Cerebral arterial blood flow,attention,and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension,and surgery is currently the main treatment for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage,but the bleeding caused by surgery will cause damage to the patient's nerve cells,resulting in cognitive and motor dysfunction,resulting in a decline in the patient's quality of life.AIM To investigate associations between cerebral arterial blood flow and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and July 2021 were selected as the observation group,while 100 patients without depression who had acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage were selected as the control group.The attention span of the patients was assessed using the Paddle Pin Test while executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA).The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-24)was used to evaluate the severity of depression of involved patients.Cerebral arterial blood flow was measured in both groups.RESULTS The MoCA score,net scores I,II,III,IV,and the total net score of the scratch test in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Concurrently,the total number of responses,number of incorrect responses,number of persistent errors,and number of completed responses of the first classification in the WCST test were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery were positively correlated with the net and total net scores of each part of the Paddle Pin test and the MoCA score(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with each part of the WCST test(P<0.05).In the observation group,the post-treatment improvement was more prominent in the Paddle Pin test,WCST test,HAMD-24 score,and MoCA score compared with those in the pre-treatment period(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery significantly improved in the observation group after treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired attention,and executive and cognitive functions are correlated with cerebral artery blood flow in patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and warrant further study.

Hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919)ameliorates functional deficits after traumatic brain injury in mice by activating the sigma-1 receptor for antioxidation

Traumatic brain injury involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms,among which oxidative stress significantly contributes to the occurrence of secondary injury.In this study,we evaluated hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919),a self-developed antidepressant with selective sigma-1 receptor agonist properties,and its associated mechanisms and targets in traumatic brain injury.Behavioral experiments to assess functional deficits were followed by assessment of neuronal damage through histological analyses and examination of blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema.Next,we investigated the antioxidative effects of YL-0919 by assessing the levels of traditional markers of oxidative stress in vivo in mice and in vitro in HT22 cells.Finally,the targeted action of YL-0919 was verified by employing a sigma-1 receptor antagonist(BD-1047).Our findings demonstrated that YL-0919 markedly improved deficits in motor function and spatial cognition on day 3 post traumatic brain injury,while also decreasing neuronal mortality and reversing blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema.Furthermore,YL-0919 effectively combated oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro.The protective effects of YL-0919 were partially inhibited by BD-1047.These results indicated that YL-0919 relieved impairments in motor and spatial cognition by restraining oxidative stress,a neuroprotective effect that was partially reversed by the sigma-1 receptor antagonist BD-1047.YL-0919 may have potential as a new treatment for traumatic brain injury.

Outcomes of the effect of exercise on cognitive function in patients with depression:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is a common mental disorder,characterized by a high rate of suicide and recurrence,which is frequently accompanied by cognitive impairments,particularly in executive function,memory,attention,and infor-mation processing speed.As such,improving the cognitive function in patients with depression and enhancing their quality of life are urgent issues.AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of exercise on cognitive function in patients with depression.METHODS The PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Medical,VIP,and Biomedical Databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)databases were searched(from inception to October 19,2023)for studies investigating improvements in cognitive function in patients with depression through exercise.Tools recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for RCT evaluation,and GRADEpro and Stata17 software,were employed for risk of bias assessment,evidence grading,forest plot construction,subgroup and sensitivity analyses,and assessment of publication bias.RESULTS Seventeen RCTs(1173 patients with depression)were included.Exercise had a small but significant positive effect on attention,with an effect size of 0.21,95%CI:0.07-0.34,P<0.01.Specifically,aerobic exercise regimens of 30-60 minute/session,thrice a week,at moderate intensity,and sustained over 3-12 weeks,were associated with the most pronounced benefits(P<0.05),with effect sizes for executive function,memory,and information processing speed of 0.11,95%CI:-0.11-0.32,P=0.34;0.08,95%CI:0.00-0.16,P=0.05;and 0.14,95%CI:0.04-0.25,P=0.01,respectively.The evidence levels for attention,information processing speed,and memory were rated as'low,’whereas that for executive function was rated as'very low’.CONCLUSION Exercise could improve attention and information-processing speed in patients with depression,although improvements in executive function and memory are not significant.

Relationship between intracranial pressure and neurocognitive function among older adults after radical resection of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Older patients are prone to postoperative cognitive decline after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery,which may be associated with increased intraoperative intracranial pressure(ICP).This study investigated the correlation between intra-operative ICP changes,as indicated by measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)using ultrasonography,and subsequent cognitive function to provide better patient care.AIM To evaluate changes in ICP and associated postoperative neurocognition in older adults after laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.METHODS We included 140 patients who visited the Mianyang Central Hospital for malig-nant rectal tumors,measured their ONSDs before surgery and 30 and 60 minutes after the Trendelenburg position during surgery,and evaluated the patients’cog-nitive function 1 day before surgery and 1,4,and 7 days after surgery.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and confusion assessment method(CAM)scores of the patients with different ONSDs were compared at different times after surgery.RESULTS In patients with an ONSD greater than 5.00 mm(group A1),the MMSE scores at 1 day and 4 days after surgery were significantly lower than those of patients with an ONSD less than or equal to 4.00 mm(group A2)(P<0.05).The CAM scores of group A1 were significantly higher than those of group A2(P<0.05).The MMSE scores of group A1 on days 1 and 4 after surgery were significantly lower than those 1 day before and 7 days after surgery(P<0.05),while the CAM scores 1 day and 4 days after surgery were significantly higher than those 1 day before and 7 days after surgery.CONCLUSION Decline in cognitive function among older adults after the procedure may be related to intracranial hypertension during surgery.

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients caused by downregulation of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subunits

BACKGROUND The expression pattern of gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA)receptor subunits are commonly altered in patients with schizophrenia,which may lead to nerve excitation/inhibition problems,affecting cognition,emotion,and behavior.AIM To explore GABA receptor expression and its relationship with schizophrenia and to provide insights into more effective treatments.METHODS This case-control study enrolled 126 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital and 126 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period.The expression levels of the GABA receptor subunits were detected using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy.The recognized cognitive battery tool,the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery,was used to evaluate the scores for various dimensions of cognitive function.The correlation between GABA receptor subunit downregulation and schizophrenia was also analyzed.RESULTS Significant differences in GABA receptor subunit levels were found between the case and control groups(P<0.05).A significant difference was also found between the case and control groups in terms of cognitive function measures,including attention/alertness and learning ability(P<0.05).Specifically,as the expression levels of GABRA1(α1 subunit gene),GABRB2(β2 subunit gene),GABRD(δsubunit),and GABRE(εsubunit)decreased,the severity of the patients’condition increased gradually,indicating a positive correlation between the downregulation of these 4 receptor subunits and schizophrenia(P<0.05).However,the expression levels of GABRA5(α5 subunit gene)and GABRA6(α6 subunit gene)showed no significant correlation with schizophrenia(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Downregulation of the GABA receptor subunits is positively correlated with schizophrenia.In other words,when GABA receptor subunits are downregulated in patients,cognitive impairment becomes more severe.

Computerized cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive impairment and social function in patients with chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia may have various disease manifestations,most of which gradually tend toward incurable chronic decline,leading to mental disability.The basic symptoms of the disease can impair social function,whereas long-term hospitalization produces hospitalization syndrome,causing serious damage to social function.AIM To investigate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Remediation Therapy(CCRT)on cognitive and social functioning in patients with chronic schizophrenia.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 120 patients with chronic schizophrenia in Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center was performed.They were divided into an intervention group(60 cases treated with CCRT combined with conventional medication)and a control group(60 cases treated with conventional medication).After treatment,effects on cognitive function and social roles were observed in both groups.The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)was used to assess the patients'psychiatric symptoms.The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)was used to assess the patients'cognitive functioning,and the Social Functioning Scale for Psychiatric Inpatients(SSPI)was used to assess the social functioning of the inpatient psychiatric patients.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the PANSS,WCST,and SSPI intergroup scores before treatment(P>0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,general psychopathological factors,positive symptoms,negative symptoms,and total PANSS scores of PANSS in the intervention group were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of treatment,the number of false responses,number of persistent bugs,and total responses in the WCST were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the amount of completed classification was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,the SSPI scores were significantly greater than those of the controls(P<0.05).After 6 wk of treatment,the efficacy rates of the control and intervention groups were 81.67%and 91.67%,respectively.The curative effect in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION CCRT can significantly improve cognitive function and social abilities in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Abnormalities of electroencephalography microstates in patients with depression and their association with cognitive function

BACKGROUND A growing number of recent studies have explored underlying activity in the brain by measuring electroencephalography(EEG)in people with depression.However,the consistency of findings on EEG microstates in patients with depression is poor,and few studies have reported the relationship between EEG microstates,cognitive scales,and depression severity scales.AIM To investigate the EEG microstate characteristics of patients with depression and their association with cognitive functions.METHODS A total of 24 patients diagnosed with depression and 32 healthy controls were included in this study using the Structured Clinical Interview for Disease for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.We collected information relating to demographic and clinical characteristics,as well as data from the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS;Chinese version)and EEG.RESULTS Compared with the controls,the duration,occurrence,and contribution of microstate C were significantly higher[depression(DEP):Duration 84.58±24.35,occurrence 3.72±0.56,contribution 30.39±8.59;CON:Duration 72.77±10.23,occurrence 3.41±0.36,contribution 24.46±4.66;Duration F=6.02,P=0.049;Occurrence F=6.19,P=0.049;Contribution F=10.82,P=0.011]while the duration,occurrence,and contribution of microstate D were significantly lower(DEP:Duration 70.00±15.92,occurrence 3.18±0.71,contribution 22.48±8.12;CON:Duration 85.46±10.23,occurrence 3.54±0.41,contribution 28.25±5.85;Duration F=19.18,P<0.001;Occurrence F=5.79,P=0.050;Contribution F=9.41,P=0.013)in patients with depression.A positive correlation was observed between the visuospatial/constructional scores of the RBANS scale and the transition probability of microstate class C to B(r=0.405,P=0.049).CONCLUSION EEG microstate,especially C and D,is a possible biomarker in depression.Patients with depression had a more frequent transition from microstate C to B,which may relate to more negative rumination and visual processing.

Associations between residence and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of leisure activity

Background:Cognitive function is a current research hotspot,residence may be related to differences in cognitive function,and the mediating role of leisure activities are limited in Chinese research.This study used leisure activities as a mediating variable to investigate the mediating role of leisure activity between place of residence(city-town-rural)and cognitive function among Chinese older,this is where the innovation of the article comes in.Methods:Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey,Pearson correlation analyses were employed to examine the relationships among various indicators.Mediation analyses were conducted using the SPSS PROCESS macro program,version 3.5,written by Hayes,to explore the mediating effects of leisure activity between place of residence and cognitive function in older adults.Results:A total of 10955 older adults were included in this study,with a mean age of(84.23±11.57)years.Among them,2739(24.8%)lived in the city,3627(33.1%)in town,and 4615(42.1%)in rural areas;their leisure activity score was(5.34±3.77),and their cognitive function score was(24.69±6.65).Place of residence,leisure activities,and cognitive function were significantly correlated(P<0.01).Using city as a reference,place of residence is negatively associated with cognitive function,and place of residence not only had a direct effect on cognitive function in older adults:town-cognitive function(effect=–0.399;95%confidence interval(CI)=(–0.685,–0.113));rural-cognitive function(effect=–0.42;95%CI=(–0.698,–0.141)).There were also indirect effects on cognitive function through the pathway of leisure activity:town-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.17;95%CI=(–0.246,–0.1)),rural-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.199;95%CI=(–0.272,–0.13)).Conclusion:Leisure activities play a partially mediating role between the impact of place of residence and cognitive function in Chinese older adults,and it is vital to pay attention to the impact of place of residence on the cognitive function of older adults in various aspects,and to increase the participation rate of older adults in leisure activities,which is beneficial to the prevention of cognitive decline and the protection of older adult’s physical and mental health.

Clinical Study on the Effect of Continuity of Care in CICU on Improving Cognitive Function and Psychological State in Patients with Heart Failure

Objective:To analyze the effect of continuity of care in the cardiac intensive care unit(CICU)on improving cognitive function and psychological state in patients with heart failure(HF).Methods:A total of 112 chronic HF patients admitted to the CICU of Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from July 2022 to August 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using the red and blue ball method:a control group(n=56)and a study group(n=56).The control group received routine CICU nursing management,while the study group received routine CICU nursing combined with continuity of care management.Cognitive function(using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment,MoCA),psychological state(using the Self-Rating Depression Scale,SDS,and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,SAS),and quality of life(using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire,MLHFQ)were compared between the two groups.Results:After the intervention,the cognitive function scores of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The SDS and SAS scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).The quality of life in the study group was also significantly better than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:CICU continuity of care can effectively improve cognitive function and psychological state in patients with HF,while also enhancing their quality of life.

Comparative efficacy of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:Exercise is a promising nonpharmacological therapy for cognitive dysfunction,but it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective.The objective of this study was to compare and rank the effectiveness of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCI)or dementia and to examine the effects of exercise on the symptoms relevant to cognitive impairment.Methods:We searched PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,SPORTDiscus,and PsycInfo through September 2019 and included randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions in patients with MCI or dementia.Primary outcomes included global cognition,executive cognition,and memory cognition.Secondary outcomes included activities of daily living,neuropsychiatric symptoms,and quality of life.Pairwise analyses and network meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model.Results:A total of 73 articles from 71 trials with 5606 participants were included.All types of exercise were effective in increasing or maintaining global cognition,and resistance exercise had the highest probability of being the most effective intervention in slowing the decrease in global cognition(standard mean difference(SMD)=1.05,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.56-1.54),executive function(SMD=0.85,95%CI:0.21-1.49),and memory function(SMD=0.32,95%CI:0.01-0.63)in patients with cognitive dysfunction.Subgroup analyses for patients with MCI revealed different effects,and multicomponent exercise was most likely to be the optimal exercise therapy for preventing the decline of global cognition(SMD=0.99,95%CI:0.44-1.54)and executive function(SMD=0.72,95%CI:0.06-1.38).However,only resistance exercise showed significant effects on memory function for patients with MCI(SMD=0.35,95%CI:0.01-0.69).Exercise interventions also showed various effects on the secondary outcomes.Conclusion:Resistance exercise has the highest probability of being the optimal exercise type for slowing cognitive declin e in patients withcognitive dysfunction,especially in patients with dementia.Multicomponent exercise tends to be most effective in protecting global cognition and executive function in patients with MCI.

Hippocampal insulin resistance and the Sirtuin 1 signaling pathway in diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction

In the peripheral nervous system,the activation of Sirtuin 1 can improve insulin resistance;however,the role played by Sirtuin 1 in the central nervous system remains unknown.In this study,rat models of diabetes mellitus were generated by a single injection of streptozotocin.At 8 weeks after streptozotocin injection,the Morris water maze test and western blot assays confirmed that the diabetic model rats had learning and memory deficits,insulin resistance,and Sirtuin 1 expression could be detected in the hippocampus.Insulin and the insulin receptor inhibitor S961 were intranasally administered to investigate the regulatory effects of insulin signaling on Sirtuin 1.The results showed that insulin administration improved the impaired cognitive function of diabetic model rats and increased the expression levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor,phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1,and Sirtuin 1 in the hippocampus.Conversely,S961 administration resulted in more severe cognitive dysfunction and reduced the expression levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor,phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1,and Sirtuin 1.The Sirtuin 1 activator SRT2104 and the inhibitor Sirtinol were injected into the lateral ventricle,which revealed that the activation of Sirtuin 1 increased the expression levels of target of rapamycin complex 1,phosphorylated cAMP-response elementbinding protein,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.Hippocampal dendritic length and spine density also increased in response to Sirtuin 1 activation.In contrast,Sirtinol decreased the expression levels of target of rapamycin complex 1,phosphorylated cAMP-response elementbinding protein,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and damaged the dendritic structure.These findings suggest that the Sirtuin 1 signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance-related cognitive deficits in diabetic rats.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Welfare Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine(approval No.ZYFY201811207)in November 2018.

Influences of Microwave on the Cognitive Function of Chickling and the Gene Expression of NMDA Receptor Subunit

[Objective] The research aimed to study the effects of microwave on the chick embryo development and the cognitive function of chickling. [Method] The microwave which was transmitted by the permatron and was 2 450 MHz was used to simulate the microwave radiation source to radiate the hatching eggs until the chickling was hatched out. The disposable passive avoidance learning and RT-PCR were respectively used to detect the influences of microwave on the cognitive function of chickling and the expression amounts of NMDA receptor NR1 and NR2 subunits. [Result] After the microwave radiation,the avoidance rate of exposed group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Especially the avoidance rate of highest radiation intensity group was extremely significantly lower than that in the control group. Meanwhile,the body weights of two groups of chickling in the exposed group increased,and the hatching time in one group increased. Via RT-PCR analysis,the expression amount of NR2 subunit increased on the 10th day and the 15th day. The expression amount of NR1 subunit only decreased on the 15th day. [Conclusion] The microwave had the certain influence on the individual development. By changing the structure composition and function of NMDA receptor in the endbrain,the microwave made the self-regulation ability of chickling decline,which had the certain damage on the cognitive function.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields promote cognitive function and hippocampal neurogenesis of rats with cerebral ischemia

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields(ELF-EMF) can improve the learning and memory impairment of rats with Alzheimer's disease, however, its effect on cerebral ischemia remains poorly understood.In this study, we established rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion.One day after modeling, a group of rats were treated with ELF-EMF(50 Hz, 1 mT) for 2 hours daily on 28 successive days.Our results showed that rats treated with ELF-EMF required shorter swimming distances and latencies in the Morris water maze test than those of untreated rats.The number of times the platform was crossed and the time spent in the target quadrant were greater than those of untreated rats.The number of BrdU~+/NeuN~+ cells, representing newly born neurons, in the hippocampal subgranular zone increased more in the treated than in untreated rats.Up-regulation in the expressions of Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5 proteins, which are the key factors of the Notch signaling pathway, was greatest in the treated rats.These findings suggest that ELF-EMF can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis of rats with cerebral ischemia, possibly by affecting the Notch signaling pathway.The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Sichuan University, China(approval No.2019255A) on March 5, 2019.

