Apigenin Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuronal Damage in Mice

We investigated the protective effect and mechanisms of apigenin against cognitive impairments in a scopolamine-injected mouse model. Our results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of scopolamine leads to learning and memory dysfunction, whereas the administration of apigenin (synthetic compound, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) improved cognitive ability, which was confirmed by behavioral tests such as the T-maze test, novel objective recognition test, and Morris water maze test in mice. In addition, scopolamine-induced lipid peroxidation in the brain was attenuated by administration of apigenin. To further evaluate the protective mechanisms of apigenin on cognitive and memory function, Western blot analysis was carried out. Administration of apigenin decreased the B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) ratio and suppressed caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage. Furthermore, apigenin down-regulated the β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme, along with presenilin 1 (PS1) and PS2 protein levels. Apigenin-administered mice showed lower protein levels of a receptor for advanced glycation end-products, whereas insulin-degrading enzyme, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression were promoted by treatment with apigenin. Therefore, this study demonstrated that apigenin is an active substance that can improve cognitive and memory functions by regulating apoptosis, amyloidogenesis, and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways.     

Nuclear factor of activated T cells negatively regulates expression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-related 2 gene in T cells

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-related 2 (TR2, HVEM or TNFRSF-14) plays an important role in immune responses, however, the mechanisms regulating its expression are unclear. To understand the control of TR2 gene expression, we studied the upstream region of the gene. Gel supershift assays revealed inducible binding of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) to a putative NFAT site within the TR2 promoter. Furthermore, cotransfection of a dominant negative NFAT construct, or siRNA for NFAT, resulted in increased expression of a TR2 reporter gene. Our findings demonstrate that NFAT negatively regulates TR2 expression in activated T cells.     

Genetic study of orosomucoid by isoelectric focusing and immunoprinting in patients with carcinoma.

The carbohydrate moiety of the orosomucoid (ORM) molecule shows microheterogeneity [1] and the pteridine-containing variant seems to be tumor-specific [2-4]. However, there also exists a genetic (protein-related) polymorphism coded by the ORM1 and ORM2 loci on chromosome 9 [5, 6]. To investigate the relationship between ORM1 gene products and the development of carcinoma, we analyzed the ORM1 phenotypes of desialated sera from 125 patients with carcinoma. The allele frequencies were estimated for ORM1*F1 0.556, ORM1*F2 0.012 and ORM1*S 0.432. In comparison to healthy individuals from the same geographical area [6] the ORM1 S phenotypes are significantly more frequent in carcinoma patients. The patients' sera frequently showed additional ORM-positive proteins which focused slightly cathodically to the ORM 2 A band. These proteins may represent posttranslational modifications of the ORM1*S allele product. Whether these modifications are tumor-specific and related to the carbohydrate moiety of the molecule must be confirmed in further studies.     

Subtyping of orosomucoid 1 (ORM1) by isoelectric focusing in agarose and polyacrylamide gels

Genetic polymorphism of orosomucoid (ORM) has been demonstrated in several populations and comprises two structural gene loci, ORM1 and ORM2. In Caucasians three common ORM1 alleles have been shown, while the ORM2 locus is almost monomorphic. ORM1 phenotyping by isoelectric focusing in agarose or polyacrylamide gel combined with either print immunofixation or enzyme-linked immunoblotting is described, and population and family data from Denmark and Southern Germany are given. It is proposed to use a different alpha-numerical nomenclature for the phenotypes of the ORM1 and ORM2 systems.     

Investigation of genetic variants of α-1 acid glycoprotein by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Genetic variants of human plasma alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) have been studied in cancer, compared with a group of healthy control. AGP has four genetic variants: AGP F1, F2, and S variants correspond to the ORM1 gene whereas AGP A corresponds to the ORM2 gene. The proportion of ORM1 and ORM2 variants were studied in plasma using a novel UPLC–MS method. Plasma total AGP level was 0.5 ± 0.2 g L⁻¹ and the proportions of the ORM1 and ORM2 variants were 76.3 ± 8.2% and 23.7 ± 8.2%, respectively. In cancer plasma AGP levels increased fourfold and the proportion of ORM1 variants increased to 88.7 ± 6.8%. Changes in the proportion of genetic variants due to cancer were clearly significant, as shown by statistical analysis. Three different cancer types have been studied, lymphoma, melanoma, and ovarian cancer. The results did not show any difference depending on cancer type. The results indicate that, in accordance with prior expectations, the ORM1 variant is predominantly responsible for the acute-phase property of AGP.     

New lactimidomycin congeners shed insight into lactimidomycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces amphibiosporus

Lactimidomycin (LTM, 1) is a macrolide antitumor antibiotic with a glutarimide side chain from Streptomyces amphibiosporus ATCC53964. To further develop LTM and related analogues as drug candidates we have (i) improved LTM production by approximately 20 fold, (ii) identified three new metabolites (2-4) possibly involved in the LTM biosynthetic pathway; (iii) found 3 to be identical with a previously identified isomigrastatin precursor, (iv) determined the absolute stereochemistry of LTM, and (v) produced new LTM rearrangement products 2a-d and 4a-d.     

Orosomucoid 1 and orosomucoid 2 types in the Taiwanese and Japanese: evidence for five new orosomucoid variants

The genetic polymorphisms of orosomucoid, ORM1 and ORM2, were analyzed by isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gels and subsequent immunoprinting. Sera from 600 unrelated individuals in Taiwan and Japan were examined. Five new alleles, designated ORM1*7, ORM1*8, ORM1*4.2, ORM2*8 and ORM2*10, were observed together with common and rare alleles that have been found in the Japanese and the Filipinos. As compared with the Japanese, the Taiwanese have a higher frequency of ORM1*1, and a significantly lower frequency of ORM1*2.1.     

Therapeutic Versus Preventative Use of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

The main bioactive constituents in the standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb 761) are the terpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides. EGb 761’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have previously been demonstrated. Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers have a multifactorial etiology and represent a major restriction to its therapeutic utility. The underlying ulcerogenic process involves oxidative and inflammatory biomolecular insults. This study was performed to explore the curative and preventative benefits of EGb 761 in experimentally-induced ulcers. To develop gastric ulcers in mice, indomethacin (40 mg/kg) was administered orally. EGb 761 (200 mg/kg) was given by gavage for 7 days before (preventative) and after (therapeutic) indomethacin administration. The histological alterations and macroscopic mucosal lesions were assessed. In gastric tissue homogenates, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), cytokines, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the stomach mucosa were also investigated. The ulcer index, histological alterations, gastric oxidants, and inflammatory biomarkers were all significantly increased by indomethacin. In stomach specimens, it increased COX-2 and PCNA expression. EGb 761 treatments, both prophylactic and therapeutic, resulted in significant reductions in ulcer lesions, nitrosative and oxidative damage, and inflammatory markers, along with the lowering of COX-2 and PCNA expressions. Furthermore, in the fight against stomach ulcers, EGb 761 treatment was found to be more efficient than prevention.     

Thioredoxin reductase - its role in epidermal redox status.

The human epidermis with an area of 1.8 m(2) is the outer most layer of the human body. Hence, this organ plays a pivotal role in the defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV or X-ray exposure, heat and other sources. Consequently, a plethora of defence mechanisms exist controlling the redox status in this compartment. The role of thioredoxin reductase (TR), thioredoxin (T) in antioxidant defence has gained widespread recognition. In the past it has been shown that thioredoxin protects against UVB-induced skin injury, as well as against peroxidative damage. Under normal conditions, TR reduces oxidised thioredoxin in the presence of NADPH. Reduced thioredoxin serves as an electron donor for thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) which consequently reduces H(2)O(2) to H(2)O. In this context, it has been demonstrated that membrane associated TR correlates with different skin photo types I-VI (Fitzpatrick classification), where darker skin has significantly higher enzyme activity compared to very fair skin, underlining the importance of this system in ROS defence. Moreover, it was only recently demonstrated in vivo with non-invasive Fourier-Transform Raman spectroscopy that UVB generates H(2)O(2) in the epidermis in a dose-dependent manner. H(2)O(2) can oxidise the selenocysteine residue in the penultimate position of the carboxyl terminus of TR with a K(m) of 2.5 mM. This oxidation is followed by an upregulation of mRNA expression of the enzyme. Hence, it can be concluded that UVB generated H(2)O(2) induces TR. However, permanent H(2)O(2) levels induce the tumour suppressor p53 which in turn downregulates cytosolic TR. Therefore TR activities are under fine control by H(2)O(2). This conclusion is also supported by the observation that thioredoxin, the substrate for TR, migrates from the cytosol to the nucleus after UVB exposure. A new function for the TR/T/TPx system in epidermal cells has been discovered in the control of the important cofactor (6R)-L-erythro 5,6,7,8 tetrahydrobiopterin (6BH(4)) homeostasis. Full oxidation of 6BH(4) to 6 biopterin via H(2)O(2) can lead to a cytotoxic environment for epidermal melanocytes. This cascade of events is observed in the depigmentation disorder vitiligo, where millimolar levels of H(2)O(2) can accumulate in the epidermis of affected individuals, consequently leading to cellular vacuolation in this compartment.     

