Neuroprotective Effect of Chalcone on P53, Caspase III Expression and D2-Like Dopaminergic Receptor Up-Regulation in In-vitro Parkinson's Model

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies indicated abnormal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Chalcone is a compound of natural origin with various properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of apoptosis. We investigated the impact of chalcone in an in-vitro model of PD. Materials and Methods: PC12 cells were divided into four groups. Negative control, 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) group (treatment with 75µM 6-OHDA), sham (treated with dimethyl sulfoxide), and the experimental groups with different dosages of chalcone treatment. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by MTT and ROS kit, respectively. The expressions of D2-like receptors, P53, and caspase III were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: We found that 6-OHDA induced cytotoxicity and ROS production. The viability results showed that all doses of chalcone significantly increased viability after 48 hours compared to the control group (P<0.01). The western blotting results showed that caspase III and P53 expression decreased significantly in the experimental groups compared to the 6-OHDA group. However, D2-like receptor expression did not significantly differ between the experimental and the 6-OHDA group.Conclusion: Complementary therapies, such as the use of antioxidants and the chalcone family, along with standard treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, may reduce the symptoms of the disease

Good response to rectal diazepam in refractory cases of cyclic vomiting: A case‐series and review of the literature

Key Clinical Message Although increasing in number, cases of CVS are being frequently misdiagnosed and many are refractory to the available treatments. This paper draws attention to a timely consideration of this disorder upon suspicion and proposes rectal diazepam and cinnarizine as highly effective treatments in refractory cases of CVS. Abstract Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a set of recurrent episodic attacks of nausea and vomiting. This is a migraine‐related disorder that mostly affects children. Several medications have been recommended for abortive and prophylactic treatment. Unfortunately, in some cases, the treatment is not completely effective and affects the quality of life of the sufferer. In this paper, we report on two cases of children experiencing refractory CVS attacks who were not responsive to recommended medications for acute phase and prophylaxis. This account highlights the efficacy of rectal diazepam for the acute phase of CVS and cinnarizine, an anti‐migraine and anti‐histamine agent, for prophylaxis of further attacks

β-Amyloid Formation, Memory, and Learning Decline Following Long-term Ovariectomy and Its Inhibition by Systemic Administration of Apigenin and β-Estradiol

Introduction: The increasing cases of Alzheimer Disease (AD) has caused numerous problems. The risk of developing AD increases in menopausal women, too. Apigenin and β-estradiol are effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. We conducted the present study to explore their combined effects on β-amyloid plaque formation, memory, and learning in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: 1) ovariectomized (OVX), 2) OVX + apigenin, 3) OVX + β-estradiol, 4) OVX + apigenin +  β-estradiol, 5 &6) vehicle shams for E2 and API , and 7) surgical sham. Treatment was done with apigenin and β-estradiol. Then, we studied the formation of β-amyloid plaques, neuronal density in the hippocampus area, apoptosis, memory, and learning. Results: Findings showed the significant formation of β-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of OVX animals and their memory impairment. Apigenin and β-estradiol significantly reduced the number of β-amyloid plaques, as well as the symptoms of memory impairment and learning, and decreased the expression of caspase-3 in treated animals. Conclusion: Accordingly, β-estradiol and apigenin could have more potent therapeutic effects on AD

Study Protocol, English Language: Study Protocol (Persian).

Study Protocol, English Language: Study Protocol (Persian).</p

Descriptive statistics of demographic and MS-related variables.

Descriptive statistics of demographic and MS-related variables.</p

IRCT registry, English Language: Clinical Trial Protocol Registry (English).

IRCT registry, English Language: Clinical Trial Protocol Registry (English).</p

Study Protocol, English Language: Study Protocol (English).

Study Protocol, English Language: Study Protocol (English).</p

The impact of age on each criterion during the study period.

The impact of age on each criterion during the study period.</p

S1 File -

The supplementary material file includes Table S1: The CONSORT checklist of information to include when reporting a pilot trial, Table S2: The 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Table S3: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Figure S1: The Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), Table S4: The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), Table S5: The Patient’s Global Impression of Changes (PGIC), and Figure S2: The impact of sex on each criterion during the study period. Supplementary Materials (containing the CONSORT checklist): Supplementary Materials (DOCX)</p