Rosinidin Protects Streptozotocin-Induced Memory Impairment-Activated Neurotoxicity by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Rats

Anti-hypertensive effect of enriched white melon seed protein concentrate biscuit on sodium fluoride exposed rats

BACKGROUND

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is a daily necessity consumed as the major ingredient of fluorinated drinking water, milk, salts, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and dentistry medications. However, the use of NaF products has also been associated with increased fluoride anion distribution in the body, leading to hypertension.

AIM

This study evaluated the antihypertensive effect of sweet orange peels-enriched white melon seed protein concentrate (WSP) biscuit meal in eight-week-old albino rats exposed to NaF for 14 days.

METHODS

Forty-two (42) male Wistar albino rats were assigned at random into 7 groups of 6 rats per group (control group and six experimental groups). The experimental groups received various treatments that lasted for two weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, hemodynamic parameters were evaluated, rats were sacrificed, blood samples were collected, and the heart was harvested. Blood serum was assessed for cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At the same time, the heart homogenate was assayed for angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) activity, proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide concentrations, and antioxidant status. Cardiac tissues were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, and cTnI. Also, the safety of the WSP biscuit diet was evaluated.

RESULTS

Results obtained showed that NaF administration elevated the collagen content of cardiac tissues, activities of ACE, and concentrations of cTnI, CK-MB, LDH, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1 beta, while there was a reduction in the concentration of nitric oxide and antioxidants; however, their alterations were significantly prevented in WSP-biscuit-fed rats. The WSP biscuit meal is safe for consumption and possesses dose-dependent antihypertensive ability at 10% and 20% inclusion.

CONCLUSION

The WSP biscuit diet may be recommended in diet formulation for the management of individuals or communities that are predisposed to NaF contaminations.

A Comparative Study of Nanoconjugates of a Synthetic and a Natural Drug Against T2DM-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction

Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the risk factors for the development of dementia leading to cognitive dysfunctions. The present study evaluates the efficacy of a synthetic drug (Vildagliptin, VLD) and a natural glycosidic compound (Hesperidin, HSP) against T2DM-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. The drugs were conjugated with metal nanoparticles like gold (Au) and selenium (Se) to enhance their efficacy. The synthesis of the monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles of VLD and HSP was established via the turkevich method and characterised by different spectroscopical techniques like UV (Ultraviolet)-visible, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), zeta potential, particle size, HR-TEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy), SAED (Selected Area Electron Diffraction) and SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis). Both Streptozotocin (STZ) of 65 mg/kg (Group I-X) and Alloxan (ALX) of 150 mg/kg (Group I-X) were injected into 120 Wistar rats to induce cognitive dysfunction. After the induction, the BGL levels were evaluated and rats with BGL > 250 mg/dl were used in the study. Then the test drug and nanoformulations were administered for 21 days. Neurobehavioral assessment, antioxidant studies, and estimation of AChE (acetylcholinesterase) and nitrite levels were done. The VLD and HSP with its nanoconjugates significantly attenuated the effect of STZ and ALX by improving the memory and learning function in Y-maze, radial arm maze (RAM), and elevated plus maze (EPM), increased antioxidant levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GSH (glutathione); decreased lipid peroxidation and reduced the AChE and nitrite levels in the rat brain. The bimetallic nanoconjugates of both VLD and HSP were more effective than the monometallic forms of VLD and HSP. However, VLD and its nanoconjugates exhibited better neuroprotective activity than HSP and its nanoconjugates in STZ and ALX animal models. VLD and its nanoformulations were more effective against long-term memory than HSP and its nanoconjugates. Both VLD and HSP may be a potential lead for cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases.

Prophylactic effects of apigenin against hyperglycemia-associated amnesia via activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in zebrafish

The escalating focus on ageing-associated disease has generated substantial interest in the phenomenon of cognitive impairment linked to diabetes. Hyperglycemia exacerbates oxidative stress, contributes to β-amyloid accumulation, disrupts mitochondrial function, and impairs cognitive function. Existing therapies have certain limitations, and apigenin (AG), a natural plant flavonoid, has piqued interest due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. So, we anticipate that AG might be a preventive medicine for hyperglycemia-associated amnesia. To test our hypothesis, naïve zebrafish were trained to acquire memory and pretreated with AG. Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to mimic hyperglycemia-induced memory dysfunction. Spatial memory was assessed by T-maze and object recognition through visual stimuli. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, antioxidant enzyme status, and neuroinflammatory genes were measured, and histopathology was performed in the brain to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism. AG exhibits a prophylactic effect and improves spatial learning and discriminative memory of STZ-induced amnesia in zebrafish under hyperglycemic conditions. AG also reduces blood glucose levels, brain oxidative stress, and AChE activity, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. AG prevented neuronal damage by regulating brain antioxidant response elements (ARE), collectively contributing to neuroprotective properties. AG demonstrates a promising effect in alleviating memory dysfunction and mitigating pathological changes via activation of the Nrf2/ARE mechanism. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of AG in addressing memory dysfunction and neurodegenerative changes associated with hyperglycemia.

Omarigliptin/rosinidin combination ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced lung toxicity in rats: The interaction between glucagon-like peptide-1, TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 axis

Cyclophosphamide is an anti-neoplastic drug that has shown competence in the management of a broad range of malignant tumors. In addition, it represents a keystone agent for management of immunological conditions. Despite these unique properties, induction of lung toxicity may limit its clinical use. Omarigliptin is one of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors that has proven efficacy in management of diabetes mellitus. Rosinidin is an anthocyanidin flavonoid that exhibited promising results in management of diseases characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The present work investigated the possible effects of omarigliptin with or without rosinidin on cyclophosphamide-induced lung toxicity with an exploration of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to these effects. In a rodent model of cyclophosphamide elicited lung toxicity, the potential efficacy of omarigliptin with or without rosinidin was investigated at both the biochemical and the histopathological levels. Both omarigliptin and rosinidin exhibited a synergistic ability to augment the tissue antioxidant defenses, mitigate the inflammatory pathways, restore glucagon-like peptide-1 levels, modulate high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/receptors of advanced glycation end products (RAGE)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) axis, downregulate the fibrogenic mediators, and create a balance between the pathways involved in apoptosis and the autophagy signals in the pulmonary tissues. In conclusion, omarigliptin/rosinidin combination may be introduced as a novel therapeutic modality that attenuates the different forms of lung toxicities induced by cyclophosphamide.

Rosinidin inhibits NF-κB/ Nrf2/caspase-3 expression and restores neurotransmitter levels in rotenone-activated Parkinson's disease

Objectives

The examination was sighted to study the preventive effects of rosinidin against rotenone-activated Parkinson's disease in rats.

Methods

Animals were randamoized into five groups: I-saline, II-rotenone (0.5 mg/kg/b.wt.), III- IV-10 and 20 mg/kg rosinidin after rotenone and V-20 mg/kg rosinidin per se for 28 days and were assigned for behavioral analysis., Biochemical parameters i.e. lipid peroxidation, endogenous antioxidants, nitrite level, neurotransmitter levels, proinflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, nuclear factor kappa B, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and caspase-3 were assessed on the 29th day of the research.

Results

Rosinidin augmented the effectiveness of rotenone on akinesia, catalepsy, forced-swim test, rotarod, and open-field test. Biochemical findings indicated that treatment of rosinidin showed restoring neuroinflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter levels in rotenone-injected rats.

Conclusion

As a result of rosinidin treatment, the brain was protected from oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage and inhibited neuroinflammatory cytokines.

Synergic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Ribes rubrum, Lavandula angustifolia, and Arctium Lappa extracts mixture on learning and memory deficits in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of some known extracts on learning and memory impairment induced by streptozocin (STZ) in male rats.

Materials and Methods

Eighty male rats were randomly divided: 1) control, 2) STZ (50 mg/kg), 3) STZ+Trigonella foenum-graecum (200 mg/kg), 4) STZ+Ribes rubrum (500 mg/kg), 5) STZ+Lavandula angustifolia (400 mg/kg), 6) STZ+Arctium Lappa (200 mg/kg), 7) STZ+mix of extracts (quarter dose of each extract), and 8) STZ+metformin (100 mg/kg). Treatment was continued for 8 weeks and the after that, the behavioral tests related to learning and memory including Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) were performed along with biochemical analysis associated with oxidative stress pathway and other related indicators.

Results

According to the results, all extracts demonstrated potential effect to ameliorate cognitive impairment caused by STZ in both MWM and PA tests along with attenuating oxidative stress indicators like malondialdehyde (MDA), while total thiol content and anti-oxidant enzyme activity like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) remarkably increased in biochemical test results. Interestingly, the mixture of extracts illustrated much better results in ameliorating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while attenuating the amyloid-B and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated these extracts alone or in combination with a minimum dose have a strong potential to ameliorate learning and memory impairment induced by STZ along with lowering glucose levels by which they prevent or manage diabetes. It is noteworthy that the results matched those of metformin a well-known anti-diabetic drug.

Appraisal of the Neuroprotective Effect of Dexmedetomidine: A Meta-Analysis

Dexmedetomidine is an adrenergic receptor agonist that has been regarded as neuroprotective in several studies without an objective measure to it. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze and quantify the current evidence for the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine in animals. The search was performed by querying the National Library of Medicine. Studies were included based on their language, significancy of their results, and complete availability of data on animal characteristics and interventions. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool and certainty was assessed using the ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0. Synthesis was performed by calculating pooled standardized mean difference and presented in forest plots and tables. The number of eligible records included per outcome is the following: 22 for IL-1β, 13 for IL-6, 19 for apoptosis, 7 for oxidative stress, 7 for Escape Latency, and 4 for Platform Crossings. At the cellular level, dexmedetomidine was found protective against production of IL-1β (standardized mean difference (SMD) =  - 4.3 [- 4.8; - 3.7]) and IL-6 (SMD =  - 5.6 [- 6.7; - 4.6]), apoptosis (measured through TUNEL, SMD =  - 6.0 [- 6.8; - 4.6]), and oxidative stress (measured as MDA production, SMD =  - 2.0 [- 2.4; - 1.4]) exclusively in the central nervous system. At the organism level, dexmedetomidine improved behavioral outcomes measuring escape latency (SMD = - 2.4 [- 3.3; - 1.6]) and number of platform crossings (SMD = 9.1 [- 6.8; - 11.5]). No eligible study had high risk of bias and certainty was satisfactory for reproducibility in all cases. This meta-analysis highlights the complexity of adrenergic stimulation and sheds light into the mechanisms potentiated by dexmedetomidine, which could be exploited for improving current neuroprotective formulations.

Palm Oil Derived Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Attenuates Vascular Dementia in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a serious global health issue and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at higher risk. Palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) exhibits neuroprotective properties; however, its effect on VaD is not reported. Hence, we evaluated TRF effectiveness in T2DM-induced VaD rats. Rats were given a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) to develop T2DM. Seven days later, diabetic rats were given TRF doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg orally for 21 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed for memory assessment. Biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, plasma homocysteine (HCY) level, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, and histopathological changes in brain hippocampus and immunohistochemistry for platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) expression were evaluated. VaD rats had significantly reduced memory, higher plasma HCY, increased AChE activity, and decreased GSH and SOD levels. However, treatment with TRF significantly attenuated the biochemical parameters and prevented memory loss. Moreover, histopathological changes were attenuated and there was increased PDGF-C expression in the hippocampus of VaD rats treated with TRF, indicating neuroprotective action. In conclusion, this research paves the way for future studies and benefits in understanding the potential effects of TRF in VaD rats.

Butin Mitigates Memory Impairment in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses

It has been reported from the previous literature that butin restores mitochondrial dysfunction by modulation of oxidative stress and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in mouse hippocampus HT22 cells. Butin also possesses an anti-Huntington's effect in rats. Considering the current background, this study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of butin against memory loss caused by streptozotocin (STZ). STZ (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into rats. Three days later, diabetic rats were identified and included in the study. A total of 30 rats (12 nondiabetic and 18 diabetics) were grouped as Group A (control-non-diabetic rats) and Group B (STZ diabetic control) were treated with 1 mL of sodium CMC (0.5% w/v). Group C (STZ+ butin 25) were treated with butin 25 mg/kg. Group D (STZ+ butin 50) and Group E (butin per se) were administered with butin 50 mg/kg. Each therapy was administered orally once each day for 15-day. The Morris water maze and the Y-maze behavioural tests were run throughout the experimental programme. Animals were put to death on day 15 and their brains were removed for biochemical assays (CAT, SOD, GSH, MDA, nitrite, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), IL-1, and mitochondrial enzyme complexes). Rats with neurobehavioral impairments brought on by STZ have less spontaneous movement, learning capacity, and memory. Additionally, STZ decreased endogenous antioxidants and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitrite, MDA, and AchE. Neurobehavioral deficits and metabolic markers were dramatically improved by butin.