Neurological recovery and neurogenesis by curcumin sustained-release system cross-linked with an acellular spinal cord scaffold in rat spinal cord injury: Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

In the context of treating spinal cord injury (SCI), the modulation of inflammatory responses, and the creation of a suitable region for tissue regeneration may present a promising approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin (Cur)-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (Cur-BSA NPs) cross-linked with an acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASCS) on the functional recovery in a rat model of SCI. We developed an ASCS using chemical and physical methods. Cur-BSA, and blank (B-BSA) NPs were fabricated and cross-linked with ASCS via EDC-NHS, resulting in the production of Cur-ASCS and B-ASCS. We assessed the properties of scaffolds and NPs as well as their cross-links. Finally, using a male rat hemisection model of SCI, we investigated the consequences of the resulting scaffolds. The inflammatory markers, neuroregeneration, and functional recovery were evaluated. Our results showed that Cur was efficiently entrapped at the rate of 42% ± 1.3 in the NPs. Compared to B-ASCS, Cur-ASCS showed greater effectiveness in the promotion of motor recovery. The implantation of both scaffolds could increase the migration of neural stem cells (Nestin- and GFAP-positive cells) following SCI with the superiority of Cur-ASCS. Cur-ASCS was successful to regulate the gene expression and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Casp1in the spinal cord lesion. Our results indicate that using ASCS can lead to the entrance of cells into the scaffold and promote neurogenesis. However, Cur-ASCS had greater effects in terms of inflammation relief and enhanced neurogenesis.

Comparing The Effect Of Electroacupuncture And Glibenclamide On Blood Glucose Level And Histological Markers Of Pancreas In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes lowers the quality of life and leads to several complications. Glibenclamide is a commonly used step-two treatment in diabetes but it causes weight gain, hypoglycemia and cardiovascular problems. Electroacupuncture (EA) can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of EA plus glibenclamide (G) with single therapy by G or EA on blood glucose, pancreas volume, islet volume, ratio of islet volume to pancreas volume, apoptotic and beta cells numbers and body weight in diabetic rats. METHODS: Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided to 10 groups: 2 non-diabetic control groups and 8 diabetic groups (1 control and 7 experimental groups; D/G 2.5, D/G 5, D/G 10 mg/kg, EA, D/EA/G 2.5, D/EA/G 5, and D/EA/G 10). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin with high-fat diet. At the end of the course, blood samples were obtained and pancreases were dissected. RESULTS: EA was as effective as D/G 5 and D/G 10 in all outcomes. Combination therapy of EA and glibenclamide 5 and 10 mg/kg resulted in a better glucose-lowering effect, greater islet volume and ratio of islet volume to pancreas volume than single therapies (P < .05). EA increased the pancreas volume as much as the combination therapies (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Combination of EA and glibenclamide 5 showed the best effects on blood glucose, islet volume and ratio of islet to pancreas volume. Combination of EA and glibenclamide 2.5 illustrated the best effects on apoptotic and beta cell number of diabetic rats.

Trigonella foenum-graceum seed (Fenugreek) hydroalcoholic extract improved the oxidative stress status in a rat model of diabetes-induced memory impairment.

Background The antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Trigonella foenum-graceum have been suggested. The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of the plant seeds and metformin against the diabetes-induced memory impairment were investigated. Materials and methods The rats were treated: (1) control, (2) diabetic (3-6) and diabetic rats treated by 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the plant extract or metformin. The rats were diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg). After the passive avoidance test, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, total thiol (SH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in the brain. Results In the diabetic group, at 3, 24 and 48 h after receiving a shock, the latency to enter the dark room was lower than for the controls (p < 0.001). All doses of the extract and metformin increased the latencies to enter the dark at 3 and 24 h after the shock treatment (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Additionally, the two higher doses of the extract and metformin increased the latency at 48 h after the shock (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Diabetes also elevated MDA and NO metabolites, while it reduced thiol, SOD and CAT in the hippocampal and cortical tissues (p < 0.001). Treatment of the diabetic animals by the highest dose of the extract and also metformin reduced the MDA and NO metabolites, while it improved thiols, SOD and CAT (p < 0.01-p < 0.001). Conclusions Based on our findings, metformin and the hydro-alcoholic extract from the T. foenum-graceum seed prevented memory deficits resulting from diabetes. Preventing oxidative damage in the brain may at least, in part, be responsible for the positive effects of the extract and metformin.

Analysis and optimization of a synthetic milkweed floral attractant for mosquitoes.

A pentane extract of flowers of common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca (Asclepiadaceae), elicited significant orientation from both male and female Culex pipiens in a dual-port flight olfactometer. Analysis of the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed six major constituents in order of relative abundance: benzaldehyde, (E)-ß-ocimene, phenylacetaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, nonanal, and (E)-2-nonenal. Although not all were collected from the headspace profile of live flowers, a synthetic blend of these six compounds, when presented to mosquitoes in the same levels and proportions that occur in the extract, elicited a response comparable to the extract. Subtractive behavioral bioassays demonstrated that a three-component blend consisting of benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, and (E)-2-nonenal was as attractive as the full blend. These findings suggest the potential use of synthetic floral-odor blends for monitoring or control of both male and female disease-vectoring mosquitoes.