Confirmatory factor analysis and gender invariance of Persian version of the modified Yale food addiction scale (mPYFAS) 2.0: insight from a large scale Iranian sample.

BACKGROUND: The Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) was developed with the primary objective of evaluating food addiction (FA). The present study aimed to undertake the translation, pilot testing, and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the mYFAS 2.0 within the Persian-speaking population. METHODS: The transcultural adaptation of the mYFAS 2.0 to the Persian language was conducted. Data collection was carried out through an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed the Persian versions of the mYFAS 2.0, Binge Eating Scale (BES), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The assessment encompassed the evaluation of internal consistency reliability, factor structure, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the aforementioned questionnaires. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the single-factor model of the Persian translation of mYFAS 2.0 performed satisfactorily, with comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) values exceeding 0.95, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) less than or equal to 0.09, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) below 0.03. The internal consistency and composite reliability of the mYFAS 2.0 were favorable in the entire sample, as well as in both male and female groups, with alpha (α) values of 0.83, ordinal alpha (αord) of 0.93, and composite reliability (CR) of 0.86. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between the total score of BES (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), BIS-11 (r = - 0.16, p < 0.001), and CD-RISC (r = 0.22, p < 0.001) with mYFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence, severity, and symptom count. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the mYFAS 2.0 exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties.

In this study, researchers developed a Persian version of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) to assess food addiction in Persian-speaking individuals. They translated and tested the scale's reliability and validity through an online survey with 9606 Persian speaking participants. The results showed that the Persian mYFAS 2.0 performed well, with a reliable single-factor model. The internal consistency and reliability were good across the entire sample and in both male and female groups. The relationships between mYFAS 2.0 and other scales measuring binge eating, impulsivity, and resilience were significant. The findings suggest that the Persian version of mYFAS 2.0 is a reliable tool for assessing food addiction in the Persian-speaking population. The study used statistical analyses like confirmatory factor analysis, indicating the scale's robustness. Overall, the psychometric properties of the Persian mYFAS 2.0 were satisfactory, providing a valuable instrument for researchers and healthcare professionals studying and addressing food addiction in this population. The study contributes to cross-cultural research and enhances our understanding of food addiction in diverse linguistic communities.

Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective Study on 10 Years Experiences in Southeastern Iran.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is an emergency medical situation that is very common, although often benign but can cause considerable morbidity and mortality and health care costs. The aim of this study was to analyze the endoscopic evaluation of upper GIB (UGIB) and lower GIB (LGIB) in Sistan and Balouchestan, southeast Iran. Methods: Data from patients with GIB in a referral university-affiliated hospital in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran during a 10-year period, were obtained. A total of 21884 reports of adult patients' endoscopy and colonoscopy from 2011 to 2020 who were admitted to Ali-Ibn-Abitaleb hospital were studied of which 5862 reports were related to GIB. Incomplete files were excluded. Information on age, sex, and endoscopic diagnosis of the 5053 reports was analyzed and compared using chi-square statistical test. Results: There were 3310 men (65.6%) and 1743 women (34.4%) with a mean (±SD) of age 48.4 (±19.83) years. 3079 patients had UGIB (60.8%) and 1974 patients had LGIB (39.2%). Peptic ulcer (72.8% duodenal ulcer and 27.2% gastric ulcer) was seen as the main reason for UGIB (29.7%) and hemorrhoids were the main reason for LGIB (44.2%). Mallory-Weiss syndrome was significantly common in the age<40 years old, and the incidence rate of malignancy was significantly higher in those aged>40 years old than in the younger age group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Peptic ulcer was the most common etiological factor and it was more common in men than in women. Gastroesophageal varices were the second most common cause of UGIB. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures were observed as the most common colonoscopic findings of LGIB. The prevalences of UGIB and LGIB are more common in men than women and increase with age. It is important for physicians to constantly update their information about the spectrum of diseases in their region and their changing over time to provide accurate diagnosis and management timely.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve cognitive impairments induced by methamphetamine in rats and reduce relapse.

