OTHERS_CITABLE The Effect of 6-gingerol on Growth Factors and Apoptosis Indices in Rats Exposed to Gold Nanoparticles 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.  http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1629-en.pdf 2021-05-01 301 308 10.32598/bcn.2021.357.1 Nanoparticles Hippocampus gingerol Brain derived neurotrophic factor Nerve growth factor Ghasem Majdi Yazdi majdi131@yahoo.com 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-0451 Gholamhasan Vaezi gh.vaezi@yahoo.com 2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran. AUTHOR Vida Hojati vida.hojati@gmail.com 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0408-389X Mohammad Mohammad-Zadeh mohammadzadehmh@mums.ac.ir 4 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR
OTHERS_CITABLE Serum and Saliva Myelin Basic Protein as Multiple Sclerosis Biomarker 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1573-en.pdf 2021-05-01 309 314 10.32598/bcn.2021.950.2 Multiple sclerosis Myelin Basic Protein Saliva Serum Mohammad Hossein Mirzaii-Dizgah m.mashein@yahoo.com 1 Student Research Committee, School of Dentistry, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7386-5086 Mohammad Reza Mirzaii-Dizgah drmirzaiidizgah@gmail.com 2 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0587-0182 Iraj Mirzaii-Dizgah emirzaii@alumnus.tums.ac.ir 3 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3488-6842
OTHERS_CITABLE Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Human Adipose Tissue Into Cholinergic-like Cells: An in Vitro Study 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1589-en.pdf 2021-05-01 315 324 10.32598/bcn.2021.1008.2 Cholinergic differentiation Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells Retinoic acid Sonic hedgehog Davood Sanooghi 1 Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4602-4695 Naser Amini 2 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/000-0001-8453-9342 Fereshteh Azedi fazeditehrani@gmail.com 3 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/000-0001-9776-7686 Zohreh Bagher 4 ENT and Head & Neck Research Center, The Five Basic Sensory Institute, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1001-2892 Asghar Parvishan 5 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Abolfazl Lotfi 6 Damavand Agricultural College, Technical and Vocational University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1249-0241 Nooshin Rashidi 7 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Erfan Lotfi 8 School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5751-9303 Forough Azam Sayahpour 9 Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Faezeh Faghihi faghihi.f@iums.ac.ir 10 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1657-6242
OTHERS_CITABLE Pharmacological and Molecular Evidence of Neuroprotective Curcumin Effects Against Biochemical and Behavioral Sequels Caused by Methamphetamine: Possible Function of CREB-BDNF Signaling Pathway 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1382-en.pdf 2021-05-01 325 338 10.32598/bcn.2021.1176.3 Methamphetamine Curcumin Neurodegeneration Cyclic AMP response element binding protein Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Mina Gholami 1 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8335-6026 Farzad Hozuri 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Setayesh Abdolkarimi 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Mahsa Mahmoudi 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3159-0819 Majid Motaghinejad dr.motaghinejad6@gmail.com 5 Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Iran Psychiatric Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Sepideh Safari 6 Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6299-4915 Samira Sadr 7 Department of Research and Development, Parsian-Exir-Aria Pharmaceutical Company, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR
OTHERS_CITABLE High-dose Vitamin D Supplementation and Improvement in Cognitive Abilities, Insomnia, and Daytime Sleepiness in Adolescent Girls 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1538-en.pdf 2021-05-01 339 348 10.32598/bcn.2021.1910.1 Vitamin D Cognition Adolescents Sleepiness Insomnia Afsane Bahrami afsbahrami91@yahoo.com 1 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Bijand, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4563-6112 Fariborz Rezaeitalab 2 Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6266-5268 Seyed Kazem Farahmand 3 Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4690-5422 Zahra Mazloum Khorasani 4 Endocrine Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4154-3469 Seyed Mostafa Arabi 5 Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1581-5336 Hamidreza Bahrami-Taghanaki 6 Chinese and Complementary Medicine Research Center, School of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5756-0952 Gordon A. Ferns 7 Division of Medical Education, School of Brighton & Sussex Medical, University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, UK. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0957-8349 Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan 8 Metabolic Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1081-6754
OTHERS_CITABLE Effects of Eight Weeks of Resistance Exercises on Neurotrophins and Trk Receptors in Alzheimer Model Male Wistar Rats 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1606-en.pdf 2021-05-01 349 360 10.32598/bcn.2021.2067.1 Resistance exercises Neurotrophins Trk receptors Alzheimer Rat Gholamhasan Jafarzadeh jafarzadehasan@yahoo.com 1 Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6060-5808 Saeid Shakerian sashakeryan@gmail.com 2 Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. AUTHOR Yaghoob Farbood farbood_y@yahoo.com 3 Department of Physiology, Khalij Fars Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6390-0079 Mohsen Ghanbarzadeh ghanbarzadeh213@gmail.com 4 Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. AUTHOR
OTHERS_CITABLE Comparing the Effects of Rosemary Extract and Treadmill Exercise on the Hippocampal Function and Antioxidant Capacity in Old Rats 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.  http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1638-en.pdf 2021-05-01 361 372 10.32598/bcn.12.3.2139.1 Cognition Antiox idant Enzymes Aerobic exercise Aging Homa Rasoolijazi hjaz.2010@yahoo.com 1 Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/000-0003-0051-9171 Sattar Norouzi Ofogh zenon1366@gmail.com 2 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7715-1657 Shima Ababzadeh shimaababzadeh@gmail.com 3 Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3481-9714 Mehdi Mehdizadeh Mehdizadeh.m@iums.ac.ir 4 Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9268-7318 Fatemeh Shabkhiz shabkhiz@ut.ac.ir 5 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1183-9517
OTHERS_CITABLE The Effect of Resistance Training and Berberine Chloride on the Apoptosis-related Unfolded Protein Response Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus of Diazinon-poisoned Rats 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1665-en.pdf 2021-05-01 373 382 10.32598/bcn.2021.2250.1 Berberine chloride Diazinon Resistance training Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF-4) Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF-6) CHOP Ali Esfandiarifar ali.esfandiyari.spr@iauctb.ac.ir 1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2531-2612 Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani m_azarbayjani@iauctb.ac.ir 2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3502-7487 Maghsood Peeri m.peeri@iauctb.ac.ir 3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1415-7319 Seyed Behnamedin Jameie Jameie.sb@iums.ac.ir 4 Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2062-4155
OTHERS_CITABLE β-Amyloid Formation, Memory, and Learning Decline Following Long-term Ovariectomy and Its Inhibition by Systemic Administration of Apigenin and β-Estradiol 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1820-en.pdf 2021-05-01 383 394 10.32598/bcn.2021.2634.1 β-Amyloid plaques β-Estradiol Apigenin Ovariectomy Seyed Behnamedin Jameie jameie.sb@iums.ac.ir 1 Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2062-4155 Abbas Pirasteh apirasteh6@gmail.com 2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Firoozabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran. AUTHOR Ali Naseri Ali.N5@gmail.com 3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Firoozabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran. AUTHOR Melika Sadat Jameie behjame@gmail.com 4 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Behshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2028-9935 Mona Farhadi monafarhadi@yahoo.com 5 Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4006-2348 Javad Fahanik Babaee Fahanikbabaee1358@gmail.com 6 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6707-132X Leila Elyasi Elyasy_leila@yahoo.com 7 Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2618-2434
OTHERS_CITABLE Glycine/NMDA Receptor Pathway Mediates the Rapid-onset Antidepressant Effect of Alkaloids From Trichilia Monadelpha 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1907-en.pdf 2021-05-01 395 408 10.32598/bcn.12.3.2838.1 Glycine/NMDA receptor Open space swim test Rapid-acting antidepressant Trichilia Alkaloids Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia edemkennedy@yahoo.com 1 Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2948-9615 Jeffrey Amoako Mensah jeffreyamoako.mensah@utah.edu 2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S. A. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7026-9329 Patrick Amoateng pamoateng@ug.edu.gh 3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3607-6870 Dorcas Osei-Safo doseisafo@ug.edu.gh 4 Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-3485 Awo Efua Koomson diamondefua@ymail.com 5 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7665-499X Joseph Torbi jtorbi@st.ug.edu.gh 6 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0944-9587 Donatus Wewura Adongo donatusadongo@yahoo.com 7 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1177-8729 Elvis Ofori Ameyaw 8 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8317-9602 Inemesit Okon Ben 9 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7752-3315 Seth Kwabena Amponsah 10 Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7411-0972 Kwasi Agyei Bugyei 11 Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9831-2349 Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye 12 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3902-5689
OTHERS_CITABLE Analgesic Effect of Bumetanide on Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury Introduction: The current study evaluated the analgesic effects of bumetanide as an adjunctive in the management of neuropathic pain following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The peripheral expression of Na-K-Cl Cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) and K-Cl Cotransporter-2 (KCC2) genes in polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMLs) was assessed as a possible biomarker indicating central mechanisms underlying the observed response. Methods: Through an open-label, single-arm, pilot trial of bumetanide (2 mg/d), an add-on treatment was conducted on 14 SCI patients for 19 weeks. This study consisted of 3 phases: pre-treatment (1 month), titration (3 weeks), and active treatment (4 months). Ultimately, 9 patients completed the study. The primary outcome variables were the endpoint pain score using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and also the short-form of the McGill pain questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included the short-form of the health survey that assesses the quality of life. Blood samples were collected and used for determining the expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 genes in transcription and translation levels. Results: Bumetanide treatment significantly decreased average pain intensity according to the NRS and the short-form of the McGill pain questionnaire scores. Baseline expression of KCC2 protein was low between groups and increased significantly following treatment (P<0.05). In the current study, pain improvement was accompanied by the greater mean change from the baseline (improvement) for the overall quality of life. Conclusion: These data highlighted the analgesic effect of bumetanide on neuropathic pain and indicated the potential role of the upregulation of KCC2 protein and involvement of GABAergic disinhibition in producing neuropathic pain. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1607-en.pdf 2021-05-01 409 420 10.32598/bcn.2021.2049.1 Bumetanide Na-K-Cl Cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) K-Cl Cotransporter-2 (KCC2) Neuropathic pain Spinal cord injury GammaAminobutyric Acid (GABA) Farinaz Nasirinezhad fnasirinezhad12@yahoo.com 1 Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6285-1036 Leila Zarepour leilazarepour1@yahoo.com 2 Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8801-484X Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem hajighasem1398@yahoo.com 3 Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9046-2767 Zeinab Gharaylou gharaylouz12@yahoo.com 4 Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7238-2616 Hossin Majedi majedih12@yahoo.com 5 Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR Fatemeh Ramezani framezani2014@yahoo.com 6 Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR
OTHERS_CITABLE Report of a Novel Bilateral Variation of Sciatic and Inferior Gluteal Nerve: A Case Study 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. http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1530-en.pdf 2021-05-01 421 426 10.32598/bcn.2021.1900.1 Sciatic nerve Inferior gluteal nerve Anatomic variation Rahim Golmohammadi rahimgolmohammadi@yahoo.com 1 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1741-8919 Ali Delbari alidel.del@gmail.com 2 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6177-4921