1
|
Keegan AP, Stough C, Paris D, Luis CA, Abdullah L, Ait-ghezala G, Crawford F, Mullan M. Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels but beneficially modulates nuclear factor kappa B and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels in healthy elderly subjects. J Clin Transl Res 2023; 9:50-58. [PMID: 37032999 PMCID: PMC10075090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for multiple conditions, most notably to augment cognition, particularly memory and attention. Multiple mechanisms, including raising brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been proposed and investigated in animal models that require translational studies in humans. Methods Bacopa was administered in an open-labeled study to cognitively healthy controls over a 3-month period. Cognition and mood were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and geriatric depression scale (GDS) at the baseline and 3-month visit. Laboratories were assessed for safety and serum levels of mature (mBDNF) and proBDNF were quantified. In a subset of subjects, intracellular signaling processes were assessed using western blot analysis. Results Bacopa was provided to 35 subjects and was well-tolerated except for 4 (11%) subjects who early terminated due to known, reversible, and gastrointestinal side effects (i.e., nausea, diarrhea). Over the 3 months, the GDS and the total MoCA did not significantly change; however, the delayed-recall subscale significantly improved (baseline: 3.8 ± 1.2, 3-months: 4.3 ± 0.9; P = 0.032). Serum mBDNF and proBDNF levels did not significantly change. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation significantly increased (P = 0.028) and p65 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation significantly decreased (P = 0.030). Conclusion These results suggest that Bacopa may exert an anti-inflammatory effect through NF-κB and improve intracellular signaling processes associated with synaptogenesis (CREB). The future placebo-controlled studies are recommended. Relevance for Patients B. monnieri will require larger, blinded trials to better understand potential mechanisms, interactions, and utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Keegan
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
- Corresponding author: Andrew P. Keegan The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34243, United States of America. Tel: +1 941-752-2949. Fax: +1 941-752-2948.
| | - Con Stough
- Swinburne Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Paris
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cheryl A. Luis
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Laila Abdullah
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Fiona Crawford
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael Mullan
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liaqat H, Parveen A, Kim SY. Neuroprotective Natural Products’ Regulatory Effects on Depression via Gut–Brain Axis Targeting Tryptophan. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163270. [PMID: 36014776 PMCID: PMC9413544 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
L-tryptophan (Trp) contributes to regulating bilateral communication of the gut–brain axis. It undergoes three major metabolic pathways, which lead to formation of kynurenine, serotonin (5-HT), and indole derivatives (under the control of the microbiota). Metabolites from the principal Trp pathway, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, exhibit neuroprotective activity, while picolinic acid exhibits antioxidant activity, and 5-HT modulates appetite, sleep cycle, and pain. Abnormality in Trp plays crucial roles in diseases, including depression, colitis, ulcer, and gut microbiota-related dysfunctions. To address these diseases, the use of natural products could be a favorable alternative because they are a rich source of compounds that can modulate the activity of Trp and combat various diseases through modulating different signaling pathways, including the gut microbiota, kynurenine pathway, and serotonin pathway. Alterations in the signaling cascade pathways via different phytochemicals may help us explore the deep relationships of the gut–brain axis to study neuroprotection. This review highlights the roles of natural products and their metabolites targeting Trp in different diseases. Additionally, the role of Trp metabolites in the regulation of neuroprotective and gastroprotective activities is discussed. This study compiles the literature on novel, potent neuroprotective agents and their action mechanisms in the gut–brain axis and proposes prospective future studies to identify more pharmaceuticals based on signaling pathways targeting Trp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humna Liaqat
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, 1230 Domzale, Slovenia
| | - Amna Parveen
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University Medical Campus, No. 191, Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Korea
- Correspondence: or (A.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Sun Yeou Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University Medical Campus, No. 191, Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Korea
