Review
Cell Biology
Ivo H. Hernandez, Mario Villa-Gonzalez, Gerardo Martin, Manuel Soto, Maria Jose Perez-Alvarez
Summary: Ischemic stroke, as the second leading cause of death and the first cause of long-term disability worldwide, poses a significant socioeconomic burden. Current approved treatments such as thrombectomy and rtPA administration are effective in some cases but not suitable for a large proportion of patients. Advancements in glial cell-related therapies, particularly in promoting protective phenotypes and inhibiting neurotoxic profiles, show promising results in different in vivo models of stroke. Oligodendrogenesis after brain ischemia seems beneficial, but these cells are less studied players and potential negative effects may arise in the future.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mengting Shang, Xiaoru Chang, Shuyan Niu, Jiangyan Li, Wenli Zhang, Tianshu Wu, Ting Zhang, Meng Tang, Yuying Xue
Summary: The study revealed that AgNPs can induce pro-inflammatory phenotypic polarization of microglia, and autophagy plays a key regulatory role in the inflammatory response induced by AgNPs.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Standoli, Cinzia Rapino, Camilla Di Meo, Agnes Rudowski, Nicole Kaempfer-Kolb, Luisa Michelle Volk, Dominique Thomas, Sandra Trautmann, Yannick Schreiber, Dagmar Meyer zu Heringdorf, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, have important roles in brain homeostasis and various neurological diseases. This study investigates the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate system in microglia. The results reveal that inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme and activating the cannabinoid 2 receptor have anti-inflammatory effects and prevent the transcription of pro-inflammatory SphK1 and SphK2 in microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide. The findings suggest the development of inhibitors for these enzymes as potential treatments for neuroinflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoling Liu, Chunyan Yao, Yan Tang, Xiaoyan Liu, Chenggang Duan, Chunmei Wang, Fei Han, Ying Xiang, Long Wu, Yafei Li, Ailing Ji, Tongjian Cai
Summary: Excessive exposure to manganese may lead to neuroinflammation, and it can inhibit the expression of p53 through DNA methylation, further inducing the expression of COX-2 in microglial cells.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yueman Zhang, Yunlu Guo, Ruqi Li, Tingting Huang, Yan Li, Wanqin Xie, Chen Chen, Weijie Chen, Jieqing Wan, Weifeng Yu, Peiying Li
Summary: Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers identified two microglia subclusters, CH25H(+) and OASL(+), that play important roles in ischemic stroke. CH25H(+) microglia exhibits increased phagocytosis and neuroprotective properties, while OASL(+) microglia is associated with neuroinflammation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Hong Li, Donglong Chen, Wei Sun, Jiansu Chen, Chang Luo, Heping Xu, Jacey Hongjie Ma, Shibo Tang
Summary: The study showed that pinacidil can alleviate diabetes-induced retinal gliosis and microglial activation. In vitro, pinacidil inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors in microglia and reduced GFAP expression induced by M1 microglia in Muller cells. Pinacidil may have a potential therapeutic effect on diabetes-induced retinal inflammation and gliosis through upregulating Kir6.1 expression.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenhui Luan, Min Li, Chunmei Wu, Xiaoqian Shen, Zhongwen Sun
Summary: This study established M1- and M2-like phenotype response models in microglia and found proteomic differences between the two types of microglia. BV2 cells showed narrower and weaker responses to LPS and IL-4 compared to primary microglia (PM), but had stronger capacity for DNA damage repair. Irradiation had negative effects on the regulation of KEGG pathways in both cells, and specific KEGG pathways were only found in irradiated PM.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xiaosheng Yang, Yang Liu, Weijie Zhong, Yi Li, Wenchuan Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the role of microglial Netrin-1 in ischemic stroke. The levels of Netrin-1 and its receptors were examined in human patients and animal models, and it was found that activation of Netrin-1 receptor signaling in microglia led to a shift in microglial phenotype towards a protective state, reducing apoptosis and migration. Targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting post-ischemic survival and functional recovery.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Teng Wan, Yunling Huang, Xiaoyu Gao, Wanpeng Wu, Weiming Guo
Summary: Exosomes are important vehicles for intercellular signaling and play a significant role in stroke regulation. There is a close link between microglia polarization and exosomes, where exosome inclusions such as microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating microglia polarization.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Joseph W. George, Jane E. Mattingly, Nashanthea J. Roland, Cassandra M. Small, Benjamin G. Lamberty, Howard S. Fox, Kelly L. Stauch
