NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
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2026
·Vol. 51
·期 2
·129
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IF 4.5
Liu Shanshan,Yan Jing,Dong Jian
This study investigates the early synergistic effects of curcumin and licorice through vertical cooperation, which can simultaneously target both the upstream and downstream components of neuroinflammation. It evaluates their neuroprotective effects and potential mechanisms in a d -galactose/sodium nitrite-induced Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.Eighty C57BL/6 mice were divided into eight groups ( n = 10): wild-type (WT), AD model, curcumin monotherapy (AD + CL, 100 mg/kg), G. glabra monotherapy (AD + GG, 100 mg/kg), low-dose combination (AD + COM-L, 50 + 50 mg/kg), high-dose combination (AD + COM-H, 100 + 100 mg/kg), donepezil (3 mg/kg), and SN50 (NF-κB inhibitor, 400 µg/kg). Cognitive function was assessed via Morris Water Maze in WT, AD, AD + CL, AD + GG, and AD + COM-H groups, while all groups underwent molecular analyzes. The high-dose combination most effectively restored spatial memory, reducing escape latency by ~ 43% versus monotherapies. Molecularly, it synergistically reduced tau-related proteins (MAPT, GSK-3β) and suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis, lowering inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, PTGS2). IL-6 was further reduced by 28.6% and 40.0% compared to curcumin and G. glabra alone, respectively. The combination also enhanced antioxidant defense (increased SOD) and anti-apoptotic capacity (upregulated BCL-2) while reducing oxidative lipid damage (lower MDA). Network pharmacology identified 40 shared AD targets, with enrichment in NF-κB and IL-17 pathways, validated experimentally. In conclusion, curcumin and G. glabra exert synergistic neuroprotection by concurrently inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and modulating IL-17 signaling, with G. glabra potentially targeting the TLR4/HMGB1 axis and curcumin directly inhibiting NF-κB activation, forming a complementary mechanistic interplay. This multi-target action disrupts the interplay between neuroinflammation and tau pathology, underscoring the combination’s therapeutic potential for AD intervention.
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Current Pharmaceutical Analysis
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2026
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IF 3.6
Renjun Gao,Yu Cai,Xue Jiang,Xue Li,Jingrui Li,Yu Kang
Background Safflower yellow injection (SYI) has demonstrated cardioprotective effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. This study aimed to explore its mechanistic basis. Methods H9c2 cells were pre-treated with 80 μg/mL SYI for 24 h before exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Protein levels related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis were detected by western blot (WB). IL‑6 and TNF‑α protein and mRNA levels were determined by ELISA and qPCR. CCK-8 test and flow cytometry were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Moreover, the expression of proteins implicated in HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway was measured by WB assay. Finally, rescue validation was performed using recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1). Results SYI treatment alleviated OGD/R-induced ER stress and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels in H9c2 cells. These changes were accompanied by increased cell viability and reduced OGD/R‑induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, SYI significantly restrained activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade in H9c2 cells triggered by OGD/R. Further rescue experiments with recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) reversed the protective effects of SYI against OGD/R damage. Conclusion These findings indicate that the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‑κB axis mediates the protective effects of SYI against myocardial OGD/R injury, potentially through modulating ER stress and inflammatory responses. This study provides a mechanistic basis for the cardioprotective action of SYI in vitro and informs future investigations into its therapeutic potential. However, these results are derived from cell-based experiments alone, and further validation in animal models is needed to confirm the in vivo relevance of this mechanism.
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FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
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2022
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IF 5.572
Dan Su,Aitong Lei,Chunchao Nie,Yi Chen
The potential mechanism for the protective effect of Ganoderma atrum ( G. atrum ) polysaccharide (PSG-1) on acrylamide (AA) induced intestinal damage in mice was explored. Results showed that PSG-1 pretreatment prevented AA-induced injury by decreasing intestinal permeability and serum D-lactate acid (D-Lac) levels and increasing the number of small intestinal goblet cells and IgA secreting cells. In addition, PSG-1 pretreatment effectively reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level and raised superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities in the intestine. Furthermore, PSG-1 administration decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was elevated. Meanwhile, PSG-1 could increase the performance of tight junction (TJ) proteins such as Occludin , Claudin-1 and ZO-1. Moreover, according to the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and Western blot results, PSG-1 could reduce AA-induced intestinal injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, the present study suggested that PSG-1 protected intestinal permeability and barrier function in mice via reducing inflammation and oxidative stress , and effectively prevented AA-induced intestinal injury in mice.
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Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2023
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IF 5.6
Zhang Xiuying,Chen Qilei,Zhao Jia,Zhao Wei,Fan Ni,Wang Yu,Chen Hubiao,Rong Jianhui
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a highly prevalent and lethal disease worldwide. Prevention and timely recovery are critical for the control of the recurrence and heart failure in MI survivors. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the herbal medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) and identify the active compounds and molecular targets. The ethanolic BYD extract (BYDE) was prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation of four herbal medicines, Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Initially, BYDE was validated for the cardioprotective effectiveness in a mouse model of ischemia injury and rat cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells. As results, BYDE effectively reduced infarct size from 56% to 37% and preserved cardiac functions in mouse MI model while protected H9C2 cells against oxygen glucose deprivation. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that 122 bioactive ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins from the UPLC-MS/MS profile of BYDE, might target 37 MI-related proteins, including inflammatory and apoptotic mediators (e.g., TNF, NFKB1, CASPs, TNFRSF1A, CXCL12, BCL2A1). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that BYDE might control the cardiac inflammation via targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway while the selected targets were also implicated in IL-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis. Consequently, adenosine, ginsenoside Rh2, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A were selected to generate the four-compound mixture AGILe and validated for the inhibitory effects on the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway. The results of the present study suggested that the mixture AGILe might be a potential cardioprotective remedy against MI.
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Acta Biomaterialia
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2022
·
IF 10.633
Yifan Li,Qiangwei Liang,Liyue Zhou,Yongjing Cao,Jiayu Yang,Juan Li,Jinxia Liu,Jiawei Bi,Yanhua Liu
The signaling cascade between nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can be activated by proinflammatory M1 macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhances M1 macrophage polarization, thus aggravating the development of RA. Therefore, an ROS-responsive artesunate prodrug micellar nanosystem for co-delivery of dexamethasone (DEX/HA-TK-ART micelles , abbreviated as DEX/HTA) was developed for synergistic inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade to regulate ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization in RA combination therapy. DEX/HTA micelles displayed prolonged circulation in blood and efficiently co-delivered ART&DEX in the inflamed joints of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats; moreover, they were specifically recognized and internalized into M1 macrophages through CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis . ROS-responsive co-released ART&DEX then exerted a synergistic action to efficiently perform ROS scavenging and repolarization of M1 to M2 macrophages by inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade. The intravenous administration of DEX/HTA micelles into AIA rat models significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and repaired cartilage injury in the joint. Collectively, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of DEX/HTA micelles for treating RA through synergistic inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling cascade to regulate ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization. Statement of significance An ROS-responsive artesunate (ART) prodrug micellar nanosystem for co-delivering dexamethasone (DEX), abbreviated as DEX/HA-TK-ART micelle, was developed for synergistic cascade regulation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway on ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization in combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The well-designed nanosystem showed prolonged circulation in blood and superior ART&DEX accumulation in the inflamed joints of AIA rats; moreover, the micelles were specifically internalized into M1 macrophages and co-released ART&DEX, subsequently leading to inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway for ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization, thus generating synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 cells and AIA rats. The HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade regulation on ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization based on ART&DEX combination with smart nanotechnology could serve as a promising approach for rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
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NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2022
·Vol. 395
·期 10
·1283-1295
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IF 3.195
Xiong Ziwei,Cui Yushun,Wu Jiahui,Shi Lingyu,Quan Wen,Yang Shilin,Feng Yulin
Pteris cretica L. var. nervosa is one of the most well-known Chinese medicines. Although it is widely used to treat jaundice hepatitis, the main ingredient for its treatment was not thoroughly explored until recently. Essentially, the purpose of this study is to find the monomer compound in Pteris cretica L. var. nervosa , which is most likely to be effective in treating liver injury. Through the model of LPS/D-gal-induced liver injury in mice, the best therapeutic site of the total extract was explored, the chemical components of the parts with the best therapeutic effect were separated, a total of 10 flavonoids were isolated, and the RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS were used as the experimental model to explore the preliminary anti-inflammatory activity of NO production in vitro. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity and the highest content in this plant Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (LUT) were selected, as the object of study in vivo. It was found that LUT could not only reduce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, but also significantly reduce the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inhibit PI3K/AKT/AMPK/NF-κB pathway. In addition, LUT can increase levels of SOD and GSH to reduce oxidative stress. It has an obvious therapeutic effect on acute liver injury induced by LPS/D-gal in mice. Therefore, infer LUT is a functional substance in Pteris cretica L. var. nervosa. Graphical abstract
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ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
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2019
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IF 6.97
Yan Sun,Yinlong Zhou,Yaping Zhu,Yuhua Shen,Anjian Xie
The design and synthesis of a heterostructure as well as binder-free electrodes or electrocatalysts with a porous nanostructure for enhancing electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries and water splitting are still significant challenges to scientists. Here, for the first time, an in-situ synthesis of the porous petal-like MoN nanolayer-coated MoO2 heterojunction (MoO2@MoN) on commercial nickel foam (NF) by a localized nitrided transformation method as both a binder-free electrode for LIBs and an electrocatalyst for water splitting was performed. The in-situ formation of the MoN nanolayer could create a MoO2@MoN heterostructure, therefore enhancing the electronic conductivity and the electron/ion transfer. The XRD and XPS measurements confirmed the wonderful reversibility of the MoN layer during lithiation/delithiation cycling, which effectively promoted the long-life cycling performance (1190.1 mA h g–1 after 500 cycles at the current density of 0.5 A g–1). Meanwhile, the MoO2@MoN/NF/LiFePO4 full cell displayed stable capacity after 100 cycles. Moreover, the product also showed the improved electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution. The excellent results suggest that our work opens a simple in-situ heterojunction formation pathway for the synthesis of other multifunctional materials applied in energy conversion and storage.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2016
·Vol. 38
·期 6
·1871-1878
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IF 2.348
Xusheng Yuan,Junjun Chen,Min Dai
Paeonol (2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone) is an active component isolated from the root of Paeonia Suffruticosa Andrews. We previously found that paeonol inhibited vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM‑1) expression, and thus may be useful for the prevention and treatment of rabbit atherosclerosis (AS); however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet well known. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS. In the present study, we examined the effects of paeonol on miRNA-126 (miR‑126) expression, and its ability to inhibit monocyte adhesion to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-injured vascular endothelial cells (VECs). VECs were isolated from the rat thoracic aorta and stimulated with ox-LDL (20 mg/l) in the presence of paeonol. We found that miR‑126 had a lower expression in the ox-LDL-injured VECs, and VCAM‑1 was identified as a target gene of miR‑126. Furthermore, paeonol promoted miR‑126 expression and suppressed VCAM‑1 expression at the mRNA and protein level. It also inhibited monocyte adhesion to ox-LDL-injured VECs through the promotion of miR‑126 expression. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that paeonol blocked the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway by promoting miR-126 expression. Taken together, and to the best of our knowledge, the findings of this study provide the first evidence that paeonol promotes miR‑126 expression to inhibit monocyte adhesion to ox-LDL-injured VECs and block the activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our data suggest that miR‑126 plays a crucial role in vascular inflammation and may be an important therapeutic target in the treatment of AS with the use of paeonol.
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FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
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2024
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IF 7
Chengyu Jin,Chu Chu,Xianghai Zhu,Yuanchao Lu,Ningxiang Yu,Qin Ye,Yuanxiang Jin,Xianghe Meng
Camellia oleifera Abel ( C. oleifera ) is a multifunctional oilseed, which is rich in many biological active substances with health-promoting properties, especially polyphenols. Previous research revealed that camellia oil phenolics exhibited anti-inflammatory effect, which originated from seed. Thus, we aimed to explore the components of camellia seed phenolics and its potential mechanism of anti-inflammation. Initially, fractional extraction was processed to prepare the phenolics from camellia seed kernels, and we compare four different fractions of phenolics under the LPS-induced Caco-2/RAW264.7 coculturing model. Results showed that free phenolics (FP) had best effect on alleviating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) compared to esterified-bound phenolics (EP), glycosylated-bound phenolics (GP) and insoluble-bound phenolics (IP). Furthermore, FP reduced inflammation by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and effectively inhibited LPS-induced intestinal permeability increase, tight junction related proteins loss (ZO-1, claudin-1). Same results obtained, as the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity of high-dose FP treated group was high than model group. Finally, molecular docking was used for evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect for phenolic monomer. KGRG (kaempferol −3-O-(2-O-glucopyranosyl-6-O-rhamnopyranosyl)-glucopyranoside), KXR (kaempferol 3-O-(2′’-xylopyranosyl)-rutinoside) and leucoside (kaempferol 3-O-sambubioside) show lower binding energy docking with NF-κB, PI3K and Akt protein, indicating better interactions, which might be effective constituents against inflammation. Subsequently, five major polyphenols were obtained to validate the docking results, especially, indicating the best anti-inflammatory activities of KGRG. Overall, this research sheds insights on the therapy of phenolics from C. oleifera seed towards LPS-induced intestinal inflammation model in vitro and its related mechanism.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
·
2024
·Vol. 25
·期 8
·4276
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IF 4.9
Chenyang Li,Xinxin Qi,Lei Xu,Yuan Sun,Yan Chen,Yuhan Yao,Jun Zhao
This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of the total polyphenols fromNymphaea candida(NCTP) on LPS-induced septic acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and its mechanisms. NCTP could significantly ameliorate LPS-induced lung tissue pathological injury in mice as well as lung wet/dry ratio and MPO activities (p< 0.05). NCTP could significantly decrease the blood leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil amounts and LPS contents in ALI mice compared with the model group (p< 0.05), improving lymphocyte amounts (p< 0.05). Moreover, compared with the model group, NCTP could decrease lung tissue TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels (p< 0.05) and downregulate the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, IKKβ, IκB-α, p-IκB-α, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase1 in lung tissues (p< 0.05). Furthermore, NCTP could inhibit ileum histopathological injuries, restoring the ileum tight junctions by increasing the expression of ZO-1 and occludin. Simultaneously, NCTP could reverse the gut microbiota disorder, restore the diversity of gut microbiota, increase the relative abundance of Clostridiales and Lachnospiraceae, and enhance the content of SCFAs (acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) in feces. These results suggested that NCTP has preventive effects on septic ALI, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of gut microbiota, SCFA metabolism, and the TLR-4/NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways.
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JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 5.4
Xiaolong Feng,Xinru Tao,Penghui Li,Jun Chen,Kaiyi Chen,Jinsheng Jiang,Yuan Cai,Yanmei Peng
Ethnopharmacological relevance Yuye Jiedu Granule (YYJD), a traditional herb preparation developed by Hunan Changde Sanjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., has been used in clinical settings for many years to manage upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) attributed to exogenous wind-heat. Although its effectiveness is well recognized, the active constituents responsible for its effects and the molecular pathways involved are not clear yet. Aim of the study To identify the bioactive constituents of YYJD and elucidate its molecular mechanisms in treating URTI. Materials and methods Initially, the chemical composition of YYJD was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) in combination with a molecular networking approach. Anti-inflammatory components within the formula were then identified using a UPLC-based separation system and a dual-luciferase reporter gene screening assay, followed by in vitro validation. Subsequently, an acute pneumonia model was developed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to comprehensively assess the therapeutic efficacy of YYJD through integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and network pharmacology analyses. Finally, the underlying molecular mechanisms were experimentally confirmed. Results A total of 145 chemical constituents were identified in YYJD, among which 15 were found to inhibit NF-κB. In vivo studies demonstrated that YYJD notably decreased mortality, lung indices, and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in P. aeruginosa -infected mice. Integrated multi-omics analysis highlighted adenosine monophosphate (AMP) as a central metabolite, with major bioactive compounds classified as organic acids, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and triterpenoid saponins . Nine pivotal targets and the AMPK-mTORC1/2-PI3K/Akt/NF-κB axis were identified as central to YYJD’s anti-URTI effects. Mechanistically, YYJD modulated the phosphorylation of GSK3β, Akt, IκBα, mTOR, and AMPK, along with the p65 expression. Conclusion This study presents the first in-depth analysis of YYJD’s chemical profile and elucidates its multi-target therapeutic mechanisms against URTI through AMPK-centered metabolic-inflammatory interplay. These results offer a stronger scientific foundation for the clinical use of YYJD and introduce a potential new approach for treating respiratory infections.
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INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2021
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IF 4.932
Yuan-xiang Zhang,Xiao-tong Zhang,Hong-jin Li,Tao-feng Zhou,An-cheng Zhou,Zheng-ling Zhong,Yan-hao Liu,Li-li Yuan,Hao-yu Zhu,Di Luan,Jiu-cui Tong
We previously reported that helicid, an active plant monomer of Helicid nilgirica Bedd, had good antidepressant pharmacological activities. However, the potential mechanism of action remains unknown. Current investigation showed the antidepressant-like effects of helicid and its effects on the neurocalcin delta ( NCALD ) gene, and its mechanism of action through a depression model in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). We evaluated depression symptoms using the sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST). By silencing NCALD and using rescue experiments, the IL-6, iNOS, IL-1β, COX-2, and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus or peripheral blood were determined using western blotting and ELISAs. The expression of IKKβ, p-IкBα, p-IKKβ, NF-кB p65, and IкBα were tested using western blots of the cytoplasmic or nuclear samples. Helicid and silencing NCALD relieved the CUMS-irritated depressive-like actions of rats, which were shown by increased consumption of sucrose, numbers of rearings, total running distance, zone crossings, and reduced immobility times. Helicid or silencing NCALD reversed the CUMS-induced high levels of IL-1β, COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS in the hippocampus or peripheral blood. Helicid or silencing NCALD also reduced the expressions of p-IκBα and p-IKKβ in the cytoplasm and the expression of nuclear NF-κB p 65 in hippocampus, and simultaneously elevated cytoplasmic expressions of IκBα, IKKβ, and NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus. Notably, after NCALD overexpression, the biochemical indices of rat helicid administration were reversed. In conclusion, the antidepressant action of helicid was mediated through NCALD in rats of CUMS by repressing hippocampal neuro-inflammation and abating the activation of the IKK/IκBα/NF-κB pathway.
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