Edaravone exerts brain protective function by reducing the expression of AQP4, APP and Aβ proteins

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the changes of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), β-amyloid precursor proteins (APP) and β-amyloid (Aβ) in brain tissues after cerebral ischemiareperfusion injury (CIRI), and evaluate the effect of edaravone. The Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion was used to establish CIRI in rats. Rats were divided into control, model and edaravone groups. The neurological deficits in the model group were obvious and the neurological score increased compared to the control group, while the neurological deficits of the edaravone group were improved as the neurological score decreased compared to the model group. The number of pyramidel cells in the hippocampus of the model group was significantly decreased whereas edaravone could reverse this decrease. The model group had significantly higher levels of Aβ, APP and AQP4 than the control group and edaravone group, suggesting that they might be involved in the neuronal cell damage. Meanwhile, the increased AQP4 might enhance the permeability of cells, and thus cause cell damage and neurological deficit. Conclusively, edaravone could reduce brain edema, protect neuronal cells and improve the neurological impairment of rats possibly by decreasing the expression of Aβ, APP and AQP4. Therefore, edaravone may have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease).

Xingnaojing injection alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in Vivo and in Vitro

“…Li C et al found that edaravone could inhibit cell apoptosis [ 50 ]. Ren C et al determine that edaravone could reduce infarct size and brain edema, and rehabilitate neurological function [ 51 ]. TTC staining, brain water content assessment, and mNSS were utilized to assess the impact of XNJ.…”

Astrocytes as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer’s Disease–Comprehensive Review and Recent Developments

“…Other mechanisms of neuroprotection of edaravone described in animal models of AD (APPswe/PS1 mice) include inhibition of Aβ aggregation, reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation and attenuation of astrocytosis (GFAP reactivity) [ 204 ]. Anti-amyloid effects and modulation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression of edaravone have been tested in models of ischemia/reperfusion injury [ 205 ]. In addition, protective effects have been shown regarding perfusion with superoxide (O 2 − ) and hydroxyl radical (OH) scavengers (i.e., n-propyl gallate) in astrocytic primary cultures immersed in methylmercury-induced pro-oxidant microenvironment [ 206 ].…”