Recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 alleviates learning and memory impairments via M2 microglia polarization in postoperative cognitive dysfunction mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a seve re complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery,and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life of patients.To date,there are no viable treatment options for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.The identification of postoperative cognitive dysfunction hub genes could provide new research directions and therapeutic targets for future research.To identify the signaling mechanisms contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction,we first conducted Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE95426 dataset,which consists of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in mouse hippocampus3 days after tibial fracture.The dataset was enriched in genes associated with the biological process"regulation of immune cells,"of which Chill was identified as a hub gene.Therefore,we investigated the contribution of chitinase-3-like protein 1 protein expression changes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the mouse model of tibial fractu re surgery.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 124 hours post-surgery,and the injection groups were compared with untreated control mice for learning and memory capacities using the Y-maze and fear conditioning tests.In addition,protein expression levels of proinflammatory factors(interleukin-1βand inducible nitric oxide synthase),M2-type macrophage markers(CD206 and arginase-1),and cognition-related proteins(brain-derived neurotropic factor and phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunit NR2B)were measured in hippocampus by western blotting.Treatment with recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairment,downregulated interleukin-1βand nducible nitric oxide synthase expression,and upregulated CD206,arginase-1,pNR2B,and brain-derived neurotropic factor expression compared with vehicle treatment.Intraperitoneal administration of the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 diminished the effects of recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1.Collectively,our findings suggest that recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive decline by attenuating neuroinflammation via M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus.Therefore,recombinant chitinase-3-like protein1 may have therapeutic potential fo r postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Improvement of learning and memory abilities and motor function in rats with cerebral infarction by intracerebral transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND： Transplantation of fetal cell suspension or blocks of fetal tissue can ameliorate the nerve function after the injury or disease in the central nervous system, and it has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders induced by Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of the transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells （rMSCs） into the brain in restoring the dysfunctions of muscle strength and balance as well as learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled experiment.SETTING ： Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University.MATERIALS ： Twenty-four male SD rats （3-4 weeks of age, weighing 200-220 g） were used in this study （Certification number：2001A027）. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2003 and December 2004. ① Twenty-four male SD rats randomized into three groups with 8 rats in each： experimental group, control group and sham-operated group. Rats in the experiment al group and control group were induced into models of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. After in vitro cultured, purified and identified with digestion, the Fischer344 rMSCs were induced to differentiate by tanshinone IIA, which was locally injected into the striate cortex （18 area） of rats in the experimental group, and the rats in the control group were injected by L-DMEM basic culture media （without serum） of the same volume to the corresponding brain area. In the sham-operated group, only muscle and vessel of neck were separated. ② At 2 and 8 weeks after the transplantation, the rats were given the screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test and Morris water-maze test. ③ The survival and distribution of the induced cells in corresponding brain area were observed with Nissl stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining in the groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： ① Results of the behavioral tests （time of the Morris water-maze test screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test）; ② Survival and distribution of the induced cells.RESULTS： All the 24 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① Two weeks after transplantation, rats with neuron-like cells grafts in the experimental group had significant improvement on their general muscle strength than those in the control group [screen test： （9.4±1.7）, （4.7±1.0） s, P 〈 0.01]; forelimb muscle strength [prehensile-traction test： （7.6±1.4）, （5.2±1.2） s, P 〈 0.01], ability to keep balance [balance beam test： （7.9±0.74）, （6.1±0.91） s, P 〈 0.01] and abilities of learning and memory [latency to find the platform： （35.8±5.9）, （117.5±11.6） s, P 〈 0.01; distance： （623.1±43.4）, （1 902.3±98.6） cm, P 〈 0.01] as compared with those in the control group. The functional performances in the experimental group at 8 weeks were better than those at two weeks, which were still obviously different from those in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. ② The HE and Nissl stained brain tissue section showed that there was nerve cell proliferation at the infarcted cortex in the experiment group, the density was higher than that in the control group, plenty of aggregative or scattered cells could be observed at the site where needle was inserted for transplantation, the cells migrated directively towards the area around them, the cerebral vascular walls were wrapped by plenty of cells; In the control group, most of the cortices were destroyed, karyopyknosis and necrosis of neurons were observed, normal nervous tissue structure disappeared induced by edema, only some nerve fibers and glial cells remained.CONCLUSION： The rMSCs transplantation can obviously enhance the motor function and the abilities of learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide and nerve growth factor on spatial learning and memory abilities of rats following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nerve growth actor (NGF) cam improve spatial learning and memory abilities of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; however, the effect of combination of them on relieving learning and memory injury following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of exogenous CGRP and NGF on learning and memory abilities of rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Xiamen; Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University; Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University. MATERIALS: A total of 30 healthy male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, of clean grade, weighing 250-300 g, were provided by Experimental Animal Department of China Medical University. All rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group with 10 in each group. The main reagents were detailed as the follows: 100 g/L chloral hydrate, 0.5 mL CGRP (2 mg/L, Sigma Company, USA), and NGF (1× 106 U/L, 0.5 mL, Siweite Company, Dalian). METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University from February to July 2005. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established by method of occlusion, 2 hours after that rats were anesthetized and the thread was slightly drawn out for 10 mm under direct staring to perform reperfusion. Rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group received intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL saline via the abdomen at two hours later, while rats in the treatment group at 2 hours later received intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/L CGRP (0.5 mL) and 1×106 U/L NGF (0.5 mL) once a day for 10 successive days. First administration was accomplished within 15 minutes after ischemia/reperfusion. Rats in the sham-operation group were separated of the vessels without occlusion or administration. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale. Animals with the score of one, two and three points received Morris water-maze test to measure searching time on platform (omitting platform-escaping latency). Meanwhile, leaning and memory abilities of animals were reflected through testing times of passing through platform per minute. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experimental results of omitting platform-escaping latency and spatial probe. RESULTS: Three and two rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group respectively were not in accordance with the criteria in the process, and the rest were involved in the final analysis. ① Comparisons of platform-escaping latency during Morris water-maze test in all the three groups: Ten days after modeling, the platform-escaping latency in the ischemia/reperfusion group was obviously longer than that in sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and was significantly shorter than that in the treatment group (P < 0.01). ② Comparisons of times of passing through platform in all the three groups: Times of passing through platform were remarkably less in the ischemia/reperfusion group than those in the sham-operation group [(1.79±0.39), (4.30±0.73) times/minute, P < 0.01], and those were markedly more in the treatment group than the ischemia/reperfusion group [(3.16±1.03), (1.79±0.39) times/minute, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: CGRP and NGF are capable of ameliorating the abilities of spatial learning and memory in MCAO rats, which indicates that CGRP and NGF can protect ischemic neurons.

