The inhibitory effect of Cannabis Sativa L. and Morus nigra L. against lipid peroxidation in goat liver and brain homogenates / O efeito inibitório de Cannabis Sativa L. e Morus nigra L. contra a peroxidação lipídica em homogenatos de fígado e cérebro de cabra

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra against lipid peroxidation in goat brain and liver homogenates. The formation of free radicals, highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a normal metabolic process for cellular signaling and countering the antigens. However, they may cause serious damage if they produced at amplified tolls. In addition, metabolic disorders also serve as sources of these reactive species. Although the issue can be addressed through supplements and other phytochemicals. In this study, two plant species were evaluated for their biological potential by employing a spectrum of antioxidant assays. The antioxidant activity was performed by lipid peroxidation assay. The water extract prepared from leaves of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra showed significant (P<0.05) inhibition as compared to control i.e., 522.6±0.06 and 659.97±0.03 µg/mL against iron-induced lipid peroxidation in goat brain homogenate while the inhibitions were 273.54±0.04 and 309.18±0.05 µg/mL against nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation of the brain. The iron and nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation was also significantly inhibited by leaf extracts of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra in liver homogenates such as 230.63±0.52 and 326.91±0.01 µg/mL (iron-induced) while 300.47±0.07 and 300.47±0.07 µg/mL (nitroprusside induced), respectively. The extracts of Cannabis sativa extract showed promising activity (96.04±0.060%) against DPPH radicals while Morus nigra showed a moderate activity (34.11±0.120%). The results suggest that different accessions of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra are a potential source of antioxidants and have a therapeutic effect against disease induced by oxidative stress and hence can be used for novel drug discovery and development.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antioxidante e o efeito inibitório de Cannabis sativa e Morus nigra contra a peroxidação lipídica em homogenatos de cérebro e fígado de cabras. A formação de radicais livres, espécies altamente reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e espécies reativas de nitrogênio (RNS), é um processo metabólico normal para sinalização celular e combate aos antígenos. No entanto, eles podem causar sérios danos se forem produzidos em portagens ampliadas. Além disso, distúrbios metabólicos também servem como fontes dessas espécies reativas, embora o problema possa ser resolvido por meio de suplementos e outros fitoquímicos. Neste estudo, duas espécies de plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial biológico, empregando um espectro de ensaios antioxidantes. A atividade antioxidante foi realizada por ensaio de peroxidação lipídica. O extrato de água preparado a partir de folhas de Cannabis sativa e Morus nigra mostrou inibição significativa (P < 0,05) em comparação com o controle, ou seja, 522,6 ± 0,06 e 659,97 ± 0,03 µg / mL contra peroxidação lipídica induzida por ferro em homogenato de cérebro de cabra, enquanto as inibições foram 273,54 ± 0,04 e 309,18 ± 0,05 µg / mL contra a peroxidação lipídica do cérebro induzida por nitroprussiato. A peroxidação lipídica induzida por ferro e nitroprussiato também foi significativamente inibida por extratos de folhas de Cannabis sativa e Morus nigra em homogenatos de fígado, como 230,63 ± 0,52 e 326,91 ± 0,01 µg / mL (induzida por ferro), enquanto 300,47 ± 0,07 e 300,47 ± 0,07 µg / mL (induzida por nitroprussiato), respectivamente. Os extratos do extrato de Cannabis sativa apresentaram atividade promissora (96,04 ± 0,060%) contra os radicais DPPH enquanto Morus nigra apresentou atividade moderada (34,11 ± 0,120%). Os resultados sugerem que diferentes acessos de Cannabis sativa e Morus nigra são uma fonte potencial de antioxidantes e têm efeito terapêutico [...].

CeRebrUm and CardIac Protection with ALlopurinol in Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease Requiring Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CRUCIAL): study protocol of a phase III, randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, Dutch multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are at risk of brain injury that may result in adverse neurodevelopment. To date, no therapy is available to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of CCHD neonates. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, prevents the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby limiting cell damage during reperfusion and reoxygenation to the brain and heart. Animal and neonatal studies suggest that allopurinol reduces hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and is cardioprotective and safe. This trial aims to test the hypothesis that allopurinol administration in CCHD neonates will result in a 20% reduction in moderate to severe ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury. METHODS: This is a phase III, randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Neonates with a prenatal or postnatal CCHD diagnosis requiring cardiac surgery with CPB in the first 4 weeks after birth are eligible to participate. Allopurinol or mannitol-placebo will be administered intravenously in 2 doses early postnatally in neonates diagnosed antenatally and 3 doses perioperatively of 20 mg/kg each in all neonates. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of moderate/severe ischemic or hemorrhagic brain injury on early postoperative MRI, being too unstable for postoperative MRI, or mortality within 1 month following CPB. A total of 236 patients (n = 188 with prenatal diagnosis) is required to demonstrate a reduction of the primary outcome incidence by 20% in the prenatal group and by 9% in the postnatal group (power 80%; overall type 1 error controlled at 5%, two-sided), including 1 interim analysis at n = 118 (n = 94 with prenatal diagnosis) with the option to stop early for efficacy. Secondary outcomes include preoperative and postoperative brain injury severity, white matter injury volume (MRI), and cardiac function (echocardiography); postnatal and postoperative seizure activity (aEEG) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (NIRS); neurodevelopment at 3 months (general movements); motor, cognitive, and language development and quality of life at 24 months; and safety and cost-effectiveness of allopurinol. DISCUSSION: This trial will investigate whether allopurinol administered directly after birth and around cardiac surgery reduces moderate/severe ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury and improves cardiac function and neurodevelopmental outcome in CCHD neonates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2017-004596-31. Registered on November 14, 2017. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04217421. Registered on January 3, 2020.

Excessive manganese alters serum biochemical indices, induces histopathological alterations, and activates apoptosis in liver and cerebrum of Jianzhou Da'er goat (Capra hircus).

The present study aimed to explore the toxic effects of excessive dietary Mn in livers and cerebrums of Jianzhou Da'er goat (Capra hircus). Three-month old goats were assigned into three groups: control group, fed on basal diet; Mn I group, fed on the basal diet mixed with MnCl2 (2.5 g/kg); Mn II group, fed on the basal diet mixed with MnCl2 (5 g/kg). Compared with the control group, the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the concentrations of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly increased, but the concentrations of IgG in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly decreased, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly increased in livers and cerebrums (p < 0.05). Moreover, the hepatocytes necrosed, inflammatory cells infiltrated, chromatin concentrated, mitochondrial cristae reduced in Mn I and Mn II groups. The nerve cells necrosed, blood vessels congested, inflammatory cells infiltrated, mitochondrial electron density and mitochondrial cristae decreased, and vacuolization increased in Mn I and Mn II groups. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (TNFR1), fas-associated protein via a death domain (FADD), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3, 8, 9 (Caspase-3, 8, 9) in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the mRNA expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in livers. The mRNA expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, 9, 7, 12 in Mn I and Mn II groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05), however, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in Mn I and Mn II groups was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in cerebrums. In summary, our results provided new insights for better understanding the mechanisms of Mn toxicity in Capra hircus.

The interactions of alcohol and cocaine regulate the expression of genes involved in the GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems of male and female rats.

Although the pharmacological and behavioural interactions between cocaine and alcohol are well established, less is known about how polyconsumption of these drugs affects the neurotransmitter systems involved in their psychoactive effects and in particular, in the process of addiction. Here, rats of both sexes at two stages of development were studied under a chronic regime of intravenous cocaine and/or alcohol administration. Brain samples from the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and amygdala were extracted to analyse the mRNA expression of genes encoding subunits of the GABA, NMDA and AMPA receptors, as well as the expression of the CB1 receptor, and that of enzymes related to the biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Moreover, two synaptic scaffold proteins related to GABA and NMDA receptors, gephyrin and PSD-95, were quantified in Western blots. Significant interactions between cocaine and alcohol were common, affecting the GABAergic and endocannabinoid systems in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala of young adults, whereas such interactions were evident in the glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems in adults, as well as a more pronounced sex effect. Significant interactions between these drugs affecting the scaffold proteins were evident in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of young adults, and in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala of adults, but not in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of considering the interactions between cocaine and alcohol on neurotransmitter systems in the context of polyconsumption, specifically when treating problems of abuse of these two substances.

Glutamine synthetase regulation by dexamethasone, RU486, and compound A in astrocytes derived from aged mouse cerebral hemispheres is mediated via glucocorticoid receptor.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) regulate astrocyte function, while glutamine synthetase (GS), an enzyme highly expressed in astrocytes, is one of the most remarkable GCs-induced genes. GCs mediate their effects through their cognate glucocorticoid receptor (GRα and GRß isoforms); however, the mechanism via which these isoforms regulate GS activity in astrocytes remains unknown. We used dexamethasone (DEX), a classical GRα/GRß agonist, RU486, which is a specific GRß ligand, and Compound A, a known "dissociated" ligand, to delineate the mechanism via which GR modulates GS activity. Aged Mouse Cerebral Hemisphere astrocytes were treated with DEX (1 µM), RU486 (1 nM-1 µM) or compound A (10 µM), alone or in combination with DEX. GS activity and expression, GR isoforms (mRNA and protein levels), and GRα subcellular trafficking were measured. DEX increased GS activity in parallel with GRα nuclear translocation. RU486 increased GS activity in absence of GRα nuclear translocation implicating thus a role of GRß-mediated mechanism compound A had no effect on GS activity implicating a GRα-GRE-mediated mechanism. None of the compounds affected whole-cell GRα protein content. DEX reduced GRα and GRß mRNA levels, while RU486 increased GRß gene expression. We provide evidence that GS activity, in astrocytes, is regulated via GRα- and GRß-mediated pathways with important implications in pathological conditions in which astrocytes are involved.

Effects of chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4D on behavior and regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is caused by silencing the FMR1 gene which results in intellectual disability, hyperactivity, sensory hypersensitivity, autistic-like behavior, and susceptibility to seizures. This X-linked disorder is also associated with reduced cAMP levels in humans as well as animal models. We assessed the therapeutic and neurochemical effects of chronic administration of the phosphodiesterase-4D negative allosteric modulator, BPN14770, in a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 KO). Groups of male Fmr1 KO mice and control littermates were treated with dietary BPN14770 commencing postnatal day 21. A dose-response effect was investigated. At 90 days of age, mice underwent behavior tests including open field, novel object recognition, three chambered sociability and social novelty tests, passive avoidance, and sleep duration analysis. These tests were followed by in vivo measurement of regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) with the autoradiographic L-[1-14C]leucine method. BPN14770 treatment had positive effects on the behavioral phenotype in Fmr1 KO mice. Some effects such as increased sleep duration and increased social behavior occurred in both genotypes. In the open field, the hyperactivity response in Fmr1 KO mice was ameliorated by BPN14770 treatment at low and intermediate doses. BPN14770 treatment tended to increase rCPS in a dose-dependent manner in WT mice, whereas in Fmr1 KO mice effects on rCPS were less apparent. Results indicate BPN14770 treatment improves some behavior in Fmr1 KO mice. Results also suggest a genotype difference in the regulation of translation via a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Tolerabilidad y efectos adversos del propofol en la prueba de Wada / Tolerability and adverse effects of propofol in the Wada test

INTRODUCCIÓN: La prueba de Wada consiste en la inhibición selectiva y reversible de un hemisferio cerebral mediante la inyección intracarotídea de amobarbital con el objetivo de evaluar la lateralidad del lenguaje y la memoria. Existen otros fármacos anestésicos, como el propofol, como alternativa para la prueba. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio fue describir la tolerabilidad y los efectos adversos (EA) del uso de propofol para la prueba de Wada durante el estudio prequirúrgico de pacientes con epilepsia farmacorresistente. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionó a pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia estructural farmacorresistente consecutivos, quienes se sometieron a la prueba de Wada durante el estudio prequirúrgico en el período de junio de 2012 a mayo de 2019. Los pacientes fueron evaluados de manera retrospectiva. Los EA se describieron según la clasificación de Mikuni, modificada por Curot. Se analizaron las variables de sexo, edad, lateralidad del foco epiléptico, lateralidad del lenguaje, sustrato lesional, etiología y dosis de propofol administrada en busca de significación estadística. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a un total de 74 pacientes, de los cuales 40 eran hombres (54%). Cuarenta y siete pacientes (63,5%) tuvieron al menos un EA. La dosis media de propofol fue de 9,23 mg. Los EA más frecuentes fueron lagrimeo, sudoración y ojo rojo, correspondientes al grupo I (57%). Un paciente desarrolló estado epiléptico convulsivo, EA importante no descrito anteriormente durante la prueba de Wada. CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de la prueba de Wada con propofol ocasiona frecuentes efectos adversos leves, los cuales no impiden su finalización. Describimos un caso de estado epiléptico convulsivo como único EA grave

INTRODUCTION: The Wada test consists of the selective and reversible inhibition of a cerebral hemisphere by intracarotid injection of amobarbital in order to evaluate the laterality of language and memory. However, there are other anesthetic drugs such as propofol, as an alternative for the test. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the tolerability and adverse effects (AE) of the use of propofol for the Wada test, during the presurgical study of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of drug-resistant structural epilepsy were selected who underwent the Wada test during the pre-surgical study in the period from June 2012 to May 2019. The patients were retrospectively evaluated. The AE were described according to the Mikuni classification, modified by Curot. The variables of sex, age, epileptic foci laterality, language laterality, lesional substrate, etiology and dose of administered Propofol were analyzed for any statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients, 40 men (54%), were studied. Forty-seven patients (63.5%) had at least one AE. The mean dose of propofol was 9.23 mg. The most frequent AE were tearing, sweating and red eye, corresponding to group I (57%). One patient developed convulsive status epilepticus, an important AE not previously described during the Wada test. CONCLUSION: Performing the Wada test with propofol causes frequent mild adverse effects, which do not prevent its completion. We describe a case of convulsive status epilepticus as the only serious AE

Correlation of distinct behaviors to the modified expression of cerebral Shank1,3 and BDNF in two autistic animal models.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder featuring altered neuronal circuitry and consequently impaired social interactions, restrictive interests plus repetitive stereotypic activities. In the present study, differentiated behaviors of valproic (VPA) and propionic (PPA) acid-mediated autism rats were correlated to cerebral scaffolding proteins (Shank1,3) and BDNF expression variations. Sprague-Dawley offspring that received VPA during pregnancy displayed a notably diminished permanence (-78 %, p < 0.01) in the light chamber of light dark (LD) test, reduced exploratory tasks, i.e. grooming (-90 %) and rearing (-65 %). Moreover, they executed extremely greater climbing intervals (+300 %, p < 0.001) in novel cage (NC) test, plus exhibited an extremely reduced (-331 %) discrimination index in novel object recognition (NOR) test when compared to controls. PPA-treated postnatal days (PND) 12-16 rats also displayed anxiety-like behaviors, although in a less evident manner, as indicated by a moderate time (+55 %; p < 0.05) spent in dark chamber along with notable and moderate decreases in digging (-78 %) plus grooming (-52 %), respectively. Contextually, VPA- more than PPA supplied opposite Shank1,3 expression changes in cerebellum (CB; -62 %; +78 %), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DM-PFC; +95 % -76 %), respectively, while resulting extremely upregulated in hippocampus (HIP; +125 % - +155 %). Even BDNF resulted to be substantially and notably diminished in HIP (-85 %) and DM-PFC (-72 %), respectively, of VPA rats while it was only moderately reduced (-35 % to -45 %) in these same areas of PPA rats. The early altered brain-specific expression levels accounting for different behavioral performances may provide useful diagnostic indications and constitute valuable therapeutic strategies for autistic patients.

Single probe diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to assess the effect of sarcopoterium spinosum treatment on the cerebral tissue properties of ApoE knockout mouse.

In this work, diffuse near-infrared light reflectance spectroscopy based on a single optical probe, contains central single collection fiber surrounded by a circular array of illumination fibers, was used to quantify cerebral tissue properties in ApoE knockout mice following Sarcopoterium spinosum treatment. Sarcopoterium spinosum, also known as Thorny burnet, is a Mediterranean plant widely used as a traditional therapy for the treatment of a variety of pathologies, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). While it's efficacy in the treatment of T2D, and of other components of metabolic syndrome, have already been validated by us, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (SSE) on dyslipidemia and vascular functions. We utilized ApoE deficient mice (ApoE-/- , Atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient), who have a severe impairment in plasma lipoprotein clearance and thus develop alterations in blood lipid profile and are highly susceptible to atherogenic plaque formation. A total of 34 male mice were divided into five groups representing various genetic, dietary, and treatment configurations. Optical measurements were used to assess changes in diffused reflectance spectra, optical properties (absorption and scattering), and cerebral tissue chromophore contents. Specifically, significant improvement in cerebral hemoglobin level was observed in ApoE KO mice, fed an artherogenic diet (ATD), upon SSE treatment. Biochemical and histological analyses of ApoE-/- ATD mice showed elevated body weight and a high level of blood triglycerides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. In contrast, in SSE treated mice improvement was observed, suggesting beneficial effects of SSE. In ApoE-/- ATD mice group a higher levels of deoxyhemoglobin was monitored indicating that the rate of oxygen release to the tissue is low. This was supported by decrease in oxygen saturation. It was also shown a reduction in water content in the brain of ApoE KO. Mice fed with the atherogenic diet demonstrated increased water content as compared to STD-fed ApoE KO mice, while SSE administration reversed the effect of the diet. To our knowledge, no such study has been reported before.

New Psychoactive Substance 5-MeO-MiPT In vivo Acute Toxicity and Hystotoxicological Study.

BACKGROUND: The hallucinogenic tryptamine analog 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT) causes social problems worldwide. There are several studies on the metabolism; however, not more studies were found in the literature on acute toxicity. AIMS: To report the acute toxicity of 5-MeO-MiPT in mice, followed by quantitative toxicological analysis of blood and organs, hystotoxicological and immunohistochemical analysis of tissues and cells. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment Methods: In vivo experiments were performed using CD1 adult female mice (n=26). Animals were caged in 4 groups randomly. First group was a control (n=3). Second group was vehicle control (n=3) and injected 150 µL of blank solution (50% dimethyl sulfoxide in saline /0.9% of NaCl). While for acute toxicity experiments, 5-MeO-MiPT was added to a blank solution in order to obtain a dose of 0.27 mg/kg in 150 µL injection (n=10) and the last group were injected 2.7 mg/kg 5-MeO-MiPT in a 150 µL injection (n=10). Quantitative toxicological analysis, hystotoxicological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. RESULTS: In the toxicological analysis, 5-MeO-MiPT was found negative in biological samples which were control, vehicle control, and 0.27 mg/kg dose mice groups. 5-MeO-MiPT was found 2.7-13.4 ng/mL in blood, 11-29 ng/g in kidney, 15.2-108.3 ng/g in liver, and 1.5-40.6 ng/g in the brain in 2,7 mg/kg injected group. In a low dose of the 5-MeO-MiPT liver section, compared with normal tissues, the difference in staining was statistically significant (p<0.0001). In high-dose of 5-MeO-MiPT, H-score showed that the increase in the number of Caspase-3 positive cells was significant compared to the control (p<0.05). In high-dose of 5-MeO-MiPT, intense Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was observed and the increase in the number of Caspase-3 positive cells compared to the control was statistically significant (p<0.05). In brain section, the statistics of the results obtained from the H-score showed that the increase in the number of Caspase-3 positive cells was significant compared to the control (p=0.0183). In vehicle control liver section, there were few Caspase-8 positive cells characterized by a light brown appearance (p=0.0117). In the high-dose 5-MeO-MiPT group, the numbers of positive cells at low and high doses of 5-MeO-MiPT group were statistically significant compared to the control (p<0.05). In the high-dose 5-MeO-MiPT group, Caspase-8 immunoreactivity was detected in the glomerular structures. Compared to control, the increase in Caspase-8 immunoreactivity was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-dose 5-MeO-MiPT did not cause any serious histopathological effects on the liver, kidney, and brain. High doses induce apoptotic cell death through caspase activity.

Tranilast ameliorated subchronic silver nanoparticles-induced cerebral toxicity in rats: Effect on TLR4/NLRP3 and Nrf-2.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely applied in various aspects of life. However, recent studies reported their potential toxicity both on environment and human health. The present study aimed to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. Moreover, chemopreventive effect of tranilast, an analogue of tryptophan metabolite and a mast cell membrane stabilizer was evaluated. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were enrolled equally into Normal control group, AgNPs-intoxicated group (50 mg/kg, 3 times/week) and tranilast (300 mg/kg, 3 times/week)+AgNPs group. AgNPs administration triggered brain oxidative stress as depicted by reduced Nrf-2 expression, decreased TAC and GSH as well as upregulated brain lipid peroxidation. The apparent brain oxidative damage was accompanied by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α). Moreover, brain levels of TLR4, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were up-regulated. Additionally, histological study indicated marked cellular injury in cerebrum and cerebellum specimens. This was concomitant with elevated serum CK activity and CK-BB level. On the other hand, tanilast administration remarkably alleviated AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. The present study shed the light on implication of TLR4/NLRP3 axis and NrF2 in AgNPs-induced brain toxicity. In addition, it explored the potential protective effect of tranilast on AgNPs-induced brain injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies.

Advantages of methohexital over amobarbital in determining hemispheric language and memory lateralization in the Wada test - A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Due to supply shortage, amobarbital, the traditional anesthetic agent in Wada testing, was replaced by methohexital in many epilepsy centers. This study aimed to compare the two barbiturates to identify possible advantages or disadvantages of methohexital as compared to amobarbital with regard to the adequacy of language and memory testing during the Wada test. METHODS: Data from 75 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent bilateral Wada tests using either amobarbital (n = 53) or methohexital (n = 22) as part of presurgical work-up were analyzed retrospectively. The two subgroups were compared regarding hemispheric language and memory lateralization results and Wada testing characteristics, and the adequacy of language and memory testing was assessed. RESULTS: We observed shorter durations of motor-, speech-, and EEG recovery after each injection in patients receiving methohexital compared to amobarbital. In addition, significantly more items could be presented during effective hemispheric inactivation in the methohexital group. Moreover, significant correlations of Wada memory scores with standard neuropsychological memory test scores could be found in the methohexital group. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings confirm that methohexital is not only equally suitable for Wada testing but has several advantages over amobarbital. Wada testing can be performed more efficiently and under more constant hemispheric inactivation using methohexital. Furthermore, the adequacy of language and memory testing during the Wada test might be affected by the anesthetic agent used.

Consumo de bebidas refrescantes, deportivas y energéticas en adolescentes. Estudio BEENIS / Consumption of soft, sports, and energy drinks in adolescents. The BEENIS study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Actualmente, la gran oferta de bebidas no alcohólicas se agrupa en refrescantes, deportivas y energéticas, todas ellas con un alto contenido en azúcares y su conocido riesgo de obesidad. Cada vez es más frecuente su consumo y en circunstancias no recomendables, con un elevado riesgo sobre la salud. El consumo real de bebidas deportivas y de energéticas no es bien conocido. OBJETIVO: Conocer los hábitos y el consumo de bebidas refrescantes, deportivas y energéticas en adolescentes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se obtuvieron las encuestas de 4.769 alumnos de 13 a 18años de Sabadell, Barcelona. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de consumo de bebidas refrescantes se observó en el 92,9% de los alumnos y se realizaba preferentemente en momentos de ocio, durante las comidas y en cualquier momento del día. En deportivas fue del 61,7%, preferentemente al realizar deporte y en momentos de ocio. En energéticas fue del 49,2%, principalmente en momentos de ocio (un 49% las mezclaba con alcohol) y al realizar deporte. El consumo simultáneo de los tres tipos fue del 38%, y las bebidas refrescantes siempre eran las más habituales. DISCUSIÓN: Se describe el consumo bebidas deportivas, normalmente incluidas en las bebidas refrescantes, así como el consumo simultáneo de los tres tipos de bebidas y de los momentos en que son consumidas. Disponemos de un diagnóstico del consumo de estas bebidas en los adolescentes de nuestro ámbito que nos permitirá diseñar y evaluar intervenciones educativas para concienciar a la población adolescente y a sus familias

INTRODUCTION: The wide range of non-alcoholic drinks are currently grouped as soft (carbonated), sports, and energy drinks, and all of them have a high sugar content, along with their known risk of obesity. Their consumption is increasing and in inadvisable circumstances, as well as an elevated health risk. The real consumption of sports and energy drinks is not well known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the habits and consumption of soft, sports, and energy drinks in adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in which questionnaires were obtained from 4,769 schoolchildren from 13 to 18years-old from de Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain. RESULTS: The prevalence of consuming soft drinks was observed in 92.9% of the adolescents, and was predominantly done during leisure time, during meals, or any time during the day. In sports it was 61.7%, mainly on practising the sport and in leisure time. In energy drinks, it was 49.2%, mainly in leisure time (they were mixed with alcohol in 49%) and on practising sport. The simultaneous consumption of the three types was 38%, and soft drinks were the most common. DISCUSSION: A description is presented on the consumption of sports drinks, normally included as soft drinks, as well as the simultaneous consumption of the three types of drinks, and the time in which they are consumed. We have a diagnostic tool of consumption of these drinks by adolescents in our setting that will enable us to design and evaluate educational interventions in order to make the adolescent population and their families aware

Síndrome cerebeloso secundario a metronidazol / Cerebellar syndrome caused by metronidazole

No disponible

Monitorización estatus epiléptico mediante oximetría cerebral / Status epilepticus monitoring using cerebral oximetry

No disponible

Toxicology of tramadol following chronic exposure based on metabolomics of the cerebrum in mice.

Tramadol is an opioid used as an analgesic for treating moderate or severe pain. The long-term use of tramadol can induce several adverse effects. The toxicological mechanism of tramadol abuse is unclear. Metabolomics is a very useful method for investigating the toxicology of drug abuse. We investigated the impact of chronic tramadol administration on the cerebrum of mice, focusing on the metabolites after tramadol administration. The mice received 20 or 50 mg/kg body weight tramadol dissolved in physiological saline daily for 5 weeks via oral gavage. Compared with the control group, the low dose tramadol group showed seven potential biomarkers, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, succinate semialdehyde, and methylmalonic acid, which were either up- or down-regulated. Compared with the control group, the high dose tramadol group showed ten potential biomarkers, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, glutamine, and O-phosphorylethanolamine, which were either up- or down-regulated. The up-regulated gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and the down-regulated succinate semialdehyde revealed that the neurotransmitter system was disrupted after tramadol abuse. Compared with the low dose tramadol group, there were twenty-nine potential biomarkers in the high dose tramadol group, mainly related to the pentose phosphate pathway and glycerophospholipid metabolism. In conclusion, metabolomics in the tramadol abuse group demonstrated that long-term tramadol abuse can result in oxidative damage, inflammation, and disruption of the GABA neurotransmitter system, which will help to elucidate the toxicology of tramadol abuse.

The possible neurobehavioral protective effects of natural antioxidant against phototoxicity attenuation of antimicrobial quinolone group in rats.

The fluoroquinolones absorb light in the 320 to 330 nm ultraviolet A (UV-A) wavelength and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide; thus, the photodynamic generation of ROS may be the basis of phototoxicity of quinolones in human beings and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the damaging effects of UV-A radiation at different periods of exposure on rats' brains administered with ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin administration in UV-A exposed animals exaggerated the brain-oxidative stress biomarkers and decreased the locomotor activity. Exposure of rats to UV-A for 60 minutes induced a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and a decrease in the values of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) compared to a normal one; these changes were UV-A exposure time-dependent. However, the administration of vitamin C to the UV-60-treated group decreased the values of MDA, MPO, and shifted the values of SOD, GSH toward the normal values. Vitamin C, probably due to its strong antioxidant properties, could improve and partially counteract the toxic effect of UV-A on oxidative stress parameters and prevent the damage in rat's brain tissues.

A single meal has the potential to alter brain oxylipin content.

Our objective was to determine whether consumption of a single meal has the potential to alter brain oxylipin content. We examined the cerebrum of mice fed a single high-fat/high-sucrose Western meal or a low-fat/low-sucrose control meal, as well as fasted mice. We found no changes in fatty acid composition of cerebrum across the groups. The cerebral oxylipin profile of mice fed a Western meal is distinct from the profile of mice fed a low-fat/low-sucrose meal. Cerebral gene expression of cyclooxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and epoxide hydrolase 1 were elevated in Western meal-fed mice compared to low-fat/low-sucrose meal-fed mice. Mice that consumed either meal had lower gene expression of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily j, polypeptide 12 than fasted mice. Our data in this hypothesis-generating study indicates that the composition of a single meal has the potential to alter brain oxylipins and the gene expression of the enzymes responsible for their production.

Angiopoietin-1/Tie-2 signal after focal traumatic brain injury is potentiated by BQ788, an ETB receptor antagonist, in the mouse cerebrum: Involvement in recovery of blood-brain barrier function.

Angiopoietin-1, an angiogenic factor, stabilizes brain microvessels through Tie-2 receptor tyrosine kinase. In traumatic brain injury, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is an aggravating factor that induces brain edema and neuroinflammation. We previously showed that BQ788, an endothelin ETB receptor antagonist, promoted recovery of BBB function after lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) in mice. To clarify the mechanisms underlying BBB recovery mediated by BQ788, we examined the involvements of the angiopoietin-1/Tie-2 signal. When angiopoietin-1 production and Tie-2 phosphorylation were assayed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, increased angiopoietin-1 production and Tie-2 phosphorylation were observed in 7-10 days after FPI in the mouse cerebrum, whereas no significant effects were obtained at 5 days. When BQ788 (15 nmol/day, i.c.v.) were administered in 2-5 days after FPI, increased angiopoietin-1 production and Tie-2 phosphorylation were observed. Immunohistochemical observations showed that brain microvessels and astrocytes contained angiopoietin-1 after FPI, and brain microvessels also contained phosphorylated Tie-2. Treatment with endothelin-1 (100 nM) decreased angiopoietin-1 production in cultured astrocytes and the effect was inhibited by BQ788 (1 µM). Five days after FPI, increased extravasation of Evans blue dye accompanied by reduction in claudin-5, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 proteins were observed in mouse cerebrum while these effects of FPI were reduced by BQ788 and exogenous angiopoietin-1 (1 µg/day, i.c.v.). The effects of BQ788 were inhibited by co-administration of a Tie-2 kinase inhibitor (40 nmol/day, i.c.v.). These results suggest that BQ788 administration after traumatic brain injury promotes recovery of BBB function through activation of the angiopoietin-1/Tie-2 signal.