Eucalyptol ameliorates early brain injury after subarachnoid haemorrhage via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model

Human neural stem cell secretome relieves endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and improves neuronal functions after traumatic brain injury in a rat model

Neural stem cell secretome (NSC-S) plays an important role in neuroprotection and recovery. Studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) is involved in the progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is a crucial cause of secondary damage and neuronal death after brain injury. Whether NSC-S is engaged in ER stress and ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis post-TBI has not been investigated. In the study, the Feeney SD male rat model was established. The results showed that NSC-S treatment significantly improved the behavior of rats with TBI. In addition, NSC-S relieved ER stress in TBI rats and was observed by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. The specific mechanism was further elucidated that restoration was achieved by alleviating the PERK-eIF2α pathway and thus protecting neurons from apoptosis. Notably, the discovery of calumenin (CALU) in NSC-S by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS/MS) may be related to the protective effect of NSC-S on ER stress in neurons. Also, the mechanism by which it functions may be related to ubiquitination. In summary, NSC-S improved prognosis and ER stress in TBI rats and might be a promising treatment for relieving TBI.

Antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's disease activities of 1,8-cineole and its cyclodextrin inclusion complex

1,8-Cineole is a bicyclic monoterpene widely distributed in the essential oils of various medicinal plants, and it exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of 1,8-cineole on anti-Alzheimer's disease by using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models. Our studies demonstrated that 1,8-cineole significantly relieved Aβ1-42-induced paralysis and exhibited remarkable antioxidant and anti-Aβ1-42 aggregation activities in transgenic nematodes CL4176, CL2006 and CL2355. We developed a 1,8-cineole/cyclodextrin inclusion complex, displaying enhanced anti-paralysis, anti-Aβ aggregation and antioxidant activities compared to 1,8-cineole. In addition, we found 1,8-cineole treatment activated the SKN-1/Nrf-2 pathway and induced autophagy in nematodes. Our results demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's disease activities of 1,8-cineole, which provide a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease.

Bridging the Gap: Harnessing Plant Bioactive Molecules to Target Gut Microbiome Dysfunctions in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The correlation between neurodegenerative diseases and the gut microbiome is increasingly evident, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being particularly notable for its severity and lack of therapeutic options. The gut microbiota, implicated in the pathogenesis and development of ALS, plays a crucial role in the disease. Bioactive plant molecules, specifically volatile compounds in essential oils, offer a promising therapeutic avenue due to their anti-inflammatory properties and gut-modulating effects. Our narrative review aimed to identify microbiota-associated bacteria in ALS and analyze the benefits of administering bioactive plant molecules as much-needed therapeutic options in the management of this disease. A comprehensive search of PubMed database articles published before December 2023, encompassing research on cell, human, and animal ALS models, was conducted. After selecting, analyzing, and discussing key articles, bacteria linked to ALS pathogenesis and physiopathology were identified. Notably, positively highlighted bacteria included Akkermansia muciniphila (Verrucomicrobia phylum), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Butyrivibrio spp. (Firmicutes phylum). Conversely, members of the Escherichia coli spp. (Proteobacteria phylum) and Ruminococcus spp. (Firmicutes phylum) stood out negatively in respect to ALS development. These bacteria were associated with molecular changes linked to ALS pathogenesis and evolution. Bioactive plant molecules can be directly associated with improvements in the microbiome, due to their role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, emerging as one of the most promising natural agents for enriching present-day ALS treatments.

Unveiling the significance of TREM1/2 in hemorrhagic stroke: structure, function, and therapeutic implications

Stroke has long been a major threat to human health worldwide. Hemorrhagic stroke, including intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, exhibits a high incidence rate and a high mortality and disability rate, imposing a substantial burden on both public health and the economy and society. In recent years, the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family has garnered extensive attention in various pathological conditions, including hemorrhagic stroke. This review comprehensively summarizes the structure and function of TREM1/2, as well as their roles and potential mechanisms in hemorrhagic stroke, with the aim of providing guidance for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies in the future.

