Article
Immunology
Asmaa M. Mohamed, Dina A. Ali, Eman Kolieb, Eman Z. Abdelaziz
Summary: Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that causes cognitive-psychosocial damage through recurrent seizures. Drug resistance is common among patients, so new drugs are needed to improve seizure management and quality of life. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of ceftriaxone and selenium against epilepsy in rats. The results showed that the combined treatment of selenium and ceftriaxone improved epilepsy symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian Zhang, Keman Mu, Peng Yang, Xinqian Feng, Di Zhang, Xiangyu Fan, Qiantao Wang, Shengjun Mao
Summary: The study found that electron-donating methoxy groups on the 3,4,5 position of the phenyl ring enhanced the antiepileptic effects, while other groups at different positions decreased activity. Additionally, either an allyl or a 1-butenyl group in conjunction with the benzene ring showed optimal activity in the allyl moiety. Compounds 5 and 19 exhibited better neuroprotective effects against epilepsy in both in vitro and in vivo models.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saeed Emami, Mehdi Valipour, Fatemeh Kazemi Komishani, Fatemehsadat Sadati-Ashrafi, Maria Rasoulian, Majid Ghasemian, Mahmood Tajbakhsh, Patrick Honarchian Masihi, Aidin Shakiba, Hamid Irannejad, Nematollah Ahangar
Summary: A series of new isatin aroylhydrazones were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities, with N-methyl analogs showing the strongest efficacy at a lower dose. Experimental determination of protein binding and lipophilicity was performed, while in silico evaluations showed acceptable ADME parameters and drug-likeness properties. Distance mapping and docking suggested possible actions on VGSCs and GABAA receptors, and cytotoxicity evaluation indicated safety profiles on neuronal and hepatic cells for selected compounds.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Libor Uttl, Tomas Hlozek, Pavel Mares, Tomas Palenicek, Hana Kubova
Summary: This study investigated the anti-seizure activity of CBD in infantile rats with chemically induced seizures, showing that CBD is effective against PTZ-induced seizures but not against NMDA-induced seizures. The levels of CBD in the brain and plasma were determined after administration, and it was found that therapeutic doses of CBD do not cause motor impairment but may affect motor performance in repeated tasks. Further research is needed to explore the potential risk of CBD on motor learning in repeated motor tests.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meiwen Guo, Shuang Chen, Jitong Lao, Jiantang Liang, Hao Chen, Jingyi Tong, Yonghao Huang, Dandan Jia, Qifu Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of 3BDO on autophagy regulation and its impact on seizures and cognitive function in a PTZ-kindled epileptic mice model. The results showed that 3BDO can regulate autophagy by activating the mTOR signaling pathway, thereby reducing hippocampal neuronal loss and astrocyte proliferation, decreasing seizures, and significantly improving cognitive function.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patrick C. Milder, Agnes S. Zybura, Theodore R. Cummins, James A. Marrs
Summary: Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not achieve adequate seizure control with current drugs and treatments, highlighting the need for more efficient screening methods. This study presents an optimized method using a zebrafish seizure model to screen anti-seizure drugs, comparing behavior and neural activity. The results show that EEG and GCaMP measurements largely correlate with behavior, providing a more comprehensive assessment of drug efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Enes Akyuz, Zuleyha Doganyigit, Yam Nath Paudel, Betul Koklu, Emin Kaymak, Chiara Villa, Alina Arulsamy, Mohd Farooq Shaikh, Orrin Devinsky
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the immunoreactivity patterns of neurotransmitter receptors/transporters and potassium ion channels in a chronic epilepsy model. Results showed increased immunoreactivity of NE transporter, M2, and 5-HT2B receptors in the cortex and medulla, with contrasting findings in the hippocampus. Additionally, Kir3.1 and Kir6.2 staining showed increased immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex, but differed in the hippocampus and medulla. These findings suggest that seizure kindling may result in significant changes in the neurotransmitter system, potentially contributing to epileptogenesis, brain damage, and SUDEP.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lev G. Zavileyskiy, Vasily A. Aleshin, Thilo Kaehne, Irina S. Karlina, Artem Artiukhov, Maria Maslova, Anastasia Graf, Victoria Bunik
Summary: Abnormal energy expenditure and metabolic regulation through protein acylation were found during seizures, suggesting the potential of acylation as a therapeutic target. The study investigated the changes in brain acylation system components after seizures in a rat model. Significant differences in acylations and changes in glycolysis and energy metabolism-related proteins were observed after seizures. However, no significant differences were found between single and chronic seizures regarding acylations, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, SIRT2 expression, or NAD(+). Decreased expression of SIRT3 and SIRT5, as well as decreased activity of 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), were observed in chronic seizures. Negative correlations were found between protein succinylation/glutarylation and SIRT5 expression, and positive correlations were found between protein acetylation and SIRT2 expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Arooj Mohsin Alvi, Fawad Ali Shah, Asmaa Jan Muhammad, Jinxing Feng, Shupeng Li
Summary: The study demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of A3 in a PTZ-induced seizure model, potentially through activating Nrf2-dependent downregulation of inflammatory cascades.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mobin A. Siddiqui, Juheb Akhter, Dar Junaid Bashir, Saliha Manzoor, Shweta Rastogi, Indu Arora, Nidhi B. Aggarwal, Mohammed Samim
Summary: By encapsulating resveratrol in glutathione-coated collagen nanoparticles, the bioavailability of resveratrol is increased and it is successfully applied in the treatment of epilepsy, showing a significant impact in reducing cognitive impairment.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yiwei Liao, Sha Huang, Yuhu Zhang, Honghai Zhang, Haiting Zhao
Summary: CCN1 is found to be involved in the process of epilepsy seizure, and its decrease can protect brain tissue from oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Takayuki Nagano, Naohiko Tsuda, Kenichi Fujimura, Yuji Ikezawa, Yuki Higashi, Shinya H. Kimura
Summary: The study demonstrates that PGE(2) increases COX-2 protein in microglia through the EP2 receptor, suggesting that extracellular PGE(2) may trigger microglial activation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrian Bartoszek, Alicja Trzpil, Anna Kozub, Emilia Fornal
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the zebrafish larvae pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure model to investigate the interaction between caffeine and topiramate. An analytical method was developed to measure the levels of caffeine, topiramate, and its metabolite paraxanthine in zebrafish larvae. The results showed that caffeine and topiramate separately reduced the locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae but could not lower it to the control level. Co-administration of caffeine and topiramate at specific doses suppressed the activity to the control level.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Lixuan Peng, Cai Li, Xiaohan Tang, Yuyan Xiang, Yang Xu, Wenyu Cao, Huamao Zhou, Suyun Li
Summary: This study investigated the effect of blocking SIKs on seizures and found that SIK1 plays a regulatory role in neuronal hyperactivity and seizure behavior. Targeting SIK1 through the development of selective inhibitors may help reduce epilepsy progression.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Christian Romero-Guerrero, Miguel Angel Guevara, Marisela Hernandez-Gonzalez, Ignacio Gonzalez-Burgos
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effect of PTZ on the electrical activity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in male rats. The results showed that PTZ decreased the firing rate of the neurons and induced changes in different frequency bands, suggesting plastic changes of dendritic spines and synaptic level adaptations.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naieli Schiefelbein Souto, Micheli Dassi, Ana Claudia Monteiro Braga, Erica Vanessa Furlan Rosa, Michele Rechia Fighera, Luiz Fernando Freire Royes, Mauro Schneider Oliveira, Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari, Ana Flavia Furian
Summary: The combined administration of ASP and AFB(1) resulted in more extensive injuries to liver and kidneys compared to using each substance alone, indicating that these organs are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of ASP and AFB(1).
DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Willian Link Papalia, Alexandre Seixas Nascimento, Gokul Krishnan, Nubia Broetto, Ana Flavia Furian, Mauro Schneider Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Freire Royes, Michele Rechia Fighera
Summary: Understanding neurovascular dysregulation after TBI is crucial for establishing scientific-based rehabilitative strategies, with physical exercise potentially playing a significant role. However, there are caveats to consider when interpreting the effect of physical exercise on neurovascular dysregulation after TBI.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Erika Da Guedes, Leandro Rodrigo Ribeiro, Cesar Alves Carneiro, Aline Matilde Ferreira Santos, Alefe Brito Monteiro, Humberto Hugo Nunes De Andrade, Ricardo Dias Castro, Flavio Freitas Barbosa, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Reinaldo Nobrega De Almeida, Mirian Graciela Stiebbe Salvadori
Summary: trans-Anethole (TAN) showed anticonvulsant effects in classic seizure models by increasing the time for the onset of spasms and convulsions, and reducing the duration of seizures.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Francesco De Logu, Roberto Maglie, Mustafa Titiz, Giulio Poli, Lorenzo Landini, Matilde Marini, Daniel Souza Monteiro de Araujo, Gaetano De Siena, Marco Montini, Daniela Almeida Cabrini, Michel Fleith Otuki, Priscila Lucia Pawloski, Emiliano Antiga, Tiziano Tuccinardi, Joao Batista Calixto, Pierangelo Geppetti, Romina Nassini, Eunice Andre
Summary: The study reveals that the genetic deletion or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 can attenuate itch in a mouse model of psoriasis. Human psoriatic lesions express multiple microRNAs, including miR-203b-3p, which can induce itch in mice through the activation of 5-HTR2B and TRPV4. Computer simulation shows that the core sequence of miR-203b-3p (GUUAAGAA) targets the extracellular side of 5-HTR2B.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Vagner D. Pinho, Cristina F. Setim, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Rodrigo Marcon, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Otavio A. Chaves, Melina Heller, Jairo R. Temerozo, Andre C. Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Patricia B. Momo, Suelen S. G. Dias, Joao S. M. Gesto, Filipe Pereira-Dutra, Joao P. B. Viola, Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior, Lays Cordeiro Guimaraes, Ian Meira Chaves, Pedro Pires Goulart Guimaraes, Vivian Vasconcelos Costa, Mauro Martins Teixeira, Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib, Patricia T. Bozza, Anderson R. Aguillon, Jarbas Siqueira-Junior, Sergio Macedo-Junior, Edineia L. Andrade, Guilherme P. Fadanni, Sara E. L. Tolouei, Francine B. Potrich, Adara A. Santos, Naiani F. Marques, Joao B. Calixto, Jaime A. Rabi
Summary: The study found that MB-905 (kinetin) can inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human hepatic and pulmonary cell lines, as well as reduce virus replication and inflammatory markers in infected monocytes. MB-905 inhibits viral RNA synthesis and induces error-prone virus replication. In addition, inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease enhances the inhibitory effect of MB-905. The drug shows good oral absorption, stability, and long-lasting concentrations in plasma and lung tissue, with no mutagenic or cardiotoxic effects. Animal experiments demonstrate that MB-905 decreases viral replication, lung damage, hemorrhage, and inflammation. The clinical investigation of kinetin for a rare genetic disease suggests the potential for rapid development of a new antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Ongoing research on antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 is necessary due to the emergence of variant strains that can evade vaccine-induced immunity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Claudia P. Figueiredo, Maira A. Bicca, Alexandra Latini, Rui Daniel S. Prediger, Rodrigo Medeiros, Joao B. Calixto
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Naieli Schiefelbein Souto, Micheli Dassi, Ana Claudia Monteiro Braga, Erica Vanessa Furlan Rosa, Michele Rechia Fighera, Luiz Fernando Freire Royes, Mauro Schneider Oliveira, Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari, Ana Flavia Furian
Summary: Several studies have demonstrated the toxicity of both aspartame (ASP) and aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) separately, but little is known about their concomitant exposure and hazardous consequences. In this study, male rats were exposed to AFB(1), ASP, or both substances for 14 days. The results showed that the combination of ASP and AFB(1) had greater behavioral impairments and oxidative status imbalance compared to the groups treated with only ASP or AFB(1). These findings suggest that the co-exposure to ASP and AFB(1) disrupts brain homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Debora Denardin Luckemeyer, Arthur Silveira Prudente, Marcella de Amorim Ferreira, Ana Merian da Silva, Raquel Tonello, Sergio Jose Macedo Jr, Camila Sant' Helena do Prado, Celio Jose de Castro Jr, Marcus Vinicius Gomez, Joao Batista Calixto, Juliano Ferreira
Summary: This study established a novel mouse model of painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) by combining HIV-1 gp120 and antiretroviral stavudine (d4T) in mice, and investigated the pronociceptive role of family 2 voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav2.X channels) in this model. The findings suggest that Cav2.X channels play a critical pronociceptive role in the development and progression of HIV-SN.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Bruna Neuberger, Fernanda Kulinski Mello, Michele Pereira Mallmann, Karine Gabriela da Costa Sobral, Michele Rechia Fighera, Luiz Fernando Freire Royes, Ana Flavia Furian, Tuane Bazanella Sampaio, Mauro Schneider Oliveira
Summary: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. In this study, the beneficial effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on epileptic activity were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that RA could attenuate seizure-induced neuromotor impairment and reduce protein oxidation levels in the brain cortex. These findings suggest that RA may be a potential add-on therapy for epilepsy.
Article
Neurosciences
Ana Claudia Monteiro Braga, Naieli Schiefelbein Souto, Fernanda Licker Cabral, Micheli Dassi, Erica Vanessa Furlan Rosa, Naiara dos Santos Guarda, Luiz Fernando Freire Royes, Michele Rechia Fighera, Rafael Noal Moresco, Mauro Schneider Oliveira, Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari, Ana Flavia Furian
Summary: This study investigated the effects of intermittent exposure to Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) on biochemical and behavioral parameters. The results showed that intermittent exposure did not cause any impairment in body weight, organ weight, behavior, antioxidant defenses, and markers of oxidation in various tissues. Moreover, hepatic and renal functions were not affected. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of AFB(1) exposure in order to better understand its potential hazards.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guilherme Pasetto Fadanni, Joao Batista Calixto
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous cause of respiratory failure with no effective pharmacological treatment. Excessive inflammation plays a critical role in ARDS, making cytokines and their downstream signalling pathways potential therapeutic targets. Precision medicine and therapeutic targeting of cytokines offer new prospects for effective treatments, with advancements in ARDS subphenotypes, treatment strategies, and clinical trial design. Combining anti-cytokine drugs in combination therapy may provide new perspectives on safe and effective treatments, but accurate evaluation depends on experimental research and biomarker-guided stratification in future trials. This review provides an overview of anti-cytokine therapy for ARDS and highlights the evidence for targeting cytokines individually as well as the therapeutic prospects for combination therapy.
CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vitor Helio de Souza Oliveira, Mayara Alves Amorim, Janiana Raiza Jentsch Matias de Oliveira, Bruna Silva Soley, Fernanda Grillo Rocha, Margareth de Mello Bandenburg, Vanessa Bordenowsky Pereira Lejeune, Alvaro Henrique Bernardo de Lima Silva, Deborah A. Witherden, Wendy L. Havran, Janaina Menezes Zanoveli, Daniela Almeida Cabrini, Joao Batista Calixto, Michel Fleith Otuki, Eunice Andre
Summary: The study aimed to determine the potential topical anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of baclofen cream in an inflammatory skin disease model. The results demonstrate that baclofen exhibits notable topical antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic alternative for treating inflammatory and proliferative skin diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Micheli Mainardi Pillat, Ana Carolina Ayupe, Guilherme Juvenal, Carine Meinerz, Talita Glaser, Diogo Vieira da Silva Pellegrina, Daisylea Souza Paiva, Carlos Fernando Mello, Beatriz Monteiro Longo, Eduardo Moraes Reis, Henning Ulrich
Summary: Proteins involved in AD, such as APP and PS1, have a critical role in CNS development and immune response. Mutations in these proteins lead to abnormal expression in NPCs and resemble the brain pathology in adult AD patients.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
