Neuroprotective effect of phytoceramide against transient focal ischemia-induced brain damage in rats
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of phytoceramide against focal transient ischemic brain damage and the underlying mechanisms. Focal transient ischemic brain damage was produced in rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 2 h followed by 24 h of reperfusion (MCAO/reperfusion). Orally administered phytoceramide (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) significantly reduced MCAO/reperfusion-induced brain infarction and edema as well as the development of behavioral disabilities in the animals. Depletion of glutathione levels and lipid peroxidation in brain tissue following MCAO/reperfusion was reduced by administration of phytoceramide. The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signaling-regulating kinases/mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-ERK1/2 MAPK), inflammatory factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 were increased while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased in ischemic brain; these effects were significantly inhibited by treatment with phytoceramide. Furthermore, phytoceramide activated the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway to prevent ischemic brain damage. These results suggest that phyto...Continue Reading
References
Calcium, mitochondria and oxidative stress in neuronal pathology. Novel aspects of an enduring theme
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
AKT Pathway
This feed focuses on the AKT serine/threonine kinase, which is an important signaling pathway involved in processes such as glucose metabolism and cell survival.
BCL-2 Family Proteins
BLC-2 family proteins are a group that share the same homologous BH domain. They play many different roles including pro-survival signals, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and removal or damaged cells. They are often regulated by phosphorylation, affecting their catalytic activity. Here is the latest research on BCL-2 family proteins.
Brain Ischemia
Brain ischemia is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand. Discover the latest research on brain ischemia here.