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

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Progesterone promotes neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture conditions that mimic the brain microenvironment Xianying Wang, Honghai Wu, Gai Xue, Yanning Hou 2012, 7 (25):  1925-1930.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.001 Abstract ( 197 )   PDF (189KB) ( 884 )   Save In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vaginal delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats (to mimic the brain microenvironment). Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. To evaluate the effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, we cultured the cells in medium containing progesterone (0.1, 1, 10 μM) in addition to brain tissue extracts. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometric analysis of neuron specific enolase-positive cells revealed that the percentages of these cells increased significantly following progesterone treatment, with the optimal progesterone concentration for neuron-like differentiation being 1 μM. These results suggest that progesterone can enhance the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture medium containing brain tissue extracts to mimic the brain microenvironment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Gene expression microarray analysis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in a rat model of migraine with aura Ruozhuo Liu, Shengyuan Yu, Fengpeng Li, Enchao Qiu 2012, 7 (25):  1931-1938.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.002 Abstract ( 161 )   PDF (169KB) ( 734 )   Save Cortical spreading depression can trigger migraine with aura and activate the trigeminal vascular system. To examine gene expression profiles in the spinal trigeminal nucleus in rats following cortical spreading depression-induced migraine with aura, a rat model was established by injection of 1 M potassium chloride, which induced cortical spreading depression. DNA microarray analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the cortical spreading depression group showed seven upregulated genes–myosin heavy chain 1/2, myosin light chain 1, myosin light chain (phosphorylatable, fast skeletal muscle), actin alpha 1, homeobox B8, carbonic anhydrase 3 and an unknown gene. Two genes were downregulated-RGD1563441 and an unknown gene. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and bioinformatics analysis indicated that these genes are involved in motility, cell migration, CO2/nitric oxide homeostasis and signal transduction. Related Articles | Metrics

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Increased hippocampal Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 expression in mice exposed prenatally to lead Yuanyuan You, Liguang Sun, Bo Peng, Yan Li, Songbin Ben, Shuang Gao 2012, 7 (25):  1939-1945.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.003 Abstract ( 154 )   PDF (166KB) ( 703 )   Save Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Developmental lead exposure can cause neurological disorders similar to hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and schizophrenia. In the present study, we examined the impact of developmental lead exposure, administered in vitro and in vivo, on hippocampal Disrupted-In- Schizophrenia 1 expression. Our results show that in cultured hippocampal neurons, in vitro exposure to 0.1–10 µM lead, inhibited neurite growth and increased Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 mRNA and protein expression dose-dependently. In addition, blood lead levels in mice were increased with increasing mouse maternal lead (0.01–1 mM) exposure. Hippocampal neurons from these mice showed a concomitant increase in Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 mRNA and protein expression. Overall our findings suggest that in vivo and in vitro lead exposure increases Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 expression in hippocampal neurons dose-dependently, and consequently may influence synapse formation in newborn neurons. Related Articles | Metrics

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Temporal dynamic changes of connexin 43 expression in C6 cells following lipopolysaccharide stimulation Ling Liu, Zhenping Gao, Linbo Zhang, Lue Su, Guojun Dong, Haiyang Yu, Jiayi Tian, Hang Zhao, Yanyan Xu, Haiyan Liu 2012, 7 (25):  1947-1953.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.004 Abstract ( 154 )   PDF (230KB) ( 758 )   Save null References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Folic acid supplementation attenuates hyperhomocysteinemia-induced preeclampsia-like symptoms in rats Jun Wang, Yan Cui, Jing Ge, Meijing Ma 2012, 7 (25):  1954-1959.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.005 Abstract ( 170 )   PDF (133KB) ( 718 )   Save Folic acid participates in the metabolism of homocysteine and lowers plasma homocysteine levels directly or indirectly. To establish a hyperhomocysteinemic pregnant rat model, 2 mL of DL-homocysteine was administered daily by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 200 mg/kg from day 10 to day 19 of gestation. Folic acid was administered by intragastric administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg during the period of preeclampsia induction. Results showed that systolic blood pressure, proteinuria/creatinine ratio, and plasma homocysteine levels in the hyperhomocystei-nemic pregnant rats increased significantly, and that body weight and brain weight of rat pups significantly decreased. Folic acid supplementation markedly reversed the above-mentioned abnormal changes of perhomocysteinemic pregnant rats and rat pups. These findings suggest that folic acid can alleviate the symptoms of hyperhomocysteinemia- induced preeclampsia in pregnant rats without influencing brain development of rat pups. Related Articles | Metrics

