Neuroprotection induced by NMDA preconditioning as a strategy to understand brain tolerance mechanism

Excitotoxicity refers to toxicity caused by abnormal concentrations of glutamate in the synaptic cleft that may lead to neuronal death. Since its description, the phenomenon of glutamatergic excitotoxicity has been implicated in the physiopathology of a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, from acute brain damage such as traumatic brain injury, ischemia as well as chronic condi- tions like epilepsy, depression and neurodegenerative pathologies such as Huntington＇s, Parkinson＇s and Alzheimer＇s diseases. Exces- sive stimulation of glutamatergic receptors, mainly N-methyl-D-as- partate （NMDA） receptors （NMDAR）, can have numerous adverse effects on the cell viability, including increased nitric oxide release （NO）, activation of proteases, increased production of reactive oxygen （ROS） and nitrogen （RNS） species and massive influx of calcium ions （Ca2＋）, resulting in cell death. Thus, the use of strategies that modulate the excitotoxic cell damage represents a perspective for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson＇s and Alzheimer＇s diseases, ischemia, traumatic brain injury （TBI） and seizures.

Dual Isoflurane-induced Preconditioning Improves Neuroprotection in Rat Brain In Vitro and the Role of Extracellular Signal-regulated Protein Kinase

Objective To test the ability of isoflurane-induced preconditioning against oxygen and glucose dep- rivation （OGD） injury in vitro. Methods Rat hippocampal slices were exposed to 1 volume percentage （vol%）, 2vo1% or 3vo1% isoflurane respectively for 20 minutes under normoxic conditions （95% O2/5% CO2） once or twice （12 slices in each group） before OGD, with 15-minute washout after each exposure. During OGD experiments, hippocampus slices were bathed with artificial cerebrospinal fluid （ACSF） lacking glucose and perfused with 95% N2 and 5% CO2 for 14 minutes, followed by a 30-minute reperfusion in normal ACSF. The CA1 population spike （PS） was measured and used to quantify the degree of neuronal function recovery after OGD. To assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） in isoflurane preconditioning, U0126, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK1/2）, and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, were used before two periods of 3vol% isoflurane exposure. Results The degree of neuronal function recovery of hippocampal slices exposed to 1 vol%, 2vol%, or 3vol% isoflurane once was 41.88%±9.23%, 55.05%±11.02%, or 63.18%±10.82% respectively. Moreover, neuronal function recovery of hippocampal slices exposed to 1 vol%, 2vo1%, or 3vo1% isoflurane twice was 53.75%±12.04%, 63.50%±11.06%, or 76.25%±12.25%, respectively. Isoflurane preconditioning increased the neuronal function recovery in a dose-dependent manner. U0126 blocked the preconditioning induced by dual exposure to 3vo1% isoflurane （6.13%±1.56%, P〈0.01） and ERK1/2 activities. Conclusions Isoflurane is capable of inducing preconditioning in hippocampal slices in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and dual exposure to isoflurane with a lower concentration is more effective in triggering preconditioning than a single exposure. Isoflurane-induced neuroprotection might be involved with ERK 1/2 activities.

PI3K/AKT signaling and neuroprotection in ischemic stroke:molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

