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Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... Jun 2024Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders are two broad categories of neurological disorders characterized by progressive impairments in movement and cognitive... (Review)
Review
Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders are two broad categories of neurological disorders characterized by progressive impairments in movement and cognitive functions within the central and peripheral nervous systems, and have emerged as a significant cause of mortality. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalances are recognized as prominent pathogenic factors contributing to cognitive deficits and neurobehavioral anomalies. Consequently, preventing neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases has surfaced as a pivotal challenge in contemporary public health. This review explores the investigation of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders using both synthetic and natural bioactive compounds. A central focus lies on melatonin, a neuroregulatory hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to light-dark cycles. Melatonin, an amphiphilic molecule, assumes multifaceted roles, including scavenging free radicals, modulating energy metabolism, and synchronizing circadian rhythms. Noteworthy for its robust antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, melatonin exhibits diverse neuroprotective effects. The inherent attributes of melatonin position it as a potential key player in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated melatonin's efficacy in alleviating neuropathological symptoms across neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder). The documented neuroprotective prowess of melatonin introduces novel therapeutic avenues for addressing neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. This comprehensive review encompasses many of melatonin's applications in treating diverse brain disorders. Despite the strides made, realizing melatonin's full neuroprotective potential necessitates further rigorous clinical investigations. By unravelling the extended neuroprotective benefits of melatonin, future studies promise to deepen our understanding and augment the therapeutic implications against neurological deficits.
Topics: Melatonin; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Mental Disorders; Animals; Neuroprotective Agents; Antioxidants; Brain
PubMed: 38225412
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02939-y -
Molecular Biology Reports Dec 2023Neurological disorders result in not only a decline in the quality of life of patients but also a global economic burden. Therefore, protective medicine becomes more...
BACKGROUND
Neurological disorders result in not only a decline in the quality of life of patients but also a global economic burden. Therefore, protective medicine becomes more important for society. MK-801 is a chemical agent used to understand the etiology of behavioral disorders and brain degeneration in animal models. This study aims to determine whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is useful to treat brain degeneration caused by MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Four groups were formed by dividing 24 male BALB/c mice into groups of six. The control group was given a saline solution (10 ml/kg-i.p.). MK-801 (1 mg/kg-i.p.) was given alone to one group, and it was given with NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.) to another group, while the last group was given only NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.). The administration of drugs lasted for fourteen days. After the behavioral tests (open field and elevated plus-maze), all animals were euthanised, and brain tissues were collected for real-time PCR, TAS-TOS analysis, hematoxylin-eosin, Kluver-Barrera, and TUNEL staining. In the MK-801 group, besides nuclear shrinkage in neurons, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in cortical neurons, white matter damage, and apoptosis were observed.
CONCLUSION
In the mice given NAC as a protective agent, it was observed that behavioral problems improved, antioxidant levels increased, and nuclear shrinkage, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in neurons, and white matter degeneration were prevented. Moreover, MBP expression increased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells significantly decreased. As a result, it was observed that NAC may have a protective effect against brain degeneration.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Male; Acetylcysteine; Dizocilpine Maleate; Quality of Life; Antioxidants; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Protective Agents
PubMed: 37971568
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08881-9 -
Journal of the American Nutrition... Jan 2024Neurodegenerative diseases are a serious problem throughout the world. There are several causes of neurodegenerative diseases; these include genetic predisposition,... (Review)
Review
Neurodegenerative diseases are a serious problem throughout the world. There are several causes of neurodegenerative diseases; these include genetic predisposition, accumulation of misfolded proteins, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity. Oxidative stress increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that advance lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and neuroinflammation. The cellular antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and reduced glutathione) plays a crucial role in scavenging free radicals. An imbalance in the defensive actions of antioxidants and overproduction of ROS intensify neurodegeneration. The formation of misfolded proteins, glutamate toxicity, oxidative stress, and cytokine imbalance promote the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Antioxidants are now attractive molecules to fight against neurodegeneration. Certain vitamins (A, E, C) and polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids) show excellent antioxidant properties. Diet is the major source of antioxidants. However, diet medicinal herbs are also rich sources of numerous flavonoids. Antioxidants prevent ROS-mediated neuronal degeneration in post-oxidative stress conditions. The present review is focused on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and the protective role of antioxidants. KEY TEACHING POINTSThis review shows that multiple factors are directly or indirectly associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.Failure to cellular antioxidant capacity increases oxidative stress that intensifies neuroinflammation and disease progression.Different vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids, having antioxidant capacity, can be considered protective agents.
