Curcumin nanogel and its efficacy against oxidative stress and inflammation in rat models of ischemic stroke

Aim: The study was designed to develop and analyze curcumin nanoparticles. Methods: Curcumin nanoparticles were formulated and evaluated. Their efficacy in protecting against brain damage was investigated in a rat model of ischemic stroke, considering motor function, muscle strength and antioxidant enzyme activity. Results: Curcumin nanoparticles displayed a zeta potential of -55 ± 13.5 mV and an average particle size of 51.40 ± 21.70 nm. In ischemic stroke rat models, curcumin nanoparticle treatment significantly improved motor functions, and muscle strength and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: Curcumin nanoparticles showed significant neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Nanopiperine against Cypermethrin via Mitigation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammations and Gene Expression Using qRT-PCR

Cypermethrin (Cyp) is a pyrethroid that has been associated with the toxicity of various organs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of nano-piperine (NP) against Cyp toxicity. Cyp (50 mg/kg) was administered orally in all animals of groups III-VI for 15 days. Groups IV-VI each received three doses of NP (125, 250, and 500 µg/kg/day) for 10 days after receiving the Cyp dosage, which was given after 1 h. A rise in serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin), which are indicators of toxicity alongside anomalous oxidative stress indices (lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase), was detected. After Cyp treatment, we observed upregulated cytokines, caspase expression, and histological analysis that the showed distortion of cell shape. However, the administration of NP dramatically reversed all of the Cyp-induced alterations, inducing reductions in serum marker levels, stress level, the production of cytokines, and caspase expression. Additionally, all of the histopathological alterations were minimized to values that were comparable to normal levels. The present findings suggested that NP exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that can protect rats' livers against Cyp-induced liver damage through hepatoprotective activities.

Cinnamon Oil Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced Uterine Toxicity in Rats by Abrogation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammation

Paracetamol, or acetaminophen (APAP), is one of the first-line medications that is used for fever and pain. However, APAP can induce uterine toxicity when overused. The mode of action of APAP toxicity is due to the production of free radicals. The main goal of our study is to determine uterine toxicity from APAP overdose and the antioxidative activity of cinnamon oil (CO) in female rats. The effect of different doses of CO (50-200 mg/kg b.w.) was assessed in the uterus toxicity induced by APAP. Additionally, the imbalance in oxidative parameters, interleukins, and caspases was evaluated for the protective effects of CO. A single dose of APAP (2 g/kg b.w.) resulted in uterus toxicity, indicated by a significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammatory interleukins cytokines (IL-1 and 6), expression of caspases 3 and 9, and a marked change in uterus tissue architecture evaluated by histopathology. Co-treatment of CO resulted in a significant amelioration of all the parameters such as LPO, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, caspases 3 and 9 expression, and distortion of tissue architecture in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we can conclude that APAP-induced uterine injury due to oxidative stress can be restored by co-treatment with cinnamon oil (CO).

Cardioprotective Effects of Nano-Piperine Against Cypermethrin Toxicity Through Oxidative Stress, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Studies in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Cypermethrin (Cyp) is a synthetic derivative of pyrethroids, implicated in various organ toxicity. This study investigated the potential cardio-protective activity of nano-piperine (NP) against Cyp toxicity in adult Wister male rats. Methods: All animals in groups II, III, IV, and V were subjected to Cyp (50 mg/kg) for 15 days. After 1 h of receiving the Cyp dose, 3 doses of NP (125, 250, and 500 µg/kg/day) were administered to groups III, IV, and V, respectively, for 10 days. In Group VI, a dose of 500 µg/kg NP alone was given orally daily for 10 days. Result: The toxic effects were evaluated by an increase in serum cardiac injury biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase-myoglobin binding, tissue lipid peroxidation, a decrease in antioxidative activity, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase, and upregulation of interleukins [interleukin 1β, interleukin 6]). Immunohistochemistry studies of proteins (nuclear factor-κB [NF-kB], apoptotic protease activating factor-1 [Apaf-1], 4-hydroxynonenal [4-HNE] and Bax) showed enhanced expression, and histopathological examination revealed myolysis, loss of striation and hemorrhages indicating heart toxicity in the animals. Administration of NP significantly ameliorated all the changes caused by Cyp, such as a decrease in the levels of serum cardiac injury markers, an increase of antioxidative parameters, decrease in expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kB, Apaf-1, 4-HNE, and Bax, as shown by immunohistochemistry studies. Furthermore, all the histopathological changes were reduced to near the values of the control. Conclusion: Collectively our findings indicated that NP could be a potent nutraceutical exhibiting cardioprotective effects against Cyp-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Physical characterization and wound healing properties of Zamzam water

The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of Zamzam water, holy water for Muslims and consumed for its medicinal value. The present study demonstrates the physicochemical characterization and wound healing property of Zamzam water. The physicochemical characterization of Zamzam water samples was analyzed for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, redox potential, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and zeta size. The microbial quality of Zamzam water was also assessed by exposing water samples to open air. In this work, Zamzam water was also screened for the medicinal value through wound healing properties in Wistar rats. Zamzam water exhibited a unique physicochemical characterization with high levels of dissolved oxygen, zeta potential, polydispersity index, redox potential, total dissolved solids, and conductivity before exposure to open air. After open air exposure, Zamzam water resisted the growth of bacteria. The wound healing properties of Zamzam water in vivo showed a 96% of healing effect on 12th day observation. The wound healing was achieved by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin -1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α). Followed by the level of apoptosis markers caspase-9 and caspase-3 were reduced. The present study proved that Zamzam water is a good-quality water and showed excellent wound healing property. Therefore, Zamzam water can be used for pharmaceutical formulations.

Wound-healing and cytokine-modulating potential of medicinal oil formulation comprising leaf extract of Murraya koenigii and olive oil

The study investigated the wound healing effect of medicinal oil (MO) formulation prepared from Murraya koenigii leaves extract (methanolic) incorporated in olive oil. The MO was visually transparent, homogenous, smooth in texture, the viscosity grade was observed as 140 cP and easily spreadable. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced to 82.3 ± 3.5, 156 ± 6.2, 137.3. ± 5.5 pg/ml, respectively after treatment with MO when compared to disease control animals that showed IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels of 170 ± 6, 265 ± 7, and 288.6 ± 11, pg/ml respectively. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokine in povidone iodine solution (PIS) group was 95.3 ± 3, 162 ± 6, 177.6 ± 8.9 pg/ml of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α respectively. Interestingly, the wound-healing efficacy of MO was found better as compared to povidone iodine treated standard group and concluded that MO has excellent wound healing effect.

Nanoparticles of resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation after ischemic stroke in rats

Resveratrol is a nutraceutical compound that has exciting pharmacological potential in different diseases, including stroke. Due to its low bioavailability, the efficacy of resveratrol is minimal. Hence, the present study is aimed to synthesize and characterize nanoparticles of resveratrol (NR) followed by evaluating the neuroprotective role and elucidate the mechanism of NR in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Wistar rats (280-300 g) were pretreated with various doses (125 µg, 250 µg, and NR 500 µg; once daily, i.p.) of NR or vehicle (nanostructured lipid carriers) for 10 days. MCAO was performed for 2 h followed by reperfusion of 22 h. After 24 h of MCAO, animals were tested for the neurological outcome and were sacrificed for the analysis of infarct volume, oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers. NR-treated rats showed a substantial reduction in infarction compared to saline controls in parallel with improved motor and cognitive function. Further, NR pretreatment ameliorated oxidative stress markers and attenuated activities of antioxidant enzymes and Na+ K+ ATPase. The enhanced activities of caspases -3 and -9 and cytokines: interleukin-1β, and -6, and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ) in the MCAO group were significantly protected with the treatment of 500 µg of NR. Taken together, these data indicate that inhibition by NR has therapeutic potential in the ischemic stroke model. Further investigations into the therapeutic efficacy and post-treatment protocols are needed to confirm whether NR treatment could be a promising candidate for a stroke.

Renoprotective effects of cinnamon oil against APAP-Induced nephrotoxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is used as a primary medication in relieving moderate pain and fever. However, APAP is associated with toxic effects in renal tissue that appear because of its free radicals property. The principle goal of the present work is to assess the kidney damage by APAP and its restore antioxidative property of cinnamon oil (CO). Animals were distributed into six animals each in six groups. Rats were administered with three varying doses of CO from 50 to 200 mg/kg b.w. respectively and only a single dose of APAP. APAP induced an alteration in serum biochemical markers, imbalance in oxidative parameters, morphological changes in kidney tissue along with increased interleukins cytokines (IL-1β & 6) and caspase (3, 9) levels. CO administration significantly ameliorates all the parameters and histopathological changes were restored. Moreover, it also restored the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Our work proved that an variance of oxidative markers in the kidney by APAP is ameliorated by CO in rats. Thus, CO could be used in reducing APAP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Pharmacological melioration by Selenium on the toxicity of tellurium in neuroendocrine centre (Pituitary Gland) in male wistar rats: A mechanistic approach

Purpose

The present research was designed to evaluate the toxicity of tellurium and its prevention by selenium on the pituitary gland in male Wistar rats.

Methods

30 rats were used weighing 200–250 gm, and randomly divided them into five groups. Each group contained an equal number of animals. Group-1 was nominated as control group. Group-2 received an intraperitoneal dose of selenium 0.3  mg per kg body wt. Group-3 was administered with tellurium 4.15 mg per kg body wt. Group-4 was given low-dose (L) of both selenium 0.15 and tellurium 2.075, Group-5 was given High-dose (H) of both selenium 0.3 and tellurium 4.15 mg/kg body wt. orally once in a day. After 15 days of dosing, the behavioral activities- motor co-ordination rotarod and grip strength test were measured. On 16th-day animals were sacrificed and activity of LPO, GSH, caspase-3, caspase-9, GPx, GR, SOD, catalase, and AChE were performed on the pituitary gland as per standard method reported.

Results

Se when given together with Te, significantly protects the motor coordination up to 32.5%, and also protects the grip strength up to 75% in group 4 and 5 respectively as compared to group- 3. Se + Te treatment protects the activity of TBARS up to 48.68% and GSH is 58%. As compared to control, it protects caspase-3 up to 118% and caspase-9 up to 83%. The level of AChE was also observed to be modulated by the administration of Se in Group- 4 and 5. Se + Te protected AChE up to 28.6%. Similar findings were observed for the biochemical activities of GPx (140% protection), SOD (458%), GR (159%), and catalase (95%) activities that were protected significantly Se + Te in Group- 4 and 5.

Conclusion

Selenium dose-dependently protects behavioral activities. It also protects apoptosis, oxidative stress, and AChE activities in the pituitary gland.

Brain-targeted glycyrrhizic-acid-loaded surface decorated nanoparticles for treatment of cerebral ischaemia and its toxicity assessment

OBJECTIVE

Enhancement of CS-GA-PCL-NPs (Glycyrrhizic Acid-encapsulated-chitosan-coated-PCL-Nanoparticles) bioavailability in brain.

METHODS

Double emulsification solvent evaporation method in order to develop CS-PCL-NPs (Chitosan-coated-PCL-Nanoparticles) followed by characterization of particle size and distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug release (in vitro). To determine drug-uptake and its pharmacokinetic profile in brain as well as plasma, UHPLC (triple quadrupole Q-trap) MS/MS method was developed and optimized for CS-GA-PCL-NPs as well as to follow-up examined effective role of optimized NPs in reduction of all brain injury parameters after MCAO through the grip strength, locomotor activity, inflammatory cytokines levels, measurement of infarction volume and histopathological changes in neurons with safety/toxicity after i.n. in animals.

RESULTS

The developed NPs showed an average particle size, entrapment efficiency with PDI (polydispersity index) of 201.3 ± 4.6 nm, 77.94 ± 5.01% and 0.253 ± 0.019, respectively. Higher mucoadhesive property for CS-GA-PCL-NPs as compared to conventional and homogenized nanoformulations was observed whereas an elution time of 0.37 min and m/z of 821.49/113.41 for GA along with an elution time of 1.94 min and m/z of 363.45/121.40 was observed for hydrocortisone i.e. Internal standard (IS). Similarly, %CV i.e. inter and intra assay i.e. 0.49-4.41%, linear dynamic range (10-2000 ng/mL) and % accuracy of 90.00-99.09% was also observed. AUC_0-24 with augmented C_max was noted (**p < .01), in Wistar rat brain as compared to i.v. treated group during pharmacokinetics studies. In MCA-occluded rats, enhanced neurobehavioral activity i.e. locomotor and grip strength along with a decrease in cytokines level (TNF-α and IL-1β) was observed, following i.n. administration.

CONCLUSIONS

CS-coated-GA-loaded-PCL-NPs when administered i.n. enhanced the bioavailability of the drug in rat brain as compared to i.v. administration. The observation from toxicity study concludes; the developed NPS are safe and free of any health associated risk.

Current Progress on Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma Agonist as an Emerging Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: An Update

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β within the brain parenchyma resulting in a significant decline in cognitive functions. The pathophysiological conditions of the disease are recognized by the perturbation of synaptic function, energy and lipid metabolism. In Addition deposition of amyloid plaques also triggers inflammation upon the induction of microglia. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors known to play important role in the regulation of glucose ab-sorption, homeostasis of lipid metabolism and are further known to involved in repressing the expression of genes related to inflammation. Therefore, agonists of this receptor represent an attractive therapeutic target for AD. Recently, both clinical and preclinical studies showed that use of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist improves both learning and memory along with other AD related pathology. Thus, PPARγ signifies a significant new therapeutic target in treating AD. In this review, we have shed some light on the recent progress of how, PPARγ agonist selectively modulated different cellular targets in AD and its amazing potential in the treatment of AD.

Oxidative Stress and Anti-oxidants in Pre and Post-operative Cases of Breast Carcinoma

Objectives

To investigate the existence of oxidative stress in the sera of patients with breast cancer and its effects on the consequent breast cancer.

Materials and Methods

This study included 50 control volunteers, 50 patients with breast cancer, and 50 patients with post-operative breast cancer. Patients with pre-operative cancer were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed for breast carcinoma with stage 0, not having therapeutic history. The control 50 healthy female volunteers had the same socio-economic status, and no history of any cancer. After obtaining consent, venous blood was collected from the volunteers by vein puncture using a 10 mL sterile disposable syringe and needle. About 8 mL of blood was collected, 4 mL of which was poured into a heparinized bulb and 4 mL was allowed to clot. The levels of MDA, NO, GSH, and activities of RBC-SOD (in RBC lysate), NOS, copper and zinc GPx, and CAT, and vitamins A, C, and E metabolites were measured in the sera of each group.

Results

The activities of RBC-SOD and the levels of MDA, NO, as well as the NOS were significantly higher in the sera of all patients with breast cancer as compared with the controls. However, the levels of GSH and vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the activities of copper and zinc GPx and CAT were decreased in patients with breast cancer when compared with the controls.

Conclusion

The study provides further evidence for the presence of oxidative stress in the serum of patients with breast carcinoma. Patients with higher levels of MDA showed deficiencies of antioxidants and trace elements in the serum. A poor dietary antioxidant status and high oxidant levels are associated with the risk of breast cancer, thus suggesting that patients with breast cancer should take nutritive supplements to balance the antioxidant and oxidant levels for better outcomes.

Heavy Metal-Induced Systemic Dysfunction Attenuated by Tannic Acid

Lead toxicity is a major public health concern. This study was designed to investigate the effects of oral administration of tannic acid (TA) on lead acetate (LA)-induced oxidative stress in rat liver and kidney. Rats were treated with 50 mg/kg body weight of TA against LA-induced oxidative stress 3 times/week for 2 weeks. At a rate of 50 mg/kg of body weight, LA was given intraperitoneally 3 times/week for 2 weeks. Results show significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers observed in LA-treated rats, whereas significant depletion in the activity of nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants as well as histological changes were observed in LA-treated rat liver and kidney. TA treatment significantly attenuated the altered levels of oxidative stress biomarkers for nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. We demonstrated that TA exhibits potent antioxidant and protected against oxidative damage in rat liver and kidney induced by LA treatment. These findings were further supported by histopathological findings in liver and kidney showing that TA protected tissue from the deleterious effects of LA treatment. These outcomes suggest that the consumption of TA may confer a protective effect against lead intoxication through its antioxidative effect.

Role of melatonin in mitigating nonylphenol-induced toxicity in frontal cortex and hippocampus of rat brain

Nonylphenol (NP), an environmental endocrine disruptor mimics estrogen and is a potential toxicant both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, the effect of melatonin on NP- induced neurotoxicity and cognitive alteration was investigated in adult male Wistar rats. Melatonin supplementation has been known to protect cells from neurotoxic injury. The animals were divided into three groups namely, control (vehicle) which received olive oil orally and treated rats received NP (25 mg/kg, per os) thrice a week for 45 days while the third group i.e., NP + melatonin, animals were co-administered melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) along with NP. On the 46th day, rats were assessed for anxiety, motor co-ordination, grip strength and cognitive performance using Morris water maze test and then sacrificed for biochemical and histopathological assays in brain tissues. Melatonin improved the behavioral performance in NP exposed group. The results showed that NP significantly decreased the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AchE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, in rat brain tissue along with other enzymes of antioxidant milieu. The outcome of the study shows that NP, like other persistent endocrine disrupting pollutants, creates a potential risk of cognitive, neurochemical and histopathological perturbations as a result of environmental exposure. Taken together, our study demonstrates that melatonin is protective against NP-induced neurotoxicity.

The effect of safranal loaded mucoadhesive nanoemulsion on oxidative stress markers in cerebral ischemia

Antioxidants, with reported neuroprotective activity, encounter free radical induced neural damage leading to reduced risk of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Safranal, an antioxidant drug with potential role in the amelioration of cerebral ischemia, endures low solubility and poor absorption property thus resulting a low serum and tissue bioavailability. This research aims to prepare nanoemulsion with the concept; to increase the bioavailability in order to reduce oxidative stress-induced brain injury as well as to evaluate the brain-drug targeting following non-invasive nasal route administration in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Titration method was used to prepare safranal mucoadhesive nanoemulsion (SMNE) followed by further characterization, i.e. entrapment efficiency, particles size, and zeta potential study. Optimized SMNE showed; mean globule size of 89.64 nm (±9.12), zeta potential -11.39 mV (±1.32), drug content 98.47% (±1.01), and viscosity of 124 cp (±14). Rats were subjected to 2 h of MCAO, successively followed by a 22 h reperfusion, after which the grip strength, locomotor activity, and biochemical studies, i.e. glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were studied as assessment tool for effective treatment in brain. SMNE administered i.n. (intranasal) in MCAO induced cerebral ischemia rats exhibited significant improvement in neurobehavioral (locomotor and grip strength) and antioxidant activity as well as histopathological studies. The toxicity studies performed at the end revealed safe nature of developed SMNE.

Rutin-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles targeted to the brain in the treatment of Cerebral Ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Rutin, a potent antioxidant, has been reported to reduce the risk of ischemic disease. Our study aims to prepare rutin-encapsulated-chitosan nanoparticles (RUT-CS-NPs) via ionic gelation method and determine its results, based on different parameters i.e. surface morphology characterization, in-vitro or ex-vivo release, dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), for treating cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to evaluate the optimized RT-CS-NPs1 for brain-drug uptake as well as to follow-up the pharmacokinetics, bio-distrbution, brain-targeting efficiency and potential after intranasal administration (i.n.).

KEY FINDINGS

A particle size of <100nm for the formulation, significantly affected by drug:CS ratio, and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of 84.98%±4.18% and 39.48%±3.16%, respectively were observed for RUT. Pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution, brain-targeting efficiency (1443.48±39.39%) and brain drug-targeting potential (93.00±5.69%) showed enhanced bioavailability for RUT in brain as compared to intravenous administration. In addition; improved neurobehavioral activity, histopathology and reduced infarction volume effects were observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced cerebral ischemic rats model after i.n. administration of RUT-CS-NPs.

CONCLUSION

A significant role of mucoadhesive-RT-CS-NPs1 as observed after high targeting potential and efficiency of the formulation prove; RUT-CS-NPs are more effectively accessed and target easily the brain.

Perillyl alcohol improves functional and histological outcomes against ischemia-reperfusion injury by attenuation of oxidative stress and repression of COX-2, NOS-2 and NF-κB in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats

Perillyl alcohol (PA) is a monoterpene found in essential oils of mints, cherries, citreous fruits and lemon grass, reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of PA in stroke is still illusive. Since oxidative stress and inflammation play a pivotal role in ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury, this study was designed to elucidate the potential effects of PA against I-R induced pathology in rat׳s brain. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h followed by 22h reperfusion in Wistar male rats (250-280g, 14-16 weeks old) induced the behavioral and histological alterations along with exhausted antioxidant status and enhanced inflammatory mediators. However, PA administration (25, 50 and 100mg/kg b.wt orally once daily for 7 days) prior to MCAO significantly attenuated neurological deficits related to flexion test and spontaneous motor activity, improved grip strength and motor coordination in a dose dependent manner. PA treatment also inhibited oxidative stress in MCAO rats as evident from decreased lipid peroxidation and augmented level of reduced glutathione and restored activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase and thus, reduced infarct volume and protected the brain histology after I-R injury. Furthermore, PA markedly suppressed the level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF α and IL-6) and down regulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in MCAO group. In conclusion, PA mediates neuroprotection against I-R injury via mitigation of oxidative stress and inflammation and thus, may be a good therapeutic approach in stroke prone patient.

