scholarly journals Phyllathin From Phyllanthus Amarus Ameliorates Epileptic Convulsion and Kindling Associated Post-Ictal Depression in Mice via Inhibition of NF-κB/TLR-4 Pathway

Dose-Response ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 155932582094691
Author(s):  
Zhang Tao ◽  
Hu Chun-Yan ◽  
Peng Hua ◽  
Yang Bin-Bin ◽  
Tang Xiaoping
Keyword(s):  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Molecular Formula ◽  
Phyllanthus Amarus ◽  
Brain Monoamines ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Brain Mrna ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels ◽  
Brain Gaba ◽  
The Brain

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic, complex, unprovoked, and recurrent disorder of the nervous system that affected several people worldwide. Phyllanthus amarus (PA) has been documented to have neuroprotective potential. Aim: To evaluate the potential of standardized extract of PA and its possible mechanism of action against the Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion and kindling associated post-ictal depression in experimental mice. Materials and Methods: Phyllathin was isolated from methanolic extract of PA and well-characterized using HPTLC, ESI-MS/MS, and LC/MS. Phyllathin containing a standardized extract of PA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered in convulsed and kindled mice, followed by an assessment of various parameters. Results: The spectral analysis confirmed the molecular formula and weight of phyllanthin as C24H34O6 and 418.2342 Da. PA (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated PTZ-induced ( p < 0.05) duration, onset of tonic-clonic convulsion, and mortality in mice. It also significantly attenuated ( p < 0.05) PTZ-induced kindling in mice. Alteration in brain GABA, dopamine, and glutamate, Na+K+ATPase, Ca+2-ATPase activities, and oxido-nitrosative stress in kindled mice was significantly restored ( p < 0.05) by PA treatment. It also significantly ( p < 0.05) down-regulated brain mRNA expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and TLR-4. Histological aberrations induced by PTZ in the brain of a kindled rat was significantly ( p < 0.05) ameliorated by PA. Conclusion: Phyllanthin containing a standardized extract of PA exerts its antiepileptic potential via balancing excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) brain monoamines, voltage-gated ion channels (Na+K+/Ca+2-ATPase) and inhibition of NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway to ameliorate neuroinflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) in experimental mice.

A cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor attenuates spontaneous and TNF-α-induced non-rapid eye movement sleep in rabbits

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (1) ◽  
pp. R99-R109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Yoshida ◽  
Takeshi Kubota ◽  
James M. Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Brain Temperature ◽  
Wave Activity ◽  
Slow Wave Activity ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
The Brain

Sleep is regulated in part by the brain cytokine network, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α activates the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB, which in turn promotes transcription of many genes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is in the brain and is an enzyme responsible for production of prostaglandin D2. The hypothesis that central COX-2 plays a role in the regulation of spontaneous and TNF-α-induced sleep was investigated. Three doses (0.5, 5, and 50 μg) of NS-398, a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor, were injected intracerebroventricularly. The highest dose decreased non-rapid eye movement sleep. The intermediate and highest doses decreased electroencephalographic slow-wave activity; the greatest reduction occurred after 50 μg of NS-398 during the first 3-h postinjection period. Rapid eye movement sleep and brain temperature were not altered by any dose of NS-398. Pretreatment of rabbits with 5 or 50 μg of NS-398 blocked the TNF-α-induced increases in non-rapid eye movement sleep, electroencephalographic slow-wave activity, and brain temperature. These data suggest that COX-2 is involved in the regulation of spontaneous and TNF-α-induced sleep.

scholarly journals Pentahydroxy flavonoid isolated from Madhuca indica ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis: Possible role of TNF-α, IL’s, NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, P2X7

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Tang ◽  
Daotao Xie ◽  
Wenqing Gong ◽  
Hongtao Wu ◽  
Yi Qiang
Keyword(s):  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Withdrawal Threshold ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Intradermal Administration ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Female Wistar Rats ◽  
Cox 2

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder associated with progressive joint disability. Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel (family Sapotaceae) is an Indian medicinal plant reported to have an array of pharmacological properties. Objective To evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of isolated phytoconstituent from methanolic extract of Madhuca indica Leaves (MI-ALC) and its possible mechanism of action in FCA induced experimental arthritis. Materials and methods Polyarthritis was induced in female Wistar rats by intradermal administration of FCA (0.1 ml) into the tail. Polyarthritis was allowed to develop for the next 32 days. Then rats were treated with isolated phytoconstituent from MI-ALC (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) Results HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS spectral analysis of phytoconstituent isolated from MI-ALC confirmed the structure as 3,5,7,3′,4′- Pentahydroxy flavone (i.e., QTN). Treatment with QTN (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) in FCA-induced increased paw volume, joint diameter, paw withdrawal threshold, and latency. The elevated synovial oxido-nitrosative stress and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly reduced (p < 0.05)by QTN. Western blot analysis revealed QNT significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) up-regulated NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, and P2X7 protein expressions. Conclusion QTN ameliorates FCA-induced hyperalgesia via inhibition of elevated oxido-nitrosative stress, inflammatory mediators (NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, and P2X7), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in experimental rats.

