Treadmill exercise promotes neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators

Antithrombic effects of Piper retrofractum in a rat model of acute thrombosis: modulation of endothelial adhesion molecules and inflammatory factors

Piper retrofractum (PR) is a tropical plant used as a spice in Southeast Asia. This study investigated the antithrombotic effect of PR in rats with acute thrombosis induced by collagen and epinephrine (CE). The rats were divided into four groups, control (CON), CE, PR15, and PR30, with PR administered at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight. PR treatment significantly reduced paralysis time compared to the CE. The activated partial thromboplastin time in the PR15 group tended to decrease compared to the CE. Histologically, the both sample groups exhibited reduced blood clots within lung tissues and decreased E-selectin expression in aortic tissue. PR also tended to decrease cyclooxygenase levels and significantly reduce intracellular adhesion molecule 1 levels. PR has demonstrated potential for inhibiting thrombosis by regulating coagulation factors, adhesion molecules, and cyclooxygenase. This finding suggests its potential application as a therapeutic agent for lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of exercise and physical activity on gut microbiota composition and function in older adults: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The characterization and research around the gut microbiome in older people emphasize microbial populations change considerably by losing the diversity of species. Then, this review aims to determine if there is any effect on the gut microbiota of adults older than 65 that starts an exercise intervention or improves physical activity level. Also, this review describes the changes in composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota of older subjects that had improved their physical activity level.

METHODS

The type of studies included in this review were studies describing human gut microbiota responses to any exercise stimulus; cross-sectional studies focused on comparing gut microbiota in older adults with different physical activity levels-from athletes to inactive individuals; studies containing older people (women and men), and studies written in English. This review's primary outcomes of interest were gut microbiota abundance and diversity.

RESULTS

Twelve cross-sectional studies and three randomized controlled trials were examined. Independently of the type of study, diversity metrics from Alpha and Beta diversity remained without changes in almost all the studies. Likewise, cross-sectional studies do not reflect significant changes in gut microbiota diversity; no significant differences were detected among diverse groups in the relative abundances of the major phyla or alpha diversity measures. Otherwise, relative abundance analysis showed a significant change in older adults who conducted an exercise program for five weeks or more at the genus level.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we did not identify significant shifts in diversity metrics; only one study reported a significant difference in Alpha diversity from overweight people with higher physical activity levels. The abundance of some bacteria is higher in aged people, after an exercise program, or in comparison with control groups, especially at the genus and species levels. There needs to be more information related to function and metabolic pathways that can be crucial to understand the effect of exercise and physical activity in older adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42022331551.

Didymin Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Activating the PPAR Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a severe secondary injury induced by reperfusion after stroke. Didymin has been reported to have a protective effect on intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the underlying mechanism of didymin on regulating cerebral IR injury remains largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A rat cerebral IR model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model in PC12 cells were established. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was used to detect the pathological changes in brain tissues, and TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis of brain tissues. MTT and flow cytometry were used to measure the viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells. QRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect inflammation cytokines in PC12 cells. Western blot was used to measure the expression of PPAR-γ, RXRA, Bax, c-caspase-3, and Bcl-2.

RESULTS

Didymin pretreatment decreased apoptotic rates, reduced levels of Bax and c-caspase-3, and increased Bcl-2 level in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, didymin pretreatment increased viability and decreased the inflammation levels [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1] of OGD/R treated PC12 cells. Moreover, didymin activated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway and increased the expression of PPAR-γ and RXRA in OGD/R treated PC12 cells. Inhibition of PPAR-γ eliminated the protective effect of didymin on OGD/R treated cells.

CONCLUSION

Didymin protected neuron cells against IR injury in vitro and in vivo by activation of the PPAR pathway. Didymin may be a candidate drug for IR treatment.

Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Activation of M2 Microglia via Upregulation of Interleukin-4

Background: Exercise has been proven to be an effective therapy for stroke by reducing the microglia-initiated proinflammatory response. Few studies, however, have focused on the phenotypic changes in microglia cells caused by exercise training. The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of treadmill exercise on microglia polarization and the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: sham, MCAO and exercise. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and exercise groups received MCAO surgery and the sham group a sham operation. The exercise group also underwent treadmill exercise after the surgery. These groups were studied after 4 and 7 days to evaluate behavioral performance using a modified neurological severity score (mNSS), and infarct conditions using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Luminex was employed to determine the expressions of markers of microglia phenotypes. Western blotting was employed to identify the phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase1 (JAK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Immunofluorescence was conducted to identify microglia phenotypes. Results: Treadmill exercise was found to improve neurobehavioral outcomes, mainly motor and balance functions, reduce infarct volumes and significantly increase interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression. In addition, treadmill exercise inhibited M1 microglia and promoted M2 microglia activation as evidenced by decreased M1 and increased M2 markers. Furthermore, an obvious increase in p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 was observed in the exercise group. Conclusions: Treadmill exercise ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by enhancing IL-4 expression to promote M2 microglia polarization, possibly via the JAK1-STAT6 pathway.

Treadmill exercise enhances synaptic plasticity in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO mice by inducing the expression of Camk2a via CYFIP1 upregulation

AIMS

Physical exercise is beneficial to the recovery of patients with ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism by which exercise promotes dendritic remodeling and synaptic plasticity is still obscure. This study explored the mechanism by which treadmill exercise enhances synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling in the ischemic penumbra.

MAIN METHODS

A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was generated in C57BL/6 mice, and lentivirus-mediated cytoplasmic FMRP-associated protein 1 (CYFIP1) shRNA expression was utilized to confirm the role of CYFIP1 in the exercise-induced increase in synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling. Neurological deficits were measured using the Zea Longa scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Nissl staining were performed to assess cerebral ischemic injury. Golgi-Cox staining was used to observe changes in dendritic remodeling and synaptic plasticity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the synaptic ultrastructure. Molecular mechanisms were explored using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

Treadmill training enhanced synaptic plasticity in the penumbra. Additionally, we observed significant increases in the expression of CYFIP1 and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2a (Camk2a); enhanced neurological recovery and a decreased infarct volume. However, the injection of a lentivirus containing CYFIP1 shRNA into the lateral ventricle exerted negative effects on synaptic plasticity. Moreover, the exercise-induced neuroprotective effects were abolished by lentivirus-mediated CYFIP1 shRNA expression, consistent with the downregulation of Camk2a expression and the deterioration of neurological function.

SIGNIFICANCE

Treadmill training enhances synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling in the ischemic penumbra by inducing the expression of Camk2a via upregulation of CYFIP1.

Combination of Scalp Acupuncture with Exercise Therapy Effectively Counteracts Ischemic Brain Injury in Rats

BACKGROUND

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Scalp acupuncture and exercise therapy have been proven as two effective methods for the treatment of stroke. However, their combined action and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of scalp acupuncture combined with exercise therapy on neurons in rats with ischemic brain injury.

METHODS

100 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including sham group, model group, acupuncture group, rehabilitation group, and experimental group (scalp acupuncture combined with exercise therapy). Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats was established according to Longa modified suture method to mimic ischemic stroke. The modified Bedexer's neurological function score was used to evaluate the neurological deficits of rats and the brain infarct volume was measured using 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride monohydrate (TTC) staining. Moreover, the apoptosis in the hippocampus was detected by western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by corresponding kits. Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence was performed to detect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S100β and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampi of rats.

