Takashi Ochiai

TL;DR: It is reported that crocin is a unique and potent antioxidant that combats oxidative stress in neurons and was more effective than those of alpha-tocopherol at the same concentration.

TL;DR: Among these saffron's constituents, crocin most effectively promotes mRNA expression of gamma-glutamylcysteinyl synthase (gamma-GCS), which contributes to GSH synthesis as the rate-limiting enzyme, and that the carotenoid can significantly reduce infarcted areas caused by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice.

TL;DR: It is demonstrated that crocin suppresses the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on neuronally differentiated PC-12 cells and inhibits neuronal cell death induced by both internal and external apoptotic stimuli.

TL;DR: The data suggest that crocin combats the serum/glucose deprivation-induced ceramide formation in PC-12 cells by increasing GSH levels and prevents the activation of JNK pathway, which is reported to have a role of the signaling cascade downstream ceramide for neuronal cell death.

TL;DR: A central role for acid SMase/ceramide signalling in the pathology of DSS‐induced colitis in mice is suggested, indicating a possible preventive or therapeutic role for SMase inhibitor in inflammatory bowel disease.