Topics: Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Vitamins; Flavonoids
PubMed: 37186678
DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2203235 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Feb 2024Fibrosis, the excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue in an organ in response to injury, is a pathological condition affecting many individuals worldwide.... (Review)
Review
Fibrosis, the excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue in an organ in response to injury, is a pathological condition affecting many individuals worldwide. Fibrosis causes the failure of tissue function and is largely irreversible as the disease progresses. Pharmacologic treatment options for organ fibrosis are limited, but studies suggest that antioxidants, particularly melatonin, can aid in preventing and controlling fibrotic damage to the organs. Melatonin, an indole nocturnally released from the pineal gland, is commonly used to regulate circadian and seasonal biological rhythms and is indicated for treating sleep disorders. While it is often effective in treating sleep disorders, melatonin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also make it a promising molecule for treating other disorders such as organ fibrosis. Melatonin ameliorates the necrotic and apoptotic changes that lead to fibrosis in various organs including the heart, liver, lung, and kidney. Moreover, melatonin reduces the infiltration of inflammatory cells during fibrosis development. This article outlines the protective effects of melatonin against fibrosis, including its safety and potential therapeutic effects. The goal of this article is to provide a summary of data accumulated to date and to encourage further experimentation with melatonin and increase its use as an anti-fibrotic agent in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Melatonin; Antioxidants; Fibrosis; Liver; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 37995089
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00554-5 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Feb 2024The progress achieved in anticancer therapy in recent years has been paralleled by an increase in the survival of women with cancer globally. Nonetheless, the... (Review)
Review
The progress achieved in anticancer therapy in recent years has been paralleled by an increase in the survival of women with cancer globally. Nonetheless, the gonadotoxic impact of anticancer drugs has led to ovarian failure in treated women. While there are documented cases of successful ovarian tissue transplants resulting in restored fertility and childbirth, challenges persist, including suboptimal functional recovery and limited graft lifespan. Melatonin, an inert hormone primarily secreted by the mammalian pineal gland, exhibits diverse physiological functions, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenesis-regulating properties. Consequently, researchers have explored melatonin as a modulator to enhance graft function recovery in ovarian transplantation experiments, yielding promising outcomes. This review examines the relevant literature, consolidating findings that underscore the positive effects of melatonin in safeguarding the morphology and structure of transplanted ovarian tissues, facilitating graft function recovery, and extending lifespan. The amassed evidence supports the consideration of melatonin as a prospective protective agent for human ovarian tissue transplantation in the future.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Antioxidants; Mammals; Melatonin; Ovary; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38219858
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102726 -
Neuropharmacology Aug 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex syndrome for which there is no disease-modifying treatment on the market. However, a group of drugs from the Glucagon-like... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex syndrome for which there is no disease-modifying treatment on the market. However, a group of drugs from the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class have shown impressive improvements in clinical phase II trials. Exendin-4 (Bydureon), Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) and Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), drugs that are on the market as treatments for diabetes, have shown clear effects in improving motor activity in patients with PD in phase II clinical trials. In addition, Liraglutide has shown improvement in cognition and brain shrinkage in a phase II trial in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Two phase III trials testing the GLP-1 drug semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) are ongoing. This perspective article will summarize the clinical results obtained so far in this novel research area. We are at a crossroads where GLP-1 class drugs are emerging as a new treatment strategy for PD and for AD. Newer drugs that have been designed to enter the brain easier are being developed already show improved effects in preclinical studies compared with the older GLP-1 class drugs that had been developed to treat diabetes. The future looks bright for new treatments for AD and PD.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Parkinson Disease; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Animals; Neuroprotective Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor; Peptides
PubMed: 38677445
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109952 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Feb 2024UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin, but also damage its barrier function. The use of sunscreen is crucial in preventing skin from UV radiation, but it...
BACKGROUND
UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin, but also damage its barrier function. The use of sunscreen is crucial in preventing skin from UV radiation, but it may have an impact on the function of the skin barrier. While much research has focused on the protective effects of sunscreen against UV oxidative damage, little is known about the impact of daily sunscreen use on the skin barrier.
OBJECTIVE
This study mainly investigated the changes in skin barrier function of volunteers (including those with sensitive skin) before and after using a ceramide-containing sunscreen.
METHODS
A total of 60 volunteers used SPF30 sunscreen containing ceramide every morning. Using non-invasive methods to detect skin barrier changes in TEWL, hydration, facial redness based on VISIA-CR image, and Erythema index (EI) value after 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen. Adverse reactions were also assessed.
RESULTS
After 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen, significant reductions were observed in skin redness with both an 11.89% decrease in a* value and a 5.68% decrease in skin EI, while there was also a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with a reduction of 22.96%, and a significant increase in skin hydration with a 21.96% increase in the moisture content of the stratum corneum. No adverse events occurred during the entire testing process.