Anti-Inflammatory and Neuromodulatory Effects Induced by Tanacetum parthenium Water Extract: Results from In Silico,In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies

Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) has traditionally been employed as a phytotherapeutic remedy in the treatment of migraine. In this study, a commercial T. parthenium water extract was investigated to explore its anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects. Isolated mouse cortexes were exposed to a K⁺ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer and treated with T. parthenium water extract. The prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) level, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-1β gene expression were evaluated in the cortex. The effects on dopamine (DA) release and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene expression were assayed in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted to further investigate the mechanism of action. The extract was effective in reducing cortex PGE₂ release and IL-1β gene expression. In the same experimental system, IL-10 and BDNF gene expressions increased, and in HypoE22 cells, the extract decreased the extracellular dopamine level and increased the DAT gene expression due to the direct interaction of parthenolide with the DAT. Overall, the present findings highlight the efficacy of T. parthenium water extract in controlling the inflammatory pathways that occur during cortical-spreading depression. Additionally, the inhibition of the hypothalamic DA release observed in this study further supports the role of dopaminergic pathways as key targets for novel pharmacological approaches in the management of migraine attacks.     

The property of peripheral input of projection neurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn

Antidromic and orthodromic responses of the projection neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord have been recorded by a glass microelectrode in anesthetized and paralyzed cats. Furthermore, the effect of cervical segment antidromic stimulation to orthodromic response of the projection neurons has been observed by way of conditioning-test stimulation. Among all the spinocervical tract neurons (SCT), the dorsal column postsynaptic neurons (DCPS) and the spinocervical tract-dorsal column postsynaptic neurons (SCT-DCPS), which were identified by cervical segment antidromic stimulation, 46% are low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) and 54% are wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons. Most LTM neurons can evoke the same response to both 10 times (10 T) and 50 times (50 T) the threshold stimulation on the peroneal nerve. Most WDR neurons to 50 T intensity stimulation are stronger than the 10 T stimulation. Under the antidromic-cervical segment conditioning stimulation, the amount of orthodromic-discharging in most WDR and few LTM neurons reduced significantly. The result shows that both LTM and WDR projection neurons in the spinal cord can respond to all peripheral A beta fibers and part of the A delta fibers; there are some inhibitional descending fibers which affect the projection neurons in the cervical segment dorsal column and dorsolateral funiculi.     

Isotachophoretic analysis of the dihydrofolate reductase reaction in the presence of methotrexate and ascorbic acid

The antifolate methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we show that MTX (MTX-Glu1) and MTX-polyglutamates (MTX-Glu2-5) strongly inhibited the growth of the leukemic cell line MOLT-4. This effect, however, was mitigated by ascorbic acid. We investigated whether ascorbic acid is able to reduce dihydrofolic acid (DHF) to tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) directly or by circumventing the MTX inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The inhibition of this NADPH-dependent reduction of DHF by MTX-Glun in the absence or presence of ascorbate, was determined by analytical isotachophoresis. Using 0.01 M HCl/histidine, pH 6.0, as a leading electrolyte (L) and 0.005 M 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES)/histidine, pH 6.0, as a terminating electrolyte (T), MTX-Glun derivatives including MTX-Glu1 could be easily separated, whereas the quantitative estimation of THF was not possible. A quantitative characterization of the DHFR reaction by measuring NADPH, NADP+ and ascorbate was achieved with another system (L: 0.01 M HCI/beta-alanine, pH 3.73; T: 0.01 M caproic acid, pH 3.27). Nanomolar concentrations of MTX-Glu1-5 inhibited consumption of NADPH and production of NADP+. Ascorbic acid was not able to reduce DHF, neither directly nor after inhibition of DHFR by MTX. However, ascorbic acid seemed to diminish the oxidation of THF and this may account for its capacity to reduce the inhibitory effect of MTX on MOLT-4 cells.     

