Hypoxic preconditioning protects against ischemic brain injury

The Association between All-Cause Mortality and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: A U-Shaped Curve

Rationale: The relationship between sleep apnea (SA) and mortality remains a topic of debate. Objectives: We explored the relationship between the severity of SA and mortality and the effect of age on this association. Methods: Using a veterans' database, we extracted an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from physician interpretations of sleep studies by developing a natural language processing pipeline (with 944 manually annotated notes), which achieved more than 85% accuracy. We categorized the participants into no SA (n-SA; AHI, <5), mild to moderate SA (m-SA; 5 ⩽ AHI < 30), and severe SA (s-SA; AHI, ⩾30). We propensity-matched the m-SA and s-SA categories with n-SA on the basis of age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and 38 components of the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Using logistic regression, we estimated the odds ratio (OR) for all-cause mortality using m-SA as a reference. Also, we stratified the findings on the basis of age: young, ⩽40; middle aged, >40 and <65; and older, ⩾65 adults. Results: We extracted the AHI on 179,121 propensity-matched participants (mean age = 45.85 [SD = 14.1]; BMI = 30.15 ± 5.37 kg/m2; male, 79.09%; White, 64.5%). All-cause mortality rates among three AHI categories showed a U-shaped curve (11.55%, 7.07%, and 8.15% for n-SA, m-SA, and s-SA, respectively), regardless of age group. Compared with m-SA, the odds of all-cause mortality in n-SA (OR, 1.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.65-1.79) and s-SA (OR, 1.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.12-1.22) were higher. Stratifying by age yielded consistent findings. Conclusions: All-cause mortality showed a U-shaped association with the AHI. Further investigations to understand the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon are warranted.

Where in the Tissues of Danio rerio Is More H2O2 Produced During Acute Hypoxia?

The lack of oxygen (O2) causes changes in the cell functioning. Modeling hypoxic conditions in vitro is challenging given that different cell types exhibit different sensitivities to tissue O2 levels. We present an effective in vivo platform for assessing various tissue and organ parameters in Danio rerio larvae under acute hypoxic conditions. Our system allows simultaneous positioning of multiple individuals within a chamber where O2 level in the water can be precisely and promptly regulated, all while conducting microscopy. We applied this approach in combination with a genetically encoded pH-biosensor SypHer3s and a highly H2O2-sensitive HyPer7 biosensor. Hypoxia causes H2O2 production in areas of brain, heart, and skeletal muscles, exclusively in the mitochondrial matrix; it is noteworthy that H2O2 does not penetrate into the cytosol and is neutralized in the matrix upon reoxygenation. Hypoxia causes pronounced tissue acidosis, expressed by a decrease in pH by 0.4-0.6 units everywhere. Using imaging photoplethysmography, we measured in D. rerio larvae real-time heart rate decrease under conditions of hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. Our observations in this experimental system lead to the hypothesis that mitochondria are the only source of H2O2 in cells of D. rerio under hypoxia. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 42, 292-300.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Risk of Early Brain Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Term among Infants Born at ≤32 Weeks' Gestational Age

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the proximal effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on a validated measure of brain abnormalities in infants born at ≤32 weeks' gestational age (GA) using magnetic resonance imaging at term-equivalent age.

STUDY DESIGN

In a multisite prospective cohort study, 395 infants born at ≤32 weeks' GA, underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging scan between 39 and 44 weeks' postmenstrual age. A single neuroradiologist, blinded to clinical history, evaluated the standardized Kidokoro global brain abnormality score as the primary outcome. We classified infants as HDP-exposed by maternal diagnosis of chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or eclampsia. Linear regression analysis identified the independent effects of HDP on infant brain abnormalities, adjusting for histologic chorioamnionitis, maternal smoking, antenatal steroids, magnesium sulfate, and infant sex. Mediation analyses quantified the indirect effect of HDP mediated via impaired intrauterine growth and prematurity and remaining direct effects on brain abnormalities.

RESULTS

A total of 170/395 infants (43%) were HDP-exposed. Adjusted multivariable analyses revealed HDP-exposed infants had 27% (95% CI 5%-53%) higher brain abnormality scores than those without HDP exposure (P = .02), primarily driven by increased white matter injury/abnormality scores (P = .01). Mediation analyses showed HDP-induced impaired intrauterine growth significantly (P = .02) contributed to brain abnormality scores (22% of the total effect).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal hypertension independently increased the risk for early brain injury and/or maturational delays in infants born at ≤32 weeks' GA with an indirect effect of 22% resulting from impaired intrauterine growth. Enhanced prevention/treatment of maternal hypertension may mitigate the risk of infant brain abnormalities and potential neurodevelopmental impairments.

Hypercapnic hypoxia as a rehabilitation method for patients after ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Experimental studies on animals have demonstrated a higher neuroprotective efficacy of hypercapnic hypoxia compared to normocapnic hypoxia. Respiratory training with hypercapnic hypoxia has shown a positive impact on the functional state of the nervous system in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It can be presumed that the combined effect of moderate hypercapnia and hypoxia will be promising for clinical application within the context of early rehabilitation after ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 102 patients with ischemic stroke, aged 63.07 ± 12.1 years. All patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke based on neuroimaging criteria and/or clinical criteria within the 48-72 hour timeframe. The experimental group (n = 50) underwent daily respiratory training with hypercapnic hypoxia (FetCO2 5-6%, FetO2 15-16%) using the 'Carbonic' device for 7-11 sessions of 20 minutes each day during the treatment process. The control group (placebo, n = 52) underwent training on a similar device modified for breathing atmospheric air. Neurological examinations were conducted on all patients before the study and on the day after completing the training course.

RESULTS

The standard treatment demonstrated effectiveness in terms of neurological status scales in both groups. Intermittent exposure to hypercapnic hypoxia proved more effective in improving neurological function indicators in patients compared to the placebo group: NIHSS scale scores were 40% lower than in the placebo group (p < 0.001); mRS scale scores were 35% lower (p < 0.001); B-ADL-I and RMI indices were higher by 26% (p < 0.01) and 36% (p < 0.001), respectively; MoCA scale results were 13% higher (p < 0.05); HADS and BDI-II scale scores were lower by 35% (p < 0.05) and 25% (p < 0.05), respectively. The increase in MMSE scale scores in the intervention group was 54% higher (p < 0.001), and MoCA scale scores increased by 25% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Respiratory training with hypercapnic hypoxia improves the functional state of the nervous system in patients with ischemic stroke. After conducting further clarifying studies, hypercapnic hypoxia can be considered as an effective method of neurorehabilitation, which can be used as early as 48-72 hours after the onset of stroke.