Summary: The study found that DTG and FTC had different effects on mitochondrial function in HeLa and BV2 cells, suggesting that cell type-specific metabolic changes may contribute to the toxic side effects of these ARV drugs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aungkana Rachsee, Natthakarn Chiranthanut, Phraepakaporn Kunnaja, Seewaboon Sireeratawong, Parirat Khonsung, Sunee Chansakaow, Ampai Panthong
Summary: Mucuna pruriens seed extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as NO, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, and by suppressing the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. These findings suggest the potential use of M. pruriens seeds in traditional and alternative medicine for treating PD and other inflammation-associated diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gufang Zhang, Qi Li, Weijie Tao, Pingping Qin, Jiali Chen, Huicui Yang, Jiaojiao Chen, Hua Liu, Qijun Dai, Xuechu Zhen
Summary: This study investigated the role of Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) in the phagocytic activity of macrophages/microglia and its significance in neuroprotection and neurological function in stroke. Results showed that depletion of Sig-1R impaired the phagocytic activity and worsened brain damage and neurological defects in stroke. Transfer of intact Sig-1R bone marrow-derived macrophages restored the clearance activity of dead/dying neurons and improved functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. This study provides evidence of the pivotal role of Sig-1R in macrophage/microglia-mediated efferocytosis and highlights its neuroprotective mechanism in stroke.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Qianyun Rui, Shugang Cao, Xiaozhu Wang, Xiaoyu Duan, Xinyi Iao, Wanli Dong, Qi Fang, Xueguang Zhang, Qun Xue
Summary: This study demonstrated that LMTK2 regulates neuroinflammation through the Nrf2 pathway, with its overexpression leading to decreased levels of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory factors, but a reduction in anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Furthermore, LMTK2 overexpression increased Nrf2 expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Nisharnthi M. Duggan, Natalie J. Saez, Daniel Clayton, Elena Budusan, Emma E. Watson, Isaac J. Tucker, Lachlan D. Rash, Glenn F. King, Richard J. Payne
Summary: Hi1a is a venom peptide from the Australian funnel-web spider Hadronyche infensa, with neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties due to its potent inhibition of acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), currently being pursued as a novel therapy for acute ischemic events. The total synthesis of Hi1a was described using native chemical ligation, successfully folding the synthetic peptide and exhibiting similar inhibitory activity on ASIC1a to recombinant Hi1a.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lalita Subedi, Bhakta Prasad Gaire
Summary: The search for novel therapeutic agents for cerebral ischemia/stroke has led to a focus on neuroprotective phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties as potential drug candidates. Studies have shown that these compounds reduce brain inflammation by decreasing proinflammatory microglia and macrophages while promoting anti-inflammatory responses, leading to improved outcomes in animal stroke models.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Francisco Ramirez, Isabel Afan, Willem Bouten, Josep Lluis Carrasco, Manuela Gonzalez Forero, Joan Navarro
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Entomology
Pia L. Kjellander, Malin Aronsson, Ulrika A. Bergvall, Josep L. Carrasco, Madeleine Christensson, Per-Eric Lindgren, Mikael Akesson, Petter Kjellander
Summary: The cloth-dragging method is commonly used for collecting and counting ticks, but its reliability varies depending on tick density. Higher tick counts in areas with high abundance lead to better repeatability and agreement, while low tick counts in areas with lower abundance result in poorer repeatability but better agreement.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Juan C. Sarmiento-Monroy, Gerard Espinosa, Maria-Carlota Londono, Fernanda Meira, Berta Caballol, Sara Llufriu, Josep Lluis Carrasco, Aina Moll-Udina, Luis F. Quintana, Priscila Giavedoni, Julio Ramirez, Jose Inciarte-Mundo, Elisabeth Solana, Yolanda Blanco, Eugenia Martinez-Hernandez, Maria Sepulveda, Victor Llorenc, Sergio Prieto-Gonzalez, Georgina Espigol-Frigole, Jose C. Milisenda, Maria C. Cid, Jose M. Mascaro Jr., Isabel Blanco, Joan Albert Barbera, Oriol Sibila, Jordi Gratacos-Gines, Alfredo Adan, Alvaro Agusti, Raimon Sanmarti, Julian Panes, Ricard Cervera, Jordi Vila, Alex Soriano, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta
Summary: The study found that patients with autoimmune and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases have a lower risk of developing severe disease after contracting SARS-CoV-2, including the need for intensive care treatment and mechanical ventilation, compared to the general population.
JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kele Ding, Jingzhen Yang, Ming-Kai Chin, Lindsay Sullivan, Giyasettin Demirhan, Veronica Violant-Holz, Ricardo R. Uvinha, Jianhui Dai, Xia Xu, Biljana Popeska, Zornitza Mladenova, Waheeda Khan, Garry Kuan, Govindasamy Balasekaran, Gary A. Smith
Summary: This study compared anxiety and depression symptoms among adults from 11 countries during the COVID-19 lockdown, finding that personal COVID-19 exposure was a significant risk factor, while country-level COVID-19 factors were not. Additionally, higher levels of hope and resilient coping were associated with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Leticia Perez-Sisques, Nuria Martin-Flores, Merce Masana, Julia Solana-Balaguer, Arnau Llobet, Joan Romani-Aumedes, Merce Canal, Genis Campoy-Campos, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Nuria Sanchez-Fernandez, Sara Fernandez-Garcia, James P. Gilbert, Manuel Jose Rodriguez, Heng-Ye Man, Elena Feinstein, David L. Williamson, David Soto, Xavier Gasull, Jordi Alberch, Cristina Malagelada
Summary: The study reveals the crucial role of RTP801 in neuronal plasticity and motor learning. Knockdown of RTP801 enhances excitatory synaptic transmission and improves motor learning, while also regulating spine density and synaptic-related protein levels.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kele Ding, Jingzhen Yang, Ming-Kai Chin, Lindsay Sullivan, J. Durstine, Veronica Violant-Holz, Giyasettin Demirhan, Nara Oliveira, Biljana Popeska, Garry Kuan, Waheeda Khan, Jianhui Dai, Xia Xu, Zornitza Mladenova, Govindasamy Balasekaran, Gary Smith
Summary: The study found that during COVID-19 lockdown, physical activity levels decreased significantly worldwide, with the stringency of governmental policy responses playing a role. Higher depression or anxiety scores were also associated with decreased physical activity levels. Country-specific interventions are needed to promote physical activity during similar global emergencies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Veronica Violant-Holz, Carlota Rodriguez-Silva, Maria Carol, Manuel J. Rodriguez
Summary: This study highlights the importance of promoting healthy habits among preschoolers through holistic training for teachers. The cocreation process involved parents, teachers, and health professionals in designing the training, leading to positive impacts on classroom health-related activities. The pilot study showed that the training increased the likelihood of observing fruit consumption, promoting healthy habits, and hand washing among children.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esther Garcia-Garcia, Nerea Chaparro-Cabanillas, Albert Coll-Manzano, Maria Carreras-Caballe, Albert Giralt, Daniel Del Toro, Jordi Alberch, Merce Masana, Manuel J. Rodriguez
Summary: Loss-of-function mutations in the VPS13A gene cause Chorea-acanthocytosis. The study reveals stable and widespread expression of VPS13A in the mouse brain, with the strongest profiles in the pons, hippocampus, and cerebellum. VPS13A is mainly located in neurons, co-localizing with the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Munoz-Violant, Veronica Violant-Holz, M. Gloria Gallego-Jimenez, M. Teresa Anguera, Manuel J. Rodriguez
Summary: This study analyzed the behavioral co-occurrent patterns and relationships in coping strategies used by the Spanish adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding associations between different coping strategies and levels of psychological distress.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Anna Sancho-Balsells, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Francesca Flotta, Wanqi Chen, Jordi Alberch, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Conxita Avila, Albert Giralt
Summary: This study suggests that Meridianins could be a promising therapeutic tool for stress-related disorders such as major depression disorder. Meridianins can inhibit GSK3 beta activity in multiple brain regions associated with stress-related symptoms and produce therapeutic effects by altering signaling pathways and increasing synaptic activity.
Article
Immunology
Ivan Ballasch, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Cristina Vila, Anna Perez-Gonzalez, Anna Sancho-Balsells, Jessica Fernandez, David Soto, Mar Puigdellivol, Xavier Gasull, Jordi Alberch, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Josep M. Canals, Albert Giralt
Summary: In the last two decades, microglia have been recognized as important contributors to neurological disorders, not only through their immunological functions, but also through their ability to modulate synaptic and neural activity. The Ikzf1 gene, which plays crucial roles in regulating the function of circulating monocytes and lymphocytes, was found to be specifically expressed in adult microglia in the brain. Studies using Ikzf1 deficient mice revealed spatial learning deficits, impaired hippocampal function, and altered microglial morphology, suggesting that Ikzf1 is involved in microglial state and function. Furthermore, altered levels of Ikzf1 were observed in neurological disorder models and Alzheimer's disease patients, indicating its potential role in disease pathology.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Sara Conde-Berriozabal, Lia Garcia-Gilabert, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Laia Sitja-Roqueta, Xavier Lopez-Gil, Emma Munoz-Moreno, Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja, Guadalupe Soria, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Jordi Alberch, Merce Masana
Summary: This study reveals that in mice, the M2 cortex has prominent functional connectivity alterations with the superior colliculus, which play a role in the motor learning deficits observed in Huntington's disease (HD) patients. Furthermore, the activity of the M2 cortex is crucial for visual stimulus-induced behavioral responses.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Munoz-Violant, Veronica Violant-Holz, Manuel J. Rodriguez
