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Introduction: Educational neuroscience aims to integrate knowledge of the neural processes involved in development and learning with insights from the field of education, in order to enhance our understanding of how environmental factors influence brain structure and function, and ultimately, the conditions under which learning occurs. In this context, the present study was conducted to develop a training program in educational neuroscience for teachers. Materials and Methods: Using a systematic review approach, the theoretical foundations of the topic were first examined to establish inclusion criteria for selecting relevant studies. A structured search strategy was then developed, through which eligible studies were identified. Subsequently, the selected studies (n=21) were coded, assessed for quality, and synthesized to construct a preliminary framework for the Educational Neuroscience Training Program. To evaluate the face and content validity of the developed program, input was obtained from a panel of experts. Results: The resulting curriculum framework, validated through expert review, is based on Van den Akker’s curriculum model and includes ten core components: rationale, objectives, content, learning activities, teacher role, materials and resources, grouping, location, time, and assessment. Each component encompasses specific sub-elements and features tailored to the contextual conditions of program implementation. Conclusion: Grounded in theoretical and methodological principles, the developed program demonstrates both coherence and credibility. If proven effective in enhancing teachers' educational outcomes through controlled intervention studies, it could be integrated into official in-service training courses and teacher preparation programs.
 

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Introduction: It is suggested that repetitive seizure attacks lead to the hippocampal neuronal damage and memory impairments. Some therapeutic effects, including analgesic, neuroprotective, antioxidant and anticonvulsant properties, of Nigella sativa (NS) have been reported. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of NS were investigated on spatial memory damage in penthylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (control group) received saline. The animals in group 2 (PTZ group) were treated by saline and were injected by PTZ (50mg/kg, ip). Groups 3 (PTZ+NS 100), 4 (PTZ+NS 200) and 5 (PTZ+NS 400) were treated by 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of NS extract (ip), respectively, 30 min prior to each PTZ injection for 5 consecutive days. Finally, the animals were examined by Morris water maze test. Results: The animals of PTZ+NS 100, PTZ+NS 200, and PTZ+NS 400 had significant lower seizure scores compared to PTZ group. The latency to the onset of seizures were also significantly higher in these groups than that of PTZ group. In Morris water maze test, the time spent and traveled distance in target quadrant by the animals of PTZ group was lower than that of control group. Pretreatment by all doses of the extract increased the time spent and traveled distance in target quadrant compared to PTZ group. Conclusion: The present data suggest that the hydro-alcoholic extract of NS possesses beneficial effects on spatial memory impairments in PTZ seizures model.

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Introduction: Trimethyltin (TMT) acts as a potent neurotoxic compound, especially in the hippocampus and therefore, it induces cognitive and memory impairments in both human and animals. The beneficial effects of sodium valproate (VPA) on cognitive functions of the brain havebeen suggested.In the present study, the effect of VPA on learning and memory deficits induced by trimethyltin was investigated in rats using Morris water maze test. Materials and Methods: Twenty three male Wistar rats were divided into control, TMT and TMT+VPA groups. TMT was injected as a single dose (12 mg/kg) in the TMT as well as TMT+VPA groups. Animals of the TMT+VPA group were treated by 10 mg/kg of the VPA daily for 2 weeks. Then, Morris water maze test was performed for all groups. Results: The escape latency and traveled path to reach the platform in the TMT group were significantly higher than control group.Treatment with VPA 10 mg/kg prevented prolongation of escape latency and traveled path induced by TMT application. There were no significant differences between TMT+VPA and control groups. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that valproic acid prevented TMT-induced memory deficits. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the mechanism of neuroprotective action of VPA in TMT model.

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Information seeking anxiety can be interpreted as the fear and/or apprehension of searching for information resources during the information seeking process. The current study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of the information seeking anxiety among a group of graduate students. The target population of the study comprised 11000 postgraduate students enrolled in various graduate programs at a research intensive university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Using stratified random sampling method, a sample of 365 students was drawn from the population. Participants were asked to complete the 38-item information seeking anxiety scale (ISAS) which was developed and validated by the researcher. Results of the study revealed that different levels (low, mild, moderate and severe) of information seeking anxiety were reported to have experienced by 96.5% of the studied students. Therefore, results show that information seeking anxiety is a prevalent phenomenon among university students Based on the mean score for various sub-scales of the information seeking anxiety scale (ISAS), the “barriers associated with libraries” dimension was found to be the most important source of information seeking anxiety. Moreover, among the various demographic factors, gender, level of study, age and frequency of library use were found to be correlates of the information seeking anxiety. Conversely, no associations were found between various subscales of the information seeking anxiety and nationality, information literacy skills instruction received, academic major and frequency of the internet use. The relatively high prevalence of information seeking anxiety among students strongly suggests the need for increased awareness of this phenomenon. By being aware of the prevalence of anxiety and characteristics of students who are at-risk, librarians and administrators will be in a better position to provide services and instructions which is the most effective to reduce levels of anxiety and, thus, prepare students to be more successful in their research activities.

