Neuroprotective Effects of Euonymus alatus Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

Euonymus hamiltonianus Extract Improves Amnesia in APPswe/Tau Transgenic and Scopolamine-Induced Dementia Models

Dementia is a syndrome exhibiting progressive impairments on cognition and behavior beyond the normal course of aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases known to cause dementia. We investigated the effect of KGC07EH, the 30% ethanol extract of Euonymus hamiltonianus, against amyloid-β (Aβ) production and cognitive dysfunction in dementia models. KGC07EH was treated on Hela cells expressing the Swedish mutant form of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and the AD triple transgenic (3× TG) mice were given KGC07EH orally during 11-14 months of age (100 and 300 mg/kg/day). SH-SY5Y cell line was used to test KGC07EH on scopolamine-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine, and KGC07EH was administered orally (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. KGC07EH treatment decreased Aβ, sAPPβ-sw, and sAPPβ-wt levels and APP protein expressions while sAPPα was increased in Swedish mutant-transfected HeLa cells. KGC07EH treatment also significantly reduced the accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau tangles in the brain of 3× TG mice as well as improving the cognitive function. In SH-SY5Y cells cultured with scopolamine, KGC07EH dose-dependently attenuated the increase of AChE activity. KGC07EH also improved scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-injected mice, and in their cerebral cortex and hippocampus, the expression levels of p-ERK, p-CREB, p-Akt, and BDNF were attenuated. KGC07EH inhibits APP processing and Aβ production both in vitro and in vivo, while enhancing acetylcholine signaling and cognitive dysfunction which are the major symptoms of dementia.

Euonymus alatus Leaf Extract Attenuates Effects of Aging on Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Impairment

Our study aimed to explore the impact and mechanism of Euonymus alatus leaf extract on age-dependent oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and progressive memory impairments in aged mice. Twenty-four-month-old mice received EA-L3 (300 mg/kg/day) or the reference drug, donepezil (DPZ, 5 mg/kg/day), for 6 weeks, and learning and memory functions were detected using the Passive Avoidance Test (PAT). As expected, cognitive function deficits were detected in aged mice compared with young mice, and these deficits were significantly mitigated by dietary treatments with EA-L3. In parallel, it upregulated the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and subsequently activated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element-binding (CREB) signaling in the mouse hippocampus and scopolamine-induced B35 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. EA-L3 showed strong anti-inflammatory effects with decreased NF-κBp65, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), increased interleukin (IL)-10, and doublecortin (DCX) protein expression in the hippocampus of aged mice. Similar results were also confirmed in LPS-induced BV-2 microglia and neuroblastoma cells upon treatment with EA-L3 extract. In addition, EA-L3 notably dose-dependently decreased ROS in BV2 cells after exposure to LPS. Taken together, EA-L3 might be used as a dietary supplement to alleviate oxidative stress, the deterioration of hippocampal-based memory tasks, and neuroinflammation in elderly people.

Oral Administration of Euonymus alatus Leaf Extract Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease Phenotypes in 5xFAD Transgenic Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is frequently characterized by progressive and irreversible impairment of cognitive functions. However, its etiology remains poorly understood, limiting therapeutic interventions. Our previous study showed that the ethanol extract of Euonymus alatus leaves (EA) positively affected scopolamine-induced hypomnesia in the normal mouse model by promoting nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Herein, we examined whether EA administration could ameliorate major AD phenotypes that are manifested in 5xFAD transgenic mice. Two-month-old mice were orally administered with EA at a dose of 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg body weight/day thrice a week for 14 weeks. We observed that EA administration improved behavioral deficits as assessed by the passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and Y-maze tasks; decreased the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα and IL-1β; decreased the protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators in the hippocampus; and attenuated histological damage and amyloid beta plaques in the hippocampal region of 5xFAD mouse brain. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that the effectiveness was partially attributed to quercetin, which was noted to be a component of EA. Hence, these findings suggest that a long-term administration of EA could alleviate AD symptoms and delay its progression.

