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31 December 2016, Volume 11 Issue 12 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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The dynamics of adult neurogenesis in human hippocampus Amadi O. Ihunwo, Lackson H. Tembo, Charles Dzamalala 2016, 11 (12):  1869-1883.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195278 Abstract ( 305 )   PDF (350KB) ( 888 )   Save The phenomenon of adult neurogenesis is now an accepted occurrence in mammals and also in humans. At least two discrete places house stem cells for generation of neurons in adult brain. Tese are olfactory system and the hippocampus. In animals, newly generated neurons have been directly or indirectly demonstrated to generate a signifcant amount of new neurons to have a functional role. However, the data in humans on the extent of this process is still scanty and such as difcult to comprehend its functional role in humans. Tis paper explores the available data on as extent of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in humans and makes comparison to animal data. Related Articles | Metrics

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Targeting cell surface receptors for axon regeneration in the central nervous system Menghon Cheah, Melissa R. Andrews 2016, 11 (12):  1884-1887.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197079 Abstract ( 290 )   PDF (534KB) ( 509 )   Save Axon regeneration in the CNS is largely unsuccessful due to excess inhibitory extrinsic factors within lesion sites together with an intrinsic inability of neurons to regrow following injury. Recent work demonstrates that forced expression of certain neuronal transmembrane receptors can recapitulate neuronal growth resulting in successful growth within and through inhibitory lesion environments. More specifcally, neuronal expression of integrin receptors such as alpha9beta1 integrin which binds the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C, trk receptors such as trkB which binds the neurotrophic factor BDNF, and receptor PTPσ which binds chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans, have all been show to signifcantly enhance regeneration of injured axons. We discuss how reintroduction of these receptors in damaged neurons facilitates signalling from the internal environment of the cell with the external environment of the lesion milieu, effectively resulting in growth and repair following injury. In summary, we suggest an appropriate balance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors are required to obtain substantial axon regeneration. Related Articles | Metrics

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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic felds stimulation modulates autoimmunity and immune responses: a possible immuno-modulatory therapeutic effect in neurodegenerative diseases Fabio Guerriero, Giovanni Ricevuti 2016, 11 (12):  1888-1895.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195277 Abstract ( 286 )   PDF (241KB) ( 638 )   Save Increasing evidence shows that extremely low frequency electromagnetic felds (ELF-EMFs) stimulation is able to exert a certain action on autoimmunity and immune cells. In the past, the efcacy of pulsed ELFEMFs in alleviating the symptoms and the progression of multiple sclerosis has been supported through their action on neurotransmission and on the autoimmune mechanisms responsible for demyelination. Regarding the immune system, ELF-EMF exposure contributes to a general activation of macrophages, resulting in changes of autoimmunity and several immunological reactions, such as increased reactive oxygen species-formation, enhanced phagocytic activity and increased production of chemokines. Transcranial electromagnetic brain stimulation is a non-invasive novel technique used recently to treat different neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its proven value, the mechanisms through which EMF brain-stimulation exerts its benefcial action on neuronal function remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that its benefcial effects may be due to a neuroprotective effect on oxidative cell damage. On the basis of in vitro and clinical studies on brain activity, modulation by ELF-EMFs could possibly counteract the aberrant pro-in?ammatory responses present in neurodegenerative disorders reducing their severity and their onset. Te objective of this review is to provide a systematic overview of the published literature on EMFs and outline the most promising effects of ELF-EMFs in developing treatments of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, we review data supporting the role of ELF-EMF in generating immune-modulatory responses, neuromodulation, and potential neuroprotective benefts. Nonetheless, we reckon that the underlying mechanisms of interaction between EMF and the immune system are still to be completely understood and need further studies at a molecular level. Related Articles | Metrics

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Can cannabinoids be a potential therapeutic tool in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Sabrina Giacoppo, Emanuela Mazzon 2016, 11 (12):  1896-1899.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197125 Abstract ( 270 )   PDF (352KB) ( 744 )   Save Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative disease of the motor neuron system. Over the last years, a growing interest was aimed to discovery new innovative and safer therapeutic approaches in the ALS treatment. In this context, the bioactive compounds of Cannabis sativa have shown antioxidant, anti-in?ammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of central nervous system disease. However, most of the studies proving the ability of cannabinoids in delay disease progression and prolong survival in ALS were performed in animal model, whereas the few clinical trials that investigated cannabinoids-based medicines were focused only on the alleviation of ALS-related symptoms, not on the control of disease progression. Te aim of this report was to provide a short but important overview of evidences that are useful to better characterize the efcacy as well as the molecular pathways modulated by cannabinoids. Related Articles | Metrics

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Multiple sclerosis: integration of modeling with biology, clinical and imaging measures to provide better monitoring of disease progression and prediction of outcome Shikha Jain Goodwin 2016, 11 (12):  1900-1903.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195274 Abstract ( 254 )   PDF (156KB) ( 517 )   Save Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a major cause of neurological disability in adults and has an annual cost of approximately $28 billion in the United States. MS is a very complex disorder as demyelination can happen in a variety of locations throughout the brain; therefore, this disease is never the same in two patients making it very hard to predict disease progression. A modeling approach which combines clinical, biological and imaging measures to help treat and fght this disorder is needed. In this paper, I will outline MS as a very heterogeneous disorder, review some potential solutions from the literature, demonstrate the need for a biomarker and will discuss how computational modeling combined with biological, clinical and imaging data can help link disparate observations and decipher complex mechanisms whose solutions are not amenable to simple reductionism. Related Articles | Metrics

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Two-step production of monoamines in monoenzymatic cells in the spinal cord: a different control strategy of neurotransmitter supply? Mengliang Zhang 2016, 11 (12):  1904-1909.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197124 Abstract ( 263 )   PDF (890KB) ( 693 )   Save Monoamine neurotransmitters play an important role in the modulation of sensory, motor and autonomic functions in the spinal cord. Although traditionally it is believed that in mammalian spinal cord, monoamine neurotransmitters mainly originate from the brain, accumulating evidence indicates that especially when the spinal cord is injured, they can also be produced in the spinal cord. In this review, I will present evidence for a possible pathway for two-step synthesis of dopamine and serotonin in the spinal cord. Published data from different sources and unpublished data from my own ongoing projects indicate that monoenzymatic cells expressing aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) are present in the spinal cord and that these TH and THP cells ofen lie in close proximity to AADC cells. Prompted by the above evidence, I hypothesize that dopamine and serotonin could be synthesized sequentially in two monoenzymatic cells in the spinal cord via a TH-AADC and a TPH-AADC cascade respectively. Te monoamines synthesized through this pathway may compensate for lost neurotransmitters following spinal cord injury and also may play specifc roles in the recovery of sensory, motor and autonomic functions. Related Articles | Metrics

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TDP-43 overexpression impairs presynaptic integrity Lanier Heyburn, Charbel E-H. Moussa 2016, 11 (12):  1910-1911.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195272 Abstract ( 312 )   PDF (236KB) ( 734 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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To understand the brain – the 2016 annual meeting of society for neurosciences: a conference report Yeke Li 2016, 11 (12):  1912-1913.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197126 Abstract ( 219 )   PDF (123KB) ( 592 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor as a target for protecting against apoptotic neuronal death and mitochondrial damage in ischemia Xiaowan Wang, Shinghua Ding 2016, 11 (12):  1914-1915.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195275 Abstract ( 316 )   PDF (595KB) ( 704 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Stem cells in the adult CNS revealed: examining their regulation by myelin basic protein Wenjun Xu, Nishanth Lakshman, Cindi M. Morshead 2016, 11 (12):  1916-1917.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197127 Abstract ( 191 )   PDF (225KB) ( 454 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Current AQP research: therapeutic approaches to ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke Linlin Ma, Longfei Guan, Jessie N. Ding, Xiaokun Geng 2016, 11 (12):  1918-1919.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197128 Abstract ( 266 )   PDF (131KB) ( 482 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Focusing on caveolin-1 in CNS autoimmune disease: multiple sclerosis Hao Wu, Jiangang Shen 2016, 11 (12):  1920-1921.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197129 Abstract ( 302 )   PDF (127KB) ( 590 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Te role of interleukin-6 in central nervous system demyelination Filip Petković, Bernardo Castellano 2016, 11 (12):  1922-1923.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.195273 Abstract ( 285 )   PDF (259KB) ( 493 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Not only a bad guy: potential proneurogenic role of the RAGE/NF-κB axis in Alzheimer’s disease brain Filip Petković, Bernardo Castellano 2016, 11 (12):  1924-1925.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197130 Abstract ( 304 )   PDF (127KB) ( 478 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Multi-site spinal stimulation strategies to enhance locomotion afer paralysis Prithvi K. Shah, Yury Gerasimenko 2016, 11 (12):  1926-1927.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197131 Abstract ( 272 )   PDF (481KB) ( 665 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Impact of surgery on the outcome afer spinal cord injury – current concepts and an outlook into the future Lukas Grassner, Doris Maier 2016, 11 (12):  1928-1929.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197132 Abstract ( 268 )   PDF (357KB) ( 443 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Epigenomic reprogramming in peripheral nerve injury Ki H. Ma, John Svaren 2016, 11 (12):  1930-1931.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197133 Abstract ( 315 )   PDF (234KB) ( 585 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics

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Does a combined intervention program of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intensive occupational therapy affect cognitive function in patients with post-stroke upper limb hemiparesis? Takatoshi Hara, Masahiro Abo, Kiyohito Kakita, Takeshi Masuda, Ryunosuke Yamazaki 2016, 11 (12):  1932-1939.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197134 Abstract ( 261 )   PDF (277KB) ( 507 )   Save Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) to the contralesional hemisphere and intensive occupational therapy (iOT) have been shown to contribute to a signifcant improvement in upper limb hemiparesis in patients with chronic stroke. However, the effect of the combined intervention program of LF-rTMS and iOT on cognitive function is unknown. We retrospectively investigated whether the combined treatment influence patient’s Trail-Making Test part B (TMT-B) performance, which is a group of easy and inexpensive neuropsychological tests that evaluate several cognitive functions. Twenty-fve patients received 11 sessions of LF-rTMS to the contralesional hemisphere and 2 sessions of iOT per day over 15 successive days. Patients with right- and lef-sided hemiparesis demonstrated signifcant improvements in upper limb motor function following the combined intervention program. Only patients with right-sided hemiparesis exhibited improved TMT-B performance following the combined intervention program, and there was a signifcant negative correlation between Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale total score change and TMT-B performance. Te results indicate the possibility that LF-rTMS to the contralesional hemisphere combined with iOT improves the upper limb motor function and cognitive function of patients with right-sided hemiparesis. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of improved cognitive function. Related Articles | Metrics

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Electroacupuncture induces acute changes in cerebral cortical miRNA profle, improves cerebral blood ?ow and alleviates neurological defcits in a rat model of stroke Hai-zhen Zheng, Wei Jiang, Xiao-feng Zhao, Jing Du, Pan-gong Liu, Li-dan Chang, Wen-bo Li, Han-tong Hu, Xue-min Shi 2016, 11 (12):  1940-1950.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197135 Abstract ( 285 )   PDF (1154KB) ( 993 )   Save Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve cerebral blood ?ow in animal models of stroke. However, it is unclear whether electroacupuncture alters miRNA expression in the cortex. In this study, we examined changes in the cerebral cortical miRNA profle, cerebral blood ?ow and neurological function induced by electroacupuncture in a rat model of stroke. Electroacupuncture was performed at Renzhong (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6), with a frequency of 2 Hz, continuous wave, current intensity of 3.0 mA, and stimulation time of 1 minute. Electroacupuncture increased cerebral blood ?ow and alleviated neurological impairment in the rats. miRNA microarray profling revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, which links cell proliferation with stroke, was most signifcantly affected by electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture induced changes in expression of rno-miR-206-3p, rno-miR-3473, rno-miR-6216 and rno-miR- 494-3p, and these changes were confrmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our fndings suggest that changes in cell proliferation-associated miRNA expression induced by electroacupuncture might be associated with the improved cerebral blood supply and functional recovery following stroke. Related Articles | Metrics

