Effect of Perineural or Intravenous Betamethasone on Femoral Nerve Block Outcomes in Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the use of multimodal analgesia, patients undergoing knee arthroplasty still encounter residual moderate pain. The addition of betamethasone to local anesthetic has been shown to improve postoperative pain. However, it remains uncertain whether the positive effects of perineural or intravenous administration of betamethasone on analgesia outcomes lead to better early mobility and postoperative recovery. METHODS: Between June 2022 and February 2023, a total of 159 patients who were undergoing knee arthroplasty were included in this study. These patients were allocated randomly into three groups: (i) the NS group, received ropivacaine 0.375% and intravenous 3mL 0.9% normal saline; (ii) the PNB group, received ropivacaine 0.375% plus perineural betamethasone (12mg) 3mL and intravenous 3mL 0.9% normal saline; and (iii) the IVB group, received ropivacaine 0.375% and intravenous betamethasone (12mg) 3mL. RESULTS: Both perineural and intravenous administration of betamethasone led to improved median (IQR) numeric rating scale (NRS) scores on the 6-meter walk test, with a score of 1.0 (1.0-2.0) for both groups, compared with 2.0 (1.0-2.0) for the NS group (p = 0.003). Compared to the NS group, both the PNB and IVB groups showed significant reductions in NRS scores at 24 and 36 h after surgery, along with a significant increase in ROM at 24, 36, and 48 h post-operation. Additionally, it exhibited lower levels of cytokine IL-1ß and TNF-α in fluid samples, as well as lower level of HS-CRP in blood samples in the PNB and IVB groups compared to the NS group. CONCLUSION: The administration of perineural and intravenous betamethasone demonstrated an enhanced analgesic effect following knee arthroplasty. Furthermore, it was associated with reduced levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and HS-CRP, as well as enhanced knee ROM, which is conducive to early ambulation and postoperative rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty.

Role of NF-κB/IL-1ß Pathway and Caspase 3 in Mediating the Hepatoprotective Effect of Rutin against Paraquat-Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Rats.

One of the most common bipyridinium herbicides that can lead to liver toxicity is paraquat. Rutin is a bioflavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and antimicrobial properties. The effect of rutin on paraquat-induced liver toxicity was examined in this study. 48 male rats were divided into six groups: the control group was given a normal diet; the non-treated group was given paraquat; the positive control group was given paraquat, and silymarin and the treatment groups were given paraquat and rutin at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. After fourteen days, the rats were anesthetized by xylazine-ketamine, and fasting blood samples were obtained from their hearts to measure alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, lipid profile, antioxidant capacity, and carbonyl protein. The liver tissue was removed to measure the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total protein, vitamin C, plus NF-κB, IL1ß, and caspase-3 gene expressions. Paraquat gavage in the untreated group (group 2) for 14 days in comparison with the control group induced a significant augmentation (p<0.05) in levels of lipid profile, AST, ALP, ALT, MDA, carbonyl protein, and also NF-κB, IL1ß, Caspase3 expressions. Treatment with rutin reduced the factors as mentioned above. Paraquat poisoning induced a substantial decline (p<0.05) in HDL content, FRAP level, CAT, and SOD activity of the liver compared to the control group. However, rutin oral treatment led to a substantial increase (p<0.05) in the level of these factors compared to the paraquat-only treated group. Based on the findings of the present study, it was found that rutin can be significantly effective in improving hepatotoxicity caused by paraquat.

Quercetin potentiates the hepatoprotective effect of sildenafil and/or pentoxifylline against intrahepatic cholestasis: Role of Nrf2/ARE, TLR4/NF-κB, and NLRP3/IL-1ß signaling pathways.

AIM: Intrahepatic cholestasis is a common pathological condition of several types of liver disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of quercetin (QU) on selected phosphodiesterase inhibitors against alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced acute intrahepatic cholestasis. METHODS: Cholestasis was induced in Wistar albino rats by ANIT as a single dose (60 mg/kg; P·O.). QU (50 mg/kg, daily, P·O.), sildenafil (Sild; 10 mg/kg, twice daily, P·O.), and pentoxifylline (PTX; 50 mg/kg, daily, P.O.) were evaluated either alone or in combinations for 10 days for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyroptotic effects. RESULTS: ANIT produced a prominent intrahepatic cholestasis as evidenced by a significant alteration in liver functions, histological structure, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Furthermore, up-regulation of NF-κB-p65, TLR4, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IKK-ß, and IL-1ß concurrently with down-regulation of Nrf-2, HO-1, and PPAR-γ expressions were observed after ANIT. QU, Sild, or PTX treatment significantly alleviated the disturbance induced by ANIT. These findings were further supported by the improvement in histopathological features. Additionally, co-administration of QU with Sild or PTX significantly improved liver defects due to ANIT as compared to the individual drugs. SIGNIFICANCE: Combined QU with Sild or PTX exhibited promising hepatoprotective effects and anti-cholestatic properties through modulation of Nrf2/ARE, TLR4/NF- κB, and NLRP3/IL-1ß signaling pathways.

Effect of Shixiao San on inflammatory factors and pain in rats with endometriosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, endometriosis is believed to be caused by blood stasis and is characterised by dysmenorrhea, which is difficult to control. Shixiao San (SXS) has a long history of use in the treatment of gynaecological diseases. The prescriptions composed of SXS include Typhae Pollen and Faeces Trogopterori, both of which have anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, Typhae Pollen can be used to treat many kinds of blood stasis diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of SXS on pain relief in rats with endometriosis and to preliminarily explore its mechanism of action in alleviating pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten rats received sham operation as the Sham group, and 30 endometriosis model rats were randomly divided into three groups: the Model, Shixiao San-Low (SXS-L), and Shixiao San-High (SXS-H) groups. The rats were administered the appropriate treatment via intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The thermal radiation pain and mechanical pain thresholds of the rats were measured every 7 days after treatment. Finally, the distribution density of nerve fibres in endometrial tissue, the inflammatory infiltration of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), the expression of TRPV1 in the DRG, and the expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in ectopic tissue were measured. RESULTS: After SXS treatment, the growth of ectopic tissue in rats with endometriosis was significantly suppressed, their thermal radiation pain and mechanical pain thresholds increased, the density of nerve fibres and the expression of inflammatory factors in ectopic tissues reduced, and inflammatory cells infiltration in the DRG of the animals alleviated. Meanwhile, the expression of TRPV1 in the DRG was downregulated in rats with endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: SXS could possibly inhibit the development of endometriosis and relieve pain in patients with endometriosis by reducing inflammatory responses in ectopic tissue and the DRG.

Quercetin promotes cutaneous wound healing in mice through Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxytropis falcata Bunge is a legume distributed in Northwest China, which is mainly used to treat knife wounds and inflammation. Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid in O. falcata and becomes a promising healing compound for its angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the healing mechanism of quercetin in cutaneous wound remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing effect of quercetin on cutaneous wound models in vivo and in vitro, and to reveal the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) involved mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of quercetin on the proliferation and migration of 4 kinds of skin cells were determined by CCK-8 and scratch assay. The wound-healing capacity of quercetin was evaluated in cutaneous wound model of C57BL/6 mice and the wound healing degree was observed by histological staining. The expressions of inflammatory factors, growth factors and the related proteins were detected via Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses. The molecular docking was adopted to evaluate the binding ability of quercetin and TERT. RESULTS: Quercetin could promote both proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, and enhance cutaneous wound healing capacity in mice. Compared to the control group, the wound healing rates in low (1.5 mg/mL), medium (3.0 mg/mL) and high dose (6.0 mg/mL) quercetin groups reached 94.67%, 97.31% and 98.42%, respectively. Moreover, the dermal structure in quercetin treated mice restored normal and the content of collagen fiber became abundant after administration. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 were significantly reduced after quercetin administration. Among which, the level of IL-1ß in cutaneous wound was 0.007 times higher than that of the control group when treated with quercetin of high dose (6.0 mg/mL). The improved level of GSH in quercetin treated cutaneous wounds also indicated its higher antioxidant ability. In addition, dose-dependent positive associations were found in the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and alpha smooth muscle actin in quercetin treated cutaneous wounds. The significantly upregulated protein levels of Wnt and ß-catenin further indicated the important role of quercetin in promoting wound healing in mice. According to molecular docking analysis, the formed hydrogen bonds between quercetin and Ala195, Gln308, Asn369 and Lys372 residues of TERT also indicated the indispensable role of TERT in improving wound healing capacity. CONCLUSION: Quercetin effectively promoted cutaneous wound healing by enhancing the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, as well as inhibiting inflammation and increasing the expression of growth factors in mice via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and TERT. It provides a basis for a more thorough understanding of mechanism of action of O. falcata Bunge in the treatment of knife wounds and burns.

