Efficacy of Hot Tea Infusion vs. Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera for the Simultaneous Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver, Hyperlipidemia, and Hyperglycemia in a Murine Model Fed with a High-Fat Diet.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a native tree of Asia and is cultivated in some areas of Mexico as part of traditional horticulture. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of MO infusion vs. MO ethanolic extract for the simultaneous treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in a murine model fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). BALB/c mice were fed a balanced diet (healthy control) or an HFD for 6 months. With this, the NAFLD model was established before starting a therapeutic intervention with MO for two months. The phytochemical analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance in 1H and 13C experiments showed signals for pyrrole alkaloids and triterpenes as the main constituents of the extract and infusion preparation. A significant reduction of SGPT, SGOT, lipids, urea, and glucose in blood among NAFLD groups treated with MO (infusion or extract) was found, when compared to the NAFLD-placebo group. Steatosis and liver inflammation were found to be decreased in the MO groups, as infusion or ethanolic extract. Infusion produced a better therapeutic effect than the extract in all parameters, except glycemic control, where the extract was better. As an additional finding, it is noteworthy that treatment with MO, particularly through infusion, resulted in improved motor activity. Moreover, a reduction in anxiety-like behavior was observed exclusively with the administration of infusion. These observations provide valuable insights into the potential broader effects of Moringa oleifera beyond the primary aim of the study.

Tactile information from the vibrissal system modulates hippocampal functioning.

Most mammals have sensory tactile hairs, also known as whiskers or vibrissae. Traditionally, whiskers are associated with diverse survival skills, including tactile discrimination, distance assessment, food acquisition, gap crossing, and social interaction. Vibrissae functions are processed in the somatosensorial cortex, commonly referred to as the barrel cortex. Hence, most of the whisker-related research has been focused on this cortical region. However, increasing evidence indicates that the vibrissal system modulates several aspects of hippocampal physiology. This graphical review aims to summarize cumulative evidence indicating that whiskers regulate the neural function and cellularity in several hippocampal subfields. Interestingly, lack of whiskers notably affects neuronal firing in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal subfields, alters spatial mapping, impairs navigational skills, modifies cytoarchitecture, and reduces the adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. This evidence extends our understanding of how whiskers are related to hippocampal function and offers insights to explore novel associations between whisker functions and neural plasticity in the hippocampus.

Systemic Administration of Neutral Electrolyzed Saline as a Novel Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Reduces Mechanical and Inflammatory Damage to the Joints: Preclinical Evaluation in Mice.

Rheumatoid arthritis is globally present in about 1% of the population. This autoinflammatory disease modifies the connective tissue, causing pain and inflammation of the joints. Over time, it causes the loss of joint cartilage and bone mass, decreasing the patient's quality of life. Treatment options now available either give symptomatic alleviation or alter the disease process. Nonetheless, adherence to chronic treatment is typically limited due to adverse effects. As a result, new therapy approaches, such as systemic administration of neutral electrolyzed saline to improve patients' quality of life, are being investigated. The study is a randomized prospective preclinical trial with a single-blind and a 4-arm parallel group using a collagen-induced mice model to generate rheumatoid arthritis. It was carried out on 36 male BALB/c mice, with the primary outcome measure being a scoring system for histopathologic assessment. When all groups are compared, there are significant differences. In addition, the animal model was validated by the healthy group. The animals treated with neutral electrolyzed saline had much less cartilage degradation, bone erosion, pannus development, and inflammation than the placebo-treated mice. Serum IL-6 levels were evaluated in parallel with disease severity expressed as synovitis grading of the affected joints. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (Rs) = 0.399 (P=0.016) between serum IL-6 levels and the synovitis grading suggests a direct correlation between IL-6 production and disease severity. An additional trial of 20 male BALB/c mice (10 treated with placebo and 10 with neutral electrolyzed saline for 30 days) showed no clinical nor histopathological evidence of adverse effects. According to histopathological and blood test results, we conclude that neutral electrolyzed saline minimizes mechanical and inflammatory damage to the joint and may be helpful as an alternative to rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

A high-fat diet during pregnancy impairs memory acquisition and increases leptin receptor expression in the hippocampus of rat offspring.

A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy influences the neurodevelopment of progeny, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in cognitive processes. The hippocampus has high levels of leptin receptors (Ob-R) that participate in synaptic plasticity. This study examined the effect of maternal HFD during gestation on Ob-R expression in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions, and its relationship with spatial learning and memory in the offspring. We used 48 rat pups: 24 from dams fed a balanced diet (BD, 6.2% fat) and 24 from those fed an HFD (42% fat) during pregnancy. We recorded weight gain and food intake in each pup every day beginning on postnatal day 3 (PND 3). Memory acquisition was assessed on PND 28 and memory retention on PND 42 in the Morris water maze (MWM). Then, 12 pups per group were selected randomly and subjected to bioimpedance spectroscopy. The remaining offspring was perfused to determine Ob-R expression levels in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Interestingly, HFD pups had significantly higher weight gain, food intake, and fat mass than BD offspring. Interestingly, the HFD group showed poor memory performance, which correlated with changes in the Ob-R expression in both hippocampal regions. These data indicate that maternal exposure to HFD impacts neurodevelopmental and cognitive functions of the offspring.

Neurobiological approaches of high-fat diet intake in early development and their impact on mood disorders in adulthood: A systematic review.

The early stage of development is a vulnerable period for progeny neurodevelopment, altering cytogenetic and correct cerebral functionality. The exposure High-Fat Diet (HFD) is a factor that impacts the future mental health of individuals. This review analyzes possible mechanisms involved in the development of mood disorders in adulthood because of maternal HFD intake during gestation and lactation, considering previously reported findings in the last five years, both in humans and animal models. Maternal HFD could induce alterations in mood regulation, reported as increased stress response, anxiety-like behavior, and depressive-like behavior. These changes were mostly related to HPA axis dysregulations and neuroinflammatory responses. In conclusion, there could be a relationship between HFD consumption during the early stages of life and the development of psychopathologies during adulthood. These findings provide guidelines for the understanding of possible mechanisms involved in mood disorders, however, there is still a need for more human clinical studies that provide evidence to improve the understanding of maternal nutrition and future mental health outcomes in the offspring.

Adenovirus 5 produces obesity and adverse metabolic, morphological, and functional changes in the long term in animals fed a balanced diet or a high-fat diet: a study on hamsters.

Adenovirus 5 (Ad-5) infection is a common cause of acute respiratory infections and the main vector used in gene therapy. There are few studies on the relationship of Ad-5 to obesity. In the present study, we evaluated the chronic effects of Ad-5 infection on golden (Syrian) hamsters fed either a balanced diet (BD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). After a single inoculation with Ad-5 (1 × 107 pfu), the body weight of the animals was measured weekly. Medium-term (22 weeks) serum biochemical analyses and long-term (44 weeks) liver morphology, adiposity, and locomotive functionality (movement velocity) assessments were carried out. In the animals fed the BD, adenovirus infection produced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In the long term, it produced a 57% increase in epididymal pad fat and a 30% body weight gain compared with uninoculated animals. In addition, morphological changes related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were observed. The animals fed the HFD had similar but more severe changes. In addition, the hamsters presented an obesity paradox: at the end of the study, the animals that had the most morphological and functional changes (significantly reduced movement velocity) had the lowest body weight. Despite the fact that an HFD appears to be a more harmful factor in the long term than adenovirus infection alone, infection could increase the severity of harmful effects in individuals with an HFD. Epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate the effect of adenovirus as a precursor of chronic liver and cardiovascular diseases, including the chronic effects of gene therapy.

Cyclohexane produces behavioral deficits associated with astrogliosis and microglial reactivity in the adult hippocampus mouse brain.

Cyclohexane is a volatile substance that has been utilized as a safe substitute of several organic solvents in diverse industrial processes, such as adhesives, paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, and rubber industry. A number of these commercial products are ordinarily used as inhaled drugs. However, it is not well known whether cyclohexane has noxious effects in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cyclohexane inhalation on motor behavior, spatial memory, and reactive gliosis in the hippocampus of adult mice. We used a model that mimics recreational drug use in male Balb/C mice (P60), divided into two groups: controls and the cyclohexane group (exposed to 9,000 ppm of cyclohexane for 30 days). Both groups were then evaluated with a functional observational battery (FOB) and the Morris water maze (MWM). Furthermore, the relative expression of AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), and the number of astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) and microglia (Iba1+ cells) were quantified in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Our findings indicated that cyclohexane produced severe functional deficits during a recreational exposure as assessed by the FOB. The MWM did not show statistically significant changes in the acquisition and retention of spatial memory. Remarkably, a significant increase in the number of astrocytes and microglia cells, as well as in the cytoplasmic processes of these cells were observed in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas of cyclohexane-exposed mice. This cellular response was associated with an increase in the expression of APE1 in the same brain regions. In summary, cyclohexane exposure produces functional deficits that are associated with an important increase in the APE1 expression as well as the number of astrocytes and microglia cells and their cytoplasmic complexity in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the adult hippocampus.

Diphenylhydantoin promotes proliferation in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus.

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Diphenylhydantoin (phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug that generates hyperplasia in some tissue by stimulating Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta (PDGFR-ß) receptors and by increasing serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF2 or FGF-ß). Neural stem cells in the adult brain have been isolated from three regions: the Subventricular Zone (SVZ) lining the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles, the Subgranular Zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus at the hippocampus and the Subgranular Zone (SZC) lining between the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. Neural stem cells actively respond to bFGF, PDGFR-ß or EGF by increasing their proliferation, survival and differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phenytoin on proliferation and apoptosis in the three neurogenic niches in the adult brain. APPROACH: We orally administrated phenytoin with an oropharyngeal cannula for 30 days: 0 mg kg-1 (controls), 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg kg-1. To label proliferative cells, three injections of 100 mg kg-1 of BrdU was administrated every 12 h. Immunohistochemistry against BrdU or Caspase-3 active were performed to determine the number of proliferative or apoptotic cells. RESULTS: Our results showed that phenytoin induces proliferation in the SVZ and the SGZ in a dose-dependent manner. No statistically significant effects on cell proliferation in the SCZ neither in the apoptosis rate at the SVZ, SGZ and SCZ were found. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that phenytoin promotes a dose-dependent proliferation in the SVZ and SGZ of the adult brain. The clinical relevance of these findings remain to be elucidated.

Regulation of neural stem cell in the human SVZ by trophic and morphogenic factors.

The subventricular zone (SVZ), lining the lateral ventricular system, is the largest germinal region in mammals. In there, neural stem cells express markers related to astoglial lineage that give rise to new neurons and oligodendrocytes in vivo. In the adult human brain, in vitro evidence has also shown that astrocytic cells isolated from the SVZ can generate new neurons and oligodendrocytes. These proliferative cells are strongly controlled by a number of signals and molecules that modulate, activate or repress the cell division, renewal, proliferation and fate of neural stem cells. In this review, we summarize the cellular composition of the adult human SVZ (hSVZ) and discuss the increasing evidence showing that some trophic modulators strongly control the function of neural stem cells in the SVZ.

[Intrauterine stress impairs spatial learning in the progeny of Wistar rats]. / El estrés intrauterino afecta el aprendizaje espacial de la progenie de ratas Wistar.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal stress is a group of psychophysiological responses that a pregnant female shows when confronting by a threatening situation. This produces neurochemical changes that may affect hippocampal development of the offspring. AIM: To analyze the effects of intrauterine stress on spatial learning and memory of Wistar rat offspring. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided in two groups: Control and prenatal stress. During the critical period for the development of the central nervous system development (from day 12 to 18 of gestation), the experimental rats were exposed to prenatal stress using a restraint stress model. Control rats were kept under standard housing conditions. At 21-days postpartum, spatial learning and memory were evaluated with the Morris water maze. RESULTS: Intrauterine-stressed offspring showed less weight gain (62.7 +/- 11.7 g) compared to controls (71.3 +/- 7.4 g; t (42) = 2.87; P = 0.006). Spatial learning assessment indicated that intrauterine-stressed animals showed higher escape latencies (63 +/- 14 s) than the control group (49 +/- 13 seg; t (42) = 3.2, P = 0.003). The navigation pattern of the stress group was allocentric as compared to the egocentric strategy shown by controls. No significant statistical differences were found in memory consolidation. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine stress impairs hippocampal function during postnatal development. The knowledge of deleterious effects of intrauterine stress may be helpful in establishing primary prevention strategies of pregnant women exposed to this risk factor.

Stress by noise produces differential effects on the proliferation rate of radial astrocytes and survival of neuroblasts in the adult subgranular zone.

