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    15 July 2017, Volume 12 Issue 7 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    Schwann cell development, maturation and regeneration: a focus on classic and emerging intracellular signaling pathways
    Luca Franco Castelnovo, Veronica Bonalume, Simona Melfi, Marinella Ballabio, Deborah Colleoni, Valerio Magnaghi
    2017, 12 (7):  1013-1023.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211172
    Abstract ( 318 )   PDF (2474KB) ( 660 )   Save

    nervous system, require the coordinate and complementary interaction among several factors, signals and intracellular pathways. These regulatory molecules consist of integrins, neuregulins, growth factors, hormones, neurotransmitters, as well as entire intracellular pathways including protein-kinase A, C, Akt, Erk/MAPK, Hippo, mTOR, etc. For instance, Hippo pathway is overall involved in proliferation, apoptosis, regeneration and organ size control, being crucial in cancer proliferation process. In SCs, Hippo is linked to merlin and YAP/TAZ signaling and it seems to respond to mechanic/physical challenges. Recently, among factors regulating SCs, also the signaling intermediates Src tyrosine kinase and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) proved relevant for SC fate, participating in the regulation of adhesion, motility, migration and in vitro myelination.In SCs, the factors Src and FAK are regulated by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone, thus corroborating the importance of this steroid in the control of SC maturation. In this review, we illustrate some old and novel signaling pathways modulating SC biology and functions during the different developmental,mature and regenerative states

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    BDNF pro-peptide: a novel synaptic modulator generated as an N-terminal fragment from the BDNF precursor by proteolytic processing
    Toshiyuki Mizui, Koji Ohira, Masami Kojima
    2017, 12 (7):  1024-1027.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211173
    Abstract ( 322 )   PDF (236KB) ( 671 )   Save

    Most growth factors are initially synthesized as precursors and it was cleaved into bioactive mature domain and pro-domain. However, compared with the expression and function of bioactive mature domain, the biological role of the pro-domain is poorly understood. Unexpectedly, we found that the pro-domain (or pro-peptide) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is well-known neurotrophic factor in brain, has a potential ability to facilitate hippocampal long-term depression. Furthermore, a BDNF polymorphism Val66Met, which substitute valine into methionine at 66 amino acid, impacted the biological activity of the BDNF pro-peptide. We lastly discuss the possible roles of BDNF and its pro-peptide in the generation of neural stem cells and progress of ischemia.

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    Impact of glucocorticoid on neurogenesis
    Haruki Odaka, Naoki Adachi, Tadahiro Numakawa
    2017, 12 (7):  1028-1035.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211174
    Abstract ( 482 )   PDF (773KB) ( 825 )   Save

    Neurogenesis is currently an area of great interest in neuroscience. It is closely linked to brain diseases, including mental disorders and neurodevelopmental disease. Both embryonic and adult neurogeneses are influenced by glucocorticoids secreted from the adrenal glands in response to a variety of stressors. Moreover, proliferation/differentiation of the neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is affected by glucocorticoids through intracellular signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, hedgehog, and Wnt. Our review presents recent evidence of the impact of glucocorticoids on NSPC behaviors and the underlying molecular mechanisms; this provides important information for understanding the pathological role of glucocorticoids on neurogenesis-associated brain diseases.

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    RACK1 regulates neural development
    Leah Kershner, Kristy Welshhans
    2017, 12 (7):  1036-1039.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211175
    Abstract ( 355 )   PDF (340KB) ( 489 )   Save

    Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is an evolutionarily conserved scaffolding protein within the tryptophan-aspartate (WD) repeat family of proteins. RACK1 can bind multiple signaling molecules concurrently, as well as stabilize and anchor proteins. RACK1 also plays an important role at focal adhesions, where it acts to regulate cell migration. In addition, RACK1 is a ribosomal binding protein and thus, regulates translation. Despite these numerous functions, little is known about how RACK1 regulates nervous system development. Here, we review three studies that examine the role of RACK1 in neural development. In brief, these papers demonstrate that (1) RACK-1, the C. elegans homolog of mammalian RACK1, is required for axon guidance; (2) RACK1 is required for neurite extension of neuronally differentiated rat PC12 cells; and (3) RACK1 is required for axon outgrowth of primary mouse cortical neurons. Thus, it is evident that RACK1 is critical for appropriate neural development in a wide range of species, and future discoveries could reveal whether RACK1 and its signaling partners are potential targets for treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders or a therapeutic approach for axonal regeneration.

