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    25 January 2012, Volume 7 Issue 3 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    Anchanling reduces pathology in a lactacystin- induced Parkinson's disease model
    Yinghong Li, Zhengzhi Wu, Xiaowei Gao, Qingwei Zhu, Yu Jin, Anmin Wu, Andrew C. J. Huang
    2012, 7 (3):  165-170. 
    Abstract ( 185 )   PDF (286KB) ( 925 )   Save

    A rat model of Parkinson's disease was induced by injecting lactacystin stereotaxically into the left mesencephalic ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta. After rats were intragastrically perfused with Anchanling, a Chinese medicine, mainly composed of magnolol, for 5 weeks, when compared with Parkinson’s disease model rats, tyrosine hydroxylase expression was increased, α-synuclein and ubiquitin expression was decreased, substantia nigra cell apoptosis was reduced, and apomorphine-induced rotational behavior was improved. Results suggested that Anchanling can ameliorate Parkinson's disease pathology possibly by enhancing degradation activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

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    Protective effects of curcumin against human immunodeficiency virus 1 gp120 V3 loop-induced neuronal injury in rats
    Zheng Gong, Lijuan Yang, Hongmei Tang, Rui Pan, Sai Xie, Luyan Guo, Junbin Wang, Qinyin Deng, Guoyin Xiong, Yanyan Xing, Jun Dong
    2012, 7 (3):  171-175. 
    Abstract ( 201 )   PDF (244KB) ( 1037 )   Save

    Curcumin improves the learning and memory deficits in rats induced by the gp120 V3 loop. The present study cultured rat hippocampal neurons with 1 nM gp120 V3 loop and 1 μM curcumin for 24 hours. The results showed that curcumin inhibited the gp120 V3 loop-induced mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, reduced the mRNA expression of the pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3, and attenuated hippocampal neuronal injury.

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    Neuroprotective effects of total saponins from Rubus parvifolius L. on cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury in rats
    Jisheng Wang, Fang Zhang, Li Tang, Liqiong Sun, Xiaolin Song, Lisha Cao, Zongyin Qiu, Chenglin Zhou
    2012, 7 (3):  176-181. 
    Abstract ( 193 )   PDF (210KB) ( 992 )   Save

    This study examines the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of action of total saponins from Rubus parvifolius L. (TSRP) on focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. Focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury was performed in rats using the suture method. The results indicate that intragastric injection of TSRP, at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, could decrease neurological impairment, reduce cerebral infarct volume, diminish pathological changes, and significantly inhibit the apoptosis of neurons surrounding the ischemic area. In addition, TSRP upregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2, at the protein and mRNA levels, and it downregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic factor Bax, at the protein and mRNA levels. These findings indicate that TSRP protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and that it may do so by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.

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    Effect of single-use versus combined-use moschus and diazepam on expression of amino acid neurotransmitters in the rat corpus striatum
    Na Zhang, Ping Liu, Xinrong He
    2012, 7 (3):  182-186. 
    Abstract ( 164 )   PDF (202KB) ( 1237 )   Save

    The present study analyzed expressional changes of excitatory neurotransmitters and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the rat corpus striatum after single-use and combined-use diazepam and Chinese herb moschus. The influence of moschus on the central nervous system was analyzed, in particular whether moschus increased penetration of other drugs into the brain. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which included pre-column derivation with orthophthaladehyde detection, showed varied increased levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, including aspartate and glutamate, and inhibitory neurotransmitters, including glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid, in the corpus striatum after treatment with moschus alone, diazepam alone, or a combination of both. Compared with the diazepam group, aspartate levels significantly decreased at 30 and 60-105 minutes after combined treatment with moschus, while glutamate significantly increased at 45 and 75-105 minutes, glycine levels significantly increased at 105 minutes, and γ-aminobutyric acid increased at 30 and 75-105 minutes. These findings suggested that moschus increased the inhibition effects of diazepam on the brain.

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    Influence of Xingnao Jieyu capsule on hippocampal and frontal lobe neuronal growth in a rat model of post-stroke depression
    Wentao Fan, Qian Wang, Yongmei Yan
    2012, 7 (3):  187-190. 
    Abstract ( 199 )   PDF (189KB) ( 902 )   Save

    The present study established a rat model of post-stroke depression using incomplete ischemia induced by unilateral carotid artery ligation in combination with solitary raising and subcutaneous injection of a small dose of reserpine. After intragastric perfusion with 45 mg/100 g, 15 mg/100 g, and 7.5 mg/100 g of Xingnao Jieyu for 7, 14 and 21 days, neuronal morphology in the frontal lobe and hippocampus was improved, depression state and voluntary behaviors were also effectively improved in rats with post-stroke depression. Moreover, the effects of Xingnao Jieyu at a dose of 45 and 15 mg/100 g were similar to the traditional antidepressant Prozac.

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    Effects of Yulangsan polysaccharide on monoamine neurotransmitters, adenylate cyclase activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a mouse model of depression induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress
    Shuang Liang, Renbin Huang, Xing Lin, Jianchun Huang, Zhongshi Huang, Huagang Liu
    2012, 7 (3):  191-196. 
    Abstract ( 169 )   PDF (298KB) ( 869 )   Save

    The present study established a mouse model of depression induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress. The model mice were treated with Yulangsan polysaccharide (YLSPS; 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) for 21 days, and compared with fluoxetine-treated and normal control groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunity and immunohistochemical staining showed that following treatment with YLSPS (300 and 600 mg/kg), monoamine neurotransmitter levels, prefrontal cortex adenylate cyclase activity and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression were significantly elevated, and depression-like behaviors were improved. Open-field and novelty-suppressed feeding tests showed that mouse activity levels were increased and feeding latency was shortened following treatment. Our results indicate that YLSPS inhibits depression by upregulating monoamine neurotransmitters, prefrontal cortex adenylate cyclase activity and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.

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    Sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by activating the Akt signal transduction pathway in a rat model of diabetes mellitus
    Zhihong Chen, Yaqiang He, Chengjun Song, Zhijun Dong, Zhejun Su, Jingfeng Xue
    2012, 7 (3):  197-201. 
    Abstract ( 190 )   PDF (234KB) ( 1361 )   Save

    In the present study, a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was established by continuous peritoneal injection of streptozotocin. Following intragastric perfusion of sericin for 35 days, blood glucose levels significantly reduced, neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region decreased, hippocampal phosphorylated Akt and nuclear factor kappa B expression were enhanced, but Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 associated death promoter expression decreased. Results demonstrated that sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of diabetes mellitus by regulating abnormal changes in the Akt signal transduction pathway.

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    Protective effects of Purendan superfine powder on retinal neuron apoptosis in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Zhijun Dong, Xiangyi Tao, Xiaoxiao Fu, Haibin Wang, Donghua Wang, Tiemin Zhang
    2012, 7 (3):  202-206. 
    Abstract ( 226 )   PDF (196KB) ( 914 )   Save

    This study sought to investigate the effects of Purendan superfine powder comprised of Momordica charantia, Radix Ginseng, and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiae on neuronal apoptosis and expression of bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3, which are retinal apoptosis-associated factors in rats with diabetes mellitus induced by continuous intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The results showed that Purendan superfine powder could upregulate the expression of bcl-2 protein and mRNA, and downregulate the expression of bax and caspase-3 in the retina of diabetes mellitus rats. In addition, Purendan superfine powder was shown to reduce the number of apoptotic neurons. Our experimental findings indicate that Purendan superfine powder can inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the retina of diabetes mellitus rats and has protective effects on diabetic retinopathy.

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    Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia
    Yanzhen Zhu, Xuan Wang, Xiaobao Ye1, Changhua Gao, Wei Wang
    2012, 7 (3):  207-211. 
    Abstract ( 180 )   PDF (132KB) ( 971 )   Save

    This study investigated the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia through electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Baihui (DU20), Dazhui (DU14), and bilateral Shenshu (BL23) in a rat model of vascular dementia produced by bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. Morris water maze test showed that electroacupuncture improved the learning ability of vascular dementia rats. Western blot assay revealed that the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in vascular dementia rats was significantly increased after electroacupuncture, compared with the model group that was not treated with acupuncture.The average escape latency was also shortened after electroacupuncture, and escape strategies in the spatial probe test improved from edge and random searches, to linear and trending swim pathways. The experimental findings indicate that electroacupuncture improves learning and memory ability by up-regulating expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats.

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    Acupuncture effects on the hippocampal cholinergic system in a rat model of neuropathic pain
    Junying Wang, Junling Liu, Shuping Chen, Yonghui Gao, Fanying Meng, Lina Qiao
    2012, 7 (3):  212-218. 
    Abstract ( 204 )   PDF (230KB) ( 1010 )   Save

    The present study observed the effects of repeated electroacupuncture of Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) on expression of hippocampal acetylcholinesterase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and muscarinic M1 receptor mRNA in chronic constrictive injury (neuropathic pain) and/or ovariotomy rats. Results demonstrated increased expression of hippocampal acetylcholinesterase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and muscarinic M1 receptor mRNA, as well as decreased pain threshold, in a rat model of chronic neuropathic pain after electroacupuncture. The effects of electroacupuncture increased with prolonged time, but the above-mentioned effects decreased in memory-deficient animals. Results indicated that repeated electroacupuncture has a cumulative analgesic effect, which is closely associated with upregulation of acetylcholinesterase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter activity, as well as M1 receptor mRNA expression and memory.

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    Analgesic action of suspended moxibustion in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia correlates with enkephalins in the spinal cord
    Tao Yi, Li Qi, Huangan Wu, Xiaopeng Ma, Huirong Liu, Xiaomei Wang
    2012, 7 (3):  219-222. 
    Abstract ( 200 )   PDF (103KB) ( 962 )   Save

    Rats that modeled chronic visceral hyperalgesia received suspended moxibustion at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) once daily over a period of 7 days. Results show that suspended moxibustion significantly depressed abdominal withdrawal reflex scores and increased enkephalin concentration in the spinal cord. The experimental findings suggest that spinal enkephalins contributed to the analgesic effect of suspended moxibustion in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia.

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    Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy in a Chinese pedigree A case report using brain magnetic resonance imaging and biospy
    Erhe Xu, Huiqing Dong, Milan Zhang, Min Xu
    2012, 7 (3):  224-228. 
    Abstract ( 217 )   PDF (247KB) ( 1182 )   Save

    The present study enrolled a Chinese family that comprised 34 members and spanned three generations. Eight members were diagnosed with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, and disease diagnoses corresponded with autosomal incomplete dominance inheritance. The primary clinical manifestations included paralysis, dysarthria, and mild cognitive deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse leukoencephalopathy with involvement of bilateral anterior temporal lobes, in particular the pons. In addition, multiple cerebral infarction was identified in the proband. Sural nerve biopsy findings of the proband revealed granular osmophilic material deposits in the extracellular matrix, which were adjacent to smooth muscle cells of dermal arterioles. Screening exons 2-4 for NOTCH 3 mutations by direct sequencing did not reveal any abnormalities.

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    Validation of hyperintense middle cerebral artery sign in acute ischemic stroke Comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and angiography
    Gang Guo, Yonggui Yang, Weiqun Yang
    2012, 7 (3):  229-234. 
    Abstract ( 188 )   PDF (287KB) ( 1446 )   Save

    We performed a retrospective analysis of non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans, immediately subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebral angiography data from 30 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke within 6 hours after symptom onset. Results showed that eleven patients developed subsequent hemorrhagic transformation at follow-up. A hyperintense middle cerebral artery sign on MRI was found in six hemorrhagic patients, all of who had acute thrombosis formation on magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography. No patients in the non-hemorrhagic group had hyperintense middle cerebral artery sign on MRI. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of the hyperintense middle cerebral artery sign on MRI T1-weighted image for subsequent hemorrhagic transformation were 54.5%, 100%, and 100% respectively. Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign on non-contrast CT was observed in nine patients, five of who developed hemorrhagic transformation. These data suggest that hyperintense middle cerebral artery sign on MRI T1-weighted image is a highly specific and moderately sensitive indicator of subsequent hemorrhagic transformation in patients after acute ischemic stroke, and its specificity is superior to CT.

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    Association between AKT1 gene polymorphisms and depressive symptoms in the Chinese Han population with major depressive disorder
    Chunxia Yang, Ning Sun, Yan Ren, Yan Sun, Yong Xu, Aiping Li, Kewen Wu, Kerang Zhang
    2012, 7 (3):  235-239. 
    Abstract ( 205 )   PDF (223KB) ( 979 )   Save

    For this study, 461 Chinese Han patients with depressive disorder were recruited. The AKT1 genotype and allele distribution were determined by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. UNPHASED software was used to analyze associations between the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, total score, four factors and the AKT1 rs2494746 and rs3001371 polymorphisms. The results indicate that there is a significant association between suicidal ideation and anxiety symptoms in depressed patients and the rs2494746 polymorphism. The other AKT1 polymorphism, rs3001371, was significantly associated with work and activities. Patients with the rs3001371-A allele had a significantly more severe illness compared to patients with the rs3001371-G allele. Thus, AKT1 polymorphisms appear to be associated with depression severity, anxiety symptoms, work and activities, and suicide attempts in patients with depressive disorder.

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