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

• Published in: 中国神经再生研究：英文版 2012, Vol.7 (27), p.2115-2122
• Main Author: Jiajun Chen Jinshu Ma Yafei Qiu Shihong Yi Yongmao Liu Qingwei Zhou PengguoZhang Quan Wan Ye Kuang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: caspase-3; 信号转导蛋白; 基因表达; 大鼠模型; 帕金森氏病; 细胞凋亡; 肿瘤坏死因子受体; 黑质
• ISSN: 1673-5374

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 Iovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cvtochrome C, Bax, casDase-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.