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Neuroglobin expression in rats after traumatic brain injury Xin Lin, Min Li, Aijia Shang, Yazhuo Hu, Xiao Yang, Ling Ye, Suyan Bian, Zhongfeng Wang, Dingbiao Zhou 2012, 7 (25):  1960-1966.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.006 Abstract ( 159 )   PDF (198KB) ( 818 )   Save In this study, we used a rat model of severe closed traumatic brain injury to explore the relationship between neuroglobin, brain injury and neuronal apoptosis. Real-time PCR showed that neuroglobin mRNA expression rapidly increased in the rat cerebral cortex, and peaked at 30 minutes and 48 hours following traumatic brain injury. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that neu-roglobin expression increased and remained high 2 hours to 5 days following injury. The rate of increase in the apoptosis-related Bax/Bcl-2 ratio greatly decreased between 30 minutes and 1 hour as well as between 48 and 72 hours post injury. Expression of neuroglobin and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 greatly increased, while that of the proapoptotic factor decreased, in the cerebral cortex post severe closed traumatic brain injury. It suggests that neuroglobin might protect neurons from apoptosis after traumatic injury by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. Related Articles | Metrics

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Enriched environment upregulates growth- associated protein 43 expression in the hippocampus and enhances cognitive abilities in prenatally stressed rat offspring Zhengyu Zhang, Hua Zhang, Baoling Du, Zhiqiang Chen 2012, 7 (25):  1967-1973.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.007 Abstract ( 202 )   PDF (205KB) ( 623 )   Save In our previous study, we reported that prenatal restraint stress could induce cognitive deficits, which correlated with a change in expression of growth-associated protein 43 in the hippocampus. In this study, we investigated the effects of enriched environment on cognitive abilities in prenatally stressed rat offspring, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay results revealed that growth-associated protein 43 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated on postnatal day 15 in the prenatal restraint stress group. Growth-associated protein 43 expression was significantly lower in the prenatal restraint stress group compared with the negative control and prenatal restraint stress plus enriched environment groups on postnatal days 30 and 50. Morris water maze test demonstrated that cognitive abilities were noticeably increased in rats from the prenatal restraint stress plus enriched environment group on postnatal day 50. These results indicate that enriched environment can improve the spatial learning and memory ability of prenatally stressed offspring by upregulating growth-associated protein 43 expression. Related Articles | Metrics

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A review on assessment and treatment of the trunk in stroke Suruliraj Karthikbabu, Mahabala Chakrapani, Sailakshmi Ganeshan, Kedambadi C Rakshith, Syed Nafeez, Venkatesan Prem 2012, 7 (25):  1974-1977.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.008 Abstract ( 198 )   PDF (64KB) ( 2004 )   Save Trunk function has been identified as an important early predictor of functional outcome after stroke and the same deteriorates on both contralateral and ipsilateral sides of the body following stroke. The primary contribution of the trunk muscles is to allow the body to remain upright, adjust weight shifts, and control movements against constant pull of gravity and is considered central key point of the body. Proximal stability of the trunk is a pre-requisite for distal limb mobility, balance, gait and functional activities and its positive correlation in hemiplegia has been demonstrated in a cross- sectional study. Both isokinetic and handheld dynamometer muscle strength testing demonstrated the weakness of bilateral trunk flexors, extensors and rotator muscles in both acute and chronic hemiplegic patients. This was confirmed by electromyography analysis which identified poor bilateral trunk muscles activity in patients with stroke. Trunk impairment scale is sensitive to evaluate the selective muscle control of upper and lower trunk, and it has been reported that lateral flexion of the trunk is easier than rotation of the trunk and the clinical observation concurs to the difficulty in lower trunk rotation of stroke patients. However, trunk exercises given early after stroke could produce enhanced balance performance post- stroke. This review attempts to report the evidence supporting the involvement of the trunk and its influence on balance and functional performance in post-stroke hemiplegia. Related Articles | Metrics

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Gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can predict functional recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury Sevil Bilgin, Arzu Guclu-Gunduz, Hakan Oruckaptan, Nezire Kose, Bülent Celik 2012, 7 (25):  1978-1984.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.009 Abstract ( 193 )   PDF (181KB) ( 709 )   Save Fifty-one patients with mild (n = 14), moderate (n = 10) and severe traumatic brain injury (n = 27) received early rehabilitation. Level of consciousness was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Score. Functional level was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score, whilst mobility was evaluated using the Mobility Scale for Acute Stroke. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Barthel Index. Following Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy, the level of consciousness was significantly improved in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, but was not greatly influenced in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Mobility and functional level were significantly improved in patients with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Gait recovery was more obvious in patients with mild traumatic brain injury than in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Activities of daily living showed an improvement but this was insignificant except for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, complete recovery was not acquired at discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can be considered predictors of functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury. Related Articles | Metrics

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The norepinephrine transporter gene is associated with the retardation symptoms of major depressive disorder in the Han Chinese population Xinrong Li, Ning Sun, Yong Xu, Yanfang Wang, Suping Li, Qiaorong Du, Juyi Peng, Jinxiu Luo, Kerang Zhang 2012, 7 (25):  1985-1991.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.010 Abstract ( 190 )   PDF (180KB) ( 1239 )   Save The norepinephrine transporter plays an important role in the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder. Consequently, the norepinephrine transporter gene is an attractive candidate in major depressive disorder research. In the present study, we evaluated the depression symptoms of subjects with major depressive disorder, who were all from the North of China and of Han Chinese origin, using the Hamilton Depression Scale. We examined the relationship between two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the norepinephrine transporter, rs2242446 and rs5569, and the retardation symptoms of major depressive disorder using quantitative trait testing with the UNPHASED program. rs5569 was associated with depressed mood, and the GG genotype may be a risk factor for this; rs2242446 was associated with work and interest, and the TT genotype may be a risk factor for loss of interest. Our findings suggest that rs2242446 and rs5569 in the norepinephrine transporter gene are associated with the retardation symptoms of depression in the Han Chinese population. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Neuronal differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells and their transplantation for cerebral ischemia Guoping Tian, Jin Zhou, Jing’e Wang, Bing Xu, Li Li, Feng Zhu, Jian Han, Jianping Li, Siyang Zhang, Xiaoguang Luo 2012, 7 (25):  1992-1999.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.25.011 Abstract ( 178 )   PDF (75KB) ( 715 )   Save OBJECTIVE: To review published data on the biological characteristics, differentiation and applications of adipose-derived stem cells in ischemic diseases. DATA RETRIEVAL: A computer-based online search of reports published from January 2005 to June 2012 related to the development of adipose-derived stem cells and their transplantation for treatment of cerebral ischemia was performed in Web of Science using the key words “adipose-derived stem cells”, “neural-like cells”, “transplantation”, “stroke”, and “cerebral ischemia”. SELECTION CRITERIA: The documents associated with the development of adipose-derived stem cells and their transplantation for treatment of cerebral ischemia were selected, and those published in the last 3–5 years or in authoritative journals were preferred in the same field. Totally 89 articles were obtained in the initial retrieval, of which 53 were chosen based on the inclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biological characteristics and induced differentiation of     adipose-derived stem cells and cell transplantation for disease treatment as well as the underlying mechanism of clinical application. RESULTS: The advantages of adipose-derived stem cells include their ease of procurement, wide availability, rapid expansion, low tumorigenesis, low immunogenicity, and absence of ethical constraints. Preclinical experiments have demonstrated that transplanted adipose-derived stem cells can improve neurological functions, reduce small regions of cerebral infarction, promote angiogenesis, and express neuron-specific markers. The improvement of neurological functions was demonstrated in experiments using different methods and time courses of adipose-derived stem cell transplantation, but the mechanisms remain unclear. CONCLUSION: Further research into the treatment of ischemic disease by adipose-derived stem cell transplantation is needed to determine their mechanism of action. References | Related Articles | Metrics