Introduction: Chronic exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) results in permanent central nervous system damage and learning and memory dysfunction. This study aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on cognitive impairments in Meth addicted rats and comparing intravenous (IV) delivery with intranasal (IN) delivery of BMMSCs. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups; Control; Meth-addicted; IV-BMMSC (Meth administered and received IV BMMSCs); IN-BMMSC (Meth administered and received IN BMMSCs); IV-PBS (Meth administered and received IV Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); IN-PBS (Meth administered and received IN PBS). BMMSCs were isolated, expanded in vitro, immunophenotyped, labeled, and administered to BMMSCs-treated groups (2 × 106 cells). The therapeutic effect of BMMSCs was measured using Morris water maze and Shuttle Box. Moreover, relapse-reduction was evaluated by conditioning place preference after 2 weeks following BMMSCs administration. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in rat hippocampus was assessed using immunohistochemistry method. Results: Administration of BMMSCs caused a significant improvement in the learning and memory functions of Meth-addicted rats and reduced the relapse (P<0.01). In behavioral tests, comparison of IV and IN BMMSC-treated groups did not show any significant difference. Administration of BMMSCs improved the protein level of BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus, as well as causing behavioral improvement (P<0.001). Conclusion: BMMSC administration might be a helpful and feasible method to treat Meth-induced brain injuries in rats and to reduce relapse. BMMSCs were significantly higher in IV-treated group compared to the IN route. Moreover, the expression of BDNF and GDNF was higher in IN-treated rats compared with IV treated group.

Berberine hydrochloride improves cognitive deficiency through hippocampal up-regulation of neurotrophins following inhalant self-administration of methamphetamine.

Objectives: Chronic methamphetamine (METH) abuse is recognized as an important risk factor for cognitive impairment. A plant-based isoquinoline alkaloid, Berberine hydrochloride (BER), shows memory and cognition enhancement properties. Due to the aim of the present study which is to investigate the influence of BER administration on METH-induced cognitive deficits, we investigated neurotrophin signaling including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a possible mechanism by which BER exerts its cognitive improvement influences. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly classified into four groups, including non-treated control, intubated control, METH-inhaled, and METH-inhaled + BER-intubated. Rats in the METH-inhaled group underwent METH inhalation for 14 days, and the BER-inhaled and BER-intubated rats were intubated (100mg/kg) for the following three weeks. A novel object recognition task (NORt) was carried out on days 36 and 37. Rats were sacrificed for histological preparations after the behavioral tests. Neurotrophic factors, including GDNF and BDNF, were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining in the hippocampus. Results: This experiment indicated a dramatic improvement in cognitive deficits associated with chronic METH abuse (P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant decrease in the expression of both neurotrophins, GDNF (P<0.001) and BDNF (P<0.001), was observed in the METH-inhaled group compared with the METH-inhaled group treated with BER and non-treated control group. Conclusion: Activation of neurotrophic factors after BER administration resulted in improvement of METH-induced cognitive deficits. Therefore, BER may be considered a promising treatment for METH users who experience cognition deficits.

The Role of Advanced Technologies against COVID-19: Prevention, Detection, and Treatments.

Concurrent with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the race began among scientists to generate effective therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19. In this regard, advanced technology such as nanotechnology, cell-based therapies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, nerve stimulation and artificial intelligence (AI) are attractive because they can offer new solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Nanotechnology can design rapid and specific tests with high sensitivity for detecting infection and synthases new drugs and vaccines based on nanomaterials to directly deliver the intended antiviral agent to the desired site in the body and also provide new surfaces that do not allow virus adhesion. Mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes secreted from them apply in regenerative medicine and regulate inflammatory responses. Cell therapy and tissue engineering are combined to repair or substitute damaged tissues or cells. Tissue engineering using biomaterials, cells, and signaling molecules can develop new therapeutic and diagnostic platforms and help scientists fight viral diseases. Nerve stimulation technology can augment body's natural ability to modulate the inflammatory response and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and consequently suppress cytokine storm. People can access free online health counseling services through AI and it helps very fast for screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 patients. This study is aimed first to give brief information about COVID-19 and the epidemiology of the disease. After that, we highlight important developments in the field of advanced technologies relevant to the prevention, detection, and treatment of the current pandemic.

Is human cytomegalovirus a potential risk factor for mood disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mood disorders are among the common mental disorders worldwide. Because of the persistence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the body and nervous system, this virus can be activated when the immune system is weakened and continues to exert its destructive effects throughout life. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and association of human cytomegalovirus with mood disorders. Eligible articles were extracted using online international databases Science Direct, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar between 2000 and 2023. After quality assessment and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of eight eligible articles were included in the meta-analysis. Our finding showed that the seropositivity of CMV in mood disorders was 51.6% (95% CI; 42.8-60.4). There were statistical differences between mood disorders and control groups regarding the seropositivity of CMV 1.327% (95% CI; 13.27-10.45). The results of the publication bias using the Egger test confirmed no publication bias in each sub-group. The results of this meta-analysis study demonstrated that CMV infection might have associations with the incidence of mood disorders. Furthermore, we found that there were statistical differences between mood disorders and control groups regarding the seropositivity of CMV.

