Investigation of neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Siegesbeckiae Herba based on SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

AimTo investigate the protective effects of Siegesbeckiae Herba on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats based on the SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.MethodsThe middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats using the suture-occlusion method. Post-modeling, the Siegesbeckiae Herba administration groups received different doses of Siegesbeckiae Herba formula granules, while the sham operation and model groups received an equal volume of saline. The positive control group received 6 mg·kg-1 nimodipine. Administration continued for 7 consecutive days. Neurological function was assessed using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Cerebral infarction volume was measured by TTC staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected via Nissl staining and TUNEL staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in brain tissue was measured by the thiobarbituric acid method, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level was determined colorimetrically, and the expression of SIRT1, AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SOD2 was detected by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the model group, Siegesbeckiae Herba extract promoted the recovery of neurological function in MCAO rats, reduced cerebral infarction volume, up-regulated the expression of key signaling molecules in the SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway and the oxidative stress factors SOD2 and GSH-Px, and decreased MDA levels.ConclusionSiegesbeckiae Herba extract appears to enhance antioxidant capacity and ameliorate CIRI via the SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.