Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) glycopeptide prevents stress-induced anxiety disorders by regulating oxidative stress and ferroptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via activation of the Sirt3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe neurological condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, with no effective treatment currently available. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGP), derived from the further purification of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for ICH. However, the role and mechanisms of LbGP in ICH remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LbGP on ICH and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A collagenase injection-induced mouse model of ICH was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LbGP. Mice were treated with varying doses of LbGP, and outcomes were assessed based on hemorrhage volume, neurological function, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers. Apoptosis was analyzed using TUNEL staining. Mechanistic studies focused on mitochondrial acetylation homeostasis and the expression of Sirt3, a mitochondrial deacetylase. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests.

RESULTS

LbGP administration reduced hemorrhage volume and improved neurological function in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-18, TNF-α, IL-1β) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species) while increasing superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity. LbGP treatment also mitigated apoptosis and promoted mitochondrial acetylation homeostasis. Mechanistically, LbGP upregulated mitochondrial Sirt3 expression, and blocking Sirt3 disrupted mitochondrial acetylation homeostasis, resulting in increased inflammation and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

LbGP alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress in hemorrhagic brain injury by activating Sirt3 and maintaining mitochondrial acetylation homeostasis. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of LbGP in treating ICH, providing a foundation for further clinical applications.

A review of pharmacological mechanisms, challenges and prospects of macromolecular glycopeptides

Macromolecular glycopeptides are natural products derived from various sources, distinguished by their structural diversity, multifaceted biological activities, and low toxicity. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological functions, such as immunomodulation, antitumor effects, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity, and more. However, limited understanding of natural glycopeptides has hindered their development and practical application. To promote their advancement and utilization, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of glycopeptides and address the challenges in natural glycopeptide research. This review uniquely focuses on the primary biological activities and potential molecular mechanisms of glycopeptides as reported in recent literature. Moreover, we emphasize the current challenges in glycopeptide research, including extraction and isolation difficulties, purification challenges, structural analysis complexities, elucidation of structure-activity relationships, characterization of biosynthetic pathways, and ensuring bioavailability and stability. The future prospects for glycopeptide research are also explored. We argue that ongoing research into glycopeptides will significantly contribute to drug development and provide more effective therapeutic options and disease treatment alternatives for human health.

Ferroptosis: a potential therapeutic target in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, yet effective treatment options remain limited. Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, has emerged as a critical player in various CCVDs, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy, and ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes. This review highlights the core mechanisms of ferroptosis, its pathological implications in CCVDs, and the therapeutic potential of targeting this process. Additionally, it explores the role of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) in mitigating ferroptosis, offering novel therapeutic strategies for CCVDs management. Ferroptosis is regulated by several key pathways. The GPX4-GSH-System Xc- axis is central to ferroptosis execution, involving GPX4 using GSH to neutralize lipid peroxides, with system Xc- being crucial for GSH synthesis. The NAD(P)H/FSP1/CoQ10 axis involves FSP1 regenerating CoQ10 via NAD(P)H, inhibiting lipid peroxidation independently of GPX4. Lipid peroxidation, driven by PUFAs and enzymes like ACSL4 and LPCAT3, and iron metabolism, regulated by proteins like TfR1 and ferritin, are also crucial for ferroptosis. Inhibiting ferroptosis shows promise in managing CCVDs. In atherosclerosis, ferroptosis inhibitors reduce iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In myocardial infarction, inhibitors protect cardiomyocytes by preserving GPX4 and SLC7A11 levels. In ischemia-reperfusion injury, targeting ferroptosis reduces myocardial and cerebral damage. In diabetic cardiomyopathy, Nrf2 activators alleviate oxidative stress and iron metabolism irregularities. CHMs offer natural compounds that mitigate ferroptosis. They possess antioxidant properties, chelate iron, and modulate signaling pathways like Nrf2 and AMPK. For example, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Astragalus membranaceus reduce oxidative stress, while some CHMs chelate iron, reducing its availability for ferroptosis. In conclusion, ferroptosis plays a pivotal role in CCVDs, and targeting it offers novel therapeutic avenues. CHMs show promise in reducing ferroptosis and improving patient outcomes. Future research should explore combination therapies and further elucidate the molecular interactions in ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis-associated signaling pathways and therapeutic approaches in depression

Ferroptosis, a newly identified form of cell death, is characterized by excessive iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Studies indicate a strong association between ferroptosis and depression; however, the precise signaling pathways and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes the role of ferroptosis in depression and its associated signaling pathways. Additionally, therapeutic approaches for depression based on ferroptosis theory are reviewed, providing novel targets for the prevention and treatment of depression and laying a foundation for future research on the relationship between ferroptosis and depression.

Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide Promotes Testosterone Synthesis and Glucose Metabolism in Leydig Cells of the Testis

Lycium barbarum extracts have been shown to be effective in male reproductive protection and male infertility. However, its role in enhancing testicular function, such as testosterone synthesis, and the potential mechanism remain to be understood. To elucidate the effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) on testosterone synthesis, we isolated primary Leydig cells (LCs) from testes and performed RNA sequencing (RNA seq) on LCs treated with LbGp. In this study, we demonstrated that LbGp promoted testosterone synthesis in LCs both in vivo and in vitro. We also demonstrated that LbGp elevated adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and cell proliferation by enhancing glucose metabolism. Mechanistically, LbGp upregulated testosterone synthesis by suppressing TGF-β pathway and enhancing the expression of steroidogenic genes: Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, Star, and Sf-1. These findings indicate that LbGp plays an important role in enhancing testicular function and promoting testosterone synthesis.

Iron metabolism dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders: Implications for therapeutic intervention

Iron is a trace metal that takes part in the maintenance of body homeostasis by, for instance, aiding in energy production and immunity. A body of evidence now demonstrates that dysfunction in iron metabolism can have detrimental effects and is intricately associated with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), anxiety, and schizophrenia. For instance, changes in serum and central nervous system (CNS) levels of iron and in proteins mediating iron metabolism have been documented in patients grappling with the aforementioned diseases. By contrast, targeting iron metabolism by using iron chelators, for instance, has proven to be effective in alleviating disease burden. Therefore, here we review the state-of-the-art regarding the role of iron metabolism and its dysfunction in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we discuss how targeting iron metabolism can be an effective therapeutic option to tackle this class of diseases. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms linking this dysfunction to behavioral changes in these disorders. Harnessing the knowledge of iron metabolism is not only key to the characterization of novel molecular targets and disease biomarkers but also crucial to drug repurposing and drug design.

Lycium barbarum extract improves brain and visual functions in mice models of Alzheimer's disease through activating WNT pathway

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by visual deficits and cognitive impairment. However, current therapies have limited efficacy.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate whether Lycium barbarum extract (LBE) can mitigate the decline in brain and visual function in mouse models of AD during the middle and late stages.

METHODS

The chemical constituents of LBE were identified using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. LBE was administered daily to 5xFAD mice for one month and to 3xTG mice for two months, via the intragastric route, until the middle and late stages of AD. Visual and brain functions were assessed through behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings. The structure of the hippocampal region and retina was evaluated using immunostaining. RNA sequencing and western blotting were performed to explore potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

Sixteen compounds were identified in LBE, with lycibarbarspermidines and rutin being the major components. Functionally, LBE significantly improved memory and light responses of retinal ganglion cells in both 5xFAD and 3xTG mice. It also enhanced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice and cortical visual function in 3xTG mice. Structurally, LBE reduced hippocampal Aβ deposits in 5xFAD mice and Tau phosphorylation in 3xTG mice. In the retinas of 3xTG mice, LBE increased ganglion cell survival and inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, LBE restored the expression of WNT5a/b and KRAS, and inhibited GSK3β activation in the retinas of 3xTG mice.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that LBE can alleviate visual and brain function deterioration in various AD mouse models, even at the middle or late stages, possibly through the activation of the WNT pathway leading to the inhibition of Tau phosphorylation. This study reveals a novel mechanism of LBE action and proposes a promising strategy for treating AD patients using natural plant extracts, even at advanced stages.

