The role of CA1 CB1 receptors on lithium-induced spatial memory impairment in rats

The Interaction Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Treadmill Exercise in Various Durations on Spatial Memory with Respect to the Oxidative Status of Rats

Sleep deprivation (SD) has deleterious effects on cognitive functions including learning and memory. However, some studies have shown that SD can improve cognitive functions. Interestingly, treadmill exercise has both impairment and improvement effects on memory function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SD for 4 (short-term) and 24 (long-term) hours, and two protocols of treadmill exercise (mild short-term and moderate long-term) on spatial memory performance, and oxidative and antioxidant markers in the serum of rats. Morris Water Maze apparatus was used to assess spatial memory performance. Also, SD was done using gentle handling method. In addition, the serum level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was measured. The results showed that 24 h SD (but not 4 h) had negative effect on spatial memory performance, decreased SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px level, and increased MDA level. Long-term moderate (but not short-term mild) treadmill exercise had also negative effect on spatial memory performance, decreased SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px level, and increased MDA level. Interestingly, both protocols of treadmill exercise reversed spatial memory impairment and oxidative stress induced by 24 h SD. In conclusion, it seems that SD and treadmill exercise interact with each other, and moderate long-term exercise can reverse the negative effects of long-term SD on memory and oxidative status; although, it disrupted memory function and increased oxidative stress by itself.

Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty

Simple Summary

Neurodegenerative diseases represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Existing therapeutic options are limited and focus mostly on improving symptoms and reducing exacerbations. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiology of such disorders, an idea which has been highlighted by recent scientific work. The current work focusses its attention on the importance and implications of this system and its synthetic and natural ligands in disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to functional and mental impairment due to loss of neurons. Recent evidence highlights the link between neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. These are typically associated with several neurological disorders. These diseases have fundamental differences regarding their underlying physiology and clinical manifestations, although there are aspects that overlap. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is comprised of receptors (type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid-receptors, as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), endogenous ligands and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids (ECBs). Recent studies revealed the involvement of the ECS in different pathological aspects of these neurodegenerative disorders. The present review will explore the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and pharmacological agents that modulate CBRs or ECS activity with reference to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Effect of multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 on REM sleep deprivation-induced spatial memory impairment with respect to the level of immune factors in mice

Objectives

Sleep deprivation (SD) has a negative impact on cognitive functions including learning and memory. Many studies have shown that rapid-eye-movement (REM) SD also disrupts memory performance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of multi-epitope Gag-Pol-Env-Tat derived from Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) on REM SD-induced spatial memory impairment with respect to the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a), and lymphocyte proliferation in NMRI mice. We used multi-epitope Gag-Pol-Env-Tat derived from HIV-1 because Gag-Pol-Env-Tat immunogen sequence is one of the most sensitive immunogen sequences of HIV-1 that can significantly augment cellular and humoral immune systems, leading to the improvement of cognitive functions.

Materials and Methods

Morris water maze apparatus was used to assess spatial memory, and multi-platform apparatus was used to induce RSD for 24 hr. Multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 was subcutaneously injected at the dose of 20 µgr/ml, once and fourteen days before RSD.

Results

RSD impaired spatial memory and injection of multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 reversed this effect. RSD decreased IL-4, IgG1, and IgG2a levels, while multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 reversed these effects. Multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 also increased lymphocyte proliferation and decreased IL-17 levels in both control and RSD mice.

Conclusion

Multi-epitope derived from HIV-1 may improve memory performance via induction of anti-inflammatory immune response.

The Effect of NeuroAid (MLC901) on Cholestasis-Induced Spatial Memory Impairment with Respect to the Expression of BAX, BCL-2, BAD, PGC-1α and TFAM Genes in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats

Cholestasis is a bile flow reduction that is induced following Bile Duct Ligation (BDL). Cholestasis impairs memory and induces apoptosis. Apoptosis consists of two pathways: intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic pathway is modulated by BCL-2 (B cell lymphoma-2) family proteins. BCL-2 (a pro-survival BCL-2 protein) has anti-apoptotic effect, while BAD (BCL-2-associated death) and BAX (BCL-2-associated X), the other members of BCL-2 family have pro-apoptotic effect. Furthermore, TFAM (mitochondrial transcriptional factor A) is involved in transcription and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA and PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. On the other hand, NeuroAid is a Traditional Chinese Medicine with neuroprotective and anti-apoptosis effects. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cholestasis on spatial memory and expression of BCL-2, BAD, BAX, TFAM, and PGC-1α in the hippocampus of rats. Additionally, we assessed the effect of NeuroAid on cholestasis-induced cognitive and genetic alterations. Cholestasis was induced by BDL surgery and NeuroAid was injected intraperitoneal at the dose of 0.4 mg/kg. Furthermore, spatial memory was evaluated using Morris Water Maze (MWM) apparatus. The results showed cholestasis impaired spatial memory, increased the expression of BAD and BAX, decreased the expression of TFAM and PGC-1α, and did not alter the expression of BCL-2. Also, NeuroAid decreased the expression of BAD and BAX and increased the expression of TFAM, PGC-1α, and BCL-2. In conclusion, cholestasis impaired spatial memory and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. Also, cholestasis decreased the expression of TFAM and PGC-1α. Interestingly, NeuroAid restored the effects of cholestasis.