Fingerprint analysis of dang-gui-Si-Ni decoction and its anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dang-Gui-Si-Ni (DGSN) decoction is a classic prescription in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). DGSN decoction is often used to relieve symptoms of cold coagulation and blood stasis recorded by Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Shang Han Lun) and treat Raynaud's disease, dysmenorrhea, arthritis, migraine in TCM clinic. Accumulated evidences have suggested that this diseases are related to microcirculation disturbance. However, the anticoagulant activity and underlying mechanisms of DGSN decoction responsible for the therapeutic not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: The fingerprint and anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro of DGSN decoction were evaluated to strengthen the quality control and activity study of formulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical components of DGSN decoction were analyzed by HPLC and its fingerprint similarity were evaluated by "Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation Software (2012 Edition)". The anticoagulant activity of DGSN decoction was assessed by measuring four coagulation factors (PT, TT, APTT, FIB) in vitro. Zebrafish thrombosis model induced by punatinib was established to evaluate the activity of improving microvascular hemodynamics in vivo. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were adopted to compare the changes in the RNA expression levels of coagulation factor II (FII), VII (FVII), IX (FIX) and X (FX) in zebrafish thrombosis model. RESULTS: The fingerprint similarity evaluation method of DGSN decoction was established. The results showed that 18 samples had higher similarity (S1-S18 > 0.878). Pharmacodynamic results showed that DGSN decoction could extend PT, TT and APTT, and reduce FIB content in vitro. Meanwhile, it markedly enhanced the cardiac output and blood flow velocity at low dosage (500 µg mL-1) in vivo. q-PCR data demonstrated that DGSN decoction (500 µg mL-1) could downregulate the RNA expression of FII, FVII, FIX and FX. Interestingly, there were a bidirectional regulation of FII, FIX and FX in a certain concentration range. In general, DGSN decoction can significantly improve hemodynamics and downregulate coagulation factors, and the results were consistent both in vitro - in vivo. CONCLUSION: The fingerprint study provide a new perspective for improving the quality control of DGSN decoction. DGSN decoction possess anticoagulant activity by regulating multiple coagulation factors simultaneously. Thus, it has the potential to develop into the novel raw material of anticoagulant drugs.

Astragalin attenuates AlCl3/D-galactose-induced aging-like disorders by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Astragalin (AST) is a natural flavonoid with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, whether AST is an effective chemical for neuronal protection and its underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we established a mouse model of cognitive impairment and aging-like phenotype induced by sequential administration of AlCl3 and D-galactose (Gal). We found that AST effectively ameliorated cognitive impairment in the model mice and improved their learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze (MWM) test. AlCl3/Gal-induced activation of astrocytes and microglia and inflammation were observed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, but could be attenuated by AST. In addition, alterations in oxidative stress-regulating enzymes or markers, including T-SOD, T-AOC, CAT, GSH-Px, and MDA, as well as the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, were restored. At the mechanistic level, AlCl3/Gal-intoxicated mice showed a significant elevation of Notch/HES-1 and NF-κB signaling axis corresponding to microglia activation and inflammation. AST attenuated the activation of Notch/HES-1 and NF-κB signaling axis, thus reducing the inflammation. In summary, AST is a promising natural product to protect neurons from toxin-induced injury, indicating its therapeutic potential for neurological disorders.

Coeloglossum viride var. bracteatum extract attenuates Aß-induced toxicity by inhibiting RIP1-driven inflammation and necroptosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tibetan ginseng named Wangla (tuber of Coeloglossum viride var. bracteatum) is a traditional tonic that has Yang-strengthening and qi-enhancing, tranquilizing, intelligence-enhancing and longevity-enhancing properties. It has been used to treat impotence, spermatorrhea, anemia and insomnia. Therefore, its characteristic components and neuronal modulating effects were studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the elimination of Aß-induced toxicity by CE and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involving BDNF, FGF2, and their related signaling axis, and the RIP1-driven inflammatory pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We established Aß-induced toxicity models in cultured neurons and ICR mice, respectively. MWM and fear conditioning tests were performed for behavioral analysis of cognitive functions in mice. Western blot was used to investigate the levels of BDNF, FGF2, and their downstream effector TrkB/Akt/Bcl-2, as well as the RIP1-driven RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. Immunofluorescence assay is used to examine the status of glial cells. RESULTS: CE abrogated Aß toxicity and inhibited apoptosis in cultured neurons, mainly by regulating the BDNF, FGF2, and TrkB/Akt signaling pathways as well as RIP1-driven inflammation and necroptosis. Similarly, mice injected intracerebrally with Aß exhibited cognitive deficits and had elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory factors detected in their serum and brain. However, CE-treated mice showed recovery of cognitive abilities and quelled levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Moreover, Aß toxicity led to a reduction in BDNF, FGF2, and related signaling regulators in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, accompanied by activation of RIP1-driven inflammatory signaling pathways, and a reduction in TBK1 and Bcl-2. However, CE restored the levels of BDNF, FGF2, and TrkB/Akt signaling pathway, while inhibiting RIP1-induced RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, thereby antagonizing apoptosis and maintaining neuronal activity. CONCLUSIONS: CE effectively eliminated the toxicity of Aß in cultured neurons and mouse models, which holds promise for drug development.

