Ayman El-Sahar

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a life-threatening disease caused by acute or chronic liver failure manifested by aberrant CNS changes. In the present study, we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of lactoferrin (LF) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats. Animals were divided into four groups, control, LF control, TAA-induced HE, and LF treatment, where LF was administered (300 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days in groups 2 and 4 meanwhile, TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was given as two injections on days 13 and 15 for the 3rd and 4th groups. Pretreatment with LF significantly improved liver function observed as a marked decline in serum AST, ALT, and ammonia, together with lowering brain ammonia and enhancing motor coordination as well as cognitive performance. Restoration of brain oxidative status was also noted in the LF-treated group, where lipid peroxidation was hampered, and antioxidant parameters, Nrf2, HO-1, and GSH, were increased. Additionally, LF downregulated HMGB1, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κB signaling pathways, together with reducing inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and enhancing brain BDNF levels. Moreover, the histopathology of brain and liver tissues revealed that LF alleviated TAA-induced liver and brain deficits. In conclusion, the promising results of LF in attenuating HMGB1/TLR-4/MyD88 signaling highlight its neuroprotective role against HE associated with acute liver injury via ameliorating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and stimulating neurogenesis.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent illness in older adults. It is well-recognized that testosterone is essential in the onset of BPH. Vildagliptin (Vilda), a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we studied the effects of vildagliptin on testosterone-induced BPH in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10): CTRL, Vilda, BPH, and BPH + Vilda groups. Our results revealed that vildagliptin treatment considerably lessened the prostate weight, prostate index, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen, 5α-reductase activity, and DHT levels compared to the testosterone group. Furthermore, vildagliptin treatment inhibited the expression of HMGB1, PI3K/Akt/NF-κB, and TNF-α signaling pathways in the prostate tissue of diseased rats. Additionally, vildagliptin treatment increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, reduced GSH levels, and lowered MDA levels. Besides, vildagliptin noticeably scaled up the level of cleaved caspase-3 enzyme and, conversely, the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Correspondingly, vildagliptin counteracts testosterone-induced histological irregularities in rats' prostates. These findings suggest that vildagliptin may be a potential prophylactic approach to avoid BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent illness in older adults. It is well-recognized that testosterone is essential in the onset of BPH. Vildagliptin (Vilda), a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we studied the effects of vildagliptin on testosterone-induced BPH in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10): CTRL, Vilda, BPH, and BPH + Vilda groups. Our results revealed that vildagliptin treatment considerably lessened the prostate weight, prostate index, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen, 5α-reductase activity, and DHT levels compared to the testosterone group. Furthermore, vildagliptin treatment inhibited the expression of HMGB1, PI3K/Akt/NF-κB, and TNF-α signaling pathways in the prostate tissue of diseased rats. Additionally, vildagliptin treatment increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, reduced GSH levels, and lowered MDA levels. Besides, vildagliptin noticeably scaled up the level of cleaved caspase-3 enzyme and, conversely, the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Correspondingly, vildagliptin counteracts testosterone-induced histological irregularities in rats' prostates. These findings suggest that vildagliptin may be a potential prophylactic approach to avoid BPH.

