Potential therapeutic action of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine on Alzheimer's disease animal models targeting neurotrophic factors

Aging-Related Protein Alterations in the Brain

Aging is an intrinsic aspect of an organism's life cycle and is characterized by progressive physiological decline and increased susceptibility to mortality. Many age-associated disorders, including neurological disorders, are most commonly linked with the aging process, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of aging and AD on the molecular pathways and levels of different proteins in the brain, including metalloproteins, neurotrophic factors, amyloid proteins, and tau proteins. AD is caused by the aggregation of amyloid proteins in the brain. Factors such as metal ions, protein ligands, and the oligomerization state of amyloid precursor protein significantly influence the proteolytic processing of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP). Tau, a disordered cytosolic protein, serves as the principal microtubule-associated protein in mature neurons. AD patients exhibit decreased levels of nerve growth factor within their nervous systems and cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor resulting from the neuroprotective effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor suggests that the synergistic action of these proteins plays a role in inhibiting neuronal degeneration and atrophy. The mechanism through which Aβ and AβPP govern Cu2+ transport and their influence on Cu2+ and other metal ion pools requires elucidation in future studies. A comprehensive understanding of the influence of aging and AD on molecular pathways and varying protein levels may hold the potential for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the treatment of AD.

Effectiveness and Safety of Bu Shen Kai Qiao Fang in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Real-World Clinical Trial

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disease of the nervous system with serious impact on quality of life of patients and their families. With an aging population, AD has become a major public health problem in China and worldwide. However, the physiological and pathological mechanisms of AD have not been fully elucidated, and there is a lack of effective prevention and clinical treatment methods. Many studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a good therapeutic effect on cognitive function in AD patients. Bu Shen Kai Qiao Fang (BSKQF) is one such Chinese herbal preparation used in the treatment of AD. We designed a protocol for a real-world clinical study of BSKQF combined with Donepezil hydrochloride (DH) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach in the treatment of AD patients.

Methods

This is a protocol for a real-world, multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. The study will recruit 860 AD patients from four hospitals across China. Equal numbers of patients will be treated with BSKQF and DH or with DH only. The criteria for grouping are based primarily on patient preference. Outcome measures include scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA) and will be recorded at baseline, and at one, two and three months after enrollment. The plasma Aβ42 and plasma Tau levels of participating patients will also be measured by ELISA at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Safety metrics and adverse events (AEs) of participating patients will be monitored and recorded.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of BSKQF in the treatment of AD. The results will provide reliable evidence for the clinical application of BSKQF in the treatment of AD.

Study Registration

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, NO. ChiCTR2000039670, Registered 5 November 2020 https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=63800.

Yuan-Zhi decoction in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: An integrated approach based on chemical profiling, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluation

Yuan-Zhi Decoction (YZD) is a traditional Chinese medical formulation with demonstrated clinical benefits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We used liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify 27 unique chemical components of YZD. Analyzing these using network pharmacology and molecular docking models identified 34 potential interacting molecular targets involved in 26 biochemical pathways. When tested in an animal model of AD, the APP/PS1 transgenic mice showed measurable improvements in spatial orientation and memory after the administration of YZD. These improvements coincided with significantly reduced deposition of Aβ plaques and tau protein in the hippocampi in the treated animals. In addition, a decreased BACE1 and beta-amyloid levels, a downregulation of the p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and an upregulation of the PI3K and p-AKT/AKT pathway was seen in YZD treated animals. These in vivo changes validated the involvement of molecular targets and pathways predicted in silico analysis of the chemical components of YZD. This study provides scientific support for the clinical use of YZD and justifies further investigations into its effects in AD. Furthermore, it demonstrates the utility of network pharmacology in elucidating the biochemical mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM).

Antroquinonol administration in animal preclinical studies for Alzheimer's disease (AD): A new avenue for modifying progression of AD pathophysiology

Despite the rise of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in an ageing population, no cure is currently available for this disorder. This study assessed the role of a natural compound, Antroquinonol, in modifying the progression of AD when administered at the start and/or before appearance of symptoms and when the disease was well established, in a transgenic animal model. Antroquinonol was administered daily for 8 weeks, in 11 week (early stage) and 9 month (late stage) male transgenic mice (3 times Transgenic mice PS1_M146V, APP_Swe, and tau_P301L, 3 ​Tg XAD) and their respective aged controls. Behavioural testing (including Elevated Plus Maze Watermaze, Recognition object testing and Y maze) was performed at the end of the drug administration. In addition AD biomarkers (Amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42), tau and phospho-tau levels), oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, were assessed in tested mice brains after their sacrifice at the end of the treatment. When administered before the start of symptoms at 11 weeks, Antroquinonol treatment at 34 ​mg/kg (D2) and more consistently at 75 ​mg/kg (D3), had a significant effect on reducing systemic inflammatory markers (Interleukin 1, IL-1β and TNF-α) and AD biomarker (Amyloid Beta 42, Aβ42 and tau) levels in the brain. The reduction of behavioural impairment reported for 3TgXAD mice was observed significantly for the D3 drug dose only and for all behavioural tests, when administered at 11 weeks.

Similarly, beneficial effects of Antroquinonol (at higher dose D3) were noted in the transgenic mice in terms of AD biomarkers (tau and phosphorylated-tau), systemic inflammatory (IL-1β), brain anti-inflammatory (Nrf2) and oxidative (3-Nitrotyrosine, 3NT) markers. Improvement of memory impairment was also reported when Antroquinonol (D3) was administered at late stage (9 months).

Since Antroquinonol has been used without adverse effects in previous successful clinical trials, this drug may offer a new avenue of treatment to modify AD development and progression.

Panaxadiol inhibits IL-1β secretion by suppressing zinc finger protein 91-regulated activation of non-canonical caspase-8 inflammasome and MAPKs in macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The use of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. in traditional Chinese medicine dates back to about 5000 years ago thanks to its several beneficial and healing properties. Panaxadiol is a triterpenoid sapogenin monomer found in the roots of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. and has been proven to have various bio-activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and neuroprotective effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study focuses on investigating the inflammation inhibitory effect and mechanism of panaxadiol by regulating zinc finger protein 91-regulated activation of non-canonical caspase-8 inflammasome and MAPKs in macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, the underlying mechanisms by which panaxadiol inhibits ZFP91-regulated IL-1β expression were investigated using molecular docking, western blotting, RT-PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation assays. In vivo, colitis was induced by oral administration of DSS in drinking water, and peritonitis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of alum. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV serotype 9) vector was used to establish ZFP91 knockdown mouse.

RESULTS

We confirmed that panaxadiol inhibited IL-1β secretion by suppressing ZFP91 in macrophages. Further analysis revealed that panaxadiol inhibited IL-1β secretion by suppressing ZFP91-regulated activation of non-canonical caspase-8 inflammasome. Meanwhile, panaxadiol inhibited IL-1β secretion by suppressing ZFP91-regulated activation of MAPKs. In vivo, prominent anti-inflammatory effects of panaxadiol were demonstrated in a DSS induced acute colitis mouse model and in an alum-induced peritonitis model by suppressing ZFP91-regulated secretion of inflammatory mediators, consistent with the results of the AAV-ZFP91 knockdown in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time that panaxadiol inhibited IL-1β secretion by suppressing ZFP91-regulated activation of non-canonical caspase-8 inflammasome and MAPKs, providing evidence for anti-inflammation mechanism of panaxadiol treatment for inflammatory diseases.

