scholarly journals Therapeutic of Candesartan and Music Therapy in Diabetic Retinopathy with Depression in Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Chengping Luo ◽  
Huimin Fan ◽  
Shaojun Li ◽  
Yuling Zou
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Model Group

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of candesartan combined with music therapy on diabetic retinopathy with depression and to assess the molecular mechanisms. Associated animal model of diabetes mellitus and depression was established in rats. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were detected by haematoxylin eosin (H&E) staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect retinal cell apoptosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) in peripheral blood and neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in the hippocampus, was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-fos in the hippocampus. Our data showed that chromatin aggregation and cytoplasmic vacuolation were observable in the hippocampal cells of the rats in the model group, while candesartan and music therapy could reduce morphological changes in the hippocampus of diabetic rats with depression. Compared with the control group, the apoptosis of retinal cells was significantly higher, the contents of 5-HT, DA, and NE in the hippocampus were significantly lower, Ang II level in peripheral blood was significantly higher, and the expression of BDNF and c-fos in the hippocampus decreased significantly in the model group. By contrast, candesartan or candesartan + music therapy ameliorated the changes in retina cell apoptosis, reduction of neurotransmitters, increase in AII, and the expression of c-fos and BDNF. Especially, music therapy further improved the effects of candesartan on retina cell apoptosis and neurotransmitter release in diabetic retinopathy rats with depression. In conclusion, candesartan and music therapy have an additive effect in DM with both visual impairment and depression, which might serve a potential alternative treatment for this complex disease.

scholarly journals Effect of Wenxin Granule on Ventricular Remodeling and Myocardial Apoptosis in Rats with Myocardial Infarction

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aiming Wu ◽  
Jianying Zhai ◽  
Dongmei Zhang ◽  
Lixia Lou ◽  
Haiyan Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Ventricular Remodeling ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Myocardial Apoptosis

Aim. To determine the effect of a Chinese herbal compound named Wenxin Granule on ventricular remodeling and myocardial apoptosis in rats with myocardial infarction (MI).Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the model group, the metoprolol group, and the Wenxin Granule group (WXKL group) with sample size (n) of 7 rats in each group. An MI model was established in all rats by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (the control group was without occlusion). Wenxin Granule (1.35 g/kg/day), metoprolol (12 mg/kg/day), and distilled water (5 mL/kg/day for the control and model groups) were administered orally for 4 weeks. Ultrasonic echocardiography was used to examine cardiac structural and functional parameters. Myocardial histopathological changes were observed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) dyeing. Myocardial apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Serum angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. It was found that Wenxin Granule could partially reverse ventricular remodeling, improve heart function, alleviate the histopathological damage, inhibit myocardial apoptosis, and reduce Ang II concentration in rats with MI.Conclusions. The results of the current study suggest that Wenxin Granule may be a potential alternative and complementary medicine for the treatment of MI.

scholarly journals Th17 cell frequency and IL-17A concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and vitreous fluid from patients with diabetic retinopathy

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1403-1413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Xiangrong Ren ◽  
Nanying Liao ◽  
Feng Wen
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Th17 Cell ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Diabetic Macular Oedema ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vitreous Fluid ◽  
Cell Frequency ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear

Objective To quantify T helper (Th)17 cells and determine interleukin (IL)-17A levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture and vitreous fluid from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods Th17 cell frequency and IL-17A concentrations in PBMCs from 60 patients with T2DM with DR, 30 without DR and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals were measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. IL-17A levels in vitreous fluid from 31 eyes with proliferative DR and diabetic macular oedema (DR group) and 32 eyes with an epiretinal membrane and macular hole (control group) that underwent vitrectomy were also examined by ELISA. Results Compared with the control group, the proportion of Th17 cells and IL-17A concentrations in PBMCs were significantly increased in patients without DR but decreased in those with DR. IL-17A concentrations and Th17 cell frequency in PBMCs tended to decrease with DR severity and were negatively correlated with body mass index, T2DM duration and glycated haemoglobin. Additionally, vitreous fluid IL-17A levels were significantly elevated in patients with DR compared with those of the control group. Conclusions We conclude that disturbances in Th17 cells and IL-17A levels are possibly associated with DR.