Plant Monoterpenes and Essential Oils as Potential Anti-Ageing Agents: Insights from Preclinical Data

Ageing is a natural process characterized by a time-dependent decline of physiological integrity that compromises functionality and inevitably leads to death. This decline is also quite relevant in major human pathologies, being a primary risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Bearing this in mind, it is not surprising that research aiming at improving human health during this process has burst in the last decades. Importantly, major hallmarks of the ageing process and phenotype have been identified, this knowledge being quite relevant for future studies towards the identification of putative pharmaceutical targets, enabling the development of preventive/therapeutic strategies to improve health and longevity. In this context, aromatic plants have emerged as a source of potential bioactive volatile molecules, mainly monoterpenes, with many studies referring to their anti-ageing potential. Nevertheless, an integrated review on the current knowledge is lacking, with several research approaches studying isolated ageing hallmarks or referring to an overall anti-ageing effect, without depicting possible mechanisms of action. Herein, we aim to provide an updated systematization of the bioactive potential of volatile monoterpenes on recently proposed ageing hallmarks, and highlight the main mechanisms of action already identified, as well as possible chemical entity-activity relations. By gathering and categorizing the available scattered information, we also aim to identify important research gaps that could help pave the way for future research in the field.

Aerobic Glycolysis Induced by mTOR/HIF-1α Promotes Early Brain Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Activating M1 Microglia

M1 microglial activation is crucial for the pathogenesis of early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and there is growing evidence that glucose metabolism is frequently involved in microglial activation. However, the molecular mechanism of glycolysis and its role in M1 microglial activation in the context of EBI are not yet fully understood. In this study, firstly, the relationship between aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial activation as well as SAH-induced EBI was researched in vivo. Then, intervention on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was performed to investigate the effects on glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial activation and EBI and its relationship with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in vivo. Next, Hif-1α was inhibited to analyze its role in aerobic glycolysis, M1 microglial activation, and EBI in vivo. Lastly, both in vivo and in vitro, mTOR inhibition and Hif-1α enhancement were administered simultaneously, and the combined effects were further confirmed again. The results showed that aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial polarization were increased after SAH, and glycolytic inhibition could attenuate M1 microglial activation and EBI. Inhibition of mTOR reduced glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial polarization and EBI severity by down-regulating HIF-1α expression, while enhancement had the opposite effects. Blockading HIF-1α had the similar effects as suppressing mTOR, while HIF-1α agonist worked against mTOR antagonist when administered simultaneously. In conclusion, the present study showed new evidence that aerobic glycolysis induced by mTOR/HIF-1α might promote EBI after SAH by activating M1 microglia. This finding provided new insights for the treatment of EBI.

Management of the Brain: Essential Oils as Promising Neuroinflammation Modulator in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neuroinflammation, a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of various brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, has become a focal point for therapeutic exploration. This review highlights neuroinflammatory mechanisms that hallmark neurodegenerative diseases and the potential benefits of essential oils in counteracting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, thereby offering a novel strategy for managing and mitigating the impact of various brain disorders. Essential oils, derived from aromatic plants, have emerged as versatile compounds with a myriad of health benefits. Essential oils exhibit robust antioxidant activity, serving as scavengers of free radicals and contributing to cellular defense against oxidative stress. Furthermore, essential oils showcase anti-inflammatory properties, modulating immune responses and mitigating inflammatory processes implicated in various chronic diseases. The intricate mechanisms by which essential oils and phytomolecules exert their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were explored, shedding light on their multifaceted properties. Notably, we discussed their ability to modulate diverse pathways crucial in maintaining oxidative homeostasis and suppressing inflammatory responses, and their capacity to rescue cognitive deficits observed in preclinical models of neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases.

