Lyophilized Powder of Catalpol and Puerarin Protects Neurovascular Unit from Stroke

Genistein-3'-sodium sulfonate promotes brain functional rehabilitation in ischemic stroke rats by regulating astrocytes polarization through NF-κB signaling pathway

The activation and polarization of astrocytes are involved in neuroinflammation and brain functional rehabilitation after ischemic stroke. Our previous studies display the neuroprotective effect of genistein-3'-sodium sulfonate (GSS) in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI). This study aimed to investigate the brain function improvement of GSS during the recovery period after CI/RI in rats and to explore the potential mechanism from the perspective of astrocyte activation and polarization. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rats were treated with GSS (1 mg/kg) continuously for 28 days. The behavior tests were measured to assess neurological function. The mRNA and protein expression in affected cerebral cortex were detected on day 29 after tMCAO. Our results demonstrated that GSS treatment significantly improved the spatial and temporal gait parameters in the Catwalk gait test, prolonged the time on the stick and increased the rotation speed in the rotarod test, and decreased the time to find the hidden platform and increased the time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test. In addition, GFAP, GBP2, C3, IL-1β protein expressions and Nos2A mRNA level were decreased, while Nrf2, BDNF, IL-10 protein expressions and Sphk1 and Nef2l2 mRNA levels increased after GSS treatment. Interestingly, GSS presented a strong binding affinity to TLR4 and suppressed the activation of NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, GSS can promote brain function recovery by inhibiting astrocyte activation and polarization to A1 phenotype, and enhancing astrocyte polarization to A2 phenotype via inactivating TLR4/NF-κB signaling, which provide a candidate compound for clinical rehabilitation therapy in the recovery period after ischemic stroke.

Astrocyte modulation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: A promising therapeutic strategy

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) poses significant challenges for drug development due to its complex pathogenesis. Astrocyte involvement in CIRI pathogenesis has led to the development of novel astrocyte-targeting drug strategies. To comprehensively review the current literature, we conducted a thorough analysis from January 2012 to December 2023, identifying 82 drugs aimed at preventing and treating CIRI. These drugs target astrocytes to exert potential benefits in CIRI, and their primary actions include modulation of relevant signaling pathways to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduce cerebral edema, restore blood-brain barrier integrity, suppress excitotoxicity, and regulate autophagy. Notably, active components from traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ginkgo, and Ginseng exhibit these important pharmacological properties and show promise in the treatment of CIRI. This review highlights the potential of astrocyte-targeted drugs to ameliorate CIRI and categorizes them based on their mechanisms of action, underscoring their therapeutic potential in targeting astrocytes.

Erythropoietin alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the FGF23/FGFR4/ERK signaling pathway

Background

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI).

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats and BEAS-2B cells were employed to construct an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced model in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Afterward, I/R rats and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cells were treated with different concentrations of EPO. Furthermore, 40 patients with LIRI and healthy controls were enrolled in the study.

Results

It was observed that lung tissue damage, cell apoptosis and the expression of BAX and caspase-3 were higher in the LIRI model in vivo and in vitro than in the control group, nevertheless, the Bcl-2, FGF23 and FGFR4 expression level was lower than in the control group. EPO administration significantly reduced lung tissue damage and cell apoptosis while also up-regulating the expression of FGF23 and FGFR4. Rescue experiments indicated that EPO exerted a protective role associated with the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signal pathway. Notably, the expression of serum EPO, FGF23, FGFR4 and Bcl-2 was decreased in patients with LIRI, while the expression of caspase-3 and BAX was higher.

Conclusion

EPO could effectively improve LIRI, which might be related to the activation of the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Knockdown of Smox protects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier through antioxidant effect and Nrf2 pathway activation in stroke

Once an ischemic stroke occurs, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress degrade the tight connections between cerebral endothelial cells resulting in their damage. The expression of antioxidant genes may be enhanced, and ROS formation may be reduced following Nrf2 activation, which is associated with protection against ischemic stroke. Overexpression of spermine oxidase (Smox) in the neocortex led to increased H2O2 production. However, how Smox impacts the regulation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through antioxidants has not been examined yet. We conducted experiments both in the cell level and in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model to evaluate the effect of Smox siRNA lentivirus (si-Smox) knockdown on BBB protection against ischemic stroke. Mice treated with si-Smox showed remarkably decreased BBB breakdown and reduced endothelial inflammation following stroke. The treatment with si-Smox significantly elevated the Bcl-2 to Bax ratio and decreased the production of cleaved caspase-3 in the tMCAO model. Further investigation revealed that the neuroprotective effect was the result of the antioxidant properties of si-Smox, which reduced oxidative stress and enhanced CD31+ cells in the peri-infarct cortical areas. Of significance, si-Smox activated Nrf2 in both bEnd.3 cells and tMCAO animals, and blocking Nrf2 with brusatol diminished the protective effects of si-Smox. The study findings suggest that si-Smox exerts neuroprotective effects and promotes angiogenesis by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thus decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by tMCAO. As a result, si-Smox may hold potential as a therapeutic candidate for preserving BBB integrity while treating ischemic stroke.

