1
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Das A, Menon V. Frequency-specific directed connectivity between the hippocampus and parietal cortex during verbal and spatial episodic memory: an intracranial EEG replication. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae287. [PMID: 39042030 PMCID: PMC11264422 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae287] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hippocampus-parietal cortex circuits are thought to play a crucial role in memory and attention, but their neural basis remains poorly understood. We employed intracranial intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) to investigate the neurophysiological underpinning of these circuits across three memory tasks spanning verbal and spatial domains. We uncovered a consistent pattern of higher causal directed connectivity from the hippocampus to both lateral parietal cortex (supramarginal and angular gyrus) and medial parietal cortex (posterior cingulate cortex) in the delta-theta band during memory encoding and recall. This connectivity was independent of activation or suppression states in the hippocampus or parietal cortex. Crucially, directed connectivity from the supramarginal gyrus to the hippocampus was enhanced in participants with higher memory recall, highlighting its behavioral significance. Our findings align with the attention-to-memory model, which posits that attention directs cognitive resources toward pertinent information during memory formation. The robustness of these results was demonstrated through Bayesian replication analysis of the memory encoding and recall periods across the three tasks. Our study sheds light on the neural basis of casual signaling within hippocampus-parietal circuits, broadening our understanding of their critical roles in human cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Das
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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2
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Pishdadian S, Coutrot A, Webber L, Hornberger M, Spiers H, Rosenbaum RS. Combining patient-lesion and big data approaches to reveal hippocampal contributions to spatial memory and navigation. iScience 2024; 27:109977. [PMID: 38947515 PMCID: PMC11214368 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Classic findings of impaired allocentric spatial learning and memory following hippocampal lesions indicate that the hippocampus supports cognitive maps of one's environment. Many studies assess navigation in vista space virtual reality environments and compare hippocampal-lesioned individuals' performance to that of small control samples, potentially stifling detection of preserved and impaired performance. Using the mobile app Sea Hero Quest, we examined navigation in diverse complex environments in two individuals with hippocampal lesions relative to demographically matched controls (N = 17,734). We found surprisingly accurate navigation in several environments, particularly those containing a constrained set of sub-goals, paths, and/or turns. Areas of impaired performance may reflect a role for the hippocampus in anterograde memory and more flexible and/or precise spatial representations, even when the need for allocentric processing is minimal. The results emphasize the value of combining single cases with big data and illustrate navigation performance profiles in individuals with hippocampal compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pishdadian
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
- Vision: Science to Application (VISTA) Program, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto M6A 2E1, Canada
- Complex Care and Recovery Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Antoine Coutrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Lyon, 69361 Lyon, France
| | - Lauren Webber
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - Hugo Spiers
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - R. Shayna Rosenbaum
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
- Vision: Science to Application (VISTA) Program, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto M6A 2E1, Canada
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3
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Waddington EE, Allison DJ, Calabrese EM, Pekos C, Lee A, Walsh JJ, Heisz JJ. Orienteering combines vigorous-intensity exercise with navigation to improve human cognition and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303785. [PMID: 38776348 PMCID: PMC11111042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303785] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Exercise enhances aspects of human cognition, but its intensity may matter. Recent animal research suggests that vigorous exercise, which releases greater amounts of lactate, activates more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and, thus, may be optimal for supporting cognitive function. The cognitive benefits of exercise may be further augmented when combined with cognitive training. The sport of orienteering simultaneously combines exercise with spatial navigation and, therefore, may result in greater cognitive benefits than exercising only, especially at vigorous intensities. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an acute bout of orienteering at different intensities on cognition and BDNF compared to exercising only. We hypothesized that vigorous-intensity orienteering would increase lactate and BDNF and improve cognition more than moderate-intensity orienteering or vigorous exercise alone. Sixty-three recreationally active, healthy young adults (Mage = 21.10±2.75 years) with no orienteering experience completed a 1.3 km intervention course by navigating and exercising at a vigorous (80-85% of heart rate reserve) or moderate (40-50% of heart rate reserve) intensity or exercising vigorously without navigation. Exercise intensity was monitored using peak lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Serum BDNF was extracted immediately before and after the intervention. Memory was assessed using the Mnemonic Similarity Task (high-interference memory) and the Groton Maze Learning Test (spatial memory). Both exercising and orienteering at a vigorous intensity elicited greater peak lactate and increases in BDNF than moderate-intensity orienteering, and individuals with higher peak lactate also had greater increases in BDNF. High-interference memory improved after both vigorous-intensity interventions but did not improve after the moderate-intensity intervention. Spatial memory only increased after vigorous-intensity orienteering, suggesting that orienteering at a vigorous intensity may particularly benefit spatial cognition. Overall, the results demonstrate the benefits of vigorous exercise on human cognition and BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Waddington
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J. Allison
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie M. Calabrese
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cara Pekos
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrienne Lee
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy J. Walsh
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer J. Heisz
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Serino S, Di Lernia D, Magni G, Manenti P, De Gasperi S, Riva G, Repetto C. Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory for Body Parts: A Virtual Reality Study. J Cogn 2024; 7:33. [PMID: 38638460 PMCID: PMC11025578 DOI: 10.5334/joc.357] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive literature elucidated the mechanisms underlying the ability to memorize the positions of objects in space. However, less is known about the impact that objects' features have on spatial memory. The present study aims to investigate differences in egocentric and allocentric object-location memory between hand stimuli depicted in a first-person perspective (1PP) or in a third-person one (3PP). Fifty-two adults encoded spatial positions within a virtual museum environment featuring four square buildings. Each of these buildings featured eight paintings positioned along the walls, with two pictures displayed on each of the four walls. Thirty-two stimuli were employed, which represented pictures of the right hand performing various types of gestures. Half of the stimuli depicted the hand in the 1PP, while the other half depicted the hand in the 3PP. Both free and guided explorations served as encoding conditions. Immediately after that, participants underwent a two-step object-location memory task. Participants were provided with a map of the museum and asked to identify the correct building where the image was located (allocentric memory). Then, they were presented with a schematic representation of the exhibition room divided into four sections and instructed to select the section where they thought the picture was located (egocentric memory). Our findings indicate a memory performance boost associated with egocentric recall, regardless of the perspective of the bodily stimuli. The results are discussed considering the emerging literature on the mnemonic properties of body-related stimuli for spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Serino
- Department of Psychology, Universitàdegli Studi Milano –Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Humane Technology Lab, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Magni
- Faculty of Psychology, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Manenti
- Faculty of Psychology, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano De Gasperi
- Humane Technology Lab, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Humane Technology Lab, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuro Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Das A, Menon V. Hippocampal-parietal cortex causal directed connectivity during human episodic memory formation: Replication across three experiments. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.07.566056. [PMID: 37986855 PMCID: PMC10659286 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampus-parietal cortex circuits are thought to play a crucial role in memory and attention, but their neural basis remains poorly understood. We employed intracranial EEG from 96 participants (51 females) to investigate the neurophysiological underpinning of these circuits across three memory tasks spanning verbal and spatial domains. We uncovered a consistent pattern of higher causal directed connectivity from the hippocampus to both lateral parietal cortex (supramarginal and angular gyrus) and medial parietal cortex (posterior cingulate cortex) in the delta-theta band during memory encoding and recall. This connectivity was independent of activation or suppression states in the hippocampus or parietal cortex. Crucially, directed connectivity from the supramarginal gyrus to the hippocampus was enhanced in participants with higher memory recall, highlighting its behavioral significance. Our findings align with the attention-to-memory model, which posits that attention directs cognitive resources toward pertinent information during memory formation. The robustness of these results was demonstrated through Bayesian replication analysis of the memory encoding and recall periods across the three tasks. Our study sheds light on the neural basis of casual signaling within hippocampus-parietal circuits, broadening our understanding of their critical roles in human cognition.
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Hill PF, Bermudez S, McAvan AS, Garren JD, Grilli MD, Barnes CA, Ekstrom AD. Age differences in spatial memory are mitigated during naturalistic navigation. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38445641 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2326244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Spatial navigation deficits are often observed among older adults on tasks that require navigating virtual reality (VR) environments on a computer screen. We investigated whether these age differences are attenuated when tested in more naturalistic and ambulatory virtual environments. In Experiment 1, young and older adults navigated a variant of the Morris Water Maze task in each of two VR conditions: a desktop VR condition which required using a mouse and keyboard to navigate, and an ambulatory VR condition which permitted unrestricted locomotion. In Experiment 2, we examined whether age- and VR-related differences in spatial performance were affected by the inclusion of additional spatial cues. In both experiments, older adults navigated to target locations less precisely than younger individuals in the desktop condition. Age differences were significantly attenuated, however, when tested in the ambulatory VR environment. These findings underscore the importance of developing naturalistic assessments of spatial memory and navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Hill
- Psychology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Andrew S McAvan
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joshua D Garren
- Psychology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Matthew D Grilli
- Psychology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Carol A Barnes
- Psychology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Arne D Ekstrom
- Psychology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Boecker H, Daamen M, Kunz L, Geiß M, Müller M, Neuss T, Henschel L, Stirnberg R, Upadhyay N, Scheef L, Martin JA, Stöcker T, Radbruch A, Attenberger U, Axmacher N, Maurer A. Hippocampal subfield plasticity is associated with improved spatial memory. Commun Biol 2024; 7:271. [PMID: 38443439 PMCID: PMC10914736 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05949-5] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise studies are generally underrepresented in young adulthood. Seventeen subjects were randomized into an intervention group (24.2 ± 3.9 years; 3 trainings/week) and 10 subjects into a passive control group (23.7 ± 4.2 years), over a duration of 6 months. Every two months, performance diagnostics, computerized spatial memory tests, and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging were conducted. Here we find that the intervention group, compared to controls, showed increased cardiorespiratory fitness, spatial memory performance and subregional hippocampal volumes over time. Time-by-condition interactions occurred in right cornu ammonis 4 body and (trend only) dentate gyrus, left hippocampal tail and left subiculum. Increases in spatial memory performance correlated with hippocampal body volume changes and, subregionally, with left subicular volume changes. In conclusion, findings support earlier reports of exercise-induced subregional hippocampal volume changes. Such exercise-related plasticity may not only be of interest for young adults with clinical disorders of hippocampal function, but also for sedentary normal cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Boecker
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marcel Daamen
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Kunz
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Geiß
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Moritz Müller
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Neuss
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Leonie Henschel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Stirnberg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Neeraj Upadhyay
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Scheef
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jason A Martin
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tony Stöcker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Radbruch
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Attenberger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolai Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Angelika Maurer
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
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8
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Rekers S, Finke C. Translating spatial navigation evaluation from experimental to clinical settings: The virtual environments navigation assessment (VIENNA). Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:2033-2048. [PMID: 37166580 PMCID: PMC10991013 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02134-0] [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] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial navigation abilities are frequently impaired in neurological disorders and they also decline with normal aging. Researchers and clinicians therefore need valid and easy-to-use spatial navigation assessment tools to study the impact of different neuropathologies and prevent relevant cognitive impairments from going undetected. However, current experimental paradigms rarely address which cognitive processes they recruit, often have resource-intensive setups, and usually require active navigation, e.g., using a joystick or keyboard, thus confounding cognitive performance with fine motor skills. Yet, for clinical feasibility, time-efficient paradigms are needed that are informative and easy to administer in participants with limited technical experience and diverging impairments. Here, we introduce the virtual environments navigation assessment (VIENNA), a virtual adaptation of a brief, standardized, and intuitive spatial navigation paradigm ( https://osf.io/kp4c5/ ). VIENNA is designed to assess spatial navigation without episodic memory demands, requires no interface device, and takes about 16 min to complete. We evaluated VIENNA in 79 healthy middle-aged to older participants (50-85 years) and provide evidence for its feasibility and construct validity. Tests of visuospatial and executive functions, but not episodic memory or selective attention, were identified as cognitive correlates of VIENNA, even when controlling for participant age and overall cognitive performance. Furthermore, VIENNA scores correlated with subjective navigation ability and age, but not with depressiveness, cognitive complaints, or education. The straightforward administration of VIENNA allows for its integration into routine neuropsychological assessments and enables differentiated evaluation of spatial navigation performance in patients with motor impairments and episodic memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Rekers
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Huang P, Cheng Q, Ding H. Luteolin ameliorates pentetrazole-induced seizures through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Epilepsy Res 2024; 201:107321. [PMID: 38382229 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107321] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy represents a prevalent neurological disorder in the population, and the existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) often fail to adequately control seizures. Inflammation is recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Luteolin, a natural flavonoid extract, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits promising neuroprotective activity. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the antiepileptic effects of luteolin remain elusive. In this study, we established a rat model of epilepsy using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to induce seizures. A series of behavioral experiments were conducted to assess behavioral abilities and cognitive function. Histological techniques, including HE staining, Nissl staining, and TUNEL staining, were employed to assess hippocampal neuronal damage. Additionally, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and ELISA were utilized to analyze the expression levels of proteins involved in the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway, transcription levels of apoptotic factors, and levels of inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Luteolin exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in seizure severity, prolonged the latency period of seizures, and shortened seizure duration. Furthermore, luteolin prevented hippocampal neuronal damage in PTZ-induced epileptic rats and partially restored behavioral function and learning and memory abilities. Lastly, PTZ kindling activated the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB pathway, leading to elevated levels of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, which were attenuated by luteolin. Luteolin exerted anticonvulsant and neuroprotective activities in the PTZ-induced epileptic model. Its mechanism was associated with the inhibition of the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB pathway, alleviating the immune-inflammatory response in the post-epileptic hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Cheng
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, No.68, Xuefu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430023, PR China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, No.185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Puxin Huang
- Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, No.185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Qingzhou Cheng
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, No.68, Xuefu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430023, PR China.
| | - Hong Ding
- Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, No.185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China.
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10
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Cammisuli DM, Tuena C, Riva G, Repetto C, Axmacher N, Chandreswaran V, Isella V, Pomati S, Zago S, Difonzo T, Pavanello G, Prete LA, Stramba-Badiale M, Mauro A, Cattaldo S, Castelnuovo G. Exploring the Remediation of Behavioral Disturbances of Spatial Cognition in Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens with Mild Cognitive Impairment via Innovative Technological Apparatus (BDSC-MCI Project): Protocol for a Prospective, Multi-Center Observational Study. J Pers Med 2024; 14:192. [PMID: 38392625 PMCID: PMC10890288 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spatial navigation (SN) has been reported to be one of the first cognitive domains to be affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which occurs as a result of progressive neuropathology involving specific brain areas. Moreover, the epsilon 4 isoform of apolipoprotein-E (APOE-ε4) has been associated with both sporadic and familial late-onset AD, and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD are more likely to progressively deteriorate. Spatial navigation performance will be examined on a sample of 76 community-dwelling senior citizens (25 healthy controls; 25 individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD); and 26 patients with MCI due to AD) via a virtual computer-based task (i.e., the AppleGame) and a naturalistic task (i.e., the Detour Navigation Test-modified version) for which a wearable device with sensors will be used for recording gait data and revealing physiological parameters that may be associated with spatial disorientation. We expect that patients with MCI due to AD and APOE-ε4 carriers will show altered SN performances compared to individuals with SCD and healthy controls in the experimental tasks, and that VR testing may predict ecological performance. Impaired SN performances in people at increased risk of developing AD may inform future cognitive rehabilitation protocols for counteracting spatial disorientation that may occur during elders' traveling to unfamiliar locations. The research protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Istituto Auxologico Italiano. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals and discussed in national and international congresses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
- Human Technology Lab, Catholic University, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Nikolai Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Varnan Chandreswaran
- Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr University, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Valeria Isella
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Pomati
- Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Zago
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Difonzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Pavanello
- School of Specialization in Clinical Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Augusto Prete
- School of Specialization in Clinical Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, "San Giuseppe" Hospital, 33081 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Stefania Cattaldo
- Clinic Neurobiology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, "San Giuseppe" Hospital, 33081 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
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11
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Yonelinas A, Hawkins C, Abovian A, Aly M. The role of recollection, familiarity, and the hippocampus in episodic and working memory. Neuropsychologia 2024; 193:108777. [PMID: 38141964 PMCID: PMC10872349 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108777] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus plays an essential role in long-term episodic memory by supporting the recollection of contextual details, whereas surrounding regions such as the perirhinal cortex support familiarity-based recognition discriminations. Working memory - the ability to maintain information over very brief periods of time - is traditionally thought to rely heavily on frontoparietal attention networks, but recent work has shown that it can also rely on the hippocampus. However, the conditions in which the hippocampus becomes involved in working memory tasks are unclear and whether it contributes to recollection or familiarity-based responses in working memory is only beginning to be explored. In the current paper, we first review and contrast the existing amnesia literature examining recollection and familiarity in episodic and working memory. The results indicate that recollection and familiarity contribute to both episodic and working memory. However, in contrast to episodic memory, in working memory the hippocampus is particularly critical for familiarity-based rather than recollection-based discrimination. Moreover, the results indicate that the role of the hippocampus in working memory can be obscured due to 'criterion-induced process-masking' because it primarily supports intermediate-confidence recognition decisions. We then report results from a new working memory study examining the ability of amnesics to detect global and local changes in novel complex objects (i.e., fribbles), which indicates that the hippocampus plays an especially critical role in working memory when the task requires the detection of global rather than discrete changes. We conclude by considering the results in light of neurocomputational models and proposing a general framework for understanding the relationship between episodic and working memory.
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12
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He Q, Liu JL, Eschapasse L, Zagora AK, Brown TI. The neural correlates of memory integration in value-based decision-making during human spatial navigation. Neuropsychologia 2024; 193:108758. [PMID: 38103679 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108758] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In daily life, we often make decisions based on relative value of the options, and we often derive these values from segmenting or integrating the outcomes of past episodes in memory. The neural correlates involved in value-based decision-making have been extensively studied in the literature, but few studies have investigated this topic in decisions that require segmenting or integrating episodic memory from related sources, and even fewer studies examine it in the context of spatial navigation. Building on the computational models from our previous studies, the current study investigates the neural substrates involved in decisions that require people either segment or integrate wayfinding outcomes involving different goals, across virtual spatial navigation tasks with differing demands. We find that when decisions require computation of spatial distances for navigation options, but also evaluation of one's prior spatial navigation ability with the task, the estimated value of navigational choices (EV) modulates neural activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal (dmPFC) cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal (vlFPC) cortex. However, superior parietal cortex tracked EV when decision-making tasks only require spatial distance memory but not evaluation of spatial navigation ability. Our findings reveal divergent neural substrates of memory integration in value-based decision-making under different spatial processing demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiliang He
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.
| | - Jancy Ling Liu
- School of Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Lou Eschapasse
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Anna K Zagora
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
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13
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Fernandez-Velasco P, Spiers HJ. Wayfinding across ocean and tundra: what traditional cultures teach us about navigation. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:56-71. [PMID: 37798182 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.09.004] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Research on human navigation by psychologists and neuroscientists has come mainly from a limited range of environments and participants inhabiting western countries. By contrast, numerous anthropological accounts illustrate the diverse ways in which cultures adapt to their surrounding environment to navigate. Here, we provide an overview of these studies and relate them to cognitive science research. The diversity of cues in traditional navigation is much higher and multimodal compared with navigation experiments in the laboratory. It typically involves an integrated system of methods, drawing on a detailed understanding of the environmental cues, specific tools, and forms part of a broader cultural system. We highlight recent methodological developments for measuring navigation skill and modelling behaviour that will aid future research into how culture and environment shape human navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fernandez-Velasco
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK; Department of Philosophy, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Hugo J Spiers
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
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14
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Yamaguchi A, Jitsuishi T. Structural connectivity of the precuneus and its relation to resting-state networks. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00221-3. [PMID: 38160734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The precuneus is an association area in the posteromedial cortex (PMC) that is involved in high-order cognitive functions through integrating multi-modal information. Previous studies have shown that the precuneus is functionally heterogeneous and subdivided into several subfields organized by the anterior-posterior and ventral-dorsal axes. Further, the precuneus forms the structural core of brain connectivity as a rich-club hub and overlaps with the default mode network (DMN) as the functional core. This review summarizes recent research on the connectivity and cognitive functions of the precuneus. We then present our recent tractography-based studies of the precuneus and contextual these results here with respect to possible cognitive functions and resting-state networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Yamaguchi
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Jitsuishi
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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15
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Burles F, Iaria G. Neurocognitive Adaptations for Spatial Orientation and Navigation in Astronauts. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1592. [PMID: 38002551 PMCID: PMC10669796 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts often face orientation challenges while on orbit, which can lead to operator errors in demanding spatial tasks. In this study, we investigated the impact of long-duration spaceflight on the neural processes supporting astronauts' spatial orientation skills. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we collected data from 16 astronauts six months before and two weeks after their International Space Station (ISS) missions while performing a spatial orientation task that requires generating a mental representation of one's surroundings. During this task, astronauts exhibited a general reduction in neural activity evoked from spatial-processing brain regions after spaceflight. The neural activity evoked in the precuneus was most saliently reduced following spaceflight, along with less powerful effects observed in the angular gyrus and retrosplenial regions of the brain. Importantly, the reduction in precuneus activity we identified was not accounted for by changes in behavioral performance or changes in grey matter concentration. These findings overall show less engagement of explicitly spatial neurological processes at postflight, suggesting astronauts make use of complementary strategies to perform some spatial tasks as an adaptation to spaceflight. These preliminary findings highlight the need for developing countermeasures or procedures that minimize the detrimental effects of spaceflight on spatial cognition, especially in light of planned long-distance future missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Burles
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- NeuroLab, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- NeuroLab, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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16
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Iggena D, Jeung S, Maier PM, Ploner CJ, Gramann K, Finke C. Multisensory input modulates memory-guided spatial navigation in humans. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1167. [PMID: 37963986 PMCID: PMC10646091 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05522-6] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient navigation is supported by a cognitive map of space. The hippocampus plays a key role for this map by linking multimodal sensory information with spatial memory representations. However, in human navigation studies, the full range of sensory information is often unavailable due to the stationarity of experimental setups. We investigated the contribution of multisensory information to memory-guided spatial navigation by presenting a virtual version of the Morris water maze on a screen and in an immersive mobile virtual reality setup. Patients with hippocampal lesions and matched controls navigated to memorized object locations in relation to surrounding landmarks. Our results show that availability of multisensory input improves memory-guided spatial navigation in both groups. It has distinct effects on navigational behaviour, with greater improvement in spatial memory performance in patients. We conclude that congruent multisensory information shifts computations to extrahippocampal areas that support spatial navigation and compensates for spatial navigation deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deetje Iggena
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sein Jeung
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, Fasanenstraße 1, 10623, Berlin, Germany
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Olav Kyrres gate 9,7030, Trondheim, Norway
- Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrizia M Maier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph J Ploner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Gramann
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, Fasanenstraße 1, 10623, Berlin, Germany
- University of California, San Diego, Center for Advanced Neurological Engineering, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Carsten Finke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
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Ankul SS, Chandran L, Anuragh S, Kaliappan I, Rushendran R, Vellapandian C. A systematic review of the neuropathology and memory decline induced by monosodium glutamate in the Alzheimer's disease-like animal model. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1283440. [PMID: 37942488 PMCID: PMC10627830 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1283440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review analyzes monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the Alzheimer's disease-like condition to enhance translational research. Our review seeks to understand how MSG affects the brain and causes degenerative disorders. Due to significant preclinical data linking glutamate toxicity to Alzheimer's disease and the lack of a comprehensive review or meta-analysis, we initiated a study on MSG's potential link. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, DOAJ, and Scopus for animal research and English language papers without time constraints. This study used the PRISMA-P framework and PICO technique to collect population, intervention or exposure, comparison, and result data. It was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022371502. MSG affected mice's exploratory behaviors and short-term working memory. The brain, hippocampus, and cerebellar tissue demonstrated neuronal injury-related histological and histomorphometric changes. A total of 70% of MSG-treated mice had poor nesting behavior. The treated mice also had more hyperphosphorylated tau protein in their cortical and hippocampus neurons. Glutamate and glutamine levels in the brain increased with MSG, and dose-dependent mixed horizontal locomotor, grooming, and anxiety responses reduced. MSG treatment significantly decreased phospho-CREB protein levels, supporting the idea that neurons were harmed, despite the increased CREB mRNA expression. High MSG doses drastically lower brain tissue and serum serotonin levels. In conclusion, MSG showed AD-like pathology, neuronal atrophy, and short-term memory impairment. Further research with a longer time span and deeper behavioral characterization is needed. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42022371502].
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Affiliation(s)
- Singh S. Ankul
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lakshmi Chandran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Singh Anuragh
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilango Kaliappan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rapuru Rushendran
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chitra Vellapandian
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
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18
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Brown A, Burles F, Iaria G, Einstein G, Moscovitch M. Sex and menstrual cycle influence human spatial navigation strategies and performance. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14953. [PMID: 37696837 PMCID: PMC10495464 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Which facets of human spatial navigation do sex and menstrual cycle influence? To answer this question, a cross-sectional online study of reproductive age women and men was conducted in which participants were asked to demonstrate and self-report their spatial navigation skills and strategies. Participants self-reported their sex and current menstrual phase [early follicular (EF), late follicular/periovulatory (PO), and mid/late luteal (ML)], and completed a series of questionnaires and tasks measuring self-reported navigation strategy use, topographical memory, cognitive map formation, face recognition, and path integration. We found that sex influenced self-reported use of cognitive map- and scene-based strategies, face recognition, and path integration. Menstrual phase moderated the influence of sex: compared to men, women had better face recognition and worse path integration, but only during the PO phase; PO women were also better at path integration in the presence of a landmark compared to EF + ML women and men. These findings provide evidence that human spatial navigation varies with the menstrual cycle and suggest that sensitivity of the entorhinal cortex and longitudinal axis of the hippocampus to differential hormonal effects may account for this variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Brown
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
| | - Ford Burles
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy of Research and Education, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada
- Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Morris Moscovitch
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy of Research and Education, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada
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Dai Y, Wang S, Yang M, Zhuo P, Ding Y, Li X, Cao Y, Guo X, Lin H, Tao J, Chen L, Liu W. Electroacupuncture protective effects after cerebral ischemia are mediated through miR-219a inhibition. Biol Res 2023; 56:36. [PMID: 37391839 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is a complementary and alternative therapy which has shown protective effects on vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood. METHODS Rat models of VCI were established with cerebral ischemia using occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or bilateral common carotid artery. The brain structure and function imaging were measured through animal MRI. miRNA expression was detected by chip and qPCR. Synaptic functional plasticity was detected using electrophysiological techniques. RESULTS This study demonstrated the enhancement of Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) activity of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the entorhinal cortical (EC) and hippocampus (HIP) in response to EA treatment. miR-219a was selected and confirmed to be elevated in HIP and EC in VCI but decreased after EA. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor1 (NMDAR1) was identified as the target gene of miR-219a. miR-219a regulated NMDAR-mediated autaptic currents, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC), and long-term potentiation (LTP) of the EC-HIP CA1 circuit influencing synaptic plasticity. EA was able to inhibit miR-219a, enhancing synaptic plasticity of the EC-HIP CA1 circuit and increasing expression of NMDAR1 while promoting the phosphorylation of downstream calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), improving overall learning and memory in VCI rat models. CONCLUSION Inhibition of miR-219a ameliorates VCI by regulating NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity in animal models of cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Dai
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Sinuo Wang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Minguang Yang
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Peiyuan Zhuo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Yanyi Ding
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Xiaoqin Guo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Huawei Lin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Jing Tao
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Lidian Chen
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Weilin Liu
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
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