A comparative study of PNIPAM nanoparticles of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin and their effects on oxidative stress markers in experimental stroke

Oxidative stress and inflammatory damage play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent a target for treatment. The development of new strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the brain is of great importance in diagnostics and therapeutics of central nervous diseases. The present study examined the hypothesis that intranasal delivery of nanoformulation of curcuminoids would reduce oxidative stress-associated brain injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats were subjected to 2 h of MCAO followed by 22 h reperfusion, after which the grip strength, locomotor activity was performed. The effects of treatment in the rats were assessed by grip strength, locomotor activity and biochemical studies (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in the brain. Pretreatment with polymeric N-isopropyl acryl amide (PNIPAM) nanoparticles formulation of all three curcuminoids (curcumin (Cur), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)) at doses (100 μg/kg body weight) given intranasally was effective in bringing significant changes on all the parameters. While nanoformulation of curcumin at a dose of 100 μg/kg body weight was most active in the treatment of cerebral ischemia as compared to others nanoformulation of curcuminoids. The potency of antioxidant activity significantly decreased in the order of PNIPAM nanoformulation of Cur > DMC >> BDMC, thus suggesting the critical role of methoxy groups on the phenyl ring.

S-allyl cysteine mitigates oxidative damage and improves neurologic deficit in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia

Oxidative stress and inflammatory damage play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent a target for treatment. The present study examined the hypothesis that S-allyl cysteine (SAC), organosulfur compounds found in garlic extract, would reduce oxidative stress-associated brain injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). To test this hypothesis, male Wistar rats were subjected to MCAO for 2 hours and 22-hour reperfusion. S-allyl cysteine was administered (100 mg/kg, b.wt.) intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the onset of ischemia and after the ischemia at the interval of 0, 6, and 12 hours. After 24 hours of reperfusion, rats were tested for neurobehavioral activities and were killed for the infarct volume, estimation of lipid peroxidation, glutathione content, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). S-allyl cysteine treatment significantly reduced ischemic lesion volume, improved neurologic deficits, combated oxidative loads, and suppressed neuronal loss. Behavioral and biochemical alterations observed after MCAO were further associated with an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein and inducible nitric oxide expression and were markedly inhibited by the treatment with SAC. The results suggest that SAC exhibits exuberant neuroprotective potential in rat ischemia/reperfusion model. Thus, this finding of SAC-induced adaptation to ischemic stress and inflammation could suggest a novel avenue for clinical intervention during ischemia and reperfusion.

Rutin prevents cognitive impairments by ameliorating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rat model of sporadic dementia of Alzheimer type

The objective of the present study was to assess the neuroprotective role of rutin (vitamin P) and delineate the mechanism of action. Recent evidence indicates that rutin exhibits antioxidant potential and protects the brain against various oxidative stressors. More precisely, the aim of the present study was to examine the modulating impacts of rutin against cognitive deficits and oxidative damage in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-infused rats. Rats were injected bilaterally with ICV-STZ (3 mg/kg), whereas sham rats received the same volume of vehicle. After 2 weeks of streptozotocin (STZ) infusion, rats were tested for cognitive performance using Morris water maze tasks and thereafter euthanized for further biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. Rutin pretreatment (25 mg/kg, orally, once daily for 3 weeks) significantly attenuated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), activity of poly ADP-ribosyl polymerase, and nitrite level and decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of its dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and glutathione reductase [GR]) and catalase in the hippocampus of ICV-STZ rats. ICV-STZ rats showed significant cognitive deficits, which was improved significantly by rutin supplementation. The results indicate that rutin attenuates STZ-induced inflammation by reducing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kB, and preventing the morphological changes in hippocampus. The study thereby suggests the effectiveness of rutin in preventing cognitive deficits and might be beneficial for the treatment of sporadic dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT).