A Review on the Disruption of Novel Object Recognition Induced by Methamphetamine.

Background: Methamphetamine (MA), is a widely abused synthetic psychostimulant that leads to irreversible brain damage manifested as cognitive impairments in humans and animals. The novel object recognition (NOR) task is a commonly used behavioral assay for the investigation of non-spatial memory in rodents. This test is based on the natural tendency of rodents to spend more time exploring a novel object than a familiar one. NOR test has been used in many studies investigating cognitive deficits caused by MA in rodents. The objective of the present study was to review neurobiological mechanisms that might be responsible for MA-induced NOR alterations. Methods: A PubMed search showed 83 publications using novel object recognition and methamphetamine as keywords in the past 10 years. Findings: The present study revealed different MA regimens cause recognition memory impairment in rodents. In addition, it was found that the main neurobiological mechanism involved in MA-induced recognition deficits is the dysfunction of monoaminergic systems. Conclusion: NOR is a useful test to assess the cognitive functions following MA administration and evaluate the efficacy of new therapeutic agents in MA-addicted individuals.

Neuroprotective Effects of Berberine Hydrochloride on Methamphetamine-induced Cognitive Dysfunction: Immunohistochemical and Behavioral Studies in Rats.

Introduction: Methamphetamine (MA) as an addictive psychostimulant drug affects the central nervous system. The current research aimed to evaluate the impact of berberine hydrochloride on improving cognitive function and neuroprotective effects in rats addicted to MA. Methods: In this study, 27 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups, including control, MA addiction, and MA addiction with berberine hydrochloride (100 mg/kg/d) orally during the three weeks of withdrawal. Two groups received self-administered inhaled MA for two weeks (up to 10 mg/kg). Following the experimental procedures, a Morris water maze (MWM) and shuttle box were used to assess memory, and hippocampal sections from the animals were examined for caspase-3, Ki-67, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Results: The obtained results from the Morris water maze (MWM) showed that berberine hydrochloride decreases (P<0.01) the distance moved and the time spent to reach the hidden platform in the four-day learning trails phase and significant differences were observed in the distance moved, spent time, and frequency of motion in target quadrant on probe test day between groups. Berberine hydrochloride also reduced the latency of animals entering the dark chamber in the treated group compared to the control group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in activation of caspases-3, higher percentages of Ki-67 expression, and an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression of cells was observed in the addicted group compared to the berberine-treated and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of berberine hydrochloride for 3 weeks improves cognitive function in MA addiction and it has potential neuroprotective efficacy. Highlights: Methamphetamine (MA) as an addictive psychostimulant drug affects the central nervous system.The berberine hydrochloride effects on improving cognitive function and neuroprotective.No approved pharmacotherapy, as well as confirmed medication, is available to treat MA abuse. Plain Language Summary: Methamphetamine (MA) is known as a strong addictive stimulant with high addiction and no approved pharmaco-therapy, as well as confirmed medication, is available to treat MA abuse. The study on the long-term effect of MA exposure on cognitive function during an object recognition memory test showed cognitive dysfunction after MA exposure. Berberine can reduce induced amnesia, which can be due to the increased peripheral and central cholinergic neuronal system functions, in addition, the most important mechanism in the protective effect of berberine against amnesia is the inhabitation of inflammation; however, the berberine impact on cells should be more investigated.

Validation and Psychological Properties of the Persian Version of DSM 5 Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (PYFAS 2.0) in Non-clinical Population.

Background: The Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is used for the assessment of food addiction (FA). This research intended to evaluate the validity of the Persian translation of the questionnaire and to investigate the psychological properties and the association between FA and anthropometric indices. Methods: In a sample of 473 nonclinical participants, FA, binge eating, and objectively measured anthropometric indices were assessed. Internal consistency, convergent, and validity of the PYFAS 2.0 were examined. Also, the factor structure (confirmatory factor analysis following the 11 diagnostic indicators in addition to the significant distress) and the construct of the scale were evaluated. Findings: The frequencies of mild, moderate, and severe FA based on PYFAS 2.0 were 0.2%, 10%, and 5.5%, respectively. The findings supported a one-factor structure. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good construct validity (RMSEA=0.043, χ2=76.38, df=41, χ2 (CMIN)/df=1.862, GFI=0.975, AGFI=0.957, IFI=0.986, RFI=0.958, ECVI=0.319, TLI=0.978). For both the diagnostic and symptom count versions, the PYFAS 2.0 presented acceptable internal consistency (IC) (Kuder-Richardson 20=0.99 and McDonald omega=0.91). Conclusion: The PYFAS 2.0 was a psychometrically sound instrument in an Iranian non-clinical population. This questionnaire can be used to study FA in Persian non-clinical populations. Future research should study the psychometric characteristics of this scale in high-risk groups.