CONCLUSION
Daily application of ceramide-containing sunscreen can increase skin hydration while enhancing the function of the skin barrier.
Topics: Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Ceramides; Skin; Epidermis; Water
PubMed: 37641585
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15977 -
IET Nanobiotechnology 2024This study followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines to present the results. A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of... (Review)
Review
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines to present the results. A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Science Direct. Initially, 413 articles were retrieved. After removing duplicates and applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were finally included in this systematic review.
RESULTS
The reviewed studies showed that selenium nanoparticles had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They effectively protected the kidneys, liver, and testicles from damage. Furthermore, there was evidence of efficient radioprotection for the organs examined without significant side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review emphasizes the potential advantages of using selenium nanoparticles to prevent the negative effects of ionizing radiation. Importantly, these protective effects were achieved without causing noticeable side effects. These findings suggest the potential role of selenium nanoparticles as radioprotective agents, offering possible therapeutic applications to reduce the risks related to ionizing radiation exposure in medical imaging and radiotherapy procedures.
Topics: Selenium; Radiation-Protective Agents; Animals; Humans; Antioxidants; Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 38863968
DOI: 10.1049/2024/5538107 -
Molecular Neurobiology Aug 2023C-terminal binding proteins (CtBP) are transcriptional co-repressors regulating gene expression. CtBP promote neuronal survival through repression of pro-apoptotic...
C-terminal binding proteins (CtBP) are transcriptional co-repressors regulating gene expression. CtBP promote neuronal survival through repression of pro-apoptotic genes, and may represent relevant targets for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, evidence of the role of CtBP1 and CtBP2 in neurodegeneration are scarce. Herein, we showed that CtBP1 and CtBP2 are expressed in neurons, dopaminergic neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of adult mice. Old mice showed a lower expression of CtBP1 in the SN and higher expression of CtPB2 in the SN and striatum compared with adult mice. In vivo models for PD (paraquat, MPTP, 6-OHDA) showed increased expression of CtBP1 in the SN and striatum while CtBP2 expression was increased in the striatum of paraquat-treated rats only. Moreover, an increased expression of both CtBP was found in a dopaminergic cell line (N27) exposed to 6-OHDA. In the 6-OHDA PD model, we found a dual effect using an unspecific ligand of CtBP, the 4-methylthio 2-oxobutyric acid (MTOB): higher concentrations (e.g. 2500 µM, 1000 µM) inhibited dopaminergic survival, while at 250 μM it counteracted cell death. In vitro, this latter protective role was absent after the siRNA silencing of CtBP1 or CtBP2. Altogether, this is the first report exploring the cellular and regional expression pattern of CtBP in the nigrostriatal pathway and the neuroprotective role in PD toxin-based models. CtBP could counteract dopaminergic cell death in the 6-OHDA PD model and, therefore, CtBP function and therapeutic potential in PD should be further explored.
Topics: Rats; Mice; Animals; Parkinson Disease; Oxidopamine; Paraquat; Transcription Factors; Dopamine; Dopaminergic Neurons; Substantia Nigra; Disease Models, Animal; Neuroprotective Agents; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 37060501
DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03331-w -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a global health challenge, constituting a major cause of mortality and disease burden in the 21st century. Addressing the... (Review)
Review
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a global health challenge, constituting a major cause of mortality and disease burden in the 21st century. Addressing the prevention and management of NCDs is crucial for improving global public health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies, early interventions, and innovative therapeutic approaches to mitigate their far-reaching consequences. Marine organisms, mainly algae, produce diverse marine natural products with significant therapeutic potential. Harnessing the largely untapped potential of algae could revolutionize drug development and contribute to combating NCDs, marking a crucial step toward natural and targeted therapeutic approaches. This review examines bioactive extracts, compounds, and commercial products derived from macro- and microalgae, exploring their protective properties against oxidative stress, inflammation, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, metabolic diseases, and cancer across in vitro, cell-based, in vivo, and clinical studies. Most research focuses on macroalgae, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, gut health modulation, metabolic health promotion, and anti-cancer effects. Microalgae products also exhibit anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer properties. Although studies mainly investigated extracts and fractions, isolated compounds from algae have also been explored. Notably, polysaccharides, phlorotannins, carotenoids, and terpenes emerge as prominent compounds, collectively representing 42.4% of the investigated compounds.
Topics: Humans; Microalgae; Aquatic Organisms; Biological Products; Animals; Seaweed; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Oceans and Seas; Oxidative Stress; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38675719
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081900