It has been reported that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.As a result,the development of drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has attracted increasing attention from researchers.This article reviews the pathological mechanisms and advancements in research related to the signaling pathways in ischemic stroke,with a focus on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.The key findings include the following:(1)The complex pathological mechanisms of ischemic stroke can be categorized into five major types:excitatory amino acid toxicity,Ca^(2+)overload,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and apoptosis.(2)The PI3K/AKT-mediated signaling pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of ischemic stroke,which primarily involves the NF-κB,NRF2,BCL-2,mTOR,and endothelial NOS signaling pathways.(3)Natural products,including flavonoids,quinones,alkaloids,phenylpropanoids,phenols,terpenoids,and iridoids,show great potential as candidate substances for the development of innovative anti-stroke medications.(4)Recently,novel therapeutic techniques,such as electroacupuncture and mesenchymal stem cell therapy,have demonstrated the potential to improve stroke outcomes by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,providing new possibilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke.Future investigations should focus on the direct regulatory mechanisms of drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and their clinical translation to develop innovative treatment strategies for ischemic stroke.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as a cell-free therapy for traumatic brain injury via neuroprotection and neurorestoration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious and complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide.Despite significant advancements in the field of medicine,effective treatments for traumatic brain injury remain limited.Recently,extracellular vesicles released from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have emerged as a promising novel therapy for traumatic brain injury.Extracellular vesicles are small membrane-bound vesicles that are naturally released by cells,including those in the brain,and can be engineered to contain therapeutic cargo,such as anti-inflammatory molecules,growth factors,and microRNAs.When administered intravenously,extra cellular vesicles can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver their cargos to the site of injury,where they can be taken up by recipient cells and modulate the inflammatory response,promote neuroregeneration,and improve functional outcomes.In preclinical studies,extracellular vesicle-based therapies have shown promising results in promoting recove ry after traumatic brain injury,including reducing neuronal damage,improving cognitive function,and enhancing motor recovery.While further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of extra cellular vesicle-based therapies in humans,extra cellular vesicles represent a promising novel approach for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.In this review,we summarize mesenchymal ste m/stromal cell-de rived extracellular vesicles as a cell-free therapy for traumatic brain injury via neuroprotection and neurorestoration and brainderived extracellular vesicles as potential biofluid biomarkers in small and large animal models of traumatic brain injury.

Edaravone-loaded poly(amino acid) nanogel inhibits ferroptosis for neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury

Neurological injury caused by ischemic stroke is a major cause of permanent disability and death. The currently available neuroprotective drugs fail to achieve desired therapeutic efficacy mainly due to short circulation half-life and poor blood−brain barrier (BBB) permeability. For that, an edaravone-loaded pH/glutathione (pH/GSH) dual-responsive poly(amino acid) nanogel (NG/EDA) was developed to improve the neuroprotection of EDA. The nanogel was triggered by acidic and EDA-induced high-level GSH microenvironments, which enabled the selective and sustained release of EDA at the site of ischemic injury. NG/EDA exhibited a uniform sub-spherical morphology with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 112.3 ± 8.2 nm. NG/EDA efficiently accumulated at the cerebral ischemic injury site of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) mice, showing an efficient BBB crossing feature. Notably, NG/EDA with 50 µM EDA significantly increased neuron survival (29.3%) following oxygen and glucose deprivation by inhibiting ferroptosis. In addition, administering NG/EDA for 7 d significantly reduced infarct volume to 22.2% ± 7.2% and decreased neurobehavioral scores from 9.0 ± 0.6 to 2.0 ± 0.8. Such a pH/GSH dual-responsive nanoplatform might provide a unique and promising modality for neuroprotection in ischemic stroke and other central nervous system diseases.

Cellular preconditioning and mesenchymal stem cell ferroptosis

In this editorial,we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Stem Cells.They focus on stem cell preconditioning to prevent ferroptosis by modulating the cystathionineγ-lyase/hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)pathway as a novel approach to treat vascular disorders,particularly pulmonary hypertension.Preconditioned stem cells are gaining popularity in regenerative medicine due to their unique ability to survive by resisting the harsh,unfavorable microenvironment of the injured tissue.They also secrete various paracrine factors against apoptosis,necrosis,and ferroptosis to enhance cell survival.Ferroptosis,a regulated form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and oxidative stress,has been implicated in various pathologies encompassing dege-nerative disorders to cancer.The lipid peroxidation cascade initiates and sustains ferroptosis,generating many reactive oxygen species that attack and damage multiple cellular structures.Understanding these intertwined mechanisms provi-des significant insights into developing therapeutic modalities for ferroptosis-related diseases.This editorial primarily discusses stem cell preconditioning in modulating ferroptosis,focusing on the cystathionase gamma/H_(2)S ferroptosis pathway.Ferroptosis presents a significant challenge in mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-based therapies;hence,the emerging role of H_(2)S/cystathionase gamma/H_(2) S signaling in abrogating ferroptosis provides a novel option for therapeutic intervention.Further research into understanding the precise mechanisms of H_(2)S-mediated cytoprotection against ferroptosis is warranted to enhance the thera-peutic potential of MSCs in clinical settings,particularly vascular disorders.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuroprotection by oligopeptides from snake venoms

Venom snake-derived peptides have multiple biochemical,pharmacological,and toxicological profiles,allowing for the discovery of new medicinal products and therapeutic applications.This review specifically examines the fundamental elements of neuroprotection offered by different oligopeptides derived from snake venom.It also includes a brief evaluation of short peptides that are being considered as potential therapeutic agents.Proline-rich peptides and tryptophyllin family peptides isolated from the crude venom of Viperidae family snakes,specifically Bothrops atrox,Bothrops jararaca,and Bothrops moojeni,have been shown to have pro-survival properties,the ability to reduce oxidative stress,and the ability to promote cell viability and mitochondrial functions.Three significant mechanisms are related to the neuroprotection mediated by snake venom oligopeptides:(1)Activation of the L-arginine metabolite pathway,such as polyamines from ornithine metabolism,which reduces N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-type glutamate receptor activity;(2)Enhancement of cell viability by activating the nerve growth factor-signaling pathway;and(3)Activation of the Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M1(mAChR-M1).These small peptides show promise as neuroprotective agents against a variety of neurodegenerative disorders.

Hypoxic preconditioning stimulates angiogenesis in ischemic penumbra after acute cerebral infarction

Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning on acute cerebral infarction, but the mechanisms underlying this protection remain unclear. To investigate the protective mechanisms of hypoxic preconditioning in relation to its effects on angiogenesis, we in- duced a photochemical model of cerebral infarction in an inbred line of mice （BALB/c）. Mice were then exposed to hypoxic preconditioning 30 minutes prior to model establishment. Results showed significantly increased vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 expression in the ischemic penumbra at 24 and 72 hours post infarction, mainly in neurons and vascular endothelial cells. Hypoxic preconditioning increased vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 expression in the ischemic penumbra and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was positively related to that of CD31. Moreover, hypoxic preconditioning reduced the infarct volume and improved neu- rological function in mice. These findings indicate that the protective role of hypoxic preconditioning in acute cerebral infarction may possibly be due to an increase in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 in the ischemic penumbra, which promoted angiogenesis.

Ischemic preconditioning induces chaperone hsp70 expression and inhibits protein aggregation in the CA1 neurons of rats

Objective To investigate the effect of ischemic preconditioning on chaperone hsp70 expression and protein aggregation in the CA1 neurons of rats, and to further explore its potential neuroprotective mechanism. Methods Two-vesseloccluded transient global ischemia rat model was used. The rats were divided into sublethal 3-min ischemia group, lethal 10- min ischemia group and ischemic preconditioning group. Neuronal death in the CA1 region was observed by hematoxylineosin staining, and number of live neurons was assessed by cell counting under a light microscope. Immunochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to observe the distribution of chaperone hsp70 in the CA1 neurons. Differential centrifuge was used to isolate cytosol, nucleus and protein aggregates fractions. Western blot was used to analyze the quantitative alterations of protein aggregates and inducible chaperone hsp70 in cellular fractions and in protein aggregates under different ischemic conditions. Results Histological examination showed that ischemic preconditioning significantly reduced delayed neuronal death in the hippocampus CA1 region （P 〈 0.01 vs 10-min ischemia group）. Sublethal ischemic preconditioning induced chaperone hsp70 expression in the CA1 neurons after 24 h reperfusion following 10-min ischemia. Induced-hsp70 combined with the abnormal proteins produced during the secondary lethal 10-min ischemia and inhibited the formation of cytotoxic protein aggregates（P〈0.01 vs 10-min ischemia group）.Conelusion Ischemic preconditioning induced chaperone hsp70 expression and inhibited protein aggregates formation in the CA1 neurons when suffered secondary lethal ischemia, which may protect neurons from death.

