Morin Provides Neuroprotection in a Model of Cerebral Infarction Via Nrf-2 Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Cerebral infarction, also known as ischemic stroke, is a disorder of blood supply in the local brain tissue and the second leading cause of death worldwide. It is important to develop effective drugs to treat cerebral infarction. Morin (3,5,7,2′, 4′-pentahydroxyflavone) is a bioactive flavonol that has multiple medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-invasive, antitumor, and antiangiogenic properties. However, its potential effect on ischemic stroke as a potent neuroprotective and cardioprotective agent remains unknown. In this study, we constructed a rat model of cerebral infarction and shown morin to be neuroprotective in this model. Additionally, morin inhibited nerve cell apoptosis and cerebral infarction induced oxidative stress in brain tissue. Our data further confirmed that morin provides neuroprotection in cerebral infarction via upregulation of the downstream proteins of Nrf2 pathway. We therefore suggest morin as a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of cerebral infarction.