A ROS-responsive loaded desferoxamine (DFO) hydrogel system for traumatic brain injury therapy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) produces excess iron, and increased iron accumulation in the brain leads to lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROSs), which can exacerbate secondary damage and lead to disability and death. Therefore, inhibition of iron overload and oxidative stress has a significant role in the treatment of TBI. Functionalized hydrogels with iron overload inhibiting ability and of oxidative stress inhibiting ability will greatly contribute to the repair of TBI. Herein, an injectable, post-traumatic microenvironment-responsive, ROS-responsive hydrogel encapsulated with deferrioxamine mesylate (DFO) was developed. The hydrogel is rapidly formed via dynamic covalent bonding between phenylboronic acid grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and phenylboronate bonds are used to respond to and reduce ROS levels in damaged brain tissue to promote neuronal recovery. The release of DFO from HA-PBA/PVA hydrogels in response to ROS further promotes neuronal regeneration and recovery by relieving iron overload and thus eradicating ROS. In the Feeney model of Sprague Dawley rats, HA-PBA/PVA/DFO hydrogel treatment significantly improved the behavior of TBI rats and reduced the area of brain contusion in rats. In addition, HA-PBA/PVA/DFO hydrogel significantly reduced iron overload to reduce ROS and could effectively promote post-traumatic neuronal recovery. Its effects were also explored, and notably, HA-PBA/PVA/DFO hydrogel can reduce iron overload as well as ROS, thus protecting neurons from death. Thus, this injectable, biocompatible and ROS-responsive drug-loaded hydrogel has great potential for the treatment of TBI. This work suggests a novel method for the treatment of secondary brain injury by inhibiting iron overload and the oxidative stress response after TBI.

Eucalyptol ameliorates chlorpyrifos-induced necroptosis in grass carp liver cells by down-regulating ROS/NF-κB pathway

Chlorpyrifos (Diethoxy-sulfanylidene-(3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl) oxy-λ5-phosphane, CPF) was extensively used organophosphorus pesticide, extensively deteriorating public problem with the enrichment in the water bodies. Eucalyptol (1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2] octane, EUC), a colorless cyclic monoterpene oxide, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties. To explore the effect of EUC on CPF-induced necroptosis in the grass carp liver cells (L8824 cells), we treated L8824 cells with 60 mM CPF and 5 μM EUC for 24 h. The results showed that CPF exposed lead to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, activating the NF-κB and RIPK1 pathway, increasing the level of cell necroptosis. However, EUC treatment attenuated the toxic effects of CPF treatment on L8824 cells. In summary, the study demonstrated that CPF induced necroptosis and inflammation, and EUC treatment could decrease CPF-caused cell injury.

1,8-Cineole Alleviates OGD/R-Induced Oxidative Damage and Restores Mitochondrial Function by Promoting the Nrf2 Pathway

This study examined the effects of 1,8-cineole on reducing oxidative stress injury and restoring mitochondrial function in oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) HT22 cells via the nuclear factor erythrocyte 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. The optimal concentration of 1,8-cineole to reduce OGD/R injury was screened via cell morphology, cell survival rate, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate. Oxidative damage was observed by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT) activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) expression. Mitochondrial function was observed by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATPase activity. Nrf2 pathways were observed by the expression levels of total Nrf2, nucleus Nrf2, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H): quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the mRNA levels of HO-1 and NQO1. Among different concentrations of 1,8-cineole for promoting HT22 cell proliferation and attenuated OGD/R injury, 10 µmol/L 1,8-cineole was the best. After 1,8-cineole treatment, SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT activities and GSH content increased, while ROS, MDA, LPO, protein carbonyl, and 8-OHDG levels decreased. 1,8-Cineole could restore MMP and increase mitochondrial enzyme activity. It could also increase the total Nrf2, nucleus Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1, and Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol reduced the effect of 1,8-cineole. Immunofluorescence assay showed that 1,8-cineole could facilitate the transfer of Nrf2 into the nucleus. 1,8-cineole increased the mRNA levels of NQO1 and HO-1. The above results showed that 1,8-cineole could alleviate OGD/R-induced oxidative damage and restores mitochondrial function by activating the Nrf2 signal pathway.

