The potential therapeutic role of Lisinopril in augmenting the striatal neuroplasticity via the striatal ACE2/Ang1-7/MAS receptor axis in 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease in rats: shifting paradigms in Huntington's disease treatment.

Background: The exact pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD) remains unclear. However, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are supposed to play a significant role. The objective of this study was to examine the possible neuroprotective effect of Lisinopril (Lisino) in a 3-nitropropionic acid-produced HD in rats. Methods: Sixty-four rats were divided into four groups (16/group): Group (1): Normal control group, Group (2): Lisinopril control group, Group (3): 3-NP non-treated group, and Group (4): (3-NP + Lisinopril) group. Behavior assessments (open field test, rotarod test, grip strength test) were performed along with different histological and biochemical parameters. Results: Lisinopril upregulated the expression of the ACE2/Ang1-7/MAS receptor (MasR) axis of RAS, which triggered the PI3K/Akt pathway and prompted the CREB/BDNF neurogenesis signal. Furthermore, Lisinopril remarkably downregulated the inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6), decreased apoptotic markers (p53, BAX/Bcl2 ratio, Cyt-c and caspase-3) and upgraded the mitochondrial TFAM content and SDH activity along with restoration of the redox mechanism by recovering SOD, catalase, GSH and Nrf2. Conclusion: Notably, the outcomes of this study disclosed that Lisinopril could be a future neuroprotective therapeutic candidate against HD. Research highlights: Lisinopril alleviated the mitochondrial dysfunction and restored redox balance via Nrf2/TFAM signaling. Lisinopril downregulated the inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6). Lisinopril upregulated the expression of ACE2/Ang1-7/MAS receptor axis of RAS. Lisinopril activated PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway and evoked the neurogenesis via its downstream product BDNF. Lisinopril could be a future neuroprotective treatment against Huntington disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]