vitro Cell Model of Neurocognitive Disorders

Background:

Abnormal deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) is considered the primary cause of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Inhibiting cytotoxicity is an important aspect of the treatment of NCDs. Stachydrine (STA) has been widely used for gynecological and cardiovascular disorders. However, whether STA has protective functions in PC12 cells treated with Aβ25-35 remains unclear.

Introduction:

Traditional Chinese Medicine, stachydrine (STA), is a water-soluble alkaloid of Leonurus heterophyllus, which can inhibit cell apoptosis, suppress tumor growth, maintain homeostasis of myocardial cells, and alleviate endothelial dysfunction. This study will investigate the effect of STA on inhibiting PC12 cell apoptosis induced by Aβ25-35 in an in vitro cell model of neurocognitive disorders.

Methods:

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cells treated with STA were analyzed according to the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE) 85871 data, and the STITCH database was used to identify the target genes of STA. PC12 cells were treated with Aβ25-35 and/or STA, 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was determined. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blotting were used to detect the expression of genes or proteins.

Results:

GSE85871 data showed 37 upregulated and 48 downregulated genes among the DEGs affected by STA. The results from the STITCH database showed that RPS8 and EED were target genes of STA. GSE1297 analysis showed the 13 most significantly upregulated genes. STA might affect the occurrence of NCDs through the interaction of TP53 with EED and RPS8. Finally, Aβ25-35 promoted apoptosis and LDH release of PC-12 cells, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and inhibited the expression of the RPS8, EED, Bcl-2 and P53 genes. STA could reverse the effect of Aβ25-35.

Conclusion:

STA may play an important role in inhibiting apoptosis induced by Aβ25-35 by targeting the RPS8 and EED genes in the NCDs model in vitro.

AMPK and its Activator Berberine in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are heterogeneous diseases associated with either acute or progressive neurodegeneration, causing the loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system (CNS), showing high morbidity and mortality, and there are only a few effective therapies. Here, we summarized that the energy sensor adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and its agonist berberine can combat the common underlying pathological events of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial disorder, glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis, autophagy disorder, and disruption of neurovascular units. The abovementioned effects of berberine may primarily depend on activating AMPK and its downstream targets, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). It is hoped that this review will provide a strong basis for further scientific exploration and development of berberine's therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration.

Role of natural plant products against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major neurodegenerative disorder. Deposition of amyloid fibrils and tau protein are associated with various pathological symptoms. Currently limited medication is available for AD treatment. Most of the drugs are basically cholinesterase inhibitors and associated with various side effects. Natural plant products have shown potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD symptoms. Variety of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenols are used to reduce the progression of the disease. Plant products have less or no side effect and are easily available. The present review gives a detailed account of the potential of natural plant products against the AD symptoms.

KIF5A-dependent axonal transport deficiency disrupts autophagic flux in trimethyltin chloride-induced neurotoxicity

