The involvement of protein kinase G inhibitor in regulation of apoptosis and autophagy markers in spatial memory deficit induced by Aβ

Liraglutide alleviated alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) induced cognitive deficits in rats by modifying brain mitochondrial impairment

The use of NPS compounds is increasing, and impairment in spatial learning and memory is a growing concern. Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) consumption, as a commonly used NPS, can impair spatial learning and memory via the brain mitochondrial dysfunction mechanism. Liraglutide isone of the most well-known Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists that is used as an anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drug. According to current research, Liraglutide likely ameliorates cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative conditions and substance use disorders. Hence, the purpose of this study is examining the effect of Liraglutide on α-PVP-induced spatial learning and memory problems due to brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Wistar rats (8 in each group) received α-PVP (20 mg/kg/d for 10 consecutive days, intraperitoneally (I.P.)). Then, Liraglutide was administered at 47 and 94 μg/kg/d, I.P., for 4 weeks following the α-PVP administration. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) task evaluated spatial learning and memory 24 h after Liraglutide treatment. Bedside, brain mitochondrial activity parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytochrome c release, mitochondrial outer membrane damage and swelling, and brain ADP/ATP ratio, were studied. Our results showed that Liraglutide ameliorated α-PVP-induced spatial learning and memory impairments through alleviating brain mitochondrial dysfunction (which is indicated by increasing ROS formation, collapsed MMP, mitochondrial outer membrane damage, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial swelling, and increased brain ADP/ATP ratio). This study could be used as a starting point for future studies about the possible role of Liraglutide in ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction leading to substance use disorder- induced cognitive impairment.

Evolving Significance of Kinase Inhibitors in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative problem with progressive loss of memory and other cognitive function disorders resulting in the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity and signaling progression, which poses the need of the potential therapeutic target to improve the intracellular signaling cascade brought by kinases. Protein kinase plays a significant and multifaceted role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, by targeting pathological mechanisms like tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta production and synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we thoroughly explore the essential protein kinases involved in Alzheimer's disease, detailing their physiological roles, regulatory impacts, and the newest inhibitors and compounds that are progressing into clinical trials. All the findings of studies exhibited the promising role of kinase inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease. However, it still poses the need of addressing current challenges and opportunities involved with this disorder for the future perspective of kinase inhibitors in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Further study includes the development of biomarkers, combination therapy, and next-generation kinase inhibitors with increased potency and selectivity for its future prospects.

Alpha pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) administration impairs spatial learning and memory in rats through brain mitochondrial dysfunction

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) consumption has increased in recent years, thus NPS-induced cognitive decline is a current source of concern. Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), as a member of NPS, is consumed throughout regions like Washington, D.C., Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an essential role in NPS-induced cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, no investigations have been conducted regarding the α-PVP impact on spatial learning/memory and associated mechanisms. Consequently, our study investigated the α-PVP effect on spatial learning/memory and brain mitochondrial function. Wistar rats received different α-PVP doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 10 sequential days; 24 h after the last dose, spatial learning/memory was evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Furthermore, brain mitochondrial protein yield and function variables (Mitochondrial swelling, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, lipid peroxidation, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, brain ADP/ATP proportion, cytochrome c release, Mitochondrial Outer Membrane (MOM) damage) were examined. α-PVP higher dose (20 mg/kg) significantly impaired spatial learning/memory, mitochondrial protein yield, and brain mitochondrial function (caused reduced SDH activity, increased mitochondrial swelling, elevated ROS generation, increased lipid peroxidation, collapsed MMP, increased cytochrome c release, and brain ADP/ATP proportion, and MOM damage). Moreover, the lower dose of α-PVP (5 mg/kg) did not alter spatial learning/memory and brain mitochondrial function. These findings provide the first evidence regarding impaired spatial learning and memory following repeated administration of α-PVP and the possible role of brain mitochondrial dysfunction in these cognitive impairments.

The Effect of Physical Exercise Pretreatment on Spatial Memory and Learning and Function of Mitochondria in the Brain in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide, and this issue is one of the major concerns in the pending years. T2DM causes numerous complications, including cognition, learning, and memory impairments. The positive effect of physical exercise as a popular approach has been shown in many chronic diseases. Further, the improvement effects of exercise on cognition and memory impairment have been noticed.

Objectives

This study examines the possible preventative effects of physical exercise on spatial memory attenuation and brain mitochondrial dysfunction caused by T2DM.

Methods

Male Wistar rats received treadmill exercise (30 min per day, five days per week for two or four weeks). Then, T2DM was induced by a high-fat diet and an injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg). Spatial learning and memory were assessed by the Morris water maze test. Further, brain mitochondrial function, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, outer membrane damage, cytochrome c release, and ADP/ATP ratio, were measured.

Results

Impaired spatial memory in T2DM rats was observed. Furthermore, brain mitochondrial dysfunction was demonstrated proved by increased ROS generation, MMP collapse, mitochondrial swelling, outer membrane damage, cytochrome c release, and ADP/ATP ratio. Conversely, physical exercise, before diabetes onset, significantly ameliorated spatial memory impairment and brain mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions

This study reveals that physical exercise could prevent diabetes-induced spatial memory impairment. Moreover, it could ameliorate brain mitochondrial dysfunction as one of the possible underlying mechanisms of spatial memory impairment in T2DM.

Toxic Substance-induced Hippocampal Neurodegeneration in Rodents as Model of Alzheimer’s Dementia

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) cases are increasing with the global elderly population. To study the part of the brain affected by AD, animal models for hippocampal degeneration are still necessary to better understand AD pathogenesis and develop treatment and prevention measures. AIM: This study was a systematic review of toxic substance-induced animal models of AD using the Morris Water Maze method in determining hippocampal-related memory impairment. Our aim was reviewing the methods of AD induction using toxic substances in laboratory rodents and evaluating the report of the AD biomarkers reported in the models. METHODS: Data were obtained from articles in the PubMed database, then compiled, categorized, and analyzed. Eighty studies published in the past 5 years were included for analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The most widely used method was intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-β _substances. However, some less technically challenging techniques using oral or intraperitoneal administration of other toxic substances also produce successful models. Instead of hippocampal neurodegeneration, many studies detected biomarkers of the AD pathological process while some reported inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotrophic factors, and changes of cholinergic activity. Female animals were underrepresented despite a high incidence of AD in women. CONCLUSION: Toxic substances may be used to develop AD animal models characterized with appropriate AD pathological markers. Characterization of methods with the most easy-handling techniques and more studies in female animal models should be encouraged.

Investigation of alpha-lipoic acid effect on memory impairment considering strain-dependent differences in mice

AIMS

Memory impairment is regarded as one of the most challenging neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate behavioral and biochemical differences among similar mouse strains following Scopolamine (SCO) exposure as a widespread memory disturbing agent, and a supremely potent antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three sets of mouse strains (i.e. SW, NMRI, and NIH mice) were subjected to 2 mg/kg intraperitoneal SCO and/or 50 mg/kg ALA 30 min before each Morris Water Maze (MWM) trial for five consecutive days. Upon completion of the trials, the hippocampal region of the animals was dissected for histopathological and biochemical analyses.

KEY FINDINGS

The results exhibited significant impairments caused by SCO in behavioral tests, including probe test, escape latency, and distance traveled in two strains of NMRI and NIH. Nevertheless, at swimming speed, SCO had no meaningful effect on SW and NIH strains. The level of oxidative stress parameters including MDA, ROS, and SOD increased, FRAP and TTM levels related to the hippocampus decreased. There was also a significant increase in hippocampal acetylcholinesterase levels, ADP/ATP ratio, p-NFkB, and Cyt-c. Conversely, ALA administration resulted in a significant improvement in SCO-induced spatial learning and memory impairments only in the SW and NIH mice, which was associated with a significant reduction in hippocampal AChE activity, ADP/ATP ratio, ROS and MDA levels, and SOD activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

In addition of highlighting the efficacious role of ALA in cognitive functions, the findings of this study signified the behavioral dissimilarities among similar animal strains in case of different chemical exposures.

Human adipose-derived stem cells reduce receptor-interacting protein 1, receptor-interacting protein 3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase as necroptotic markers in rat model of Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVES

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a constant, developing brain impairment that is described as the aggregation of misfolded amyloid-beta-peptide (Ab) and abnormal tau protein in the brain. Stem cell therapy became a favorable candidate for the regeneration of neurodegenerative disorders like AD, but there is still shortage of knowledge about the underlying mechanisms. The goal of this survey was the determination of the necroptotic pathway as the possible mechanism for the effect of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in the rat model of AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve rats were consumed, dividing into four groups: Control, sham, AD model and AD + stem cell groups. We utilized Nissl and Thioflavin S staining for determining histological changes and immunofluorescent techniques for evaluating necroptotic markers in different regions of the hippocampus.

