The influence of antibiotic treatment on the behavior and gut microbiome of adult rats neonatally insulted with lipopolysaccharide

The present study investigated whether neonatal exposure to the proinflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by an antibiotic (ATB)-induced dysbiosis in early adulthood could induce neurodevelopmental disorders-like behavioral changes in adult male rats. Combining these two stressors resulted in decreased weight gain, but no significant behavioral abnormalities were observed. LPS treatment resulted in adult rats' hypoactivity and induced anxiety-like behavior in the social recognition paradigm, but these behavioral changes were not exacerbated by ATB-induced gut dysbiosis. ATB treatment seriously disrupted the gut bacterial community, but dysbiosis did not affect locomotor activity, social recognition, and acoustic reactivity in adult rats. Fecal bacterial community analyses showed no differences between the LPS challenge exposed/unexposed rats, while the effect of ATB administration was decisive regardless of prior LPS exposure. ATB treatment resulted in significantly decreased bacterial diversity, suppression of Clostridiales and Bacteroidales, and increases in Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Burkholderiales. The persistent effect of LPS on some aspects of behavior suggests a long-term effect of early toxin exposure that was not observed in ATB-treated animals. However, an anti-inflammatory protective effect of ATB cannot be assumed because of the increased abundance of pro-inflammatory, potentially pathogenic bacteria (Proteus, Suttrella) and the elimination of the bacterial families Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, which are generally considered beneficial for gut health.

708Incidence of congenital anomalies in children born after assisted reproduction in the Czech Republic

Background

The number of children conceived by assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is increasing in the Czech Republic. However, several studies reported increased incidence of congenital anomalies in ART conceived children. The main goal of this study was to evaluate this theoretical risk using population-based data from Czech medial registries.

Methods

The retrospective epidemiological analysis was performed using data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies and National Registry of Newborns, run by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic. All diagnoses of congenital anomalies (Q00-Q99) were included. We compared the incidences of congenital anomalies in naturally conceived children and ART conceived children born in the Czech Republic during 5 years period (2013-2017). Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's exact test.

Results

During the selected period there were 547 675 children born in the Czech Republic (531 064 were naturally conceived children and 16 611 were ART conceived children). The incidence of congenital anomalies was 3.90% in naturally conceived children group and 4.35% in ART conceived children. This difference is statistically significant (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In our population-based study, we confirmed a significantly higher general incidence of congenital anomalies in ART conceived children.

Key messages

The general incidence of congenital anomalies in ART conceived children is higher (compared to the incidence of congenital anomalies in naturally conceived children). Possible causes of this phenomenon shall be further analysed.

747Incidence of anencephaly in the Czech Republic: Long-term population based study

Background

Anencephaly is a lethal anomaly of the central nervous system from the group of neural tube defects. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the incidence of anencephaly (and its possible trends) during the 53 years period.

Methods

For this study, we used data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of the Czech Republic. We analysed the incidence of anencephaly in births and in prenatally diagnosed cases during the 1964-2016 period. We also evaluated maternal age in these cases. The statistical analysis was performed by Poisson regression and Fisher's exact test.

Results

During the study period there were 6 891 062 children born in the Czech Republic. Among those, 1232 children were born with anencephaly. Another 966 cases of anencephaly were diagnosed during prenatal diagnosis and these pregnancies were electively terminated, the total number of anencephaly cases was 2198. The total incidence of anencephaly significantly decreased during the study period (p = 0.0136). The incidence in births decreased significantly as well (p < 0.001). We found statistically higher incidence of anencephaly in elder mothers (42 years and over).

Conclusions

Gradual implementation of ultrasound prenatal diagnostics started in the 80s of the last century and lead to a very significant decrease in the incidence of anencephaly cases in births. Additionally, the total incidence of anencephaly decreased significantly as well.

Key messages

Incidence of anencephaly in births decreased rapidly with gradual implementation of population wide ultrasound screening.

The reduced use of invasive procedures leads to a change of frequencies of prenatally detected chromosomal aberrations: population data from the years 2012-2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to analyze the results of screening for chromosomal aberrations in a population with a high rate of first-trimester screening and low rate of cell-free DNA testing.

METHODS

The data were obtained from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of the Czech Republic. We calculated and compared the proportion of autosomal trisomies (Down, Edwards, and Patau syndrome) and of other chromosomal aberrations identified during prenatal diagnostics.

RESULTS

We identified 3009 prenatally diagnosed cases of chromosomal aberrations in the 2012-2016 period. The number of major autosomal trisomies has increased from 329 cases (30.86 per 10,000 live births) in 2012 to 423 cases (37.41) in 2016 (p = 0.014). The numbers of other aberrations decreased from 246 cases (23.07 per 10,000) in 2012 to 217 cases (19.19) in 2016 (p = 0.017). The usage of invasive diagnostic procedures decreased from 1099.54 in 2012 to 622.73 in 2016 (per 10,000 live births).

CONCLUSIONS

Our population-based study confirmed a decrease in prenatal detection of nonmajor chromosomal aberrations wherein a decrease of invasive testing occurred. With the introduction of cell-free DNA testing, further decrease of invasive procedures and detection of nonmajor aberrations may be expected.

Interactions of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 10 and Cyclophilin D in Alzheimer's Disease

The nucleus-encoded 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (17β-HSD10) regulates cyclophilin D (cypD) in the mitochondrial matrix. CypD regulates opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. Both mechanisms may be affected by amyloid β peptides accumulated in mitochondria in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to clarify changes occurring in brain mitochondria, we evaluated interactions of both mitochondrial proteins in vitro (by surface plasmon resonance biosensor) and detected levels of various complexes of 17β-HSD10 formed in vivo (by sandwich ELISA) in brain mitochondria isolated from the transgenic animal model of AD (homozygous McGill-R-Thy1-APP rats) and in cerebrospinal fluid samples of AD patients. By surface plasmon resonance biosensor, we observed the interaction of 17β-HSD10 and cypD in a direct real-time manner and determined, for the first time, the kinetic parameters of the interaction (ka 2.0 × 105 M1s-1, kd 5.8 × 104 s-1, and KD 3.5 × 10-10 M). In McGill-R-Thy1-APP rats compared to controls, levels of 17β-HSD10-cypD complexes were decreased and those of total amyloid β increased. Moreover, the levels of 17β-HSD10-cypD complexes were decreased in cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with AD (in mild cognitive impairment as well as dementia stages) or with Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) compared to cognitively normal controls (the sensitivity of the complexes to AD dementia was 92.9%, that to FTLD 73.8%, the specificity to AD dementia equaled 91.7% in a comparison with the controls but only 26.2% with FTLD). Our results demonstrate the weakened ability of 17β-HSD10 to regulate cypD in the mitochondrial matrix probably via direct effects of amyloid β. Levels of 17β-HSD10-cypD complexes in cerebrospinal fluid seem to be the very sensitive indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction observed in neurodegeneration but unfortunately not specific to AD pathology. We do not recommend it as the new biomarker of AD.

