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    15 May 2019, Volume 14 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    Motor inhibition efficiency in healthy aging: the role of γ-aminobutyric acid
    Lisa Pauwels,Celine Maes, Lize Hermans, Stephan P. Swinnen
    2019, 14 (5):  741-744.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249216
    Abstract ( 216 )   PDF (565KB) ( 284 )   Save

    The ability to cancel a motor response is critical for optimal functioning in various facets of daily life. Hence, efficient inhibitory motor control is a key function throughout the lifespan. Considering the fact that inhibitory motor function gradually declines with advancing age, it is not surprising that the study of motor inhibition in this age group is gaining considerable interest. In general, we can distinguish between two prominent types of motor inhibition, namely proactive and reactive inhibition. Whereas the anticipation for upcoming stops (proactive inhibition) appears readily preserved at older age, the ability to stop an already planned or initiated action (reactive inhibition) generally declines with advancing age. The differential impact of aging on proactive and reactive inhibition at the behavioral level prompts questions about the neural architecture underlying both types of inhibitory motor control. Here we will not only highlight the underlying structural brain properties of proactive and reactive inhibitory control but we will also discuss recent developments in brain-behavioral approaches, namely the registration of neurochemical compounds using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the direct detection of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, i.e., γ-aminobutyric acid, across the broader cortical/subcortical territory, thereby opening new perspectives for better understanding the neural mechanisms mediating efficient inhibitory control in the context of healthy aging. Ultimately, these insights may contribute to the development of interventions specifically designed to counteract age-related declines in motor inhibition.

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    Repositioning of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 agonists as potential neuroprotective agents
    Shaker A. Mousa,Bassam M. Ayoub
    2019, 14 (5):  745-748.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249217
    Abstract ( 148 )   PDF (339KB) ( 434 )   Save

    Repositioning of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists is a breakthrough in the field of neural regeneration research increasing glucagon like peptide-1 bioavailability, hence its neuroprotective activities. In this mini-review, the authors suggest not only crossing blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative disease as off target for dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists, but also for ophthalmic preparations for diabetic retinopathy, which may be the latest breakthrough in the field if prepared and used in an appropriate nano-formulation to target the retinal nerves. The relation of neurodegenerative diseases’ different mechanisms to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists should be further examined in preclinical and clinical settings. The repositioning of already marketed antidiabetic drugs for neurodegenerative diseases should save the high cost of the time-consuming normal drug development process. Drug repositioning is a hot topic as an alternative to molecular target based drug discovery or therapeutic switching. It is a relatively inexpensive pathway due to availability of previous pharmacological and safety data. The glucagon like peptide-1 produced in brain has been linked to enhanced learning and memory functions as a physiologic regulator in central nervous system by restoring insulin signaling. Intranasal administration of all marketed gliptins (or glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists) may show enhanced blood-brain barrier crossing and increased glucagon like peptide-1 levels in the brain after direct crossing of the drug for the olfactory region, targeting the cerebrospinal fluid. Further blood-brain barrier crossing tests may extend dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors’ effects beyond the anti-hyperglycemic control to intranasal spray, intranasal powder, or drops targeting the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases with the most suitable formula. Moreover, novel nano-formulation is encouraged either to obtain favorable pharmacokinetic parameters or to achieve promising blood-brain barrier penetration directly through the olfactory region. Many surfactants should be investigated either as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic drugs or as penetration enhancers. Different formulae based on in vitro and in vivo characterizations, working on sister gliptins (or glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists), different routes of administration, pharmacokinetic studies, dose response relationship studies, monitoring of plasma/brain concentration ratio after single and multiple dose, and neurodegenerative disease animal models are required to prove the new method of use (utility) for dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as potential neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, investigations of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists’ neuroprotective effects on animal models will be considered carefully because they cross ed the blood-brain barrier in previous studies, enabling their direct action on the central nervous system. Combination therapy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists with already marketed drugs for neurodegenerative disease should be considered, especially regarding the novel intranasal route of administration.

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    Mitophagy links oxidative stress conditions and neurodegenerative diseases
    Ulfuara Shefa,Na Young Jeong,In Ok Song,Hyung-Joo Chung,Dokyoung Kim, Junyang Jung, Youngbuhm Huh
    2019, 14 (5):  749-756.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249218
    Abstract ( 210 )   PDF (736KB) ( 273 )   Save

    Mitophagy is activated by a number of stimuli, including hypoxia, energy stress, and increased oxidative phosphorylation activity. Mitophagy is associated with oxidative stress conditions and central neurodegenerative diseases. Proper regulation of mitophagy is crucial for maintaining homeostasis; conversely, inadequate removal of mitochondria through mitophagy leads to the generation of oxidative species, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, resulting in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These diseases are most prevalent in older adults whose bodies fail to maintain proper mitophagic functions to combat oxidative species. As mitophagy is essential for normal body function, by targeting mitophagic pathways we can improve these disease conditions. The search for effective remedies to treat these disease conditions is an ongoing process, which is why more studies are needed. Additionally, more relevant studies could help establish therapeutic conditions, which are currently in high demand. In this review, we discuss how mitophagy plays a significant role in homeostasis and how its dysregulation causes neurodegeneration. We also discuss how combating oxidative species and targeting mitophagy can help treat these neurodegenerative diseases.

