scholarly journals A Study on the Alleviating Effects of N-phthaloyl-γ-Aminobutyric Acid (P-GABA) on the Behavioral, Histopathological and Biochemical Adverse Effects of Sleep Deprivation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

2021 ◽  
pp. 580-596
Author(s):  
Uthirakumar Devaraj ◽  
Tamilarasan Shanmugasundaram ◽  
Ammu Ramu ◽  
Elumalai Balamurugan
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Ache Activity ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Favourable Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cell Degeneration ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Background: Sleep is defined as a reversible behavioural state of perceptual disconnection from insensitivity to the environment that facilitates the interaction of physiological and behavioural processes. Sleep Deprivation (S.D.) is defined as a decrease in sleeping duration below the recommended minimum, which has been linked to learning and memory problems. Aim: The primary objective of this work was to determine the effect of P-GABA on metabolic parameters, behavioural changes, whole-body cortisol, and brain histology in light-induced sleep-deprived zebrafish, as well as the optimal dose of P-GABA neutralizing undesirable effects. Methodology: The present study was conducted for ten days, consisting of three days in a row of sleep deprivation and seven days of treatment with P-GABA. The current investigation used six fishes in a group (n=6). Group 1: Control ; Group 2: 24h Total SD ; Group 3: 48h Total SD ; Group 4: 72h Total SD ; Group 5: 24h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) ; Group 6: 48h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) ;Group 7: 72h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) Results: The current study provides scientific data demonstrating the positive effects of P-GABA in treating sleep deprivation and associated cognitive impairment. To test if P-GABA treatment can alleviate the cognitive and memory impairment caused by S.D., we established non-toxic concentrations and treated the zebrafish with a safe dose of 100mg/L. The use of P-GABA increased cognitive performance in the T-maze, demonstrating that it has a favourable effect in a sleep-deprivation condition. The SD group exhibited neutrophil infiltration, and this S.D fish treated with P-GABA at a concentration of 100 mg/L demonstrated a moderate reduction in neuronal cell degeneration compared to controls. The levels of biochemical parameters during sleep deprivation and treatment phase with P-GABA were checked. It was evident from the results that the SOD, CAT and GPX levels in the S.D groups were drastically decreased, whereas treatment with P-GABA could show a significant increase in the levels of biochemical parameters. In contrast to the control group, zebrafish subjected to sleep deprivation showed enhanced AChE activity in the brain. The results of the P-GABA indicated an anti-AChE profile, which corresponds to improved memory parameters in zebrafish, as observed in the NTT and T-maze tests. When comparing the sleep-deprived fish to the control group, the MDA level, which indicates lipid peroxidation, was higher. Treatment with P-GABA considerably reduced the amount of MDA produced compared to the amount produced in sleep-deprived fish. The cortisol levels gradually increased in the single row 24h, 48h, and 72h sleep deprived groups. There was a gradual decrease in cortisol levels in the groups that received P-GABA treatment. The levels of neurotransmitters were seen to be decreased in the sleep-deprived groups when compared with the control. Upon treatment with P-GABA, the neurotransmitters were restored to near normal. Conclusion:  This study showed that P-GABA counteracts cognitive performance decrease and anxiety increase resulting from sleep deprivation through a mechanism implying mitigation of brain oxidative stress and regulation of AChE activity.

Caffeine and Placebo Expectation

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfeng Sun ◽  
Yinling Zhang ◽  
Ning He ◽  
Xufeng Liu ◽  
Danmin Miao
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cardiovascular Regulation ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Pressure Tests ◽  
Healthy Males

Abstract. Caffeine placebo expectation seems to improve vigilance and cognitive performance. This study investigated the effect of caffeine and placebo expectation on vigilance and cognitive performance during 28 h sleep deprivation. Ten healthy males volunteered to take part in the double-blind, cross-over study, which required participants to complete five treatment periods of 28 h separated by 1-week wash-out intervals. The treatments were no substance (Control); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 (C200); placebo 200 mg at 00:00 (P200); twice caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and 04:00 (C200-C200); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and placebo 200 mg at 04:00 (C200-P200). Participants were told that all capsules were caffeine and given information about the effects of caffeine to increase expectation. Vigilance was assessed by a three-letter cancellation test, cognitive functions by the continuous addition test and Stroop test, and cardiovascular regulation by heart rate and blood pressure. Tests were performed bihourly from 00:00 to 10:00 of the second day. Results indicated that C200-P200 and C200-C200 were more alert (p < .05) than Control and P200. Their cognitive functions were higher (p < .05) than Control and P200. Also, C200-P200 scored higher than C200 in the letter cancellation task (p < .05). No test showed any significant differences between C200-P200 and C200-C200. The results demonstrated that the combination of caffeine 200 mg and placebo 200 mg expectation exerted prolonged positive effects on vigilance and cognitive performance.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3007
Author(s):  
José Antonio Mingorance ◽  
Pedro Montoya ◽  
José García Vivas Miranda ◽  
Inmaculada Riquelme
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Therapy Program

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended.

scholarly journals Effects of Sweet Potato Leaves, Roselle Calyces and Beetroot on Body Weight, Selected Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chicken

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Gaymary George Bakari ◽  
Robert Arsen Max ◽  
Shedrack Reuben Kitimu ◽  
Shaabani Mshamu ◽  
Benigni Alfred Temba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Hemoglobin Concentration ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hematological And Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Sweet Potato Leaves

The study was conducted to assess the effects of sweet potato leaves, roselle calyces and beetroot tubers on body weight, selected hematological and biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. Eighty four (84) broiler chickens aged four weeks were randomly assigned into six groups of 14 chickens each. The first group (G0) remained as untreated control while the other groups were the treated groups which received 25% of ground sweet potato leaves (G1), rosella calyces (G2), beetroot tubers (G3) and their mixtures (G4 and G5) for 28 days. Following inclusion of these different vegetables, blood samples were collected and analyzed for selected hematological and biochemical parameters on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Results showed that consumption of the three vegetables caused significant decreases (p < 0.05) in body weight, serum glucose and cholesterol. On the other hand, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV) and total white blood cell (WBC) counts were shown to increase significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. It is concluded that the hypoglycemic and hypocholesteremic effects in chickens following consumption of the three vegetables together with their positive effects on PCV and WBC counts are important qualities which can be utilized in the management of conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis and coronary disease) in humans. Further studies in other animals are recommended.

Neuropsychological rehabilitation does not improve cognitive performance but reduces perceived cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomised, controlled, multi-centre trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anu Mäntynen ◽  
Eija Rosti-Otajärvi ◽  
Keijo Koivisto ◽  
Arja Lilja ◽  
Heini Huhtala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation ◽  
Attentional Deficits ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: There is preliminary evidence on the positive effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation on cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the generalisability of the findings is limited by methodological problems. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation on MS. Methods: A total of 102 relapsing–remitting MS patients with subjective and objective attentional deficits were randomised into an intervention and a control group. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline, at three months immediately after the intervention, and at six months. Patients in the intervention group received neuropsychological rehabilitation once a week in 60-minute sessions for 13 consecutive weeks. The control group received no intervention. Results: Neuropsychological rehabilitation including computer-based attention and working memory retraining, psychoeducation, strategy learning and psychological support did not improve cognitive performance but had a positive effect on perceived cognitive deficits. The intervention group perceived significantly fewer deficits than the control group both immediately after the intervention and at six months. The personal rehabilitation goals were also well achieved. Conclusions: Strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation did not improve cognitive performance but reduced perceived cognitive deficits in MS.

Effects of a single session of whole-body vibration exercise on haematological and biochemical parameters, and serum cortisol levels in cats

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
M.F.S. Blazizza ◽  
S.C. Rahal ◽  
I.F.C. Santos ◽  
B.M. Silva ◽  
G.M. Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Serum Biochemical ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Adult Cats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single-session of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats. Ten healthy neutered crossbred cats, five males and five females, aged 2 to 4 years and weighing 3.25-5.15 kg, were enrolled. All cats were tested in the same period starting at 12:00 a.m. and under same environmental conditions. A 1 h period of acclimatisation and rest was completed prior to the WBV session. During the WBV session, the cat was placed in a standing position on the centre of the vibrating platform. Each cat was exposed to a single WBV session. The protocol was 30 Hz for 5 min, followed by 50 Hz for 5 min and finishing with 30 Hz for 5 min. The peak displacements were 3.10 mm and 3.98 mm and the peak accelerations 55.0 m/s and 195.96 m/s. Complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase) and serum cortisol were determined at three time-points: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and at 4 h after the end of the WBV session (T2). Immediately after increasing the frequency from 30 to 50 Hz, two cats (20%) tried to sit and showed signs of agitation that ceased after 15 s. No cat tried to jump out. The variables presented no statistically significant differences among the time-points. In conclusion, a 15 min session of WBV exercise at frequencies of 30, 50 and 30 Hz does not cause significant changes in haematological or serum biochemical parameters, nor in serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats.

scholarly journals The effect of dried plum on serum levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin and sclerostin in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirin Hooshmand ◽  
Jayme R. Y. Brisco ◽  
Bahram H. Arjmandi
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protective Properties ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Receptor Activator ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Although several studies have confirmed the bone-protective properties of dried plum, its exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. Recent research has shown that osteocytes may control bone formation via the production of sclerostin and bone resorption via the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG). To investigate the mechanism of action of dried plum in reversing bone loss, we measured serum levels of RANKL, OPG and sclerostin in osteopenic postmenopausal women (n 160). Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group of either 100 g dried plum/d or 75 g dried apple/d (comparative control) for 1 year. All participants received 500 mg Ca plus 400 IU (10 μg) vitamin D daily. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of the lumbar spine, forearm, hip and whole body were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 12 months to assess bone biomarkers. Dried plum significantly increased the BMD of the ulna and spine in comparison with the control group. In comparison with corresponding baseline values, dried plum increased the RANKL levels by only +1·99 v. +18·33 % and increased the OPG levels by +4·87 v. − 2·15 % in the control group. Serum sclerostin levels were reduced by − 1·12 % in the dried plum group v. +3·78 % in the control group. Although percentage changes did not reach statistical significance (P≤ 0·05), these preliminary data may indicate that the positive effects of dried plum on bone are in part due to the suppression of RANKL production, the promotion of OPG and the inhibition of sclerostin.

scholarly journals Exposure to Awe-Evoking Natural and Built Scenes Has Positive Effects on Cognitive Performance and Affect

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 1105-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Collado ◽  
Héctor Marín Manrique
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Visual Stimuli ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Careful Selection ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Selection Of

We investigated the possible restorative effects of exposure to awe-evoking scenes (natural/built) compared with mundane scenes (natural/built). A careful selection of visual stimuli was carried out, followed by an experiment with 250 participants. We included a mentally fatigued condition and a not mentally fatigued condition (i.e., control group). Participants’ performance on an attentional task and positive affect were recorded before (T0) and after (T1) exposure to one of four slideshows (i.e., natural/built, awe-evoking; natural/built, mundane). In addition, participants reported how restored they felt after the slideshow presentation, and how awe-evoking and familiar the slideshow was for them. Our depletion task did not affect participants’ performance on the attentional task at T0, so we cannot claim that psychological restoration took place. Nevertheless, we found positive effects of exposure to awe-evoking scenes, and we provide alternative explanations for these effects.

scholarly journals Anxiety-like behavior and whole-body cortisol responses to components of energy drinks in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alia O. Alia ◽  
Maureen L. Petrunich-Rutherford
Keyword(s):  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Neuroendocrine Responses ◽  
Cortisol Levels

The current study investigated the independent and combined effects of caffeine and taurine on anxiety-like behavior and neuroendocrine responses in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione), the world’s most commonly used psychoactive drug, acts as an adenosine receptor blocker and a mild central nervous system stimulant. However, excessive use of caffeine is associated with heightened anxiety levels. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), a semi-essential amino acid synthesized within the human brain, has been hypothesized to play a role in regulating anxiolytic behavior. Caffeine and taurine are two common additives in energy drinks and are often found in high concentrations in these beverages. However, few studies have investigated the interaction of these two chemicals with regards to anxiety measures. A suitable vertebrate to examine anxiety-like behavior and physiological stress responses is the zebrafish, which has shown promise due to substantial physiological and genetic homology with humans. Anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish can be determined by analyzing habituation to novelty when fish are placed into a novel tank and scototaxis (light avoidance) behavior in the light-dark test. Stress-related neuroendocrine responses can be measured in zebrafish by analyzing whole-body cortisol levels. The goal of this study was to determine if exposure to caffeine, taurine, or a combination of the two compounds altered anxiety-like behavior and whole-body cortisol levels in zebrafish relative to control. Zebrafish were individually exposed to either caffeine (100 mg/L), taurine (400 mg/L), or both for 15 min. Zebrafish in the control group were handled in the same manner but were only exposed to system tank water. After treatment, fish were transferred to the novel tank test or the light-dark test. Behavior was tracked for the first 6 min in the novel tank and 15 min in the light-tark test. Fifteen min after introduction to the behavioral task, fish were euthanized for the analysis of whole-body cortisol levels. The results demonstrate that caffeine treatment decreased the amount of exploration in the top of the novel tank and increased scototaxis behavior in the light-dark test, which supports the established anxiogenic effect of acute exposure to caffeine. Taurine alone did not alter basal levels of anxiety-like behavioral responses nor ameliorated the anxiogenic effects of caffeine on behavior when the two compounds were administered concurrently. None of the drug treatments altered basal levels of whole-body cortisol. The current results of this study suggest that, at least at this dose and time of exposure, taurine does not mitigate the anxiety-producing effects of caffeine when administered in combination, such as with energy drink consumption.

scholarly journals Recovery sleep after extended wakefulness restores elevated A1adenosine receptor availability in the human brain

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (16) ◽  
pp. 4243-4248 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Elmenhorst ◽  
Eva-Maria Elmenhorst ◽  
Eva Hennecke ◽  
Tina Kroll ◽  
Andreas Matusch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Sleep Loss ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Episode ◽  
Recovery Sleep ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Performance Impairment

Adenosine and functional A1adenosine receptor (A1AR) availability are supposed to mediate sleep–wake regulation and cognitive performance. We hypothesized that cerebral A1AR availability after an extended wake period decreases to a well-rested state after recovery sleep. [18F]CPFPX positron emission tomography was used to quantify A1AR availability in 15 healthy male adults after 52 h of sleep deprivation and following 14 h of recovery sleep. Data were additionally compared with A1AR values after 8 h of baseline sleep from an earlier dataset. Polysomnography, cognitive performance, and sleepiness were monitored. Recovery from sleep deprivation was associated with a decrease in A1AR availability in several brain regions, ranging from 11% (insula) to 14% (striatum). A1AR availabilities after recovery did not differ from baseline sleep in the control group. The degree of performance impairment, sleepiness, and homeostatic sleep-pressure response to sleep deprivation correlated negatively with the decrease in A1AR availability. Sleep deprivation resulted in a higher A1AR availability in the human brain. The increase that was observed after 52 h of wakefulness was restored to control levels during a 14-h recovery sleep episode. Individuals with a large increase in A1AR availability were more resilient to sleep-loss effects than those with a subtle increase. This pattern implies that differences in endogenous adenosine and A1AR availability might be causal for individual responses to sleep loss.

scholarly journals Cognitive performance in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence of a stress-related impairment in visuospatial memory

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1553-1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Kennedy ◽  
G. Clarke ◽  
A. O‘Neill ◽  
J. A. Groeger ◽  
E. M. M. Quigley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Visuospatial Memory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Irritable Bowel

BackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is a prominent feature of the functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the neurobiological and cognitive consequences of key pathophysiological features of IBS, such as stress-induced changes in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis functioning, is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether IBS is associated with cognitive impairment, independently of psychiatric co-morbidity, and whether cognitive performance is related to HPA-axis function.MethodA cross-sectional sample of 39 patients with IBS, a disease control group of 18 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission and 40 healthy age- and IQ-matched control participants were assessed using the Paired Associates Learning (PAL), Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift (IED) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and a computerized Stroop test. HPA-axis function was determined by measuring the cortisol awakening response (CAR).ResultsIBS patients exhibited a subtle visuospatial memory deficit at the PAL six- pattern stage (p = 0.03), which remained after psychiatric co-morbidity was controlled for (p = 0.04). Morning cortisol levels were lower in IBS (p = 0.04) and significantly associated with visuospatial memory performance within IBS only (p = 0.02).ConclusionsFor the first time, altered cognitive function on a hippocampal-mediated test of visuospatial memory, which was related to cortisol levels and independent of psychiatric co-morbidity, has been identified in IBS. Visuospatial memory impairment may be a common, but currently neglected, component of IBS. Further elucidation of the nature of this impairment may lead to a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of IBS, and may provide novel therapeutic approaches.

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