Neuroscience
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The association of neuroticism and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) development remains unclear. In this study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the potential role of neuroticism in CSVD development. ⋯ This research suggests a potential correlation between certain aspects of neuroticism and CSVD, with further studies needed to better understand the causal relationship and its implications for patient intervention.
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Incidences of seizure after e-cigarette use in adolescents and young adults have been reported, raising the concern about the risk of nicotine overconsumption. Few previous studies have investigated the effects of nicotine at high doses on brain and behavior in adolescent animals. In this study, the effects of a 15-day repeated nicotine treatment at a daily dose of 2 mg/kg body weight were investigated in adolescent and adult male rats. ⋯ Only the nicotine-treated adolescents showed significant changes in brain anatomy 1 day post-treatment, which manifested as a significant reduction of whole-brain gray matter (GM) volume, a further reduction of regional GM volume in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and altered GM volume covariations between the mPFC and a number of brain regions. The mPFC of nicotine-treated adolescent rats did not exhibit evident signs of neuronal degeneration and reactive astrocytosis, but showed a significantly decreased expression of presynaptic marker synaptophysin (SYN), along with a significantly increased oxidative stress and a significantly elevated expressions of microglial marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1). Together, these results suggested that repeated nicotine overdosing may shift regional redox, modulate microglia-mediated pruning, and give rise to structural/connectivity deficits in the mPFC of adolescent male rats.
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Hypothyroidism is known to affect memory consolidation, and our prior research highlighted the potential of chrysin as a therapeutic agent to restore cognitive function. The present study aimed to investigate the action mechanism of chrysin on memory deficits in hypothyroid in C57BL/6 female mice. We assessed cognitive flexibility, declarative, working, and aversive memories while analyzing the BDNF/TrkB/AKT/Creb neuroplasticity signaling pathway and synaptic function in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. ⋯ Chrysin treatment effectively reversed these memory deficits, restored cognitive flexibility, and improved protein levels. Our findings suggest that hypothyroidism impairs cognitive flexibility and memory through the BDNF/TrkB/AKT/Creb pathway, which chrysin modulates, operating as a neuroprotector in hypothyroidism. This research sheds light on the potential therapeutic benefits of chrysin for memory-related issues in hypothyroidism.
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Review Meta Analysis
The safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in animal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, representing 75% of cases and posing a substantial public health challenge. Emerging evidence from animal studies indicates that stem cell therapy holds significant promise as a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for DPN in animal studies remains outstanding. ⋯ The stem cell subgroup analysis showed that dental pulp stem cells had the greatest effects across all parameters, while bone marrow mononuclear cells had strong biochemical responses. Stem cell therapy demonstrates promising efficacy in ameliorating neuropathic symptoms in DPN animal models. Human patient studies and targeted treatment procedures for specific neuropathic disorders are advocated to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Review
Virtual reality modulating dynamics of neuroplasticity: Innovations in neuro-motor rehabilitation.
Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a ground-breaking tool in neuroscience, revolutionizing our understanding of neuroplasticity and its implications for neurological rehabilitation. By immersing individuals in simulated environments, VR induces profound neurobiological transformations, affecting neuronal connectivity, sensory feedback mechanisms, motor learning processes, and cognitive functions. These changes highlight the dynamic interplay between molecular events, synaptic adaptations, and neural reorganization, emphasizing the potential of VR as a therapeutic intervention in various neurological disorders. ⋯ Integrating molecular neuroscience with VR technology allows for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity, opening doors to personalized interventions and precise treatment strategies for individuals with neurological impairments. Moreover, the review emphasizes the ethical considerations and challenges that come with implementing VR-based interventions in clinical practice, stressing the importance of data privacy, informed consent, and collaborative interdisciplinary efforts. By leveraging advanced molecular imaging techniques, VR-based research methodologies, and computational modelling, the review envisions a future where VR technology plays a central role in revolutionizing neuroscience research and clinical neurorehabilitation, ultimately providing tailored and impactful solutions for individuals facing neurological challenges.