scholarly journals NIR Laser Photobiomodulation Induces Neuroprotection in an In Vitro Model of Cerebral Hypoxia/Ischemia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Gerace ◽  
Francesca Cialdai ◽  
Elettra Sereni ◽  
Daniele Lana ◽  
Daniele Nosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Radiation ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Laser Source ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Hypoxia Ischemia ◽  
Nir Laser

AbstractBrain photobiomodulation (PBM) is an innovative treatment for a variety of neurological conditions, including cerebral ischemia. However, the capability of PBM for ischemic stroke needs to be further explored and its mechanisms of action remain currently unclear. The aim of the present research was to identify a treatment protocol capable of inducing neuroprotection and to investigate the molecular mechanisms activated by a dual-wavelength near infrared (NIR) laser source in an organotypic hippocampal slice model of hypoxia/ischemia. Hippocampal slices were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) for 30 min followed by NIR laser light (fluence 3.71, 7.42, or 14.84 J/cm2; wavelengths 808 nm and 905 nm) delivered immediately or 30 min or 60 min after OGD, in order to establish a therapeutic window. Neuronal injury was assessed by propidium iodide fluorescence 24 h later. Our results show that NIR laser irradiation attenuates OGD neurotoxicity once applied immediately or 30 min after OGD. Western blot analysis of proteins involved in neuroinflammation (iNOS, COX-2, NFkB subunit p65, and Bcl-2) and in glutamatergic-mediated synaptic activity (vGluT1, EAAT2, GluN1, and PSD95) showed that the protein modifications induced by OGD were reverted by NIR laser application. Moreover, CA1 confocal microscopy revealed that the profound morphological changes induced by OGD were reverted by NIR laser radiation. In conclusion, NIR laser radiation attenuates OGD neurotoxicity in organotypic hippocampal slices through attenuation of inflammatory mechanisms. These findings shed light on molecular definition of NIR neuroprotective mechanisms, thus underlining the potential benefit of this technique for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 : surrogate marker and therapeutic target against neurovascular impairment after cerebral ischemia

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Shanyan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Gelatinase Activity

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Stroke ranks fourth among all causes of death, and acute ischemic stroke is the most common form. The neurovascular unit (NVU) describes a basic functional structure in the brain and is primarily composed of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia and neurons. The dynamic structure of the NVU is highly regulated due to interactions between different cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Proteolysis of the ECM by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The activation of gelatinases (MMP-2/9) is considered a key mechanism involved in the impairment of NVU. The overall goal of this research project is to examine the role of MMP-9 in the neurovascular impairment after ischemic stroke in mice. In this project, we implemented a new strategy using gelatinase-activatable cell-penetrating peptides (ACPPs) tagged with fluorescence and/or gadolinium-based contrast agents to investigate proteolysis of gelatinases as surrogate markers of neurovascular integrity. We presented evidence that the combination of a sensitive fluorescent chromatophore and MRI contrast enhancement agent can be used to monitor gelatinase activity and its distribution in cultured neurons as well as in mice after focal cerebral ischemia. Detection of the activity of gelatinases in vivo using ACPPs could provide insights into the underlying mechanism for gelatinase proteolysis that mediate ischemia-related neurovascular impairment. We also applied a two-dimensional (2D) gelatin zymography technique that combines isoelectric focusing (IEF) with zymographic electrophoresis. We demonstrated that the 2D zymography approach can improve separation of different isoforms of gelatinases in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. 2D zymography is an effective method to separate posttranslational modification isoforms of gelatinases and to identify modifications that regulate their enzymatic activity in acute brain injuries. In work that follows, we used a fibrin-rich blood clot to occlude the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice as a model to represent the critical thromboembolic features of ischemic stroke in humans. In this study, we evaluated effects of SB-3CT, a mechanism-based inhibitor selective for gelatinases. We demonstrated MMP-9 activation and neurovasculature impairment in this stroke model, and showed the ability of SB-3CT to inhibit MMP-9 activity in vivo, which in turn resulted in maintenance of laminin, antagonism of pericyte contraction and loss, preservation of laminin-positive pericytes and endothelial cells, and thus rescuing neurons from apoptosis and preventing intracerebral hemorrhage. We further demonstrated that SB-3CT/tPA combined treatment could attenuate MMP-9 -- mediated degradation of endothelial laminin, impairment of endothelial cells, and decrease of caveolae -- mediated transcytosis. Early inhibition of MMP-9 proteolysis by SB-3CT decreased brain damage, reduced BBB disruption, and prevented hemorrhagic transformation after delayed tPA treatment. Therefore usage of SB-3CT will be helpful in accessing combination therapy with tPA in ischemic stroke. Results from these studies indicate the important role of MMP-9 in cerebral ischemia and thus the need for further studies to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying its activation and regulation. Results further demonstrated that the combined use of MMP-9 inhibitor with tPA may extend tPA therapeutic window for mitigating stroke damage.

Natural products from the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia: A potential lead for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1278-1285
Author(s):  
Mohamed Yafout ◽  
Amine Ousaid ◽  
Ibrahim Sbai El Otmani ◽  
Youssef Khayati ◽  
Amal Ait Haj Said
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Promising Source

The new SARS-CoV-2 belonging to the coronaviruses family has caused a pandemic affecting millions of people around the world. This pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization as an international public health emergency. Although several clinical trials involving a large number of drugs are currently underway, no treatment protocol for COVID-19 has been officially approved so far. Here we demonstrate through a search in the scientific literature that the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia, which includes more than 500 medicinal plants, is a fascinating and promising source for the research of natural molecules active against SARS-CoV-2. Multiple in-silico and in-vitro studies showed that some of the medicinal plants used by Moroccans for centuries possess inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2. These inhibitory activities are achieved through the different molecular mechanisms of virus penetration and replication, or indirectly through stimulation of immunity. Thus, the potential of plants, plant extracts and molecules derived from plants that are traditionally used in Morocco and have activity against SARS-CoV-2, could be explored in the search for a preventive or curative treatment against COVID-19. Furthermore, safe plants or plant extracts that are proven to stimulate immunity could be officially recommended by governments as nutritional supplements.

scholarly journals Effects of Propentofylline on Hypoxia—Hypoglycemia-Induced Calcium Accumulation in Gerbil Hippocampal Slices

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumito Kadoya ◽  
Akira Mitani ◽  
Tatsuru Arai ◽  
Kiyoshi Kataoka
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Calcium Accumulation ◽  
Xanthine Derivative ◽  
Acute Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent

The xanthine derivative propentofylline (HWA 285) has been reported to show protective effects against neuronal damage induced by cerebral ischemia. In the present study, microfluorometry was used to investigate the effect of propentofylline on the hypoxia–hypoglycemia-induced intracellular calcium accumulation in gerbil hippocampal slices. When slices were superfused with hypoxic–hypoglycemic medium that did not contain propentofylline, an acute increase in calcium accumulation was detected 75–200 s (mean latency of 123 s) after the beginning of hypoxia–hypoglycemia. When slices were superfused with hypoxic–hypoglycemic mediums that contained 10 μ M, 100 μ M, and 1 m M propentofylline, the latency of the acute increase in calcium accumulation was prolonged in all subregions of the hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner: mean latencies in field CA1 were 146, 168, and 197 s after hypoxia–hypoglycemia, respectively. This retardation in calcium accumulation may be involved in the mechanisms by which propentofylline diminishes ischemic injury.

scholarly journals 17-β-Estradiol Induces Heat Shock Proteins in Brain Arteries and Potentiates Ischemic Heat Shock Protein Induction in Glia and Neurons

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aigang Lu ◽  
Rui-qiong Ran ◽  
Joseph Clark ◽  
Melinda Reilly ◽  
Alex Nee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Protein ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

Estradiol reduces brain injury from many diseases, including stroke and trauma. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of this protection, the effects of 17-β-estradiol on heat shock protein (HSP) expression were studied in normal male and female rats and in male gerbils after global ischemia. 17-β-Estradiol was given intraperitoneally (46 or 460 ng/kg, or 4.6 μg/kg) and Western blots performed for HSPs. 17-β-Estradiol increased hemeoxygenase-1, HSP25/27, and HSP70 in the brain of male and female rats. Six hours after the administration of 17-β-estradiol, hemeoxygenase-1 increased 3.9-fold (460 ng/kg) and 5.4-fold (4.6 μg/kg), HSP25/27 increased 2.1-fold (4.6 μg/kg), and Hsp70 increased 2.3-fold (460 ng/kg). Immunocytochemistry showed that hemeoxygenase-1, HSP25/27,and HSP70 induction was localized to cerebral arteries in male rats, possibly in vascular smooth muscle cells. 17-β-Estradiol was injected intraperitoneally 20 minutes before transient occlusion of both carotids in adult gerbils. Six hours after global cerebral ischemia, 17-β-estradiol (460 ng/kg) increased levels of hemeoxygenase-1 protein 2.4-fold compared with ischemia alone, and HSP25/27 levels increased 1.8-fold compared with ischemia alone. Hemeoxygenase-1 was induced in striatal oligodendrocytes and hippocampal neurons, and HSP25/27 levels increased in striatal astrocytes and hippocampal neurons. Finally, Western blot analysis confirmed that estrogen induced heat shock factor-1, providing a possible mechanism by which estrogen induces HSPs in brain and other tissues. The induction of HSPs may be an important mechanism for estrogen protection against cerebral ischemia and other types of injury.

