Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent findings suggest the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia and its potential as a therapeutic target. Cinnamaldehyde is a diterpene with a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects thus may be advantageous in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia. The present study examined the potential therapeutic effects of cinnamaldehyde on cerebral ischaemia using a mouse model with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Male CD-1 mice, which had the middle cerebral artery occluded, were treated (i.p.) with cinnamaldehyde. Neuroprotection by cinnamaldehyde was analysed by evaluating neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Expressions of signal transduction molecules and inflammatory mediators were measured by Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Activation of NF-κB was assessed by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. KEY RESULTS: Cinnamaldehyde reduced the neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Cinnamaldehyde suppressed the activation of signal transduction molecules including toll-like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor-associated factor 6 and NF-κB, attenuated the increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CCL2 and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and ultimately reduced leukocyte infiltration into the ischaemic brain areas after cerebral ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Cinnamaldehyde protects against cerebral ischaemia injury by inhibiting inflammation, partly mediated by reducing the expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor-associated factor 6 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Our findings suggest that cinnamaldehyde may serve as a new candidate for further development as a treatment for stroke.