Differential Effects of Halofuginone Enantiomers on Muscle Fibrosis and Histopathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Progressive loss of muscle and muscle function is associated with significant fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Halofuginone, an analog of febrifugine, prevents fibrosis in various animal models, including those of muscular dystrophies. Effects of (+)/(-)-halofuginone enantiomers on motor coordination and diaphragm histopathology in mice, the mouse model for DMD, were examined.

Early posthatch thermal stress causes long-term adverse effects on pectoralis muscle development in broilers.

Broiler chicks in the immediate posthatch handling period are exposed to thermal stress, with potentially harmful consequences for muscle growth and structure (e.g., less protein and more fat deposition).

Hydroxy group requirement for halofuginone-dependent inhibition of muscle fibrosis and improvement of histopathology in the mdx mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the progressive loss of muscle and its ability to function is associated with significant fibrosis, representing the major disease complication in patients. Halofuginone, a halogenated analog of the naturally occurring febrifugine, has been shown to prevent fibrosis in various animal models, including those of muscular dystrophies. Here, two optically active enantiomers of deoxyhalofuginone - a halofuginone analogue in which the hydroxy group in position 3 was removed from the piperidinyl entity - were evaluated with respect to their effect on muscle histopathology in mdx mice.

Downregulation of microglial activation by achillolide A.

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. During the neuroinflammatory process, microglial cells release neurotoxic and proinflammatory mediators. In the present study, using activity-guided fractionation, we have purified an anti-inflammatory compound determined by spectroscopic methods to be a sesquiterpene lactone named achillolide A from Achillea fragrantissima (Forsk.

3,5,4'-Trihydroxy-6,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone protects astrocytes against oxidative stress via interference with cell signaling and by reducing the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species.

Oxidative stress is tightly involved in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and conditions such as ischemia. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide them with trophic support. Therefore, any damage to astrocytes will affect neuronal survival.

Protective and antioxidant effects of a chalconoid from Pulicaria incisa on brain astrocytes.

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide them with trophic support, such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Thus, any damage to astrocytes will affect neuronal survival.

Antioxidant and astroprotective effects of a Pulicaria incisa infusion.

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide them with trophic support, such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Thus, any damage to astrocytes will affect neuronal survival.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the extract of Achillea fragrantissima.

Background: The neuroinflammatory process plays a central role in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and involves the activation of brain microglial cells. During the neuroinflammatory process, microglial cells release proinflammatory mediators such as cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). In the present study, extracts from 66 different desert plants were tested for their effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced production of NO by primary microglial cells.

Protective Effects of the Essential Oil of Salvia fruticosa and Its Constituents on Astrocytic Susceptibility to Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Death.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in pathologic processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS), and any damage to them will affect neuronal survival. This study compares the ability of essential oils prepared from different herbs and spices to protect cultured primary brain astrocytes from H2O2-induced death.

Dopamine, through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, downregulates CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cell activity: implications for neurodegeneration.

Fighting off neuronal degeneration requires a well controlled T-cell response against self-antigens residing in sites of the CNS damage. The ability to evoke this response is normally suppressed by naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Treg). No physiological compound that controls Treg activity has yet been identified.