The Experts below are selected from a list of 648 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Ching Liang Hsieh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Yi Wen Lin, Chin Yi Cheng, Chao Hsiang Chen, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
-
Research Article Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival,
2016Co-Authors: Hsu-jan Liu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Copyright © 2012 Chung-Hsiang Liu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus 1
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla and rhynchophylline improved kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures via IL-1β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2014Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Chien-yun Hsiang, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reported the major anti-convulsive signaling pathways and effective targets of UR and rhynchophylline (RP) using genomic and immunohistochemical studies. Epileptic seizure model was established by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) in rats. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings indicated that UR and RP improved KA-induced epileptic seizures. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and neurotrophin signaling pathways were regulated by UR in both cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. KA upregulated the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), which were involved in TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, respectively. However, UR and RP downregulated the KA-induced IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Our findings suggested that UR and RP exhibited anti-convulsive effects in KA-induced rats via the regulation of TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, and the subsequent inhibition of IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions.
-
Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011Co-Authors: Chung-hsiang Liu, Yi Wen Lin, Nou Ying Tang, Hsu-jan Liu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus
-
Oral Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) reduces kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures and neuronal death accompanied by attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B proteins in rats.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Yi Wen Lin, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Abstract Aim of the study Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Here we aim to determine the protective role of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), an herbal drug belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on epileptic rats. Materials and methods To address this issue, we tested the effect of UR on kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results Oral UR successfully decreased neuronal death and discharges in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The population spikes (PSs) were decreased from 4.1 ± 0.4 mV to 2.1 ± 0.3 mV in KA-induced epileptic seizures and UR-treated groups, respectively. Oral UR protected animals from neuronal death induced by KA treatment (from 34 ± 4.6 to 191.7 ± 48.6 neurons/field) through attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B protein expression but not GABAA and TRPV1 receptors. Conclusions The above results provide detail mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of UR on KA-induced epileptic seizure in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
Nou Ying Tang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Yi Wen Lin, Chin Yi Cheng, Chao Hsiang Chen, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla and rhynchophylline improved kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures via IL-1β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2014Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Chien-yun Hsiang, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reported the major anti-convulsive signaling pathways and effective targets of UR and rhynchophylline (RP) using genomic and immunohistochemical studies. Epileptic seizure model was established by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) in rats. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings indicated that UR and RP improved KA-induced epileptic seizures. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and neurotrophin signaling pathways were regulated by UR in both cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. KA upregulated the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), which were involved in TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, respectively. However, UR and RP downregulated the KA-induced IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Our findings suggested that UR and RP exhibited anti-convulsive effects in KA-induced rats via the regulation of TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, and the subsequent inhibition of IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions.
-
Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011Co-Authors: Chung-hsiang Liu, Yi Wen Lin, Nou Ying Tang, Hsu-jan Liu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla (miq) Jack plays a role in neuronal protection in kainic acid-treated rats.
The American journal of Chinese medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Chin Yi Cheng, Chung-hsiang Liu, Ya Min Jan, Ching Tou Hsieh, Woei Cherng Shyu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 μg/2 μl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Inhibit c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB activity in kainic acid-treated rats.
The American journal of Chinese medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Ching Liang Hsieh, Chung-hsiang Liu, Nou Ying TangAbstract:Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) can reduce epileptic seizures. We hypothesized that UR and its major component rhynchophylline (RH), reduce epileptic seizures in rats treated with kainic acid (KA) by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator-protein-1 (AP-1) activity, and by eliminating superoxide anions. Therefore, the level of superoxide anions and the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were measured. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with UR (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), RH (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then KA was administered intra-peritoneal (i.p.). The results indicated that UR, RH, and VA can reduce epileptic seizures and the level of superoxide anions in the blood. Furthermore, KA was demonstrated to induce the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. However, these inductions were inhibited by pre-treatment with UR, RH, or VA for 3 days. Moreover, UR and RH were shown to be involved in the suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. This study suggested that UR and RH have antiepileptic effects in KA-induced seizures and are associated with the regulation of the innate immune system via a reduction in the level of superoxide anions, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB activation.
Ji Suk Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Structure-Activity Relationship of Pentacylic Triterpene Esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla as Inhibitors of Phospholipase Cγ1
Planta medica, 2008Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Hunseung Yoo, Young-ger Suh, Jae-kyung Jung, Jin Woong KimAbstract:A systematic structure-activity relationship of 3beta-hydroxy-27- P- E-coumaroyloxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid ( 7), a triterpene ester isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla as a phospholipase Cgamma1 inhibitor, was undertaken with a view toward elucidating its chemical mode of action on PLCgamma1. Related derivatives and analogues of 7 were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 were evaluated IN VITRO. The results indicate that 3-OH and 27-esterification may be essential, and that 28-COOH and the 2' double bond appear to be important for activity. Furthermore, the compound possessing a P-coumaroyloxy at position 27 rather than at the 3 and 28 positions shows the greatest inhibitory activity against PLCgamma1. Therefore, this inhibitor will be providing a chemical lead for the further development of cancer chemopreventive or cancer chemotherapeutic agents that have lower toxicity against normal tissues.
-
Inhibition of phospholipase cgamma1 and cancer cell proliferation by triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla.
Journal of natural products, 2000Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog Ahn, Bo Yeon Kim, Yuan Shiun ChangAbstract:Investigation of the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla resulted in isolation of six phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) inhibitors (1-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated as pentacyclic triterpene esters by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Three of them, namely uncarinic acids C (1), D (2), and E (3), are newly reported as natural products. All the compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 in vitro with IC(50) values of 9.5-44.6 microM and inhibited the proliferation of human cancer cells with IC(50) values of 0.5-6.5 microg/mL.
-
Inhibition of phospholipase cgamma1 and cancer cell proliferation by triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla
American Chemical Society, 2000Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog Ahn, Bo Yeon Kim, Yuan Shiun ChangAbstract:Investigation of the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla resulted in isolation of six phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) inhibitors (1-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated as pentacyclic triterpene esters by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Three of them, namely uncarinic acids C (1), D (2), and E (3), are newly reported as natural products. All the compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities against PLCγ1 in vitro with IC50 values of 9.5-44.6 μM and inhibited the proliferation of human cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.5-6.5 μg/mL.ope
-
Uncarinic acids: Phospholipase Cγ1 inhibitors from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 1999Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Mi Young Yang, Ho Sup Yeo, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog AhnAbstract:Abstract Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CHCl 3 extract from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla led to the isolation of two triterpene esters, namely uncarinic acids A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These compounds inhibited phospholipase Cγ1 with IC 50 values of 35.66 and 44.55 μM, respectively.
-
Uncarinic acids: phospholipase Cγ1 inhibitors from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla
Elsevier, 1999Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Mi Young Yang, Ho Sup Yeo, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog AhnAbstract:Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CHCl3 extract from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla led to the isolation of two triterpene esters, namely uncarinic acids A (1) and B (2). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These compounds inhibited phospholipase Cγ1 with IC50 values of 3 5.66 and 44.55 μM, respectively.ope
Jin Woong Kim - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Structure-Activity Relationship of Pentacylic Triterpene Esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla as Inhibitors of Phospholipase Cγ1
Planta medica, 2008Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Hunseung Yoo, Young-ger Suh, Jae-kyung Jung, Jin Woong KimAbstract:A systematic structure-activity relationship of 3beta-hydroxy-27- P- E-coumaroyloxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid ( 7), a triterpene ester isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla as a phospholipase Cgamma1 inhibitor, was undertaken with a view toward elucidating its chemical mode of action on PLCgamma1. Related derivatives and analogues of 7 were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 were evaluated IN VITRO. The results indicate that 3-OH and 27-esterification may be essential, and that 28-COOH and the 2' double bond appear to be important for activity. Furthermore, the compound possessing a P-coumaroyloxy at position 27 rather than at the 3 and 28 positions shows the greatest inhibitory activity against PLCgamma1. Therefore, this inhibitor will be providing a chemical lead for the further development of cancer chemopreventive or cancer chemotherapeutic agents that have lower toxicity against normal tissues.
-
Inhibition of phospholipase cgamma1 and cancer cell proliferation by triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla.
Journal of natural products, 2000Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog Ahn, Bo Yeon Kim, Yuan Shiun ChangAbstract:Investigation of the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla resulted in isolation of six phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) inhibitors (1-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated as pentacyclic triterpene esters by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Three of them, namely uncarinic acids C (1), D (2), and E (3), are newly reported as natural products. All the compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 in vitro with IC(50) values of 9.5-44.6 microM and inhibited the proliferation of human cancer cells with IC(50) values of 0.5-6.5 microg/mL.
-
Inhibition of phospholipase cgamma1 and cancer cell proliferation by triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla
American Chemical Society, 2000Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog Ahn, Bo Yeon Kim, Yuan Shiun ChangAbstract:Investigation of the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla resulted in isolation of six phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) inhibitors (1-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated as pentacyclic triterpene esters by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Three of them, namely uncarinic acids C (1), D (2), and E (3), are newly reported as natural products. All the compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities against PLCγ1 in vitro with IC50 values of 9.5-44.6 μM and inhibited the proliferation of human cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.5-6.5 μg/mL.ope
-
Uncarinic acids: Phospholipase Cγ1 inhibitors from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 1999Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Mi Young Yang, Ho Sup Yeo, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog AhnAbstract:Abstract Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CHCl 3 extract from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla led to the isolation of two triterpene esters, namely uncarinic acids A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These compounds inhibited phospholipase Cγ1 with IC 50 values of 35.66 and 44.55 μM, respectively.
-
Uncarinic acids: phospholipase Cγ1 inhibitors from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla
Elsevier, 1999Co-Authors: Ji Suk Lee, Mi Young Yang, Ho Sup Yeo, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Sun Lee, Jong Seog AhnAbstract:Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CHCl3 extract from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla led to the isolation of two triterpene esters, namely uncarinic acids A (1) and B (2). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These compounds inhibited phospholipase Cγ1 with IC50 values of 3 5.66 and 44.55 μM, respectively.ope
Chung-hsiang Liu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011Co-Authors: Chung-hsiang Liu, Yi Wen Lin, Nou Ying Tang, Hsu-jan Liu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla (miq) Jack plays a role in neuronal protection in kainic acid-treated rats.
The American journal of Chinese medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Nou Ying Tang, Chin Yi Cheng, Chung-hsiang Liu, Ya Min Jan, Ching Tou Hsieh, Woei Cherng Shyu, Ching Liang HsiehAbstract:Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 μg/2 μl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.
-
Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Inhibit c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB activity in kainic acid-treated rats.
The American journal of Chinese medicine, 2009Co-Authors: Ching Liang Hsieh, Chung-hsiang Liu, Nou Ying TangAbstract:Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) can reduce epileptic seizures. We hypothesized that UR and its major component rhynchophylline (RH), reduce epileptic seizures in rats treated with kainic acid (KA) by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator-protein-1 (AP-1) activity, and by eliminating superoxide anions. Therefore, the level of superoxide anions and the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were measured. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with UR (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), RH (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then KA was administered intra-peritoneal (i.p.). The results indicated that UR, RH, and VA can reduce epileptic seizures and the level of superoxide anions in the blood. Furthermore, KA was demonstrated to induce the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. However, these inductions were inhibited by pre-treatment with UR, RH, or VA for 3 days. Moreover, UR and RH were shown to be involved in the suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. This study suggested that UR and RH have antiepileptic effects in KA-induced seizures and are associated with the regulation of the innate immune system via a reduction in the level of superoxide anions, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB activation.
