Flavonoids as Modulators of Synaptic Plasticity: Implications for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Healthy Lifestyle

Flavonoids are potential group of phytochemicals found in normal diets capable of mediating improvements in cognition and may reverse age-related declines in memory. Aging is associated with alteration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and contribute to decline in cognitive functions. The current studies are directed at a greater understanding of how and why the brain modifies synaptic strength with dietary-derived phytochemicals (flavonoids) and age-related declines in cognitive functions (such as learning and memory). Flavonoids modulate neuronal function and thereby influence cognition. In addition, it has been suggested that flavonoids may delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology, anxiety, and depression disorders, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. Emerging evidence suggest that flavonoids are modulators of signaling pathways critical for controlling synaptic plasticity in the brain. For example, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, pathways could be involved Ca2+ signaling. Significants questions such as: (i) How does flavonoids affect plasticity? (ii) What receptors are modulating by flavonoids and how are they regulated? (iii) Do flavonoids have a neuroprotective effect in aging? are asked

Where do you measure the Bregma for rodent stereotaxic surgery?

The advent of the stereotaxic apparatus developed by Clarke and Horsley revolutionized neuroscience research, enabling precise 3D navigation along the skull mediolateral, anteroposterior, and dorsoventral axes. In rodents, the Bregma is widely used as the origin reference point for the stereotaxic coordinates, but the specific procedure for its measurement varies among different laboratories. Notably, the renowned brain atlas developed by Paxinos and Franklin lacks explicit instructions on the Bregma determination. Recent studies have found discrepancies in skull and brain landmark measurements. This review describes the commonly used brain atlases and highlights the limitations in accurately measuring the stereotaxic coordinates. In addition, we propose alternative and more reliable approaches to measure the Bregma. It is imperative to address the misconceptions about the accuracy of stereotaxic surgeries, as it can significantly impact a substantial portion of neuroscience research