scholarly journals A study on Dowager Cixi’s Yanling-Yishou-Dan of Qing Dynasty in a Japanese laboratory of biochemistry and molecular biology in 1990s: An attempt for TCM modernization

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Jiankang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
Brain Homogenate ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Great Progress ◽  
Theoretical Evidence ◽  
The Brain

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modernization has been proposed for many years, but the progress is still slow due to both ideological and technical obstacles. When I went to Japan in 1989, I found Japan has made a great progress on TCM by using modern technology. Therefore, I have studied a fine extract prepared from medicinal herbs (renamed Yi-Zhi-Yi-Shou, YZYS), a prescription of Dowager Cixi’s Yanling-Yishou-Dan of Qing Dynasty, with the current drug investigation strategies. I examined its antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. The in-vitro studies found that YZYS possesses strong antioxidant capacity, such as scavenging various kinds of free radicals, and inhibits free radical-induced peroxidation of brain homogenate, microsomes, mitochondria, amino acids, deoxyribose and DNA. The in-vivo study with immobilization-induced emotional stress in rats, showed that YZYS effectively inhibits stress-induced stomach ulcers and oxidative damage in plasma and the brain. In addition, YZYS is shown to be non-toxic in both acute and chronic toxicity tests. These studies demonstrate that YZYS is a potent natural antioxidant and offer theoretical evidence for the beneficial effect of YZYS on health and brain functions, and that TCM prescriptions can be studied scientifically as modern medical drugs.

scholarly journals Emergence Of Consciousness And Qualia From A Complex Brain

Folia Medica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-296
Author(s):  
Jakob Korf
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
General System ◽  
Resolution Power ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Scientific Exploration ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
Higher Brain Functions ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Qualia are private conscious experiences of which the associated feelings can be reported to other people. Whether qualia are amenable to scientific exploration has often been questioned, which is challenged by the present article. The following arguments are given: 1. the configuration of the brain changes continuously and irreversibly, because of genetic and environmental influences and interhuman communication; 2. qualia and consciousness are processes, rather than states; 3. private feelings, including those associated with qualia, should be positioned in the context of a personal brain as being developed during life; 4. consciousness and qualia should be understood in the context of general system theory, thus concluding that isolated, in vitro, properties of neurons and other brain constituents might marginally contribute to the understanding of higher brain functions, mind or qualia; 5. current in vivo approaches have too little resolution power - in terms of space and time - to delineate individual and subjective brain processes. When subtle personalized properties of the nervous system can be assessed in vivo or in vitro, qualia can scientifically be investigated. We discuss some approaches to overcome these barriers.

scholarly journals Latest Trends in Electrochemical Sensors for Neurotransmitters: A Review

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tavakolian-Ardakani ◽  
Hosu ◽  
Cristea ◽  
Mazloum-Ardakani ◽  
Marrazza
Keyword(s):  
Electrochemical Sensors ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Robust Detection ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Made In

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemical messengers which play an important role in many of the brain functions, abnormal levels being correlated with physical, psychotic and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Therefore, their sensitive and robust detection is of great clinical significance. Electrochemical methods have been intensively used in the last decades for neurotransmitter detection, outclassing more complicated analytical techniques such as conventional spectrophotometry, chromatography, fluorescence, flow injection, and capillary electrophoresis. In this manuscript, the most successful and promising electrochemical enzyme-free and enzymatic sensors for neurotransmitter detection are reviewed. Focusing on the activity of worldwide researchers mainly during the last ten years (2010–2019), without pretending to be exhaustive, we present an overview of the progress made in sensing strategies during this time. Particular emphasis is placed on nanostructured-based sensors, which show a substantial improvement of the analytical performances. This review also examines the progress made in biosensors for neurotransmitter measurements in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo.

scholarly journals In vivo activity of glutaminase in the brain of hyperammonaemic rats measured by 15N nuclear magnetic resonance

1995 ◽  
Vol 305 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kanamori ◽  
B D Ross
Keyword(s):  
Brain Homogenate ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Intact Brain ◽  
Strong Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Glutamine Synthesis ◽  
Gaba Synthesis ◽  
The Brain

The in vivo activity of phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) was measured in the brain of hyperammonaemic rat by 15N n.m.r. Brain glutamine was 15N-enriched by intravenous infusion of 15NH4+ until the concentration of [5-15N]glutamine reached 6.1 mumol/g. Further glutamine synthesis was inhibited by intraperitoneal injection of methionine-DL-sulphoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, and the infusate was changed to 14NH4+ during observation of decrease in brain [5-15N]glutamine due to PAG and other glutamine utilization pathways. Progressive decrease in brain [5-15N]glutamine, PAG-catalysed production of 15NH4+ and its subsequent assimilation into glutamate by glutamate dehydrogenase were monitored in vivo by 15N n.m.r. Brain [5-15N]glutamine (15N enrichment of 0.35-0.50) decreased at a rate of 1.2 mumol/h per g of brain. The in vivo PAG activity, determined from the observed rate and the quantity of 15NH4+ produced and subsequently assimilated into glutamate and aspartate, was 0.9-1.3 mumol/h per g. This activity is less than 1.1% of the reported activity in vitro measured in rat brain homogenate at a 10 mM concentration of the activator Pi. Inhibition by ammonia (brain level 1.4 mumol/g) alone does not account for the observed low activity in vivo. The result strongly suggests that, in intact brain, PAG activity is maintained at a low level by a suboptimal in situ concentration of Pi and the strong inhibitory effect of glutamate. The observed PAG activity in vivo is lower than the reported in vivo activity of glutamate decarboxylase which converts glutamate into gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA). The result suggests that PAG-catalysed hydrolysis of glutamine is not the sole provider of glutamate used for GABA synthesis.

scholarly journals Neurobiological After-Effects of Low Intensity Transcranial Electric Stimulation of the Human Nervous System: From Basic Mechanisms to Metaplasticity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohaib Ali Korai ◽  
Federico Ranieri ◽  
Vincenzo Di Lazzaro ◽  
Michele Papa ◽  
Giovanni Cirillo
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
After Effects ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Human Nervous System

Non-invasive low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) of the brain is an evolving field that has brought remarkable attention in the past few decades for its ability to directly modulate specific brain functions. Neurobiological after-effects of tES seems to be related to changes in neuronal and synaptic excitability and plasticity, however mechanisms are still far from being elucidated. We aim to review recent results from in vitro and in vivo studies that highlight molecular and cellular mechanisms of transcranial direct (tDCS) and alternating (tACS) current stimulation. Changes in membrane potential and neural synchronization explain the ongoing and short-lasting effects of tES, while changes induced in existing proteins and new protein synthesis is required for long-lasting plastic changes (LTP/LTD). Glial cells, for decades supporting elements, are now considered constitutive part of the synapse and might contribute to the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. This review brings into focus the neurobiological mechanisms and after-effects of tDCS and tACS from in vitro and in vivo studies, in both animals and humans, highlighting possible pathways for the development of targeted therapeutic applications.

scholarly journals Real-Time Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Detection and Quantification of Exogenously Administered Melatonin in Mice Brain

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Castagnola ◽  
Elaine M. Robbins ◽  
Kevin M. Woeppel ◽  
Moriah McGuier ◽  
Asiyeh Golabchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Voltammetry ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Mouse Brain ◽  
Activated Carbon Fiber ◽  
Carbon Surface ◽  
Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Brain

Melatonin (MT) has been recently considered an excellent candidate for the treatment of sleep disorders, neural injuries, and neurological diseases. To better investigate the actions of MT in various brain functions, real-time detection of MT concentrations in specific brain regions is much desired. Previously, we have demonstrated detection of exogenously administered MT in anesthetized mouse brain using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Here, for the first time, we show successful detection of exogenous MT in the brain using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) on electrochemically pre-activated carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFEs). In vitro evaluation showed the highest sensitivity (28.1 nA/μM) and lowest detection limit (20.2 ± 4.8 nM) ever reported for MT detection at carbon surface. Additionally, an extensive CFE stability and fouling assessment demonstrated that a prolonged CFE pre-conditioning stabilizes the background, in vitro and in vivo, and provides consistent CFE sensitivity over time even in the presence of a high MT concentration. Finally, the stable in vivo background, with minimized CFE fouling, allows us to achieve a drift-free FSCV detection of exogenous administered MT in mouse brain over a period of 3 min, which is significantly longer than the duration limit (usually < 90 s) for traditional in vivo FSCV acquisition. The MT concentration and dynamics measured by FSCV are in good agreement with SWV, while microdialysis further validated the concentration range. These results demonstrated reliable MT detection using FSCV that has the potential to monitor MT in the brain over long periods of time.

Effect of pH and inhibitors on beta-amyloid fibril assembly

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 752-753
Author(s):  
Beverly E. Maleeff ◽  
Timothy K. Hart ◽  
Stephen J. Wood ◽  
Ronald Wetzel
Keyword(s):  
Amyloid Fibril ◽  
Peptide Fragment ◽  
Hydrophobic Peptides ◽  
Amyloid Fibril Formation ◽  
Effects Of Ph ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
The Brain

Alzheimer's disease is characterized post-mortem in part by abnormal extracellular neuritic plaques found in brain tissue. There appears to be a correlation between the severity of Alzheimer's dementia in vivo and the number of plaques found in particular areas of the brain. These plaques are known to be the deposition sites of fibrils of the protein β-amyloid. It is thought that if the assembly of these plaques could be inhibited, the severity of the disease would be decreased. The peptide fragment Aβ, a precursor of the p-amyloid protein, has a 40 amino acid sequence, and has been shown to be toxic to neuronal cells in culture after an aging process of several days. This toxicity corresponds to the kinetics of in vitro amyloid fibril formation. In this study, we report the biochemical and ultrastructural effects of pH and the inhibitory agent hexadecyl-N-methylpiperidinium (HMP) bromide, one of a class of ionic micellar detergents known to be capable of solubilizing hydrophobic peptides, on the in vitro assembly of the peptide fragment Aβ.

Metallic Elements (Cu, Zn, Ni and Mn) Toxicity Effects Determination on a Fresh Water Fish Cyprinus Carpio (Common Carp) Laboratory Acclimatized

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1711-1715
Author(s):  
Stefania Gheorghe ◽  
Gabriela Geanina Vasile ◽  
Cristina Gligor ◽  
Irina Eugenia Lucaciu ◽  
Mihai Nita Lazar
Keyword(s):  
Cyprinus Carpio ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Fresh Water Fish ◽  
Metallic Elements ◽  
Mn Toxicity ◽  
Vitro Effect

Metallic elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) are some of the most commonly found in water and sediment samples collected from the Danube - Danube Delta. These elements are important as essential micronutrients, being normally present at low concentrations in biological organisms, but in high concentrations they become toxic with immediate and delayed effects. The role of this metals is still controversial, that�s why bioconcentration potential is so important. In this non-clinical study, we tested in vitro effect of heavy metals on carp, Cyprinus carpio, reproducing in vivo presence of Cu, Zn, Ni and Mn in the Romanian�s surface water. The toxicity tests were performed according to OECD 203 by detecting the average (50%) lethal concentration - LC50 on aquatic organisms (freshwater fish) at 96h. The results pointed out that, copper value for LC 50 at 96h was estimated as 3.4 mg/L (concentrations tested in the range of 0.1 - 4.75 mg/L). Zinc value for LC 50 at 96h was estimated as 20.8 mg/L (concentrations tested in the range of 0.028 � 29.6 mg/L). Nickel value for LC 50 at 96h was estimated as 40.1 mg/L (concentrations tested in the range of 0.008 - 84.5 mg/L). For manganese the mortality effects has recorded at LC 50 at 96h at estimated value higher than 53 mg/L (concentrations tested in the range of 0.04 - 53.9 mg/L). The accuracy of the testing metals concentration was insured by the screening of the dilution water, as well as food and control fish, acclimated in laboratory conditions.

Novel Phospholipid-Based Labrasol Nanomicelles Loaded Flavonoids for Oral Delivery with Enhanced Penetration and Anti-Brain Tumor Efficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-245
Author(s):  
Gang Wang ◽  
Junjie Wang ◽  
Rui Guan
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Oral Delivery ◽  
Safe Delivery ◽  
Drug Delivery Vehicles ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Delivery Vehicles ◽  
The Brain

Background: Owing to the rich anticancer properties of flavonoids, there is a need for their incorporation into drug delivery vehicles like nanomicelles for safe delivery of the drug into the brain tumor microenvironment. Objective: This study, therefore, aimed to prepare the phospholipid-based Labrasol/Pluronic F68 modified nano micelles loaded with flavonoids (Nano-flavonoids) for the delivery of the drug to the target brain tumor. Methods: Myricetin, quercetin and fisetin were selected as the initial drugs to evaluate the biodistribution and acute toxicity of the drug delivery vehicles in rats with implanted C6 glioma tumors after oral administration, while the uptake, retention, release in human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the effect on the brain endothelial barrier were investigated in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HBMECs). Results: The results demonstrated that nano-flavonoids loaded with myricetin showed more evenly distributed targeting tissues and enhanced anti-tumor efficiency in vivo without significant cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells and alteration in the Trans Epithelial Electric Resistance (TEER). There was no pathological evidence of renal, hepatic or other organs dysfunction after the administration of nanoflavonoids, which showed no significant influence on cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, Labrasol/F68-NMs loaded with MYR and quercetin could enhance antiglioma effect in vitro and in vivo, which may be better tools for medical therapy, while the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nano-flavonoids may ensure optimal therapeutic benefits.

Electromagnetic field in Alzheimer’s disease: a literature review of recent preclinical and clinical studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Habib Mohamad Ali Ahmad ◽  
Marc Fakhoury ◽  
Nada Lawand
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies ◽  
The Brain

: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of neurons leading to cognitive and memory decay. The main signs of AD include the irregular extracellular accumulation of amyloidbeta (Aβ) protein in the brain and the hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein inside neurons. Changes in Aβ expression or aggregation are considered key factors in the pathophysiology of sporadic and early-onset AD and correlate with the cognitive decline seen in patients with AD. Despite decades of research, current approaches in the treatment of AD are only symptomatic in nature and are not effective in slowing or reversing the course of the disease. Encouragingly, recent evidence revealed that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) can delay the development of AD and improve memory. This review paper discusses findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that investigate the link between EMF and AD at the cellular and behavioural level, and highlights the potential benefits of EMF as an innovative approach for the treatment of AD.

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