Accumulated HIIT inhibits anxiety and depression, improves cognitive function, and memory-related proteins in the hippocampus of aged rats.

This study aimed to compare the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) performed in a single session(1xHIIT) versus three daily sessions (3xHIIT) on fitness level and behavior of aged rats. Eighteen-month-old Wistar rats were assigned to Untrained (UN), 1xHIIT, or 3xHIIT (n = 12/group). Both groups, 1xHIIT and 3xHIIT, performed 15 min of a treadmill running HIIT protocol during 8 weeks. 1xHIIT protocol consisted of a single daily session of 15 min, while the 3xHIIT performed three daily sessions of 5 min with a 4 h interval between the sessions. Morris Water Maze (MWM) task was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Splash test, Forced Swim test, and Elevated Plus Maze task (EPM) were used to evaluate anhedonic, depressive-like, and anxious behaviors, respectively. Rats were euthanized, and the hippocampus was harvested for western blot analyses (CaMKII and BDNF). Both HIIT protocols improved VO2max and spatial memory. Notably, only the 3xHIIT protocol attenuated anxious and depressive-like behaviors. Western blot analyses of the hippocampus revealed that both HIIT protocols increased BDNF levels. BDNF levels were higher in the 3xHIIT when compared with 1xHIIT group, and we observed increasement of the CamKII levels just in the 3x HIIT group. Therefore, this study provides evidence indicating that accumulated HIIT sessions is more effective than traditional daily HIIT sessions in improving fitness level, cognitive function, memory, inhibiting the development of mood disorders, and enhancing BDNF and CaMKII levels in the hippocampus of aged rats.

Antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin and curcuminoids in SH-SY5Y cells infected by SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects neuronal cells, causing several symptoms such as memory loss, anosmia and brain inflammation. Curcuminoids (Me08 e Me23) and curcumin (CUR) are derived from Curcuma Longa extract (EXT). Many therapeutic actions have been linked to these compounds, including antiviral action. Given the severe implications of COVID-19, especially within the central nervous system, our study aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of curcuminoids against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the effects of CUR, EXT, Me08 and Me23 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. We observed that Me23 significantly decreased the expression of plasma membrane-associated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and TMPRSS11D, consequently mitigating the elevated ROS levels induced by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, Me23 exhibited antioxidative properties by increasing NRF2 gene expression and restoring NQO1 activity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both Me08 and Me23 effectively reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing ACE2 (SH-ACE2). Additionally, all of these compounds demonstrated the ability to decrease proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, while Me08 specifically reduced INF-γ levels. Our findings suggest that curcuminoid Me23 could serve as a potential agent for mitigating the impact of COVID-19, particularly within the context of central nervous system involvement.

Overexpression of estrogen receptor GPER1 and G1 treatment reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in BEAS-2B bronchial cells.

Gender-bias in COVID-19 severity has been suggested by clinical data. Experimental data in cell and animal models have demonstrated the role of sex hormones, particularly estrogens, in viral infections such as in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 as a receptor to recognize host cells, and the protease TMPRSS2 for priming the Spike protein, facilitating virus entry into cells. However, the involvement of estrogenic receptors in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still being explored. Thus, in order to investigate the role of estrogen and its receptors in COVID-19, the estrogen receptors ERα, ERß and GPER1 were overexpressed in bronchial BEAS-2B cell, and then infected with SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA were higher in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, but no difference was observed in cells with estrogen receptors overexpression. GPER1 can be involved in virus infection or replication, since its higher levels reduces SARS-CoV-2 load. On the other hand, pharmacological antagonism of GPER1 enhanced viral load. Those data suggest that GPER1 has an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Anesthesia can alter the levels of corticosterone and the phosphorylation of signaling molecules.

OBJECTIVE: Neuroscience research using laboratory animals has increased over the years for a number of reasons. Some of these studies require the use of anesthetics for surgical procedures. However, the use of anesthetics promotes several physiological changes that may interfere with experimental results. Although the anesthetics and methods of delivery used to vary, one of the most common is ketamine associated with another compound such as xylazine. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ketamine and xylazine (KX) on corticosterone levels and on the degree of phosphorylation of p44/42 (ERK1/2), Src kinases and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CAMKII). We also compared the effects of KX on sleep deprivation, which is known to affect the hormonal profile including corticosterone. RESULTS: We found that the use of KX can increase corticosterone levels and alter the degree of phosphorylation of signaling proteins.