Combining donepezil and memantine via mannosylated PLGA nanoparticles for intranasal delivery: Characterization and preclinical studies

The current work is focused on developing mannose-coated PLGA nanoparticles for delivering Donepezil and Memantine in one dosage form. The formulated nanoparticles were prepared using a simple emulsification technique. The final coated NPs exhibited 179.4 nm size and - 33.1 mV zeta potential and spherical shape. The concentration of IN-administrated MEM and DPZ mannose coated NPs in brain was ~573 and 207 ng/mL respectively. This amount accounts for 3 times more in comparison to uncoated NPs administered via intranasal and peroral routes. The plasma concentration of coated NPs administered via the intranasal route was various times less in comparison to other groups. In the field of pharmacodynamics, the administration of coated NPs via the IN route has shown superior efficacy in comparison to other groups in various investigations involving neurobehavioral assessments, gene expression analyses and biochemical estimations. The findings indicate that the IN route may be a potential avenue for delivering therapeutic agents using nanoparticles to treat neurological illnesses. This approach shows promise as a viable alternative to traditional dose forms and administration methods.

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold Prevents Osteoclast Differentiation and Osteoporosis

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used in China and several other Asian countries to address a variety of health concerns. The extensive research conducted on E. alatus is driven by its diverse pharmacological applications. However, its biological effects on osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis have not been previously studied. In this research, we investigated the impact of an ethanolic extract of E. alatus (EEEA) on osteoclast differentiation and function as well as estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. We found that EEEA inhibits osteoclast differentiation by downregulating the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in osteoclast-supporting cells and by directly impeding RANKL-mediated signaling pathways for osteoclastogenesis in precursor cells. In addition, EEEA inhibited the bone-resorptive function of mature osteoclasts in vitro. Furthermore, oral administration of EEEA significantly alleviated bone loss in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model. Additionally, we identified phytochemicals in EEEA that have suppressive effects on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss. Collectively, these results suggest that EEEA holds potential as a biotherapeutic candidate for anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Simultaneous Intranasal Codelivery of Donepezil and Memantine in a Nanocolloidal Carrier: Optimization, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Studies

This work focuses on developing nanoemulsions using a low-energy emulsification method for the codelivery of donepezil and memantine in one dosage form intended to be administered via the intranasal route for enhanced brain delivery. The nanoemulsion formulation was prepared using a low emulsification technique and characterized using various microscopy and nasal ciliotoxicity studies. The safe nanoemulsion was intended for preclinical pharmacokinetics with brain distribution and pharmacodynamics in a scopolamine-induced murine model. The formulated nanoemulsion was 16 nm in size, with a zeta potential of -7.22 mV, and exhibited a spherical shape. The brain concentration of IN-administered NE for DPZ and MEM was ∼678 and 249 ng/mL after 15 min. This concentration is more than 2 times higher in amount when compared with NE administered via PO, free drug solution administered via IN and PO route both. However, the plasma concentration of IN-administered NE for DPZ and MEM was ∼3 and 28 ng/mL after 15 min. In pharmacodynamic studies, the efficacy of NE administered via the IN route was higher when compared with other groups in neurobehavioral, biochemical estimation, and gene expression studies. The results suggest that the IN route can be explored in the future for the delivery of actives via nanocolloidal carriers in the brain for neurological disorders and can serve as promising alternatives for conventional dosage forms and routes.

Ranuncoside's attenuation of scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice via Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling

Scopolamine is a well-known pharmacological agent responsible for causing memory impairment in animals, as well as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation inducer which lead to the development of Alzheimer disease. Although a cure for Alzheimer's disease is unavailable. Ranuncoside, a metabolite obtained from a medicinal plant has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, making it a promising treatment with potential anti-Alzheimer disease properties. However, as ranuncoside has not been evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties in any in vivo model, our study aimed to evaluate its neurotherapeutic efficacy against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in adult male albino mice. Mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Mice of group I was injected with saline, group II was injected with scopolamine (1 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. After receiving a daily injection of scopolamine for 1 week, the mice of group III were injected with ranuncoside (10 mg/kg) every other day for 2 weeks along with scopolamine daily and group IV were injected with ranuncoside on 5th alternate days. Behavioral tests (i.e., Morris water maze and Y-maze) were performed to determine the memory-enhancing effect of ranuncoside against scopolamine's memory deleterious effect. Western blot analysis was also performed to further elucidate the anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant effects of ranuncoside against scopolamine-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Our results showed memory-enhancing, anti-neuroinflammatory effect, and antioxidant effects of ranuncoside against scopolamine by increasing the expression of the endogenous antioxidant system (i.e., Nrf2 and HO-1), followed by blocking neuroinflammatory markers such as NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α. The results also revealed that ranuncoside possesses hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects against scopolamine-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in mice as well as scopolamine's hyperglycemic effect. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ranuncoside could be a potential agent for the management of Alzheimer's disease, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Spotlight on Coenzyme Q10 in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease: oxidative stress/PI3K/AKT/GSK 3ß/CREB/BDNF/TrKB

OBJECTIVES

Excess amyloid beta (Aβ) and oxidative stress (OS) are inextricable hallmarks of the neuronal damage associated Alzheimer's disease. Aβ-induced cognitive and memory dysfunctions are mediated through different signalling pathways as phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and their downstream intermediates including protein-kinase-B, known as Akt, glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cAMP-response-element-binding-protein (CREB), brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related-kinase receptor-B (TrKB). The current work aims to investigate the protective potentials of CoQ10 against scopolamine (Scop)-induced cognitive disability and the contribution of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB in the neuroprotection effects.

METHODS

The chronic co-administration of CQ10 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day i.p.) with Scop in Wistar rats for 6 weeks were assayed both behaviourally and biochemically.

KEY FINDINGS

CoQ10 ameliorated the Scop-induced cognitive and memory defects by restoring alterations in novel object recognition and Morris water maze behavioural tests. CoQ10 favourably changed the Scop-induced deleterious effects in hippocampal malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2' deoxyguanosine, antioxidants and PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results exhibited the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10 on Scop-induced AD and revealed its ability to inhibit oxidative stress, amyloid deposition and to modulate PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB pathway.

Quercetin-Induced Glutathione Depletion Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells to Oxaliplatin

Quercetin is an antioxidant phytochemical which belongs to the natural flavonoids group. Recently, the compound has been reported to inhibit glutathione reductase responsible for replenishing reduced forms of glutathione and thus leads to glutathione depletion, triggering cell death. In this study, we examined if quercetin sensitizes tumors to oxaliplatin by inhibiting glutathione reductase activity in human colorectal cancer cells, and thereby facilitates apoptotic cell death. A combined treatment with quercetin and oxaliplatin was found to synergistically inhibit glutathione reductase activity, lower intracellular glutathione level, increase reactive oxygen species production, and reduce cell viability, compared to treatment with oxaliplatin alone in human colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. Furthermore, the incorporation of sulforaphane, recognized for its ability to scavenge glutathione, in combination with quercetin and oxaliplatin, substantially suppressed tumor growth in an HCT116 xenograft mouse model. These findings suggest that the depletion of intracellular glutathione by quercetin and sulforaphane could strengthen the anti-cancer efficacy of oxaliplatin.