Relationship between Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Tolerance and Life Expectancy

The review discusses the potential relationship between hypoxia resistance and longevity, the influence of carbon dioxide on the mechanisms of aging of the mammalian organism, and intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxic effects on the signaling pathways of aging mechanisms. In the article, we focused on the potential mechanisms of the gero-protective efficacy of carbon dioxide when combined with hypoxia. The review summarizes the possible influence of intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia on aging processes in the nervous system. We considered the perspective variants of the application of hypercapnic-hypoxic influences for achieving active longevity and the prospects for the possibilities of developing hypercapnic-hypoxic training methods.

Downregulation of miR-337-3p in hypoxia/reoxygenation neuroblastoma cells increases KCTD11 expression

Neurodegeneration is linked to the progressive loss of neural function and is associated with several diseases. Hypoxia is a hallmark in many of these diseases, and several therapies have been developed to treat this disease, including gene expression therapies that should be tightly controlled to avoid side effects. Cells experiencing hypoxia undergo a series of physiological responses that are induced by the activation of various transcription factors. Modulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression to alter transcriptional regulation has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating multiple diseases, and in this study, we therefore explored potential miRNA candidates that could influence hypoxia-induced nerve cell death. Our data suggest that in mouse neuroblasts Neuro-2a cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), miR-337-3p is downregulated to increase the expression of Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 11 (KCTD11) and subsequently promote apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that KCTD11 plays a role in the cellular response to hypoxia, and we also provide a possible regulatory mechanism by identifying the axis of miR-337-3p/KCTD11 as a promising candidate modulator of nerve cell survival after H/R exposure.

Field physiology in the aquatic realm: ecological energetics and diving behavior provide context for elucidating patterns and deviations

Comparative physiology has developed a rich understanding of the physiological adaptations of organisms, from microbes to megafauna. Despite extreme differences in size and a diversity of habitats, general patterns are observed in their physiological adaptations. Yet, many organisms deviate from the general patterns, providing an opportunity to understand the importance of ecology in determining the evolution of unusual adaptations. Aquatic air-breathing vertebrates provide unique study systems in which the interplay between ecology, physiology and behavior is most evident. They must perform breath-hold dives to obtain food underwater, which imposes a physiological constraint on their foraging time as they must resurface to breathe. This separation of two critical resources has led researchers to investigate these organisms' physiological adaptations and trade-offs. Addressing such questions on large marine animals is best done in the field, given the difficulty of replicating the environment of these animals in the lab. This Review examines the long history of research on diving physiology and behavior. We show how innovative technology and the careful selection of research animals have provided a holistic understanding of diving mammals' physiology, behavior and ecology. We explore the role of the aerobic diving limit, body size, oxygen stores, prey distribution and metabolism. We then identify gaps in our knowledge and suggest areas for future research, pointing out how this research will help conserve these unique animals.

Obesity paradox or hypoxia preconditioning: How obstructive sleep apnea modifies the Obesity-MI relationship

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea on acute MI in hospital mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study utilized Veterans Health Administration data from years 1999-2020. Participants were categorized according to their body mass index (BMI) to non-obese (BMI <30) and obese (BMI ≥30) groups. Clinical obstructive sleep apnea (SA) diagnosis was confirmed using ICD9/10 codes and the study subgroups included non-obese with no obstructive sleep apnea (nOB-nSA), non-Obese with obstructive sleep apnea (nOB-SA), obese with no obstructive sleep apnea (OB-nSA), and obese with obstructive sleep apnea (OB-SA). The primary outcome was odds ratio of in-hospital mortality during the hospitalization with acute MI as the principal diagnosis adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) with the nOB-nSA group as the comparison group.

RESULTS

Among 72,036 veterans with acute-MI hospitalization, individuals with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OB-SA) had the lowest in-hospital mortality rate (1.0%) compared to those without obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (nOB-nSA, 2.8%), with obesity but without obstructive sleep apnea (OB-nSA, 2.4%), and with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (nOB-SA, 1.4%). The adjusted odds ratio for mortality, compared to nOB-nSA, was 9% higher but not significant in OB-nSA (aOR, 1.09, 95%CI: 0.95, 1.25), 46% lower in OB-nSA (aOR, 0.54, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.66), and 52% lower in OB-SA (aOR, 0.48: 95%CI: 0.41, 0.57).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the association between obesity and improved survival in acute MI is largely driven by the presence of sleep apnea.

Volatile Sedation With Isoflurane in Neurocritical Care Patients After Poor-grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Volatile sedation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) promises several advantages, but there are still concerns regarding intracranial hypertension due to vasodilatory effects. We prospectively analyzed cerebral parameters during the switch from intravenous to volatile sedation with isoflurane in patients with poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade 4-5) aSAH.

METHODS

Eleven patients were included in this prospective observational study. Between day 3 and 5 after admission, intravenous sedation was switched to isoflurane using the Sedaconda Anesthetic Conserving Device (Sedana Medical, Danderyd, Sweden). Intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), brain tissue oxygenation (PBrO2), cerebral mean flow velocities (MFVs; transcranial Doppler ultrasound) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2, near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring), as well as cardiopulmonary parameters were assessed before and after the sedation switch (-12 to +12 hours). Additionally, perfusion computed tomography data during intravenous and volatile sedation were analyzed retrospectively for changes in cerebral blood flow.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in mean ICP, CPP, and PBrO2 after the sedation switch to isoflurane. Mean rSO2 showed a non-significant trend towards higher values, and mean MFV in the middle cerebral arteries increased significantly after the initiation of volatile sedation. Isoflurane sedation resulted in a significantly increased norepinephrine administration. Despite an increase in mean inspiratory pressure, we observed a significant increase in mean partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide.

CONCLUSIONS

Isoflurane sedation does not compromise ICP or cerebral oxygenation in poor-grade aSAH patients, but the significant depression of CPP could limit the use of volatiles in case of hemodynamic instability or high vasopressor demand.

Permissive hypercapnia and hypercapnic hypoxia inhibit signaling pathways of neuronal apoptosis in ischemic/hypoxic rats

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that hypercapnia, independently and/or in combination with hypoxia, can activate signaling pathways related to the inhibition of proapoptotic (caspase-dependent and caspase-independent) factors and the induction of antiapoptotic factors in facilitating adaptation to hypoxia/ischemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following exposure to permissive hypercapnia and/or normobaric hypoxia, the degree of apoptosis was evaluated in experimental ischemia models in vivo and in vitro. The percentages of caspase-3, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), Bax, and Bcl-2 in astrocytes and neurons derived from male Wistar rats were also calculated. In vitro, cells were subjected to various types of respiratory exposure (hypoxia and/or hypercapnia for 24 or 12 h) as well as further sublethal chemical hypoxia. The percentages of these molecules in nerve cells in the ischemic penumbra of the brain after photothrombotic injury were also calculated.

RESULTS

The degree of apoptosis was found to decrease in ischemic penumbra, mostly due to the hypercapnic component. It was also discovered that the levels of caspase-3, AIF, and Bax decreased in this region, whereas the Bcl-2 levels increased following exposure to hypercapnia and hypercapnic hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

This integrative assessment of the rate of apoptosis/necrosis in astrocyte and neuron cultures shows that the combination of hypercapnia and hypoxia resulted in the maximum neuroprotective effect. The levels of apoptosis mediators in astrocyte and neuron cultures were calculated after modeling chemical hypoxia in vitro. These results show that the exposure models where permissive hypercapnia and normobaric hypoxia were combined also had the most pronounced inhibitory effects on apoptotic signaling pathways.

Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.

Exploring links between 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases and Alzheimer's disease

Hypoxia, that is, an inadequate oxygen supply, is linked to neurodegeneration and patients with cardiovascular disease are prone to Alzheimer's disease (AD). 2-Oxoglutarate and ferrous iron-dependent oxygenases (2OGDD) play a key role in the regulation of oxygen homeostasis by acting as hypoxia sensors. 2OGDD also have roles in collagen biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, nucleic acid repair, and the regulation of transcription and translation. Many biological processes in which the >60 human 2OGDD are involved are altered in AD patient brains, raising the question as to whether 2OGDD are involved in the transition from normal aging to AD. Here we give an overview of human 2OGDD and critically discuss their potential roles in AD, highlighting possible relationships with synapse dysfunction/loss. 2OGDD may regulate neuronal/glial differentiation through enzyme activity-dependent mechanisms and modulation of their activity has potential to protect against synapse loss. Work linking 2OGDD and AD is at an early stage, especially from a therapeutic perspective; we suggest integrated pathology and in vitro discovery research to explore their roles in AD is merited. We hope to help enable long-term research on the roles of 2OGDD and, more generally, oxygen/hypoxia in AD. We also suggest shorter term empirically guided clinical studies concerning the exploration of 2OGDD/oxygen modulators to help maintain synaptic viability are of interest for AD treatment.

What to do with low O2: Redox adaptations in vertebrates native to hypoxic environments

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important cellular signalling molecules but sudden changes in redox balance can be deleterious to cells and lethal to the whole organism. ROS production is inherently linked to environmental oxygen availability and many species live in variable oxygen environments that can range in both severity and duration of hypoxic exposure. Given the importance of redox homeostasis to cell and animal viability, it is not surprising that early studies in species adapted to various hypoxic niches have revealed diverse strategies to limit or mitigate deleterious ROS changes. Although research in this area is in its infancy, patterns are beginning to emerge in the suites of adaptations to different hypoxic environments. This review focuses on redox adaptations (i.e., modifications of ROS production and scavenging, and mitigation of oxidative damage) in hypoxia-tolerant vertebrates across a range of hypoxic environments. In general, evidence suggests that animals adapted to chronic lifelong hypoxia are in homeostasis, and do not encounter major oxidative challenges in their homeostatic environment, whereas animals exposed to seasonal chronic anoxia or hypoxia rapidly downregulate redox balance to match a hypometabolic state and employ robust scavenging pathways during seasonal reoxygenation. Conversely, animals adapted to intermittent hypoxia exposure face the greatest degree of ROS imbalance and likely exhibit enhanced ROS-mitigation strategies. Although some progress has been made, research in this field is patchy and further elucidation of mechanisms that are protective against environmental redox challenges is imperative for a more holistic understanding of how animals survive hypoxic environments.

Prolonged Unconsciousness is Common in COVID-19 and Associated with Hypoxemia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the time to recovery of command-following and associations between hypoxemia with time to recovery of command-following.

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective, cohort study during the initial surge of the United States' pandemic (March-July 2020) we estimate the time from intubation to recovery of command-following, using Kaplan Meier cumulative-incidence curves and Cox proportional hazard models. Patients were included if they were admitted to 1 of 3 hospitals because of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), required endotracheal intubation for at least 7 days, and experienced impairment of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale motor score <6).

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-one patients of the 795 patients recovered command-following. The median time to recovery of command-following was 30 days (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27-32 days). Median time to recovery of command-following increased by 16 days for patients with at least one episode of an arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ) value ≤55 mmHg (p < 0.001), and 25% recovered ≥10 days after cessation of mechanical ventilation. The time to recovery of command-following  was associated with hypoxemia (PaO2  ≤55 mmHg hazard ratio [HR] = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46-0.68; PaO2  ≤70 HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85-0.91), and each additional day of hypoxemia decreased the likelihood of recovery, accounting for confounders including sedation. These findings were confirmed among patients without any imagining evidence of structural brain injury (n = 199), and in a non-overlapping second surge cohort (N = 427, October 2020 to April 2021).

INTERPRETATION

Survivors of severe COVID-19 commonly recover consciousness weeks after cessation of mechanical ventilation. Long recovery periods are associated with more severe hypoxemia. This relationship is not explained by sedation or brain injury identified on clinical imaging and should inform decisions about life-sustaining therapies. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:740-755.

Naoluo Xintong Decoction Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Angiogenesis through Activating the HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway in Rats

Background

Naoluo Xintong decoction (NLXTD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used to improve neuronal functional recovery after cerebral ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanism underlying NLXTD's amelioration of ischemic stroke remains unclear. The present study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of NLXTD on brain angiogenesis in a rat model with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury targeting the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway.

Materials and Methods

Cerebral I/R model was established by the classical middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats (n = 80) were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) group, the 2ME2 with NLXTD group, and the NLXTD group. Neurological deficit test, TTC staining, H&E staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemistry (IH), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot, and quantitative RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the effect of NLXTD after MCAO.

Results

Administration of NLXTD significantly decreased neuron deficiency scores, reduced brain infarct volume, and lowered damaged and apoptotic cells after brain I/R injury in rats. Meanwhile, NLXTD had a protective effect on angiogenesis by increasing the MVD and the expressions of BrdU and CD34, which enhanced the number of endothelial cells in the ischemic penumbra brain. NLXTD treatment significantly raised the protein and mRNA levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, and Notch1 compared with the model treatment. In contrast, a specific HIF-1α inhibitor, 2ME2, inhibited the improvement of neurological function and angiogenesis in NLXTD-induced rats with cerebral I/R injury, suggesting that NLXTD played a positive role in ischemic brain injury by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Conclusions

NLXTD exerts neuroprotection targeting angiogenesis by upregulating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway on cerebral I/R injury rats.

