Calcineurin-Mediated Hippocampal Inflammatory Alterations in Streptozotocin-Induced Model of Dementia.

Although the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear, some molecular aspects that precede or accompany the deposit of β-amyloid in senile plaques attract attention, such as calcium dysregulation and neuroinflammation. It has been suggested that the Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin (CaN), plays an important role in AD pathogenesis. We hypothesized that CaN activation is involved in the inflammatory changes observed in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of AD.

Early and Persistent O-GlcNAc Protein Modification in the Streptozotocin Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

 O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), an enzyme highly expressed in brain tissue, catalyzes the addition of N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) to hydroxyl residues of serine and threonine of proteins. Brain protein O-GlcNAcylation is diminished in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and OGT targets include proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway (e.g.

Hippocampal changes in STZ-model of Alzheimer's disease are dependent on sex.

The majority of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases are sporadic and aging is the major risk factor for developing the disease, affecting more women than men. In spite of different gender prevalence, most experimental studies in animal models have been performed in male. This study investigates the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD model at three different times (2, 4 and 8 weeks afterwards) and in male and female rats, evaluating cognitive deficit, cholinergic neurotransmission, glucose uptake, glutathione content and specific glial markers (GFAP and S100B protein) in the hippocampus of the rat.

Intracerebroventricular administration of okadaic acid induces hippocampal glucose uptake dysfunction and tau phosphorylation.

Intraneuronal aggregates of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), together with beta-amyloid plaques and astrogliosis, are histological markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The underlying mechanism of sporadic AD remains poorly understood, but abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein is suggested to have a role in NFTs genesis, which leads to neuronal dysfunction and death. Okadaic acid (OKA), a strong inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A, has been used to induce dementia similar to AD in rats.

Schistosoma mansoni infection causes oxidative stress and alters receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) and tau levels in multiple organs in mice.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms from the Schistosoma genus and is characterized by high rates of morbidity. The main organs affected in this pathology, such as liver, kidneys and spleen, are shifted to a pro-oxidant state in the course of the infection. Here, we compared oxidative stress parameters of liver, kidney and spleen with other organs affected by schistosomiasis - heart, brain cortex and lungs.

Redox characterization of usnic acid and its cytotoxic effect on human neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y).

Usnic acid (UA) is the most common and abundant lichenic secondary metabolite with potential therapeutic application. Anti-inflammatory and antitumour properties have already been reported and UA-enriched extracts are widely used to treat several diseases in the folk medicine. First, we performed in silico evaluation of UA interactions with genes/proteins and important compounds for cellular redox balance and NO pathway.

Morinda citrifolia Linn leaf extract possesses antioxidant activities and reduces nociceptive behavior and leukocyte migration.

Herbal drugs have been used since ancient times to treat a wide range of diseases. Morinda citrifolia Linn (popularly known as "Noni") has been used in folk medicine by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. It is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, including effects against headache, fever, arthritis, gingivitis, respiratory disorders, infections, tuberculosis, and diabetes.

Antinociceptive action and redox properties of citronellal, an essential oil present in lemongrass.

Citronellal (CT) is a monoterpenoid and the major constituent of the mixture of terpenoids that give the citronella oil its lemon scent. Citronella oil is widely used around the world for various purposes and is mainly obtained from plants of the Cymbopogon genus, which are known as "lemongrass." Considering these plants have been used worldwide for various medicinal purposes, the interest of researchers to understand the biological activities of monoterpenoids related to the Cymbopogon genus has been increasing.

Redox properties and cytoprotective actions of atranorin, a lichen secondary metabolite.

Atranorin (ATR) is a lichenic secondary metabolite with potential uses in pharmacology. Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory actions have been reported, and the use of atranorin-enriched lichen extracts in folk medicine is widespread. Nonetheless, very few data on ATR biological actions are available.