Coptisine protects against transient focal cerebral ischaemic injury by regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Coptisine (Cop), an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma Coptidis, has a protective effect against central nervous system diseases such as cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion (IR). Dysregulations in fatty acids metabolism are associated with neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. However, the effect of Cop on fatty acids metabolomics during anti-IR remains unclear. Methods Cerebral IR rats were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and the therapeutic effect of Cop was evaluated by 2, 3, 5-triphenytetrazolium chloride staining and neurological deficits scores. By liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), fatty acids metabolomics analysis in ischaemic hemisphere and serum were investigated. Results We observed Cop (2 mg/kg/qd) was able to reduce cerebral infarct size and ameliorate the neurological function score. Meanwhile decrease in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) after Cop treatment. Compared with control, down-regulation of cyclopentenone PGs (e.g., PGA2, PGJ2, and 15-deoxy- delta-12,14-PGJ2) was observed in cerebral IR, but upregulation of them when followed by Cop treatment. Similarly, we found the ratios of 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid(14,15-DHET)/arachidonic acid and 11,12-DHET/arachidonic acid was lower in cerebral IR injury relative to control, while their ratios were increased after Cop treatment. Conclusion Our results indicated that Cop protect against cerebral IR injury, and its mechanism might be closely associated with antiinflammation and the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism