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    15 November 2017, Volume 12 Issue 11 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    MicroRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury.
    Bridget Martinez, Philip V. Peplow
    2017, 12 (11):  1749-1761.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219025
    Abstract ( 129 )   PDF (625KB) ( 415 )   Save

      Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by primary damage to the brain from the external mechanical force and by subsequent secondary injury due to various molecular and pathophysiological responses that eventually lead to neuronal cell death. Secondary brain injury events may occur minutes, hours, or even days after the trauma, and provide valuable therapeutic targets to prevent further neuronal degeneration. At the present time, there is no effective treatment for TBI due, in part, to the widespread impact of numerous complex secondary biochemical and pathophysiological events occurring at different time points following the initial injury. MicroRNAs control a range of physiological and pathological functions such as development, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism, and may serve as potential targets for progress assessment and intervention against TBI to mitigate secondary damage to the brain. This has implications regarding improving the diagnostic accuracy of brain impairment and long-term outcomes as well as potential novel treatments. Recent human studies have identified specific microRNAs in serum/plasma (miR-425-p, -21, -93, -191 and -499) and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) (miR-328, -362-3p, -451, -486a) as possible indicators of the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Experimental animal studies have examined specific microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for moderate and mild TBI (e.g., miR-21, miR-23b). MicroRNA profiling was altered by voluntary exercise. Differences in basal microRNA expression in the brain of adult and aged animals and alterations in response to TBI (e.g., miR-21) have also been reported. Further large-scale studies with TBI patients are needed to provide more information on the changes in microRNA profiles in different age groups (children, adults, and elderly).

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    Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2: a new player of the innate immune response for stroke recovery
    Hsiao-Huei Chen, Alexandre F. R. Stewart
    2017, 12 (11):  1762-1764.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219026
    Abstract ( 117 )   PDF (612KB) ( 342 )   Save

    Ischemic brain injury triggers an inflammatory response. This response is necessary to clear damaged brain tissue but can also exacerbate brain injury. Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain that execute this critical function. In healthy brain, microglia perform a housekeeping function, pruning unused synapses between neurons. However, microglia become activated to an inflammatory phenotype upon brain injury. Interferon regulatory factors modulate microglial activation and their production of inflammatory cytokines. This review briefly discusses recent findings pertaining to these regulatory mechanisms in the context of stroke recovery.

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    Endogenous retinal neural stem cell reprogramming for neuronal regeneration
    Romain Madelaine, Philippe Mourrain
    2017, 12 (11):  1765-1767.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219028
    Abstract ( 127 )   PDF (206KB) ( 249 )   Save

    In humans, optic nerve injuries and associated neurodegenerative diseases are often followed by permanent vision loss. Consequently, an important challenge is to develop safe and effective methods to replace retinal neurons and thereby restore neuronal functions and vision. Identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms allowing to replace damaged neurons is a major goal for basic and translational research in regenerative medicine. Contrary to mammals, the zebrafish has the capacity to fully regenerate entire parts of the nervous system, including retina. This regenerative process depends on endogenous retinal neural stem cells, the Müller glial cells. Following injury, zebrafish Müller cells go back into cell cycle to proliferate and generate new neurons, while mammalian Müller cells undergo reactive gliosis. Recently, transcription factors and microRNAs have been identified to control the formation of new neurons derived from zebrafish and mammalian Müller cells, indicating that cellular reprogramming can be an efficient strategy to regenerate human retinal neurons. Here we discuss recent insights into the use of endogenous neural stem cell reprogramming for neuronal regeneration, differences between zebrafish and mammalian Müller cells, and the need to pursue the identification and characterization of new molecular factors with an instructive and potent function in order to develop theurapeutic strategies for eye diseases.