Gisenoside Rg1 attenuates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Gisenoside Rg1 is a potent neuroprotectant in ginseng. The aim of this study was to investigate the elimination effect of Rg1 on cadmium (Cd)-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cumulative Cd exposure mouse model was established. Also, the toxicity of Cd and the protective effect of Rg1 were examined in vitro using cultured neurons and microglia. RESULTS: We found that Cd-intoxicated mice exhibited significant injury in the liver, kidney, small intestine, and testis, along with cognitive impairment. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were reduced in the blood and brain, and correspondingly, the lipid peroxidation product MDA was elevated. In the brain, astrocytes and microglia were activated, characterized by an increase in inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, as well as their protein markers GFAP and IBA1. However, Rg1 eliminated Cd-induced toxicity and restored oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, correspondingly restoring the behavioral performance of the animals. Meanwhile, the BDNF-TrkB/Akt and Notch/HES-1 signaling axes were involved in the Rg1-mediated elimination of Cd-induced toxicity. CONCLUSION: Rg1 is a promising agent for the elimination of Cd-induced toxicity.

Edaravone attenuates cadmium-induced toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in ICR mice.

The neurotoxicity caused by cadmium (Cd) is well known in humans and experimental animals. However, there is no effective treatment for its toxicity. In this study, we established Cd toxicity models in cultured cells or mice to investigate the detoxification effect of edaravone (Eda). We found that Eda protected GL261 cells from Cd toxicity and prevented the loss of cell viability. In Cd-exposed mice, liver, kidney and testicular damage, as well as cognitive dysfunction were observed. Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, such as decreased SOD and CAT, increased LDH and MDA, and abnormal changes in the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected in serum and brain tissue. Eda protected mice from Cd-induced toxicity and abrogated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Also, Eda prevented inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes and was accompanied by restoration of the neuronal marker protein MAP2, indicating restoration of neuronal function. In addition, the BDNF-TrkB/Akt and Notch/HES-1 signaling axes were involved in the response of Eda to the elimination of Cd toxicity. In conclusion, Eda does contribute to the clearance of Cd-induced toxicity.

2,3,5,4'-tetrahydoxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside eliminates staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity by restoring BDNF-TrkB/Akt signaling axis.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-d-glucoside (THSG) is the major active ingredient in Plygonum multiflorum that displays a great deal of health-benefits including anti-oxidation, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. However, it is unclear whether THSG exerts neuroprotective functions by regulating neurotrophic factors and their associated signaling pathways. In this study, hippocampal neurons were challenged with staurosporine (STS) to establish a neural damage model. We found that STS-induced cytotoxicity introduced significant morphological collapse and initiating cell apoptosis, along with the down regulation of BDNF and TrkB/Akt signaling axis. In contrast, neurons pretreated with THSG showed resistance to STS-induced toxicity and maintained cell survival. THSG rescued STS induced dysfunctions of BDNF and its associated TrkB/Akt signaling, and restored the expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3. However, inhibition of TrkB activity by K252a or Akt signaling by LY294002 abolished the neuroprotective effects of THSG. Therefore, BDNF and TrkB/Akt signaling axis is a promise target for THSG mediated neuroprotective functions.

Tea polyphenols attenuate staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by modulating BDNF-TrkB/Akt and Erk1/2 signaling axis in hippocampal neurons.

Tea polyphenols (TP) are the major ingredients in tea beverages that display health-benefits including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, attenuating blood pressure and deflating. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of TP to attenuate staurosporine (STS)-induced cytotoxicity. Rat hippocampal neurons were isolated, cultured and incubated with STS to induce neurite collapse and apoptosis, however, the medication of TP eliminated these adverse effects and maintained the morphology of neurons. STS decreased the expression of pro-BDNF, downregulated the TrkB/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling axis and promoted the activation of Erk1/2 and caspase-3. In contrast, TP rescued the expression of pro-BDNF and antagonistically restored the biochemistry of aforementioned signaling effectors. Consistently, the activity of TP can be attenuated by the inhibition of TrkB or Akt by small chemicals K252a and LY294002. Therefore, BDNF-TrkB and Akt signaling axis is essential for TP-mediated neuroprotective effects. In summary, TP showed beneficial effects to protect neurons from exogenous insults such as STS-induced neural cytotoxicity and cell death.