Objective: To investigate the effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the alteration of tight junction protein expression in choroid plexus epithelial cells created by lanthanum-activated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) . Methods: In October 2020, immortalized rat choroid plexus epithelial cell line (Z310) cells were used as the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in vitro, and were divided into control group and 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mmol/L lanthanum chloride (LaCl(3)) treatment group. After treating Z310 cells with different concentrations of LaCl(3) for 24 hours, the morphological changes of Z310 cells were observed under inverted microscope, the protein expression levels of MMP9, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were observed by cellular immunofluorescence method, and the protein expression levels of MMP9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1) , occludin, ZO-1 and Nrf2 were detected by Western blotting. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Compared with the control group, Z310 cells in the LaCl(3) treatment group were smaller in size, with fewer intercellular junctions, and more dead cells and cell fragments. The expression level of MMP9 protein in cells treated with 0.25 and 0.5 mmol/L LaCl(3) was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) , and the expression level of TIMP1 and tight junction proteins occudin and ZO-1 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the ROS production level in the 0.25, 0.5 mmol/L LaCl(3) treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.05) , and the Nrf2 protein expression level in the 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mmol/L LaCl(3) treatment group was significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Lanthanum may increase the level of ROS in cells by down regulating the expression of Nrf2, thus activating MMP9 to reduce the expression level of intercellular tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1.
Rats ; Animals ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Tight Junction Proteins/metabolism* ; Occludin/pharmacology* ; Choroid Plexus/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Lanthanum/pharmacology* ; Epithelial Cells ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/metabolism* ; Phosphoproteins/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for fetuses with choroid plexus cysts (CPC) detected by prenatal ultrasonography. METHODS: Amniotic fluid chromosomal karyotype was analyzed in 104 fetuses with CPC, and copy number variations (CNVs) among the fetuses were detected by using CMA. RESULTS: Ten fetuses (9.62%) were found to have an abnormal karyotype, and 14 additional CNVs were detected in those with a normal karyotype. The fetuses were divided into isolated CPC group (n = 87) and non-isolated CPC group (n = 17) based on the presence of additional ultrasonographic abnormalities. The detection rates for karyotypic abnormalities of the two groups were 4.6% and 35.3%, respectively, whilst those for the CMA were 4.6% and 47.1%, respectively. The detection rates for karyotypic abnormalities and CMA of the non-isolated CPC group were significantly higher than those of the isolated CPC group (P < 0.05). The detection rate for CMA in the non-isolated group was significantly higher than chromosomal karyotype abnormalities (P < 0.05). Among the 8 fetuses with abnormal CMA, 4 had single umbilical artery, 3 had abnormal cardiac structure, and 2 had enhanced intestinal echo. CONCLUSION CPC is closely associated with chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome karyotype analysis in combination with CMA can effectively detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities and provide a basis for genetic counseling.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Choroid Plexus/diagnostic imaging* ; Microarray Analysis ; Karyotype ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Amniotic Fluid ; Cysts

Cerebral Ventricles ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Punctures

Neuroinflammation is an important process underlying a wide variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Carvacrol (CAR) is a phenolic monoterpene commonly used as a food additive due to its antibacterial properties, but it has also been shown to exhibit strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of CAR on inflammation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. In our study, lipopolysaccharide was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats to induce memory impairment and neuroinflammation. Daily administration of CAR (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for 21 days improved recognition, discrimination, and memory impairments relative to untreated controls. CAR administration significantly attenuated expression of several inflammatory factors in the brain, including interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, CAR significantly increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, and decreased expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA. Taken together, these results show that CAR can improve memory impairment caused by neuroinflammation. This cognitive enhancement is due to the anti-inflammatory effects of CAR medicated by its regulation of BDNF and TLR4. Thus, CAR has significant potential as an inhibitor of memory degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Cytokines ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Food Additives ; Hippocampus ; Inflammation ; Lateral Ventricles ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Memory ; Necrosis ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neuroprotective Agents ; Phenol ; Prefrontal Cortex ; Rats ; RNA, Messenger ; Toll-Like Receptor 4

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of exendin-4(Ex-4) on the differentiation of neural stem cells(NSCs) in adult mouse subventricular zone(SVZ)and its mechanism . METHODS: NSCs in the SVZ were derived from 5-week C57BL/6J mice and the expression of nestin was detected by immunofluorescence. The cell morphology was observed after the cells treatmed with 100 nmol/L Ex-4 for 14 days.The expressions of nestin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) were detected by immunofluorescence. GLP-1R was knocked down by using shRNA and the study was divided into four groups: control group, Ex-4 group, GLP-1R knockdown group, GLP-1R knockdown + Ex-4 group. After treatment with 100 nmol/L Ex-4 for 14 d, β-tublin III and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were labeled by immunofluorescence and then the proportion of β-tublin III positive cells were counted. Western blot was used to detect the activation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) in NSCs. In order to further study the effects of Ex-4 on mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase (PI3K) pathways, the cells were pretreated with MAPK inhibitor U0126 at a concentration of 0.07 μmol/L for 30 min or PI3K inhibitor LY294002 at 50 μmol for 2 h, respectively. The study was divided into six groups: control group, Ex-4 group, U0126 group, U0126 + Ex-4 group, LY294002 group, LY294002 + Ex-4 group. The activation of CREB in each group was detected by Western blot. The experiment was repeated three times independently. RESULTS: NSCs were successfully extracted from SVZ of C57BL/6J mice. Immunofluorescence showed that nestin and GLP-1R were positive in NSCs. Compared with the control group, the proportion of neurons differentiated from Ex-4 group was higher. The percentage of neurons in GLP-1R knockdown + Ex-4 group was basically the same as that in control group (P＜0.01). The positive cells of beta-tublin III showed positive activation of GLP-1R and CREB. Western blot showed that CREB was significantly activated in the Ex-4 group, and knockdown of GLP-1R abolished its activation (P＜0.01). U0126 did not affect Ex-4-mediated CERB activation, and LY294002 significantly reduced Ex-4-mediated CREB activation (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION Ex-4 promotes the differentiation of NSCs into neurons in SVZ of adult mice through GLP-1R receptor, which may be achieved through PI3K/CREB pathway.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; metabolism ; Exenatide ; pharmacology ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lateral Ventricles ; cytology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neural Stem Cells ; cytology ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases

OBJECTIVE: To analyze L1CAM gene mutation in a family featuring X-linked recurrent fetal hydrocephalus. METHODS: The family had three pregnancies where a male fetus was detected at 22 weeks with hydrocephalus by ultrasonography. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the parents as well as fetal tissue from the third abortion. The fetal DNA was subjected to testing of folic acid metabolism ability gene and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to detect potential mutation of related genes. Suspected mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Testing of folic acid metabolism ability gene (MTHFR C677T) and CMA were both normal. A c.512G>A (p.Trp171Ter) hemizygous mutation of the L1CAM gene was detected in the fetal tissue, which was inherited from the phenotypically normal mother. The novel mutation was predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION The c.512G>A (p.Trp171Ter) mutation of the L1CAM gene probably underlies the X-linked hydrocephalus in this family. Screening of L1CAM gene variations should be carried out for couples experiencing recurrent fetal hydrocephalus affecting the male gender.
Cerebral Aqueduct ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; genetics ; Male ; Mutation ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy

Primary central nervous system lymphoma of T-cell origin (T-PCNSL) is rare, and its clinicopathological features remain unclear. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma of γδ T-cell origin is an aggressive lymphoma mainly involving extranodal sites. Here, we report a case of γδ T-PCNSL involving the intramedullary spinal cord and presenting with paraplegia. A 75-year-old Korean woman visited the hospital complaining of back pain and lower extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal enhancing intramedullary nodular lesions in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. An enhancing nodular lesion was observed in the periventricular white matter of the lateral ventricle in the brain. There were no other abnormalities in systemic organs or skin. Laminectomy and tumor removal were performed. The tumor consisted of monomorphic, medium-to-large atypical lymphocytes with pale-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were CD3(+), TCRβF1(-), TCRγ(+), CD30(-), CD4(-), CD8(-), CD56(+), TIA1(+), granzyme B(+), and CD103(+). Epstein-Barr virus in situ was negative. This case represents a unique T-PCNSL of γδ T-cell origin involving the spinal cord.
Aged ; Back Pain ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Cytoplasm ; Female ; Granzymes ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Lateral Ventricles ; Lower Extremity ; Lymphocytes ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, T-Cell ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Paraplegia ; Skin ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; Spinal Cord ; T-Lymphocytes ; White Matter

PURPOSE: Agenesis of the septum pellucidum (ASP) is a very rare disease that can be isolated or associated with other brain abnormalities. The neurological prognosis of isolated ASP remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of neonates with ASP. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 12 neonates with isolated ASP or ASP combined with other brain abnormalities who were born at Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center between January 2007 and December 2017. RESULTS: Of the 12 neonates, six were identified prenatally and six were identified postnatally. Isolated ASP was found in eight neonates; of these, four were detected antenatally. ASP associated with other brain abnormalities was found in four neonates. ASP was complete in nine neonates, including six with isolated ASP, and partial in three, including two with isolated ASP. Six of the eight neonates with isolated ASP had normal neurological development, except two who were lost to follow-up. Among the four neonates with other associated brain abnormalities, two had delayed motor development and a seizure, one had normal development, and one was lost to follow-up. In all neonates, ophthalmological examination revealed no optic nerve abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Isolated ASP seems to have a good neurological prognosis without ocular problems. This result needs to be confirmed by larger prospective studies over a longer developmental timeline.
Brain ; Delivery of Health Care ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Medical Records ; Optic Nerve ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Rare Diseases ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures ; Septum Pellucidum ; Viperidae

OBJECTIVE: To determine possible progressive changes of the grey matter at the first stages of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and to determine what regions are involved in these changes. METHODS: We searched the literature concerning studies on longitudinal changes in grey matter in first-episode psychosis using magnetic resonance imaging, especially studies with an interval between scans of more than a year. Only articles published before 2018 were searched. We selected 19 magnetic resonance imaging longitudinal studies that used different neuroimaging analysis techniques to study changes in cerebral grey matter in a group of patients with a first episode of psychosis. RESULTS: Patients with first episode of psychosis showed a decrease over time in cortical grey matter compared with a group of control subjects in frontal, temporal (specifically in superior regions), parietal, and subcortical regions. In addition to the above, studies indicate that patients showed a grey matter decrease in cerebellum and lateral ventricles volume. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a decrease in grey matter in the years after the first episode of psychosis. Furthermore, the results of the studies showed consistency, regardless of the methods used in their analyses, as well as the time intervals between image collections.
Cerebellum ; Gray Matter ; Humans ; Lateral Ventricles ; Longitudinal Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuroimaging ; Psychotic Disorders ; Rabeprazole ; Schizophrenia

A 35-year-old female visited emergency department for a sudden onset of headache with vomiting after management for abortion at local department. Neurological examination revealed drowsy mentality without focal neurological deficits. CT showed 3.2×3.4 cm hyperdense intraventricular mass with intraventricular hemorrhage. The intraventricular hemorrhage was found in lateral, 3rd, and 4th ventricles. MRI showed well enhancing intraventricular mass abutting choroid plexus in the trigone of the right lateral ventricle. CT angiography showed tortuous prominent arteries from choroidal artery in tumor. Her neurological status deteriorated to stupor and contralateral hemiparesis during planned preoperative workup. Urgent transtemporal and transcortical approach with decompressive craniectomy for removal of intraventricular meningioma with hemorrhage was done. Grossly total removal of ventricular mass was achieved. Pathological finding was meningotheliomatous meningioma of World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The patient recovered to alert mentality and no motor deficit after intensive care for increased intracranial pressure. However, visual field defect was developed due to posterior cerebral artery territory infarction. The visual deficit did not resolve during follow up period. Lateral ventricular meningioma with spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage in pregnant woman is very uncommon. We report a surgical case of lateral ventricular meningioma with rapid neurological deterioration for intraventricular hemorrhage.
Adult ; Angiography ; Arteries ; Choroid ; Choroid Plexus ; Critical Care ; Decompressive Craniectomy ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fourth Ventricle ; Headache ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infarction ; Intracranial Pressure ; Lateral Ventricles ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Meningioma ; Neurologic Examination ; Paresis ; Posterior Cerebral Artery ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Stupor ; Visual Fields ; Vomiting ; World Health Organization