Systemic administration of Shikonin ameliorates cognitive impairment and neuron damage in NPSLE mice

Shikonin is an anti-inflammatory natural herbal drug extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon and its therapeutic effect on neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is yet unknown. In our study, Shikonin significantly reversed the cognitive impairment and alleviated the brain tissue damage in NPSLE mice. The permeability of blood-brain barrier was also verified to be repaired in Shikonin-treated NPSLE mice. In particular, we found that Shikonin alleviated neuroinflammation through inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby depressing the activation of microglia and the loss of neuronal synapses.

Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology - July 28, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Jiali Ni, Xuan Liu, Ruowen Zhang, Hailin Wang, Jun Liang, Yayi Hou, Huan Dou Source Type: research