Naoluo Xintong Decoction Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Angiogenesis through...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Cerebral ischemic stroke poses a significant health challenge, with limited therapeutic options.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas like Naoluo Xintong decoction (NLXTD) show promise in improving neuronal recovery.
• The precise molecular mechanisms of NLXTD in mitigating ischemic stroke are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of NLXTD on brain angiogenesis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism involving the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
• Rats were treated with NLXTD, a HIF-1α inhibitor (2-methoxyestradiol, 2ME2), or combinations thereof.
• Neurological function, infarct volume, cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers (e.g., MVD, BrdU, CD34) were assessed using various histological and molecular techniques.

Main Results:

• NLXTD administration significantly improved neurological scores, reduced brain infarct volume, and decreased neuronal apoptosis.
• NLXTD promoted angiogenesis by increasing microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of markers like BrdU and CD34.
• NLXTD upregulated the protein and mRNA levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, and Notch1.

Conclusions:

• NLXTD demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects in a rat model of cerebral I/R injury.
• The therapeutic benefits of NLXTD are attributed to its ability to promote angiogenesis.
• NLXTD exerts its effects by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy.