Neuroprotective Effect of Methanolic Ajwa Seed Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation: In Vivo, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Studies

Montelukast's potential as a neuroprotective agent against acrylamide induced neurotoxicity: In vivo and computational modelling

Tobacco consumption, a leading cause of over 8 million deaths annually, exposes individuals to acrylamide (ACY), a neurotoxin in cigarette smoke that disrupts neurotransmitter function and induces oxidative stress, contributing to neurodegeneration. This study evaluated neuroprotective potential of montelukast (MTLU), a leukotriene receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, against ACY-induced neurotoxicity. Cognitive performance was assessed using elevated plus maze, novel object recognition, and Y-maze tests over 14 days. Biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration (BACE1, GSK-3β, AChE), neuroinflammation (COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, NF-κB), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, CAT), and apoptosis (Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Bax) were analyzed. Histopathological analyses of brain tissues were conducted to examine structural damage, and computational studies provided additional support for selected in vivo findings. MTLU significantly ameliorated ACY-induced cognitive deficits and reduced levels of GSK-3β, AChE, COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, NF-κB, MDA, Bax, and Caspase-3 while enhancing antioxidant defenses (GSH) and upregulating Bcl-2. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced structural brain damage, and molecular docking indicated strong binding potential for MTLU with AChE, COX-2, GSK-3β, BACE-1, and Caspase-3. While these findings suggest a protective role for MTLU in mitigating ACY-induced cognitive impairments, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and clinical relevance.

Multipotent Effect of Clozapine on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acetylcholinesterase, Cyclooxygenase-2,5-Lipoxygenase, and Caspase-3: In Vivo and Molecular Modeling Studies

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) is a recognized strategy for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects in small molecules, offering potential therapeutic benefits for individuals at risk of dementia, particularly those with neurodegenerative diseases, common cancers, and diabetes type. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key approach in treating AD. Meanwhile, Caspase-3 catalyzes early events in apoptosis, contributing to neurodegeneration and subsequently AD. Structure-based virtual screening of US-FDA-approved molecules from the ZINC15 database identified clozapine (CLOZ) as the dual inhibitor of COX-2 and AChE, with significant binding affinity. Further molecular docking of CLOZ in the active site of LOX and Caspase-3 also showed significant binding potential. Further, the results from molecular docking were validated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) studies, confirming the results from molecular docking. The results from MDS showed good binding potential and interactions with key residues. The CLOZ was further assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged rats treated for thirty days at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o. The results demonstrated modulation of COX-2, 5-LOX, AChE, Caspase-3, and MDA in LPS-induced brains. Additionally, the expression level of IL-10 was also measured. Our results showed a significant decrease in the levels of COX-2, 5-LOX, AChE, Caspase-3, and MDA. Our results also showed a significant decrement in the pro-inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 and an improvement in the levels of anti-inflammatory markers IL-10 and TGF-β1. Overall, the findings indicate that CLOZ has potential for neuroprotective effects against LPS-treated rats and can be explored.

In Vivo and Computational Studies on Sitagliptin's Neuroprotective Role in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a widespread endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, can cause nerve damage and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Effective blood glucose management is essential, and sitagliptin (SITG), a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, may offer neuroprotective benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

T2DM was induced in rats using nicotinamide (NICO) and streptozotocin (STZ), and biomarkers of AD and DM-linked enzymes, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were evaluated in the brain. Computational studies supported the in vivo findings.

RESULTS

SITG significantly reduced the brain enzyme levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), beta-secretase-1 (BACE-1), DPP-4, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in T2DM-induced rats. It also reduced inflammation by lowering cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Additionally, SITG improved oxidative stress markers by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhancing glutathione (GSH). It increased anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (Bcl-2) while reducing pro-apoptotic markers such as Bcl-2-associated X (BAX) and Caspace-3. SITG also lowered blood glucose levels and improved plasma insulin levels. To explore potential molecular level mechanisms, docking was performed on AChE, COX-2, GSK-3β, BACE-1, and Caspace-3. The potential binding affinity of SITG for the above-mentioned target enzymes were 10.8, 8.0, 9.7, 7.7, and 7.9 kcal/mol, respectively, comparable to co-crystallized ligands. Further binding mode analysis of the lowest energy conformation revealed interactions with the critical residues.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight SITG's neuroprotective molecular targets in T2DM-associated neurodegeneration and its potential as a therapeutic approach for AD, warranting further clinical investigations.

