Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) against brain damage associated with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) and/or γ-radiation (IR) in rats. Hypothyroidism induction and/or exposure to IR resulted in a significant decrease in the serum levels of T3 and T4 associated with increased levels of lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites (NO) in the brain tissue homogenate. Also, hypothyroidism and /or exposure to IR markedly enhance the endoplasmic reticulum stress by upregulating the gene expressions of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activated transcription factor 6 (ATF6), endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in the brain tissue homogenate associated with a proapoptotic state which indicated by the overexpression of Bax, BCl2, and caspase-12 that culminates in brain damage. Meanwhile, the PTU and /or IR-exposed rats treated with MEE reduced oxidative stress and ERAD through ATF6. Also, the MEE treatment prevented the Bax and caspase-12 gene expression from increasing. This treatment in hypothyroid animals was associated with neuronal protection as indicated by the downregulation in the gene expressions of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain tissue. Furthermore, the administration of MEE ameliorates the histological structure of brain tissue. In conclusion, MEE might prevent hypothyroidism-induced brain damage associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

An in vitro analysis of an innovative standardized phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract as a potential neuromodulator for emotional distress and related conditions

“…These results support the favorable bioavailability and effectiveness of Relissa™ for its neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress damage. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of MO extracts evaluated in the present study is in agreement with previously reported studies ( Dastmalchi et al, 2008 ; López et al, 2009 ; Özkol et al, 2011 ; Lin et al, 2012 ; Martins et al, 2012 ; Ghazizadeh et al, 2020 ; Abd Allah et al, 2022 ; Abo-Zaid et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have suggested a therapeutic effect of MO extract supplementation as an efficacious and safe therapy to alleviate emotional distress conditions such as low mood, anxiety, and stress and improve sleep disorders ( Kennedy et al, 2002 ; Akhondzadeh et al, 2003 ; Kennedy et al, 2003 ; Kennedy et al, 2004 ; Kennedy et al, 2006 ; López et al, 2009 ; Cases et al, 2011 ; Alijaniha et al, 2015 ; Arceusz et al, 2015 ; Soltanpour et al, 2019 ; Noguchi-Shinohara et al, 2020 ). Reported evidence suggest that the active chemical constituents of MO extract possess diverse psycho- and neuropharmacological properties, including antidepressant ( Awad et al, 2007 ; Awad et al, 2009 ; López et al, 2009 ; Sahin et al, 2016 ), antioxidative stress ( Özkol et al, 2011 ; Martins et al, 2012 ; Ghazizadeh et al, 2020 ; Abd Allah et al, 2022 ; Abo-Zaid et al, 2023 ), and anti-inflammatory effects ( Baldwin et al, 2011 ).…”

Melissa officinalis extract palliates redox imbalance and inflammation associated with hyperthyroidism-induced liver damage by regulating Nrf-2/ Keap-1 gene expression in γ-irradiated rats

“…Additionally, Kochman et al [ 53 ] reported that the oxidative damage of cellular membrane lipids in hyperthyroid was higher than in euthyroid individuals. Conversely, it was found that M. officinalis protected the endogenous antioxidant system and minimized lipid peroxidation owing to its antioxidant potential [ 54 , 55 ]. Furthermore, Ghazizadeh et al [ 9 ] and Draginic et al [ 56 ] attributed the powerful antioxidant effect of the MO Extract to the higher content of phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, and ferulic acid) besides, different flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin and others).…”