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Pinosanu LR, Boboc IKS, Balseanu TA, Gresita A, Hermann DM, Popa-Wagner A, Catalin B. Beam narrowing test: a motor index of post-stroke motor evaluation in an aged rat model of cerebral ischemia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:763-771. [PMID: 38598100 PMCID: PMC11199207 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Each year, 15 million people worldwide suffer from strokes. Consequently, researchers face increasing pressure to develop reliable behavioural tests for assessing functional recovery after a stroke. Our aim was to establish a new motor performance index that can be used to evaluate post-stroke recovery in both young and aged animals. Furthermore, we validate the proposed procedure and recommend the necessary number of animals for experimental stroke studies. Young (n = 20) and aged (n = 27) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either sham or stroke surgery. The newly proposed performance index was calculated for the post-stroke acute, subacute and chronic phases. The advantage of using our test over current tests lies in the fact that the newly proposed motor index test evaluates not only the performance of the unaffected side in comparison to the affected one but also assesses overall performance by taking into account speed and coordination. Moreover, it reduces the number of animals needed to achieve a statistical power of 80%. This aspect is particularly crucial when studying aged rodents. Our approach can be used to monitor and assess the effectiveness of stroke therapies in experimental models using aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Radu Pinosanu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Tudor Adrian Balseanu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, 115680-8000, USA
| | - Dirk M Hermann
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Aurel Popa-Wagner
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, 115680-8000, USA
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Dasdelen MF, Caglayan AB, Er S, Beker MC, Ates N, Gronewold J, Doeppner TR, Hermann DM, Kilic E. Social isolation initiated post-weaning augments ischemic brain injury by promoting pro-inflammatory responses. Exp Neurol 2024; 375:114729. [PMID: 38365135 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Social isolation is associated with poor stroke outcome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms were largely unknown. In male Balb/C mice exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), we examined the effects of social isolation initiated post-weaning on ischemic injury, cytokine/chemokine responses and cell signaling using a broad panel of techniques that involved immunocytochemistry, cytokine/chemokine array and Western blots. Social isolation initiated post-weaning elevated infarct size, brain edema and neuronal injury in the ischemic brain tissue 3 days after MCAo, and increased microglia/ macrophage and leukocyte accumulation. In line with the increased immune cell recruitment, levels of several proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ), chemokines (e.g., CCL3, CCL4, CCL12, CXCL2, CXCL9, CXCL12) and adhesion molecules (i.e., ICAM-1) were increased in the ischemic brain tissue of socially isolated compared with paired housing mice, whereas levels of selected cytokines (IL-5, IL-6, IL-16) and colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF, GM-CSF) were reduced. The activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB), which promotes cell injury via pro-inflammatory responses, was increased by social isolation, whereas that of nuclear factor erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf-2), which mediates anti-oxidative responses under oxidative stress conditions, was reduced. Our study shows that social isolation profoundly alters post-ischemic cell signaling in a way promoting pro-inflammatory responses. Our results highlight the importance of social support in preventing deleterious health effects of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Furkan Dasdelen
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey; Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Burak Caglayan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sezgin Er
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey; Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Caglar Beker
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilay Ates
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Janine Gronewold
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk M Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-, Essen, Germany
| | - Ertugrul Kilic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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3
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Neves LT, Paz LV, Wieck A, Mestriner RG, de Miranda Monteiro VAC, Xavier LL. Environmental Enrichment in Stroke Research: an Update. Transl Stroke Res 2024; 15:339-351. [PMID: 36717476 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01132-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) refers to different forms of stimulation, where the environment is designed to improve the levels of sensory, cognitive, and motor stimuli, inducing stroke recovery in animal models. Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and neurological disability among older adults, hence the importance of developing strategies to improve recovery for such patients. This review provides an update on recent findings, compiling information regarding the parameters affected by EE exposure in both preclinical and clinical studies. During stroke recovery, EE exposure has been shown to improve both the cognitive and locomotor aspects, inducing important neuroplastic alterations, increased angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and modified gene expression, among other effects. There is a need for further research in this field, particularly in those aspects where the evidence is inconclusive. Moreover, it is necessary refine and adapt the EE paradigms for application in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tartari Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Lisiê Valéria Paz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andréa Wieck
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6690 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Valentina Aguiar Cardozo de Miranda Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil.
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Sowndharya S, Rajan KE. Environmental enrichment improves social isolation-induced memory impairment: The possible role of ITSN1-Reelin-AMPA receptor signaling pathway. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294354. [PMID: 38241230 PMCID: PMC10798460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) through combination of social and non-biological stimuli enhances activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and improves behavioural performance. Our earlier studies have suggested that EE resilience the stress induced depression/ anxiety-like behaviour in Indian field mice Mus booduga. This study was designed to test whether EE reverses the social isolation (SI) induced effect and improve memory. Field-caught mice M. booduga were subjected to behaviour test (Direct wild, DW), remaining animals were housed under SI for ten days and then housed for short-term at standard condition (STSC)/ long-term at standard condition (LTSC) or as group in EE cage. Subsequently, we have examined reference, working memory and expression of genes associated with synaptic plasticity. Our analysis have shown that EE reversed SI induced impairment in reference, working memory and other accompanied changes i.e. increased level of Intersectin 1 (ITSN1), Huntingtin (Htt), Synaptotagmin -IV (SYT4), variants of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf - III), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor (GluR1) expression, and decreased variants of Bdnf (IV), BDNF, Reelin, Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), Src family tyrosine kinase (SFKs), Disabled protein (Dab)-1, Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), GluR2, Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) expression. In addition, SI induced reduction in BDNF expressing neurons in dentate gyrus of hippocampus reversed by EE. Further, we found that SI decreases small neuro-active molecules such as Benzenedicarboxylic acid, and increases 2-Pregnene in the hippocampus and feces reversed by EE. Overall, this study demonstrated that EE is effectively reversed the SI induced memory impairment by potentially regulating the molecules associated with the ITSN1-Reelin-AMPA receptor pathway to increase synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swamynathan Sowndharya
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Koilmani Emmanuvel Rajan
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
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5
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McFall A, Graham D, Nicklin SA, Work LM. Unscheduled changes in pre-clinical stroke model housing contributes to variance in physiological and behavioural data outcomes: A post hoc analysis. Brain Neurosci Adv 2024; 8:23982128241238934. [PMID: 38516557 PMCID: PMC10956152 DOI: 10.1177/23982128241238934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke presents a significant problem worldwide with no neuroprotective drugs available. Many of the failures in the search for neuroprotectants are attributed to failure to translate from pre-clinical models to humans, which has been combatted with rigorous pre-clinical stroke research guidelines. Here, we present post hoc analysis of a pre-clinical stroke trial, conducted using intraluminal filament transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat, whereby unscheduled changes were implemented in the animal housing facility. These changes severely impacted body weight post-stroke resulting in a change from the typical body weight of 90.6% of pre-surgery weight post-stroke, to on average 80.5% of pre-surgery weight post-stroke. The changes also appeared to impact post-stroke blood pressure, with an increase from 215.4 to 240.3 mmHg between housing groups, and functional outcome post-stroke, with a 38% increased latency to contact in the sticky label test. These data highlight the importance of tightly controlled housing conditions when using physiological or behavioural measurements as a primary outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling McFall
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Delyth Graham
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stuart A. Nicklin
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lorraine M. Work
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Nie L, He J, Wang J, Wang R, Huang L, Jia L, Kim YT, Bhawal UK, Fan X, Zille M, Jiang C, Chen X, Wang J. Environmental Enrichment for Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanisms and Translational Implications. Compr Physiol 2023; 14:5291-5323. [PMID: 38158368 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Acquired brain injuries, such as ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and traumatic brain injury (TBI), can cause severe neurologic damage and even death. Unfortunately, currently, there are no effective and safe treatments to reduce the high disability and mortality rates associated with these brain injuries. However, environmental enrichment (EE) is an emerging approach to treating and rehabilitating acquired brain injuries by promoting motor, sensory, and social stimulation. Multiple preclinical studies have shown that EE benefits functional recovery, including improved motor and cognitive function and psychological benefits mediated by complex protective signaling pathways. This article provides an overview of the enriched environment protocols used in animal models of ischemic stroke, ICH, and TBI, as well as relevant clinical studies, with a particular focus on ischemic stroke. Additionally, we explored studies of animals with stroke and TBI exposed to EE alone or in combination with multiple drugs and other rehabilitation modalities. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical applications of EE in future brain rehabilitation therapy and the molecular and cellular changes caused by EE in rodents with stroke or TBI. This article aims to advance preclinical and clinical research on EE rehabilitation therapy for acquired brain injury. © 2024 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 14:5291-5323, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luwei Nie
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxin He
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Brain Science Research and Transformation in the Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Leo Huang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lin Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yun Tai Kim
- Division of Functional Food Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ujjal K Bhawal
- Research Institute of Oral Science, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Xiaochong Fan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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Chen X, Wang W, Li H, Zhang X. Enriched environment alleviates neurological deficits via downregulation of Cx43 after experimental stroke. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148619. [PMID: 37805009 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
While it has been demonstrated that enriched environment (EE) can protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a key component of gap junctions, which may mediate cell-to-cell communication in neural cells. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of EE against cerebral I/R injury in rats by modulating Cx43. A rat model of cerebral I/R injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into the sham, MCAO, MCAO + EE, MCAO + Gap19, and MCAO + EE + Gap19 groups. The modified neurological severity score test and Morris water maze assay were used to assess neurological deficits. The infarct volume was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Neuronal survival was detected by immunofluorescence. The indices of oxidative stress were determined using ELISA, and the reactive oxygen species levels were determined using a dihydroethidium probe. Cx43 and inflammation-related protein expression levels were also measured using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. EE and Gap19 treatment significantly improved neurological deficits, reduced infarct volumes, attenuated neuronal injury, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress. Furthermore, EE and Gap19 treatment notably downregulated the expression of Cx43 and the inflammation-related pathway TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in the ischemic penumbra. Gap19, a Cx43 inhibitor, markedly enhanced the neuroprotective effects of EE in rats with cerebral I/R injury. EE treatment protects against cerebral I/R injury in rats via Cx43 downregulation. Our findings may shed light on the mechanism underlying the protective efficacy of EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wansong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Ruijin 2rd, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Street, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China.
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Yan J, Liu Y, Zheng F, Lv D, Jin D. Environmental enrichment enhanced neurogenesis and behavioral recovery after stroke in aged rats. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:9453-9463. [PMID: 37688770 PMCID: PMC10564416 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Age is identified as a significant prognostic factor for poorer outcome after stroke. However, environmental enrichment (EE) has been reported to promote functional recovery after ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether environmental enrichment was beneficial to ischemic stroke in aged rats. METHODS Aged rats were randomly assigned as control rats, rats subjected to cerebral ischemia, and rats with cerebral ischemia treated with EE for 30 days. Focal cortical ischemia was induced by intracranial injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1). EE housing began one day after focal ischemia and was maintained for the whole experimental period. We used immunofluorescence staining to analyze the neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay to evaluate apoptosis. The expression of neuronal nuclei, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Iba-1 around the infarcted area were also measured by double immunohistochemistry. RESULTS EE enhanced the proliferation of newborn neurons in the SVZ, as well as increased the long-term survival of newborn neurons. EE also exerted effects on inflammation after stroke. Furthermore, EE suppressed apoptosis and improved the motor functions after stroke in the aged rats. CONCLUSIONS EE improved post-stroke recovery on the basis of enhancing neurogenesis in aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Shenyang of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Shenyang of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fangda Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Shenyang of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Lv
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Di Jin
- Department of Acupuncture (Neurology), The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Han PP, Han Y, Shen XY, Gao ZK, Bi X. Enriched environment-induced neuroplasticity in ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanisms. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1210361. [PMID: 37484824 PMCID: PMC10360187 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1210361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease that can interrupt local blood flow in the brain, causing neuronal damage or even death, resulting in varying degrees of neurological dysfunction. Neuroplasticity is an important neurological function that helps neurons reorganize and regain function after injury. After cerebral ischemia, neuroplasticity changes are critical factors for restoring brain function. An enriched environment promotes increased neuroplasticity, thereby aiding stroke recovery. In this review, we discuss the positive effects of the enriched environment on neuroplasticity after cerebral ischemia, including synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis. In addition, we also introduce some studies on the clinical application of enriched environments in the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients, hoping that they can provide some inspiration for doctors and therapists looking for new approaches to stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Ya Shen
