Impairment In Rats Research Articles

Isoflurane and Sevoflurane Induce Cognitive Impairment in Neonatal Rats by Inhibiting Neural Stem Cell Development Through Microglial Activation, Neuroinflammation, and Suppression of VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway

Inhaled anesthetics are known to induce neurotoxicity in the developing brains of rodents, although the mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying anesthetics-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) through the interaction between microglia and neural stem cells (NSCs) in postnatal day 7 (P7) rats. Cognitive function of P7 rats exposed to isoflurane and sevoflurane were assessed using Morris Water Maze and T maze tests. We also evaluated the expression levels of NSC biomarkers (Nestin and Sox2), microglia biomarker (CD11b or or IBA1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), and VEGFR2 using western blotting and immunohistochemistry in the brains of control and anesthesia-treated rats. We found spatial learning and working memory was impaired 2 weeks after anesthetics exposure in rats. Isoflurane induced stronger and more prolonged neurotoxicity than sevoflurane. However, cognitive functions were recovered 6 weeks after anesthesia. Isoflurane and sevoflurane decreased the levels of Nestin, Sox2, and p-VEGFR2, activated microglia, decreased the number of NSCs and reduced neurogenesis and the proliferation of NSCs, and increased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CD11b. Our results suggested that isoflurane and sevoflurane induced cognitive impairment in rats by inhibiting NSC development and neurogenesis via microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and suppression of VEGFR2 signaling pathway.

Role of Rph3A in brain injury induced by experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in rats.

AimThe aim was to study the role of Rph3A in neuronal injury induced by cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion.MethodsThe protein and mRNA levels of Rph3A in penumbra were detected by Western blot. The localization of Rph3A in different cell types in penumbra was detected by immunofluorescence. Apoptosis in the brain was detected by TUNEL staining. We tested neurobehavioral evaluation using rotarod test, adhesive‐removal test, and Morris Water maze test. We examined the expression and localization of Rph3A in cultured neurons and astrocytes in vitro by Western blot and ELISA, respectively.ResultsThe mRNA and protein levels of Rph3A had significantly increased in brain penumbra of the rat MCAO/R model. Rph3A was mainly distributed in neurons and astrocytes and was significantly increased by MCAO/R. We downregulated Rph3A and found that it further worsened the cerebral infarct, neuronal death and behavioral, cognitive, and memory impairments in rats after MCAO/R. We also found that ischemia‐reperfusion upregulated the in vitro protein level and secretion of Rph3A in astrocytes but led to a decrease in the protein level of Rph3A in neurons.ConclusionThe increase in Rph3A in the brain penumbra may be an endogenous protective mechanism against ischemia‐reperfusion injury, which is mainly dominated by astrocytes.

Transcriptome Profiles of IncRNA and mRNA Highlight the Role of Ferroptosis in Chronic Neuropathic Pain With Memory Impairment.

Background: Chronic neuropathic pain is commonly associated with memory loss, which increases the risk of dementia, lowers life quality and spending. On the other hand, the molecular processes are unknown, and effective therapies have yet to be discovered. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain, but their role in chronic pain-induced memory impairment is unknown. Methods: We established a CCI-induced memory impairment rat model. To investigate and validate the gene expression alterations in the hippocampus of CCI-induced memory impairment, we used RNA-Seq, bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, western blot, immunostaining, Nissl staining, and Diaminobenzidine-enhanced Perls’ stain. Results: CCI rats displayed long-term memory deficits in the Y maze and novel objective recognition tests, and chronic mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity in the hind paws. We found a total of 179 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) (81 downregulated and 98 upregulated) and 191 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DElncRNAs) (87 downregulated and 105 upregulated) between the hippocampus CA1 of CCI-induced memory impairment model and the sham control, using RNA-Seq expression profiles. The most enriched pathways involving oxidation and iron metabolism were explored using a route and function pathway analysis of DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs. We also discovered that ATF3 was considerably overexpressed in the hippocampal CA1 area, and gene markers of ferroptosis, such as GPX4, SLC7A11, SLC1A5, and PTGS2, were dysregulated in the CCI-induced memory impairment paradigm. Furthermore, in the hippocampus CA1 of CCI-induced memory impairment, lipid peroxidation and iron overload were considerably enhanced. Fer-1 treatment reversed ferroptosis damage of CCI with memory impairment model. Finally, in CCI-induced memory impairment, a competing RNA network analysis of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs was performed to investigate the putative regulatory link of DElncRNAs on DEmRNAs via miRNA sponging. Conclusion: Using RNA-Seq, we created a genome-wide profile of the whole hippocampus of a rat model of CCI-induced memory impairment. In the hippocampus, pathways and function analyses revealed numerous intriguing genes and pathways involved in ferroptosis and memory impairment in response to chronic pain stress. As a result, our research may aid in the identification of potential and effective treatments for CCI-induced memory impairment.

Ovocystatin Induced Changes in Expression of Alzheimer's Disease Relevant Proteins in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice.

Background: Ovocystatin is marked by structural and biological similarities to human cystatin C, which plays an important role in the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, it has been shown that ovocystatin might prevent aging-related cognitive impairment in rats and reduce memory decline in an APP/PS1 mice model. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of ovocystatin on histopathological changes in APP/PS1 mice. Materials and methods: Ovocystatin was administered intraperitoneally for four weeks (40 μg/mouse) to 35-weeks-old transgenic (AD, n = 14) and wild type (NCAR, n = 15) mice (stock B6C3-Tg(APPswe, PSEN1dE9)85Dbo/Mmjax). A histopathological evaluation comprised antibodies directed against β-amyloid (1:400, SIG-39320-1000, Covance) and Tau (1:4000, AHB0042, Invitrogen). Three regions of the hippocampus— the dentate gyrus (DG) and the cornu ammonis (CA1 and CA3)—were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in each animal. All differences are expressed as percentage relative to the control group. Results: The main results showed that the percentage of immunoreactive area of β-amyloid, tau protein deposits in APP/PS1+ovCYS was decreased in DG, CA1, and CA3 regions compared with the APP/PS1 control, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ovocystatin caused significant changes in the expression pattern of all investigated proteins in hippocampal tissues both in APP/PS1 and NCAR mice.

Subchronic Acrylamide Exposure Activates PERK-eIF2α Signaling Pathway and Induces Synaptic Impairment in Rat Hippocampus.

Acrylamide (ACR), a well-documented neurotoxicant to humans, is extensively found in starchy foods. More than 30% of the typical daily calorie intake comes from ACR-containing foods. Epidemiological and toxicological studies have found that ACR exposure is associated with mild cognitive change in men and experimental animals. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms by which ACR exposure induces memory deficits. The aberrant activation of the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) signaling pathway is emerging as a major common theme in cognitive decline. The present study is designed to explore the effect of subchronic ACR exposure on the PERK signaling and the synaptic impairment to elucidate the potential mechanism of ACR-induced cognitive dysfunction in rat. ACR exposure at 5 and 10 (mg/kg)/day by gavage for 14 weeks results in gait abnormality and cognitive impairment in rats, which were accompanied by neuronal loss, glial cell proliferation, and synaptic ultrastructure damage in the hippocampus. ACR reduced the expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (P-CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and synaptic vesicle proteins synapsin-1 and synaptophysin synthesis. ACR also excessively activates the PERK-eIF2α signaling, resulting in overexpression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). This work helps to propose a possible mechanism of subchronic exposure of ACR-induced neurotoxicity.

Human ESC-derived immunity- and matrix- regulatory cells ameliorated white matter damage and vascular cognitive impairment in rats subjected to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the ability of immunity‐ and matrix‐ regulatory cells (IMRCs) to improve cognitive function in a rat model of vascular cognitive impairment.Materials and MethodsA chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) model was established in rats via permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (two‐vessel occlusion, 2VO). The rats then received intravenous injections of IMRCs or saline. A single injection of different doses of IMRCs (1 × 106 cells/rat, 2 × 106 cells/rat, or 4 × 106 cells/rat) was administered via tail vein 72 h after establishment of the model. To evaluate functional recovery, the rats were subjected to behavioural tests after 30 days of CCH. Imaging, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to analyse neuroinflammation and white matter injury after 14 and 40 days of CCH. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was used to profile gene expression changes in copine 1 (CPNE1) in response to IMRCs treatment.ResultsIntravenous injection of 4 × 106 IMRCs alleviated white matter damage and ameliorated cognitive deficits in rats subjected to CCH. Immunofluorescence staining suggested that activation of microglia and astrocytes was reduced, and RNA sequencing showed that CPNE1 expression was significantly elevated following treatment with IMRCs.ConclusionsIntravenous injection of IMRCs protected against CCH‐induced white matter injury and cognitive impairment inhibition of microglial activation and regulation of microglia polarization.

Neonatal isolation provokes hippocampal apoptosis and recognition memory impairment in rats

Neonatal isolation (NI) has detrimental consequences on the hippocampal neurons of rat neonates. It has been reported to enhance neuronal cell death and impair memory behaviors. We conducted this study to assess the effects of NI on hippocampal apoptosis and recognition memory impairment in the hippocampus of rat neonates. One group of male Wistar rat neonates exposed to NI; rat neonates reared with 1-hour neonatal isolation (NI) for eight consecutive days (P2-P9). On the other hand, the control group reared normally. Novel object recognition test (NOR) test used to evaluate the effects of NI on recognition memory impairment. On day 22 (P22), a TUNEL assay was done. NOR demonstrated that rat neonates who experienced NI had long-term memory deficits (P&lt;0.01). TUNEL assay results showed that NI increased the number of TUNEL positive neurons in CA1, CA3, and DG subfields of the hippocampus (P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.001, and P&lt;0.001). The present results indicated that NI exerted apoptotic effect and induced recognition memory impairment in the rat neonate’s hippocampus.

Ameliorative Effect of Prosopis africana Seed Extract on Cobalt Chloride Induced Cerebellar Toxicity: Neurobehavioural, Histomorphological and Biochemical Findings

Cobalt toxicity from industrial exposure and medical metal prosthesis has been linked to neurological problems such as motor dysfunction. The goal of this study was to find out whether Prosopis africana (PA) seed extract had ameliorative effects on the cerebellum of adult Wistar rats exposed to cobalt chloride (CoCl2). 60 male Wistar rats were grouped into 4 (n=15). Rats were treated with CoCl2 or CoCl2 in combination with PA seed extract (PAE) at 50mg or 100mg orally for 14 days. Control rats received distilled water for the same period. The findings showed that CoCl2 caused neurobehavioural impairment in rats by reducing exploratory activities, increasing anxiety, and significantly (p&lt;0.05) reducing hanging latency along with a low limb impairment score. Co-treatment with PAE on the other hand, enhanced these parameters to levels comparable to control, reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cerebellar tissues, while also improving superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Furthermore, PAE50mg or 100mg significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced proinflammatory biomarkers such as Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). In the histology and immunohistochemistry, CoCl2 treated groups showed severe cytoplasmic vacuolations and nuclei fragmentation in Purkinje neurons, as well as elevated astrocytic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which was alleviated by PAE therapy. Thus, when PAE was administered, cerebellar Purkinje cell integrity was improved, antioxidant status was boosted, and lipid peroxidation in the cerebellum was suppressed. Hence, PAE ameliorated CoCl2 induced alterations by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing anti-oxidant enzyme status and decreasing inflammation.

Long-Term Effect of Porcine Brain Enzyme Hydrolysate Intake on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats.

No study has revealed the effect of porcine brain enzyme hydrolysate (PBEH) on memory impairment. We aimed to examine the hypothesis that PBEH intake modulates memory deficits and cognitive behavior in scopolamine (SC)-induced amnesia rats, and its mechanism, including gut microbiota changes, was determined. Sprague–Dawley male rats had intraperitoneal injections of SC (2 mg/kg body weight/day) at 30 min after daily feeding of casein (MD-control), PBEH (7 mg total nitrogen/mL) at 0.053 mL (Low-PBEH), 0.159 mL (Medium-PBEH), 0.478 mL (High-PBEH), or 10 mg donepezil (Positive-control) per kilogram body weight per day through a feeding needle for six weeks. The Normal-control rats had casein feeding without SC injection. PBEH dose-dependently protected against memory deficits determined by passive avoidance test, Y-maze, water-maze, and novel object recognition test in SC-induced rats compared to the MD-control. The High-PBEH group had a similar memory function to the Positive-control group. Systemic insulin resistance determined by HOMA-IR was lower in the PBEH groups than in the Normal-control but not the Positive-control. In parallel with systemic insulin resistance, decreased cholesterol and increased glycogen contents in the hippocampus in the Medium-PBEH and High-PBEH represented reduced brain insulin resistance. PBEH intake prevented the increment of serum TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations in the SC-injected rats. Hippocampal lipid peroxide and TNF-α contents and mRNA TNF-α and IL-1β expression were dose-dependently reduced in PBEH and Positive-control. PBEH decreased the hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity compared to the MD-control, but not as much as the Positive-control. PBEH intake increased the α-diversity of the gut microbiota compared to the MD-control, and the gut microbiota community was separated from MD-control. In metagenome function analysis, PBEH increased the energy metabolism-related pathways of the gut microbiota, including citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism, which were lower in the MD-control than the Normal-control. In conclusion, alleviated memory deficit by PBEH was associated potentially with not only reducing acetylcholinesterase activity but also improving brain insulin resistance and neuroinflammation potentially through modulating gut microbiota. PBEH intake (1.5–4.5 mL of 7 mg total nitrogen/mL for human equivalent) can be a potential therapeutic agent for improving memory impairment.

Effects of PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin-mediated Actin Homeostasis on Axonal Injury after Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a hemorrhagic stroke with a high mortality and disability rate. Neurological impairment after ICH is closely associated with neuronal axon damage. Serine/threonine-protein kinase p21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1) participates in cytoskeletal remodeling and regulates the F-actin and G-actin ratio in neuronal axons, but the function of PAK1 after ICH remains unclear. We established an in vivo rat ICH model by autologous whole blood injection into the right basal ganglia and an in vitro neuron oxyhemoglobin intervention. The results showed that the phosphorylated PAK1 level increased while the PAK1 expression level unchanged after ICH, After PAK1 knockdown, PAK1 and phosphorylated PAK1 levels were both reduced. Meanwhile, downstream proteins LIMK1 and cofilin expression levels were unchanged while phosphorylated LIMK1 and phosphorylated cofilin were decreased. F-actin/G-actin ratio decreased after PAK1 knockdown. Moreover, PAK1 knockdown improved short- and long-term neurobehavioral impairments in rats. In vitro, phosphorylated PAK1 expression increased after oxyhemoglobin intervention. After PAK1 knockdown, the axon length of neurons increased while F-actin/G-actin ratio decreased. Spersman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between phospho-PAK1 fluorescence intensity and neuronal axon length. Knockdown of PAK1 increased the live/dead cell ratio and promoted neurons survival. Our study showed that PAK1 is involved in ICH early secondary brain injury by affecting F-actin/G-actin ratio through the PAK1/LIMK1/cofilin pathway. PAK1 may be an essential target for early secondary brain injury intervention after ICH.

Investigating the Role and Mechanism of Octreotide in Long Standing Diabetes-induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Abstract: Background: Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue and it produces beneficial effects in diabetic-neuropathy. Studies have also shown its beneficial role in Alzheimer disease. However, the role of octreotide in diabetes-induced cognitive impairment is not explored yet. Aim: The present study was designed to explore the role and mechanism of octreotide in long standing diabetes-induced cognitive impairment in an experimental model. Materials and Methods: Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg)-injected rats were kept for 10 weeks to induce the development of cognitive impairment, which was assessed using Morris Water Maze test. The learning was assessed by comparing the escape latency time (ELT) of day 1 with ELT of day 4. The memory was assessed on the 5th day by measuring the time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ). Three different doses of octreotide (10, 20 and 40 μg/kg) were administered for the last two weeks. The levels of Nrf2, reduced glutathione, TBARS, IL-1 and TNF-α were measured in rat brain homogenates. Results: Treatment with octreotide for two weeks led to significant increase in day 4 ELT and day 5 TSTQ in streptozotocin-injected rats suggesting the improvement in learning and memory. Moreover, octreotide attenuated streptozotocin-induced increase in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. It also increased the nuclear: cytoplasmic ratio of Nrf2 suggesting the effect of octreotide in increasing the levels of endogenous antioxidants. Conclusion: Octreotide has the potential to improve learning and memory in long standing diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction and its beneficial effects may be possibly attributed to decrease in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Key words: Oxidative stress, Diabetes, Memory, Octreotide, Neuroinflammation, Learning.