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors of pediatric well-being from the experience of hospitalization and convalescence of children with a complex medical condition (CMC) and their caregivers. The results showed that children aged between 3 and 6 years and their caregivers scored physical well-being the lowest, while youth between the ages of 7 and 17 years and their caregivers scored school-related well-being the lowest. Coping strategies differed between children and caregivers, highlighting the need for effective communication spaces involving children and health professionals.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Violant-Holz, Carlota Rodriguez-Silva, Manuel J. J. Rodriguez
Summary: The school is the best place to promote the physical, emotional, and social health of children, and understanding the pedagogical actions of teachers in addressing health education is crucial. Through a holistic health perspective, we analyzed the pedagogical action patterns in preschool teaching of healthy habits and found that school space and playfulness strategies for executive function development were the main influencing factors.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Esther Garcia-Garcia, Alba Ramon-Lainez, Sara Conde-Berriozabal, Daniel del Toro, Georgia Escaramis, Albert Giralt, Merce Masana, Jordi Alberch, Manuel J. Rodriguez
Summary: Chorea-acanthocytosis is an inherited neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by VPS13A gene mutations leading to the absence of protein expression. The study reveals that VPS13A is involved in neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and motor behavior.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenzhu Wang, Zihan Li, Yitong Yan, Shuo Wu, Xinyu Yao, Chen Gao, Lanxiang Liu, Yan Yu
Summary: This study investigated the reparative mechanisms of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and found that LIPUS promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, enhances neural electrical activity and neural plasticity, ultimately restoring neuronal function and cognitive capabilities in TBI mice.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenmin Yi, Fei Chen, Minghao Yuan, Chuanling Wang, Shengyuan Wang, Jie Wen, Qian Zou, Yinshuang Pu, Zhiyou Cai
Summary: The study suggests that a high-fat diet may lead to tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic dysfunction by inhibiting the SIRT1/AMPK pathway and disrupting autophagy flux, ultimately resulting in cognitive decline.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Kim M. Hemsley, Helen Beard, Glyn Chidlow, Teresa Mammone, Leanne K. Winner, Daniel Neumann, Barbara King, Marten F. Snel, Paul J. Trim, Robert J. Casson
Summary: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive method that can be used to rapidly and quantitatively examine the integrity of the neuroretina. It has been shown that OCT can be used to observe retinal thinning in patients with childhood dementia, and to assess the improvement of retinal structure after treatment. Furthermore, OCT can provide insights into other childhood dementias based on the correlation between retinal and brain degeneration in Sanfilippo syndrome.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Qianling Jiang, Xin Ma, Gaochen Zhu, Wen Si, Lingyu He, Guan Yang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of EAE induction on thymopoiesis and T cell development, revealing changes such as increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and a blockade in the transition from double-negative thymocytes to double-positive cells. It was also found that positive selection was disrupted in the thymus of EAE mice, along with an increased production of regulatory T cells.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Alice McDouall, Guido Wassink, Sumudu Ranasinghe, Kelly Q. Zhou, Rashika N. Karunasinghe, Justin M. Dean, Joanne O. Davidson
Summary: This study found that blocking connexin 43 hemichannels can attenuate brain injury and promote neurodevelopment in infants with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, without causing hypothermia.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah Sweetman, Mahmudur Rahman, Aditya Vedantam, Kajana Satkunendrarajah
Summary: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a neurological condition characterized by chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord, leading to impaired limb function. While respiratory dysfunction is not a common symptom of DCM, it can affect the ventilatory response to respiratory challenges. Surgical decompression improves sensorimotor function in DCM, but its impact on respiratory function is unclear. This study evaluates respiratory function and adaptive ventilation in a DCM model, showing that DCM impairs acute adaptive ventilatory ability and surgical decompression does not fully restore it.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Chengmei Sun, Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman, Budbazar Enkhjargal, Jianhua Peng, Keren Zhou, Zhiyi Xie, Lingyun Wu, Tongyu Zhang, Qiquan Zhu, Jiping Tang, Yujia Zeng, John H. Zhang, Shanshan Xu
Summary: This study found that Osteopontin (OPN) can attenuate inflammatory responses after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by promoting an anti-inflammatory microglial state. This effect may be mediated through the integrin-FAK-STAT3 and NF-kappa B signaling pathways.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Yang Yang, Xuezhu Chen, Chuanyan Yang, Mei Liu, Qianying Huang, Likun Yang, Yuhai Wang, Hua Feng, Zhongyang Gao, Tunan Chen
Summary: The study explores the effects of specific chemogenetic stimulation of intact corticospinal tract on functional recovery after stroke in mice. The findings demonstrate that combining chemogenetic activation with rehabilitation training leads to significant motor functional recovery by promoting axon sprouting and rewiring new functional circuits.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)