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To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on controlled treatment trials of meta-cognitive therapy (MCT) for anxiety disorders, studies were included if they employed controlled methodology and treated people above 18 years with anxiety disorders. Case studies (with less than 4 cases) and single case designed studies were excluded. A comprehensive literature search identified 15 trials for systematic review. All included studies showed better treatment results in the MCT arms compared to the control groups. We also statistically pooled the results across studies (when possible). The meta-analyses also showed that MCT had statistically significant better results compared to the control groups in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-(both immediately post-treatment and 12 months post-therapy results), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-(P-values ranged <0.0001-0.025). Based on the results of our systematic review, MCT seems to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and can effectively control their psychological problems.

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Adenosine acts as neuromodulator in the brain, which its involvement in a wide range of brain processes and diseases has been studied, such as epilepsy, sleep, anxiety, panic disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Adenosine receptors have been detected: A1R, A2AR (A2AR), A2BR, and A3R. A1R and A2R inhibit cAMP production, while A2AR and A2BR stimulate cAMP production. These receptors are distributed in various areas of the central nervous system. A2AR is highly expressed in the olfactory bulb, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, and tuberculum olfactorium. The function of several receptors such as dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is influenced by activation of adenosine A2A receptor. Three distinct dopamine projection pathways are formed from the substantia nigra–ventral tegmental area complex. Mesocortical pathway and mesolimbic pathway are known as first and second pathways. Axons project to the striatum, described nigrostriatal pathway known as third pathway. This pathway completes the neural circuits of the basal ganglia responsible for motor control, although recent document also points to a very important role in the motor changes associated with severe depression. Adenosine A2A receptor and D2R are co-localized in the dorsal and ventral striatum and are mutual inhibitors. On one hand, A2AR–D2R heteromers are formed and, when the A2AR is activated, conformational changes are transferred to the D2R. This ultimate to a reduction in D2R recognition and signaling on the other hand, D2R activation inhibits cAMP mediated-effects of A2AR by inhibiting adenylyl-cyclase. Finally, recant study showed that A2AR overexpression is associated with depression, which may describe the depressive signs seen in aging, chronic stress, and Alzheimer’s disease. We hypothesized that changes in expression of A2AR in nigrostriatal system may contribute in creation of depression with motor disorders.

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Dopamine (DA) is one of the main catecholamines in the brain and is crucial for movement coordination, endocrine function, reward, mood, memory and emotions. The dopaminergic system is the primary therapeutic target in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), drug addiction and schizophrenia. Notwithstanding, dysfunction of central dopaminergic neurotransmission has also been associated to depression, which has been linked to dysregulation of DA release or alterations in dopamine receptors expression or function. studies in humans indicated that the efficacy of dopamine receptor agonists with high binding affinity to D3R compared to D2R, including aripiprazole, cariprazine and pramipexole, a drug commonly used for the treatment of motor symptoms in PD but also effective for the treatment of major depression. Furthermore, reduction of DA release at synapses leads to increased D2R/D3R binding in temporal cortex of depressive patients. Similarly, the treatment of animal models with antidepressant drugs increase the density of D2R/D3R binding sites in the nucleus accumbens without altering the density of binding sites for D1-like receptor. Interestingly, expression of D3R significantly increased in the shell of nucleus accumbens, when is used chronic administration of classical antidepressants and repeated electroconvulsive therapy in rats. This data suggested that D3R may play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression.

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The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system contains both D1-like and D2-like receptors, has been connected to control of locomotor behavior. An apparent role for D1 and D2 receptors throughout the mesolimbic system in the alteration of locomotor behavior has been demonstrated in pharmacological studies. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is comprised of a core and a shell subregion, which is a component of the mesolimbic DA system, and has been specifically implicated in locomotor behavior. Intra-NAc injections of D1 and D2 agonists have been found to increase locomotor activity. The DA system also plays a role in regulating anxiety-like and fear behavior. Pharmacological studies have shown that D1 and D2 receptors are involved in anxiety-like behavior. Findings seem to be dictated by a number of factors, including strain, route of administration, ligand selected and behavioral test. Fear behavior may often be indiscernible from anxiety-like behavior in animal models though the anatomical aspects may be different. Fear cues have been shown to decrease DA transmission in the NAc core, but increase transmission in the shell. Dopamine release in the NAc also appears to assist in encoding cues that predict punishment avoidance. These data suggest a role between fear and DA transmission and suggest that there may also be a role of accumbal DA in anxiety-like behavior.

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Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of mental disorders, significantly affecting work function and interpersonal relationships. Its characteristics include a set of cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioral-symptoms. Some of these symptoms are: feeling empty heart, shortness of breath, palpitations, flushing, excessive sweating, numbness, dizziness and shaking hands. Given the high prevalence of these symptoms and their significant impacts on the function of individuals, it is necessary to take fundamental steps for tackling with the raised issues. Commonly used medication for anxiety disorders has its own side effects therefore, many studies have been conducted to find effective drugs with fewer side effects. Currently, the use of medicinal plants is progressing due to relying on the beliefs of a certain region people, fewer side effects and being cost-effective. The aim of this study was to review anti-anxiety and sedative effectiveness of some medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Iran. This study is of review article type. Psychology and medical journals were searched for anxiety keyword and the related papers published in the years between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed. The results of literature review revealed that extract of Portulaca Oleracea L, gum of Pistacia Vera L, Nardostachys Jatamansi, Achillea Millefolium, Rosa Damascene, extract of fenugreek, extract of Cassia Fistula, Feniculum Vulgare and Silybum Marianum have anti-anxiety effects. In addition, there were no significant differences in anxiolytic effects between Citrus Aurantium and diazepam and Passiflora Caerulea and oxazepam.

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Introduction: Pathophysiology of depression is a controversial issue. Hippocampal lesions could lead into depression as well as to changing the levels of several cytokines, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- &alpha;). The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of depression induced by trimethyltin (TMT) intoxication and to study the effect chronic administration of lithium chloride (Li) on depression in this animal model. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into TMT+Li20, TMT+Li40, TMT+ Li80 and TMT+Salin groups, which were received 8 mg/kg TMT and 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg of Li or saline, respectively, for fourteen days. In order to define the depression level, the immobility time of the rats was measured in the forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Then, the serum level of TNF-&alpha;, BDNF and wet weight of the brains were measured. Results: The immobility time in FST and TST was longer in the rats who received TMT, whereas the rats receiving Li showed a significantly less immobility compared to the TMT+Saline group. In addition, Li administration increased the serum level of BDNF and wet weight of the brains and decreased the TNF-&alpha; level compared to the TMT+Saline group. Conclusion: The decrease in BDNF or the increase in inflammation factors (especially TNF-&alpha;) occurred in accompany by depression symptoms in TMT intoxication model. On the other hand, chronic administration of Li may modulate the cytokines and amelioration of behavioral symptoms.

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Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Head injury is one of the most important causes of death in various types of road users particularly among motorcycle and bicycle riders. Epidemiological pattern of head injury among victims of road traffic injury can improve road safety measures and it is an implication for any intervention. The current study was designed to map epidemiology of head injury as a result of road traffic injury in Iran. A cross-sectional study was designed among fatal road traffic injury those registered in a national database called Forensic Medicine System. Data collection was between 23 March 2011 till 23 March 2014. There were 20069 fatal road traffic injuries in the study period. Finding of study indicated that 88% of fatal RTIs were men and more than 87% of fatal road traffic injury had head injury. Close to 25% of head injured were illiterate and around 44% were at primary and secondary school. Only 10% had higher education. The most important cause of death was head injury (60%) following by multiple-trauma (28%) and internal bleeding (12%). Among them, 58% of death occurred at crash scene and 45% at pre-hospital and hospital phase. Moreover, 76% of fatal road traffic injuries were car riders and 23% of them were pedestrian. Close to 80% of victims were transported by ambulance system. There is various measures for head injury prevention in Iran that are included speed management, wearing helmet and seat belts as well as crashworthiness and improving visibility in all car riders particularly for pedestrian. Severity of injury is one important cause of death. However, regarding post crash care it is also an implication for preventable death study in Iran.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, affect more than 65 million individuals throughout the world. This disability plays a crucial role in daily activities such as driving. Several studies have investigated the relationship between cognitive functions and driving safety. The current study revises the literature on the relation between road safety and AD. Results from a recent study showed that a person with moderate to severe dementia is certainly no longer fit to drive, whereas driving ability may be maintained in mild dementia for some time. So, impaired driving performance in elder compared to younger is the main reason for their driving cessation. It is suggested that driving competence must be addressed because many older adults with dementia continue to drive.