The Interplay Between Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ferroptosis in Neurological Diseases

Many studies in the open literature have highlighted the critical roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis in neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries, and depression, indicating that they are involved in the onset and progression of these diseases. Therefore, it is essential to explore the regulatory mechanisms and potential interventions targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis in neurological diseases. However, most existing research has primarily focused on the unidirectional mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis within the nervous system, with a lack of in-depth investigations into their interactions. In this paper, we first present an overview of the pathogenesis of endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis, along with their roles in neurological diseases. We then summarize the latest findings on the interaction mechanism between endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis from the perspectives of calcium iron homeostasis, reactive oxygen species, microenvironment, and related factors. Finally, we explore the potential molecular mechanisms and targeted interventions associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis in neurological diseases.

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide ameliorates aging phenotypes and enhances cardiac metabolism by activating the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway in D-galactose-induced mice

BACKGROUND

Aging is a complex biological process that disrupts tissue structure and impairs physiological function, which contributes to the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. However, effective treatment strategies are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the geroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) and its potential mechanisms in a D-galactose-induced accelerated aging mouse model.

METHODS

Mice were subcutaneously injected with D-galactose (500 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to induce aging, while LbGp was orally administered (100 mg/kg/day) throughout the study. The geroprotective effects of LbGp were assessed by behavioral tests, cardiac echocardiography, pathohistological and transcriptomic analyses. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria. Mitochondrial stress assays and JC-1 fluorescent probe were conducted to evaluate mitochondrial function. Flow cytometer and western blot were performed to assess mitophagy flux.

RESULTS

LbGp treatment improved the aging phenotypes of D-galactose-induced mice, with a pronounced enhancement in cardiac function compared to neurocognitive and skeletal muscle functions. Transcriptome analysis indicated that LbGp ameliorated energy metabolism in the heart. Mitochondrial assays revealed LbGp improved mitochondrial function and preserved structural integrity of the mitochondrial inner membrane. LbGp attenuated mitochondrial fission and restored impaired PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway caused by D-galactose in cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSION

LbGp can ameliorate aging phenotypes and enhance cardiac metabolism by activating the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway in D-galactose-induced mice. These findings underscore its potential as a therapeutic agent for aging and aging-related cardiovascular diseases.

Novel full-thickness biomimetic corneal model for studying pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic keratopathy

Diabetic keratopathy (DK), a significant complication of diabetes, often leads to corneal damage and vision impairment. Effective models are essential for studying DK pathogenesis and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. This study developed a novel biomimetic full-thickness corneal model for the first time, incorporating corneal epithelial cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and nerves to simulate DK conditions in vitro. By exposing the model to a high-glucose (HG) environment, the pathological characteristics of DK, including nerve bundle disintegration, compromised barrier integrity, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress, were successfully replicated. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HG downregulated genes associated with axon and synapse formation while upregulating immune response and oxidative stress pathways, with C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) identified as a key hub gene in DK pathogenesis. The therapeutic effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LBGP) were evaluated using this model and validated in db/db diabetic mice. LBGP promoted nerve regeneration, alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress in both in vitro and in vivo models. Notably, LBGP suppressed the expression of CCL5, highlighting its potential mechanism of action. This study establishes a robust biomimetic platform for investigating DK and other corneal diseases, and identifies LBGP as a promising therapeutic candidate for DK. These findings provide valuable insights into corneal disease mechanisms and pave the way for future translational research and clinical applications.

The synergistic immunomodulatory activity of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide and isochlorogenic acid A on RAW264.7 cells

BACKGROUND

Regulation of the immune system to maintain homeostasis in the organism has become a focus of research, and the synergistic effect of multi-component complexes will effectively improve the immunomodulatory activity. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction and synergistic immunomodulatory activity of isochlorogenic acid A (IAA) and Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp).

RESULTS

The results obtained indicated that non-covalent intermolecular interactions were employed to form the LbGp-IAA complex, with a binding ratio of 135.15 mg g-1. The formation of LbGp-IAA complex altered the conformation of LbGp, and IAA was mainly bound to LbGp by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. In addition, LbGp-IAA promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells. The IAA and LbGp interaction had a synergistic effect on the promotion of phagocytosis and the expression of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis faction-α and interleukin-1β, which improved the immunomodulatory effect of LbGp. Furthermore, the combination of LbGp and IAA synergistically inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the binding of IAA enhanced the immunomodulatory activity of LbGp and coordinated the immune response, and did not trigger an inflammatory response, which was potentially attributed to the alteration of spatial structure of LbGp through the binding of IAA. The results provide new perspectives for the study of glycopeptide-polyphenol interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Different Levels of Lycium barbarum Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Immunity, Intestinal Barrier and Antioxidant Capacity of Meat Ducks

Background: In vitro findings on the biological functions of Lycium barbarum flavonoids (LBFs) as feed additives are limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of different concentrations of LBFs on the growth performance, immune function, intestinal barrier, and antioxidant capacity of meat ducks. A total of 240 one-day-old male meat ducks were randomly allocated to four groups, each receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of LBFs for 42 d. Results: The results showed that dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg of LBFs resulted in a significant increase in average daily feed intake, body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Dietary supplementation with 500 or 1000 mg/kg of LBFs resulted in significant decreases in serum levels of D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide. Dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg LBFs significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity and enhanced the activities of catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase in the jejunal mucosa, as well as the activity of total superoxide dismutase and the content of glutathione in the ileal mucosa, while significantly lowering the content of malondialdehyde in the ileal mucosa. Dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg LBFs significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of genes associated with intestinal barrier function and antioxidant capacity in the jejunal and ileal mucosa, as well as the protein expression of these antioxidant genes, and led to a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory-related genes. Conclusions: The addition of LBFs to the diet improved the growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of the ducks, which may be closely associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The optimal dietary inclusion level of LBFs in ducks was 500 mg/kg.

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) glycopeptide attenuates dopaminergic neurons loss by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by motor dysfunction due to gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system. Currently, medications such as levodopa preparations, offer only temporary symptomatic relief without preventing neuronal loss or halting disease progression. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a particular type of wolfberry or goji berry, the fruit of Lycium barbarum L., has been historically regarded for its neuroprotective properties, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for PD. However, scientific validation of these effects remains limited.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of wolfberry glycopeptide (WGP) on PD progression in various animal models, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for its therapeutic action.

STUDY DESIGN

Diverse canonical animal models, including 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated rats, and α-synuclein overexpressed hSNCAA53T mice, were used to evaluate WGP's anti-PD efficacy. Behavioral deficits and pathological damage to dopaminergic neurons were assessed to determine WGP's neuroprotective potential.

METHODS

After establishing the animal models and administering WGP treatment, PD-like behaviors were assessed using pole test, rotarod test and gait analysis. Dopaminergic neurons loss in the midbrain and striatum was detected by means of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Inflammatory markers in these brain regions were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

WGP treatment significantly alleviated motor deficits as well as progressive dopaminergic neurons loss. Mechanistically, WGP exerted its neuroprotective effects by regulating iron homeostasis, specifically through the modulation of key proteins such as TFRC, FTH1, and FPN. This function contributed to reducing the accumulation of lipid peroxidation in nigrostriatal system, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the innovative potential of WGP as a neuroprotective agent in PD, with a unique mechanism of action targeting iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation-driven neurodegeneration. This study advances the understanding of TCM's therapeutic contributions to neurodegeneration and positions WGP as a strong candidate for further clinical development in PD treatment.

