Imagine a noninvasive technique that can stimulate brain activity and potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease! In a study using an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology, researchers investigated the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on oxidative stress and reactive astrogliosis. The results were exciting! The icv STZ injection induced oxidative stress in the brain regions, but iTBS treatment significantly reduced this stress and increased antioxidant capacity. Additionally, iTBS decreased levels of amyloid-beta protein and showed anti-inflammatory effects. The treatment also enhanced the expression of BDNF, a protein involved in synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, astrogliosis, a pathological reaction of astrocytes in the brain, was attenuated by iTBS. Overall, these findings suggest that iTBS has the potential to be a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology! If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting research, check out the full article.
IntroductionIntracerebroventricularly (icv) injected streptozotocin (STZ) is a widely used model for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD)-like pathology, marked by oxidative stress-mediated pathological progression. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a noninvasive technique for brain activity stimulation with the ability to induce long-term potentiation-like plasticity and represents a promising treatment for several neurological diseases, including AD. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the iTBS protocol on the animal model of STZ-induced sAD-like pathology in the context of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic effects in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: control (icv normal saline solution), STZ (icv STZ—3 mg/kg), STZ + iTBS (STZ rats subjected to iTBS protocol), and STZ + Placebo (STZ animals subjected to placebo iTBS noise artifact). Biochemical assays and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to evaluate functional and structural changes.ResultsThe icv STZ administration induces oxidative stress and attenuates antioxidative capacity in all examined brain regions. iTBS treatment significantly reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters. Also, iTBS decreased Aβ-1-42 and APP levels. The iTBS enhances antioxidative capacity reported as elevated activity of its enzymatic and non-enzymatic components. In addition, iTBS elevated BDNF expression and attenuated STZ-induced astrogliosis confirmed by decreased GFAP+/VIM+/C3+ cell reactivity in the hippocampus.DiscussionOur results provide experimental evidence for the beneficial effects of the applied iTBS protocol in attenuating oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant capacity and decreasing reactive astrogliosis in STZ-administrated rats.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.