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    Regulation of neuronal survival by DNA methyltransferases
    Judit Symmank, Geraldine Zimmer
    2017, 12 (11):  1768-1775.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219027
    Abstract ( 128 )   PDF (514KB) ( 318 )   Save

    The limited regenerative capacity of neuronal cells requires tight orchestration of cell death and survival regulation in the context of longevity, age-associated diseases as well as during the development of the nervous system. Subordinate to genetic networks epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the regulation of neuronal development, function and aging. DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), mostly correlated with gene silencing, is a dynamic and reversible process. In addition to their canonical actions performing cytosine methylation, DNMTs influence gene expression by interactions with histone modifying enzymes or complexes increasing the complexity of epigenetic transcriptional networks. DNMTs are expressed in neuronal progenitors, post-mitotic as well as adult neurons. In this review, we discuss the role and mode of actions of DNMTs including downstream networks in the regulation of neuronal survival in the developing and aging nervous system and its relevance for associated disorders.

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    Taking out the garbage: cathepsin D and calcineurin in neurodegeneration
    Andreas Aufschnaiter, Verena Kohler, Sabrina Büttner
    2017, 12 (11):  1776-1779.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219031
    Abstract ( 162 )   PDF (1094KB) ( 346 )   Save

    Cellular homeostasis requires a tightly controlled balance between protein synthesis, folding and degradation. Especially long-lived, post-mitotic cells such as neurons depend on an efficient proteostasis system to maintain cellular health over decades. Thus, a functional decline of processes contributing to protein degradation such as autophagy and general lysosomal proteolytic capacity is connected to several age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. These so called proteinopathies are characterized by the accumulation and misfolding of distinct proteins, subsequently driving cellular demise. We recently linked efficient lysosomal protein breakdown via the protease cathepsin D to the Ca2+/calmodulin-activated phosphatase calcineurin. In a yeast model for Parkinson’s disease, functional calcineurin was required for proper trafficking of cathepsin D to the lysosome and for recycling of its endosomal sorting receptor to allow further rounds of shuttling. Here, we discuss these findings in relation to present knowledge about the involvement of cathepsin D in proteinopathies in general and a possible connection between this protease, calcineurin signalling and endosomal sorting in particular. As dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis as well as lysosomal impairment is connected to a plethora of neurodegenerative disorders, this novel interplay might very well impact pathologies beyond Parkinson’s disease.

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    The role of general anesthetics and the mechanisms of hippocampal and extra-hippocampal dysfunctions in the genesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction
    Marco Cascella, Sabrina Bimonte
    2017, 12 (11):  1780-1785.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219032
    Abstract ( 164 )   PDF (605KB) ( 349 )   Save

     

    Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a multifactorial process with a huge number of predisposing, causal, and precipitating factors. In this scenario the neuroinflammation and the microglial activation play a pivotal role by triggering and amplifying a complex cascade involving the immuno-hormonal activation, the micro circle alterations, the hippocampal oxidative stress activation and, finally, an increased blood-brain barrier’s permeability. While the role of anesthetics in the POCD’s genesis in humans is debated, a huge number of preclinical studies have been conducted on the topic and many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential neurodegenerative effects of general anesthetics. Probably, the problem concerns on what we are searching for and how we are searching and, surprisingly, preclinical studies showed that anesthetics may also manifest neuroprotective properties. The aim of this paper is to offer an overview on the potential impact of general anesthetics on POCD. Mechanisms of hippocampal and extra-hippocampal dysfunction due to neuroinflammation are discussed, whereas further research perspectives are also given.
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    Design and criteria of electrospun fibrous scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury
    Barbara Vigani, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri, Maria Cristina Bonferoni, Franca Ferrari
    2017, 12 (11):  1786-1790.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219029
    Abstract ( 153 )   PDF (252KB) ( 295 )   Save

     The complex pathophysiology of spinal cord injury may explain the current lack of an effective therapeutic approach for the regeneration of damaged neuronal cells and the recovery of motor functions. Many efforts have been performed to design and develop suitable scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration, keeping in mind that the reconstruction of a pro-regenerative environment is the key challenge for an effective neurogenesis. The aim of this review is to outline the main features of an ideal scaffold, based on biomaterials, produced by the electrospinning technique and intended for the spinal cord regeneration. An overview of the polymers more investigated in the production of neural fibrous scaffolds is also provided.