Expression and Significance of Th17 Cells and Related Factors in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihong An
Keyword(s):  
Autoimmune Hepatitis ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Total Bilirubin ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Tnf Α

Objective: This study aims to investigate the expression and clinical significance of Th17 cells and related factors in peripheral blood of patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH). Methods: A retrospective selection of 100 patients with AIH were included as a study group, and 100 healthy volunteers in the outpatient clinic were selected as the control group. The levels of IL- 17, IL-6, IL-21 and TNF-α in peripheral blood of all subjects were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the frequency of Th17 cells and Treg cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Results showed that the study group had higher levels of serum total bilirubin (TBil), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ -glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) than the control group, as well as higher levels of IL-17, IL-6, IL-21 and TNF-α in serum. The frequency of Th17 cells in peripheral blood was higher in the study group, while the frequency of Treg cells was lower. Also, serum IL-17, TNF-α levels and Th17 cells frequency were positively correlated with ALT and AST, whereas Treg cells frequency were negatively correlated with ALT and AST levels. Conclusion: Our finding demonstrates that Th17 cell frequency and their related factors IL-17 and TNF-α, are associated with liver damage, which might be used to monitor AIH disease severity.

scholarly journals Comparative study on the antituberculous effect and mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicines NiuBeiXiaoHe extract and JieHeWan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Yao Duan ◽  
Yan Liang ◽  
Wen-Ping Gong ◽  
Yong Xue ◽  
Jie Mi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Model Group ◽  
Lung Histopathology ◽  
Th17 Cytokines

Abstract Background The traditional Chinese medicine NiuBeiXiaoHe (NBXH) extract and Chinese medicine preparation JieHeWan (JHW) exhibit anti-tuberculosis effects. The anti- tuberculosis effect of NBXH was compared with that of JHW to elucidate the mechanism of action of NBXH. Methods BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group, Tuberculosis (TB) model group, JHW treatment group, and NBXH treatment group. After 3 and 13 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic effect in each group was evaluated by comparing lung histopathology, lung and liver colony counts, the number of spots representing effector T cells secreting IFN-γ in an ELISPOT, and the levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines, which were measured by a cytometric bead array (CBA). Mouse RNA samples were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Results After 13 weeks of treatment, the mean histopathological lesion area of the NBXH group was significantly smaller than that of the TB model group (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the TB model group, the lung colony counts in the JHW and NBXH groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the IL-2 and IL-4 levels in the NBXH group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). NBXH partly restored significant changes in gene expression caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection. According to GO and KEGG analyses, the changes in biological process (BP), cell composition (CC) and molecular function (MF) terms and in signaling pathways caused by NBXH and JHW treatment were not completely consistent, but they were mainly related to the immune response and inflammatory response in the mouse TB model. Conclusions NBXH had therapeutic effects similar to those of JHW in improving lung histopathology, reducing lung colony counts, and regulating the levels of cytokines. NBXH restored significant changes in gene expression and repaired cell damage caused by M. tuberculosis infection by regulating immune-related pathways, which clarified the mechanism of action of NBXH.

scholarly journals Circulating Natural IgM Antibodies against Angiogenin in the Peripheral Blood Sera of Patients with Osteosarcoma as Candidate Biomarkers and Reporters of Tumorigenesis

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. BIC.S6040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia A. Savitskaya ◽  
Genaro Rico ◽  
Luis Linares ◽  
Roberto González ◽  
René Téllez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Natural Igm

Background Tumor immunology research has led to the identification of a number of tumor-associated self antigens, suggesting that most tumors trigger an immunogenic response, as is the case in osteosarcoma, where the detection of natural serum IgM antibodies might achieve the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Natural IgM antibodies to tumor-associated proteins may expand the number of available tumor biomarkers for osteosarcoma and may be used together in a serum profile to enhance test sensitivity and specificity. Natural IgM antibodies can be consistently detected in the peripheral blood sera months to years before the tumor is diagnosed clinically. The study of the level of a potential biomarker many months (or years) prior to diagnosis is fundamentally important. Integrated circulating and imaging markers in clinical practice treating osteosarcoma have potential applications for controlling tumor angiogenesis. Objectives To study the expression of natural IgM antibodies to the tumor antigens of angiogenesis in the peripheral blood sera of osteosarcoma patients and healthy individuals, and to develop serum-based predictive biomarkers. Methods Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 117 osteosarcoma patients and 117 patients with other tumors. All diagnosis was histologically confirmed. Staging of patients was performed according to the Enneking Surgical Staging System. The control group consisted of 117 age- and sex- matched healthy individuals. In this study, novel immunoconjugates were designed, synthesized and then used to develop a rapid, specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect angiogenin (ANG)–IgM directly in the peripheral blood sera of humans. Results Serum ANG–IgM levels are significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients than in healthy individuals ( P < 0.005). Serum ANG–IgM levels varied widely, but were highly dependent on the concentration of IgM (r = 0.85; P < 0.0005). We found ANG–IgM in the sera of 85% of newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients and ANG–IgM levels were significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients compared to any other tumors ( P < 0.001). Conclusions These results demonstrated that the combined biomarker ANG–IgM has greater sensitivity and specificity in early diagnosis of osteosarcoma patients than the traditional biomarkers (ANG and vascular endothelial growth factor). Circulating ANG–IgM immune complexes can potentially serve as a biomarker for increased risk of osteosarcoma, because relatively high serum levels were also detected in otherwise healthy individuals with a first degree family history of osteosarcoma and in patients with a diagnosis of benign conditions. Immunological aspects of angiogenesis for managing osteosarcoma will have a practical value in early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring response to antiangiogenic therapy.

