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Protective effects of mangiferin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanisms
Zhang Yang1, Chen Weian1, Huang Susu1
1Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 32500, China.
Abstract:
The aim of our study was to investigate the protective properties of mangiferin, a natural glucosyl xanthone found in both mango and papaya on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanism. Wistar male rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2h followed by 24h of reperfusion. Mangiferin (25, 50, and 100mg/kg, ig) or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium was administered three times before ischemia and once at 2h after the onset of ischemia. Neurological score, infarct volume, and brain water content, some oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated after 24h of reperfusion. Treatment with mangiferin significantly ameliorated neurologic deficit, infarct volume and brain water content after cerebral ischemia reperfusion. Mangiferin also reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β and TNF-α, and up-regulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and IL-10 levels in the brain tissue of rats with the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Moreover, mangiferin up-regulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream anti-oxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The results indicate that mangiferin can play a certain protective role in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the protective effect of mangiferin may be related to the improvement on the antioxidant capacity of brain tissue and the inhibition of overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms are associated with enhancing the oxidant defense systems via the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Insights
Mangiferin, found in mango and papaya, protects against brain damage from stroke by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This natural compound enhances antioxidant defenses via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major cause of stroke-related brain damage.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation are key contributors to CIRI pathology.
- Natural compounds offer potential therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of mangiferin against CIRI in a rat model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mangiferin's protective action, focusing on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 hours followed by 24 hours of reperfusion.
- Mangiferin was administered orally at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg.
- Neurological scores, infarct volume, brain water content, oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10), and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway proteins were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mangiferin significantly reduced neurological deficits, infarct volume, and brain water content.
- It decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β, and TNF-α levels.
- Mangiferin increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and IL-10 levels, and upregulated Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression.
Conclusions:
- Mangiferin exhibits significant protective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- Its mechanism involves enhancing the brain's antioxidant capacity and suppressing inflammatory responses.
- Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is crucial for mangiferin's neuroprotective benefits.