- Correspondence: or (A.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luhach K, Kulkarni GT, Singh VP, Sharma B. Vinpocetine amended prenatal valproic acid induced features of ASD possibly by altering markers of neuronal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Autism Res 2021; 14:2270-2286. [PMID: 34415116 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology and phenotypes. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) inhibitors are known to provide benefits in various brain conditions manifesting similar behavioral phenotypes. The pharmacological consequences of vinpocetine administration a PDE1 inhibitor in prenatal-valproic acid (pre-VPA) induced ASD related behavioral phenotypes (social behavior deficits, repetitive behavior, anxiety, hyperlocomotion, and nociception) was assessed. Also, effects on important biochemical markers of neuronal function (DCX-neurogenesis, BDNF-neuronal survival, synapsin-IIa-synaptic transmission, pCREB-neuronal transcription factor), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] and glutathione (GSH) were studied in important brain areas (frontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). Further, neuronal cell viability was determined in dentate gyrus using Nissl staining. Pre-VPA administration resulted into impaired behavior, brain biochemistry, and neuronal cell viability. Administration of vinpocetine resulted in improvements of pre-VPA impaired social behavior, repetitive behavior, anxiety, locomotion, and nociception. Also, vinpocetine resulted in a significant increase in the levels of BDNF, synapsin-IIa, DCX, pCREB/CREB, IL-10, and GSH along with significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, TBARS, number of pyknotic and chromatolytic cells in different brain areas of pre-VPA group. Finally, high association between behavioral parameters and biochemical parameters was observed upon Pearson's correlation analysis. Vinpocetine, a PDE1 inhibitor rectified important behavioral phenotypes related with ASD, possibly by improving neuronal function, brain inflammation and brain oxidative stress. Thus, PDE1 may be a possible target for further understanding ASD. LAY SUMMARY: ASD is a brain developmental disorder with a wide array of genetic and environmental factors. Many targets have been identified till date, but a clinical treatment is still afar. The results of this study indicate that vinpocetine administration resulted in amelioration of ASD associated symptomatology in rats, prenatally exposed to VPA. Our research adds a widely expressed brain enzyme PDE1, as a possible novel pharmacological target and opens-up a new line of enquiry for ASD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanishk Luhach
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Vijay P Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Academy of scientific and Innovative research, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.,CNS and CVS Pharmacology, Conscience Research, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McPhee GM, Downey LA, Wesnes KA, Stough C. The Neurocognitive Effects of Bacopa monnieri and Cognitive Training on Markers of Brain Microstructure in Healthy Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:638109. [PMID: 33692683 PMCID: PMC7937913 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.638109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacopa monnieri (BM) is a herbal supplement that increases signaling molecules implicated in synaptogenesis. Combined with cognitive stimulation, it may be a viable supplement to enhance long-term potentiation (LTP) and improve cognitive health in older adults. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial asked 28 healthy adults aged over 55 years to complete cognitive training (CT) 3 hours weekly for 12 weeks. Fifteen consumed a standardized extract of BM and 13 consumed a placebo daily. Cognitive tasks, life-satisfaction, memory complaints and mood were assessed, and bloods analyzed for serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) before and after 12-weeks of the intervention. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) in gray (GM) and white matter (WM) were also analyzed. Results demonstrated slower reaction time in an image discrimination task in the BM group and faster reaction time in a spatial working memory task (SWM-O RT) in the placebo group. Mean accuracy was higher in the BM group for these tasks, suggesting a change in the speed accuracy trade-off. Exploratory neuroimaging analysis showed increased WM mean diffusivity (MD) and GM dispersion of neurites (orientation dispersion index, ODI) and decreased WM fractional anisotropy (FA) and GM neurite density (ND) in the BM group. No other outcomes reached statistical significance. An increase in ODI with a decrease in MD and ND in the BM group may indicate an increase in network complexity (through higher dendritic branching) accompanied by dendritic pruning to enhance network efficiency. These neuroimaging outcomes conflict with the behavioral results, which showed poorer reaction time in the BM group. Given the exploratory outcomes and inconsistent findings between the behavioral and neuroimaging data, a larger study is needed to confirm the synaptogenic mechanisms of BM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace M McPhee
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luke A Downey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Keith A Wesnes
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Wesnes Cognition Ltd., Streatley, United Kingdom.,University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Con Stough
