Hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata improves the autistic-like behavior and neuronal damage in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism

Experimental autism in rodents can be caused by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. Some diseases, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, opiate withdrawal, and generalized anxiety disorder can be treated by consuming Passiflora incarnata, due to the possession of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. The present study aims to investigate the role of the hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in behavioral and oxidative stress aberrations induced by VPA. On the gestational day (GD), 12.5, pregnant Wistar rats received VPA (600 mg/kg subcutaneously). Male pups were treated with the extract (30,100, and 300 mg/kg) from postnatal day 35 to the end of the experiment, and underwent behavioral testing to evaluate locomotion, repetitive, and stereotyped movements, anxiety, and social and cognitive behaviors. After behavioral testing, the blood sample was taken from the left ventricle to determine serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Then the animals were euthanized and their brains were taken out for histological assays of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and CA1 hippocampus with hematoxylin/eosin. The total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the extract were also measured. A significant improvement was observed in behavioral disturbances, particularly with 300 mg/kg of Passiflora. Moreover, the formation of oxidative stress markers significantly decreased at this dose. The extract also reduced the percentage of damaged cells in the CA1 and PFC. The results indicated that Passiflora extract could ameliorate VPA-induced behavioral aberrations possibly due to the antioxidant actions of its bioactive compound

Effect of Sambucus ebulus extract on neural stem cell prolifration under oxidative stress condition

Background and Aim: Recently, several studies have indicated that the central nervous system has the capacity for endogenous repair. But, the proliferation capacity of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) isn’t sufficient for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. So, it sounds that stimulation of endogenous NSC proliferation is essential for neuroregeneration. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Sambucus ebulus extract on the proliferation of neonatal rat hippocampus-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) under oxidative stress condition induced by H2O2.  Material and Methods: The NSCs were isolated from neonatal rat hippocampus. To confirm neural characteristics of neural stem cells, the expression of neural-specific marker, Nestin was investigated by immunocytochemistry technique. 5×104 cells were cultured in every well of a 96 well plate and H2O2 was added to induce oxidative stress condition. Then NSCs were exposed to 50 µg Sambucus ebulus extract for 24 hours, at various concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 μg/ml). The cell proliferation rate was assessed by MTT colorimetry assay before and after treatment with the extract. Results: Immunofluorescent studies showed that neural stem cells expressed specific neural marker; Nestin. The proliferation rate of NSCs increased in the treated groups in comparison to that in the control group. The highest rate of survival was observed when Sambucus ebulus was used at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the methanolic extract of Sambucus ebulus can promote proliferation and survival of NCSs in vitro and also after exposure to oxidative stress condition, suggesting its potential beneficial effect on neuroregeneration. Key Words: Neural stem cells, Sambucus ebulus, Proliferation, Survival.   Received: Jan 13, 2018     Accepted: Apr 11, 201

Transdifferentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Into Oligoprogenitor Cells

Introduction: The nerve fibers in central nervous system are surrounded by myelin sheet &nbsp;which is formed by oligodendrocytes. Cell therapy based on oligodendrocytes and their precursors transplantation can hold a promising alternative treatment for myelin sheet repair in demyelinating diseases. Methods: Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) are noninvasive, autologous and easy available source with multipotency characteristics, so they are in focus of interest in regenerative medicine. In the present study, hDPSCs were differentiated into oligoprogenitor using glial induction media, containing Retinoic Acid (RA), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), N2 and B27. The differentiated Oligoprogenitor Cells (OPCs) were evaluated for nestin, Olig2, NG2 and O4 using immunocytochemistry. Also, the expression of nestin, Olig2 and PDGFR-&alpha; gens (neuroprogenitor and oligoprogenitor markers) were investigated via RT-PCR technique.&nbsp; Results: The results indicate that glial differentiation medium induces the generation of oligoprogenitor cells as revealed via exhibition of specific glial markers, including Olig2, NG2 and O4. The expersion of nestin gene (neuroprogenitor marker) and Olig2 and PDGFR-&alpha; genes (oligoprogentor markers) were detected in treated hDPSCs at the end of the induction stage. Conclusion: hDPSCs can be induced to transdifferentiate into oligoprogenitor cells and respond to the routinely applied regents for glial differentiation of mesanchymal stem cells. These data suggest the hDPSCs &nbsp;as a valuable source for cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases