Protective Effects of Butylphthalide on Cerebral Infarction Induced by Local Ischemic Injury and Regulation Mechanism of the Pi3k/Akt/Gsk-3β Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1578-1584
Author(s):  
Chong Liu ◽  
Yan Cao

Aim: We aimed to study the protective effects of butylphthalide (NBP) on cerebral infarction induced by local ischemic injury and regulation mechanism of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Materials and methods: One hundred male Wistar rats aged 12-15 weeks were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=20). The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established. NBP, P13K specific inhibitor LY294002 and NBP plus LY294002 groups were intraperitoneally administered on the first day after modeling, once a day for 7 days. Sham operation (Sham) and model groups were intraperitoneally given equal amounts of normal saline. Modified neurological severity (mNS) was scored 30 min after administration on the 7th day, and cerebral infarction volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Neuronal damage was detected by Nissl staining. Intact neurons were counted under light microscope. The protein expressions of Akt, P-Akt, GSK-3β and P-GSK-3β were detected by Western blotting. Results:The mNS score of NBP group decreased significantly compared with that of model group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the cerebral infarction volume of NBP group significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the number of intact neurons in NBP group significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β in NBP group significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions: By activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, NBP relieves neurological function damage and protects against cerebral infarction induced by local ischemic injury.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zun-Jing Liu ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
Cheng Xiao ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
...  

Cerebral ischemia is the most common cerebrovascular disease worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that curcumin had beneficial effect to attenuate cerebral ischemic injury. However, it is unclear how curcumin protects against cerebral ischemic injury. In the present study, using rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model, we found that curcumin was a potent PPARγagonist in that it upregulated PPARγexpression and PPARγ-PPRE binding activity. Administration of curcumin markedly decreased the infarct volume, improved neurological deficits, and reduced neuronal damage of rats. In addition, curcumin suppressed neuroinflammatory response by decreasing inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2, NO, COX-2, and iNOS induced by cerebral ischemia of rats. Furthermore, curcumin suppressed IκB degradation that was caused by cerebral ischemia. The present data also showed that PPARγinteracted with NF-κB-p65 and thus inhibited NF-κB activation. All the above protective effects of curcumin on cerebral ischemic injury were markedly attenuated by GW9662, an inhibitor of PPARγ. Our results as described above suggested that PPARγinduced by curcumin may play a critical role in protecting against brain injury through suppression of inflammatory response. It also highlights the potential of curcumin as a therapeutic agent against cerebral ischemia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao-Chung Chuang ◽  
Shang-Der Chen ◽  
Chung-Yao Hsu ◽  
Shu-Fang Chen ◽  
Nai-Ching Chen ◽  
...  

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) is known to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. Resveratrol is present in a variety of plants, including the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts. It has been shown to offer protective effects against a number of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and epilepsy. This study examined the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol on mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus following experimental status epilepticus. Kainic acid was microinjected into left hippocampal CA3 in Sprague Dawley rats to induce bilateral prolonged seizure activity. PGC-1α expression and related mitochondrial biogenesis were investigated. Amounts of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COX1), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were measured to evaluate the extent of mitochondrial biogenesis. Increased PGC-1α and mitochondrial biogenesis machinery after prolonged seizure were found in CA3. Resveratrol increased expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, and Tfam, NRF1 binding activity, COX1 level, and mtDNA amount. In addition, resveratrol reduced activated caspase-3 activity and attenuated neuronal cell damage in the hippocampus following status epilepticus. These results suggest that resveratrol plays a pivotal role in the mitochondrial biogenesis machinery that may provide a protective mechanism counteracting seizure-induced neuronal damage by activation of the PGC-1α signaling pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Kening Li ◽  
Minghua Xian ◽  
Chi Chen ◽  
Shengwang Liang ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
...  

Background. NaoMaiTong (NMT) is widely used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia but the molecular details of its beneficial effects remain poorly characterized. Materials and Methods. In this study, we used iTRAQ using 2D LC-MS/MS technology to investigate the cellular mechanisms governing the protective effects of NMT. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established and evaluated. The degree of cerebral ischemia was assessed through scoring for nerve injury symptoms and through the assessment of the areas of cerebral infarction. Brain tissues were subjected to analysis by iTRAQ. High-pH HPLC and RSLC-MS/MS analysis were performed to detect differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the treatment groups (Sham, MCAO, and NMT). Bioinformatics were employed for data analysis and DEPs were validated by western blot. Results. The results showed that NMT offers protection to the neurological damage caused by MCAO and was found to reduce the areas of cerebral infarction. We detected 3216 DEPs via mass spectrometry. Of these proteins, 21 displayed altered expression following NMT intervention. These included DEPs involved in translation, cell cycle regulation, cellular nitrogen metabolism, and stress responses. Pathway analysis revealed seven key DEPs that were enriched in ribosomal synthesis pathways, tight junction formation, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. According to protein-protein interaction analysis, RPL17, Tuba, and Rac1 were affected by NMT treatment, which was validated by western blot analysis. Discussion. We therefore identify new pharmacodynamic mechanisms of NMT for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke. These DEPs reveal new targets to prevent ischemic stroke induced neuronal damage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xiangpei Zhao ◽  
Jinchang Huang ◽  
Zhenyu Mo ◽  
Jiangcun Wei ◽  
Chuanmei Zhong ◽  
...  

The aim of the study is to examine the mechanism of Aralia armata (Wall.) Seem (AAS) in improving intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in rats. Rats with femoral artery injury were randomly divided into three groups: the model group, AAS low-dose group (40 mg/kg), and AAS high-dose group (80 mg/kg). The sham operation group was used as a control group. HE staining was used to observe the changes in femoral artery vessels. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect α-SMA, PCNA, GSK-3β, and β-catenin proteins in femoral artery tissue. The CCK-8 test and wound healing assay were employed to analyze the effect of AAS on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) cultured in vitro. Western blotting (WB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to evaluate the molecular mechanism. AAS reduced the stenosis of blood vessels and the protein expressions of α-SMA, PCNA, GSK-3β, and β-catenin compared to the model group. In addition, AAS (0-15 μg/mL) effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Moreover, the results of WB and PCR showed that AAS could inhibit the activation of β-catenin induced by 15% FBS and significantly decrease the expression levels of Wnt3α, Dvl-1, GSK-3β, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 in the upstream and downstream of the pathway. AAS could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of neointima after vascular injury in rats by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-397
Author(s):  
Linlin Wei ◽  
Kexue Zeng ◽  
Juanjuan Gai ◽  
Feixiong Zhou ◽  
Zhenglin Wei ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of acupuncture on neurovascular units after cerebral infarction (CI) in rats through the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. METHODS: A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 12), model group (n = 12) and acupuncture group (n = 12). The external carotid artery was only exposed in model group, while the post-CI ischemia-reperfusion model was established using the suture method in the other 2 groups. After modeling, the rats in sham group and model group were fixed and sampled, while those in acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture intervention for 2 weeks and sampled. The neurological deficits of rats were evaluated using the Zea-Longa score, and the spatial learning and memory of rats were detected via water maze test. Moreover, the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and synuclein (SYN) in brain tissues were detected via immunohistochemistry, and the relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110 and p-AKT were detected via Western blotting. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of VEGF, GAP-43 and SYN were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: The Zea-Longa score was significantly increased in model group and acupuncture group compared with that in sham group (p < 0.05), while it significantly declined in acupuncture group compared with that in model group (p < 0.05). The escape latency was significantly prolonged and the times of crossing platform were significantly reduced in model group and acupuncture group compared with those in sham group (p < 0.05), while the escape latency was significantly shortened and the times of crossing platform were significantly increased in acupuncture group compared with those in model group (p < 0.05). The positive expressions of VEGF, GAP-43 and SYN were obviously increased in model group and acupuncture group compared with those in sham group (p < 0.05), while they were obviously increased in acupuncture group compared with those in model group (p < 0.05). Besides, model group and acupuncture group had significantly higher relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110 and p-AKT than sham group (p < 0.05), while acupuncture group also had significantly higher relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110 and p-AKT than model group (p < 0.05). The relative mRNA expressions of VEGF, GAP-43 and SYN were remarkably increased in model group and acupuncture group compared with those in sham group (p < 0.05), while they were remarkably increased in acupuncture group compared with those in model group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture promotes the repair of neurovascular units after CI in rats through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on neurovascular units.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11501
Author(s):  
Jinjin Jiang ◽  
Xiuping Gu ◽  
Huifeng Wang ◽  
Shibin Ding

Background Several studies have shown that resveratrol (RES), a naturally occurring polyphenol found in many plants, is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the RES-mediated protection against myocardial infarction has not yet been revealed entirely. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of RES on cardiac function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the related underlying mechanisms. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham (sham operation), Sham-RES, AMI (AMI induction), and AMI-RES. The rat AMI model was established by the permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery method. The rats in the RES-treated groups were gavaged with RES (50 mg/kg/day) daily for 45 days after the Sham operation or AMI induction; rats in the Sham and AMI groups were gavaged with deionized water. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Atrial interstitial fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson’s trichrome staining. Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to examine the levels of signaling pathway components. Results RES supplementation decreased the inflammatory cytokine levels, improved the cardiac function, and ameliorated atrial interstitial fibrosis in the rats with AMI. Furthermore, RES supplementation inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activity, decreased the TGF-β1 production, and downregulated the p-SMAD2/SMAD2 expression in the heart. Conclusion RES shows notable cardioprotective effects in a rat model of AMI; the possible mechanisms underlying these effects may involve the improvement of cardiac function and atrial interstitial fibrosis via the RES-mediated suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and inhibition of the TGF-β1/SMAD2 signaling pathway in the heart.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1414-1419
Author(s):  
Zhongjin Liu ◽  
Ruiqing Li ◽  
Chunmei Zhang ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Haiyan Zhang

Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment is not effective. Statins are lipid-lowering drugs. However, the role and mechanism of statins for treating AD remains unclear. SD rats were separated into sham operation group; AD group and rosuvastatin calcium group followed by analysis of cognitive function and neuronal morphology. ELISA was to measure the level of TNF-α and IL-1; SOD activity and ROS levels were measured,. Real-time quantitative PCR was to analyze Bcl-2 and Bax level. The expression of Nuclear Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2/Antioxidant Responsive Element (NRF2/ARE) signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Compared with sham operation group, the cognitive ability of the AD group was significantly decreased; with elevated secretion of TNF-α and IL-1, decreased SOD activity, increased ROS generation, decreased Bcl-2 expression as well as increased Bax expression (P < 0.05). In addition, AD group rats showed neuronal damage in the hippocampus and decreased expression of NRF2 and ARE. However, rosuvastatin calcium treatment improved cognitive ability, decreased TNF-α and IL-1 secretion, increased SOD activity, decreased ROS content, increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased Bax expression as well as ameliorated neuronal damage, increased number of nerve cells, and increased expression of NRF2 and ARE. Rosuvastatin calcium can inhibit the oxidative stress and inflammation, inhibit the apoptosis of hippocampus cells and improve the cognitive ability of AD rats by regulating NRF2/ARE signaling pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Xueqin Zhang ◽  
Jing Fang ◽  
Zhiqiang Chen ◽  
Bingwu Zhao ◽  
Su Wu ◽  
...  

As renal fibrosis significantly contributes to various kinds of chronic kidney diseases, this study aimed to investigate the renal protective effects of Qingshen Buyang Formula against renal fibrosis on 5/6 nephrectomized rats, and its underlying mechanisms were explored. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), 5/6 nephrectomy group (5/6Nx group), and Qingshen Buyang Formula treatment group (QBF group). The intervention was intragastric administration for 12 weeks. In the end, the blood samples were collected to test renal functional parameters, urine proteins were measured, and the left kidneys were removed for histological studies, as well as mRNA and protein expression analysis. The results showed that Qingshen Buyang Formula significantly decreased BUN, Scr, and proteinuria in 5/6Nx rats. Meanwhile, it ameliorated the kidney injury and fibrosis, exemplified by the depressed expression of collagen I and fibronectin (FN), which are the main components of ECM. Furthermore, the process of EMT inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes, such as Wnt4, TCF4, β-catenin, and p-GSK3β. Collectively, the Qingshen Buyang Formula can improve renal function and attenuate renal fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms may be related with inhibiting EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-86
Author(s):  
Wang Jian ◽  
Zhang Can ◽  
Yang Jun ◽  
Xing Liwei ◽  
Zhang Kun ◽  
...  

Objectives To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on nerve function in rats with ischemic stroke and its mechanism of anti-apoptosis. Methods A total of 80 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, sham electroacupuncture group, acupuncture group, electroacupuncture group and 16 rats in each group. The rat model of left ischemic stroke was prepared by suture embolization. In the sham group, the left common carotid artery was isolated only and no other treatment was given. In the electroacupuncture group, "Baihui" and "Mingmen" were selected for acupuncture, followed by dilatation wave, frequency 2Hz/100Hz, intensity 1mA, and electroacupuncture for 30min. The sham electroacupuncture group was the same as the electroacupuncture group in acupoint electroacupuncture group was the same as the electroacupuncture group in acupoint selection. The electroacupuncture group was only inserted subcutaneously and then connected with the electroacupuncture group without power supply, and fixed for 30 minutes. The electroacupuncture group and the acupuncture group received electroacupuncture treatment once, for a total of 14 days, 1d after modeling. The Improved Neurological Impairment scale (mNSS) was used to evaluate the degree of neurological impairment in each group after anesthesia and wakefulness. The percentage of cerebral infarction area was determined by TTC staining. HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological changes of ischemic brain tissue. The level of apoptosis in ischemic brain tissue was detected by TUNEL assay. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Cleaved caspase-3 in ischemic brain tissue. Results Compared with the sham operation group, neurological function score, percentage of cerebral infarction area and apoptosis level in the model group were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, neurological function score, percentage of cerebral infarction area and apoptosis index of acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group were decreased (all P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein in ischemic brain tissue of rats with ischemic stroke were up-regulated in the acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group to different degrees, while the expression levels of Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 protein were down-regulated in the electroacupuncture group. Conclusion Electroacupuncture may inhibit Bax, Cleaved caspase-3 and up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 against neuronal apoptosis, thereby improving the neurological function injury of ischemic stroke rats.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 7305-7310
Author(s):  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Xiuting Di ◽  
Yizhou Song ◽  
Banglin Li

To investigate the effect of Feraheme (ferumoxytol) intravenous injection on cerebral infarction volume and inflammatory response in mice with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. We randomly divided 30 CS7BL6J mice into sham operated group, normal saline control group, and Feraheme group with 10 mice in each group. The model of permanent occlusion of right middle cerebral artery was made via the modified suture method in the normal saline control group and the Feraheme group. After 24 h of establishment the model, the tail vein was injected with 18 mg/kg Feraheme in the sham operation group and Feraheme group, and the normal saline control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Neurobehavioral scores were obtained 24 h (before injection of Feraheme or normal saline) and 48 h (before MRI) after the model was established. The volume of cerebral infarction was calculated according to T2 weighted imaging. Orbital blood was collected after nodal scanning to detect serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Then, the brain tissues of mice were killed for HE staining and IBAL immunohistochemical staining. No significant differences in cerebral infarction volume and neurological function were observed between the normal saline control group and Feraheme group. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the normal saline control group and Feraheme group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the normal saline control group and Feraheme group. We showed that intravenous injection of 18 mg/kg Feraheme 24 h after cerebral ischemia does not affect the infarct volume and inflammatory response, suggesting that the dose of Feraheme can be used for molecular imaging studies of inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia.


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