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Pinosanu LR, Boboc IKS, Balseanu TA, Gresita A, Hermann DM, Popa-Wagner A, Catalin B. Beam narrowing test: a motor index of post-stroke motor evaluation in an aged rat model of cerebral ischemia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02768-0. [PMID: 38598100 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Each year, 15 million people worldwide suffer from strokes. Consequently, researchers face increasing pressure to develop reliable behavioural tests for assessing functional recovery after a stroke. Our aim was to establish a new motor performance index that can be used to evaluate post-stroke recovery in both young and aged animals. Furthermore, we validate the proposed procedure and recommend the necessary number of animals for experimental stroke studies. Young (n = 20) and aged (n = 27) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either sham or stroke surgery. The newly proposed performance index was calculated for the post-stroke acute, subacute and chronic phases. The advantage of using our test over current tests lies in the fact that the newly proposed motor index test evaluates not only the performance of the unaffected side in comparison to the affected one but also assesses overall performance by taking into account speed and coordination. Moreover, it reduces the number of animals needed to achieve a statistical power of 80%. This aspect is particularly crucial when studying aged rodents. Our approach can be used to monitor and assess the effectiveness of stroke therapies in experimental models using aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Radu Pinosanu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Tudor Adrian Balseanu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, 115680-8000, USA
| | - Dirk M Hermann
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania
| | - Aurel Popa-Wagner
- Chair of Vascular Neurology, Dementia and Ageing, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, 115680-8000, USA
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Boboc IKS, Cojocaru A, Nedelea G, Catalin B, Bogdan M, Calina D. Chronic Administration of Ion Channel Blockers Impact Microglia Morphology and Function in a Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14474. [PMID: 37833922 PMCID: PMC10572937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, a high prevalence of multimorbidity will affect the way physicians need to think about drug interactions. With microglia's important involvement in the pathology and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding whether systemically administered drugs intended for other affections could impact microglia function, already impacted by the presence of beta-amyloid, is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological changes of microglia, using in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy, in a murine model of AD under systemic administration of sodium or calcium ion channel blockers in order to establish potential effects that these drugs might have on microglia under neuro-inflammatory conditions. A total of 30 mice (age 14-16 weeks, weight 20-25 g) were used, with 25 APP randomly divided into three groups. The remaining animals were CX3CR1GFP/GFP male mice (n = 5) used as WT controls. After baseline behavior testing, all animals received daily intraperitoneal injections for 30 days according to the assigned group [WT (n = 5), Control (n = 5), Carbamazepine (n = 10), and Verapamil (n = 10)]. The results showed that the Verapamil treatment improved short-term memory and enhanced exploratory behavior in APP mice. The Carbamazepine treatment also improved short-term memory but did not elicit significant changes in anxiety-related behavior. Both Verapamil and Carbamazepine reduced the surveillance speed of microglia processes and changed microglia morphology in the cortex compared to the Control group. Due to their complex molecular machinery, microglia are potentially affected by drugs that do not target them specifically, and, as such, investigating these interactions could prove beneficial in our management of neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- U.M.F. Doctoral School Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandru Cojocaru
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Gabriel Nedelea
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Fruntealată RF, Marius M, Boboc IKS, Mitran SI, Ciurea ME, Stoica GA. Mechanisms of Altered Immune Response in Skin Melanoma. Curr Health Sci J 2023; 49:297-311. [PMID: 38314217 PMCID: PMC10832881 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.49.03.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, poses significant challenges to the host immune system, allowing tumor cells to evade immune surveillance and persist. This complex interplay between melanoma and the immune system involves a multitude of mechanisms that impair immune recognition and promote tumor progression. This review summarizes the intricate strategies employed by melanoma cells to evade the immune response, including defective immune recognition, immune checkpoint activation, and the role of regulatory T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and exosomes in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets aimed at reversing immune evasion in melanoma, highlighting the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing more effective immunotherapies. Improved insights into the interactions between melanoma and the immune system will aid in the development of novel treatment strategies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matei Marius
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Marius Eugen Ciurea
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - George-Alin Stoica
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
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Boboc IKS, Chirea AC, Gheorman V, Gresita A, Balseanu TA, Catalin B, Calina D. Investigating the Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Effect of Trazodone Regarding Behavioral Recovery in a BL6C57 Mice Stroke Model. Curr Health Sci J 2023; 49:210-219. [PMID: 37786617 PMCID: PMC10541511 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.49.02.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Between 1990 and 2010, its global burden increased notably with reference to the absolute number of incident events, number of deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years lost. Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative that was approved for more than 40 years as monotherapy or in combination with other antidepressant drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adult patients. The aim was investigated if trazodone can improve behavioural outcome after stroke in a mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) due to the potential neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects by using three behavioural tests: adhesive tape test, beam test and hole board test. Trazodone administration show modest improvements regarding the motor-sensorial function after stroke especially in the acute post-stroke phase in aged and young animals. The antidepressant effect of the drug was observed in the post-stroke period in aged animals and to a lesser extent in young animals. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of trazodone at the cellular level to be sure that it has no benefit in stroke patients who do not suffer from depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- U.M.F. Doctoral School Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Alina Catalina Chirea
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor Gheorman
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Tudor-Adrian Balseanu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
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Boboc IKS, Rotaru-Zavaleanu AD, Calina D, Albu CV, Catalin B, Turcu-Stiolica A. A Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavior Testing in Mice Models of Ischemic Stroke. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020567. [PMID: 36836924 PMCID: PMC9964520 DOI: 10.3390/life13020567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains one of the most important causes of death and disability. Preclinical research is a powerful tool for understanding the molecular and cellular response to stroke. However, a lack of standardization in animal evaluation does not always ensure reproducible results. In the present study, we wanted to identify the best strategy for evaluating animal behavior post-experimental stroke. As such, a meta-analysis was made, evaluating behavioral tests done on male C57BL/6 mice subjected to stroke or sham surgery. Overall, fifty-six studies were included. Our results suggest that different types of tests should be used depending on the post-stroke period one needs to analyze. In the hyper-acute, post-stroke period, the best quantifier will be animal examination scoring, as it is a fast and inexpensive way to identify differences between groups. When evaluating stoke mice in the acute phase, a mix of animal examination and motor tests that focus on movement asymmetry (foot-fault and cylinder testing) seem to have the best chance of picking up differences between groups. Complex tasks (the rotarod test and Morris water maze) should be used within the chronic phase to evaluate differences between the late-subacute and chronic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- U.M.F. Doctoral School Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandra Daniela Rotaru-Zavaleanu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Carmen Valeria Albu
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital of Neuropsychiatry, 200473 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Marketing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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