Depression is a widespread neuropsychiatric illness whose etiology is yet mysterious. Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, is reported to promote neuroprotection through its role in the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the efficacy of LF against chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depressive behavior in rats. Depression was evidenced by a reduced grooming time in the splash test and an increased immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST). This effect was also accompanied by reduced GSH and serotonin levels and elevated lipid peroxidation and corticosterone levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, an exaggerated hippocampal inflammatory response was also shown by a rise in NF-κB (p65) and TNF-α levels and a reduced IL-10 level. Moreover, CRS substantially reduced the BDNF content as well as the protein levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR while boosting the GSK3β content. Interestingly, LF therapy significantly improved CRS-induced behavioral and biochemical aberrations, an effect which was suppressed upon pretreatment with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). This suggests that the antidepressant potential of LF may be mediated through the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, LF succeeded in restoring 5-HT and corticosterone levels, diminishing oxidative stress and ameliorating the inflammatory cascades. Therefore, and for the first time, LF might serve as a promising antidepressant drug through targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Growing evidence has indicated that vitamin D (Vit D) regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in cancer cells. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Vit D on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver preneoplasia. The effect of Vit D on HepG2 cells was investigated using MTT assay. Additionally, liver preneoplasia was induced in Swiss male albino mice by giving overnight fasted animals 5 consecutive doses of DEN (75 mg/kg/week). Oral treatment with Vit D (200 IU/kg/day) was initiated either 2 weeks before DEN (first protocol) or 1 week after the first dose of DEN injection (second protocol). At the end of the experiment, tissue levels of GGT, DPP-4, TNF-α, IL-6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 were also estimated. Moreover, the histopathological study of liver tissue and immunohistochemical detection of GST-P, PCNA, and NF-κB were performed. Vit D exerted a significant cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells via significantly increasing BAX, p53, and BAX/Bcl2 ratio, and significantly decreasing Bcl2 mRNA expression. In both in vivo protocols, Vit D was capable of normalizing relative liver weight, PCNA, altered hepatocellular foci, and ductular proliferation. Moreover, Vit D significantly reduced the DEN-induced elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, DDP-4, TNF-α, IL-6, CYP2E1, liver DNA damage, GST-P, NF-κB, nuclear hyperchromasia/pleomorphism, cholestasis, and inflammatory cell aggregates, but significantly increased CYP3A4 content. In conculsion, current results reflect the potential impact of Vit D in the management of early stages of liver cancer.

Telmisartan (TEL) is an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker and a partial activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), which regulates inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the PPARγ agonistic property of TEL in several brain disorders. This study aims to explore the neuroprotective impact of TEL in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The PPARγ effect of TEL was affirmed by using the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO), and the antagonist GW9662. 3-NP led to a significant reduction in body weight alongside motor and cognitive functioning. The striata of the 3-NP-treated rats showed energy-deficit, microglia-mediated inflammatory reactions, apoptotic damage as well as histopathological lesions. PIO and TEL improved motor and cognitive perturbations induced by 3-NP, as confirmed by striatal histopathological examination, energy restoration, and neuronal preservation. Both drugs improved mitochondrial biogenesis evidenced by elevated mRNA expression of PPARγ, PGC-1α, and TFAM, alongside increased striatal ATP and SDH. The mitochondrial effect of TEL was beyond PPARγ activation. As well, their anti-inflammatory effect was attributed to suppression of microglial activation, and protein expression of pS536 p65 NF-κB with marked attenuation of striatal inflammatory mediator's release. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression was concurrently increased. TEL effectively participated in neuronal survival as it promoted phosphorylation of Akt/GSK-3β, further increased Bcl-2 expression, and inhibited cleavage of caspase-3. Interestingly, co-treatment with GW9662 partially revoked the beneficial effects of TEL. These findings recommend that TEL improves motor and cognitive performance, while reducing neuronal inflammation and apoptosis in 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity via a PPARγ-dependent mechanism.

Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic condition that affects a significant number of individuals with diabetes. Streptozotocin injection intraperitoneally to rodents produces pancreatic islet β-cell destruction causing hyperglycemia, which affect the brain leading to memory and cognition impairment. Dapagliflozin may be able to reverse beta-cell injury and alleviate this impairment. This effect may be via neuroprotective effect or possible involvement of the antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Forty rats were divided into four groups as follows: The normal control group, STZ-induced diabetes group, STZ-induced diabetic rats followed by treatment with oral dapagliflozin group and normal rats treated with oral dapagliflozin. Behavioral tests (Object location memory task and Morris water maze) were performed. Serum biomarkers (blood glucose and insulin) were measured and then the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. In the hippocampus the followings were determined; calmodulin, ca-calmodulin kinase Ⅳ (CaMKIV), protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein to determine the transcription factor CREB and its signaling pathway also Wnt signaling pathway and related parameters (WnT, B-catenin, lymphoid enhancer binding factor LEF, glycogen synthase kinase 3β). Moreover, nuclear receptor-related protein-1, acetylcholine and its hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholine esterase, oxidative stress parameter malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptotic parameter caspase-3 were determined. STZ was able to cause destruction to pancreatic β-cells which was reflected on glucose levels causing diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy was clear in the rats performing the behavioral tests. Memory and cognition parameters in the hippocampus were negatively affected. Oxidative stress and apoptotic parameter were elevated while the electrical activity was declined. Dapagliflozin was able to reverse the previously mentioned parameters and behavior. Thus, to say dapagliflozin significantly showed neuroprotective action along with antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by involuntary bizarre movements, psychiatric symptoms, dementia, and early death. Several studies suggested neuroprotective activities of inosine; however its role in HD is yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of inosine in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced neurotoxicity in rats while investigating possible underlying mechanisms. Rats were randomly divided into five groups; group 1 received i.p. injections of 1% DMSO, whereas groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days, concomitantly with inosine (200 mg/kg., i.p.) in groups 3, 4, and 5, SCH58261, a selective adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) antagonist, (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) in group 4, and PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) in group 5. Treatment with inosine mitigated 3-NP-induced motor abnormalities and body weight loss. Moreover, inosine boosted the striatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, p-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrKB), p-ERK, and p-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) expression, which subsequently suppressed oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β) and replenished the glutathione content. Similarly, histopathological analyses revealed decreased striatal injury score, the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein, and neuronal loss after inosine treatment. These effects were attenuated by the pre-administration of SCH58261 or PD98059. In conclusion, inosine attenuated 3-NP-induced HD-like symptoms in rats, at least in part, via the activation of the A2AR/BDNF/TrKB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ERK1/2 inhibition on both the amygdala and hippocampal structures, and to investigate its role in regulating memory for sexual information. This study utilized a cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) model to produce a stressful brain condition that highlights the possible involvement of a hippocampal GC/pERK1/2/BDNF pathway in the resulting sexual consequences of this ailment. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) sham; (2) IR: subjected to 45 min of ischemia followed by 48 h of reperfusion; (3) PD98059: received PD98059 at 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.; (4) IR + PD98059. This study provides new evidence for cerebral IR-induced amygdala injury and the sexual impairments that are associated with motor and cognitive deficits in rats. These findings were correlated with histopathological changes that are defined by extensive neuronal loss in both the hippocampus and the amygdala. The current study postulated that the ERK inhibitor PD98059 could reverse IR-induced injury in the amygdala as well as reversing IR-induced sexual impairments. This hypothesis is supported by the ability of PD98059 to: (1) restore luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels; (2) increase sexual arousal and copulatory performance (as evidenced by modulating mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, and post-ejaculatory intervals); (3) improve the histological profile in the amygdala that is associated with reduced glutamate levels, c-Fos expression, and elevated gamma aminobutyric acid levels. In conclusion, the present findings introduce pERK1/2 inhibition as a possible strategy for enhancing sexual activity in survivors of IR.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy has been suggested to contribute to α-synuclein accumulation, which is identified as the pathological hallmark of PD. Recently, alteration in histone-3 acetylation has also been found to be correlated to PD. Interestingly, the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) enzyme, which regulates the acetylation of histone-3, was shown to be involved in autophagy. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that was proposed to inhibit HDAC expression in depressive rats' hippocampi. In this study, we aimed to examine the ability of venlafaxine to inhibit striatal HDAC6 and to enhance α-synuclein clearance through the activation of the UPS and autophagy, in addition to treating depression, which is the most debilitating non-motor symptom, in a rotenone model of PD. Venlafaxine administration was noted to decrease α-synuclein accumulation and preserve dopaminergic neurons along with restoration of striatal dopamine levels and motor recovery. Its administration augmented the UPS and autophagic markers (beclin-1, p62, and LC3) with consequent modulation of apoptotic indicators (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c, and caspase-3). Additionally, venlafaxine inhibited HDAC6 with further enhancement of autophagy and restoration of histone-3 acetylation with subsequent increases in survival gene expressions (Bcl-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Chloroquine (autophagy inhibitor) was used to indicate the proposed pathway. Moreover, venlafaxine hampered depressive symptoms and improved hippocampal noradrenaline and serotonin levels. Collectively, venlafaxine is suggested to display neuroprotective effects with improvement of motor and non-motor PD symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Endotoxin-induced neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence supports that incretin-acting drugs possess various neuroprotective effects that can improve learning and memory impairments in Alzheimer's disease models. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, has neuroprotective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.

METHODS: Mice were treated with alogliptin (20 mg/kg/d; p.o.) for 14 days, starting 1 day prior to intracerebroventricular LPS injection (8 μg/μL in 3 μL).

RESULTS: Alogliptin treatment alleviated LPS-induced cognitive impairment as assessed by Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Moreover, alogliptin reversed LPS-induced increases in toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 protein expression, nuclear factor-κB p65 content, and microRNA-155 gene expression. It also rescued LPS-induced decreases in suppressor of cytokine signaling gene expression, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content, and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein expression in the brain.

CONCLUSION: The present study sheds light on the potential neuroprotective effects of alogliptin against intracerebroventricular LPS-induced neuroinflammation and its associated memory impairment via inhibition of toll-like receptor 4/ myeloid differentiation primary response 88/ nuclear factor-κB signaling, modulation of microRNA-155/suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 expression, and enhancement of cAMP/phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein signaling.

OBJECTIVES: As one of the most frequent worldwide neurological disorders, epilepsy is an alteration of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by abnormal increases in neuronal electrical activity. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway has been investigated as an interesting objective in epilepsy research. Vinpocetine (VNP), a synthesized derivative of the apovincamine alkaloid, has been used in different cerebrovascular disorders. This study aimed to examine the modulatory effects of VNP on neurobehavioral comorbidities via the mTOR signalling pathway in a lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pil) rat model of seizures.

METHODS: In male Wistar rats, seizures were induced with a single administration of pilocarpine (60 mg/kg; i.p.) 20 hours after the delivery of a single dose of lithium (3 mEq/kg; i.p.). VNP (10 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered daily for 14 consecutive days before Li-Pil administration.

KEY FINDINGS: VNP had a protective effect against Li-Pil-induced seizures. VNP improved both the locomotor and cognitive abilities, moreover, VNP exerted a neuroprotective action, as verified histologically and by its inhibitory effects on hippocampal glutamate excitotoxicity, mTOR pathway, and inflammatory and apoptotic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: VNP is a valuable candidate for epilepsy therapy via its modulation of the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis with emphasis on its modulatory effect on mTOR signalling pathway.

Inflammatory processes, including ulcerative colitis (UC), are associated with the increase in synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The release of these cytokines is regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways as well as over expression of microRNA 146a (miR-146a) and long non-coding RNA interferon gamma antisense 1 (lncRNA IFNG-AS1). Vildagliptin (Vilda), a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects which were established in various models. However, its possible protective effect in UC has not been clarified. Hence, the current study aimed to explore the possible prophylactic effect of different doses of Vilda against acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats. Forty-eight adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, Vilda (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.), AA, AA + Vilda (5 mg/kg/day; p.o.), AA + Vilda (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.) and AA + sulfasalazine (Sulfa) (100 mg/kg/day; p.o.).Low- and high-dose Vilda showed significant improvement in the disease activity index (DAI) and macroscopic assessment markers. Vilda has markedly inhibited the expression of lncRNA IFNG-AS1 and miR-146a, as well as PI3K/Akt/NFκB pathway, while activated CREB and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, and this was reflected in alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Such outcomes were more prominent with the high-dose Vilda versus low-dose Vilda and Sulfa. Moreover, the histological examination showed almost intact histological features in Vilda-treated groups when compared to AA group treated with saline. In conclusion, Vilda can be regarded as a new promising therapeutic alternative against UC.

