pCREB Expression Research Articles

Roasted Astragalus membranaceus Inhibits Aβ25–35-Induced Oxidative Stress in Neuronal Cells by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 and AKT/CREB/BDNF Pathways

(1) Background: Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its specific mechanism of action in the brain is still unclear. In this study, we developed a roasting process to maximize the cognitive improvement impact of AM. We focused on enhancing physiological activity to enhance the brain neuron protection effect and alleviate neuronal damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases. (2) Methods: AM was roasted at 260 °C for 20, 30, or 40 min, and the hot water extracts were tested on HT22 cells for ROS levels, apoptosis, and antioxidant protein expression. The effect on the BDNF-AKT-CREB pathway under stress was also analyzed. (3) Results: Roasted AM decreased ROS production and the expression of apoptosis-related factors while activating the expression of antioxidant proteins in HT22 cells treated with Aβ25–35. In particular, 30 min roasting (R-AM2) significantly reduced ROS production, inhibited cell death, and increased antioxidant protein expression. The Nrf2 pathway was activated Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were reduced. BDNF and p-CREB expression were increased by 20% and 50–70%, respectively. In the MAPK pathway, p-ERK levels were increased by 30%, and p-P38 levels were increased by approximately 20%. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that roasted AM upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in HT22 cells, providing neuroprotective effects by activating the AKT/CREB/BDNF pathway and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, roasted AM shows potential as a neuroprotective agent for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, linked to BDNF deficiency.

Protective effect of a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via activating the TGR5/PKA pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a persistent intestinal disorder, is now considered a global disease. The present study was designed to investigate the alleviative effects of a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria (CLAB; Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108, L. paracasei CCFM2711, Bifidobacterium animalis BB-115, and B. longum BLI-02) on UC and its mechanisms through a UC mouse model triggered by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results indicated that CLAB improved colitis symptoms, intestinal pathologic damage, and intestinal barrier in mice. Moreover, CLAB attenuated colonic inflammatory responses in mice by remodeling the homeostasis between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, CLAB improved the structure of the gut microbiota and augmented the proportion of secondary bile acid-producing bacteria. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that CLAB altered the metabolic profile of colonic contents and, importantly, increased the content of lithocholic acid (LCA). Further, CLAB activated the TGR5/PKA pathway via significantly upregulating the protein expression of TGR5, PKA, and p-CREB. Thus, CLAB alleviated UC, probably by increasing secondary bile acid-producing bacteria, resulting in increased levels of LCA, which in turn activated the TGR5/PKA pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. The present study will offer a theoretical foundation for developing probiotic products to mitigate UC.

7420 A Role for Glycoprotein Hormone Subunit Alpha 2 in Pituitary Development

Abstract Disclosure: L.T. Raetzman: None. X. Ge: None. K. Weis: None. Hypopituitarism results when the pituitary gland is not able to make one or more of its hormones. It is estimated that up to 80% of hypopituitarism detected at or near birth has no identifiable cause. We have created a mouse model of congenital hypopituitarism by conditionally deleting the gene Notch2 in the developing pituitary. NOTCH2 is expressed in pituitary stem cells and is necessary for stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation. However, the pathways NOTCH2 engages to affect pituitary development remain unclear. It is important to determine the mechanism of NOTCH2 action in the pituitary because it might help to reveal novel causes of hypopituitarism. In this study, we hypothesized that glycoprotein hormone subunit A2 (GPHA2), a corneal stem cell factor, is downstream of NOTCH2 signaling in the mouse pituitary. We found Gpha2 is expressed in a subset of quiescent Sox2-expressing pituitary stem cells by RNAscope in situ hybridization and scRNA seq analysis. A scRNA seq study in rats has also localized Gpha2 to Sox2-expressing folliculostellate cells. In Notch2 conditional knockout pituitaries, Gpha2 mRNA is reduced over 75% compared with control littermates. We then investigated the possible functions of GPHA2, hypothesizing it might have a role in stem cell maintenance and quiescence. However, pituitaries treated with a GPHA2 peptide do not have a change in proliferation or stem cell-related gene expression. Another role of GPHA2 may be as a paracrine signal to control lineage restricted cell fate. GPHA2 has been demonstrated to be a ligand for the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and part of the hormone thyrostimulin. We demonstrated that, in dissociated adult pituitary cells, GPHA2 increased pCREB expression and this induction was reversed by co-treatment with a TSHR inhibitor. Our data show that TSHR is expressed in the rostral tip thyrotropes of the pars tuberalis and in isolated cells in the anterior lobe. These data suggest GPHA2 is a NOTCH2 related stem cell factor that activates TSHR signaling, potentially impacting pituitary development and maintenance as a paracrine signaling molecule. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Dopamine and D1 receptor in hippocampal dentate gyrus involved in chronic stress-induced alteration of spatial learning and memory in rats