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    ΔN-Bcl-xL, a therapeutic target for neuroprotection
    Han-A Park, Elizabeth A. Jonas
    2017, 12 (11):  1791-1794.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219033
    Abstract ( 162 )   PDF (199KB) ( 275 )   Save

     

    The B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) is a mitochondrial anti-apoptotic protein that plays a role in neuroprotection. However, during excitotoxic stimulation, Bcl-xL undergoes caspase-dependent cleavage and produces a fragmented form, ΔN-Bcl-xL. Accumulation of ΔN-Bcl-xL is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. Therefore, strategies to inhibit the activity or formation of ΔN-BclxL protect the brain against excitotoxic injuries. Our team found that the pharmacological inhibitor ABT-737 exerts dose dependent effects in primary neurons. When primary hippocampal neurons were treated with 1 μM ABT-737, glutamate-mediated mitochondrial damage and neuronal death were exacerbated, whereas 10 nM ABT-737, a 100-fold lower concentration, protected mitochondrial function and enhanced neuronal viability against glutamate toxicity. In addition, we suggested acute vs. prolonged formation of ΔN-Bcl-xL may have different effects on mitochondrial or neuronal functions. Unlike acute production of ΔN-Bcl-xL by glutamate, overexpression of ΔN-Bcl-xL did not cause drastic changes in neuronal viability. We predicted that neurons undergo adaptation and may activate altered metabolism to compensate for ΔN-Bcl-xL-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the detailed mechanism of ABT-mediated neurotoxicity neuroprotection is still unclear, our study shows that the mitochondrial membrane protein ΔN-Bcl-xL is a central target for interventions.
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    Pathophysiology of periventricular leukomalacia: what we learned from animal models
    Nahla Zaghloul, Mohamed Ahmed
    2017, 12 (11):  1795-1796.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219034.
    Abstract ( 138 )   PDF (180KB) ( 1323 )   Save
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    DJ-1 as a deglycating enzyme: a unique function to explain a multifaceted protein?
    Federica De Lazzari, Marco Bisaglia
    2017, 12 (11):  1797-1798.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219035.
    Abstract ( 185 )   PDF (233KB) ( 259 )   Save
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    Outlook on the neuroprotective effect of estrogen.
    Xavier d’Anglemont de Tassigny
    2017, 12 (11):  1799-1800.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219036.
    Abstract ( 133 )   PDF (138KB) ( 265 )   Save
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    Should we have a guard against therapeutic nihilism for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
    Ryan Hirschi, Casey Rommel, Gregory W. J. Hawryluk
    2017, 12 (11):  1801-1803.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219037.
    Abstract ( 145 )   PDF (902KB) ( 364 )   Save
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     Targeting inflammation to reduce brain injury in growth restricted newborns: a potential treatment?
    Julie A Wixey, Paul B Colditz, Stella Tracey Björkman
    2017, 12 (11):  1804-1806.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219038.
    Abstract ( 124 )   PDF (146KB) ( 286 )   Save
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    Targeting mitoNEET with pioglitazone for therapeutic neuroprotection after spinal cord injury
    Alexander G. Rabchevsky, Samir P. Patel, Patrick G. Sullivan
    2017, 12 (11):  1807-1808.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219040.
    Abstract ( 137 )   PDF (171KB) ( 290 )   Save
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    Motor neuroprosthesis for injured spinal cord: who is an ideal candidate?
    Monzurul Alam, Yong-ping Zheng
    2017, 12 (11):  1809-1810.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219041.
    Abstract ( 153 )   PDF (129KB) ( 320 )   Save
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    Targeting transcriptional regulators to regenerate midbrain dopaminergic axons in Parkinson’s disease
    Shane V. Hegarty, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe
    2017, 12 (11):  1814-1815.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219039
    Abstract ( 129 )   PDF (430KB) ( 257 )   Save
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    Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor and radiation on gap junctional intercellular communication in glioblastoma multiforme cell lines
    Reinhardt Krcek, Pauline Latzer, Irenäus Anton Adamietz, Helmut Bühler, Carsten Theiss
    2017, 12 (11):  1816-1822.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219030
    Abstract ( 162 )   PDF (969KB) ( 273 )   Save