Berberine ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urologic problem that mostly develops in older males. Oxidative stress and inflammation influence the occurrence of BPH. Berberine (BBR) is a natural ingredient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research aims at examining the effects of BBR on testosterone-stimulated BPH in rats. METHODS: Animals were randomly categorized to six groups. In the control group, normal saline and olive oil were injected as the vehicle. BPH group: received testosterone (3 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 28 days), BPH + BBR groups; received BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BPH + finasteride groups: received finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BBR (50 mg/kg, p.o, alone) was administered for subjects in the BBR group. On the 29th day, after anesthesia, cervical dislocation was used to kill the subjects. Serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was measured and prostate tissues were excised and used for biochemical, inflammation, and histological analysis. RESULTS: BBR prevented increased serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. BBR considerably reduced BPH-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation through preventing the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and declined the accumulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1ß and tumor necrosis factor α) and declining the depletion rate of GSH and the function of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Histopathological investigations reported that administration of BBR could suppress testosterone-stimulated BPH. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that BBR could significantly prevent the development of BPH in rats.

PD-1 blockade counteracts post-COVID-19 immune abnormalities and stimulates the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response.

A substantial proportion of patients who have recovered from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) experience COVID-19-related symptoms even months after hospital discharge. We extensively immunologically characterized patients who recovered from COVID-19. In these patients, T cells were exhausted, with increased PD-1+ T cells, as compared with healthy controls. Plasma levels of IL-1ß, IL-1RA, and IL-8, among others, were also increased in patients who recovered from COVID-19. This altered immunophenotype was mirrored by a reduced ex vivo T cell response to both nonspecific and specific stimulation, revealing a dysfunctional status of T cells, including a poor response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Altered levels of plasma soluble PD-L1, as well as of PD1 promoter methylation and PD1-targeting miR-15-5p, in CD8+ T cells were also observed, suggesting abnormal function of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis. Notably, ex vivo blockade of PD-1 nearly normalized the aforementioned immunophenotype and restored T cell function, reverting the observed post-COVID-19 immune abnormalities; indeed, we also noted an increased T cell-mediated response to SARS-CoV-2 peptides. Finally, in a neutralization assay, PD-1 blockade did not alter the ability of T cells to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus infection. Immune checkpoint blockade ameliorates post-COVID-19 immune abnormalities and stimulates an anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Ascorbic Acid and N-Acetylcysteine on TNF-α, IL 1ß, and NF-κß Expressions in Acute Pancreatitis in Albino Rats.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a necrotic pancreatic inflammation associated with high mortality rate (up to 70%). Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in pancreatic cellular regeneration, but still their effects are controversial. Therefore, the present study is aimed at examining the enrichment of the stem cells with ascorbic acid (AA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and explore their combined action on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: interleukin 1ß (IL 1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-κß (NF-κß). A total of twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, cerulein group (to induce acute pancreatitis), BM-MSCs group, and combined BM-MSCs with AA and NAC group. Homing and proliferation of stem cells were revealed by the appearance of PKH26-labelled BM-MSCs in the islets of Langerhans. AA and NAC combination with BM-MSCs (group IV) was demonstrated to affect the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: IL 1ß, TNF-α, and NF-κß. In addition, improvement of the biochemical and histological parameters is represented in increasing body weight, normal blood glucose, and insulin levels and regeneration of the islet cells. Immunohistochemical studies showed an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and decrease in caspase-3 reactions, detected markedly in group IV, after the marked distortion of the classic pancreatic lobular architecture was induced by cerulein. It could be concluded that treatment with BM-MSCs combined with antioxidants could provide a promising therapy for acute pancreatitis and improve the degeneration, apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammatory processes of the islets of Langerhans. TNF-α, IL 1ß, and NF-κß are essential biomarkers for the evaluation of MSC regenerative effectiveness.

Intranasal lipopolysaccharide administration prevents chronic stress-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice.

We recently reported that intraperitoneal injection of a low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prevents chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. In this study, we reported that a single intranasal LPS administration (10 µg/mouse) one day prior to stress exposure produced prophylactic effects on chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression-like behaviors, which was indicated by the reduction in social interaction time in the social interaction test and the decrease in immobility time in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test. The single intranasal LPS administration prior to stress exposure was also found to prevent CSDS-induced anxiety-like behaviors, including prevention of CSDS-induced decrease in the time spent in open arms in the elevated plus maze test, decrease in the time spent in lit side in the light-dark test, and decrease in the time spent in central regions in the open field test, along with no changes in locomotor activity. Further analysis showed that the single intranasal LPS administration one day prior to stress exposure prevented CSDS-induced increase in levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1ß mRNA in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Inhibition of innate immune stimulation by minocycline pretreatment not only abrogated the preventive effect of intranasal LPS administration on CSDS-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, but also abrogated the preventive effect of intranasal LPS administration on CSDS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These results demonstrate that intranasal administration of innate immune stimulants could be a potential approach for the prevention of depression and anxiety.

Amino acid derivatives of 2-Mercaptobenzimidazoles suppress cytokines at the site of inflammation and block gastric H+/K+ ATPase.

Routinely used anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with off-target effects such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 inhibition and gastric ulcers. The aim of this study is to examine the anti-inflammatory potential and gastroprotective effects of synthetic amino acid derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBAA1, MBAA2, MBAA3, MBAA4 and MBAA5). The results showed that compound MBAA5 possess a potential anti-inflammatory action by inhibition of 15-LOX and COX-2. MBAA5 also attenuated the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß and COX-2) in rat hind paw in carrageenan-induced inflammatory model of rat. 2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivative, MBAA5 also inhibited gastric H+/K+ ATPase and demonstrated a better selectivity index for COX-2 (SI 27.17) in comparison to celecoxib (SI 41.43). Molecular docking studies predicted the binding interactions of the synthesized compounds with retrieved target proteins of H+/K+ ATPase, COX-1, COX-2, and 15-LOX. The results of in silico and molecular docking analysis of amino acid derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzimidazoles further explained their pharmacological activities. Moreover, these compounds presented better antimicrobial activity against three clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori. Together, our findings suggested that these synthetic 2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivatives are safer therapeutic candidates for inflammation.

Gut microbiota disorder caused by diterpenoids extracted from Euphorbia pekinensis aggravates intestinal mucosal damage.

Gut microbiota disorder will lead to intestinal damage. This study evaluated the influence of total diterpenoids extracted from Euphorbia pekinensis (TDEP) on gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal barrier after long-term administration, and the correlations between gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal barrier were analysed by Spearman correlation analysis. Mice were randomly divided to control group, TDEP groups (4, 8, 16 mg/kg), TDEP (16 mg/kg) + antibiotic group. Two weeks after intragastric administration, inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß) and LPS in serum, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces were tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The expression of tight junction (TJ) protein in colon was measured by western blotting. Furthermore, the effects of TDEP on gut microbiota community in mice have been investigated by 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed TDEP significantly increased the levels of inflammatory factors in dose-dependent manners, and decreased the expression of TJ protein and SCFAs, and the composition of gut microbiota of mice in TDEP group was significantly different from that of control group. When antibiotics were added, the diversity of gut microbiota was significantly reduced, and the colon injury was more serious. Finally, through correlation analysis, we have found nine key bacteria (Barnesiella, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Alloprevotella, Candidatus_Arthromitus, Enterorhabdus, Alistipes, Bilophila, Mucispirillum, Ruminiclostridium) that may be related to colon injury caused by TDEP. Taken together, the disturbance of gut microbiota caused by TDEP may aggravate the colon injury, and its possible mechanism may be related to the decrease of SCFAs in feces, disrupted the expression of TJ protein in colon and increasing the contents of inflammatory factors.

Avenanthramide C as a novel candidate to alleviate osteoarthritic pathogenesis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder that can result in the loss of articular cartilage. No effective treatment against OA is currently available. Thus, interest in natural health products to relieve OA symptoms is increasing. However, their qualities such as efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the efficacy of avenanthramide (Avn)-C extracted from oats as a promising candidate to prevent OA progression and its mechanism of action to prevent the expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) in OA pathogenesis. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), a proinflammatory cytokine as a main causing factor of cartilage destruction, was used to induce OAlike condition of chondrocytes in vitro. Avn-C restrained IL-1ß- mediated expression and activity of MMPs, such as MMP-3, -12, and -13 in mouse articular chondrocytes. Moreover, Avn-C alleviated cartilage destruction in experimental OA mouse model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. However, Avn-C did not affect the expression of inflammatory mediators (Ptgs2 and Nos) or anabolic factors (Col2a1, Aggrecan, and Sox9), although expression levels of these genes were upregulated or downregulated by IL-1ß, respectively. The inhibition of MMP expression by Avn-C in articular chondrocytes was mediated by p38 kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not by ERK or NF-κB. Interestingly, Avn-C added with SB203580 and SP600125 as specific inhibitors of p38 kinase and JNK, respectively, enhanced its inhibitory effect on the expression of MMPs in IL-1ß treated chondrocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Avn-C is an effective candidate to prevent OA progression and a natural health product to relieve OA pathogenesis. [BMB Reports 2021; 54(10): 528-533].

MMP-9 and IL-1ß as Targets for Diatoxanthin and Related Microalgal Pigments: Potential Chemopreventive and Photoprotective Agents.

Photochemoprevention can be a valuable approach to counteract the damaging effects of environmental stressors (e.g., UV radiations) on the skin. Pigments are bioactive molecules, greatly attractive for biotechnological purposes, and with promising applications for human health. In this context, marine microalgae are a valuable alternative and eco-sustainable source of pigments that still need to be taken advantage of. In this study, a comparative in vitro photochemopreventive effects of twenty marine pigments on carcinogenic melanoma model cell B16F0 from UV-induced injury was setup. Pigment modulation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and extracellular release of nitric oxide (NO) was investigated. At the cell signaling level, interleukin 1-ß (IL-1ß) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 protein (MMP-9) protein expression was examined. These processes are known to be involved in the signaling pathway, from UV stress to cancer induction. Diatoxanthin resulted the best performing pigment in lowering MMP-9 levels and was able to strongly lower IL-1ß. This study highlights the pronounced bioactivity of the exclusively aquatic carotenoid diatoxanthin, among the others. It is suggested increasing research efforts on this molecule, emphasizing that a deeper integration of plant ecophysiological studies into a biotechnological context could improve the exploration and exploitation of bioactive natural products.

Alcohol drinking during early adolescence activates microglial cells and increases frontolimbic Interleukin-1 beta and Toll-like receptor 4 gene expression, with heightened sensitivity in male rats compared to females.

Adolescent drinking is risky because neural circuits in the frontal lobes are undergoing maturational processes important for cognitive function and behavioral control in adulthood. Previous studies have shown that myelinated axons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are particularly sensitive to alcohol drinking, especially in males. Pro-inflammatory mediators like toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interleukin-1 beta (IL1b) have been implicated in alcohol induced-inflammation and demyelination; thus, herein we test the hypothesis that voluntary alcohol drinking early in adolescence elicits a pro-inflammatory state that is more pronounced in the brain of males compared to females. Adolescent male and female Wistar rats self-administered sweetened alcohol or sweetened water from postnatal days 28-42 and separate sets of brains were processed for 1) immunolabeling for ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 to analyze microglial cell morphology, or 2) qPCR analysis of gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Binge drinking alcohol activated microglia in the mPFC and hippocampus of both males and females, suggesting that voluntary alcohol exposure initiates an inflammatory response. Il1b mRNA was upregulated in the mPFC of both sexes. Conversely, Tlr4 mRNA levels were elevated after drinking only in males, which could explain more robust effects of alcohol on myelin in this region in developing males compared to females. Il1b mRNA changes were not observed in the hippocampus, but alcohol elevated Tlr4 mRNA in both sexes, highlighting regional specificity in inflammatory responses to alcohol. Overall, these findings give insight into potential mechanisms by which low-to-moderate voluntary alcohol intake impacts the developing brain. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.

