Exploring the therapeutic implications of natural compounds modulating apoptosis in vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a prevalent form of dementia stemming from cerebrovascular disease, manifesting in memory impairment and executive dysfunction, thereby imposing a substantial societal burden. Unfortunately, no drugs have been approved for the treatment of VaD due to its intricate pathogenesis, and the development of innovative and efficacious medications is urgently needed. Apoptosis, a programmed cell death process crucial for eliminating damaged or unwanted cells within an organism, assumes pivotal roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis maintenance. An increasing body of evidence indicates that apoptosis may significantly influence the onset and progression of VaD, and numerous natural compounds have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis and its correlation with VaD. We also provide a crucial reference for developing innovative pharmaceuticals by systematically reviewing the latest research progress concerning the neuroprotective effects of natural compounds on VaD by regulating apoptosis. Further high-quality clinical studies are imperative to firmly ascertain these natural compounds' clinical efficacy and safety profiles in the treatment of VaD.

[Research progress in osthole for prevention and treatment of central nervous system diseases].

Central nervous system(CNS) disorders can significantly impact patients' daily lives, impairing their ability to work and imposing a substantial financial burden on their families. In recent years, the incidence of CNS diseases has shown a significant increase with the continuous improvement of the quality of life and the aging problem. Therefore, the search for new preventive and curative drugs has been a research hotspot for this group of diseases. Osthole(OST), isolated from Umbelliferae such as Cnidium monnieri, Angelica sinensis, and Heracleum hemsleyanum, possesses a variety of pharmacological effects such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects. There is increasing evidence that OST has demonstrated significant preventive and curative effects in various CNS disease models. This paper systematically reviewed the research progress of OST in preventing and treating CNS diseases by reviewing domestic and international literature to provide more in-depth theoretical support for the future clinical application of OST in the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases.

Exosomes: A Cellular Communication Medium That Has Multiple Effects On Brain Diseases.

Exosomes, as membranous vesicles generated by multiple cell types and secreted to extracellular space, play a crucial role in a range of brain injury-related brain disorders by transporting diverse proteins, RNA, DNA fragments, and other functional substances. The nervous system's pathogenic mechanisms are complicated, involving pathological processes like as inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy, all of which result in blood-brain barrier damage, cognitive impairment, and even loss of normal motor function. Exosomes have been linked to the incidence and progression of brain disorders in recent research. As a result, a thorough knowledge of the interaction between exosomes and brain diseases may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic techniques that may be implemented in the clinic. The potential role of exosomes in brain diseases and the crosstalk between exosomes and other pathogenic processes were discussed in this paper. Simultaneously, we noted the delicate events in which exosomes as a media allow the brain to communicate with other tissues and organs in physiology and disease, and compiled a list of natural compounds that modulate exosomes, in order to further improve our understanding of exosomes and propose new ideas for treating brain disorders.

Insights Into the Role of Copper in Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds.

Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a collection of neurological disorders originating from the progressive degeneration of neurons, resulting in the dysfunction of neurons. Unfortunately, effective therapeutic interventions for these diseases are presently lacking. Copper (Cu), a crucial trace element within the human body, assumes a pivotal role in various biological metabolic processes, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and neurotransmission. These processes are vital for the sustenance, growth, and development of organisms. Mounting evidence suggests that disrupted copper homeostasis contributes to numerous age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Wilson's disease (WD), Menkes disease (MD), prion diseases, and multiple sclerosis (MS). This comprehensive review investigates the connection between the imbalance of copper homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases, summarizing pertinent drugs and therapies that ameliorate neuropathological changes, motor deficits, and cognitive impairments in these conditions through the modulation of copper metabolism. These interventions include Metal-Protein Attenuating Compounds (MPACs), copper chelators, copper supplements, and zinc salts. Moreover, this review highlights the potential of active compounds derived from natural plant medicines to enhance neurodegenerative disease outcomes by regulating copper homeostasis. Among these compounds, polyphenols are particularly abundant. Consequently, this review holds significant implications for the future development of innovative drugs targeting the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms of action and pharmacological properties.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a global public health priority characterized by high mortality rates in adults and an increasing prevalence in aging populations worldwide. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the pathogenesis of AD since its initial report in 1907, there remains a lack of effective curative or preventive measures for the disease. In recent years, natural compounds sourced from diverse origins have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents for AD, owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. This review aims to consolidate the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on AD, specifically targeting the reduction of ß-amyloid (Aß) overproduction, anti-apoptosis, autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, the identified compounds exhibiting these effects predominantly originate from plants. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of natural compounds as a reservoir of novel therapeutic agents for AD, thereby stimulating further research and contributing to the development of efficacious treatments for this devastating disease.

Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenoside Rd for Activating SIRT6 in Treating a Mouse Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent global condition and a common precursor to liver cancer, yet there is currently no specific medication available for its treatment. Ginseng, renowned for its medicinal and dietary properties, has been utilized in NAFLD management, although the precise underlying mechanism remains elusive. To investigate the effectiveness of ginsenoside Rd, we employed mouse and cell models to induce NAFLD using high-fat diets, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. We explored and confirmed the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rd-induced hepatic steatosis through experiments involving mice with a liver-specific knockout of SIRT6, a crucial protein involved in metabolic regulation. Our findings revealed that administration of ginsenoside Rd significantly reduced the inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxide levels, and mitochondrial stress induced by oleic acid and palmitic acid in primary hepatocytes, thereby mitigating excessive lipid accumulation. Moreover, ginsenoside Rd administration effectively enhanced the mRNA content of key proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation, with a particular emphasis on SIRT6 and its target proteins. We further validated that ginsenoside Rd directly binds to SIRT6, augmenting its deacetylase activity. Notably, we made a significant observation that the protective effect of ginsenoside Rd against hepatic disorders induced by a fatty diet was almost entirely reversed in mice with a liver-specific SIRT6 knockout. Our findings highlight the potential therapeutic impact of Ginsenoside Rd in NAFLD treatment by activating SIRT6. These results warrant further investigation into the development of Ginsenoside Rd as a promising agent for managing this prevalent liver disease.

Modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in APP/PS1 mice by Gomisin B and Osthole in Bushen-Yizhi formula: Synergistic effects and therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with no effective cure. Targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway may offer a novel approach to ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD. Bushen-Yizhi formula (BSYZ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has shown potential benefits for AD. To facilitate the development of new therapeutic agents for AD, it is important to identify the active components and the underlying mechanisms of BSYZ against AD. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically screen the active components of BSYZ that could improve learning and memory impairment in AD by modulating ER stress pathway. METHODS: A drug-target (D-T) network was constructed to analyze the herbal components of BSYZ. Network proximity method was used to identify the potential anti-AD components that targeted ER stress and evaluate their synergistic effects. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties and the literature evidence were considered to select promising candidates for further validation. The selected components were tested in vitro using an AD cell model (APPswe-SH-SY5Y). In vivo anti-AD effects of the components were assessed in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice. RESULTS: 58 potential anti-AD components targeting ER stress were detected by network proximity analysis, and 13 out of them were selected based on ADMET properties and literature evidence. In vitro experiments confirmed that 5 components, namely gomisin B, ß-Carotene, imperatorin, chrysophanol, and osthole (OST), exhibited anti-AD effects on the APPswe-SH-SY5Y model. Moreover, network proximity analysis suggested that OST and Gomisin B might have synergistic effects on modulating ER stress. In vivo experiments demonstrated that OST, Gomisin B, OST+Gomisin B, and BSYZ all improved learning and memory function in APP/PS1 mice. Gomisin B and OST also restored cellular morphology and tissue structure in APP/PS1 mice. Thioflavine-S (Th-S) staining revealed that they reduced amyloid plaque deposition in the brain tissue of AD model mice. The qPCR results indicated that BSYZ, OST, and Gomisin B differentially regulated IRE1α, PERK, EIF2α, DDIT3, and Caspase 12 expression levels, while the OST and Gomisin B co-administration group showed better efficacy. This trend was further confirmed by immunofluorescence experiments. CONCLUSION: This study identified the active components of BSYZ that could ameliorate learning and memory impairment in AD by targeting ER stress pathway. OST and Gomisin B exhibited synergistic effects on modulating ER stress and reducing amyloid plaque deposition in vivo. Overall, our study elucidated the molecular mechanisms of BSYZ and its active components in attenuating AD symptoms which suggested the therapeutic potential of TCM for AD.

Kai-Xin-San protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease through SIRT3/NLRP3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been reported to have a good curative impact on dementia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether KXS might ameliorate cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and to evaluate its neuroprotective mechanism. METHODS: APP/PS1 mice were employed as an AD animal model; Aß1-42 and KXS-containing serum were used in HT22 cells. Four different behavioral tests were used to determine the cognitive ability of mice. Nissl staining was utilized to detect hippocampal neuron changes. ROS, SOD, and MDA were used to detect oxidative stress levels. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot were used to evaluate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial division, and fusion state. Western blotting and immunofluorescence identified PSD95, BDNF, NGF, SYN, SIRT3, and NLRP3 inflammasome levels. RESULTS: The results indicated that KXS protected APP/PS1 mice against cognitive impairments. KXS suppressed neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress among APP/PS1 mice. KXS and KXS-containing serum improved mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic and neurotrophic factors regarding APP/PS1 mice. In addition, KXS and KXS-containing serum enhanced mitochondrial SIRT3 expression and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression in APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSION: KXS improves cognitive dysfunction among APP/PS1 mice via regulating SIRT3-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis. These results suggested that KXS was proposed as a neuroprotective agent for AD progression.

Network Pharmacology and Mechanism Studies of the Protective Effect of Ginseng against Alzheimer's Disease Based on Aß Pathogenesis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a critical neurodegenerative disease that manifests as progressive intellectual decline and is pathologically characterized by a progressive loss of neurons in the brain. Despite extensive research on this topic, the pathogenesis of AD is not fully understood, while the beta-amyloid (Aß) hypothesis remains the dominant one and only a few symptomatic drugs are approved for the treatment of AD. Ginseng has been widely reported as an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Therefore, we explore the protective effects of ginseng in AD by a network pharmacological approach based on the pathogenesis of Aß. Twenty-one major ginsenosides are screened based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) data. Among them, MAPK8, MAPK9, BACE1, FLT1, CDK2, and CCR5 are the core targets. By molecular docking and validation with the in vitro cell model APPswe-SH-SY5Y, we find that ginsenosides Rg3 and Ro have good neuroprotective effects and can reduce the expression of Aß 1 - 42 in APPswe-SH-SY5Y. Finally, through RT-qPCR experiment, we find that ginsenoside Rg3 targeted MAPK8, FLT1, and CCR5, while ginsenoside Ro targeted MAPK8, MAPK9, FLT1, and CCR5 for its potential anti-AD efficacy.

Ginsenoside Rc, as an FXR activator, alleviates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via relieving inflammation and oxidative stress.

Acetaminophen (APAP) intake leads to excessive NAPQI deposition, stimulating inflammatory and oxidative stress and causing fatal liver injury. However, the detailed molecular mechanism involved is unknown, and effective therapeutic approaches remain insufficient. In this study, we discovered that treatment with ginsenoside Rc can prevent the inflammatory response caused by APAP and oxidative stress in mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs), along with the corresponding changes in related genes. Additionally, Ginsenoside Rc effectively alleviates APAP-induced cellular apoptosis and NAPQI accumulation in MPHs. In vivo, Ginsenoside Rc administration remarkably attenuates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, repairing liver damage and improving survival. Moreover, Ginsenoside Rc treatment modulates genes involved in APAP metabolism, leading to a decrease in NAPQI and resulting in the alleviation of fatal oxidative stress and inflammatory response after APAP exposure, along with the expression of their related indicators. Furthermore, our RNA-seq and molecular docking analysis implies that FXR expression and FXR transcriptional activity are stimulated by Ginsenoside Rc treatment. Notably, due to the lack of FXR in mice and MPHs, ginsenoside Rc can no longer play its original protective role against hepatotoxicity and cell damage caused by APAP, and it is difficult to improve the corresponding survival rate and prevent hepatic apoptosis, NAPQI generation, fatal oxidative stress, and the inflammatory response induced by APAP and the expression of related genes. In summary, our results indicate that Ginsenoside Rc could act as an effective FXR activator and effectively regulate FXR-induced antioxidant stress and eliminate inflammation while also having an anti-apoptotic function.

Hepatic SIRT6 Modulates Transcriptional Activities of FXR to Alleviate Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Excessive acetaminophen (APAP) intake causes oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to fatal hepatotoxicity; however, the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore the protective effects and detailed mechanisms of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in the defense against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Hepatocyte-specific SIRT6 knockout mice, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout mice, and mice with genetic or pharmacological activation of SIRT6 were subjected to APAP to evaluate the critical role of SIRT6 in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury. RNA sequences were used to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying this process. RESULTS: Hepatic SIRT6 expression was substantially reduced in the patients and mice with acute liver injury. The deletion of SIRT6 in mice and mice primary hepatocytes led to high N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinoneimine and low glutathione levels in the liver, thereby enhancing APAP overdose-induced liver injury, manifested as increased hepatic centrilobular necrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Conversely, overexpression or pharmacological activation of SIRT6 enhanced glutathione and decreased N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinoneimine, thus alleviating APAP-induced hepatotoxicity via normalization of liver damage, inflammatory infiltration, and oxidative stress. Our molecular analysis revealed that FXR is regulated by SIRT6, which is associated with the pathological progression of ALI. Mechanistically, SIRT6 deacetylates FXR and elevates FXR transcriptional activity. FXR ablation in mice and mice primary hepatocytes prominently blunted SIRT6 overexpression and activation-mediated ameliorative effects. Conversely, pharmacological activation of FXR mitigated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in SIRT6 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our current study suggests that SIRT6 plays a crucial role in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, and pharmacological activation of SIRT6 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for APAP overdose-induced liver injury.