Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative最新文献

Objective

Cognitive decline can significantly affect individuals’ overall health and well-being. While Qigong may hold promise as an intervention strategy, the underlying brain mechanisms of its beneficial effects remain unclear, particularly in cognitively impaired (CI) populations. This systematic review aims to investigate Qigong-induced brain changes and their associations with cognitive functions in both healthy and CI populations. It further seeks to identify potential consistent or divergent brain change patterns across these populations.

Methods

Five English databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and 2 Chinese databases Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies with Qigong intervention and brain imaging outcomes from inception to March 2023. The quality of included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool.

Results

A total of 18 studies from 9 RCTs were included in this review. The results indicated that Qigong induced various structural and functional changes in multiple brain regions, including the frontal lobe, hippocampus and temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, putamen, and caudate, among others. Within the brain changes, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were consistently reported across healthy and CI populations and were found to be associated with various cognitive functions.

Conclusions

Qigong exercise leads to diverse brain changes, with the alterations in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex likely contributing to its cognitive benefits. These findings provide support for the effectiveness of Qigong as a cognitive intervention.

Background

Complementary and integrative health approaches with a focus on relieving side effects of cancer treatment are popular among cancer patients. Previous studies have investigated the combined effects of yoga postures, breathing, and meditation, but the specific effects of the breathing component are under-reported. Our previous studies indicate that yogic breathing can improve salivary biomarker expression related to stress, immune response, and tumor suppression. We aim to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a yogic breathing program in cancer patients and caregivers during the treatment period.

Methods

In this quality improvement study, we designed a 20-minute yogic breathing regimen and introduced them to all-site cancer patients and their caregivers during the cancer treatment period at a lodging facility, Hope Lodge in Charleston, SC. All interested participants were included as there were no eligibility criteria set for the study. The availability of the class was advertised via intercom, displays, and word of mouth. Participants were taught five different breathing exercises, and after completion of the exercises in a single session, a self-reported quality improvement questionnaire was administered assessing sociodemographic/clinical factors, expectations about the session, and ratings of satisfaction with the session.

Results

During the nine months of the data collection period, 52 participants provided feedback of which patients and caregivers were almost equal numbers. Participants’ perception of intervention acceptance, symptom management, satisfaction with the sessions, and future needs for practice indicate that the yogic breathing sessions help improve some of the key symptoms of cancer experience such as stress.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that yogic breathing is acceptable to patients and caregivers and may help alleviate some of the side effects resulting from cancer treatment, and the intervention is feasible at lodging facilities during treatment. Currently, the yogic breathing sessions are conducted on a weekly basis by Hope Lodge volunteers trained by the study team.

The development of mental health care has changed greatly from ancient civilisations to the present day. Today, teachers' mental health and well-being are in a precarious state, and when lack of training is added, it becomes clear how difficult it is for teachers to provide adequate support to students. This can be exacerbated by specific contexts and cultures in which teachers may feel uncomfortable seeking help. The lack of support for teachers can lead to the development of long-term mental health problems, with negative personal, professional, and social consequences. Because teacher well-being directly impacts student well-being, achievement, and success, it is crucial to promote teachers' mental health. Qigong may be considered a patient-guided psychophysiological feedback technique that enables subjects to learn and control bodily functions and processes. The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of Qigong on teachers' anxiety, depression, and stress levels, and to explore the feasibility of integrating it into the school context. Eighty-four participants were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received the Qigong intervention and the control group received a placebo intervention, both for 4 weeks. The outcomes were anxiety, depression and stress levels and were assessed using various scales and complementary physiological parameters. Regarding anxiety, the experimental group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures, while the placebo group showed similar scores in the pre- and post-measurements. The post-intervention results even showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of state anxiety. In terms of depression and stress, the results suggest that Qigong can significantly improve symptoms. The placebo group showed no significant changes. However, no significant differences were found between the groups in the final assessment. The results of this study suggest that Qigong can help improve teachers' mental health and can be implemented in schools.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra followed by dopamine depletion in the striatum. PD usually affects people over 50; when those under 50 are involved, it is generally referred to as early-onset PD. The present study aimed to understand and explain the role of the typical Indian spice, greater cardamom, against parkinsonism and related complications. The methanolic extract of Amomum subulatum has flavonoids as the major phytoconstituent and may be a beneficial adjuvant in treating PD. Amomum subulatum fruit extract (ASFE) was given as treatment to the rats at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, muscular rigidity, catalepsy, locomotor activity, and grip strength, were examined by several behavioural tests. Treatment with ASFE showed a significant decrease in all the symptoms of PD. Enzyme assays revealed a reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, Catalase, and GSH after administering reserpine and increased levels after treating ASFE. ASFE causes dopaminergic neuron regeneration after reserpine induces injury, thus increasing dopamine levels and restoring cellular damage. The inflammatory biomarkers revealed decreased proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. In contrast, increase in the level of IL-10, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. The histopath studies showed reduced cell damage occurring in PD after the treatment with ASFE. The present investigation highlights the role of greater cardamom from the Indian kitchen to ethnopharmacology in progressive neurological degeneration.

Understanding how physical exercise (PE) can influence brain function, especially cognition, through the modulatory effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been extensively studied over the past few decades. Several studies have reported a relationship between PE and brain function in animals and humans. Recently, evidence has shown that exercise positively affects brain structure and brain functions such as learning and memory. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of voluntary physical activity on cognitive performance through modulating neurotrophic factors has been reported. This review aims to shed light on our current knowledge of how PE affects brain structure and the molecular events in brain areas associated with functions such as learning and memory processes. We provide evidence that exercise can improve common therapies against cognitive deficits through developing BDNF level in brain. We also highlight the critical role of exercise as a modulator of the relationship between cognition and BDNF alternations in neuropsychiatric disorders, based on animal and human research. Finally, the effects of physical activity on BDNF based on experimental and clinical studies will be addressed.

Palmoplantar psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that contributes to significant functional disability. Apart from the chronic inflammatory reactions in the skin, psoriasis patients are more likely to develop chronic systemic disorders, which impose significant physical, mental, and economic burdens. This warrants a holistic, patient-centered approach that can address the prevailing multimorbidity in psoriasis patients. Yoga and Naturopathy-based Lifestyle Interventions (YNBL) are known for their whole-person approach and are reported to be beneficial in the management of autoimmune disorders. We report a case of a 63-year-old male treated with YNBL for palmoplantar psoriasis along with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, low back pain, and insomnia. The patient underwent YNBL in an inpatient setting for 10 days each with a gap of 7 months, along with follow-up advises. The prognosis was measured through the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, along with other biochemical markers like fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar, vitamins D and B12, and subjective visual analog scores for vitality and other symptoms. He achieved complete remission of psoriasis by the end of 8 months, and the results were sustained even during the follow-up. The results are encouraging for using the YNBL protocol in the management of palmoplantar psoriasis; however, these findings need to be validated using clinical trial designs.

Background

Post-stroke Depression (PSD) is a frequent neuropsychiatric manifestation of high clinical importance as it adversely affects recovery and quality of life, interferes with rehabilitation, and is a significant source of burden to caregivers. Prevalence rates of PSD range from 25% to 79%. The reason for treatment failure in patients of PSD includes the timing of intervention or the side effects of medications. Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC is commonly used in traditional medicine systems for neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders with the least or no side effects. However, its clinical efficacy in PSD remains unraveled. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi in PSD.

Methods

Present study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with 20 patients in each test and control group. Participants were randomly allocated to receive Nardostachys jatamansi 3gms (powder) in the test group or placebo in the control group for six weeks. Participants were asked to follow up fortnightly for the assessment of subjective parameters. Objective parameters (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS₁₇) score and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and end of the trial.

Results

After 6 weeks of treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in HDRS₁₇ score and SF-36 (p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P = 0.108, and 0.29 respectively). Comparison between baseline and post-treatment scores in the test group showed a positive reduction in all subjective parameters however, in the control group there was no statistically significant change. The intergroup analysis revealed that the reduction in HDRS₁₇ score and improvement in SF-36 score was statistically significant in the test group than the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study revealed that the test drug is effective in the management of PSD. There was no adverse effect observed during the trial.

Background

Several methods are employed for overcoming pain and anxiety that are frequently experienced in the postoperative period. This study was planned to determine the effect of a breathing exercise on patient pain and anxiety after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods

The sample determined using power analysis in this randomized, controlled, semi-experimental research performed in two hospitals in the west of Turkey between January and November 2019 consisted of 74 individuals (37 experimental and 37 controls). An information form involving descriptive characteristics, a visual analog scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI I/II) were used for data collection. Descriptive statistical methods and parametric tests were employed in the data analysis.

Results

Pain and state and trait anxiety scores were significantly lower in the group receiving breathing exercises compared to the no exercise group (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was determined between pain and state anxiety levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The breathing exercise applied following surgical intervention in this study exerted a positive effect on pain and anxiety. This finding suggested that nurses should apply the exercise in a standard and effective manner among their independent duties.

Background

Modulation of inflammation has been proposed as a potentially important aspect of mind-body movement therapies (MBMTs). Research from the sports medicine has delineated the inflammatory cascade after conventional exercise; however, relatively less is known regarding modulation of inflammation after MBMTs.

Objective

To synthesize the available literature investigating the short- and long-term impact of MBMT interventions on systemic inflammatory mediators in healthy individuals.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of inflammatory mediators according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Guidelines. We sought RCTs in healthy individuals comparing MBMTs with passive or active controls that measured systemic inflammatory markers. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Hedges’s g and 95% CIs were computed across studies.

Results

Of 3122 studies identified, 23 were eligible for synthesis. Most common MBMTs studied were yoga(n = 11), qigong(n = 4), tai chi(n = 3), MBSR(n = 3), and dance therapy(n = 2). Frequency of practice (most commonly 3 times/week), intervention duration (3 short-term, single session and 20 long-term with repeated sessions for>1 week), and session length (most commonly 30–60 min) showed high heterogeneity between studies. Pro- and anti-inflammatory proteins were most commonly measured (n = 20 studies), followed by immune cells (n = 5), lipid mediators (n = 4), and humoral and complement factors (n = 2). Most showed no change or decrease in inflammatory mediators, with fewer showing increased levels. Meta-analyses suggested a significant decrease in systemic levels of CRP (Hedges’s g = −0.351; CI = −0.580, −0.123) and TNF-α (Hedges’s g = −0.366; CI = −0.669, −0.064), and a trend toward decreased IL-6 after long-term MBMTs (Hedges’s g = −0.394; CI = −0.819, 0.030).

Conclusion

While findings suggest inflammatory proteins, including CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 decrease with long-term MBMTs similar to conventional exercise, the overall trajectory of change in inflammatory mediators after MBMT may be more nuanced. Future carefully-controlled studies including precise intervention parameters evaluating pre-post changes will be required to understand both short- and long-term effects of MBMTs, as well as gauge how these changes relate to symptom relief when employed in patients with chronic conditions.PROSPERO ID CRD42022315399

Purpose

Aluminum exposure can lead to free radicals production and increased susceptibility to lipids peroxidation in the central nervous system. The was aimed at evaluating the role of acetone extract of A. digitata shell acetone extract (ASAE) on oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level, and hippocampal histology of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-treated rats.

Methods

Twenty-five rats were allotted into five groups (n = 5). The groups received distilled water, 250 mg/kg aluminum chloride, 250 mg/kg ASAE plus AlCl3, 500 mg/kg ASAE plus AlCl3, and 200 mg/kg Vitamin C plus AlCl3 respectively once daily for sixty days. Modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) and force swim test was conducted after 24 h. One half of the rat brain was homogenized and used to evaluate AChE level and oxidative stress biomarkers while the other half was processed for light microscopy.

Results

Pre-treatment with ASAE was shown to significantly decrease (p < .05) the first transfer latency of mEPM and immobility time of the force swim test relative to the AlCl3-treated rats. The brain AChE level was significantly increased (p < .05) in rats treated with AlCl3 relative to the control. ASAE was found to regulate the AChE level. ASAE was found to significantly elevate (p < .05) superoxide dismutase and catalase activity relative to the control and AlCl3-treated rats.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study revealed that ASAE could prevent AlCl3-induced cognitive impairment and depression. It also regulated brain AChE levels and enhanced antioxidant activity. These suggest that ASAE could serve as a natural product for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.