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    Cerebral organoids exhibit mature neurons and astrocytes and recapitulate electrophysiological activity of the human brain
    Abraam M. Yakoub
    2019, 14 (5):  757-761.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249283
    Abstract ( 128 )   PDF (2874KB) ( 271 )   Save

    Multiple protocols have been devised to generate cerebral organoids that recapitulate features of the developing human brain, including the presence of a large, multi-layered, cortical-like neuronal zone. However, the central question is whether these organoids truly present mature, functional neurons and astrocytes, which may qualify the system for in-depth molecular neuroscience studies focused at neuronal and synaptic functions. Here, we demonstrate that cerebral organoids derived under optimal differentiation conditions exhibit mature, fully functional neurons and astrocytes, as validated by immunohistological, gene expression, and electrophysiological, analyses. Neurons in cerebral organoids showed gene expression profiles and electrophysiological properties similar to those reported for fetal human brain. These important findings indicate that cerebral organoids recapitulate the developing human brain and may enhance use of cerebral organoids in modeling human brain development or investigating neural deficits that underlie neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism or intellectual disorders.

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    Neurotoxicity of the pesticide rotenone on neuronal polarization: a mechanistic approach
    Mariano Bisbal,Mónica Sanchez
    2019, 14 (5):  762-766.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249847
    Abstract ( 117 )   PDF (500KB) ( 245 )   Save

    Neurons are the most extensive and polarized cells that display a unique single long axon and multiple dendrites, which are compartments exhibiting structural and functional differences. Polarity occurs early in neuronal development and it is maintained by complex subcellular mechanisms throughout cell life. A well-defined and controlled spatio-temporal program of cellular and molecular events strictly regulates the formation of the axon and dendrites from a non-polarized cell. This event is critical for an adequate neuronal wiring and therefore for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Neuronal polarity is very sensitive to the harmful effects of different factors present in the environment. In this regard, rotenone is a crystalline, colorless and odorless isoflavone used as insecticide, piscicide and broad spectrum pesticide commonly used earlier in agriculture. In the present review we will summarize the toxicity mechanism caused by this pesticide in different neuronal cell types, focusing on a particular biological mechanism whereby rotenone could impair neuronal polarization in cultured hippocampal neurons. Recent advances suggest that the inhibition of axonogenesis produced by rotenone could be related with its effect on microtubule dynamics, the actin cytoskeleton and their regulatory pathways, particularly affecting the small RhoGTPase RhoA. Unveiling the mechanism by which rotenone produces neurotoxicity will be instrumental to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases influenced by this environmental pollutant, which may lead to research focused on the design of new therapeutic strategies.

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    Magnetofection as a new tool to study microglia biology
    Jose Luis Venero, Miguel Angel Burguillos
    2019, 14 (5):  767-768.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249221
    Abstract ( 143 )   PDF (123KB) ( 234 )   Save

    Microglia are the resident macrophages of the brain, originally described by Pío del Río-Hortega (a student of Santiago Ramon y Cajal) in a series of studies in 1919. Since those pioneering studies, many others have followed to describe microglia as complex and multitasking cells with many diverse roles under physiological (e.g. their key role in synapse pruning during development) or diseased conditions. Microglia exist as sentinels or surveyors of the environment that surround neurons, becoming reactive upon a wide array of stimuli and consequently developing an appropriate inflammatory response. In fact, a neuroinflammatory response driven by microglia is found in virtually every disease process that occurs within the central nervous system. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms governing the microglia response is the key to improving the outcome of neurodegenerative conditions.

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    Induced pluripotent stem cells from Huntington’s disease patients: a promising approach to define and correct disease-related alterations
    Azra Fatima, Ricardo Gutiérrez-Garcia, David Vilchez
    2019, 14 (5):  769-770.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249223
    Abstract ( 114 )   PDF (247KB) ( 256 )   Save

    Adult somatic cells such as skin or blood cells from either health donors or patients can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Given their unlimited self-renewal and differentiation capacities, iPSCs are an invaluable resource to generate terminally differentiated cells. Thus, iPSCs can facilitate the study of human diseases and drug screening, holding great promise for regenerative medicine. Another significant advantage of iPSC disease-modeling is that normal and mutant proteins are expressed at endogenous levels. In addition, subtle phenotypes and the effects of genetic background variations can be assessed by comparison between iPSC lines obtained from different patients and healthy donors as well as isogenic lines, in which disease-related mutations are corrected.

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    Use of longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging in preclinical models of spinal cord injury
    Harun Najib Noristani, Florence Evelyne Perrin
    2019, 14 (5):  771-772.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249222
    Abstract ( 115 )   PDF (510KB) ( 216 )   Save

    Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a distressing event with grave socio/economic consequences to our society. Pathophysiological response following SCI involves blood-spinal cord barrier breakdown, neuroinflammation and formation of a glial scar that altogether govern the feasibility of spontaneous axonal re-growth and limited functional recovery. Great advances in understanding SCI pathophysiology have been achieved using numerous transgenic mouse lines developed in different strains. However, there are inherent strain differences that affect inflammation, gliosis, axon regeneration and ultimately functional recovery after SCI.

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    Impacting dementia and cognitive loss with innovative strategies: mechanistic target of rapamycin, clock genes, circular non-coding ribonucleic acids, and Rho/Rock
    Kenneth Maiese
    2019, 14 (5):  773-774.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249224
    Abstract ( 117 )   PDF (217KB) ( 217 )   Save

    A significant global impact from dementia: According to the World Health Organization (Dua et al., 2017), the current numbers for the prevalence and treatment costs for dementia worldwide are staggering. Almost 50 million individuals suffer from dementia. Dementia is now considered to be the 7 th leading cause of death. Currently, at least five percent of the world’s elderly population, equal to approximately 47 million individuals, have dementia. Moreover, at least sixty percent reside in low and middle income countries. Almost seventy-five percent of these new cases are to occur in these countries. The number of new cases each year throughout the globe is increasing at approximately 10 million per year. By the year 2030, 82 million people are expected to have dementia and by the year 2050, 152 million are expected to have the disease.

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    Early constraint-induced movement therapy affects behavior and neuronal plasticity in ischemia-injured rat brains
    Xi-Hua Liu,Hong-Yan Bi,Jie Cao,Shuo Ren,Shou-Wei Yue
    2019, 14 (5):  775-782.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249225
    Abstract ( 113 )   PDF (919KB) ( 405 )   Save

    Constraint-induced movement therapy is an effective rehabilitative training technique used to improve the restoration of impaired upper extremity movement after stroke. However, whether constraint-induced movement therapy is more effective than conventional rehabilitation in acute or sub-acute stroke remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to identify the optimal time to start constraint-induced movement therapy after ischemic stroke and to explore the mechanisms by which constraint-induced movement therapy leads to post-stroke recovery. Sixty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-surgery group, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion group, early constraint-induced movement therapy group, and late constraint-induced movement therapy group. Rat models of left middle cerebral artery occlusion were established according to the Zea Longa line embolism method. Constraint-induced movement therapy was conducted starting on day 1 or day 14 in the early constraint-induced movement therapy and late constraint-induced movement therapy groups, respectively. To explore the effect of each intervention time on neuromotor function, behavioral function was assessed using a balance beam walking test before surgery and at 8 and 21 days after surgery. The expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and Nogo receptor were evaluated using real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay to assess the effect of each intervention time. The results showed that the behavioral score was significantly lower in the early constraint-induced movement therapy group than in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and late constraint-induced movement therapy groups at 8 days. At 21 days, the scores had significantly decreased in the early constraint-induced movement therapy and late constraint-induced movement therapy groups. At 8 days, only mild pyknosis appeared in neurons of the ischemic penumbra in the early constraint-induced movement therapy group, which was distinctly better than in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion group. At 21 days, only a few vacuolated cells were observed and no obvious inflammatory cells were visible in late constraint-induced movement therapy group, which was much better than at 8 days. The mRNA and protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor were significantly higher, but expression levels of Nogo receptor were significantly lower in the early constraint-induced movement therapy group compared with the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and late constraint-induced movement therapy groups at 8 days. The changes in expression levels at 21 days were larger but similar in both the early constraint-induced movement therapy and late constraint-induced movement therapy groups. Besides, the protein nerve growth factor level was higher in the late constraint-induced movement therapy group than in the early constraint-induced movement therapy group at 21 days. These results suggest that both early (1 day) and late (14 days) constraint-induced movement therapy induces molecular plasticity and facilitates functional recovery after ischemic stroke, as illustrated by the histology. The mechanism may be associated with downregulation of Nogo receptor expression and upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor expression.

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    Shuxuetong injection protects cerebral microvascular endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion
    Zuo-Yan Sun,Fu-Jiang Wang 1,Hong Guo,Lu Chen,Li-Juan Chai,Rui-Lin Li,Li-Min Hu,Hong Wang,Shao-Xia Wang
    2019, 14 (5):  783-793.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249226
    Abstract ( 211 )   PDF (2632KB) ( 223 )   Save

    Shuxuetong injection composed of leech (Hirudo nipponica Whitman) and earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) has been used for the clinical treatment of acute stroke for many years in China. However, the precise neuroprotective mechanism of Shuxuetong injection remains poorly understood. Here, cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) were incubated in glucose-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing 95% N2/5% CO2 for 6 hours, followed by high-glucose medium containing 95% O2 and 5% CO2 for 18 hours to establish an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion model. This in vitro cell model was administered Shuxuetong injection at 1/32, 1/64, and 1/128 con¬centrations (diluted 32-, 64-, and 128-times). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to evaluate cell viability. A fluorescence method was used to measure lactate dehydrogenase, and a fluorescence microplate reader used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species. A fluorescent probe was also used to measure mitochondrial superoxide production. A cell resistance meter was used to measure transepithelial resistance and examine integrity of monolayer cells. The fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran test was performed to examine blood-brain barrier per¬meability. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Western blot assay was performed to analyze expression of caspase-3, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, occludin, vascular endothelial growth factor, cleaved caspa se-3, B-cell lymphoma 2, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB p65, I kappa B alpha, phosphorylated I kappa B alpha, I kappa B kinase, phosphorylated I kappa B kinase, claudin-5, and zonula oc¬cludens-1. Our results show that Shuxuetong injection increases bEnd.3 cell viability and B-cell lymphoma 2 expression, reduces cleaved caspa se-3 expression, inhibits production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide, suppresses expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, markedly increases transepithelial resistance, decreases blood-brain barrier permeability, upregulates claudin-5, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 expression, reduces nuclear factor-κB p65 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and reduces I kappa B alpha, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, and I kappa B kinase phosphorylation levels. Overall, these findings suggest that Shuxuetong injection has protective effects on brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Moreover, its protective effect is associated with reduction of mitochondrial superoxide production, inhibition of the inflammatory response, and inhibition of vascu¬lar endothelial growth factor, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, and the nuclear factor-κB p65 signaling pathway.