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In vivo feld recordings effectively monitor the mouse cortex and hippocampus under iso?urane anesthesia Yi-qing Yin, Li-fang Wang, Chao Chen, Teng Gao, Zi-fang Zhao, Cheng-hui Li 2016, 11 (12):  1951-1955.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197136 Abstract ( 224 )   PDF (521KB) ( 590 )   Save Iso?urane is a widely used inhaled anesthetic in the clinical setting. However, the mechanism underlying its effect on consciousness is under discussion. Terefore, we investigated the effect of iso?urane on the hippocampus and cortex using an in vivo feld recording approach. Our results showed that 1.3%, 0.8%, and 0.4% iso?urane exerted an inhibitory in?uence on the mouse hippocampus and cortex. Further, high frequency bands in the cortex and hippocampus showed greater suppression with increasing iso?urane concentration. Our fndings suggest that in vivo feld recordings can monitor the effect of iso?urane anesthesia on the mouse cortex and hippocampus. Related Articles | Metrics

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Subhypnotic doses of propofol impair spatial memory retrieval in rats Hu Liu, Ting Wang, Wei Dai, Zheng Jiang, Yuan-hai Li, Xue-sheng Liu 2016, 11 (12):  1956-1961.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197137 Abstract ( 233 )   PDF (580KB) ( 706 )   Save Abundant evidence indicates that propofol profoundly affects memory processes, although its specifc effects on memory retrieval have not been clarifed. A recent study has indicated that hippocampal glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity affects memory. Constitutively active GSK-3β is required for memory retrieval, and propofol has been shown to inhibit GSK-3β. Tus, the present study examined whether propofol affects memory retrieval, and, if so, whether that effect is mediated through altered GSK-3β activity. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were trained on a Morris water maze task (eight acquisition trials in one session) and subjected under the in?uence of a subhypnotic dose of propofol to a 24-hour probe trial memory retrieval test. Te results showed that rats receiving pretest propofol (25 mg/kg) spent signifcantly less time in the target quadrant but showed no change in locomotor activity compared with those in the control group. Memory retrieval was accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of the serine-9 residue of GSK-3β in the hippocampus, whereas phosphorylation of the tyrosine-216 residue was unaffected. However, propofol blocked this retrieval-associated serine-9 phosphorylation. Tese fndings suggest that subhypnotic propofol administration impairs memory retrieval and that the amnestic effects of propofol may be mediated by attenuated GSK-3β signaling in the hippocampus. Related Articles | Metrics

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Chinese herbal medicine Yougui Pill reduces exogenous glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in anterior pituitary cells Yong-zhi Ji, Long Geng, Hong-bo Zhou, Hua-chen Wei, Hong-duo Chen 2016, 11 (12):  1962-1968.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197138 Abstract ( 353 )   PDF (1919KB) ( 1086 )   Save Long-term glucocorticoid use may result in sustained suppression of one or more secreted components from the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and ofen results in apoptosis. Yougui Pill (YGP), a 10-component traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to be clinically effective for glucocorticoid-induced suppression of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that YGP would exert an anti-apoptosis effect on dexamethasone-treated anterior pituitary cells. In vivo experiments showed that YGP signifcantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells, down-regulated mRNA expression of cytochrome c, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and up-regulated mRNA expression of Bcl-2. Tese fndings suggest that YGP reduced glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in rat anterior pituitary cells by regulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. Related Articles | Metrics

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Cortical regulation of striatal projection neurons and interneurons in a Parkinson’s disease rat model Jia-jia Wu, Si Chen, Li-si Ouyang, Yu Jia, Bing-bing Liu, Shu-hua Mu, Yu-xin Ma, Wei-ping Wang, Jia-you Wei, You-lan Li, Zhi Chen, Wan-long Lei 2016, 11 (12):  1969-1975.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197140 Abstract ( 318 )   PDF (3713KB) ( 770 )   Save Striatal neurons can be either projection neurons or interneurons, with each type exhibiting distinct susceptibility to various types of brain damage. In this study, 6-hydroxydopamine was injected into the right medial forebrain bundle to induce dopamine depletion, and/ or ibotenic acid was injected into the M1 cortex to induce motor cortex lesions. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay showed that dopaminergic depletion results in signifcant loss of striatal projection neurons marked by dopamine- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein, molecular weight 32 kDa, calbindin, and μ-opioid receptor, while cortical lesions reversed these pathological changes. Afer dopaminergic deletion, the number of neuropeptide Y-positive striatal interneurons markedly increased, which was also inhibited by cortical lesioning. No noticeable change in the number of parvalbumin-positive interneurons was found in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats. Striatal projection neurons and interneurons show different susceptibility to dopaminergic depletion. Further, cortical lesions inhibit striatal dysfunction and damage induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, which provides a new possibility for clinical treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Related Articles | Metrics

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Myricetin protects hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons and improves learning and memory impairments in rats with Alzheimer’s disease Matin Ramezani, Niloufar Darbandi, Fariba Khodagholi, Azam Hashemi 2016, 11 (12):  1976-1980.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197141 Abstract ( 351 )   PDF (548KB) ( 774 )   Save There is currently no treatment for effectively slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, so early prevention is very important. Numerous studies have shown that ?avonoids can improve memory impairment. Te present study investigated the effects of myricetin, a member of the ?avonoids, on intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced neuronal loss and memory impairment in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease. Myricetin at 5 or 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into rats over 21 days. Control rats were treated with 10 mL/kg saline. Behavioral test (the shuttle box test) was performed on day 22 to examine learning and memory in rats. Immediately after that, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphological change in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons. Myricetin greatly increased the number of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons and improved learning and memory impairments in rats with Alzheimer’s disease. Tese fndings suggest that myricetin is benefcial for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Related Articles | Metrics

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Construction of a plasmid for human brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its effect on retinal pigment epithelial cell viability Bo-jing Yan, Zhi-zhong Wu, Wei-hua Chong, Gen-lin Li 2016, 11 (12):  1981-1989.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197142 Abstract ( 249 )   PDF (2447KB) ( 641 )   Save Several studies have investigated the protective functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in retinitis pigmentosa. However, a BDNF-based therapy for retinitis pigmentosa is not yet available. To develop an efcient treatment for fundus disease, an eukaryotic expression plasmid was generated and used to transfect human 293T cells to assess the expression and bioactivity of BDNF on acute retinal pigment epithelial-19 (ARPE-19) cells, a human retinal epithelial cell line. Afer 96 hours of co-culture in a Transwell chamber, ARPE- 19 cells exposed to BDNF secreted by 293T cells were more viable than ARPE-19 cells not exposed to secreted BDNF. Western blot assay showed that Bax levels were downregulated and that Bcl-2 levels were upregulated in human ARPE-19 cells exposed to BDNF. Furthermore, 293T cells transfected with the BDNF gene steadily secreted the protein. Te powerful anti-apoptotic function of this BDNF may be useful for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative diseases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Fine motor skill training enhances functional plasticity of the corticospinal tract afer spinal cord injury Jian Liu, Xiao-yu Yang, Wei-wei Xia, Jian Dong, Mao-guang Yang, Jian-hang Jiao 2016, 11 (12):  1990-1996.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197143 Abstract ( 229 )   PDF (1243KB) ( 735 )   Save Following central nervous system injury, axonal sprouts form distal to the injury site and extend into the denervated area, reconstructing neural circuits through neural plasticity. How to facilitate this plasticity has become the key to the success of central nervous system repair. It remains controversial whether fne motor skill training contributes to the recovery of neurological function afer spinal cord injury. Terefore, we established a rat model of unilateral corticospinal tract injury using a pyramidal tract cutting method. Horizontal ladder crawling and food ball grasping training procedures were conducted 2 weeks before injury and 3 days afer injury. Te neurological function of rat forelimbs was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks afer injury. Axon growth was observed with biotinylated dextran amine anterograde tracing in the healthy corticospinal tract of the denervated area at different time periods. Our results demonstrate that compared with untrained rats, functional recovery was better in the forelimbs and forepaws of trained rats. Te number of axons and the expression of growth associated protein 43 were increased at the injury site 3 weeks afer corticospinal tract injury. Tese fndings confrm that fne motor skill training promotes central nervous system plasticity in spinal cord injury rats. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of a paraplegic gait orthosis in thoracolumbar spinal cord injury Lang Shuai, Guo-hua Yu, Zhen Feng, Wan-song Wang, Wei-ming Sun, Lu Zhou, Yin Yan 2016, 11 (12):  1997-2003.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197144 Abstract ( 328 )   PDF (631KB) ( 1462 )   Save Paraplegic gait orthosis has been shown to help paraplegic patients stand and walk, although this method cannot be individualized for patients with different spinal cord injuries and functional recovery of the lower extremities. Tere is, however, a great need to develop individualized paraplegic orthosis to improve overall quality of life for paraplegic patients. In the present study, 36 spinal cord (below T4) injury patients were equally and randomly divided into control and observation groups. Te control group received systematic rehabilitation training, including maintenance of joint range of motion, residual muscle strength training, standing training, balance training, and functional electrical stimulation. Te observation group received an individualized paraplegic locomotion brace and functional training according to the various spinal cord injury levels and muscle strength based on comprehensive systematic rehabilitation training. Afer 3 months of rehabilitation training, the observation group achieved therapeutic locomotion in 8 cases, family-based locomotion in 7 cases, and community-based locomotion in 3 cases. However, locomotion was not achieved in any of the control group patients. Tese fndings suggest that individualized paraplegic braces signifcantly improve activity of daily living and locomotion in patients with thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. Related Articles | Metrics