Molecular Cloning and Identification of NADPH Cytochrome P450 Reductase from Panax ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a precious Chinese traditional medicine, for which ginsenosides are the most important medicinal ingredients. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and their primary redox molecular companion NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) play a key role in ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway. However, systematic studies of CPR genes in ginseng have not been reported. Numerous studies on ginsenoside synthesis biology still use Arabidopsis CPR (AtCPR1) as a reductase. In this study, we isolated two CPR genes (PgCPR1, PgCPR2) from ginseng adventitious roots. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that both PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are grouped in classⅡ of dicotyledonous CPR. Enzyme experiments showed that recombinant proteins PgCPR1, PgCPR2 and AtCPR1 can reduce cytochrome c and ferricyanide with NADPH as the electron donor, and PgCPR1 had the highest enzymatic activities. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 transcripts were detected in all examined tissues of Panax ginseng and both showed higher expression in stem and main root. Expression levels of the PgCPR1 and PgCPR2s were both induced after a methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and its pattern matched with ginsenoside accumulation. The present investigation suggested PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are associated with the biosynthesis of ginsenoside. This report will assist in future CPR family studies and ultimately improving ginsenoside production through transgenic engineering and synthetic biology.

Exploring new avenues for modifying course of progression of Alzheimer's disease: The rise of natural medicine

With a constantly growing elderly population worldwide, a focus on developing efficient prevention and therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) seems timely and topical. Emphasis on natural medicine is increasingly popular in the search for drug candidates that are capable of preventing and treating AD related pathology, particularly where suppression of amyloid accumulation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are equally significant. A number of phytochemical compounds have been shown to collectively reduce these AD hallmarks with the progression of natural drug candidates into human clinical trials. This review focuses on current research surrounding the therapies emerging within natural medicines and their related therapeutic potential for AD treatment.

Protective Effects and Mechanism of Radix Polygalae Against Neurological Diseases as Well as Effective Substance

Radix Polygalae (also known as Yuanzhi in China) is the dried rhizome of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. or Polygala sibirica L., which is a famous Chinese herb and has been widely used for centuries in traditional medicines including expectorants, tonics, tranquilizers, antipsychotic, and so on. This article reviews the neuroprotective effects of Radix Polygalae in preclinical models of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, especially anxiety, depression, declining cognition, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). The chemical composition of Radix Polygalae as well as the underlying mechanisms of action were also reviewed. We found that Radix Polygalae possesses a broad range of beneficial effects on the abovementioned conditions. The multifold mechanisms of action include several properties such as antioxidant and associated apoptotic effects; anti-inflammatory and associated apoptotic effects; neurogenesis, regeneration, differentiation, and neuronal plasticity improvement; hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) regulation; neurotransmitter release; and receptor activation (A_2AR, NMDA-R, and GluR). Nevertheless, the detailed mechanisms underlying this array of pharmacological effects observed in vitro and in vivo still need further investigation to attain a coherent neuroprotective profile.

Modulation of the Aβ-Peptide-Aggregation Pathway by Active Compounds From Platycladus orientalis Seed Extract in Alzheimer's Disease Models

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal loss, cognitive impairment, and aphasia. Aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in the brain is considered a key mechanism in the development of AD. In the past 20 years, many compounds have been developed to inhibit Aβ aggregation and accelerate its degradation. Platycladus orientalis seed is a traditional Chinese medicine used to enhance intelligence and slow aging. We previously found that Platycladus orientalis seed extract (EPOS) inhibited Aβ-peptide aggregation in the hippocampus and reduced cognitive deficits in 5×FAD mice. However, the mechanisms of these effects have not been characterized. To characterize the protective mechanisms of EPOS, we used a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans CL4176 model to perform Bioactivity-guided identification of active compounds. Four active compounds, comprising communic acid, isocupressic acid, imbricatolic acid, and pinusolide, were identified using 13C-and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we showed that isocupressic acid inhibited Aβ generation by modulating BACE1 activity via the GSK3β/NF-κB pathway in HEK293-APPsw cells. These findings showed that EPOS reduced cognitive deficits in an AD model via modulation of the Aβ peptide aggregation pathway.

Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Acute Guillain-barré Syndrome Treatment

Introduction

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a worldwide demyelinating polyradiculopathy and polyneuropathy. Currently, there is no specific drug for GBS, and established treatment is generally based on immune-modulating treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin in combination with supportive care. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of integrated Chinese and Western medicine for acute GBS treatment.

Methods

We enrolled 73 subjects, and randomly divided them into two groups: 35 cases in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and 28 in the Control group. The Control group was treated with the common Western medicine for one month; and the TCM group was administrated with one month of common treatment combined with TCM medication.

Results

Compared to the controls, TCM significantly enhanced the treatment efficiency in symptom expression, including the TCM syndrome score, the activity of daily living score, Hughes functional score and sensory dysfunction assessment. The total effective rate of the TCM group was 94.29%, significantly better than controls (78.59%). Moreover, TCM provide better improvement in motor nerve conduction functions (distal motor latency and motor conduction velocity) and sensory nerve conduction functions (sensory conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potential) in median nerve, ulnar nerve, and common fibular nerve.

Conclusion

When combined with TCM administration, the GBS treatment could acquire better outcomes.

Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant

OBJECTIVES

Panax ginseng, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological activities, plays a crucial role in modulating mood disorders. Several recent studies have identified an underlying role of Panax ginseng in the prevention and treatment of depression. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review, we summarized the recent progress of antidepressant effects and underlying mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

RESULTS

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its herbal formulae include modulating monoamine neurotransmitter system, upregulating the expression of neurotrophic factors, regulating the function of HPA axis, and anti-inflammatory action.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, this review may provide theoretical bases and clinical applications for the treatment of depression by Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

Oleanolic Acid Ameliorates Aβ25-35 Injection-induced Memory Deficit in Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats by Maintaining Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Abnormal amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation and deposition in the hippocampus is an essential process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

To investigate whether Oleanolic acid (OA) could improve memory deficit in AD model and its possible mechanism.

Methods:

Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, and OA group. AD models by injection of Aβ25-35 were built. Morris water maze (MWM) was applied to inves-tigate learning and memory, transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe the ultrastructure of synapse, western blot to the proteins, electrophysiology for long-term potentiation (LTP), and Ca2+ con-centration in synapse was also measured.

Results:

The latency time in model group was significantly longer than that in sham operation group (P=0.0001); while it was significantly shorter in the OA group than that in model group (P=0.0001); compared with model group, the times of cross-platform in OA group significantly increased (P=0.0001). TEM results showed OA could alleviate neuron damage and synapses changes induced by Aβ25-35. The expressions of CaMKII, PKC, NMDAR2B, BDNF, TrkB, and CREB protein were signif-icantly improved by OA (P=0.0001, 0.036, 0.041, 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.026, respectively) compared with that in model group; the concentration of Ca2+ was significantly lower in OA group (1.11±0.42) than that in model group (1.68±0.18); and the slope rate (P=0.0001) and amplitude (P=0.0001) of f-EPSP significantly increased in OA group.

Conclusion:

The present results support that OA could ameliorate Aβ-induced memory loss of AD rats by maintaining synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus

Antiapoptosis effect of ZiShen prescription to increase learning and memory abilities of compound Alzheimer's disease model rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. In previous studies, the activities of extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs to treat brain function disorders caused by AD have already been reported. ZiShen prescription was a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound prescription reformed for AD disease based on the basic theory of TCM. To explore the effect of ZiShen (kidney-reinforcing) prescription on the learning and memory abilities, we made compound AD model rats by injecting d-galactose and ibotenic acid into the abdominal cavity to damage both sides of the nucleus basalis of Meynert with ibotenic acid. The trisected Y-maze was used to test the learning and memory abilities of AD model rats before and after treatment by ZiShen prescription and Piracetam. To investigate the mechanism of ZiShen prescription, the expressions of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2/Bax) in the cortex and hippocampus of compound AD model rats were detected in the cortex and hippocampus. The results show that, comparing with Piracetam, a clinical medicine to promote the thinking and memory for AD patients, ZiShen prescription significantly increased the learning and memory abilities of the compound AD model rats. After the treatment of ZiShen prescription, the expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated, along with a downregulation of Bax in the cortex and hippocampus of compound AD model rats. And the results indicated that the clinical benefits of ZiShen prescription were slightly better than Piracetam. Still, further well-designed studies are required to ensure the clinical effect of ZiShen.

Studies of the Anti-amnesic Effects and Mechanisms of Single and Combined Use of Donepezil and Ginkgo Ketoester Tablet on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Ginkgo ketoester tablets (GT) and donepezil were a clinically used combination for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the study was undertaken to investigate the antiamnesic effects of the two drugs alone and in combination through in vivo models of the Morris water maze along with in vitro antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). The potential mechanisms were speculated by the activities of acetylcholine (ACh), AChE, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine protein kinase B (TrkB). The combination group showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of cholinesterase and antioxidation. As far as its mechanism was concerned, the combination of two drugs exerted excellent effects on oxidative stress, cholinergic pathway damage, and inactivation of the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Additionally, to elucidate the binding mechanism of GT active ingredients into the structure of AChE, the results of molecular docking studies indicated that hydrogen and/or hydrophobic bonds might play an important role in their binding process. Thus, the combination of drugs could treat AD perfectly and further verify the scientific rationality of clinical medication.

A Novel Integrative Processing Technology for the Preparation of Rehmanniae Radix Slices

The traditional processing method for the slices preparation of Rehmanniae roots is time- and energy-consuming and is prone to result in loss of active components during twice water-treatment (once for wash and the other for softening) and drying steps. In this study, we firstly explored an integrative processing technique for Rehmanniae Radix by 2x3 factorial experiment based on the contents of catalpol and verbascoside as measured by HPLC. The potential differences between the traditional stepwise processing technique and the integrative processing technique for catalpol and verbascoside in the prepared slices were investigated. To further confirm the effectiveness of drugs using the integrative processing technique, some pharmacological variables, such as rectal temperature, hematologic parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, and blood viscosity), and coagulation parameters (TT, APTT, PT and FIB), were detected in a blood-heat and hemorrhage syndrome rat model. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that drying for 18 h at 50°C was considered as the best combination of process conditions. The mean catalpol and verbascoside contents in the integrative method-processed samples (4.30% and 0.33%, respectively) were higher than those in the traditional method-processed samples (2.61% and 0.21%, respectively). Significant increases in rectal temperature, and hematologic parameters, TT, APTT, and FIB, were observed in the model group rats, compared to the blank group animals (P<0.01). Both in the integrative groups and traditional groups, the extracts caused significant decreases in rectal temperature, RBC, HGB, and HCT with increased concentration compared to the model group animals. All coagulation parameters tested were shortened in model rats received two kind prepared slices. There were no significant therapeutic differences between the integrative and the traditional method-processed slices on the hemostasis and hemorheological parameters in this blood-heat and hemorrhage syndrome rat model, indicating that our integrative method may be a feasible technique for processing Rehmanniae Radix slices.

An integrated metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach exploring the molecular pathways and potential targets behind the effects of Radix Scrophulariae

To assess the impact of the caecal microbiota on faecal metabolic phenotypes in the presence of Radix Scrophulariae (Chinese name: Xuanshen), an integrated approach involving 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/TOF-MS)-based faecal metabolomics was applied to Radix Scrophulariae-treated rats. Interestingly, Radix Scrophulariae led to significant gut microbiota changes at the phylum and genus levels in treated rats compared to control rats. Additionally, distinct changes in faecal metabolites, including linoleic acid (LA), guanosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, cholic acid, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, l-urobilinogen and uridine, were observed in Radix Scrophulariae-treated rats. Of these, seven metabolites were up-regulated, and the remaining three metabolites were down-regulated. Moreover, there were substantial associations between altered levels of gut microbiota genera and discrepant levels of faecal metabolites, particularly for compounds involved in LA and purine metabolism. These results demonstrated that the gut microbiota is altered in association with faecal metabolism following treatment with Radix Scrophulariae. Our findings suggest that further application of this 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UHPLC/TOF-MS-based metabolomics approach will facilitate the assessment of the pharmacological action of Radix Scrophulariae and thus expand the scope of this herb.

