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Basic and Clinical Neuroscience - Volume:12 Issue: 3, May-Jun 2021

Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
Volume:12 Issue: 3, May-Jun 2021

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1400/06/09
  • تعداد عناوین: 11
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  • Ghasem Majdi Yazdi, Gholamhasan Vaezi*, Vida Hojati, Mohammad Mohammad-Zadeh Pages 301-308
    Introduction

    Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage the physiological processes of brain tissue. Given the antioxidant properties of Gingerol (GING), this study aimed to determine the protective effect of 6-gingerol on hippocampal levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), DNA oxidative damage, and the amount of Bax and Bcl2 apoptosis indices of rats exposed to AuNPs.

    Methods

    A total of 42 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs+GING 50 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 50 mg/kg), and AuNPs+GING100 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 100 mg/kg). At the end of the treatment period, the hippocampal levels of NGF, BDNF, 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-HOdG), and apoptotic indices of Bax and Bcl-2 were assessed with the ELISA method.

    Results

    Compared with the AuNPs group, hippocampal levels of BDNF, NGF, and Bcl-2 in rats in the AuNPs+GING 50 and AuNPs+GING 100 groups significantly increased dose-dependently. However, the hippocampal levels of Bax and 8-HOdG significantly decreased dose-dependently (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    According to obtained results, gingerol may improve hippocampal BDNF and NGF levels in rats exposed to AuNPs, probably by reducing apoptosis and oxidative DNA damage.

    Keywords: Nanoparticles, Hippocampus gingerol, Brain derived neurotrophic factor, Nerve growth factor
  • Mohammad Hossein Mirzaii-Dizgah, Mohammad Reza Mirzaii-Dizgah, Iraj Mirzaii-Dizgah* Pages 309-314
    Introduction

    Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is presented with motor and sensory function loss. It is caused by demyelination and following axonal lesion. As Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is one of the key elements of the myelin cover, we examined the level of MBP in serum, stimulated, and unstimulated saliva as a suitable biomarker for detecting MS.

    Methods

    A case-control study was performed in 29 healthy women and 32 definitive relapsing-remitting MS patients hospitalized in Imam Reza hospital, Tehran, Iran. MBP level was assayed in serum and stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva.

    Results

    MBP was expressed at a lower level in serum and stimulated saliva of MS patients compared to the control group. The serum MBP level had a considerable correlation with its stimulated saliva level. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significant diagnostic ability for MBP to discriminate MS patients with serum and stimulated saliva from controls.

    Conclusion

    Serum and saliva level of MBP is lower in MS, so it may be considered a potential biomarker in MS.

    Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Myelin Basic Protein, Saliva, Serum
  • Davood Sanooghi, Naser Amini, Fereshteh Azedi, Zohreh Bagher, Asghar Parvishan, Abolfazl Lotfi, Nooshin Rashidi, Erfan Lotfi, Forough Azam Sayahpour, Faezeh Faghihi* Pages 315-324
    Introduction

    Cholinergic-associated diseases currently constitute a significant cause of neurological and neurodegenerative disabilities. As the drugs are not efficient in improving the suffered tissues, stem cell treatment is considered an effective strategy for substituting the lost cells.

    Methods

    In the current study, we set out to investigate the differentiation properties of human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs) into cholinergic-like cells by two morphogens of Retinoic Acid (RA) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) using a three-step in vitro procedure. The results were evaluated using real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry for two weeks.

    Results

    Our data showed that the cells could express cholinergic specific markers, including Islet-1, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), SMI-32, and Nestin, at mRNA and protein levels. We could also quantitatively evaluate the expression of Islet-1, AChE, and Nestin at 14 days post-induction using flow cytometry. 

    Conclusion

    Human AD-MSCs are potent cells to differentiate into cholinergic-like cells in the presence of RA and Shh through a three-step protocol. Thus, they could be a suitable cell candidate for the regeneration of cholinergic-associated diseases. However, more functional and electrophysiological analyses are needed in this regard.

    Keywords: Cholinergic differentiation, Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, Retinoic acid, Sonic hedgehog
  • Mina Gholami, Farzad Hozuri, Setayesh Abdolkarimi, Mahsa Mahmoudi, Majid Motaghinejad*, Sepideh Safari, Samira Sadr Pages 325-338
    Introduction

    The neuroprotective impact of curcumin and the role of CREB (Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding protein)-BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) signaling pathway was evaluated in Methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurodegeneration in rats.

    Methods

    Sixty adult male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. While normal saline and 10 mg/kg METH were administered intraperitoneally in groups 1 and 2, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 received METH (10 mg/kg) and curcumin (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively) simultaneously. Morris water maze test was administered, and oxidative hippocampal, antioxidant, inflammatory, apoptotic, and CREB and BDNF were assessed.

    Results

    We found that METH disturbs learning and memory. Concurrent curcumin therapy (40 and 80 mg/kg) decreased cognitive disturbance caused by METH. Multiple parameters, such as lipid peroxidation, the oxidized form of glutathione, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Bax were increased by METH therapy, while the reduced type of glutathione, Bcl-2, P-CREB, and BDNF concentrations in the hippocampus were decreased. 

    Conclusion

    Different doses of curcumin adversely attenuated METH-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation but enhanced the concentrations of P-CREB and BDNF. The neuroprotection caused by curcumin against METH-induced neurodegeneration is mediated through P-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway activation.

    Keywords: Methamphetamine, Curcumin, Neurodegeneration, Cyclic AMP response element binding protein, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
  • Afsane Bahrami, Fariborz Rezaeitalab, Seyed Kazem Farahmand, Zahra Mazloum Khorasani, Seyed Mostafa Arabi, Hamidreza Bahrami-Taghanaki, Gordon A. Ferns, Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan* Pages 339-348
    Introduction

    Vitamin D may affect the modulation of signaling pathways in the central nervous system. We aimed to evaluate the effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on neuropsychological functions in female adolescents. 

    Methods

    We studied the effects of 9 weeks of vitamin D supplementation (50000 IU vitamin D3 [cholecalciferol]/week) on cognitive abilities and sleep disorders in 940 adolescent girls. 

    Results

    Oral vitamin D supplementation improved cognitive abilities, including memory, inhibitory control, selective attention, decision making, planning, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility in healthy adolescent girls (P<0.001). The prevalence of subjects with insomnia after intervention fell from 15.0% to 11.3%. Similar results were also found for the prevalence of sleepiness (15.6% reduced to 14.7%), or cases with both insomnia and sleepiness (8.0% reduced to 6.1%; P<0.05). 

    Conclusion

    High dose of vitamin D can improve cognitive abilities and alleviate insomnia and daytime sleepiness in adolescent girls. Further investigations are required on different population groups (age and gender) to determine the sustainability of these effects. The value of vitamin D therapy in other neurological disorders would also be of research interest.

    Keywords: Vitamin D, Cognition, Adolescents, Sleepiness, Insomnia
  • Gholamhasan Jafarzadeh, Saeid Shakerian*, Yaghoob Farbood, Mohsen Ghanbarzadeh Pages 349-360
    Introduction

    This study evaluates the effects of 8 weeks of resistance exercises on the expression of neurotrophins and Trk receptors in Alzheimer model male Wistar rats. 

    Methods

    For this purpose, 32 mature male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 230-280 g were chosen and divided into Alzheimer and Sham groups. The rats in the sham group received normal saline, while the ones in the Alzheimer group received streptomycin via intraventricular injection. These rats were then divided into the following four subgroups: 1) resting sham, 2) exercising sham, 3) resting Alzheimer, and 4) exercising Alzheimer. The two exercising rat subgroups exercised three times a week for 8 weeks. A weight was attached to their tails, and they had to carry it on a 26-step ladder in each cycle. Resting groups were handled every day to minimize the effects of stress. At the end of the eighth week and 24 hours after the last exercise session (to avoid the effects of the last exercise session), the rats were put under deep anesthesia and beheaded. Hippocampus tissues were precisely extracted, and samples were sent to the laboratory for molecular and cellular tests. To investigate gene expression, quantitative RT-PCR was used.

