Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.E...Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions.They have low immunogenicity,good stability,high delivery efficiency,and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke.The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes,which can effectively improve targeting ability,enhance therapeutic efficacy,and minimize the dosages needed.Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes.In this review,we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke,including their antiinflammation,anti-apoptosis,autophagy-regulation,angiogenesis,neurogenesis,and glial scar formation reduction effects.However,it is worth noting that,despite their significant therapeutic potential,there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes.Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke.Ultimately,our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.展开更多
Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)re...Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.展开更多
Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, ...Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.展开更多
In neuropathological diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease(AD),neuroimaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)play crucial roles in the realm of Artificial Intelligence of Medical Things(AIoMT)by leveraging edge i...In neuropathological diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease(AD),neuroimaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)play crucial roles in the realm of Artificial Intelligence of Medical Things(AIoMT)by leveraging edge intelligence resources.However,accurately classifying MRI scans based on neurodegenerative diseases faces challenges due to significant variability across classes and limited intra-class differences.To address this challenge,we propose a novel approach aimed at improving the early detection of AD through MRI imaging.This method integrates a Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)with a Cascade Attention Model(CAM-CNN).The CAM-CNN model outperforms traditional CNNs in AD classification accuracy and processing complexity.In this architecture,the attention mechanism is effectively implemented by utilizing two constraint cost functions and a cross-network with diverse pre-trained parameters for a two-stream architecture.Additionally,two new cost functions,Satisfied Rank Loss(SRL)and Cross-Network Similarity Loss(CNSL),are introduced to enhance collaboration and overall network performance.Finally,a unique entropy addition method is employed in the attention module for network integration,converting intermediate outcomes into the final prediction.These components are designed to work collaboratively and can be sequentially trained for optimal performance,thereby enhancing the effectiveness of AD stage classification and robustness to interference from MR images.Validation using the Kaggle dataset demonstrates the model's accuracy of 99.07%in multiclass classification,ensuring precise classification and early detection of all AD subtypes.Further validation across three feature categories with varying numbers confirms the robustness of the proposed approach,with deviations from the standard criteria of less than 1%.Applied in Alzheimer's patient care,this capability holds promise for enhancing value-based therapy and clinical decision-making.It aids in differentiating Alzheimer's patients from healthy individuals,thereby improving patient care and enabling more targeted therapies.展开更多
Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connect...Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connectivity of this structure has been studied extensively over the past century,mainly using a range of anterograde and retrograde anatomical tracers[3].展开更多
Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons...Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra.Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to this neuronal loss.Once symptoms of PD begin,they worsen with age,which also impacts several critical cellular processes.Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2)is a gene associated with PD.Certain mutations in LRRK2,such as G2019S,increase its activity,disrupting cellular mechanisms necessary for healthy neuron function,including autophagy and lysosomal activity.Exposure to rotenone(RTN)promotes LRRK2 activity in neurons and contributes to cellular senescence andα-syn accumulation.Methods:In this study,human dopaminergic progenitor cells were reprogrammed to study the effects of RTN with the co-treatment of LRRK2 inhibitor on cellular senescence.We measured the cellular senescence using quantifying proteins of senescence markers,such as p53,p21,Rb,phosphorylated Rb,andβ-galatocidase,and the enzymatic activity of senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase.And we estimated the levels of accumulatedα-synuclein(α-syn),which is increased via the impaired autophagy-lysosomal pathway by cellular senescence.Then,we evaluated the association of the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase and the levels of accumulated or secretedα-syn,and the neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the secretedα-syn in rat primary microglia were determined using the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results:RTN raised senescence markers and affected the phosphorylation of Rab10,a substrate of LRRK2.The inhibiting agent MLI2 reduced these senescence markers and Rab10 phosphorylations.Additionally,RTN increasedα-syn levels in the neurons,while MLI2 aided in degrading it.When focusing on cells from PD patients with the G2019S mutation,an increase in cellular senescence and release ofα-syn was observed,provoking neuroinflammation.Treatment with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLI2 decreased both cellular senescence andα-syn secretion,thereby mitigating inflammatory responses.Conclusion:Overall,inhibiting LRRK2 may provide a beneficial strategy formanaging PD.展开更多
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide,with limited treatment options available in clinical practice.The emergence of stem cell therapy has provided new hope to the field of stroke trea...Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide,with limited treatment options available in clinical practice.The emergence of stem cell therapy has provided new hope to the field of stroke treatment via the restoration of brain neuron function.Exogenous neural stem cells are beneficial not only in cell replacement but also through the bystander effect.Neural stem cells regulate multiple physiological responses,including nerve repair,endogenous regeneration,immune function,and blood-brain barrier permeability,through the secretion of bioactive substances,including extracellular vesicles/exosomes.However,due to the complex microenvironment of ischemic cerebrovascular events and the low survival rate of neural stem cells following transplantation,limitations in the treatment effect remain unresolved.In this paper,we provide a detailed summary of the potential mechanisms of neural stem cell therapy for the treatment of ischemic stroke,review current neural stem cell therapeutic strategies and clinical trial results,and summarize the latest advancements in neural stem cell engineering to improve the survival rate of neural stem cells.We hope that this review could help provide insight into the therapeutic potential of neural stem cells and guide future scientific endeavors on neural stem cells.展开更多
In previous studies,Periaqueductal Gray(PAG)stimulation was used to stop ratbots from moving.Due to the homology between the PAG and the intercollicular nucleus,which has been used for forward movement in birds,we inv...In previous studies,Periaqueductal Gray(PAG)stimulation was used to stop ratbots from moving.Due to the homology between the PAG and the intercollicular nucleus,which has been used for forward movement in birds,we investigated the possibility of PAG application to induce forward locomotion for the first time.Using a corridor maze,the traveled distances via PAG electrical stimulation were examined in nine Wistar male rats during three sessions.A custom-designed stimulator was developed to apply the stimulation.The results showed reductions in responses to stimulation over time.Accordingly,the traveled distances had negative slopes during the consecutive trials(in 8 out of the 9 rats),and the slope mean was significantly different from zero.There was a strong correlation between the stimulation parameters(electric Charge per Phase(CPP)and the Number of Pulses(NP))and the observed slopes.The negative Movement Slopes(MS)were highly correlated with the CPP and the NP,as the Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were−0.87 and−0.79,respectively.The MS-CPP coefficients of determination(R-squared)were also between 0.76 and 0.95.In addition,the MS-NP coefficients of determination were between 0.63 and 0.87.Thus,it is concluded that the electrical stimulation parameters influence the behavioral outcomes directly.Furthermore,the PAG area may be considered a suitable candidate for forward locomotion control in the future if the area is harnessed effectively to prevent undesirable chaotic behaviors.展开更多
Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a debilitating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated segmental demyelination and variable degrees of axonal and neuronal degeneration that contrib...Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a debilitating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated segmental demyelination and variable degrees of axonal and neuronal degeneration that contribute to disability.Inducing efficient and effective repair programs following demyelination is a major goal and challenge in MS.Conventional MS therapies focus largely on modulating the immune aspects of the disease contributing to lesions.While this alleviates some symptoms and mitigates damage,it does not tackle the fundamental challenge of effective remyelination,which few MS patients experience,especially in the progressive phase of the disease.展开更多
Endocytosis is a fundamental biological process that couples exocytosis to maintain the homeostasis of the plasma membrane and sustained neurotransmission.Super-resolution microscopy enables optical imaging of exocyto...Endocytosis is a fundamental biological process that couples exocytosis to maintain the homeostasis of the plasma membrane and sustained neurotransmission.Super-resolution microscopy enables optical imaging of exocytosis and endocytosis in live cells and makes an essential contribution to understanding molecular mechanisms of endocytosis in neuronal somata and other types of cells.However,visualization of exo-endocytic events at the single vesicular level in a synapse with optical imaging remains a great challenge to reveal mechanisms governing the synaptic exo-endocytotic coupling.In this protocol,we describe the technical details of stimulated emission depletion(STED)imaging of synaptic endocytosis at the single-vesicle level,from sample preparation and microscopy calibration to data acquisition and analysis.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides(GFP)in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Methods:Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups:the normal control group and the AD group tre...Objective:To evaluate the effect of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides(GFP)in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Methods:Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups:the normal control group and the AD group treated with or without GFP(100,200,and 400 mg/kg).Behavioral responses in the open field test and elevated plus maze test were assessed.Additionally,the levels of malondialdehyde and ferric-reducing ability of plasma,and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βin the hippocampus were measured.Results:Treatment with GFP significantly improved AD-induced behavioral changes in the open field test and elevated plus maze test(P<0.05).In addition,the level of malondialdehyde and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βwere decreased by GFP treatment in a dose-dependent manner in AD rats(P<0.05),while the level of ferric-reducing ability of plasma was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral administration of GFP can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,as well as improve behavioral responses associated with AD,suggesting its potential use in AD treatment.However,additional studies are needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and efficacy.展开更多
The organization of the brain follows a topologi-cal hierarchy that changes dynamically during development.However,it remains unknown whether and how cognitive training administered over multiple years during develop-...The organization of the brain follows a topologi-cal hierarchy that changes dynamically during development.However,it remains unknown whether and how cognitive training administered over multiple years during develop-ment can modify this hierarchical topology.By measuring the brain and behavior of school children who had carried out abacus-based mental calculation(AMC)training for five years(starting from 7 years to 12 years old)in pre-training and post-training,we revealed the reshaping effect of long-term AMC intervention during development on the brain hierarchical topology.We observed the development-induced emergence of the default network,AMC training-promoted shifting,and regional changes in cortical gradi-ents.Moreover,the training-induced gradient changes were located in visual and somatomotor areas in association with the visuospatial/motor-imagery strategy.We found that gradient-based features can predict the math ability within groups.Our findings provide novel insights into the dynamic nature of network recruitment impacted by long-term cognitive training during development.展开更多
Glial scarring following severe tissue damage and inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to an extreme, uncontrolled form of reactive astrogliosis that typically occurs around the injury site. The scarri...Glial scarring following severe tissue damage and inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to an extreme, uncontrolled form of reactive astrogliosis that typically occurs around the injury site. The scarring process includes the misalignment of activated astrocytes and the deposition of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Here, we first discuss recent developments in the molecular and cellular features of glial scar formation, with special focus on the potential cellular origin of scar-forming cells and the molecular mechanisms underlying glial scar formation after SCI. Second, we discuss the role of glial scar formation in the regulation of axonal regeneration and the cascades of neuro-inflammation. Last, we summarize the physical and pharmacological approaches targeting the modulation of glial scarring to better understand the role of glial scar formation in the repair of SCI.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease(AD) is associated with oxidative stress, and ultimately results in cognitive deficit. Despite existing literature on the pathophysiology of AD, there is currently no cure for AD. The present stu...Alzheimer's disease(AD) is associated with oxidative stress, and ultimately results in cognitive deficit. Despite existing literature on the pathophysiology of AD, there is currently no cure for AD. The present study investigated the effects of kaempferol(Kmp) isolated from the extract of Mespilus germanica L.(medlar) leaves on cognitive impairment, hippocampal antioxidants, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and neuro-inflammation markers in ovariectomized(OVX) rat models of sporadic AD. Kaempferol, as the main flavonoid of medlar extract has been previously known for anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-neurotoxic effects. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were ovariectomized, and randomly divided into four groups: sham, OVX + saline, OVX + streptozotocin(STZ) + saline, OVX + STZ + Kmp. Animals received intracerebroventricular injection of STZ(3 mg/kg, twice with one day interval) to establish models of sporadic AD. Intraperitoneal injection of Kmp(10 mg/kg) for 21 days was performed in the OVX + STZ + Kmp group. Spatial learning and memory of rats were evaluated using a Morris water maze. Finally, brain homogenates were used for biochemical analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed a significant improvement in spatial learning and memory as evidenced by shortened escape latency and searching distance in Morris water maze in the OVX + STZ + Kmp group compared with the OVX + STZ group. Kmp also exhibited significant elevations in brain levels of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, while reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde. Our results demonstrate that Kmp is capable of alleviating STZ-induced memory impairment in OVX rats, probably by elevating endogenous hippocampal antioxidants of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reducing neuroinflammation. This study suggests that Kmp may be a potential neuroprotective agent against cognitive deficit in AD.展开更多
Peripheral nerve injury has remained a substantial clinical complication with no satisfactory treatment options.Despite the great development in the field ofmicrosurgery,some severe types of neural injuries cannot be ...Peripheral nerve injury has remained a substantial clinical complication with no satisfactory treatment options.Despite the great development in the field ofmicrosurgery,some severe types of neural injuries cannot be treated without causing tension to the injured nerve.Thus current studies have focused on the new approaches for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.Stem cells with the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types have brought a new perspective to this matter.In this review,we will discuss the use of three main sources of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.展开更多
Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain...Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain by maintaining antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels. We in-vestigated the effects of melatonin on antioxidant ability in the cerebral cortex and blood of traumatic brain injury rats. Results showed that the cerebral cortex β-carotene, vitamin C, vita-min E, reduced glutathione, and erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, and plasma vitamin C level were decreased by traumatic brain injury whereas they were increased following melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin seems to have protective effects on traumatic brain inju-ry-induced cerebral cortex and blood toxicity by inhibiting free radical formation and supporting antioxidant vitamin redox system.展开更多
Our lab has shown that brief electrical nerve stimulation(ES)has a dramatic impact on remyelination of lysophosphatidyl choline(LPC)-induced focally demyelinated rat peripheral nerves,while also inducing an axon-prote...Our lab has shown that brief electrical nerve stimulation(ES)has a dramatic impact on remyelination of lysophosphatidyl choline(LPC)-induced focally demyelinated rat peripheral nerves,while also inducing an axon-protective phenotype and shifting macrophages from a predominantly pro-inflammatory toward a pro-repair phenotype.Whether this same potential exists in the central nervous system is not known.Thus,for proof of principle studies,the peripheral nerve demyelination and ES model was adapted to the central nervous system,whereby a unilateral focal LPC-induced demyelination of the dorsal column at the lumbar enlargement where the sciatic nerve afferents enter was created,so that subsequent ipsilateral sciatic nerve ES results in increased neural activity in the demyelinated axons.Data reveal a robust focal demyelination at 7 days post-LPC injection.Delivery of 1-hour ES at 7 days post-LPC polarizes macrophages/microglia toward a pro-repair phenotype when examined at 14 days post-LPC;results in smaller LPC-associated regions of inflammation compared to non-stimulated controls;results in significantly more cells of the oligodendroglial lineage in the demyelinated region;elevates myelin basic protein levels;and shifts the paranodal protein Caspr along demyelinated axons to a more restricted distribution,consistent with reformation of the paranodes of the nodes of Ranvier.ES also significantly enhanced levels of phosphorylated neurofilaments detected in the zones of demyelination,which has been shown to confer axon protection.Collectively these findings support that strategies that increase neural activity,such as brief electrical stimulation,can be beneficial for promoting intrinsic repair following focal demyelinating insults in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.All animal procedures performed were approved by the University of Saskatchewan's Animal Research Ethics Board(protocol#20090087;last approval date:November 5,2020).展开更多
Studies have shown that acellular nerve xenografts do not require immunosuppression and use of acellular nerve xenografts for repair of peripheral nerve injury is safe and effective.However,there is currently no widel...Studies have shown that acellular nerve xenografts do not require immunosuppression and use of acellular nerve xenografts for repair of peripheral nerve injury is safe and effective.However,there is currently no widely accepted standard chemical decellularization method.The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency of bovine-derived nerves decellularized by the modified Hudson’s protocol in the repair of rat sciatic nerve injury.In the modified Hudson’s protocol,Triton X-200 was replaced by Triton X-100,and DNase and RNase were used to prepare accelular nerve xenografts.The efficiency of bovine-derived nerves decellularized by the modified Hudson’s protocol was tested in vitro by hematoxylin&eosin,Alcian blue,Masson’s trichrome,and Luxol fast blue staining,immunohistochemistry,and biochemical assays.The decellularization approach excluded cells,myelin,and axons of nerve xenografts,without affecting the organization of nerve xenografts.The decellularized nerve xenograft was used to bridge a 7 mm-long sciatic nerve defect to evaluate its efficiency in the repair of peripheral nerve injury.At 8 weeks after transplantation,sciatic function index in rats subjected to transplantation of acellular nerve xenograft was similar to that in rats undergoing transplantation of nerve allograft.Morphological analysis revealed that there were a large amount of regenerated myelinated axons in acellular nerve xenograft;the number of Schwann cells in the acellular nerve xenograft was similar to that in the nerve allograft.These findings suggest that acellular nerve xenografts prepared by the modified Hudson’s protocol can be used for repair of peripheral nerve injury.This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee,Research and Technology Chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences,Iran(approval No.IR.GUMS.REC.1395.332)on February 11,2017.展开更多
The principal pathology of Alzheimer's disease includes neuronal extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta peptides and formation of senile pl aques, which in turn induce neuroinflammation in the brain. Triptolide, a ...The principal pathology of Alzheimer's disease includes neuronal extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta peptides and formation of senile pl aques, which in turn induce neuroinflammation in the brain. Triptolide, a natural extract from the vine-like herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive efficacy. Therefore, we determined if triptolide can inhibit activation and proliferation of microglial cells and astrocytes in the APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. We used 1 or 5 μg/kg/d triptolide to treat APP/PS1 double transgenic mice (aged 4-4.5 months) for 45 days. Unbiased stereology analysis found that triptolide dose-dependent- ly reduced the total number of microglial cells, and transformed microglial cells into the resting state. Further, triptolide (5 μg/kg/d) also reduced the total number of hippocampal astrocytes. Our in vivo test results indicate that triptolide suppresses activation and proliferation of microglial cells and astrocytes in the hippocampus of APP/PS 1 double transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071291(to YY),82301464(to HM)the Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University,No.2022JBGS03(to YY)+2 种基金a grant from Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province,Nos.YDZJ202302CXJD061(to YY),20220303002SF(to YY)a grant from Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory,No.YDZJ202302CXJD017(to YY)Talent Reserve Program of First Hospital of Jilin University,No.JDYYCB-2023002(to ZNG)。
文摘Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions.They have low immunogenicity,good stability,high delivery efficiency,and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke.The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes,which can effectively improve targeting ability,enhance therapeutic efficacy,and minimize the dosages needed.Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes.In this review,we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke,including their antiinflammation,anti-apoptosis,autophagy-regulation,angiogenesis,neurogenesis,and glial scar formation reduction effects.However,it is worth noting that,despite their significant therapeutic potential,there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes.Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke.Ultimately,our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204634,82174047,81622051)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LQ22H280010)the Foundation of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University(2021ZR03).
文摘Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.
文摘Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.
基金funded by the National Elites Foundation(No.711.5095).
文摘In neuropathological diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease(AD),neuroimaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)play crucial roles in the realm of Artificial Intelligence of Medical Things(AIoMT)by leveraging edge intelligence resources.However,accurately classifying MRI scans based on neurodegenerative diseases faces challenges due to significant variability across classes and limited intra-class differences.To address this challenge,we propose a novel approach aimed at improving the early detection of AD through MRI imaging.This method integrates a Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)with a Cascade Attention Model(CAM-CNN).The CAM-CNN model outperforms traditional CNNs in AD classification accuracy and processing complexity.In this architecture,the attention mechanism is effectively implemented by utilizing two constraint cost functions and a cross-network with diverse pre-trained parameters for a two-stream architecture.Additionally,two new cost functions,Satisfied Rank Loss(SRL)and Cross-Network Similarity Loss(CNSL),are introduced to enhance collaboration and overall network performance.Finally,a unique entropy addition method is employed in the attention module for network integration,converting intermediate outcomes into the final prediction.These components are designed to work collaboratively and can be sequentially trained for optimal performance,thereby enhancing the effectiveness of AD stage classification and robustness to interference from MR images.Validation using the Kaggle dataset demonstrates the model's accuracy of 99.07%in multiclass classification,ensuring precise classification and early detection of all AD subtypes.Further validation across three feature categories with varying numbers confirms the robustness of the proposed approach,with deviations from the standard criteria of less than 1%.Applied in Alzheimer's patient care,this capability holds promise for enhancing value-based therapy and clinical decision-making.It aids in differentiating Alzheimer's patients from healthy individuals,thereby improving patient care and enabling more targeted therapies.
文摘Dear Editor,The importance of the medial entorhinal cortex(MEC)for memory and spatial navigation has been shown repeatedly in many species,including mice and humans[1,2].It is,therefore,not surprising that the connectivity of this structure has been studied extensively over the past century,mainly using a range of anterograde and retrograde anatomical tracers[3].
基金supportedby a grant from the Korean Fundfor Regenerative Medicine(KFRM),which is funded by the Korean government’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health&Welfare(23A0102L1 to Janghwan Kim)by KRIBB Research Initiative Program(KGM5362521 to Janghwan Kim)+1 种基金supported by a grant fromthe National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)which is funded by theMinistry of Science and ICT(MSIT)of the Korean government(RS-2023-NR077070 to SungWoo Park).
文摘Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra.Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to this neuronal loss.Once symptoms of PD begin,they worsen with age,which also impacts several critical cellular processes.Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2)is a gene associated with PD.Certain mutations in LRRK2,such as G2019S,increase its activity,disrupting cellular mechanisms necessary for healthy neuron function,including autophagy and lysosomal activity.Exposure to rotenone(RTN)promotes LRRK2 activity in neurons and contributes to cellular senescence andα-syn accumulation.Methods:In this study,human dopaminergic progenitor cells were reprogrammed to study the effects of RTN with the co-treatment of LRRK2 inhibitor on cellular senescence.We measured the cellular senescence using quantifying proteins of senescence markers,such as p53,p21,Rb,phosphorylated Rb,andβ-galatocidase,and the enzymatic activity of senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase.And we estimated the levels of accumulatedα-synuclein(α-syn),which is increased via the impaired autophagy-lysosomal pathway by cellular senescence.Then,we evaluated the association of the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase and the levels of accumulated or secretedα-syn,and the neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the secretedα-syn in rat primary microglia were determined using the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results:RTN raised senescence markers and affected the phosphorylation of Rab10,a substrate of LRRK2.The inhibiting agent MLI2 reduced these senescence markers and Rab10 phosphorylations.Additionally,RTN increasedα-syn levels in the neurons,while MLI2 aided in degrading it.When focusing on cells from PD patients with the G2019S mutation,an increase in cellular senescence and release ofα-syn was observed,provoking neuroinflammation.Treatment with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLI2 decreased both cellular senescence andα-syn secretion,thereby mitigating inflammatory responses.Conclusion:Overall,inhibiting LRRK2 may provide a beneficial strategy formanaging PD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81971105(to ZNG)the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province,No.YDZJ202201ZYTS677(to ZNG)+3 种基金Talent Reserve Program of the First Hospital of Jilin University,No.JDYYCB-2023002(to ZNG)the Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University,No.2022JBGS03(to YY)Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province,Nos.YDZJ202302CXJD061,20220303002SF(to YY)Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory,No.YDZJ202302CXJD017(to YY).
文摘Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide,with limited treatment options available in clinical practice.The emergence of stem cell therapy has provided new hope to the field of stroke treatment via the restoration of brain neuron function.Exogenous neural stem cells are beneficial not only in cell replacement but also through the bystander effect.Neural stem cells regulate multiple physiological responses,including nerve repair,endogenous regeneration,immune function,and blood-brain barrier permeability,through the secretion of bioactive substances,including extracellular vesicles/exosomes.However,due to the complex microenvironment of ischemic cerebrovascular events and the low survival rate of neural stem cells following transplantation,limitations in the treatment effect remain unresolved.In this paper,we provide a detailed summary of the potential mechanisms of neural stem cell therapy for the treatment of ischemic stroke,review current neural stem cell therapeutic strategies and clinical trial results,and summarize the latest advancements in neural stem cell engineering to improve the survival rate of neural stem cells.We hope that this review could help provide insight into the therapeutic potential of neural stem cells and guide future scientific endeavors on neural stem cells.
基金“Kerman Neuroscience Research Center”for their full support in terms of providing the financial grant and the required instruments.
文摘In previous studies,Periaqueductal Gray(PAG)stimulation was used to stop ratbots from moving.Due to the homology between the PAG and the intercollicular nucleus,which has been used for forward movement in birds,we investigated the possibility of PAG application to induce forward locomotion for the first time.Using a corridor maze,the traveled distances via PAG electrical stimulation were examined in nine Wistar male rats during three sessions.A custom-designed stimulator was developed to apply the stimulation.The results showed reductions in responses to stimulation over time.Accordingly,the traveled distances had negative slopes during the consecutive trials(in 8 out of the 9 rats),and the slope mean was significantly different from zero.There was a strong correlation between the stimulation parameters(electric Charge per Phase(CPP)and the Number of Pulses(NP))and the observed slopes.The negative Movement Slopes(MS)were highly correlated with the CPP and the NP,as the Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were−0.87 and−0.79,respectively.The MS-CPP coefficients of determination(R-squared)were also between 0.76 and 0.95.In addition,the MS-NP coefficients of determination were between 0.63 and 0.87.Thus,it is concluded that the electrical stimulation parameters influence the behavioral outcomes directly.Furthermore,the PAG area may be considered a suitable candidate for forward locomotion control in the future if the area is harnessed effectively to prevent undesirable chaotic behaviors.
基金supported by MS Canada research grants#2362Canadian Institutes of Health Research(CIHR)grants#142328𬵲+1 种基金University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine CoMRAD grant to VMKVsupported by University of Saskatchewan College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and College of Medicine Scholarships.
文摘Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a debilitating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated segmental demyelination and variable degrees of axonal and neuronal degeneration that contribute to disability.Inducing efficient and effective repair programs following demyelination is a major goal and challenge in MS.Conventional MS therapies focus largely on modulating the immune aspects of the disease contributing to lesions.While this alleviates some symptoms and mitigates damage,it does not tackle the fundamental challenge of effective remyelination,which few MS patients experience,especially in the progressive phase of the disease.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171233,81901308,81974203,32300819,31670843,32000704,21790390,and 21790394)Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province of China(2023-ZDLSF-23)+5 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China(2019JC-07,2020JQ-029,and 2023-JC-QN-0236)Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province of China(2020YJ0337 and 2020YJ0378)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2022YFS0615)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2018M640972)Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi Province,China(2021TD-37)The Shaanxi Postdoc Funding(2023BSHTBZZ15,2023BSHYDZZ39 and 2023BSHEDZZ67).
文摘Endocytosis is a fundamental biological process that couples exocytosis to maintain the homeostasis of the plasma membrane and sustained neurotransmission.Super-resolution microscopy enables optical imaging of exocytosis and endocytosis in live cells and makes an essential contribution to understanding molecular mechanisms of endocytosis in neuronal somata and other types of cells.However,visualization of exo-endocytic events at the single vesicular level in a synapse with optical imaging remains a great challenge to reveal mechanisms governing the synaptic exo-endocytotic coupling.In this protocol,we describe the technical details of stimulated emission depletion(STED)imaging of synaptic endocytosis at the single-vesicle level,from sample preparation and microscopy calibration to data acquisition and analysis.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides(GFP)in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Methods:Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups:the normal control group and the AD group treated with or without GFP(100,200,and 400 mg/kg).Behavioral responses in the open field test and elevated plus maze test were assessed.Additionally,the levels of malondialdehyde and ferric-reducing ability of plasma,and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βin the hippocampus were measured.Results:Treatment with GFP significantly improved AD-induced behavioral changes in the open field test and elevated plus maze test(P<0.05).In addition,the level of malondialdehyde and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βwere decreased by GFP treatment in a dose-dependent manner in AD rats(P<0.05),while the level of ferric-reducing ability of plasma was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral administration of GFP can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,as well as improve behavioral responses associated with AD,suggesting its potential use in AD treatment.However,additional studies are needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and efficacy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32071096 and 31270026)the National Social Science Foundation(17ZDA323)+3 种基金the STI 2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0200500)the Hong Kong Baptist University Research Committee Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme 2018/19(IRMS/18-19/SCI01)the Recruitment Program of Global Experts of Zhejiang Provincethe Start-up Funds for Leading Talents at Beijing Normal University and the National Basic Science Data Center“Chinese Data-sharing Warehouse for In-vivo Imaging Brain”(NBSDC-DB-15).
文摘The organization of the brain follows a topologi-cal hierarchy that changes dynamically during development.However,it remains unknown whether and how cognitive training administered over multiple years during develop-ment can modify this hierarchical topology.By measuring the brain and behavior of school children who had carried out abacus-based mental calculation(AMC)training for five years(starting from 7 years to 12 years old)in pre-training and post-training,we revealed the reshaping effect of long-term AMC intervention during development on the brain hierarchical topology.We observed the development-induced emergence of the default network,AMC training-promoted shifting,and regional changes in cortical gradi-ents.Moreover,the training-induced gradient changes were located in visual and somatomotor areas in association with the visuospatial/motor-imagery strategy.We found that gradient-based features can predict the math ability within groups.Our findings provide novel insights into the dynamic nature of network recruitment impacted by long-term cognitive training during development.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Development Program of China (2011CB504401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31130024,31070922 and 81261130313)
文摘Glial scarring following severe tissue damage and inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to an extreme, uncontrolled form of reactive astrogliosis that typically occurs around the injury site. The scarring process includes the misalignment of activated astrocytes and the deposition of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Here, we first discuss recent developments in the molecular and cellular features of glial scar formation, with special focus on the potential cellular origin of scar-forming cells and the molecular mechanisms underlying glial scar formation after SCI. Second, we discuss the role of glial scar formation in the regulation of axonal regeneration and the cascades of neuro-inflammation. Last, we summarize the physical and pharmacological approaches targeting the modulation of glial scarring to better understand the role of glial scar formation in the repair of SCI.
基金supported by a grant from Research and Technology Chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences,Iran(No.IR.GUMS.REC.1936.51)
文摘Alzheimer's disease(AD) is associated with oxidative stress, and ultimately results in cognitive deficit. Despite existing literature on the pathophysiology of AD, there is currently no cure for AD. The present study investigated the effects of kaempferol(Kmp) isolated from the extract of Mespilus germanica L.(medlar) leaves on cognitive impairment, hippocampal antioxidants, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and neuro-inflammation markers in ovariectomized(OVX) rat models of sporadic AD. Kaempferol, as the main flavonoid of medlar extract has been previously known for anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-neurotoxic effects. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were ovariectomized, and randomly divided into four groups: sham, OVX + saline, OVX + streptozotocin(STZ) + saline, OVX + STZ + Kmp. Animals received intracerebroventricular injection of STZ(3 mg/kg, twice with one day interval) to establish models of sporadic AD. Intraperitoneal injection of Kmp(10 mg/kg) for 21 days was performed in the OVX + STZ + Kmp group. Spatial learning and memory of rats were evaluated using a Morris water maze. Finally, brain homogenates were used for biochemical analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed a significant improvement in spatial learning and memory as evidenced by shortened escape latency and searching distance in Morris water maze in the OVX + STZ + Kmp group compared with the OVX + STZ group. Kmp also exhibited significant elevations in brain levels of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, while reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde. Our results demonstrate that Kmp is capable of alleviating STZ-induced memory impairment in OVX rats, probably by elevating endogenous hippocampal antioxidants of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reducing neuroinflammation. This study suggests that Kmp may be a potential neuroprotective agent against cognitive deficit in AD.
文摘Peripheral nerve injury has remained a substantial clinical complication with no satisfactory treatment options.Despite the great development in the field ofmicrosurgery,some severe types of neural injuries cannot be treated without causing tension to the injured nerve.Thus current studies have focused on the new approaches for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.Stem cells with the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types have brought a new perspective to this matter.In this review,we will discuss the use of three main sources of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
文摘Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain by maintaining antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels. We in-vestigated the effects of melatonin on antioxidant ability in the cerebral cortex and blood of traumatic brain injury rats. Results showed that the cerebral cortex β-carotene, vitamin C, vita-min E, reduced glutathione, and erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, and plasma vitamin C level were decreased by traumatic brain injury whereas they were increased following melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin seems to have protective effects on traumatic brain inju-ry-induced cerebral cortex and blood toxicity by inhibiting free radical formation and supporting antioxidant vitamin redox system.
基金supported by Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada(MSSOC),No.2362(to VMKV)Canadian Institutes of Health Research(CIHR),No.14238(to VMKV)were supported by University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine Research Awards(Co MGRADs)。
文摘Our lab has shown that brief electrical nerve stimulation(ES)has a dramatic impact on remyelination of lysophosphatidyl choline(LPC)-induced focally demyelinated rat peripheral nerves,while also inducing an axon-protective phenotype and shifting macrophages from a predominantly pro-inflammatory toward a pro-repair phenotype.Whether this same potential exists in the central nervous system is not known.Thus,for proof of principle studies,the peripheral nerve demyelination and ES model was adapted to the central nervous system,whereby a unilateral focal LPC-induced demyelination of the dorsal column at the lumbar enlargement where the sciatic nerve afferents enter was created,so that subsequent ipsilateral sciatic nerve ES results in increased neural activity in the demyelinated axons.Data reveal a robust focal demyelination at 7 days post-LPC injection.Delivery of 1-hour ES at 7 days post-LPC polarizes macrophages/microglia toward a pro-repair phenotype when examined at 14 days post-LPC;results in smaller LPC-associated regions of inflammation compared to non-stimulated controls;results in significantly more cells of the oligodendroglial lineage in the demyelinated region;elevates myelin basic protein levels;and shifts the paranodal protein Caspr along demyelinated axons to a more restricted distribution,consistent with reformation of the paranodes of the nodes of Ranvier.ES also significantly enhanced levels of phosphorylated neurofilaments detected in the zones of demyelination,which has been shown to confer axon protection.Collectively these findings support that strategies that increase neural activity,such as brief electrical stimulation,can be beneficial for promoting intrinsic repair following focal demyelinating insults in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.All animal procedures performed were approved by the University of Saskatchewan's Animal Research Ethics Board(protocol#20090087;last approval date:November 5,2020).
基金supported by the Research and Technology Chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences(No.95110202to AZa).
文摘Studies have shown that acellular nerve xenografts do not require immunosuppression and use of acellular nerve xenografts for repair of peripheral nerve injury is safe and effective.However,there is currently no widely accepted standard chemical decellularization method.The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency of bovine-derived nerves decellularized by the modified Hudson’s protocol in the repair of rat sciatic nerve injury.In the modified Hudson’s protocol,Triton X-200 was replaced by Triton X-100,and DNase and RNase were used to prepare accelular nerve xenografts.The efficiency of bovine-derived nerves decellularized by the modified Hudson’s protocol was tested in vitro by hematoxylin&eosin,Alcian blue,Masson’s trichrome,and Luxol fast blue staining,immunohistochemistry,and biochemical assays.The decellularization approach excluded cells,myelin,and axons of nerve xenografts,without affecting the organization of nerve xenografts.The decellularized nerve xenograft was used to bridge a 7 mm-long sciatic nerve defect to evaluate its efficiency in the repair of peripheral nerve injury.At 8 weeks after transplantation,sciatic function index in rats subjected to transplantation of acellular nerve xenograft was similar to that in rats undergoing transplantation of nerve allograft.Morphological analysis revealed that there were a large amount of regenerated myelinated axons in acellular nerve xenograft;the number of Schwann cells in the acellular nerve xenograft was similar to that in the nerve allograft.These findings suggest that acellular nerve xenografts prepared by the modified Hudson’s protocol can be used for repair of peripheral nerve injury.This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee,Research and Technology Chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences,Iran(approval No.IR.GUMS.REC.1395.332)on February 11,2017.
基金supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2016M590757the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University of China,No.20+4 种基金the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.2015JJ6010a grant from the Basic Research Program of Science and Technology Commission Foundation of Hunan Province of China,No.2015JC3059the Project Fund of the Department of Education in Hunan Province of China,No.15A023,13C1107the Scientific Research Project Fund of Health Department of Hunan Province of China,No.B2011-071,B2016096a grant from the Construction Program of the Key Discipline in Hunan Province of China
文摘The principal pathology of Alzheimer's disease includes neuronal extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta peptides and formation of senile pl aques, which in turn induce neuroinflammation in the brain. Triptolide, a natural extract from the vine-like herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive efficacy. Therefore, we determined if triptolide can inhibit activation and proliferation of microglial cells and astrocytes in the APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. We used 1 or 5 μg/kg/d triptolide to treat APP/PS1 double transgenic mice (aged 4-4.5 months) for 45 days. Unbiased stereology analysis found that triptolide dose-dependent- ly reduced the total number of microglial cells, and transformed microglial cells into the resting state. Further, triptolide (5 μg/kg/d) also reduced the total number of hippocampal astrocytes. Our in vivo test results indicate that triptolide suppresses activation and proliferation of microglial cells and astrocytes in the hippocampus of APP/PS 1 double transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease.