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Pharmacology Research & Perspectives Dec 2021Cardiovascular complications in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients can occur years to decades prior to the onset of clinical symptoms of the disease. Donepezil represents...
Cardiovascular complications in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients can occur years to decades prior to the onset of clinical symptoms of the disease. Donepezil represents the most effective drug in the treatment of AD. However, the potential effect of donepezil on vascular function and structure remains largely unexplored. Here, we assessed the impact of donepezil on the vascular phenotype of an established model of accelerated senescence that develops spontaneously AD, the SAMP8 mouse. Three groups of animals were included: SAMR1 (control strain), SAMP8, and SAMP8 treated with donepezil. Treatment with donepezil was administered from the 4th to the 6th month of life. At 6 months, after cognitive tests by Morris Water Maze, animals were euthanized, and their mesenteric arteries were processed for functional experiments. Untreated SAMP8 developed cognitive impairment compared to SAMR1, while donepezil treatment significantly attenuated cognitive dysfunction. SAMP8 exhibited a higher media-to-lumen ratio than SAMR1 and donepezil-treated animals. Endothelial function was impaired in SAMP8 animals compared to SAMR1. The addition of vitamin C improved the vasodilatory response to acetylcholine in SAMP8. Treatment with donepezil improved endothelial function in SAMP8 animals and reduced the additional vasodilation induced by vitamin C. In conclusion, in the SAMP8 AD model, cognitive impairment is associated with endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling which could contribute to cardiovascular events in AD since the prodromal phases of the disease. Treatment with donepezil alleviates vascular dysfunction associated with AD through an increase in NO availability likely by counteracting inflammation and oxidative stress.
Topics: Acetylcholine; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Cognitive Dysfunction; Disease Models, Animal; Donepezil; Inflammation; Maze Learning; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Vascular Remodeling; Vasodilation
PubMed: 34713597
DOI: 10.1002/prp2.871 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023This study compared different extraction methods of Yizhiqingxin formula (YQF) and its neuroprotective effects based on pharmacodynamic indices such as learning and...
OBJECTIVES
This study compared different extraction methods of Yizhiqingxin formula (YQF) and its neuroprotective effects based on pharmacodynamic indices such as learning and memory ability, brain tissue histopathology and morphology, and inflammatory factor expression in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
METHODS
The pharmaceutical components of YQF were extracted using three extraction processes, and the components were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Donepezil hydrochloride was used as a positive control drug. Fifty 7-8-month-old 3 × Tg AD mice were randomly divided into three YQF groups (YQF-1, YQF-2, and YQF-3), a donepezil group, and a model group. Ten age-matched C57/BL6 mice were used as normal controls. YQF and Donepezil were administered by gavage at a clinically equivalent dose of 2.6 and 1.3 mg⋅kg⋅d, respectively, with a gavage volume of 0.1 ml/10 g. Control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. After 2 months, the efficacy was evaluated using behavioral experiments, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and serum assays.
RESULTS
The main components in YQF are ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, epiberberine, coptisine chloride, palmatine, berberine, and ferulic acid. YQF-3 (alcohol extraction) has the highest content of active compounds, followed by YQF-2 (water extraction and alcohol precipitation method). Compared to the model group, the three YQF groups showed alleviated histopathological changes and improved spatial learning and memory, with the effect in YQF-2 being the most significant. YQF showed protection of hippocampal neurons, most significantly in the YQF-1 group. YQF significantly reduced Aβ pathology and tau hyperphosphorylation, decreased expressions of serum pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 as well as serum chemokines MCP-1 and MIG.
CONCLUSION
YQF prepared by three different processes showed differences in pharmacodynamics in an AD mouse model. YQF-2 was significantly better than the other extraction processes in improving memory.
PubMed: 36875667
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1097859 -
Molecular Medicine Reports Apr 2022Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious clinical condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Donepezil plays a neuroprotective role in...
