Safranal, an active ingredient of saffron, attenuates cognitive deficits in amyloid β-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease: underlying mechanisms

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract attenuates chronic scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, amyloid beta, and neurofibrillary tangles accumulation in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Crocus sativus L. known as saffron, is a popular food condiment with a high aroma, deep colour, and long and thick threads (stigmas) cultivated in Iran, Morocco, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, France, Turkey, and India. In 'Ayurveda', saffron is acknowledged for its immunostimulant, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, liver tonic, nervine tonic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, febrifuge, sedative, relaxant, and anxiolytic activities. The renowned Persian physician and philosopher, Avicenna, delineated saffron as an antidepressant, hypnotic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, bronchodilator, and aphrodisiac in his book, the Canon of Medicine. Within traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), saffron is characterized as a mood elevator and a rejuvenator for the body and senses. Further, the ethnopharmacological evidence indicates that saffron has shown an effect against neurodegenerative disorders namely, dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's with its bioactive constituents i.e., carotenoids and apocarotenoids.

AIM

The present study aimed to investigate the potential of standardized (Kashmir Saffron, India) Crocus sativus extract (CSE) in chronic scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) accumulation in rat brains by targeting AChE inhibition and scopolamine mechanistic effect.

METHODS

The experimental animals were divided into six groups: group 1: normal control, group 2: scopolamine, group 3,4 and 5 rivastigmine tartrate, CSE (p.o. 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg) respectively. Each treatment group received scopolamine after 20 min of dosing, till 4 weeks. The effects of different treatments on learning, acquisition, and reversal memory were performed using a Morris water maze test. In addition to behavioral assessments, biochemical parameters such as AChE, IL-6, and antioxidants were measured in isolated brains. Histological observations were also conducted to assess the presence of Aβ plaques and NFT. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to explore the potential AChE inhibitory activity of the bioactive constituents of standardized CSE.

RESULTS

Scopolamine produces memory impairment, and its chronic administration forms Aβ plaque and NFT in rat brains. Supplementation with CSE in presence of scopolamine has shown remarkable effects on behavioural activity, special acquisition, and reversal memory. The CSE has also shown promising effects on AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity. The results of the docking study also indicate that trans-crocetin, i.e., a biologically active metabolite of Crocins, has strong AChE inhibitory activity, supported by an in vivo animal experiment.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with CSE significantly attenuates the formation of Aβ plaque and NFT in the hippocampus at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day. In addition, CSE also counters scopolamine-induced neuroinflammation.

New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms

Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.

Neuroprotective mechanism of ribisin A on H2O2-induced PC12 cell injury model

Ribisin A has been shown to have neurotrophic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ribisin A on injured PC12 cells and elucidate its mechanism. In this project, PC12 cells were induced by H2O2 to establish an injury model. After treatment with ribisin A, the neuroprotective mechanism of ribisin A was investigated by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometric analysis, fluorescent probe analysis, and western blot. We found that ribisin A decreased the rate of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, increased cellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Ca2+ expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, ribisin A significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inhibited apoptosis of PC12 cells. Meanwhile, ribisin A activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and its downstream molecule CREB by upregulating the expression of Trk A and Trk B, the upstream molecules of the ERK signaling pathway.

Improvement of inhaled paraquat induced lung and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and memory changes by safranal

The effects of safranal and pioglitazone alone and their combination on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation as well as behavioral changes were examined in rats. In this study, animals were exposed to saline (Ctrl) or PQ (PQ groups) aerosols. PQ exposed animals were treated with dexamethasone, 0.8 and 3.2 mg/kg/day safranal (Saf-L and Saf-H), 5 mg/kg/day pioglitazone (Pio), and Saf-L + Pio for 16 days during PQ exposure period. PQ group showed increased numbers of total and differential WBCs in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), increased malondialdehyde (MDA), in the serum BALF and brain reduced thiol, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels compared to the control group (for all, p < 0.001). The escape latency and traveled distance were enhanced, but the time spent in the target quadrant in the probe day and the latency to enter the dark room 3, 24, 48, and 72 h after receiving an electrical shock, (in the shuttle box test) were decreased in the PQ group (p < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In all treated groups, all measure values were improved compared to PQ group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In combination treated group of Saf-L + Pio, most measured values were more improved than the Saf-L and Pio groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Saf and Pio improved PQ-induced changes similar to dexamethasone but the effects produced by combination treatments of Saf-L + Pio were more prominent than Pio and Saf-L alone, suggesting a potentiating effect for the combination of the two agents.

Safranal acts as a neurorestorative agent in rats with cerebral ischemic stroke via upregulating SIRT1

Safranal is an active ingredient of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke (IS) through reducing oxidative stress damage has been widely reported. However, the neurorestorative mechanisms of safranal are still in the preliminary stage of exploration. the present study is aimed to discuss the effects of safranal on the recovery of neural function after IS. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMEC) were established to explore the effects of safranal on IS in vivo and in vitro. It was found that safranal dramatically reduced infarct size and Nissl's body loss in rats subjected to MCAO/R. Safranal also promoted neuron survival, stimulated neurogenesis, induced angiogenesis and increased SIRT1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Silencing of SIRT1 reversed the above effects of safranal on OGD/R-induced RBMEC. The present study indicated that safranal was a promising compound to exert neurorestorative effect in IS via upregulating SIRT1 expression. These results offer insight into developing new mechanisms in the recovery of neural function after safranal treatment of IS.

