Up-regulation of miR-490-3p improves learning/memory disability of sevoflurane exposure by relieving neuroinflammation.

Our study focused on the potential mechanism of microRNA-490-3p (miR-490-3p) on learning/memory disability of rats resulting from sevoflurane (Sev). The rat model of cognitive dysfunction was established by infection with miR-490-3p mimic and Sev-exposure. Morris water maze and open field test assay were used for the assessment of cognitive deficits.

Biomarkers.

Background: Neurite degeneration is increasingly suspected to represent a causal feature of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, sensitive and specific imaging biomarkers of neuronal degeneration are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in MCI and AD. However, the recently developed Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) MRI technique, used to measure the neurite density index (NDI), has some limitations.

Biomarkers.

Background: Neuroimaging-based evidence suggests that changes in cerebral tissue determinants, including axonal density and myelin content, are associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. While neuroimaging markers show strong association with physiological changes, direct validation of their specificity remains challenging. Histology provides useful information for validation, however, faces limitations including denaturation of the sample during preparation.

Biomarkers.

Background: In 2016, we introduced the Bayesian Monte Carlo analysis of multicomponent-driven equilibrium observation of T and T (BMC-mcDESPOT) MRI method for myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping, a surrogate of myelin content. While BMC-mcDESPOT has been extensively applied to study brain aging, dementias, and risk factors influencing myelination, it still requires a lengthy acquisition time (∼17 min) which hampers its integration in clinical studies and trials. In this study, we aim to accelerate the BMC-mcDESPOT method for whole brain, high-resolution, MWF mapping within clinically feasible scan time of ∼6 min.

Biomarkers.

Background: The choroid plexus (CP), a vital component in the brain's ventricles, is crucial for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and maintenance of the brain's physiological environment. It plays a key role in regulating neuroinflammatory responses, clearing harmful substances, producing neurotrophic factors and signaling molecules, and forming blood-CSF barrier. Consequently, changes to the CP's structural integrity could disrupt brain homeostasis and lead to cognitive impairment.