Lipidomics Study of the Therapeutic Mechanism of Plantaginis Semen in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemia Rat

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjun Shi ◽  
Fei Yang ◽  
Liting Wang ◽  
Nankun Qin ◽  
Chengxiang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Rats ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Model Group ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Plantaginis Semen ◽  
Potassium Oxonate

Abstract BackgroundPlantaginis semen has been widely used as folk medicine and health care food against hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout, but little was known about its pharmacological mechanism. MethodsThe model was established by potassium oxonate intragastric administration. 42 Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, benzbromarone group (10 mg/kg) and three Plantaginis semen groups (n = 7). The Plantaginis semen groups were treated orally with Plantaginis semen at 0.9375, 1.875 and 3.75 g/kg for 28 days. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), triacylglycerol (TG) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used as the basis for serum lipidomics analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was carried out for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. The relative levels of critical regulatory factors of urate anion transporter 1(URAT1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ protein kinases B (PI3K/Akt) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ResultsCompared with the model group, the levels of serum UA, Cr, and TG were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in benzbromarone and three Plantaginis semen groups and the level of serum TNF-α was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in benzbromarone and low dose of Plantaginis semen group. With lipidomics analysis, significant lipid metabolic perturbations were observed in HUA rats, 13 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was mostly affected. These perturbations can be partially restored via treatment of benzbromarone and Plantaginis semen. Additionally, the URAT1 and PI3K/Akt mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) after treatment with benzbromarone and high dose of Plantaginis semen. ConclusionsPlantaginis semen had significant anti-HUA, anti-inflammatory and renal protection effects and could attenuate potassium oxonate-induced HUA through regulation of lipid metabolism disorder. Trial registrationNot applicable

scholarly journals Downregulated Expression of Solute Carrier Family 26 Member 6 in NRK-52E Cells Attenuates Oxalate-Induced Intracellular Oxidative Stress

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyang Jiang ◽  
Xintao Gao ◽  
Jianan Gong ◽  
Qian Yang ◽  
Ruzhu Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Crystal Formation ◽  
Solute Carrier Family ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Anion Transporter ◽  
Crystal Adhesion ◽  
Solute Carrier

Solute carrier family 26 member 6 (Slc26a6), which is mainly expressed in the intestines and kidneys, is a multifunctional anion transporter that is crucial in the transport of oxalate anions. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of Slc26a6 expression on oxalate-induced cell oxidation and crystal formation. Lentivirus transfection was used to upregulate or downregulate Slc26a6 expression in NRK cells. Cell viability and apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) generation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Crystal adhesion and the cell ultrastructure were observed using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three groups of rats, normal control, lentivirus-vector, and lentivirus-small interfering RNA (lv-siRNA) groups, were used, and after lentivirus transfection, they were fed 1% ethylene glycol (EG) and 0.5% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 2 weeks. Dihydroethidium (DHE), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and von Kossa staining were performed, and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and osteopontin (OPN) expression were measured. In the vitro study, compared to the control group, downregulated Slc26a6 NRK cells showed alleviation of the cell viability decrease, cell apoptosis rate, ROS generation, and SOD activity decrease after oxalate treatment. Crystal adhesion and vesicles were significantly less after oxalate exposure than in the untreated controls. Rats infected with lentivirus-siRNA exhibited attenuated SOD generation, cell apoptosis, and crystal formation in the kidneys. Increased phosphorylation of NFκB and OPN was involved in the pathological process. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that reducing the expression of Slc26a6 in the kidney may be a potential strategy for preventing stone formation.

scholarly journals Detection of IL-37 in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its clinical significance