Mesenchymal stem cells reduce long-term cognitive deficits and attenuate myelin disintegration and microglia activation following repetitive traumatic brain injury

The underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effects exerted by bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in treating repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI)-induced long-term sensorimotor/cognitive impairments are not fully elucidated. Herein, we aimed to explore whether BM-MSCs therapy protects against rTBI-induced long-term neurobehavioral disorders in rats via normalizing white matter integrity and gray matter microglial response. Rats were subjected to repeated mild lateral fluid percussion on day 0 and day 3. On the fourth day post-surgery, MSCs groups received MSCs (4 × 106 cells/ml/kg, intravenously) and were assessed by the radial maze, Y maze, passive avoidance tests, and modified neurological severity scores. Hematoxylin & eosin, and Luxol fast blue stainings were used to examine the histopathology and white matter thickness. At the same time, immunofluorescence staining was used to investigate the numbers of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-containing microglia in gray matter. Three to nine months after neurotrauma, rats displayed sensorimotor and cognitive impairments, reduced thickness in white matter, and over-accumulation of TNF-α-containing microglia and cellular damage in gray matter. Therapy with BM-MSCs significantly attenuated the rTBI-induced sensorimotor and cognitive impairments and all their complications. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy might accelerate the recovery of sensorimotor and cognitive impairments in rats with rTBI via normalizing myelin integrity and microglia response.

(-)-α-bisabolol exerts neuroprotective effects against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats by targeting inflammation and oxidative stress

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder which is accompanied with behavioral and psychiatric alternations. Current evidences have shown that (-)-α-bisabolol (BSB) possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in several animal studies. Here, we conducted present study to evaluate its neuroprotective effects against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. We used fifty male rats and they were randomly assigned into 5 groups control, BSB100, PTZ, BSB50 + PTZ, BSB100 + PTZ. The animals intraperitoneally received PTZ (45 mg/kg) for ten consecutive days to induce epilepsy model. BSB in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was administrated orally one hour before PTZ administration for ten days. The elevated plus maze (EPM) test was carried out to assess anxiety-like behavior. The seizure intensity was evaluated according to modifies Racine's convulsion scale (RCS). Y-maze and passive avoidance were utilized to assess working memory and aversive memory. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The neuronal cell loss in the hilar region was assessed using Nissl staining. Results showed that PTZ-treated rats had more seizure intensity, anxiety-like behavior, memory deficits, higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and oxidative markers. Pre-treatment with BSB 100 significantly inhibited seizure intensity, anxiety-like behavior, and memory deficits; reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA oxidative markers. Collectively, outcome of this work shows that BSB at the dose of 100 mg/kg may exert neuroprotective effects by mitigating seizures, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, and ameliorates memory and anxiety disorders in the PTZ-induced seizure rats.

Effect of safranal or candesartan on 3-nitropropionicacid-induced biochemical, behavioral and histological alterations in a rat model of Huntington's disease

3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a potent mitochondrial inhibitor mycotoxin. Systemic administration of 3-NP can induce Huntington's disease (HD)-like symptoms in experimental animals. Safranal (Safr) that is found in saffron essential oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Candesartan (Cands) is an angiotensin receptor blocker that has the potential to prevent cognitive deficits. The present study aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of Safr or Cands in 3-NP-induced rat model of HD. The experiments continued for nine consecutive days. Rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. The first group (Safr-control) was daily intraperitoneally injected with paraffin oil. The second group (Cands- and 3-NP-control) daily received an oral dose of 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline. The third and fourth groups received a single daily dose of 50 mg/kg Safr (intraperitoneal) and 1 mg/kg Cands (oral), respectively. The sixth group was daily treated with 50 mg Safr kg/day (intraperitoneal) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The seventh group was daily treated with 1 mg Cands /kg/day (oral) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The present results revealed that 3-NP injection induced a considerable body weight loss, impaired memory and locomotor activity, reduced striatal monoamine levels. Furthermore, 3-NP administration remarkably increased striatal malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, whereas markedly decreased the total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, 3-NP significantly upregulated the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase and caspase-3 as well as the Fas ligand, in striatum. On the contrary, Safr and Cands remarkably alleviated the above-mentioned 3-NP-induced alterations. In conclusion, Safr and Cands may prevent or delay the progression of HD and its associated impairments through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuromodulator effects.

Effect of saffron, black seed, and their main constituents on inflammatory cytokine response (mainly TNF-α) and oxidative stress status: an aspect on pharmacological insights

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an inflammatory cytokine, is produced by monocytes and macrophages. It is known as a 'double-edged sword' because it is responsible for advantageous and disadvantageous events in the body system. The unfavorable incident includes inflammation, which induces some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, cancer, and diabetes. Many medicinal plants have been found to prevent inflammation, such as saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and black seed (Nigella sativa). Therefore, the purpose of this review was to assess the pharmacological effects of saffron and black seed on TNF-α and diseases related to its imbalance. Different databases without time limitations were investigated up to 2022, including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. All the original articles (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) were collected on the effects of black seed and saffron on TNF-α. Black seed and saffron have therapeutic effects against many disorders, such as hepatotoxicity, cancer, ischemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, by decreasing TNF-α levels based on their anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Saffron and black seed can treat a variety of diseases by suppressing TNF-α and exhibiting a variety of activities such as neuroprotective, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, antitussive, bronchodilator, antidiabetic activity, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. To uncover the beneficial underlying mechanisms of black seed and saffron, more clinical trials and phytochemical research are required. Also, these two plants affect other inflammatory cytokines, hormones, and enzymes, implying that they could be used to treat a variety of diseases.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of safranal against glioblastoma (GBM)

Introduction

Safranal is an active component of the traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) saffron, which has potential anticancer activity.

Methods and results

Here, we studied the therapeutic effect and mechanism of safranal on GBM. CCK-8, GBM-brain organoid coculture experiments and 3D tumour spheroid invasion assays showed that safranal inhibited GBM cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Network pharmacology, RNA-seq, molecular docking analysis, western blotting, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays predicted and verified that safranal could promote GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest and inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. In vivo experiments showed that safranal could inhibit GBM cell growth alone and in combination with TMZ.

Conclusion

This study revealed that safranal inhibits GBM cell growth in vivo and in vitro, promotes GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest, inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis and cooperate with TMZ.

Feeding crocin ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress in rats

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the current study was to investigate the probable mechanism and effect of crocin on brain oxidative damage and memory deficits induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups consisting of one vehicle group (received normal saline), four groups included rats who received UCMS 4 weeks out of which three groups were pretreated with different doses of crocin (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/day) concomitantly. To assess the pure effect of crocin, the last experimental group received a high dose of crocin (30 mg/kg/day) without exposure to the UCMS procedure. The behavioral tests including Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) were performed and eventually they were sacrificed for the estimation of biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

The increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress indicator and nitrite levels in the hippocampus were observed in UCMS rats, along with memory deficits in behavioral tests including passive avoidance and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Moreover, treatment with crocin decreased MDA, nitrite, pro-inflammatory cytokine such as TNF-α, and pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease including amyloid-β (Aβ), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus, whereas antioxidant agents including total thiol content, SOD, and catalase activity were increased. Also behavioral test demonstrated a positive effect of crocin on memory deficit induced by UCMS. Interlukin-10 as an important anti-inflammatory agent was increased as well. Interestingly, in some behavioral and biochemical findings, treatment with 30 mg/kg of crocin has given better results compared to vehicle group, which means the administration of crocin could have preventive effects on learning and memory impairment.

CONCLUSION

The present study strongly confirmed the positive effect of crocin and has the potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that could improve memory impairment induced by UCMS.

Andrographolide exerts a neuroprotective effect by regulating the LRP1-mediated PPARγ/NF-κB pathway

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein 1 (LRP1) is widely expressed in neurons, microglia and astrocytes. Studies have revealed that the suppression of LRP1 expression in the brain significantly exacerbates Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related neuropathology. Andrographolide (Andro) has been demonstrated to possess neuroprotective properties, although its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate whether Andro can inhibit neuroinflammation in AD by modulating the LRP1-mediated PPARγ/NF-κB pathway. In Aβ-induced BV-2 cells, Andro was found to increase cell viability and enhance the expression of LRP1, while decreasing the expression of p-NF-κB (p65) and NF-κB(p65), as well as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels. In addition, when Aβ was cotreatment with Andro to BV2 cells with either LRP1 or PPARγ knockdown, increased mRNA and protein expression of p-NF-κB(p65) and NF-κB(p65), NF-κB DNA binding activity as well as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were observed. These findings suggested that Andro could attenuate Aβ induced cytotoxicity by reducing neuroinflammation which may be partly attributed to its effects on this LRP1 mediated PPARγ/NF-κB pathway.

Therapeutic potential of aromatic plant extracts in Alzheimer's disease: Comprehensive review of their underlying mechanisms

AIMS

The aim of this review is to outline recent advancements in the application and mechanistic studies of aromatic plant extracts in Alzhermer`s disease (AD) to demonstrate their value in the management of this disease.

BACKGROUND

AD is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex pathogenesis characterized by severe cognitive impairment. Currently, there are very few drugs available for the treatment of AD, and treatments are primarily focused on symptom relief. Aromatherapy is a traditional complementary alternative therapy that focuses on the prevention and treatment of the disease through the inhalation or transdermal administration of aromatic plant extracts. Over the past few years, studies on the use of aromatic plant extracts for the treatment of AD have been increasing and have demonstrated a definitive therapeutic effect.

METHODS

We systematically summarized in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies focusing on the potential use of aromatic plant extracts in the treatment of AD in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure from 2000 to 2022.

RESULTS

Our literature survey indicates that aromatic plant extracts exert anti-AD effects by modulating pathological changes through anti-amyloid, anti-tau phosphorylation, anti-cholinesterase, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidative stress mechanisms (Figure 1).

CONCLUSION

This review provides a future strategy for the research of novel anti-AD drugs from aromatic plant extracts.

Capsaicin protects against septic acute liver injury by attenuation of apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction

Capsaicin is the main pungent bioactive constituent in red chili with promising therapeutic properties due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. No evidence exists on the beneficial effect of capsaicin on apoptosis and mitochondrial function in acute liver injury (ALI) under septic conditions. For inducing septic ALI, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 μg/kg) and d-galactose (D-Gal, 400 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected and capsaicin was given orally at 5 or 20 mg/kg. Functional markers of liver function and mitochondrial dysfunction were determined as well as hepatic assessment of apoptotic, oxidative, and inflammatory factors. Capsaicin at the higher dose appropriately decreased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in addition to reducing hepatic level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite, NF-kB, TLR4, IL-1β, TNF-α, caspase 3, DNA fragmentation and boosting sirtuin 1, Nrf2, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and heme oxygenase (HO-1). These beneficial effects of capsaicin were associated with reversal and/or improvement of gene expression for pro-apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, mitochondrial and metabolic regulators PGC-1α, sirtuin 1, and AMPK, and inflammation-associated factors. Additionally, capsaicin exerted a hepatoprotective effect, as revealed by its reduction of liver histopathological changes. These findings evidently indicate hepatoprotective property of capsaicin under septic conditions that can be attributed to its down-regulation of oxidative and inflammatory processes besides its potential to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Metformin mitigates amyloid β1-40-induced cognitive decline via attenuation of oxidative/nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation

Metformin is an antidiabetic medicine widely used for management of type 2 diabetes with neuroprotective effects and promising potential to attenuate cognitive impairment. The efficacy of metformin in attenuation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has not been well-documented. Thus, this study was designed to assess protective effect of metformin against Aβ_1-40-instigared cognitive impairment. After intra-CA1 microinjection of aggregated Aβ_1-40, rats received oral metformin (50 and/or 200 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Cognition function was analyzed in various behavioral tasks besides measurement of hippocampal oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation along with H&E staining and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunohistochemistry. Obtained data showed significant improvement of discrimination score in novel object recognition test, higher alternation score in Y maze, greater latency in passive avoidance task, and lower working and reference memory errors in radial arm maze in metformin-treated Aβ-injured group. Moreover, metformin treatment attenuated hippocampal levels of nitrite, MDA, protein carbonyl, ROS, TNFα, GFAP, DNA fragmentation intensity, caspase 3 activity, AChE activity, and increased SOD activity and level of IL-10 as an anti-inflammatory factor. In addition, metformin treatment was associated with lower CA1 neuronal loss and it also decreased intensity of 3-NT immunoreactivity as an indicator of nitrosative stress. Taken together, obtained findings showed neuroprotective and anti-dementia property of metformin in male rats and this may have potential benefit in attenuation of cognitive decline and related complications in patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as AD besides diabetes mellitus.

Leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale ameliorates biomarkers of neuroinflammation, memory loss, and neurobehavioral deficit in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats

PURPOSE

Anacardium occidentale commonly known as Cashew is a plant that is widely used in African traditional medicine. It is endowed with phytochemical constituents that are responsible for its medicinal properties.

METHODS

Twenty-five male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: Control (Group A), Group B (L-NAME 40 mg/kg), Group C (100 mg/kg Anacardium occidentale extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME), Group D (200 mg/kg extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME) and Group E (10 mg/kg of Lisinopril plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME). The animals were treated with oral administration of either the extracts or Lisnopril daily for 4 weeks. Neuro-behavioural tests such as the Morris Water Maze and Hanging Wire Grip tests were carried out to evaluate memory/spatial learning and muscular strength, respectively. Makers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and immunohistochemical staining of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionised Calcium Binding Adaptor molecule 1 were assessed.

RESULTS

L-NAME administration caused significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant status, acetylcholinesterase activity, altered neuro-behavioural changes, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. However, Anacardium occidentale reversed exaggerated oxidative stress biomarkers and improved neuro-behavioural changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining all, Anacardium occidentale enhanced brain antioxidant defence status, improved memory and muscular strength, thus, suggesting the neuroprotective properties of Anacardium occidentale.

Saffron as a promising therapy for diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: mechanistic insights

The prevalence of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus is increasing with the societies' aging and has become an essential social concern worldwide. Accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of tau proteins in the brain are hallmarks of AD. Diabetes is an underlying risk factor for AD. Insulin resistance has been proposed to be involved in amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation in the brain. It seems that diabetic conditions can result in AD pathology by setting off a cascade of processes, including inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) synthesis. Due to the several side effects of chemical drugs and their high cost, using herbal medicine has recently attracted attention for the treatment of diabetes and AD. Saffron and its active ingredients have been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-AD properties. Therefore, in the present review paper, we take account of the clinical, in vivo and in vitro evidence regarding the anti-diabetic and anti-AD effects of saffron and discuss the preventive or postponing properties of saffron or its components on AD development via its anti-diabetic effects.

Interactions of Apigenin and Safranal with the 5HT1A and 5HT2A Receptors and Behavioral Effects in Depression and Anxiety: A Molecular Docking, Lipid-Mediated Molecular Dynamics, and In Vivo Analysis

BACKGROUND

The current study utilizes in silico molecular docking/molecular dynamics to evaluate the binding affinity of apigenin and safranal with 5HT1AR/5HT2AR, followed by assessment of in vivo effects of these compounds on depressive and anxious behavior.

METHODS

The docking between apigenin and safranal and the 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors was performed utilizing AutoDock Vina software, while MD and protein-lipid molecular dynamics simulations were executed by AMBER16 software. For in vivo analysis, healthy control (HC), disease control (DC), fluoxetine-, and apigenin-safranal-treated rats were tested for changes in depression and anxiety using the forced swim test (FST) and the elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), respectively.

RESULTS

The binding affinity estimations identified the superior interacting capacity of apigenin over safranal for 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors over 200 ns MD simulations. Both compounds exhibit oral bioavailability and absorbance. In the rodent model, there was a significant increase in the overall mobility time in the FST, while in the EPMT, there was a decrease in latency and an increase in the number of entries for the treated and HC rats compared with the DC rats, suggesting a reduction in depressive/anxiety symptoms after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses suggest apigenin and safranal as prospective medication options to treat depression and anxiety.

Ameliorative effects of half-dose saffron and chamomile combination on Psycho-endocrinological changes in a diabetic murine model

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Reduction in blood insulin level alters brain function by inducing oxidative stress with changes in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission, ultimately leading to neuropsychological symptoms. The efficacy of currently available psychotropic drugs is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the beneficial effects of a combination of the natural herbs, saffron and chamomile, in treating diabetes and its resultant neuropsychological effects using a rodent model of diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

The rats were randomly divided in to eight groups (n = 10), healthy control (HC), diabetic control (DC) and six groups of diabetic rats treated with various concentrations and combinations of saffron and chamomile. Diabetic treatment groups individually received methanolic extract and water decoction of chamomile (30 mg/kg) and saffron (10mg/kg) and their combined half doses (saffron 5mg/kg and chamomile 15mg/kg) for two weeks. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were used to measure the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of herbs, respectively. Finally, biochemical, and neurochemical estimations were made.

RESULTS

The present study suggests the therapeutic effects of herbs especially in co-administrated decoction, against diabetes with improved antioxidant profile and enhanced levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were evident with improvements in the OFT and FST. Examination of the cortex of the diabetic group revealed cellular damage and tangle formation, which indicates advanced stages of dementia.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the use of a combination of saffron and chamomile improves diabetes control and reduces its related psychiatric effects.

Regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction induced cell apoptosis is a potential therapeutic strategy for herbal medicine to treat neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative disease is a progressive neurodegeneration caused by genetic and environmental factors. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD) are the three most common neurodegenerative diseases clinically. Unfortunately, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing year by year. However, the current available drugs have poor efficacy and large side effects, which brings a great burden to the patients and the society. Increasing evidence suggests that occurrence and development of the neurodegenerative diseases is closely related to the mitochondrial dysfunction, which can affect mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, as well as mitochondrial mitophagy. Through the disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis, nerve cells undergo varying degrees of apoptosis. Interestingly, it has been shown in recent years that the natural agents derived from herbal medicines are beneficial for prevention/treatment of neurodegenerative diseases via regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the potential therapeutic agents from herbal medicines for treating neurodegenerative diseases via suppressing apoptosis through regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, in order to provide a foundation for the development of more candidate drugs for neurodegenerative diseases from herbal medicine.

Nobiletin prevents amyloid β1-40-induced cognitive impairment via inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is presented as an age-related neurodegenerative disease with multiple cognitive deficits and amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation is the most important involved factor in its development. Nobiletin is a bioflavonoid isolated from citrus fruits peels with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity as well as anti-dementia property that has shown potency to ameliorate intracellular and extracellular Ab. The aim of the present study was to assess protective effect of nobiletin against Aβ_1-40-induced cognitive impairment as a consistent model of AD. After bilateral intrahippocampal (CA1 subfield) injection of Aβ_1-40, rats were treated with nobiletin (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.) from stereotaxic surgery day (day 0) till day + 7. Cognition function was evaluated in a battery of behavioral tasks at week 3 with final assessment of hippocampal oxidative stress and inflammation besides Nissl staining and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunohistochemistry. Analysis of behavioral data showed notable and significant improvement of alternation in Y maze test, discrimination ratio in novel object recognition task, and step through latency in passive avoidance test in nobiletin-treated Aβ group. Additionally, nobiletin treatment was associated with lower hippocampal levels of MDA and ROS and partial reversal of SOD activity and also improvement of Nrf2 with no significant effect on GSH and catalase. Furthermore, nobiletin attenuated hippocampal neuroinflammation in Aβ group as shown by lower tissue levels of TLR4, NF-kB, and TNFa. Histochemical findings showed that nobiletin prevents CA1 neuronal loss in Nissl staining in addition to its alleviation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunoreactivity as a marker of nitrosative stress. Collectively, these findings indicated neuroprotective and anti-dementia potential of nobiletin that is partly attributed to its anti-oxidative, anti-nitrosative, and anti-inflammatory property associated with proper modulation of TLR4/NF-kB/Nrf2 pathways.

Exercise Rehabilitation and/or Astragaloside Attenuate Amyloid-beta Pathology by Reversing BDNF/TrkB Signaling Deficits and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

We aim to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise rehabilitation (ER) and/or astragaloside (AST) in counteracting amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology. Aβ oligomers were microinjected into the bilateral ventricles to induce Aβ neuropathology in rats. Neurobehavioral functions were evaluated. Cortical and hippocampal expressions of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D were determined by the western blotting method. The rat primary cultured cortical neurons were incubated with BDNF and/or AST and ANA12 followed by exposure to aggregated Aβ for 24 h. In vivo results showed that ER and/or AST reversed neurobehavioral disorders, downregulation of cortical and hippocampal expression of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D, neural pathology, Aβ accumulation, and altered microglial polarization caused by Aβ. In vitro studies also confirmed that topical application of BDNF and/or AST reversed the Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, mitochondrial distress, and synaptotoxicity and decreased expression of p-TrkB, p-Akt, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin in rat cortical neurons. The beneficial effects of combined ER (or BDNF) and AST therapy in vivo and in vitro were superior to ER (or BDNF) or AST alone. Furthermore, we observed that any gains from ER (or BDNF) and/or AST could be significantly eliminated by ANA-12, a potent BDNF/TrkB antagonist. These results indicate that whereas ER (or BDNF) and/or AST attenuate Aβ pathology by reversing BDNF/TrkB signaling deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction, combining these two potentiates each other's therapeutic effects. In particular, AST can be an alternative therapy to replace ER.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant, originally cultivated in the East and Middle East, and later in some Mediterranean countries. Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the plant. Currently, the use of saffron is undergoing a revival. The medicinal virtues of saffron, its culinary use and its high added value have led to the clarification of its phytochemical profile and its biological and therapeutic characteristics. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and terpenes. The major products of saffron are crocins and crocetin (carotenoids) deriving from zeaxanthin, pirocrocin and safranal, which give it its taste and aroma, respectively. Saffron and its major compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Anti-tumor properties have also been described. The goal of this review is to present the beneficial effects of saffron and its main constituent molecules on neuropsychiatric diseases (depression, anxiety and schizophrenia) as well as on the most frequent age-related diseases (cardiovascular, ocular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as sarcopenia). Overall, the phytochemical profile of saffron confers many beneficial virtues on human health and, in particular, on the prevention of age-related diseases, which is a major asset reinforcing the interest for this medicinal plant.

A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of the ethnic medicinal plant Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach in China

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach (syn. Polygonum orientale L.) is a potent medicinal herb widely used in many ethnic groups, such as the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Korean, Dong, Hani, Lisu, Naxi and She people in China. Aims of the review: This article aims to present the research progress on P. orientalis, which is helpful to understand the multi-purpose of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and prompt its medicinal value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on P. orientalis was obtained from published materials, including monographs on medicinal plants, ancient and modern recorded classics, pharmacopoeias and electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, AGRIS, Europe PMC, SCI Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang DATA, J-STAGE, classical treatises of modern pharmaceutical science and Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS).

RESULTS

Clinical applications of traditional medicine of P. orientalis have therapeutic effects for dispelling rheumatism, promoting digestion, aiding diuresis and activating blood circulation. A total of 153 chemical constituents have been identified from P. orientalis, including flavonoids, carboxylic acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, hydrocarbons, chromones, lignans, volatile oils, amides and other components. Its active ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-abortion, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis, as well as protective effects on cerebral ischemia and liver injury. By establishing stable detection methods, the quality standards of P. orientalis medicinal materials have been guaranteed, such as determination of the iconic components, harvesting periods and optimization of specific components extraction processes.

CONCLUSIONS

P. orientalis has different pharmacological activities based on the diversity of chemical constituents. However, the existing reports mainly focus on the extracts, and these studies on its corresponding compounds are not clear enough. The information suggests that P. orientalis has good potential medicinal value, and more attention should be paid to further explore its bioactive components.

COVID-19, cytokines, inflammation, and spices: How are they related?

BACKGROUND

Cytokine storm is the exaggerated immune response often observed in viral infections. It is also intimately linked with the progression of COVID-19 disease as well as associated complications and mortality. Therefore, targeting the cytokine storm might help in reducing COVID-19-associated health complications. The number of COVID-19 associated deaths (as of January 15, 2021; https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/) in the USA is high (1199/million) as compared to countries like India (110/million). Although the reason behind this is not clear, spices may have some role in explaining this difference. Spices and herbs are used in different traditional medicines, especially in countries such as India to treat various chronic diseases due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM

To evaluate the literature available on the anti-inflammatory properties of spices which might prove beneficial in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 associated cytokine storm.

METHOD

A detailed literature search has been conducted on PubMed for collecting information pertaining to the COVID-19; the history, origin, key structural features, and mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2; the repurposed drugs in use for the management of COVID-19, and the anti-inflammatory role of spices to combat COVID-19 associated cytokine storm.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that have reported the potency of spices to exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating crucial molecular targets for inflammation.

SIGNIFICANCE

As spices are derived from Mother Nature and are inexpensive, they are relatively safer to consume. Therefore, their anti-inflammatory property can be exploited to combat the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. This review thus focuses on the current knowledge on the role of spices for the treatment of COVID-19 through suppression of inflammation-linked cytokine storm.

Protective effect of alpha-linoleic acid on Aβ-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and memory impairment by alteration of α7 nAChR and NMDAR gene expression in the hippocampus of rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects many older people around the world. Numerous studies are underway to evaluate the protective effects of natural products in AD. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is an essential unsaturated fatty acid that exhibits neuroprotective outcomes in rat models of ischemic stroke and Parkinson's disease. This research aimed to investigate the effect of ALA on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, and memory deficit induced by amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide. After intrahippocampal injection of Aβ_1-42, rats received ALA (150 μg/kg, subcutaneously) for 14 consecutive days. ALA decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, enhanced glutathione content, and increased the activity of catalase in the hippocampus of the rat model of AD. It also reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-kappa B, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B mRNAs in the hippocampus, prevented the neuronal loss in the CA1 region, and enhanced the expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In addition, ALA allowed Aβ_1-42-injected rats to spend less time and distance to reach the hidden platform in the Morris water maze test and to swim longer in the target quadrant. We concluded that ALA reduces the biochemical, molecular, histological, and behavioral changes caused by Aβ_1-42 and it may be an effective option for treating AD.

Saffron: A potential drug-supplement for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID) management

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), came as a significant health care challenge for humans in 2019-20. Based on recent laboratory and epidemiological studies, a growing list of mutations in the virus has the potential to enhance its transmission or help it evade the immune response. To further compound the problems, there are considerable challenges to the availability of effective, affordable, safe vaccines on a mass scale. These impediments have led some to explore additional options available in traditional medicines, especially immune-boosting natural products. Saffron has been used for centuries to treat fever, bronchitis, cold and other immune, respiratory disorders. Herein, we discuss the potential role of saffron during and after COVID-19 infection, focusing on immunomodulation, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular functions. As a nutraceutical or drug supplement, it can alleviate the magnitude of COVID-19 symptoms in patients. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties attributed to saffron bioactive compounds can help in both pre-and post-infection management strategies. The abnormalities associated with COVID-19 survivors include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Saffron can help manage these post-hospitalization abnormalities (sub-acute and chronic) too, owing to its anti-depressant property. It can help common people boost immunity and manage depression, stress and anxiety caused due to prolonged lockdown, isolation or quarantine.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Endurance Training with Saffron on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the Hippocampus Tissue and Depression in Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Recent studies indicate that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is associated with neurological and cognitive disorders, but physical activity and medicinal plants have favorable effects on physiological and psychological factors in these patients. Objectives: Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training (ET) with saffron (S) on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the hippocampus tissue and depression of rats with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Forty AD rats with the mean age of eight weeks and mean weight of 250 ± 30.65 g were randomly divided into five groups of eight rats including: (1) control (C), (2) ET, (3) ET + S, (4) S, and (5) sham (normal saline) (Sh). During eight weeks, groups 2 and 3 ran on a treadmill for three sessions per week, each session lasting for 15 - 30 minutes, at a speed of 20 - 15 m/min, and groups 3 and 4 received 25 mg/kg daily aqueous extract of S peritoneally. Depression was evaluated by the forced swim test. Results: The levels of miR29aFC were higher in the ET + S group than in the C (P = 0.002), Sh (P = 0.003), ET (P = 0.003), and S (P = 0.001) groups. The levels of miR133bFC in the S (P = 0.02) and ET (P = 0.005) groups were lower than the C group. The mobility time in the ET (P = 0.001), S (P = 0.001), and ET + S (P = 0.001) groups was higher than the C group; in the ET + S group, the mobility time was higher than in the ET (P = 0.001) and S (P = 0.001) groups, and in the S group the mobility time was higher than in the ET group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that ET and S administration alone do not have favorable effects on miR29aFC and miR133bFC expression levels, but both can decrease depression; however, the simultaneous administration S and ET has interactive effects on improving miR29aFC expression and reducing depression.

Natural products as pharmacological modulators of mitochondrial dysfunctions for the treatments of Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal loss and cognitive impairment that harshly affect the elderly individuals. Currently, the available anti-AD pharmacological approaches are purely symptomatic to alleviate AD symptoms, and the curative effects of novel anti-AD drugs focused on Aβ target are disappointing. Hence, there is a tremendous need to adjust AD therapeutic targets and discover novel anti-AD agents. In AD, mitochondrial dysfunction gradually triggers neuronal death from different aspects and worsens the occurrence and progress of AD. Consequently, it has been proposed that the intervention of impaired mitochondria represents an attractive breakthrough point for AD treatments. Due to chemical diversity, poly-pharmacological activities, few adverse effects and multiple targeting, natural products (NPs) have been identified as a valuable treasure for drug discovery and development. Multiple lines of studies have scientifically proven that NPs display ameliorative benefits in AD treatment in relation to mitochondrial dysfunction. This review surveys the complicated implications for mitochondrial dysregulation and AD, and then summarizes the potentials of NPs and their underlying molecular mechanisms against AD via reducing or improving mitochondrial dysfunction. It is expected that this work may open the window to speed up the development of innovative anti-AD drugs originated from NPs and improve upcoming AD therapeutics.

Saffron bioactives crocin, crocetin and safranal: effect on oxidative stress and mechanisms of action

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is used as a spice for its organoleptic characteristics related to its coloring and flavoring properties, and it has been also used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The main chemical components responsible for these properties are crocin, crocetin and safranal. These compounds have been shown to have a wide spectrum of biological activities, including several properties as antigenotoxic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antidegenerative and antidepressant, among others. This review article highlights the antioxidant effects of these bioactive compounds to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mechanisms of action involved, since there are a multitude of diseases related to oxidative stress and the generation of free radicals (FRs). Recent studies have shown that the effects of crocin, crocetin and safranal against oxidative stress include the reduction in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA] levels) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and the increase in the levels of glutathione, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and thiol content. Therefore, due to the great antioxidant effects of these saffron compounds, it makes saffron a potential source of bioactive extracts for the development of bioactive ingredients, which can be used to produce functional foods.