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    Targeting 14-3-3 adaptor protein-protein interactions to stimulate central nervous system repair
    Andrew Kaplan, Alyson E. Fournier
    2017, 12 (7):  1040-1043.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211176
    Abstract ( 292 )   PDF (258KB) ( 465 )   Save

    The goal of developing treatments for central nervous system (CNS) injuries is becoming more attainable with the recent identification of various drugs that can repair damaged axons. These discoveries have stemmed from screening efforts, large expression datasets and an improved understanding of the cellular and molecular biology underlying axon growth. It will be important to continue searching for new compounds that can induce axon repair. Here we describe how a family of adaptor proteins called 14-3-3s can be targeted using small molecule drugs to enhance axon outgrowth and regeneration. 14-3-3s bind to many functionally diverse client proteins to regulate their functions. We highlight the recent discovery of the axon-growth promoting activity of fusicoccin-A, a fungus-derived small molecule that stabilizes 14-3-3 interactions with their client proteins. Here we discuss how fusicoccin-A could serve as a starting point for the development of drugs to induce CNS repair.

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    Spinal cord injury drives chronic brain changes
    Ignacio Jure, Florencia Labombarda
    2017, 12 (7):  1044-1047.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211177
    Abstract ( 374 )   PDF (180KB) ( 642 )   Save

    Only a few studies have considered changes in brain structures other than sensory and motor cortex after spinal cord injury, although cognitive impairments have been reported in these patients. Spinal cord injury results in chronic brain neuroinflammation with consequent neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in rodents. Regarding the hippocampus, neurogenesis is reduced and reactive gliosis increased. These long-term abnormalities could explain behavioral impairments exhibited in humans patients suffering from spinal cord trauma.

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    SoxC transcription factors in retinal development and regeneration
    Kun-Che Chang, Jonathan Hertz
    2017, 12 (7):  1048-1051.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211178
    Abstract ( 288 )   PDF (857KB) ( 591 )   Save

    Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies result in optic nerve degeneration and the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through complex signaling pathways. Although the mechanisms that regulate RGC development remain unclear, uncovering novel developmental pathways may support new strategies to regenerate the optic nerve or replace RGCs. Here we review recent studies that provide strong evidence that the Sry-related high-mobility-group C (SoxC) subfamily of transcription factors (TFs) are necessary and sufficient for axon guidance and RGC fate specification. These findings also uncover novel SoxC-dependent mechanisms that serve as master regulators during important steps of RGC development. For example, we review work showing that SoxC TFs regulate RGC axon guidance and direction through the optic chiasm towards their appropriate targets in the brain. We also review work demonstrating that Sox11 subcellular localization is, in part, controlled through small ubiquitin-like post-translational modifier (SUMO) and suggest compensatory cross-talk between Sox4 and Sox11. Furthermore, Sox4 overexpression is shown to positively drive RGC differentiation in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Finally, we discuss how these findings may contribute to the advancement of regenerative and cell-based therapies to treat glaucoma and other optic nerve neuropathies.

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    Mitochondrial quality control in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: towards a common pathway?
    Bilal Khalil, Jean-Charles Liévens
    2017, 12 (7):  1052-1061. 
    Abstract ( 294 )   PDF (610KB) ( 694 )   Save

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Different mechanisms contribute to the disease initiation and progression, including mitochondrial dysfunction which has been proposed to be a central determinant in ALS pathogenesis. Indeed, while mitochondrial defects have been mainly described in ALS-linked SOD1 mutants, it is now well established that mitochondria become also dysfunctional in other ALS conditions. In such context, the mitochondrial quality control system allows to restore normal functioning of mitochondria and to prevent cell death, by both eliminating and replacing damaged mitochondrial components or by degrading the entire organelle through mitophagy. Recent evidence shows that ALS-related genes interfere with the mitochondrial quality control system. This review highlights how ineffective mitochondrial quality control may render motor neurons defenseless towards the accumulating mitochondrial damage in ALS.

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    Using induced pluripotent stem cells derived neurons to model brain diseases
    Cindy E. McKinney
    2017, 12 (7):  1062-1067.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211180
    Abstract ( 385 )   PDF (960KB) ( 682 )   Save

    The ability to use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to model brain diseases is a powerful tool for unraveling mechanistic alterations in these disorders. Rodent models of brain diseases have spurred understanding of pathology but the concern arises that they may not recapitulate the full spectrum of neuron disruptions associated with human neuropathology. iPSC derived neurons, or other neural cell types, provide the ability to access pathology in cells derived directly from a patient’s blood sample or skin biopsy where availability of brain tissue is limiting. Thus, utilization of iPSC to study brain diseases provides an unlimited resource for disease modelling but may also be used for drug screening for effective therapies and may potentially be used to regenerate aged or damaged cells in the future. Many brain diseases across the spectrum of neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric are being approached by iPSC models. The goal of an iPSC based disease model is to identify a cellular phenotype that discriminates the disease-bearing cells from the control cells. In this mini-review, the importance of iPSC cell models validated for pluripotency, germline competency and function assessments is discussed. Selected examples for the variety of brain diseases that are being approached by iPSC technology to discover or establish the molecular basis of the neuropathology are discussed.

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    The impact of graphene on neural regenerative medicine
    Noela Rodriguez-Losada, Jose A. Aguirre
    2017, 12 (7):  1071-1072.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211181
    Abstract ( 224 )   PDF (146KB) ( 690 )   Save
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    Neuroregeneration using in vivo cellular reprogramming
    Tu Nguyen, Raymond Ching-Bong Wong
    2017, 12 (7):  1073-1074.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211182
    Abstract ( 354 )   PDF (157KB) ( 495 )   Save
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    Impact of dietary supplementation of one-carbon metabolism on neural recovery
    Joshua T. Emmerson, Lauren K. Murray, Nafisa M. Jadavji
    2017, 12 (7):  1075-1076.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211183
    Abstract ( 225 )   PDF (203KB) ( 435 )   Save
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    Evidence for using a dual COX 1/2 and 5-LOX inhibitor in neurodegenerative diseases
    Natasha Irrera, Alessandra Bitto
    2017, 12 (7):  1077-1078.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211185
    Abstract ( 455 )   PDF (132KB) ( 444 )   Save
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    Dual face of axonal inhibitory inputs in the modulation of neuronal excitability in cortical pyramidal neurons
    Lei Jiang, Hong Ni, Qi-yi Wang, Li Huang, Shi-di Zhao, Jian-dong Yu, Rong-jing Ge
    2017, 12 (7):  1079-1085.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211186
    Abstract ( 401 )   PDF (664KB) ( 618 )   Save

    Limited by the tiny structure of axons, the effects of these axonal hyperpolarizing inputs on neuronal activity have not been directly elucidated. Here, we imitated these processes by simultaneously recording the activities of the somas and proximal axons of cortical pyramidal neurons. We found that spikes and subthreshold potentials propagate between somas and axons with high fidelity. Furthermore, inhibitory inputs on axons have opposite effects on neuronal activity according to their temporal integration with upstream signals. Concurrent with somatic depolarization, inhibitory inputs on axons decrease neuronal excitability and impede spike generation. In addition, following action potentials, inhibitory inputs on an axon increase neuronal spike capacity and improve spike precision. These results indicate that inhibitory inputs on proximal axons have dual regulatory functions in neuronal activity (suppression or facilitation) according to neuronal network patterns.

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    Putative adult neurogenesis in two domestic pigeon breeds (Columba livia domestica): racing homer versus utility carneau pigeons
    Pedzisai Mazengenya, Adhil Bhagwandin, Pilani Nkomozepi, Paul R. Manger, Amadi O. Ihunwo
    2017, 12 (7):  1086-1096.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211187
    Abstract ( 459 )   PDF (2667KB) ( 673 )   Save

    Generation of neurons in the brains of adult birds has been studied extensively in the telencephalon of song birds and few studies are reported on the distribution of PCNA and DCX in the telencephalon of adult non-song learning birds. We report here on adult neurogenesis throughout the brains of two breeds of adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), the racing homer and utility carneau using endogenous immunohistochemical markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for proliferating cells and doublecortin (DCX) for immature and migrating neurons. The distribution of PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was very similar in both pigeon breeds with only a few minor differences. In both pigeons, PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was observed in the olfactory bulbs, walls of the lateral ventricle, telencephalic subdivisions of the pallium and subpallium, diencephalon, mesencephalon and cerebellum. Generally, the olfactory bulbs and telencephalon had more PCNA and DCX cells than other regions. Two proliferative hotspots were evident in the dorsal and ventral poles of the lateral ventricles. PCNA- and DCX-immunoreactive cells migrated radially from the walls of the lateral ventricle into the parenchyma. In most telencephalic regions, the density of PCNA- and DCX-immunoreactive cells increased from rostral to caudal, except in the mesopallium where the density decreased from rostral to middle levels and then increased caudally. DCX immunoreactivity was more intense in fibres than in cell bodies and DCX-immunoreactive cells included small granular cells, fusiform bipolar cells, large round and or polygonal multipolar cells. The similarity in the distribution of proliferating cells and new neurons in the telencephalon of the two breeds of pigeons may suggest that adult neurogenesis is a conserved trait as an ecological adaptation irrespective of body size.

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    Serum prealbumin as an effective prognostic indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis in patients with hemorrhagic stroke
    Shen-qi Zhang, Bin Peng, Creed M. Stary, Zhi-hong Jian, Xiao-xing Xiong, Qian-xue Chen
    2017, 12 (7):  1097-1102.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211188
    Abstract ( 329 )   PDF (465KB) ( 490 )   Save

    Serum prealbumin is a recognized marker of malnutrition, but its prognostic role in patients with hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 105 patients with hemorrhagic stroke admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China, from January to December 2015. We collected demographic and radiological data, and recorded serum prealbumin levels at admission and on days 1, 3, 6, 9, and 14–21. The existence of infections and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and clinical condition at discharge were also recorded. Serum prealbumin levels during hospitalization were significantly lower in patients with infections compared with those without infections, and also significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared with those without. Serum prealbumin levels at discharge were significantly higher in patients with good recovery than in those with poor recovery. We conclude that regular serum prealbumin measurements in patients with hemorrhagic stroke may be a useful indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis, which may therefore help to guide clinical decision-making.

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    Neural differentiation of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves the recovery of neurological function after transplantation in ischemic stroke rats
    Lei Zhang, Lin-mei Wang, Wei-wei Chen, Zhi Ma, Xiao Han, Cheng-ming Liu, Xiang Cheng, Wei Shi, Jing-jing Guo, Jian-bing Qin, Xiao-qing Yang, Guo-hua Jin, Xin-hua Zhang
    2017, 12 (7):  1103-1110.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211189
    Abstract ( 245 )   PDF (1476KB) ( 579 )   Save

    Human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) have excellent proliferative ability, differentiation ability, low immunogenicity, and can be easily obtained. However, there are few studies on their application in the treatment of ischemic stroke, therefore their therapeutic effect requires further verification. In this study, hWJ-MSCs were transplanted into an ischemic stroke rat model via the tail vein 48 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. After 4 weeks, neurological functions of the rats implanted with hWJ-MSCs were significantly recovered. Furthermore, many hWJ-MSCs homed to the ischemic frontal cortex whereby they differentiated into neuron-like cells at this region. These results confirm that hWJ-MSCs transplanted into the ischemic stroke rat can differentiate into neuron-like cells to improve rat neurological function and behavior.