Surface tension and intrinsic amyloid fluorescence of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples in Alzheimer´s disease

AIM

Surface tension of biological fluids can be influenced by changes in oligomerization or aggregation of surfactant peptides or proteins. Amphiphilic peptides of amyloid-β or other amyloidogenic peptides/proteins display properties of surfactants, oligomerization and aggregation increase also their fluorescence intensity compared with native structures. Results/methodology: We estimated surface tension and native/ThioflavinT-based/intrinsic amyloid fluorescence intensity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for their evalution as diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer´s disease (AD).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that values of surface tension are not a suitable biomarker for AD. However, the ratio of ThioflavinT-based fluorescence to intrinsic amyloid fluorescence in cerebrospinal fluid appears to be an acceptable supportive diagnostic biomarker for AD (its sensitivity was 61.1%, and the specificity 70.8% when compared with aged controls).

Congenital anomalies in children born in the Czech Republic in 1994-2015

ÚVOD Populace je v současné vystavena různým zevním vlivům, ze kterých mohou vyplývat i různá zdravotní rizika. Jedním z možných je i riziko vzniku vrozené vady (VV). Z hlediska studia zdravotního stavu populace je důležitá znalost nejen průměrných celkových incidencí VV, ale i případných změn těchto incidencí v průběhu času. Incidence VV je považována za jeden ze základních kvalitativních ukazatelů populačních i medicínských (1). Nelze opomenout ani hledání potenciálních rizik vedoucích ke zvýšené pravděpodobnosti výskytu VV. Těmito riziky mohou být nežádoucí vlivy zevního prostředí nebo faktory biologicko-sociální (věk žen, jejich onemocnění aj). Podíl jednotlivých typů VV u narozených dětí se v čase mění, obdobně jako struktura příčin úmrtí. Z hlediska epidemiologického je nutné hodnotit incidence VV a jejich změny především z pohledu jednotlivých diagnóz. Během posledních let se intenzita VV v Česku měnila. U některých typů se četnost v novorozenecké populaci snižuje díky úspěšné prenatální diagnostice, u jiných diagnóz naopak četnost u narozených dětí stoupá (2). Kromě prenatální diagnostiky se však na výsledné četnosti VV v populaci mohou uplatňovat i další vlivy. Jedním z nich může být i zlepšení, zrychlení a zkvalitnění postnatálních diagnostických možností - především zavedení a rozvoj ultrazvukové diagnostiky (3). Úspěšnost prenatální diagnostiky a četnost VV u narozených jsou rovněž významným ukazatelem prenatální a perinatální péče, přežívání dětí narozených s VV pak ukazatelem péče postnatální (především neonatální a chirurgické). Registrace vrozených vad má v České republice dlouhou tradici - Národní registr vrozených vad zahájil svou činnost již před více než půlstoletím, v roce 1964 (4).   METODIKA Retrospektivní epidemiologická studie využívá oficiální data z Národního registru vrozených vad vedeného v rámci Registru reprodukčního zdraví v Ústavu zdravotnických informací a statistiky ČR (ÚZIS). Analyzovány byly incidence jednotlivých diagnóz vrozených vad (kódy Q00-Q99) u narozených dětí z celého území České republiky za časové období 1994-2015. Incidence VV byly analyzovány pro obě pohlaví, a to jak celkově (pro celou skupinu diagnóz VV), tak i dle základních diagnostických skupin Mezinárodní klasifikace nemocí (MKN).   VÝSLEDKY V období 1994-2015 se dle údajů ÚZIS ČR narodilo v České republice celkem 87 359 dětí s vrozenou vadou zjištěnou do 1 roku života. Z tohoto celkového počtu bylo 51 315 chlapců a 36 030 dívek. U 14 případů nebylo pohlaví známé / zjištěno. Vývoj počtu diagnostikovaných případů ukazují přehledně první tři grafy (obr. 1-3), zvlášť pro chlapce, dívky a celkově. V relativních počtech to bylo za celé sledované období průměrně 385,4 na 10 000 živě narozených dětí: nejméně 242,5 v roce 1994, nejvíce pak 448,3 v roce 2011. V případě živě narozených chlapců to bylo nejméně 263,6 v roce 1994, nejvíce pak 533,3 v roce 2011; průměrná hodnota činila 440,6 na 10 000. U živě narozených dívek byla průměrná hodnota za sledované období 327,1 na 10 000 ; nejnižší hodnota 220,1 byla zaznamenána opět v roce 1994, nejvyšší hodnota 380,9 v roce 2003. Grafy na obr. 4-6 ukazují relativní počty na 10 000 živě narozených v průběhu sledovaného období, opět zvlášť pro chlapce, dívky a celkově. Další část naší analýzy se věnovala změnám v průběhu sledovaného období pro jednotlivé skupiny diagnóz dle rozdělení v Mezinárodní klasifikaci nemocí, 10. verze (tab. 1). various types of congenital anomalies are changing during the time according to different factors. Three main factors are methodical changes of the registration process, improvement of prenatal diagnostics and the real changes of incidences of selected diagnoses. While in the previous time period (till 1993) the registry included only selected diagnoses of congenital anomalies, in the new period (starting 1994) the registry includes all diagnoses of congenital anomalies from the ICD-10 classification. We can also see the difference in the incidences from 1994-1999 and 2000-2015 time period. The reason for this difference is the methodical change of registration, the Registry of congenital anomalies also receives the notifications about possible anomalies from the report of newborn (even when the report of congenital anomaly was not sent). As for the prenatal diagnostics - we may analyse possible changes of incidences - if the specific defect can be diagnosed prenatally.

Levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 in CSF are not a valuable biomarker for multiple sclerosis

Aim: We aimed to characterize the role of mitochondrial 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (17β-HSD10) overexpression in multiple sclerosis (MS) and to evaluate its use as a biomarker. Materials & methods: We estimated levels of 17β-HSD10, amyloid β 1–42, cyclophilin D, 17β-HSD10-cyclophilin D complexes or 17β-HSD10-parkin complexes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Results: The increase in 17β-HSD10 levels or in 17β-HSD10-parkin complexes and links to leukocytes were found only in relapsing–remitting MS. The sensitivity of the biomarker was 64%, the specificity equaled 60–63% compared with controls. Conclusion: Increased CSF levels of 17β-HSD10 in later stages of MS could be interpreted via its upregulation in demyelinated neuronal axons. CSF levels of 17β-HSD10 are not the valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis or for the progression of MS.