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It is estimated that annually 10 million people are affected by traumatic brain injury and it is one of the major causes of death and disability in accidents. Studies have shown the potential therapeutic value of neural stem cell therapies. Also, neural stem cell motility and migration to the site of injury has a great regeneration value of the damaged tissues. Extracellular and intracellular factors orchestrate this complicated process. In this work, we tried to elucidate the intracellular and indeed effectors of the cell motility and migration in neurosphere formations under in vitro conditions. After isolation and culture of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from rat the cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 2% B27, 20 ng/ml basic fibroblast growth factor, 20 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 mg/ml streptomycin. After passing the incubation time total RNA were extracted from the cells and cDNA synthesis were performed for different time i.e. at the times of 0, 1, 5 and 30 minutes as well as 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours. These cDNA were subjected to RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR reactions. At aforementioned different time courses RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR results showed that there are substantial differences in the expression of the genes which regulate polymerization and depolimerization of intracellular actin protein and thus cell cytoskeleton dynamics including Cdc42, Cttn, Pak1, Rock1 genes. Actin protein dynamic causes cell membrane protrusions and filopodia formation and thus cell migration. Discovering of the underlined signaling mechanisms and pathways that guide the cell motility has a great importance, especially neurosphere cell motility in the field of CNS regeneration medicine. In conclusion, our results show that Cdc42, Cttn, Pak1, Rock1 are effector genes in the cell motility of neurosphere formations.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions worldwide, yet no therapy exists which prevents cell death. One of the options in the treatment of TBI is neurotrophic therapy such as using glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). It is one of the most important proteins playing a pivotal role in growing and repairing of the nervous system. GDNF therapy is one of the suggested options in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Limitations in the viral gene delivery and its side effects after therapy have encouraged us to use a non-viral method for this purpose. We transfected rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in ex vivo conditions using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent with pEGFP-C1 and a constructed vector carrying the human proGDNF (pSecTag2/HygroB-human proGDNF), transiently and stably respectively. The rate of transient transfection of rat BMSCs was eight percent and transfected rat BMSCs with pSecTag2/HygroB-human proGDNF stabilized by adding Hygromycin B in cell culture medium at 200 μg/ml. Semi-quantitative data analysis from Western-blot technique showed that stable transfected cells secrete GDNF at higher level in comparison with control cells (6.530 fold in the supernatant). The present study supports the utility of liposome-mediated transfection for over-expressing human GDNF in rat BMSCs. For this purpose and in order to get more yield of human GDNF secretion from the stable transfected rat BMSCs, we used a vector containing another signal sequence instead of its own pre-segment of proGDNF protein. This is the first report in this regard and the data presented will be potentially useful for human gene transfer therapies in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as TBI.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to measure the body temperature changes in the process of central dynamic sequence in intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. Case Description: The sample consisted of a patient who was voluntarily chosen. The research design was case study method. Results: The body temperature (hand temperature, forehead temperature) was measured during treatment protocol, using biofeedback machine. A nonparametric test K independent sample was used for data analysis. Conclusion: The intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy changes the body temperature. The body temperature is a sign to review the protocol and determine the level of anxiety and the patient's defenses.

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Introduction: Thrimethyltin (TMT), an environmental toxicant, induces selective neuronal death in the central nervous system (CNS) of human and rodents. It has been suggested that Lithium Chloride (LiCl) may prevent TMT toxicity and its consequent neuronal death. This study examined neuroprotective effects of LiCl on cerebellar granular cells in lobule V and VI of TMT-intoxicated Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups. The control group (untreated healthy rats) did not receive any treatment the sham group received saline for fourteen days, after TMT (8 mg/kg body weight) intoxication. The experimental group received LiCl (20 mg/kg body weight) for fourteen days after TMT intoxication. The rats were sacrificed and histopathological assessments were performed. Results: Data indicated that the density of granular cells in the cerebellar folium V was significantly higher in sham rats compared to control and experimental groups. Administration of LiCl did not affect the density of granular cells in folium V of the cerebellum. Furthermore, the results showed that the density of granular cells in the folium VI was significantly reduced in the sham group, compared to the other groups. Administration of LiCl prevented neuronal apoptosis and preserved granular cells in the cerebellum. Conclusion: This study suggests that LiCl may have a neuroprotective effect on toxic damage of TMT in the cerebellum.