Hypercapnic hypoxia improves cognitive and motor functions of children with cerebral palsy

A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 42 patients between 3 and 7 years of age with spastic cerebral palsy was performed. For the treatment test group (n=22), daily respiratory exercises with hypercapnic hypoxia were performed using a Carbonic training apparatus for 20 minutes per day; a total of 14 to 16 sessions were performed. Before the start of the study and the day after training was completed, the patients underwent neurological and neurophysiological examinations (electroencephalography, magnetic stimulation of the pyramidal tract, and cognitive potentials Р300).The evoked potentials showed a decrease in the peak latency of the P3 component of the test group after treatment (302 ms) that was more pronounced than that of the placebo group (305 ms; p<0.05). Magnetic stimulation showed that hypercapnic hypoxic training resulted in reductions in central motor conduction time by 2.2 to 2.5 ms (p<0.05) and in the excitation threshold of the motor cortex by 12% to 16% (р<0.01) depending on the lateralization; The strategy of adjusting to hypercapnic hypoxia, either unfavorable (hyperventilation and avoidance) or favorable (homeostatic with the achievement of preset values for hypercapnia and hypoxia), did not change during the process of training in the placebo group; however, it shifted considerably toward favorable (from 33% to 57%; р<0.05) in the test group.Respiratory training with hypercapnic hypoxia can have a positive impact on the functional state of the nervous system of children with cerebral palsy and can be considered a method of improving the efficiency of standard therapy.

Autophagy modulation in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a white matter demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a commonly used animal model for investigating pathogenic mechanisms of MS, representing the destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the activation of T cells, and the infiltration of myeloid cells. An increasing number of studies have documented that autophagy plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of both MS and EAE. Autophagy maintains CNS homeostasis by degrading the damaged organelles and abnormal proteins. Furthermore, autophagy is involved in inflammatory responses by regulating the activation of immune cells and the secretion of inflammatory factors. However, the specific mechanisms of autophagy involved in MS and EAE are not completely understood. In this review, we will summarize the complex mechanisms of autophagy in MS and EAE, providing potential therapeutic approaches for the management of MS.

The Paracrine Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Response to Pulsed Focused Ultrasound

We studied the paracrine function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from various sources in response to pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS). Human adipose tissue (AD), bone marrow (BM), and umbilical cord (UC) derived MSCs were exposed to pFUS at two intensities: 0.45 W/cm² I_SATA (310 kPa PNP) and 1.3 W/cm² I_SATA (540 kPa PNP). Following pFUS, the viability and proliferation of MSCs were assessed using a hemocytometer and confocal microscopy, and their secreted cytokine profile determined using a multiplex ELISA. Our findings showed that pFUS can stimulate the production of immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic cytokines from MSCs which was dependent on both the source of MSC being studied and the acoustic intensity employed. These important findings set the foundation for additional mechanistic and validation studies using this novel noninvasive and clinically translatable technology for modulating MSC biology.

Betulinic Acid Hydroxamate is Neuroprotective and Induces Protein Phosphatase 2A-Dependent HIF-1α Stabilization and Post-transcriptional Dephosphorylation of Prolyl Hydrolase 2

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by unwanted choreatic movements, behavioral and psychiatric disturbances, and dementia. The activation of the hypoxic response pathway through the pharmacological inhibition of hypoxia-inducing factor (HIF) prolyl-hydroxylases (PHDs) is a promising approach for neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. Herein, we have studied the mechanism of action of the compound Betulinic acid hydroxamate (BAH), a hypoximimetic derivative of betulinic acid, and its efficacy against striatal neurodegeneration using complementary approaches. Firstly, we showed the molecular mechanisms through which BAH modifies the activity of the PHD2 prolyl hydroxylase, thus directly affecting HIF-1α stability. BAH treatment reduces PHD2 phosphorylation on Ser-125 residue, responsible for the control of its hydrolase activity. HIF activation by BAH is inhibited by okadaic acid and LB-100 indicating that a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is implicated in the mechanism of action of BAH. Furthermore, in striatal cells bearing a mutated form of the huntingtin protein, BAH stabilized HIF-1α protein, induced Vegf and Bnip3 gene expression and protected against mitochondrial toxin-induced cytotoxicity. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that BAH has a good brain penetrability and experiments performed in a mouse model of striatal neurodegeneration induced by 3-nitropropionic acid showed that BAH improved the clinical symptoms. In addition, BAH also prevented neuronal loss, decreased reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation, inhibited the upregulation of proinflammatory markers, and improved antioxidant defenses in the brain. Taken together, our results show BAH's ability to activate the PP2A/PHD2/HIF pathway, which may have important implications in the treatment of HD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases.

Hypercapnia Modulates the Activity of Adenosine A1 Receptors and mitoK+ATP-Channels in Rat Brain When Exposed to Intermittent Hypoxia

The mechanisms and signaling pathways of the neuroprotective effects of hypercapnia and its combination with hypoxia are not studied sufficiently. The study aims to test the hypothesis of the potentiating effect of hypercapnia on the systems of adaptation to hypoxia, directly associated with A1-adenosine receptors and mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ -channels (mitoK⁺_ATP-channels). We evaluated the relative number of A1-adenosine receptors and mitoK⁺_ATP-channels in astrocytes obtained from male Wistar rats exposed to various respiratory conditions (15 times of hypoxia and/or hypercapnia). In addition, the relative number of these molecules in astrocytes was evaluated on an in vitro model of chemical hypoxia, as well as in the cerebral cortex after photothrombotic damage. This study indicates an increase in the relative number of A1-adenosine receptors in astrocytes and in cells next to the stroke region of the cerebral cortex in rats exposed to hypoxia and hypercapnic hypoxia, but not hypercapnia alone. Hypercapnia and hypoxia increase the relative number of mitoK⁺_ATP-channels in astrocytes and in cells of the peri-infarct region of the cerebral cortex in rats. In an in vitro study, hypercapnia mitigates the effects of acute chemical hypoxia observed in astrocytes for A1-adenosine receptors and mitoK⁺_ATP-channels. Hypercapnia, unlike hypoxia, does not affect the relative number of A1 receptors to adenosine. At the same time, both hypercapnia and hypoxia increase the relative number of mitoK⁺_ATP-channels, which can potentiate their protective effects with combined exposure.

Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxic Preconditioning Provides Neuroprotection by Increasing Antioxidant Activity, Erythropoietin Expression and Preventing Apoptosis and Astrogliosis in the Brain of Adult Rats Exposed to Acute Severe Hypoxia

BACKGROUND

Exposure to intermittent hypoxia has been demonstrated to be an efficient tool for hypoxic preconditioning, preventing damage to cells and demonstrating therapeutic benefits. We aimed to evaluate the effects of respiratory intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) to avoid brain injury caused by exposure to acute severe hypoxia (ASH).

