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Li X, Chen J, Feng W, Wang C, Chen M, Li Y, Chen J, Liu X, Liu Q, Tian J. Berberine ameliorates iron levels and ferroptosis in the brain of 3 × Tg-AD mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154962. [PMID: 37506403 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid extracted from the herb Coptis chinensis. This compound has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and exhibit neuroprotective value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau and other characters. Iron accumulation and ferroptosis were also detected in AD brain, which can result in neuronal damage. However, it is still unclear whether BBR can suppress ferroptosis in AD and alleviate its underlying pathology. PURPOSE This study investigated whether BBR may affect ferroptosis and related signaling pathways in triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg-AD) mice. METHODS Four-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice received oral administration of BBR at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 7.5 months. Cognitive function and anxiety levels in mice were assessed using the morris water maze test, open field test, and novel object recognition test. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ICP-MS were employed to assess the pathology of AD, brain iron metabolism, and ferroptosis signaling pathways. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect mitochondrial changes. The synergistic effects of BBR combined with Nrf2 were investigated using molecular docking programs and surface plasmon resonance technology. Co-inmunoprecipitation assay was used to examine the effect of BBR on the binding ability of Nrf2 and Keap1. RESULTS The results indicated that chronic treatment of BBR mitigated cognitive disorders in 3 × Tg-AD model mice. Reductions in Aβ plaque, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, neuronal loss, and ferroptosis in the brains of 3 × Tg-AD mice suggested that BBR could alleviate brain injury. In addition, BBR treatment attenuated ferroptosis, as evidenced by decreased levels of iron, MDA, and ROS, while enhancing SOD, GSH, GPX4, and SLC7A11. Consistent with the in vivo assay, BBR inhibited RSL3-induced ferroptosis in N2a-sw cells. BBR increased the expression levels of GPX4, FPN1 and SLC7A11 by regulating Nrf2 transcription levels, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. Molecular docking programs and surface plasmon resonance technology demonstrated the direct combination of BBR with Nrf2. Co-inmunoprecipitation analysis showed that BBR inhibited the interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2. CONCLUSION For the first time, these results showed that BBR could inhibit iron levels and ferroptosis in the brains of 3 × Tg-AD model mice and partially protect against RSL3-induced ferroptosis via the activation of Nrf2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wennuo Feng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Chemical Analysis & Physical Testing Institute, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Minyu Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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Wei W, Yao JX, Zhang TT, Wen JY, Zhang Z, Luo YM, Cao Y, Li H. Network pharmacology reveals that Berberine may function against Alzheimer's disease via the AKT signaling pathway. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1059496. [PMID: 37214397 PMCID: PMC10192713 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1059496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of berberine (BBR) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods 3 × Tg AD mice were treated with BBR for 3 months, then the open field test (OFT), the novel object recognition test (NOR) and the Morris water maze (MWM) test were performed to assess behavioral performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining were used to examine histopathological changes. The pharmacological and molecular properties of BBR were obtained from the TCMSP database. BBR-associated AD targets were identified using the PharmMapper (PM), the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD), DisGeNet and the human gene database (GeneCards). Core networks and BBR targets for the treatment of AD were identified using PPI network and functional enrichment analyses. AutoDock software was used to model the interaction between BBR and potential targets. Finally, RT-qPCR, western blotting were used to validate the expression of core targets. Results Behavioral experiments, HE staining and Nissl staining have shown that BBR can improve memory task performance and neuronal damage in the hippocampus of AD mice. 117 BBR-associated targets for the treatment of AD were identified, and 43 genes were used for downstream functional enrichment analysis in combination with the results of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. 2,230 biological processes (BP) terms, 67 cell components (CC) terms, 243 molecular function (MF) terms and 118 KEGG terms were identified. ALB, EGFR, CASP3 and five targets in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway including AKT1, HSP90AA1, SRC, HRAS, IGF1 were selected by PPI network analysis, validated by molecular docking analysis and RT-q PCR as core targets for further analysis. Akt1 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in AD mice and significantly increased after BBR treatment (p < 0.05). Besides, AKT and ERK phosphorylation decreased in the model group, and BBR significantly increased their phosphorylation levels. Conclusion AKT1, HSP90AA1, SRC, HRAS, IGF1 and ALB, EGFR, CASP3 were core targets of BBR in the treatment of AD. BBR may exert a neuroprotective effect by modulating the ERK and AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jiu-xiu Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ting-ting Zhang
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-yu Wen
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-miao Luo
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
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Levetiracetam Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Chemobrain by Enhancing Cholinergic Transmission and Reducing Neuroinflammation Using an Experimental Rat Model and Molecular Docking Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217364. [PMID: 36364190 PMCID: PMC9653834 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (chemobrain) is a major complication that affects the prognosis of therapy. Our study evaluates the nootropic-like activity of levetiracetam (LEVE) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced memory defects using in vivo and molecular modelling. Rats were treated with LEVE (100 and 200 mg/kg, 30 days) and chemobrain was induced by four doses of DOX (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Spatial memory parameters were evaluated using an elevated plus maze (EPM) and Y-maze. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the neuroinflammatory biomarkers cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed using brain homogenate. PharmMapper was used for inverse docking and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. LEVE treatment significantly diminished the DOX-induced memory impairment parameters in both the EPM and Y-maze. In addition, the drug treatment significantly reduced AChE, COX-2, PGE2, NF-κB, and TNF-α levels compared to DOX-treated animals. The inverse docking procedures resulted in the identification of AChE as the potential target. Further molecular modelling studies displayed interactions with residues Gly118, Gly119, and Ser200, critical for the hydrolysis of ACh. Analysis of the results suggested that administration of LEVE improved memory-related parameters in DOX-induced animals. The ‘nootropic-like’ activity could be related to diminished AChE and neuroinflammatory mediator levels.
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Cheng Z, Kang C, Che S, Su J, Sun Q, Ge T, Guo Y, Lv J, Sun Z, Yang W, Li B, Li X, Cui R. Berberine: A Promising Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845591. [PMID: 35668943 PMCID: PMC9164284 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine, as a natural alkaloid compound, is characterized by a diversity of pharmacological effects. In recent years, many researches focused on the role of berberine in central nervous system diseases. Among them, the effect of berberine on neurodegenerative diseases has received widespread attention, for example Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and so on. Recent evidence suggests that berberine inhibits the production of neuroinflammation, oxidative, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These effects can further reduce neuron damage and apoptosis. Although the current research has made some progress, its specific mechanism still needs to be further explored. This review provides an overview of berberine in neurodegenerative diseases and its related mechanisms, and also provides new ideas for future research on berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenglan Kang
- Department of Cardiology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Songtian Che
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyun Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qihan Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongtong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiayin Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihui Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Pre-Exposure to Environmental Enrichment Protects against Learning and Memory Deficits Caused by Infrasound Exposure. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6208872. [PMID: 35620581 PMCID: PMC9129996 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6208872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
With the development of industrialization in recent years, infrasound has become an important component of public noise. To date, diverse studies have revealed the negative effects of infrasound on the central nervous system (CNS), especially the learning and memory ability. It is widely reported that environmental enrichment (EE) ameliorates the learning and memory deficits in different models of brain injury. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the possible benefits of pre-exposure to EE in preventing functional deficits following infrasound exposure and their related mechanism. Adult male rats were given enriched or standard housing for 30 days. Following enrichment, the rats were exposed to 16 Hz, 130 dB infrasound for 14 days, and then their learning and memory ability was assessed. Changes to neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus were also detected. Our results showed that the infrasound-induced deficit in learning and memory was attenuated significantly in EE pre-exposed rats. Pre-exposure to EE could induce a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant properties in the hippocampus. Moreover, pre-exposure to EE also exerted antiapoptosis functions by upregulating the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) level and downregulating the P53 level in the hippocampus. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that EE is neuroprotective when applied before infrasound exposure, resulting in an improved learning and memory ability by enhancing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptosis capacities.
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