Euonymus sachalinensis Induces Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Expression of c-Myc in Colon Cancer Cells

We hypothesized that Euonymus sachalinensis (ES) induces apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of c-Myc in colon cancer cells, and this study proved that the methanol extract of ES has anticancer effects in colon cancer cells. ES belongs to the Celastraceae family and is well known for its medicinal properties. Extracts of species belonging to this family have been used to treat diverse diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic nephritis, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and asthma. However, ES has been targeted because there are currently few studies on the efficacy of ES for various diseases, including cancer. ES lowers cell viability in colon cancer cells and reduces the expression of c-Myc protein. We confirm that the protein level of apoptotic factors such as PARP and Caspase 3 decrease when ES is treated with Western blot, and confirm that DNA fragments occur through TUNEL assay. In addition, it is confirmed that the protein level of oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1 decrease when ES is treated. We have also found that ES enhances the chemo-sensitivity of 5-FU in 5-FU-resistant cells. Therefore, we confirm that ES has anticancer effects by inducing apoptotic cell death and regulating the oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1, suggesting its potential for use in the treatment of colon cancer.

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold leaf extract enhanced immunostimulatory effects in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rat model

Background

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (EA) is a medicinal plant used in some Asian countries to treat various diseases, including cancer, hyperglycemia, diabetes, urticaria, dysmenorrhea, and arthritis. Owing to the wide range of pharmacological applications of EA, various roles of EA are being studied.

Objective

We evaluated the immune-enhancing effect of EA treatment in a cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rat model.

Design

We analyzed the immune enhancement effect of EA on macrophages by western blotting. In addition, cell viability and natural killer (NK) cell activity were analyzed in splenocytes following EA treatment. For in vivo studies, analysis of weekly body weight, spleen weight, immune cell count, cytokine levels, and spleen histological findings was performed following EA administration in Cy-induced immunocompromised rats.

Results

EA significantly increased cell viability and phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase protein levels in the macrophages. EA significantly increased NK cell activity in splenocytes compared with the control group. In Cy-induced immunosuppressed rats, EA administration increased spleen tissue weight and the contents of leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, intermediate cells, and plasma cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ). In addition, improvement in the damaged spleen tissue was observed.

Conclusions

These findings confirm that EA exerts an immune-enhancing effect, thereby suggesting its potential as an immunostimulatory agent or functional food.

Euonymus alatus Twig Extract Protects against Scopolamine-Induced Changes in Brain and Brain-Derived Cells via Cholinergic and BDNF Pathways

In the current study, the therapeutic and preventive effects of Euonymus alatus (EA) twig extract were investigated in a mouse model of cognitive deficit and B35 cells. Twig extract 1 was extracted with 70% ethanol and later twig extract 2 was extracted through liquid-liquid extraction with 70% ethanol and hexane. EA twig 2 (300 mg/kg) along with the standard drug donepezil (5 mg/kg) were orally administered to the mice for 34 days. Scopolamine was given intraperitoneally for 7 days. Administration of EA twig extract 2 significantly improved the passive avoidance test (PAT) in mice. EA twigs extract also restored the scopolamine-reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)/cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) signaling in B35 cells and the mouse hippocampus. In addition, EA twig extract significantly inhibited the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in B35 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Chromatography and ESI MS analysis of EA twig extract revealed the presence of flavonoids; epicatechin, taxifolin, aromadendrin, and naringenin with catechin being the most abundant. These flavonoids exerted protective effects alone and had the possibility of synergistic effects in combination. Our work unmasks the ameliorating effect of EA twig extract 2 on scopolamine-associated cognitive impairments through the restoration of cholinergic systems and the BDNF/ERK/CREB pathway.

Wasp Venom Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice

This study investigated the effects of wasp venom (WV) from the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, on scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory deficits in mice, as well as the antioxidant activity in HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells in parallel comparison with bee venom (BV). The WV was collected from the venom sac, freeze-dried. Both venoms exhibited free radical scavenging capabilities in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the venom treatment enhanced cell viability at the concentrations of ≤40 µg/mL of WV and ≤4 µg/mL of BV in glutamate-treated HT22 cells, and increased the transcriptional activity of the antioxidant response element (ARE), a cis-acting enhancer which regulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-downstream antioxidant enzymes. Concurrently, WV at 20 µg/mL significantly increased the expression of a key antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in HT22 cells despite no significant changes observed in the nuclear level of Nrf2. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal administration of WV to SCO-treated mice at doses ranged from 250 to 500 µg/kg body weight ameliorated memory impairment behavior, reduced histological injury in the hippocampal region, and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain and blood of SCO-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that WV possess the potential to improve learning and memory deficit in vivo while further study is needed for the proper dose and safety measures and clinical effectiveness.

