1
|
Abo El-Ela FI, Gamal A, El-Banna HA, Ibrahim MA, El-Banna AH, Abdel-Razik ARH, Abdel-Wahab A, Hassan WH, Abdelghany AK. Repro-protective activity of amygdalin and spirulina platensis in niosomes and conventional forms against aluminum chloride-induced testicular challenge in adult rats: role of CYP11A1, StAR, and HSD-3B expressions. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3211-3226. [PMID: 37910183 PMCID: PMC11074051 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02788-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system is negatively influenced by Al exposure. Al represented a considerable hazard to men's reproduction capabilities. Amygdalin (AMG) and spirulina platensis (SP) have been considered to have a strong antioxidant and repro-protective activity; also, targeted drug delivery systems called niosomes improve the distribution of water-soluble medications like amygdalin and spirulina. Current study targeted to determine the effectiveness of AMG and SP against negative reproductive impact resulted by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) toxicity. Sixty adult male albino rats were separated into 6 groups, including the control group, which received distilled water; AlCl3 group, which received AlCl3; AMG+AlCl3 group, which received AlCl3+AMG; AMGLN+AlCl3 group, which received AlCl3+amygdalin-loaded niosomes; SP+AlCl3 group, which received AlCl3+SP; and SPLN+AlCl3 group, which received AlCl3+spirulina-loaded niosomes. All treatments were orally gavaged daily for 5 weeks, and rats were weighed weekly. At the termination of the experiment, some males (three from each group) were used for fertility traits via mating thirty virgin rat females (in a ratio of 1:2 and 2:3 male:female, respectively) followed by recording of birth weights and litter size (number of pups per each female) at birth to assess males' reproductive capability. Other males were euthanized for collection of serum, epididymal semen samples, and tissue samples for biochemical, sperm evaluation, gene expression, and histopathological measurements. There are a considerable number of negative impacts of AlCl3 on male fertility clarified by declined serum testosterone levels; an increased oxidative stress (MDA, TAC); deteriorated semen quality; down-regulation of CYP11A1, StAR, and HSD-3b gene expressions; and testicular tissue degenerative changes. In addition, litter size (number of pups per each female) and birth weights of pups obtained from mated females were affected. AMG and SP treatments, either in niosomal or conventional form, alleviated the AlCl3 negative effects by reducing oxidative stress; increasing testosterone levels; improving semen quality; upregulating of CYP11A1, StAR, and HSD-3b gene expressions; and reducing degenerative changes of testicular tissue. Besides, negative reproductive effect was diminished as observed by changes in the litter size (number of pups per each female) and birth weights of pups obtained from mated females. AMG and SP treatments (either in niosomal or conventional form), ameliorated the AlCl3 negative effects as they possess powerful antioxidant activity, as well as they have the ability to improve the reproductive activity of affected males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma I Abo El-Ela
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
| | - Amr Gamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa A Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H El-Banna
- Michael Sayegh Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Razik H Abdel-Razik
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Walid Hamdy Hassan
- Department of Microbiology Mycology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K Abdelghany
- Animal and Poultry Management and Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iranpanah A, Fakhri S, Bahrami G, Majnooni MB, Gravandi MM, Taghavi S, Badrbani MA, Amirian R, Farzaei MH. Protective effect of a hydromethanolic extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. bark against a rat model of aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer's disease: Relevance to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117708. [PMID: 38181932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE), commonly known as the ash, belongs to the Oleaceae family and has shown several pharmacological and biological properties, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also attracted the most attention toward neuroinflammation. Moreover, FE bark and leaves have been used to treat neurological disorders, aging, neuropathic pain, urinary complaints, and articular pain in traditional and ethnomedicine. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the involvement of amyloid-beta, metal-induced oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of the current study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of hydromethanolic extract from FE bark in an AlCl3-induced rat model of AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The maceration process was utilized to prepare the hydromethanolic extract of FE bark, and characterized by LC-MS/MS. To assess the anti-AD effects of the FE extract, rats were categorized into five different groups, AlCl3; normal control; FE-treated groups at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Passive avoidance learning test, Y-maze, open field, and elevated plus maze behavioral tests were evaluated on days 7 and 14 to analyze the cognitive impairments. Zymography analysis, biochemical tests, and histopathological changes were also followed in different groups. RESULTS LC-MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of coumarins, including isofraxidin7-O-diglucoside in the methanolic extract of FE as a new isofraxidin derivative in this genus. FE significantly improved memory and cognitive function, maintained weight, prevented neuronal damages, and preserved the hippocampus's histological features, as demonstrated by behavioral tests and histopathological analysis. FE increased anti-inflammatory MMP-2 activity, whereas it decreased that of inflammatory MMP-9. Moreover, FE increased plasma antioxidant capacity by enhancing CAT and GSH while decreasing nitrite levels in the serum of treated groups. In comparison between the treated groups, the rats that received high doses of the FE extract (200 mg/kg) showed the highest therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION FE rich in coumarins could be an effective anti-AD adjunct agent, passing through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. These results encourage further studies for the development of this extract as a promising agent in preventing, managing, or treating AD and related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Bahrami
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Majnooni
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Sara Taghavi
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azadi Badrbani
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Wu Y, Dong S, Yu Y, Wu Y, Xiang B, Li Q. Research Progress on Neuroprotective Effects of Isoquinoline Alkaloids. Molecules 2023; 28:4797. [PMID: 37375352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal injury and apoptosis are important causes of the occurrence and development of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Although the detailed mechanism of some diseases is unknown, the loss of neurons in the brain is still the main pathological feature. By exerting the neuroprotective effects of drugs, it is of great significance to alleviate the symptoms and improve the prognosis of these diseases. Isoquinoline alkaloids are important active ingredients in many traditional Chinese medicines. These substances have a wide range of pharmacological effects and significant activity. Although some studies have suggested that isoquinoline alkaloids may have pharmacological activities for treating neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive summary regarding their mechanisms and characteristics in neuroprotection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the active components found in isoquinoline alkaloids that have neuroprotective effects. It thoroughly explains the various mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids and summarizes their common characteristics. This information can serve as a reference for further research on the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Yarong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Shuze Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Benhan Xiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310013, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen DT, Rao W, Shen X, Chen L, Wan ZJ, Sheng XP, Fan TY. Pharmacological effects of higenamine based on signalling pathways and mechanism of action. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981048. [PMID: 36188548 PMCID: PMC9520082 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Higenamine (HG) is a chemical compound found in various plants, such as aconite. Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in the management of many diseases. Several mechanisms of action of HG have been proposed; however, they have not yet been classified. This review summarises the signalling pathways and pharmacological targets of HG, focusing on its potential as a naturally extracted drug. Articles related to the pharmacological effects, signalling pathways and pharmacological targets of HG were selected by searching the keyword “Higenamine” in the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases without limiting the search by publication years. HG possesses anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, electrophysiology regulatory, anti-fibrotic and lipid-lowering activities. It is a structural analogue of catecholamines and possesses characteristics similar to those of adrenergic receptor ligands. It can modulate multiple targets, including anti-inflammation- and anti-apoptosis-related targets and some transcription factors, which directly or indirectly influence the disease course. Other naturally occurring compounds, such as cucurbitacin B (Cu B) and 6-gingerol (6-GR), can be combined with HG to enhance its anti-apoptotic activity. Although significant research progress has been made, follow-up pharmacological studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of action, new signalling pathways and targets of HG and the effects of using it in combination with other drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-ta Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu Rao
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Shen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-jian Wan
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-ping Sheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tian-you Fan, ; Xiao-ping Sheng,
| | - Tian-you Fan
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tian-you Fan, ; Xiao-ping Sheng,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
El-Ganainy SO, Soliman OA, Ghazy AA, Allam M, Elbahnasi AI, Mansour AM, Gowayed MA. Intranasal Oxytocin Attenuates Cognitive Impairment, β-Amyloid Burden and Tau Deposition in Female Rats with Alzheimer's Disease: Interplay of ERK1/2/GSK3β/Caspase-3. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2345-2356. [PMID: 35596040 PMCID: PMC9352611 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03624-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone that plays an important role in social bonding and behavior. Recent studies indicate that oxytocin could be involved in the regulation of neurological disorders. However, its role in modulating cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has never been explored. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the potential of chronic intranasal oxytocin in halting memory impairment & AD pathology in aluminum chloride-induced AD in female rats. Morris water maze was used to assess cognitive dysfunction in two-time points throughout the treatment period. In addition, neuroprotective effects of oxytocin were examined by assessing hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity, β-amyloid 1–42 protein, and Tau levels. In addition, ERK1/2, GSK3β, and caspase-3 levels were assessed as chief neurobiochemical mediators in AD. Hippocampi histopathological changes were also evaluated. These findings were compared to the standard drug galantamine alone and combined with oxytocin. Results showed that oxytocin restored cognitive functions and improved animals’ behavior in the Morris test. This was accompanied by a significant decline in acetylcholinesterase activity, 1–42 β-amyloid and Tau proteins levels. Hippocampal ERK1/2 and GSK3β were also reduced, exceeding galantamine effects, thus attenuating AD pathological hallmarks formation. Determination of caspase-3 revealed low cytoplasmic positivity, indicating the ceasing of neuronal death. Histopathological examination confirmed these findings, showing restored hippocampal cells structure. Combined galantamine and oxytocin treatment showed even better biochemical and histopathological profiles. It can be thus concluded that oxytocin possesses promising neuroprotective potential in AD mediated via restoring cognition and suppressing β-amyloid, Tau accumulation, and neuronal death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar O El-Ganainy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Omar A Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya A Ghazy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Maram Allam
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya I Elbahnasi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira M Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang B, Ma S, Zhang C, Sun J, Zhang D, Chang S, Lin Y, Zhao G. Higenamine Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Inhibition of NOX2/ROS/TRP/P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/NF-ĸB Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:716684. [PMID: 34630095 PMCID: PMC8497786 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.716684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress damage is known as one of the important factors that induce neuropathic pain (NP). Using antioxidant therapy usually achieves an obvious curative effect and alleviates NP. Previous pharmacological studies have shown that higenamine (Hig) performs to be antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, the protective effect and mechanism of Hig on NP are still unclear. This study mainly evaluated the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant system composed of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) through chronic constrict injury (CCI) model rats and t-BHP-induced Schwann cell (SC) oxidative stress model. The expressions of two inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were also assessed. The possible molecular mechanism of Hig in the treatment of NP was explored in conjunction with the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and NOX2/ROS/TRP/P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NF-ĸB pathway-related indicators. Hig showed substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties both in vivo and in vitro. Hig significantly reduced the upregulated levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, and IL-6 and increased the levels of SOD and GSH, which rebalanced the redox system and improved the survival rate of cells. In the animal behavioral test, it was also observed that Hig relieved the CCI-induced pain, indicating that Hig had a pain relief effect. Our research results suggested that Hig improved NP-induced oxidative stress injury, inflammation, and apoptosis, and this neuroprotective effect may be related to the NOX2/ROS/TRP/P38 MAPK/NF-ĸB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengsuo Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxin Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Higenamine mitigates interleukin-1β-induced human nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis by ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3889-3897. [PMID: 34146182 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a natural problem linked to the inflammation. Higenamine exerts multiple pharmacological properties in inflammation-related disorders. Our study aimed to explore the function of higenamine on interleukin (IL)-1β-caused apoptosis of human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs). Cell apoptosis was investigated by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related biomarkers were determined by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. The protein in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling was measured by Western blotting. We found that higenamine showed little effect on cell apoptosis, but mitigated IL-1β-caused apoptosis in a dose-dependent pattern. Higenamine attenuated IL-1β-induced decrease of Bcl-2 and increase of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Higenamine did not affect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the PI3K/Akt signaling, but attenuated IL-1β-induced ROS production and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling. IL-1β repressed the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, but ROS inhibition using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) rescued this pathway. The PI3K/Akt signaling suppression using LY294002 reversed the inhibitive effect of higenamine on IL-1β-caused apoptosis, and this effect was weakened by ROS inhibition. In conclusion, higenamine attenuates IL-1β-caused apoptosis of HNPCs via ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.
Collapse
|