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    15 August 2018, Volume 13 Issue 8 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    Structural brain volume differences between cognitively intact ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers across the lifespan
    Ryan J. Piers
    2018, 13 (8):  1309-1312.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235408
    Abstract ( 124 )   PDF (134KB) ( 260 )   Save

    Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is a prominent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this review is to explore differences in structural brain volume detected by magnetic resonance imaging between cognitively intact ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers across the lifespan (i.e., older adults,middle-aged adults, young adults, children and adolescents, and neonates). Consistent findings are found throughout various developmental stages. This area of research may elucidate the mechanisms by which ApoE4 influences risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It could also inform potential treatment strategies and interventions for carriers of the ApoE4 allele.

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     Roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling during injury and recovery of the central nervous system
    Yue Wan, Jin-Shan Yang, Li-Cai Xu, Xiao-Jiang Huang, Wei Wang, Min-Jie Xie
    2018, 13 (8):  1313-1321.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235217
    Abstract ( 234 )   PDF (251KB) ( 241 )   Save

    Multiple cellular components, including neuronal, glial and endothelial cells, are involved in the sophisticated pathological processes following central nervous system injury. The pathological process cannot reduce damage or improve functional recovery by merely targeting the molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death after central nerve system injuries. Eph receptors and ephrin ligands have drawn wide attention since the discovery of their extensive distribution and unique bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons. The roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in the developmental processes have been reported in previous research. Recent observations suggest that Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling continues to be expressed in most regions and cell types in the adult central nervous system, playing diverse roles.The Eph/ephrin complex mediates neurogenesis and angiogenesis, promotes glial scar formation, regulates endocrine levels, inhibits myelin formation and aggravates inflammation and nerve pain caused by injury.The interaction between Eph and ephrin is also considered to be the key to angiogenesis. This review focuses on the roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in the repair of central nervous system injuries.

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    Neuroplasticity, limbic neuroblastosis and neuro-regenerative disorders
    Mahesh Kandasamy, Ludwig Aigner
    2018, 13 (8):  1322-1326.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235214
    Abstract ( 219 )   PDF (422KB) ( 388 )   Save

    The brain is a dynamic organ of the biological renaissance due to the existence of neuroplasticity. Adult neurogenesis abides by every aspect of neuroplasticity in the intact brain and contributes to neural regeneration in response to brain diseases and injury. The occurrence of adult neurogenesis has unequivocally been witnessed in human subjects, experimental and wildlife research including rodents, bats and cetaceans.Adult neurogenesis is a complex cellular process, in which generation of neuroblasts namely,neuroblastosis appears to be an integral process that occur in the limbic system and basal ganglia in addition to the canonical neurogenic niches. Neuroblastosis can be regulated by various factors and contributes to different functions of the brain. The characteristics and fate of neuroblasts have been found to be different among mammals regardless of their cognitive functions. Recently, regulation of neuroblastosis has been proposed for the sensorimotor interface and regenerative neuroplasticity of the adult brain. Hence,the understanding of adult neurogenesis at the functional level of neuroblasts requires a great scientific attention. Therefore, this mini-review provides a glimpse into the conceptual development of neuroplasticity,discusses the possible role of different types of neuroblasts and signifies neuroregenerative failure as a potential cause of dementia.

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    A tissue-engineered rostral migratory stream for directed neuronal replacement
    John C. O’Donnell, Kritika S. Katiyar, Kate V. Panzer, D. Kacy Cullen
    2018, 13 (8):  1327-1331.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235215
    Abstract ( 117 )   PDF (1280KB) ( 218 )   Save

    New neurons are integrated into the circuitry of the olfactory bulb throughout the lifespan in the mammalian brain—including in humans. These new neurons are born in the subventricular zone and subsequently mature as they are guided over long distances via the rostral migratory stream through mechanisms we are only just beginning to understand. Regeneration after brain injury is very limited, and although some neuroblasts from the rostral migratory stream will leave the path and migrate toward cortical lesion sites, this neuronal replacement is generally not sustained and therefore does not provide enough new neurons to alleviate functional deficits. Using newly discovered microtissue engineering techniques, we have built the first self-contained, implantable constructs that mimic the architecture and function of the rostral migratory stream. This engineered microtissue emulates the dense cord-like bundles of astrocytic somata and processes that are the hallmark anatomical feature of the glial tube. As such, our living microtissue-engineered rostral migratory stream can serve as an in vitro test bed for unlocking the secrets of neuroblast migration and maturation, and may potentially serve as a living transplantable construct derived from a patient’s own cells that can redirect their own neuroblasts into lesion sites for sustained neuronal replacement following brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. In this paper, we summarize the development of fabrication methods for this microtissue-engineered rostral migratory stream and provide proof-of-principle evidence that it promotes and directs migration of immature neurons.

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    Targeting the noradrenergic system for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects: implications for Parkinson’s disease
    Eoin O’Neill, Andrew Harkin
    2018, 13 (8):  1332-1337.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235219
    Abstract ( 154 )   PDF (342KB) ( 302 )   Save

    Degeneration of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic system is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), whereas pharmacological approaches to increase noradrenaline bioavailability may provide neuroprotection. Noradrenaline inhibits microglial activation and suppresses pro-inflammatory mediator production (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β & inducible nitric oxide synthase activity), thus limiting the cytotoxicity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in response to an inflammatory stimulus. Neighbouring astrocyte populations promote a neurotrophic environment in response to β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) stimulation via the production of growth factors (e.g., brain derived neurotrophic factor, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) & glial cell derived neurotrophic factor which have shown promising neuroprotective and neuro-restorative effects in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. More recent findings have demonstrated a role for the β2-AR in down-regulating expression levels of the human α-synuclein gene SNCA and relative α-synuclein protein abundance. Given that α-synuclein is a major protein constituent of Lewy body pathology, a hallmark neuropathological feature in Parkinson’s disease, these findings could open up new avenues for pharmacological intervention strategies aimed at alleviating the burden of α-synucleinopathies in the Parkinsonian brain. In essence, the literature reviewed herein supports our hypothesis of a tripartite neuroprotective role for noradrenaline in combating PD-related neuropathology and motor dysfunction via (1) inhibiting nigral microglial activation & pro-inflammatory mediator production, (2) promoting the synthesis of neurotrophic factors from midbrain astrocytes and (3) downregulating α-synuclein gene expression and protein abundance in a β2-AR-dependent manner. Thus, taken together, either pharmacologically enhancing extra-synaptic noradrenaline bioavailability or targeting glial β2-ARs directly promotes itself as a promising treatment option aimed at slowing/halting PD progression.