Fish Oil Ameliorates Doxorubicin Induced Memory Impairment in Wistar Rats

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death in 112 countries under the age of 70 in 2019. Cognitive impairment is a common chemotherapeutic drug side effect that affects 15-80 % of cancer patients. These cognitive changes persist for one or two years following chemotherapy and sometimes persist for life time. Due to impaired cognitive function, survivors find utmost difficulty to perform day to day activities and lose their independency which has a negative impact on standard of living (SOL). The Antineoplastic drug doxorubicin has been associated with severe neurotoxicity, which manifests as a loss of cognitive abilities, most likely due to oxidative stress in the brain. Naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids have potential health benefits. They are abundant in fish oil. Fish oil is used as dietary supplement and is well known for anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidaemia, cardio protective, and antioxidant and neuro protective functions. The current study explored to investigate Fish oil potential neuro protection and memory-improving advantages against Doxorubicin-induced cognitive and neurobiological impairments. The preventive effect of Fish oil against doxorubicin-induced memory impairments in rats was evaluated by using a novel object recognition task and the Morris water maze test. Doxorubicin-induced memory impairment was considerably prevented by fish oil treatment (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and acetyl cholinesterase activity were dramatically reduced with both dosages of Fish oil. Furthermore, Fish oil protected the frontal cortex and hippocampus parts of the brain from doxorubicin-induced oxidative and inflammatory damages. These findings suggest that Fish oil may be a promising adjuvant therapeutic option for decreasing doxorubicin-related side effects

Toxicity effects evaluation of green synthesized silver nanoparticles on intraperitoneally exposed male Wistar rats

ABSTRACT During the last decades, the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been considered because of their small size and antimicrobial effects. The main concern about these particles is that they can induce oxidative stress. In this study, the dose-dependent effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Green-AgNPs) were evaluated on adult male rats. Animals were injected intraperitoneally (I.P) with the vehicle (deionized water) and different doses of Green-AgNPs (50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm), daily for 21 days. For the safety assessment, body weight and organ coefficient (liver, kidney, spleen, and brain) were measured. The effects of Green-AgNPs administration on working memory, anxiety behavior, novel object recognition, and spatial memory were analyzed. The lipophilic fluorescent products (LFPs), as an indicator of oxidative stress, were also evaluated in the liver, kidney, spleen, and hippocampus. After 21 days of exposure, significant changes were not observed in body weight and organ coefficients. Green-AgNPs at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 ppm caused memory impairment and anxieties as well as altered liver, kidney, spleen, and hippocampus redox status. All tissues of the exposed animals showed an increased LFPs level compared to those of the rats in the vehicle group. This study indicated that the consumption of Green-AgNPs in higher doses (> 50 ppm), not only had negative effects on behavioral indices but also caused memory impairment in rats and was toxic. This might be due to the induction of oxidative stress demonstrated by increased LFPs levels in tissues.

Mechanistic Insights into Ameliorating Effect of Geraniol on d-Galactose Induced Memory Impairment in Rats

Geraniol (GE), an important ingredient in several essential oils, displayed pleiotropic biological activities through targeting multiple signaling cascades. In the current study, we aimed to examine the protective effect of GE on d-galactose (d-gal) induced cognitive impairment and explore the underlying mechanisms. Forty male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomly categorized into 4 groups; Group I (saline + vehicle [edible oil]), group II (saline + geraniol) (100 mg/kg/day orally), group III (d-galactose) (100 mg/kg/day subcutaneously injected), and group IV (d-galactose + geraniol). Behavioral impairments were evaluated. Brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities were estimated. The levels of inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kβ)], endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors [inositol requiring protein 1(IRE1) and protein kinase RNA–like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)], brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway were measured by ELISA. Also, hippocampal histopathological assessment and immunohistochemical analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and caspase-3 were performed. Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA expression and protein levels were assessed. GE effectively ameliorated aging-related memory impairment through increasing GSH, BDNF, Ach levels, and SOD activity. Additionally, GE treatment caused a decrease in the levels of MDA, inflammatory mediators, and ER stress sensors as well as the AchE activity together with concomitant down-regulation of GRP78 and CHOP mRNA expression. Moreover, GE improved neuronal architecture and rat's spatial memory; this is evidenced by the shortened escape latency and increased platform crossing number. Therefore, GE offers a unique pharmacological approach for aging-associated neurodegenerative disorders.Graphical

Novel anti-apoptotic L-DOPA precursors SuperDopa and SuperDopamide as potential neuroprotective agents for halting/delaying progression of Parkinson\u2019s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a gradual degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpC). Levodopa, the standard PD treatment, provides the missing dopamine in SNpC, but ultimately after a honeymoon with levodopa treatment the neurodegenerative process and the progression of the disease continue. Aimed at prolonging the life of dopaminergic cells, we prepared the levodopa precursors SuperDopa (SD) and SueprDopamide (SDA), in which levodopa is merged with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) into a single molecule. Rotenone is a mitochondrial complex inhibitor often used as experimental model of PD. In vivo, SD and SDA treatment show a significant relief of motor disabilities in rotenone-injected rats. SD and SDA also lower rotenone-induced-α-synuclein (α-syn) expression in human SH-SY5Y cells, and α-syn oligomerization in α-syn-overexpressing-HEK293 cells. In the neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, SD and SDA reverse oxidative stress-induced phosphorylation of cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38-mitogen-activated kinase (p38MAPK). Attenuation of the MAPK-inflammatory/apoptotic pathway in SH-SY5Y cells concurrent with protection of rotenone-triggered motor impairment in rats, is a manifestation of the combined antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity of SD and SDA together with levodopa release. The concept of joined therapies into a single molecule, where levodopa precursors confer antioxidant activity by enabling NAC delivery across the BBB, provides a potential disease-modifying treatment for slowing PD progression.

태극삼의 장기투여가 인지기능향상과 기억력증진에 미치는 영향

To investigate effects of cognitive function improvement whether against Taegeuk ginseng on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. All experiments were conducted in three groups: the control group (CTR), the scopolamine 0.4mg/kg (SCP), and the scopolamine (SCP+T) treated with Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg. Taegeuk ginseng 100 mg/kg daily was orally administered for one month and treated with scopolamine was only for 7 consecutive days on the Morris water maze task. 3 weeks after oral administration of Taegeuk ginseng, subjects were performed the Morris water maze test for 8 days and then the open-field exploration test which to assessed for cognitive function improvement. After behavioral testing, subjects were sacrificed and microdissected brains for neurochemical analysis. In the cognitive-behavioral test, long-term administration of Taegeuk ginseng improved spatial navigation learning task compared with the impeded by scopolamine treatment. In neurochemistry, the expression of the synaptic marker PSD95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) was increased in the hippocampus compared to the scopolamine group. Also, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was significantly increased in the taegeuk ginseng administration group. These data suggested that long-term administration of taegeuk ginseng might improve cognitive-behavioral functions on hippocampal related spatial learning memory, and it was correlated with neurotropic and synaptic reinforcement. In conclusion, treatment with taegeuk ginseng may positive outcome on learning and memory deficit disorders.

Salivary Glands after Prolonged Aluminum Exposure: Proteomic Approach Underlying Biochemical and Morphological Impairments in Rats.

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and its high extraction rate and industrial use make human exposure very common. As Al may be a human toxicant, it is important to investigate the effects of Al exposure, mainly at low doses and for prolonged periods, by simulating human exposure. This work aimed to study the effects of low-dose exposure to chloride aluminum (AlCl3) on the oxidative biochemistry, proteomic profile, and morphology of the major salivary glands. Wistar male rats were exposed to 8.3 mg/kg/day of AlCl3 via intragastric gavage for 60 days. Then, the parotid and submandibular glands were subjected to biochemical assays, proteomic evaluation, and histological analysis. Al caused oxidative imbalance in both salivary glands. Dysregulation of protein expression, mainly of those related to cytoarchitecture, energy metabolism and glandular function, was detected in both salivary glands. Al also promoted histological alterations, such as acinar atrophy and an increase in parenchymal tissue. Prolonged exposure to Al, even at low doses, was able to modulate molecular alterations associated with morphological impairments in the salivary glands of rats. From this perspective, prolonged Al exposure may be a risk to exposed populations and their oral health.

Win55,212-2 improves neural injury induced by HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 in rats by exciting CB2R

