Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomédecine & pharmacothérapie
-
Biomed. Pharmacother. · Nov 2017
Activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) by selective agonists regulates the deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix.
Remodelling of the extracellular matrix and accumulation of fibronectin and collagen type I play critical roles in scar formation following glaucoma filtration surgery. The transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signal transduction pathway is involved in this process in human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs). The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) is an important member of the cannabinoid receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors. ⋯ In addition, the CB2R agonists HU308 and JWH133 ameliorated TGF-β1-induced matrix contraction and remodelling in a dose- and time-dependent manner, respectively. HU308 and JWH133 also suppressed the TGF-β1-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Based on our results, agonistic activation of CB2R exerts a protective effect on scarring during the healing of wounds from glaucoma filtration surgery.
-
Biomed. Pharmacother. · Nov 2017
Effects of Tianmagouteng particles on brain cognitive function in spontaneously hypertensive rats with hyperactivity of liver-yang: A [F-18] FDG micro-PET imaging study.
To collect visualized proof of Tianmagouteng particles (TMGTP) in alleviating cognitive dysfunction and to explore its effects on brain activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) with hyperactivity of liver-yang (Gan Yang Shang Kang, GYSK). ⋯ TMGTP could alleviate cognitive dysfunction in SHRs with GYSK, which was possibly by inducing alteration of glucose metabolism in different brain regions with corresponding functions.
-
Biomed. Pharmacother. · Nov 2017
Phytanic acid induced neurological alterations in rat brain synaptosomes and its attenuation by melatonin.
Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) (Phyt) is a saturated branched chain fatty acid which originates after the breakdown of chlorophyll molecule, phytol. It plays an important role in a variety of metabolic disorders with peroxisomal impairments. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the adverse effects of Phyt on synaptic functions by using synaptosomal preparation of rat brain as an in vitro model and the possible protective role of melatonin against Phyt-induced neurotoxicity. ⋯ We observed that Phyt induced oxidative stress in synaptosomes as indicated by an elevation in the generation of ROS and melatonin was able to inhibit the elevated ROS generation. Moreover, the neurotoxic effects elicited by Phyt on NO level and membrane potential were totally prevented by the treatment of melatonin. The results of our investigation emphasize the potential use of melatonin as a nutraceutical and mitigatory agent against Phyt-induced oxidative stress.
-
Biomed. Pharmacother. · Nov 2017
Comparative StudyThe flavonoid 6-methoxyflavone allays cisplatin-induced neuropathic allodynia and hypoalgesia.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose limiting side-effect of several commonly used chemotherapeutic agents (such as cisplatin) that profoundly impairs patient quality of life. Unfortunately, neither prophylactic strategies nor symptomatic treatments have proven useful in this condition. Flavonoids are found ubiquitously in fruits and vegetables and exert a multiplicity of beneficial effects. ⋯ However, these antinociceptive actions were associated with motor impairment exemplified by a significant decrease in rotarod endurance latency and a deficit in the uniformity of step alternation. In contrast, 6-MF was devoid of these adverse side-effects. These findings suggested that 6-MF afforded desirable neuropathic pain alleviating effects in CIPN and it was devoid of gabapentin-like unwanted motor side-effects.
-
Biomed. Pharmacother. · Nov 2017
Dexmedetomidine exerts neuroprotective effect via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in rats with traumatic brain injury.
This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in rats suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. ⋯ The data shows that Dex exerts a neuroprotective effect via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in rats with TBI.