Neuroprotective Effects of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang in the MPP⁺/MPTP Models of Parkinson’s DiseaseIn VitroandIn Vivo

Abstract

San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXT), composed of Coptidis rhizoma, Scutellariae radix, and Rhei rhizoma, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for complementary and alternative therapy of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of SHXT in the 1–methyl–4–phenylpyridinium (MPP+)/1–methyl–4–phenyl–1,2,3,6–tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) models of Parkinson's disease. Rat primary mesencephalic neurons and mouse Parkinson disease model were used in this study. Oxidative stress was induced by MPP+ in vitro and MPTP in vivo. In MPP+-treated mesencephalic neuron cultures, SHXT significantly increased the numbers of TH-positive neurons. SHXT reduced apoptotic signals (cytochrome and caspase) and apoptotic death. MPP+-induced gp91phox activation and ROS production were attenuated by SHXT. In addition, SHXT increased the levels of GSH and SOD in MPP+-treated neurons. In MPTP animal model, SHXT markedly increased TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and improved motor activity of mice. In conclusion, the present results reveal the evidence that SHXT possesses beneficial protection against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in this model of Parkinson's disease via its antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects. SHXT might be a potentially alternative and complementary medicine for neuroprotection.

Neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of morin in a murine model of Parkinson's disease

“…Several authors have shown that ROS is closely associated with MPP + ‐induced neurotoxicity in PD and have suggested that antioxidative agents might be neuroprotective (Di Monte et al, ; Lee et al, ; Lo et al, ; Li et al, ). To investigate the antioxidative effects of morin, we evaluated ROS by measuring fluorescence intensities of DCF, an indicator of hydroxyl radical formation.…”

“…Several previous studies have indicated that morin has antioxidant effects in models of excitotoxicity and experimental ischemia (Gottlieb et al, ) and that it is also effective in preventing and reversing Aβ destabilization (Lemkul and Bevan, ; Boopathi and Kolandaivel, ). In addition, several studies have indicated that ROS may be involved in MPP + ‐induced neurotoxicity (Di Monte et al, ; Lee et al, ; Lo et al, ; Li et al, ). In the present study, morin was shown to exert a neuroprotective effect against MPP + ‐induced cytotoxicity in primary neurons.…”

The novel protective effects of loganin against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium‐induced neurotoxicity: Enhancement of neurotrophic signaling, activation of IGF‐1R/GLP‐1R, and inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway

“…Primary mesencephalic neuronal cultures were prepared from ventral mesencephalon dissected from 15-day-old embryos (E15) of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats as previously described (Lo, Shih, Tseng, & Hsu, 2012;Tseng, Chang, & Lo, 2014). Animal handling was conducted in accordance with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines.…”

Complementary & Alternative Management of Parkinson’s Disease: An Evidence-Based Review of Eastern Influenced Practices

“…Various combinations of herbs have been used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for centuries, and recent research has suggested that some of these herbs may have neuroprotective effects in rat models of PD[ 60 ]. Anecdotal evidence shows that some of these herbs may offer beneficial effects in PD, although RCTs are needed to assess safety and efficacy.…”