查找使用阿拉丁产品的科研文献

Systems pharmacology reveals the mechanism underlying gastrodiae rhizoma in improving stress-induced cognitive impairment: Protecting hippocampal synapses from excessive microglia-mediated pruning

Haili Zhang,Ling Li,Zhihuang Zhao,Meidan Wang,Yangyan Ge,Shuqin Lu,Min Hu,Chenghong Xiao,Menglan Luo,Ting Lei,Liangyuan Li,Jinqiang Zhang

Ethnopharmacological relevance Gastrodiae Rhizoma (GR), the dried tuber of the orchidaceous plant Gastrodia elata Bl. , has been utilized in traditional medicine for over two millennia. As a valuable traditional Chinese herb in both medical and dietary applications, GR is known for its neuroprotective effects and use in improving cognitive function. Aim of the study To identify the active components of GR that reach the brain and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the alleviation of cognitive impairment. Materials and methods The active compounds of GR decoction that reach the brain were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The mechanism by which GR improves cognitive impairment was explored using network pharmacology and molecular docking, and was further verified in mouse models and cell models using immunofluorescence, ELISA, and Golgi staining. Results A total of 54 active compounds in GR that target the hippocampus of mice were identified. Five core components, fourteen key targets, and sixteen signaling pathways contribute to GR's therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment. The above results indicate protecting synapses from excessive microglia-mediated pruning and preserving hippocampal synaptic plasticity, thereby reversing stress-induced deficits in spatial memory, object recognition memory, and social memory. We further confirmed in vitro that gastrodin and parishins in GR suppressed the hyper-activation of microglia by activating the AKT1/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion These results suggest that GR-mediated improvement of stress-induced cognitive impairment may be attributed to its active ingredients, gastrodin and parishins, modulating the AKT1/NF-κB signaling pathway to protect hippocampal synapses from excessive microglia-mediated pruning.

β-hydroxybutyrate regulates microglia M1/M2 polarization and phagocytosis through the JAK1/STAT1 pathway to reduce neuroinflammation and exert anti-epileptic effects

Yang Hui,Wang Huifen

High-glucose/high-cholesterol diet in zebrafish evokes diabetic and affective pathogenesis: The role of peripheral and central inflammation, microglia and apoptosis

JiaJia Wang,YanJun Li,Ke Lai,QiMei Zhong,Konstantin A. Demin,Allan V. Kalueff,Cai Song

Neuroinflammation and metabolic deficits contribute to the etiology of human affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) has recently emerged as a powerful new model organism in CNS disease modeling. Here, we exposed zebrafish to 2% glucose and 10% cholesterol for 19 days to experimentally induce type 2 diabetes (DM) and to assess stress responses, microglia , inflammation and apoptosis . We analyzed zebrafish anxiety-like behavior in the novel tank and light-dark box (Days 15–16) tests, as well as examined their biochemical and genomic biomarkers (Day 19). Confirming DM-like state in zebrafish, we found higher whole-body glucose, triglyceride , total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein levels and glucagon mRNA expression, and lower high-density lipoprotein levels. DM zebrafish also showed anxiety-like behavior, elevated whole-body cortisol and cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4, as well as higher brain mRNA expression of the glucocorticoid receptor , CD11b (a microglial biomarker), pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α (but not IL-1β or anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10), GFAP (an astrocytal biomarker), neurotrophin BDNF , its receptors p75 and TrkB, as well as apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 (but not BCl-2 ) genes. Collectively, this supports the overlapping nature of DM-related affective pathogenesis and emphasizes the role of peripheral and central inflammation and apoptosis in DM-related affective and neuroendocrine deficits in zebrafish.

A Causal Relationship in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model Between Microglia Activation and EGFR/MAPK Detected by Overexpression of MicroRNA-325-3p

Yan Penghui,Wu Xuejian,Liu Xiaokang,Cai Yingchun,Shao Chenglong,Zhu Guangduo

Microglial activation and inflammatory response played an important role in the secondary injury of spinal cord injury (SCI). Several microRNAs were associated with this procedure, but the underlying molecular mechanism was poorly understood. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: SCI group ( n  = 7), agomiR-325-3p group ( n  = 7), and their control groups. Expression of miR-325-3p and proteins in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was evaluated in microglia from SCI rats and primary microglia/BV2 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in supernatants were measured by ELISA. Low expression of miR-325-3p and activation of EGFR/MAPK was observed in microglia of SCI and LPS-induced primary microglia. Overexpression of miR-325-3p in LPS-induced BV2 cells inhibited microglial activation and release of TNF-α and IL-1β. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-325-3p negatively regulated EGFR by targeting its 3′-untranslated regions. Additionally, agomiR-325-3p inhibited the activation of microglia and EGFR/MAPK, alleviating the inflammatory response. These results indicated that miR-325-3p attenuated secondary injury after SCI through inhibition of EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway, the microglial activation, and the release of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that miR-325-3p may be employed as a therapeutic target for SCI.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers quinone exhibits neurotoxicity by inducing DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and p53-driven adaptive response in microglia BV2 cells

Zixuan Liu,Qiushuang Zhu,Erqun Song,Yang Song

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are world-wide used flame retardants before they were listed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention. Previously, our studies indicated that a quinone type of PBDE metabolite (PBDEQ) exposure was linked with neurotoxicity via excess free radical formation and oxidative stress. However, it is current unknown the effect of PBDEQ on genetic biomacromolecules DNA and corresponding biological consequences in neurological cells. Here, by employing phosphorylated histone H2AX in Serine 139 (γ-H2AX) and comet assay in microglia BV2 cells, our data suggested PBDEQ could triggered DNA damage. Furthermore, PBDEQ exposure led to the caspase 3-dependent cell apoptosis. Moreover, PBDEQ induced G2/M-phase cell arrest in a p53-dependent manner. Notably, p53 activation coordinated cell cycle progression, alleviated DNA damage and ultimately mitigated apoptosis in BV2 cells. Finally, antioxidant N -acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC) inhibited p53 activation upon PBDEQ exposure, and then ameliorated PBDEQ-induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which illustrated that PBDEQ-induced DNA damage and p53 activation were mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, the current findings unveil the fundamental toxicological mechanisms of PBDEQ, which propose a potential therapeutic strategy against the adverse effect caused by PBDE exposure.

Protecting effect of emodin in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice by inhibiting microglia activation and inflammation via Myd88/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway

Kenan Zheng,Baojiang Lv,Lulu Wu,Chen Wang,Haoyou Xu,Xiaojun Li,Zhibing Wu,Yuanqi Zhao,Zequan Zheng

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system. Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative with comprehensive anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects and is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory, tumor, and immune system diseases. However, none of the clinical or experimental studies have explored the therapeutic efficacy of emodin in EAE/multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, we evaluated the protective effect of emodin on EAE mediated via inhibition of microglia activation and inflammation. Wild-type mice were randomly divided into the normal control, EAE, low-dose emodin, and high-dose emodin groups. Clinical scores and pathological changes were assessed 21 days after immunization. The network pharmacology approach was used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by using an online database. Molecular docking, polymerase-chain reaction tests, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed to verify the network pharmacology results. An in vivo experiment showed that high-dose emodin ameliorated clinical symptoms, inflammatory cell infiltration, and myelination. Pharmacological network analysis showed AKT1 was the main target and that emodin played a key role in MS treatment mainly via the PI3K–Akt pathway. Molecular docking showed that emodin bound well with PI3K, AKT1, and NFKB1. Emodin decreased the expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K, p-Akt, NF-κB, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 and the levels of markers (CD86 and CD206) in M1- and M2-phenotype microglia in EAE. Thus, the emodin inhibited microglial activation and exhibited anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects against EAE via the Myd88/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway. In conclusion, emodin has a promising role in EAE/MS treatment, warranting further detailed studies.

Electroacupuncture improves the learning and memory abilities of rats with PSCI by attenuating the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway on the hippocampal microglia

Bian Jing,Liu Chunxu,Li Xiang,Qin Xiaoye,Wang Feng,Xuan Lina,Zhang Weimin

This study aims to investigate how electroacupuncture regulates the learning and memory abilities of poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) rats through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway on the hippocampal microglia. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham surgery group, PSCI model group, and electroacupuncture group, with 10 rats in each group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to establish the PSCI model. The Zea Longa method was used to score the rats’ neurological function. Electroacupuncture was utilized for 21 days to improve PSCI. The learning and memory abilities of rats were tested using the Morris water maze. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunofluorescence were used to find the hippocampus’ pathological changes. The concentration of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-18 were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of associated inflammatory corpuscles were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and NLRP3 were measured using western blotting. Electroacupuncture improved not only the learning and memory abilities of PSCI rats but also hippocampal morphology. Electroacupuncture inhibited the activation of microglia and the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Electroacupuncture also reduced proinflammatory factors and restrained the mRNA levels of NLRP3-associated inflammatory cytokines. Its mechanism was related to inhibiting the expression of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, attenuating the release of inflammatory factors, and regulating the activation of hippocampal microglia in the brain.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase family member 14 promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury through regulating microglia M1/M2 polarization via STAT1/6 pathway