Trans-generational neurochemical modulation of methamphetamine in the adult brain of the Wistar rat

Chronic methamphetamine (METH) abuse has been shown to elicit strong neurotoxic effects. Yet, with an increasing number of children born to METH abusing mothers maturing into adulthood, one important question is how far do the neurotoxic effects of METH alter various neurotransmitter systems in the adult METH-exposed offspring. The purpose of this study was to investigate long-term trans-generational neurochemical changes, following prenatal METH exposure, in the adult Wistar rat brain. METH or saline (SAL-control animals) was administered to pregnant dams throughout the entire gestation period (G0-G22). At postnatal day 90, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate and GABA were measured in the adult brain before (baseline) and after a METH re-administration using in vivo microdialysis and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results show that METH-exposure increased basal levels of monoamines and glutamate, but decreased GABA levels in all measured brain regions. Acute challenge with METH injection in the METH-exposed group induced a lower increase in the monoamine system relative to the increase in the GABAergic and glutamatergic system. The data show that prenatal METH exposure has strong effects on the monoaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic system even when exposure to METH was limited to the prenatal phase. Toxicological effects of METH have therefore longer lasting effects as currently considered and seem to affect the excitatory-inhibitory balance in the brain having strong implications for cognitive and behavioral functioning.

Levels of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 10 in Cerebrospinal Fluid of People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Various Types of Dementias

BACKGROUND

Overexpression of the mitochondrial enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (17β-HSD10, which is also known as the intracellular amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) binding protein) is observed in cortical or hippocampal regions of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It appears that 17β-HSD10 may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the possibility that levels of 17β-HSD10 in cerebrospinal fluid could be a prospective biomarker of AD.

METHODS

We estimated the enzyme levels in 161 people (15 non-demented controls, 52 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 35 people with probable AD, or 59 people with other types of dementia) and compared them with those of Aβ(1- 42), tau, and phospho-tau.

RESULTS

We found significantly higher levels of 17β-HSD10 in people with MCI due to AD (to 109.9% ), with AD (to 120.0% ), or with other types of dementia (to 110.9% ) when compared to the control group. The sensitivity of the new biomarker to AD was 80.0% , and the specificity was 73.3% (compared to controls) or 52.5-59.1% (compared to other types of dementia). Results of multiple linear regression and of correlation analysis revealed AD-mediated changes in links between 17β-HSD10 and Mini Mental State Examination score.

CONCLUSION

It seems that changes in 17β-HSD10 start many years before symptom onset, analogous to those in Aβ1 - 42, tau, or phospho-tau and that the levels are a relatively highly sensitive but unfortunately less specific biomarker of AD. A role of 17β-HSD10 overexpression in AD is discussed.

Sex-Dependent Changes in Striatal Dopamine Transport in Preadolescent Rats Exposed Prenatally and/or Postnatally to Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (MA) is the most commonly used psychostimulant drug, the chronic abuse of which leads to neurodegenerative changes in the brain. The global use of MA is increasing, including in pregnant women. Since MA can cross both placental and haematoencephalic barriers and is also present in maternal milk, children of chronically abused mothers are exposed prenatally as well as postnatally. Women seem to be more vulnerable to some aspects of MA abuse than men. MA is thought to exert its effects among others via direct interactions with dopamine transporters (DATs) in the brain tissue. Sexual dimorphism of the DAT system could be a base of sex-dependent actions of MA observed in behavioural and neurochemical studies. Possible sex differences in the DATs of preadolescent offspring exposed to MA prenatally and/or postnatally have not yet been evaluated. We examined the striatal synaptosomal DATs (the activity and density of surface expressed DATs and total DAT expression) in preadolescent male and female Wistar rats (31-35-day old animals) exposed prenatally and/or postnatally to MA (daily 5 mg/kg, s.c. to mothers during pregnancy and lactation). To distinguish between specific and nonspecific effects of MA on DATs, we also evaluated the in vitro effects of lipophilic MA on the fluidity of striatal membranes isolated from preadolescent and young adult rats of both sexes. We observed similar changes in the DATs of preadolescent rats exposed prenatally or postnatally (MA-mediated drop in the reserve pool but no alterations in surface-expressed DATs). However, prenatal exposure evoked significant changes in males and postnatal exposure in females. A significant decrease in the activity of surface-expressed DATs was found only in postnatally exposed females sensitized to MA via prenatal exposure. MA applied in vitro increased the fluidity of striatal membranes of preadolescent female but not male rats. In summary, DATs of preadolescent males are more sensitive to prenatal MA exposure via changes in the reserve pool and those of preadolescent females to postnatal MA exposure via the same mechanism. The combination of prenatal and postnatal MA exposure increases the risk of dopaminergic deficits via alterations in the activity of surface-expressed DATs especially in preadolescent females. MA-mediated changes in DATs of preadolescent females could be still enhanced via nonspecific disordering actions of MA on striatal membranes.

[Prevalence of selected congenital anomalies in the Czech Republic: congenital anomalies of the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract]

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies in the Czech Republic in 1994-2009.

DESIGN

Retrospective epidemiological analysis of the postnatal and overall (including prenatally diagnosed cases) prevalence of congenital anomalies from the database of the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of the Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (NRCA) maintained by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic (IHIS CR) were used. The analysis was carried out for the entire Czech Republic, based on the data from 1994 to 2009. Additional data on prenatally diagnosed anomalies were obtained from medical genetics centres and laboratories in the Czech Republic. This study analyzed the postnatal and overall (including prenatally diagnosed cases) prevalence of congenital anomalies. More detailed analysis was carried out for the following diagnoses: anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocoele, congenital hydrocephalus, omphalocoele, gastroschisis, oesophageal atresia and stenosis, anorectal anomalies, and diaphragmatic hernia. Prevalence trends were analysed using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

In 2009, a total of 118 348 live births were recorded in the Czech Republic, 60 368 boys and 57 980 girls. Of this total, 4 653, i.e. 2 745 boys and 1 908 girls, were diagnosed with congenital anomalies. In 2007-2009, the total of life births with congenital anomalies ranged between 4.6 and 4.8 thousand per year. The respective ranges in this three-year period were in the order of 2.7 and 2.8 thousand per year for boys and 1.9 thousand per year for girls. The prevalence of postnatally diagnosed anencephaly was minimal, as most cases were diagnosed prenatally, and the data did not vary significantly. The prevalence of postnatally diagnosed cases remained at the same level. The effectiveness of the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida increased and thus the prevalence of postnatally diagnosed cases decreased. The prevalence of prenatally diagnosed encephalocoele increased and that of postnatally diagnosed cases varied between years, with no clear trend. The prevalence of omphalocoele varied for both prenatally and postnatally diagnosed cases; nevertheless, the effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis of this defect increases. The prevalence of gastroschisis remained unchanged, but the number of live births with this diagnosis showed a non-significant upward trend. If the trend reflects the real situation, it could be a result of a changed approach to prenatal diagnosis due to advances in corrective surgery of this defect. The prevalence of live births with congenital hydrocephalus showed a downward trend in the second half of the period 1994-2009 thanks to the improved diagnosis. The prevalence rates of live births with congenital esophageal and anorectal anomalies were slightly increasing. The prevalence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia varied between years but the overall prevalence appeared to be slightly increasing.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of some congenital anomalies (spina bifida, omphalocoele, and congenital hydrocephalus) showed a downward trend over the study period 1994-2009, mainly as a result of effective prenatal diagnosis. The prevalence of other congenital anomalies such as anencephaly or encephalocoele remained unchanged in live births. As for anencephaly, postnatally diagnosed cases were rare as the prenatal diagnosis was close to 100 %. The trend in encephalocoele is explained by the low incidence of this diagnosis in the population. The third group of postnatally diagnosed congenital anomalies such as gastroschisis or esophageal and anorectal anomalies were on the rise. As for gastroschisis, the reason was the changed approach to prenatal diagnosis due to good prognosis of this operable defect. The prevalence of congenital esophageal and anorectal anomalies varied between years, with a slowly increasing trend, similarly to diaphragmatic hernia.

