Analysis of the Dynamics of Cognitive Impairments and Expression of Caspase Cascade Genes in Preclinical Stages of Parkinsonism Modeled Using α-Synuclein Oligomers.

The behavioral effects of α-synuclein oligomers were studied at various times after its chronic intranasal administration to 75-day-old C57BL/6J mice in comparison with the dynamics of changes in the transcriptional activity of caspases genes (Casp9, Casp8, and Casp3) in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. The negative effects of α-synuclein oligomers on exploratory activity and short-term memory in the novel object recognition test were most pronounced after 90 days from the end of administration, while after 1 and 270 days, partial compensation of the studied cognitive functions was observed. Analysis of the expression of caspase genes suggests that early compensatory mechanisms are associated with suppression of the effector caspase-3 gene expression along with increased activity of the genes encoding initiator caspases-9 and -8.

Motor and Cognitive Functions in Aging C57BL/6 Mice: Association with Activity of the Monoaminergic Systems in the Cerebellum and Frontal Cortex.

The activity in the open field, short- and long-term memory in the novel object recognition test, and gait features were evaluated in 6- and 12-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. The levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites were determined in the cerebellum and frontal cortex. In the observed age range, a decrease in locomotion speed, impairment of gait initiation and stability, and long-term memory deficit were revealed.

Prognostic Model of Prehypertension Risk Based on Molecular Markers.

The prognostic models assessing the risk of prehypertension in coming 1-2-year period for 30-60-year-old subjects were developed with the help of computer recognition technology using 6 recognition methods. These models are based on the content of molecular markers in blood serum and the risk factors for the development of prehypertension in men and women who had "optimal" BP for last 3 years and in patients with newly diagnosed prehypertension. The models were compared for their prediction power.

Serum Level of HLDF24 Peptide as an Objective Marker of Prehypertension.

The concentrations of the key factors of molecular pathogenesis of prehypertension (angiotensin II, HLDF24, S100b, endothelin, autoantibodies to these molecules, and VEGF) were analyzed in subjects with optimal BP (<120/80 mm Hg) and prehypertension (120-139/80-89 mm Hg). Comparative and correlation analysis of the levels of these molecules was performed. A statistically significant decrease in HLDF24 level in prehypertension in comparison optimal BP was observed.

The Neurogenesis Actuator and NR2B/NMDA Receptor Antagonist Ro25-6981 Consistently Improves Spatial Memory Retraining Via Brain Region-Specific Gene Expression.

NR2B-containing NMDA (NR2B/NMDA) receptors are important in controlling neurogenesis and are involved in generating spatial memory. Ro25-6981 is a selective antagonist at these receptors and actuates neurogenesis and spatial memory. Inter-structural neuroanatomical profiles of gene expression regulating adult neurogenesis and neuroapoptosis require examination in the context of memory retrieval and reversal learning.