Xu Ai-Hua,Yang Yang,Shao Yang,Jiang Man-Yu,Sun Yong-Xin

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase family member 14 ( PARP14 ), which is an intracellular mono(ADP-ribosyl) transferase, has been reported to promote post-stroke functional recovery, but its role in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. To investigate this, a T10 spinal cord contusion model was established in C57BL/6 mice, and immediately after the injury PARP14 shRNA-carrying lentivirus was injected 1 mm from the injury site to silence PARP14 expression. We found that PARP14 was up-regulated in the injured spinal cord and that lentivirus-mediated downregulation of PARP14 aggravated functional impairment after injury, accompanied by obvious neuronal apoptosis , severe neuroinflammation , and slight bone loss. Furthermore, PARP14 levels were elevated in microglia after SCI, PARP14 knockdown activated microglia in the spinal cord and promoted a shift from M2-polarized microglia (anti-inflammatory phenotype) to M1-polarized microglia (pro-inflammatory phenotype) that may have been mediated by the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1/6 pathway. Next, microglia M1 and M2 polarization were induced in vitro using lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ and interleukin-4, respectively. The results showed that PARP14 knockdown promoted microglia M1 polarization , accompanied by activation of the STAT1 pathway . In addition, PARP14 overexpression made microglia more prone to M2 polarization and further activated the STAT6 pathway . In conclusion, these findings suggest that PARP14 may improve functional recovery after SCI by regulating the phenotypic transformation of microglia via the STAT1/6 pathway.

KDM4A, involved in the inflammatory and oxidative stress caused by traumatic brain injury-hemorrhagic shock, partly through the regulation of the microglia M1 polarization

Cai Jimin,Yang Yang,Han Jiahui,Gao Yu,Li Xin,Ge Xin

Background Microglial polarization and the subsequent neuroinflammatory response and oxidative stress are contributing factors for traumatic brain injury (TBI) plus hemorrhagic shock (HS) induced brain injury. In the present work, we have explored whether Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 4 A (KDM4A) modulates microglia M1 polarization in the TBI and HS mice. Results Male C57BL/6J mice were used to investigate the microglia polarization in the TBI + HS model in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells were used to examine the mechanism of KDM4A in regulating microglia polarization in vitro. We found that TBI + HS resulted in neuronal loss and microglia M1 polarization in vivo, reflected by the increased level of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH). Additionally, KDM4A was upregulated in response to TBI + HS and microglia were among the cell types showing the increased level of KDM4A. Similar to the results in vivo, KDM4A also highly expressed in LPS-induced BV2 cells. LPS-induced BV2 cells exhibited enhanced microglia M1 polarization, and enhanced level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while this enhancement was abolished by the suppression of KDM4A. Conclusion Accordingly, our findings indicated that KDM4A was upregulated in response to TBI + HS and microglia were among the cell types showing the increased level of KDM4A. The important role of KDM4A in TBI + HS-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress was at least partially realized through regulating microglia M1 polarization.

Curcumin Prevents Neuroinflammation by Inducing Microglia to Transform into the M2-phenotype via CaMKKβ-dependent Activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway

Qiao Peifeng,Ma Jingxi,Wang Yangyang,Huang Zhenting,Zou Qian,Cai Zhiyou,Tang Yong

Background: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of various neurodegenerative diseases. It is well known that curcumin has obvious anti-inflammatory effects in various neuroinflammation models. However, its effect on the modulation of microglial polarization is largely unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether curcumin changed microglia to an anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Methods: LPS treatment was used to establish BV2 cells and primary microglia neuroinflammation models. The neuroinflammation mouse model was established by an intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the lateral septal complex region of the brain. TNF-α was measured by ELISA, and cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines was examined by Q-PCR and Western blot analysis. Phenotypic polarization of BV2 microglia was detected by immunofluorescence. Results: Curcumin enhanced AMPK activation in BV2 microglial cells in the presence and absence of LPS. Upon LPS stimulation, the addition of curcumin promoted M2 polarization of BV2 cells, as evidenced by suppressed M1 and the elevated M2 signature protein and gene expression. The effects of curcumin were inhibited by an AMPK inhibitor or AMPK knockdown. Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) are upstream kinases that activate AMPK. Curcumin can activate AMPK in Hela cells, which do not express LKB1. However, both the CaMKKβ inhibitor and siRNA blocked curcumin activation of AMPK in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Moreover, the CaMKKβ inhibitor and siRNA weaken the effect of curcumin suppression on M1 and enhancement of M2 protein and gene expression in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Finally, curcumin enhanced AMPK activation in the brain area where microglia were over-activated upon LPS stimulation in an in vivo neuroinflammation model. Moreover, curcumin also suppressed M1 and promoted M2 signature protein and gene expression in this in vivo model. Conclusion: Curcumin enhances microglia M2 polarization via the CaMKKβ-dependent AMPK signaling pathway. Additionally, curcumin treatment was found to be neuroprotective and thus might be considered as a novel therapeutic agent to treat the neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc.

Electroacupuncture stimulation inhibited astrogliosis and microglia polarisation to alleviate spinal cord injury via Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signalling pathway

Jianuo Li,Yuhuai Guo,Xiangxin Zeng,Hongzhao Tian,Yapeng Han,Shuo Cai,Min Sun

Introduction. The aberrant activation of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signalling pathway is involved in spinal cord injury (SCI) progression. Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is effective in alleviating SCI, but the mechanism is poorly understood. Material and methods. An SCI model was constructed by cord contusion at T10, and AG490 (a JAK2 inhibitor) served as a positive control in this study. We evaluated the effects of EA on locomotor activity and spinal damage in SCI rats. The effects of EA on astrocytes and microglia and on the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in the cells were investigated. Results. Behavioural tests showed that hind limb motor function of rats was improved after EA stimulation. The therapeutic effects of EA stimulation in restoring motor function, alleviating injured spinal cords, and inhibiting spinal cord neuronal apoptosis in SCI rats, were similar to those of AG490. Increased STAT3 activation was observed in astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord of SCI rats, and this was reversed by EA stimulation. EA alleviated astrogliosis and inhibited microglia M1 polarisation in SCI rat spinal cords. In addition, RNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, CXCL1, and TNF-α in rat spinal cords were suppressed by EA stimulation, while the expression level of the anti-inflammatory factor heme oxygenase 1 was increased. Meanwhile, the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, and JAK2/STAT3 downstream targets SOCS3 and COX-2 in the spinal cord of SCI rats was inhibited by EA stimulation. Interestingly, the observed effects were comparable to those treated with EA. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that EA stimulation ameliorates SCI in rats and exerts an inhibitory effect on the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

Magnolol alleviates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in transgenic C. elegans by promoting microglia phagocytosis and the degradation of beta-amyloid through activation of PPAR-γ

Zhishen Xie,Jianping Zhao,Hui Wang,Yali Jiang,Qiaoling Yang,Yu Fu,Huahui Zeng,Christian Hölscher,Jiangyan Xu,Zhenqiang Zhang

This study aims to investigate whether magnolol (MG), a natural neolignane compound, can prevent AD induced by beta-amyloid (Aβ) and the possible mechanisms involved. MG dose-dependently reduces Aβ deposition, toxicity and memory impairment caused by Aβ in transgenic C. elegans . More importantly, these effects are reversed by GW9662, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) antagonist. MG is more effective in enhancing PPAR-γ luciferase levels than honokiol (HK). Meanwhile, MG has the potential to bind with the ligand binding domain of PPAR-γ (PPAR-γ-LBD). As expected, MG inhibited the luciferase activity of NF-κB and its target genes of inflammatory cytokines, and this effect was blocked by GW9662. The luciferase activity of Nrf2-ARE expression can be activated by MG and decreased Aβ-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). The target gene LXR of PPAR-γ is activated by MG, which upregulates ApoE and promotes microglia phagocytosis and the degradation of Aβ, and these effects were also reversed by GW9662. In summary, MG can attenuate Aβ-induced AD and the underlying mechanism is the reduction of inflammation and promotion of phagocytosis and degradation of Aβ, which is dependent on PPAR-γ.