Protective Effects of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-Induced Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment

3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or "Ecstasy", which has been used for recreational purposes, is shown to cause learning and memory impairment. Statins, beyond their efficient cholesterol-lowering action through inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-COA) reductase, possess multiple neuroprotective impacts referred to as pleiotropic effects. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats received atorvastatin (5, 10, 20 mg/kg; orally) and rosuvastatin (5, 10, 20 mg/kg; orally) for 21 consecutive days. Then, Morris water maze (MWM) was performed to examine learning and memory functions. Rats were injected with MDMA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; I.P) 30 min before training sessions in 4 training days of MWM task. Afterward, rats were sacrificed under general anesthesia and their hippocampuses were dissected to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and caspase-3 and -9 activities. Our Findings showed that MDMA impaired spatial memory functions and dramatically upregulated ROS production, LPO, and caspase-3 and 9 activities. Also, atorvastatin (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg) significantly improved memory performances and inhibited upregulation of ROS, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities induced by MDMA. In conclusion, the amelioration of MDMA-induced memory impairment and hippocampal apoptosis through atorvastatin and rosuvastatin could be accredited to the observed suppression of ROS production, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities, since excessive exposure of hippocampus to oxidative stress enhanced apoptotic caspases activities, promoted to neuronal apoptosis.

Brain injury after 50 h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation in a preclinical model

Mechanical ventilation is the cornerstone of the Intensive Care Unit. However, it has been associated with many negative consequences. Recently, ventilator-induced brain injury has been reported in rodents under injurious ventilation settings. Our group wanted to explore the extent of brain injury after 50 h of mechanical ventilation, sedation and physical immobility, quantifying hippocampal apoptosis and inflammation, in a normal-lung porcine study. After 50 h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation, sedation and immobility, greater levels of hippocampal apoptosis and neuroinflammation were clearly observed in the mechanically ventilated group, in comparison to a never-ventilated group. Markers in the serum for astrocyte damage and neuronal damage were also higher in the mechanically ventilated group. Therefore, our study demonstrated that considerable hippocampal insult can be observed after 50 h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation, sedation and physical immobility.

The Potential for Acupuncture to Attenuate Hippocampal Apoptosis

Aims: To evaluate the potential for acupuncture to help mediate hippocampal apoptosis. Study Design: Systematic Review. Methodology: A search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using the keywords “hippocampus,” “apoptosis” and “acupuncture” and found 37 qualified articles from January 2009 to March 2019. Results: All of the qualifying studies reviewed strongly support that acupuncture decreases the incidence of hippocampal apoptosis. Conclusion: It was clear that acupuncture can positively affect hippocampal apoptosis. The most frequently suggested mechanism was decreased BAX expression and increased BCL-2 expression, often in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, although it was only seen in about 1/3 of the studies reviewed. Future studies are needed to further investigate the exact mechanism associated with acupuncture in hippocampal apoptosis.