RESULTS

The neurological deficit score, the expression levels of apoptotic factors such as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and the TUNEL-positive cell rate of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the acupuncture group and the rehabilitation group. However, apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 showed downregulated expression in the MCAO model rats but this trend was reverted by single and combinatorial treatments. In addition, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and ROS in the acupuncture group and the rehabilitation group were significantly lower than those in the model group, but higher than the experimental group. While the opposite results were obtained in SOD activity. Furthermore, compared with the model group, the ratios of BDNF, S100β, and GFAP-positive cells in the acupuncture, rehabilitation and experimental groups were significantly increased, and the highest ratios were recorded in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that scalp acupuncture combined with exercise therapy effectively counteracts ischemic brain injury via the downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and ROS, the increased production of the antioxidant enzyme SOD, neurotrophic factor BDNF and astrocyte activities.

Treadmill exercise improves neurological function by inhibiting autophagy and the binding of HMGB1 to Beclin1 in MCAO juvenile rats

AIMS

Treadmill exercise is a beneficial treatment following childhood stroke. Thus, studies focusing on the neuroprotective mechanism of exercise training during postischemic treatment in children with ischemic stroke are urgently needed. We evaluated the effects of treadmill exercise on autophagy after cerebral ischemia in young rats.

MAIN METHODS

Rats (23-25 days old) underwent cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) surgery. The experimental animals were divided into 5 groups, and some groups received either treadmill exercise, a rapamycin (RAPA) injection or combination therapy for 3 or 7 days. We performed a series of experimental tests including neurological scoring, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Nissl staining, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Western blot analysis (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence.

KEY FINDINGS

The experimental data indicated that treadmill exercise inhibited autophagy in the ischemic penumbra, inhibited high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation and binding to Beclin1, reduced apoptosis, reduced infarct volumes, and aided in functional recovery. However, RAPA promoted the opposite effects of treadmill exercise.

SIGNIFICANCE

We found that treadmill exercise improves the neurological deficits induced by CI/R by inhibiting autophagy and HMGB1 binding to Beclin1.

Aggravating effects of treadmill exercises during the early-onset period in a rat traumatic brain injury model: When should rehabilitation exercises be initiated?

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A traumatic brain injury model was prepared in rats by stab wounding.

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Rats were forced to walk slowly on a treadmill once for 10 min at 24 h or 48 h after wounding.

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Exercise, particularly at 24 h, aggravated motor impairment while increasing the expression of proinflammatory factors.

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Exercise for rehabilitation should be initiated after 48 h of severe brain injury onset.

Physical exercise is one of the best interventions for improving traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. However, an argument has been raised regarding the timing at which physical exercise should be initiated. In this study, male Wistar rats were subjected to stab wounding of the right hemisphere to develop a TBI model and were forced to walk once on a treadmill at a 5-m/min pace at 24 h or 48 h after TBI for 10 min. Injured brain tissue was dissected after TBI to evaluate the effects of exercise. Behavioral abnormalities and motor impairment were assessed by various behavioral tests between 2 and 3 weeks after TBI. Exercise did not affect the circulating corticosterone levels and the weight of the adrenal glands. Exercise particularly that at 24 h, worsened the motor impairment of the left forelimbs. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that exercise at 24 h increased proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines on the third day while suppressing the proinflammatory reactions on the fourth day. Exercise at both time points decreased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and its receptor TGFβR1. Exercise at 24 h increased phosphorylation of IκB kinase on the fourth day, which may be correlated with the decreased effects of TGFβ1. Even a low-intensity exercise activity could cause deleterious effects when it is initiated within 48 h after the onset of severe TBI, probably because of the resulting proinflammatory effects. Therefore, rehabilitation exercise programs should be initiated after 48 h of TBI onset.

Bone Marrow Stromal Cells With Exercise and Thyroid Hormone Effect on Post-Stroke Injuries in Middle-aged Mice

Introduction:

Based on our previous findings, the treatment of stem cells alone or in combination with thyroid hormone (T₃) and mild exercise could effectively reduce the risk of stroke damage in young mice. However, it is unclear whether this treatment is effective in aged or middle-aged mice. Therefore, this study designed to assess whether combination of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) with T₃ and mild treadmill exercise can decrease stroke complications in middle-aged mice.

Methods:

Under laser Doppler flowmetry monitoring, transient focal cerebral ischemia was produced by right Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) for 45 min followed by 7 days of reperfusion in middle-aged mice. BMSCs (1×10⁵) were injected into the right cerebral ventricle 24 h after MCAO, followed by daily injection of triiodothyronine (T₃) (20 μg/100 g/d SC) and 6 days of running on a treadmill. Infarct size, neurological function, apoptotic cells and expression levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) were evaluated 1 week after stroke.

Results:

Post-ischemic treatment with BMSCs or with T₃ and or mild treadmill exercise alone or in combination did not significantly change neurological function, infarct size, and apoptotic cells 7 days after ischemia in middle-aged mice (P>0.05). However, the expression of GFAP significantly reduced after treatment with BMSCs and or T₃ (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that post-stroke treatment BMSCs with exercise and thyroid hormone cannot reverse neuronal damage 7 days after ischemia in middle-aged mice. These findings further support that age is an important variable in stroke treatment

Early wheel-running promotes functional recovery by improving mitochondria metabolism in olfactory ensheathing cells after ischemic stroke in rats

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) has been widely studied in stroke. The present study was aimed at examining the role of wheel-running treatment (WR) on rat olfactory ensheathing cells (rOECs) functions. Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group and WR + MCAO group. Motor behavior was assessed through the footfault test, and the results showed that WR training markedly improved the neurobehavioral outcome. The glucose metabolic status of the brain was assessed with the micro-PET. This training significantly enhanced the glucose uptake of olfactory bulb in the early stage of WR treatment. The function of rOECs mitochondrial was significantly enhanced after 10 days of treatment. Body weight of rats in both of the two groups decreased and then increased slowly following the days. But the growth trend of the WR + MCAO group was no significantly higher than that of the WR group. This training significantly enhanced the glucose uptake, improved the proliferation of rOECs and increased the expression level of cytochrome C (Cyt-c). The mechanism may be associated with the facilitation of mitochondrial function of rOECs cells. Including facilitation of mitochondrial fusion, fission, and accompanying increased quantities of mitochondria. Obtained results indicate that early WR treatment may exert enhanced function on rOECs in vivo and increased mitochondrial amounts, and improved the expression level of Cyt-c after ischemic stroke.

Effect of treadmill exercise on spatial navigation impairment associated with cerebellar Purkinje cell loss following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

In addition to roles in motor coordination, the cerebellum is also associated with cognitive function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of treadmill exercise on spatial navigation deficit induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Furthermore, whether decreased loss of Purkinje cells, which contain the calcium-binding protein in the posterior lobe of the cerebellum, attenuates the spatial navigation deficit induced by CCH was also investigated. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham group, bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (BCCAO) group and a BCCAO + exercise (Ex) group. The rats in the BCCAO + Ex group ran on a treadmill for 30 min once a day for 8 weeks, starting at 4 weeks post-birth. CCH was induced by performing BCCAO at 12 weeks post-birth. The Morris water maze test was performed to determine the spatial navigation function of the rats. To investigate the histological features of the cerebellum in all of the experimental groups post-treatment, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, as well as immunohistochemical analysis revealing the expression of calbindin, parvalbumin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 and caspase-3, was performed. The results of the present study revealed that treadmill exercise improved spatial navigation, decreased the expression of reactive astrocytes and microglial cells, and decreased apoptotic rates in the cerebellar vermis post-CCH. Treadmill exercise also attenuated the loss of Purkinje cells following CCH. The number of Purkinje cells was revealed to be negatively correlated with spatial navigation performance. These results indicate that treadmill exercise may attenuate spatial navigation impairment via inhibition of Purkinje cell loss in the posterior lobe of the cerebellum following CCH. Therefore, treadmill exercise may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with spatial navigation impairment following CCH.