Recently, oxidative stress was implicated in the environmental contaminant Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced testicular toxicity, however the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the role of oxidative stress-responsive microRNAs in DEHP-induced aberrations and the protective effect of the citrus flavonoid, hesperidin (HSP). Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups as vehicle-treated control, DEHP-alone group (500 mg/kg/day) for 30 days, and HSP (25 or 50 mg/kg) for 60 days; testicular damage was triggered by oral administration of DEHP (500 mg/kg/day) after thirty days of oral administration of HSP (25 or 50 mg/kg). DEHP administration reduced testis weight coefficient, serum testosterone, testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzyme activities, and elevated serum fatty acid-binding protein-9, testicular malondialdehyde, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Aberrant testicular miR-126-3p and miR-181a expression was observed, along with decreased expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and its targets; nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor2, haeme oxygenase-1, and superoxide dismutase2. HSP administration significantly ameliorated these changes and restored testicular function in a dose-dependent manner. We highlight a novel role of oxidative stress-miR-126/miR-181a-SIRT1 network in mediating DEHP-induced changes which were reversed by the antioxidant HSP.

AIMS: Huntington's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which is associated with defected glucose metabolism with consequent behavioral disturbance including memory and locomotion. 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) can cause, in high single dose, an acute striatal injury/Huntington's disease. Dapagliflozin, which is one of the longest duration of action of SGLTIs family, may be able to diminish that injury and its resultant behavioral disturbances.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group): normal control group (CTRL), dapagliflozin (CTRL + DAPA) group, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) group, and dapagliflozin plus 3-nitropropionic acid (DAPA + 3-NP) group. Behavioral tests (beam walking test, hanging wire test, limb withdrawal test, Y-maze spontaneous alteration, elevated plus maze) were performed with evaluating neurological scoring. In striatum, neurotransmitters (glutamate, aspartate, GABA, ACh and AChE activity) were measured. In addition, apoptosis and glycolysis markers (NF-κB, Cyt-c, lactate, HK-II activity, P53, calpain, PEA15 and TIGAR) were determined. Inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and autophagy (beclin-1, LC3 and DRAM) indicators were measured. Additionally, histopathological screening was conducted.

KEY FINDINGS: 3-Nitropropionic acid had the ability to perturb the neurotransmission which was reflected in impaired behavioral outcome. All of glycolysis, apoptosis and inflammation markers were elevated after 3-NP acute intoxication but autophagy parameters, except DRAM, were reduced. However, DAPA markedly reversed the abovementioned parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE: Dapagliflozin demonstrated anti-glycolytic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and autophagic effects on 3-NP-damaged striatal cells and promoted the behavioral outcome.