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is widely used as a constituent of fungicides and plastic stabilizers in the industrial and agricultural fields, and is generally acknowledged to have potent neurotoxicity, especially in the hippocampus; however, the mechanism of induction of neurotoxicity by TMT remains elusive. Herein, we exposed Neuro-2a cells to different concentrations of TMT (2, 4, and 8 μM) for 24 h. Proteomic analysis, coupled with bioinformatics analysis, revealed the important role of macroautophagy/autophagy-lysosome machinery in TMT-induced neurotoxicity. Further analysis indicated significant impairment of autophagic flux by TMT via suppressed lysosomal function, such as by inhibiting lysosomal proteolysis and changing the lysosomal pH, thereby contributing to defects in autophagic clearance and subsequently leading to nerve cell death. Mechanistically, molecular interaction networks of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified a downregulated molecule, KIF5A (kinesin family member 5A), as a key target in TMT-impaired autophagic flux. TMT decreased KIF5A protein expression, disrupted the interaction between KIF5A and lysosome, and impaired lysosomal axonal transport. Moreover, Kif5a overexpression restored axonal transport, increased lysosomal dysfunction, and antagonized TMT-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Importantly, in TMT-administered mice with seizure symptoms and histomorphological injury in the hippocampus, TMT inhibited KIF5A expression in the hippocampus. Gene transfer of Kif5a enhanced autophagic clearance in the hippocampus and alleviated TMT-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. Our results are the first to demonstrate KIF5A-dependent axonal transport deficiency to cause autophagic flux impairment via disturbance of lysosomal function in TMT-induced neurotoxicity; manipulation of KIF5A may be a therapeutic approach for antagonizing TMT-induced neurotoxicity.Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; AAV: adeno-associated virus; ACTB: actin beta; AGC: automatic gain control; ATG: autophagy-related; ATP6V0D1: ATPase H+ transporting lysosomal V0 subunit D1; ATP6V1E1: ATPase H+ transporting lysosomal V1 subunit E1; CA: cornu ammonis; CQ: chloroquine; CTSB: cathepsin B; CTSD: cathepsin D; DCTN1: dynactin subunit 1; DG: dentate gyrus; DYNLL1: dynein light chain LC8-type 1; FBS: fetal bovine serum; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GABARAPL1: GABA type A receptor associated protein like 1; GABARAPL2: GABA type A receptor associated protein like 2; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; IPA: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis; KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; KIF5A: kinesin family member 5A; LAMP: lysosomal-associated membrane protein; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; NBR1: NBR1 autophagy cargo receptor; OPTN: optineurin; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PFA: paraformaldehyde; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PRM: parallel reaction monitoring; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SYP: synaptophysin; TAX1BP1: Tax1 binding protein 1; TMT: trimethyltin chloride; TUB: tubulin.

Berberine alleviates rotenone-induced cytotoxicity by antioxidation and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely studied for its efficacy in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, berberine-mediated neuroprotection in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is still uncertain. In this study, the effects of berberine on rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells were investigated. The results showed that berberine treatment significantly alleviated rotenone-induced decrease in the cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells. Further studies demonstrated that berberine suppressed the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, restored the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and decreased caspase-3 activation that induced by rotenone. Furthermore, berberine also restored the phosphorylation of Akt, which was downregulated by rotenone in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that berberine protects rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y cells by antioxidation and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Study of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects several people worldwide and has devastating impacts on society with a limited number of approaches for its pharmacological treatment. The main causes of AD are not clear yet. However, the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, and disruption of redox homeostasis may cause AD. These causes have a positive correlation with oxidative stress, producing reactive ions, which are responsible for altering the physiological condition of the body.

CONCLUSION

Ongoing research recommended the use of phytochemicals as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to hinder the onset and progression of AD. The natural compound structures, including lignans, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction to AD along with the use of natural compounds as new therapeutic approaches for its management.

Biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids covering 2014-2018

Isoquinoline alkaloids, an important class of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide since the early 19th century. Over the past 200 years, many compounds from this class were isolated, and most of them and their analogs possess various bioactivities. In this review, we survey the updated literature on bioactive alkaloids and highlight research achievements of this alkaloid class during the period of 2014-2018. We reviewed over 400 molecules with a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, antidiabetic and its complications, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and other activities. This review should provide new indications or directions for the discovery of new and better drugs from the original naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloids.

CGA restrains the apoptosis of Aβ25-35-induced hippocampal neurons

Background: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but the study on its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models remains rare. Here, the effects of CGA on β-amyloid protein (Aβ)-induced cell models were investigated, aiming to provide a direction for Aβ-induced AD.Material and methods: Hippocampal neurons were separated from newborn Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and identified by immumofluorescence method. Hippocampal neurons were processed with Aβ_25-35 after pre-treatment CGA. MTT assay was used for detecting viability of treated cells. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of treated hippocampal neurons were determined by corresponding kits. Flow cytometry analysis assessed the apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in hippocampal neurons after treatment. The expressions of proteins related to apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were measured by western blot (WB) analysis.Results: Immumofluorescence method showed that the Aβ_25-35 induction models were successfully constructed. CGA increased the viability and decreased the apoptosis rate of Aβ_25-35-induced hippocampal neurons. Decreasing activities of LDH and MDA, and raised contents of SOD and GSH-Px were appeared in Aβ_25-35-induced cells that pre-treated with CGA. Moreover, CGA also enhanced MMP intensity of hippocampal neurons induced by Aβ_25-35. In WB analysis, CGA reversed the promoting effect of Aβ_25-35 on the expressions of proteins related to pro-ERS and pro-apoptosis.Conclusion: CGA restrained the apoptosis of Aβ_25-35-induced hippocampal neurons via improving the anti-oxidant capacity, mitochondrial injury and ERS state of cells, which may provide a direction for AD.

Impact of Gold Nanoparticles on Amyloid β-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in a Rat Animal Model: Involvement of STIM Proteins

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative amyloid disorder causing progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. A considerable number of therapies for AD rely on inhibition/delay/dissociation of amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and fibrils. In this case, nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrated substantial effects on the Aβ fibrillation process; however, their effects on progressive cognitive decline and memory have been poorly investigated in vivo. In this study, acquisition and retention of spatial learning and memory are studied in a rat animal model of AD after intrahippocampal (IH) and intraperitoneal (IP) injections of a model NP, i.e., gold NPs (AuNPs). The outcomes revealed that the AuNPs could improve the acquisition and retention of spatial learning and memory in Aβ treated rats as indicated by decreased time (Aβ: 39.60 ± 3.23 s vs Aβ+AuNPs: 25.78 ± 2.80 s) and distance (Aβ: 917.98 ± 50.81 cm vs Aβ+AuNPs: 589.09 ± 65.96 cm) of finding the hidden platform during training days and by increased time spent in the target quadrant (Aβ: 19.40 ± 0.98 s vs Aβ+AuNPs: 29.36 ± 1.14 s) in the probe test in Morris water maze (MWM). Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, cAMP response element binding protein, CREB, and stromal interaction molecules, e.g., STIM1 and STIM2 was also increased, supporting improved neural survival. Our outcomes may pave a way for mechanistic insights toward the role of NPs on retrieval of the deteriorated behavioral functions in brain tissue after AD outbreak.

Berberine Alleviates Amyloid β-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Synaptic Loss

Synaptic structural and functional damage is a typical pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Normal axonal mitochondrial function and transportation are vital to synaptic function and plasticity because they are necessary for maintaining cellular energy supply and regulating calcium and redox signalling as well as synaptic transmission and vesicle release. Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation is another pathological hallmark of AD that mediates synaptic loss and dysfunction by targeting mitochondria. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to protect against synaptic mitochondrial damage induced by Aβ. The present study examined the beneficial effects of berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the traditional medicinal plant Coptis chinensis, on Aβ-induced mitochondrial and synaptic damage in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. We demonstrate that berberine alleviates axonal mitochondrial abnormalities by preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential and preventing decreases in ATP, increasing axonal mitochondrial density and length, and improving mitochondrial motility and trafficking in cultured hippocampal neurons. Although the underlying protective mechanism remains to be elucidated, the data suggest that the effects of berberine were in part related to its potent antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the neuroprotective and specifically mitoprotective effects of berberine treatment under conditions of Aβ enrichment.

Berberine prevents human nucleus pulposus cells from IL‑1β‑induced extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis by inhibiting the NF‑κB pathway

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is widely considered to be one of the main causes of lower back pain, which is a chronic progressive disease closely related to inflammation, nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid compound with an anti-inflammatory effect and has been reported to exert therapeutic action in several inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis. Therefore, it was hypothesized that BBR may have a therapeutic effect on IDD through inhibition of the inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of BBR on IDD in interleukin (IL)-1β-treated human NP cells in vitro. The results showed that BBR attenuated the upregulation of ECM-catabolic factors [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5], and the downregulation of ECM-anabolic factors (type II collagen and aggrecan) following stimulation of the human NP cells with IL-1β. Treatment with BBR also protected human NP cells from IL-1β-induced apoptosis, as determined by western blotting and flow cytometry. Mechanistically, the IL-1β-stimulated degradation of IκBα, and the phosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 were found to be attenuated by BBR, indicating that NF-κB pathway activation was suppressed by BBR in the IL-1β-treated human NP cells. The results of the experiments revealed a therapeutic potential of BBR for the prevention or treatment of IDD.