Effects of Lipoxin A4 Pretreatment on Cognitive Function of Aged Rats after Global Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lipoxin A4 （LXA4） pretreatment on cognitive function of aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion, and to explore its possible mechanism. Thirty-six aged male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups （n=12 each）： sham-operation group （S group）, global cerebral ischemia reperfusion group （I/R group） and LXA4-pretreatment group （L group）. The rat model of global cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery with hypotension. The cognitive function of rats was determined by a step-down type passive avoidance test and Morris Water Maze test on the third day after reperfusion. Rats were sacrificed after Water Maze test and the pathological changes ofhippocampal CA1 region were observed and the related inflammatory mediators were determined. As compared with S group, the escape latency in I/R group was prolonged from the first day to the fifth day, while that in L group was prolonged from the first day to the third day. The retention time in I/R group and L group in the first quadrant was shortened. The reaction time, frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in I/R group increased, and the latent period shortened. The frequency of escape mistake in L group increased, and the damage in the hippocampal CAI region of I/R group and L group was obvious. The levels of S-10013, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and NF-κB in I/R group and L group increased. As compared with I/R group, the escape latency in L group was shortened from the first day to the fifth day, and the retention time in the first quadrant prolonged. The reaction time, frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in L group decreased, and the latent period prolonged. The damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of L group was alleviated as well. The levels of S-10013, TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB in L group decreased, and those of IL-10 increased. It can be concluded that LXA4 pretreatment can improve the cognitive function in aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion probably by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction.

Adolescent social isolation influences cognitive function in adult rats

Adolescence is a critical period for neurodevelopment. Evidence from animal studies suggests that isolated rearing can exert negative effects on behavioral and brain development. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adolescent social isolation on latent inhibition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the forebrain of adult rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into adolescent isolation （isolated housing, 38-51 days of age） and social groups. Latent inhibition was tested at adulthood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were measured in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adolescent social isolation impaired latent inhibition and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of young adult rats. These data suggest that adolescent social isolation has a profound effect on cognitive function and neurotrophin levels in adult rats and may be used as an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Endogenous adult neurogenesis and cognitive function recovery following traumatic brain injury in the rat hippocampus

BACKGROUND：Endogenous neural progenitor cells play a beneficial role for cognitive recovery following traumatic brain injury.However,there are few classification-control studies aimed at varying graded brain trauma.OBJECTIVE：To observe the effects of adult endogenous neurogenesis on cognitive function repair and regeneration of neural progenitor cells following varying graded traumatic hippocampal injury to determine the significance of endogenous neurogenesis in the repair of brain injury.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled,animal experiment was performed at the Key Laboratory of Injuries,Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System,Tianjin Medical University General Hospital,from February to October 2009.MATERIALS：Mouse anti-rat 5-bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） and neuronal nuclei （NeuN） monoclonal antibodies were purchased from Millipore Corporation,USA.METHODS：A total of 45 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups.Mild and severe injury groups were respectively subjected to （182 ± 2） kPa and （284 ± 4） kPa lateral fluid percussion to establish models of brain injury,and the control group was subjected to surgery with no lateral fluid percussion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Cognitive function was estimated using the Morris water maze.Proliferation,survival,and differentiation of newly generated cells in the injured hippocampus were observed through the use of immunofluorescent staining.RESULTS：At 7 days post-injury,the number of BrdU＋ cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus significantly increased in the mild and severe injury groups compared with the control group （P〈0.01）.At 61 days post-injury,the number of BrdU7NeuN＋ cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was significantly greater in the mild injury group compared with the severe injury and control groups （P〈 0.01）.In addition,the control group exhibited the greatest proportion of surviving cells that differentiated into mature neurons compared with the injury groups （P〈 0.01）.Moreover,at 61 days post-injury,cognitive function in rats with mild injury recovered to normal levels,whereas the severe injury group exhibited cognitive deficits （P〈 0.01）.CONCLUSION：Traumatic brain injury may be a stimulation factor for proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the adult hippocampus but severe brain trauma does not lead to an increased number of newly generated cells.Endogenous adult neurogenesis repairs neurological functions to an extent.However,recovery of neurological function remains limited following severe traumatic brain injury.