    Results

    The tests for comparing the mean values of BDNF, NT3, NGF, TrkA, and TrkB in two rat groups showed that with error levels of less than 5%, there is a significant difference in the amounts of BDNF, NT3, NGF, TrkA, and TrkB between exercising rats and resting ones. These amounts were much higher in the exercising Alzheimer rats group.

    Conclusion

    Eight weeks of resistance exercises increased the expression of BDNF, NT3, and NGF genes and TrkA and TrkB receptors in Alzheimer model Wistar rats.

    Keywords: Resistance exercises, Neurotrophins, Trk receptors, Alzheimer, Rat
  • Homa Rasoolijazi*, Sattar Norouzi Ofogh, Shima Ababzadeh, Mehdi Mehdizadeh, Fatemeh Shabkhiz Pages 361-372
    Introduction

    A sequence of time-dependent changes can affect the brain’s functional capacity.
    This study aimed at investigating the effects of Forced Aerobic Exercise (FAE) versus the Rosemary Extract (RE) on the learning abilities and oxidative stress modulation in rats.

    Methods

    Young and old rats received daily FAE and RE for 3 months. Using the Passive Avoidance (PA) test, we evaluated the learning and memory of the rats by Step-Through Latency (STL) score. We measured the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CATA), Malondialdehyde (MDA) enzymes levels, and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in the hippocampus

    Results

    FAE could significantly increase the STL score (P<0.001) among old rats similar to the rosemary extract consumption. The SOD, GPx, and CATA enzyme activities and the level of TAC significantly increased by the treatments (exercise: P<0.001 for SOD and TAC and P<0.05 for CATA, exercise/rosemary: P<0.001 for all enzymes, and rosemary: P<0.01 for SOD and TAC). Furthermore, the MDA level significantly decreased by the treatments (exercise and exercise/rosemary: P<0.001, rosemary: P<0.01). The partial Pearson test revealed the significant positive correlations between the score of STL (day 2) with the SOD (P<0.01) and TAC (P<0.05) levels and negative correlations between the MDA level and STL score in both days (P<0.05 for the first day and P<0.001 for the second day).

    Conclusion

    Similar to the rosemary extract, FAE could increase the working memory and antioxidants activity in old rats in 3 months.

    Keywords: Cognition, Antiox idant, Enzymes, Aerobic exercise, Aging
  • Ali Esfandiarifar, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani*, Maghsood Peeri, Seyed Behnamedin Jameie Pages 373-382
    Introduction

    Diazinon is one of the most widely-used organophosphate pesticides in the world. This toxin enters the body in various ways and induces oxidative stress in various tissues. It has been proved that activation of Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) under oxidative stress is a steady mechanism for maintaining cell function and survival. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the effect of Resistance Training (RT) and Berberine Chloride (BC) on the apoptosis-related UPR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of diazinon-poisoned rats.

    Methods

    In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 250 ±50 g were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats of 1) diazinon + 2 mg/kg BC + RT, 2) diazinon + 15 mg/kg BC + RT, 3) diazinon, 4) diazinon + RT, 5) diazinon + 2 mg/kg BC, 6) diazinon + 15 mg/ kg BC, 7) healthy control, and 8) sham. The groups were treated for 5 weeks. At the end of the fifth week, ATF-4, ATF-6, and CHOP gene expression in hippocampus tissue were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

    Results

    Diazinon significantly increased the expression of ATF-4, ATF-6, and CHOP in the hippocampus tissue of rats. Administrating 15 mg/kg BC with RT significantly decreased these genes, indicating a decrease in the rate of apoptosis in the hippocampus.

    Conclusion

    This study showed that RT and BC have a protective effect against diazinon-induced toxicity in the hippocampus.

    Keywords: Berberine chloride, Diazinon, Resistance training, Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF-4), Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF-6), CHOP
  • Seyed Behnamedin Jameie*, Abbas Pirasteh, Ali Naseri, Melika Sadat Jameie, Mona Farhadi, Javad Fahanik Babaee, Leila Elyasi Pages 383-394
    Introduction

    The increasing cases of Alzheimer Disease (AD) has caused numerous problems. The risk of developing AD increases in menopausal women, too. Apigenin and β-estradiol are effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. We conducted the present study to explore their combined effects on β-amyloid plaque formation, memory, and learning in ovariectomized rats.

    Methods

    Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: 1) ovariectomized (OVX), 2) OVX + apigenin, 3) OVX + β-estradiol, 4) OVX + apigenin +  β-estradiol, 5 &6) vehicle shams for E2 and API , and 7) surgical sham. Treatment was done with apigenin and β-estradiol. Then, we studied the formation of β-amyloid plaques, neuronal density in the hippocampus area, apoptosis, memory, and learning.

    Results

    Findings showed the significant formation of β-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of OVX animals and their memory impairment. Apigenin and β-estradiol significantly reduced the number of β-amyloid plaques, as well as the symptoms of memory impairment and learning, and decreased the expression of caspase-3 in treated animals.

    Conclusion

    Accordingly, β-estradiol and apigenin could have more potent therapeutic effects on AD.

    Keywords: β-Amyloid plaques, β-Estradiol, Apigenin, Ovariectomy
  • Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia*, Jeffrey Amoako Mensah, Patrick Amoateng, Dorcas Osei-Safo, Awo Efua Koomson, Joseph Torbi, Donatus Wewura Adongo, Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, Inemesit Okon Ben, Seth Kwabena Amponsah, Kwasi Agyei Bugyei, Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye Pages 395-408
    Introduction

    Major depressive disorder is often associated with suicidal tendencies, and this condition accentuates the need for rapid-acting antidepressants. We previously reported that Alkaloids (ALK) from Trichilia monadelpha possess antidepressant action in acute animal models of depression and that this effect is mediated through the monoamine and L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathways. This study investigated the possible rapid-onset antidepressant effect of ALK from T. monadelpha and its connection with the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway.

    Methods

    The onset of ALK action from T. monadelpha was evaluated using the Open Space Swim Test (OSST), a chronic model of depression. The modified forced swimming and tail suspension tests were used to assess the effect of the ALK on the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. The Instutute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were treated with either ALK (30–300 mg/kg, orally [PO]), imipramine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), fluoxetine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), or saline. To identify the role of glycine/NMDA receptor pathway in the effect of ALK, we pretreated mice with a partial agonist of the glycine/NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [IP]), and an agonist of glycine/NMDA receptor, D-serine (600 mg/kg, IP), before ALK administration.

    Results

    ALK reversed immobility in mice after the second day of drug treatment in the OSST. In contrast, there was a delay in the effects induced by fluoxetine and imipramine. ALK also increased mean swimming and climbing scores in mice. ALK was more efficacious than imipramine and fluoxetine in reducing immobility and increasing distance traveled. It is noteworthy that ALK was less potent than fluoxetine and imipramine. D-cycloserine potentiated mobility observed in the ALK- and fluoxetine-treated mice. In contrast, D-serine decreased mobility in the ALK-treated mice.

    Conclusion

    The study results suggest that ALK from T. monadelpha exhibits rapid antidepressant action in mice, and the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway possibly mediates the observed effect.

    Keywords: Glycine, NMDA receptor, Open space swim test, Rapid-acting antidepressant, Trichilia, Alkaloids
  • Rahim Golmohammadi, Ali Delbari* Pages 409-414
    Introduction

    The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve of the sacral plexus which innervates many muscles and vast areas of the skin of the lower limb. It leaves the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen, emerges into the gluteal region by passing under the piriformis muscle, and descends beneath the gluteus maximus to divide into its terminal branches; the tibial and common peroneal nerve at the superior angle of the popliteal fossa. In some cases, the sciatic nerve divides into the tibial and common peroneal nerves at a higher level and one of them or both passes through or over the piriformis muscle.

    Case Presentation

    We find an interesting bilateral variation of sciatic nerve accompanying a very thick inferior gluteal nerve on the right side and unusual route and branching of tibial and common peroneal nerves on the left side.

    Conclusion

    As in conditions like intramuscular injections, gluteal surgeries, and piriformis syndrome such variations may increase the risk of injury, it is important for the medical team to be aware of them. In this paper, by reporting many variations in a cadaver, we emphasize the importance of anatomical variations, especially for surgeons and nurses.

    Keywords: Sciatic nerve, Inferior gluteal nerve, Anatomic variation