Sertraline as a Multi-Target Modulator of AChE, COX-2, BACE-1, and GSK-3β: Computational and In Vivo Studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the dysregulation of several key enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), and caspase-3. In this study, machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boost (GB), and Extreme Gradient Boost (XGB) were employed to screen US-FDA approved drugs from the ZINC15 database to identify potential dual inhibitors of COX-2 and AChE. The models were trained using molecules obtained from the ChEMBL database, with 5039 molecules for AChE and 3689 molecules for COX-2. Specifically, 1248 and 3791 molecules were classified as active and inactive for AChE, respectively, while 858 and 2831 molecules were classified as active and inactive for COX-2. The three machine learning models achieved prediction accuracies ranging from 92% to 95% for both AChE and COX-2. Virtual screening of US-FDA drugs from the ZINC15 database identified sertraline (SETL) as a potential dual inhibitor of AChE and COX-2. Further docking studies of SETL in the active sites of AChE and COX-2, as well as BACE-1, GSK-3β, and caspase-3, revealed strong binding affinities for all five proteins. In vivo validation was conducted using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model pretreated with SETL for 30 days. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the levels of AChE (p < 0.001), BACE-1 (p < 0.01), GSK-3β (p < 0.05), and COX-2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the downstream effects were evaluated, showing significant decreases in the apoptosis marker caspase-3 (p < 0.05) and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001), indicating that SETL is clinically localized in its effectiveness, mitigating both enzymatic activity and the associated pathological changes of cognitive impairment and AD.

Unveiling the Neuroprotective Potential of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): A Systematic Review

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases primarily afflict the elderly and are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons. Oxidative stress is intricately linked to the advancement of these conditions. This study focuses on Phoenix dactylifera (P. dactylifera; Family: Arecaceae), commonly known as "Ajwa," a globally cultivated herbal plant renowned for its potent antioxidant properties and reported neuroprotective effects in pharmacological studies. Method: This comprehensive systematic review delves into the antioxidant properties of plant extracts and their phytochemical components, with a particular emphasis on P. dactylifera and its potential neuroprotective benefits. Preferred reporting items for systemic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) were employed to review the articles. Results: The study includes 269 articles published in the literature and 17 were selected after qualitative analysis. The growing body of research underscores the critical role of polyphenolic compounds found in P. dactylifera, which significantly contribute to its neuroprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms. Despite emerging insights into the antioxidant actions of P. dactylifera, further investigation is essential to fully elucidate the specific pathways through which it confers neuroprotection. Conclusions: Like many other plant-based supplements, P. dactylifera's antioxidant effects are likely mediated by synergistic interactions among its diverse bioactive compounds, rather than by any single constituent alone. Therefore, additional preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to explore P. dactylifera's therapeutic potential comprehensively, especially in terms of its targeted antioxidant activities aimed at mitigating neurodegenerative processes. Such research holds promise for advancing our understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic benefits of P. dactylifera in neuroprotection.

Betahistine's Neuroprotective Actions against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neurotoxicity: Insights from Experimental and Computational Studies

Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists, such as betahistine (BHTE), have shown significant potential in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders due to their neuroprotective properties. This study investigated BHTE's effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity, which is associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Rats were divided into groups and pre-treated with BHTE (5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days, followed by LPS administration (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 4 consecutive days to induce neurotoxicity. LPS exposure resulted in cognitive impairment, as evidenced by performance deficits in maze tests, and a significant reduction in brain acetylcholine (ACh) levels. Additionally, LPS led to increased neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Pre-treatment with BHTE effectively counteracted these effects, improving cognitive performance and restoring ACh levels. BHTE significantly reduced LPS-induced increases in pro-inflammatory markers (COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1). Furthermore, BHTE improved mitochondrial function by increasing enzyme levels (MRCC-I, II, and IV) and boosted anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and antioxidant defenses (GSH and catalase). BHTE also reduced apoptosis markers, including pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3, and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Molecular modeling studies revealed that BHTE effectively binds to key enzymes involved in neuroinflammation and apoptosis (AChE, COX-2, and caspase-3), with binding free energies between 4 and 5 kcal/mol, interacting with critical residues. These findings underscore BHTE's multifaceted neuroprotective effects against LPS-induced neurotoxicity, offering potential therapeutic avenues for managing neuroinflammation and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seed by controlling cytokines and inhibiting JAK1/STAT3 pathway on CFA-induced arthritis rat and its phytochemical profiling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seed is widely used in Arabian traditional medicine to alleviate several health problems including inflammatory conditions. The herbal tea of date palm seed has been consumed by rheumatoid patients to relief their symptoms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the claimed beneficial use of P. dactylifera L. (Sewy variety) seed (PDS) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its mechanism of action as well as to study its phytoconstituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of the non-polar and the polar extracts of PDS were studied using Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis rat model. Paw edema, body weight, total nitrate/nitrite NOX content and cytokine markers were evaluated to monitor the progress of arthritis. Also, histological examination and thermal analysis were conducted. The phytoconstituent profiles of non-polar and polar extracts of PDS were investigated using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The multiple reactions monitoring mode (MRM) of liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was used to quantify phenolic phytoconstituents in both extracts.

RESULTS

According to the findings, the polar and non-polar PDS extracts kept body weight comparable to those of healthy individuals while considerably lowering paw swelling, edema, and neutrophil infiltration. It also reduced the levels of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 22, Interleukin 23, Interferon (IFN), Interleukin 17, Interleukin 1β, Interleukin 6, Interleukin 36, Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). They also reduced the degenerative alterations caused by RA. Thermal research gave additional support for these findings. 83 phytoconstituents were identified in the non-polar PDS extract and 86 phytoconstituents were identified in the polar PDS extract. 74 of the identified phytoconstituents were common in both extracts. 33 phytoconstituents were identified here from P. dactylifera for the first time as far as we know. In MRM-LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, the major phenolics in both extracts were chlorogenic acid, naringenin, and vanillin. Catechin was only detected in the non-polar PDS extract. On the other hand, apigenin, kaempferol, and hesperetin were only detected in the polar PDS extract. Generally, the polar PDS extract showed higher concentrations of the identified phenolics than the non-polar extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The PDS extracts especially the non-polar extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the CFA-induced arthritis rat model. PDS might be used to produce RA medicines.

Assessing the Influence of Intermittent Alcohol Access on Acrylamide-Induced Neuronal Toxicity in an Experimental Rat Model

Tobacco and alcohol have been identified as health risk behaviors associated with significant unfavorable health consequences, ranking within the list of the top ten causes of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY). The combustion of tobacco leads to the formation of acrylamide (ACR), which is well known for its neurotoxic effects. Similarly, alcohol consumption has also been widely recognized for its neurotoxic effects. Both substances can affect neurons and neuroglia cells through various pathways. This study sought to examine the impacts of co-administration of ACR and intermittent-access ethanol (IAE) consumption over a period of one month. The experimental group received 20 mg/kg of ACR, administered orally, along with IAE of 20% ethanol sessions lasting 24 h, three times per week. The cognitive outcomes were assessed utilizing the elevated plus maze (EPM), which was employed as a means of assessing the capability to learn and remember, the novel object recognition (NOR) test, which was employed to assess recognition memory, and the Y-maze, which was used to explore a new environment and navigate. Additionally, ELISA assays were performed to examine underlying mechanisms, including markers associated with inflammation (NF-κB, PGE2, and TNF-α), apoptosis (Bcl2, Bax, and Caspase-3), and oxidative stress (MDA, catalase, and GSH). These markers were assessed in the brain homogenate as part of the investigation. Furthermore, a histopathological study was conducted. The findings indicated that NF-κB levels increased significantly in the combination of ACR and IAE groups (ACR + IAE) compared to either the ACR-alone or IAE-alone groups. However, parallel changes were observed in TNF-α, PGE2, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, GSH, and CAT levels when comparing the ACR + IAE group to the ACR-alone group. Comparable alterations were noted between the ACR + IAE treatment and IAE-alone groups in TNF-α, Bcl-2, MDA, GSH, and CAT levels. Moreover, the histopathological analysis revealed significant changes between the ACR + IAE and the ACR- or IAE-alone groups. Regarding memory parameters assessed using tests including EPM, NOR, and Y-maze, considerable changes were observed across all treatment groups as opposed to the control. Surprisingly, there were no notable differences in the NOR and Y-maze tasks between the alone and combination treatment. Further study is necessary to explore the long-term alteration of co-administering ACR and IAE on behavior, memory, and neurotoxicity-related mechanisms, in order to elucidate their combined effects more clearly.

In vitro and in silico studies of the acaricidal and anticholinesterase activities of Randia aculeata seeds against the southern cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a leading cause of significant economic losses in the livestock industry, and tick populations have developed multiple forms of resistance to acaricides; therefore, the potential of novel natural bioactive compounds that are effective for targeting ticks must be addressed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal and anticholinesterase activities of R. aculeata seeds and to identify naturally occurring compounds that potentially inhibit anticholinesterase through in silico docking. The acaricidal activity of the extract of R. aculeata seeds against larval and adult R. microplus ticks was assessed through immersion tests. Inhibition of anticholinesterase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Extracts of R. aculeata seeds showed activity against larvae and engorged females of R. microplus, and a reduction in the reproductive index were also observed. Rutin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin exhibited noteworthy interactions with the active site residues of RmAChE. These findings could significantly contribute to the exploration of novel natural products that can potentially inhibit RmAChE and could be used in the development of new acaricides for tick control.

Effects of aerobic exercise and dietary flavonoids on cognition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Studies have shown that exercise increases angiogenesis and perfusion in the hippocampus, activates neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and increases synaptic plasticity, as well as increases the complexity and number of dendritic spines, all of which promote memory function and protect against cognitive decline. Flavonoids are gaining attention as antioxidants in health promotion due to their rich phenolic content, particularly for their modulating role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this, there has been no comprehensive review of cognitive improvement supplemented with flavonoid and prescribed with exercise or a combination of the two interventions has been conducted. The purpose of this review is to determine whether a combined intervention produces better results when given together than when given separately. Methods: Relevant articles assessing the effect of physical exercise, flavonoid or in combination on cognitive related biomarkers and neurobehavioral assessments within the timeline of January 2011 until June 2023 were searched using three databases; PubMed, PROQUEST and SCOPUS. Results: A total of 705 articles were retrieved and screened, resulting in 108 studies which are in line with the objective of the current study were included in the analysis. Discussion: The selected studies have shown significant desired effect on the chosen biomarkers and neurobehavioral assessments. Systematic Review Registration: identifier: [CRD42021271001].

Quetiapine Moderates Doxorubicin-Induced Cognitive Deficits: Influence of Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cellular Apoptosis

Chemotherapy is considered a major choice in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, several cognitive deficiencies and psychiatric complications have been reported in patients with cancer during treatment and for the rest of their lives. Doxorubicin (DOX) plays an important role in chemotherapy regimens but affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Antipsychotic drugs alleviate the behavioral symptoms of aging-related dementia, and the atypical class, quetiapine (QUET), has been shown to have beneficial effects on various cognitive impairments. The present investigation aimed to determine the possible mechanism underlying the effect of thirty-day administrations of QUET (10 or 20 mg/kg, p.o.) on DOX-induced cognitive deficits (DICDs). DICDs were achieved through four doses of DOX (2 mg/kg, i.p.) at an interval of seven days during drug treatment. Elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Y-maze tasks were performed to confirm the DICDs and find the impact of QUET on them. The ELISA tests were executed with oxidative [malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH)], inflammatory [cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and apoptosis [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2 associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3] markers were assessed in the brain homogenate to explore the related mechanisms. DICD lengthened the transfer latency time in EPM, shortened the exploration time of the novel object, reduced the discrimination ability of the objects in NOR, and lowered the number of arm entries and time spent in the novel arm. QUET alleviated DICD-related symptoms. In addition, QUET reduced neuronal oxidative stress by reducing MDA and elevating GSH levels in the rat brain. Moreover, it reduced neuronal inflammation by controlling the levels of COX-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α. By improving the Bcl-2 level and reducing both Bax and Caspase-3 levels, it protected against neuronal apoptosis. Collectively, our results supported that QUET may protect against DICD, which could be explained by the inhibition of neuronal inflammation and the attenuation of cellular apoptosis protecting against oxidative stress.

Phoenix dactylifera (Ajwa Dates) Alleviate LPS-Induced Sickness Behaviour in Rats by Attenuating Proinflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress in the Brain

Traditional medicine claims that various components of the Phoenix dactylifera (date plant) can be used to treat memory loss, fever, inflammation, loss of consciousness, and nerve disorders. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extracts (PDF) against rat sickness behaviour caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by assessing behavioural and biochemical parameters. PDF was prepared by extracting dry fruits of P. dactylifera with a methanol:water (4:1, v/v) mixture. The PDF was evaluated for phenolic and flavonoid content and HPLC analysis of quercetin estimation. Adult Wistar rats were treated with LPS, PDF + LPS and dexamethasone + LPS. Water and food intake, behavioural tests such as locomotor activity, tail suspension and forced swim tests were conducted. Furthermore, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were estimated in plasma and malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were estimated in the brain. PDF ameliorated LPS-induced sickness behaviour by reducing MDA, nitrite, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and improving GSH, behavioural alteration, water and food intake in the treated rats. In the plasma of the treated rats, PDF also decreased the levels of ALT and AST. The outcomes demonstrated the efficacy of PDF in reducing the sickness behaviour caused by LPS in rats. The authors believe that this study will provide the groundwork for future research to better understand the underlying mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy.