Effects of Zhichan powder on signal transduction and apoptosis-associated gene expression in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease rats

摘要

Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson's disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. The rat models were intragastrically treated with Zhichan powder, which is composed of milkvetch root, ginseng, bunge swallowwort root, himalayan teasel root, Magnolia officinalis, Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and szechwan lovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 significantly increased, but Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson's disease. Following Zhichan powder administration, mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 diminished, but Bcl-2 expression increased in the rat substantia nigra. These results indicate that Zhichan powder regulates signal transduction protein expression, inhibits apoptosis, and exerts therapeutic effects on Parkinson's disease. Research Highlights Protein and mRNA expression of signal transduction and apoptosis-associated factors (except Bcl-2) increased in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease rats. Zhichan powder negatively regulated the mRNA expression of signal tranduction and apoptosis-associated factors, but positively regulated Bcl-2 mRNA expression in the brain of Parkinson's disease rats. Abbreviation TNFR1, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1