Role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in methamphetamine-induced social and recognition memory impairment.

Methamphetamine (METH) has been reported to induce social and recognition memory impairment. Evidence suggests that the cannabinoid system has an important modulatory role in cognitive processing and social interaction. Nonetheless, no previous study has investigated the probable role of the cannabinoids system on METH-induced deficits of novel object recognition (NOR) memory and social interaction. Adult male rats were given a neurotoxic METH regimen (four injections of 6 mg/kg, s.c, at 2 h intervals). One week later, they were examined for either NOR or social interaction in different groups. The cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist rimonabant (1 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) improved METH-induced impairment of the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval, but not reconsolidation, of NOR and also METH-induced impairment of social behavior. Administration of the CB1R agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN; 3 or 5 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect memory deficits or social behavior impairment induced by METH. Our findings may indicate that METH neurotoxicity impairs social and recognition memory. On the other hand, the CB1R antagonist rimonabant, but not the CB1R agonist WIN, prevented these negative effects of METH neurotoxicity. Thus, it seems that the CB1R can be targeted to prevent the adverse effects of METH on cognition and social behavior, at least at experimental levels.

Lapse and Relapse Rates in Narcotics Anonymous versus Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A 12-Month Prospective Study.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare lapse and relapse-free survival between patients treated in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups and Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) centers and to determine the relationship between social support scale and treatment outcome. Method: This study was a prospective, 12-month cohort study using the random sampling method to select 100 newcomer patients treated by the NA Association as well as 100 patients in MMT centers. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Social Support Appraisals (SSA) scale at the onset of the study along with follow-up phone calls every other week. Results: All participants were male, aged between 18 and 65 with a mean (SD) age of 38.98 (± 10.85) years. Prevalence of relapse in 12 months was 60.5%. The lapses in the MMT group and relapses in the NA group were significantly higher (P < 0.001). The younger patients with lower levels of education are at greater risk of lapse/relapse. The mean score of SSA was significantly higher in the MMT group than the NA group in all subscales, including friends, family, and the others' support (P < 0.001). The mean scores of SSA subscales for the participants without relapse in the NA group was significantly higher in comparison to the MMT group. Conclusion: Detection of factors related to drug abuse relapse/lapse may help addiction therapists to identify drug abuse patients with lapse/relapse and to develop treatment and policy guidelines to prevent relapse in addiction recovery.

Metabolite Alternations in the Dopamine Circuit Associated with Methamphetamine-Related Psychotic Symptoms: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study.

Objective: Chronic METH use results in neurodegenerative alternations in the human brain. The present study aimed to assess the long-term METH impact on brain metabolite concentrations in cases meeting the DSM-5 criteria regarding METH use. Method: We recruited 42 METH users meeting the DSM-5 criteria and 21 healthy controls. Psychotic signs were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) evaluating Myo-inositol (Ml), Choline (Cho), Glutamine plus Glutamate (Glx), N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), and Creatine (Cre) were obtained in the dopaminergic pathway (Frontal Cortex, Substantia nigra, Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), Hippocampus, Striatum,) the subjects. All participants collected urine specimens for 24 hours to measure presence of specific metabolites including METH metabolite level, 5-Hydroxy indoleacetic acid metabolite (for serotonin level monitoring), and metanephrine metabolite (for dopamine level monitoring). Results: Dopamine and Serotonin increased in the METH group (P < 0.001). METH caused an increase in the Cre (P < 0.001) and a decline in the Glx (P < 0.001), NAA (P = 0.008), and MI (P < 0.001) metabolite concentrations of dopamine circuits in METH users in comparison with healthy subjects. We found no change in Cho metabolite concentration. Psychological data and the neurometabolite concentrations in the studied area of the brain were significantly correlated. Conclusion: There is an association between METH use and active neurodegeneration in the dopamine circuit, and it causes serious mental illness. 1HMRS can detect patient's deterioration and progression of disease as well as follow-up management in patients with METH use disorder.

Spontaneous Latency in Adult Patients with Celiac Disease on a Normal Diet after Gluten-Free Diet: Case Series.

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune condition induced by the consumption of gluten-containing foods in genetically-predisposed persons. CeD, in addition to digestive disease, is a multisystem disorder. If untreated, it is potentially can be a dangerous disorder and lead to morbidity and even mortality. At present, the only treatment option is a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD), and all authors recommended this regimen. To the best of our knowledge, there are rare reports of the complete remission of disorder on GFD and reintroduction of a normal diet in affected patients. In this report, we describe five patients with CeD who developed complete remission of clinical symptoms, histopathological changes, and serology on a gluten-containing diet. All patients had CeD based on a positive tissue transglutaminase antibody (TTG IgA) and typical histopathological changes in duodenal biopsy with the complete disappearance of symptoms on the GFD regimen. All patients followed GFD for a mean 4 (±0.54) years. In conclusion, this study has shown that some CeD patients diagnosed in adulthood can recover a normal mucosa after a long period of the gluten-containing diet without relapsing any clinical or biological symptoms of CeD.

Chronotype patterns associated with job satisfaction of shift working healthcare providers.

Job satisfaction of healthcare providers is important for their own health and also the quality of care provided to their patients. The aim of our study was to measure the chronotype patterns among healthcare providers and its association with their job satisfaction. Using stratified cluster random sampling, we recruited 210 healthcare providers working permanent morning or evening shifts for a cross-sectional study in Sari, Iran. By in-person interview, we collected data on demographic characteristics and assessed both chronotype, using the Horne-Östberg M-E Questionnaire, and job satisfaction, using the Danet's Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. We grouped job satisfaction scores into four ordinal categories and assessed correlations with study variables by ordinal multivariate logistic regression. The average age of the participants was 39.0 (SD 8.02) years. Most were younger than 45 years of age (74.27%), female (66.67%), married (62.24%), of high income (45.71%), and employed in permanent full-time healthcare work (56.67%). Overall, 63.4% of the participants had moderately high to high job satisfaction. Those who worked the morning shift who were moderate morning and high morning chronotypes, compared to those who were intermediate chronotype, had a statistically significant adjusted odd ratio (AOR), respectively, of 11.36 and 6.53 of higher job satisfaction. Likewise, those who worked the evening shift and were moderate evening and high evening chronotype, compared to intermediate chronotype, had a statistically higher AOR of job satisfaction, respectively, 3.44 and 32.63. We found the match between chronotype and work shift schedule to be linked with increased job satisfaction. If the findings are verified in other investigations, the relatively easy measure of chronotype should be considered to assign people to a work shift to improve job satisfaction of healthcare and perhaps other workers.

Hydrogen sulfide protects hippocampal CA1 neurons against lead mediated neuronal damage via reduction oxidative stress in male rats.

H2S plays vital roles in modulation brain function. It is associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We assessed the H2S impact on spatial learning and memory deficit and cell death due to lead exposure, and probable mechanisms of action. The 36 male Wistar rats that (200-220 g), were in random assigned to 3 groups, control group (12 rats), lead acetate group (12 rats), and lead acetate +H2S groups (NaHS as a H2S donor; 5/6 mg/kg; 12 rats). Administration of lead to rats was performed through acute lead poisoning (25 mg/kg of lead acetate, IP through 3 days). Using male Morris water maze, their spatial learning and memory function were measured. We carried out ELISA method to calculate TNF-α and antioxidant enzymes level. Immunohistochemical staining was applied for evaluating the caspase-3 expression levels. Treatment with H2S improved learning and memory impairment in Pb-exposed rats (P<0.05). H2S treatment suppressed Pb-related apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 subfield (P<0.01). Also, the TNF-α over-expression in the CA1 region of hippocampus due to lead exposure showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) after administrating H2S. Simultaneously, H2S treatment reduced the MDA levels, enhanced SOD, GSH level than the Pb-exposed group in hippocampus (P<0.05). H2S was able to significantly improve Pb-related spatial learning and memory deficit, and neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of hippocampus in the male rats at least partly by reducing oxidative stress and TNF.

Ovarian hormones prevent methamphetamine-induced anxiety-related behaviors and neuronal damage in ovariectomized rats.

Methamphetamine (METH) may cause long‒lasting neurotoxic effects and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone have neuroprotective effects. In the current study, we aimed to examine the effects of estrogen and progesterone on anxiety‒like behavior and neuronal damage in METH‒exposed ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Three weeks after ovariectomy, the animals received estrogen (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or progesterone (8 mg/kg, i.p.), or estrogen plus progesterone (with the same doses), or vehicle during 7 consecutive days (days 22-28). On day 28, OVX rats were exposed to a single‒day METH regimen (6 mg/kg, four s.c. Injections, with 2 h interval) 30 min after the hormone treatment. The next day (on day 29), the animals were assessed for anxiety‒related behaviors using the open field and elevated plus‒maze tasks. The animals were then sacrificed and brain water content, cell apoptosis and expression of IL-1ß were evaluated. The findings showed that treatment with estrogen or progesterone alone in METH‒exposed rats significantly improved hyperthermia, anxiety‒like behavior, neuronal damage, and inflammation in the CA1 area. Also, treatment with estrogen plus progesterone improved hyperthermia and brain edema. Taken together, the findings suggest that treatment with ovarian hormones can partially prevent hyperthermia and anxiety‒related behaviors induced by METH in OVX rats, which could be accompanied by their neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus.

Effects of berberine hydrochloride on methamphetamine-induced anxiety behaviors and relapse in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This research aimed at evaluating the effect of berberine hydrochloride on anxiety-related behaviors induced by methamphetamine (METH) in rats, assessing relapse and neuroprotective effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups of Control, METH-withdrawal (METH addiction and subsequent withdrawal), and METH addiction with berberine hydrochloride oral treatment (100 mg/kg/per day) during the three weeks of withdrawal. Two groups received inhaled METH self-administration for two weeks (up to 10 mg/kg). The elevated plus maze (EPM) test and open field test (OFT) were carried out one day after the last berberine treatment and relapse was assessed by conditional place preference (CPP) test. TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence staining for NF-κB, TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin expression in the hippocampus were tested. RESULTS: After 3 weeks withdrawal, berberine hydrochloride decreased locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-related behaviors in comparison with the METH-withdrawal group (P<0.001). The obtained results from CPP showed that berberine significantly reduced relapse (P<0.01). Significantly decrease in activation of TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin in METH-withdrawal group was found and the percentage of TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin improved in berberine-treated group (P<0.001). A significant activity rise of NF-κB of cells in the METH-withdrawal group was detected compared to berberine-treated and control groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment with berberine hydrochloride via modulating neuroinflammation may be considered as a potential new medication for the treatment of METH addiction and relapse. The histological assays supported the neuroprotective effects of berberine in the hippocampus.

A Review of the Historical Evolutionary Process of Dry and Water Maze Tests in Rodents.

This research provides an overview of the historical advances of the maze tests that are widely used to assess the cognitive impairments in rodents. Particularly, this study focuses on the issue of learning and memory behavioral tests, including dry and water mazes. Several types of mazes have been used in this setting, but their real advantages and applications depend on the type selected by the researcher. We answered some of the basic questions that any interested researcher in such studies may be faced with. The reviewed topics are as follows: the definition of maze learning, the role of the memory in the maze learning, the differences between several types of mazes, and foremost the rationale behind the maze constructions and designs.

Hydrogen sulfide improves spatial memory impairment via increases of BDNF expression and hippocampal neurogenesis following early postnatal alcohol exposure.

According to experimental and clinical findings, fetal brain development may be interrupted by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is thought to play a role in cognition function (i.e. learning and memory). Recent evidence suggests that ethanol administration causes major apoptotic neurodegeneration in many regions of the rats' developing brain during the synaptogenesis period. Based on the recent studies, H2S improve learning and memory via increased neurogenesis and antiapoptotic mechanisms in different animal models. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effects of hydrogen sulfide on alcohol-induced memory impairment, hippocampus neurogenesis and neuronal apoptosis in rat pups with postnatal ethanol exposure. Administration of ethanol to male rat pups was performed through intragastric intubation on postnatal days 2-10. The pups were administered 1 mg/kg of NaHS (H2S donor) on postnatal days 2-10. For examining the spatial memory, Morris water maze test was carried out 36 days after birth. Following the behavioral test, immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression levels of BrdU, BDNF and Apoptotic cell death was detected by TUNEL staining. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) treatment could significantly improve spatial memory impairment (P < 0.05) and significantly increase the expression of BrdU and BDNF in dentate gyrus area (P < 0.05). It also decreased positive TUNEL cells, compared with the ethanol group (P < 0.01). Based on the findings, H2S makes significant neuroprotective effects on Ethanol neurotoxicity due to its neurogenesis and anti-apoptotic activity.