Does impedance measure a functional state of the body fat?

The aim was to compare methods of body fat measurement in different BMI groups. An additional aim was to discuss differences reflecting the structural and functional changes of fat tissue. The study group included 130 adult Caucasian women stratified by body mass index (BMI): 18-24.99 (n=30), 25-29.99 (n=26), 30-34.99 (n=33), 35-39.99 (n=30), and BMI>/=40 (n=11). Bioelectrical impedance was performed using Tanita TBF 410 GS, Bodystat 1500, and Omron BF 300. A caliper type Best was also applied. Correspondence of four methods with DEXA was assessed using the Bland-Altman and ANOVA analyses. Measurements by BIA were not significantly different from DEXA up to BMI of 30, but DEXA significantly overestimated in the higher BMI subgroup by all three methods. Caliper measurement significantly underestimated DEXA in all BMI subgroups. BIA methods overestimated DEXA for the obese subjects. Tanita did statistically the best. The Caliper test appeared less preferable than the BIA methods, especially in the higher BMI subgroup. DEXA and Caliper measurements seem to be the best estimate of structural (anatomical) fat quantity. We hypothesize that BIA methods could also measure some other physiopathological conditions like inflammation, hydration or cell infiltration of fat.

Olfactory dysfunction in narcolepsy with and without cataplexy

BACKGROUND

Not only patients in whom REM behavior disorder (RBD) is associated with narcolepsy, but also those with narcolepsy alone are reported to have olfactory dysfunction. We investigated if hyposmia is specific to narcolepsy with cataplexy (N-C) or if narcolepsy without cataplexy (NwC) is also associated with olfactory dysfunction.

METHODS

We studied olfactory function in two groups of patients: N-C group (n=66, 26 men and 40 women; mean age 41+/-18 years), and NwC group (n=17, 7 men and 10 women; mean age 46+/-20 years). As a control group we used published normative data for particular smell tests.

RESULTS

Both patients with N-C and patients suffering from NwC had a significantly higher olfactory threshold (N-C group, p<0.0001; NwC group, p<0.0001) and impaired odor identification (N-C group, p<0.0001; NwC group, p<0.0001). Our results show for the first time that narcolepsy without cataplexy, where the majority of cases have normal CSF hypocretin levels, is associated with olfactory dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that also a partial loss of hypothalamic hypocretin neurons without a clear CSF level decrease can affect smell projection.

[Incidence of congenital heart defects in the Czech Republic--current data]

AIM OF STUDY

An analysis of incidence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in the Czech Republic in the 1994 - 2008 period. An assessment of absolute numbers, frequencies and incidences for particular selected diagnoses according to 10th decennial revision of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). An analysis of pre- and postnatal incidences of selected diagnoses and of a secondary prevention measures efficiency in the Czech Republic.

TYPE OF STUDY

A retrospective epidemiological analysis of congenital anomalies from the database of the National Register of Birth Defects (NRBD) of the Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from the NRBD from the 1994 - 2008 period were used. In our study, CHD incidences (ICD-10 Q20-Q28 Congenital malformations of the circulatory system group) in the Czech Republic were analyzed. First, CHD incidences in births were assessed - absolute numbers, frequencies and incidences for particular selected diagnoses. Second, absolute numbers, frequencies and incidences of particular selected diagnoses in prenatally diagnosed fetuses and a secondary prevention measures efficiency in selected CHD were evaluated. In a third part, survival of babies with CHD during the first year of their life was analyzed.

RESULTS

In the period under the study, there were a total of 1 472 610 life births in the Czech Republic. Congenital malformations of the circulatory system (Q20-Q28) present more than 40% of all registered congenital anomalies and are themselves the most frequent birth defect group in births in the Czech Republic. As a whole, 29 133 CHD were diagnosed (197.83 per 10 000 live births) in 18 811 children (127.53 per 10 000 live births) in this period, which presents more than 36% of children born with a congenital anomaly in the Czech Republic during 1994 - 2008. CHD most frequently diagnosed in births were congenital malformations of cardiac septa (total 16 428, 145.05 per 10 000 live births, more than 55% of all CHD) and congenital malformations of great arteries (total 5389, 47.58 per 10 000 live births, more than 18% of all CHD). Further, prenatally diagnosed CHD were analyzed. Incidences for particular diagnoses as well as percentage of pregnancy termination were assessed. A rate of prenatally diagnosed was 11.35% in discordant ventriculoarterial connection (Q20.3), 8.35% in discordant atrioventricular connection (Q20.5), 49.41% in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (Q23.4), 7.64% in coarctation of aorta (Q25.1) and 9.71% in tetralogy of Fallot (Q21.3). These anomalies were parts of chromosomal syndromes in 42.58% and non-chromosomal syndromes in 9.33%. There were also associated malformations (from other systems than circulatory one). The most frequent were congenital malformations of the nervous system (Q00-Q07) - 14.59%, congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system (Q65-Q79) - 12.44%, cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37) - 7.42% and congenital malformations of the urinary system (Q60-Q64) - 6.70%. In children born with a CHD, 84.53% were associated with other anomaly, out of which more than 70% were CHD only. Only about 14% were associated with anomalies from other (non-circulatory system) groups. Perinatal mortality was highest in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (Q23.4) - 327.103 per thousand and in tetralogy of Fallot (Q21.3) - 6.565 per thousand.

CONCLUSIONS

The study presents current results of analysis of CHD incidences in the Czech Republic in the 1994 - 2008 period. Children born with a CHD make more than 36% out of all children born with a congenital anomaly. CHD themselves represents an important part (more than 40%) of all diagnosed congenital anomalies in the Czech Republic. Over the period of the study there was a slight increase of diagnosed CHD during 1994 - 1999 followed by a slight decrease from 2000 with an exception of 2007 year. The most frequent of diagnosed CHD were ventricular septal defect (Q21.0) and atrial septal defect (Q21.1). Both defects incidences changes influence not only a total CHD but also a total congenital anomalies incidence. An influence of prenatal diagnostics among the five selected CHD was most important in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (Q23.4), less so in others. In prenatal diagnostics group, it is necessary to distinguish between those anomalies, which led to pregnancy termination (parts of both chromosomal and non-chromosomal syndromes and/or association with other severe anomalies) and those in which pregnancy leads to a delivery (late diagnostics, operabile defects, parental decision). CHD can be a part of chromosomal syndromes. In our study, in prenatally diagnosed CHD it was more than 42%. A presence of other associated diagnoses of congenital anomalies in births will significantly influence infant mortality and morbidity.

[Birth defects incidence in children from single and twin pregnancies in the Czech Republic--current data]

AIM OF STUDY

An analysis of occurrence of birth defects in children from single and twin pregnancies in the Czech Republic in 1994-2007. An assessment of total numbers and relative incidences of birth defects in births according to Tenth Revision of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective epidemiological analysis of birth defects incidences from the Czech National Birth Defects Register database.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from the National Birth Defects Register (Institute for Health Information and Statistics) in the Czech Republic in the 1994-2007 period were used. In this study, particular diagnoses--as they were registered in the National Register--were analyzed. Birth defects were analyzed separetely for children from single and twin pregnancies. The diagoses in study were divided into following eleven birth defects groups according to ICD-10 classification: (Q00-Q07) nervous system, (Q10-Q18) eye, ear, face and neck, (Q20-Q28) circulatory system, (Q30-Q34) respiratory system, (Q35-Q37) cleft lip and cleft palate, (Q38-Q45) digestive system, (Q50-Q56) genital organs, (Q60-Q64) urinary system, (Q65-Q79) musculoskeletal system, (Q80-Q89) other defects and (Q90-Q99) chromosomal abnormalities, not elsewhere classified. Total numbers and mean incidences of birth defects separetely for children from single and twin pregnancies were assessed for all these 11 groups.

RESULTS

In the Czech Republic during 1994-2007 period, totally 1,312,930 children were born (live births and stillbirts) from single pregnancies, whereas 42,448 from twin pregnancies. A twin rate (out of a total number of births) increased from 2.33% in 1997 to 4.17% in 2004. An overall incidence of diagnosed birth defects was 436.03 per 10,000 live births in singletons and 598.38 in twins. Birth defects incidence (per 10,000 livebirths)in singletons and twins in each of 11 birth defects groups under the study was during the 1994-2007 period as follows: (Q00-Q07) nervous system 9.45 in sigletons and 17.20 in twins, (Q10-Q18) eye, ear, face and neck 21.69 in singletons, and 18.38 in twins, (Q20-Q28) circulatory system 154.16 in singletons and 272.57 in twins, (Q30-Q34) respiratory system 4.92 in singletons and 5.65 in twins, (Q35-Q37) cleft lip and cleft palate 16.79 in singletons and 20.02 in twins, (Q38-Q45) digestive system 18.97 in singletons and 28.74 in twins, (Q50-Q56) genital organs 52.07 in singletons and 56.30 in twins, (Q60-Q64) urinary system 34.21 in singletons and 56.78 in twins, (Q65-Q79) musculoskeletal system 87.49 in singletons and 90.93 in twins, (Q80-Q89) other defects 26.06 in singletons and 22.14 in twins and (Q90-Q99) chromosomal abnormalities 10.20 in singletons and 9.66 in twins.

CONCLUSIONS

The study gives differentiated results of incidences of selected types of birth defects in births according to pregnancy multiplicity. A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in total birth defects incidence in twins compared to singletons was confirmed. Same statistical significance (p<0.001) was also found (twins compared to singletons) in following birth defects or their groups: (Q00-Q07) nervous system, Q20-Q28) circulatory system, (Q38-Q45) digestive system, (Q60-Q64) urinary system, congenital hydrocephalus, some congenital heart defects, cleft lip and/or palateoesophageal atresia, anorectal malformation, hypospadia, congenital hydronefrosis, polydactyly and syndactyly. A statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found in spina bifida, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, duodenal atresia/stenosis, diaphragmatic hernia and Down syndrome.

Enhanced levels of mitochondrial enzyme 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 in patients with Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis

The multifunctional mitochondrial enzyme 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 might play a role in the development of Alzheimer disease via its high-affinity binding to amyloid beta peptides and its neuronal over-expression. It is suggested that the cerebrospinal fluid levels of the enzyme, free or bound to amyloid beta peptides, are a potential specific biomarker of Alzheimer disease. However, mitochondrial dysfunction seems to play a role in many neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis. In this study, the specificity of changes in relation to the enzyme over-expression was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and surface plasmon resonance sensors. The data indicated pronounced increases in the enzyme levels, specifically to 179% in multiple sclerosis and to 573% in Alzheimer disease when compared to the age-matched controls. Although the differences between both diseases were statistically significant, enzyme levels do not appear to be a highly specific biomarker of Alzheimer disease. On the other hand, enhancement in levels of the enzyme bound to amyloid beta peptides was only observed in people with Alzheimer disease, which suggests that the complex should be further considered as a possible biomarker. In patients with multiple sclerosis, our results are the first to demonstrate significant changes in enzyme expression and to suggest possible alterations in amyloid beta peptides.

[Birth defects in the Czech Republic in 1994--2007]

AIM OF STUDY

An analysis of occurrence of birth defects in the Czech Republic in 1994-2007. An assessment of total numbers and relative incidences of birth defects in births according to Tenth Revision of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective epidemiological analysis of birth defects incidences from the Czech National Birth Defects Register database.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from the National Birth Defects Register (Institute for Health Information and Statistics) in the Czech Republic in the 1994-2007 period were used. In this study, particular diagnoses--as they were registered in the National Register--were analyzed. The diagnoses in study were divided into following eleven birth defects groups according to ICD-10 classification: (Q00-Q07) nervous system, (Q10-Q18) eye, ear, face and neck, (Q20-Q28) circulatory system, (Q30-Q34) respiratory system, (Q35-Q37) cleft lip and cleft palate, (Q38-Q45) digestive system, (Q50-Q56) genital organs, (Q60-Q64) urinary system, (Q65-Q79) musculoskeletal system, (Q80-Q89) other defects and (Q90-Q99) chromosomal abnormalities, not elsewhere classified. Prenataly diagnosed cases are not included.

RESULTS

During 1994-2007 period, totally 1,353,040 children were born on the area of the Czech Republic, out of which 44,343 with a birth defect. The diagoses in study were divided into eleven groups according to ICD-10 classification. Further, particular diagnoses according to ICD-10 and their verbal descriptions are presented in tables. Each group is accompanied by data on its total number and a relative incidence (per 10,000 live births) with a 95% C.I.. A relative frequency of the birth defects groups in study (in % from the total number of birth defects) is as follows: (Q00-Q07) nervous system 2.10, (Q10-Q18) eye, ear, face and neck 4.76, (Q20-Q28) circulatory system 39.63, (Q30-Q34) respiratory system 1.03, (Q35-Q37) cleft lip and cleft palate 3.67, (Q38-Q45) digestive system 4.05, (Q50-Q56) genital organs 10.93, (Q60-Q64) urinary system 7.08, (Q65-Q79) musculoskeletal system 18.90, (Q80-Q89) other defects 5.55 and (Q90-Q99) chromosomal abnormalities 2.28.

