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Sharma H, Sharma N, An SSA. Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus ( Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents. Nutrients 2023; 16:102. [PMID: 38201932 PMCID: PMC10780653 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niti Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
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Tong Z, Chu G, Wan C, Wang Q, Yang J, Meng Z, Du L, Yang J, Ma H. Multiple Metabolites Derived from Mushrooms and Their Beneficial Effect on Alzheimer's Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:2758. [PMID: 37375662 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mushrooms with edible and medicinal potential have received widespread attention because of their diverse biological functions, nutritional value, and delicious taste, which are closely related to their rich active components. To date, many bioactive substances have been identified and purified from mushrooms, including proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and vitamins. More importantly, molecules derived from mushrooms show great potential to alleviate the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which seriously affects the health of elderly people. Compared with current therapeutic strategies aimed at symptomatic improvement, it is particularly important to identify natural products from resource-rich mushrooms that can modify the progression of AD. This review summarizes recent investigations of multiple constituents (carbohydrates, peptides, phenols, etc.) isolated from mushrooms to combat AD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mushroom metabolites against AD are discussed. The various mechanisms involved in the antiAD activities of mushroom metabolites include antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, and stimulation of neurite outgrowth, etc. This information will facilitate the application of mushroom-derived products in the treatment of AD. However, isolation of new metabolites from multiple types of mushrooms and further in vivo exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying their antiAD effect are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tong
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Guodong Chu
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Chenmeng Wan
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Qiaoyu Wang
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jialing Yang
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Zhaoli Meng
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunolgy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Linna Du
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- College of Life Science, Engineering Research Center of the Chinese Ministry of Education for Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
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Yan B, Gong Y, Meng W, Sun H, Li W, Ding K, Dang C, Gao X, Sun W, Yuan C, Wang S, Yao LH. Cordycepin protects islet β-cells against glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity via modulating related proteins of ROS/JNK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114776. [PMID: 37100012 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common and multiple endocrine metabolic disease. When pancreatic β cell in case of dysfunction, the synthesis and secretion of insulin are reduced. This study is to explore the effect of cordycepin (the molecular formula C10H13N5O3), a natural adenosine isolated from Cordyceps militaris, on high glucose/lipid-induced glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity in INS-1 cells. Our results showed that cordycepin improved cell viability, improved cell energy metabolism and promoted insulin synthesis and secretion. The mechanism may be related to that cordycepin reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increases ATP content in cells, causes membrane depolarization and balances the steady state of Ca2+ concentration, cordycepin inhibits cell apoptosis, which may be related to the downregulation of proteins level of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) phosphorylation, cytochrome c (Cyt-c), Cleaved Capase-3, the mRNA level of JNK, Cyt-c, Capase-3 and upregulation of proteins/mRNA level of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1). These results suggest that cordycepin can inhibit cell apoptosis and protect cell number by downregulating ROS/JNK mitochondrial apoptosis pathway under high glucose/lipid environment, thereby improving the function of pancreatic islet cells, providing a theoretical basis for the related research on the prevention and control of cordycepin on T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyi Yan
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Yanchun Gong
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Wei Meng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Wenxi Li
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Kaizhi Ding
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Caixia Dang
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Gao
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Chunhua Yuan
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Songhua Wang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China.
| | - Li-Hua Yao
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China.
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Kaokaen P, Sorraksa N, Phonchai R, Chaicharoenaudomrung N, Kunhorm P, Noisa P. Enhancing Neurological Competence of Nanoencapsulated Cordyceps/Turmeric Extracts in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 16:81-93. [PMID: 36660588 PMCID: PMC9842810 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00752-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases, and brain cancers, are reportedly caused by genetic aberration and cellular malfunction. Herbs with bioactive compounds that have anti-oxidant effects such as cordyceps and turmeric, are of interest to clinical applications due to their minimal adverse effects. The aim of study is to develop the nanoencapsulated cordyceps and turmeric extracts and investigate their capability to enhance the biological activity and improve neuronal function. Methods Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were utilized as a neuronal model to investigate the properties of nanoencapsulated cordyceps or turmeric extracts, called CMP and TEP, respectively. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with either CMP or TEP and examined the biological consequences, including neuronal maturation and neuronal function. Results The results showed that both CMP and TEP improved cellular uptake efficiency within 6 h by 2.3 and 2.8 times, respectively. Besides, they were able to inhibit cellular proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells up to 153- and 218-fold changes, and increase the expression of mature neuronal markers (TUJ1, PAX6, and NESTIN). Upon the treatment of CMP and TEP, the expression of dopaminergic-specific genes (LMX1B, FOXA2, EN1, and NURR1), and the secretion level of dopamine were significantly improved up to 3.3-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively, while the expression of Alzheimer genes (PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP), and the secretion of amyloid precursor protein were significantly reduced by 32-fold and 108-fold, respectively. Importantly, the autophagy activity was upregulated by CMP and TEP at 6.3- and 5.5-fold changes, respectively. Conclusions This finding suggested that the nanoencapsulated cordyceps and turmeric extracts accelerated neuronal maturation and alleviated neuronal pathology in human neural cells. This paves the way for nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems that could potentially be used as an alternative medicine in the future for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palakorn Kaokaen
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Natchadaporn Sorraksa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Ruchee Phonchai
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Nipha Chaicharoenaudomrung
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Kunhorm
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Parinya Noisa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
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Wang J, Gong Y, Tan H, Li W, Yan B, Cheng C, Wan J, Sun W, Yuan C, Yao LH. Cordycepin suppresses glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission through activation of A 1 adenosine receptor in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112446. [PMID: 34808556 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin (known as 3-deoxyadenosine, CRD), a natural product from the valuable traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps militaris, has been reported to improve cognitive function and modulate neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). However, the modulating mechanisms of cordycepin on information processing in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons are not fully understood. To clarify how cordycepin modulates synaptic responses of pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal CA1 region, we conducted an electrophysiological experiment using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and mEPSCs, respectively) and the spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs and mIPSCs, respectively) recorded by this technique evaluated pure single or multi-synapse responses and enabled us to accurately quantify how cordycepin influenced the pre and postsynaptic aspects of synaptic transmission. The present results showed that cordycepin significantly decreased the frequency of both glutamatergic and GABAergic postsynaptic currents without affecting the amplitude, while these inhibitory effects were antagonized by the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist (DPCPX), but not the A2A (ZM 241385), A2B (MRS1754) and A3 (MRS1191) adenosine receptor antagonists. Taken together, our results suggested that cordycepin had a clear presynaptic effect on glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission, and provided novel evidence that cordycepin suppresses the synaptic transmission through the activation of A1AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Wang
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Yanchun Gong
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Haoyuan Tan
- Clinical School of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangZhou 510720, PR China
| | - Wenxi Li
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Baiyi Yan
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Chunfang Cheng
- School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Juan Wan
- School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Chunhua Yuan
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Li-Hua Yao
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China; School of Sport Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China.
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The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164954. [PMID: 34443541 PMCID: PMC8400201 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.
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Govindula A, Pai A, Baghel S, Mudgal J. Molecular mechanisms of cordycepin emphasizing its potential against neuroinflammation: An update. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174364. [PMID: 34297967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent research emphasizes the central role of neuroinflammation in complex neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. Multiple pathological variables with identical molecular mechanisms have been implicated in the development of CNS inflammatory diseases. Therefore, one of the most crucial tasks in the management of CNS disorders is the alleviation of neuroinflammation. However, there are many drawbacks of new pharmacological drugs used in the management of CNS disorders, including medication side effects, and treatment complications. There is a growing inclination towards bioactive constituents of natural origin to unearth the potential remedies. Cordycepin, an adenosine analogue, is one such bioactive constituent with multiple actions, viz., anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-Parkinsonian and immunomodulatory effects, along with the promotion of remyelination. This review highlights the converging neuroinflammatory targets of cordycepin in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression, to substantiate its anti-neuroinflammatory property. Cordycepin acts by downregulation of adenosine A2 receptor, inhibition of microglial activation, and subsequent inhibition of several neuroinflammatory markers (NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and HMGB1). Cordycepin mitigates LPS-mediated toll-like receptor activation by activating adenosine receptor A1, thereby improving antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) levels. These pieces of evidence point to the probable anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of cordycepin, which could facilitate the development of new remedies against neuroinflammation-associated CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Govindula
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Anuja Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Saahil Baghel
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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An FM, Liu Z, Xuan XR, Liu QS, Wei CX. Sanweidoukou decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, ameliorates β-amyloid protein-induced neuronal insult via modulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways: Studies in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 273:114002. [PMID: 33705924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The traditional Chinese medicine Sanweidoukou decoction (DK-3) was a classical formula for the treatment of nervous system diseases, recorded in the Chinese medical classic Sibu Yidian. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study is aim to investigate the neuroprotective effects of DK-3 on β-amyloid (Aβ) protein -induced AD-like pathologies and underlying molecular mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hydrolysates of DK-3 were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. In vitro, MTT was utilized to examine effects of DK-3 on Aβ25-35-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. In vivo, male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with Aβ25-35 to induce AD-like pathologies and behavioral evaluations were conducted via Morris water maze (MWM) test. Histopathological changes were observed by Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) straining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the tau hyperphosphorylation at Thr181 site. The expression levels of tau hyperphosphorylation, inflammation-related cytokines such as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, the phosphorylated state of various mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules (p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK) and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in vitro and in vivo were assessed via Western blot. RESULTS In vitro, DK-3 dose-dependently increased cell viability of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35. In vivo, DK-3 improved learning and memory abilities of Aβ25-35-induced AD-like rats. Moreover, DK-3 reversed hyperphosphorylation of tau and reduced the production of inflammation-related cytokines through significantly inhibited MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo studies. CONCLUSION The present study suggested that the traditional Chinese medicine DK-3 may play a role in preventing and treating AD by reducing the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and the expressions of inflammation-related cytokines via modulating the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Mao An
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
| | - Xin-Ran Xuan
- Affiliated Hospitals, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
| | - Qing-Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Cheng-Xi Wei
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
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