The subgranular zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus contains radial astrocytes, known as Type-1 or Type-B cells, which generate neuroblasts (Type-2 cells or Type-D cells) that give rise to granular neurons. Stress increases glucocorticoid levels that target SGZ and modify the proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal cells. Yet, it is not well-known whether stress differentially affects SGZ progenitors. We investigated the effects of noise-induced stress on the rate of proliferation and apoptosis of the Type-1 cells, Type-2 cells and newly generated granular neurons in the SGZ. We exposed Balb/C mice to noise using a standardized rodents' audiogram-fitted adaptation of a human noisy environment. We measured corticosterone serum levels at different time points. Animals received BrdU injections for 3 days and sequential sacrifices were done to carry out double-immunohistochemical analyses. We found that a 24-h noise exposure did not produce adaptative response in the curve of corticosterone as compared to a 12-h noise exposure. The percentage of BrdU+/GFAP+ cells was significantly reduced in the stress group as compared to controls. A high proportion of CASP-3+/GFAP+ radial astrocytes were found in the stress group. The percentage of BrdU+/doublecortin+ cells was higher in controls than in the stress group. Interestingly, the apoptosis rate of doublecortin-expressing cells in the stress group was slightly lesser than in controls. Remarkably, we did not find significant differences in the number of BrdU+/NeuN+ and CASP-3+/NeuN+ neurons. These data indicate that stress differentially affects the rate of proliferation and apoptosis in SGZ progenitors and suggest a possible compensatory mechanism to keep the net number of granular neurons.

[Alpha-tocopherol and alpha-lipoic acid. An antioxidant synergy with potential for preventive medicine]. / El alfa-tocoferol y el acido alfa-lipoico. Una sinergia antioxidante con potencial en medicina preventiva.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been involved in the induction and progression of damage of many human disorders, such as: heart infarction, cerebral ischemia, diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, etc. In several studies, the synergism between alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E has been described and potent antioxidant effects can be obtained when both antioxidants are simultaneously used. This review highlights recent findings showing that the combination of alpha-lipoic acid plus vitamin E effectively reduces oxidative damage in brain and cardiac ischemia as well as in other pathological events related to ROS increasing. These antioxidants are present in a broad variety of foods, are also available in several dietary supplements and their side effects are very rare. Therefore, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E may play an important role in clinical preventive medicine and human nutrition.

El papel de los tutores en la auto-dirección del aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Enfermería / The role of tutors in self-directing the learning of the students of nursing

Introducción: El Método de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas se fundamenta en las teorías constructivistasdel aprendizaje, en los principios del aprendizaje de los adultos y en el desarrollo de modelos andragógicos.Tiene el propósito de ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades para dirigir su propio aprendizaje.Objetivo: Analizar el papel de los profesores en su rol de facilitadores del aprendizaje autodirigido de los estudiantes de Licenciatura en Enfermería de la Universidad de Colima, México. Metodología: Estudiodescriptivo y transversal; se utilizó una muestra por conveniencia de 121 estudiantes. Para evaluar si los profesores facilitan la formación de habilidades,se diseñó un instrumento tipo inventario con 20 reactivos, los cuales fueron integrados en tres áreas: administración de la información, proceso de grupo, reflexión y pensamiento crítico. Por medio del alpha de Cronbach se obtuvo una confiabilidad de 0.96. Resultados: Al aplicar la prueba Kruskal-Wallis se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas sólo para la dimensión “Proceso de grupo” entre los grupos de 4º y 6º semestres (H = 6.77; P < 0.05). Sin embargo, aunque en las otras dimensiones no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas, sí se logra identificar cambios en la tendencia de la opinión de los estudiantes hacia el rol de los tutores. Conclusiones: La evaluación sobre las tareas del tutor es favorable; los estudiantes afirman que “casi siempre” facilita, ayuda, promueve o colabora en el desarrollo de las habilidades que les permitirán ser estudiantes autodirigidos

Problem-Based Learning method is based on constructivist theories of learning, the principles of adult learning and the development of andragogical models. Its objective is to help students develop skills to direct their own learning. Objective: to analyse the role of professors of the bachelor’s degree in nursing as facilitators of self-directed learning Licenciatura in nursing of the University of Colima Mexico. Methodology: with the use of a descriptive survey integrated with 20 items answered by 121 students, we assessed the role of the professors of a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The 20 items assessed three areas of the facilitation process: Management of information, group process and reflection and critical thinking. These items were verified with Cronbach’s alpha and a reliability of 0.96. Results: when the Kruskal-Wallis survey was conducted, statistically significant differences were found only with regard to the “Group processing” dimension among sophomores and juniors (H = 6.77; P < 0.05). Even though no statistically significant differences were found with regard to the other dimensions, it is possible to detect shifts in the students’ opinion trend about the role of tutors. Conclusion: The overall average score per scale makes it possible to conclude that the “the work of the tutor” is viewed favourably, considering that the students report that their tutor “almost always” facilitates, assists, promotes or collaborates on the development of the skills for being a self directed learner