Prunus  cerasoides Extract and Its  Component Compounds Upregulate  Neuronal Neuroglobin Levels, Mediate  Antioxidant Effects,  and Ameliorate  Functional  Losses  in the  Mouse  Model of  Cerebral  Ischemia

Prunus cerasoides (PC) has been reported to have antimicrobial and anti-infammatory properties, but its potential as a neuroprotective agent in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia has not been explored. Considering neuroglobin (Ngb), an endogenous neuroprotective factor, as a novel approach to neuroprotection, in this study, Ngb promoter activity, Ngb expression changes, and antioxidant protection by PC extract (PCE) and PC component compounds (PCCs) were analyzed in oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated neurons. In vivo analysis involved transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice with pre- and post-treatment exposure to PCE. Following ischemic stroke induction, neurological behavior scores were obtained, and cellular function-related signals were evaluated in the ischemic infarct areas. In addition to PCE, certain component compounds from PCE also signi？cantly increased Ngb levels and attenuated the intracellular ROS production and cytotoxicity seen with OGD in primary neurons. Administration of PCE reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological de？cit scores in ischemic stroke mice compared with the vehicle treatment. Increased Ngb levels in infarct penumbra with PCE treatment were also accompanied by decreased markers of apoptosis (activated p38 and cleaved caspase-3). Our ？ndings point to the bene？ts of Ngb-mediated neuroprotection via PCE and its antioxidant activity in an ischemic stroke model.

Published in Antioxidants 2022, 11, 99.