     

    Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive glial brain tumor with an unfavorable prognosis despiteall current therapies including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. One characteristic of this tumor is a strong synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenesis factor, followed by pronounced vascularization. VEGF became a target in the treatment of GBM, for example with bevacizumab or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor axitinib, which blocks VEGF receptors. To improve patients’ prognosis, new targets in the treatment of GBM are under investigations. The role of gap junctions in GBM remains unknown, but some experimental therapies affect these intercellular channels to treat the tumor. Gap junctions are composed of connexins to allow the transport of small molecules between adjacent cells through gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Based on data derived from astrocytes in former studies, which show that VEGF is able to enhance GJIC, the current study analyzed the effects of VEGF, radiation therapy and VEGF receptor blockade by axitinib on GJIC in human GBM cell lines U-87 and U-251. While VEGF is able to induce GJIC in U-251 cells but not in U-87 cells, radiation enhances GJIC in both cell lines. VEGF receptor blockade by axitinib diminishes radiation induced effects in U-251 partially, while increases GJIC in U-87 cells. Our data indicate that VEGF and radiation are both modifying components of GJIC in pathologic brain tumor tissue.
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    Leap Motion-based virtual reality training for improving motor functional recovery of upper limbs and neural reorganization in subacute stroke patients
    Zun-rong Wang, Ping Wang, Liang Xing, Li-ping Mei, Jun Zhao, Tong Zhang
    2017, 12 (11):  1823-1831.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219043
    Abstract ( 234 )   PDF (532KB) ( 426 )   Save

    Virtual reality is nowadays used to facilitate motor recovery in stroke patients. Most virtual reality studies have involved chronic stroke patients; however, brain plasticity remains good in acute and subacute patients. Most virtual reality systems are only applicable to the proximal upper limbs (arms) because of the limitations of their capture systems. Nevertheless, the functional recovery of an affected hand is most difficult in the case of hemiparesis rehabilitation after a stroke. The recently developed Leap Motion controller can track the fine movements of both hands and fingers. Therefore, the present study explored the effects of a Leap Motion-based virtual reality system on subacute stroke. Twenty-six subacute stroke patients were assigned to an experimental group that received virtual reality training along with conventional occupational rehabilitation, and a control group that only received conventional rehabilitation. The Wolf motor function test (WMFT) was used to assess the motor function of the affected upper limb; functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the cortical activation. After four weeks of treatment, the motor functions of the affected upper limbs were significantly improved in all the patients, with the improvement in the experimental group being significantly better than in the control group. The action performance time in the WMFT significantly decreased in the experimental group. Furthermore, the activation intensity and the laterality index of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex increased in both the experimental and control groups. These results confirmed that Leap Motion-based virtual reality training was a promising and feasible supplementary rehabilitation intervention, could facilitate the recovery of motor functions in subacute stroke patients. The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number:ChiCTR-OCH-12002238).

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    Activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway: a potential response to long-term neuronal loss in the hippocampus after sepsis
    Jia-nan Guo, Lin-yu Tian, Wen-yu Liu, Jie Mu, Dong Zhou
    2017, 12 (11):  1832-1842.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219044
    Abstract ( 177 )   PDF (1226KB) ( 297 )   Save

    Survivors of sepsis may suffer chronic cognitive impairment as a long-term sequela. However, the precise mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction after sepsis are not well understood. We employed the cecal ligation-and-puncture-induced septic mouse model. We observed elevated phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70S6K on days 14 and 60, progressive neuronal loss in the cornu ammonis 1 region, and abnormal neuronal morphology in the hippocampus in the sepsis mouse model. These findings indicate that changes in neuronal morphology and number in the hippocampus after sepsis were associated with strong activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and may reflect a “self-rescuing” feedback response to neuronal loss after sepsis.

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    Expression of NG2 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha in the developing neonatal rat brain
    Ping Li, Heng-xi Li, Hong-yan Jiang, Lie Zhu, Hai-ying Wu, Jin-tao Li, Jiang-hua Lai
    2017, 12 (11):  1843-1852.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219045
    Abstract ( 125 )   PDF (10462KB) ( 228 )   Save

    Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is a marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the central nervous system. NG2 is also considered a marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. However, whether there are differences in the distribution and morphology of oligodendrocyte precursor cells labeled by NG2 or PDGFRα in the developing neonatal rat brain remains unclear. In this study,by immunohistochemical staining, NG2 positive (NG2+) cells were ubiquitous in the molecular layer, external pyramidal layer, internal pyramidal layer, and polymorphic layer of the cerebral cortex, and corpus callosum, external capsule, piriform cortex, and medial septal nucleus. NG2+ cells were stellate or fusiform in shape with long processes that were progressively decreased and shortened over the course of brain development. The distribution and morphology of PDGFRα positive (PDGFRα+) cells were coincident with NG2+ cells. The colocalization of NG2 and PDGFRα in the cell bodies and processes of some cells was confirmed by double immunofluorescence labeling.Moreover, cells double-labeled for NG2 and PDGFRα were predominantly in the early postnatal stage of development. The numbers of NG2+/PDGFRα+ cells and PDGFRα+ cells decreased, but the number of NG2+ cells increased from postnatal days 3 to 14 in the developing brain. In addition, amoeboid microglial cells of the corpus callosum, newborn brain macrophages in the normal developing brain, did not express NG2 or PDGFRα, but NG2 expression was detected in amoeboid microglia after hypoxia. The present results suggest that NG2 and PDGFRα are specific markers of oligodendrocyte precursor cells at different stages during early development. Additionally, the NG2 protein is involved in inflammatory and pathological processes of amoeboid microglial cells.

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    Ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity are risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes
    Ting Li, Xiu-juan Wu, Xiao-min Chen, Si-bo Wang, Kang-ding Liu*, Ying-qi Xing
    2017, 12 (11):  1853-1859.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219046
    Abstract ( 188 )   PDF (595KB) ( 379 )   Save

    The incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes is increasing. While brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) are known to be associated with ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, whether these measures predict the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in diabetic patients remains unclear. 117 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. According to the results of head magnetic resonance imaging, the patients were divided into a diabetes-only group (n = 55) and a diabetes and ischemic stroke group (n = 62). We then performed ABI and BaPWV examinations for all patients. Compared with the diabetes-only group, we found decreased ABI and increased BaPWV in the diabetes and ischemic stroke group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that BaPWV and ABI were risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our findings indicate that decreased ABI and increased BaPWV are objective indicators of increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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      Ramulus Cinnamomi extract attenuates neuroinflammatory responses via downregulatingTLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in BV2 cells
    Huan Yang, Xiao Cheng, Ying-lin Yang, Yue-hua Wang, Guan-hua Du
    2017, 12 (11):  1860-1864.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219048
    Abstract ( 157 )   PDF (359KB) ( 840 )   Save

    Ramulus Cinnamomi (RC), a traditional Chinese herb, has been used to attenuate inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RC extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cells and the underlying mechanisms involved. BV2 cells were incubated with normal medium (control group), LPS, LPS plus 30 μg/mL RC extract, or LPS plus 100 μg/mL RC extract. The BV2 cell morphology was observed under an optical microscope and cell viability was detected by MTT assay.Nitric oxide level in BV2 cells was detected using Griess regents, and the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α in BV2 cells were determined by ELISA. The expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, Toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 proteins were detected by western blot assay. Compared with the LPS group, both 30 and 100 μg/mL RC extract had no significant effect on the viability of BV2 cells. The levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α in BV2 cells were all significantly increased after LPS induction, and the levels were significantly reversed after treatment with 30 and 100 μg/mL RC extract. Furthermore, RC extract significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, Toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Our findings suggest that RC extract alleviates neuroinflammation by downregulating
    the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway.

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    Nigral dopaminergic neuron replenishment in adult mice through VE-cadherin-expressing neural progenitor cells
    Abir A. Rahman, Nathan K. Lai, Joshua E. Albright, Paige E. Urquhart, Abby R. Webb, Brad E. Morrison
    2017, 12 (11):  1865-1869.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219050
    Abstract ( 132 )   PDF (566KB) ( 283 )   Save

    The function of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is of central importance to the coordination of movement by the brain’s basal ganglia circuitry. This is evidenced by the loss of these neurons, resulting in the cardinal motor deficits associated with Parkinson’s disease. In order to fully understand the physiology of these key neurons and develop potential therapies for their loss, it is essential to determine if and how dopaminergic neurons are replenished in the adult brain. Recent work has presented evidence for adult neurogenesis of these neurons by Nestin+/Sox2– neural progenitor cells. We sought to further validate this finding and explore a potential atypical origin for these progenitor cells. Since neural progenitor cells have a proximal association with the vasculature of the brain and subsets of endothelial cells are Nestin+, we hypothesized that dopaminergic neural progenitors might share a common cell lineage. Therefore, we employed a VE-cadherin promoter-driven CREERT2:THlox/THlox transgenic mouse line to ablate the tyrosine hydroxylase gene from endothelial cells in adult animals. After 26 weeks, but not 13 weeks, following the genetic blockade of tyrosine hydroxylase expression in VE-cadherin+ cells, we observed a significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase+ neurons in the substantia nigra. The results from this genetic lineage tracing study suggest that dopaminergic neurons are replenished in adult mice by a VE-cadherin+ progenitor cell population potentially arising from an endothelial lineage.

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    Calycosin improves cognitive function in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway
    by Lei Song, Xiaoping Li, Xiao-xue Bai, Jian Gao, Chun-yan Wang
    2017, 12 (11):  1870-1876.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219049
    Abstract ( 142 )   PDF (345KB) ( 320 )   Save

    The major pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phytoestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produce estrogen-like effects. Radix astragali Calycosin has been shown to relieve cognitive impairment induced by diabetes mellitus, suggesting calycosin may improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s disease patients. The protein kinase C pathway is upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and exerts a neuroprotective effect by regulating Alzheimer’s disease-related beta amyloid degradation. We hypothesized that calycosin improves the cognitive function of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway. Various doses of calycosin (10,20 and 40 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 transgenic mice that model Alzheimer’s disease. Calycosin diminished hippocampal beta amyloid, Tau protein, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner, and increased acetylcholine and glutathione activities. The administration of a protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C, abolished the neuroprotective effects of calycosin including improving cognitive ability, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Our data demonstrated that calycosin mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease model mice by activating the protein kinase C pathway, and thereby improving cognitive function.

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     Saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate age-related neuroinflammation via regulation of the mitogenactivated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa Bsignaling pathways
    Li-li Deng, Ding Yuan, Zhi-yong Zhou, Jing-zhi Wan, Chang-cheng Zhang, Chao-qi Liu, Yao-yan Dun, Hai-xia Zhao, Bo Zhao, Yuan-jian Yang, Ting Wang
    2017, 12 (11):  1877-1884.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219047
    Abstract ( 137 )   PDF (1318KB) ( 376 )   Save

    Neuroinflammation is recognized as an important pathogenic factor for aging and related cognitive disorders. Mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways may mediate neuroinflammation. Saponins from Panax japonicus are the most abundant and bioactive members in rhizomes of Panax japonicus, and show anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is not known whether saponin from Panax japonicus has an anti-inflammatory effect in the aging brain, and likewise its underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control groups (3-, 9-, 15-, and 24-month-old groups) and saponins from Panax japonicus-treated groups. Saponins from Panax japonicus-treated groups were orally administrated saponins from Panax japonicus at three doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg/kg once daily for 6 months until the rats were 24 months old. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay results demonstrated that many microglia were activated in 24-month-old rats compared with 3- and 9-month-old rats. Expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase increased. Each dose of saponins from Panax japonicus visibly suppressed microglial activation in the aging rat brain, and inhibited expression levels of the above factors. Each dose of saponins from Panax japonicus markedly diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa B, IκBα, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38.These results confirm that saponins from Panax japonicus can mitigate neuroinflammation in the aging rat brain by inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways.

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    Neural progenitor cells but not astrocytes respond distally to thoracic spinal cord injury in rat models
    Tara Nguyen, Yilin Mao, Theresa Sutherland, Catherine Anne Gorrie
    2017, 12 (11):  1885-1894.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219051
    Abstract ( 132 )   PDF (3594KB) ( 297 )   Save

    Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a detrimental condition that causes loss of sensory and motor function in an individual. Many complex secondary injury cascades occur after SCI and they offer great potential for therapeutic targeting. In this study, we investigated the response of endogenous neural progenitor cells,astrocytes, and microglia to a localized thoracic SCI throughout the neuroaxis. Twenty-five adult female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent mild-contusion thoracic SCI (n = 9), sham surgery (n = 8), or no surgery (n = 8). Spinal cord and brain tissues were fixed and cut at six regions of the neuroaxis. Immunohistochemistry showed increased reactivity of neural progenitor cell marker nestin in the central canal at all levels of the spinal cord. Increased reactivity of astrocyte-specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was found only at the lesion epicenter. The number of activated microglia was significantly increased at the lesion site,and activated microglia extended to the lumbar enlargement. Phagocytic microglia and macrophages were significantly increased only at the lesion site. There were no changes in nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein,microglia and macrophage response in the third ventricle of rats subjected to mild-contusion thoracic SCI  compared to the sham surgery or no surgery. These findings indicate that neural progenitor cells, astrocytes and microglia respond differently to a localized SCI, presumably due to differences in inflammatory signaling.These different cellular responses may have implications in the way that neural progenitor cells can be manipulated for neuroregeneration after SCI. This needs to be further investigated.

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    Globose basal cells for spinal cord regeneration
    Durai Murugan Muniswami, Indirani Kanakasabapathy, George Tharion
    2017, 12 (11):  1895-1904.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219052
    Abstract ( 214 )   PDF (1439KB) ( 720 )   Save

    Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with loss of motor and sensory functions below the injury level. Cell based therapies are experimented in pre-clinical studies around the world. Neural stem cells are located intra-cranially in subventricular zone and hippocampus which are highly invasive sources.The olfactory epithelium is a neurogenic tissue where neurogenesis takes place throughout the adult life by a population of stem/progenitor cells. Easily accessible olfactory neuroepithelial stem/progenitor cells are an attractive cell source for transplantation in SCI. Globose basal cells (GBCs) were isolated from rat olfactory epithelium, characterized by flow cytometry and immunohistochemically. These cells were further studied for neurosphere formation and neuronal induction. T10 laminectomy was done to create drop-weight SCI in rats. On the 9th day following SCI, 5 × 105 cells were transplanted into injured rat spinal cord. The outcome of transplantation was assessed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, motor evoked potential and histological observation. GBCs expressed neural stem cell markers nestin, SOX2, NCAM and also mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD29, CD54, CD90, CD73, CD105). These cells formed neurosphere, a culture characteristics of NSCs and on induction, differentiated cells expressed neuronal markers βIII tubulin, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuronal nuclei, and neurofilament. GBCs transplanted rats exhibited hindlimb motor recovery as confirmed by BBB score and gastrocnemius muscle electromyography amplitude was increased compared to controls. Green fluorescent protein labelled GBCs survived around the injury epicenter and differentiated into βIII tubulin-immunoreactive neuron-like cells.GBCs could be an alternative to NSCs from an accessible source for autologous neurotransplantation after SCI without ethical issues.

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    Effects of neuregulin-1 on autonomic nervous system remodeling post-myocardial infarction in a rat model
    Xin Lai, Liang Zhong, Hai-xia Fu, Song Dang, Xin Wang, Ning Zhang, Gao-ke Feng, Zi-qiang Liu, Xi Wang, Long Wang
    2017, 12 (11):  1905-1910.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219054
    Abstract ( 168 )   PDF (361KB) ( 335 )   Save