Serum lipidomics study reveals protective effects of Rhodiola crenulata extract on Alzheimer's disease rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Rhodiola crenulata extract (RCE) has shown its protective effects on AD, however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this work, serum lipidomics was conducted to reveal the action mechanism of RCE on AD by HPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The animal model of AD was reproduced by intrahippocampal injection of Aβ_1-42 in rats. The novel object recognition test and passive avoidance test were performed to evaluate the protective effects of RCE on AD rats. The differences of lipid metabolism profiles in rats were evaluated by multivariate statistical analysis. Then, the potential lipid biomarkers were identified and the possible mechanism of RCE on AD was elucidated by metabolic pathways analysis. As a result, twenty-eight lipids with significant differences between the control group and the model group were screened out. With the treatment of RCE, 19 lipids in AD rats showed a trend of callback to the normal levels. The results of pathway analysis indicated that the protective effects of RCE on AD might be closely related to the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism, α-linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and ether lipid metabolism. In conclusion, this study provides a new perspective on the potential intervention mechanism of RCE for AD treatment.

The Interplay Between Beta-Amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42)-Induced Hippocampal Inflammatory Response, p-tau, Vascular Pathology, and Their Synergistic Contributions to Neuronal Death and Behavioral Deficits

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder, has complex neuropathology. The principal neuropathological hallmarks of the disease are the deposition of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) comprised of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein. These changes occur with neuroinflammation, a compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and neuronal synaptic dysfunction, all of which ultimately lead to neuronal cell loss and cognitive deficits in AD. Aβ1-42 was stereotaxically administered bilaterally into the CA1 region of the hippocampi of 18-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. This study aimed to characterize, utilizing immunohistochemistry and behavioral testing, the spatial and temporal effects of Aβ1-42 on a broad set of parameters characteristic of AD: p-tau, neuroinflammation, vascular pathology, pyramidal cell survival, and behavior. Three days after Aβ1-42 injection and before significant neuronal cell loss was detected, acute neuroinflammatory and vascular responses were observed. These responses included the up-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, also known as CD31), fibrinogen labeling, and an increased number of activated astrocytes and microglia in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. From day 7, there was significant pyramidal cell loss in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and by 30 days, significant localized up-regulation of p-tau, GFAP, Iba-1, CD31, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the Aβ1-42-injected mice compared with controls. These molecular changes in Aβ1-42-injected mice were accompanied by cognitive deterioration, as demonstrated by long-term spatial memory impairment. This study is reporting a comprehensive examination of a complex set of parameters associated with intrahippocampal administration of Aβ1-42 in mice, their spatiotemporal interactions and combined contribution to the disease progression. We show that a single Aβ injection can reproduce aspects of the inflammatory, vascular, and p-tau induced pathology occurring in the AD human brain that lead to cognitive deficits.

Predicting amyloid status using self-report information from an online research and recruitment registry: The Brain Health Registry

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to predict brain amyloid beta (Aβ) status in older adults using collected information from an online registry focused on cognitive aging.

METHODS

Aβ positron emission tomography (PET) was obtained from multiple in-clinic studies. Using logistic regression, we predicted Aβ using self-report variables collected in the Brain Health Registry in 634 participants, as well as a subsample (N = 533) identified as either cognitively unimpaired (CU) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cross-validated area under the curve (cAUC) evaluated the predictive performance.

RESULTS

The best prediction model included age, sex, education, subjective memory concern, family history of Alzheimer's disease, Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form, self-reported Everyday Cognition, and self-reported cognitive impairment. The cross-validated AUCs ranged from 0.62 to 0.66. This online model could help reduce between 15.2% and 23.7% of unnecessary Aβ PET scans in CU and MCI populations.

DISUCSSION

The findings suggest that a novel, online approach could aid in Aβ prediction.

The potential role of nanoyttria in alleviating oxidative stress biomarkers: Implications for Alzheimer's disease therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that requires immediate attention. Oxidative stress that leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species is a contributing factor to the disease progression by promoting synthesis and deposition of amyloid-β, the main hallmark protein in AD. It has been previously demonstrated that nanoyttria possesses antioxidant properties and can alleviate cellular oxidative injury in various toxicity and disease models. This review proposed that nanoyttria could be used for the treatment of AD. In this paper, the evidence on the antioxidant potential of nanoyttria is presented and its prospects on AD therapy are discussed.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been traditionally used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant. It currently has numerous therapeutic properties attributed to it, such as protection against ischemia, as well as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, saffron has remarkable beneficial properties, such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, due to its main metabolites, among which crocin and crocetin stand out. Furthermore, increasing evidence underwrites the possible neuroprotective role of the main bioactive saffron constituents in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, both in experimental models and in clinical studies in patients. Currently, saffron supplementation is being tested for ocular neurodegenerative pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, among others, and shows beneficial effects. The present article provides a comprehensive and up to date report of the investigations on the beneficial effects of saffron extracts on the main neurodegenerative ocular pathologies and other ocular diseases. This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.