The occurrence and development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) is related to synaptic injury and neuron loss, which gradually reduces the ability of learning and memory, and eventually leads to cognitive dysfunction. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) enveloped glycoprotein 120 (GP120) is the principal etiological agent of HIV-1-induced nerve damage and HAND. Our previous study demonstrated that GP120 can induce neuronal damage by increasing N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCsNMDAR), In addition to neuroexcitotoxicity, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis mediated by NMDAR overactivation are also involved in HAND. Because cannabinoids have known effects against neuroinflammation, stress response, and oxidative effects, we researched the effects of the cannabinoid receptor agonist Win55,212–2 [(R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3 [(4-morpholinyl) methyl] pyrrolo [1,2,3-de]− 1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphthalenyl) methanone mesylate salt] on synaptic changes induced by GP120. In this study, we discovered that Win55,212–2 prevents GP120-induced neurological injury and cognitive dysfunction, and these effects are consistent with the neuroprotective effect of NMDAR blockers. In the Morris water maze (MWM) test, the results revealed that GP120 could induce learning and memory impairment in rats, while antagonizing NMDARs or activating CB2R could counteract GP120-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats; The results of TUNEL staining were consistent with the above results of MWM behavioral experiments. GP120 damaged hippocampal neurons in the CA1 region, while the NMDAR antagonist and cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonist prevented GP120-induced effects. In molecular biology experiments, Our results showed that GP120 significantly upregulated the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and CXCL10; Furthermore, GP120 significantly upregulated the protein expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and decreased the protein expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as measured by ELISA. Additionally, in the GP120 group, the mRNA expression levels of pro-apoptosis factors such as Bax, CytC, and caspase-3, − 8 and − 9 were significantly increased while the expression level of anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Our studie also demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic pathway factors could be regulated by the p38 JNK MAPK pathway. But pretreatment with NMDAR antagonist memantine or CB2R agonist Win55,212–2 significantly reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors. And the effects aroused by Win55,212–2 could be reversed by the CB2R antagonist AM630. These data suggest that the activation of the CB2R is neuroprotective against GP120-induced neurotoxicity, and CB2R agonist might play a potential therapeutic role in HAND.

Protective effect of Juglanin against doxorubicin-induced cognitive impairment in rats: Effect on oxidative,inflammatory and apoptotic machineries.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug, however, side effects such as cognitive impairment and cardiotoxicity have limited its clinical use. Juglanin (JUG) is a flavonoid with excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. This study investigated the protective effects of JUG against DOX-induced cognitive decline, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats. The rats were orally administrated with JUG or JUG in combination with DOX. After treatment, the animals were subjected to series of behavioral test including Morris water maze, Y-maze and forced swimming tests. After the study, the rats were sacrificed and the level of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase 3 and Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) were assayed in the brain. Histopathological analysis was also performed on the brain of the rats. JUG significantly protected against DOX-induced cognitive impairment and depressive behaviors. In addition, JUG attenuated altered brain histopathological architecture, reduced oxido-inflammatory responses, acetylcholinesterase and caspase 3 activity in the brain of the treated rats. Collectively, the results suggested that JUG offered neuroprotection against DOX induced Chemobrain via ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Nesfatin-1 ameliorates oxidative brain damage and memory impairment in rats induced with a single acute epileptic seizure

AimsWe aimed to investigate putative neuroprotective effects of nesfatin-1 on oxidative brain injury and memory dysfunction induced by a single epileptic seizure and to compare these effects with those of antiepileptic phenytoin. Main methodsWistar albino rats were randomly divided into a control group and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-seizure groups pretreated intraperitoneally (ip) with saline or nesfatin-1 (NES-1; 0.3, 1 or 3 μg/kg/day) or phenytoin (PHE; 40 mg/kg/day) or PHE + NES-1 (0.3 μg/kg/day) at 30 min before the single-dose PTZ injection (45 mg/kg; ip). All treatments were repeated at the 24th and 48th h of the provoked epileptic seizure. Passive-avoidance test was performed to assess memory function. The rats were decapitated at the 72nd hour of seizures and brain tissues were analyzed for histopathological changes and for measuring levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, myeloperoxidase activity and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Key findingsIn parallel to the effects of phenytoin, NES-1 reduced seizure score, elevated antioxidant glutathione content, depressed generation of nitric oxide and protected against seizure-induced neuronal damage. Additionally, increased malondialdehyde levels and elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the cortex and hippocampus were decreased and memory dysfunction was improved by NES-1. However, NES-1 had no impact on myeloperoxidase activity or production of reactive oxygen species in the brain. SignificanceThe findings of the present study demonstrate that nesfatin-1 treatment provides neuroprotection against seizure-induced oxidative damage and memory dysfunction by inhibiting reactive nitrogen species and upregulating antioxidant capacity, indicating its potential in alleviating memory deficits and increasing the effectiveness of conventional anti-convulsant therapies.