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    Adult neural stem cell dysfunction in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle leads to diabetic olfactory defects
    Yu-hong Jing, Chu-chu Qi, Li Yuan, Xiang-wen Liu, Li-ping Gao, Jie Yin
    2017, 12 (7):  1111-1118.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211190
    Abstract ( 326 )   PDF (1029KB) ( 658 )   Save

    Sensitive smell discrimination is based on structural plasticity of the olfactory bulb, which depends on migration and integration of newborn neurons from the subventricular zone. In this study, we examined the relationship between neural stem cell status in the subventricular zone and olfactory function in rats with diabetes mellitus. Streptozotocin was injected through the femoral vein to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus in Sprague-Dawley rats. Two months after injection, olfactory sensitivity was decreased in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the number of BrdU-positive and BrdU+/DCX+ double-labeled cells was lower in the subventricular zone of diabetic rats compared with age-matched normal rats. Western blot results revealed downregulated expression of insulin receptor β, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and β-catenin in the subventricular zone of diabetic rats. Altogether, these results indicate that diabetes mellitus causes insulin deficiency, which negatively regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3β and enhances β-catenin degradation, with these changes inhibiting neural stem cell proliferation. Further, these signaling pathways affect proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone. Dysfunction of subventricular zone neural stem cells causes a decline in olfactory bulb structural plasticity and impairs olfactory sensitivity in diabetic rats.

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    Hyeok Gyu Kwon, Sung Ho Jang, Mi Young Lee
    2017, 12 (7):  1119-1123.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211191
    Abstract ( 279 )   PDF (359KB) ( 562 )   Save
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    Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reflects activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 during focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
    Wen-juan Wu, Chun-juan Jiang, Zhui-yang Zhang, Kai Xu, Wei Li
    2017, 12 (7):  1124-1130.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211192
    Abstract ( 371 )   PDF (1714KB) ( 635 )   Save

    Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) is a unique protein family that binds to DNA, coupled with tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways, acting as a transcriptional regulator to mediate a variety of biological effects. Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion can activate STATs signaling pathway, but no studies have confirmed whether STAT activation can be verified by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Here, we established a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia injury using the modified Longa method. DWI revealed hyperintensity in parts of the left hemisphere before reperfusion and a low apparent diffusion coefficient. STAT3 protein expression showed no significant change after reperfusion, but phosphorylated STAT3 expression began to increase after 30 minutes of reperfusion and peaked at 24 hours. Pearson correlation analysis showed that STAT3 activation was correlated positively with the relative apparent diffusion coefficient and negatively with the DWI abnormal signal area. These results indicate that DWI is a reliable representation of the infarct area and reflects STAT phosphorylation in rat brain following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

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    Protective effects of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids on amyloid beta (25–35)-induced neuronal injury
    Wei Zhang, Qin Wu, Yan-liu Lu, Qi-hai Gong, Feng Zhang, Jing-shan Shi
    2017, 12 (7):  1131-1136.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211193
    Abstract ( 413 )   PDF (1239KB) ( 826 )   Save

    Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA), the active ingredients of a traditional Chinese medicine Dendrobium, have been shown to have anti-oxidative effects, anti-inflammatory action, and protective effect on neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation. However, it is not clear whether DNLA reduces amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced neuronal injury. In this study, cortical neurons were treated with DNLA at different concentrations (0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 mg/L) for 24 hours, followed by administration of Aβ25–35 (10 μM). Aβ25–35 treatments increased cell injury as determined by the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, which was accompanied by chromatin condensation and mitochondrial tumefaction. The damage caused by Aβ25–35 on these cellular properties was markedly attenuated when cells were pretreated with DNLA. Treatment with Aβ25–35 down-regulated the expressions of postsynaptic density-95 mRNA and decreased the protein expression of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density-95, all changes were significantly reduced by pretreatment of cells with DNLA. These findings suggest that DNLA reduces the cytotoxicity induced by Aβ25–35 in rat primary cultured neurons. The protective mechanism that DNLA confers on the synaptic integrity of cultured neurons might be mediated, at least in part, through the upregulation of neurogenesis related proteins synaptophysin and postsynaptic density-95.