Correlation of diffusion tensor imaging and cognitive function in patients with leukoaraiosis

Conventional imaging technology does not measure white matter lesions of the brain or cognitive impairment. Diffusion tensor imaging is able to detect changes in the microstructure of white matter, and correlating vascular risk factors with cognitive dysfunction seems feasible using this technique. A total of 60 leukoaraiosis patients and 30 healthy elderly controls received diffusion tensor imaging examination to detect the average diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy of leukoaraiosis lesion and normal white matter. Leukoaraiosis severity positively correlated with average diffusion coefficient but negatively correlated with fraction anisotropy. Neuropsychology tests （mini-mental state examination） were related to average diffusion coefficient and fraction anisotropy of normal white matter in leukoaraiosis patients, especially in the anterior horn and centrum semiovale. The average diffusion coefficient and fraction anisotropy of leukoaraiosis displayed characteristic changes. Therefore, diffusion tensor imaging can detect the macrostructural changes in white matter with normal magnetic resonance imaging, and these changes are related to cognitive function. Application of diffusion tensor imaging techniques to analyze the correlation between vascular risk factors and cognitive dysfunction is feasible.

Updated overview on interplay between physical exercise,neurotrophins,and cognitive function in humans

The many important benefits of physical exercise also encompass maintenance or improvement of cognitive functions. Among the variousmechanisms underlying the association between physical exercise and brain health, recent evidence attests that neurotrophin receptor signalingmay have an important role, because the activation of this pathway leads to growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses, supportsaxonal and dendritic growth, fosters synaptic plasticity, and preserves survival of existing neurons. In this review of published evidence, we highlightthat a positive relationship exists between physical exercise and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and that the postexercisevariation of this molecule is associated with improvement of neurocognitive functioning. Less clear evidence has instead been published forother neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4. Overall, promotion of adequate volumes and intensities ofphysical exercise (i.e., approximately 3 months of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, with 2—3 sessions/week lasting not less than 30 min)may hence be regarded as an inexpensive and safe strategy for boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor release, thus preserving or restoringcognitive functions.

Does a combined intervention program of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intensive occupational therapy affect cognitive function in patients with post-stroke upper limb hemiparesis?

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation（LF-r TMS） to the contralesional hemisphere and intensive occupational therapy（i OT） have been shown to contribute to a significant improvement in upper limb hemiparesis in patients with chronic stroke. However, the effect of the combined intervention program of LF-r TMS and i OT on cognitive function is unknown. We retrospectively investigated whether the combined treatment influence patient＇s Trail-Making Test part B（TMT-B） performance, which is a group of easy and inexpensive neuropsychological tests that evaluate several cognitive functions. Twenty-five patients received 11 sessions of LF-r TMS to the contralesional hemisphere and 2 sessions of i OT per day over 15 successive days. Patients with right- and left-sided hemiparesis demonstrated significant improvements in upper limb motor function following the combined intervention program. Only patients with right-sided hemiparesis exhibited improved TMT-B performance following the combined intervention program, and there was a significant negative correlation between Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale total score change and TMT-B performance. The results indicate the possibility that LF-r TMS to the contralesional hemisphere combined with i OT improves the upper limb motor function and cognitive function of patients with right-sided hemiparesis. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of improved cognitive function.

An enriched environment reduces hippocampal inflammatory response and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of stroke

An enriched environment is used as a behavio ral intervention therapy that applies sensory,motor,and social stimulation,and has been used in basic and clinical research of va rious neurological diseases.In this study,we established mouse models of photothrombotic stroke and,24 hours later,raised them in a standard,enriched,or isolated environment for 4 weeks.Compared with the mice raised in a standard environment,the cognitive function of mice raised in an enriched environment was better and the pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 region was remarkably alleviated.Furthermore,protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,nuclear factorκB p65,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factorα,and the mRNA expression level of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 were greatly lower,while the expression level of miR-146a-5p was higher.Compared with the mice raised in a standard environment,changes in these indices in mice raised in an isolated environment were opposite to mice raised in an enriched environment.These findings suggest that different living environments affect the hippocampal inflammatory response and cognitive function in a mouse model of stro ke.An enriched environment can improve cognitive function following stroke through up-regulation of miR-146a-5p expression and a reduction in the inflammatory response.