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25 September 2012, Volume 7 Issue 27 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Neuroprotective effects of the immunomodulatory drug Setarud on cerebral ischemia in male rats Farzaneh Vafaee, Nasser Zangiabadi, Fatemeh Mehdi Pour, Farzaneh Dehghanian, Majid Asadi-Shekaari, Hossein Karimi Afshar 2012, 7 (27):  2085-2091.  Abstract ( 201 )   PDF (161KB) ( 1322 )   Save Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents can alleviate ischemic cerebral injury. The immunomodulary drug Setarud, which is composed of herbal extracts including Rosa canina, Urtica dioica and Tanacetum vulgare, supplemented with selenium exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that Setarud will have a neuroprotective effect against ischemic cerebral injury. To validate this hypothesis, rats were intraperitoneally administered with 0.66 mL/kg Setarud for 30 minutes after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed that Setarud could reduce cerebral infarct volume of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. Transmission electron microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that Setarud could alleviate the degenerative changes in cortical neurons of rats with cerebral ischemia. The inclined plate test and prehensile test showed that Setarud could significantly improve the motor function of rats with cerebral ischemia. These findings suggest that Setarud shows neuroprotective effects against ischemic brain injury. Related Articles | Metrics

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Baicalin and deferoxamine alleviate iron accumulation in different brain regions of Parkinson’s disease rats Pei Xiong, Xin Chen, Chunyan Guo, Nan Zhang, Baocang Ma 2012, 7 (27):  2092-2098.  Abstract ( 242 )   PDF (343KB) ( 773 )   Save Previous studies found that iron accumulates in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s disease patients. However, it is still unclear whether other brain regions have iron accumulation as well. In this experiment, rats with rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease were treated by gastric perfusion of baicalin or intraperitoneal injection of deferoxamine. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that iron accumulated not only in the substantia nigra pars compacta, but also significantly in the striatum globus pallidus, the dentate gyrus granular layer of the hippocampus, the dentate-interpositus and the facial nucleus of the cerebellum. Both baicalin and deferoxamine, which are iron chelating agents, significantly inhibited iron deposition in these brain areas, and substantially reduced the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. These chelators also reduced iron content in the substantia nigra. In addition to the substantia nigra, iron deposition was observed in other brain regions as well. Both baicalin and deferoxamine significantly inhibited iron accumulation in different brain regions, and had a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Chinese herbal monomers on oxidative phosphorylation and membrane potential in cerebral mitochondria isolated from hypoxia-exposed rats in vitro Weihua Yan, Junze Liu 2012, 7 (27):  2099-2106.  Abstract ( 392 )   PDF (303KB) ( 1089 )   Save Mitochondrial dysfunction is the key pathogenic mechanism of cerebral injury induced by high-altitude hypoxia. Some Chinese herbal monomers may exert anti-hypoxic effects through enhancing the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. In this study, effects of 10 kinds of Chinese herbal monomers on mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential of cerebral mitochondria isolated from hypoxia-exposed rats in vitro were investigated to screen anti-hypoxic drugs. Rats were exposed to a low-pressure environment of 405.35 mm Hg (54.04 kPa) for 3 days to establish high-altitude hypoxic models. Cerebral mitochondria were isolated and treated with different concentrations of Chinese herbal monomers (sinomenine, silymarin, glycyrrhizic acid, baicalin, quercetin, ginkgolide B, saffron, piperine, ginsenoside Rg1 and oxymatrine) for 5 minutes in vitro. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption and membrane potential were measured using a Clark oxygen electrode and the rhodamine 123 fluorescence analysis method, respectively. Hypoxic exposure significantly decreased the state 3 respiratory rate, respiratory control rate and mitochondrial membrane potential, and significantly increased the state 4 respiratory rate. Treatment with saffron, ginsenoside Rg1 and oxymatrine increased the respiratory control rate in cerebral mitochondria isolated from hypoxia-exposed rats in dose-dependent manners in vitro, while ginsenoside Rg1, piperine and oxymatrine significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential in cerebral mitochondria from hypoxia-exposed rats. The Chinese herbal monomers saffron, ginsenoside Rg1, piperine and oxymatrine could thus improve cerebral mitochondrial disorders in oxidative phosphorylation induced by hypobaric hypoxia exposure in vitro. Related Articles | Metrics

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Zhichan powder regulates nigrostriatal dopamine synthesis and metabolism in Parkinson’s disease rats Qingwei Zhou, Jiajun Chen, Shihong Yi, Yongwei Lou, Weimin Tang, Yongmao Liu, Pengguo Zhang 2012, 7 (27):  2107-2114.  Abstract ( 247 )   PDF (236KB) ( 867 )   Save In this study, rat models of Parkinson’s disease induced by substantia nigra injection of 6-hydroxy- dopamine were intragastrically administered Zhichan powder daily for 50 days. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression in the rat substantia nigra was significantly increased, while monoamine oxidase B mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Zhichan powder group, compared with the model group. In addition, the levels of striatal dopamine and homovanillic acid, the ratio of dopamine to homovanillic acid, and the activity of blood superoxide dismutase were all higher in the Zhichan powder group than in the model group, but the content of malondialdehyde in blood was lower. Our experimental findings indicate that Zhichan powder has an antioxidant effect, it can regulate the expression of monoamine oxidase B and tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s disease rats, and it can facilitate the secretion of striatal dopamine and its metabolite homovanillic acid. Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Zhichan powder on signal transduction and apoptosis-associated gene expression in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s disease rats Jiajun Chen, Jinshu Ma, Yafei Qiu, Shihong Yi, Yongmao Liu, Qingwei Zhou, Pengguo Zhang, Quan Wan, Ye Kuang 2012, 7 (27):  2115-2122.  Abstract ( 207 )   PDF (469KB) ( 826 )   Save Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson’s disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. The rat models were intragastrically treated with Zhichan powder, which is composed of milkvetch root, ginseng, bunge swallowwort root, himalayan teasel root, Magnolia officinalis, Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and szechwan lovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 significantly increased, but Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson’s disease. Following Zhichan powder administration, mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 diminished, but Bcl-2 expression increased in the rat substantia nigra. These results indicate that Zhichan powder regulates signal transduction protein expression, inhibits apoptosis, and exerts therapeutic effects on Parkinson’s disease. Related Articles | Metrics

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Improvement in quality of life in depressed patients following verum acupuncture or electroacupuncture plus paroxetine A randomized controlled study of 157 cases Shenghui Ma, Shanshan Qu, Yong Huang, Junqi Chen, Renyong Lin, Chongqi Wang, Ganlong Li, Canghuan Zhao, Shenchang Guo, Zhangjin Zhang 2012, 7 (27):  2123-2129.  Abstract ( 223 )   PDF (143KB) ( 926 )   Save Depressed patients with scores of 17 or more on the 17 items of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were treated with the antidepressant drug paroxetine. They also underwent verum acupuncture or electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version showed a significant increase in the total scores of patients who underwent verum acupuncture and electroacupuncture for 6 weeks compared with those who were given paroxetine only; significantly increased physical domain and social relationship scores in verum acupuncture patients compared with paroxetine only; and significantly elevated psychological domain scores with electroacupuncture compared with paroxetine only. These results indicate that both verum acupuncture and electroacupuncture can improve quality of life in depressed patients undergoing paroxetine treatment. Related Articles | Metrics

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Electroacupuncture upregulated platelet derived growth factor expression in spared dorsal root ganglion of cats Xifeng Wang, Lianshuang Zhang, Xiaobo Xu, Wei Zhao, Guixiang Liu 2012, 7 (27):  2131-2135.  Abstract ( 249 )   PDF (190KB) ( 830 )   Save A bilateral spared dorsal root ganglion model was established in healthy adult cats by bilateral resection of L1-5 and L7–S2 dorsal root ganglia. L6 dorsal root ganglia were spared. Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (BL39) or Futu (ST32) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) were alternatively electro-stimulated on the right leg. Immunohistochemical staining of anti-serum platelet-derived growth factor demonstrated that the number of total neurons and medium-small sized platelet-derived growth factor positive neurons was significantly decreased on the 7th day following injury. After 7 days of acupuncture, the total number of positive and large neurons staining for platelet-derived growth factor on the acupuncture side significantly increased compared to the non-acupuncture side. After acupuncture for 14 days, the total positive and medium-small sized neurons significantly increased compared with the non-acupuncture side. Results indicate that acupuncture promoted the synthesis of platelet-derived growth factor in spared dorsal root ganglia. Related Articles | Metrics

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Neurochemical mechanism of the gastrointestinal interdigestive migrating motor complex in rats with acute inflammatory stomach ache Xiaoli Xu, Qin Li, Lv Zhou, Liqiang Ru 2012, 7 (27):  2136-2143.  Abstract ( 231 )   PDF (330KB) ( 869 )   Save The normal gastrointestinal interdigestive migrating motor complex cycle was interrupted, and paroxysmal contraction appeared after formaldehyde-induced stomach ache. Activities of nitric oxide synthase, acetylcholinesterase and vasoactive intestinal peptide neurons were significantly reduced, whereas activities of calcitonin gene-related peptide neurons were significantly increased in the pyloric sphincter muscular layer, myenteric nerve plexus and submucous nerve plexus. Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) suppressed paroxysmal contraction in rats with formaldehyde-induced stomach ache, and neurons in the enteric nervous system were normal. These results indicated that nitrergic neurons, cholinergic neurons, vasoactive intestinal peptide neurons and calcitonin gene-related peptide neurons in the enteric nervous system may be involved in changes to the gastrointestinal interdigestive migrating motor complex following stomach ache, and that electroacupuncture can regulate this process. Related Articles | Metrics

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Construction of a recombinant lentivirus containing human microRNA-7-3 and its inhibitory effects on glioma proliferation Lun Dong, Chongxu Han, Hengzhu Zhang, Xuewen Gu, Jian Li, Yongkang Wu, Xiaodong Wang 2012, 7 (27):  2144-2150.  Abstract ( 209 )   PDF (248KB) ( 999 )   Save In the present study, we constructed a lentivirus, FIV-CMV-GFP-miR-7-3, containing the microRNA-7-3 gene and the green fluorescent protein gene, and used it to transfect human glioma U251 cells. Fluorescence microscopy showed that 80% of U251 cells expressed green fluorescence. Real-time reverse transcription PCR showed that microRNA-7-3 RNA expression in U251 cells was significantly increased. Proliferation was slowed in transfected U251 cells, and most cells were in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In addition, the expression of the serine/threonine protein kinase 2 was decreased. Results suggested that transfection with a lentivirus carrying microRNA-7-3 can effectively suppress epidermal growth factor receptor pathway activity in U251 cells, arrest cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase and inhibit glioma cell growth. Related Articles | Metrics

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Quantification of Tc-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer brain single photon emission computed tomography images using statistical probabilistic brain atlas in depressive end-stage renal disease patients Correlation with disease severity and symptom factors Heeyoung Kim, In Joo Kim, Seong-Jang Kim, Sang Heon Song, Kyoungjune Pak, Keunyoung Kim 2012, 7 (27):  2151-2159.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.27.010 Abstract ( 251 )   PDF (254KB) ( 844 )   Save This study adapted a statistical probabilistic anatomical map of the brain for single photon emission computed tomography images of depressive end-stage renal disease patients. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between symptom clusters, disease severity, and cerebral blood flow. Twenty-seven patients (16 males, 11 females) with stages 4 and 5 end-stage renal disease were enrolled, along with 25 healthy controls. All patients underwent depressive mood assessment and brain single photon emission computed tomography. The statistical probabilistic anatomical map images were used to calculate the brain single photon emission computed tomography counts. Asymmetric index was acquired and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between symptom factors, severity, and regional cerebral blood flow. The depression factors of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale showed a negative correlation with cerebral blood flow in the left amygdale. The insomnia factor showed negative correlations with cerebral blood flow in the left amygdala, right superior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The anxiety factor showed a positive correlation with cerebral glucose metabolism in the cerebellar vermis and a negative correlation with cerebral glucose metabolism in the left globus pallidus, right inferior frontal gyrus, both temporal poles, and left parahippocampus. The overall depression severity (total scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) was negatively correlated with the statistical probabilistic anatomical map results in the left amygdala and right inferior frontal gyrus. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the disease severity and extent of cerebral blood flow quantified by a probabilistic brain atlas was related to various brain areas in terms of the overall severity and symptom factors in end-stage renal disease patients. Related Articles | Metrics