METHODS

biomarkers of oxidative damage, mitochondrial apoptosis, and transcriptional factors in response to hypoxia were assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in brain tissue. Four groups of rats were used: (1) normoxic (NOR), (2) exposed to ASH (FiO2 7% for 6 h), (3) exposed to IHH for 3 h per day over 8 days at 460 mmHg, and (4) ASH preconditioned after IHH.

RESULTS

ASH animals underwent increased oxidative-stress-related parameters, an upregulation in apoptotic proteins and had astrocytes with phenotype forms compatible with severe diffuse reactive astrogliosis. These effects were attenuated and even prevented when the animals were preconditioned with IHH. These changes paralleled the inhibition of NF-κB expression and the increase of erythropoietin (EPO) levels in the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

IHH exerted neuroprotection against ASH-induced oxidative injury by preventing oxidative stress and inhibiting the apoptotic cascade, which was associated with NF-κB downregulation and EPO upregulation.

Can preventive hyperbaric oxygen therapy optimise surgical outcome?: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

A primary underlying cause of postoperative complications is related to the surgical stress response, which may be mitigated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the intermittent administration of oxygen at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure at sea level. Promising clinical studies have emerged suggesting HBOT's efficacy for reducing some postoperative complications. Notwithstanding, the effectiveness (if any) of HBOT across a range of procedures and postoperative outcomes has yet to be clearly quantified.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to summarise the existing literature on peri-operative HBOT to investigate its potential to optimise surgical patient outcome.

DESIGN

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with narrative summary of results.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched without language restrictions through to 19 June 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies were included if they involved patients of any age undergoing any surgical procedure and provided with at least one HBOT session in the peri-operative period. Two independent reviewers screened the initial identified trials and determined those to be included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 775 references, of which 13 RCTs were included (627 patients). Ten RCTs (546 patients) reported treatment was effective for improving at least one of the patient outcomes assessed, while two studies (55 patients) did not find any benefit and one study (26 patients) found a negative effect. A wide range of patient outcomes were reported, and several other methodological limitations were observed among the included studies, such as limited use of sham comparator and lack of blinding.

CONCLUSION

Peri-operative preventive HBOT may be a promising intervention to improve surgical patient outcome. However, future work should consider addressing the methodological weaknesses identified in this review.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol (CRD42018102737) was registered with the International ProspectiveRegister of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Obesity and mortality after the first ischemic stroke: Is obesity paradox real?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Obesity is an established risk factor for ischemic stroke but the association of increased body mass index (BMI) with survival after ischemic stroke remains controversial. Many studies have shown that increased BMI has a "protective" effect on survival after stroke while other studies have debunked the "obesity paradox". This study aimed at examining the relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality at one year in first-time ischemic stroke patients using a large dataset extracted from different resources including electronic health records.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients captured in our Geisinger NeuroScience Ischemic Stroke (GNSIS) database. Survival in first-time ischemic stroke patients in different BMI categories was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival curves. The predictors of mortality at one-year were assessed using a stratified Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Among 6,703 first-time ischemic stroke patients, overweight and obese patients were found to have statistically decreased hazard ratio (HR) compared to the non-overweight patients (overweight patients- HR = 0.61 [95% CI, 0.52-0.72]; obese patients- HR = 0.56 [95% CI, 0.48-0.67]). Predictors with a significant increase in the hazard ratio for one-year mortality were age at the ischemic stroke event, history of neoplasm, atrial fibrillation/flutter, diabetes, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

CONCLUSION

Our study results support the obesity paradox in ischemic stroke patients as shown by a significantly decreased hazard ratio for one-year mortality among overweight and obese patients in comparison to non-overweight patients.

Characterizing Ischaemic Tolerance in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cells and Primary Rat Neurons

Preconditioning tissue with sublethal ischaemia or hypoxia can confer tolerance (protection) against subsequent ischaemic challenge. In vitro ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) is typically achieved through oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD), whereas hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) involves oxygen deprivation (OD) alone. Here, we report the effects of preconditioning of OGD, OD or glucose deprivation (GD) in ischaemic tolerance models with PC12 cells and primary rat neurons. PC12 cells preconditioned (4 h) with GD or OGD, but not OD, prior to reperfusion (24 h) then ischaemic challenge (OGD 6 h), showed greater mitochondrial activity, reduced cytotoxicity and decreased apoptosis, compared to sham preconditioned PC12 cells. Furthermore, 4 h preconditioning with reduced glucose (0.565 g/L, reduced from 4.5 g/L) conferred protective effects, but not for higher concentrations (1.125 or 2.25 g/L). Preconditioning (4 h) with OGD, but not OD or GD, induced stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and upregulation of HIF1 downstream genes (Vegf, Glut1, Pfkfb3 and Ldha). In primary rat neurons, only OGD preconditioning (4 h) conferred neuroprotection. OGD preconditioning (4 h) induced stabilization of HIF1α and upregulation of HIF1 downstream genes (Vegf, Phd2 and Bnip3). In conclusion, OGD preconditioning (4 h) followed by 24 h reperfusion induced ischaemic tolerance (against OGD, 6 h) in both PC12 cells and primary rat neurons. The OGD preconditioning protection is associated with HIF1α stabilization and upregulation of HIF1 downstream gene expression. GD preconditioning (4 h) leads to protection in PC12 cells, but not in neurons. This GD preconditioning-induced protection was not associated with HIF1α stabilization.

Hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning protects against hypothalamic neuron apoptosis in heat-exposed rats by reversing hypothalamic overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and ischemia

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), heat shock protein-72 (HSP-72), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have been identified as potential therapeutic targets in the brain for cerebral ischemia. To elucidate their underlying mechanisms, we first aimed to ascertain whether these proteins participate in the pathogenesis of heat-induced ischemic damage to the hypothalamus of rats. Second, we investigated whether hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning (HHP) attenuates heat-induced hypothalamic ischemic/hypoxic injury by modulating these proteins in situ. Methods: Anesthetized rats treated with or without HHP were subjected to heat stress. Hypothalamic ischemic/hypoxic damage was evaluated by measuring hypothalamic levels of cerebral blood flow (CBF), partial oxygen pressure (PO2), and hypothalamic temperature via an implanted probe. Hypothalamic apoptotic neurons were counted by measuring the number of NeuN/caspase-3/DAPI triple-stained cells. Hypothalamic protein expression of HIF-1α, HSP-72, HO-1, and MMP-9 was determined biochemically. Results: Before the start of the thermal experiments, rats were subjected to 5 hours of HHP (0.66 ATA or 18.3% O2) daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 2 weeks, which led to significant loss of body weight, reduced brown adipose tissue (BAT) wet weight and decreased body temperature. The animals were then subjected to thermal studies. Twenty minutes after heat stress, heat-exposed rats not treated with HHP displayed significantly higher core and hypothalamic temperatures, hypothalamic MMP-9 levels, and numbers of hypothalamic apoptotic neurons but significantly lower mean blood pressure, hypothalamic blood flow, and PO2 values than control rats not exposed to heat. In heat-exposed rats, HHP significantly increased the hypothalamic levels of HIF-1α, HSP-72, and HO-1 but significantly alleviated body and hypothalamic hyperthermia, hypotension, hypothalamic ischemia, hypoxia, neuronal apoptosis and degeneration. Conclusions: HHP may protect against hypothalamic ischemic/hypoxic injury and overexpression of MMP-9 by upregulating the hypothalamic expression of HIF-1α, HSP-72, and HO-1 in rats subjected to heatstroke.

Review Cerebral Ischemic Tolerance and Preconditioning: Methods, Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Challenges

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is increasing in prevalence. The limited therapeutic window and potential severe side effects prevent the widespread clinical application of the venous injection of thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator and thrombectomy, which are regarded as the only approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke. Triggered by various types of mild stressors or stimuli, ischemic preconditioning (IPreC) induces adaptive endogenous tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by activating a multitude cascade of biomolecules, for example, proteins, enzymes, receptors, transcription factors, and others, which eventually lead to transcriptional regulation and epigenetic and genomic reprogramming. During the past 30 years, IPreC has been widely studied to confirm its neuroprotection against subsequent I/R injury, mainly including local ischemic preconditioning (LIPreC), remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPreC), and cross preconditioning. Although LIPreC has a strong neuroprotective effect, the clinical application of IPreC for subsequent cerebral ischemia is difficult. There are two main reasons for the above result: Cerebral ischemia is unpredictable, and LIPreC is also capable of inducing unexpected injury with only minor differences to durations or intensity. RIPreC and pharmacological preconditioning, an easy-to-use and non-invasive therapy, can be performed in a variety of clinical settings and appear to be more suitable for the clinical management of ischemic stroke. Hoping to advance our understanding of IPreC, this review mainly focuses on recent advances in IPreC in stroke management, its challenges, and the potential study directions.

Facilitating islet transplantation using a three-step approach with mesenchymal stem cells, encapsulation, and pulsed focused ultrasound

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a three-step approach that utilizes the application of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), encapsulation, and pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) to help the engraftment and function of transplanted islets.

METHODS

In step 1, islets were co-cultured with AD-MSCs to form a coating of AD-MSCs on islets: here, AD-MSCs had a cytoprotective effect on islets; in step 2, islets coated with AD-MSCs were conformally encapsulated in a thin layer of alginate using a co-axial air-flow method: here, the capsule enabled AD-MSCs to be in close proximity to islets; in step 3, encapsulated islets coated with AD-MSCs were treated with pFUS: here, pFUS enhanced the secretion of insulin from islets as well as stimulated the cytoprotective effect of AD-MSCs.

RESULTS

Our approach was shown to prevent islet death and preserve islet functionality in vitro. When 175 syngeneic encapsulated islets coated with AD-MSCs were transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of diabetic mice, and then followed every 3 days with pFUS treatment until day 12 post-transplantation, we saw a significant improvement in islet function with diabetic animals re-establishing glycemic control over the course of our study (i.e., 30 days). In addition, our approach was able to enhance islet engraftment by facilitating their revascularization and reducing inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that our clinically translatable three-step approach is able to improve the function and viability of transplanted islets.

Neuroprotection of hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning in neonatal brain with hypoxic-ischemic injury

The neonatal brain is susceptible to hypoxic-ischemic injury due to its developmental characteristics. Hypoxia-ischemia means a decreased perfusion of oxygen and glucose, which can lead to severe encephalopathy. Although early initiation of therapeutic hypothermia was reported to provide neuroprotection for infants after HI, hypothermia administered alone after the acute insult cannot reverse the severe damage that already has occurred or improve the prognosis of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Therefore, exploring new protective mechanisms for treating hypoxic-ischemic brain damage are imperative. Until now, many studies reported the neuroprotective mechanisms of hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning in protecting the hypoxic-ischemic newborn brains. After hypoxia and ischemia, hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway is involved in the transcriptional regulation of many genes and is also play a number of different roles in protecting brains during hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning. Hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning could protect neonatal brain by several mechanisms, including vascular regulation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, suppression of excitotoxicity, immune regulation, hormone levels regulation, and promote cell proliferation. This review focused on the protective mechanisms underlying hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning for neonatal brain after hypoxia-ischemia and emphasized on the important roles of hypoxia inducible factor 1 signaling pathway.

Protective effect of hydralazine on a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease: a possible role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by a low expression level of cerebral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α). Hence, activating the hypoxia-signaling pathway may be a favorable therapeutic approach for curing PD. This study explored the efficacy of hydralazine, a well-known antihypertensive agent, for restoring the impaired HIF-1 signaling in PD, with the aid of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. The cytotoxicity of hydralazine and 6-OHDA on the SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and apoptosis detection assays. The activities of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. Expression levels of HIF-1α and its downstream genes at the protein level were assessed by Western blotting. Hydralazine showed no toxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells, at the concentration of ≤50 μmol/L. Hydralazine decreased the levels of apoptosis, malondialdehyde, and NO, and increased the activities of FRAP and SOD in cells exposed to 6-OHDA. Furthermore, hydralazine up-regulated the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter in the cells also exposed to 6-OHDA, by comparison with the cells exposed to 6-OHDA alone. In summary, hydralazine priming could attenuate the deleterious effects of 6-OHDA on SH-SY5Y cells by increasing cellular antioxidant capacity, as well as the protein levels of HIF-1α and its downstream target genes.

Hypoxia preconditioning attenuates lung injury after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with lung cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

Hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) may protect multiple organs from various injuries. We hypothesized that HPC would reduce lung injury in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods

In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly allocated to the HPC group or the control group. Three cycles of 5-min hypoxia and 3-min ventilation applied to the nondependent lung served as the HPC intervention. The primary outcome was the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pulmonary complications, pulmonary function, and duration of hospital stay.

Results

HPC significantly increased the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio compared with the control at 30 min after one-lung ventilation and 7 days after operation. Compared with the control, it also significantly improved postoperative pulmonary function and markedly reduced the postoperative hospital stay duration. No significant differences between groups were observed in the incidence of pulmonary complications or overall postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions

HPC improves postoperative oxygenation, enhances the recovery of pulmonary function, and reduces the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-17011249) on April 27, 2017.

