scholarly journals Effect of FermentedSpirulina maximaExtract on Cognitive-Enhancing Activities in Mice with Scopolamine-Induced Dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woon Yong Choi ◽  
Do Hyung Kang ◽  
Hyeon Yong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Escape Latency ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Latency Time ◽  
Bioactive Substances ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Element Binding Protein

This work provides the first demonstration thatSpirulina maximaextract fermented with the lactic acid bacteriumLactobacillus planetariumHY-08 has the ability to ameliorate scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. The fermented extract exhibited good cognitive-enhancing activities, as demonstrated through Morris water maze and passive avoidance experiments: in these tests, the mice administered the fermented extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited an escape latency time and a latency time of 88.5 and 76.0 sec, respectively, whereas those administered donepezil, which was used as a positive control, showed an escape latency time and a latency time of 81.3 and 83.3 sec, respectively. However, an extract of 200 mg/kg was considered economically feasible for maintaining relatively high memory-improving activities because only a slight difference in activities was found between 200 and 400 mg/kg. The study also provides the first demonstration thatβ-carotene, one of the major bioactive substances inS. maxima, has memory-enhancing activity. A detailed analysis of the mechanism for the cognitive-enhancing activities of the fermented extract revealed that the fermented extract effectively increased the phosphorylation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK) and p-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and sequentially upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose signaling pathway responds to a reduction in oxidative stress in the brain. The results indicate that the improved efficacy of the fermented extract was likely due to the synergistic effects ofβ-carotene and other bioactive substances. Therefore, it can be concluded that the fermented extract exerts memory-improving effects in the hippocampus of scopolamine-treated mice through an initial increase in ERK signaling and a sequential induction of the expression of p-CREB and BDNF, and these effects are related to the antioxidant activities ofβ-carotene and other components.

scholarly journals Stimulation of Phosphorylation of ERK and CREB by Phellopterin and Auraptene Isolated from Citrus junos

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuhiro Nakamura ◽  
Tomoko Suzuki ◽  
Mai Takagi ◽  
Hirotoshi Tamura ◽  
Toshiya Masuda
Keyword(s):  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Citrus Junos ◽  
Element Binding Protein ◽  
Methyl Ferulate

Bioactive compounds from citrus fruits contribute many benefits to human health. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling plays an important role in the regulation of multiple cellular processes. Activation of the ERK-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling is required for long-term memory formation. In this study, auraptene, phellopterin, thymol, coniferyl alcohol 9-methyl ether and methyl ferulate were isolated from Citrus junos. Among the five compounds isolated, auraptene and phellopterin increased the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence that phellopterin potently stimulates the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. Phellopterin could be a novel neuroprotective agent.

scholarly journals Neuroprotective Effect and Molecular Mechanism of [6]-Gingerol against Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in C57BL/6 Mice

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-Yul Kim ◽  
Yongtaek Seo ◽  
Chan Lee ◽  
Gyu Hwan Park ◽  
Jung-Hee Jang
Keyword(s):  
Escape Latency ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Behavior Changes ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Memory Impairments ◽  
Maze Test ◽  
Y Maze ◽  
Element Binding Protein ◽  
The Brain

We have investigated the neuroprotective and memory enhancing effect of [6]-gingerol (GIN), a pungent ingredient of ginger, using an animal model of amnesia. To determine the neuroprotective effect of GIN on cognitive dysfunction, scopolamine (SCO, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into C57BL/6 mice, and a series of behavioral tests were conducted. SCO-induced behavior changes and memory impairments, such as decreased alteration (%) in Y-maze test, increased mean escape latency in water maze test, diminished step-through latency in passive avoidance test, and shortened freezing time in fear condition test, were significantly prevented and restored by the oral administration of GIN (10 or 25 mg/kg/day). To further verify the neuroprotective mechanism of GIN, we have focused on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The administration of GIN elevated the protein expression of BDNF, which was mediated via the activation of protein kinase B/Akt- and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. These results suggest that GIN may have preventive and/or therapeutic potentials in the management of memory deficit and cognitive impairment in mice with amnesia.