Duplicate preconditioning with sevoflurane in vitro improves neuroprotection in rat brain via activating the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase

Objective Sevoflurane preconditioning has been demonstrated to reduce cerebral ischemia–reperfusion（IR） injury,but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Besides,different protocols would usually lead to different results.The objective of this study was to determine whether dual exposure to sevoflurane improves the effect of anesthetic preconditioning against oxygen and glucose deprivation（OGD）injury in vitro.Methods Rat hippocampal slices under normoxic conditions（95%O2/5%CO2）were pre-exposed to sevoflurane 1,2 and 3 minimum alveolar concentration （MAC）for 30 min,once or twice,with 15-min washout after each exposure.The slices were then subjected to 13-min OGD treatment（95%N2/5%CO2,glucose-free）,followed by 30-min reoxygenation.The population spikes（PSs）were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus.The percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment was calculated,since it could indicate the recovery degree of neuronal function.In addition,to assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）in preconditioning,U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）,and SB203580,an inhibitor of p38 MAPK,were separately added 10 min before sevoflurane exposure.Results Preconditioning once with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment,from（15.13±3.79）%（control）to（31.88±5.36）%, （44.00±5.01）%,and（49.50±6.25）%,respectively,and twice preconditioning with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage to（38.53±4.36）%,（50.74±7.05）%and（55.86±6.23）%,respectively.The effect of duplicate preconditioning with sevoflurane 3 MAC was blocked by U0126[（16.23±4.62）%].Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning can induce neuroprotection against OGD injury in vitro,and preconditioning twice enhances this effect.Besides,the activation of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）may be involved in this process.

Desferoxamine preconditioning protects against cerebral ischemia in rats by inducing expressions of hypoxia inducible factor 1α and erythropoietin

Objective To investigate whether desferoxamine （DFO） preconditioning can induce tolerance against cerebral ischemia and its effect on the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 α （HIF- 1α） and erythropoietin （EPO） in vivo and in vitro. Methods Rat model of cerebral ischemia was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion with or without DFO administration. Infarct size was examined by TTC staining, and the neurological severity score was evaluated according to published method. Cortical neurons were cultured under ischemia stress which was mimicked by oxygen-glucose deprivation （OGD）, and the neuron damage was assessed by MTT assay. Immunofluorescent staining was employed to detect the expressions of HIF-1 and EPO. Results The protective effect induced by DFO （decreasing the infarction volume and ameliorating the neurological function） appeared at 2 d after administration ofDFO （post-DFO）, lasted until 7 d and disappeared at 14 d （P 〈 0.05）; the most effective action was observed at 3 d post-DFO. DFO induced tolerance of cultured neurons against OGD： neuronal viability was increased 23%, 34%, 40%, 48% and 56% at 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h, respectively, post-DFO （P 〈 0.05）. Immunofluorescent staining found that HIF-1 α and EPO were upregulated in the neurons of rat brain at 3 d and 7 d post-DFO; increase of HIF-1 α and EPO appeared in cultured cortex neurons at 36 h and 48 h post-DFO. Conclusion DFO induced tolerance against focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and exerted protective effect on OGD cultured cortical neurons. DFO significant induced the expression of HIF- 1 α and EPO both in vivo and in vitro. DFO preconditioning can protect against cerebral ischemia, which may be associated with the synthesis of HIF- 1 α and EPO.

Protective effects of ischemic preconditioning and application of lipoic acid prior to 90 min of hepatic ischemia in a rat model