A new series of pyrazoloquinazoline derivatives equipped with different chalcones was designed, synthesized, and identified through H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), C NMR, and infrared spectroscopic techniques. Our design strategy of the quinazolinone-privileged scaffold as a new scaffold was based on merging pharmacophores previously reported to exhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory activity. All the newly synthesized derivatives were biologically evaluated for COX and 5-LOX inhibitory activity and COX-2 selectivity, using celecoxib and zileuton as reference drugs, as they exhibited promising anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 3j was found to be the most promising derivative, with IC values of 667 and 47 nM against COX-1 and COX-2, respectively, which are superior to that of celecoxib (IC value against COX-2 = 95 nM), showing an SI of 14.2 that was much better than celecoxib. Compounds 3f and 3h exhibited COX-1 inhibition, with IC values of 1,485 and 684 nM, respectively. The synthesized compounds showed a significant inhibitory activity against 5-LOX, with IC values ranging from 0.6 to 4.3 µM, where compounds 3f and 3h were found to be the most potent derivatives, with IC values of 0.6 and 1.0 µM, respectively, in comparison with that of zileuton (IC  = 0.8 µM). These promising derivatives, 3f, 3h, and 3j, were further investigated in vivo for anti-inflammatory, gastric ulcerogenic effects, and prostaglandin production (PGE2) in rat serum. The molecular docking studies concerning the binding sites of COX-2 and 5-LOX revealed similar orientation, compared with reported inhibitors, which encouraged us to design new leads targeting COX-2 and 5-LOX as dual inhibitors, as a new avenue in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Ketoprofen is a widely used NSAID which incurs gastric mucosal damage. The high mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a DNA-binding protein which exerts robust inflammatory actions, however, its role in ketoprofen-induced gastric damage has not been explored. Additionally, no previous studies have linked HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways in ketoprofen-induced gastropathy. The current work aimed to explore the potential of morin, a flavonoid with marked antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, to protect against ketoprofen-evoked gastric damage. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms, including the impact of morin on HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways were addressed. Immunoblotting and ELISA were used to examine the expression of target signals. Morin (50 mg/kg, p. o.) attenuated the severity of gastric injury via lowering of ulceration/hemorrhage and macroscopic damage scores. Meanwhile, it attenuated the histopathologic aberrations/damage scores. In the context of inflammation, morin suppressed TNF-α and myeloperoxidase levels and enhanced IL-10. Furthermore, it inhibited HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway through downregulating HMGB1, RAGE and phospho-NF-κBp65 protein expression. Morin successfully inhibited gastric mucosal oxidative stress through lowering of lipid peroxides and boosting of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity. It also boosted DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating DJ-1, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, morin counteracted the apoptotic events by downregulating the proapoptotic Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and augmenting the PI3K/mTOR pathway through upregulating PI3Kp110α and phospho-mTOR protein expression. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates, for the first time, that morin shows a promise for the management of ketoprofen-induced mucosal insult through targeting of HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways.

Growing evidences suggest the presence of several similarities in the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic abnormalities. Adults who develop Metabolic Syndrome (MS) are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological agents, like dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors that increase the levels of glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and ameliorate symptoms of MS, have become an auspicious candidate as disease modifying agents in the treatment of AD. The present study investigates the beneficial effects of Vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor in counteracting cognitive decline in different models of dementia targeting the AKT, JAK/STAT signaling pathways and hippocampal Klotho expression, to judge the neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the drug. Cognitive decline was induced by either administration of high fat high sugar (HFHS) diet for 45 days alone, or with oral administration of AlCl (100 mg/kg/day) for 60 days. Rats were orally administered Vildagliptin (10 mg/kg) for 60 days along with AlCl administration. Vildagliptin treatment improved spatial memory and activities in morris water maze (MWM) test and open field test respectively. Results revealed an increase of both hippocampal klotho and Bcl-2 expressions along with an increase in both AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, Vildagliptin treatment decreased hippocampal contents of inflammatory, apoptotic and oxidative stress biomarkers as TNF-α, caspase-3 and FOXO1 along with restoring metabolic abnormalities. A significant decrease in BAX expressions with JAK2/STAT3 inhibition was observed. These findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective role of vildagliptin is possibly via modulating Klotho protein together with AKT pathway.

New pyrazolone derivatives structurally related to celecoxib and FPL 62064 were synthesized and biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenases (COXs) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and their selectivity indices were calculated. The results showed that compounds 3f, 3h, 3l, and 3p have an excellent COX-2 selectivity index. Moreover, they showed potent 5-LOX inhibitory activity relative to celecoxib and zileuton, as positive controls. These promising candidates were further investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method and ulcerogenic liability. The results showed no ulceration, which implies their gastric safety profile. Moreover, these compounds were evaluated for prostaglandin (PGE2) production in rat serum. Molecular docking in the COX-2 and 5-LOX active sites was performed to rationalize their anti-inflammatory activities. Strong binding interactions and effective docking scores were identified. The results indicated that these derivatives are good leads for dual-acting COX-2/5-LOX inhibitors to be used as potent and safe anti-inflammatory agents.

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induces a spectrum of Huntington's disease (HD)-like neuropathologies in the rat striatum. The present study aimed to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of lercanidipine (LER) in rats with 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity, address the possible additional protective effect of combined treatment with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and LER, and investigate the possible involvement of the Ca/calcineurin (CaN)/nuclear factor of activated T cells c4 (NFATc4) and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. Rats were injected with 3-NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two weeks and were divided into four subgroups; the first served as the control HD group, the second received a daily dose of LER (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the third received a single injection of BM-MSCs (1 x 106/rat, i.v.) and the last received a combination of both BM-MSCs and LER. The combined therapy improved motor and behaviour performance. Meanwhile, this treatment led to a marked reduction in striatal cytosolic Ca CaN, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and NFATc4 expression and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Combined therapy also increased striatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor, FOXP3, Wnt, and β-catenin protein expression. Furthermore, haematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining revealed an amelioration of striatum tissue injury with the combined treatment. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence for a neuroprotective effect of LER and/or BM-MSCs in 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Interestingly, combined LER/BM-MSC therapy was superior to cell therapy alone in inhibiting 3-NP-induced neurological insults via modulation of the Ca/CaN/NFATc4 and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. LER/BM-MSC combined therapy may represent a feasible approach for improving the beneficial effects of stem cell therapy in HD.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease which poses a need to explore effective yet safe pharmacotherapeutic options. The current work aimed to study the therapeutic role of nicorandil in controlling RA.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model was applied by injecting 400 μL of CFA in the right hind paw at day 0 and day 7. Four groups of rats were used as follows: normal-control (CTRL), CFA-induced arthritis (ART), CFA-induced arthritis treated with diclofenac (DIC) and CFA-induced arthritis treated with nicorandil (NIC). Both NIC and DIC were administered at day 14 for two weeks. Paw volume, knee joint diameter, pain behavior assessment as well as body weight were all periodically recorded throughout the experimental period. Following the sacrifice of animals at day 28, gene expressions of TLR-4, MyD88 and TRAF6 as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) were quantified in hind paws tissue. Finally, the serum levels of the inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) together with the histopathological examination of sections in the rat hind paw were recorded.

RESULTS: Both NIC and DIC proved promising anti-arthritic potential mediated, at least in part through switching off TLR4-MyD88-TRAF6 axis as well as downstream TRAF6 dependent activated MAP kinases and NF-κB.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Nicorandil, via interfering with TLR4 signaling, sheds light on a potential clinical role of the drug in pursuit for safe and effective regimens for RA.

New pyrazoles and pyrazolo[3,4-b] pyridines were synthesized and their structure was confirmed by elemental analyses as well as IR, H NMR, C NMR, and mass spectral data. All the newly synthesized derivatives were evaluated in vitro for inhibitory activity against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and their IC values were calculated, most of the derivatives showed good inhibitory activity with derivatives IVb, IVh and IVJ showing inhibitory activity better than celecoxib. Moreover, the eight most potent derivatives IVa, IVb, IVc, IVd, IVe, IVh, IVJ, and IVL were selected for in vivo assay to measure their effect on paw edema in rates and their ulcerogenic effect. Compounds IVa, IVb and IVc were found to be the most active and selective as COX-2 inhibitors and most effective in protection from edema, they were also found to have lowest ulcerogenic effect among all derivatives.

