Exploring the spectrum of heroin-induced changes in the rat brain.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged heroin exposure on adult male rats. Our findings demonstrate that this intervention induces deficits in memory, synaptic plasticity, emotional regulation, and motor function. These impairments appear to be associated with reduced levels of BDNF, increased expression of REST/NRSF, and elevated astrocyte activity within the hippocampus.

The Influence of the Probiotics, Ketogenic Diets, and Gut Microbiota on Epilepsy and Epileptic Models: A Comprehensive Review.

About one-third of epilepsies are resistant to antiepileptic drugs; thus, uncovering new pathways in the pathophysiology of epilepsy can reduce the global disease burden. Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that benefit the host by regulating the gut microbiome. This review aims to study the effect of probiotics and ketogenic diets on gut microbiota and their potential as a therapy for epilepsy.

Neuroprotective effects of the elderberry diet on the methamphetamine-induced toxicity in rats: a behavioral, electrophysiological, and histopathological study.

Methamphetamine (METH) harms nerve and glial cells in both animals and humans, impacting cognitive functions and leading to research on cognitive impairments in exposed animals. Elderberry (EB) contains numerous bioactive compounds and demonstrates various health benefits, which can be valuable for maximizing its use in the food industry. In the present study, we focused on the probable protective effects of EB on the devastating impacts of METH in the hippocampus, one of the critical areas in memory and cognition.

The neuroprotective effect of elderberry diet on the tramadol-induced toxicity in the hippocampus of adult male rats.

Pain relievers such as tramadol are among the most commonly prescribed around the world. However, Long-term tramadol use has been shown to cause neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment, which has limited its clinical use. Elderberry (EB), a plant extract widely recognized for its medicinal properties, is used in this study to investigate the effects of a plant-based diet on tramadol's adverse effects in the hippocampus region.

The elderberry diet protection against intrahippocampal Aβ-induced memory dysfunction; the abrogated apoptosis and neuroinflammation.

This study evaluates whether elderberry (EB) effectively decreases the inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain cells to reduce Aβ toxicity. In the Aβ + EB group, EB powder was added to rats' routine diet for eight consecutive weeks. Then, spatial memory, working memory, and long-term memory, were measured using the Morris water maze, T-maze, and passive avoidance test.

Short chain fatty acids, a possible treatment option for autoimmune diseases.

Gut microbiota can interact with the immune system through its metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as one of the most abundant metabolites of the resident gut microbiota play an important role in this crosstalk. SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) regulate nearly every type of immune cell in the gut's immune cell repertoire regarding their development and function.

Curcumin attenuates morphine dependence by modulating μ-opioid receptors and glial cell-activated neuroinflammation in rat.

In recent years, the association between neuroinflammation and opioid dependence has attracted considerable attention. Curcumin, a component of the Curcuma longa, has been shown to act as a suppressor of glial cells and inflammatory cytokines. The main goal of this study was to explore the attenuating effects of curcumin on morphine dependence with a focus on neuroinflammation and μ-opioid receptors in the rat prefrontal cortex.

Minocycline Improves Memory by Enhancing Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Restoring Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion.

Introduction: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the impairment of synaptic plasticity following cerebral ischemia, ultimately resulting in memory dysfunction. Hence, the applying antioxidant agents could be beneficial in managing memory deficits after brain ischemia. Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic with antioxidant effect.

MicroRNA-140-5p inhibitor attenuates memory impairment induced by amyloid-ß oligomer in vivo possibly through Pin1 regulation.

Aims: The peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, Pin1, has a protective role in age-related neurodegeneration by targeting different phosphorylation sites of tau and the key proteins required to produce Amyloid-β, which are the well-known molecular signatures of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. The direct interaction of miR-140-5p with Pin1 mRNA and its inhibitory role in protein translation has been identified. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miRNA-140-5p inhibition in promoting Pin1 expression and the therapeutic potential of the AntimiR-140-5p in the Aß oligomer (AßO)-induced AD rat model.

Dopamine D1 Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Per1, Per2, CLOCK, and BMAL1 Expression in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in Adult Male Rats.

Photic and non-photic inputs are reported to affect clock gene expressions and behavioral activities in the SCN. However, it is not known whether dopaminergic input mediates these regulatory effects on clock genes. The present study examined the molecular effects of dopamine D1 agonist on Per1, Per2, CLOCK, and Bmal1 expressions in the SCN and its effect on behavioral activities to determine the role of dopamine D1 receptor in regulation of these gene expressions and behavioral activities in adult male Wistar rats.

Does Alzheimer's disease stem in the gastrointestinal system?

Over the last decades, our knowledge of the key pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has dramatically improved. Regarding the limitation of current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of multifactorial diseases, such as AD, to be translated into the clinic, there is a growing trend in research to identify risk factors associated with the onset and progression of AD. Here, we review the current literature with a focus on the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI)/liver diseases during the lifespan and the incidence of AD, and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the link between the diseases.

Analgesic effects of cuminic alcohol (4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol), a monocyclic terpenoid, in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain: Role of opioid receptors, L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway, and inflammatory cytokines.

Cuminic alcohol (4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol; 4-IPBA) is a monocyclic terpenoid found in the analgesic medicinal plants Cuminum cyminum and Bunium persicum. The current study assessed the analgesic effects of 4-IPBA in different animal models of pain. Hot plate, formalin, and acetic acid tests were used to evaluate nociceptive pain in mice.

Attenuating effect of paroxetine on memory impairment following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat: The involvement of BDNF and antioxidant capacity.

Memory impairments are frequently reported in patients suffering from brain ischemic diseases. Oxidative/nitrosative stress, synaptic plasticity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are involved in the physiopathology of brain ischemia-induced memory disorders. In the present study, the effect of paroxetine as an efficacious antidepressant medication with antioxidant properties was evaluated on passive avoidance memory deficit following cerebral ischemia in rats.

The Attenuating Effect of Curcumin on Morphine Dependence in Rats: The Involvement of Spinal Microglial Cells and Inflammatory Cytokines.

New evidence suggests an important role for spinal glial cells in the development of opioid dependence. Curcumin, a component of the Curcuma Longa, has shown to act as a suppressor of microglial cells. The main goal of this study was to explore the attenuating effects of curcumin on morphine dependence with a focus on spinal microglial cells and inflammatory cytokines.

Alpha-pinene exerts neuroprotective effects via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Background: Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disorder that affected millions of people worldwide. Neuro-inflammation and apoptosis play an essential role in the pathogenesis of neuronal death during ischemic stroke. Alpha-pinene is a bicyclic terpenoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.

Antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects of cuminaldehyde, the major constituent of Cuminum cyminum seeds: Possible mechanisms of action.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: In Iranian traditional medicine, Cuminum cyminum is a unique medicinal herb for pain relief. Cuminaldehyde has been distinguished as the major constituent of C. cyminum seeds; even though, the analgesic effect of cuminaldehyde has not yet been examined.

Analgesic effect of α-terpineol on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury in rat sciatic nerve: Involvement of spinal microglial cells and inflammatory cytokines.

Objectives: Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disorder. Ample evidence indicates that microglial cells and inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Alpha-terpineol is a monoterpenoid alcohol with inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokines.

Attenuating effect of α-pinene on neurobehavioural deficit, oxidative damage and inflammatory response following focal ischaemic stroke in rat.

Objectives: Oxidative stress and inflammation have a critical role in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. Alpha-pinene is a monoterpenoid molecule with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The nobility of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of α-pinene in ischaemic stroke.

Role of L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K channel signaling pathway in the central and peripheral antinociceptive effect of thymoquinone in rats.

Objectives: Growing evidence demonstrates that L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K channel pathway has a modulatory role in pain perception. Previous studies have shown that thymoquinone exerts antinociceptive effects; however, the mechanisms underlying antinociception induced by thymoquinone have not been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K channel pathway in the central and peripheral antinociceptive effect of thymoquinone in rats.

Neuroprotective Effect of Paroxetine on Memory Deficit Induced by Cerebral Ischemia after Transient Bilateral Occlusion of Common Carotid Arteries in Rat.

Memory deficit is the most visible symptom of cerebral ischemia. The hippocampus is sensitive against cerebral ischemia. Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathological process after cerebral ischemic injury.

In vitro and in vivo Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles Against Clostridium botulinum Type A Botulinum.

Background: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a serious paralytic illness that results from the ingestion of a botulinum toxin. Because silver nanoparticle products exhibit strong antimicrobial activity, applications for silver nanoparticles in healthcare have expanded. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of botulism toxicity using silver nanoparticles.

Role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/K channel signalling pathway in antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol in mice.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/K channel pathway in analgesic effects of α-terpineol in mice.

Methods: Male NMRI mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with NO precursor (l-arginine, 100 mg/kg), NO synthase inhibitor (l-NAME, 30 mg/kg), NO donor (SNAP, 1 mg/kg), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (methylene blue, 20 mg/kg), PDE inhibitor (sildenafil, 0.5 mg/kg), K channel blocker (glibenclamide, 10 mg/kg) and naloxone (2 mg/kg) 20 min before the administration of α-terpineol.

Neuroprotective effect of minocycline on cognitive impairments induced by transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in male rat.

Memory deficit is the most visible symptom of cerebral ischemia that is associated with loss of pyramidal cells in CA1 region of the hippocampus. Oxidative stress and inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. Minocycline, a semi-synthetic tetracycline derived antibiotic, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Neuroprotective effects of pretreatment with minocycline on memory impairment following cerebral ischemia in rats.

Cerebral ischemia leads to memory impairment that is associated with loss of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion damage. Minocycline has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.