Hyperbaric Oxygen Pretreatment Improves Cognition and Reduces Hippocampal Damage Via p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in a Rat Model

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) pretreatment on cognitive decline and neuronal damage in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rat model.Materials and MethodsRats were divided into three groups: normal saline (NS), AD, and HBO+AD. In the AD group, amyloid β peptide (Aβ)1-40 was injected into the hippocampal CA1 region of the brain. NS rats received NS injection. In the HBO+AD group, rats received 5 days of daily HBO therapy following Aβ1-40 injection. Learning and memory capabilities were examined using the Morris water maze task. Neuronal damage and astrocyte activation were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Dendritic spine density was determined by Golgi-Cox staining. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-10 production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neuron apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Protein expression was examined by western blotting.ResultsLearning and memory dysfunction was ameliorated in the HBO+AD group, as shown by significantly lower swimming distances and escape latency, compared to the AD group. Lower rates of neuronal damage, astrocyte activation, dendritic spine loss, and hippocampal neuron apoptosis were seen in the HBO+AD than in the AD group. A lower rate of hippocampal p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was observed in the HBO+AD than in the AD group.ConclusionHBO pretreatment improves cognition and reduces hippocampal damage via p38 MAPK in AD rats.

Protective Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients with Vascular Dementia

“…In a mouse model of AD, Shapira et al found that HBO therapy can improve cognitive function by reducing neuroinflammation 23 . In a rat model of AD, Zhao et al showed that HBO therapy can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and thus improve cognitive function by reducing phosphorylation of the P38 MAPK signaling pathway 24 . In addition to AD, HBO therapy can also improve cognitive function in VD.…”

Galangin Inhibits Thrombin-Induced MMP-9 Expression in SK-N-SH Cells via Protein Kinase-Dependent NF-κB Phosphorylation

“…In our recent studies, we have demonstrated that thrombin stimulates MAPK activation via PKCs and PI3K/Akt-dependent cascades, resulting in MMP-9 expression and cell migration in SK-N-SH cells [20,21]. Moreover, MAPKs have also been known to possess an important role in the regulation of the pathological processes of several CNS inflammatory disorders, such as stroke and AD [58,59,60,61]. Furthermore, several reports have shown that galangin elicits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation [62,63,64].…”

Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Functions: a Systematic Review

“…The authors concluded that HBOT can ameliorate Alzheimer disease pathology and behavioural deficits in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, in another rodent model of Alzheimer disease, Zhao et al (2017) proved that HBOT can reduce hippocampal neuronal (Sarno et al, 1972b) 16 left hemisphere stroke patients 1 session of HBO for 90 min at 2 ATA Token Test, Functional Communication Profile No improvement (Sarno et al, 1972a) (Kalaria et al, 2008). Vascular dementia is group of syndromes based on varying vascular mechanisms, such as multiple infarcts, small vessel ischaemic disease, strategically placed infarcts, hypoperfusion and haemorrhage, Alzheimer disease with cerebrovascular disease, hereditary vascular dementia or cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (Brien et al, 2003).…”