Two Ferulic Acid Derivatives Inhibit Neuroinflammatory Response in Human HMC3 Microglial Cells via NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Scientists investigated the potential of two compounds from a plant extract in reducing inflammation related to neurodegenerative diseases. Using a human microglial cell model, they found that trans-ferulic acid and methyl ferulate significantly reduced the production of inflammatory mediators and increased levels of an anti-inflammatory factor. Additionally, the compounds inhibited the activation of a signaling pathway involved in inflammation. These findings suggest that the compounds could be useful in treating neuroinflammatory diseases.

Li PL et al (2023).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules28052080

PubMed:

36903325

The Effects of Momordica charantia on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) share similar characteristics and common therapy options, including bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Bitter melon, a plant utilized for its glucose-lowering effects, has received recognition for its beneficial effects in treating T2DM and related metabolic conditions. Pre-clinical studies have identified multiple mechanisms by which bitter melon's bioactive components may be effective in reducing hyperglycemia and blocking the formation of amyloid plaques in AD. Further studies are necessary to establish its clinical efficacy in treating metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.

Richter E et al (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms24054643

PubMed:

36902074

Molecular Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of Olive Leaf Polyphenols against Alzheimer's Disease.

The leaves of olive trees contain bioactive compounds, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which have medicinal properties to fight Alzheimer's disease (AD). These compounds reduce the formation of amyloid-β and neurofibrillary tangles, and OL demonstrated high inhibitory activity in cholinergic tests. They also decrease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to their protective effects. Limited research indicates that consuming OL promotes autophagy and restores loss of proteostasis in AD models. Olive phytochemicals show promise as an adjuvant in AD treatment.

Romero-Márquez JM et al (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms24054353

PubMed:

36901783

Proposal of novel ApoE4 inhibitors from the natural spice Cinnamon for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Ab initio molecular simulations.

Researchers used molecular techniques to investigate the interactions between apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) and cinnamon-derived compounds for developing effective diagnostic strategies and treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epicatechin was found to have the highest binding affinity to ApoE4 by forming strong hydrogen bonds with specific residues. Adding a hydroxyl group to epicatechin increased its binding affinity to ApoE4, indicating promising therapeutic candidates for AD.

Shaji D et al (2023).

Biophys Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.bpc.2023.106990

PubMed:

36898350

Stigmasterol isolated from Azadirachta indica flowers attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity via downregulation of the Cdk5/p35/p25 signaling pathway in the HT-22 cells.

The brain of neurodegenerative disease (ND) patients had increased levels of glutamate, causing damage to mitochondria and leading to neurotoxicity. A study investigated the neuroprotective effects of stigmasterol, a natural compound, against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and found that stigmasterol restored mitochondrial function and reduced neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that stigmasterol may be a potential treatment for ND.

Mongkolpobsin K et al (2023).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154728

PubMed:

36898255

Trihydroxy piperlongumine protects aluminium induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish: Behavioral and biochemical approach.

The study investigated the use of trihydroxy piperlongumine (THPL) as an antioxidant therapy for aluminium (Al) induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Fish exposed to Al showed increased oxidative stress, altered behavior and anxiety comorbid with depression. THPL effectively reduced free radicals and lipid peroxidation caused by Al and improved behavior deficits and anxiety-like behavior in adult fish. THPL also reduced the histological alterations caused by Al exposure. These results indicate that THPL is a promising candidate for treating Al-induced neurodegeneration.

Haridevamuthu B et al (2023).

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109600

PubMed:

36889534

A pharmacokinetic model based on the SSA-1DCNN-Attention method.

He ZY, Yang JY and Li Y (2023).

J Bioinform Comput Biol.

DOI:

10.1142/S021972002350004X

PubMed:

36884017

Palyno-taxonomic approach through light and scanning electron microscopy for the identification of herbaceous Asteraceae species from Sikaram Mountain Pak-Afghan border.

This study looked at the pollen of 15 species of Asteraceae on the Sikaram Mountain Pak-Afghan border using microscopic techniques. The researchers observed and measured 15 pollen characters such as size, shape, and exine sculpturing. They found that pollen grains are usually tricolporate and have varying shapes and sculpturing. The study also measured pollen fertility and sterility and used clustering analysis to separate closely related taxa. Ultimately, the researchers conclude that palynological study is crucial for taxonomy and can be improved with further analysis.

Ali S et al (2023).

Microsc Res Tech.

DOI:

10.1002/jemt.24311

PubMed:

36883756