Protective effects of catalpol on cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: A comprehensive review

Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa, has gained attention due to its potential use in treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). This extensive review delves into recent studies on catalpol's protective properties in relation to various CVDs, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. The review also explores the compound's anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic characteristics, emphasizing the role of vital signaling pathways, including PGC-1α/TERT, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, Nrf2/HO-1, estrogen receptor (ER), Nox4/NF-κB, and GRP78/PERK. The article discusses emerging findings on catalpol's ability to alleviate diabetic cardiovascular complications, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular-related conditions. Although clinical studies specifically addressing catalpol's impact on CVDs are scarce, the compound's established safety and well-tolerated nature suggest that it could be a valuable treatment alternative for CVD patients. Further investigation into catalpol and related iridoid derivatives may unveil new opportunities for devising natural and efficacious CVD therapies.

Phytochemicals in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases: the journey from preclinical trials to clinical practice

Advances in biomedical research have demonstrated that inflammation and its related diseases are the greatest threat to public health. Inflammatory action is the pathological response of the body towards the external stimuli such as infections, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions to reduce tissue damage and improve patient comfort. However, when detrimental signal-transduction pathways are activated and inflammatory mediators are released over an extended period of time, the inflammatory process continues and a mild but persistent pro-inflammatory state may develop. Numerous degenerative disorders and chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, are associated with the emergence of a low-grade inflammatory state. Though, anti-inflammatory steroidal, as well as non-steroidal drugs, are extensively used against different inflammatory conditions, they show undesirable side effects upon long-term exposure, at times, leading to life-threatening consequences. Thus, drugs targeting chronic inflammation need to be developed to achieve better therapeutic management without or with a fewer side effects. Plants have been well known for their medicinal use for thousands of years due to their pharmacologically active phytochemicals belonging to diverse chemical classes with a number of these demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Some typical examples include colchicine (alkaloid), escin (triterpenoid saponin), capsaicin (methoxy phenol), bicyclol (lignan), borneol (monoterpene), and quercetin (flavonoid). These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular mechanisms that synergize the anti-inflammatory pathways such as increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines or interfere with the inflammatory pathways such as to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other modulators to improve the underlying pathological condition. This review describes the anti-inflammatory properties of a number of biologically active compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their mechanisms of pharmacological intervention to alleviate inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis is given to information on anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been evaluated at the preclinical and clinical levels. Recent trends and gaps in the development of phytochemical-based anti-inflammatory drugs have also been included.

Effects of Puerarin on the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Puerarin, an isoflavone glycoside derived from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, has been identified as a pharmacologically active component with diverse benefits. A large number of experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that puerarin is widely used in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the world, and therefore remain one of the most prominent global public health concerns. In this review, we systematically analyze the preclinical investigations of puerarin in CVDs, such as atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, diabetic cardiovascular complications, myocardial infarction, stroke and hypertension. In addition, the potential molecular targets of puerarin are also discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the clinical trails of puerarin in the treatment of CVDs. Finally, the therapeutic effects of puerarin derivatives and its drug delivery systems are overviewed.