LOOP ANTENNA WITH A SEMICONDUCTOR ELEMENT

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
П.А. ТИТОВЕЦ ◽  
А.И. САТТАРОВА ◽  
А.А. ПИЩЕРКОВ ◽  
Н.С. БЕКУШЕВ
Keyword(s):  
Laser Radiation ◽  
Reflection Coefficient ◽  
Copper Foil ◽  
Loop Antenna ◽  
Laser Source ◽  
Reflection Coefficients ◽  
Building Element ◽  
External Contour ◽  
In Series ◽  
Loop Antennas

Представлены результаты исследований рамочной антенны, в которой подстроечным элементом является фоторезистор, управляемый лазерным излучением. Показано, что использование фоторезистора как элемента внешнего контура рамочной антенны, включенного последовательно, позволяет изменять согласование рамочной антенны с помощью внешнего лазерного источника. Представлены результаты исследований характеристик коэффициента передачи рамочных антенн, состоящих из медной фольги на диэлектрической основе и полупроводникового элемента. Установлено, что при изменении интенсивности лазерного излучения, падающего на полупроводниковый элемент-фоторезистор, изменяется коэффициент отражения рамочной антенны. В диапазоне от 10 МГц до 18ГГц получены зависимости коэффициентов отражения (Su)рамочных антенн с полупроводниковым элементом. Проведено сравнение рамочной антенны и рамочной антенны с фоторезистором. The results of an experiment with a loop antenna, in which the building element is a photoresistor controlled by laser radiation, are presented. It is shown that the use of a photoresistor as an element of the external contour of a loop antenna connected in series makes it possible to change the matching of the loop antenna due to an external laser source. The results of studies of the characteristics of the transmission coefficient of loop antennas consisting of a dielectric copper foil and a semiconductor element are presented. It was found that when the intensity of the laser radiation incident on the semiconductor element-photoresistor changes, the reflection coefficient of the frame antenna changes. In the range of 10 MHz-18 GHz, the dependences of the reflection coefficients (S11) of loop antennas with a semiconductor element are obtained. A comparison is made between a loop antenna and a loop antenna with a photoresistor.

scholarly journals Expression of NMDA receptor and microRNA-219 in rats submitted to cerebral ischemia associated with alcoholism

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane Iozzi Silva ◽  
Paulo Cézar Novais ◽  
Andressa Romualdo Rodrigues ◽  
Camila A.M. Carvalho ◽  
Benedicto Oscar Colli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Lower Expression ◽  
Control Sham

ABSTRACT Alcohol consumption aggravates injuries caused by ischemia. Many molecular mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, including neurotransmitter expression, which is regulated by microRNAs. Objective: To evaluate the microRNA-219 and NMDA expression in brain tissue and blood of animals subjected to cerebral ischemia associated with alcoholism. Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into groups: control, sham, ischemic, alcoholic, and ischemic plus alcoholic. The expression of microRNA-219 and NMDA were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: When compared to the control group, the microRNA-219 in brain tissue was less expressed in the ischemic, alcoholic, and ischemic plus alcoholic groups. In the blood, this microRNA had lower expression in alcoholic and ischemic plus alcoholic groups. In the brain tissue the NMDA gene expression was greater in the ischemic, alcoholic, and ischemic plus alcoholic groups. Conclusion: A possible modulation of NMDA by microRNA-219 was observed with an inverse correlation between them.

Microglia in cerebral ischemia: molecular actions and interactionsThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled Young Investigator's Forum.

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Y. Lai ◽  
Kathryn G. Todd
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Extracellular Signals ◽  
Messenger Molecules ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Survey Review ◽  
Selection Of

The precise role of microglia in stroke and cerebral ischemia has been the subject of debate for a number of years. Microglia are capable of synthesizing numerous soluble and membrane-bound biomolecules, some known to be neuroprotective, some neurotoxic, whereas others have less definitive bioactivities. The molecular mechanisms through which microglia activate these molecules have thus become an important area of ischemia research. Here we provide a survey review that summarizes the key actions of microglial factors in cerebral ischemia including complement proteins, chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, hormones, and proteinases, as well several important messenger molecules that play a part in how these factors respond to extracellular signals during ischemic injuries. We also provide some new perspectives on how microglial intracellular signaling may contribute to the seemingly contradictory roles of several microglial effector molecules.

Transient Removal of Extracellular Mg2+ Elicits Persistent Suppression of LTP at Hippocampal CA1 Synapses Via PKC Activation

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 1279-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuei-Sen Hsu ◽  
Wen-Chia Ho ◽  
Chiung-Chun Huang ◽  
Jing-Jane Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Nmda Receptor ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Suppressive Effect ◽  
Dependent Protein Kinase ◽  
Dependent Protein

Previous work has shown that seizure-like activity can disrupt the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). However, how seizure-like event disrupts the LTP induction remains unknown. To understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this process better, a set of studies was implemented in area CA1 of rat hippocampal slices using extracellular recording methods. We showed here that prior transient seizure-like activity generated by perfused slices with Mg2+-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) exhibited a persistent suppression of LTP induction. This effect lasted between 2 and 3 h after normal ACSF replacement and was specifically inhibited by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonistd-2-amino-5-phosphovaleric acid (d-APV) and L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOCC) blocker nimodipine, but not by non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). In addition, this suppressive effect was specifically blocked by the selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor NPC-15437. However, neither Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN-62 nor cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor Rp-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS) affected this suppressive effect. This persistent suppression of LTP was not secondary to the long-lasting changes in NMDA receptor activation, because the isolated NMDA receptor–mediated responses did not show a long-term enhancement in response to a 30-min Mg2+-free ACSF application. Additionally, in prior Mg2+-free ACSF–treated slices, the entire frequency-response curve of LTP and long-term depression (LTD) is shifted systematically to favor LTD. These results suggest that the increase of Ca2+ influx through NMDA channels and L-type VOCCs in turn triggering a PKC-dependent signaling cascade is a possible cellular basis underlying this seizure-like activity-induced inhibition of LTP.

scholarly journals The Making of Long-Lasting Memories: A Fruit Fly Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Roselli ◽  
Mani Ramaswami ◽  
Tamara Boto ◽  
Isaac Cervantes-Sandoval
Keyword(s):  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Neural Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Transient Wave ◽  
Control Of Gene Expression

Understanding the nature of the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation, consolidation, and forgetting are some of the fascinating questions in modern neuroscience. The encoding, stabilization and elimination of memories, rely on the structural reorganization of synapses. These changes will enable the facilitation or depression of neural activity in response to the acquisition of new information. In other words, these changes affect the weight of specific nodes within a neural network. We know that these plastic reorganizations require de novo protein synthesis in the context of Long-term memory (LTM). This process depends on neural activity triggered by the learned experience. The use of model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster has been proven essential for advancing our knowledge in the field of neuroscience. Flies offer an optimal combination of a more straightforward nervous system, composed of a limited number of cells, and while still displaying complex behaviors. Studies in Drosophila neuroscience, which expanded over several decades, have been critical for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to the synaptic and behavioral plasticity occurring in the context of learning and memory. This is possible thanks to sophisticated technical approaches that enable precise control of gene expression in the fruit fly as well as neural manipulation, like chemogenetics, thermogenetics, or optogenetics. The search for the identity of genes expressed as a result of memory acquisition has been an active interest since the origins of behavioral genetics. From screenings of more or less specific candidates to broader studies based on transcriptome analysis, our understanding of the genetic control behind LTM has expanded exponentially in the past years. Here we review recent literature regarding how the formation of memories induces a rapid, extensive and, in many cases, transient wave of transcriptional activity. After a consolidation period, transcriptome changes seem more stable and likely represent the synthesis of new proteins. The complexity of the circuitry involved in memory formation and consolidation is such that there are localized changes in neural activity, both regarding temporal dynamics and the nature of neurons and subcellular locations affected, hence inducing specific temporal and localized changes in protein expression. Different types of neurons are recruited at different times into memory traces. In LTM, the synthesis of new proteins is required in specific subsets of cells. This de novo translation can take place in the somatic cytoplasm and/or locally in distinct zones of compartmentalized synaptic activity, depending on the nature of the proteins and the plasticity-inducing processes that occur. We will also review recent advances in understanding how localized changes are confined to the relevant synapse. These recent studies have led to exciting discoveries regarding proteins that were not previously involved in learning and memory processes. This invaluable information will lead to future functional studies on the roles that hundreds of new molecular actors play in modulating neural activity.

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