Nepeta Dschuparensis Bornm Extract Moderates COX-2 and IL-1β Proteins in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia

BACKGROUND: Nepeta dschuparensis Bornm (NP) is used as a medicinal herb in Iran. In traditional medicine, this herb is extensively employed for curing ailments such as cardiovascular diseases. NP has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This project examined the effects of the NP extract on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein levels and its efficacy in neuroprotection in a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model. METHODS: Twenty-six male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) sham (n=6): no middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure, 2) control (n=10): MCAO procedure and treatment with normal saline, and 3) NP extract (n=10): MCAO procedure and treatment with the NP extract (20 mg/kg, i.p.) at the beginning of reperfusion. To examine the injury caused by cerebral ischemia, we measured motor coordination and the infarct area using the rotarod test and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, respectively. IL-1β and COX-2 protein levels, as inflammatory markers, were measured by immunoblotting assay. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 16, and the data are expressed as means±SEMs. Statistical difference was evaluated using the one-way ANOVA, followed by the post hoc LSD test (P<0.01). RESULTS: Treatment with the NP extract significantly diminished the infarct volume and alleviated the motor coordination disorder induced by cerebral ischemia. The NP extract administration significantly attenuated the increase in IL-1β and COX-2 protein levels too (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The beneficial effects of the NP extract are related to its ability to decrease the levels of IL-1β and COX-2.