Effects of Moringa oleifera in Two Independents Formulation and as Neuroprotective Agent Against Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Background

The cognitive deficit has frequently been found in the elderly population. Several studies have shown that every single part of Moringa oleifera, including leaves, roots, and seeds, has abundant micronutrients, such as flavonoids, which improve the neurobehavioral capacity. However, herb parts that display optimal neuropharmacological properties remain unknown.

Objective

We investigate whether M. oleifera seed oil (MOO) or aqueous M. oleifera leaves extracts (MOEs) may ameliorate memory impairment in mice induced with scopolamine (Sco). Additionally, the phytochemical analyses of those two independent formulations were analyzed.

Methods

In this study, 2 ml/kg body weight (BW) of MOO and 500 mg/kg BW of MOE were orally administered to the mice for 28 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Sco (1 mg/kg) at the day 22–28 to induce cognitive impairment in those mice.

Results

The Sco group showed memory retention impairment represented by the Y-maze and novel object recognition tests, significant enhancement of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in hippocampus tissue (p < 0.0001), and increased the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in serum. Interestingly, the Sco-induced memory defect was improved and completely blunted the AChE exacerbation in Sco+MOO-treated mice (p < 0.0001), although the TAOC level was comparable among the groups. Mechanistically, both tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor-receptor, and nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) protein expressions were enhanced with the hippocampus isolated from the Sco group. Nonetheless, pretreatment with MOO only, but not with MOE, ameliorated the enhanced protein expression levels of TrkB and NF-κB (p < 0.05 and p = 0.09, respectively).

Conclusion

Our data reveal that MOO is preferable to MOE as a neuroprotective as evidenced by improving memory impairment. This effect, at least in part, through inhibiting the AChE and NF-κB activities and modulating the TrkB expression level.

The modulatory role of prime identified compounds in Geophila repens in mitigating scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in experimental rats of Alzheimer's disease via attenuation of cholinesterase, β-secretase, MAPt levels and inhibition of oxidative stress imparts inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Geophila repens (L.) I.M. Johnst (Rubiaceae) is a small perennial creeper native to India, China, and other countries in Southeast Asia. The hot decoction of leaves is used orally for memory enhancing by the local folk of Andhra Pradesh, India. The ethnomedicinal claim of G. repens as memory enhancer was initially studied by the authors. Results demonstrated the important antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of isolated molecule Pentylcurcumene and bioactive hydroalcohol extract of leaves of G. repens (GRHA).

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the previous findings, additional research is needed to examine the efficacy of GRHA for memory enhancing properties. We therefore investigated the modulatory role of prime identified compounds in GRHA in mitigating scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in experimental rats of Alzheimer's disease (AD) via attenuation of cholinesterase, β-secretase, MAPt levels and inhibition of oxidative stress imparts inflammation.

METHODS

Scopolamine (3 mg/kg) induced experimental rats of AD were treated with GRHA (300, 400 mg/kg) for 14 days. During the experimental period, elevated T-maze and locomotion-activity were performed to assess learning and memory efficacy of GRHA. At the end of the experiment, biochemical, neurochemical, neuroinflammation and histopathological observation of brain cortex were examined. GC-MS/MS analysis reported 31 compounds, among them 8 bioactive compounds possess antioxidant, neuroinflammation, neuroprotective activities, and were considered for docking analysis towards cholinesterase, β-secretase activities in AD.

RESULTS

GRHA 400 significantly improved learning and memory impairment with the improvement of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH, CAT), DNA damage (8-OHdG), neurochemical (AChE, BuChE, BACE1, BACE2, MAPt), neuroinflammation (IL-6, TNF-α) markers in neurotoxic rats. Docking studies of 8 compounds demonstrated negative binding energies for cholinesterase and β-secretase indicating high affinity for target enzymes in AD. Test results were corroborated by the improvement of cellular tissue architecture of brain cortex in AD rats.

CONCLUSION

Synergistic action of genistin, quercetin-3-D-galactoside, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic-acid methyl-ester, phytol, retinal, stigmasterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, β-sitosterol in GRHA restores memory-deficits via attenuation of cholinesterase, β-secretase, MAPt level and inhibition of oxidative-stress imparts inflammation in AD.

Anti-neuroinflammatory activity of 6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy phenanthrene isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne partly through suppressing the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway in BV2 microglial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Dioscorea batatas Decne (called Chinses yam) widely distributed in East Asian countries including China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan has long been used in oriental folk medicine owing to its tonic, antitussive, expectorant and anti-ulcerative effects. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, cholesterol-lowering, anticholinesterase, growth hormone-releasing, antifungal and immune cell-stimulating activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Neuroinflammation caused by activated microglia contributes to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In the present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of 6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy phenanthrene (DHDMP), a phenanthrene compound isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne, was examined in microglial and neuronal cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A natural phenanthrene compound, DHDMP, was isolated from the peel of Dioscorea batatas Decne. The anti-neuroinflammatory capability of the compound was examined using the co-culture system of BV2 murine microglial and HT22 murine neuronal cell lines. The expression levels of inflammatory mediators and cytoprotective proteins in the cells were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

DHDMP at the concentrations of ≤1 μg/mL did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect for BV2 and HT22 cells. Rather DHDMP effectively restored the growth rate of HT22 cells, which was reduced by co-culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 cells. DHDMP significantly decreased the production of proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 in BV2 cells. Moreover, DHDMP strongly inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in BV2 cells. The compound did not affect the levels and phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Concurrently, DHDMP increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible cytoprotective enzyme, in HT22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that DHDMP effectively dampened LPS-mediated inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells by suppressing transcriptional activity of NF-κB and its downstream mediators and contributed to HT22 neuronal cell survival. This study provides insight into the therapeutic potential of DHDMP for inflammation-related neurological diseases.

Analysis of the physical properties of spindle seeds for seed sorting operations

The relationships between the basic physical properties of seeds of selected spindle species were evaluated for the needs of seed sorting operations. Physical properties were measured in the seeds of five spindle species, and the presence of relationships between these attributes was determined in correlation and regression analyses. The average values of the evaluated parameters were determined in the following range: terminal velocity-from 9.2 to 10.3 m s^-1, thickness-from 2.57 to 3.26 mm, width-from 2.87 to 3.74 mm, length-from 3.94 to 5.52 mm, angle of external friction-from 20.7° to 24.6°, mass-from 16.5 to 33.8 mg. Spindle seeds were arranged in the following ascending order based on their geometric mean diameter: winged spindle, Hamilton's spindle, large-winged spindle, broadleaf spindle and European spindle. Spindle seeds should be separated in a sieve equipped with at least two mesh screens with slotted apertures. Depending on the processed spindle species, aperture size should range from ≠ 2.7 to ≠ 3.5 mm in the top screen, and from ≠ 2.4 to ≠ 3.0 mm in the bottom screen.

Quercetin: A Bioactive Compound Imparting Cardiovascular and Neuroprotective Benefits: Scope for Exploring Fresh Produce, Their Wastes, and By-Products

Quercetin, a bioactive secondary metabolite, holds incredible importance in terms of bioactivities, which has been proved by in vivo and in vitro studies. The treatment of cardiovascular and neurological diseases by quercetin has been extensively investigated over the past decade. Quercetin is present naturally in appreciable amounts in fresh produce (fruits and vegetables). However, today, corresponding to the growing population and global demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, a paradigm shift and focus is laid towards exploring industrial food wastes and/or byproducts as a new resource to obtain bioactive compounds such as quercetin. Based on the available research reports over the last decade, quercetin has been suggested as a reliable therapeutic candidate for either treating or alleviating health issues, mainly those of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In the present review, we have summarized some of the critical findings and hypotheses of quercetin from the available databases foreseeing its future use as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cardiovascular and neurological diseases. It is anticipated that this review will be a potential reference material for future research activities to be undertaken on quercetin obtained from fresh produce as well as their respective processing wastes/byproducts that rely on the circular concept.

1-Methoxylespeflorin G11 Protects HT22 Cells from Glutamate-Induced Cell Death through Inhibition of ROS Production and Apoptosis

This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of 1-methoxylespeflorin G11 (MLG), a pterocarpan, against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal HT22 hippocampal cells. The protective effects of MLG were evaluated using MTT assay and microscopic analysis. The extent of apoptosis was studied using flow cytometric analysis performed on the damaged cells probed with annexin V/propidium iodide. Moreover, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using flow cytometry through MitoSOXTM Red staining. To determine mitochondrial membrane potential, staining with tetramethylrhodamine and JC-1 was performed followed by flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that MLG attenuates glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells by inhibiting intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, MLG prevented glutamate-induced apoptotic pathway in HT22 cells through upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of cleaved PARP-1, AIF, and phosphorylated MAPK cascades. In addition, MLG treatment induced HO-1 expression in HT22 cells. These results suggested that MLG exhibits neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal HT22 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Betulinic Acid Alleviates Spleen Oxidative Damage Induced by Acute Intraperitoneal Exposure to T-2 Toxin by Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathways

T-2 toxin, which is mainly produced by specific strains of Fusarium in nature, can induce immunotoxicity and oxidative stress, resulting in immune organ dysfunction and apoptosis. Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoids from nature plants, has been demonstrated to possess immunomodulating and antioxidative bioactivities. The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of BA on T-2 toxin-challenged spleen oxidative damage and further elucidate the underlying mechanism. We found that BA not only ameliorated the contents of serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) but also restored the number of lymphocytes in T-2 toxin-induced mice. BA dose-dependently reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the spleen of T-2-toxin-exposed mice. Moreover, BA reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the spleen, improved the morphology of mitochondria and enriched the number of organelles in splenocytes, and dramatically attenuated T-2 toxin-triggered splenocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, administration of BA alleviated the protein phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK); decreased the protein expression of kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology [ECH]-associated protein1 (Keap1); and increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the spleen. These findings demonstrate that BA defends against spleen oxidative damage associated with T-2 toxin injection by decreasing ROS accumulation and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, as well as inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Ameliorative Effects of Rhoifolin in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model

Rhoifolin (Rho) exerts many biological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antirheumatic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The neuroprotective action of this compound has not been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate the improvement impact of Rho on scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish anxiety, amnesia, and brain oxidative stress and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. Zebrafish were treated with Rho (1, 3, and 5 μg/L) for nine consecutive days and were subsequently subjected to Sco (100 μM) 30 min before behavioral tests (novel tank diving test, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests). Rho was isolated from Chorisia crispiflora (Malvaceae) leaves and identified by different spectroscopic techniques. To further assess the possible mechanisms of Rho in enhancing the memory capacities in zebrafish, the in vivo antioxidant status and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also evaluated. Rho from Chorisia crispiflora leaves was identified. Rho could alleviate anxiety, memory deficits, and brain oxidative stress in Sco-treated zebrafish and could regulate the cholinergic function by inhibiting the AChE activity. Our results demonstrated that Rho could be a promising candidate compound against anxiety and amnesia by restoring the cholinergic activity and the amelioration of brain oxidative stress.