Retracted Article: Berberine alleviates amyloid beta-induced injury in Alzheimer's disease by miR-107/ZNF217

Berberine plays a neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanism by which berberine inhibits AD progression remains largely unclear. The AD model was established using PC12 cells after treatment of amyloid beta (Aβ)_25-35. Cells were transfected with microRNA (miRNA)-107 mimic, inhibitor, zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217) overexpression or corresponding negative controls. Cell viability, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion were measured by MTT, flow cytometry or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The expressions of miR-107, ZNF217 and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The association between miR-107 and ZNF217 was explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Berberine attenuated Aβ_25-35-induced viability suppression in PC12 cells. Moreover, berberine inhibited the Aβ_25-35-induced increase of inflammatory cytokine expression, apoptosis and p-Tau level in PC12 cells. miR-107 expression was reduced in Aβ_25-35-treated PC12 cells and its overexpression alleviated Aβ_25-35-induced injury, which was further weakened by combination with berberine. ZNF217 was a target of miR-107 and its addition reversed miR-107-mediated inhibition of inflammatory injury, apoptosis and phosphorylation of tau. Besides, ZNF217 protein level was decreased by berberine via regulating miR-107 in Aβ_25-35-treated PC12 cells. Berberine protected against Aβ_25-35-induced inflammatory injury, apoptosis and phosphorylation of tau by regulating miR-107 and ZNF217, indicating berberine as a promising neuroprotective agent for therapeutics of AD.

Berberine plays a neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases with the Plant Alkaloid Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most serious health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Such diseases are characterized by a progressive degeneration and / or death of neurons in the central nervous system. Currently, there are no therapeutic approaches to cure or even halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the neuroprotective and anti-neurodegenerative activities of compounds isolated from natural products with high efficacy and low toxicity. Accumulating evidence indicates that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, may act as a promising anti-neurodegenerative agent by inhibiting the activity of the most important pathogenic enzymes, ameliorating intracellular oxidative stress, attenuating neuroinflammation, triggering autophagy and protecting neurons against apoptotic cell death. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie its effects on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

Berberine suppresses apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in nucleus pulposus cells and ameliorates disc degeneration in a rodent model

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a chronic disease with complicated pathology involving nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Previous studies have shown that moderate autophagy has a protective effect against apoptosis in NP cells. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid compound with many beneficial properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic activity. Recently, it was found to induce autophagy in various tissues as well. Thus, we hypothesized that BBR may exert a therapeutic effect on IVDD through autophagy activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of BBR on IVDD and delineated a potential mechanism. BBR treatment in vitro inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), and increased the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Furthermore, it prevented ECM degradation by inhibiting the production of matrix-degrading enzymes. Additionally, BBR treatment significantly activated autophagy in NP cells. However, autophagy inhibition markedly suppressed BBR's effects on NP cell apoptosis and ECM degeneration, indicating that autophagy activation with BBR treatment is protective against IVDD. In vivo, BBR treatment increased the expression of LC3 in disc cells and prevented the development of IVDD in a needle puncture-induced rat model. Thus, BBR stimulates autophagy as a protective mechanism against NP cell apoptosis and ECM degeneration, revealing its therapeutic potential in the treatment of IVDD.

Taurine attenuates acrylamide-induced apoptosis via a PI3K/AKT-dependent manner

As a potent neurotoxic agent, acrylamide (ACR) is formed in food processing at higher temperature. Taurine (TAU), a nonessential amino acid, is used to cure neurodegenerative disorders, followed by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. In this article, we certified that antiapoptotic efficacy of TAU in vivo and vitro. ACR-treated rats received TAU by drinking water 2 weeks after ACR intoxication. The results showed that in treated rats, TAU alleviated ACR-induced neuronal apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. TAU attenuated apoptosis caused by ACR through observing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, measure of protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 activity. TAU-induced antiapoptotic effect is PI3K/AKT-dependent, which was proved in ACR-intoxicated ventral spinal cord 4.1 cells in the presence of AKT inhibitor, MK-2206. Therefore, our results demonstrated that TAU-attenuated ACR-induced apoptosis in vivo through a PI3K/AKT-dependent manner provided new sights in the molecular mechanism of TAU protection against ACR-induced neurotoxicity.