Impacts of Passive Smoking on Learning and Memory Ability of Mouse Offsprings and Intervention by Antioxidants

Objective To determine the impact of passive smoking and the protective effect of antioxidants such as vitamin E and quercetin on learning and memory ability of mouse offsprings. Methods A passive smoking model of pregnant mice was established. Learning and memory ability was evaluated by the water maze test and long term potentiation （LTP）. Nitric oxide （NO）, content, nitric oxide synthase （NOS）, acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activity in brain, vitamin E concentration, and reactive oxygen species （ROS） in serum were determined. The latency period （the time during which the mice swim from the starting position to the ending position） and errors （the number of mice entering the blind end） in control and antioxidant intervention groups were compared with those in the smoke exposure group after 6 days. Results The latency period as well as errors in the air, control diet, tobacco smoke （TS）, and vitamin E diet groups were decreased significantly as compared with the TS and control diet groups （P〈O.05）. LTP was restrained in the TS and control diet groups. LTP in all the antioxidant diet groups was significantly increased compared with the TS and control diet groups. In addition, NOS and acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activitiy was significantly higher in the TS and control diet groups than in the air and control diet group. NO content was not significantly different among the different groups, and significantly lower in the TS and vitamin E diet groups than in the TS group, control diet group, quercetin diet group, and mixture diet group （P〈0.05）. Vitamin E concentration and ROS activity in serum were correlated with the outcome of water maze and LTP. Conclusion Passive smoking reduces LTP formation by disturbing the hippocampus function of mice, by decreasing NOS （especially vitamin E） partially improve the learning and memory smoke during pregnancy. and Ache activity and increasing NO content. Antioxidants ability of offsprings whose mothers are exposed to tobacco

Changes of learning and memory ability associated with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in brain tissues of rats with acute alcoholism

BACKGROUD： Ethanol can influence neural development and the ability of leaming and memory, but its mechanism of the neural toxicity is not clear till now. Endogenous nitric oxide （NO） as a gaseous messenger is proved to play an important role in the formation of synaptic plasticity, transference of neuronal information and the neural development, but excessive nitro oxide can result in neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of acute alcoholism on the learning and memory ability and the content of neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） in brain tissue of rats. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING ： Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College MATERIALS： Eighteen male clean-degree SD rats of 18-22 weeks were raised adaptively for 2 days, and then randomly divided into control group （n = 8） and experimental group （n = 10）. The nNOS immunohistochemical reagent was provided by Beijing Zhongshan Golden Bridge Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. Y-maze was produced by Suixi Zhenghua Apparatus Plant. METHODS ： The experiment was carded out in the laboratory of the Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College from June to October in 2005. ① Rats in the experimental group were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol （2.5 g/kg） which was dissolved in normal saline （20%）. The loss of righting reflex and ataxia within 5 minutes indicated the successful model. Whereas rats in the control group were given saline of the same volume. ② Examinations of learning and memory ability： The Y-maze tests for learning and memory ability were performed at 6 hours after the models establishment. The rats were put into the Y-maze separately. The test was performed in a quiet and dark room. There was a lamp at the end of each of three pathways in Y-maze and the base of maze had electric net. All the lamps of the three pathways were turned on for 3 minutes and then turned off. One lamp was turned on randomly, and the other two delayed automatically. In 5 seconds after alternation, pulsating electric current presented in the base of unsafe area to stimulate rat＇s feet to run to the safe area. The lighting lasted for 15 seconds as one test. Running from unsafe area to safe area at one time in 10 seconds was justified as successful. Such test was repeated for 10 times for each rat and the successful frequency was recorded. The qualified standard of maze test was that the rat ardved in the safe area g times during 10 experiments. The number of trainings for the qualified standard was used to represent the result of spatial learning. ③ Determination of the content of nNOS in brain tissue： After the Y-maze test, the rats were anaesthetized, and blood was let from the incision on right auricle, transcardially perfused via the left ventricle with about 200 mL saline, then fixed by perfusion of 40 g/L paraformaldehyde. Hippocampal CA1 region, corpus striatum and cerebellum were taken to prepare serial freezing coronal sections. The nNOS contents in the brain regions were determined with the immunohistochemical methods to reflect the changes of nitdc oxide in brain tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The changes of learning and memory ability and the changes of the nNOS contents in the brain tissue of rats with acute alcoholism were observed. RESULTS ： One rat in the experimental group was excluded due to its slow reaction to electdc stimulation in the Y-maze test, and the other 17 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① The training times to reach qualifying standards of Y-maze in the expedmental group was more than that in the control group [（34.33 ±13.04）, （27.50±8.79） times, P〈 0.05]. ② Forms and numbers of nNOS positive neurons in brain tissue： It could be observed under light microscope that in the hippocampal CA1 region, there were fewer nNOS positive neurons, which were lightly stained, and the processes were not clear enough; But the numbers of the positive neurons which were deeply stained as huffy were obviously increased in the experimental group, the cell body and cyloplasm of process were evenly stained, but the nucleus was not stained. The nNOS positive neurons in corpus stdatum had similar forms and size in the experimental group and control group. The form of the nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum were similar between the two groups. The numbers of nNOS positive neurons in hippocampal CA1 region and corpus striatum in the expedmental group [（18.22±7.47）, （11.38±5.00） cells/high power field] were obviously higher than those in the control group [（10.15±4.24）, （6.15±3.69） cells/high power field. The number of nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum had no significant difference between the two groups [（49.56±18.84）, （44.43±15.42） cells/high power field, P〉 0.05]. CONCLUSION ： Acute alcoholism may impair learning and memory ability, and nitric oxide may be involved in mediating the neurotoxic role of ethanol.

Effects of ginsenoside of stem and leaf combined with choline on learning and memory ability of rat models with Alzheimer diseases

BACKGROUND： Central adrenergic nerve and 5-serotonergic nerve can influence central cholinergic nerve on learning and memory and make easy for study; however, ginsenoside of stem and leaf （GSL） can improve functions of central adrenergic nerve; moreover, 5-serotonergic nerve and the combination with choline can produce synergistic effect and enhance learning and memory ability so as to improve learning and memory disorder of patients with Alzheimer disease （AD）. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of GSL combining with choline on learning and memory of AD model rats DESIGN ： Randomized grouping design and controlled animal study SETIING ： Department of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical College MATERIALS ： The experiment was carried out in the Pharmacological Department of Medical College of Jilin University from October 1996 to January 1997. Forty healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade were randomly divided into 5 groups, including sham-injury group, model group, GSL group, choline group and combination group, with 8 rats in each group. Main medications： GSL with the volume more than 92.8% was provided by Department of Chemistry, Norman Bethune Medical College of Jilin University. Panaxatriol, the main component, was detected with thin layer scanning technique and regarded as the index of GSL quality [（55±1）%, CV= 2%, n = 5]. Choline was provided by the Third Shanghai Laboratory Factory. METHODS ： 150 nmol quinolinic acid was used to damage bilateral Meynert basal nuclei of adult rats so as to establish AD models. Rats in GSL, choline and combination groups were intragastric administrated with 400 mg/kg GSL, 200 mg/kg choline （20 mL/kg）, and both respectively last for 17 days starting from two days before operation. Rats in sham-injury group and model group were perfused with the same volume of distilled water once in each morning for the same days. （1） Passive avoidance step-down test： Five minutes later, rats jumped up safe platform when they were shocked with 36 V alternating current. If rats jumped down from the platform and the feet touched railings, the response was wrong. Numbers of wrong response were recorded within 3 minutes, and then the test was redone after 24 hours. （2） Morris water-maze spatial localization task： Swimming from jumping-off to platform directly was regarded as right response. Additionally, 4 successively right responses were regarded as the standard. Each rat was trained 10 times a day with 120 s per time for 3 successive days. The interval was 30 s. Three days later, numbers of right response were recorded. The training times were increased to 30 for unlearned rats. （3） Measurement of activity of choline acetylase in cerebral cortex： Rats were sacrificed at 17 days after operation to obtain cerebral cortex to measure activity of choline acetylase with radiochemistry technique. （4） Synergistic effect： It was expressed as Q value： Q value = factual incorporative effect/anticipant incorporative effect; Q ≥ 1 was regarded as synergistic effect. Anticipant incorporative effect = （EA＋EB-EA·EB）, EA and EB were single timing effect, respectively in GSL group and choline group. E（step-down test and Morris water maze test） = （x in model group - factual value in medicine groups）/x in model group; E （activity of choline acetylase） = （factual value in medicine groups -xin model group）/xin model group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： （1） Passive avoidance step-down test and Morris water-maze spatial localization task in the study of learning and memory; （2） activity of choline acetylase. RESULTS ： All 40 rats were involved in the final analysis. （1） Passive avoidance response： At learning phase on first day and retesting phase on the next day, numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（5.88±1.46）, （2.25±0.87） times; （2.63±1.06）, （0.50±0.53） times; P 〈 0.01]; numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [learning phase： （1.12±0.83）, （5.88±1.46） times; retesting phase： （0.38±0.74）, （2.63±1.06）times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and 1.59, respectively and it showed synergistic effect. Spatial localization task： Training times were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（2.9±2.5）, （12.6±3.5） times; P 〈 0.01]. Training times were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [（11.8±2.4）, （27.9±2.5） times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and it showed synergistic effect. （3） Activity of choline acetylase： Activity was lower in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（30.56±8.33）, （61.11 ±8.33） nkat/g; P 〈 0.01]. Activity was higher in combination group than model group and there was significant difference [（50.00±8.33）, （30.56±8.33） nkat/g, P 〈 0.01];moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.5 and it showed synergistic effect. CONCLUSZON： GSL in combination with choline can synergically improve the disorder of learning and memory of AD model rats. Its mechanism may be involved in enhancing the function of central cholinergic system.

Embryonic skeleton development and neonatal learning and memory ability of rats anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium: Differences of administration occasion and time

BACKGROUND: Generally speaking, anesthesia is often used in gravid body and it has been already proved that many kind of medicine can result in malformation. OBJECTIVE: To explore embryonic skeleton development and neonatal learning and memory of rats anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium in gravid rats. DESIGN: A randomized control trial. SETTING: Laboratory Animal Center of Xuzhou Medical College. MATERIALS: A total of 80 adult female SD rats, of clean grade and weighing 220-240 g, were selected in this study. The main reagents were detailed as follows: pentobarbital sodium (Shanghai Xingzhi Chemical Plant, batch number: 921019); MG-2 maze test apparatus (Zhangjiagang Biomedical Instrument Factory); somatotype microscope (Beijing Taike Instrument Co., Ltd.). METHODS: ① A total of 160 SD rats of half males and females were selected in this study. All rats were copulated. The day that the plug was checked out in the vagina next day was looked as the first day of pregnancy. Gravid rats were divided randomly into four groups, including early anesthesia group, second anesthesia group, late anesthesia group and control group with 20 in each group. Rats in the early anesthesia group were injected with 25 mg/kg soluble pentobarbitone on the 7th day of pregnancy for once; rats in the second anesthesia group were anesthetized with 25 mg/kg soluble pentobarbitone on the 7th and the 14th days of pregnancy for once; rats in the late anesthesia group were anesthetized with 25 mg/kg soluble pentobarbitone on the 14th day of pregnancy for once; rats in the control group did not treat with anything. The time of anesthetizing was controlled in 3 to 4 hours and ether was absorbed while the time was not enough. ② Half of each group was sacrificed on day 20th of pregnancy and the fetus was taken out to be stained with alizarin red S. After stained, the fetal skeleton was examined. The learning and memorizing of one-month rats that were given birth by the rest gravid rats were tested through electric mare method. Determine their study ability according to their correct rate of 90% or above of arrival at the safe area in 20 s. After they finally learned to arrive at the safe area correctly, test them once more in 24 hours and record the correct rate of 15 times. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rate of malformation in fetus and ability of learning and memory in one-month rats. RESULTS: A total of 80 female rats were anesthetized in this experiment. Totally 490 immature rats were tested with maze testing machine and 196 fetuses were stained with alizarin red S to observe the development of their skeleton. However, one of the 80 female rats was led to death because of overdose. ① Malformation experiment: Learning ability of second anesthesia group was evidently different from the control group while the other two groups were not in the electric mare method. The fetal skeleton malformation rate of three experimental groups was 87.0%, 60.9% and 17.9%, respectively, while it was 5.6% in the control group. ② Electric mare method: Times of rats which arrived at the safe regions were respectively 49.0±31.0, 68.0±35.0, 47.0±31.0 and 44.0±21.0 in early anesthesia group, second anesthesia group, late anesthesia group and control group; and then, there was significant difference between the second anesthesia group and the control group (P < 0.05). Exact rates of memory of rats were respectively (64.36±14.35)%, (62.15±18.33)%, (54.19±12.28)% and (68.24±15.91)% in early anesthesia group, second anesthesia group, late anesthesia group and control group; and then, there were no significant differences as compared with the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The influence of anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium is obvious in fetal skeleton development and learning and memory ability.

Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill's effect on the learning and memory ability and its neuroprotective effects in vascular dementia rats

Clinical reports have demonstrated that the Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill （KSZZP）, a classical prescription deriving from Valuable Prescription for Emergencies, has good therapeutic effects on vascular dementia. However, the mechanisms that mediate its effects remain unclear. In this study, the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons was determined with in situ hybridization, spectrophotometry and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expressions of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1, nerve growth factor protein, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein were detected with immunohistochemistry. We found that KSZZP could significantly decrease the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA and protein, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons. KSZZP also increased the expression of nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein in the hippocampus CA1 region and in the cerebral cortex. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests verified that KSZZP ameliorated the cognitive impairments of vascular dementia rats. Moreover, the KSZZP-induced improvements in the cognitive functions of vascular dementia rats were correlated with both inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitable neurotoxicity and elevation of neurotrophic factor expression.

Expression of miR-9-5p and RHOA in aluminum-induced rat cognitive dysfunction

Objective:To investigate the possible mechanism of microRNA-9-5p(miR-9-5p)and Ras homologous gene family A(RHOA)in aluminum-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats.Methods:According to the principle of randomization,48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=12)of blank control,low dose,medium dose and high dose.The blank control group was gavaged daily saline,and the other three dose groups were given daily gavage AlCl3 aqueous solution at three doses of 25 mg/kg,50 mg/kg,and 100 mg/kg to create a rat model of cognitive impairment for three months.The water maze(MWM)positioning navigation experiment was used to record the time t(s),namely,the incubation period,on the platform of rats,and the incubation period of each group was used to determine whether the rats in the infected group had learning and memory impairment.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Nissl stains observed the pathological changes of nerve cells in the hippocampus of the four groups.Western blot detected the protein expression levels of RHOA and cranial neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in fresh rat hippocampal tissues.RT-qPCR detected the mRNA expression of miR-9-5p,RHOA,and BDNF in rat hippocampal tissues.Results:The results of Morris water maze positioning navigation test showed that the incubation period of each group was calculated on the 1st,3rd and 5th days of the experiment,and the motor incubation period of the infected group was higher than that of the control group.The results of HE staining showed that the rat nerve cells in the control group were morphologically intact,the staining was clear,the nucleus was clearly visible,and the edge of the cell membrane was sharp.The rat neurons in the infected group were damaged to varying degrees,the nucleus gradually dissolved,the cytoplasmic staining became deeper,the edges of the cell membrane were blurred and disordered,and the cells were deformed and arranged disordered.The results of Nissl staining showed that the well-stained Nissl body particles were visible in the nerve cells of rats in the control group,and the dissipation of Nissl bodies in the nerve cells of the infected group was reduced,and the staining was shallow.The results of RT-qPCR showed that compared with the control group,the mRNA expression of miR-9-5p and BDNF was decreased in the infected group,and the mRNA expression of RHOA was increased(P<0.05 or P<0.001).The Western blot results showed that compared with the control group,the relative expression of BDNF in the three infected groups was decreased,and the relative expression of RHOA increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:In aluminum-induced cognitive impairment,miR-9-5p is downregulated and RHOA is upregulatd.

Propofol can Protect Against the Impairment of Learning-memory Induced by Electroconvulsive Shock via Tau Protein Hyperphosphorylation in Depressed Rats

Objective To explore the possible neurophysiologic mechanisms of propofol and N-methyl-Daspartate(NMDA) receptor antagonist against learning-memory impairment of depressed rats without olfactory bulbs. Methods Models of depressed rats without olfactory bulbs were established. For the factorial design in analysis of variance, two intervention factors were included: electroconvulsive shock groups(with and without a course of electroconvulsive shock) and drug intervention groups [intraperotoneal(ip) injection of saline, NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and propofol. A total of 60 adult depressed rats without olfactory bulbs were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups(n=10 per group): ip injection of 5 ml saline; ip injection of 5 ml of 10 mg/kg MK-801; ip injection of 5 ml of 10 mg/kg MK-801 and a course of electroconvulsive shock; ip injection of 5 ml of 200 mg/kg propofol; ip injection of 5 ml of 200 mg/kg propofol and a course of electroconvulsive shock; and ip injection of 5 ml saline and a course of electroconvulsive shock. The learning-memory abilities of the rats was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The content of glutamic acid in the hippocampus was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. The expressions of p-AT8Ser202 in the hippocampus were determined by Western blot analysis. Results Propofol, MK-801 or electroconvulsive shock alone induced learning-memory impairment in depressed rats, as proven by extended evasive latency time and shortened space probe time. Glutamic acid content in the hippocampus of depressed rats was significantly up-regulated by electroconvulsive shock and down-regulated by propofol, but MK-801 had no significant effect on glutamic acid content. Levels ofphosphorylated Tau protein p-AT8Ser202 in the hippocampus was up-regulated by electroconvulsive shock but was reduced by propofol and MK-801 alone. Propofol prevented learning-memory impairment and reduced glutamic acid content and p-AT8Ser202 levels induced by electroconvulsive shock. Conclusion Electroconvulsive shock might reduce learning-memory impairment caused by protein Tau hyperphosphorylation in depressed rats by down-regulating glutamate content.