AIM： To compare different preconditioning strategies to protect the liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury focusing on the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Interventions comprised different modes of ischemic preconditioning （IP） as well as pharmacologic pretreatment by α-lipoic acid （LA）. METHODS： Several groups of rats were compared： sham operated animals, non-pretreated animals （nt）, animals receiving IP （10 rain of ischemia by clamping of the portal triad and 10 min of reperfusion） prior to sustained ischemia, animals receiving selective ischemic preconditioning （IPsel, 10 min of ischemia by selective clamping of the ischemic lobe and 10 rain of reperfusion） prior to sustained ichemia, and animals receiving 500 1μmol α-LA injected i.v. 15 min prior to the induction of 90 min of selective ischemia. RESULTS： Cellular damage was decreased only in the LA group. TUNEL-positive hepatocytes as well as necrotic hepatocyte injury were also decreased only by LA（19 ± 2 vs 10 ± 1, P〈 0.05 and 29 ± 5 vs 12 ± 1, P 〈 0.05）. Whereas caspase 3- activities in liver tissue were unchanged, caspase 9- activity in liver tissue was decreased only by LA pretreatment （3.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.8 ± 0.2, P 〈 0.05）. Survival rate as the endpoint of liver function was increased after IP and LA pretreatment but not after IPsel. Levels of lipid peroxidation （LPO） in liver tissue were decreased in the IP as well as in the LA group compared to the nt group. Determination of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins showed a shift towards anti-apoptotic proteins by LA. In contrast, both our IP strategies failed to influence apototic cell death. CONCLUSION： IP, consisting of 10 min of ischemia and 10 min of reperfusion, ischemia/reperfusion injury protects only partly against of the liver prior to 90 min of selective ischemia. IPsel did not influence ischemic tolerance of the liver. LA improved tolerance to ischemia, possibly by downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax.

Remote ischemic preconditioning as treatment for non-ischemic gastrointestinal disorders: Beyond ischemia-reperfusion injury

Common gastrointestinal diseases such as radiation enteritis(RE),acute pancreatitis,inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)and drug-induced hepatotoxicity share pathophysiological mechanisms at the molecular level,mostly involving the activation of many pathways of the immune response,ultimately leading to tissue injury.Increased oxidative stress,inflammatory cytokine release,inflammatory cell infiltration and activation and the up-regulation of inflammatory transcription factors participate in the pathophysiology of these complex entities.Treatment varies in each specific disease,but at least in the cases of RE and IBD immunosuppressors are effective.However,full therapeutic responses are not always achieved.The pathophysiology of ischemiareperfusion(IR)injury shares many of these mechanisms.Brief and repetitive periods of ischemia in an organ or limb have been shown to protect against subsequent major IR injury in distant organs,a phenomenon called remote ischemic preconditioning(RIP).This procedure has been shown to protect the gut,pancreas and liver by modulating many of the same inflammatory mechanisms.Since RIP is safe and tolerable,and has shown to be effective in some recent clinical trials,I suggest that RIP could be used as a physiologicallyrelevant adjunct treatment for non-ischemic gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Moderate alcohol preconditioning activates BKCa channels to protect brain damage-induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

OBJCETIVE Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that consumption of moderate amounts of red wine is associated with significant reductions in incidences of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,which may be related to alcohol in red wine.Our previous study demonstrated that ethanol ingestion 24 h prior to induction of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion(I/R)reduced delayed neuronal death(DND).Our most recent results supported a role for big Ca2+-sensitive K+channel(BKCa channel)activation in the neuroprotective effects of ethanol preconditioning(Et OH-PC)in global cerebral I/R.Therefore,we hypothesis that moderate Et OH-PC activates BKCa channel to protect brain damage induced by focal cerebral I/R.This project will utilize focal cerebral I/R animal model to explore the function of BKCa channel in Et OH-PC protection in vivo levels by means of pharmacological intervention such as BKCa channel opene(rNS11021,NS)and blocke(rpaxilline,PX).The results will provide theoretical evidence for neuroprotective effect of moderate alcohol preconditioning against ischemic stroke,and the conclusion will also bring to a concept that extrinsic moderate ethanol preconditioning may activate intrinsic protective mechanism in the brain.METHODS The SD rat were randomly divided into the following six groups(n=10):sham,I/R,Et OH-PC+I/R,NS11021-PC+I/R,paxilline+Et OH-PC+I/R,Paxilline+NS11021-PC+I/R.Both Et OH-PC and NS11021-PC(0.1mg·kg-1;ip)were induced 24 h before I/R.The volume of 95%ethanol to be instilled(inμL)was calculated as follows:〔body weight(g)×0.6〕+0.3.This volume of ethanol was mixed in 0.3 m L of sterile distilled water just before administration to the animals by gavage.The Paxilline(2.5 mg·kg-1;ip)was administered 10min beforeEt OH-PC and NS11021-PC.The right middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)was produced by inversion of a 4-0-nylon filament.The filament was withdrawn 2 h after onset of MCAO and then reperfused.Neurological deficits and infarct volume were measured 24 h after I/R.Another 36 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as above,6 in each group.DWI were performed 2h after ischemic and T2WI MRI were performed 24 h after I/R to observe the infarct volume of brain and the penumbra volume of brain in each group.Then rats were killed and detected the apoptotic cell death and degeneration of neurons.RESULTS Compared to I/R group,the neurological score(P<0.01),the infarct volume of brain(P<0.01),the infarct volume of ischemic penumbra(P<0.01),the percentage of apoptotic cell death(P<0.01)and the percentage of degenerative neurons(P<0.01)were significantly decreased after ethanol preconditioning,while these changes were reversed by paxilline(P<0.05);compared to I/R group,the neurological score(P<0.01),the infarct volume of brain(P<0.01),the infarct volume of ischemic penumbra(P<0.01),the percentage of apoptotic cell death(P<0.01)and the percentage of degenerative neurons(P<0.01)were significantly decreased after NS11021 preconditioning,while these changes were reversed by paxilline(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our results show that moderate alcohol preconditioning activates BKCa channels to protect brain damage induced by focal cerebral I/R.