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious clinical condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Donepezil plays a neuroprotective role in I/R‑associated diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and the potential mechanism of action of donepezil in I/R‑induced myocardial microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction. An I/R model was simulated using oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release were examined following treatment with donepezil. Commercial kits were used to evaluate cell apoptosis, cell permeability and caspase‑3 activity. The expression levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins, as well as proteins found in tight junctions or involved in the poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)/NF‑κB pathway, were measured using western blotting. These parameters were also examined following PARP1 overexpression. The results demonstrated that donepezil increased cell viability and reduced toxicity in OGD/R‑treated CMECs. The apoptotic rate, caspase‑3 activity and protein expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase‑3 were significantly reduced following donepezil treatment, which was accompanied by Bcl‑2 upregulation. Moreover, cell permeability was notably reduced, coupled with a marked increase in the expression of tight junction‑associated proteins. The expression levels of proteins related to PARP1/NF‑κB signaling were significantly downregulated in CMECs following donepezil treatment. However, the protective effects of donepezil on OGD/R‑induced CMEC injury were reversed following PARP1 overexpression. In conclusion, donepezil suppressed OGD/R‑induced CMEC dysfunction via PARP1/NF‑κB signaling. This finding provided insight into the mechanism underlying myocardial I/R injury.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Apoptosis; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Donepezil; Endothelial Cells; Female; Glucose; Humans; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; NF-kappa B; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxygen; Permeability; Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1; Reperfusion Injury; Signal Transduction; Young Adult
PubMed: 35147204
DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12637 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Sep 2023Neuroprotection is one of the important protection methods against neuronal cells and tissue damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's,... (Review)
Review
Neuroprotection is one of the important protection methods against neuronal cells and tissue damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and multiple sclerosis. Various bioactive compounds produced by medicinal plants can potentially treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Apart from these resources, endophytes also produce diverse secondary metabolites capable of protecting the CNS. The bioactive compounds produced by endophytes play essential roles in enhancing the growth factors, antioxidant defence functions, diminishing neuroinflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. The efficacy of compounds produced by endophytic fungi was also evaluated by enzymes, cell lines, and in vivo models. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibition is frequently used to assess in vitro neuroprotective activity along with cytotoxicity-induced neuronal cell lines. Some of drugs, such as tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and other compounds, are generally used as reference standards. Furthermore, clinical trials are required to confirm the role of these natural compounds in neuroprotection efficacy and evaluate their safety profile. This review illustrates the production of various bioactive compounds produced by endophytic fungi and their role in preventing neurodegeneration.
Topics: Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Donepezil; Rivastigmine; Endophytes; Fungi; Central Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 37165297
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00997-1 -
RSC Medicinal Chemistry May 2022A new series of eight multifunctional thalidomide-donepezil hybrids were synthesized based on the multi-target-directed ligand strategy and evaluated as potential...
A new series of eight multifunctional thalidomide-donepezil hybrids were synthesized based on the multi-target-directed ligand strategy and evaluated as potential neuroprotective, cholinesterase inhibitors and anti-neuroinflammatory agents against neurodegenerative diseases. A molecular hybridization approach was used for structural design by combining the -benzylpiperidine pharmacophore of donepezil and the isoindoline-1,3-dione fragment from the thalidomide structure. The most promising compound, PQM-189 (3g), showed good AChE inhibitory activity with an IC value of 3.15 μM, which was predicted by docking studies as interacting with the enzyme in the same orientation observed in the AChE-donepezil complex and a similar profile of interaction. Additionally, compound 3g significantly decreased iNOS and IL-1β levels by 43% and 39%, respectively, after 24 h of incubation with lipopolysaccharide. data confirmed the ability of 3g to prevent locomotor impairment and changes in feeding behavior elicited by lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, the PAMPA assay evidenced adequate blood-brain barrier and gastrointestinal tract permeabilities with an Fa value of 69.8%. Altogether, these biological data suggest that compound 3g can treat the inflammatory process and oxidative stress resulting from the overexpression of iNOS and therefore the increase in reactive nitrogen species, and regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β. In this regard, compound PQM-189 (3g) was revealed to be a promising neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory agent with an innovative thalidomide-donepezil-based hybrid molecular architecture.