CONCLUSIONS

The study gives updated results of incidences analysis of postnatally diagnosed birth defects (available on the date of August 31, 2008) in the Czech Republic in the 1994-2007 period. Data on birth defects were collected in the National Birth Defects Register (Institute for Health Information and Statistics). Birth defects registration is a compulsory process and is a part of the National Health Information System. The diagnoses in study were divided into eleven groups according to ICD-10 classification. Total numbers, relative incidences (per 10 000 live births, with a 95% C.I.) and relative frequencies of the birth defects groups are presented.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment for pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) was investigated in a controlled study comparing applied energy density, subgroups of TMD, and duration of disorders.

BACKGROUND DATA

Although LLLT is a physical therapy used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, there is little evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of TMD.

METHODS

The study group of 61 patients was treated with 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2), and the control group of 19 patients was treated with 0.1 J/cm(2). LLLT was performed by a GaAlAs diode laser with output of 400 mW emitting radiation wavelength of 830 nm in 10 sessions. The probe with aperture 0.2 cm(2) was placed over the painful muscle spots in the patients with myofascial pain. In patients with TMD arthralgia the probe was placed behind, in front of, and above the mandibular condyle, and into the meatus acusticus externus. Changes in pain were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Application of 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2) was significantly more effective in reducing pain compared to placebo, but there were no significant differences between the energy densities used in the study group and between patients with myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint arthralgia. Results were marked in those with chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that LLLT (application of 10 J/cm(2) and 15 J/cm(2)) can be considered as a useful method for the treatment of TMD-related pain, especially long lasting pain.

Does neonatal brain ischemia induce schizophrenia-like behavior in young adult rats?

Perinatal cerebral hypoxia represents a major cause of obstetric complications and the resulting transient oxygen deficiency might belong to early risk factors for schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible long-term behavioral changes induced by one hour of continuous bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in 12-day-old male rats. Post-ischemic behavioral disturbances were evaluated in social (play) behavior on postnatal day 22 (PND 22), open field test (PND 35 and 50) and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (PND 50). Transient ischemia in neonatal rats was not significantly altered in social dyadic interactions evaluated in pre-weaning pups, but resulted in enhanced locomotor activity in pubertal rats (PND 35) and impaired prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex in post-pubertal males (PND 50). These behavioral alterations suggest that perinatal hypoxic/ischemic insults may represent a risk factor for later manifestation of specific features relevant to schizophrenia in predisposed individuals.

Moclobemide and cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of social phobia. A six-month controlled study and 24 months follow up

The aim of the study was to assess the 6-months treatment efficacy and 24-month follow up of three different therapeutic programs (A. moclobemide and supportive guidance, B. group cognitive-behavioral therapy and pill placebo, and C. combination of moclobemide and group cognitive-behavioral therapy) in patients with a generalized form of social phobia. Eighty one patients (38 males and 43 females) were randomly assigned to three different therapeutic programs. Patients were regularly assessed on a monthly basis by an independent rater on the LSAS (Liebowitz Social Anxiety scale), CGI (Clinical Global Impression) for severity and change and BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Altogether, sixty-six patients completed the six month treatment period and 15 patients dropped out. All therapeutic groups showed significant improvement. A combination of CBT and pharmacotherapy yielded the most rapid effect. Moclobemide was superior for the reduction of the subjective general anxiety (BAI) during the first 3 months of treatment, but its influence on avoidant behavior (LSAS avoidance subscale) was less pronounced. Conversely, CBT was the best choice for reduction of avoidant behavior while a reduction of subjective general anxiety appeared later than in moclobemide. After 6 months of treatment there were best results reached in groups treated with CBT and there was no advantage of the combined treatment. The relapse rate during the 24-month follow up was significantly lower in the group treated with CBT in comparison with the group A. formerly treated with moclobemide alone.

Sex-dependent Actions of Amyloid Beta Peptides on Hippocampal Choline Carriers of Postnatal Rats

It is suggested that amyloid beta peptides (Abeta) play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease but their physiological function is still unknown. However, low pM-nM concentrations mediate a hypofunction of a basal forebrain cholinergic system without marked signs of neurotoxicity. In this study, we compared in vitro effects of soluble nonaggregated human Abeta 1-40 and 1-42 either on synaptosomal hemicholinium-3 sensitive choline carriers or on membrane fluidity in hippocampi of male and female Wistar rats aged 7 and 14 days or 2-3 months. The results indicate age- and sex-dependent effects mediated by peptides at nM concentrations but no significant differences between both fragments. Namely, opposite actions were observed in 14-day (the increase in the choline uptake and membrane fluidity) when compared to 7-day old and adult males (the mild drops). Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis revealed that the enhancement of the high-affinity choline transport in 14-day old males occurs via alterations in K (M )and the change was accompanied by a mild increase in the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3. On the other hand, no age-dependent differences were found in females. Rat Abeta 1-40 mediated similar effects on 14-day old rats as the corresponding human fragment. Moreover, higher levels of soluble peptides were detected in immature when compared to mature male brains by means of competitive ELISA. Our study indicates that Abeta could play a role in postnatal sexual differentiation of hippocampal cholinergic system.

Effect of postmortem storage on the [3H]hemicholinium-3 binding site in the rat brain. Preliminary study for investigations of human patients with Alzheimer's disease

The effect of postmortem storage at room temperature (24-26 degrees C, 0-4 h) and cold-room temperature (4 degrees C, (0-24 h) on the [(3)H]hemicholinium-3 binding sites in the brain hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum of 3-month-old Wistar rats was studied. A slow decrease in the density of the binding sites was observed at both temperatures, which was best fit by a linear model common for all three brain regions. No systematic alterations of the affinity of the binding sites for hemicholinium-3 were found. The values obtained from experiments with animals were compared with the values measured in the frontal cortex of old men. Approaches to the evaluation of data obtained from postmortem samples of human brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's disease are proposed.

Exposure of Postnatal Rats to a Static Magnetic Field of 0.14 T Influences Functional Laterality of the Hippocampal High-Affinity Choline Uptake System in Adulthood; In vitro Test with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Our previous experiments indicated an age- and sex-dependent functional lateralization of a high-affinity choline uptake system in hippocampi of Wistar rats. The system is connected with acetylcholine synthesis and also plays a role in spatial navigation. The current study demonstrates that a single in vivo exposure of 7- or 14-day-old males to a static magnetic field of 0.14 T for 60-120 min evokes asymmetric alterations in the activity of carriers in adulthood. Namely, the negative field (antiparallel orientation with a vertical component of the geomagnetic field) mediated a more marked decrease in the right hippocampus. The positive field (parallel orientation) was ineffective. Moreover, differences between the carriers from the right and the left hippocampi were observed on synaptosomes pretreated with superparamagnetic nanoparticles and exposed for 30 min in vitro. The positive field enhanced more markedly the activity of carriers from the right hippocampus, the negative that from the left hippocampus, on the contrary. Our results demonstrate functionally teratogenic risks of the alterations in the orientation of the strong static magnetic field for postnatal brain development and suggest functional specialization of both hippocampi in rats. Choline carriers could be involved as secondary receptors in magnetoreception through direct effects of geomagnetic field on intracellular magnetite crystals and nanoparticles applied in vivo should be a useful tool to evaluate magnetoreception in future research.