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    Neuroprotective potential of Quercetin in combination with piperine against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity
    Shamsher Singh, Sumit Jamwal, Puneet Kumar
    2017, 12 (7):  1137-1144.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211194
    Abstract ( 371 )   PDF (2756KB) ( 851 )   Save

    1-Methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a neurotoxin that selectively damages dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and induces Parkinson’s like symptoms in rodents. Quercetin (QC) is a natural polyphenolic bioflavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but lacks of clinical attraction due to low oral bioavailability. Piperine is a well established bioavailability enhancer used pre-clinically to improve the bioavailability of antioxidants (e.g., Quercetin). Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of QC together with piperine against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in rats. MPTP (100 μg/μL/rat, bilaterally) was injected intranigrally on days 1, 4 and 7 using a digital stereotaxic apparatus. QC (25 and 50 mg/kg, intragastrically) and QC (25 mg/kg, intragastrically) in combination with piperine (2.5 mg/kg, intragastrically) were administered daily for 14 days starting from day 8 after the 3rd injection of MPTP. On day 22, animals were sacrificed and the striatum was isolated for oxidative stress parameter (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, nitrite and glutathione), neuroinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and neurotransmitter (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) evaluations. Bilateral infusion of MPTP into substantia nigra pars compacta led to significant motor deficits as evidenced by impairments in locomotor activity and rotarod performance in open field test and grip strength and narrow beam walk performance. Both QC (25 and 50 mg/kg) and QC (25 mg/kg) in combination with piperine (2.5 mg/kg), in particular the combination therapy, significantly improved MPTP-induced behavioral abnormalities in rats, reversed the abnormal alterations of neurotransmitters in the striatum, and alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the striatum. These findings indicate that piperine can enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of QC, and QC in combination with piperine exhibits strong neuroprotective effects against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity.

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    How does conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor protect against and rescue neurodegeneration of PC12 cells?
    Jia-ming Mei, Chao-shi Niu
    2017, 12 (7):  1145-1151.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211195
    Abstract ( 285 )   PDF (3240KB) ( 696 )   Save

    Conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor protects and rescues dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in vivo, but its potential value in treating Parkinson’s disease remains controversial. Here, we used the proteasome inhibitors lactacystin and MG132 to induce neurodegeneration of PC12 cells. Afterwards, conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor was administrated as a therapeutic factor, both pretreatment and posttreatment. Our results showed that (1) conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor enhanced lactacystin/MG132-induced cell viability and morphology, and attenuated alpha-synuclein accumulation in differentiated PC12 cells. (2) Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay showed up-regulated 26S proteasomal activity in MG132-induced PC12 cells after pre- and posttreatment with conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor. Similarly, 26S proteasome activity was upregulated in lactacystin-induced PC12 cells pretreated with conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor. (3) With regard proteolytic enzymes (specifically, glutamyl peptide hydrolase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin), glutamyl peptide hydrolase activity was up-regulated in lactacystin/MG132-administered PC12 cells after pre- and posttreatment with conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor. However, upregulation of chymotrypsin activity was only observed in MG132-administered PC12 cells pretreated with conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor. There was no change in trypsin expression. We conclude that conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor develops its neurotrophic effects by modulating proteasomal activities, and thereby protects and rescues PC12 cells against neurodegeneration.

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    Effect of glycosides of Cistanche on the expression of mitochondrial precursor protein and keratin type II cytoskeletal 6A in a rat model of vascular dementia
    Yan-mei Zhang, Wei Wu, Wei Ma, Fang Wang, Jun Yuan
    2017, 12 (7):  1152-1158.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211196
    Abstract ( 255 )   PDF (1513KB) ( 707 )   Save

    Glycosides of Cistanche (GC) is a preparation used extensively for its neuroprotective effect against neurological diseases, but its mechanisms of action remains incompletely understood. Here, we established a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion model of vascular dementia in rats and injected the model rats with a suspension of GC (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 14 consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry showed that GC significantly reduced p-tau and amyloid beta (Aβ) immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of the model rats. Proteomic analysis demonstrated upregulation of mitochondrial precursor protein and downregulation of keratin type II cytoskeletal 6A after GC treatment compared with model rats that had received saline. Western blot assay confirmed these findings. Our results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of GC in vascular dementia occurs via the promotion of neuronal cytoskeleton regeneration.

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    Long-term acupuncture treatment has a multi-targeting regulation on multiple brain regions in rats with Alzheimer’s disease: a positron emission tomography study
    Yang-jia Lu, Xiao-wen Cai, Gui-feng Zhang, Yong Huang, Chun-zhi Tang, Bao-ci Shan, Shao-yang Cui, Jun-qi Chen, Shan-shan Qu, Zheng Zhong, Xin-sheng Lai, Genevieve Zara Steiner
    2017, 12 (7):  1159-1165.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211197
    Abstract ( 260 )   PDF (1468KB) ( 671 )   Save

    The acute effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer’s disease, i.e., on brain activation during treatment, has been reported. However, the effect of long-term acupuncture on brain activation in Alzheimer’s disease is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we performed long-term needling at Zusanli (ST36) or a sham point (1.5 mm lateral to ST36) in a rat Alzheimer’s disease model, for 30 minutes, once per day, for 30 days. The rats underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning. Positron emission tomography images were processed with SPM2. The brain areas activated after needling at ST36 included the left hippocampus, the left orbital cortex, the left infralimbic cortex, the left olfactory cortex, the left cerebellum and the left pons. In the sham-point group, the activated regions were similar to those in the ST36 group. However, the ST36 group showed greater activation in the cerebellum and pons than the sham-point group. These findings suggest that long-term acupuncture treatment has targeted regulatory effects on multiple brain regions in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.

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    Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 overexpression inhibits neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord ischemia/ reperfusion injury
    Xing-zhen Liu, Xin Sun, Kang-ping Shen, Wen-jie Jin, Zhi-yi Fu, Hai-rong Tao, Zhi-xing Xu
    2017, 12 (7):  1166-1171.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211198
    Abstract ( 315 )   PDF (510KB) ( 748 )   Save

    Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an important factor in inhibiting oxidative stress and has been shown to protect against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, we hypothesized that ALDH2 could reduce spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in rats using the modified Zivin’s method of clamping the abdominal aorta. After successful model establishment, the agonist group was administered a daily consumption of 2.5% alcohol. At 7 days post-surgery, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score significantly increased in the agonist group compared with the spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury group. ALDH2 expression also significantly increased and the number of apoptotic cells significantly decreased in the agonist group than in the spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury group. Correlation analysis revealed that ALDH2 expression negatively correlated with the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (r = −0.485, P < 0.01). In summary, increased ALDH2 expression protected the rat spinal cord against ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis.

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    Short-term observations of the regenerative potential of injured proximal sensory nerves crossed with distal motor nerves
    Xiu-xiu Zhang, Yu-hui Kou, Xiao-feng Yin, Bao-guo Jiang, Pei-xun Zhang
    2017, 12 (7):  1172-1176.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211199
    Abstract ( 277 )   PDF (1083KB) ( 642 )   Save

