Osajin is a promising candidate for sepsis-induced brain damage via suppression of the 8-OHdG/Bax/Caspase-3 pathway in a rat model of sepsis

Aims: We examined the protective effect of the natural product osajin against sepsis-induced brain damage by targeting the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)/Bcl-2-associated×protein (Bax)/caspase-3 pathway in the brain tissue of septic rats. Methods: Osajin was isolated from Maclura pomifera fruit, the structure was confirmed, and a rat model of brain damage was established by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method. Osajin was administered to the animals with sepsis-associated brain damage at 150 and 300 mg/kg. Following euthanasia, histopathological examination, detection of 8-OHdG by immunohistochemistry, and the estimation of Bax and caspase-3 expression using an immunofluorescent technique in the brain tissue were performed. Results: Histopathological examination revealed the presence of severe inflammation, marked degeneration, and necrosis in the brains of rats with sepsis. The results of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assays revealed that the CLP technique induced marked 8-OHdG, Bax, and caspase-3 expression in the brain tissues of septic rats compared with those in healthy rats. Osajin administration at a dose of 150 mg/kg (p