scholarly journals Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation as a Pivot in Drug Abuse. A Focus on the Therapeutic Potential of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agents and Biomolecules

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 830
Author(s):  
Pablo Berríos-Cárcamo ◽  
Mauricio Quezada ◽  
María Elena Quintanilla ◽  
Paola Morales ◽  
Marcelo Ezquer ◽  
...  

Drug abuse is a major global health and economic problem. However, there are no pharmacological treatments to effectively reduce the compulsive use of most drugs of abuse. Despite exerting different mechanisms of action, all drugs of abuse promote the activation of the brain reward system, with lasting neurobiological consequences that potentiate subsequent consumption. Recent evidence shows that the brain displays marked oxidative stress and neuroinflammation following chronic drug consumption. Brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation disrupt glutamate homeostasis by impairing synaptic and extra-synaptic glutamate transport, reducing GLT-1, and system Xc− activities respectively, which increases glutamatergic neurotransmission. This effect consolidates the relapse-promoting effect of drug-related cues, thus sustaining drug craving and subsequent drug consumption. Recently, promising results as experimental treatments to reduce drug consumption and relapse have been shown by (i) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory synthetic molecules whose effects reach the brain; (ii) natural biomolecules secreted by mesenchymal stem cells that excel in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delivered via non-invasive intranasal administration to animal models of drug abuse and (iii) potent anti-inflammatory microRNAs and anti-miRNAs which target the microglia and reduce neuroinflammation and drug craving. In this review, we address the neurobiological consequences of brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that follow the chronic consumption of most drugs of abuse, and the current and potential therapeutic effects of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents and biomolecules to reduce these drug-induced alterations and to prevent relapse.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1171
Author(s):  
Biswajita Pradhan ◽  
Srimanta Patra ◽  
Chhandashree Behera ◽  
Rabindra Nayak ◽  
Bimal Prasad Jit ◽  
...  

Marine algae are a promising source of potent bioactive agents against oxidative stress, diabetes, and inflammation. However, the possible therapeutic effects of many algal metabolites have not been exploited yet. In this regard, we explored the therapeutic potential of Enteromorpha intestinalis extracts obtained from methanol, ethanol, and hexane, in contrasting oxidative stress. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were quantified in all extracts, with ethanol yielding the best values (about 60 and 625 mg of gallic acid and rutin equivalents per gram of extract, respectively). Their antioxidant potential was also assessed through DPPH•, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion scavenging assays, showing a concentration-dependent activity which was greater in the extracts from protic and more polar solvents. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were estimated for checking the antidiabetic capacity, with IC50 values of about 3.8 µg/mL for the methanolic extract, almost as low as those obtained with acarbose (about 2.8 and 3.3 µg/mL, respectively). The same extract also showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effect, as determined by hemolysis, protein denaturation, proteinase and lipoxygenase activity assays, with respectable IC50 values (about 11, 4, 6, and 5 µg/mL, respectively), also in comparison to commercially used drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid.


Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 361
Author(s):  
Margaux Sambon ◽  
Anna Gorlova ◽  
Alice Demelenne ◽  
Judit Alhama-Riba ◽  
Bernard Coumans ◽  
...  

Thiamine precursors, the most studied being benfotiamine (BFT), have protective effects in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. BFT decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, two major characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases, in a neuroblastoma cell line (Neuro2a) and an immortalized brain microglial cell line (BV2). Here, we tested the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the hitherto unexplored derivative O,S-dibenzoylthiamine (DBT) in these two cell lines. We show that DBT protects Neuro2a cells against paraquat (PQ) toxicity by counteracting oxidative stress at low concentrations and increases the synthesis of reduced glutathione and NADPH in a Nrf2-independent manner. In BV2 cells activated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), DBT significantly decreased inflammation by suppressing translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. Our results also demonstrate the superiority of DBT over thiamine and other thiamine precursors, including BFT, in all of the in vitro models. Finally, we show that the chronic administration of DBT arrested motor dysfunction in FUS transgenic mice, a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and it reduced depressive-like behavior in a mouse model of ultrasound-induced stress in which it normalized oxidative stress marker levels in the brain. Together, our data suggest that DBT may have therapeutic potential for brain pathology associated with oxidative stress and inflammation by novel, coenzyme-independent mechanisms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar M.E. Abdel-Salam ◽  
Eman R. Youness ◽  
Nadia A. Mohammed ◽  
Amr M.M. Ibrahim

Systemic inflammation causes brain oxidative stress, a prerequisite for neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of the anesthetic agents propofol and fentanyl on brain oxidative stress during mild systemic endotoxemia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin. For this purpose, rats were administered LPS (400 μg/kg, intraperitoneally; i.p.), treated at the same time with different doses of propofol or fentanyl, i.p., and euthanized 4 h later. Other groups were treated with the saline, only propofol, or only fentanyl. Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined. In addition, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were measured in the brain tissue. Results showed that compared with the saline group, administration of LPS caused a marked and significant increase in brain MDA and NO combined with depletion of GSH and decreased PON-1 and BChE activities. Additionally, the active form of NF-kB was significantly increased in the brain of LPS only-treated rats. Treatment with propofol or fentanyl led to a marked and significant decrease in the levels of brain MDA and NO together with a significant increase in GSH and restoration of PON-1 and BChE activities. Furthermore, lower levels of active form of NF-kB were found following treatment with propofol or fentanyl compared with those in the LPS only group. Collectively, these results suggest that propofol and fentanyl exhibit an antioxidant action and attenuate the endotoxin-induced brain oxidative stress.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Cambier ◽  
Geoffrey de Couto ◽  
Ahmed Ibrahim ◽  
Eduardo Marbán

Background: Exosomes secreted by cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) are critical agents of regeneration and cardioprotection following ischemic injury, mediating the beneficial therapeutic effects of CDCs. Transfer of exosomal RNA to target cells is important for bioactivity. Objective: We sought to determine the RNA content of CDCs-secreted exosomes (CDC-exo), and to assess the contributions of selected small non-coding RNAs to the therapeutic efficacy of CDC-exo. Methods: Using next-generation sequencing (Illumina), we characterized the RNA content of CDC-exo. By direct transfection of fluorescently-labelled oligoribonucleotides, we delivered and tracked selected RNA fragments that are highly enriched in CDC-exo. In order to examine potential cytoprotective effects, neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were pretreated with each of these fragments or a scrambled control fragment prior to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Effects on gene expression were assessed by transfection of the fragments into bone marrow-derived macrophages. Results: Several noncoding RNA species were present in CDC-exo. Among these, Y RNAs (either whole or in fragments of the 5’ end) constituted 18% of all hits. From this data set, we selected two highly-enriched Y RNA fragments. Both fragments localized to the cytoplasm of CDC, NRVM and macrophages, and conferred augmented resistance to oxidative stress of NRVM (64.25±31.13% viability vs. 44±26.85%; p=0.06). Additionally, macrophages transfected with Y fragments exhibit rapid, robust polarization to a distinctive gene expression profile notable for upregulation of IL-10 (83.07 vs. 0.59 fold; p<0.0001), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: Here, we demonstrated that abundant noncoding RNA components of CDC-exo, Y RNA fragments, are bioactive components of CDC-exo. Two distinct fragments confer cardioprotection and also induce a strong anti-inflammatory response in macrophages. Although several components of the CDC-exo payload (including miRNA) contribute to functional efficacy, the present findings demonstrate the capacity of Y RNA fragments, an RNA species of previously-unknown function, to elicit therapeutic effects in vitro.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Mlost ◽  
Marta Bryk ◽  
Katarzyna Starowicz

Cannabis has a long history of medical use. Although there are many cannabinoids present in cannabis, Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two components found in the highest concentrations. CBD itself does not produce typical behavioral cannabimimetic effects and was thought not to be responsible for psychotropic effects of cannabis. Numerous anecdotal findings testify to the therapeutic effects of CBD, which in some cases were further supported by research findings. However, data regarding CBD’s mechanism of action and therapeutic potential are abundant and omnifarious. Therefore, we review the basic research regarding molecular mechanism of CBD’s action with particular focus on its analgesic potential. Moreover, this article describes the detailed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in various models, including neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis and others. The dose and route of the administration-dependent effect of CBD, on the reduction in pain, hyperalgesia or allodynia, as well as the production of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, were described depending on the disease model. The clinical applications of CBD-containing drugs are also mentioned. The data presented herein unravel what is known about CBD’s pharmacodynamics and analgesic effects to provide the reader with current state-of-art knowledge regarding CBD’s action and future perspectives for research.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1283
Author(s):  
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla ◽  
Bongani B. Nkambule ◽  
Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje ◽  
Tawanda M. Nyambuya ◽  
Fabio Marcheggiani ◽  
...  

