Therapeutic Strategies for Ischemic Stroke: Modulating the Adult Neural Stem Cell Niche through the Wnt/ß-catenin Pathway.

Stroke is a prominent contributor to mortality and impairment on a global scale. Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of stroke cases and is caused by occlusion of cerebral blood vessels. Enhancing neurogenesis through the modulation of the neural stem cell niche in the adult brain is a promising therapeutic strategy for individuals afflicted with ischemic stroke. Neurogenesis results in the generation of newborn neurons that serve as replacements for deceased neural cells within the ischemic core, thereby playing a significant role in the process of neural restoration subsequent to cerebral ischemia. Research has shown that activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway can augment neurogenesis following cerebral ischemia, suggesting that this pathway is a potentially beneficial therapeutic target for managing ischemic stroke. This review provides an extensive analysis of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in promoting neurogenesis, thereby offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in the context of ischemic stroke or other neurological impairments.

Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion injury via activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on angiogenesis of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMECs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. METHODS: RBMECs were pretreated with BYHWD containing serum 24 h before OGD/R injury was induced. Cells were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, BYHWD group (provided BYHWD containing serum) and LY294002 group [treated with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 for 1 h before provided BYHWD containing serum]. The cell viability, migration and tube formation abilities of RBMECs were detected by CCK-8, scratch wound healing, Transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively. The protein expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, protein kinase B (AKT), p-AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with model control group, cell viability, migration and tube formation abilities of RBMECs were significantly improved in BYHWD group (all P<0.01), the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, HIF-1α and VEGF were up-regulated (all P<0.05); while above effects were blocked by LY294002. CONCLUSION: BYHWD can promote angiogenesis of RBMECs after OGD/R injury, which may be related to the increased protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF through activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

[Astragaloside â £ inhibits inflammation after cerebral ischemia in rats through promoting microglia/macrophage M2 polarization].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on microglia/macrophage M1/M2 polarization and inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia in rats. METHODS: Forty eight male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation control group, model control group and AS-Ⅳ group with 16 rats in each. Focal cerebral ischemia model was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) using the intraluminal filament. After ischemia induced, the rats in AS-Ⅳ group were intraperitoneally injected with 40 mg/kg AS-Ⅳ once a day for 3 days. The neurological functions were evaluated by the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the corner test on d1 and d3 after modelling. The infarct volume was measured by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining on d3 after ischemia. The expression of M1 microglia/macrophage markers CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, M2 microglia/macrophages markers CD206, arginase-1 (Arg-1), chitinase-like protein (YM1/2) and anti-inflammatory factors interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) was detected by real-time RT-PCR. The expression of CD16/32/Iba1 and CD206/Iba1 was determined by double labeling immunefluorescence method in the peripheral area of cerebral ischemia. RESULTS: Compared with model control group, AS-Ⅳ treatment improved neurological function recovery and reduced infarct volume after ischemia (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The qRT-PCR results showed that AS-Ⅳ treatment down-regulated the expression of CD86, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 mRNA (all P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of CD206, Arg-1, YM1/2, IL-10 and TGF-ß mRNA (all P<0.01). Furthermore, the results of immunefluorescence labeling showed that AS-Ⅳ treatment reduced the number of CD16/32+/Iba1+ cells (P<0.05) and increased the number of CD206+/Iba1+ cells (P<0.01) after cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that AS-Ⅳ ameliorates brain injury after cerebral ischemia in rats, which may be related to inhibiting inflammation through promoting the polarization of the microglia/macrophage from M1 to M2 phenotype in the ischemic brain.

[Chinese medicine Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis in ischemic stroke rats by upregulating miR-199a-5p expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Chinese medicine Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis in ischemic stroke rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, BYHWD group, antagonist group and antagonist control group with 14 rats in each. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min with intraluminal filament and reperfusion for 14 d in all groups except sham operation group. BYHWD (13 g/kg) was administrated by gastrogavage in BYHWD group, antagonist group and antagonist control group at 24 h after modeling respectively, and BrdU (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in all groups once a day for 14 consecutive days. miR-199a-5p antagomir or NC (10 nmol) was injected into the lateral ventricle at d5 after ischemia in antagonist and antagonist control groups, respectively. The neurological deficits were evaluated by the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the corner test, and the infract volume was measured by toluidine blue staining. Neurogenesis and angiogenesis were detected by immunofluorescence double labeling method. The expression level of miR-199a-5p was tested by real-time RT-PCR, and the protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: BYHWD treatment significantly promoted the recovery of neurological function (P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the infarct volume (P<0.05), increased the number of BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/NeuN+ and BrdU+/vWF+ cells (all P<0.01), upregulated the expression of miR-199a-5p (P<0.01), and increased the protein expression of VEGF and BDNF at d14 after cerebral ischemia (all P<0.05). The above effects were reversed by intracerebroventricular injection of miR-199a-5p antagomir. CONCLUSIONS: Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia, which may be related to increased protein expression of VEGF and BDNF through upregulating miR-199a-5p.

Tetramethylpyrazine Protects Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis through PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 Pathways.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation is one of the new therapeutic strategies for treating ischemic stroke. However, the poor survival rate of transplanted BMSCs in ischemic tissue limits the therapeutic efficacy of this approach. Oxidative stress is a major mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of brain ischemia and has a negative impact on the survival of transplanted BMSCs. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been reported to possess potent antioxidant activity. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of TMP pretreatment on BMSCs survival of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in vitro and to elucidate the potential antiapoptotic mechanisms of TMP pretreatment on BMSCs. BMSCs were pretreated with TMP (10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L) for 24 h and then exposed to 500 µmol/L of H2O2 for 24 h. We found that TMP pretreatment significantly increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, the protective effects of TMP were related to increased Bcl-2 expression, attenuated Bax expression, and enhanced levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and extracellular regulated protein kinases1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Further studies found that these beneficial effects of TMP were significantly blocked by wortmannin (an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)) or PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2). In conclusion, our results confirm that TMP protects BMSCs against H2O2-induced apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, suggesting that TMP may be used in combination with BMSCs to improve cell survival for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

[Ligustrazine Promoted the Migration of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Up-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 Expressions].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of ligustrazine on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in vitro. METHODS: BMSCs were in vitro isolated and cultured using whole bone marrow adherent method, and phenotypes [surface positive antigens (CD29 and CD90) and negative antigens (CD34 and CD45)] identified using flow cytometry. BMSCs were divided into the blank control group, 25, 50, 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, and the GM6001 group (100 µmol/L ligustrazine +MMPs inhibitor GM6001 ). The migration of BMSCs was tested by Transwell chamber test and wound healing assay after treated with ligustrazine for 24 h. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The third passage BMSCs grew well in uniform morphology. The expression rate of CD29, CD90, CD34, and CD45 was 96.9%, 97.3%, 0.2%, and 3.0%, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion increased, and the protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were elevated in each ligustrazine group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups and the GM6001 group (P < 0.01). Protein expression of MMP-2 decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ligustrazine could promote the migration of BMSCs in vitro, and its mechanism might be related to up-regulating expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein.

[Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes neuroblast migration from subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) inducing angiogenesis on the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone and its mechanisms after focal cerebral ischemia. METHOD: The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to mice for 30 minutes to establish the model. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, BYHWD group and endostatin group. BYHWD (20 g x kg(-1), ig) and endostatin (10 µg, sc) were administered 24 h after ischemia once a day for consecutively 14 days. At 14 d after ischemia, the density of micro-vessel and the number of neuroblasts in the ischemia border zone were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression of cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULT: Compared with the model group, BYHWD significantly increased the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), and significantly increased the SDF-1 and BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). Compared with BYHWD group, endostatin significantly reduced the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), as well as the SDF-1, BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: BYHWD could promote the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, the mechanism may be correlated with up-regulating the expression of SDF-1 and BDNF.

[Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and its disassembled recipes on rats' neurogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) and its disassembled recipes on rats' neurogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia and to investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Focal cerebral ischemia model was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min using the intraluminal filament model. Rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the BYHWD group, the qi supplementing group, and the blood activating group. Medication was performed by gastrogavage 24 h after ischemia for 14 successive days. 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) (at 50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected, once per day for 14 successive days. The neurological function was assessed using modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the corner test at day 1, 7, and 14 after ischemia. BrdU/Nestin, BrdU/NeuN, and BrdU/GFAP positive cells were examined by double immunofluorescence at day 14 after ischemia. The protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by Western blot at day 14 after ischemia. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the score of mNSS and the frequency of turning right significantly decreased in the BYHWD group and the qi supplementing group (P < 0.01), the number of BrdU/Nestin in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle, and BrdU/ NeuN and BrdU/GFAP positive cells in the peripheral ischemic cortex increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), protein expression of BDNF and VEGF increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In the qi supplementing group, there was no statistical difference in BrdU/GFAP. But there was no statistical difference in each index of the blood activating group (P > 0.05). Compared with BYHWD group, the number of BrdU/Nestin, BrdU/ NeuN, and BrdU/GFAP positive cells significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and the protein expression of BDNF and VEGF were significantly reduced in the qi supplementing group and the blood activating group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BYHWD could significantly improve neurogenesis and neurological function recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Its mechanisms might be related to up-regulating protein expression of BDNF and VEGF. Drugs for qi supplementing and drugs for blood activating had synergistic effects.

Multi-omics technologies and molecular biomarkers in brain tumor-related epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors are one of the leading causes of epilepsy, and brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is recognized as the major cause of intractable epilepsy, resulting in huge treatment cost and burden to patients, their families, and society. Although optimal treatment regimens are available, the majority of patients with BTRE show poor resolution of symptoms. BTRE has a very complex and multifactorial etiology, which includes several influencing factors such as genetic and molecular biomarkers. Advances in multi-omics technologies have enabled to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and related biomarkers of BTRE. Here, we reviewed multi-omics technology-based research studies on BTRE published in the last few decades and discussed the present status, development, opportunities, challenges, and prospects in treating BTRE. METHODS: First, we provided a general review of epilepsy, BTRE, and multi-omics techniques. Next, we described the specific multi-omics (including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) techniques and related molecular biomarkers for BTRE. We then presented the associated pathogenetic mechanisms of BTRE. Finally, we discussed the development and application of novel omics techniques for diagnosing and treating BTRE. RESULTS: Genomics studies have shown that the BRAF gene plays a role in BTRE development. Furthermore, the BRAF V600E variant was found to induce epileptogenesis in the neuronal cell lineage and tumorigenesis in the glial cell lineage. Several genomics studies have linked IDH variants with glioma-related epilepsy, and the overproduction of D2HG is considered to play a role in neuronal excitation that leads to seizure occurrence. The high expression level of Forkhead Box O4 (FOXO4) was associated with a reduced risk of epilepsy occurrence. In transcriptomics studies, VLGR1 was noted as a biomarker of epileptic onset in patients. Several miRNAs such as miR-128 and miRNA-196b participate in BTRE development. miR-128 might be negatively associated with the possibility of tumor-related epilepsy development. The lncRNA UBE2R2-AS1 inhibits the growth and invasion of glioma cells and promotes apoptosis. Quantitative proteomics has been used to determine dynamic changes of protein acetylation in epileptic and non-epileptic gliomas. In another proteomics study, a high expression of AQP-4 was detected in the brain of GBM patients with seizures. By using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assay, a study revealed that patients with astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas showed high BCL2A1 expression and poor seizure control. By performing immunohistochemistry, several studies have reported the relationship between D2HG overproduction and seizure occurrence. Ki-67 overexpression in WHO grade II gliomas was found to be associated with poor postoperative seizure control. According to metabolomics research, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is associated with the development of glioma-related epileptogenesis. Another metabolomics study found that SV2A, P-gb, and CAD65/67 have the potential to function as biomarkers for BTRE. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the synthesized information, this review provided new research perspectives and insights into the early diagnosis, etiological factors, and personalized treatment of BTRE.

Exosomal miR-486 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes angiogenesis following cerebral ischemic injury by regulating the PTEN/Akt pathway.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) have been shown to promote angiogenesis after ischemic stroke, in which microRNAs (miRs) are believed to play an important role in exosome-mediated therapeutic effects, though the mechanism is still not clear. In this study, a series of molecular biological and cellular assays, both in vitro and in vivo, were performed to elucidate the role of exosomal miR-486 in angiogenesis following cerebral ischemic and its molecular mechanisms. Our results revealed that BMSC-Exos significantly improved neurological function and increased microvessel density in ischemic stroke rats. In vitro assays showed that BMSC-Exos promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMECs). Importantly, BMSC-Exos increased the expression of miR-486 and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and down-regulated the protein level of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that transfection with miR-486 mimic enhanced RBMECs angiogenesis and increased p-Akt expression, while inhibited PTEN expression. On the other hand, the miR-486 inhibitor induced an opposite effect, which could be blocked by PTEN siRNA. It was thus concluded that exosomal miR-486 from BMSCs may enhance the functional recovery by promoting angiogenesis following cerebral ischemic injury, which might be related to its regulation of the PTEN/Akt pathway.

