Neuro-protective effects and mechanism of Terminalia chebula extract HZ4 on cerebral infarction models

Abstract

To study the effect and possible molecular mechanisms of Terminalia chebula extract HZ4 on focal cerebral infarction in rats, 90 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, T. chebula extract HZ4 high dose, middle dose and low dose groups (80, 40, 20 mg•kg ⁻¹•d ⁻¹, ig) and positive control group (Panax notoginseng saponins, PNS 30 mg•kg ⁻¹•d ⁻¹, ig). The focal cerebral infarction models were established by photochemical method. After the rats were administered for 7 consecutive days, neurogenic behavior rating of these rats was done by balance beam test and foot fault test. The cells morphological changes of penumbra in focal cerebral infarction were investigated by HE staining method; the infarct volume was detected by TTC staining. The expression levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1, the key node genes in Wnt signaling pathway of the focal penumbra tissues were detected via RT-PCR. The results showed that, as compared with the model group, behavioural indicators were improved significantly in the rats of administration groups, and the infarct volume and pathological changes of penumbra tissues were also improved at the same time. Compared with the model group, the expression levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1 in Wnt signaling pathway were significantly up-regulated in administration groups(P<0.01). This study first confirmed that T. chebula extract HZ4 can decrease infarct volume, improve the sport ability score, and promote rehabilitation of model animals. In addition, it could significant up-regulated the expression levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1, and the mechanism may be associated with Wnt signaling pathway. The study is innovative to a certain extent.