Fol. Biol. 2007, 53, 164-172
Modulation of the Oxidative Stress and Nuclear Factor κB Activation by Theaflavin 3,3’-gallate in the Rats Exposed to Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion
The major pathobiological mechanisms of IR injury include excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. TF3, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of this study was to verify the neuronal protective potential of TF3 and its mechanisms against cerebral IR injury in rats. TF3 administration (10 and 20 mg.kg−1) ameliorated the infarct volume. TF3 also decreased the content of MDA and NO. TF3 significantly increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, which were reduced by IR injury. Administration of TF3 decreased mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS. DNA binding and Western blotting revealed an increase in NF-κB activation and IκB depletion in IR brain tissue. Pretreatment with TF3 markedly inhibited IR-induced increase in nuclear localization of NF-κB, and preserved IκB in the cytoplasm. The results show that TF3 exerts protective effects against cerebral IR injury by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the NF-κB activation.
Keywords
ischemia-reperfusion, middle cerebral artery occlusion, nuclear factor kappa B, reactive oxygen species, theaflavin 3,3’-gallate.
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