Pueratin improves diminished ovarian reserve by inhibiting apoptosis

Pueratin (Pue) is an extract from Pueraria lobata, and exhibits therapeutic effects for the treatment of inflammation. However, the beneficial effects and mechanisms underlying Pue in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Pue on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in rats with DOR, associated with infertility within clinical practice, induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). A model of DOR was established in female Sprague Dawley rats by an intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg VCD daily for 45 days. From day 1, the Sprague Dawley rats were orally administered with drugs daily for 45 days. They were divided into normal, model, Pue-low dose (L), Pue-medium dose (M) and Pue-high dose (H) groups (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg Pue, respectively). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E₂) levels were subsequently detected using ELISA. H&E staining and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate histopathological changes and apoptosis levels in the ovary, respectively. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression levels in rat ovaries were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Compared with those in the model group, FSH and LH levels in the Pue-L, -M and -H groups were significantly decreased, whilst E₂ levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). After intragastric administration, the volume of the ovaries and uteri of rats in the Pue groups was increased compared with the model group, and the numbers of primordial follicles and primary follicles were also increased. The number of apoptotic cells and the expression of Bax were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), compared with the model group. In addition, Bcl-2 protein expression and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were found to be significantly increased in the Pue-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), compared with the model group. In conclusion, Pue treatment improved ovarian function by regulating hormone balance in addition to Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

A novel PGAM5 inhibitor LFHP-1c protects blood-brain barrier integrity in ischemic stroke

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage after ischemia significantly influences stroke outcome. Compound LFHP-1c was previously discovered with neuroprotective role in stroke model, but its mechanism of action on protection of BBB disruption after stroke remains unknown. Here, we show that LFHP-1c, as a direct PGAM5 inhibitor, prevented BBB disruption after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in rats. Mechanistically, LFHP-1c binding with endothelial PGAM5 not only inhibited the PGAM5 phosphatase activity, but also reduced the interaction of PGAM5 with NRF2, which facilitated nuclear translocation of NRF2 to prevent BBB disruption from ischemia. Furthermore, LFHP-1c administration by targeting PGAM5 shows a trend toward reduced infarct volume, brain edema and neurological deficits in nonhuman primate Macaca fascicularis model with tMCAO. Thus, our study identifies compound LFHP-1c as a firstly direct PGAM5 inhibitor showing amelioration of ischemia-induced BBB disruption in vitro and in vivo, and provides a potentially therapeutics for brain ischemic stroke.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Catalpol and Mechanisms against Stroke

Aim

To apply the network pharmacology method to screen the target of catalpol prevention and treatment of stroke, and explore the pharmacological mechanism of Catalpol prevention and treatment of stroke.

Methods

PharmMapper, GeneCards, DAVID, and other databases were used to find key targets. We selected hub protein and catalpol which were screened for molecular docking verification. Based on the results of molecular docking, the ITC was used to determine the binding coefficient between the highest scoring protein and catalpol. The GEO database and ROC curve were used to evaluate the correlation between key targets.

Results

27 key targets were obtained by mapping the predicted catalpol-related targets to the disease. Hub genes (ALB, CASP3, MAPK1 (14), MMP9, ACE, KDR, etc.) were obtained in the key target PPI network. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that its signal pathway was involved in angiogenic remodeling such as VEGF, neurotrophic factors, and inflammation. The results of molecular docking showed that ACE had the highest docking score. Therefore, the ITC was used for the titration of ACE and catalpol. The results showed that catalpol had a strong binding force with ACE.

Conclusion

Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking predicts key genes, proteins, and signaling pathways for catalpol in treating stroke. The strong binding force between catalpol and ACE was obtained by using ITC, and the results of molecular docking were verified to lay the foundation for further research on the effect of catalpol on ACE. ROC results showed that the AUC values of the key targets are all >0.5. This article uses network pharmacology to provide a reference for a more in-depth study of catalpol's mechanism and experimental design.

A Review of Edible Jujube, the Ziziphus jujuba Fruit: A Heath Food Supplement for Anemia Prevalence

The fruits of Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as jujube, red date or Chinese date, are taken as fresh or dried food, and as traditional medicine worldwide due to high nutritional and health values. Traditionally in China, jujube is considered as a medicinal fruit that is being used in treating blood deficiency. In this review, the beneficial effects of jujubes on the hematopoietic functions are summarized and discussed. As illustrated in cell and animal models, the application of jujube extract possessed beneficial effects, including regulation of erythropoiesis via activation of hypoxia inducible factor-induced erythropoietin, potential capacity in recycling heme iron during erythrophagocytosis and bi-directional regulation of immune response. Thus, the blood-nourishing function of jujube is being proposed here. Flavonoid, polysaccharide and triterpenoid within jujube could serve as the potential active ingredients accounting for the aforementioned health benefits. Taken together, these findings provide several lines of evidence for further development of jujube as supplementary products for prevention and/or treatment of anemia.

Neuroprotective effects of troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate injection on the neurovascular unit in a rat model of Middle cerebral artery occlusion

Purpose: Cerebral ischemic stroke, caused by obstruction of the blood flow to the brain, initiates a complex cascade of pathophysiological changes. The aim of the present study was to assess the protective role and the underlying mechanism of troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate (TCH) injections for five days in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with either TCH or a vehicle (0.9% saline) via intraperitoneal injection were examined one or three days after MCAO.Results: TCH alleviated neurological deficits and reduced infarct volume, innate immune response, blood-brain barrier destruction, and suppressed cell apoptosis. The therapeutic effects of TCH were achieved by diminished neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Furthermore, L-NAME showed an inhibitory effect against TCH after MCAO on eNOS expression, NO and peroxynitrite production, neurobehavioral score, and infarct volume.Conclusions: The results indicate that injection of TCH has multifaceted neuroprotective effects against MCAO via regulation of the various NOS isoforms.

Catalpol induces cell activity to promote axonal regeneration via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in vivo and in vitro stroke model

Background

To investigate the role and mechanism of catalpol on neuronal cell activity to promote axonal regeneration via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway after stroke.

Methods

In vivo the effect of catalpol (2.5, 5, 7.5 mg/kg; i.p) or vehicle administered 24 h after stroke and then daily for 7 days on behavior, Map-2⁺/p-S6⁺ and Map-2⁺/GAP-43⁺ immunofluorescence were assessed in a rat model of stroke. Then in vitro, an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD/R) model was established to observe the effect of catalpol (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µg·mL^-1) on cultural neurons survive rate, neuronal cell activity and axon growth. Moreover, rapamycin (Rapa) was used to inhibit the mTOR pathway to observe the catalpol mechanism on neuronal cell activity to promote axonal growth, and the proteins related with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were detected by Western blot assay.

Results

Repeated treatments with catalpol improved neurological score and significantly enhanced neuronal cell activity, then promote axonal regeneration after stroke. While in vitro, catalpol also increased the survive rate and axonal growth of the neurons. Catalpol can reversed the Rapa inhibited effects on neurons' survive and axon extending. Catalpol can also reversed proteins reduced by Rapa related with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

These results suggested that catalpol might contribute to internal neuronal cell activity and axonal regeneration by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Catalpol may improve axonal growth via regulating miR-124 regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in neurons after ischemia

Background

MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is a brain-specific miRNA molecule, the highest expression in the cortex and is associated with neuronal protection after stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether catalpol could affect miR-124 to regulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting axonal growth in stroke rats.

Methods

Cells were divided into three groups: control group, miRNA124 agomir group, and miRNA124 antagomir group. To explore the mechanism, cells were divided into seven groups: control group, OGD group (OGD/R), miRNA124 agomir group, miRNA124 agomir plus catalpol group, miRNA124 antagomir group, miRNA124 antagomir plus catalpol group, and catalpol group. Before OGD/R, miRNA124 antagomir and microRNA124 agomir were transfected into neurons for 6 h by using ribo FECT nd Consumablesn/reper transfection kit. Cell survival and cell death were detected by MTT and LDH assay. Axonal growth was assessed by MAP-2 immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the expression of molecules in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Results

Inhibition of miR-124 activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and promoted neuronal survival and axonal growth. The expression of miR-124 increased after OGD/R, and catalpol could inhibit miR-124 to activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to further promote axonal growth.

Conclusions

It is concluded that catalpol may inhibit miR-124 to activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting axonal growth.

Antitumor activity of integrin αVβ3 antibody conjugated-cationic microbubbles in liver cancer

Background

The overexpression of integrin α_Vβ₃ in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) promotes tumor progression, metastasis, and clinical staging. Thus, the inhibition of integrin α_Vβ₃ might be potentially effective as an anti-cancer agent in HCC.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of integrin α_Vβ₃ antibody conjugated cationic microbubbles (CMBs) in HCC model. By conjugating with integrin α_Vβ₃ antibody with non-targeting CMBs, CMBs_αvβ3 was constructed. The antitumor effect of CMBs_αvβ3 was evaluated in HepG2 cells in vitro and in HepG2 xenograft mice models. Bcl-2, p53 and CD31 mRNA level, and caspase-3 activity were examined in xenograft tumors. Cell proliferation assay and scratch test were performed to evaluate the anti-migrant effect of CMBs_αvβ3in vitro.