Neuroinflammation and L-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease are counteracted by combined administration of a 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist and A2A receptor antagonist.

Several lines of evidence have strongly implicated neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD) progression and l-dopa-induced dyskinesia. The present study investigated whether early subchronic pretreatment with the serotonin 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist eltoprazine plus the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist preladenant counteracted l-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs, index of dyskinesia), and neuroinflammation, in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of PD. The immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the colocalization of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1), with interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10 were evaluated in the denervated caudate-putamen (CPu) and substantia nigra pars-compacta (SNc). The combined subchronic pretreatment with l-dopa plus eltoprazine and preladenant reduced AIMs induced by acute l-dopa challenge in these rats and decreased GFAP and IBA-1 immunoreactivity induced by the drug in both CPu and SNc, with reduction in IL-1ß in IBA-1-positive cells in both CPu and SNc, and in TNF-α in IBA-1-positive cells in SNc. Moreover, a significant increase in IL-10 in IBA-1-positive cells was observed in SNc. Evaluation of immediate early-gene zif-268 (index of neuronal activation) after l-dopa challenge, showed an increase in its expression in denervated CPu of rats pretreated with l-dopa or l-dopa plus preladenant compared with vehicle, whereas rats pretreated with eltoprazine, with or without preladenant, had lower zif-268 expression. Finally, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter examined to evaluate neurodegeneration, showed a significant equal decrease in all experimental groups. The present findings suggest that combination of l-dopa with eltoprazine and preladenant may be promising therapeutic strategy for delaying the onset of dyskinesia, preserving l-dopa efficacy and reducing neuroinflammation markers in nigrostriatal system of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.

Metformin reduces oxandrolone- induced depression-like behavior in rats via modulating the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α.

Oxandrolone (OXA) is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) that is used to reverse weight loss associated with some medical conditions. One of the side effects of OXA is its potential to induce depressive symptoms. Growing evidence suggested that neuroinflammation and cytokines play crucial roles in sickness behavioral and associated mood disturbances. Previous studies showed that metformin attenuated neuroinflammation. This study investigated the potential protective role of metformin against OXA-induced depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation. Twenty- four Wistar male rats were randomly grouped into four groups: the control group (Control) received only vehicle; the oxandrolone group (OXA) received oxandrolone (0.28 mg/kg, i.p); the metformin group (MET) received metformin (100 mg/kg, i.p); and the oxandrolone / metformin group (OXA + MET) received both oxandrolone (0.28 mg/kg, i.p) and metformin (100 mg/kg, i.p). These treatments were administered for fourteen consecutive days. Behavioral tests to measure depression-like behavior were conducted before and after treatments. qRT-PCR was used to measure the relative expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The results showed that oxandrolone induced depression-like behavior and dysregulated pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines, while metformin attenuated these effects. These findings suggest that metformin is a potential treatment to reverse the depressive effects induced by oxandrolone that involve neuroinflammatory effects.

Ulinastatin Ameliorates IL-1ß-Induced Cell Dysfunction in Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells via Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway.

Low back pain (LBP) has been a wide public health concern worldwide. Among the pathogenic factors, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been one of the primary contributors to LBP. IDD correlates closely with inflammatory response and oxidative stress, involving a variety of inflammation-related cytokines, such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), which could result in local inflammatory environment. Ulinastatin (UTI) is a kind of acidic protein extracted from human urine, which inhibits the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and other inflammatory factors to protect organs from inflammatory damage. However, whether this protective effect of UTI on human nucleus pulposus (NP) exists, and how UTI affects the biological behaviors of human NP cells during IDD remain elusive. In this current study, we revealed that UTI could improve the viability of NP cells and promote the proliferation of NP cells. Additionally, UTI could protect human NP cells via ameliorating IL-1ß-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Molecular mechanism analysis suggested that the protective effect from UTI on IL-1ß-treated NP cells were through activating nuclear factor- (erythroid-derived 2-) like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and the suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, UTI may be a promising therapeutic medicine to ameliorate IDD.