- Graduate School of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Kun Gao
- Graduate School of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Bi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Alarcón TA, Presti-Silva SM, Simões APT, Ribeiro FM, Pires RGW. Molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotection of environmental enrichment in Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1450-1456. [PMID: 36571341 PMCID: PMC10075132 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the most common movement disorder, affecting about 1% of the population over the age of 60 years. Parkinson's disease is characterized clinically by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability, as a result of the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. In addition to this neuronal cell loss, Parkinson's disease is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular protein aggregates, Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, composed primarily of the protein α-synuclein. Although it was first described almost 200 years ago, there are no disease-modifying drugs to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition to conventional therapies, non-pharmacological treatment strategies are under investigation in patients and animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. Among such strategies, environmental enrichment, comprising physical exercise, cognitive stimulus, and social interactions, has been assessed in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease. Environmental enrichment can cause structural and functional changes in the brain and promote neurogenesis and dendritic growth by modifying gene expression, enhancing the expression of neurotrophic factors and modulating neurotransmission. In this review article, we focus on the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental enrichment neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease, highlighting its influence on the dopaminergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic systems, as well as the involvement of neurotrophic factors. We describe experimental pre-clinical data showing how environmental enrichment can act as a modulator in a neurochemical and behavioral context in different animal models of Parkinson's disease, highlighting the potential of environmental enrichment as an additional strategy in the management and prevention of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Andrea Alarcón
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Sarah Martins Presti-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute o Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Toniato Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Mara Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute o Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rita Gomes Wanderley Pires
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
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Pre exposure to enriched environment alleviates brain injury after ischemia-reperfusion by inhibiting p38MAPK/STAT1 pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2243-2255. [PMID: 36572761 PMCID: PMC10011282 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is one of the major diseases that endangers human health. It is widely reported that enriched environment (EE) can improve the neurological function in different brain injury models. Recently, relevant researches have indicated that MAPK pathway is closely related to the inflammatory response in nervous system related diseases. However, whether pre exposure to EE (EE pretreatment) has a preventive effect, and its mechanism are not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the possible benefits and related mechanisms of EE in preventing brain injury after acute ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS Adult Sprague Dawley rats were kept in enriched or standardized environments for 21 days. Then the middle cerebral artery of rats was occluded for one hour and 30 min, and then reperfusion was performed. Then their neurological deficit score was evaluated. Cerebral edema, along with ELISA and protein quantities of p38MAPK, JNK, ERK, IL-1β, TNF-α, and co-localization of Iba1 were assessed. Changes in neuroinflammation and apoptosis were also detected in the penumbra cortex. RESULTS Our research showed that EE pretreatment significantly alleviated acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Including the reduction of brain edema and apoptosis, and the improvement of neurological scores. In addition, the protein level of p38MAPK was significantly down regulated in EE pretreatment group, and the downstream protein STAT1 had the same trend. In addition, immunofluorescence results showed that Iba1 in EE pretreatment group decreased, the ELISA results showed that the classical proinflammatory cytokines increased significantly, while anti-inflammatory cytokines in EE pretreatment group increased, and the same results were obtained by Western blot analysis. CONCLUSION On the whole, our research demonstrated that EE pretreatment can have a protective effect on the organism by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/STAT1 pathway. Thus, EE can be one of the most promising means of disease prevention. Secondly, p38MAPK/STAT1 pathway may be a latent target for the prevention of acute ischemic stroke.
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