Effects of electroacupuncture versus nimodipine on long-term potentiation and synaptophysin expression in a rat model of vascular dementia

The present study stimulated Baihui （DU 20） and Dazhui （DU 14） acupoints in a rat model of vascular dementia with electroacupuncture to investigate changes in long-term potentiation and synaptophysin expression in the hippocampus. The results revealed that synaptophysin expression in brain tissues was increased after electroacupuncture. After high4requency stimulation, the population spike latency was shortened and the excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude were increased. In addition, cognitive function was enhanced, similar to the effects of intragastric perfusion of nimodipine. The results indicated that electroacupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints can improve learning and memory functions of a rat model of vascular dementia by promoting synaptophysin expression, enhancing hippocampal synaptic plasticity and accelerating synaptic transmission.

Effect of Congzhiling on Hippocampus AchE of Mice with Pseudo -VD

目的：观察聪智灵对血管性痴呆（VD）模型小鼠脑组织海马区乙酰胆碱酯酶（AchE）活性及学习记忆能力的影响，探讨聪智灵对血管性痴呆的治疗效应及作用机制。方法：采用反复结扎双侧颈总动脉的方法复制VD模型，随机分为假手术组、模型组、聪智灵高剂量组、聪智灵低剂量组、尼莫地平组。造模当天动物苏醒后开始治疗，灌胃给药15d后，采用跳台法检NA,鼠学习记忆能力变化，分光光度法检测海马组织AchE活力。结果：模型组小鼠学习与记忆成绩较假手术组均显著降低（P〈0．01），各用药组小鼠学习与记忆成绩较模型组均显著提高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）；模型组小鼠海马组织AchE活性明显低于假手术组（P〈0．01），各用药组小鼠海马组织Ache活性显著高于模型组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论：聪智灵具有保护脑缺血再灌注损伤的作用，其机制可能与提高海马组织内AchE活性、减轻脑缺血再灌注对海马区神经元损伤有关。

异泽兰黄素改善蛛网膜下腔出血模型大鼠学习记忆能力的机制

背景:异泽兰黄素是一种源自青蒿属的黄酮类活性成分,可缓解蛛网膜下腔出血大鼠的炎症反应,改善神经学评分,但其在学习记忆方面的作用和机制仍不清楚。目的:探究异泽兰黄素对蛛网膜下腔出血模型大鼠学习记忆能力及P38有丝分裂素激活蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)/信号传导和转录活化因子3(STAT3)通路蛋白的影响。方法:采用随机数字表法将50只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、异泽兰黄素组、橙皮素组、异泽兰黄素+橙皮素组,每组10只。除假手术组外,其余4组通过血管内穿孔构建蛛网膜下腔出血模型,造模成功2 h后,异泽兰黄素组尾静脉注射10 mg/kg异泽兰黄素,橙皮素组尾静脉注射50 mg/kg橙皮素(p38 MAPK/STAT3信号通路激活剂),异泽兰黄素+橙皮素组尾静脉注射10 mg/kg异泽兰黄素+50 mg/kg橙皮素,假手术组与模型组尾静脉注射10 mL/kg生理盐水。药物治疗24 h后,采用神经功能评分及Morris水迷宫实验检测大鼠神经功能及学习记忆能力,苏木精-伊红染色检测海马组织病理学变化,TUNEL法检测神经细胞凋亡,免疫荧光染色检测海马组织双皮质素阳性细胞数,Western blot检测海马组织p38 MAPK/STAT3蛋白表达。结果与结论:①与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠神经功能评分、学习记忆能力、双皮质素阳性细胞数均降低(P<0.05),神经细胞凋亡率及p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK、p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);②与模型组比较,异泽兰黄素组大鼠神经功能评分、学习记忆能力、双皮质素阳性细胞数均升高(P<0.05),神经细胞凋亡率及p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK、p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05);橙皮素组大鼠神经功能评分、学习记忆能力、双皮质素阳性细胞数均降低(P<0.05),神经细胞凋亡率及p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK、p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);③与异泽兰黄素组比较,异泽兰黄素+橙皮素组大鼠神经功能评分、学习记忆能力、双皮质素阳性细胞数均降低(P<0.05),神经细胞凋亡率及p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK、p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);④苏木精-伊红染色显示,相较于模型组,异泽兰黄素组神经细胞排列较为整齐,橙皮素组神经细胞排列紊乱,异泽兰黄素+橙皮素组神经细胞排列与模型组相似;⑤结果表明,异泽兰黄素可能通过抑制p38 MAPK/STAT3信号通路改善蛛网膜下腔出血模型大鼠的学习记忆能力。

Recent advances in the effects of microwave radiation on brains

This study concerns the effects of microwave on health because they pervade diverse fields of our lives. The brain has been recognized as one of the organs that is most vulnerable to microwave radiation. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed recent studies that have explored the effects of microwave radiation on the brain, especially the hippocampus, including analyses of epidemiology, morphology, electroencephalograms, learning and memory abilities and the mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction. However, the problem with these studies is that different parameters, such as the frequency, modulation, and power density of the radiation and the irradiation time, were used to evaluate microwave radiation between studies. As a result, the existing data exhibit poor reproducibility and comparability. To determine the specific dose-effect relationship between microwave radiation and its biological effects, more intensive studies must be performed.

Effect of Yizhitongxuan decoction on learning and memory ability,Gαq/11 expression and Na^+-K^+-ATP enzyme activity in rat models of Alzheimer's Disease

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Yizhitongxuan decoction on learning and memory abilities, Gαq/11expression and Na+-K+-ATPenzymeactivityin rat models of Alzheimer's disease(AD) caused by injecting Aβ25-35 into the hippocampus.METHODS: Ninety male Wistar rats(age ≥10 months)were selected and injected with Aβ25-35 into their hippocampi to establish model animals,which were randomly divided into six groups including a sham-operated group(blank group), a model group, a donepezil HCL group(Western Medicinegroup),and ahigh/general/dilute concentrations of Yizhitongxuan decoction groups(TCMⅠⅡⅢgroup).The Morris watermaze was used to examine the learning and memory abilities of rats in each group by place navigation and spatial probe tests.Then, the rats were sacrificed to collect the hippocampi for biochemical tests, using western blotting to detect the expression of Gαq/11 and an ultramicro Na+-K+-ATP enzyme kit to measure Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity.RESULTS:Yizhitongxuan decoction improved model rats' learning and memory abilities, and increased the expression of Gαq/11 in the hippocampus and the level of Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity in braintissue.CONCLUSION: Yizhitongxuan decoction could improve model rats' learning and memory abilities,and had a regulating effect on the expression of Gαq/11and Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity.

有氧运动训练影响阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马Notch1、Caspase-3的表达

背景:β-淀粉样蛋白和Tau蛋白会对阿尔茨海默症患者的认知功能产生不良影响,研究发现Notch1及Caspase-3能够调控β-淀粉样蛋白和Tau蛋白的表达。Notch1及Caspase-3是否介导了有氧运动改善阿尔茨海默症患者认知能力的过程还不清楚,目前缺乏长期有氧运动影响阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马中Notch1及Caspase-3表达的研究。目的:观察长期有氧运动干预阿尔茨海默症小鼠的空间学习记忆情况及其海马中Notch1及Caspase-3的表达,探讨Notch1及Caspase-3对阿尔茨海默症小鼠的影响。方法:将3月龄野生型及APP/PS1双转基因阿尔茨海默症小鼠随机分为4组:野生对照组、野生运动组、阿尔茨海默症对照组、阿尔茨海默症运动组,每组20只。对照组小鼠不进行运动,运动组小鼠进行5个月的有氧运动干预。运动干预结束后,采用Morris水迷宫检测小鼠空间学习记忆能力;采用Real-timePCR、免疫荧光及Westernblot检测各组小鼠海马组织Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3蛋白的表达。结果与结论:①阿尔茨海默症小鼠空间学习记忆能力显著差于野生组(P<0.05);运动组小鼠空间学习记忆能力显著优于对照组(P<0.05);②阿尔茨海默症对照组小鼠海马Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3表达均显著高于野生对照组(P<0.05);阿尔茨海默症运动组小鼠海马Aβ_(1-42)、Tau、Notch1及Caspase-3表达显著低于阿尔茨海默症对照组(P<0.05);③提示:长期有氧运动干预能够改善阿尔茨海默症小鼠的空间学习记忆能力,而这可能与有氧运动降低阿尔茨海默症小鼠海马Notch1、Caspase-3、Aβ_(1-42)及Tau蛋白表达有关。

NP-23 Cascade Events for Delayed Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Background:Postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)can occur in patients with cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries.About 20%to 40%patients develop POCD at hospital discharge(a few days after surgery,acute POCD)and 10%elderly patients(>60 years old)have POCD at 3 months after surgery(delayed POCD).Age and degree of education are risk factors for delayed POCD.It has been shown that POCD is associated with increased mortality.Patients with POCD have a longer hospital stay and an increased rate of leaving job market.Thus,POCD is a very significant clinical syndrome during the perioperative period,which is recognized only in recent years.We and others have shown that neuroinflammation is a critical neuropathological process for POCD.However,neuroinflammation lasts for a few days after surgery.It is not known how such a short-lived neuropathological process lead to POCD a few months after surgery.To address this issue,a series of experiments were performed in my laboratory.Methods:Rats or mice were subjected to common carotid arterial exposure,a surgical component of carotid endarterectomy that is often performed in elderly patients.Their learning and memory were assessed at least one week after surgery.Their blood and brain tissues were harvested at various time after surgery for biochemical and structural analyses.Results:The surgery induced an increase of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood.The surgery also increased the expression of active matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)and its activity in the brain.This surgery induced POCD and neuroinflammation in wild-type mice but not in the MMP-9 knockout mice.P2X7 receptors and inflammasome were activated by the surgery.Inhibition of P2X7 receptors and P2X7 receptor knockout abolished POCD and neuroinflammation after surgery.The surgery decreased growth factor production and inhibition of neuroinflammation attenuated this decrease.The decreased growth factor expression occurred at 3 to 5 days after the surgery.Surgery increased histone deacetylase activity and inhibition of histone deacetylase attenuated the decrease of growth factor expression and the development of POCD.The surgery decreased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and application of growth factors to the brain attenuated this decrease and POCD.This decreased neurogenesis was observed 3 weeks after surgery.Finally,surgery impaired dendritic arborization that was assessed 3 weeks after surgery.Inhibition of histone deacetylases attenuated this impairment and POCD.Conclusion:Surgery induces a delayed POCD in rodents.Surgery results in systemic inflammation,which then activates MMP-9 to damage the brain-blood barrier to facilitate the systemic inflammation to be transmitted to the brain.Proinflammatory signals in the blood activate P2X7 receptors to induce neuroinflammation that inhibits growth factor expression through epigenetic regulation.Reduced growth factor expression results in decreased neurogenesis and dendritic arborization that then ultimately lead to the delayed POCD.Thus,surgery activates a series of cascade events to induce the delayed POCD.

海马干细胞来源的外泌体对血管性痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力改善作用及其机制探究

目的分析海马干细胞来源的外泌体对血管性痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力改善作用及其机制。方法取新生SD大鼠海马组织,提取海马干细胞外泌体。成年特殊清洁级(SPF)健康雄性SD大鼠90只,随机分为假手术组、模型组及外泌体组,每组30只,检测各组大鼠学习记忆能力、氧化应激因子水平、海马组织病理学变化、海马组织因子、脑微血管密度以及凋亡相关因子变化。结果透射显微镜观察到海马干细胞来源外泌体结构呈圆形或椭圆形杯状结构的小囊泡,其结构完整,直径50~100 nm之间;特异性标记蛋白CD9、CD63表达阳性。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠逃避潜伏期及错误次数明显延长,平台区域探索时间及有效区停留时间明显缩短,MDA、AchE、ET-1、VEGF、Bax水平均明显升高,SOD、5-HT、Bcl-2水平均明显降低,脑微血管内皮细胞明显减少(P<0.05);与模型组对比,外泌体组大鼠逃避潜伏期明显缩短,平台区域探索时间及有效区停留时间明显延长,MDA、AchE、ET-1、VEGF、Bax水平均明显降低,SOD、5-HT、Bcl-2水平均明显升高,脑微血管内皮细胞明显增多(P<0.05)。假手术组大鼠海马组织细胞排列紧密,结构清晰,大小、形态一致,且具有丰富的尼氏小体;模型组大鼠海马组织细胞排列紊乱,形态、结构不完整,尼氏小体数量明显减少;外泌体组大鼠海马组织较模型组明显改善,细胞形态较模型组明显完整,尼氏小体数量增多。结论海马干细胞来源的外泌体能够明显改善血管性痴呆大鼠的学习记忆能力,对海马神经元损伤起到一定的保护作用,其作用机制可能与抑制氧化应激与细胞凋亡,调控神经递质含量,促进脑微血管密度有关。

基于肠道菌群与代谢组学探讨补肾通腑方对AD小鼠神经炎症的影响

目的观察补肾通腑方对APP/PS1小鼠空间学习记忆能力的影响,探讨其可能的作用机制。方法APP/PS1小鼠给予补肾通腑方灌胃治疗8周后,采用Morris水迷宫法观察小鼠学习记忆能力变化;16S rDNA高通量测序和液相色谱-串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)方法检测小鼠肠道菌群及肠道代谢物的变化。结果与模型组比较,补肾通腑方能够明显缩短小鼠逃避潜伏期,减少游泳路程,增加跨越平台次数(P<0.01)。16S rDNA结果显示,补肾通腑方可以增加有益菌厚壁菌门Firmicutes丰度,降低有害菌拟杆菌门Bacteroidota的丰度。LC-MS/MS结果显示,共鉴定出25个差异代谢产物,主要涉及鞘脂代谢、赖氨酸代谢、酪氨酸代谢等代谢通路。KEGG富集分析显示,补肾通腑方主要通过NF-κB、Apelin等炎症相关信号通路发挥治疗作用。结论补肾通腑方改善APP/PS1小鼠学习记忆能力,可能与改善肠道菌群组成,影响鞘脂代谢、赖氨酸代谢、酪氨酸等的代谢,调控NF-κB、Apelin等炎症相关信号通路有关。

应用型本科院校大学英语词汇学习策略调查分析

词汇量是衡量英语学习者英语水平的一个重要指标,但词汇量的积累却是一个非常艰难的过程。本研究通过对118名在校大学生为期一年的追踪研究,深入观察分析他们词汇学习方法和学习效果两者之间的关系,通过定量分析的方式,客观呈现不同学习方法与学生成绩的关系,不同性别、生源、专业学生在各变量上的差异性分析,影响成绩的因素在影响权重中占有不同等的地位,有正向的、有负向的,需要根据不同的情况调整学习方法。