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    Targeting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in traumatic central nervous system injury
    Joe E. Springer, Pareshkumar Prajapati, Patrick G. Sullivan
    2018, 13 (8):  1338-1341.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235218
    Abstract ( 151 )   PDF (160KB) ( 194 )   Save

    The mitochondrion serves many functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and other organs beyond the well-recognized role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. This includes calcium-dependent cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, synthesis and release of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, and the release of cytochrome c and other apoptotic cell death factors. Traumatic injury to the CNS results in a rapid and, in some cases, sustained loss of mitochondrial function. One consequence of compromised mitochondrial function is induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) state due to formation of the cyclosporine A sensitive permeability transition pore (mPTP). In this mini-review, we summarize evidence supporting the involvement of the mPTP as a mediator of mitochondrial and cellular demise following CNS traumatic injury and discuss the beneficial effects and limitations of the current experimental strategies targeting the mPTP.

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    Current surgical treatments for Parkinson’s disease and potential therapeutic targets
    Darrin J. Lee, Robert F. Dallapiazza, Philippe De Vloo, Andres M. Lozano
    2018, 13 (8):  1342-1345.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235220
    Abstract ( 142 )   PDF (196KB) ( 294 )   Save

    Currently, the most common surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease is deep brain stimulation (DBS). This treatment strategy is typically reserved for bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor in patients who no longer respond to medication in a predictable manner or who suffer medication-induced dyskinesias. In addition to DBS, ablative procedures like radiofrequency, radiosurgery and focused ultrasound are also utilized for select tremor symptoms. In this review, we discuss evolving surgical techniques, targets, and emerging technology. In addition, we evaluate potential paradigm shifts in treatment, including gene therapy, immunotherapy and cell transplantation. While these new techniques and treatment options are still in their infancy, advances in Parkinson’s disease treatment are rapidly expanding.

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    Amnion epithelial cells a novel therapy for ischemic stroke?
    Megan A. Evans, Brad R.S. Broughton, Grant R. Drummond, Henry Ma, Thanh G. Phan, Euan M. Wallace, Rebecca Lim, Christopher G. Sobey
    2018, 13 (8):  1346-1349.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235223
    Abstract ( 132 )   PDF (397KB) ( 214 )   Save

    Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and new therapies are desperately needed. Given the complex nature of ischemic brain injury, it has been postulated that cell-based therapies may be useful. However, cell resources, invasive extraction procedures, immunological rejection, tumorigenesis and ethical challenges make it unlikely that many stem cell types could serve as a practical source for therapy. By contrast, these issues do not pertain to human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs), which are placenta-derived stem cells. We recently assessed the effects of systemically delivered hAECs on stroke outcome using four animal models of stroke. We demonstrated that when injected intravenously after ischemia onset, hAECs migrate preferentially to the spleen and injured brain to limit apoptosis and inflammation, and attenuate early brain infiltration of immune cells, progression of infarction and systemic immunosuppression and to ultimately ameliorate functional deficits. When administration of hAECs is delayed by 1-3 days poststroke, long-term functional recovery can still be enhanced in young and aged mice of either sex. Moreover, our proof-of-principle findings suggest that hAECs are effective at limiting post-stroke infarct development in non-human primates. Overall, the results suggest that hAECs could be a viable clinical stroke therapy.

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    Cell-based therapies for neural replacement strategies in stroke-related neurodegeneration: neurophysiological insights into stem progenitor cell neurogenesis within a host environment
    Olga Kopach, Tatyana Pivneva
    2018, 13 (8):  1350-1351.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235224
    Abstract ( 102 )   PDF (394KB) ( 213 )   Save

    The restricted neurogenesis limits the brain ability to overcome neuronal cell death following ischemic lesion: Failure of the damaged brain to regenerate following cerebral ischemia results in functional deficits those are most often irreversible and can further deteriorate, causing mortality and severe disability, progressive memory loss and cognitive impairments,known as dementia. This is caused by massive neuronal cell death and neurotoxicity following limited blood supply to the brain. Ischemic death of brain neurons (acute or delayed after lesion) has been the etiology of vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple types of vascular dementia exist, common in cognitive decline that gradually worsens and variable in where strokes happen (subcortical dementia) or how severe lesions are (e.g., major stroke,series of small strokes or brief transient ischemic attacks). It has emerged a synergistic combination of both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease that often comes (mixed dementia). For over the last three decades after the ischemia-induced neuronal cell death had been discovered, intense research has been focused on withdrawing or, at least, attenuating neurodegeneration to improve restoring function in experimental models of poststroke cognitive impairments while mimicking focal ischemia, permanent or transient brain lesions, hypertension or reproducing Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular pathology [for review].Long-standing perspectives that ischemic neuronal death might be potentially suspended through activation of endogenous neuroprotection stay with genomic reprogramming and/or gene activation for de novo protein synthesis, relied on the hypoxia-activated signaling pathways. On the other hands, pre-clinical studies, including our own works, have reported functional impairments at the later times (weeks) post-ischemia (as in principal neurons as within network), with controversial effectiveness of pharmacological therapeutics utilized after lesion. Unfulfilled regeneration convinces experimental neuroscientists to focus on cell-based therapies for neuronal replacement strategies used to overcome massive neuronal loss in the brain tissue subjected to ischemia. The major issue, however, remains how this therapy should be utilized in order to promote beneficial effects timely,namely via engraftment of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) or already differentiated stem cell-derived neurons into the damaged brain. From that,the other conceptual question arises regarding the regulatory role of a host environment in either NSPC neurogenesis or functional integration of the grafted stem cell-derived cells. If choose the latter, what ‘proper’ proportion of the entirely different phenotypes needs to be grafted to possibly succeed? More insights into this are essential when considering cell therapy while aiming at remodeling of the damaged post-stroke brain from mixed stem cell-derived cells for restoring the broken functionality of such a complex tissue as the brain.

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    Stem cell therapy for retinal ganglion cell degeneration
    Ling-Ping Cen, Tsz Kin Ng
    2018, 13 (8):  1352-1353.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235237
    Abstract ( 177 )   PDF (208KB) ( 238 )   Save

    The prospects of stem cell therapy for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in human: RGC degeneration is a common pathologic cause of glaucoma and optic neuropathies, which are the leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment in developed countries,currently affecting more than 100 million people worldwide. Intraocular pressure lowering can slow down glaucoma progression in a proportion of patients. Also, there is still no effective therapy for optic neuropathies. Besides, the degenerated RGCs in glaucoma cannot be repaired, and human retina has limited regenerative potential. Therefore,the development of new therapeutic treatments against RGC degeneration is needed. Cell replacement and neuroprotection are the principle strategies for glaucoma and optic neuropathy treatment.Replacing the diseased or degenerated cells by stem cell-derived RGCs should provide effective therapeutic treatment. However, complex circuitry in the retina makes cell replacement challenging and difficult for functional repair. Alternatively, neuroprotection is more realistic and applicable to preserve the patients’ vision. Numerous neuroprotection strategies have been investigated, including peripheral nerve grafting,electrical stimulation, application of neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF),glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), direct intrinsic regeneration stimulation, RNA interference and human adult stem cells. Our group recently reported that the intravitreal transplantation of human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSCs) ameliorates RGC degeneration after optic nerve injury in rats and promotes neural repair by enhancing axon regeneration through cell-cell interaction and neurotrophic factor secretion from PDLSCs. At present, there are 9 clinical trials on human adult stem cells for glaucoma and optic nerve diseases. An emerging role of human adult stem cell therapy for glaucoma and optic neuropathy treatments is foreseeable in the near future.

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    Exercise and hippocampal neurogenesis: a dogma re-examined and lessons learned
    Patrick Z. Liu, Robin Nusslock
    2018, 13 (8):  1354-1355.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235225
    Abstract ( 134 )   PDF (143KB) ( 267 )   Save

    Exercise is a potent force of nature with significant potential for extending longevity and boosting physical fitness. It is also being increasingly used as a prophylactic and curative measure for various physical ailments, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Indeed, many of its benefits for the immune system,cardiovascular system, and even the microbiome are still being uncovered. However, perhaps where exercise may contain the most potential is in helping to unlock the mysteries behind neural regeneration, cortical plasticity, and cognitive enhancement.Although it has been known for a while that exercise yields numerous tangible benefits for mood, libido, spatial and verbal memory, and cognition—factors with strong underlying neural components—little has been known about why exercise has such a profound effect on the brain. As such, this paper will address the background and key findings regarding neurogenesis research, specifically concerning exercise-mediated neurogenesis,and detail overarching lessons that can be gleaned in order to establish general directions and guidelines for future research.

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    Bioelemental patterns in the cerebrospinal fluid as potential biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders
    Fabian Maass, Paul Lingor
    2018, 13 (8):  1356-1357.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235239
    Abstract ( 100 )   PDF (427KB) ( 276 )   Save

    Neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease (PD) or atypical Parkinsonian syndromes including the different synucleinopathies and tauopathies are an important burden for patients, relatives,care providers and incur mounting costs for the health care system in our aging society. The lack of disease modifying strategies and the failure in translating promising molecules from bench to bedside is also attributable to a relatively late diagnosis: when patients become symptomatic and seek medical advice, neurodegeneration has already widely spread through the central nervous system and thus represents a major obstacle for disease-modifying and/or regenerative therapies. The detection of neurodegenerative processes at an earlier stage by biomarkers is urgently needed to define state and trait of a disease condition, which ideally would increase precision of diagnosis, allow for stratified therapeutic interventions and monitoring of treatment effects. The mechanisms causing neurodegeneration in aggregation-related disorders like PD are not completely understood but most likely are multifactorial,including factors like oxidative stress, autophagic-lysosomal dysfunction,mitochondrial dysfunction and prion-like spreading of misfolded proteins. Importantly, biometals and other bioelements were shown to modify these mechanisms under multiple circumstances. For example, aggregation of alpha-synuclein,a hallmark of PD and other synucleinopathies, can be enhanced by different biometals like iron, copper, aluminium and magnesium.

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    Perspectives on “the biology of spinal cord regeneration success and failure”
    Philippa Mary Warren, Amanda Phuong Tran, Jerry Silver
    2018, 13 (8):  1358-1359.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235226
    Abstract ( 108 )   PDF (138KB) ( 211 )   Save

    In our recently co-authored Physiological Reviews manuscript entitled “The biology of regeneration failure and success after spinal cord injury” , we sought to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date description of how the glial scar develops following spinal cord injury (SCI) to chronically inhibit axon regeneration. Our additional intention was to clarify some of the confusion in the field relating to an oversimplified view of the glial scar. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate how the current body of literature, expounding details of the glial scar, has progressed beyond a simplified and outdated understanding of this structure as a mono-cellular arrangement consisting only of astrocytes that solely limit axon regeneration. Instead, our perception of the glial scar has evolved to acknowledge the nuances of this multi-cellular structure to one that is able to limit the expansion of inflammatory processes shortly following SCI and that also persists chronically to limit axon regeneration.Further, we would like to expand upon some of the details presented in the review by offering an outlook on the current state of the field and avenues for progression. This includes the specific role of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan components in axonal growth and plasticity, and the current assessment of SCI at different stages post injury. As such, this perspective should be considered a companion piece to our original work,adding new insights from across the field from recent publications.

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    Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 7 as a target molecule of Arctic mutant amyloid β
    Naoya Sawamura, Ye Ju, Toru Asahi
    2018, 13 (8):  1360-1361.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235238
    Abstract ( 133 )   PDF (141KB) ( 210 )   Save

    Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive cognitive disorder that develops predominantly in elderly patients and is characterized by cognitive impairments affecting memory,learning, and attention. As the prevalence of AD is increasing concurrently with an increase in the aging demographic of society, the elucidation of its cause and underlying developmental mechanisms, as well as the development of preventive and therapeutic methods are eagerly awaited. Pathological features of AD include the appearance of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles throughout the cerebral cortex. Senile plaques appear to precede neurofibrillary tangles and are considered to be closely involved in the pathogenesis of AD. It is believed that the major constituent of senile plaques is amyloid β protein (Aβ), which then self-aggregates, forming the senile plaques.

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    Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors in Alzheimer’s disease:highly localized remodeling of a complex and diverse signaling pathway
    Andrea Kwakowsky, Beatriz Calvo-Flores Guzmán, Karan Govindpani, Henry J. Waldvogel, Richard L. Faull
    2018, 13 (8):  1362-1363.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235240
    Abstract ( 136 )   PDF (500KB) ( 215 )   Save

    Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the predominant form of dementia, is a chronic,incurable neurodegenerative disorder presenting with symptoms including progressive memory loss and disturbed emotional state. It has been estimated that dementia affects over 47 million people worldwide, and with 60–80% of cases attributable to AD. The primary pathological hallmarks of AD are neuronal death, the deposition of insoluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and the widespread dysregulation of neurotransmitter signaling. Although the aetiology of the disease is not clearly understood, a range of theories have been proposed over the last few decades. The amyloid hypothesis holds that the anomalous processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to Aβ and its deposition as insoluble plaques is the primary mechanism underlying AD pathogenesis, while the tau hypothesis contends that the hyperphosphorylation of tau and NFT formation is central to the disease process. Others have proposed the contribution of neuroinflammatory pathways, vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction, changes in metal ion regulation, and abnormal insulin signaling. It is widely accepted that the excitatory glutamatergic and cholinergic systems are severely affected in AD, due to the significant loss of cells in these systems and the disruption of their molecular components. As a result, the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance is disturbed in the AD brain, and this could well underlie the deficiencies in memory and learning that are characteristic of the condition. At present, all five drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the symptomatic treatment of AD are targeted towards these systems –including the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine. However, these therapies do not address the underlying causes of the disease and there is an urgent need for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

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    Factors contributing to clinical picture and progression of Huntington’s disease
    Daniel Zielonka
    2018, 13 (8):  1364-1365.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235241
    Abstract ( 137 )   PDF (135KB) ( 561 )   Save

    Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, monogenic,rogressive, neurodegenerative and rare disease with a frequency of 10 per 100,000 in the Caucasian population and occurring more rarely in other races. HD is, nevertheless, one of the most frequently and extensively studied diseases of those caused by a dynamic mutation. The HD mutation is located on the short arm of the 4th chromosome within the HTT gene. This mutation consists of cytidine, adenosine and guanosine (…CAG CAG CAG…), namely trinucleotide repetition exceeding 35 repeats, with a higher CAG expansion leading to disease onset at a younger age. It also results in a stronger manifestation of HD symptoms and faster clinical progression. Although the mutation is present in each cell from conception, HD symptoms usually appear between 30 and 50 years of age. HD symptoms were first precisely described by George Huntington in a paper titled “On Chorea”, published in the Medical and Surgical Reporter in 1872. Huntington was the descendant of 2 generations of physicians who had been treating HD patients living in the vicinity of East Hampton on Long Island, USA. Earlier, HD had been known as St. Vitus’ Dance; in Huntington’s times it was called chorea. The term “Huntington’s chorea” is still used today but was recalled as a “Huntington’s disease” when other symptoms were identified, including other movement disturbances such as dystonia, stiffness (most prevalent in later stages), oculomotor disturbances, slowness, psychiatric symptoms such as irritability,aggression, apathy and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders or impulsive suicidal attempts, cognitive disturbances (subcortical dementia), e.g., thinking stiffness and slowness, and attention and executive function disturbances. Both the sequence and intensity of symptoms constitute unique features of every patient, although diagnosis can be established when typical motor symptoms appear. Psychiatric symptoms or isolated cognitive disturbances might preclude HD diagnosis for many years  There are also specific HD presentations such as juvenile HD with onset age before 20 years of age, faster disease progression with frequent symptoms such as stiffness and severe oculomotor disturbances (Westphal variant), or senile HD that usually appears after 60 years of age with a display of predominantly choreic movements. Although the CAG repeats number might indicate the severity of symptoms as well their progression with age, additional modifying factors play a crucial role and often might result in a shift of disease onset for a few or even over a dozen years (Genetic Modifiers of Huntington’s Disease (GeM-HD).

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    Drug repurposing for neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis
    Patrick Küry, David Kremer, Peter Göttle
    2018, 13 (8):  1366-1367.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235242
    Abstract ( 216 )   PDF (876KB) ( 614 )   Save

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting at least 2.5 million people worldwide. While the relapsing subtypes of MS are well treatable, the disease per se remains incurable and results in progressive disability. Its etiology is complex and far from being understood. However,it is well-established that its central histopathological hallmark is demyelination - the autoimmune destruction of myelin sheaths. These elaborate structures wrap around axons electrically isolating them and provide accelerated electrical transmission as well as physical and trophic support in the brain and spinal cord. Demyelination impairs axonal integrity which leads to permanent disability. Whereas relapsing MS (RMS) which is most common at disease onset is characterized by episodes of autoimmune attacks (relapse) followed by spontaneous partial functional recovery (remission), most patients eventually develop a progressive disease course. Progressive MS stages, however, are mainly characterized by reduced or absent immune cell infiltration but ongoing neurodegeneration.Neuroregeneration in MS, on the other hand, basically refers to myelin repair - a process that can repair some of the existing lesions via recruitment of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) which can differentiate and produce new axonal myelin sheaths restoring axonal integrity. However, the repair capacity of precursor- and stem cells declines with age and disease progression. Moreover,differences in the extent of myelin regeneration can be observed between lesions and patients, potentially indicating heterogeneous underlying mechanisms which interfere with myelin restoration.In this regard, several oligodendroglial differentiation inhibitors have been identified which are supposed to prevent successful cell maturation in an inflammatory environment.

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    Advanced glycation end products induce neural tube defects through elevating oxidative stress in mice
    Ru-Lin Li, Wei-Wei Zhao, Bing-Yan Gao
    2018, 13 (8):  1368-1374.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235249
    Abstract ( 138 )   PDF (511KB) ( 524 )   Save

    Our previous study showed an association between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and neural tube defects (NTDs). To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of AGEs on neural tube development, C57BL/6 female mice were fed for 4 weeks with commercial food containing 3% advanced glycation end product bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) or 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a control. After mating mice, oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde and H2O2 were measured at embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) of gestation,and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in embryonic cells was determined at E8.5. In addition to evaluating NTDs,an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the effect of embryonic protein administration on the N-(carboxymethyl) lysine reactivity of acid and carboxyethyl lysine antibodies at E10.5. The results showed a remarkable increase in the incidence of NTDs at E10.5 in embryos of mice fed with AGE-BSA (no hyperglycemia) compared with control mice. Moreover, embryonic protein administration resulted in a noticeable increase in the reactivity of N-(carboxymethyl) lysine and N(ε)-(carboxyethyl) lysine antibodies. Malondialdehyde and H2O2 levels in embryonic cells were increased at E7.5, followed by increased intracellular ROS levels at E8.5. Vitamin E supplementation could partially recover these phenomena. Collectively, these results suggest that AGE-BSA could induce NTDs in the absence of hyperglycemia by an underlying mechanism that is at least partially associated with its capacity to increase embryonic oxidative stress levels.