scholarly journals Keel Fracture Causes Stress and Inflammatory Responses and Inhibits the Expression of the Orexin System in Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidong Wei ◽  
Chun Li ◽  
Hongwei Xin ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
Yanju Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Inflammatory Factor ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
The Brain

Keel fracture has negative effects on the health and welfare of laying hens. We investigated effects of keel fracture on stress, inflammation, and the orexin system in laying hens. Ninety 17-week-old Lohmann white laying hens were palpated and euthanatized at 42 weeks old, and marked as normal keel (NK)/fractured keel (FK) from absence/presence of keel fracture. Serum, brain, liver, and abdominal-muscle samples were collected from 10 NK and 10 FK hens to determine the stress and inflammatory responses and the activity of orexin systems by corticosterone content, expression of heat shock proteins (TNF-α 60, 70, 90), and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E synthases (PTGEs), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), orexin (ORX), and orexin-receptor 1/2 (ORXR1/ORXR2). The FK hens had higher serum corticosterone content, Hsps, and inflammatory factor mRNA expression levels than NK hens, although levels of iNOS in the liver and TNF-α in the muscle were similar. Protein levels of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the brain and liver, iNOS and COX-2 in the liver, NF-κBp65, iNOS, and COX-2 in the brain of FK hens were increased compared with NK hens. Furthermore, FK hens had lower mRNA expression of ORX, ORXR1, and ORXR2 than NK hens. Therefore, keel fracture causes stress and inflammation, and inhibits the expression of the orexin system in laying hens.

Piperine, a functional food alkaloid, exhibits inhibitory potential against TNBS-induced colitis via the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and induces tight junction protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) signaling pathway in experimental mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Guo ◽  
F Shi ◽  
J Zhu ◽  
Y Shao ◽  
W Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Tight Junction ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Junction Protein ◽  
Cox 2

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Piperine, an alkaloid, has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antiulcer potential. Aim: To elucidate the plausible mechanisms of action of piperine on experimental trinitrobenzenesufonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis by assessing various biochemical, molecular, histological, and ultrastructural modifications. Methods: Colitis was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Then, the rats were treated with piperine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days. Results: TNBS induced significant ( p < 0.05) colonic damage, which was assessed by disease activity index, macroscopic score, and stool consistency. The administration of piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ( p < 0.05) these damages. Treatments with piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) notably inhibited ( p < 0.05) the TNBS-induced elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide), 5-hydroxytryptamine, and hydroxyproline content in the colon. Furthermore, colonic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were upregulated after TNBS instillation and piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated ( p < 0.05) these elevated mRNA expressions. TNBS decreased the expressions of tight junction (TJ) protein (claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) and increased the expressions of proapoptotic (caspase-1) protein. These expressions were markedly inhibited ( p < 0.05) by piperine treatment. Histological and ultrastructural studies of transmission electron microscopy suggested that piperine significantly ameliorated ( p < 0.05) TNBS-induced colonic aberrations. Conclusion: Piperine ameliorated the progression of TNBS-induced colitis by modulating the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-alpha/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL’s), COX-2, iNOs, oxido-nitrosative stress, and proapoptotic proteins (caspase-1) that may improve the expression of TJ protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1).

scholarly journals Pentahydroxy flavonoid isolated from Madhuca indica ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis via modulation of inflammatory pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Tang ◽  
Daotao Xie ◽  
Wenqing Gong ◽  
Hongtao Wu ◽  
Yi Qiang
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Intradermal Injection ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Withdrawal Threshold ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Gene Enhancer ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Factor Α

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with advanced joint dysfunction. Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel, from the family Sapotaceae, is an Indian medicinal plant reported to have an array of pharmacological properties. The aim of present investigation was to determine the anti-arthritic potential of an isolated phytoconstituent from methanolic leaf extract of Madhuca indica (MI-ALC) against FCA-induced experimental arthritis. Polyarthritis was induced in female rats (strain: Wistar) via an intradermal injection of FCA (0.1 mL) into the tail. Polyarthritis developed after 32 days of FCA administration. Then rats were treated orally with an isolated phytoconstituent from MI-ALC at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. Findings suggested that High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry spectral analyses of the phytoconstituent isolated from MI-ALC confirmed the structure as 3,5,7,3′,4′-Pentahydroxy flavone (i.e., QTN). Treatment with QTN (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of increased joint diameter, paw volume, paw withdrawal threshold, and latency. The elevated synovial oxidative stress (Superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde) and protein levels of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin (ILs) were markedly (p < 0.05) reduced by QTN. It also effectively (p < 0.05) ameliorated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kβ) and its inhibitor-α (Ikβα), and ATP-activated P2 purinergic receptors (P2X7) protein expressions as determined by western blot analysis. In conclusion, QTN ameliorates FCA-induced hyperalgesia through modulation of elevated inflammatory release (NF-kβ, Ikβα, P2X7, and COX-2), oxido-nitrosative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (ILs and TNF-α) in experimental rats.

scholarly journals Isoorientin Inhibits Inflammation in Macrophages and Endotoxemia Mice by Regulating Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yingui Li ◽  
Yijing Zhao ◽  
Xiaoqin Tan ◽  
Jiayan Liu ◽  
Yingkun Zhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blotting ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3Β ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
The Brain

Isoorientin has anti-inflammatory effects; however, the mechanism remains unclear. We previously found isoorientin is an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) in vitro. Overactivation of GSK3β is associated with inflammatory responses. GSK3β is inactivated by phosphorylation at Ser9 (i.e., p-GSK3β). Lithium chloride (LiCl) inhibits GSK3β and also increases p-GSK3β (Ser9). The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of isoorientin via GSK3β regulation in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 murine macrophage-like cells and endotoxemia mice. LiCl was used as a control. While AKT phosphorylates GSK3β, MK-2206, a selective AKT inhibitor, was used to activate GSK3β via AKT inhibition (i.e., not phosphorylate GSK3β at Ser9). The proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were detected by ELISA or quantitative real-time PCR, while COX-2 by Western blotting. The p-GSK3β and GSK3β downstream signal molecules, including NF-κB, ERK, Nrf2, and HO-1, as well as the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin were measured by Western blotting. The results showed that isoorientin decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and increased the expression of p-GSK3β in vitro and in vivo, similar to LiCl. Coadministration of isoorientin and LiCl showed antagonistic effects. Isoorientin decreased the expression of COX-2, inhibited the activation of ERK and NF-κB, and increased the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Isoorientin increased the expressions of occludin and ZO-1 in the brain of endotoxemia mice. In summary, isoorientin can inhibit GSK3β by increasing p-GSK3β and regulate the downstream signal molecules to inhibit inflammation and protect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and the homeostasis in the brain.

scholarly journals Pentahydroxy flavonoid isolated from Madhuca indica ameliorated adjuvant-induced arthritis: Possible role of TNF-α, IL’s, NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, P2X7

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Tang ◽  
Daotao Xie ◽  
Wenqing Gong ◽  
Hongtao Wu ◽  
Yi Qiang
Keyword(s):  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Withdrawal Threshold ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Intradermal Administration ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Female Wistar Rats ◽  
Cox 2

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder associated with progressive joint disability. Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel (family Sapotaceae) is an Indian medicinal plant reported to have an array of pharmacological properties.Objective To evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of isolated phytoconstituent from methanolic extract of Madhuca indica Leaves (MI-ALC) and its possible mechanism of action in FCA induced experimental arthritis.Materials and methods Polyarthritis was induced in female Wistar rats by intradermal administration of FCA (0.1 ml) into the tail. Polyarthritis was allowed to develop for the next 32 days. Then rats were treated with isolated phytoconstituent from MI-ALC (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, p.o.)Results HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS spectral analysis of phytoconstituent isolated from MI-ALC confirmed the structure as 3,5,7,3′,4′- Pentahydroxy flavone (i.e., QTN). Treatment with QTN (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) in FCA-induced increased paw volume, joint diameter, paw withdrawal threshold, and latency. The elevated synovial oxido-nitrosative stress and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly reduced (p < 0.05)by QTN. Western blot analysis revealed QNT significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) up-regulated NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, and P2X7 protein expressions.Conclusion QTN ameliorates FCA-induced hyperalgesia via inhibition of elevated oxido-nitrosative stress, inflammatory mediators (NF-kβ, Ikβα, COX-2, and P2X7), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in experimental rats.

Sorghum Fermented by Aspergillus oryzae NK Enhances Inhibition of Vascular Inflammation in TNF-α-stimulated Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
Hae Seong Song ◽  
Jung-Eun Kwon ◽  
Hyun Jin Baek ◽  
Chang Won Kim ◽  
Hyelin Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2

Abstract. Sorghum bicolor L. Moench is widely grown all over the world for food and feed. The effects of sorghum extracts on general inflammation have been previously studied, but its anti-vascular inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-vascular inflammation effects of sorghum extract (SBE) and fermented extract of sorghum (fSBE) on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). After the cytotoxicity test of the sorghum extract, a series of experiments were conducted. The inhibition effects of SBE and fSBE on the inflammatory response and adhesion molecule expression were measured using treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a crucial promoter for the development of atherosclerotic lesions, on HASMCs. After TNF-α (10 ng/mL) treatment for 2 h, then SBE and fSBE (100 and 200 μg/mL) were applied for 12h. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (2.4-fold) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (6.7-fold) decreased, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (3.5-fold) increased compared to the TNF-α control when treated with 200 μg/mL fSBE (P<0.05). In addition, the fSBE significantly increased the expression of HO-1 and significantly decreased the expression of VCAM-1 and COX-2 compared to the TNF-α control in mRNA level (P<0.05). These reasons of results might be due to the increased concentrations of procyanidin B1 (about 6-fold) and C1 (about 30-fold) produced through fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae NK for 48 h, at 37 °C. Overall, the results demonstrated that fSBE enhanced the inhibition of the inflammatory response and adherent molecule expression in HASMCs.

Down regulation of COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α in cynoviocyte by essential oil of Fraxinus excelsior

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (03) ◽  
pp. 20192-20203
Author(s):  
Dr Maghsoudi, Hossein ◽  
Samaneh Haj-allahyari
Keyword(s):  
Liver Toxicity ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Fraxinus Excelsior ◽  
Peptic Ulcers ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Bovine Articular Cartilage ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Cox 2

Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is biomechanical, biochemical and cellular phenomenon, and is not known as a degenerative disease. Arthritis is one of the common chronic diseases and the most important reason of physical disability in the world. According to its side effect such as peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver toxicity and renal complications dueofprescribing current treatment contain corticosteroid and non-steroidal, we decided to evaluate possible effect of anti-inflammatory Esential oil of Fraxinus excelsior (EOFE) on biomarkers involved in disease. EOFE were prepared of genetic resources center. Bovine  articular cartilage derived from the metacarpophalangeal joints of 14–18-month-old animals (without any sign of inflammation and bleeding) sent to laboratory in sterile bags at 4ºC. Cells were cultured in appropriate condition and counted by hemocytometer, viability assessed by trypan blue. After LPS treatment, cytokine levels were assayed. Cells cultures again and were kept in 37C, 90% humidity in CO2 incubator and after RNA extraction, RT-PCR and PCR done. Also by Real-time PCR, gene expression was evaluated. E.E.F.E level cause down regulation of COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α in LPS-stimulated cells.

Activation of Melanocortin-4 Receptor by a Synthetic Agonist Inhibits Ethanolinduced Neuroinflammation in Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (45) ◽  
pp. 4799-4805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osvaldo Flores-Bastías ◽  
Gonzalo I. Gómez ◽  
Juan A. Orellana ◽  
Eduardo Karahanian
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Ethanol Intake ◽  
Neuroinflammatory Response ◽  
Agonist Peptide ◽  
Melanocortin 4 Receptor ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
High Ethanol ◽  
The Brain

Background: High ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response resulting in the subsequent maintenance of chronic alcohol consumption. The melanocortin system plays a pivotal role in the modulation of alcohol consumption. Interestingly, it has been shown that the activation of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the brain decreases the neuroinflammatory response in models of brain damage other than alcohol consumption, such as LPS-induced neuroinflammation, cerebral ischemia, glutamate excitotoxicity, and spinal cord injury. Objectives: In this work, we aimed to study whether MC4R activation by a synthetic MC4R-agonist peptide prevents ethanol-induced neuroinflammation, and if alcohol consumption produces changes in MC4R expression in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Methods: Ethanol-preferring Sprague Dawley rats were selected offering access to 20% ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (intermittent access protocol). After this time, animals were i.p. administered an MC4R agonist peptide in the last 2 days of the protocol. Then, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex. It was also evaluated if ethanol intake produces alterations in the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. Results: Alcohol consumption increased the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. The administration of the MC4R agonist reduced IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels in hippocampus, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex, to those observed in control rats that did not drink alcohol. Conclusion: High ethanol consumption produces an increase in the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The administration of a synthetic MC4R-agonist peptide prevents neuroinflammation induced by alcohol consumption in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex. These results could explain the effect of α-MSH and other synthetic MC4R agonists in decreasing alcohol intake through the reduction of the ethanol-induced inflammatory response in the brain.

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