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Electroacupuncture at Dazhui (GV14) and Mingmen (GV4) protects against spinal cord injury: the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway Xin Wang, Su-hua Shi, Hai-jiang Yao, Quan-kai Jing,Yu-ping Mo, Wei Lv, Liang-yu Song, Xiao-chen Yuan, Zhi-gang Li, Li-na Qin 2016, 11 (12):  2004-2011.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197145 Abstract ( 311 )   PDF (2515KB) ( 971 )   Save lectroacupuncture at Dazhui (GV14) and Mingmen (GV4) on the Governor Vessel has been shown to exhibit curative effects on spinal cord injury; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we established rat models of spinal cord injury using a modifed Allen’s weight-drop method. Ninety-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: sham (only laminectomy), SCI (induction of spinal cord injury at T10), and EA (induction of spinal cord injury at T10 and electroacupuncture intervention at GV14 and GV4 for 20 minutes once a day). Rats in the SCI and EA groups were further randomly divided into the following subgroups: 1-day (n = 11), 7-day (n = 11), and 14-day (n = 11). At 1, 7, and 14 days afer electroacupuncture treatment, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale showed obvious improvement in rat hind limb locomotor function, hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the histological change of injured spinal cord tissue was obviously alleviated, and immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis showed that Wnt1, Wnt3a, β-catenin immunoreactivity and protein expression in the injured spinal cord tissue were greatly increased compared with the sham and SCI groups. Tese fndings suggest that electroacupuncture at GV14 and GV4 upregulates Wnt1, Wnt3a, and β-catenin expression in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, exhibiting neuroprotective effects against spinal cord injury. Related Articles | Metrics

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Biodegradable magnesium wire promotes regeneration of compressed sciatic nerves Bo-han Li, Ke Yang, Xiao Wang 2016, 11 (12):  2012-2017.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197146 Abstract ( 222 )   PDF (1707KB) ( 1084 )   Save Magnesium (Mg) wire has been shown to be biodegradable and have anti-in?ammatory properties. It can induce Schwann cells to secrete nerve growth factor and promote the regeneration of nerve axons afer central nervous system injury. We hypothesized that biodegradable Mg wire may enhance compressed peripheral nerve regeneration. A rat acute sciatic nerve compression model was made, and AZ31 Mg wire (3 mm diameter; 8 mm length) bridged at both ends of the nerve. Our results demonstrate that sciatic functional index, nerve growth factor, p75 neurotrophin receptor, and tyrosine receptor kinase A mRNA expression are increased by Mg wire in Mg model. Te numbers of cross section nerve fbers and regenerating axons were also increased. Sciatic nerve function was improved and the myelinated axon number was increased in injured sciatic nerve following Mg treatment. Immuno?uorescence histopathology showed that there were increased vigorous axonal regeneration and myelin sheath coverage in injured sciatic nerve afer Mg treatment. Our fndings confrm that biodegradable Mg wire can promote the regeneration of acute compressed sciatic nerves. Related Articles | Metrics

