Protective effects of berberine on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion on oligodendrocyte cell line [OLN-93]

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glial cells of central nervous system, are highly vulnerable to ischemic-induced excitotoxic insult, a phenomenon in which calcium overload triggers cell death. Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from medicinal herbs as Coptidis Rhizoma with several pharmacological effects like inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in cerebral ischemia. We examined the effects of berberine [0.5-4 microM] and glutamate receptors antagonists [MK-801 [10 microM] and NBQX [30 microM] on OLN-93 cell line [a permanent immature rat Oligodendrocyte] during [30, 60, 240 min] oxygen-glucose deprivation [OGD]/24 h reperfusion. The cells were cultured in 12-well plates. The cells were exposed to glucose-free medium and hypoxia in a small anaerobic chamber. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT [3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay. The intracellular calcium levels also were evaluated by Ca[2+]-sensitive indicator Fura-2/AM in presence or absence of berberine [2 microM] during 30 min chemical OGD by NaN3 [20 mM]. Student's t-test and AN OVA were used for statistical analysis. Berberine, MK-801 and NBQX significantly increased Oligodendrocyte viability in all 3 time-scheduled oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Berberine at 2 microM produced peak of protection, and increased cell viability to 83%, 77%, and 79% during 30, 60, 240 min ischemic experiments, respectively [P < 0.001]. Berberine significantly attenuated intracellular Ca[2+] rise induced by chemical ischemia, and this effect of berberine was significantly stronger than MK-801 and NBQX [P < 0.001]. We concluded that berberine protected OLN-93 Oligodendrocyte against ischemic induced excitotoxic injury. Attenuation of intracellular Ca[2+] overload by berberine may be the key mechanism that saved OLN-93 from excitotoxicity damage

Delivery of epidermal neural crest stem cells [EPI-NCSC] to hippocamp in Alzheimer's disease rat model

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is characterized by progressive neuronal loss in hippocamp. Epidermal neural crest stem cells [EPI-NCSC] can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of transplanting EPI-NCSC into AD rat model. Two weeks after induction of AD by injection of Amyloid-beta 1-40 into CA1 area of rat hippocamp, Y-maze and single-trial passive avoidance tests were used to show deficit of learning and memory abilities. EPI-NCSC were obtained from the vibrissa hair follicle of rat, cultured and labeled with bromodeoxyuridine. When Alzheimer was proved by behavioral tests, EPI-NCSC was transplanted into CA3 area of hippocamp in AD rat model. The staining of EPI-NCSC markers [nestin and SOX10] was done in vitro. Double-labeling immunofluorescence was performed to study survival and differentiation of the grafted cells. We showed that transplanted EPI-NCSC survive and produce many neurons and a few glial cells, presenting glial fibrillary acidic protein. Total number of granule cells in hippocamp was estimated to be more in the AD rat model with transplanted cells as compared to AD control group. We observed that rats with hippocampal damage made more errors than control rats on the Y-maze, when reward locations were reversed. Transplanted cells were migrated to all areas of hippocamp and the total number of granule cell in treatment group was equal compared to control group. Transplantation of EPI-NCSC into hippocamp might differentiate into cholinergic neurons and could cure impairment of memory in AD rat model

Neuropathological changes in brain cortex and hippocampus in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a neurodegenerative disorder with progressive loss of cognitive abilities and memory loss. The aim of this study was to compare neuropathological changes in hippocampus and brain cortex in a rat model of AD. Adult male Albino Wistar rats [weighing 250-300 g] were used for behavioral and histopathological studies. The rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, sham and beta-amyloid [Abeta] injection. For behavioral analysis, Y-maze and shuttle box were used, respectively at 14 and 16 days post-lesion. For histological studies, Nissl, modified Bielschowsky and modified Congo red staining were performed. The lesion was induced by injection of 4 microL of Abeta [1-40] into the hippocampal fissure. In the present study, Abeta [1-40] injection into hippocampus could decrease the behavioral indexes and the number of CA1 neurons in hippocampus. Abeta injection CA1 caused Abeta deposition in the hippocampus and less than in cortex. We observed the loss of neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and certain subcortical regions. Y-maze test and single-trial passive avoidance test showed reduced memory retention in AD group. We found a significant decreased acquisition of passive avoidance and alternation behavior responses in AD group compared to control and sham group [P<0.0001]. Compacted amyloid cores were present in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and white matter, whereas, scattered amyloid cores were seen in cortex and hippocampus of AD group. Also, reduced neuronal density was indicated in AD grouper ovariectomy

Relationship between asymtomatic Brucella infection and spontaneous abortion

Brucella infection in animals has got documented association with high incidence of abortion, but in human there are controversies about the role of brucellosis in spontaneous abortion. Since brucellosis is endemic in Iran and is a disease that can be diagnosed and treated and many causes of abortion are undiagnosed, this study was designed to evaluate probable association between maternal brucella infection and spontaneous abortion. This clinical-trial study was done in the year 2006 at Amir-al Momenin Hospital of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. 81 women with spontaneous abortion were considered as case and 103 women with normal pregnancy outcome as control group. Previous pregnancy rates, previous abortion rates, and pregnancy age were similar in both groups. Two milliliter blood samples obtained from each one and IgG and IgM antibody measured by ELISA method in both groups. IgG or IgM equal or greater than ten considered positive. Individual, pregnancy age, fresh cheese and milk consumption, blood examination tests were gathered in a questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics and statistical tests with significance of 5%.Both groups were matched based on age, number of previous pregnancies and abortion, pregnancy age and consumption of fresh cheese. 6.2% of cases and 13.6% of control group had positive IgG titer [IgG >/= 10 units]. In both groups IgM was negative [IgM < 10 units]. There was no significant relationship between brucella antibody and spontaneous abortion. There was significant relationship between raw milk consumption and spontaneous abortion [OR=6.31].This study showed that asymptomatic brucella infection has no role in spontaneous abortion