ABSTRACT
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) is a transcriptional coactivator that binds to a diverse range of transcription factors. PPAR coactivator 1 (PGC-1) coactivators possess an extensive range of biological effects in different tissues, and play a key part in the regulation of the oxidative metabolism, consequently modulating the production of reactive oxygen species, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Owing to these findings, a large body of studies, aiming to establish the role of PGC-1 in the neuromuscular system, has shown that PGC-1 could be a promising target for therapies targeting neuromuscular diseases. Among these, some evidence has shown that various signaling pathways linked to PGC-1 are deregulated in muscular dystrophy, leading to a reduced capacity for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the light of these results, any intervention aimed at activating PGC-1 could contribute towards ameliorating the progression of muscular dystrophies. PGC-1 is influenced by different patho-physiological/pharmacological stimuli. Natural products have been reported to display modulatory effects on PPAR activation with fewer side effects in comparison to synthetic drugs. Taken together, this review summarizes the current knowledge on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, focusing on the potential effects of natural compounds, acting as regulators of PGC-1.
ABSTRACT
Extracts of 4 medicinal and aromatic plants were investigated for their antioxidant potency employing six various established in vitro system: H. officinalis L. var. angustifolius aerial parts, C. speciosum flowers, V. odorata and B. hyrcana leaves.With regard to IC5o values [micro g/ m], the order in DPPH radical-scavenging were CS [585.6] > HO [311] > VO [245.1] > and BH [113.1]. Effectiveness in reducing powers were high and in a descending order of HO > CS > BH > VO [at the concentrations of 25-800 micro g/ ml]. IC[50] for Fe[2+] chelating ability were 188, 750 and 980 micro g/ ml for VO, CS and HO, respectively. BH extract has shown only 38% inhibition at 800 micro g/ ml. The extracts showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging activity. All extracts exhibited very low and moderate concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in FTC methods. IC[50] for scavenging of H[2]O[2] were 169 for BH, 175 for CS, 640 for VO and 663 microg/ ml for HO. The content of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured in plant extracts. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of all extracts