Composition and method for neuroprotection against excitotoxic injury

Abstract

The present invention discloses the combined treatment of memantine (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist) and tea polyphenol (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent) is more effective (synergistic) in neuroprotection than either memantine or tea polyphenol alone in mouse excitotoxic injury. These findings provide useful information about the potential application of memantine and tea polyphenols in preventing or treating clinical excitotoxic injury such as brain trauma, brain ischemia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

1 . A composition, comprising N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and tea polyphenol in combination, wherein the ratio of tea polyphenol and NMDA receptor antagonist is from 3:1 to 10:1. 
     
     
         2 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said NMDA receptor antagonist is memantine or a pharmaceutically acceptable analog. 
     
     
         3 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said tea polyphenol consists of polyphenolic antioxidant metabolites. 
     
     
         4 . A method for preventing or treating a subject suffering from a disease or condition associated with excitotoxicity, said method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said preventing or treating is made by attenuating mitochondria dysfunction associated with loss of Ca 2+  homeostasis and enhanced cellular oxidative stress. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said disease or condition is a neurodegenerative disease or condition. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said neurodegenerative disease or condition is brain trauma, brain ischemia, epilepsy, or Alzheimer's diseases. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said excitotoxicity is caused by NMDA receptor over-activation. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said subject is human. 
     
     
         10 . A method for providing synergistic neuroprotective effect to a subject, said method comprising administrating to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said synergistic neuroprotective effect is made by attenuating mitochondria dysfunction associated with loss of Ca 2+  homeostasis and enhanced cellular oxidative stress. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said subject is human.