Dimethyl fumarate abridged tauo-/amyloidopathy in a D-Galactose/ovariectomy-induced Alzheimer's-like disease: Modulation of AMPK/SIRT-1, AKT/CREB/BDNF, AKT/GSK-3ß, adiponectin/Adipo1R, and NF-κB/IL-1ß/ROS trajectories.

Since the role of estrogen in postmenauposal-associated dementia is still debatable, this issue urges the search for other medications. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has shown a neuroprotective effect against other neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of DMF on an experimental model of Alzheimer disease (AD) using D-galactose (D-Gal) administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, resembling a postmenopausal dementia paradigm. Adult 18-month old female Wistar rats were allocated into sham-operated and OVX/D-Gal groups that were either left untreated or treated with DMF for 56 days starting three weeks after sham-operation or ovariectomy. DMF succeeded to ameliorate cognitive (learning/short- and long-term memory) deficits and to enhance the dampened overall activity (NOR, Barnes-/Y-maze tests). These behavioral upturns were associated with increased intact neurons (Nissl stain) and a reduction in OVX/D-Gal-mediated hippocampal CA1 neurodegeneration and astrocyte activation assessed as GFAP immunoreactivity. Mechanistically, DMF suppressed the hippocampal contents of AD-surrogate markers; viz., apolipoprotein (APO)-E1, BACE1, Aß42, and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Additionally, DMF has augmented the neuroprotective parameters p-AKT, its downstream target CREB and BDNF. Besides, it activated AMPK, and enhanced SIRT-1, as well as antioxidant defenses (SOD, GSH). On the other hand, DMF inhibited the transcription factor NF-κB, IL-1ß, adiponectin/adiponectin receptor type (AdipoR)1, GSK-3ß, and MDA. Accordingly, in this postmenopausal AD model, DMF treatment by pursuing the adiponectin/AdipoR1, AMPK/SIRT-1, AKT/CREB/BDNF, AKT/GSK-3ß, and APO-E1 quartet hampered the associated tauo-/amyloidopathy and NF-κB-mediated oxidative/inflammatory responses to advance insights into its anti-amnesic effect.

GLP-1R activation ameliorated novel-object recognition memory dysfunction via regulating hippocampal AMPK/NF-κB pathway in neuropathic pain mice.

Growing evidences indicate that neuropathic pain is frequently accompanied with cognitive impairments, which aggravate the decrease in the quality of life of chronic pain patients. Furthermore, it has been shown that the activation of Glucagon-like-peptide-1receptor (GLP-1R) improved memory deficit in multiple diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke. However, whether GLP-1R activation could improve memory impairment induced by neuropathic pain and the mechanisms underlying the effect of the activation of GLP-1R on memory protection have not yet been established. The spared nerve injury (SNI) model was established as a kind of neuropathic pain. And novel-object recognition memory (hippocampus-dependent memory) was tested by the novel object recognition test (NORT). The expression levels of GLP-1, GLP-1R, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPKThr172, nuclear factor κ B p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), IL-1ß p17 (mature IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the synaptic proteins were tested in the murine hippocampus with memory deficits caused by neuropathic pain. Then, exenatide acetate (Ex-4, a GLP-1R agonist), exendin (9-39) (Ex(9-39), a GLP-1R antagonist) and Compound C dihydrochloride (CC, an AMPK inhibitor) were used to test the effects of the activation of GLP-1R in the mice with neuropathic pain. First, we uncovered that neuropathic pain could inhibit GLP-1/GLP-R axis, disturb inflammatory signaling pathway, increase the expression of IL-1ß, IL-1ß p17 and TNF-α, downregulate the synaptic proteins (postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and Arc). Subsequently, we reported that Ex-4 treatment could improve recognition memory impairment, increase the ratio of p-AMPKThr172/AMPK, inhibit the phosphorylation NF-κB p65 and decrease the expression of IL-1ß, IL-1ß p17 and TNF-α, upregulate the levels of PSD95 and Arc. Moreover, we found that Ex(9-39) and CC treatment could abrogate the memory protection of activation of GLP-1R in mice with neuropathic pain. The results indicated that the activation of GLP-1R could improve recognition memory impairment via regulating AMPK/NF-κB pathway, improving neuroinflammation, reversing the decreased level of synaptic proteins in neuropathic pain mice.