Quercetin improves cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting microglia/macrophages M2 polarization via regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The modulation of microglial polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid abundant in various plants, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, its effect and underlying mechanism on microglia/macrophages M1/M2 polarization in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) remain poorly explored. In the current study, we observed that quercetin ameliorated neurological deficits, reduced infarct volume, decreased the number of M1 microglia/macrophages (CD16/32+/Iba1+), and enhanced the number of M2 microglia/macrophages (CD206+/Iba1+) after establishing the CI/RI model in rats. Subsequent in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that quercetin downregulated M1 markers (CD86, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and upregulated M2 markers (CD206, Arg-1, IL-10, and TGF-ß). Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking revealed that the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway emerged as the core pathway. Western blot confirmed that quercetin upregulated the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, while alleviating the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB both in vivo and in vitro. However, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed the effects of quercetin on M2 polarization and the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in primary microglia after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that quercetin facilitates microglia/macrophages M2 polarization by modulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of CI/RI. These findings provide novel insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of quercetin in ischemic stroke.

MiR-199a-5p enhances neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells and promotes neurogenesis by targeting Cav-1 after cerebral ischemia.

AIMS: MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in endogenous neurogenesis, enhancing of which has been regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke treatment; however, whether miR-199a-5p mediates postischemic neurogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the proneurogenesis effects of miR-199a-5p and its possible mechanism after ischemic stroke. METHODS: Neural stem cells (NSCs) were transfected using Lipofectamine 3000 reagent, and the differentiation of NSCs was evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the target gene of miR-199a-5p. MiR-199a-5p agomir/antagomir were injected intracerebroventricularly. The sensorimotor functions were evaluated by neurobehavioral tests, infarct volume was measured by toluidine blue staining, neurogenesis was detected by immunofluorescence assay, and the protein levels of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caveolin-1 (Cav-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: MiR-199a-5p mimic enhanced neuronal differentiation and inhibited astrocyte differentiation of NSCs, while a miR-199a-5p inhibitor induced the opposite effects, which can be reversed by Cav-1 siRNA. Cav-1 was through the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed as a target gene of miR-199a-5p. miR-199a-5p agomir in rat stroke models manifested multiple benefits, such as improving neurological deficits, reducing infarct volume, promoting neurogenesis, inhibiting Cav-1, and increasing VEGF and BDNF, which was reversed by the miR-199a-5p antagomir. CONCLUSION: MiR-199a-5p may target and inhibit Cav-1 to enhance neurogenesis and thus promote functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. These findings indicate that miR-199a-5p is a promising target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Exploring the mechanism of luteolin by regulating microglia polarization based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments.

Neuroinflammation manifests following injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and M1/M2 polarization of microglia is closely associated with the development of this neuroinflammation. In this study, multiple databases were used to collect targets regarding luteolin and microglia polarization. After obtaining a common target, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created and further analysis was performed to obtain the core network. Molecular docking of the core network with luteolin after gene enrichment analysis. In vitro experiments were used to examine the polarization of microglia and the expression of related target proteins. A total of 77 common targets were obtained, and the core network obtained by further analysis contained 38 proteins. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that luteolin affects microglia polarization in regulation of inflammatory response as well as the interleukin (IL)-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways. Through in vitro experiments, we confirmed that the use of luteolin reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6, TNF-α, p-NFκBIA (p-IκB-α), p-NFκB p65, and MMP9, while upregulating the expression of Arg-1 and IL-10. This study reveals various potential mechanisms by which luteolin induces M2 polarization in microglia to inhibit the neuroinflammatory response.