Involvement of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein induced by hydrogen peroxide preconditioning in PC12 cells

Objective To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen peroxide preconditioning （HPP） on the pheochromocytoma （PC12） cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium （MPP^＋） and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods The viability and apoptosis of PC 12 cells were determinded by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole （DAPI） staining, respectively. The expressions of 14-3-3 protein and phospholylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） were determined by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）. Results The cell viability decreased and the number of apoptotic cells increased dramatically in MPP^＋ group compared with that in Control group. HPP induced a significant increase in cell viability and a marked decrease in population of apoptotic cells of the MPP^＋- treated PC 12 cells, accompanied with up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein and increase of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. The 14-3-3 protein expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 with PD98059 abolished the 14-3-3 protein up-regulation in PC 12 cells induced by HPP. Conclusion HPP protects PC 12 cells against MPP＋ toxicity by up-regulating 14-3-3 protein expression through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning induces protection against lipopolysac-charide -induced neurotoxicity in organotypic midbrain slice culture

Objective To identify the protective effect of lipopolysaccharide （LPS） preconditioning against LPS-induced inflammatory damage in dopaminergic neurons of midbrain slice culture and the possible mechanisms. Methods After cultured in vitro for 14 d, the rat organotypic midbrain slices were pretreated with different concentrations （0, 1, 3, 6 or 10 ng/mL） of LPS for 24 h followed by treatment with 100 ng/mL LPS for 72 h. The whole slice viability was detelmined by measurement of the activity of lactic acid dehydrogenase （LDH）. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive （TH-IR） neurons and CD 1 1 b/c equivalent-immunoreactive （OX-42-IR） microglia in the slices were observed by immunohistochemical method, and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α levels in the culture media were detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assays （ELISA）. Results In the slices treated with 100 ng/mL LPS for 72 h, the number of TH-IR neurons reduced from 191± 12 in the control slices to 46±4, and the LDH activity elevated obviously （P 〈 0.01）, along with remarkably increased number of OX-42-IR cells and production of TNF-α （P 〈 0.01）. Preconditioning with 3 or 6 ng/mL LPS attenuated neuron loss （the number of TH-IR neurons increased to 126± 12 and 180± 13, respectively） and markedly reduced LDH levels （P 〈 0.05）, accompanied by significant decreases of OX-42-IR microglia activation and TNF-α production （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion Low-dose LPS preconditioning could protect dopaminergic neurons against inflammatory damage in rat midbrain slice culture, and inhibition of microglial activation and reduction of the proinflammatory factor TNF-α production may contribute to this protective effect. Further understanding the underlying mechanism of LPS preconditioning may open a new window for treatment of Parkinson＇s disease.

Hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning attenuate PKCδ-medi-ated injury in patients and mice with cerebral infarction

Objective:cerebral ischemic/hypox-ic preconditioning(I/HPC)is an endogenous strategy in which brief periods of sublethal ischemia/hypoxia render neural tissues resistant to subsequent ischemic/hypoxic damage.This phenomenon has been found in the brain,heart,liver,intestine,muscle,kidneys,and lung.How-ever,whether HPC has a protective effect on secondary cerebral ischemic injury or protein kinase Cδ(PKCδ)within ischemic patients and animal models is still un-clear.Methods:using a hypoxic preconditioned mouse model and a middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse mod-el,combined with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining,SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE),and Western blot,we observed changes in infarction size,density,edema ratio,and changes in PKCδand membrane translocation within the ischemic cortex of the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)mice.Results:HPC can attenuate neurological deficits and cerebral ischemic injuries of mice following MCAO,including decreases in infarct size,edema ratio,densities of infarct area,and neuron loss.In addition,HPC inhib-its PKCδmembrane translocation in the penumbra of the MCAO-induced ischemic cortex.We found that admin-istration of PKCδ-specific inhibitor dV1-1 mimics the neuroprotective effects of HPC,and nonisoform-specif-ic activation of PKC can partially abolish HPC-induced neuroprotection.Ischemic preconditioning decreased the levels of PKCδin the serum of patients with cerebral in-farction and reduced the cerebral nerve damage caused by ischemia.Conclusion:hypoxic/ischemic precondi-tioning attenuates PKCδ-mediated injury in patients and mice.These findings enrich our understanding of the sig-nal transduction mechanism underlying cerebral HPC and provide clues to developing medicine against ischemia/hypoxia-induced cerebral injuries.

Research advances on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine for neuroprotection in glaucoma

Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells （RGCs） and their axons is the main pathogenesis of glaucoma. The cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but the neurodegeneration of glaucoma involves many mechanisms such as oxidative stress, glutamate toxicity and ischemia/ reperfusion insult. In order to target these mechanisms, multiple neuroprotective interventions have been investigated to prevent the death of RGCs. Of note are some tonic herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pharmacopeia that have shown neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. TCM differs from Western medicine in that TCM exhibits complicated bioactive com- ponents, triggering many signaling pathways and extensive actions on vital organs. Modern scientific approaches have demonstrated some of their underlying mechanisms. In this review, we used Lycium barbarum and Ginkgo biloba as examples to elaborate the characteristics of TCM and their potential applications in neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Impact of hypoxic preconditioning on apoptosis and its possible mechanism in orthotopic liver autotransplantation in rats

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte apoptosis is a severe form of cell death after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), and its relief is an important issue in liver transplantation. Hypoxic preconditioning (HP) is considered to have protective effects on HIRI. This study was designed to explore the impact of HP on apoptosis and its possible mechanism during orthotopic liver autotransplantation. METHODS: A modified orthotopic liver autotransplantation model was used to simulate HIRI. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, autotransplantation (AT) and HP groups. The HP group was subjected to an 8% oxygen atmosphere for 90 minutes before surgery. At 1, 6 and 24 hours after surgery, the rats were killed and their liver tissue was sampled to assess the expression of Bcl-2 protein. The samples were subjected to blood chemistry study, morphological study under a light or transmission electron microscope, and quantitative study of mitochondria. RESULTS: The serum levels of ALT and AST in the HP group were lower than those in the AT group at 1, 6 and 24 hours after orthotopic liver autotransplantation (P < 0.05). Bcl-2 protein expression was increased in the HP group at each measurement point (P < 0.05). Light microscopy showed that hepatic injury in the AT group was much more severe than in the HP group. Hepatocytes in the AT group showed typical apoptosis signs under a transmission electron microscope. The ultrastructural appearance of hepatocytes in the HP group was much better than in the AT group, and the area, perimeter and diameter of the mitochondria were smaller in the HP group than in the AT group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocytes sense and respond to decreased tissue oxygenation. Stimulation by HP relieves apoptosis by upregulating expression of Bcl-2 protein and its protection of mitochondria after orthotopic liver autotransplantation.