Pachyman Relieved the BPPV Progression in Slc26a4 loop/loop Mutant Mice Through Regulating the TLR2-mediated NF-κB...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disorder causing brief vertigo episodes.
• Pachyman, a polysaccharide from Poria cocos (Fu Ling), possesses diverse bioactivities.
• This study investigates pachyman's therapeutic potential for BPPV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of pachyman in ameliorating BPPV symptoms.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of pachyman's action in BPPV.
• To explore the role of the TLR2 and NF-κB pathway in BPPV pathogenesis and pachyman's intervention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Slc26a4loop/loop mutant mice to model BPPV.
• Administered pachyman orally and manipulated TLR2 expression and NF-κB pathway activation.
• Assessed vestibular function via righting reflexes, head tilt, and swimming behavior.
• Analyzed TLR2 expression and NF-κB pathway activation using RT-qPCR and Western blot.

Main Results:

• Pachyman treatment significantly improved righting reflex accuracy and reduced reflex time, head tilt, and swimming behavior scores.
• Pachyman decreased elevated TLR2 expression observed in BPPV models and patients.
• TLR2 overexpression counteracted pachyman's beneficial effects, while NF-κB inhibition reversed TLR2 overexpression-induced exacerbation.

Conclusions:

• Pachyman effectively alleviates vestibular deficits associated with BPPV in a mouse model.
• The therapeutic effect of pachyman is mediated by the inhibition of the TLR2-NF-κB signaling pathway.
• Pachyman demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for BPPV.