PubMed: 35694691
DOI: 10.1039/d1md00374g -
Drugs & Aging Nov 2023The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are commonly used in the management of various forms of dementia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are commonly used in the management of various forms of dementia.
OBJECTIVES
While these drugs are known to induce classic cholinergic adverse events such as diarrhea, their potential to cause psychiatric adverse events has yet to be thoroughly examined.
METHODS
We sought to determine the risk of psychiatric adverse events associated with the use of AChEIs through a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials involving patients with Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's dementia.
RESULTS
A total of 48 trials encompassing 22,845 patients were included in our analysis. Anorexia was the most commonly reported psychiatric adverse event, followed by agitation, insomnia, and depression. Individuals exposed to AChEIs had a greater risk of experiencing appetite disorders, insomnia, or depression compared with those who received placebo (anorexia: odds ratio [OR] 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.29-3.75; p < 0.00001; decreased appetite: OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.33-2.82; p = 0.0006; insomnia: OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.25-1.93; p < 0.0001; and depression: OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.23-2.06, p = 0.0004). Appetite disorders were also more frequent with high-dose versus low-dose therapy. A subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of insomnia was higher for donepezil than for galantamine.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that AChEI therapy may negatively impact psychological health, and careful monitoring of new psychiatric symptoms is warranted. Lowering the dose may resolve some psychiatric adverse events, as may switching to galantamine in the case of insomnia.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021258376).
Topics: Humans; Acetylcholinesterase; Alzheimer Disease; Anorexia; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Donepezil; Galantamine; Parkinson Disease; Phenylcarbamates; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rivastigmine; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
PubMed: 37682445
DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01065-x -
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and... Dec 2023Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive brain degenerative disease that is common in the elderly. So far, there is no effective treatment. The...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive brain degenerative disease that is common in the elderly. So far, there is no effective treatment. The multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy has been recognised as the most promising approach due to the complexity of the pathogenesis of AD. Herein, novel salicylic acid-donepezil-rivastigmine hybrids were designed and synthesised. The bioactivity results exhibited that was a reversible and selective BChE inhibitor (IC = 0.53 μM), and the docking provided the possible mechanism. Compound also displayed potential anti-inflammatory effects and significant neuroprotective effect. Moreover, exhibited favourable stabilities in artificial gastrointestinal solution and plasma. Finally, demonstrated potential cognitive improvement in scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction. Hence, was a potential multifunctional lead compound against AD.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Donepezil; Rivastigmine; Alzheimer Disease; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Neuroprotective Agents; Acetylcholinesterase; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 37414563
DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2231661 -
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical... Dec 2022Donepezil hydrochloride is an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor studied and approved to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, this drug can have positive therapeutic... (Review)
Review
Donepezil hydrochloride is an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor studied and approved to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, this drug can have positive therapeutic potential in treating different conditions, including various neurodegenerative disorders such as other types of dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, psychiatric and mood disorders, and even infectious diseases. Hence, this study reviewed the therapeutic potential of this drug in treating Alzheimer's and other diseases by reviewing the articles from databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Science Direct. It was shown that donepezil could affect the pathophysiology of these diseases via mechanisms such as increasing the concentration of acetylcholine, modulating local and systemic inflammatory processes, affecting acetylcholine receptors like nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and activating various cellular signaling via receptors like sigma-1 receptors. Despite many therapeutic potentials, this drug has not yet been approved for treating non-Alzheimer's diseases, and more comprehensive studies are needed.
PubMed: 36942075
DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-128408 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022To explore the effect and mechanisms of Pantao Pill (PTP) on cognitive impairment. Network pharmacology was performed to analyze the mechanism of PTP treating...
To explore the effect and mechanisms of Pantao Pill (PTP) on cognitive impairment. Network pharmacology was performed to analyze the mechanism of PTP treating cognitive impairment. The targets of PTP and cognitive impairment were predicted and used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The intersection network was selected, and the core network was obtained through topological analysis. Enrichment analysis was conducted to obtain the GOBP terms and KEGG pathways. We then performed experiments to validate the results of the network pharmacology by using an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. The APP/PS1 mice were divided into four groups: the model group, the high-dose PTP (3.6 g/kg·d) group, the low-dose PTP (1.8 g/kg·d) group, and the positive control group (donepezil hydrochloride, 2 mg/kg·d). Wild-type (WT) C57 mice served as a normal control group. PTP and donepezil were administered by gavage for 8 weeks. Network pharmacology showed that PTP might improve cognitive impairment by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. For the Morris water maze test, a significant difference was shown in the total swimming distance among groups ( < 0.05) in the positioning navigation experiment, and with training time extension, the swimming speed increased ( < 0.01). In the space probe test, PTP administration significantly reduced the swimming path length and the escape latency of APP/PS1 mice ( < 0.05 or < 0.01), whereas it had no effect on the swimming speed ( > 0.05). PTP (3.6 g/kg/d) rescued the reduction of norepinephrine and acetylcholine levels ( < 0.05), and increased the acetylcholinesterase concentration ( < 0.05) in the brain tissue. PTP (1.8 g/kg/d) increased the norepinephrine level ( < 0.01). PTP rescued the activity reduction of superoxide dismutase in the brain tissue ( < 0.01) and the neuron cell pyknosis in the hippocampal CA region ( < 0.05). PTP reduced ATG12 and PS1 expression ( < 0.05 or < 0.01), and increased Bcl-2 expression in the brain tissue ( < 0.05). PTP can significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, and the mechanism may be related to the increase of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels, the reduction of the excessive autophagic activation, and the suppression of oxidative stress and excessive apoptotic activity.
PubMed: 35281906
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.729605 -
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi 2022Our aim is to reduce the side effects and increase the efficiency of donepezil by formulating donepezil-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)...
INTRODUCTION
Our aim is to reduce the side effects and increase the efficiency of donepezil by formulating donepezil-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles (NPs) directly targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) fibrils in the brain and evaluate behavioral changes in this fibril model of AD.
METHODS
AD model was developed by intracerebroventricular injection of pre-aggregated β25-35 fibrils. Rats were intravenously administered either solvent, donepezil-loaded NPs (15µg/kg) or free donepezil (1mg/kg) 3 times for a week except for naïve controls. The effect of treatments on anxiety, motor functions, and cognitive functions was tested by elevated plus maze, locomotor activity, novel object recognition, and Morris's water maze tests, respectively.
RESULTS
Accumulation of Aβ25-35 fibrils in brain sections was confirmed. Anxiety-like behavior was observed in the Aβ Alzheimer and free donepezil treatment groups while donepezil-loaded NP treatment showed hypo-anxiety-like behavior. Donepezil-loaded NPs were successful in treatment of short-term memory deficit better than free donepezil injection. In Morris's water maze, both donepezil-loaded NPs and free donepezil groups found the platform in shorter time compared to Aβ Alzheimer group. In locomotor activity test, both donepezil treated groups moved less than the Aβ Alzheimer group and naïve controls. After the pharmacological experiments, acetylcholinesterase activity was determined and showed an increase in Aβ Alzheimer group compared to controls. Donepezil-loaded NPs inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity more efficiently than the free donepezil group.
CONCLUSION
Targeting with donepezil-loaded PLGA-b-PEG-NPs increases efficiency, helps to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity more substantially, improves cognitive decline due to its longer duration of action and destabilizing effect on amyloid fibrils.
PubMed: 36514517
DOI: 10.29399/npa.28275