Research Report3-[2-(3,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]furan protects hippocampal neurons against ischemic damage

Resveratrol, an ingredient in grapes, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and cardiovascular protection property. Interestingly, resveratrol has been recently reported to have neuroprotective effect. This study reports the neuroprotective effect of a resveratrol derivative, 3-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]furan (DPVF). This synthetic DPVF conferred more protection than resveratrol against neuronal cell damage induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in a rat hippocampal slice culture. In addition, DPVF inhibited ATP depletion following oxygen and glucose deprivation in the adult hippocampal slice. Moreover, we found that DPVF is neuroprotective against ischemic damage in rats. DPVF showed potent neuroprotection on a 4-velssel-occusion model and inhibited iron-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the rat brain tissue. These results demonstrate that DPVF might be a useful agent in reducing ischemic neuronal damage.

► 3-[2-(3,5-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-furan (DPVF) is a synthetic resveratrol derivative. ► DPVF has higher neuroprotective abilities than resveratrol. ► DPVF inhibited neuronal damage against OGD in rat hippocampal slice culture. ► DPVF has a potent neuroprotective effect against ischemic damage in rat. ► The study herein was first to report a new neuroprotective agent, DPVF.