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    Neuroprotective effects of genistein on SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing A53T mutant α-synuclein
    Huan-Cheng Wu, Qun-Liang Hu, Shi-Jun Zhang, Yan-Min Wang, Zhan-Kui Jin, Ling-Fu Lv, Sai Zhang, Zhen-Lin Liu,Hong-Lian Wu, Ou-Mei Cheng
    2018, 13 (8):  1375-1383.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235250
    Abstract ( 168 )   PDF (4069KB) ( 297 )   Save

    Genistein, a potent antioxidant compound, protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. However, the mechanism underlying this action remains unknown. This study investigated human SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing the A53T mutant of α-synuclein.Four groups of cells were assayed: a control group (without any treatment), a genistein group (incubated with 20 μM genistein), a rotenone group (treated with 50 μM rotenone), and a rotenone + genistein group (incubated with 20 μM genistein and then treated with 50 μM rotenone). A lactate dehydrogenase release test confirmed the protective effect of genistein, and genistein remarkably reversed mitochondrial oxidative injury caused by rotenone. Western blot assays showed that BCL-2 and Beclin 1 levels were markedly higher in the genistein group than in the rotenone group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling revealed that genistein inhibited rotenone-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of NFE2L2 and HMOX1 was significantly increased in the genistein + rotenone group. However, after treatment with estrogen receptor and NFE2L2 channel blockers (ICI-182780 and ML385, respectively), genistein could not elevate NFE2L2 and HMOX1 expression. ICI-182780 effectively prevented genistein-mediated phosphorylation of NFE2L2 and remarkably suppressed phosphorylation of AKT, a protein downstream of the estrogen receptor. These findings confirm that genistein has neuroprotective effects in a cell model of Parkinson’s disease. Genistein can reduce oxidative stress damage and cell apoptosis by activating estrogen receptors and NFE2L2 channels.

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    Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive function and cholinergic activity in the rat hippocampus after vascular dementia
    Xiao-Qiao Zhang, Li Li, Jiang-Tao Huo, Min Cheng, Lin-Hong Li
    2018, 13 (8):  1384-1389.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235251
    Abstract ( 152 )   PDF (971KB) ( 275 )   Save

    Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive treatment that can enhance the recovery of neurological function after stroke. Whether it can similarly promote the recovery of cognitive function after vascular dementia remains unknown. In this study,a rat model for vascular dementia was established by the two-vessel occlusion method. Two days after injury, 30 pulses of rTMS were administered to each cerebral hemisphere at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and a magnetic field intensity of 1.33 T. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate learning and memory function. The Karnovsky-Roots method was performed to determine the density of cholinergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-immunoreactive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. rTMS treatment for 30 days significantly improved learning and memory function, increased acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase activity, increased the density of cholinergic neurons, and increased the number of BDNF-immunoreactive cells. These results indicate that rTMS can ameliorate learning and memory deficiencies in rats with vascular dementia. The mechanism through which this occurs might be related to the promotion of BDNF expression and subsequent restoration of cholinergic system activity in hippocampal CA1 region.

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    Acupuncture improves dendritic structure and spatial learning and memory ability of Alzheimer’s disease mice
    Bo-Hong Kan, Jian-Chun Yu, Lan Zhao, Jie Zhao, Zhen Li, Yan-Rong Suo, Jing-Xian Han
    2018, 13 (8):  1390-1395.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235292
    Abstract ( 137 )   PDF (1311KB) ( 230 )   Save

    Acupuncture can improve the cognitive state of Alzheimer’s disease, but its mechanism is not clear. Dendritic atrophy and synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease brain are positively correlated with cognitive damage. Therefore, we speculated that the effect of acupuncture on improving cognitive function may be associated with reduced dendritic damage in the brain. Acupuncture at Qihai (CV6), Zhongwan (CV12),Danzhong (CV17), bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and bilateral Xuehai (SP10) acupoints was performed once a day (1-day rest after 6-day treatment) for 14 consecutive days. Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice without acupuncture and senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice were used as normal controls. After 14 days of treatment, spatial learning and memory ability of mice was assessed in each group using the Morris water maze. Dendritic changes of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were analyzed by quantitative Golgi staining. Our results showed that acupuncture shortened escape latency and lengthened retention time of the former platform quadrant in SAMP8 mice. Further, SAMP8 mice exhibited a significant increase in the number of apical and basal dendritic branches and total length of apical and basal dendrites after acupuncture. These results suggest that acupuncture improves spatial learning and memory ability of middle-aged SAMP8 mice by ameliorating dendritic structure.

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    Scutellarin protects oxygen/glucose-deprived astrocytes and reduces focal cerebral ischemic injury
    Jing-Bo Sun, Yan Li, Ye-Feng Cai, Yan Huang, Shu Liu, Patrick KK Yeung, Min-Zhen Deng, Guang-Shun Sun, Prince LM Zilundu, Qian-Sheng Hu, Rui-Xin An, Li-Hua Zhou, Li-Xin Wang Xiao Cheng
    2018, 13 (8):  1396-1407.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235293
    Abstract ( 205 )   PDF (1458KB) ( 321 )   Save

    Scutellarin, a bioactive flavone isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-neurotoxic, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effects and has been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. However, the mechanisms by which scutellarin mediates neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia remain unclear. The interaction between scutellarin and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) was assessed by molecular docking study, which showed that scutellarin selectively binds to NOX2 with high affinity. Cultures of primary astrocytes isolated from the cerebral cortex of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 2, 10 or 50 μM scutellarin for 30 minutes. The astrocytes were then subjected to oxygen/glucose deprivation by incubation for 2 hours in glucose-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium in a 95% N2/5% CO2 incubator, followed by simulated reperfusion for 22 hours. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Expression levels of NOX2, connexin 43 and caspase-3 were assessed by western blot assay. Reactive oxygen species were measured spectrophotometrically. Pretreatment with 10 or 50 μM scutellarin substantially increased viability, reduced the expression of NOX2 and caspase-3, increased the expression of connexin 43, and diminished the levels of reactive oxygen species in astrocytes subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. We also assessed the effects of scutellarin in vivo in the rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rats were given intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg scutellarin 2 hours before surgery. The Bederson scale was used to assess neurological deficit, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to measure infarct size. Western blot assay was used to assess expression of NOX2 and connexin 43 in brain tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosin (3-NT) in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to determine the co-expression of caspase-3 and NeuN. Pretreatment with scutellarin improved the neurological function of rats with focal cerebral ischemia, reduced infarct size, diminished the expression of NOX2, reduced levels of 8-OHdG, 4-HNE and 3-NT, and reduced the number of cells co-expressing caspase-3 and NeuN in the injured brain tissue. Furthermore,we examined the effect of the NOX2 inhibitor apocynin. Apocynin substantially increased connexin 43 expression in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our findings suggest that scutellarin protects against ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo by downregulating NOX2,upregulating connexin 43, decreasing oxidative damage, and reducing apoptotic cell death.

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    Gualou Guizhi decoction promotes neurological functional recovery and neurogenesis following focal erebral ischemia/reperfusion
    Jing Han, Ji-Zhou Zhang, Zhi-Feng Zhong, Zuan-Fang Li, Wen-Sheng Pang, Juan Hu, Li-Dian Chen
    2018, 13 (8):  1408-1416.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235296
    Abstract ( 386 )   PDF (3284KB) ( 371 )   Save

    Recovery following stroke involves neurogenesis and axonal remodeling within the ischemic brain. Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) is a Chinese traditional medicine used for the treatment of post-stroke limb spasm. GLGZD has been reported to have neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic injury. However, the effects of GLGZD on neurogenesis and axonal remodeling following cerebral ischemia remain unknown. In this study, a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurological function was assessed immediately after reperfusion using Longa’s 5-point scoring system. The rats were randomly divided into vehicle and GLGZD groups. Rats in the sham group were given sham operation. The rats in the GLGZD group were intragastrically administered GLGZD, once daily, for 14 consecutive days. The rats in the vehicle and sham groups were intragastrically administered distilled water. Modified neurological severity score test, balance beam test and foot fault test were used to assess motor functional changes. Nissl staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes in the brain. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine cell proliferation using the marker 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) as well as expression of the neural precursor marker doublecortin (DCX), the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the axon regeneration marker growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43). GLGZD substantially mitigated pathological injury, increased the number of BrdU, DCX and GFAP-immunoreactive cells in the subventricular zone of the ischemic hemisphere, increased GAP-43 expression in the cortical peri-infarct region, and improved motor function. These findings suggest that GLGZD promotes neurological functional recovery by increasing cell proliferation, enhancing axonal regeneration, and increasing the numbers of neuronal precursors and astrocytes in the peri-infarct area.

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    Xuefu Zhuyu decoction improves neurological dysfunction by increasing synapsin expression after traumatic brain injury
    Lin Zhu, Tao Tang, Rong Fan, Jie-Kun Luo, Han-Jin Cui, Chun-Hu Zhang, Wei-Jun Peng, Peng Sun, Xin-Gui Xiong, Yang Wang
    2018, 13 (8):  1417-1424.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235297
    Abstract ( 209 )   PDF (10925KB) ( 164 )   Save

    Xuefu Zhuyu decoction has been used for treating traumatic brain injury and improving post-traumatic dysfunction, but its mechanism of action needs further investigation. This study established rat models of traumatic brain injury by controlled cortical impact. Rat models were intragastrically administered 9 and 18 g/kg Xuefu Zhuyu decoction once a day for 14 or 21 days. Changes in neurological function were assessed by modified neurological severity scores and the Morris water maze. Immunohistochemistry, western blot assay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze synapsin protein and mRNA expression at the injury site of rats. Our results showed that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction visibly improved neurological function of rats with traumatic brain injury. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of synaptophysin, synapsin I, and postsynaptic density protein-95 protein and mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction increases synapsin expression and improves neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury.

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    Acupuncture through Baihui (DU20) to Qubin (GB7) mitigates neurological impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage
    Xiao-Ying Liu, Xiao-Hong Dai, Wei Zou, Xue-Ping Yu, Wei Teng, Ying Wang, Wei-Wei Yu, Hui-Hui Ma, Qiu-Xin Chen,Peng Liu, Rui-Qiao Guan, Shan-Shan Dong
    2018, 13 (8):  1425-1432.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235298
    Abstract ( 314 )   PDF (1898KB) ( 529 )   Save

    Inflammation plays an important role in nerve defects caused by intracerebral hemorrhage. Repairing brain damage by inhibiting the macrophage-inducible C-type lectin/spleen tyrosine kinase (Mincle/Syk) signaling pathway is a potential new target for treating cerebral hemorrhage. In this study, we aimed to determine whether acupuncture through Baihui (DU20) to Qubin (GB7) is an effective treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage through the Mincle/Syk signaling pathway. An intracerebral hemorrhage rat model was established by autologous blood infusion into the caudate nucleus. Acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin was performed for 30 minutes, once every 12 hours,for a total of three times. Piceatannol (34.62 mg/kg), a Syk inhibitor, was intraperitoneally injected as a control. Modified neurological severity score was used to assess neurological function. Brain water content was measured. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay were used to detect immunoreactivity and protein expression levels of Mincle, Syk, and CARD9. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine interleukin-1β mRNA levels. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes. Our results showed that acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin remarkably improved neurological function and brain water content, and inhibited immunoreactivity and expression of Mincle, Syk, CARD9, and interkeukin-1β. Moreover, this effect was similar to piceatannol. These findings suggest that acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin can improve neurological impairment after cerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting the Mincle/Syk signaling pathway.

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    Selenocysteine antagonizes oxygen glucose deprivation-induced damage to hippocampal neurons
    Xian-Jun Wang, Mei-Hong Wang, Xiao-Ting Fu, Ya-Jun Hou, Wang Chen, Da-Chen Tian, Su-Yun Bai, Xiao-Yan Fu
    2018, 13 (8):  1433-1439.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235300
    Abstract ( 205 )   PDF (2406KB) ( 295 )   Save

    Designing and/or searching for novel antioxidants against oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced oxidative damage represents an effective strategy for the treatment of human ischemic stroke. Selenium is an essential trace element, which is beneficial in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cerebral ischemic stroke. The underlying mechanisms for its therapeutic effects, however, are not well documented. Selenocysteine (SeC) is a selenium-containing amino acid with neuroprotective potential. Studies have shown that SeC can reduce irradiation-induced DNA apoptosis by reducing DNA damage. In this study, the in vitro protective potential and mechanism of action of SeC against OGD-induced apoptosis and neurotoxicity were evaluated in HT22 mouse hippocampal neurons. We cultured HT22 cells in a glucose-free medium containing 2 mM Na2S4O2, which formed an OGD environment, for 90 minutes. Findings from MTT, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining showed obvious cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT22 cells in the OGD condition. The activation of Caspa se-7 and Caspase-9 further revealed that OGD-induced apoptosis of HT22 cells was mainly achieved by triggering a mitochondrial-mediated pathway. Moreover, the OGD condition also induced serious DNA damage through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and superoxide anions. However, SeC pre-treatment for 6 hours effectively inhibited OGD-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT22 cells by inhibiting reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative damage. Our findings provide evidence that SeC has the potential to suppress OGD-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in hippocampal neurons.

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    Effect of Graphene Nanoribbons (TexasPEG) on locomotor function recovery in a rat model of lumbar spinal cord transection
    C-Yoon Kim, William K. A. Sikkema, Jin Kim, Jeong Ah Kim, James Walter, Raymond Dieter, Hyung-Min Chung, Andrea Mana, James M. Tour, Sergio Canavero
    2018, 13 (8):  1440-1446.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235301
    Abstract ( 121 )   PDF (872KB) ( 312 )   Save

    A sharply transected spinal cord has been shown to be fused under the accelerating influence of membrane fusogens such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) (GEMINI protocol). Previous work provided evidence that this is in fact possible. Other fusogens might improve current results. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of PEGylated graphene nanoribons (PEG-GNR, and called “TexasPEG” when prepared as 1wt% dispersion in PEG600) versus placebo (saline) on locomotor function recovery and cellular level in a rat model of spinal cord transection at lumbar segment 1 (L1) level. In vivo and in vitro experiments (n = 10 per experiment) were designed. In the in vivo experiment, all rats were submitted to full spinal cord transection at L1 level. Five weeks later, behavioral assessment was performed using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Immunohistochemical staining with neuron marker neurofilament 200 (NF200) antibody and astrocytic scar marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was also performed in the injured spinal cord. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of TexasPEG application for 72 hours on the neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y cells were observed under the inverted microscope. Results of both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that TexasPEG reduces the formation of glial scars, promotes the regeneration of neurites, and thereby contributes to the recovery of locomotor function of a rat model of spinal cord transfection.

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    Local inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases reduced M2 macrophage activity and impeded recovery in spinal cord transected rats after treatment with fibroblast growth factor-1 and nerve grafts.
    Chuan-Wen Chiu, Wen-Hung Huang, Huai-Sheng Kuo, May-Jywan Tsai, Ching-Jung Chen, Meng-Jen Lee, Henrich Cheng
    2018, 13 (8):  1447-1454.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235302
    Abstract ( 134 )   PDF (847KB) ( 225 )   Save

    Alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) promote central nervous system regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that treatment with peripheral nerve grafts and fibroblast growth factor-1 recruited more M2 macrophages and improved partial functional recovery in spinal cord transected rats.The migration of macrophages is matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) dependent. We used a general inhibitor of MMPs to influence macrophage migration, and we examined the migration of macrophage populations and changes in spinal function. Rat spinal cords were completely transected at T8, and 5 mm of spinal cord was removed (group T). In group R, spinal cord-transected rats received treatment with fibroblast grow th factor-1 and peripheral nerve grafts. In group RG, rats received the same treatment as group R with the addition of 200 μM GM6001 (an MMP inhibitor) to the fibrin mix. We found that MMP-9, but not MMP-2, was upregulated in the graft area of rats in group R. Local application of the MMP inhibitor resulted in a reduction in the ratio of arginase-1 (M2 macrophage subset)/inducible nitric oxide synthase-postive cells.When the MMP inhibitor was applied at 8 weeks postoperation, the partial functional recovery observed in group R was lost. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the nerve graft. These results suggested that the arginase-1 positive population in spinal cord transected rats is a migratory cell population rather than the phenotypic conversion of early iNOS+ cells and that the migration of the arginase-1+ population could be regulated locally. Simultaneous application of MMP inhibitors or promotion of MMP activity for spinal cord injury needs to be considered if the coadministered treatment involves M2 recruitment.

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    Novel conductive polypyrrole/silk fibroin scaffold for neural tissue repair
    Ya-Hong Zhao, Chang-Mei Niu, Jia-Qi Shi, Ying-Yu Wang, Yu-Min Yang, Hong-Bo Wang
    2018, 13 (8):  1455-1464.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235303
    Abstract ( 241 )   PDF (4579KB) ( 442 )   Save

    Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting, which involves depositing bioinks (mixed biomaterials) layer by layer to form computer-aided designs,is an ideal method for fabricating complex 3D biological structures. However, it remains challenging to prepare biomaterials with micro-nanostructures that accurately mimic the nanostructural features of natural tissues. A novel nanotechnological tool, electrospinning,permits the processing and modification of proper nanoscale biomaterials to enhance neural cell adhesion, migration, proliferation,differentiation, and subsequent nerve regeneration. The composite scaffold was prepared by combining 3D bioprinting with subsequent electrochemical deposition of polypyrrole and electrospinning of silk fibroin to form a composite polypyrrole/silk fibroin scaffold. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze scaffold composition. The surface morphology of the scaffold was observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A digital multimeter was used to measure the resistivity of prepared scaffolds. Light microscopy was applied to observe the surface morphology of scaffolds immersed in water or Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium at 37°C for 30 days to assess stability. Results showed characteristic peaks of polypyrrole and silk fibroin in the synthesized conductive polypyrrole/silk fibroin scaffold, as well as the structure of the electrospun nanofiber layer on the surface. The electrical conductivity was 1 × 10−5–1 × 10−3 S/cm, while stability was 66.67%. A 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay was employed to measure scaffold cytotoxicity in vitro. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe EdU-labeled Schwann cells to quantify cell  proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect S100β immunoreactivity, while scanning electron microscopy was applied to observe the morphology of adherent Schwann cells. Results demonstrated that the polypyrrole/silk fibroin scaffold was not cytotoxic and did not affect Schwann cell proliferation. Moreover, filopodia formed on the scaffold and Schwann cells were regularly arranged. Our findings verified that the composite polypyrrole/silk fibroin scaffold has good biocompatibility and may be a suitable material for neural tissue engineering.