    Sympathetic nerve and vagus nerve remodeling play an important part in cardiac function post-myocardial infarction (MI). Increasing evidence indicates that neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) improves cardiac function following heart failure. Since its impact on cardiac function and neural remodeling post-MI is poorly understood, we aimed to investigate the role of NRG-1 in autonomic nervous system remodeling post-MI. Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into three groups: sham (with the left anterior descending coronary artery exposed but without ligation), MI (left anterior descending coronary artery ligation), and MI plus NRG-1 (left anterior descending coronary artery ligation followed by intraperitoneal injection of NRG-1 (10 μg/kg, once daily for 7 days)). At 4 weeks after MI, echocardiography was used to detect the rat cardiac function by measuring the left ventricular end-systolic inner diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. mRNA and protein expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, growth associated protein-43 (neuronal specific protein),nerve growth factor, choline acetyltransferase (vagus nerve marker), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (cardiac vagal nerve fiber marker) in ischem ic myocardia were detected by real-time PCR and western blot assay to assess autonomous nervous remodeling.
    After MI, the rat cardiac function deteriorated significantly, and it was significantly improved after NRG-1 injection. Compared with the MI group, mRNA and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and growth associated protein-43, as well as choline acetyltransferase mRNA level significantly decreased in the MI plus NRG-1 group, while mRNA and protein levels of nerve growth factor and vesicular acetylcholine transporters, as well as choline acetyltransferase protein level slightly decreased. Our results indicate that NRG-1 can improve cardiac function and regulate sympathetic and vagus nerve remodeling post-MI, thus reaching a new balance of the autonomic nervous system to protect the heart from injury.

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    Evaluation of sensory function and recovery after replantation of fingertips at Zone I in children
    Zhao-wei Zhu, Xiao-yan Zou, Yong-jun Huang, Jiang-hui Liu, Xi-jun Huang, Bo He, Zeng-tao Wang
    2017, 12 (11):  1911-1917.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219053
    Abstract ( 164 )   PDF (1479KB) ( 342 )   Save

    Sensory function is the most significant criterion when evaluating the prognosis of replanted fingers. Current clinical research has focused
    on surgical techniques and indications for finger replantation; however, few studies have focused on recovery of finger sensory function after replantation. This study retrospectively assessed data of eight patients who had undergone nine Zone I replantations of the fingertips in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of China from July 2014 to January 2016. Variations in the extent of damage, with the residual vessels or nerves in some fingers being too short or even missing, prevented tension-free suture repair in some patients. Thus, repair of four of the nine fingertips included arteriovenous anastomosis, the remaining five undergoing arterial anastomosis during replantation of the amputated fingers. Three patients underwent nerve repair, whereas the remaining six cases did not. Fingertip replantations were successful in all eight patients. Compared with the patients without vascular anastomosis, no obvious atrophy was visible in the fingertips of patients who did undergo vascular anastomosis during replantation and their sensory function did recover. Fingertip replantation provides good sensory function and cosmetic outcomes when good artery and vein anastomoses have been created, even when digital nerves have not been repaired.

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    Research on human glioma stem cells in China
    Yao-dong Zhao, Quan-bin Zhang, Hua Chen, Xi-feng Fei, Yun-tian Shen, Xiao-yan Ji, Jia-wei Ma, Ai-dong Wang, Jun Dong, Qing Lan, Qiang Huang
    2017, 12 (11):  1918-1926.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219055
    Abstract ( 120 )   PDF (572KB) ( 352 )   Save

    Research on human glioma stem cells began early in the 21st century and since then has become a rapidly growing research field with the number of publications increasing year by year. The research conducted by our diverse group of investigators focused primarily on cell culture techniques, molecular regulation, signaling pathways, cancer treatment, the stem cell microenvironment and the cellular origin and function of glioma stem cells. In particular, we put forward our view that there are inverse or forward transformations among neural stem cells, glial cells and glioma stem cells in glioma tissues under certain conditions. Based on the background of the progress of international research on human glioma stem cells, we aim to share our progress and current findings of human glioma stem cell research in China with colleagues around the world.

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    Delayed degeneration of an injured spinothalamic tract in a patient with diffuse axonal injury
    Sung Ho Jang, Hyeok Gyu Kwon
    2017, 12 (11):  1927-1928.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.219056
    Abstract ( 122 )   PDF (321KB) ( 245 )   Save
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