Molecular Mechanisms of Phyllanthus urinaria in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Abstract

Phyllanthus urinaria (P. urinaria), a prominent herb in traditional Zhuang medicine, is characterized by its heat clearance, detoxification, diuresis, and detumescence. This study investigates the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of P. urinaria on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). 60 adult SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: a sham operation group, a model group of right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), a low-dose group treated with P. urinaria at 5 g/kg, and a high-dose group treated with P. urinaria at 10 g/kg, each consisting of 15 rats. After seven days of continuous administration, a rat model of the right MCAO was established to simulate CIRI. Nerve function was assessed using the Longa scoring method, the cerebral infarction area was evaluated with TTC staining, and cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) were measured via ELISA. PI3K and AKT protein expression in brain tissues was analyzed by Western blot. The results revealed a significant improvement in neurological function scores in both low and high-dose P. urinaria groups compared to the MCAO model group. Treatment with P. urinaria led to a notable reduction in cerebral infarction area after 72 hours of cerebral ischemia. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) were decreased in both treatment groups compared to the MCAO model group. There was a significant increase in the expression of PI3K and AKT proteins in both treatment groups. In conclusion, P. urinaria exhibits a protective effect against CIRI by inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving neurological function, and reducing brain injury.