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hwangbo H, Choi EO, Kim MY, Kwon DH, Ji SY, Lee H, Hong SH, Kim GY, Hwang HJ, Hong SH, Choi YH. Suppression of tumor growth and metastasis by ethanol extract of Angelica dahurica Radix in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Biosci Trends 2020; 14:23-34. [PMID: 32092745 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2019.01230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The roots of Angelica dahurica have long been used as a traditional medicine in Korea to treat various diseases such as toothache and cold. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol extract from the roots of this plant on metastatic melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, in B16F10 melanoma cells and B16F10 cell inoculated-C57BL/6 mice. Our results showed that the ethanol extracts of Angelicae dahuricae Radix (EEAD) suppressed cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death in B16F10 cells. EEAD also activated the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and ration of Bax/Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, EEAD reduced the migration, invasion, and colony formation of B16F10 cells through the reduced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. In addition, in vivo results demonstrated that oral administration of EEAD inhibited lactate dehydrogenase activity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity without weight loss in B16F10 cell inoculated-mice. Importantly, EEAD was able to markedly suppress lung hypertrophy, the incidence of B16F10 cells lung metastasis, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in lung tissue. Taken together, our findings suggest that EEAD may be useful for managing metastasis and growth of malignant cancers, including melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Hwangbo
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Eun Ok Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Min Yeong Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Da Hye Kwon
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Ji
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyesook Lee
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea
| | - Su Hyun Hong
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Phosphatidylethanolamine-Binding Protein 1 Ameliorates Ischemia-Induced Inflammation and Neuronal Damage in the Rabbit Spinal Cord. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111370. [PMID: 31683736 PMCID: PMC6912576 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we utilized a proteomic approach and found a significant reduction in phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1) protein level in the spinal cord at 3 h after ischemia. In the present study, we investigated the role of PEBP1 against oxidative stress in NSC34 cells in vitro, and ischemic damage in the rabbit spinal cord in vivo. We generated a PEP-1-PEBP1 fusion protein to facilitate the penetration of blood-brain barrier and intracellular delivery of PEBP1 protein. Treatment with PEP-1-PEBP1 significantly decreased cell death and the induction of oxidative stress in NSC34 cells. Furthermore, administering PEP-1-PEBP1 did not show any significant side effects immediately before and after ischemia/reperfusion. Administration of PEP-PEBP1 improved the Tarlov’s neurological score at 24 and 72 h after ischemia, and significantly improved neuronal survival at 72 h after ischemia based on neuronal nuclei (NeuN) immunohistochemistry, Flouro-Jade B staining, and western blot study for cleaved caspase 3. PEP-1-PEBP1 administration decreased oxidative stress based on malondialdehyde level, advanced oxidation protein products, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in the spinal cord. In addition, inflammation based on myeloperoxidase level, tumor necrosis factor-α level, and high mobility group box 1 level was decreased by PEP-1-PEBP1 treatment at 72 h after ischemia. Thus, PEP-1-PEBP1 treatment, which decreases oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and neuronal death, may be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord ischemia.
Collapse
|
7
|
Choi EO, Lee H, HwangBo H, Kwon DH, Kim MY, Ji SY, Hong SH, Kim GY, Park C, Hwang HJ, Moon SK, Yun SJ, Kim WJ, Choi YH. Citrus unshiu peel suppress the metastatic potential of murine melanoma B16F10 cells in vitro and in vivo. Phytother Res 2019; 33:3228-3241. [PMID: 31486124 PMCID: PMC6916627 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The peel of Citrus unshiu Marcow. fruits (CU) has long been used as a traditional medicine that has therapeutic effects against pathogenic diseases, including asthma, vomiting, dyspepsia, blood circulation disorders, and various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of CU peel on metastatic melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, in B16F10 melanoma cells, and in B16F10 cells inoculated‐C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that ethanol extracts of CU (EECU) inhibited cell growth and increased the apoptotic cells in B16F10 cells. EECU also stimulated the induction of mitochondria‐mediated intrinsic pathway, with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, EECU suppressed the migration, invasion, and colony formation of B16F10 cells. In addition, the oral administration of EECU reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase activity without weight loss, hepatotoxicity, nor nephrotoxicity in B16F10 cell‐inoculated mice. Moreover, EECU markedly suppressed lung hypertrophy, the number and expression of metastatic tumor nodules, and the expression of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in lung tissue. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of EECU on the metastasis of melanoma indicates that it may be regarded as a potential therapeutic herbal drug for melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ok Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Lee
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun HwangBo
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Kwon
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Yeong Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Ji
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Hyun Hong
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Nursing, Healthcare Sciences & Human Ecology, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology & Natural Resource, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Joong Yun
- Personalized Tumor Engineering Research Center, Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Personalized Tumor Engineering Research Center, Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|