Ferulic acid reinstates mitochondrial dynamics through PGC1α expression modulation in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats.

Disruption of the tightly regulated mitochondrial dynamics and energy homeostasis leads to oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death, as observed in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Polyphenolic plant derivatives have been shown to alleviate such pathological features and have been used in models of neurodegenerative disorders in previous reports. In the current study, we utilized a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of PD to explore the protective efficacy of polyphenolic phytochemical ferulic acid (FA) against mitochondrial dysfunction and explored its effect on gene and protein expression of mitochondrial dynamics regulators dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)/mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in lesioned animals. We also evaluated its effect on expression of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator PGC1α and apoptotic regulators BAX, cyt c, p53, and cleaved PARP. We found that oral FA supplementation alleviated 6-OHDA induced oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, morphological changes, and blocked apoptotic cascade. FA also reduced mitochondrial Drp1 expression and increased gene and protein expression of PGC1α, thereby regulating expression of its downstream target Mfn2 and restoring mitochondrial dynamics in lesioned animals. Our data suggest that targeting mitochondrial dynamics through modulation of PGC1α can prove to be a potent preventive strategy against PD pathology.

Ellagic acid mitigates arsenic-trioxide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.

In the current study, neuroprotective significance of ellagic acid (EA, a polyohenol) was explored by primarily studying its antioxidant and antiapoptotic potential against arsenic trioxide (As2 O3 )-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines. The mitigatory effects of EA with particular reference to cell viability and cytotoxicity, the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dynamics were studied. Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with EA (10 and 20 µM) for 60 min followed by exposure to 2 µM As2 O3 protected the SH-SY5Y cells against the harmful effects of the second. Also, EA pre-treated groups expressed improved viability, repaired DNA, reduced free radical generation, and maintained altered mitochondrial membrane potential than those exposed to As2 O3 alone. EA supplementation also inhibited As2 O3 -induced cytochrome c expression that is an important hallmark for determining mitochondrial dynamics. Thus, the current investigations are more convinced for EA as a promising candidate in modulating As2 O3 -induced mitochondria-mediated neuronal toxicity under in vitro system.

Evaluation of phytomedicinal potential of perillyl alcohol in an in vitro Parkinson's Disease model.

Preclinical Research & Development Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 10 million people worldwide. The risk of developing PD and similar neurodegenerative disorders increases with age and an estimated 4% people are diagnosed with the disease before reaching the age of 50. Oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction are common features exhibited in the development of PD. The 6-hyroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD is one of the most well characterized and studied models of the disease. 6-OHDA, a neurotoxin, can induce most characteristic features of the disease, including mitochondrial dysfunction in-vivo and in-vitro. SH-SY5Y is a neuroblastoma cell line of human origin that has been used for dose response studies on PD in the past. Based on previous data, we have used SH-SY5Y cells as an in-vitro model of PD to analyse the phytomedicinal potential of perillyl alcohol (PA), a monoterpenoid obtained from essential oils of various plants such as sage, peppermint and lavender. We have found that pretreatment with PA (10 µM and 20 µM) mitigated 6-OHDA (150 µM) induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. We observed marked restoration of cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as reduced reactive oxygen species generation, Cytochrome c immunofluorescence and DNA fragmentation after treatment with PA. On the basis of on our data, we have come to the conclusion that PA demonstrates sufficient neuroprotective activity to provide new avenues in therapy of PD and its apparent target being restoration of MMP can lead to better understanding of the disease.

Perillyl Alcohol Mitigates Behavioural Changes and Limits Cell Death and Mitochondrial Changes in Unilateral 6-OHDA Lesion Model of Parkinson's Disease Through Alleviation of Oxidative Stress.

In this study, we aim to assess the phytomedicinal potential of perillyl alcohol (PA), a dietary monoterpenoid, in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We observed that PA supplementation alleviated behavioural abnormalities such as loss of coordination, reduced rearing and motor asymmetry in lesioned animals. We also observed that PA-treated animals exhibited reduced oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activity indicating alleviation of apoptotic cell death. We found reduced mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic regulator BAX and pro-inflammatory mediators IL18 and TNFα in PA-treated animals. Further, PA treatment successfully increased mRNA and protein levels of Bcl2, mitochondrial biogenesis regulator PGC1α and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in lesioned animals. We observed that PA treatment blocked BAX and Drp1 translocation to mitochondria, an event often associated with the inception of apoptosis. Further, 6-OHDA exposure reduced expression of electron transport chain complexes I and IV, thereby disturbing energy metabolism. Conversely, expression levels of both complexes were upregulated with PA treatment in lesioned rats. Finally, we found that protein levels of Nrf2, the transcription factor responsible for antioxidant gene expression, were markedly reduced in cytosolic and nuclear fraction on 6-OHDA exposure, and PA increased expression of Nrf2 in both fractions. We believe that our data hints towards PA having the ability to provide cytoprotection in a hemiparkinsonian rat model through alleviation of motor deficits, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Prolong treatment with Trans-ferulic acid mitigates bioenergetics loss and restores mitochondrial dynamics in streptozotocin-induced sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type.

Alzheimer disease has been well associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions. Numerous studies have reported changes in the activity of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes and mitochondrial dynamics. Recently, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp-1) has been conceived as a potential therapeutic target as well. We have examined the effect of prolonged treatment of Trans-ferulic acid on streptozocin-induced sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type. We have found the Ferulic Acid (FA,100 mg/kg) can rescue memory and learning problems and also show significant antioxidant effect while preserving morphology of pyramidal cell layer in hippocampi. Furthermore, FA treatment has shown mitigation in intracerebral-ventricular streptozocin (ICV-STZ) induced bioenergetics loss and dynamic changes by regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha) protein levels in nucleus and hence, mitigating exacerbation of Drp-1 dependent mitochondrial fission and apoptosis by alleviating loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), downregulating cytochrome-c release into the cytosol by limiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening concomitant increase in caspase3 activation, BAX expression and DNA fragmentation along with downregulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. FA also restored protein expression of mitofusin2 (Mfn2) a core component of mitochondrial fusion, necessary for mitophagy. We conclude that FA acid may have the propensity to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease on prolonging dietary supplementation.

Evaluation of phyto-medicinal efficacy of thymoquinone against Arsenic induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.

BACKGROUND: It is evaluated that a few million individuals worldwide are experiencing Arsenic (As) harmfulness coming about because of anthropogenic discharges. There is likewise proof to propose that As can affect the peripheral, as well as, the central nervous system (CNS). On the contrary, thymoquinone (TQ), a biologically active ingredient of Nigella sativa has exhibited numerous neuro-pharmacological traits since ancient times. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: In the present study, the neuroprotective efficacy of TQ was explored by primarily studying its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic potential against Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines. STUDY DESIGN: For experimentation, cells were seeded in 96 well tissue culture plates and kept undisturbed for 24 h to attain proper adhesion. After 75-80% confluence, cells were pretreated with 10 µM and 20 µM thymoquinone (TQ) for 1 h After adding 2 µM As, cells were set aside for incubation for 24 h without changing the medium. METHODS: The mitigatory effects of TQ with particular reference to cell viability and cytotoxicity, the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dynamics were studied. RESULTS: Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with TQ (10 and 20 µM) for an hour and subsequent exposure to 2 µM As2O3 protected the SH-SY5Y cells against the neuro-damaging effects of the latter. Also, the SH-SY5Y cells were better preserved with increased viability, repaired DNA, less free radical generation and balanced transmembrane potential than those exposed to As2O3 alone. TQ pretreatment also inhibited As2O3-induced exacerbation in protein levels of BAX and PARP-1 and restored the loss of Bcl2 levels. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that TQ may prevent neurotoxicity and As2O3-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. It is, therefore, worth studying further for its potential to reduce the risks of arsenic-related neurological implications.

Anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory role of thymoquinone in arsenic-induced hippocampal toxicity in Wistar rats.

Arsenic (As) is a widely existing metalloid in the biosphere. Drinking water contamination by arsenic is a major route of human exposure, either by natural means or through industrial pollution. Numerous evidence form earlier reports suggest that arsenic exposure causes cerebral neurodegeneration which initiates behavioral disturbances concomitant to psychiatric disorders. Also, mood disorders in humans as well as in animals correlate with arsenic exposure; the present study is carried out to implore the neuroprotective potential of thymoquinone (TQ) in arsenic-stressed rats. TQ is an active component of Nigella sativa (Kalonji) seed oil. Arsenic exposure in the form of sodium arsenate (10 mg/kg/day; p.o) caused neurobehavioral deficits as evidenced by changes in locomotion and exploratory behavior in open-field and elevated plus maze tasks. Alongside this, arsenate also elevated hippocampal oxidative stress parameters like lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonyl formation with a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Genotoxicity assessment by Comet assay also showed prominent levels of DNA damage. Furthermore, arsenic also elevated hippocampal cytokine levels, TNF-α and INF-γ. However, TQ supplementation (2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day, p.o) preceded three days before arsenic administration, significantly attenuated arsenic-associated anxiogenic changes which majorly attributed to its antioxidant and anxiolytic potential. Also, TQ pre-treated rats expressed positive shifts in the hippocampal oxidative stress and cytokine levels with decreased DNA fragmentation. Thus, this study concludes that TQ might serve as a strong therapeutic agent for management of anxiety and depressive outcomes of arsenic intoxication.

Pendimethalin-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and activation of anti-inflammatory and apoptotic markers in male rats.

Male Wistar rats were exposed to herbicide, pendimethalin (PND) at varying oral doses of 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. for 14 days. Toxiological effects were assessed in terms of oxidative stress, DNA damage, histopathological alterations and induction of anti-inflammatory and apoptotic responses linked Bax, Bcl-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and caspase-3 gene expression. In comparison with respective untreated controls, all exposure groups of PND exhibited significant changes in the oxidative stress markers (protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant defenses (GSH, SOD, CAT and GST) in liver and kidney tissues. The histopathological changes including leucocyte infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, necrosis, large bowman's space, shrinked renal cortex, were observed in the liver and kidney tissues of PND exposed rats. Significant DNA damage was recorded through comet assay in liver and kidney cells of treated animals as compared to control. Alteration in anti-inflammatory and apoptotic genes expression determined by RT-PCR, revealed the activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway(s) under the PND induced cellular stress. A pronounced increase in Bax expression, caspase-3 activities and decreased Bcl-2 expressions were also associated with PND-induced apoptosis. Data from this study suggests that PND induces cellular toxicity and genetic perturbations which can alter the normal cellular and physiological functioning in rats.

Ellagic acid attenuates arsenic induced neuro-inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction associated apoptosis.

Arsenic, being a global pollutant needs a potential remedy which could fight against its associated toxicities. Ellagic acid (EA) is a known agent for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects, and it is commonly found in fruits. The present study is designed to determine protective efficacy of EA against arsenic induced toxicity with special mention to inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampi of wistar rats. Rats were pre-treated with EA (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt; p.o. for 11 days) along with arsenic (10 mg/kg; p.o. for 8 days). Total reactive oxygen species level and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed using flow cytometry. Protein and mRNA expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers were also evaluated in rat hippocampus. Our results show that arsenic exposure increased total ROS generation and DNA fragmentation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential alongwith an increase in expression of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory markers. suggesting that EA complementation downregulated total ROS generation dose dependently. Apoptotic markers, BAX and Bcl2 as well as inflammatory markers, IL-1ß, TNFα, INFγ got altered significantly on its administration. Moreover, it also attenuated effects on mitochondrial membrane potential. Based on our findings, EA might substantiate to be a budding therapeutic candidate against arsenic induced neurotoxicity.

Thymoquinone alleviates arsenic induced hippocampal toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating mPTP in Wistar rats.

Arsenic is a pervasive environmental pollutant that is found in ground waters globally and is related to numerous morbidities in the high-risk population areas in countries including Bangladesh, India, and the USA. Arsenic exposure has been ubiquitously reported for exacerbating free radical generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis by interfering with the mPTP functioning. Over the past decades, nutraceuticals with antioxidant properties have shown promising efficacy in arsenic poisoning. In the present study, we have examined, the protective efficacy of thymoquinone (TQ), an active component of seed oil of Nigella sativa with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity on arsenic-induced toxicity in hippocampi of Wistar rats. In our results, arsenic conditioning (10 mg/kg b.wt.; p.o.) for 8 days has caused a significant increase in intracellular ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic events. On the contrary pretreatment with TQ (2.5 and 5 mg/kg b.wt.; p.o.) inhibited arsenic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction such as lowering of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Our results indicated that the neuroprotective efficacy of TQ in arsenic-induced stress is mediated through or in part by inhibition of mPTP opening. Demonstration of neuroprotective action of TQ provides insight into the pathogenesis of arsenic-related neuropathological morbidities.

Anthelmintic Potential of Thymoquinone and Curcumin on Fasciola gigantica.

Fasciolosis an economically important global disease of ruminants in the temperate and tropical regions, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively, also poses a potential zoonotic threat. In India alone it causes huge losses to stakeholders. Anthelmintics including triclabendazole have been used to control this menace but the emerging resistance against the available compounds necessitates identification of novel and alternative therapeutic measures involving plant derived natural compounds for their anthelmintic potential. Thymoquinone (T) and curcumin (C), the active ingredients of Nigella sativa and Curcuma longa respectively have been used as antiparasitic agents but the information on their flukicidal effect is very limited. Adult flukes of F. gigantica were in vitro exposed to different concentrations of thymoquinone and curcumin separately for 3h at 37+ 1°C. A significant (p<0.05) reduction in the worm motility at 60 µM concentration of both T and C was observed though all the worms remained alive after 3h exposure, whereas the effect on egg shedding was statistically insignificant. Pronounced tegumental disruptions and erosion of spines in the posterior region and around the acetabulum was evident. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) level was observed, while protein carbonylation increased differentially. A significant inhibition of CathepsinL (CatL) gene expression in thymoquinone treated worms was also evident. Further, in silico molecular docking of T and C with CatL revealed a stronger interaction of curcumin with the involvement of higher number of amino acids as compared to thymoquinone that could be more effective in inhibiting the antioxidant enzymes of F. gigantica. It is concluded that both the compounds understudy will decrease the detoxification ability of F. gigantica, while inhibition of CatL will significantly affect their virulence potential. Thus, both thymoquinone and curcumin appeared to be promising anthelmintic compounds for further investigations.