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    Kai Xin San ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunctio
    Yu-Min Xu,Xin-Chen Wang,Ting-Ting Xu,Hong-Ying Li,Shang-Yan Hei,Na-Chuan Luo,Hong Wang, Wei Zhao, Shu-Huan Fang,Yun-Bo Chen,Li Guan, Yong-Qi Fang,Shi-Jie Zhang,Qi Wang, Wei-Xiong Liang
    2019, 14 (5):  794-804.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249227
    Abstract ( 227 )   PDF (3985KB) ( 566 )   Save

    Kai Xin San (KXS, containing ginseng, hoelen, polygala, and acorus), a traditional Chinese herbal compound, has been found to regulate cognitive dysfunction; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, 72 specific-pathogen-free male Kunming mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a vehicle control group, scopolamine group, low-dose KXS group, moderate-dose KXS group, high-dose KXS group, and positive control group. Except for the vehicle control group and scopolamine groups (which received physiological saline), the doses of KXS (0.7, 1.4 and 2.8 g/kg per day) and donepezil (3 mg/kg per day) were gastrointestinally administered once daily for 2 weeks. On day 8 after intragastric treatment, the behavioral tests were carried out. Scopolamine group and intervention groups received scopol¬amine 3 mg/kg per day through intraperitoneal injection. The effects of KXS on spatial learning and memory, pathological changes of brain tissue, expression of apoptosis factors, oxidative stress injury factors, synapse-associated protein, and cholinergic neurotransmitter were mea¬sured. The results confirmed the following. (1) KXS shortened the escape latency and increased residence time in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings in the Morris water maze. (2) KXS increased the percentage of alternations between the labyrinth arms in the mice of KXS groups in the Y-maze. (3) Nissl and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining revealed that KXS promoted the production of Nissl bodies and inhibited the formation of apoptotic bodies. (4) Western blot assay showed that KXS up-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. KXS up-regulated the expression of postsynaptic density 95, synaptophysin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. (5) KXS increased the level and activity of choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholine, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and re¬duced the level and activity of acetyl cholinesterase, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde through acting on the cholinergic system and reducing oxidative stress damage. These results indicate that KXS plays a neuroprotective role and improves cognitive function through reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress, and regulating synapse-associated protein and cholinergic neurotransmitters.

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    Comparative efficacy and safety of cognitive enhancers for treating vascular cognitive impairment: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
    Bo-Ru Jin, Hua-Yan Liu
    2019, 14 (5):  805-816.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249228
    Abstract ( 170 )   PDF (3062KB) ( 261 )   Save

    Objective: To assess and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of cognitive enhancers (donepezil, galan¬tamine, rivastigmine, and memantine) on cognition, behavior, function, and global status in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.
    Data sources: The initial literature search was performed with PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Meth¬odology Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) from inception to January 2018 for studies regarding donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine for treatment of vascular cognitive impairment.
    Data selection: Randomized controlled trials on donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine as monotherapy in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment were included. A Bayesian network me¬ta-analysis was conducted.
    Outcome measures: Efficacy was assessed by changes in scores of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores and Clinician’s In¬terview-Based Impression of Change Scale Plus Caregiver’s Input, Activities of Daily Living, the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Safety was evaluated by mortality, total adverse events (TAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), nausea, vomiting. diarrhea, or cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs).
    Results: After screening 1717 citations, 12 randomized controlled trials were included. Donepezil and rivastigmine (mean difference (e) = –0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–1.32; MD = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.18–1.79) were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Donepezil, galantamine, and memantine (MD = –1.30, 95% CI: –2.27 to –0.42; MD = –1.67, 95% CI: –3.36 to –0.06; MD = –2.27, 95% CI: –3.91 to –0.53) showed superior benefits on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive scores compared with placebo. Memantine (MD = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.05–7.29) improved global status (Clinician’s Interview-Based Impression of Change Scale Plus Caregiver’s Input) more than the place¬bo. Safety results revealed that donepezil 10 mg (odds ratio (OR) = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.86–5.41) contributed to higer risk of adverse events than placebo. Galantamine (OR = 5.64, 95% CI: 1.31–26.71) increased the risk of nausea. Rivastigmine (OR = 16.80, 95% CI: 1.78–319.26) increased the risk of vomiting. No agents displayed a significant risk of serious adverse events, mortality, cerebrovascular accidents, or diarrhea.
    Conclusion: We found significant efficacy of donepezil, galantamine, and memantine on cognition. Me¬mantine can provide significant efficacy in global status. They are all safe and well tolerated.