Impaired adipose tissue function and insulin resistance remain instrumental in promoting hepatic lipid accumulation in conditions of metabolic syndrome. In fact, enhanced lipid accumulation together with oxidative stress and an abnormal inflammatory response underpin the development and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are currently no specific protective drugs against NAFLD, and effective interventions involving regular exercise and healthy diets have proved difficult to achieve and maintain. Alternatively, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against metabolic complications, including NAFLD. Here, reviewed evidence suggests that NAC blocks hepatic lipid accumulation in preclinical models of NAFLD. This is in part through the effective regulation of a fatty acid scavenger molecule (CD36) and transcriptional factors such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c/-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Importantly, NAC appears effective in improving liver function by reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6 IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). This was primarily through the attenuation of lipid peroxidation and enhancements in intracellular response antioxidants, particularly glutathione. Very few clinical studies support the beneficial effects of NAC against NAFLD-related complications, thus well-organized randomized clinical trials are still necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential.


2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1078-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoswaris Semaming ◽  
Jirapas Sripetchwandee ◽  
Piangkwan Sa-nguanmoo ◽  
Hiranya Pintana ◽  
Patchareewan Pannangpetch ◽  
...  

Brain mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated in diabetic animals with neurodegeneration. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a major metabolite of anthocyanin, has been shown to exert glycemic control and oxidative stress reduction in the heart. However, its effects on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in the brain under diabetic condition have never been investigated. We found that PCA exerted glycemic control, attenuates brain mitochondrial dysfunction, and contributes to the prevention of brain oxidative stress in diabetic rats.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Li ◽  
Dong-Sung Lee ◽  
Hyun-Gyu Choi ◽  
Kyoung-Su Kim ◽  
Gil-Saeng Jeong ◽  
...  

A number of diseases that lead to injury of the central nervous system are caused by oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. In this study, NNMBS275, consisting of the ethanol extract ofViola patrinii, showed potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity in murine hippocampal HT22 cells and BV2 microglia. NNMBS275 increased cellular resistance to oxidative injury caused by glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation in HT22 cells. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS275 were demonstrated by the suppression of proinflammatory mediators, including proinflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-1β). Furthermore, we found that the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS275 were linked to the upregulation of nuclear transcription factor-E2-related factor 2-dependent expression of heme oxygenase-1 in HT22 and BV2 cells. These results suggest that NNMBS275 possesses therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases that are induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (10) ◽  
pp. 1074-1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan Hrncic ◽  
Jelena Mikić ◽  
Aleksandra Rasic-Markovic ◽  
Milica Velimirović ◽  
Tihomir Stojković ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a methionine-enriched diet on anxiety-related behavior in rats and to determine the role of the brain oxidative status in these alterations. Adult male Wistar rats were fed from the 30th to 60th postnatal day with standard or methionine-enriched diet (double content comparing with standard diet: 7.7 g/kg). Rats were tested in open field and light–dark tests and afterwards oxidative status in the different brain regions were determined. Hyperhomocysteinemia induced by methionine-enriched diet in this study decreased the number of rearings, as well as the time that these animals spent in the center of the open field, but increased index of thigmotaxy. Oxidative status was selectively altered in the examined regions. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the cortex and nc. caudatus of rats developing hyperhomocysteinemia, but unaltered in the hippocampus and thalamus. Based on the results of this research, it could be concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia induced by methionine nutritional overload increased anxiety-related behavior in rats. These proanxiogenic effects could be, at least in part, a consequence of oxidative stress in the rat brain.


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