RESULTS

The confirmation of AD model was approved with histological examination. The findings indicated more distinct Thio-S stain and an increased number of dead cells in AD rats comparing to other groups. Alternatively, the dead cells number in the CA3 area significantly lessened in AD + stem cell group comparing to AD group. Data showed that hADSCs significantly decreased the expression of necroptotic markers (receptor-interacting protein 1, receptor-interacting protein 3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL)) in AD + stem cell group compared to AD group in different regions of the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that the intravenous injection of hADSCs reduced necroptosis and consequently declined the death of neuronal cells in the hippocampus of AD rats.

Role of cyclic nucleotides and their downstream signaling cascades in memory function: Being at the right time at the right spot

A plethora of studies indicate the important role of cAMP and cGMP cascades in neuronal plasticity and memory function. As a result, altered cyclic nucleotide signaling has been implicated in the pathophysiology of mnemonic dysfunction encountered in several diseases. In the present review we provide a wide overview of studies regarding the involvement of cyclic nucleotides, as well as their upstream and downstream molecules, in physiological and pathological mnemonic processes. Next, we discuss the regulation of the intracellular concentration of cyclic nucleotides via phosphodiesterases, the enzymes that degrade cAMP and/or cGMP, and via A-kinase-anchoring proteins that refine signal compartmentalization of cAMP signaling. We also provide an overview of the available data pointing to the existence of specific time windows in cyclic nucleotide signaling during neuroplasticity and memory formation and the significance to target these specific time phases for improving memory formation. Finally, we highlight the importance of emerging imaging tools like Förster resonance energy transfer imaging and optogenetics in detecting, measuring and manipulating the action of cyclic nucleotide signaling cascades.

A positive allosteric modulator of mGluR5 promotes neuroprotective effects in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Despite advances in the understanding of its pathophysiology, none of the available therapies prevents disease progression. Excess glutamate plays an important role in excitotoxicity by activating ionotropic receptors. However, the mechanisms modulating neuronal cell survival/death via metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are not completely understood. Recent data indicates that CDPPB, a positive allosteric modulator of mGluR5, has neuroprotective effects. Thus, this work aimed to investigate CDPPB treatment effects on amyloid-β (Aβ) induced pathological alterations in vitro and in vivo and in a transgenic mouse model of AD (T41 mice). Aβ induced cell death in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons, which was prevented by CDPPB. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent stereotaxic surgery for unilateral intra-hippocampal Aβ injection, which induced memory deficits, neurodegeneration, neuronal viability reduction and decrease of doublecortin-positive cells, a marker of immature neurons and neuronal proliferation. Treatment with CDPPB for 8 days reversed neurodegeneration and doublecortin-positive cells loss and recovered memory function. Fourteen months old T41 mice presented cognitive deficits, neuronal viability reduction, gliosis and Aβ accumulation. Treatment with CDPPB for 28 days increased neuronal viability (32.2% increase in NeuN⁺ cells) and reduced gliosis in CA1 region (Iba-1⁺ area by 31.3% and GFAP⁺ area by 37.5%) in transgenic animals, without inducing hepatotoxicity. However, it did not reverse cognitive deficit. Despite a four-week treatment did not prevent memory loss in aged transgenic mice, CDPPB is protective against Aβ stimulus. Therefore, this drug represents a potential candidate for further investigations as AD treatment.

Integrated communications between cyclooxygenase-2 and Alzheimer's disease

Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins (PGs) are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, the gaps in our knowledge of the roles of COX-2 and PGs in AD have not been filled. Here, we summarized the literature showing that COX-2 dysregulation obviously influences abnormal cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein, aggregation and deposition of Aβ in β-amyloid plaques and the inclusion of phosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, neurotoxicity, autophagy, and apoptosis have been assessed to elucidate the mechanisms of COX-2 regulation of AD. Notably, an imbalance of these factors ultimately produces cognitive decline. The current review substantiates our understanding of the mechanisms of COX-2-induced AD and establishes foundations for the design of feasible therapeutic strategies to treat AD.-Guan, P.-P., Wang, P. Integrated communications between cyclooxygenase-2 and Alzheimer's disease.

Potential therapeutic action of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine on Alzheimer's disease animal models targeting neurotrophic factors

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which the death of brain cells leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. To reduce the death rate and improve the biological activity of neurocytes, neurotrophic factors (NTFs) exhibit therapeutic effect on AD. However, therapeutic application of exogenous NTFs in treatment of AD is largely limited due to short half-life, poor stability, etc. Various extracts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been shown to exhibit therapeutic effects on AD, and some of these effects are associated with regulation on the expression of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and their associated receptors. This article reviews the progress on promotion of Panax ginseng, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., Epimedium, Polygala tenuifolia Willd, and seven other TCMs on secretion of NTFs during AD, with a view to preparation development and clinical application of these TCMs on AD.