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    The detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation on adult hippocampal neurogenesis depend on the duration of the pro-inflammatory response
    Martha Pérez-Domínguez,Evangelina Ávila-Muñoz, Eduardo Domínguez-Rivas, Angélica Zepeda
    2019, 14 (5):  817-825.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249229
    Abstract ( 255 )   PDF (2753KB) ( 227 )   Save

    Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a finely tuned process regulated by extrinsic factors. Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of several pathological conditions underlying dysregulation of neurogenesis. In animal models, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation leads to a neurogenic decrease mainly associated to the early inflammatory response. However, it is not well understood how the neuroinflammatory response progresses over time and if neurogenesis continues to be diminished during the late neuroinflammatory response. Moreover, it is unknown if repeated intermittent administration of LPS along time induces a greater reduction in neurogenesis. We administered one single intraperitoneal injection of LPS or saline or four repeated injections (one per week) of LPS or saline to young-adult mice. A cohort of new cells was labeled with three 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine injections (one per day) 4 days after the last LPS injection. We evaluated systemic and neuroinflammation-associated parameters and compared the effects of the late neuroinflammatory response on neurogenesis induced by each protocol. Our results show that 1) a single LPS injection leads to a late pro-inflammatory response characterized by microglial activation, moderate astrocytic reaction and increased interleukin-6 levels. This response correlates in time with decreased neurogenesis and 2) a repeated intermittent injection of LPS does not elicit a late pro-inflammatory response although activated microglia persists. The latter profile is not accompanied by a continued long-term hippocampal neurogenic decrease. Hereby, we provide evidence that the neuroinflammatory response is a dynamic process that progresses in a milieu-dependent manner and does not necessarily lead to a neurogenic decrease, highlighting the complex interaction between the immune system and neurogenesis.

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    Potassium bisperoxo (1,10-phenanthroline) oxovanadate suppresses proliferation of hippocampal neuronal cell lines by increasing DNA methyltransferases
    Xiao-Li Tian, Shu-Yuan Jiang,Xiao-Lu Zhang,Jie Yang,Jun-He Cui,Xiao-Lei Liu,Ke-Rui Gong,Shao-Chun Yan,Chun-Yang Zhang,Guo Shao
    2019, 14 (5):  826-833.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249230
    Abstract ( 146 )   PDF (1937KB) ( 260 )   Save

    Bisperoxo (1,10-phenanthroline) oxovanadate (BpV) can reportedly block the cell cycle. The present study examined whether BpV alters gene expression by affecting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which would impact the cell cycle. Immortalized mouse hippocampal neu¬ronal precursor cells (HT22) were treated with 0.3 or 3 μM BpV. Proliferation, morphology, and viability of HT22 cells were detected with an IncuCyte real-time video imaging system or inverted microscope and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sul¬fophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, respectively. mRNA and protein expression of DNMTs and p21 in HT22 cells was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, respectively. In addition, DNMT activity was measured with an enzyme-linked immuno¬sorbent assay. Effects of BpV on the cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results demonstrated that treatment with 0.3 μM BpV did not affect cell proliferation, morphology, or viability; however, treatment with 3 μM BpV decreased cell viability, increased expression of both DNMT3B mRNA and protein, and inhibited the proliferation of HT22 cells; and 3 μM BpV also blocked the cell cycle and increased expres¬sion of the regulatory factor p21 by increasing DNMT expression in mouse hippocampal neurons.

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    Postnatal calpeptin treatment causes hippocampal neurodevelopmental defects in neonatal rats
    Zhu-Jin Song,San-Juan Yang,Lan Han,Bin Wang,Guoqi Zhu
    2019, 14 (5):  834-840.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249231
    Abstract ( 147 )   PDF (1543KB) ( 255 )   Save

    Our previous studies showed that the early use of calpain inhibitors reduces calpain activity in multiple brain regions, and that postnatal treatment with calpeptin may lead to cerebellar motor dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether postnatal calpeptin application affects hippocampus-related behaviors. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were purchased from the Animal Center of Anhui Medical University of China. For the experiments in the adult stage, rats were intraperitoneally injected with calpeptin, 2 mg/kg, once a day, on postnatal days 7–14. Then on postnatal day 60, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities. The open field test was carried out to assess anxiety-like activities. Phalloidin staining was performed to observe synaptic morphology in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to count the number of NeuN-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. DiI was applied to label dendritic spines. Calpeptin administration impaired spatial memory, caused anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, reduced the number and area of apical dendritic spines, and decreased actin polymerization in the hippocampus, but did not affect the number of NeuN-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. For the neonatal experiments, neonatal rats were intraperitoneally injected with calpeptin, 2 mg/kg, on postnatal days 7 and 8. Western blot assay was performed to analyze the protein levels of Akt, Erk, p-Akt, p-Erk1/2, Erk1/2, SCOP, PTEN, mTOR, p-mTOR, CREB and p-CREB in the hippocampus. SCOP expression was increased, and the phosphor¬ylation levels of Akt, mTOR and CREB were reduced in the hippocampus. These findings show that calpeptin administration after birth affects synaptic development in neonatal rats by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby perturbing hippocampal function. Therefore, calpeptin administration after birth is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental defects.

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    ESE1 expression correlates with neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
    Hai-Long Yu,Liang-Zhu Wang,Ling-Ling Zhang,Bei-Lei Chen,Hui-Juan Zhang,Yu-Ping Li,Guo-Dong Xiao,Ying-Zhu Chen
    2019, 14 (5):  841-849.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249232
    Abstract ( 110 )   PDF (1569KB) ( 231 )   Save