scholarly journals Extracts ofArtocarpus communisDecreaseα-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone-Induced Melanogenesis through Activation of ERK and JNK Signaling Pathways

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Tzu Fu ◽  
Chiang-Wen Lee ◽  
Horng-Huey Ko ◽  
Feng-Lin Yen
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Melanin Content ◽  
Agricultural Plant ◽  
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ◽  
B16f10 Cells ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Element Binding Protein ◽  
Stimulating Hormone

Artocarpus communisis an agricultural plant that is also used in folk medicine to prevent skin diseases, including acne and dermatitis. Extracts ofA. communishave been used to effectively inhibit melanogenesis; however, the antimelanogenesis mechanism of these extracts has not yet been investigated. The present study utilized a cell-free tyrosinase assay as well asα-melanocyte stimulating hormone- (-MSH-) induced tyrosinase assay conducted in B16F10 cells, performed a cytotoxicity assay, and determined cellular melanin content to examine the effects of a methanolic extract ofA. communis(ACM) and various organic partition fractions ofA. communison melanogenesis. In addition, we performed western blot analysis to elucidate the mechanism of their antimelanogenesis effect. Our results indicated that, except for the n-hexane extract, ACM and the various partition extracts at noncytotoxic concentrations effectively decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity by downregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB). Moreover, ACM and the partition fractions activated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) to inhibit the synthesis of MITF and finally to decrease melanin production. In conclusion, we suggest that noncytotoxic concentrations of ACM and the various partition fractions may be useful as references for developing skin-lighting agents for use in medicines or cosmetics.

scholarly journals Acupuncture Activates ERK-CREB Pathway in Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Lu ◽  
Jia Liang ◽  
Jun-Ren Wang ◽  
Li Hu ◽  
Ya Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Element Binding Protein ◽  
Phosphorylated Creb ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Creb Pathway

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signal pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. There is growing evidence that acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine has antidepressant-like effect. However, the effect of acupuncture on ERK-CREB pathway remains unknown. In our study, the antidepressant-like effect of acupuncture treatment was measured by sucrose intake test and open field test in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. The protein levels of ERK1/2, CREB, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) in the hippocampus (HP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were examined by Western blot analysis. Our results showed that CUMS rats exhibited the reduction in behavioral activities, whereas acupuncture stimulation at acupoints Baihui (Du20) and Neiguan (PC6) reversed the behavioral deficit. In addition, exposure to CUMS resulted in the decrease of p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB in the HP and PFC. Acupuncture increased the ratio of p-ERK1/2 to ERK1/2 and the ratio of p-CREB to CREB in the HP and PFC. Our study suggested that one potential way, by which acupuncture had antidepressant-like effect, might be mediated by activating the ERK-CREB pathway in the brain.

scholarly journals Melanogenesis Inhibitor(s) fromPhyla nodifloraExtract

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Lin Yen ◽  
Moo-Chin Wang ◽  
Chan-Jung Liang ◽  
Horng-Huey Ko ◽  
Chiang-Wen Lee
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Melanin Content ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Alternative Medicines ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Element Binding Protein

Overexpression of tyrosinase can cause excessive production of melanin and lead to hyperpigmentation disorders, including melasma and freckles. Recently, agents obtained from plants are being used as alternative medicines to downregulate tyrosinase synthesis and decrease melanin production.Phyla nodifloraGreene (Verbenaceae) is used as a folk medicine in Taiwanese for treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as hepatitis and dermatitis. However, the antimelanogenesis activity and molecular biological mechanism underlying the activity of the methanolic extract ofP. nodiflora(PNM) have not been investigated to date. Our results showed that PNM treatment was not cytotoxic and significantly reduced the cellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Further, PNM exhibited a significant antimelanogenesis effect (P<0.05) by reducing the levels of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), inhibiting the synthesis of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2, and decreasing the cellular melanin content. Moreover, PNM significantly activated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, including phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and phospho-p38, and inhibited the synthesis of MITF, thus decreasing melanogenesis. These properties suggest that PNM could be used as a clinical and cosmetic skin-whitening agent to cure and/or prevent hyperpigmentation.

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