Results

CMBs_αvβ3 could specifically target to HCC HepG2 cells and improve pEGFP-KDRP-CD/TK plasmid transfection efficiency. In HepG2 xenograft mice models, CMBs_αvβ3 treatment significantly suppressed tumor weights and volumes. CMBs_αvβ3 treatment suppressed Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA level in tumors. In HepG2 cells, CMBs_αvβ3 significantly impaired wound healing and inhibited cell proliferation. Moreover, when combined with CD/TK double suicide gene transfection and 5-FC/GCV treatment, caspase-3 was activated and the cell proliferation was tremendously inhibited.

Conclusions

CMBs_αvβ3 not only suppresses cell migration and proliferation, but also facilitates 5-FC/GCV plus CD/TK double suicide gene-induced apoptotic cell death. CMBs_αvβ3 is a promising gene delivery agent with potential anti-tumor activity itself.

Cryptotanshinone Attenuates Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/ Recovery-Induced Injury in an in vitro Model of Neurovascular Unit

Cryptotanshinone (CTs), an active component isolated from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), has been shown to exert potent neuroprotective property. We here established an oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R)-injured Neurovascular Unit (NVU) model in vitro to observe the neuroprotective effects of CTs on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI), and explore the underlying mechanisms. CTs was observed to significantly inhibit the OGD/R-induced neuronal apoptosis, and decease the activation of Caspase-3 and the degradation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), as well as the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in neurons under OGD/R condition. The inhibitory effects of CTs on neuron apoptosis were associated with the blocking of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. CTs also remarkably ameliorated OGD/R-induced reduction of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values and the increase of transendothelial permeability coefficient (Pe) of sodium fluorescein (SF) by upregulating the expression of ZO-1, Claudin-5, and Occludin in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), which might be related to the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. Based on these findings, CTs may play a neuroprotective role in OGD/R injure in NVU models in vitro by inhibiting cell apoptosis and alleviating the damage of blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Structural and functional damage to the hippocampal neurovascular unit in diabetes-related depression

Previous studies have shown that models of depression exhibit structural and functional changes to the neurovascular unit. Thus, we hypothesized that diabetes-related depression might be associated with damage to the hippocampal neurovascular unit. To test this hypothesis, neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells were isolated from the brain tissues of rat embryos and newborn rats. Hippocampal neurovascular unit co-cultures were produced using the Transwell chamber co-culture system. A model of diabetes-related depression was generated by adding 150 mM glucose and 200 μM corticosterone to the culture system and compared with the neuron + astrocyte and astrocyte + endothelial cell co-culture systems. Western blot assay was used to measure levels of structural proteins in the hippocampal neurovascular unit co-culture system. Levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenic factor 1, glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor, transforming growth factor β1, leukemia inhibitory factor and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the hippocampal neurovascular unit co-culture system were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining was used to assess neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal neurovascular unit. The neurovascular unit triple cell co-culture system had better barrier function and higher levels of structural and secretory proteins than the double cell co-culture systems. In comparison, in the model of diabetes-related depression, the neurovascular unit was damaged with decreased barrier function, poor structural integrity and impaired secretory function. Moreover, neuronal apoptosis was markedly increased, and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were reduced. These results suggest that diabetes-related depression is associated with structural and functional damage to the neurovascular unit. Our findings provide a foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis of diabetes-related depression.

Effects of three flavonoids from an ancient traditional Chinese medicine Radix puerariae on geriatric diseases

As the worldwide population ages, the morbidity of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and endocrine diseases, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, continues to increase. The etiology of geriatric diseases is complex, involving the interaction of genes and the environment, which makes effective treatment challenging. Traditional Chinese medicine, unlike Western medicine, uses diverse bioactive ingredients to target multiple signaling pathways in geriatric diseases. Radix puerariae is one of the most widely used ancient traditional Chinese medicines and is also consumed as food. This review summarizes the evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies of the pharmacological effects of the main active components of the tuber of Radix puerariae on geriatric diseases.

