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25 February 2013, Volume 8 Issue 6 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Effects of resveratrol on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in embryonic neural stem cells Sibel Konyalioglu, Guliz Armagan, Ayfer Yalcin, Cigdem Atalayin, Taner Dagci 2013, 8 (6):  485-495.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.001 Abstract ( 413 )   PDF (332KB) ( 1859 )   Save Resveratrol, a natural phenolic compound, has been shown to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer and exhibit neuroprotective effects. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of resveratrol against hydrogen peroxide in embryonic neural stem cells. Hydrogen peroxide treatment alone increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities but did not change superoxide dismutase levels compared with hydrogen peroxide + resveratrol treatment. Nitric oxide synthase activity and concomitant nitric oxide levels increased in response to hydrogen peroxide treatment. Conversely, resveratrol treatment decreased nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide levels. Resveratrol also attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced nuclear or mitochondrial DNA damage. We propose that resveratrol may be a promising agent for protecting embryonic neural stem cells because of its potential to decrease oxidative stress by inducing higher activity of antioxidant enzymes, decreasing nitric oxide production and nitric oxide synthase activity, and alleviating both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Baicalin influences the dendritic morphology of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats Xinghua Jiang, Junmei Xu, Dingquan Zou, Lin Yang, Yaping Wang 2013, 8 (6):  496-505.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.002 Abstract ( 501 )   PDF (210KB) ( 1008 )   Save Chronic stress models, established in adult Sprague-Dawley rats through a 14-day subcutaneous injection of 40 mg/kg corticosterone, once per day, were given a daily oral feeding of 50 mg/kg baicalin. The study was an attempt to observe the effect of baicalin on neurogenesis in chronically stressed rats. Results showed that subcutaneous injection of corticosterone significantly decreased the total number of doublecortin-positive neurons in the hippocampus. The reduced cell number caused by corticosterone was mainly due to the decrease of class II doublecortin-positive neurons, but the class I doublecortin-positive neurons were unaffected. Baicalin treatment increased the number of both class I and class II doublecortin-positive neurons. In addition, doublecortin-positive neurons showed less complexity in dendritic morphology after corticosterone injection, and this change was totally reversed by baicalin treatment. These findings suggest that baicalin exhibits a beneficial effect on adult neurogenesis. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Sericin protects against diabetes-induced injuries in sciatic nerve and related nerve cells Chengjun Song, Zhenjun Yang, Meirong Zhong, Zhihong Chen 2013, 8 (6):  506-513.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.003 Abstract ( 312 )   PDF (394KB) ( 1276 )   Save Sericin from discarded silkworm cocoons of silk reeling has been used in different fields, such as cosmetology, skin care, nutrition, and oncology. The present study established a rat model of type 2 diabetes by consecutive intraperitoneal injections of low-dose (25 mg/kg) streptozotocin. After intragastrical perfusion of sericin for 35 days, blood glucose levels significantly declined, and the expression of neurofilament protein in the sciatic nerve and nerve growth factor in L4–6 spinal ganglion and anterior horn cells significantly increased. However, the expression of neuropeptide Y in spinal ganglion and anterior horn cells significantly decreased in model rats. These findings indicate that sericin protected the sciatic nerve and related nerve cells against injury in a rat type 2 diabetic model by upregulating the expression of neurofilament protein in the sciatic nerve and nerve growth factor in spinal ganglion and anterior horn cells, and downregulating the expression of neuropeptide Y in spinal ganglion and anterior horn cells. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are effective to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion Yazhen Shang, Hong Zhang, Jianjun Cheng, Hong Miao, Yongping Liu, Kai Cao, Hui Wang 2013, 8 (6):  514-522.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.004 Abstract ( 401 )   PDF (206KB) ( 972 )   Save Based on previous studies that have shown flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are neuroprotective agents in a naturally senile, D-galactose, aging in vivo model, as well as an in vitro model of oxidative/hypoxic injury, we established a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The light/electron microscopic observations found significant neuropathological changes including neuron loss or swelling and rough endoplasmic reticulum injury. Moreover, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase, Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and superoxide dismutase were significantly lowered, and the levels of malonaldehyde increased. In addition, the memory of rats worsened. However, treatment with flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (35, 70 and 140 mg/kg) for 13 days dramatically improved the above abnormal changes. These results suggest that the ability of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in attenuating cerebral functional and morphological consequences after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may be beneficial for the treatment of ischemic brain disease. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Mechanism of Erhuang capsule for treatment of multiple sclerosis Kangning Li, Yongping Fan, Tao Yang, Lei Wang 2013, 8 (6):  523-531.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.005 Abstract ( 501 )   PDF (311KB) ( 1193 )   Save Erhuang capsule, a typical formula based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, is widely used to ameliorate multiple sclerosis, inflammation and side effects of glucocorticoid treatment. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells are neural stem cells that are important for myelin repair and regeneration. In the present study, Erhuang capsule effectively improved clinical symptoms and neurological function scores, reduced mortality and promoted recovery of neurological functions of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The mechanism of action involved significant increases in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation in specific regions of the brain and spinal cord, increased oligodendrocyte lineage gene 2 expression and enhanced oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand can treat cerebral ischemia in a similar manner to mannitol Xuan Lu, Zelin Chen, Yi Guo, Liang Gao, Liyuan Jiang, Zhongzheng Li, Jianqiao Fang 2013, 8 (6):  532-539.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.006 Abstract ( 271 )   PDF (171KB) ( 1170 )   Save A rat model of middle cerebral artery permanent occlusion was established using the modified Longa method. Successfully established model animals were treated by blood-letting puncture at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand, and/or by injecting mannitol into the caudal vein twice daily. Brain tissue was collected at 24, 48 and 72 hours after modeling, and blood was collected through the retinal vein before Evans blue was injected, approximately 1 hour prior to harvesting of brain tissue. Results showed that Evans blue leakage into brain tissue and serum nitric oxide synthase activity were significantly increased in model rats. Treatment with blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand and/or injection of mannitol into the caudal vein reduced the amount of Evans blue leakage into the brain tissue and serum nitric oxide synthase activity to varying degrees. There was no significant difference between single treatment and combined treatment. Experimental findings indicate that blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand can decrease blood-brain barrier permeability and serum nitric oxide synthase activity in rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion, and its effect is similar to that of mannitol injection alone and Jing-Well points plus mannitol injection. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Electroacupuncture-regulated neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s disease rats Shuju Wang, Jianqiao Fang, Jun Ma, Yanchun Wang, Shaorong Liang, Dan Zhou, Guojie Sun 2013, 8 (6):  540-545.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.007 Abstract ( 351 )   PDF (138KB) ( 1208 )   Save Acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease has a precise clinical outcome. This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengfu (GV16) and Taichong (LR3) acupoints in rat models of Parkinson’s disease induced by subcutaneous injection of rotenone into rat neck and back. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression was significantly increased in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson’s disease, and that abnormal behavior of rats was significantly improved following electroacupuncture treatment. These results indicated that electroacupuncture treatment upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson’s disease. Thus, electroacupuncture may be useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Microelectronic neural bridging of toad nerves to restore leg function Xiaoyan Shen, Zhigong Wang, Xiaoying Lv, Zonghao Huang 2013, 8 (6):  546-553.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.008 Abstract ( 389 )   PDF (456KB) ( 1297 )   Save The present study used a microelectronic neural bridge comprised of electrode arrays for neural signal detection, functional electrical stimulation, and a microelectronic circuit including signal amplifying, processing, and functional electrical stimulation to bridge two separate nerves, and to restore the lost function of one nerve. The left leg of one spinal toad was subjected to external mechanical stimulation and functional electrical stimulation driving. The function of the left leg of one spinal toad was regenerated to the corresponding leg of another spinal toad using a microelectronic neural bridge. Oscilloscope tracings showed that the electromyographic signals from controlled spinal toads were generated by neural signals that controlled the spinal toad, and there was a delay between signals. This study demonstrates that microelectronic neural bridging can be used to restore neural function between different injured nerves. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Hypoxia regulates reactive oxygen species levels in SHG-44 glioma cells Haitao Jiang, Jiangtao Xie, Gaofeng Xu, Yongyong Su, Jinzheng Li, Mang Zhu 2013, 8 (6):  554-560.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.009 Abstract ( 206 )   PDF (275KB) ( 1148 )   Save In the present study, cultured human SHG-44 glioma cells were subjected to a hypoxic environment simulated using the CoCl2 method. Flow cytometry showed increased reactive oxygen species production in these cells. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed significantly increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mRNA expression in cells exposed to the hypoxic condition. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production and reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mRNA expression in normoxic and hypoxic groups, especially in the latter group. These findings indicate that hypoxia induces reactive oxygen species production and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mRNA expression in human SHG-44 glioma cells, and that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine can inhibit these changes. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Anomalous expression of chloride transporters in the sclerosed hippocampus of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients Xiaodong Cai, Libai Yang, Jueqian Zhou, Dan Zhu, Qiang Guo, Ziyi Chen, Shuda Chen, Liemin Zhou 2013, 8 (6):  561-568.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.010 Abstract ( 338 )   PDF (293KB) ( 909 )   Save The Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 and K+-Cl– cotransporter 2 regulate the levels of intracellular chloride in hippocampal cells. Impaired chloride transport by these proteins is thought to be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Imbalance in the relative expression of these two proteins can lead to a collapse of Cl– homeostasis, resulting in a loss of gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic inhibition and even epileptiform discharges. In this study, we investigated the expression of Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 and K+-Cl– cotransporter 2 in the sclerosed hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, using western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the histologically normal hippocampus, the sclerosed hippocampus showed increased Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 expression and decreased K+-Cl– cotransporter 2 expression, especially in CA2 and the dentate gyrus. The change was more prominent for the Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 than for the K+-Cl– cotransporter 2. These experimental findings indicate that the balance between intracellular and extracellular chloride may be disturbed in hippocampal sclerosis, contributing to the hyperexcitability underlying epileptic seizures. Changes in Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 expression seems to be the main contributor. Our study may shed new light on possible therapies for patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Therapeutic benefit of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for severe mirror movements A case report Han Sun Kim, Sung Ho Jang, Zee-Ihn Lee, Mi Young Lee, Yun Woo Cho, Migyoung Kweon, Su Min Son 2013, 8 (6):  569-574.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.011 Abstract ( 292 )   PDF (124KB) ( 1018 )   Save Congenital mirror movements retard typical hand functions, but no definite therapeutic modality is available to treat such movements. We report an 8-year-old boy with severe mirror movements of both hands. His mirror movements were assessed using the Woods and Teuber grading scale and his fine motor skills were also evaluated by the Purdue Pegboard Test. A 2-week regimen of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation produced markedly diminished mirror movement symptoms and increased the fine motor skills of both hands. Two weeks after the completion of the regimen, mirror movement grades had improved from grade 4 to 1 in both hands and the Purdue Pegboard Test results of the right and left hands also improved from 12 to 14 or 13. These improvements were maintained for 1 month after the 2-week repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regimen. After 18 months, the mirror movement grade was maintained and the Purdue Pegboard test score had improved to 15 for the right hand while the left hand score was maintained at 13. This occurred without any additional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or other treatment. These findings suggest that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for this patient had a therapeutic and long-term effect on mirror movements. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Instructions to Authors Neural Regeneration Research 2013, 8 (6):  575.  Abstract ( 223 )   PDF (381KB) ( 640 )   Save Neural Regeneration Research (NRR; ISSN 1673-5374) is an open-access (www.nrronline.org), peer-reviewed international journal focusing exclusively on the exciting field of neural regeneration research, with 36 issues published per year. NRR is devoted to publishing basic research, translational medicine and randomized clinical trial papers, as well as prospective reviews written by invited experts and academic discussion papers in the field of neural regeneration. NRR aims to publish timely, innovative and creative basic and clinical research with the highest standards in neural regeneration research. NRR publishes a diverse variety of topics in neural regeneration, including brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, stem cells, tissue engineering, inflammation, glial scar, gene therapy, biological factors, neurorehabilitation, neuroimaging, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.   NRR especially encourages publication of innovative studies by young scientific scholars. In addition, high-quality experimental studies from pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment manufacturers will also be considered for publication in NRR.   NRR publishes original research, clinical studies and studies in evidence-based medicine, as well as technique and methodology papers, reviews and commentaries. Reviews and commentaries are written by invited experts. A few case reports are also published in NRR. These should provide significant novel insight and help guide basic and clinical research. Furthermore, case reports should present rare clinical cases with direct relevance to neural regeneration. For more information, please visit www.nrronline.org.   NRR has excellent international coverage. Since it began publication, the jornal has been indexed by Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E), BIOSIS Previews (BP), Chemical Abstracts (CA), Scopus, Excerpta Medica (EM), Index of Copernicus (IC), Chinese Science Citation Database, Source Periodical for Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers (English version) and OvidSP.   References | Related Articles | Metrics