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Introduction: Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin neurotoxicant which causes selective degeneration in central nervous system such as hippocampus. TMT intoxication is the cause of mood-cognitive and motor deficits in human and rodents. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) on brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in the hippocampus and anxiety-exploratory behaviors in TMT intoxication rat model. Materials and Methods: In order to induce intoxication, TMT (8 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to the rats. The test groups (TMT+Li) received 0.5, 1 and 1.5 meq/kg of LiCl respectively and the TMT+Saline group received normal saline for 14 days after TMT intoxication. The elevated plus maze, dark-light box and open field tests were conducted in order to investigate the anxiety symptoms and exploratory behaviors. Then, the hippocampal level of BDNF was measured using ELISA. Results: The findings indicated an increase in anxiety behaviors and a decrease in exploratory ones. In addition, the hippocampal level of BDNF was decreased in the TMT-treated rats. However, LiCl treatment revealed significant effects on decreasing the anxiety level with exploratory behaviors modification in the behavioral tests. Conclusion: LiCl, having sufficient neuroprotective effects, can be used as a solution to manage the anxiety symptoms and cognition deficits after TMT intoxication.

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Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability among adults. The risk of stroke is rapidly increasing in women after menopause. It has been reported that exercise reduces ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat model of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on stroke outcome in the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in ovariectomized mice. Materials and Methods: A group of 32 female mice (25-35g) were randomly divided into 4 groups as following (8 mice in each group): ovariectomy+stroke, stroke, ovariectomy+exercise+stroke, and sham. Seven days before exercise preconditioning, mice were ovariectomized. The exercise group was forced to run on a treadmill 5 days per week, for 40 min/day at a speed of 18 m/min for four weeks. Stroke was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method five weeks after ovariectomy. The infarct volume, sensory-motor deficits, and neurological deficits were studied. Results: Infarct volume in the ovariectomy+exercise+stroke and stroke groups was significantly smaller compared to ovariectomy+stroke group. In ovariectomy+exercise+stroke and stroke groups, neurological deficits were significantly lower than ovariectomy+stroke gorup, respectively. sensory-motor deficits were also lower in the ovariectomy+exercise+stroke and stroke groups compared to ovariectomy+stroke group. Conclusion: The present data suggest that exercise preconditioning plays a neuroprotective role in ovariectomized animals and improves stroke outcome in a permanent model of MCAO.

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Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a non-refundable gradual neuro-degenerative disorder, in which the neurons, especially the ones in the memory zone, are damaged and cause increase in the level of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-&alpha; (TNF-&alpha;). In the present study, we investigated the effect of endurance exercise training and chronic administration of Gallic acid (GA) on the TNF-&alpha; level in rat hippocampus in the Trimethyltin (TMT)-treated model of AD. Materials and Methods: Seventy female Spraque  Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: 1.Control, 2. AD, 3. GA50, 4. GA100, 5. Exercise, 6. Exercise+GA50, and 7. Exercise+GA100. In order to induce AD, Trimethyltin (8mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to the rats in groups 2-7. Rats in the groups 5, 6, and 7 carried out an eight-week exercise program on a motorized treadmill (15-20 m/min, 0% inclination for 15-30 min/day, and 5 days/week). Animals of the groups 3 and 6 were treated by 50 mg/kg of GA and animals of groups 4 and 7 were treated by 100 mg/kg of the GA daily, for 2 weeks. Then, the TNF-&alpha; level in the hippocampus were measured. Results: The results indicated that the TNF-&alpha; level in the hippocampus was decreased in all test groups compared to the AD group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that endurance exercise training, GA consumption, and both administration of GA and co-treatment with training have immunomodulatory effects and could be used to inhibit the cytokine release after TMT intoxication.

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Introduction: Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, as well as restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Changes in serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play a role in autism etiology. However, the serum levels and the mechanism of action of BDNF in autism are needed to be elucidated. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the serum levels of BDNF and its relation with working memory in valproic acid animal model of autism. Materials and Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two Phosphate-Buffered Saline receiver (PBS) and Valproic Acid receiver (VPA) groups. The pregnant rats were recieved VPA (500 mg/kg/ip) or PBS for 12.5 days after gestation. We evaluated the offspring in postnatal days 30 and 60. To measure changes in working memory and the periodic behaviors of the animals, Y maze test was used. In addition, the serum levels of BDNF were determined by ELISA method. Results: Increased alteration behavior was observed in Y-maze test among offspring received VPA group compared to control rats. The serum levels of BDNF in VPA rats were significantly higher than PBS group. Conclusion: BDNF increases accompanied by enhancement of periodic behaviors in VPA rats suggested a crucial role of this protein in working memory of autistic individuals.