Grape Seed Extract Attenuates Demyelination in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response of Immune Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the anti-inflammatory effect of grape seed extract (GSE) in animal and cellular models and explore its mechanism of action. METHODS: This study determined the inhibitory effect of GSE on macrophage inflammation and Th1 and Th17 polarization in vitro. Based on the in vitro results, the effects and mechanisms of GSE on multiple sclerosis (MS)-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice model were further explored. The C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with 50 mg/kg of GSE once a day from the 3rd day to the 27th day after immunization. The activation of microglia, the polarization of Th1 and Th17 and the inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-1 ß (IL-1 ß), IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secreted by them were detected in vitro and in vivo by flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: GSE reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1 ß and IL-6 in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (P<0.01), inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1 ß, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 and IFN-γ in spleen cells of EAE mice immunized for 9 days (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and reduced the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 mediated by CD3 and CD28 factors (P<0.01). GSE significantly improved the clinical symptoms of EAE mice, and inhibited spinal cord demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. Peripherally, GSE downregulated the expression of toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCKII, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the central nervous system, GSE inhibited the infiltration of CD45+CD11b+ and CD45+CD4+ cells, and weakened the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 (P<0.05). Moreover, it reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors (P<0.01), and prevented the activation of microglia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: GSE had a beneficial effect on the pathogenesis and progression of EAE by inhibiting inflammatory response as a potential drug and strategy for the treatment of MS.

[Acupuncture ameliorates neurological function by suppressing microglia polarization and inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture on microglia polarization and inflammatory reaction in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CIRI. METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, and acupuncture groups, with 10 rats in each group. The CIRI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion. After modeling, rats in the acupuncture group received manual acupuncture stimulation of "Dazhui" (GV14), "Baihui"(GV20), "Shuigou" (GV26), bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Fengchi" (GB20) by twirling the needles rapidly for 10 s/acupoint every 10 min, with the needles retained for 20 min. The treatment was conducted once daily for successive 7 days. The neurological function was evaluated according to Longa's method. The state of CIRI was observed after Nissl staining, and the expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, Arg1, BDNF, GDNF and NeuN in the ischemic cortex tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in the ischemic tissue were assayed by ELISA. The protein expression levels of BDNF, GDNF, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in the ischemic tissues were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The neurological deficit score on the 24 h and 7th day was considerably higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P<0.01), and evidently lower on the 7th day in the acupuncture group than in the model group (P<0.01). The number of NeuN positive cells，the area of immunofluorescence dual labelling of Arg1, BDNF and GDNF positive staining, IL-10 content, BDNF and GDNF protein expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the immunofluorescence dual labelling area of Iba-1 and iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 contents, the pretein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB considerably increased (P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the sham operation group. In contrast to the model group, the acupuncture group had a significant increase in the number of NeuN positive cells, the immunofluorescence dual labelling area of Arg1, BDNF and GDNF positive staining, IL-10 content, and BDNF and GDNF protein expressions (P<0.05, P<0.01), and an evident decrease in Iba-1 and iNOS positive staining, contents of TNF-α and IL-6, and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB (P<0.01, P<0.05). Nissl staining showed a marked reduction in the number of neurons, the nucleus pyknosis and nissl bodies and loose arrangement of the neuronal cells in the model group, which was relatively milder in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture intervention can improve neurological function in CIRI rats, which may be related to its effects in regulating the polarization of microglia, reducing inflammatory reaction and increasing the secretion of neurotrophic factors in the brain, inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Wuzi Yanzong pill attenuates MPTP-induced Parkinson's Disease via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP) was found to play a protective role on nerve cells and neurological diseases, however the molecular mechanism is unclear. To understand the molecular mechanisms that underly the neuroprotective effect of WYP on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). PD mouse model was induced by the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Gait and hanging tests were used to assess motor behavioral function. Immunofluorescence assay was used to determine TH-positive neurons in substantia nigra (SN). Apoptosis, dopamine and neurotrophic factors as well as expression of PI3K/Akt pathway were detected by TUNEL staining, ELISA and western blotting, respectively. First, it was observed that WYP intervention improved abnormal motor function in MPTP-induced PD model, alleviated the loss of TH+ neurons in SN, and increased dopamine content in brain, revealing a potential protective effect. Second, network pharmacology was used to analyze the possible targets and pathways of WYP action in the treatment of PD. A total of 126 active components related to PD were screened in WYP, and the related core targets included ALB, GAPDH, Akt1, TP53, IL6 and TNF. Particularly, the effect of WYP on PD may be medicate through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and apoptotic regulation. The WYP treated PD mice had higher expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 but lower expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 than the non-WYP treated PD mice. Secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) were also increased in the treated mice. WYP may inhibit apoptosis and increase the secretion of neurotrophic factor via activating PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway, thus protecting the loss of dopamine neurons in MPTP-induced PD mice.