Copper,BDNF and Its N‐terminal Domain: Inorganic Features and Biological Perspectives

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that influences development, maintenance, survival, and synaptic plasticity of central and peripheral nervous systems. Altered BDNF signaling is involved in several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. Metal ions may influence the BDNF activity and it is well known that the alteration of Cu²⁺ homeostasis is a prominent factor in the development of neurological pathologies. The N‐terminal domain of BDNF represents the recognition site of its specific receptor TrkB, and metal ions interaction with this protein domain may influence the protein/receptor interaction. In spite of this, no data inherent the interaction of BDNF with Cu²⁺ ions has been reported up to now. Cu²⁺ complexes of the peptide fragment BDNF(1–12) encompassing the sequence 1–12 of N‐terminal domain of human BDNF protein were characterized by means of potentiometry, spectroscopic methods (UV/Vis, CD, EPR), parallel tempering simulations and DFT‐geometry optimizations. Coordination features of the acetylated form, Ac‐BDNF(1–12), were also characterized to understand the involvement of the terminal amino group. Whereas, an analogous peptide, BDNF(1–12)D3N, in which the aspartate residue was substituted by an asparagine, was synthesized to provide evidence on the possible role of carboxylate group in Cu²⁺ coordination. The results demonstrated that the amino group is involved in metal binding and the metal coordination environment of the predominant complex species at physiological pH consisted of one amino group, two amide nitrogen atoms, and one carboxylate group. Noteworthy, a strong decrease of the proliferative activity of both BDNF(1–12) and the whole protein on a SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was found after treatment in the presence of Cu²⁺. The effect of metal addition is opposite to that observed for the analogous fragment of nerve growth factor (NGF) protein, highlighting the role of specific domains, and suggesting that Cu²⁺ may drive different pathways for the BDNF and NGF in physiological as well as pathological conditions.     

Determination of trans-Resveratrol in Bio-Matrices for in Vitro, ex Vivo, and in Vivo Pharmacokinetic Studies by LC Spectrometric Analysis

A simple and reproducible liquid chromatographic method was developed for analyzing trans-resveratrol (TR) in cell suspension, intestinal Krebs’ buffer and rat plasma. TR and internal standard (IS, caffeine) were extracted by simple liquid–liquid extraction with acetonitrile. A chromatographic separation of TR and IS was achieved by Hypersil ODS₂ C₁₈ column using the mobile phase consisting of a mixture of methanol and distilled water with approximate retention times of 5.5 and 3.4 min, respectively. The detector wavelength was 303 nm. The limit of quantifications in cell suspension, Krebs’ buffer, and rat plasma were 0.10 μM, 0.05 μg mL^?1, and 0.05 μg mL^?1. The coefficients of correlation were better than 0.9995 in all solvents. The recovery of TR in the three bio-samples ranged from 86.64 to 102.4%. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy were in the range 0.55–11.50%. The proposed method was successfully applied to Caco-2 cells, everted gut sac and rat pharmacokinetic studies. Among the pharmacokinetic data obtained, TR was concentration-dependent uptaken by Caco-2 cells. The colon was the best situation for TR absorption. The absorption of TR after oral administration was rapid, T _1/2 and AUC _0~∞ were 104 min, and 3.49 ± 0.55 min·(μg mL mg)^?1, respectively.     

Effects of Silk Fibroin Enzyme Hydrolysates on Memory and Learning: A Review

Silk protein products have been used for a wide range of applications. This review focuses on the studies conducted relative to cognitive functions with silk fibroin enzyme hydrolysates (FEH) in humans and animals. All known studies reported in PubMed and Google Scholar have been included. Studies have been conducted on children, high school and college students, adults and seniors, ranging in ages from 7–92 years. Doses of 200–600 mg silk FEH per day for three weeks to 16 weeks have been used. Based on these studies, it can be concluded that silk FEH exhibit beneficial cognitive effects with respect to memory and learning, attention, mental focus, accuracy, memory recall, and overall memory and concentration. These conclusions are supported by studies in rats and mice. Mechanistic studies that have been conducted in animals and cell culture systems are also reviewed. These studies indicate that silk FEH exerts its positive effects on memory and learning by providing neuroprotection via a complex mechanism involving its potent antioxidant and inflammation-inhibiting activities. Acetylcholine (ACh) is secreted by cholinergic neurons, and plays a role in encoding new information. Silk FEH were shown to decrease the levels of the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory mediators interlukin-1 (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), protecting the cholinergic system from oxidative stress, thus enhancing ACh levels in the brain, which is known to promote cognitive functions. In addition, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), which is involved in the survival of neurons, is enhanced, and an increase in the expression of the phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) occurs, which is known to play a positive role in cognitive functions. No adverse effects have been reported in association with the use of silk FEH.     

Cluster self-organization of silicate and germanate systems: Suprapolyhedral precursor clusters and self-assembly of orthotetrahedral structures in Na,TR-germanates (silicates)

The geometrical and topological analysis of all known types of the orthotetrahedral structures of Na,TR-germanates and their silicon analogues has been carried out using computer methods (TOPOS 4.0 program package). The full 3D reconstruction of the self-assembly mechanism of crystal structures has been performed as follows: precursor cluster-primary chain-microlayer-microframework (supraprecursor). For Na₂HLaSiO₅, NaHo₄(GeO₄)₂O₂OH, NaScGeO₄, and NaSm₃Ge₂O₈(OH)₂, the same type of 2D TR, T-network has been recognized: 433334 + T 4433. For Na₂HScGeO₅, network TR 44444 + T 444 has been recognized. The coordination number (CN) of a precursor cluster in 2D networks is six. In all structures, the invariant type of cyclic four-polyhedral precursor clusters built of tetrahedron-linked TR-polyhedra has been identified with CNs being eight, seven, or six. In the Na₅Y₄Si₄O₁₆F structure, a tubular-type primary chain in which precursor clusters are tetrahedron-linked TR polyhedra with CN = 8 has been recognized. Their stacking in a layer is characterized by the network TR 8 8 4 + T 8 4 8, where 8 corresponds to the cross section of the primary chain. In a 3D network, the total number of neighboring tubular primary chains linked to the main chain is four. In the structures with TR: T = 1: 1 or 1.5: 1, the positions above and below the center of the precursor cluster are occupied by Na atoms; in NaHo₄(GeO₄)₂O₂(OH), where TR: T = 2: 1, these positions are occupied by an Na atom and a TR atom.     

Cluster self-organization of germanate systems: Suprapolyhedral precursor clusters and self-assembly of K2Nd4Ge4O13(OH)4, K2YbGe4O10(OH), K2Sc2Ge2O7(OH)2, and KScGe2O6(PYR)

Geometric and topological analysis of all known types of K,TR germanates (TR = La-Lu, Y, Sc, In) is carried out with the use of computer techniques (the TOPOS 4.0 program package). Framework structures are represented as three-dimensional (3D) K,TR,Ge networks (graphs) with oxygen atoms removed. The following crystal-forming 2D TR,Ge networks are determined: for K₂Nd₄Ge₄O₁₃(OH)₄, this is TR 4 3 3 4 3 3 + T 4 3 4 3; for K₂YbGe₄O₁₀(OH), this is TR 6 6 3 6 + T 1 6 8 6 + T 2 3 6 8; for K₂Sc₂Ge₂O₇(OH)₂, this is TR 6 4 6 4 + T 6 4 6; and for KScGe₂O₆, TR 6 6 3 6 3 4 + T 1 6 3 6 + T 2 6 4 3. The full 3D reconstruction of the self-assembly mechanism of crystal structures is performed as follows: precursor cluster—primary chain—microlayer-microframework (supraprecursor). In K₂Nd₄Ge₄O₁₃(OH)₄, K₂Sc₂Ge₂O₇(OH)₂, and KScGe₂O₆, an invariant type of cyclic six-polyhedral precursor cluster is identified; this precursor clusters is built of TR octahedra, which are stabilized by atoms K. For K₂Nd₄Ge₄O₁₃(OH)₄, the type of cyclic four-polyhedral precursor cluster of tetrahedron-linked TR octatopes is identified. The cluster coordination number in a layer is six (the maximum possible value) only for anhydrous germanate KScGe₂O₆ (an analogue of pyroxene, PYR); in the other OH-containing germanates, this number is four. The mechanism of formation of Ge radicals in the form of groups Ge₂O₇ and Ge₄O₁₃, a chain GeO₃, and a tubular assembly of linked cyclic groups Ge₈O₂₀ is considered.     

Ameliorative Effects of Curculigoside from <em>Curculigo orchioides</em> Gaertn on Learning and Memory in Aged Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of curculigoside from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn on learning and memory in aged rats. In the present study, the ameliorating effects of curculigoside were determined through animal behaviour studies (including step-down test and Y-maze test), and the possible mechanisms were explored by evaluation of the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and determination of the expression of BACE1. Oral adminstration of the curculigoside (20, 40 mg/kg/day) for 14 days can significantly improve the latency and number of errors in aged rats based on the behaviour study results. In addition, the activity of AchE can be decreased by treatment of the curculigoside (10, 20, 40 mg/kg/day). Moreover, the expression of BACE1 can be down-regulated in the hippocampus of aged rats treated with curculigoside. The results of our present work have indicated that curculigoside can improve cognitive function in aged animals, possibly by decreasing the activity of AchE in the cerebra and inhibiting the expression of BACE1 in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our results suggested that curculigoside can be possible developed as a new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.