The mechanism of action of the combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Ligusticum chuanxiong in the treatment of ischemic stroke based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Since 1990, the incidence of stroke has been rising to become the second leading cause of death in the world, posing a huge burden and challenge to society and families. Astragalus membranaceus and Ligusticum chuanxiong (A&L) have been used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions to treat and prevent the occurrence of ischemic stroke (IS), but their mechanism of action on the disease has not been fully elucidated. The main objective of this study was to reveal the pharmacological mechanism of A&L in the treatment of IS and to perform preliminary validation. The active ingredients of A&L were obtained from the systematic pharmacology platform of traditional Chinese medicine (TCMSP) database, whereas the genes of IS were obtained from 2 major databases, DrugBank and GeneCards. Cytoscape_v3.8.2 was used to construct the TCM-active ingredient and TCM-active ingredient-cross-target-disease relationship maps, and the MCODE plug-in was used to obtain the core genes, whereas the protein-protein interaction maps were obtained from the STRING database. The results of gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment were obtained using the Hiplot online tool, and the small molecules in the relevant signalling pathways were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock. A&L contained a total of 26 eligible active ingredients, sharing 161 common targets with IS. A total of 58 core genes with 1326 edges were obtained using the MCODE plug-in. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment results showed association with interleukin-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, which mainly mediates the development of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted and most of the components were found to have good binding to the receptors. This study demonstrates that A&L can be used to treat IS by controlling the inflammatory response through multiple targets and multiple pathways, and provides a reference for subsequent trials.

Merger and Acquisitions Integration, Implementation as Innovative Approach Toward Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Case Analysis From Chinese Sports Brands.

Brand M&A has long been an extremely common strategy for expanding the scale of an organization and entering new business areas, but various signs show that many brand mergers and acquisitions (M&As) do not add value. They often lose money and fail. This research explores the value, scarcity, and non-replicability of resources in corporate M&A, as well as organizational resource management, innovation resource management, and implementation of the combination of resource utilization and brand strategy that incorporate M&As. Taking 03 of China's sporting shoe industry cases, this study uses the literature to collect, analyze, and organize the conversations of high-level managers to compare and integrate the motivations of corporate M&As to conduct confirmatory analysis. Using case studies and cross-border M&A related secondary data from 2014 to 2021 and supplemented by senior executives' conversations, 1,836 articles were collected as analysis units. The research results show that Chinese companies' cross-border M&A's main corporate strategic motives have four key elements: accelerated expansion, integration of resources, brand integration, rapid entry into the international market, and obstacles to the construction of new entrants. The research results also show that integrating resources and brand execution strategies after M&As correlates to their success or failure. The purpose of the research was first to discuss brand M&As and corporate strategies in the Taiwanese context. Secondly, it discusses the issue of the use of resources by the acquired party in specific to emerging trends in consumer resistance to innovation and acceptance of technological innovativeness in the sports industry brands. Third, it analyzes the effectiveness of brand strategy integration and implementation. Finally, it provides a strategic reference for brand M&As in the industry.

Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Angiogenesis in Ischemic Stroke Mice via Upregulation of MiR-21-5p.

Exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) are one of the main factors responsible for the therapeutic effects of BMSCs. The study aimed to investigate whether BMSC-Exos could promote angiogenesis in ischemic stroke mice via miR-21-5p. In ischemic stroke mice, the therapeutic effects of BMSC-Exos were evaluated by neurological functions and infarct volume. Microvessel density was detected by BrdU/vWF immunofluorescence staining. In in vitro experiments, the proangiogenic effects of BMSC-Exos were assessed via proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The miR-21-5p inhibitor was transfected into BMSCs using Lipofectamine 2000. miR-21-5p expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ang-1, and Tie-2 were determined by Western blot. BMSC-Exos significantly improved neurological functions and reduced infarct volume, upregulated microvessel density, and miR-21-5p expression after cerebral ischemia. In vitro assays revealed that BMSC-Exos enhanced HUVECs functions including proliferation, migration, and tube formation. BMSC-Exos increased the expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ang-1, and Tie-2. However, the proangiogenic effects of BMSC-Exos on HUVECs were reversed by the miR-21-5p inhibitor. These results suggest that BMSC-Exos could promote angiogenesis via miR-21-5p upregulation, making them an attractive treatment strategy for stroke recovery.

Identification of six hub genes and two key pathways in two rat renal fibrosis models based on bioinformatics and RNA-seq transcriptome analyses.