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 205873921882022
Author(s):  
Ge Zhang ◽  
Wei Huang ◽  
Ying Wang
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Period ◽  
Stable Period ◽  
Antibody Levels

The study aimed to detect the expression level of interleukin-37 (IL-37) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore its clinical significance. A total of 40 peripheral blood samples from active and stable RA patients were collected (40 patients with RA), and peripheral blood from 40 healthy volunteers was used as the control group. Peripheral blood serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. The expression of IL-37 mRNA in PBMCs was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Serum levels of IL-37, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were then calculated and analyzed. The results showed that expression of IL-37 mRNA in the PBMCs of patients with RA was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). Expression of IL-37 mRNA in the PBMCs of the active period group was significantly higher than that in the stable period group ( P < 0.05). IL-37 levels in patients with RA were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.05). IL-37 levels in the active period group were also significantly higher than those of the stable period group ( P < 0.05). The comparative analysis of RF and anti-CCP antibody levels showed that IL-37 was positively correlated with RF and anti-CCP levels in patients with RA. In conclusion, the expression level of IL-37 in peripheral blood of RA patients was significantly higher than that of normal control group, and it was correlated with RF and CCP antibody levels, indicating that IL-37 plays an important role in the development of RA.

scholarly journals Heat stress combined with lipopolysaccharide alter the activity and superficial molecules of peripheral monocytes

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 205873841982889
Author(s):  
Jiajing Luo ◽  
Yi Chen ◽  
Chengjia Ding ◽  
Jialing Qiu ◽  
Yulan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Inflammatory Mediators ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Tnf Α

The purpose of this study was to focus on the underlying relationship between the hyperactivity for the peripheral monocytes and heat stroke by investigating the inflammatory oxidative activity of and the expression of superficial molecules. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 healthy adult volunteers. Human blood monocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and sequent adherent culture. The objectives were divided into four groups: 43°C heat stress combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, 43°C heat stress group, LPS group, and control group. There were 10 cases in each group. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to measure the concentrations of supernatant inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)). After loaded by 2,7-Dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein-diacetate (DCFHDA) fluorescent probe, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by a flow cytometry. After fluorescent microspheres incubation, the phagocytosis of monocytes was observed under a fluorescent microscope. Respectively, the flow cytometry and Western blot were used to evaluate the level of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) on the monocytes. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of TREM-1 and TLR-4 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The heat stress combined with LPS stimulation promoted the peripheral monocytes to produce inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) and release ROS. Otherwise, such complex strike significantly suppressed the phagocytic activity of monocytes in peripheral blood. Moreover, the expression of TREM-1, TLR-4 and CD86 was measured by the flow cytometry on peripheral monocytes which were respectively promoted by the union of heat stress and LPS. The results of Western blot and RT-PCR demonstrated the similar kinetics on these superficial molecules (TREM-1, TLR-4, and CD86) stimulated by the combination of heat stress and LPS. The underlying mechanism of the dysfunction for the peripheral monocytes may be related to the abnormal expression of superficial molecules TREM-1, TLR-4, and CD86 on the monocytes induced by heat stress and LPS.

scholarly journals Elaeagnus glabra f. oxyphylla Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairments in Mice by Improving Cholinergic Transmission via Activation of CREB/NGF Signaling

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunjin Sohn ◽  
Hye-Sun Lim ◽  
Yu Jin Kim ◽  
Bu-Yeo Kim ◽  
Joo-Hwan Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Memory Impairments ◽  
Group A ◽  
Ngf Signaling

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of an Elaeagnus glabra f. oxyphylla (EGFO) ethanol extract in mice with scopolamine-induced memory dysfunction. Fifty male mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, a scopolamine-treated group, a scopolamine and EGFO extract-treated group, and a scopolamine and tacrine-treated group. EGFO (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) was received for 21 days. Step-through passive avoidance and Y-maze tests were performed to examine the effects of treatment on learning and memory impairments. Acetylcholine (Ach) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), nerve growth factor (NGF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and apoptosis-related protein expression were determined via Western blot analysis. EGFO pretreatment significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairments, relative to findings observed in the scopolamine-treated group. Levels of cholinergic factors in the brain tissues were markedly attenuated in the scopolamine-treated group. EGFO treatment also attenuated neural apoptosis in scopolamine-treated mice by decreasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bax, Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3, and TUNEL staining. These results suggest that EGFO improves memory and cognition in a mouse model of memory impairment by restoring cholinergic and anti-apoptotic activity, possibly via activation of CREB/NGF signaling.

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