    Epithelial-specific ETS-1 (ESE1), a member of the ETS transcription factor family, is widely expressed in multiple tissues and performs various functions in inflammation. During neuroinflammation, ESE1 promotes neuronal apoptosis; however, the expression and biolog¬ical functions of ESE1 remain unclear after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the role of ESE1 in cerebral ischemic injury. A modified four vessel occlusion method was used in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. At 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after model induction, the hippocampus was collected for analysis. Western blot assays and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of ESE1, phosphorylated p65 and active caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated after ischemia. Double immunofluo-rescence staining indicated that ESE1 and NeuN were mostly co-located in the hippocampus after ischemia. Furthermore, ESE1 was also co-expressed with active caspase-3. PC12 cells were stimulated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) to establish a chemical hypoxia model. After ESE1 knockdown by siRNA for 6 hours, cell viability was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assays. The levels of ESE1, phosphorylated p65 and active caspase-3 were also remarkably increased in PC12 cells after CoCl2 stimulation. After ESE1 knockdown, PC12 cell viability was increased after hypoxia. siRNA knockdown of ESE1 decreased the level of p-p65 and active caspase-3 after CoCl2 stimulation. These data reveal that ESE1 levels are elevated in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. This may play a role in neuronal apoptosis via activation of the nuclear factor-κB pathway.

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    Regional gray matter abnormality in hepatic myelopathy patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a voxel-based morphometry study
    Kang Liu,Gang Chen,Shu-Yao Ren,Yuan-Qiang Zhu,Tian-Lei Yu,Ping Tian,Chen Li, Yi-Bin Xi,Zheng-Yu Wang,Jian-Jun Ye,Guo-Hong Han,Hong Yin
    2019, 14 (5):  850-857.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249233
    Abstract ( 111 )   PDF (829KB) ( 182 )   Save

    Hepatic myelopathy is a complication seen in patients with chronic liver failure with physiologic or iatrogenic portosystemic shunting. The main symptom is progressive lower limb dyskinesia. The role of the brain motor control center in hepatic myelopathy is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the gray matter changes in patients with hepatic myelopathy secondary to transjugular intrahepatic por-tosystemic shunt and to examine their clinical relevance. This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty-three liver failure patients with hepatic myelopathy (hepatic myelopathy group), 23 liver failure patients without hepatic myelopathy (non-hepatic myelopathy group) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and 23 demographically matched healthy volunteers were enrolled from March 2014 to November 2016 at Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), China. High-resolution magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo brain imaging was acquired. Group differences in regional gray matter were assessed using voxel-based morphometry analysis. The relationship between aberrant gray matter and motor characteristics was investigated. Results demonstrated that compared with the non-hepatic myelopathy group, gray matter volume abnormalities were asymmetric, with decreased volume in the left insula (P = 0.003), left thalamus (P = 0.029), left superior frontal gyrus (P = 0.006), and right middle cingulate cortex (P = 0.021), and increased volume in the right caudate nucleus (P = 0.017), corrected with open-source software. The volume of the right caudate nucleus in the hepatic myelopathy group negatively correlated with the lower limb clinical rating of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (r = –0.53, P = 0.01). Compared with healthy controls, patients with and without hepatic myelopathy exhibited overall increased gray matter volume in both thalami, and decreased gray matter volume in both putamen, as well as in the globus pallidus, cerebellum, and vermis. The gray matter abnormalities we found predominantly involved motor-related regions, and may be associated with motor dysfunction. An enlarged right caudate nucleus might help to predict weak lower limb motor performance in patients with preclinical hepatic myelopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xijing Hospital, Air Force Mili¬tary Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), China (approval No. 20140227-6) on February 27, 2014.

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    Microstructural damage pattern of vascular cognitive impairment: a comparison between moyamoya disease and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease
    Jia-Bin Su,Si-Da Xi,Shu-Yi Zhou,Xin Zhang,Shen-Hong Jiang,Bin Xu,Liang Chen,Yu Lei,Chao Gao,Yu-Xiang Gu
    2019, 14 (5):  858-867.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249234
    Abstract ( 162 )   PDF (1676KB) ( 182 )   Save

    Moyamoya disease and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease are both chronic ischemic diseases with similar presentations of vascular cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns of microstructural damage associated with vascular cog¬nitive impairment in the two diseases. The study recruited 34 patients with moyamoya disease (age 43.9 ± 9.2 years; 20 men and 14 women, 27 patients with cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease (age: 44.6 ± 7.6 years; 17 men and 10 women), and 31 normal controls (age 43.6 ± 7.3 years; 18 men and 13 women) from Huashan Hospital of Fudan University in China. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, long-term delayed recall of Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test Part B, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Single-photon emission-computed tomography was used to examine cerebral perfusion. Voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics were performed to identify regions of gray matter atrophy and white matter deterioration in patients and normal controls. The results demonstrated that (1) the severity of cognitive impairment was similar between the two diseases in all tested domains. Patients with moyamoya disease and those with cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease suffered from disturbed supratentorial hemodynamics. (2) Gray matter atrophy in bilateral middle cingulate cortex and parts of the frontal gyrus was prominent in both diseases, but in general, was more severe and more diffuse in those with moyamoya disease. (3) White matter deterioration was significant for both diseases in the genu and body of corpus callosum, in the anterior and superior corona radiation, and in the posterior thalamic radiation, but in moyamoya dis¬ease, it was more diffuse and more severe. (4) Vascular cognitive impairment was associated with regional microstructural damage, with a potential link between, gray and white matter damage. Overall, these results provide insight into the pathophysiological nature of vascular cognitive impairment. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board in Huashan Hospital, China (approval No. 2014-278). This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on December 2, 2014 with the identifier NCT02305407.