Neurobehavioral Impairments Predict Specific Cerebral Damage in Rat Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe form of stroke that can cause unpredictable and diffuse cerebral damage, which is difficult to detect until it becomes irreversible. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable method to identify dysfunctional regions and initiate treatment before permanent damage occurs. Neurobehavioral assessments have been suggested as a possible tool to detect and approximately localize dysfunctional cerebral regions. In this study, we hypothesized that a neurobehavioral assessment battery could be a sensitive and specific method for detecting damage in discrete cerebral regions following SAH. To test this hypothesis, a behavioral battery was employed at multiple time points after SAH induced via an endovascular perforation, and brain damage was confirmed via postmortem histopathological analysis. Our results demonstrate that impairment of sensorimotor function accurately predict damage in the cerebral cortex (AUC 0.905; sensitivity 81.8%; specificity 90.9%) and striatum (AUC 0.913; sensitivity 90.1%; specificity 100%), while impaired novel object recognition is a more accurate indicator of damage to the hippocampus (AUC 0.902; sensitivity 74.1%; specificity 83.3%) than impaired reference memory (AUC 0.746; sensitivity 72.2%; specificity 58.0%). Tests for anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors predict damage to the amygdala (AUC 0.900; sensitivity 77.0%; specificity 81.7%) and thalamus (AUC 0.963; sensitivity 86.3%; specificity 87.8%), respectively. This study suggests that recurring behavioral testing can accurately predict damage in specific brain regions, which could be developed into a clinical battery for early detection of SAH damage in humans, potentially improving early treatment and outcomes.

Neurobehavioral impairments predict specific cerebral damage in rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe form of stroke that can cause unpredictable and diffuse cerebral damage, which is difficult to detect until it becomes irreversible. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable method to identify dysfunctional regions and initiate treatment before permanent damage occurs. Neurobehavioral assessments have been suggested as a possible tool to detect and approximately localize dysfunctional cerebral regions. In this study, we hypothesized that a neurobehavioral assessment battery could be a sensitive and specific early warning for damage in discrete cerebral regions following SAH. To test this hypothesis, a behavioral battery was employed at multiple time points after SAH induced via an endovascular perforation, and brain damage was confirmed via postmortem histopathological analysis. Our results demonstrate that impairment of sensorimotor function accurately predict damage in the cerebral cortex (AUC: 0.905; sensitivity: 81.8%; specificity: 90.9%) and striatum (AUC: 0.913; sensitivity: 90.1%; specificity: 100%), while impaired novel object recognition is a more accurate indicator of damage to the hippocampus (AUC: 0.902; sensitivity: 74.1%; specificity: 83.3%) than impaired reference memory (AUC: 0.746; sensitivity: 72.2%; specificity: 58.0%). Tests for anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors predict damage to the amygdala (AUC: 0.900; sensitivity: 77.0%; specificity: 81.7%) and thalamus (AUC: 0.963; sensitivity: 86.3%; specificity: 87.8%), respectively. This study suggests that recurring behavioral testing can accurately predict damage in specific brain regions, which could be developed into a clinical battery for early detection of SAH damage in humans, potentially improving early treatment and outcomes.

Eucalyptol antagonized the apoptosis and immune dysfunction of grass carp hepatocytes induced by tetrabromobisphenol A by regulating ROS/ASK1/JNK pathway

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a common environmental pollutant which has multi-organ toxicity to mammals. Eucalyptol (EUC) has super antioxidant biological activity. However, in this experimental study, we probed into the mechanism of toxic of TBBPA exposure on Grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) and the antagonistic impact of EUC on TBBPA. We treated L8824 cells with 8 μg/ml TBBPA and/or 20 μM EUC for 24 h in this test research. The experiment results suggested that TBBPA exposure induced elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), led to oxidative stress, decreased SOD and CAT activities, decreased GSH and T-AOC contents, exacerbated MDA accumulation, activated ASK1/JNK signaling pathway, and further increased the contents of mitochondrial dependent apoptosis pathway related indicators (Cyt-C, Bax, Caspase 9, Caspase 3), while Bcl-2 expression decreased. In addition, TBBPA exposure induced increased expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and decreased expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, Hepcidin, β-defensin, LEAP2. The oxidative stress level, ASK1/JNK signal pathway expression level, apoptosis ratio and cellular immune function of cells exposed to EUC alone did not change significantly. Combined exposure of TBBPA and EUC significantly reduced the proportion of apoptosis and restored cellular immune function. Therefore, these results suggest that EUC can effectively antagonize TBBPA-induced apoptosis and immune dysfunction of L8824 cells by regulating ROS/ASK1/JNK signaling pathway.

