Minocycline Enhance the Restorative Ability of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells by the Upregulation of BDNF and GDNF Expression After Spinal Cord Injury.

Introduction: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a global public health issue that results in extensive neuronal degeneration, axonal and myelin loss, and severe functional deficits. Neurotrophic factors are a potential treatment for reducing secondary damage, promoting axon growth; they are responsible for inducing myelination after injury. Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) and minocycline have promoted locomotor function after SCI. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of combined treatment with minocycline and OECs on spinal cord injury related to Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) expressions after SCI. Methods: Adult female rats were used to experimental SCI by weight compression method. Rats received an intraperitoneal minocycline injection (90 mg/kg) immediately after SCI and 24 h after injury. OECs were transplanted one week after the injury. The hindlimb function was assessed using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and Electromyography (EMG). After 5 weeks, the spinal cord segment centered at the injury site was removed for histopathological analysis. Immunohistological and western blot assays were performed to observe the expression of NeuN, BDNF, GDNF, and Myelin Basic Protein (MBP). Results: SCI induced the loss of locomotor function with decreased BDNF and GDNF expressions in the injury site. Minocycline+OECs increased the score of the BBB locomotor scale and increased spared tissue in the injury site. Immunohistochemical results suggested that NeuN expression significantly increased in the minocycline+OECs group than other groups. Moreover, electromyography amplitude in treated rats was increased compared to the control group. BDNF, GDNF, and MBP expressions and the number of ventral motor neurons increased further by minocycline+OECs in SCI rats. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that minocycline may facilitate recovery of locomotor function by OECs by increasing BDNF and GDNF expressions following SCI. Highlights: Combined treatment with Minocycline and OECs increased the locomotor function.The results showed that BDNF and GDNF expression increased by combined treatment with minocycline and OECs. Plain Language Summary: This study examined the effect of combined treatment with minocycline and olfactory ensheathing cell on the BDNF and GDNF expression after spinal cord injury model in rat. The results showed that injection of minocycline before transplantation of OECs enhances expression of neurotrophic factors that lead to an appropriate environment for transplanted OECs and increases neuronal survival that promotes tissue sparing and functional recovery.

Neuro-restorative effect of sertoli cell transplants in a rat model of amyloid beta toxicity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative nerve disease which adversely affects memory and learning skills. Currently, there is no disease-modifying therapeutic approach for AD. However, a growing body of literature suggests cell based therapies as a promising remedy for neurological disorders. Among the potential cell sources, testis- derived Sertoli cells (SCs) appear to be an attractive choice due to their immune-privileged capacities. Herein, we investigated the neuro-restorative/protective effects of SC transplants in a rat model of amyloid beta toxicity. To this end, GATA-4 and vimentin positive SCs were transplanted into rats with amyloid beta induced hippocampal lesions. According to our in vivo results, implanted SCs survived, exhibited reduction in both apoptosis as well as astrocytic migration. Additionally, transplantation of SCs restored hippocampus dependent memory and learning, along with the recovery of long-term synaptic plasticity. Taken together, these data indicate that SCs are a valuable source for cell-based therapies particularly aimed at AD.

The Beneficial or Harmful Effects of Computer Game Stress on Cognitive Functions of Players.

INTRODUCTION: Video games are common cultural issues with great influence in all societies. One of the important cognitive effects of video games is on creating stress on video players. The present research objective was to study different types of stress in players based on video game styles. METHODS: A total of 80 players, aged 18 to 30 years, played four types of video games; Runner game, Excitement game, Fear game, and Puzzle game. In the beginning, the players filled in the form of personal information as well as some general and specialized information on the games. Before starting each game, the saliva samples of the players were collected to measure their level of cortisol and α-amylase. At the end of each game, the same samples were collected again. The concentrations of cortisol and α-amylase were measured using a specialized kit and an ELISA device. In addition, the variations of brain waves were recorded by an Emotiv system. Finally, the data were analyzed in SPSS and Matlab system (after and before playing video game). RESULTS: The research findings revealed that the salivary α-amylase concentration increased significantly after playing the Fear game, Runner game, and Excitement game and decreased significantly after playing the Puzzle game. Moreover, the concentration of salivary cortisol increased significantly after playing the Runner game, Excitement game, and Fear game and decreased significantly after playing the Puzzle game. The brain wave analysis also revealed that the level of stress experienced by playing Fear game was higher than the Excitement game. CONCLUSION: According to the research findings, video games can affect the stress system as well as the cognitive system of humans depending on the game style. In addition, the type and level of stress triggered in the players depend on the game style.

The Effects of Fifa 2015 Computer Games on Changes in Cognitive, Hormonal and Brain Waves Functions of Young Men Volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: Computer games have attracted remarkable attentions in general publics with different cultures and their effects are subject of research by cognitive neuroscientists. In the present study, possible effects of the game Fifa 2015 on cognitive performance, hormonal levels, and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were evaluated in young male volunteers. METHODS: Thirty two subjects aged 20 years on average participated mutually in playing computer game Fifa 2015. Identification information and general knowledge about the game were collected. Saliva samples from the contestants were obtained before and after the competition. Perceptive and cognitive performance including the general cognitive health, response delay, attention maintenance, and mental fatigue were measured using PASAT test. EEG were recorded during the play using EEG device and analyzed later using QEEG. Simultaneously, the players' behavior were recorded using a video camera. Saliva cortisol levels were assessed by ELISA kit. Data were analyzed by SPSS program. RESULTS: The impact of playing computer games on cortisol concentration of saliva before and after the game showed that the amount of saliva plasma after playing the game has dropped significantly. Also the impact of playing computer games on mental health, before and after the game indicated that the number of correct answers has not changed significantly. This indicates that sustained attention has increased in participants after the game in comparison with before that. Also it is shown that mental fatigue measured by PASAT test, did not changed significantly after the game in comparison to before that. The impact of game on changes in brain waves showed that the subjects in high activity state during playing the game had higher power of the EEG signals in most of the channels in lower frequency bands in compared to normal state. DISCUSSION: The present study showed that computer games can positively affect the stress system and the perceptual-cognitive system. Even though this impact was not significant in most cases, the changes in cognitive and hormonal test and also in brain waves were visible. Hence, due to the importance of this matter, it is necessary to create control systems in selecting the types of games for playing.