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    Assessing gray matter volume in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
    Xian-Hua Han,Xiu-Ming Li,Wei-Jun Tang, Huan Yu,Ping Wu,Jing-Jie Ge,Jian Wang, Chuan-Tao Zuo,Kuang-Yu Shi
    2019, 14 (5):  868-875.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249235
    Abstract ( 136 )   PDF (639KB) ( 247 )   Save

    Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is often a precursor to neurodegenerative disease. However, voxel-based morphological studies evaluating structural abnormalities in the brains of iRBD patients are relatively rare. This study aimed to explore cerebral structural alterations using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine their association with clinical parameters in iRBD patients. Brain structural T1-weighted MRI scans were acquired from 19 polysomnogram-con?rmed iRBD patients (male:female 16:3; mean age 66.6 ± 7.0 years) and 20 age-matched healthy controls (male:female 5:15; mean age 63.7 ± 5.9 years). Gray matter volume (GMV) data were analyzed based on Statistical Parametric Mapping 8, using a voxel-based morphometry method and two-sample t-test and multiple regression analysis. Compared with controls, iRBD patients had increased GMV in the middle temporal gyrus and cerebellar posterior lobe, but decreased GMV in the Rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, insular lobe, cingulate gyrus, precuneus, rectus gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. iRBD duration was positively correlated with GMV in the precuneus, cuneus, superior parietal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, lingual gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum posterior lobe. Furthermore, phasic chin electromyographic activity was positively correlated with GMV in the hippocampus, precuneus, fusiform gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, cuneus, inferior parietal lobule, angular gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, paracentral lobule, and cerebellar posterior lobe. There were no significant negative correlations of brain GMV with disease duration or electromyographic activity in iRBD patients. These findings expand the spectrum of known gray matter modifications in iRBD patients and provide evidence of a correlation between brain dysfunction and clinical manifestations in such patients. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huashan Hospital (approval No. KY2013-336) on January 6, 2014. This trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN18238599).

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    Neural stem cell transplantation inhibits glial cell proliferation and P2X receptor-mediated neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury rats
    Xiao-Jing Du,Yue-Xia Chen,Zun-Cheng Zheng,Nan Wang,Xiao-Yu Wang,Fan-E Kong
    2019, 14 (5):  876-885.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249236
    Abstract ( 119 )   PDF (2447KB) ( 246 )   Save

    P2X4 and P2X7 receptors play an important role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Regulation of P2X4 and P2X7 receptors can obviously reduce pain hypersensitivity after injury. To investigate the role of neural stem cell transplantation on P2X receptor-me¬diated neuropathic pain and explore related mechanisms, a rat model of spinal cord injury was prepared using the free-falling heavy body method with spinal cord segment 10 as the center. Neural stem cells were injected into the injured spinal cord segment using a mi¬cro-syringe. Expression levels of P2X4 and P2X7 receptors, neurofilament protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. In addition, sensory function was quantitatively assessed by current perception threshold. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale was used to assess neuropathological pain. The results showed that 4 weeks after neural stem cell transplantation, expression of neurofilament protein in the injured segment was markedly increased, while expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and P2X4 and P2X7 receptors was decreased. At this time point, motor and sensory functions of rats were obviously improved, and neuropathic pain was alleviated. These findings demonstrated that neural stem cell transplantation reduced overexpression of P2X4 and P2X7 receptors, activated locomotor and sensory function reconstruction, and played an important role in neuropathic pain regulation after spinal cord injury. Therefore, neural stem cell transplantation is one potential option for relieving neuro¬pathic pain mediated by P2X receptors.

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    Dynamic changes in intramedullary pressure 72 hours after spinal cord injury
    Xin Zhang,Chang-Bin Liu,De-Gang Yang, Chuan Qin,Xue-Chao Dong,Da-Peng Li,Chao Zhang,Yun Guo,Liang-Jie Du,Feng Gao,Ming-Liang Yang,Jian-Jun Li
    2019, 14 (5):  886-895.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249237
    Abstract ( 114 )   PDF (1655KB) ( 230 )   Save

    Intramedullary pressure increases after spinal cord injury, and this can be an important factor for secondary spinal cord injury. Until now there have been no studies of the dynamic changes of intramedullary pressure after spinal cord injury. In this study, telemetry systems were used to observe changes in intramedullary pressure in the 72 hours following spinal cord injury to explore its pathological mechanisms. Spinal cord injury was induced using an aneurysm clip at T10 of the spinal cord of 30 Japanese white rabbits, while another 32 animals were only subjected to laminectomy. The feasibility of this measurement was assessed. Intramedullary pressure was monitored in anesthe¬tized and conscious animals. The dynamic changes of intramedullary pressure after spinal cord injury were divided into three stages: stage I (steep rise) 1–7 hours, stage II (steady rise) 8–38 hours, and stage III (descending) 39–72 hours. Blood-spinal barrier permeability, edema, hemorrhage, and histological results in the 72 hours following spinal cord injury were evaluated according to intramedullary pressure changes. We found that spinal cord hemorrhage was most severe at 1 hour post-spinal cord injury and then gradually decreased; albumin and aquaporin 4 immunoreactivities first increased and then decreased, peaking at 38 hours. These results confirm that severe bleeding in spinal cord tissue is the main cause of the sharp increase in intramedullary pressure in early spinal cord injury. Spinal cord edema and blood-spinal barrier destruction are important factors influencing intramedullary pressure in stages II and III of spinal cord injury.