Lycium barbarum Extract Enhanced Neuroplasticity and Functional Recovery in 5xFAD Mice via Modulating Microglial Status of the Central Nervous System

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum extract (LBE), a Chinese herb, on the central nervous system (CNS)-including the retina, brain, and spinal cord-in 5xFAD transgenic mice after the onset of AD.

METHODS

Starting at 6 months of age, 5xFAD mice received daily intragastric gavage of LBE (2 g/kg) for 2 months. At 8 months, behavioral tests were conducted to assess cognition, motor function, and visual function. These included the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y-maze tests for cognition; the beam walking balance and clasping tests for motor function; and electroretinogram (ERG) for visual function. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to evaluate Aβ deposition, microglial morphology, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotective signaling pathways. Primary microglia and the IMG cell line were used to study LBE's effects on Aβ uptake and degradation in vitro.

RESULTS

After 2 months of LBE treatment, the decline in cognition, motor, and visual functions in 5xFAD mice was significantly slowed. Microglia in the brain, spinal cord, and retina exhibited a neuroprotective state, with reduced Aβ deposition, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), increased Arg-1/iNOS ratio, and enhanced phagocytic capacity. LBE also promoted Aβ uptake and degradation in primary microglia and the IMG cell line. Neuroprotective signals such as p-Akt, p-Erk1/2, and p-CREB were elevated. Additionally, LBE treatment restored synaptic protein expression and enhanced neuroplasticity.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that LBE treatment can enhance neuroplasticity, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve phagocyte clearance of Aβ deposition via inducing a neuroprotective microglial phenotype throughout CNS. As an upper-class Chinese medicine, appropriate intake of LBE may serve as a beneficial antiaging strategy for AD.

The Protective Effects of Polygala tenuifolia and Tenuifolin on Corticosterone-Evoked Ferroptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations and In Vitro Experiments

Excessive stress is a well-established contributor to neurological damage, insomnia, and depression, imposing a significant burden on individuals and society. This underscores the urgent need for effective stress-relief strategies. The main purpose of this study was to explore the protective effects of Polygala tenuifolia (PT) and its bioactive compound, tenuifolin, against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity, with a focus on ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Both PT extracts and tenuifolin mitigated corticosterone-induced cellular damage. Tenuifolin reversed the corticosterone-induced dysregulation of ferroptosis-associated proteins, such as SLC7A11, GPX4, and Nrf2, leading to a marked reduction in ferroptosis levels. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that corticosterone significantly altered the conformation and binding energy of the SLC7A11/SLC3A2 complex, critical for ferroptosis regulation. These changes were reversed by tenuifolin. Additionally, tenuifolin alleviated corticosterone-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both of which accelerated ferroptosis. In conclusion, these results indicate that tenuifolin attenuates corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity by modulating ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the application of PT and tenuifolin in stress-induced nerve damage.

Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide-Derived Nanoparticles Protect Visual Function by Inhibiting RGC Ferroptosis and Microglial Activation in Retinal Ischemia‒Reperfusion Mice

Retinal ischemia‒reperfusion (IR) is a major contributor to vision impairment and irreversible vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury or loss. Contemporary therapeutic approaches predominantly focus on the amelioration of symptoms rather than addressing the fundamental etiological factors. Oxidative stress is a notable feature and an important mediator of IR damage. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarum, has various pharmacological effects, including antioxidation, immunoregulation, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, the ROS-consumable moiety phenylboronic acid pinacol ester (PBA) is introduced to LBP molecules, which can self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution. This nanoparticle (termed PLBP) can reduce the cellular ROS levels and enhance the antioxidant capability of RGCs by activating the NRF2 pathway, thus protecting RGCs from ferroptosis and preserving visual function in response to IR injury. PLBP also reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting the ability of microglia to phagocytose, migrate, secrete inflammatory cytokines, and activate the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, this approach can be used as an inspiration for the future development of neuroprotective drugs.

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide ameliorates motor and visual deficits in autoimmune inflammatory diseases

BACKGROUND

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of Lycium barbarum (LB), provides a neuroprotective effect against neurodegenerative and neuroimmune disorders contributing to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is an autoimmune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease, clinically manifested as transverse myelitis (TM) and optic neuritis. However, no drug has been demonstrated to be effective in relieving limb weakness and visual impairment of NMOSD patients.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the potential role of LbGp in ameliorating pathologic lesions and improving neurological dysfunction during NMOSD progression, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the first time.

STUDY DESIGN

We administrate LbGp in experimental NMOSD models in ex vivo and in vivo to explore its effect on NMOSD.

METHODS

To evaluate motor function, both rotarod and gait tasks were performed in systemic NMOSD mice models. Furthermore, we assessed the severity of NMO-like lesions of astrocytes, organotypic cerebellar slices, as well as brain, spinal cord and optic nerve sections from NMOSD mouse models with LbGp treatment by immunofluorescent staining. In addition, demyelination levels in optic nerve were measured by G-ratio through Electro-microscopy (EM). And inflammation response was explored through detecting the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling in astrocytic culture medium and spinal cord homogenates respectively by Elisa and by Western blotting.

RESULTS

LbGp could significantly reduce astrocytes injury, demyelination, and microglial activation in NMOSD models. In addition, LbGp also improved locomotor and visual dysfunction through preventing neuron and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from inflammatory attack in a systemic mouse model. Mechanistically, LbGp inhibits proinflammatory factors release via inhibition of NF-κB signaling in NMOSD models.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence to develop LbGp as a functional TCM for the clinical treatment of NMOSD.

Manganese-induced miR-125b-2-3p promotes anxiety-like behavior via TFR1-mediated ferroptosis

The toxic effects of excessive manganese (Mn) levels in the environment have led to a severe public health concern. Ferroptosis is a newly form of cell death relying on iron, inherent to pathophysiological processes of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Excessive Mn exposure causes various neurological effects, including neuronal death and mood disorders. Whether Mn exposure causes anxiety and depression-like behaviors, and the underlying mechanisms of Mn-induced ferroptosis have yet to be determined. Here, Mn-exposed mice showed anxiety-like behavior. We also confirmed the accumulation of ferrous ion (Fe2+), lipid peroxidation, and depletion of antioxidant defense system both in vitro and in vivo Mn-exposed models, suggesting that Mn exposure can induce ferroptosis. Furthermore, Mn exposure downregulated the expression of miR-125b-2-3p. In turn, overexpression of miR-125b-2-3p alleviated the Mn-induced ferroptosis by targeting Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1). In summary, this novel study established the propensity of Mn to cause anxiety-like behavior, an effect that was regulated by miR-125b-2-3p and ensuing ferroptosis secondary to the targeting of TFR1. These results offer promising targets for the prevention and treatment of Mn-induced neurotoxicity.

Ferroptosis: a new antidepressant pharmacological mechanism

The incidence rate of depression, a mental disorder, is steadily increasing and has the potential to become a major global disability factor. Given the complex pathological mechanisms involved in depression, the use of conventional antidepressants may lead to severe complications due to their side effects. Hence, there is a critical need to explore the development of novel antidepressants. Ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of cell death, has been found to be closely linked to the onset of depression. Several studies have indicated that certain active ingredients can ameliorate depression by modulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Notably, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active ingredients and TCM prescriptions have demonstrated promising antidepressant effects in previous investigations owing to their unique advantages in antidepressant therapy. Building upon these findings, our objective was to review recent relevant research and provide new insights and directions for the development and application of innovative antidepressant strategies.