There is increasing evidence that chronic stress (CS), which occurs when the body is exposed to prolonged stressors, significantly impairs learning and memory. Dopamine (DA) plays a critical role in learning and memory in the hippocampus through the activation of D1-like receptors (D1R). However, the specific roles of DA and D1R in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), particularly in relation to CS-induced changes in spatial learning and memory, are not well understood. In this study, we established a CS rat model through the random application of various stressors. We assessed spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze (MWM) and measured DA concentration and the amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) in the DG during the MWM test in freely moving rats. We also examined the involvement of D1R in spatial learning and memory by microinjecting its antagonist (SCH23390) into the DG, and then analyzed the expressions of phosphorylated (p-) Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase A (PKA), and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) in the DG using western blot. During the MWM test, compared with the control group, the escape latency was increased, and the percentage of distance in target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were decreased, in addition, the increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG was significantly attenuated in CS group. In the control group, the DA concentration in the DG was significantly increased during the MWM test, and this response was enhanced in the CS group. Microinjection of SCH23390 into the DG significantly improved the spatial learning and memory impairments in CS rats, and reversed the inhibitory effect of CS on increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG during the MWM test. Furthermore, SCH23390 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of CS on the expressions of p-CaMKII, p-PKA, and p-CREB in the DG. Our findings suggest that overactivation of the DA-D1R system in the hippocampal DG impairs spatial learning and memory and related synaptic plasticity in CS rats via downregulation of PKA-CREB signaling pathway.

Erbin alleviates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting RIPK1-dependent necroptosis through activating PKA/CREB pathway

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease that can cause multiple organ damage. Septic patients with cardiac dysfunction have a significantly higher mortality. Based on the results of bioinformatics analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we found that Erbin is vital in cardiomyocyte. However, the function of Erbin in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) has not been explicitly studied. We discussed the role of Erbin in SIC by employing the Erbin−/− mice and HL-1 cardiomyocyte. An in vitro model of inflammation in HL-1 was used to confirm stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to study the molecular mechanisms under SIC. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the morphological characteristics at the ultrastructural level. The expressions of Erbin, p-RIPK1, RIPK1, p-RIPK3, RIPK3, p-MLKL, MLKL, p-PKA, PKA, p-CREB and CREB were detected by western blot. qPCR analysis was applied to detect TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, RIPK1 and MLKL mRNA expression. Cell survival was detected by CCK-8 assay and the levels of c TnI concentration were detected by ELISA kit. Our study revealed that necroptosis and inflammation were activated in cardiomyocytes during sepsis and deficiency of Erbin aggravated them. Furthermore, deficiency of Erbin exacerbated systolic dysfunction including the decline of LVEF and LVFS induced by CLP. Overexpression of Erbin alleviated necroptosis and inflammation by activating PKA/CREB pathway. Our research elucidates a noval mechanism whereby Erbin participates in SIC, providing a promising therapeutic target for myocardial dysfunction during sepsis.

Effects of arsenic exposure on the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus of offspring mice at different developmental stages

The primary purpose of present study was to explore the effects of arsenic exposure on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of offspring mice at different developmental stages. Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) at doses of 0, 15, 30 or 60 mg/L administered to female mice and their pups. The nuclear translocation levels of NF-κB were assessed by EMSA. Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure Akt, NF-κB and PI3K mRNA levels. Protein expressions of PI3K, p-Akt, inhibitor kappa B kinase (IKK), p-NF-κB, protein kinase A (PKA), inhibitor kappa B (IκB), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were measured by Western blot. Results disclosed that exposure to 60 mg/L NaAsO2 could suppress NF-κB levels of nuclear translocation of postnatal day (PND) 20 and PND 40 mice. Arsenic downregulated the transcriptional and translational levels of PI3K, Akt and NF-κB. Additionally, protein expressions of p-IKK, p-IκB, PKA and p-CREB also reduced. Taken together, results of present study indicated that arsenic could downregulate the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, particularly on PND 40, which might be involved in the cognitive impairments.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of miR-369-3p via PDE4B in Intestinal Inflammatory Response.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) consist of a family of enzymes expressed in several types of cells, including inflammatory cells, that play a pivotal role in inflammation. Several studies have demonstrated that the inhibition of PDE4 results in a reduced inflammatory response via PKA and CREB signaling. Hence, PDE4 suppression improves the inflammatory feedback typical of several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that miR-369-3p regulates inflammatory responses, modulating different aspects of the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to demonstrate an additional anti-inflammatory effect of miR-369-3p targeting PDE4B, one of the widely expressed isoforms in immune cells. We found that miR-369-3p was able to reduce the expression of PDE4B, elevating the intracellular levels of cAMP. This accumulation increased the expression of PKA and pCREB, mitigating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. To prove that PDE4B is a good therapeutic target in IBD, we also demonstrate that the expression of PDE4B was increased in UC patients compared to healthy controls, affecting the immune infiltrate. PDE4B is considered an important player in inflammatory progression; hence, our results show the ability of miR-369-3p to ameliorate inflammation by targeting PDE4B, supporting its future application as a new therapeutic approach in IBD.

Luteolin promotes neuronogenesis in hippocampus of chronic unpredictable mild stress rats and primary hippocampus of fetal rats.

To investigate the effects of luteolin on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats and corticosterone (CORT)-induced depressive primary hippocampal neurons, and to elucidate the mechanism behind the action. The antidepressant mechanism of luteolin was studied by using CUMS rat model and primary hippocampal neurons in fetal rats. In vivo, novelty suppressed feeding, open-field and sucrose preference tests as well as Morris water maze were evaluated. The content of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mechanisms of luteolin were explored based on neurotrophin and hippocampal neurogenesis, and proliferation. Survival of the septo-temporal axis in hippocampus was assayed using the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU), the expression of BDNF, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in hippocampus dentate gyrus region were measured by Western-blotting. In vitro, BDNF, NT-3, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) were detected through the high content analysis (HCA) to investigate neurotrophin and apoptosis. Induction of CUMS in rats induced depressive symptoms, while luteolin significantly enhanced sucrose consumption, decreased feeding latency, increased locomotor activity, escape latency, distance of target quadrant and regulated the content of depressive-like biomarkers. Histology analysis revealed that luteolin increased the abundance of new born neurons that had been labeled with BrdU, BrdU + neuronal nuclear antigen, and BrdU + doublecortin in septo-temporal axis of S2 (mid-septal) and T3 (mid-temporal). Moreover, expression of BDNF, NT-3, and NGF increased significantly in the septo-temporal axis of S2 and T3. HCA showed increased expression of BDNF, NT-3, TrkB and p-CREB in primary hippocampal neurons. The results provided direct evidence that luteolin has an antidepressant effect and could effectively promote the regeneration of the septotemporal axis nerve and hippocampal neuronutrition, which suggested that the antidepressant effect of luteolin may be related to hippocampal neurogenesis.

Anti-oxidative stress and cognitive improvement of a semi-synthetic isoorientin-based GSK-3β inhibitor in rat pheochromocytoma cell PC12 and scopolamine-induced AD model mice via AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deficits. Although the pathogenesis of AD is unclear, oxidative stress has been implicated to play a dominant role in its development. The flavonoid isoorientin (ISO) and its synthetic derivatives TFGF-18 selectively inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a potential target of AD treatment. PurposeTo investigate the neuroprotective effect of TFGF-18 against oxidative stress via the GSK-3β pathway in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in vitro and scopolamine (SCOP)-induced AD mice in vivo. MethodThe oxidative stress of PC12 cells was induced by H2O2 (600 μM) and the effects of TFGF-18 (2 and 8 μM) or ISO (12.5 and 50 μM) were observed. The AD mouse model was induced by SCOP (3 mg/kg), and the effects of TFGF-18 (2 and 8 mg/kg), ISO (50 mg/kg), and donepezil (DNP) (3 mg/kg) were observed. DNP, a currently accepted drug for AD was used as a positive control. The neuronal cell damages were analyzed by flow cytometry, LDH assay, JC-1 assay and Nissl staining. The oxidative stress was evaluated by the detection of MDA, SOD, GPx and ROS. The level of ACh, and the activity of AChE, ChAT were detected by the assay kit. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase3, cleaved-caspase3, p-AKT (Thr308), AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, Nrf2, and HO-1, as well as p-CREB (Ser133), CREB, and BDNF were analyzed by western blotting. Morris water maze test was performed to analyze learning and memory ability. ResultsTFGF-18 inhibited neuronal damage and the expressions of Bax, caspase3 and cleaved-caspase3, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in vitro and in vivo. The level of MDA and ROS were decreased while the activities of SOD and GPx were increased by TFGF-18. Moreover, TFGF-18 increased the p-AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), Nrf2, HO-1, p-CREB, and BDNF expression reduced by H2O2 and SCOP. Meanwhile, MK2206, an AKT inhibitor, reversed the effect of TFGF-18 on the AKT/GSK-3β pathway. In addition, the cholinergic system (ACh, ChAT, and AChE) disorders were retrained and the learning and memory impairments were prevented by TFGF-18 in SCOP-induced AD mice. ConclusionsTFGF-18 protects against neuronal cell damage and cognitive impairment by inhibiting oxidative stress via AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway.

The effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on galectin-9 expression in decidual macrophages contributing to dysfunction of decidual NK cells during pregnancy

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii infection causes adverse pregnancy outcomes by affecting the expression of immunotolerant molecules in decidual immune cells. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is widely expressed in decidual macrophages (dMφ) and is crucial for maintaining normal pregnancy by interacting with the immunomodulatory protein T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3). However, the effects of T. gondii infection on Gal-9 expression in dMφ, and the impact of altered Gal-9 expression levels on the maternal–fetal tolerance function of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, are still unknown.MethodsPregnancy outcomes of T. gondii-infected C57BL/6 and Lgals9−/− pregnant mice models were recorded. Expression of Gal-9, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), and Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was detected by western blotting, flow cytometry or immunofluorescence. The binding of FOXO1 to the promoter of Lgals9 was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation–polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-PCR). The expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in dNK cells was assayed by western blotting.ResultsToxoplasma gondii infection increased the expression of p-JNK and FOXO1 in dMφ, resulting in a reduction in Gal-9 due to the elevated binding of FOXO1 with Lgals9 promoter. Downregulation of Gal-9 enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK, inhibited the expression of p-CREB and IL-10, and promoted the expression of T-bet and IFN-γ in dNK cells. In the mice model, knockout of Lgals9 aggravated adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection during pregnancy.ConclusionsToxoplasma gondii infection suppressed Gal-9 expression in dMφ by activating the JNK/FOXO1 signaling pathway, and reduction of Gal-9 contributed to dysfunction of dNK via Gal-9/Tim-3 interaction. This study provides new insights for the molecular mechanisms of the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii.Graphical

Exposure of Zebrafish Embryos to Morphine and Cocaine Induces Changes in the Levels of Dopamine and of Proteins Related to the Reward Pathway

Morphine, a drug of abuse used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, elicits its actions by binding to the opioid receptors. Cocaine is an example of a recreational drug that inhibits dopamine reuptake. The molecular effects of morphine and cocaine have been described in different specific brain regions. However, the systemic outcome of these drugs on the whole organism has not been fully addressed. The aim of this study is to analyse the global effects of morphine (10 μM) and cocaine (15 μM) in the expression of proteins related to the reward pathway. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to these drugs from 5 hpf (hours post-fertilisation) to 6 dpf (days post-fertilisation). Dopamine levels were determined by ELISA, and the expression of Fos proteins, Creb, its activated form p-Creb and tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) were examined by Western blot. Both drugs decreased Th levels at 72 hpf and 6 dpf and modified the expression of Fos family members, pCreb and Creb in a time-dependent manner. Morphine and cocaine exposure differentially modified dopamine levels in 72 hpf and 6 dpf zebrafish embryos. Our results indicate that drugs of abuse modify the expression of several proteins and molecules related to the activation of the reward pathway.

Activation of 5-HT6 Receptors in the Ventrolateral Orbital Cortex Produces Anti-Anxiodepressive Effects in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain.

The comorbidity of anxiety and depression frequently occurs in patients with neuropathic pain. The ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) plays a critical role in mediating neuropathic pain and anxiodepression in rodents. Previous studies suggested that 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain. Strong evidence supports a close link between 5-HT6 receptors and affective disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain-induced anxiodepression. Using a rat neuropathic pain model of spared nerve injury (SNI), we demonstrated that rats exhibited significant anxiodepression-like behaviors and the expression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors obviously decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Microinjection of the 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD-386088 into the VLO or overexpression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors alleviated anxiodepression-like behaviors. These effects were blocked by pre-microinjection of a selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist (SB-258585) or inhibitors of AC (SQ-22536), PKA (H89), and MEK1/2 (U0126) respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the VLO decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Furthermore, administration of EMD-386088 upregulated the expression of BDNF, p-ERK, and p-CREB in the VLO of SNI rats, which were reversed by pre-injection of SB-258585. These findings suggest that activating 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO has anti-anxiodepressive effects in rats with neuropathic pain via activating AC-cAMP-PKA-MERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Accordingly, 5-HT6 receptor in the VLO could be a potential target for the treatment of the comorbidity of neuropathic pain and anxiodepression.

Effect of Early Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 on Hippocampal Plasticity in a Neonatal Rat Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage.

Hippocampal plasticity is closely related to physiological brain functions such as learning and memory. However, the effect of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation on hippocampal plasticity after neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD) remains unclear. In our study, seven-day-old rat pups were randomly categorised into three groups: control, hypoxic-ischemia (HI), and HI + TAK-242 (TAK-242). The pups were ligated in the left common carotid artery and then subjected to hypoxia to establish the neonatal HIBD model.The expression of the TLR4 in the left hippocampus of the HI group was increased compared to the control group, while TAK-242 reduced the expression level at 3 days after HIBD. Additionally, TAK-242 reversed the increased Zea-Longa score, increased the left/right hippocampal weight ratio, and increased the number of Nissl-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region compared to HI group at 3 days after HIBD. Pre-injection of TAK-242 alleviated the decrease in PSD95, Aggrecan and NR1, BDNF, CREB, and pCREB expression in the hippocampus at 24 h after HIBD. It also alleviated the decrease in PSD95, BDNF, and NR2A/NR1 expression in the hippocampus at 7 days after HIBD. Furthermore, Pre-injection of TAK-242 alleviated the decrease in NR2A/NR1 expression at 21 days after HIBD. Finally,TAK-242 increased the percentage of third-grade dendritic mushroom spines processes in the basal and apical segments of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region at 21 days after HIBD.Therefore, we conclude that preinhibition of TLR4 prior to neonatal HIBD improved the plasticity of the hippocampus.

Xinbao pill attenuated water retention by regulating the CaSR/AQP2 pathway in LAD-induced chronic heart failure rats

BackgroundWater retention is one of the important factors in the development and exacerbation of chronic heart failure (CHF). Xinbao Pill (XBP) is widely used as an adjuvant therapy for CHF. However, the therapeutic effect of XBP on water retention in CHF remains unclear. PurposeOur research was aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of XBP on water retention in CHF. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation to establish the CHF model and were subsequently administrated with different doses of XBP or Qili Qiangxin (QLQX). Cardiac functions were assessed using M-mode echocardiography. Cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis were observed using HE and Masson staining. Additionally, the expression of the CaSR/AQP2 signaling pathway in the renal was detected using western blotting analysis, quantitative PCR analysis, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, CaSR inhibitor NPS2143 was used to confirm the role of CaSR on the effect of XBP for water retention. ResultsIn the LAD-induced CHF rat model, XBP improved EF (ejection fraction) and LVFS (fractional shortening), and alleviated cardiac fibrosis. Importantly, XBP significantly increased the 24-h urine volume and decreased urinary protein level after CHF. Further mechanism studies showed that XBP treatment could decrease the expression of renal AQP2 at the protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, XBP promoted renal AQP2 ubiquitination by upregulating CaSR and p-p38-MAPK expression. Meanwhile, XBP suppressed the expression of p-CREB to inhibit the mRNA expression of AQP2 in the renal tissue. However, NPS2143 blocked the beneficial effects of XBP on cardiac function and water retention, even stopped the inhibitory effect on AQP2 expression by XBP. ConclusionOur study revealed that XBP improved water retention against CHF via promoting CaSR/p38-MAPK-mediated AQP2 ubiquitination and regulating CaSR/CREB-mediated AQP2 transcription.

Neuroprotective effects of MK-801 against cerebral ischemia reperfusion

Introduction& Objective: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the second cause of death globally, involves increased NMDA receptor activity leading to neuronal damage due to excessive sodium and calcium ion entry. Therefore, targeting NMDA receptor may potentially reduce cell death induced by brain injury. Our study aimed to investigate the role of NMDA receptors in hippocampal neuronal activity induced by I/R. MethodsIn this study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham, I/R, I/R + MK801, and I/R + NMDA. Cerebral I/R injury was induced by temporarily occluding the common and vertebral carotid arteries, followed by reperfusion. MK801 or NMDA was administered to the rats after a specific reperfusion time. Neuronal density and cell morphology in the hippocampal CA1 region were assessed using Nissl and H&E staining. The expression of BDNF, p-CREB, and c-fos was evaluated through Western blot analysis. Additionally, neuronal activity in CA1 pyramidal neurons were examined using single unit recording technique. ResultsOur results showed that cerebral I/R injury caused significant damage to CA1 pyramidal neurons compared to the sham group. However, treatment with MK-801 improved hippocampal cell survival compared to the I/R group. Furthermore, MK-801 administration in I/R rats increased BDNF, c-fos, and p-CREB levels while decreasing cleaved caspase-3 activity compared to the I/R group. Additionally, electrophysiological data showed that MK-801 increased firing rates of CA1 pyramidal neurons during the reperfusion phase. ConclusionMK-801 shows promise as a therapeutic agent for cerebral I/R injury by enhancing cell survival, upregulating neuroplasticity factors, and increasing firing rates of CA1 pyramidal neurons. It exerts a specific protective effect against cerebral I/R injury.

Neuroprotective Effect of Marrubium vulgare Extract in Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats: Behavioral and Biochemical Approaches.

The potential of Marrubium vulgare to alleviate scopolamine (Sco)-induced deficits in spatial working memory has drawn considerable scientific interest. This effect is partly attributed to its potent antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activities. This study examined the effects of M. vulgare extract, standardized to marrubiin content, on recognition memory in healthy and Sco-treated rats. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four groups. The extract was orally administered for 21 days and Sco (2 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected for 11 consecutive days. Memory performance was assessed using the novel object recognition test. Levels of acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (Sero), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) were evaluated in the cortex and hippocampus via ELISA. BDNF and CREB expression levels were assessed using RT-PCR. The results showed that M. vulgare significantly alleviated Sco-induced memory impairment, preserved cholinergic function in the hippocampus, increased NA levels in the brain, and restored pCREB expression in the cortex following Sco-induced reduction. In healthy rats, the extract upregulated BDNF, pCREB, and Bcl2 expression. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of M. vulgare may be linked to the modulation of cholinergic function, regulation of NA neurotransmission, and influence on key memory-related molecules.

Effects of β-asarone on spatial learning and memory impairment by exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue: Role of NR-CaMKII-ERK/CREB signal in hippocampus of rats

ObjectiveIt is to investigate the effects of β-asarone on learning and memory, hippocampal morphology, synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density 95(PSD95) protein expression, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2B (NR2B)- Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) - Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) / Cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB) signal in hippocampus of rats with exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue. MethodsFifty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, exercise group, exercise and β-asarone (2.5, 10, 40 mg/kg)–treated groups. The learning and memory in rats were tested by Morris water maze experiment. We measured the hippocampal morphology by Nissl staining. The levels of SYP, PSD95, NR2B, CaMKII, ERK1/2, CREB, p-NR2B, p-CaMKII, p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB expression were measured by western blot analysis. ResultsThe results demonstrated that β-asarone (10, 40 mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the latency to find the platform, increased the time spent in the target quadrant and the number of crossing the platform of rats with exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue. β-asarone (10, 40 mg/kg) treatment increased the cell density in the hippocampus CA1 region, significantly up-regulated NR2B-CaMKII-ERK/CREB signal and improved the protein expression levels of SYP and PSD95 in hippocampus of rats with exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue. ConclusionsIt suggests that β-asarone could improve learning and memory of rats with exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue. The mechanism might be related to β-asarone protecting the morphology of hippocampus, increasing the protein expression levels of SYP and PSD95 and up-regulating NR2B-CaMKII-ERK/CREB signal in hippocampus of rats with exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue.

Neonatal nociceptive stimulation results in pain sensitization, reduction of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor, and p-CREB expression in adult female rats

Painful invasive procedures are often performed on newborns admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The acute and long-term effects caused by these stimuli can be investigated in animal models, such as newborn rats. Previous studies have shown that animals subjected to nociceptive stimuli in the neonatal period show sex-specific behavioral changes such as signs of anxiety or depression. Under the same conditions, neonatal stimuli also provoke an increase in the rate of neurogenesis and cell activation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. So, this study aims to identify the possible roles of central monoamines, receptor expression (5-HT1A), and signaling factors (p-CREB) underlying the long-term effects of neonatal nociceptive stimulation. For this, noxious stimulation was induced by intra-plantar injection of Complete Freund´s adjuvant (CFA) on the postnatal day 1 (P1) or 8 (P8). Control animals were not stimulated. On P75 the behavioral tests were conducted (hotplate and elevated plus maze), followed by sacrifice and molecular studies. Our results showed that neonatal nociceptive stimulation alters pain sensitization specially in females, while stimulation on P1 increases pain threshold, P8-stimulated animals respond with reduced pain threshold (P < 0.001). Hippocampal expression of 5-HT1A receptor and p-CREB were reduced in P8 F group (P < 0.001) in opposition to the increased utilization rate of dopamine and serotonin in this group (P < 0.05). This study shows sex- and age-specific responses of signaling pathways within the hippocampus accompanied by altered behavioral repertoire, at long-term after neonatal painful stimulation.

Inhibition of ZDHHC16 promoted osteogenic differentiation and reduced ferroptosis of dental pulp stem cells by CREB

BackgroundThe repair of bone defects caused by periodontal diseases is a difficult challenge in clinical treatment. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are widely studied for alveolar bone repair. The current investigation aimed to examine the specific mechanisms underlying the role of Zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyl transferases 16 (ZDHHC16) in the process of osteogenic differentiation (OD) of DPSCs.MethodsThe lentiviral vectors ZDHHC16 or si-ZDHHC16 were introduced in the DPSCs and then the cells were induced by an odontogenic medium for 21 days. Subsequently, Quantitate Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), immunofluorescent staining, proliferation assay, ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and western blot analysis were used to investigate the specific details of ZDHHC16 contribution in OD of DPSCs.ResultsOur findings indicate that ZDHHC16 exhibited a suppressive effect on cellular proliferation and oxidative phosphorylation, while concurrently inducing ferroptosis in DPSCs. Moreover, the inhibition of ZDHHC16 promoted cell development and OD and reduced ferroptosis of DPSCs. The expression of p-CREB was suppressed by ZDHHC16, and immunoprecipitation (IP) analysis revealed that ZDHHC16 protein exhibited interconnection with cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) of DPSCs. The CREB suppression reduced the impacts of ZDHHC16 on OD and ferroptosis of DPSCs. The activation of CREB also reduced the influences of si-ZDHHC16 on OD and ferroptosis of DPSCs.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidences to support a negative association between ZDHHC16 and OD of DPSCs, which might be mediated by ferroptosis of DPSCs via CREB.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the PI3K/Akt/CREB signaling pathway and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in diabetic cognitive impairment rats.

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway-related proteins and hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) rats, and to explore the mechanisms of EA in treating DCI. Adult male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, and EA groups, with 12 rats in each group. The animal model of DCI was replicated using a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin. The EA group received EA stimulation at "Yishu" (EX-B6), "Zusanli" (ST36), "Baihui" (GV20), and "Dazhui" (GV14). Blood glucose contents of the rats in each group were measured. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning and memory abilities of rats. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 neurons. TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt, as well as CREB, p-CREB, cysteine aspartate pro-tease (Caspase)-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax) in the hippocampal tissue of rats. Compared with the normal group, the rats' random blood glucose contents were significantly increased (P<0.01), the escape latency prolonged (P<0.01), and the original platform crossing counts reduced (P<0.01) in the model group. Significant damage to hippocampal CA1 neurons, a significantly increased neuronal apoptosis index (P<0.01), decreased ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt and expression of CREB, p-CREB and Bcl-2 proteins, increased expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins (P<0.01) were observed in the hippocampal tissue of rats in the model group. Compared with the model group, the rats in the EA group showed decreased random blood glucose content (P<0.01), shortened escape latency (P<0.01), increased original platform crossing counts (P<0.01), improved quantity and pathological morphology and ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 neurons, reduced neuronal apoptosis index (P<0.01), increased ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt, and expression of CREB, p-CREB and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hippocampal tissue, and decreased expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins (P<0.01). EA can improve the learning and memory abilities of rats with DCI, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of PI3K/Akt/CREB signaling pathway-related proteins, which attenuates the neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats, and improves the neural function.