ABSTRACT
Curcumin possesses wide spectrum of biological actions, on that account the current study was aimed to investigate the beneficial effectiveness of curcumin on memory and oxidative stress if any, over synthetic drug donepezil approved for the treatment of memory disorders. Eighteen Albino wistar [male] rats were divided into 3 groups namely vehicle control which received neutral oil orally and 0.9% saline intraperitoneally, curcumin which received curcumin orally dissolved in neutral oil at the dose of 100mg/ml/kg for seven days, donepezil which received donepezil intraperitoneally at the dose of 1mg/ml/kg for seven days. To assess memory and cognition Elevated Plus Maze and Morris Water Maze tests were performed. Rats were sacrificed after behavioral analysis and their brains were removed for biochemical assays including lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase. Acetylcholine esterase activity and acetylcholine levels were also determined. Our results showed that both curcumin and donepezil improved memory and inhibited acetylcholinesterase, however curcumin inhibited AchE with more potency than donepezil when compared to vehicle control rats. Moreover curcumin exhibited greater antioxidant potential to decrease the load of oxidative stress in brain cells than donepezil as compared to vehicle control rats. In conclusion present study proposed that increased antioxidant potential of curcumin may be responsible for its increased acetylcholine levels and associated enhanced memory performance
ABSTRACT
Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] is a condition which is triggered shortly after experiencing traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by the fact that people with PTSD often develop additional disorders such as phobias, addiction, depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Beta-adrenergic and cholinergic system both are involved in memory formation as well as in emotional response associated with memory. It is reported that the administration of beta-adrenergic and cholinergic antagonist results in the impairment in memory formation. Here, we examined the potential of beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol and muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine for impairing the recently formed fear memory associated with PTSD. Reconsolidation is the memory process during which labile memory converts into permanent memory. In this study it is hypothesized that if recently formed fear memory is disturbed during reconsolidation phase by pharmacological intervention then it could be possible to impair wellconsolidated fear memory. Atropine and propranolol were injected in separate set of rats [n=6] just after the reactivation of fear memory. Short term memory and long term memory were monitored after 2 h and 24 h of reactivation respectively. Results of current study demonstrated that only atropine showed significant impairment of reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory whereas propranolol did not show fear memory disrupting effects. The results emphasize the significance of pharmacological intervention to impair reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory
ABSTRACT
Major depressive disorder [MDD] is the leading cause of memory impairment in general population. The serotonin hypothesis provides a target model for the treatment of depression and depression-associated memory loss. 5- HT-1B receptor is suggested as a potential candidate in the pathophysiology of depressive illness. Dysfunction of 5-HT- 1B receptors has been observed previously in depressive patients. Zolmitriptan, 5-HT-1B agonist is clinically recommended for the treatment of migraine. However, in present study this drug was tested as a potential treatment for depression and associated memory loss by altering the serotonergic function at receptor level. Rats [n=24] were equally divided into unstressed and stressed groups. Depression was induced by 19 days of restraint stress for 4 h which was followed by forced swim test and pattern separation test to assess depressive symptoms and memory impairment, respectively. The initial sign of depression-associated memory loss involves impaired pattern separation which is regarded as pseudodementia. In this study stressed rats showed depression- and pseudodementia-like symptoms. After the induction of depression, rats were treated with zolmitriptan at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg which resulted in a significant attenuation of depression and depression-associated memory impairment. Results are discussed with reference to the modulation of function of 5-HT-1B receptor following the administration of exogenous agonist
ABSTRACT
Poultry consumption is increased worldwide owing to better taste, easy availability and low cost. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the chicken feed, conventional chicken meat and organic chicken meat on the % growth rate, serum cholesterol, progesterone, testosterone and estrogen levels in female rats. Hundred female Albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups [n=25]. Group I was control rats fed on standard chow, group II treated with commercial chicken feed, group III rats fed with conventional chicken meat and group IV with organic chicken meat for a period of 6 weeks. % Growth rate, serum cholesterol, progesterone, testosterone and estrogen levels were estimated after the treatment. The present study showed significant increase in growth rate, serum cholesterol levels and imbalance in serum steroidal hormone levels. It is therefore, suggested from the present study that the intake of commercial chicken feed and commercial chicken meat may be the potential cause of development of polycystic ovary syndrome in females due to steroid hormonal imbalance
ABSTRACT
Excessive exposure of cadmium which is regarded as a neurotoxin can stimulate aging process by inducing abnormality in neuronal function. It has been reported that supplementation of almond and walnut attenuate age-related memory loss. Present study was designed to investigate the weekly administration of cadmium for one month on learning and memory function with relation to cholinergic activity. Cadmium was administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg/week. Whereas, almond and walnut was supplemented at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day along with cadmium administration to separate set of rats. At the end of experiment, memory function was assessed by Morris water maze, open field test and novel object recognition test. Results of the present study showed that cadmium administration significantly reduced memory retention. Reduced acetylcholine levels and elevated acetyl cholinesterase activity were also observed in frontal cortex and hippocampus of cadmium treated rats. Malondialdehyde levels were also significantly increased following the administration of cadmium. Daily supplementation of almond and walnut for 28 days significantly attenuated cadmium-induced memory impairment in rats. Results of the present study are discussed in term of cholinergic activity in cadmium-induced memory loss and its attenuation by nuts supplementation in rats
ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease [AD] is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder associated with neurochemical and neurobehavioural alterations. Aluminium [Al] is considered as a contributing factor in the etiology of several neurodegenerative disorders like AD. D-galactose [D-gal] is a physiological nutrient but over supply induces some neurochemical and biochemical changes that exacerbate natural aging process. In this study, we aimed to develop AD animal model by co-administration of Al and D-gal in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with AlCl[3] and D-gal at a dose of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively for one week. After one week rats were subjected to behavioural analysis. After behavioural analysis rats were decapitated to remove their brain. Biochemical and neurochemical analysis were conducted in whole brain. AlCl[3]+D-gal significantly induced depressive and anxious behaviour in rats. Rats cognitive abilities were also significantly impaired following AlCl[3] and D-gal co-administration. AlCl[3]+D-gal significantly altered antioxidant enzyme activities and biogenic amine levels in whole brain. A marked increase in brain lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase activity was found in test rats. These findings suggest that co-administration of AlCl[3] and D-gal for one week could induce AD like symptoms and may be used to develop AD animal model
ABSTRACT
Rotenone [organic pesticide and inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I] is used to generate an experimental model of Parkinson's disease [PD]. In the present study, we investigated rotenone-induced locomotor deficits, gait dynamics and muscular weakness in rats. The study also determined dopamine [DA] and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid [DOPAC] levels following rotenone administration. In the study, adult male rats were administered subcutaneously [s.c.] with rotenone [1.5 mg/kg/day] for 8 days. Motor activities were monitored by the Kondziela's inverted screen test, beam walking test and footprint test. Animals were decapitated after behavioral analysis and brains were dissected out for neurochemical estimation. Results showed that the levels of DA and DOPAC were significantly decreased, which further supported by significant impaired motor coordination in rotenone treated rats. In conclusion, the behavioral and neurochemical findings of our study further strengthen the previous report and emphasizes on short term administration of rotenone producing PD-like symptoms in rats
ABSTRACT
Glutamate [GLU] and gamma-amino butyric acid [GABA] are essential amino acids [AA] for brain function serving as excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter respectively. Their tablets are available in market for improving gut function and muscle performance. Despite of having a major role during memory formation and processing, effects of these tablets on brain functioning like learning and memory have not been investigated. Therefore, present study is aimed to investigate the effects of orally supplemented GLU and GABA on learning and memory performance and further to monitor related effects of these orally supplemented GLU and GABA on brain levels of these AA. Three groups of rats were supplemented orally with drinking water [control group] or suspension of tablets of GABA and Glutamate, respectively for four weeks. Cognitive performance was determined using behavioral tests [Novel object recognition test, Morris water maze, Passive avoidance test] measuring recognition, spatial reference and aversive memory. Levels of GLU, GABA and acetylcholine [ACh] were estimated in rat hippocampus. Results showed that chronic oral administration of GLU and GABA tablets has a significant impact on brain function and can alter GLU and GABA content in rat hippocampus. Compared to GABA, GLU supplementation specifically enhances memory performance via increasing ACh. Thus, GLU can be suggested as a useful supplement for improving learning and memory performance and neurochemical status of brain and in future could be effective in the treatment of neurological disorders affecting learning and memory performance
ABSTRACT
Energy drinks enhance physical endurance and cognitive ability. The ingredients present in these drinks are considered as ergogenic and have memory boosting effects. In the present study effects of taurine administration for one week was monitored on physical exercise and memory performance in rats. Animals were divided into two groups namely control and test. Taurine was injected intraperitoneally to the test group at the dose of 100mg/kg. After one week of treatment rats were subjected to physical exercise and memory task. Results of this study revealed that rats injected with taurine for one week exhibited improved muscular strength as well as enhanced memory performance in Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. Biomarker of lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in brain and plasma of test animals. Taurine administration also resulted in higher levels of corticosterone in this study. The results highlight the significance of taurine ingestion in energy demanding and challenging situations in athletes and young subjects
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the role of enriched environment in preventing and/or reducing the neurobehavioral deficits produced after nicotine administration in albino Wistar rats. Equal numbers of rat in two groups were either placed in social environment [control group] or social along with physically enriched environment for four weeks before the administration of nicotine. Exposure to different environmental conditions was followed by the intraperitoneal injection of nicotine at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg for seven consecutive days during which addictive behavior was monitored using conditioned placed preference paradigm. Behavioral responses to locomotor activity, anxiety and retention of short term memory were investigated in control and nicotine injected groups exposed to different environments. Results of this study showed that the rats pre-exposed to physical along with social enrichment exhibited a decrease in drug seeking behavior, hyper locomotion, anxiogenic effects along with improvement of working memory as compared to control and nicotine injected groups that were kept in social environment alone. This behavioral study suggests that the exposure to physical enrichment along with socialization in young age can later reduce the chances of compulsive dependence on nicotine and related neurobehavioral deficits
ABSTRACT
Schizophrenia [SZ] is categorized as neuropsychiatric disorder with reduced lifespan and significant impairments in social and vocational functioning. One of the best proposed pharmacological animal models is dizocilpine, as it can mimic the full spectrum of schizophrenic disorder including positive and negative symptoms along with cognitive deficits. Dizocilpine is N-methyl-D-aspartate [NMDA] receptor antagonist known to induce hyperlocomotion and stereotyped behavior in rodents. Present study was designed to develop an animal model of SZ via intraperitoneal administration of dizocilpine in rats [100-150g] at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg for eight days. For the evaluation of positive symptoms, hyperlocomotor behavior was monitored. Negative symptoms were assessed by sucrose preference test [SPT] and social interaction test [SIT]. Moreover, Cognitive deficits were evaluated by novel object recognition test [NORT]. After behavioral assessments animals were decapitated for further evaluation of biochemical and neurochemical estimations. Present findings revealed that dizocilpine injected rats exhibited significant hyperlocomotor behavior, depressive symptoms and cognitive deficits. Results are further strengthened with a marked increase in lipid per oxidation [LPO] in brain and a decline in reduced glutathione [GSH] levels. Biogenic amine levels [Dopamine, DA; 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT] were also significantly increased and decreased respectively. Thus, present findings suggest that dizocilpine can be used as one of the best drug to develop psychosis-like symptoms in rats and to develop an animal model following a short-term study
ABSTRACT
Background: Factors causing increased cholesterol levels in the body may include inactivity, obesity, genetic factors and an unhealthy diet. The high colesterol levels or hyperlipidemias may contribute to high concentrations of its precursor triglycerides and low density lipoproteins in plasma of the individuals. High triglyceride levels signal insulin resistance. This study was designed to determine an association of hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus with depression
Method: This case-control study involved 30 patients diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [DM] and hyperlipidemia [HL], and 30 non-diabetic healthy individuals having normal glucose tolerance test and no other co-morbidity. All subjects were of 30-50 years age. Blood samples from all participants were collected for determination of the HbA1C and lipid profiles. PQ9 score questionnaire for depression was asked from all subjects
Results: Patients suffering with hyperlipidemias and diabetes mellitus had higher incidence of depression compared to healthy subjects [p<0.05]
Conclusion: Depression was more prevalent in hyperlipidemic and diabetic patients
ABSTRACT
Background: Problem-based learning [PBL] and case-based learning [CBL] are teaching methodologies, which regulate self-directed learning skills. In medical schools of Pakistan either or both are being consistently used in the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. The objective of our study was to compare CBL with PBL on the basis of perception of those students who have observed this transition of learning methodologies in the undergraduate medical curriculum
Methods: It was a cross sectional comparative study, conducted from February to May 2016 whereby all 3rd year medical students who were exposed to PBL in the third year of education after two years experience of CBL were included. Response of students on the usefulness of PBL was acquired on 5-point Likert scale. Results were compared by chi square test
Result: The complete response was obtained from 212 students. Eighty four percent students preferred PBL over CBL [p<0.01]. PBL significantly assisted students to; identify gaps in knowledge, improve their areas of weakness, manage time, make decisions, solve problems, use critical reasoning skills and communicate with each other [p<0.01] in comparison to CBL. It enhanced the ability to find information from internet and libraries. Students recommended that PBLs were time consuming and proper training of facilitators was required as compared to CBL. They were convinced with system of education of CBL followed by PBL
Conclusion: The PBL was effective in terms of retention of concepts, critical reasoning and problem-solving approaches yet satisfaction with the current system of education elucidated role of CBL in the first two years of undergraduate medical curriculum to prepare students through guided enquiry and presentation of clinical scenarios. Proper training of facilitators will be a key point to improve learning of students through PBLs
ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have consistently shown that repeated restraint stress produces functional neuromorphological and physiological alteration that are linked to the pathophysiology of brain disorder, like depression and bipolar disorder, causes alteration in cognition and learning memory. Lithium is the drug of choice in the treatment of depression and mania in bipolar disorder as a mood-stabilizing agent. Present study was designed to investigate the effects of long term lithium administration on memory function and its relation with 5-HT metabolism following repeated restraint stress. In this experiment memory was assessed by novel object recognition task in water treated and lithium treated unrestraint and restraint rats. Recognition memory decreased in water treated repeated restraint rats while in lithium treated repeated restraint rats recognition memory increase. 5-HIAA level increased in water treated restraint rats while decreased in lithium treated restraint rats. The findings indicate a role of brain serotonin in improved memory function in repeated restraint rats following long term lithium administration