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    Serum and cerebrospinal fluid tau protein level as biomarkers for evaluating acute spinal cord injury severity and motor function outcome
    Ying Tang,Hong-Liang Liu,Ling-Xia Min,Hao-Shi Yuan,Lei Guo,Peng-Bo Han,Yu-Xin Lu,Jian-Feng Zhong,Dong-Lin Wang
    2019, 14 (5):  896-902.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249238
    Abstract ( 129 )   PDF (842KB) ( 230 )   Save

    Tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein, has a high specific expression in neurons and axons. Because traumatic spinal cord injury mainly affects neurons and axons, we speculated that tau protein may be a promising biomarker to reflect the degree of spinal cord injury and prognosis of motor function. In this study, 160 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, and mild, moderate, and severe spinal cord injury groups. A laminectomy was performed at the T8 level to expose the spinal cord in all groups. A contusion lesion was made with the NYU-MASCIS impactor by dropping a 10 g rod from heights of 12.5 mm (mild), 25 mm (moderate) and 50 mm (severe) upon the exposed dorsal surface of the spinal cord. Tau protein levels were measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples at 1, 6, 12, 24 hours, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after operation. Locomotor function of all rats was assessed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Tau protein concentration in the three spinal cord injury groups (both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid) rapidly increased and peaked at 12 hours after spinal cord injury. Statistically significant positive linear correlations were found between tau protein level and spinal cord injury severity in the three spinal cord injury groups, and between the tau protein level and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores. The tau protein level at 12 hours in the three spinal cord injury groups was negatively correlated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores at 28 days (serum: r = -0.94; cerebrospinal fluid: r = -0.95). Our data suggest that tau protein levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid might be a promising biomarker for predicting the severity and functional outcome of traumatic spinal cord injury.

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    Aligned fibers enhance nerve guide conduits when bridging peripheral nerve defects focused on early repair stage
    Qi Quan,Hao-Ye Meng,Biao Chang,Guang-Bo Liu,Xiao-Qing Cheng,He Tang,Yu Wang,Jiang Peng,Qing Zhao,Shi-Bi Lu
    2019, 14 (5):  903-912.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249239
    Abstract ( 112 )   PDF (3121KB) ( 320 )   Save

    Nerve conduits enhance nerve regeneration in the repair of long-distance peripheral nerve defects. To help optimize the effective¬ness of nerve conduits for nerve repair, we developed a multi-step electrospinning process for constructing nerve guide conduits with aligned nanofibers. The alignment of the nerve guide conduits was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and fast Fourier trans¬form. The mechanical performance of the nerve guide conduits was assessed by testing for tensile strength and compression resistance. The biological performance of the aligned fibers was examined using Schwann cells, PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglia in vitro. Immunohisto¬chemistry was performed for the Schwann cell marker S100 and for the neurofilament protein NF200 in PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglia. In the in vivo experiment, a 1.5-cm defect model of the right sciatic nerve in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats was produced and bridged with an aligned nerve guide conduit. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the expression of ATF3 and cleaved caspase-3 in the regenerating matrix. The recovery of motor function was evaluated using the static sciatic nerve index. The number of my¬elinated fibers, axon diameter, fiber diameter, and myelin thickness in the distal nerve were observed by electron microscopy. Gastrocnemius muscle mass ratio was also determined. The analyses revealed that aligned nanofiber nerve guide conduits have good mechanical properties and can induce Schwann cells, PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglia to aggregate along the length of the nanofibers, and promote the growth of longer axons in the latter two (neuronal) cell types. The aligned fiber nerve conduits increased the expression of ATF3 and cleaved caspase-3 at the middle of the regenerative matrix and at the distal nerve segment, improved sciatic nerve function, increased muscle mass of the gastroc¬nemius muscle, and enhanced recovery of distal nerve ultrastructure. Collectively, the results show that highly aligned nanofibers improve the performance of the nerve conduit bridge, and enhance its effectiveness in repairing peripheral nerve defects.

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    (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide inhibits the inflammatory cascade reaction in astrocytes
    Yan-Qiu Cui, Yan Zheng, Gui-Lian Tan, Dong-Mei Zhang, Jun-Ya Wang, Xiao-Min Wang
    2019, 14 (5):  913-920.  doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.249240
    Abstract ( 103 )   PDF (1294KB) ( 215 )   Save

    Many studies have shown that (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide is the optimal modified analogue of triptolide, possessing comparable im¬munosuppressive activity but much lower cytotoxicity than triptolide. Whether (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide has preventive effects on neuroinflammation is unclear. This study was designed to pretreat primary astrocytes from the brains of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats with 20, 100 and 500 nM (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide for 1 hour before establishing an in vitro neuroinflammation model with 1.0 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours. The generation of nitric oxide was detected by Griess reagents. Astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic pro¬tein was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in the culture supernatant were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear factor-κB/p65 expression was examined by immunofluorescence staining. The phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor IκB-α and the location of nuclear factor-κB/P65 were determined using western blot assay. Our data revealed that (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide inhibited the generation of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β from primary astrocytes activated by lipopolysaccharide, decreased the positive reaction intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein, reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β in culture supernatant, inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α and the translocation of nuclear factor-κB/P65 to the nucleus. These results have confirmed that (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide inhibits lipopolysac¬charide-induced glial inflammatory response and provides cytological experimental data for (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

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