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    Three-dimensional visualization of the functional fascicular groups of a long-segment peripheral nerve
    Jian Qi, Wei-Ya Wang,Ying-Chun Zhong, Jia-Ming Zhou, Peng Luo, Ping Tang, Cai-Feng He, Shuang Zhu, Xiao-Lin Liu, Yi Zhang
    2018, 13 (8):  1465-1470.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235307
    Abstract ( 171 )   PDF (945KB) ( 214 )   Save

    The three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the functional bundles in the peripheral nerve provides direct and detailed intraneural spatial information. It is useful for selecting suitable surgical methods to repair nerve defects and in optimizing the construction of tissue-engineered nerve grafts. However, there remain major technical hurdles in obtaining, registering and interpreting 2D images, as well as in establishing 3D models. Moreover, the 3D models are plagued by poor accuracy and lack of detail and cannot completely reflect the stereoscopic microstructure inside the nerve. To explore and help resolve these key technical problems of 3D reconstruction, in the present study, we designed a novel method based on re-imaging techniques and computer image layer processing technology. A 20-cm ulnar nerve segment from the upper arm of a fresh adult cadaver was used for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining. Then, 2D panoramic images were obtained before and after AChE staining under the stereomicroscope. Using layer processing techniques in Photoshop, a space transformation method was used to fulfill automatic registration. The contours were outlined, and the 3D rendering of functional fascicular groups in the long-segment ulnar nerve was performed with Amira 4.1 software. The re-imaging technique based on layer processing in Photoshop produced an image that was detailed and accurate. The merging of images was accurate, and the whole procedure was simple and fast. The least square support vector machine was accurate, with an error rate of only 8.25%. The 3D reconstruction directly revealed changes in the fusion of different nerve functional fascicular groups. In conclusion. The technique is fast with satisfactory visual reconstruction.

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    Analgesic effect of AG490, a Janus kinase inhibitor, on oxaliplatin-induced acute neuropathic pain
    Shuang-Feng Li, Bi-Shan Ouyang, Xin Zhao, Ya-Ping Wang
    2018, 13 (8):  1471-1476.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235305
    Abstract ( 174 )   PDF (980KB) ( 254 )   Save

    Neuropathic pain often occurs during chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. AG490 has been shown to exert an antagonistic effect on inflammatory pain, but its effect on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain remains poorly understood. This study sought to observe the analgesic effect of AG490 on acute neuropathic pain induced by a single oxaliplatin treatment and to address the possible mechanism. In this study, we established a model of oxaliplatin-induced acute neuropathic pain by intraperitoneal injection of 6 mg/kg oxaliplatin. On day 2 after injection,models were intraperitoneally injected with 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg AG490. Paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli and tail withdrawal latency to cold stimuli were determined. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of spinal phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3). Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the immunoreactivity of p-STAT3 and interleukin-6. Results demonstrated that paw withdrawal threshold and tail withdrawal latency were significantly increased by the treatment of AG490 in rats. There was no significant difference in the effect among the different doses of AG490. AG490 10 mg/kg decreased the expression of p-STAT3, the immunoreactivity of p-STAT3 and interleukin-6 in spinal cord of acute neuropathic pain rats. These findings confirm that AG490 can attenuate oxaliplatin-induced acute neuropathic pain and is associated with the inhibition in the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

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    A novel chronic nerve compression model in the rat
    Zhen-Yu Liu, Zhen-Bing Chen, Jiang-Hai Chen
    2018, 13 (8):  1477-1485.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235306
    Abstract ( 125 )   PDF (3862KB) ( 259 )   Save

    Current animal models of chronic peripheral nerve compression are mainly silicone tube models. However, the cross section of the rat sciatic nerve is not a perfect circle, and there are differences in the diameter of the sciatic nerve due to individual differences. The use of a silicone tube with a uniform internal diameter may not provide a reliable and consistent model. We have established a chronic sciatic nerve compression model that can induce demyelination of the sciatic nerve and lead to atrophy of skeletal muscle. In 3-week-old pups and adult rats, the sciatic nerve of the right hind limb was exposed, and a piece of surgical latex glove was gently placed under the nerve.N-butyl-cyanoacrylate was then placed over the nerve, and after it had set, another piece of glove latex was placed on top of the target area and allowed to adhere to the first piece to form a sandwich-like complex. Thus, a chronic sciatic nerve compression model was produced. Control pups with latex or N-butyl-cyanoacrylate were also prepared. Functional changes to nerves were assessed using the hot plate test and electromyography. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy analyses of the nerves were performed to quantify the degree of neuropathological change. Masson staining was conducted to assess the degree of fibrosis in the gastrocnemius and intrinsic paw muscles. The pup group rats subjected to nerve compression displayed thermal hypoesthesia and a gradual decrease in nerve conduction velocity at 2 weeks after surgery. Neuropathological studies demonstrated that the model caused nerve demyelination and axonal irregularities and triggered collagen deposition in the epineurium and perineurium of the affected nerve at 8 weeks after surgery. The degree of fibrosis in the gastrocnemius and intrinsic paw muscles was significantly increased at 20 weeks after surgery. In conclusion, our novel model can reproduce the functional and histological changes of chronic nerve compression injury that occurs in humans and it will be a useful new tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying chronic nerve compression.

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    Reorganization of injured anterior cingulums in a hemorrhagic stroke patient
    Sung Ho Jang, Chul Hoon Chang, Han Do Lee
    2018, 13 (8):  1486-1487.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235308
    Abstract ( 144 )   PDF (386KB) ( 215 )   Save

    In this study, we reported on a patient who showed a new neural tract between the injured anterior cingulums and the basal forebrain, as shown by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

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