Multitarget Therapeutic Effect of Fasudil in APP/PS1transgenic Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic strategies targeting Alzheimer's disease-related molecule ß- amyloid (Aß), Tau protein and ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) have been recently explored. However, the treatment effect for single target is not ideal. Based on multiaspect roles of Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil on neuroprotection, neurorepair and immunomodulation, we observed therapeutic potential of Fasudil and explored possible mechanisms in amyloid precursor protein/ presenilin-1 transgenic (APP/PS1 Tg) mice, an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: APP/PS1 Tg mice were treated with Fasudil (25 mg/kg/day) for 2 months by intraperitoneal injection. Mouse behavior tests were recorded every day. The expression of Aß deposition, Tau protein phosphorylation, BACE and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95) in hippocampus was assayed. The levels in the brain of Toll-like receptors (TLRs)-nuclear factor kappa B/p65（NF-κB/p65)- myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) inflammatory cytokine axis were measured. RESULTS: Fasudil treatment ameliorated learning and memory deficits, accompanied by reduced Aß deposition, Tau protein phosphorylation, and BACE expression, as well as increased PSD-95 expression in hippocampus. Fasudil intervention also inhibited TLR-2/4, p-NF-κB/p65, MyD88, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α for TLRs-NF-κB-MyD88 inflammatory cytokine axis and the induction of interleukin-10. CONCLUSION: Fasudil exhibited multitarget therapeutic effect in APP/PS1 Tg mice. The study provides preclinical evidence that Fasudil treatment ameliorated memory deficits in APP/PS1 Tg mice, accompanied by the reduction of Aß deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation, the decrease of BACE and the increase of PSD-95, as well as inhibition of TLRs-NF-κB-MyD88 inflammatory cytokine axis. However, these results still need to be repeated and confirmed before clinical application.

The Pharmacological Effects and Mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in Central Nervous System Autoimmunity.

OBJECTIVE: Extracts of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) have potent anti-inflammatory functions and are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. They have also been considered as potential drugs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed. We reviewed many Chinese- and English-language articles. RESULTS: Recent studies have indicated that TwHF extracts, such as triptolide and tripchlorolide, are able to attenuate progression of this neuroimmunologic disorder because of their immunoregulatory, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective effects, but use of these extracts is often accompanied by acute and chronic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This review systematically summarizes the effects, safety consideration, and molecular mechanisms of action of TwHF extracts with regard to their inhibition of microglia activation, T cell functions, and transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling.

Safflower Yellow regulates microglial polarization and inhibits inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated Bv2 cells.

Activated microglia, especially polarized M1 cells, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, thereby contributing directly to neuroinflammation and various brain disorders. Given that excessive or chronic neuroinflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) exacerbates neuronal damage, molecules that modulate neuroinflammation are candidates as neuroprotective agents. In this study, we provide evidence that Safflor yellow (SY), the main active component in the traditional Chinese medicine safflower, modulates inflammatory responses by acting directly on BV2 microglia. LPS stimulated BV2 cells to upregulate expression of TLR4-Myd88 and MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathways and to release IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. However, SY treatment inhibited expression of TLR4-Myd88 and p-38/p-JNK-NF-κB, downregulated expression of iNOS, CD16/32, and IL-12, and upregulated CD206 and IL-10. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SY exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on BV2 microglia, possibly through TLR-4/p-38/p-JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways and the conversion of microglia from inflammatory M1 to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.

The lack of CD131 and the inhibition of Neuro-2a growth by carbamylated erythropoietin.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), a glycohormone, is one of the leading biopharmaceutical products, while carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO), an EPO derivative, is attracting widespread interest due to its neuroprotective effects without erythropoiesis in several cells and animal models. However, exogenous EPO promotes an angiogenic response from tumor cells and is associated with tumor growth, but knowledge of CEPO on tumor growth is lacking. Here we show that CEPO, but not EPO, inhibited Neuro-2a growth and viability. As expected, CEPO--unlike EPO--did not activate JAK-2 either in primary neurons or in Neuro-2a cells. Interestingly, CEPO did not induce GDNF expression and subsequent AKT activation in Neuro-2a cells. Before CEPO/EPO treatment, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) neutralization and GFR receptor blocking decreased the viability of EPO-treated Neuro-2a cells but did not influence CEPO-treated Neuro-2a cells. As compared to primary neurons, the expression of CD131, as a receptor complex binding to CEPO, is almost lacking in Neuro-2a cells. In BABL/C-nu mice, CEPO did not promote the growth of Neuro-2a cells nor extended the survival time compared to mice treated with EPO. The results indicate that CEPO did not promote tumor growth because of lower expression of CD131 and subsequent dysfunction of CD131/GDNF/AKT pathway in Neuro-2a cells, revealing its therapeutic potential in future clinical application.