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“Tree Methods and Tree Points” regulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury Xin Guo, Tian-yuan Yu, Wong Steven, Wen-duan Jia, Chi Ma, Yan-hong Tao, Chao Yang, Tao-tao Lv, Shuai Wu, Meng-qian Lu, Jia-li Liu 2016, 11 (12):  2018-2024.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197147 Abstract ( 266 )   PDF (1137KB) ( 649 )   Save Tuina is a traditional Chinese treatment for sensory disturbances caused by peripheral nerve injury and related diseases. Our previous studies showed that tuina regulates relevant regions and indices of the spinal dorsal horn using the Dian, Bo, and Rou method in Yinmen (BL37), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Weizhong (BL40). Treatment prevents muscle atrophy, protects spinal cord neurons, and promotes sciatic nerve repair. Te mechanisms of action of tuina for treating peripheral nerve injury remain poorly understood. Tis study established rat models of sciatic nerve injury using the crushing method. Rats received Chinese tuina in accordance with the principle of “Tree Methods and Tree Points,” once daily for 20 days. Tuina intervention reduced paw withdrawal latency and improved wet weight of the gastrocnemius muscle, as well as promoting morphological recovery of sciatic nerve fbers, Schwann cells, and axons. Te protein expression levels of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β also decreased. Tese fndings indicate that “Tree Methods and Tree Points” promoted morphological recovery and improved behavior of rats with peripheral nerve injury Related Articles | Metrics

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Expression changes of nerve cell adhesion molecules L1 and semaphorin 3A afer peripheral nerve injury Qian-ru He, Meng Cong, Qing-zhong Chen, Ya-feng Sheng, Jian Li, Qi Zhang, Fei Ding, Yan-pei Gong 2016, 11 (12):  2025-2030.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197148 Abstract ( 291 )   PDF (1283KB) ( 862 )   Save The expression of nerve cell adhesion molecule L1 in the neuronal growth cone of the central nervous system is strongly associated with the direction of growth of the axon, but its role in the regeneration of the peripheral nerve is still unknown. Tis study explored the problem in a femoral nerve section model in rats. L1 and semaphorin 3A mRNA and protein expressions were measured over the 4-week recovery period. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that nerve cell adhesion molecule L1 expression was higher in the sensory nerves than in motor nerves at 2 weeks afer injury, but vice versa for the expression of semaphorin 3A. Western blot assay results demonstrated that nerve cell adhesion molecule L1 expression was higher in motor nerves than in the sensory nerves at the proximal end afer injury, but its expression was greater in the sensory nerves at 2 weeks. Semaphorin 3A expression was higher in the motor nerves than in the sensory nerves at 3 days and 1 week afer injury. Nerve cell adhesion molecule L1 and semaphorin 3A expressions at the distal end were higher in the motor nerves than in the sensory nerves at 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that nerve cell adhesion molecule L1 expression at the proximal end was greater in the sensory nerves than in the motor nerves; semaphorin 3A expression was higher in the motor nerves than in the sensory nerves at 2 weeks afer injury. Taken together, these results indicated that nerve cell adhesion molecules L1 and semaphorin 3A exhibited different expression patterns at the proximal and distal ends of sensory and motor nerves, and play a coordinating role in neural chemotaxis regeneration. Related Articles | Metrics

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Injury of the arcuate fasciculus in a patient with progressive bulbar palsy Min Cheol Chang, Han Do Lee, Sung Ho Jang 2016, 11 (12):  2031-2032.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.197149 Abstract ( 324 )   PDF (328KB) ( 592 )   Save Related Articles | Metrics