Age- and Sex-Dependent Laterality of Rat Hippocampal Cholinergic System in Relation to Animal Models of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Studies suggest age- and sex-dependent structural and functional patterns of human cerebral lateralization underlie hemisphere specialization and its alterations in schizophrenia. Recent works report sexual dimorphism of neurons in the hippocampal formation and specialization of hemispheres in rats. Our experiments indicate for the first time functional lateralization of the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) system directly associated with a synthesis of acetylcholine in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. The markedly increased HACU activity was found in the left compared to the right hippocampus of adult male but not female animals. Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis revealed a statistically significant increase of Vmax in the left hippocampus of 14-day-old when compared to 7-day-old males. It appears that laterality of HACU occurs during late postnatal maturation, and its degree is markedly enhanced after puberty and attenuated during aging. Quinolinic acid (QUIN), an endogenous agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptors, was used in this study to evaluate the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. It is known that elevated levels of QUIN accompany viral infections, increasing the risk of developing schizophrenia. Bilateral intracerebroventricular application of QUIN (250 nmoles/ventricle) to pups aged 12 days significantly impaired the cholinergic hippocampal system of adolescent male and female rats and reversed lateralization of male HACU. Morphological analysis indicated marked changes in brain lesion sizes (extensive 24 h and moderate 38 days after the operation). Asymmetry of lesions was observed in the majority of cases, but the left hemisphere was not generally more vulnerable to QUIN effects than the right side. Moreover, no lateral differences were found between lesioned hippocampi in the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 (10%-15% loss of binding sites when compared to sham-operated animals). In summary, our results indicate a symmetrical drop in the number of choline carriers of lesioned male rats but a asymmetrical decrease in the activity of remaing carriers, suggesting defects in processes of sexual brain differentiation, leading under normal conditions to the higher activity of carriers in the left hippocampus. The data demonstrate viral infection-mediated alterations in normal patterns of brain asymmetry and are discussed in relation to animal models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

Age- and sex-dependent effects of ethanol on hippocampal hemicholinium-3 sensitive choline carriers during postnatal development of rats

Vulnerability of hippocampal hemicholinium-3 (HC-3)-sensitive carriers to ethanol was evaluated in vitro during rat postnatal development. The high-affinity uptake of [3H]choline (HACU) and the specific binding of [3H]HC-3 were measured on synaptosomes from 7-, 14-, and 60-day-and 3-month-old male and female Wistar rats. Marked increases of basal (between 7 and 60 days of age) and of stimulated HACU levels via K(+)-depolarization (between 14 days and 3 months) but only a mild elevation in [3H]HC-3 binding (between 7 days and 3 months) associated with alterations in the binding site number were found. On the mature tissue, ethanol at high concentrations (5%) moderately inhibited the choline transport under basal conditions but totally eliminated depolarization effects. However, both age- and sex-dependent alterations in basal HACU mediated by high or low pharmacologically relevant alcohol concentrations (50-100 mM) were observed in the immature tissue. Namely, the dose- and incubation time-dependent inhibition of HACU associated with changes in the transport velocity was found in postnatal male but not female tissue. [3H]HC-3 binding site was not markedly sensitive to ethanol actions. Anisotropy measurements in the region of the hydrophilic heads of phospholipid bilayers and in the membrane hydrocarbon core indicated penetration of 100 mM ethanol to immature female but not male tissue. Our results suggest the noncompetitive binding of alcohol to choline carriers from immature male tissue and correspond with data reporting significant sexual dimorphism of postnatal hippocampal neurons. The direct effects of ethanol on male choline carriers can contribute to the inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis and to sex-dependent neurotoxic effects of alcohol applied in vivo during early and late postnatal period.

Bright light therapy and/or imipramine for inpatients with recurrent non-seasonal depression

INTRODUCTION

The aim of a double-blind study was to assess the efficacy of bright light therapy and/or imipramine in the treatment of inpatients suffering with recurrent non-seasonal major depressive disorder.

METHOD

34 in-patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent type, were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups. After 4-day washout period with baseline assessment they underwent 3 weeks of different types of treatment: a) Group A: bright light therapy (5000 lux from 6-8 a.m.) and imipramine 150 mg/day. b) Group B: bright light therapy (5000 lux from 6-8 a.m.) and imipramine-like placebo. c) Group C: dim red light (500 lux from 6-8 a.m.) and imipramine 150 mg/day. Outcome measures included weekly Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression, Clinical Global Impression Scale, Montgomery and Asberg Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression and Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

Patients of all three groups improved significantly. The improvement of the patients of group B treated with bright light therapy plus placebo was superior to the other two groups, but not significantly.

CONCLUSION

Bright light therapy can be effective in the treatment of non-seasonal major depressive disorder.

Amyloid beta peptide 1-40 and the function of rat hippocampal hemicholinium-3 sensitive choline carriers: effects of a proteolytic degradation in vitro

Effects of amyloid beta peptide 1-40 (Abeta) and of plant cysteine proteases bromelain and papain on the high-affinity uptake of choline (HACU) and the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HC-3) have been investigated on hippocampal synaptosomes from young adult male Wistar rats under basal and stimulated conditions (55 mM KCl). Depolarization increased significantly the HACU levels (the changes were predominantly in Vmax) and mildly the [3H]HC-3 binding (the changes especially in K(D)). Nonaggregated Abeta at low nM concentrations suppressed the depolarization effects but was ineffective under basal conditions during a short-term incubation. Higher microM concentrations decreased the HACU and binding under basal conditions in a time-dependent manner. The binding changes were firstly associated with alterations in K(D) and secondarily were accompanied also by a drop in Bmax. The results suggest that Abeta directly influences high-affinity carriers, inhibits their transport activity and enhances their sensitivity to proteoLytic cleavage. Stimulation increases the sensitivity of carriers to the interaction with Abeta.

Effects of K+-depolarization, arachidonic acid, ethanol, and aging on the high-affinity choline transport in rat hippocampus

The Na+-dependent high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) transport and the [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HC-3) specific binding were measured on hippocampal synaptosomes of young (3-6 months) and old (22 months) Wistar rats. In vitro effects of 100-300 microM arachidonic acid (AA) and of 5% ethanol were tested under basal as well as stimulated (55 mM KCl) conditions. The influence of AA (an irreversible decrease of HACU and a reversible increase of [3H]HC-3 binding) was more marked under stimulated rather than basal conditions in brain tissue of young rats. The increased K+-depolarization effect on HACU and the decreased influence of AA on [3H]HC-3 binding were estimated in brain tissue of old compared to young rats. Results suggest the involvement of different pools of the high-affinity choline carrier and marked changes due to aging in the regulation of the HACU transport.

Effects of aging and dementia on the levels of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive products stimulated by L-glutamic acid in human autopsy and biopsy brain tissue

Basal and stimulated (by L-glutamic acid, GA) levels of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive products were estimated in the brain tissue (hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum) from autopsy samples of people with Alzheimer disease (AD), multi-infarct dementia (MID) and from nondemented control patients. The experiment was also performed on biopsy brain tissue (cortex) of nondemented controls. The biopsy brain tissue influenced by normal aging in vivo showed a limited susceptibility to undergo lipid peroxidation stimulated by GA in vitro in comparison with the younger tissue. A significant decrease in the ratio of stimulated to basal levels was found in the cerebellum of MID patients in comparison with nondemented controls and AD patients.

In vitro effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on the activity of presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals in rat hippocampus

The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) applied in vitro to hippocampal synaptosomes from young Wistar rats on the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HCh-3), high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) and activity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase were examined. EGb at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml markedly elevated the specific binding of [3H]HCh-3 (to 306%) and moderately elevated HACU values (to 115%). Scatchard analysis revealed an increase in the Bmax for [3H]HCh-3 binding. Lineweaver-Burk analysis an increase in the Vmax for choline uptake. No marked changes in the activity of the sodium pump were discovered. EGb was not able to influence the specific 'second messenger' effect of arachidonic acid.

In vitro effects of arachidonic and L-glutamic acids on the high-affinity choline transport in rat hippocampus

A second messenger role for arachidonic acid (AA) in the regulation of the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) was suggested. It was reported that micromolar concentrations of AA applied in vitro decreased the HACU values and increased the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HCh-3). It was published that L-glutamic acid (GA) applied in vivo produced a fall in the HACU values. In addition, GA liberates free AA. In this study, an ability of GA to influence in vitro the activity of presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals via its effect on the release of AA is investigated in hippocampal synaptosomes of young Wistar rats. Millimolar concentrations of GA decrease both the high- and low-affinity choline uptake, the specific as well as nonspecific binding of [3H]HCh-3 and the activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase. Kinetic analysis (Lineweaver-Burk and Scatchard plots) reveals a change in Vmax and Bmax, but not in KM and KD. It appears very likely that under normal conditions GA applied in vitro is not able to change markedly the choline transport via its effect on the release of AA. Results confirm the hypothesis about an indirect inhibitory role for glutamatergic receptors on cholinergic cells.

Effect of aging on lipid peroxide levels induced by L-glutamic acid and estimated by means of a thiobarbituric acid test in rat brain tissue

Studies of age-related changes based on the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test appear to be inconsistent and contradictory. In our work, real basal (hypothetical, corrected to the zero concentration of atmospheric oxygen), basal (atmospheric oxygen-stimulated) and stimulated (L-glutamic and hydrochloric acids) levels of TBA-reactive products (TBARP) were estimated in the brain (hippocampus--HPC, cortex--COR, cerebellum--CRB) from young (3 months) and old (28 months) male and female Wistar rats. The values of basal levels of TBARP were different in young (HPC > COR > CRB) as well as in old animals (COR > CRB > HPC). Thus, the process of aging caused a significant decrease in the HPC (to 72%) and no change in the COR and CRB. Levels stimulated by L-glutamic acid were significantly decreased (COR, CRB) and unchanged (HPC) in old compared to young animals. The real basal levels estimated by regression analysis seem to be higher in the brain tissue damaged by aging. We discuss the usefulness of the TBA test applied to aged tissue, the effect of acidosis, the effectivity of L-glutamic acid to generate free radicals and the differences between individual brain areas.

(3H)hemicholinium-3 binding sites in postmortem brains of human patients with Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia

(3H)Hemicholinium-3 ((3H)HCh-3), a potent, selective, and competitive inhibitor of the high-affinity choline uptake process was used for the detection of high-affinity choline carriers in the hippocampus (gyrus parahippocampalis), neocortex (gyrus frontalis medius), and cerebellum (lobulus semilunaris inferior) in autopsy samples of people with Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia and from other psychiatric and nonpsychiatric patients. The effect of postmortem delay was eliminated by means of the cerebellum used as an individual standard. The density of (3H)HCh-3 binding sites was decreased in the hippocampus and neocortex from individuals with multi-infarct dementia and unchanged in the brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's disease in comparison with control patients. No changes in dissociation constants were found. In Alzheimer's disease, high-affinity choline transport appears to be reduced by a dysfunction of cholinergic neuronal membrane rather than by a significant decrease in the number of presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals. Results provide evidence of a decrease in the number of nerve endings in people with multi-infarct dementia and suggest different vulnerability of particular brain areas to vascular disorders.

Early postnatal diazepam treatment of rats and neuroimmunocompetence in adulthood and senescence

Functional teratogenic risk of perinatal diazepam (D) treatment was studied in animal model experiments using early postnatal D administration in rats (single dose of 10 mg/kg sc in 7-day-old pups) and long-term follow-up till the age of 18 months with monitoring of behavior, reproductive functions, brain biochemical variables, and immune system reactivity. Behavioral tests carried out at the age of 6, 12, and 18 months indicated higher emotionality and deviations of novelty reaction in D rats in comparison with controls, and these differences decreased with aging. However, no deficits were found in memory testing. D rats revealed some transitional alterations of monoamine neurotransmission in the hypothalamus (5-HT) and striatum (DA) and minor defects in reproductive functions (irregular estrous cycles in females). Significant depression of immune response in D rats persisting for the whole life may be considered as a serious risk of neonatal D treatment.

High-affinity choline uptake and muscarinic receptors in rat brain during aging

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aging on the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) and the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) in the brain of Wistar male rats and to define more precisely the steps of the brain cholinergic degeneration in the course of the whole animal life. In 24-month-old rats, a substantial decrease in HACU values in the hippocampus (to 65-75%) and in the density of mAChR in the cortex (to 76%) was found in comparison with 3-month-old controls. The interaction of muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine with [(3)H]QNB indicated a decrease in low-affinity sites (M(2)) in 24-month-old rats. The first slight changes due to aging manifested themselves by the reduction in HACU values very early (between 6 and 12 months), the decrease of the muscarinic receptor density was observed in a later stage (19-month-old animals). Regression analysis indicated considerable dependence of the HACU values on age (the correlation coefficient r = -0.689, the slope b = -0.279 pmol/4 min per mg(prot) per month, P < 0.001) while the density of muscarinic receptors does not correlate with age so markedly (r = -0.415, b = -6.316 fmol/mg(prot) per month, P = 0.018).

[Development of psychiatric disability in psychotics and their rehabilitation]

The authors describe the results of a 12-month follow up of a group of patients who had an attack of functional psychosis. They paid attention to their professional work, course of the disease and social sequelae of the disease. The authors assessed also predictors of satisfactory future of professional activities by clinical methods as well as by selected psychological tests. They confirmed the effectiveness of aimed rehabilitation and resocialization care in patients with a chronic course of the disease and with residual postpsychotic symptoms.