Inhibition of Connexin43 hemichannels with Gap19 protects cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in mice

Functional disruption of the neurovascular unit may lead to aggravation of ischemic cerebral injury. Connexin43 (Cx43)-dependent gap junctional channels (GJCs) are critical in maintaining brain homeostasis. However, excessive opening of hemichannels (HCs) after cerebral ischemia may cause apoptosis and finally lead to amplification of ischemic injury. Previous studies indicated that Cx43 mimetic peptides Gap26 and Gap27 may protect cerebral ischemic injury, but the latest studies showed they also inhibit the opening of GJCs, which are beneficial for neuroprotection. Recent studies showed that Gap19 is a new specific inhibitor of Cx43 HCs. We investigated the role of Gap19 on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Ventricle-injected Gap19 significantly alleviated infarct volume, neuronal cell damage and neurological deficits after ischemia, the neuroprotective effect of Gap19 was significant stronger than Gap26. Post-treatment with TAT-Gap19 still provided neuroprotection when it was administered intraperitoneally at 4 h after reperfusion. In addition, we found that Gap19 decreased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and increased the level of Bcl-2, suggesting the anti-apoptotic activity of specifically blocking the Cx43 HCs. Furthermore, our data indicate that Gap19 treatment increased the levels of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 both in vivo and in vitro. Gap19 inhibited hemichannel activity assessed by dye uptake in astrocytes. And we detected that pSTAT3 co-localized with Cx43 together in astrocytes after oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) injury. Finally, AG490, a blocker of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, could reverse the neuroprotective effects of Gap19 both in vivo and in vitro. Our experiment investigated the anti-apoptotic activity of Gap19, the specific inhibitor of Cx43 HCs, and the potential mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that Gap19 plays an anti-apoptotic role via activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway after cerebral I/R injury, indicating that specific blocking of Cx43 HCs is a potential target for ischemic stroke.

Troxerutin and Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate Injection Protects Neurovascular Units from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation and Reoxygenation-Induced Injury In Vitro

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury involves complex events of cellular and molecular processes. Previous studies suggest that a neurovascular unit (NVU) acts as an intricate network to maintain the neuronal homeostatic microenvironment. The present study established an NVU model for oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) damage, trying to target the major components of the NVU using a coculture of rat neurons, astrocytes, and rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) to investigate the therapeutic effects of troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate injections (TCHis). The study observed that OGD/R downregulated the expressions of GAP-43, Claudin-5, and AQP-4 obviously detected by Western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis, respectively, while TCHi ameliorated the effect of OGD/R significantly. Meanwhile, TCHi alleviated the abnormalities of ultrastructure of neurons and rBMECs induced by OGD/R. Furthermore, both levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) detected by ELISA in NVU supernatant were found elevated significantly through OGD/R, but TCHi ameliorated the trend. In addition, TCHi also mitigated the increase of proapoptotic factors (Bax, p53, and caspase-3) induced by OGD/R in NVU model statistically. All these findings demonstrated that TCHis played a protective role, which was reflected in anti-inflammation, antiapoptosis, and blood–brain barrier maintenance. The results of the study concluded that the NVU is an ideal target and TCHi acts as a neuroprotective agent against cerebral I/R injuries.

Focusing on claudin-5: A promising candidate in the regulation of BBB to treat ischemic stroke

Claudin-5 is a tight junction (TJ) protein in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that has recently attracted increased attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that claudin-5 regulates the integrity and permeability of the BBB. Increased claudin-5 expression plays a neuroprotective role in neurological diseases, particularly in cerebral ischemic stroke. Moreover, claudin-5 might be a potential marker for early hemorrhagic transformation detection in ischemic stroke. In light of the distinctive effects of claudin-5 on the nervous system, we present the elaborate network of roles that claudin-5 plays in ischemic stroke. In this review, we first introduce basic knowledge regarding the BBB and the claudin family, the characterization and regulation of claudin-5, and association between claudin-5 and other TJ proteins. Subsequently, we describe BBB dysfunction and neuron-specific drivers of pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, including inflammatory disequilibrium and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we summarize promising ischemic stroke treatments that target the BBB via claudin-5, including modified rt-PA therapy, pharmacotherapy, hormone treatment, receptor-targeted therapy, gene therapy, and physical therapy. This review highlights recent advances and provides a comprehensive summary of claudin-5 in the regulation of the BBB and may be helpful for drug design and clinical therapy for treatment of ischemic stroke.

Effects of puerarin combined with conventional therapy on ischemic stroke

This study evaluated the use of conventional therapy combined with puerarin on ischemic stroke. Eighty patients with ischemic stroke admitted to Tangshan Gongren Hospital from March 2014 to September 2015 were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with conventional therapy. The observation group was treated with an additional puerarin injection of 400 mg/day. The patients in both groups were examined for clinical neurological signs and symptoms. The levels of biochemical markers as well as changes in hemorheology were measured after the intervention and compared among the groups. Our results indicate that the language expression was significantly better in the observation group after the intervention (p<0.05). Additionally, the aphasia quotient was higher (p<0.05), the neurological deficit score was lower (p<0.05), and the functional ability score was higher (p<0.05). The plasma S-100B and NSE levels were lower (p<0.05), the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity were lower (p<0.05), and the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin, cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine were lower (p<0.05). Our findings led to the conclusion that the use of puerarin can effectively improve the language function, reduce neurological damage, reduce blood viscosity, reduce stress response and improve quality of life.

Lyophilized Powder of Catalpol and Puerarin Protected Cerebral Vessels from Ischemia by Its Anti-apoptosis on Endothelial Cells

Catalpol and puerarin are two monomers of Rehmannia glutinosa and Lobed Kudzuvine Root, which are two herbs commonly used together in ancient prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine for cerebral ischemia. Our previous study shows that the lyophilized powder of the two monomers improved the outcome of cerebral ischemia excellently in rodents. However, if it protects vessels from ischemia is unknown. The present research studied the protection of lyophilized powder of catalpol and puerarin (CP) on endothelial cells and the relative mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats were used to study the improvement of CP on neurological deficiency, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and infarct volume. The morphology of vessels and the apoptosis of brain vascular endothelial cells (BVECs) were observed and detected by immunohistochemistry approaches. To study how CP protected primary BVECs (pBVECs) from ischemic penumbra, oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-damaged pBVECs were cultured in the condition of insufficient nutrition and low oxygen which recapitulate the low perfusion of ischemic penumbra. Using the cell model, the mechanism by which CP protected pBVECs was studied by shRNA and pathway inhibitors. CP at the dose of 65.4 mg/kg increased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), reduced infarct volume, protected vessel integrity and inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis in vivo. But it only improved rCBF, vessel integrity and BVECs apoptosis at the dose of 32.7 mg/kg. In vitro, the protection of CP on pBVECs was proved to be ERK/HIF-1a- and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1a-dependent. This study indicates a possibility of CP being a new drug for cerebral ischemia. Besides, this research provides an alternative cell model for penumbra ECs study.

Effect of puerarin on transcriptome of astrocyte during oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury

Stroke is a serious disease with complex pathomechanism and limited therapeutic effect in clinic. Our previous research has found obvious therapeutic effect of Puerarin (Pur) on stroke injury of rat. The aim of this study is to investigate the transcriptome changes of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-injured astrocytes before and after the intervention of Pur. Cells activity and apoptosis detection indicated that the activity of OGD/R-injured astrocytes was improved, and the apoptosis was ameliorated by Pur. Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array assays indicated that after intervention of Pur, mRNA expressions of 31 genes were up-regulated and 40 genes were down-regulated in OGD group, whereas mRNA expression of 36 genes were up-regulated, and 88 genes were down-regulated in OGD/R group. Pathway analysis indicated that the olfactory transduction pathway and the JAK (janus kinase) 2/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) three pathways were down-regulated by Pur during OGD/R injury of astrocytes. These data indicated that Pur regulates transcriptome and expresses protective effect on astrocytes during OGD/R injury, and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of stroke.

β-Caryophyllene protects in vitro neurovascular unit against oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation-induced injury

β-Caryophyllene (BCP) mediates neuroprotection in cerebral ischemic animals. The neurovascular unit (NVU) acts as an intricate network to maintain the neuronal homeostatic microenvironment. However, the effects exerted by BCP on NVU remain unclear. Therefore, we established an in vitro NVU model to investigate the effects of BCP on oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury. This model involved the co-culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells, neurons, and astrocytes. BCP (10 μmol/L) was applied for 24 h prior to OGD/R and maintained throughout OGD/R. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuronal apoptosis were analyzed. BCP pre-treatment prior to the initiation of OGD/R significantly (i) decreased BBB permeability and neuronal apoptosis, (ii) mitigated oxidative stress damage and the release of inflammatory cytokines, (iii) down-regulated Bax expression, metalloproteinase-9 activity and expression, and (iv) up-regulated claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1, growth-associated protein-43 and Bcl-2 expression. Thus, BCP pre-treatment exerted multiple protective effects on NVU in the context of OGD/R-induced injury. These protective effects potentially occur via reductions in oxidative stress damage and inflammatory cytokines that induce BBB breakdown, subsequently resulting in reduced neuronal apoptosis. The NVU serves as putative therapeutic targets for cerebral ischemia, and the results of this study provide new insights for the application of BCP as a neuroprotective agent.