scholarly journals Nonlinear computational models of dynamical coding patterns in depression and normal rats: from electrophysiology to energy consumption

Author(s):  
Yuanxi Li ◽  
Rubin Wang ◽  
Tao Zhang

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most serious neuropsychiatric disorders. Exploring the pathogenesis and dynamical coding patterns of MDD can provide new targets for clinical drug treatment and new ideas for the research of other neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. We selected the medium spiny neuron (MSN) of nucleus accumbens (NAc) as the research objective. NAc is located in the dopaminergic pathway, regulating rewards, emotions and other behaviors. Abnormalities in these behaviors are considered as the main clinical symptoms of MDD. We simulated the different spike patterns of MSNs in MDD group and control group by dynamical Hodgkin–Huxley model. The simulated results can match the electrophysiological experiments, which occurred due to following reasons: (1) The external stimulus current of MDD group was amplified by the local neural microcircuit; (2) the selective permeability to sodium was abnormally decreased; and (3) the dopamine D2 receptor signaling pathway was abnormal in the MDD group. Furthermore, we proposed a dynamical energy model, and the energy results demonstrated that the energy cost in MDD group was lower, which led to persistent depression in patients with MDD. Simultaneously, the negative-to-total energy ratio of MSN in MDD group was higher than that in control group, and the delay time of the power peak and the potential peak in MDD group was shorter than that in the control group. The results showed that the abnormal firing patterns were the direct cause of abnormal behaviors of MDD and indicated that subthreshold activities of MDD group were more intense.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Ye ◽  
Xiao-Lei Yuan ◽  
Jie Zhou ◽  
Can-xing Yuan ◽  
Xu-ming Yang

This study was performed to observe the effects of Zishenpingchan granule on neurobehavioral manifestations and the activity and gene expression of striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors of rats with levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). We established normal control group, LID model group, and TCM intervention group. Each group received treatment for 4 weeks. Artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to excavate the main factor influencing variation in neurobehavioral manifestations of rats with LID. The results showed that overactivation in direct pathway mediated by dopamine D1 receptor and overinhibition in indirect pathway mediated by dopamine D2 receptor may be the main mechanism of LID. TCM increased the efficacy time of LD to ameliorate LID symptoms effectively mainly by upregulating dopamine D2 receptor gene expression.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-172
Author(s):  
Khilyatul Baroroh ◽  
Suradi Suradi ◽  
Ade Rima

Background: Amplification of inflammation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the airways, pulmonary and systemic circulation that are characterized by increased plasma level of IL-6 and MDA, resulting in worsening of clinical symptoms. Xanthones in mangosteen pericarp have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially as an adjuntive therapy in acute exacerbations of COPD. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mangosteen pericarp extract to clinical improvements, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA of acute exacerbation COPD patients. A clinical trial of experimental with pretest and posttest was conducted on 34 acute exacerbation of COPD patients in Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta and Dr. Ario Wirawan Lung Hospital Salatiga from April until May 2016. The sample was taken by consecutive sampling. Subjects were divided by randomized double blind technique into the treatment group (n=17) received mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day and control group (n = 17) received placebo. Clinical improvements were measured in CAT score and length of stay. CAT score, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA were measured on admission and at discharge. Length of stay based on the number of days of care in hospitals. Results: There was significant difference (p=0,011) towards decreased of IL-6 plasma level between treatment group (-2,17 ± 3,46 pg/ mL) and control group (+1,67 ± 6,81 pg/mL). There were no significant difference towards decreased of length of stay (p=0,34) between treatment group (4,12 ± 1,54 days) and control group (5,24 ± 2,49 days), towards decreased of CAT score (p=0,252) between treatment group (-19,18 ± 3,96) and control group (-18,24 ± 2,75), and towards decreased of MDA plasma level (p=0,986) between treatment group (+0,03 ± 0,36μmol/L) and control group (+0,35 ± 1,58). Conclusions: The addition of mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day during hospitalization was significantly lowered plasma levels of IL-6, but were not significant in lowering the CAT score, shortening the length of stay, and reducing the increase in plasma level of MDA.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 665
Author(s):  
Andrea Lantiere Correa de Barros ◽  
Ariane Pereira Benites ◽  
Nathália Lopes Fontoura Mateus ◽  
Carlos Eurico dos Santos Fernandes

Dogs are considered the main domestic host of Leishmania infantum. The transmission between vertebrate hosts normally occurs during blood feeding of Lutzomyia sp., a genus of phlebotomine sand flies. However, other forms of transmission without a vector have been reported. Presence of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. in different organs can cause several pathologies depending on the immune status of the host and the parasite load. The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathological changes in the reproductive tract of male dogs. Samples of testes, epididymis, and prostate gland were collected from 70 animals that were grouped according to serology test results for visceral leishmaniasis and clinical symptoms. Three experimental groups were formed based on serological results and clinical presentation: asymptomatic, symptomatic and control. Prostatic changes were seen regardless of the serological results; however, the changes were more severe in symptomatic animals. In the testes and epididymis, lesions such as interstitial infiltrate, degeneration, and fibrosis were seen more frequently and were more severe in positive animals when compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that dogs infected with Leishmania sp. can develop nonspecific changes in the reproductive tract, which are more severe in symptomatic animals.


Author(s):  
Zahra Alizadeh ◽  
Nastaran Keyhanian ◽  
Sara Ghaderkhani ◽  
Simin Dashti-Khavidaki ◽  
Raheleh Shokouhi Shoormasti ◽  
...  

No effective antiviral drugs and vaccines are available for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, available, safe, and inexpensive drugs and supplements such as melatonin are among the proposed options for controlling inflammation. We did a randomized, single-blind study in Imam Khomeini Hospital between June 30, 2020, and August 5, 2020. Mild to moderate COVID-19 patients aged 25-65 years were eligible to enter the study based on chest CT scan, clinical symptoms, and physician diagnosis. The intervention group was prescribed 6 mg of oral melatonin for 2 weeks, which consumed half an hour before bedtime every night in low light conditions. Clinical symptoms and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before and after treatment in the melatonin received and control (regular medications) groups. Among screened patients with COVID-19, 14 patients were assigned to receive melatonin, and 17 patients were considered as controls. A significant difference (p=0.005) between CRP 1 and CRP 2 levels (before and after using melatonin) was found in the melatonin group while this difference (p=0.069) was not significant in the control group. Also, the percentage of recovery (based on symptoms) in patients who took melatonin was higher than that of patients in the control group (85.7% VS 47.1%).  The result of this study confirmed the effectiveness of melatonin in mild to moderate outpatients with COVID-19. More clinical trials on elderly, diabetic, obese patients and severe cases are suggested in future studies.   


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Liu

<p class="18">Abstract: Objective: To observe the clinical effect of “Chaihu Shugan Powder Zuojin Pill” in the treatment of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods: Sixty patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease were randomly divided into treatment group and control group (30 cases in each group). The patients were treated with “Zaohu Shugan Powder” and “Zangjin Pills” and omeprazole respectively. For 8 weeks, the clinical efficacy and changes in clinical symptoms were observed. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group and 80.0% in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups before and after treatment (P &lt;0.05). Conclusion: “Chaihu Shugan Powder Zuojin Pill” can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease.</p>


1998 ◽  
Vol 47 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 161-169
Author(s):  
M. K. Kornacka ◽  
E. Burzyńska ◽  
J. Gadzinowski

AbstractThe aim of this preliminary study was the estimation of renal blood flow in 16 premature newborns from twin pregnancies with mean body weight 1270 g and mean gestational age 29 weeks.In control group we have 16 singleton newborns with mean gestational age 29 weeks and mean birth weight 1240 g. In both intervention and control group we have the similar clinical symptoms. The renal blood flow was carried out in the first day of life with the Acuson 128 XP Colour Doppler using the 6 and 7 MHz linear transducer. The renal blood flow parameters-PI, RI, Vmax, Vmin Vmean were measured in right and left renal arteries in theirs courses from the aorta to the renal hilus, by color sinal. In the investigation group the mean value of RI in right and left renal artery was 0,88. Mean PI in right vessel was 1,67 and in left 1,56. Mean V min in right and in left artery was 0,03 and mean V max in right artery was 0,34 and in left 0,33. Mean value of mean velocity in right vessels was 0,18 and in left 0,19.In control group we observed in right artery mean value of PI 1,74 and in left 1,6. Mean RI was 0,86 and 0,86 in right vessel in left vessel. Mean V min was 0,05 in right and 0,04 in left artery. Mean V max was 0,37 in right and 0,34 in left artery. Mean value of V mean was 0,19 in right artery and 0,18 in left artery.Using the student, Mann-Whitney and Shapiro-Wilk tests we have not observed statistically significant difference of Doppler parameters between control and investigation group and between the left and right artery. Although in newborns with broad PDA we noted significant higher value of RI (0,97, 0,98) than in newborns without PDA (0,78, 0,81).


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiping Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Hua Jin ◽  
Dong Wang

Objectives. This study investigates the effect of Qingshen Granules (QSG) on chronic renal failure patients and the HIF-1α/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Methods. Subjects were randomly divided into treatment and control groups, with 42 patients in each group. Participants in the treatment group received 10 g oral doses of QSG 3 times a day, for 12 weeks, whereas subjects in the control group were given a placebo. The effective rates of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom, serum creatinine (Scr), and estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as the serum levels of HIF-1α, Wnt1, β-catenin, α-SMA, and E-cadherin were evaluated. Results. Eighty patients completed the treatment program and two dropped out. After 12 weeks, the effective rates of TCM symptom and eGFR were found to be higher in the treatment group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P = 0.024 and 0.019, respectively). Meanwhile, lower levels of HIF-1α, Wnt1, β-catenin, α-SMA, and E-cadherin were detected in the treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, and P = 0.039). No adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusions. QSG can alleviate the clinical symptoms of chronic renal failure (CRF) and protect renal function in patients by influencing the HIF-1α/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The treatment exhibits no adverse effects and is thus safe to be used by humans.


Author(s):  
Mehdi Mesri ◽  
Seied Saeid Esmaeili Saber ◽  
Mohammadreza Godazi ◽  
Aboulfazl Roustaei Shirdel ◽  
Reza Montazer ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Herbal medicines, as a treatment method, have received a great deal of attention. The effects of two herbal medicines namely Zingiber officinale and Echinacea on alleviation of clinical symptoms and hospitalization rate of suspected COVID-19 outpatients were examined. Methods A clinical trial with 100 suspected COVID-19 outpatients as participants was conducted. The participants were allocated randomly to two groups of 50 members. The intervention group received concurrent Zingiber officinale (Tablet Vomigone 500 mg II tds) and Echinacea (Tablet Rucoldup I tds) for seven days in addition to the standard treatment. The control group only received the standard treatment (Hydroxychloroquine). After seven days, alleviation of clinical symptoms and hospitalization rate were examined. In addition, 14 days after treatment, the hospitalization was assessed again by telephone follow up. Results The two groups were identical in terms of basic characteristics. Improvement level as to coughing, dyspnea, and muscle pain was higher in the intervention group (p value <0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the other symptoms. In addition, the hospitalization rate in the intervention and control groups were 2 and 6% respectively, which are not significantly different (p value >0.05). Conclusions Taking into account the efficiency and trivial side-effects of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea, using them for alleviation and control of the clinical symptoms in COVID-19 outpatients is recommended.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Xianbing Hou ◽  
Haizhang Wang ◽  
Yanzhen Huo ◽  
Hui Zhao

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of "heterozygous treatment" intervening the damp-heat constitution. Method: 106 cases with damp-heat constitution were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, 53 cases for each group. Lianpu drink was given to the two groups, and the observation group was treated with scraping, acupuncture, cupping, constitution care and popularization of constitution science for "heterozygous treatment" based on the control group. 70 days later, "constitution classification and determination table of traditional Chinese medicine" was used to determine, and statistics was applied to analyze the change of the symptoms of the two groups before and after the intervention. Results: in the observation group, compared to before the intervention, symptoms like dirty and oily complexion, yellow greasy tongue, bitter taste, dullness and scanty dark urine were significantly improved (P < 0.05), and improvement of the above symptoms was greater than the control group (P < 0.05) .Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: the "heterozygous treatment" method can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of people with damp-heat constitution, with a better role in regulating.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Hesti Nila Mayasari ◽  
Suradi Suradi ◽  
Ana Rima Setijadi

Backgrounds: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation which is a manifestation of complex interactions between cells and moleculer mediators. The aims asthma management is to reach asthma in controlled state. Providing an additional therapy in these circumstances is necessary to control asthma. Quercetin as an adjunctive therapy in asthma therapy may improve clinical symptoms and lung function. Methods: Experimental clinical trials of pretest of and postest design were conducted on 34 patient’s asthma at Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta in 6 October–10 December 2018. Subject of treatment group (n= 17) was given quercetin 500 mg per day within 28 days, the control group (n=17) received only standar therapy asthma. Decreased airway inflammation was assessed based on the percentage of blood eosinophil and IL-5. Clinical improvement was assessed by ACT score while lung function used FEV1. Results: Quercetin decreased the inflammatory airways in patients with asthma evidenced by significant decrease in plasma IL-5 of treatment groups but no significant differences between treatment and control group, the mean decrease of blood eosinophil in the treatment group was significant. Querectin improved lung function with decrease FEV1 of treatment groups but no significant differences between treatment and control group and there was a clinical improvement with significant ACT score enhancement in the treatment group. Conclusion: The administration of quercetin significantly reduced inflammation based on decreased levels of eosinophils. There are improvement of lung function and clinical symptoms after quercetin. (J Respir Indo. 2020; 40(1): 16-23)


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