Selection of best reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis of human neural stem cells preconditioned with hypoxia or baicalein-enriched fraction extracted from Oroxylum indicum medicinal plant

Whilst the potential of neural stem cell (NSC)-based treatment is recognized worldwide and seems to offer a promising therapeutic option for stroke treatments, there is currently no full understanding regarding the effects of hypoxic and baicalein-enriched fraction (BEF) preconditioning approaches on the therapeutic potential of these cells for stroke. The potential of preconditioned NSC can be determined based on the expression of several key neuroprotective genes using qRT-PCR technique. However, prior to that, it is imperative and extremely important to carefully select reference gene(s) for accurate qRT-PCR data normalization to avoid error in data interpretation. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of ten candidate reference genes via comprehensive analysis using three algorithms software: geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. Our results revealed that HPRT1 and RPL13A were the most reliable reference genes for BEF-preconditioned NSCs, but ironically, HPRT1 was ranked as the least stable reference gene for hypoxic-preconditioned NSCs. On the other hand, RPLP1 and RPL13A were selected as the most stably expressed pair of reference genes for hypoxic-preconditioned NSCs. In conclusion, this study has pointed out the importance of identifying valid reference genes and has presented the first significant validation on best reference genes recommended for qRT-PCR study involves NSC preconditioned with hypoxia or with BEF extracted from Oroxylum indicum medicinal plant.

Minocycline mitigates the effect of neonatal hypoxic insult on human brain organoids

Neonatal hypoxic injury (NHI) is a devastating cause of disease that affects >60% of babies born with a very low birth weight, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, including life-long neurological consequences such as seizures, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. Hypoxic injury results in increased neuronal death, which disrupts normal brain development. Although animal model systems have been useful to study the effects of NHI, they do not fully represent the uniqueness and complexities of the human brain. To better understand the effects of hypoxia on human brain development, we have generated a brain organoid protocol and evaluated these cells over the course of 6 months. As anticipated, the expression of a forebrain marker, FOXG1, increased and then remained expressed over time, while there was a transition in the expression of the deep-layer (TBR1) and upper-layer (SATB2) cortical markers. In addition, ventral genes (Eng1 and Nkx2.1) as well as markers of specialized nonneuronal cells (Olig2 and GFAP) also increased at later time points. We next tested the development of our in vitro cerebral organoid model at different oxygen concentrations and found that hypoxia repressed gene markers for forebrain, oligodendrocytes, glial cells, and cortical layers, as well as genes important for the migration of cortical neurons. In contrast, ventral markers were either unaffected or even increased in expression with hypoxic insult. Interestingly, the negative effect of hypoxia on the dorsal brain genes as well as oligodendrocytes, and neuronal progenitors could be mitigated by the use of minocycline, an FDA-approved small molecule. Taken together, we have generated a unique and relevant in vitro human brain model system to study diseases such as NHI as well as their potential treatments. Using this system, we have shown the efficacy of minocycline for human NHI.

Diminished apoptosis in hypoxic porcine retina explant cultures through hypothermia

Simulation of hypoxic processes in vitro can be achieved through cobalt chloride (CoCl2), which induces strong neurodegeneration. Hypoxia plays an important role in the progression of several retinal diseases. Thus, we investigated whether hypoxia can be reduced by hypothermia. Porcine retinal explants were cultivated for four and eight days and hypoxia was mimicked by adding 300 µM CoCl2 from day one to day three. Hypothermia treatment (30 °C) was applied simultaneously. Retinal ganglion, bipolar and amacrine cells, as well as microglia were evaluated via immunohistological and western blot analysis. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze cellular stress and apoptosis. In addition, the expression of specific marker for the previously described cell types were investigated. A reduction of ROS and stress markers HSP70, iNOS, HIF-1α was achieved via hypothermia. In accordance, an inhibition of apoptotic proteins (caspase 3, caspase 8) and the cell cycle arrest gene p21 was found in hypothermia treated retinae. Furthermore, neurons of the inner retina were protected by hypothermia. In this study, we demonstrate that hypothermia lowers hypoxic processes and cellular stress. Additionally, hypothermia inhibits apoptosis and protects neurons. Hence, this seems to be a promising treatment for retinal neurodegeneration.

Lasting effects of general anesthetics on the brain in the young and elderly: "mixed picture" of neurotoxicity, neuroprotection and cognitive impairment

General anesthetics are commonly used in major surgery. To achieve the depth of anesthesia for surgery, patients are being subjected to a variety of general anesthetics, alone or in combination. It has been long held an illusory concept that the general anesthesia is entirely reversible and that the central nervous system is returned to its pristine state once the anesthetic agent is eliminated from the active site. However, studies indicate that perturbation of the normal functioning of these targets may result in long-lasting desirable or undesirable effects. This review focuses on the impact of general anesthetic exposure to the brain and summarizes the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which general anesthetics may induce long-lasting undesirable effects when exposed at the developing stage of the brain. The vulnerability of aging brain to general anesthetics, specifically in the context of cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease pathogeneses are also discussed. Moreover, we will review emerging evidence regarding the neuroprotective property of xenon and anesthetic adjuvant dexmedetomidine in the immature and mature brains. In conclusion, “mixed picture” effects of general anesthetics should be well acknowledged and should be implemented into daily clinical practice for better patient outcome.

Effects of hypoxic preconditioning on memory evaluated using the T-maze behavior test

Perioperative brain ischemia and stroke are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Brief hypoxic preconditioning is known to have protective effects against hypoxic-ischemic insult in the brain. Current studies on the neuroprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning are based on histologic findings and biomarker changes. However, studies regarding effects on memory are rare. To precondition zebrafish to hypoxia, they were exposed to a dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 1.0 ± 0.5 mg/L in water for 30 s. The hypoxic zebrafish were then exposed to 1.0 ± 0.5 mg/L DO until the third stage of hypoxia, for 10 min ± 30 s. Zebrafish were assessed for memory retention after the hypoxic event. Learning and memory were tested using the T-maze, which evaluates memory based on whether or not zebrafish moves to the correct target compartment. In the hypoxic preconditioning group, infarct size was reduced compared with the hypoxic-only treated zebrafish group; memory was maintained to a degree similar to that in the hypoxia-untreated group. The hypoxic-only group showed significant memory impairments. In this study, we used a hypoxic zebrafish model and assessed the effects of ischemic preconditioning not only on histological damages but also on brain function, especially memory. This study demonstrated that a brief hypoxic event has protective effects in hypoxic brain damage and helped maintain memory in zebrafish. In addition, our findings suggest that the zebrafish model is useful in rapidly assessing the effects of ischemic preconditioning on memory.

Extracellular Vesicles as Transmitters of Hypoxia Tolerance in Solid Cancers

Tumour hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours that contributes to poor prognosis after treatment. This is mainly due to increased resistance of hypoxic cells to radio- and chemotherapy and the association of hypoxic cells with increased metastasis development. It is therefore not surprising that an increased hypoxic tumour fraction is associated with poor patient survival. The extent of hypoxia within a tumour is influenced by the tolerance of individual tumor cells to hypoxia, a feature that differs considerably between tumors. High numbers of hypoxic cells may, therefore, be a direct consequence of enhanced cellular capability inactivation of hypoxia tolerance mechanisms. These include HIF-1α signaling, the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy to prevent hypoxia-induced cell death. Recent evidence shows hypoxia tolerance can be modulated by distant cells that have experienced episodes of hypoxia and is mediated by the systemic release of factors, such as extracellular vesicles (EV). In this review, the evidence for transfer of a hypoxia tolerance phenotype between tumour cells via EV is discussed. In particular, proteins, mRNA and microRNA enriched in EV, derived from hypoxic cells, that impact HIF-1α-, UPR-, angiogenesis- and autophagy signalling cascades are listed.

The insights into molecular pathways of hypoxia-inducible factor in the brain

The objectives of this present work were to review recent developments on the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in the survival of cells under normoxic versus hypoxic and inflammatory brain conditions. The dual nature of HIF effects appears well established, based on the accumulated evidence of HIF playing both the role of adaptive factor and mediator of cell demise. Cellular HIF responses depend on pathophysiological conditions, developmental phase, comorbidities, and administered medications. In addition, HIF-1α and HIF-2α actions may vary in the same tissues. The multiple roles of HIF in stem cells are emerging. HIF not only regulates expression of target genes and thereby influences resultant protein levels but also contributes to epigenetic changes that may reciprocally provide feedback regulations loops. These HIF-dependent alterations in neurological diseases and its responses to treatments in vivo need to be examined alongside with a functional status of subjects involved in such studies. The knowledge of HIF pathways might be helpful in devising HIF-mimetics and modulating drugs, acting on the molecular level to improve clinical outcomes, as exemplified here by clinical and experimental data of selected brain diseases, occasionally corroborated by the data from disorders of other organs. Because of complex role of HIF in brain injuries, prospective therapeutic interventions need to differentially target HIF responses depending on their roles in the molecular mechanisms of neurologic diseases.

The interferon response as a common final pathway for many preconditioning stimuli: unexpected crosstalk between hypoxic adaptation and antiviral defense

Despite major advances in understanding how the brain goes awry in disease, identification of therapeutics for neuroprotection in stroke remains an unsolved challenge. A promising strategy to delineate endogenous mechanisms of neuroprotection is to understand adaptive homeostatic transcription induced by sublethal ischemia. Homeostatic adaptation is defined as the body's restorative responses to stress. Activating adaptive homeostatic pathways can lead to transcription of a panoply of genes involved in cell survival and repair, can suppress pro-death signaling, and can stimulate metabolic changes congruent with survival. All of these mechanisms have been shown to be operative in protection induced by sublethal stress. In this context, central mediators of cellular adaptation to hypoxic and viral stress have been implicated in preconditioning. Here we present data that suggest an unexpected convergence in the pathways triggering adaptation to hypoxia and viral infection leading to preconditioning neuroprotection in the CNS.

Exercise Ameliorates Motor Deficits and Improves Dopaminergic Functions in the Rat Hemi-Parkinson's Model

To determine the influences of exercise on motor deficits and dopaminergic transmission in a hemiparkinson animal model, we measured the effects of exercise on the ambulatory system by estimating spatio-temporal parameters during walking, striatal dopamine (DA) release and reuptake and synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway after unilateral 6-OHDA lesions. 6-OHDA lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats were exercised on a fixed speed treadmill for 30 minutes per day. Controls received the same lesion but no exercise. Animals were subsequently analyzed for behavior including gait analysis, rotarod performance and apomorphine induced rotation. Subsequently, in vitro striatal dopamine release was analyzed by using FSCV and activity-dependent plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway was measured in each group. Our data indicated that exercise could improve motor walking speed and increase the apomorphine-induced rotation threshold. Exercise also ameliorated spatiotemporal impairments in gait in PD animals. Exercise increased the parameters of synaptic plasticity formation in the corticostriatal pathway of PD animals as well as the dynamics of dopamine transmission in PD animals. Fixed speed treadmill training 30 minutes per day could ameliorate spatial-temporal gait impairment, improve walking speed, dopamine transmission as well as corticostriatal synaptic plasticity in the unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rat model.

Anatomical specificity of the brain in the modulation of Neuroglobin and Cytoglobin genes after chronic bisphenol a exposure

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on Neuroglobin (Ngb) and Cytoglobin (Cygb) as well as oxidative stress gene expression in the cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cortex. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control and two groups receiving 2 different daily BPA dosages, 5 or 25 mg/kg from postnatal day 50 (PND50) through PND90 and they were euthanized at PND105. In the cortex, we found an increase in Ngb gene expression and also in superoxide dismutase 1 and Catalase (Cat). In the cerebellum, we found an increase in Ngb and Cat, in the hypothalamus, there was a decrease in Cygb and an increase in glutathione peroxidase and Cat and in hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif1α) at the low dosage and a decrease in Hif1α at the high BPA dosage. Finally, in the hippocampus, we observed a decrease in Ngb and Cygb and an increase in Hif1α. In summary, BPA promotes the modulation of both Ngb and Cygb, but such changes occur by different mechanisms depending on the exposure dose and anatomical area.

Administration of 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid that potentially targets mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase confers cerebral preconditioning against ischemic stroke injury

The objective of this study was to investigate a possible role of mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) as a chemical preconditioning target for neuroprotection against ischemic injury. We used 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA), a reportedly reversible DLDH inhibitor, as the preconditioning agent and administered MICA to rats mainly via dietary intake. Upon completion of 4 week's MICA treatment, rats underwent 1h transient ischemia and 24h reperfusion followed by tissue collection. Our results show that MICA protected the brain against ischemic stroke injury as the infarction volume of the brain from the MICA-treated group was significantly smaller than that from the control group. Data were then collected without or with stroke surgery following MICA feeding. It was found that in the absence of stroke following MICA feeding, DLDH activity was lower in the MICA treated group than in the control group, and this decreased activity could be partly due to DLDH protein sulfenation. Moreover, DLDH inhibition by MICA was also found to upregulate the expression of NAD(P)H-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) via the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In the presence of stroke following MICA feeding, decreased DLDH activity and increased Nrf2 signaling were also observed along with increased NQO1 activity, decreased oxidative stress, decreased cell death, and increased mitochondrial ATP output. We also found that MICA had a delayed preconditioning effect four weeks post MICA treatment. Our study indicates that administration of MICA confers chemical preconditioning and neuroprotection against ischemic stroke injury.