    Motor nerves and sensory nerves conduct signals in different directions and function in different ways. In the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, the best prognosis is obtained by keeping the motor and sensory nerves separated and repairing the nerves using the suture method. However, the clinical consequences of connections between sensory and motor nerves currently remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed the anatomical structure of the rat femoral nerve, and observed the motor and sensory branches of the femoral nerve in the quadriceps femoris. After ligation of the nerves, the proximal end of the sensory nerve was connected with the distal end of the motor nerve, followed by observation of the changes in the newly-formed regenerated nerve fibers. Acetylcholinesterase staining was used to distinguish between the myelinated and unmyelinated motor and sensory nerves. Denervated muscle and newly formed nerves were compared in terms of morphology, electrophysiology and histochemistry. At 8 weeks after connection, no motor nerve fibers were observed on either side of the nerve conduit and the number of nerve fibers increased at the proximal end. The proportion of newly-formed motor and sensory fibers was different on both sides of the conduit. The area occupied by autonomic nerves in the proximal regenerative nerve was limited, but no distinct myelin sheath was visible in the distal nerve. These results confirm that sensory and motor nerves cannot be effectively connected. Moreover, the change of target organ at the distal end affects the type of nerves at the proximal end.

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    Recovery of sympathetic nerve function after lumbar sympathectomy is slower in the hind limbs than in the torso
    Zhi-fang Zheng, Yi-shu Liu, Xuan Min, Jian-bing Tang, Hong-wei Liu, Biao Cheng
    2017, 12 (7):  1177-1185.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211200
    Abstract ( 366 )   PDF (2686KB) ( 780 )   Save

    Local sympathetic denervation by surgical sympathectomy is used in the treatment of lower limb ulcers and ischemia, but the restoration of cutaneous sympathetic nerve functions is less clear. This study aims to explore the recovery of cutaneous sympathetic functions after bilateral L2–4 sympathectomy. The skin temperature of the left feet, using a point monitoring thermometer, increased intraoperatively after sympathectomy. The cytoplasm of sympathetic neurons contained tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase, visualized by immunofluorescence, indicated the accuracy of sympathectomy. Iodine starch test results suggested that the sweating function of the hind feet plantar skin decreased 2 and 7 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy but had recovered by 3 months. Immunofluorescence and western blot assay results revealed that norepinephrine and dopamine β-hydroxylase expression in the skin from the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet decreased in the sympathectomized group at 2 weeks. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that perinuclear space and axon demyelination in sympathetic cells in the L5 sympathetic trunks were found in the sympathectomized group 3 months after sympathectomy. Although sympathetic denervation occurred in the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet skin 2 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy, the skin functions recovered gradually over 7 weeks to 3 months. In conclusion, sympathetic functional recovery may account for the recurrence of hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy and the normalization of sympathetic nerve trunks after incomplete injury. The recovery of sympathetic nerve function was slower in the limbs than in the torso after bilateral L2–4 sympathectomy.

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    Umbilical cord: an unlimited source of cells differentiable towards dopaminergic neurons
    Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni, Mossa Gardaneh
    2017, 12 (7):  1186-1192.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.211201
    Abstract ( 295 )   PDF (261KB) ( 621 )   Save

    Cell replacement therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells as its main resource holds great promise for ultimate treatment of human neurological disorders. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common, chronic neurodegenerative disorder hallmarked by localized degeneration of a specific set of dopaminergic neurons within a midbrain sub-region. The specific cell type and confined location of degenerating neurons make cell replacement therapy ideal for PD treatment since it mainly requires replenishment of lost dopaminergic neurons with fresh and functional ones. Endogenous as well as exogenous cell sources have been identified as candidate targets for cell replacement therapy in PD. In this review, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are discussed as they provide an inexpensive unlimited reservoir differentiable towards functional dopaminergic neurons that potentially lead to long-lasting behavioral recovery in PD patients. We also present miRNAs-mediated neuronal differentiation of UCMSCs. The UCMSCs bear a number of outstanding characteristics including their non-tumorigenic, low-immunogenic properties that make them ideal for cell replacement therapy purposes. Nevertheless, more investigations as well as controlled clinical trials are required to thoroughly confirm the efficacy of UCMSCs for therapeutic medical-grade applications in PD.

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