Chemical and Biological Studies of Achillea setacea Herba Essential Oil-First Report on Some Antimicrobial and Antipathogenic Features

The essential oil of Achillea setacea was isolated by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC-MS. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Achillea setacea essential oil was evaluated, as well as its biocompatibility (LDH and MTT methods). DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods were applied for antioxidant activity evaluation, while qualitative and quantitative assays (inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration), NO release (by nitrite concentration determination), and microbial adhesion capacity to the inert substrate (the biofilm microtiter method) were used to investigate the antimicrobial potential. A total of 52 compounds were identified by GC-MS in A. setacea essential oil, representing 97.43% of the total area. The major constituents were borneol (32.97%), 1,8-cineole (14.94%), camphor (10.13%), artemisia ketone (4.70%), α-terpineol (3.23%), and γ-eudesmol (3.23%). With MICs ranging from 0.78 to 30 μg/mL, the A. setacea essential oil proved to inhibit the microbial adhesion and induce the NO release. To the best of our knowledge, the present study reports for the first time the antimicrobial activity of A. setacea EO against clinically and biotechnologically important microbial strains, such as Shigella flexneri, Listeria ivanovii, L. innocua, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata, demonstrating its antimicrobial applications beyond the clinical field.

Cineole regulates Wnt/β-catenin pathway through Nrf2/keap1/ROS to inhibit bisphenol A-induced apoptosis, autophagy inhibition and immunosuppression of grass carp hepatocytes

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental pollutant, can cause multiple organ tissue damage by inducing oxidative stress. Cineole (CIN) is a terpene oxide existing in a variety of plant essential oils, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects. This study examined the effects of 200 nM BPA and 20 μM CIN on apoptosis, autophagy, and immunology in grass carp hepatocytes (L8824). The treatments were categorized as NC, CIN, BPA + CIN, and BPA. The findings demonstrated that BPA exposure could increase ROS levels and oxidative stress-related indicators, decrease the expression of the Nrf2/keap1 pathway and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, increase the expression of genes involved in the apoptotic pathway (Bax and Caspase3), and decrease the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential. BPA also reduced the expression of genes linked to autophagy (ATG5, Beclin1, LC3). Changes in immunological function after BPA exposure were also shown by changes in the amounts of antimicrobial peptides (HEPC, β-defensin, LEAP2) and cytokines (INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, and TNF-α). After the co-treatment of CIN and BPA, CIN can inhibit BPA-induced apoptosis and recover from autophagy and immune function to a certain extent by binding to keap1 to exert an anti-oxidative regulatory effect of Nrf2 incorporation into the nucleus. Molecular docking provides strong evidence for the interaction of CIN ligands with keap1 receptors. Therefore, these results indicated that CIN could inhibit BPA-induced apoptosis, autophagy inhibition and immunosuppression in grass carp hepatocytes by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with Nrf2/keap1/ROS. This study provided further information to the risk assessment of the neuroendocrine disruptor BPA on aquatic organisms and offered suggestions and resources for further research into the function of natural extracts in the body's detoxification process.

Phytochemical Profile, Preliminary Toxicity, and Antioxidant Capacity of the Essential Oils of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg. and Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. (Myrtaceae)

The essential oils (EOs) of Myrciaria floribunda (Mflo) and Myrcia sylvatica (Msyl) (Myrtaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation. The analysis of volatile constituents was performed by GC/MS. Preliminary toxicity was assessed on Artemia salina Leach. The antioxidant capacity was measured by the ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical inhibitory activities. The results indicate that the Mflo EO had the highest yield (1.02%), and its chemical profile was characterized by high levels of hydrocarbon (65.83%) and oxygenated (25.74%) monoterpenes, especially 1,8-cineole (23.30%), terpinolene (22.23%) and α-phellandrene (22.19%). Regarding the Msyl EO, only hydrocarbon (51.60%) and oxygenated (46.52%) sesquiterpenes were identified in the sample, with (Z)-α-trans-bergamotene (24.57%), α-sinensal (13.44%), and (Z)-α-bisabolene (8.33%) at higher levels. The EO of Mflo exhibited moderate toxicity against A. salina (LC50 = 82.96 ± 5.20 µg.mL−1), while the EO of Msyl was classified as highly toxic (LC50 = 2.74 ± 0.50 µg.mL−1). In addition, relative to Trolox, the EOs of Mflo and Msyl showed significant inhibitory effects (p < 0.0001) against the DPPH• radical. This study contributes to the expansion of chemical and biological knowledge on the EOs of Myrtaceae species from the Amazon region.

In vitro, in vivo and in silico evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Hyssopus officinalis L. subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman (Lamiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal properties of hyssop have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times, inter alia, in diseases/conditions with an inherent inflammatory process.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of hyssop herb preparations (essential oil and methanol extracts) in vivo, in vitro and in silico.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For in vitro testing of essential oils and extracts of hyssop herb, the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme assays were used. In vivo anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts (at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) was assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. Molecular docking and dynamics were used for in silico testing of the inhibitory activity of chlorogenic (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids, as the dominant compounds in the tested methanol extracts against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

RESULTS

Significant inhibitory activity was shown in the COX-2 test regarding extracts (essential oils did not exhibit any significant activity). Namely, all analyzed extracts, at a concentration of 20 μg/mL, showed a percentage of inhibition of COX-2 enzyme (54.04-63.04%), which did not indicate a statistically significant difference from the positive control of celecoxib (61.60%) at a concentration of 8.8 μM. In vivo testing showed that all methanol extracts of hyssop herb, at the highest test dose of 200 mg/kg in the third and fourth hours, after carrageenan administration, exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on the increase in rat paw edema in relation to control. This activity is comparable or higher in relation to the reference substance, indomethacin, at a concentration of 8 mg/kg. The preliminary in silico results suggest that investigated compounds (RA and CA) showed better inhibitory activity against COX-1 and COX-2 than standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen, as evident from the free binding energy (ΔG_bind in kJ mol^-1). The binding energies of the docked compounds to COX-1 and -2 were found to be in the range between -47.4 and -49.2 kJ mol^-1. Ibuprofen, as the one NSAID, for the same receptors targets, showed remarkably higher binding energy (ΔG_bind = -31.3 kJ mol^-1 to COX-1, and ΔG_bind = -30.9 kJ mol^-1 to COX-2).

CONCLUSION

The results obtained not only support the traditional use of hyssop herb in inflammatory conditions in folk medicine, but also open the door to and the need for further in vivo testing of extracts in order to examine the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity in living systems and possibly develop a new anti-inflammatory drug or supplement.

A Systematic Review of Inflammatory Cytokine Changes Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Animal Models and Humans

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe form of stroke that occurs following rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. Acute inflammation and secondary delayed inflammatory responses, both largely controlled by cytokines, work together to create high mortality and morbidity for this group. The trajectory and time course of cytokine change must be better understood in order to effectively manage unregulated inflammation and improve patient outcomes following aSAH. A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three different search phrases ("cytokines and subarachnoid hemorrhage," "cytokine levels and subarachnoid hemorrhage," and "cytokine measurement and subarachnoid hemorrhage") were applied across three databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library). Our procedures returned 856 papers. After application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 95 preclinical animal studies and 41 clinical studies remained. Across studies, 22 different cytokines had been investigated, 5 different tissue types were analyzed, and 3 animal models were utilized. Three main pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) demonstrated reliable increases following aSAH across the included studies. While this is a promising area of research for potential therapeutics, there are gaps in the knowledge base that bar progress for clinical translation of this information. In particular, there is a need for investigations that explore the systemic inflammatory response following injury in a more diverse number of cytokines, the balance of specific pro-/anti- inflammatory cytokines, and how these biomarkers relate to patient outcomes and recovery over time.

1,8-cineole alleviates bisphenol A-induced apoptosis and necroptosis in bursa of Fabricius in chicken through regulating oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important chemical raw material, is now a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. As an endocrine disruptor similar to estrogen, BPA increases the risk of various metabolic and chronic diseases. BPA has immunotoxicity to humans and animals. 1,8-cineole (CIN) is a plant-derived monoterpene with antioxidant and antiapoptosis actions. However, there are no reports about whether CIN could antagonize the BPA-induced apoptosis and necroptosis in bursa of Fabricius (BF) of chicken. This study was to elucidate the ameliorative mechanism of CIN on the apoptosis and necroptosis in BF induced by BPA. 120 broilers (1-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups: control group, CIN group, CIN and BPA co-treatment group, and BPA group. TUNEL analysis results, histopathological variations, and the overexpression of proapoptosis biomakers (Caspase 3, Bax, Cyt-c, and p53) and necroptosis pathway-related factors (RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, and FADD) indicated that BPA exposure induced the apoptosis and necroptosis in chicken BF. Moreover, BPA treatment elevated the levels of oxidative stress indexes (MDA, iNOS, and NO) and weaken antioxidases activity (SOD, GPx, and CAT) and total antioxidant capacity in chicken BF. BPA administration also lessened the expression of PI3K and AKT and promoted HSPs (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, and HSP70) activation. whereas CIN supplementation prominently mitigated BPA-caused these changes and the apoptosis and necroptosis damages. In brief, this study illuminated that CIN could protect the chicken BF against BPA-induced apoptosis and necroptosis through restraining oxidative stress and activating PI3K/AKT pathway.

Dietary Supplementation of Antioxidant Compounds Prevents Light-Induced Retinal Damage in a Rat Model

Light-induced retinal damage (LD) is characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress and photoreceptor cell death. The use of natural antioxidants has emerged as promising approach for the prevention of LD. Among them, lutein and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) have been shown to be particularly effective due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, less is known about the possible efficacy of combining them in a multicomponent mixture. In a rat model of LD, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and electroretinography were used to demonstrate that lutein and C3G in combination or in a multicomponent mixture can prevent oxidative stress, inflammation, gliotic and apoptotic responses thus protecting photoreceptor cells from death with higher efficacy than each component alone. Combined efficacy on dysfunctional electroretinogram was also demonstrated by ameliorated rod and cone photoreceptor responses. These findings suggest the rationale to formulate multicomponent blends which may optimize the partnering compounds bioactivity and bioavailability.

Role of TREM-1 in the development of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) was found to be induced in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) before. This study further investigates its role in the development of SAH-induced early brain injury (EBI). Firstly, rats were randomly divided into Sham and SAH groups for analysis of temporal patterns and cellular localization of TREM-1. Secondly, TREM-1 intervention was administrated to produce Sham, vehicle, antagonist and agonist groups, for analyzing TREM-1, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and NF-κB expressions at 24 h post-modeling, and EBI assessment at 24 h and 72 h. Thirdly, TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242) was exploited to produce Sham, Sham+TAK-242, SAH, and SAH + TAK-242 groups to analyze the effects of TLR4 inhibition on TREM-1 induction and EBI evaluation at 72 h. Fourthly, the relationship of soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1) levels in cerebrospinal fluid of SAH patients with Hunt-Hess grades were explored. The results showed that TREM-1 increased in the brain after experimental SAH (eSAH) early at 6 h and peaked at 48 h, which was found to be located in microglia and endothelial cells. TREM-1 inhibition attenuated EBI associated with TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB suppression, while enhancement had the opposite effects. Contrarily, TLR4 inhibition prevented TREM-1 induction and ameliorated EBI. In addition, sTREM-1 levels in SAH patients positively correlated with Hunt-Hess grades. Overall, the present study provides new evidence that TREM-1 increases dynamically in the brain after eSAH and it is located in microglia and endothelial cells, which may aggravate EBI by interacting with TLR4 pathway. And sTREM-1 in patients might act as a monitoring biomarker of EBI, providing new insights for future studies.