Effect of adlay seed extract on the level of neuroprotection gene expression in human nasal orbital mesenchymal stem cells

Introduction: Stem cells have gained attention for their potential as a promising approach for generating neurotrophins and advancing cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to explore how adlay seed extract impacts the gene expression of key components within the neuroprotection pathway (NGF, TRKB, MAPK, PI3K) in human nasal orbital adipocytes mesenchymal stem cells (OAMSCs). Methods: Nasal OAMSCs, with a density of 106 cells/ 10 cm2, were subjected to a 24-hour exposure to adlay seed extracts (namely the methanolic (MeOH) and residual (Res) fractions at a concentration of 1 mg/ml). The control group received an identical medium without the extract at the same time and under the same circumstances. We measured the relative expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TRKB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the treated cells versus the control group using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Our data revealed that both the MeOH and Res extracts of adlay seed led to a significant upregulation of NGF in nasal OAMSCs. MeOH extract also led to the overexpression of TRKB (the gene coding for BDNF receptor) in OAMSCs, while the other genes understudy, were not altered. Conclusions: Our study highlighted initial documentation of the stimulating impact of adlay extract on the transcriptional level of neurotrophin NGF and the TRKB in nasal OAMSCs. We also showed that the extraction method could significantly affect the molecular-level properties of adlay. This preliminary study can pave the ground for future advancements in the treatment of retinal neurodegenerative disorders and glaucoma.