An integrated approach to assess impact of caecal microbiota on faecal metabolic phenotypes in the presence of Radix Scrophulariae involving 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with UHPLC/TOF-MS-based faecal metabolomics was applied to Radix Scrophulariae-treated rats.

Polyphenols Derived from Lychee Seed Suppress Aβ (1-42)-Induced Neuroinflammation

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is commonly recognized as the most important factor that results in neuronal cell death and accelerates the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Increasing evidence suggests that microglia activated by Aβ release an amount of neurotoxic inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuron death and aggravate AD pathology. In our previous studies, we found that lychee seed fraction (LSF), an active fraction derived from the lychee seed, could significantly improve the cognitive function of AD rats and inhibit Aβ-induced neuroinflammation in vitro, and decrease neuronal injuries in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we aimed to isolate and identify the specific components in LSF that were responsible for the anti-neuroinflammation effect using preparative high performance liquid chromatography (pre-HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. To this end, we confirmed two polyphenols including catechin and procyanidin A2 that could improve the morphological status of BV-2 cells and suppress the release, mRNA levels, and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) through downregulating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway using ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blotting methods. Furthermore, catechin and procyanidin A2 could inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in BV-2 cells by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax protein expression. Therefore, the current study illustrated the active substances in lychee seed, and first reported that catechin and procyanidin A2 could suppress neuroinflammation in Aβ-induced BV-2 cells, which provides detailed insights into the molecular mechanism of catechin and procyanidin A2 in the neuroprotective effect, and their further validations of anti-neuroinflammation in vivo is also essential in future research.

Effects of Xin-Ji-Er-Kang on heart failure induced by myocardial infarction: Role of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Xin-Ji-Er-Kang (XJEK) is a Chinese herbal formula, which has been reported to exert effective protection on cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and myocarditis.

PURPOSE

To elucidate the protective effects of XJEK on heart failure (HF) induced by myocardial infarction (MI) through the amelioration of inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and endothelial dysfunction(ED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven male KM mice were randomized into the following six groups (n = 9-10 for each): control group, model group, MI+XJEK low dose group(XJEKL) group, MI+XJEK middle dose group(XJEKM), MI+XJEK high dose group(XJEKH), and MI+fosinopril group (positive control group). After treatment for four weeks, electrocardiography (ECG) and haemodynamics were recorded. Serum and tissues were collected for further analysis. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine was assessed in isolated thoracic aorta ring experiment. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Van Gieson (VG) staining were used to detect the pathological changes of heart and thoracic aorta. Colorimetric analysis was employed to determine serum nitric oxide level (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. ELISA was used to detect serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum inflammatory cytokines, as well as endothelial NO synthetase (eNOS), angiotensinII (Ang II) and endothelin-1(ET-1) concentration in both serum and cardiac tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting (WB) were employed to detect eNOS and inflammatory cytokine expressions in cardiac tissues.

RESULTS

XJEK administration markedly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and abnormal ECG manifested by decreased weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, BNP and remedied hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and deposition of collagen, which might be in part attributed to the increased SOD and decreased MDA in serum. Furthermore, XJEK administration improved ED with boosted eNOS activities in serum and cardiac tissues, as well as up-regulated NO levels in serum, down-regulated Ang II and ET-1 content in serum and cardiac tissues. Lastly, protein expression of pro-inflammation cytokines significantly decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokine was significantly enhanced in serum and cardiac tissues compared to model group.

CONCLUSION

XJEK may exert beneficial effects on HF induced by MI in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be attributable to the amelioration of ED, anti-OS and anti-inflammation effects.

Neuroprotective effect of total flavonoids from Ilex pubescens against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Ilex pubescens is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Ilex pubescens total flavonoids (IPTF) on neuroprotection and the potential mechanisms in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats were pretreated with intragastric administration of IPTF at doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg for 5 days; middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery was then performed to induce cerebral I/R injury. Neurological deficits were determined using the 5‑point neurological function score evaluation system, brain infarct sizes were determined by 2,3,5‑triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and alterations in brain histology were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The neurological deficit score, the infarcted area and the brain tissue pathological injury were significantly reduced when the rats were pretreated with IPTF. In addition, inflammatory mediators and neurotrophic factors in the brain were investigated. IPTF pretreatment decreased the activities of total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS), induced NOS (iNOS) and constitutive NOS (cNOS), and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) and tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), however, it increased the levels of IL‑10 in brain tissues. Furthermore, pretreatment with IPTF also increased the protein expressions of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell‑derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, when compared with the model group. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that IPTF has a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral I/R injury in rats. The mechanism may be associated with the decreased production of certain proinflammatory cytokines including NO, IL‑1β, TNF‑α, TNOS, iNOS and cNOS, the increased production of the anti‑inflammatory cytokine IL‑10 and the increased secretion of neurotrophic factors.

State of Panax ginseng Research: A Global Analysis

This article aims to understand the global and longitudinal trends of research on Panax ginseng. We used bibliometrics to analyze 3974 papers collected from the Web of ScienceTM Core Collection database during 1959-2016. The number of publications showed a steady growth before 2000 and exponentially increased in stage III (2000-2016, about 86% of the papers were published). Research on P. ginseng was conducted in 64 countries, mainly in Asia; in particular, 41% and 28% of the publications were from South Korea and China, respectively. The institutions from South Korea and China had high publication output and close cooperation and provided the majority of financial support. All top 10 authors and four of the top 20 journals in terms of number of publications originated from South Korea. The leading research subjects were pharmacology (39%), plant science (26%), and integrative complementary medicine (19%). The hotspot of P. ginseng research transformed from basic science to application, and multidisciplinary sciences will play a substantial role in the future. This study provides a comprehensive analysis to elucidate the global distribution, collaboration patterns, and research trends in the P. ginseng domain.

Ethyl Acetate Extract Components of Bushen-Yizhi Formula Provides Neuroprotection against Scopolamine-induced Cognitive Impairment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder and there is no effective cure for this devastating disease to date. Bushen Yizhi Formula (BSYZ-F), a Chinese herbal compound, has proved to be effective for AD. In this study, we further investigate the effective part of BSYZ-F, ethyl acetate extract components of BSYZ-F (BSYZ-E), protects scopolamine (SCOP)-induced cognitive impairment, which shows a similar effect to BSYZ-F. We also find that BSYZ-E could protect against SCOP-induced cholinergic system dysfunction. In neuron function level, BSYZ-E remarkably elevates protein levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BSYZ-E also significantly mitigates SCOP-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and nitrosative stress. Conclusively, BSYZ-E, the effective part of BSYZ-F, can provide neuroprotection against SCOP-induced cognitive impairment through a multifunctional strategy. These findings suggest that BSYZ-E might be developed as a therapeutic drug for AD by targeting multiple pathways of the pathogenesis.

Bufalin, a bufanolide steroid from the parotoid glands of the Chinese toad, suppresses hERG K+ currents expressed in HEK293 cells

In this study, we investigated the effect of bufalin on the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) K⁺ channels using the perforated patch recording technique. We measured a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) of 24.83 μM and maximal inhibitory effect of 39.45 ± 1.14% with bufalin. These findings suggest that bufalin is a potent hERG K⁺ channel blocker and may provide a new way for understanding Chan Su-induced arrhythmia.

Dried Rehmannia root protects against glutamate-induced cytotoxity to PC12 cells through energy metabolism-related pathways

Rehmannia has been shown to be clinically effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases; however, the neuroprotective mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established a model of neurodegenerative disease using PC12 cytotoxic injury induced by glutamate. The cells were treated with 20 mM glutamate in the absence or presence of water extracts of dried Rehmannia root of varying concentrations (70%, 50% and 30%). The different concentrations of Rehmannia water extract significantly increased the activity of glutamate-injured cells, reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase, inhibited apoptosis, increased the concentrations of NADH, NAD and ATP in cells, ameliorated mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced the levels of light chain 3. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Rehmannia water extracts exert a cytoprotective effect against glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury via energy metabolism-related pathways.