Silymarin protects neurons from oxidative stress associated damages in focal cerebral ischemia: a behavioral, biochemical and immunohistological study in Wistar rats

Cerebral stroke is the third largest cause of death and the severe leading cause of disability, thus have astronomical financial and social burden worldwide. Accumulated evidence suggests that ROS can be scavenged through utilizing natural antioxidant compounds present in foods and medicinal plants. In this study, we examined whether silymarin, an antioxidant, present in the milk of thistle can prevent or slowdown neuronal injury in focal cerebral ischemia. Male Wistar rats were pre-treated with silymarin (200mg/kg body weight, dissolved in 0.3 % sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, once orally) for 15 days. On day 16, they underwent a transient 2h suture-occlusion of the middle cerebral artery followed by 22 h of reperfusion. Rats were tested for neurobehavioral activity after 22 h reperfusion. Silymarin was found to be successful in upregulating the antioxidant status and lowering the apoptotic responses, and functional recovery returned close to the baseline. This study revealed that silymarin, a naturally occurring flavone from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), may be helpful in slowing down the progression of neurodegeneration in focal cerebral ischemia. These results suggest that the neuroprotective potential of silymarin is mediated through its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Quercetin protects against oxidative stress associated damages in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Experimental studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress and apoptosis play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent a target for treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the quercetin dihydrate (Q) protects against cerebral ischemia neuronal damage. Male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h and reperfused for 72 h. Quercetin (30 mg/kg, i.p) was administrated 30 min before the onset of ischemia and after the ischemia at interval of 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. The administration of Q showed marked reduction in infarct size, reduced the neurological deficits in terms of behaviors, suppressed neuronal loss and diminished the p53 expression in MCAO rats. Q was found to be successful in upregulating the antioxidant status and lowering the TBARS level. Conversely, the elevated activity of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and activity of caspase-3 in MCAO group was attenuated significantly in Q treated group when compared with MCAO group. Our study reveals that Q, as a powerful antioxidant, could prevent free radicals associated oxidative damage and morphological changes in the MCAO rats. Thus, it may have a therapeutic value for the treatment of stroke.

S-allyl cysteine attenuates oxidative stress associated cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in mouse model of streptozotocin-induced experimental dementia of Alzheimer's type

S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a sulfur containing amino acid derived from garlic, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihepatotoxic and neurotrophic activity. This study was designed to examine the pre-treatment effects of SAC on cognitive deficits and oxidative damage in the hippocampus of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-infused mice. Mice pre-treated with SAC (30mg/kg) and vehicle (intraperitoneal; once daily for 15days) were bilaterally injected with ICV-STZ (2.57mg/kg body weight), whereas sham rats received the same volume of vehicle. The pre-treatment of this drug to Swiss albino mice has prevented the cognitive and neurobehavioral impairments. An increased latency and path length were observed in lesion, i.e. streptozotocin (STZ) group as compared to sham group and these were protected significantly in STZ group pre-treated with SAC. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and its dependent enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and glutathione reductase [GR]) were decreased in STZ group as compared to sham group and pre-treatment of STZ group with SAC has protected their activities significantly. Conversely, the elevated level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in STZ group was attenuated significantly in SAC pre-treated group when compared with STZ lesioned group. Apoptotic parameters like DNA fragmentation, expression of Bcl2 and p53 were protected by the pre-treatment of SAC against STZ induced cognitive impairment. This study concludes that intervention of SAC could prevent free radicals associated deterioration of cognitive functions and neurobehavioral activities.

Neuroprotective effects of curcumin on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinsonism in rats: behavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical studies

Curcumin, the active principle of turmeric used in Indian curry is known for its antitumor, antioxidant, antiarthritic, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory properties and might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. A Parkinsonian model in rats was developed by giving 6-hydroxydopamine (10 μg/2 μl in 0.1% ascorbic acid-saline) in the right striatum. After 3 weeks of lesioning, the behavior activities (rotarod, narrow beam test, grip test and contra-lateral rotations) were increased in a lesioned group as compared to a sham group and these activities were protected significantly with the pretreatment of curcumin. A significant protection on lipid peroxidation, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, tyrosine hydroxylase and D(2) receptor binding was observed in the striatum of lesioned group animals pretreated with 80 mg/kg body weight of curcumin for 21 days as compared to lesion group animals. No significant alterations on behavior and biochemical parameters were observed in sham group animals and the animals of sham group pretreated with curcumin. This study indicates that curcumin, which is an important ingredient of diet in India and also used in various systems of indigenous medicine, is helpful in preventing Parkinsonism and has therapeutic potential in combating this devastating neurologic disorder.