Reduced estradiol levels are associated with depression in women during the transition to and after menopause. A considerable number of studies focusing on the theme of treating depression through the activation of erythropoietin (EPO)-induced signaling pathways have been published. Venlafaxine is an approved antidepressant drug that inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of venlafaxine on the depressive-like behaviors and serum estradiol levels in female rats following ovariectomy (OVX) and the possible roles of EPO-induced signaling pathways. Venlafaxine (10 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to OVX rats over a period of 4 weeks using two different treatment regimens: either starting 24 h or 2 weeks after OVX. Venlafaxine showed a superior efficacy in inducing antidepressant-like effects after an acute treatment (24 h post-OVX) than after the delayed treatment (2 weeks post-OVX) and was characterized by a decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test. In parallel, venlafaxine induced EPO and EPO receptor mRNA expression and increased levels of phospho-Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 5, and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the hippocampus of OVX rats. Meanwhile, rats exhibited a marked reduction in the hippocampal Bax/Bcl2 ratio, caspase-3 activity, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels after venlafaxine treatment. Venlafaxine also increased the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serum estradiol levels. Based on these findings, venlafaxine exerts a neuroprotective effect on OVX rats that is at least partially attributed to the activation of EPO/EPOR/JAK2 signaling pathways, anti-apoptotic activities, anti-inflammatory activities, and neurotrophic activities, as well as an increase in serum estradiol level. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Montelukast (MK),a cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT1) receptor antagonist, latterly exhibited a remarkable neuroprotective activity in various neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of MK in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease(PD) model in rats. Ninety six male rats were split into four groups: vehicle control (0.2 ml/kg/48 h, sc), MK (10 mg/kg/day, ip), rotenone (1.5 mg/kg/48 h, sc.) and rotenone pretreated with MK. Rotenone treatment led to significant reduction in motor functioning and elevation in oxidative stress markers. Additionally, upregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and CysLT1 receptor expressions were anchored with enhanced striatal microglial activation generating a severe neuro-inflammatory milieu. Furthermore, an augmentation in p53 expression and cleaved caspases-3 activity increased apoptotic neurodegeneration synchronized with reduction of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) content. Changes in neuronal morphology was also noted. MK administration significantly mitigated motor impairment and rise in oxidative stress mediators. As well, the anti-inflammatory activity of MK was manifested by hindering the principal controller of inflammatory pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B, followed by its downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta), by attenuating striatal microglial activation and hampering the expression of both p38 MAPK and CysLT1. Moreover, MK revealed a decline in p53 expression with its downstream cleaved caspases-3 which resulted in preservation of striatal TH terminals as verified by increased striatal TH content and improvement in the histopathological changes incited by rotenone. In conclusion, MK endowed neuroprotective effects in rotenone-induced PD animal model via attenuation of microglial cell activation and p38 MAPK expression.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease treated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including lornoxicam (LX). Nanocarriers have been used to increase the efficacy and reduce the side effects of various drugs. The objective of the present study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of systemic administration of lornoxicam-loaded nanomicellar formula (LX-NM) with that of free LX.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LX-loaded mixed polymeric nanomicellar formula was prepared by direct equilibrium technique. Two rat models were used in the study: carrageenan-induced acute edema and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced chronic arthritis.

RESULTS: The inhibitory effect of LX-NM on carrageenan-induced edema was higher than free LX for the same dose (1.3 mg/kg, i.p.). LX-NM (0.325 mg/kg, i.p.) produced effects comparable to that of diclofenac, which served as a standard. In the FCA model, daily treatment with LX-NM (0.325 mg/kg, i.p.) starting on day 14 significantly reduced the percentage of edema and increased weight growth. However, the same dose of LX failed to confer any significant change. Additionally, LX-NM significantly attenuated the rise of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, nuclear factor-κβ, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide serum levels. In contrast, LX failed to show any significant reduction in elevated serum biomarkers except for TNF-α.

CONCLUSION: LX-NM is an alternative delivery system that is simply prepared at low costs. It showed a superior therapeutic efficacy against RA compared to free LX. Thus, LX-NM can be considered as a promising candidate for treatment of RA and similar inflammatory disorders.