Renal fibrosis (RF) is the common pathological manifestation and central treatment target of multiple chronic kidney diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying RF remain poorly understood, and exploration of RF-related hub targets and pathways is urgently needed. In this study, two classical RF rat models (adenine and UUO) were established and evaluated by HE, Masson and immunohistochemical staining. To clear molecular mechanisms of RF, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using RNA-Seq analysis, hub targets and pathways were screened by bioinformatics (functional enrichment analyses, PPI network, and co-expression analysis), the screening results were verified by qRT-PCR, and potential drugs of RF were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The results illustrated that renal structures were severely damaged and fibrotic in adenine- and UUO-induced models, as evidenced by collagen deposition, enhanced expressions of biomarkers (TGF-ß1 and α-SMA), reduction of E-cadherin biomarker, and severe renal function changes (significantly decreased UTP, CREA, Ccr, and ALB levels and increased UUN and BUN levels), etc. 1189 and 1253 RF-related DEGs were screened in the adenine and UUO models, respectively. Two key pathways (AGE-RAGE and NOD-like receptor) and their hub targets (Tgfb1, Col1a1, Nlrc4, Casp4, Trpm2, and Il18) were identified by PPI networks, co-expressed relationships, and qRT-PCR verification. Furthermore, various reported herbal ingredients (curcumin, resveratrol, honokiol, etc.) were considered as important drug candidates due to the strong binding affinity with these hub targets. Overall, this study mainly identified two key RF-related pathways (AGE-RAGE and NOD-like receptor), screened hub targets (Tgfb1, Col1a1, Nlrc4, Casp4, Trpm2, and Il18) that involved inflammation, ECM formation, myofibroblasts generation, and pyroptosis, etc., and provided referable drug candidates (curcumin, resveratrol, honokiol, etc.) in basic research and clinical treatment of RF.

Astragaloside IV promotes microglia/macrophages M2 polarization and enhances neurogenesis and angiogenesis through PPARγ pathway after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Microglia/macrophages play a dual role in brain injury and repair following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Promoting microglia/macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype has been considered as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a primary active ingredient of Chinese herb Radix Astragali, which protects against acute cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. However, it remains unknown whether AS-IV improves ischemic brain tissue repair and its underlying mechanism. A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model was used in this study. The results showed that AS-IV significantly improved long-term brain injury, reduced the expression of M1 microglia/macrophage markers and increased the expression of M2 microglia/macrophage markers 14 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. AS-IV also increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, AS-IV promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and increased the protein expression of brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, these beneficial effects were greatly blocked by PPARγ antagonist T0070907. These results together suggest that AS-IV could enhance neurogenesis, angiogenesis and neurological functional recovery, which may be partially through transforming microglia/macrophage from M1 to M2 phenotype in a PPARγ-dependent manner after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, AS-IV can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke.

[Nordihydroguaiaretic acid partially inhibits inflammatory responses after focal cerebral ischemia in rats].

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on inflammatory cells accumulation after focal cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanism. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 72 h of reperfusion. NDGA (5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min, 2, 24, 48 h after reperfusion, respectively. The brain injuries were observed by neurological and histological examination. Endogenous IgG exudation, neutrophils and macrophages/microglia accumulation, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein expression were determined by immunohistochemistry 72 h after reperfusion. ICAM-1 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR 72 h after reperfusion. The catalysates of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), were evaluated by ELISA 3 h after reperfusion. The results showed that NDGA ameliorated neurological dysfunction, decreased infarct volume, and inhibited endogenous IgG exudation, neutrophils infiltration, ICAM-1 mRNA and protein expression 72 h after reperfusion. Moreover, NDGA reduced the levels of LTB4 and CysLTs 3 h after reperfusion. However, NDGA did not reduce the accumulation of macrophages/microglia 72 h after reperfusion. These results suggest that NDGA decreases neutrophil infiltration in the subacute phase of focal cerebral ischemia via inhibiting 5-LOX activation.

[Protective effects of Huanglian-Jiedu-Tang on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Chinese herb medicine Huanglian-Jiedu-Tang (HJDT) on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice. METHODS: Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 15 min. HJDT (at dosage of 2 g/kg or 4 g/kg, qd, orally) was administered for 21 d from d 7 before ischemia until d 14 after ischemia. The sham and ischemic controls were administered with normal saline orally. The neurological deficit scoring and the inclined board testing were performed within 35 d after ischemia. The survival rate, the infarct volume and the neuron density were assessed 35 d after ischemia. RESULT: HJDT increased the survival rate at dose of 4 g/kg; significantly reduced the neurological deficits, infarct volume and cerebral atrophy at doses of 2 and 4 g/kg after ischemia; and significantly increased the neuron density in the ischemic hippocampal CA1 region, striatum and cortex at dose of 4 g/kg but only increase the density in hippocampal CA1 region at dose of 2 g/kg. CONCLUSION: Chinese herb medicine HJDT has neuroprotective effects on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice.