11^th World Congress on Neuropharmacology May 06-07, 2019 Prague, Czech Republic

Biography:

Gaia Rocchitta has completed her PhD in Neuroscience from School of Medicine of Sassari University (Italy) in 2004 and her Post-doctoral studies from School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University College, Dublin (Ireland) in 2006. She is currently a tenured Researcher and Lecturer in Pharmacology and Nutraceutical at School of Medicine of Sassari University (Italy). She has published more than 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Alcohol has been a continuous presence in the evolution of mankind and indeed, nowadays, represents the most widespread psychotropic agent in Western societies. As many substances of abuse, ethanol activates the mesolimbic pathway, so alcohol addiction has become one of the most important health issues. Given these implications, it has become of primary importance the real-time monitoring of ethanol toxicokinetics and its effects in definite brain regions. Recently, implantable amperometric biosensors have offered a valid alternative to microdialysis for monitoring brain metabolites. In this study, we have presented the characterization of an implantable amperometric biosensor for the real-time measurement of brain ethanol by improving a prior implantable design and integrating it in a biotelemetric device, to consent freely movements to the animals. The biosensor was then implanted in in the shell of the nucleus accumbens by stereotaxic procedures in rats already conditioned to carry ethanol self-administration. After the surgery, we waited for the animal’s recovery with water and food ad libitum. The night before the experiments, the animals were left without water for 12 hours. The following day the biosensor was polarized and amperometric signal from ethanol was monitored and recorded up to its stabilization. At this stage, the animals had at their disposal, for 30 minutes, a solution containing 10% of ethanol. In this period, we were able to detect a significant increase of the current derived from ethanol when the animal swallowed the ethanol solution.

Biography:

Alina Kulbachna has completed her Master’s degree from the Daugavpils University and start PhD studies in Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies at Daugavpils University, Latvia in 2017. Also she works in Scientific Laboratory of Biochemistry at Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. Her research focusses on relationships between oxygen deprivation stress and oxidative stress in wheat plants, differing in their tolerance to hypoxia, using a range of biochemical, molecular biology and genetics approaches

Abstract:

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world, one of the main sources of calories and proteins for many people of different cultures. But wheat is a very sensitive cereal to waterlogging stress (root oxygen deprivation). The effects of flooding makes dramatic influence on wheat plants: depress photosynthesis and respiration, reduce growth, development and finally yield. The object of this study was to identify waterlogging-tolerant cultivars of bread wheat original Latvian selection. Five wheat cultivars were tested under aerobic and root-anaerobic conditions to determine antioxidant activity - the mechanisms that protect cellular homeostasis from oxidative damages, occurred during stress. The experiment was carried in the climatic chambers under controlled environmental conditions: T=22°C, H=70%, 12 h photoperiod, light condition 600 µmol m^-2 s^-1. Soil environment for experimental group of 10-days seedlings were water saturated during 14 days. To observe the dynamic of antioxidant activity in different parts of first leaf (basal, middle and apical parts), the measurements were performed three times on the first, seventh and 14^th day of root flooding. The antioxidant responses of wheat cultivars were investigated in methanol extracts spectrophotometrically: total content of phenolic compounds, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The various responses to waterlogging were detected in the parts of first leaf, because of the different physiological conditions and genetic capabilities. However, an elevation of antioxidant activity correlated with duration of stress treatment in all wheat cultivars.

Biography:

Marine Bezhuashvili is a Chemist in the Department of Chemistry at IV Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (1981), is a Candidate of Technical Sciences, Technology of Fermentation Products, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks, Georgian Scientific-Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Wine-making, 1987. She is a Doctor of Technical Sciences, Technology of Wine, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks and Mineral Waters; Bioorganic Chemistry Georgian Scientific-Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Wine-making, 1994. Currently she is working in the Institute of Viticulture and Oenology of Agricultural University of Georgia.

Abstract:

Stilbenoids are phytoalexines-secondary plant metabolites, responsible for the protection of grape vine and of multiple plants specious from bacterial and fungal infection. It has been researched the change of stilbenoids of the skin of Georgian white grape vine – Rkatsiteli in the condition of the diseased botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea). The results of the study are revealed the stress-metabolite stilbenoid trans-resveratrol. The physiological concentration of the trans-resveratrol in the skin of the grape is equal 2, 5 mg/kg, to the diseased grape skin it is raised up to 5 mg/kg. Impact of trans-resveratrol at the activity of conidium of Botrytis cinerea has been studied by its water suspension. Control option: conidium suspension was sprayed to the grapes washed with distilled water. Study options: Grape berries washed with distilled water were processed by water suspension of trans-resveratrol – 0.5 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml. Then on them was sprayed a conidium suspension. In the control option conidium began multiplying after one week. The disease was shown as a gray snowflake. After two weeks all grape berry was diseased by 70-80%. Conidium of the Botrytis cinerea isn’t multiplied over the grapes, produced by trans-resveratrol suspension during one month. The results of the study were confirmed the phytoalexin function of trans-resveratrol- inhibitory action towards Botrytis cinerea.

Biography:

Marine Bezhuashvili is a Chemist in the Department of Chemistry at IV Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (1981), is a Candidate of Technical Sciences, Technology of Fermentation Products, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks, Georgian Scientific-Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Wine-making, 1987. She is a Doctor of Technical Sciences, Technology of Wine, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks and Mineral Waters; Bioorganic Chemistry Georgian Scientific-Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Wine-making, 1994. Currently she is working in the Institute of Viticulture and Oenology of Agricultural University of Georgia.

Abstract:

Injuries (infectious or non-infectious) to any organ result in a cascade of inflammatory reactions. Neuro-inflammation refers to the inflammatory reactions in the CNS due to trauma, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and even multiple sclerosis. Inflammation in the CNS has recently been considered as a contributor to the pathophysiology of epilepsy, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Although as a homeostatic process, neuroinflammation involves in the development and repair of the CNS, it may have a deleterious effect on the neural and glial cells if is exaggerated and sustained. Anti-inflammatory/anti-apoptotic properties of EPO have long been underscored. In an animal model of brain ischemia induced by thrombus formation or embolism anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potentials of EPO resulting in limiting neural loss and BBB disruption were described. According to a growing number of studies, EPO has been found to have potentials to regulate both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic mitochondrial pathways. An animal study in rats revealed that EPO behaved as an anti-apoptotic factor for microglia without having any influence on pro-inflammatory potentials of these cells. Apart from prolonging the survival of microglia, astrocyte-derived EPO seems to have a dose-dependent proliferative effect on microglia. It elevates Bcl/Bax ratio in the microglia and prevents activation of caspase-3 and -9, two apoptosis-triggering factors. In a recent in vitro study, it was reported that plasma membrane of human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells contain EPO-R and EPO and could suppress alloreactive human T-cell immunity via inhibition of downstream T-cell and IL-2 receptor signaling pathways. Recently the potency of EPO in treating neurodegenerative disorders has been considered. It seems that erythropoietin effects on neuroinflammation will be promising in treating many of the neurological diseases in the future.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Seizures often occur in substance abusers. The present work aimed to study the etiology of non-response to antiepileptic drugs by estimating their serum levels and screening of drugs and substance abuse in patients with resistant epilepsy.

Methods: This study was conducted in epilepsy outpatient clinic, Neurology Department, Mansoura University Hospital. After exclusion, those with organic brain lesion and who were not compliant to antiepileptic treatment, total of 924 patients with intractable epilepsy were included. They were subjected to toxicology screen for detection of drug and substances abuse by analysis of urine and blood samples; measurements of the level of antiepileptic drugs in the blood (carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin). All assays were run on the system use of homogenous immunoassay technique EMIT (enzyme multiplied immunoassay test) and confirmed by GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrum).

Results: Confirmed positive results for drugs and substances abuse were detected in 246 of 924 patients (26.62%) by GC/MS. Cannabis was the first abused drug (29.27%), opiates was the second drug abused by patients (21.95%) followed by alcohol (17.88%), benzodiazepine (16.26%), tricyclic antidepressants (8.54%) and finally barbiturate constituted (6.1%). Only 17 patients showed serum level of antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, valproate and phenytoin) within therapeutic range, but 169 patients' levels were below therapeutic range and 60 patients with levels above it.

Conclusions: Substance abuse may be the cause of resistant epilepsy as they are epileptogenic by themselves or due to drug-drug interaction with the antiepileptic. 

Recommendations: A screening test for drug and substances abuse performed if drug abuse or withdrawal suspected in patients with resistant epilepsy even if patients deny the use of them. To confirm the results of EMIT, further study is needed by using GCMS (gas chromatography mass spectrum) as it is more sensitive and more specific than EMIT system.

Biography:

Abstract:

Aims: Several studies have indicated the important role of serotonergic system in tolerance to analgesic effects of morphine. The aim of the present study, is to investigate the effect of paroxetine, a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on morphine tolerance in rat.

Methods: Male Wistar rats (weight 250-300g, n=10) were used in two studies: In the first study, the preventive effect of paroxetine was investigated on naïve rats during induction of tolerance to morphine. In the Second study, the effect of paroxetine was determined on previously established tolerance to morphine in animals. In order to induce tolerance, one group of rats received daily intraperitoneal injection of morphine (7mg/kg). After 5days of injection tolerance to morphine was observed. Thereafter, the animals received intraperitoneal injection of 7mg/kg paroxetine before morphine administration for 6 next days. In the other group, in order to investigate the preventive effect of paroxetine, animals received 7mg/kg paroxetine 30 min before morphine injection until the tolerance was observed. In each group, The tail-flick test was done before drug administration (time 0) and after drug injection.

Result: Results showed that paroxetine can significantly attenuate tolerance to morphine in tolerated rats (P<0.001). However, in preventive study, with paroxetine pretreatment, tolerance was observed on the 5th day and the analgesic effect of morphine was not significantly increased by pretreatment of paroxetine compared to control group.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that, paroxetine showed an effective treatment effect in established tolerance, but it cannot prevent tolerance to morphine.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: In each hospital, there are good number of patients who are candidates for the switch-over from intravenous (IV) to oral therapy. The main hindrance that restricts intravenous to oral conversion is the idea that oral medications do not reach the same bioavailability as that of intravenous medications and that the same item must be used both intravenously and orally. Although several drugs commonly used in hospitalized patients are equally bioavailable intravenously and orally, patients usually are not shifted to the oral medication when stable and taking oral medications or eating an oral diet. There are many advantages involved in earlier conversion from the intravenous to the oral therapy, including but not conclusive to less nursing time for medication administration, lower cost, less intravenous catheters needed can lead to increased patient satisfaction and safety. Objective: Establishment of a pharmacist-led IV to oral switch over protocol in the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), in an attempt to reduce the annual medication cost. Method: The study was conducted in the NNI of KFMC in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. The study was prospective. We identified five targeted medications that are commonly prescribed in NNI (NHDU, NW1, Stroke) inpatient wards with almost identical oral and intravenous bioavailability. Fort five (45) patients were recruited. Their files were reviewed by the pharmacist and recommendation to switch was communicated to physician either verbally or documented in the patient file. The total cost of the medications was compared between oral and intravenous forms according to the length of stay in the ward. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are mentioned. Difference between oral and IV medication cost were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. All data entry and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Results: This study has been in place for six months. Seventy one (71) recommendations were made. Of these recommendations, 11 (15.5%) were rejected and 60 (84.5%) were accepted and implemented, resulting in a cost savings of 10,652 SAR (P=0.001). When annualized, the expected savings is 21,304 SAR or nearly the monthly salary of two full-time pharmacists. Conclusion: This study demonstrates successful implementation of a pharmacist-led switch-over strategy. Duration of IV treatment reduced dramatically and the annual savings significantly improved. This program has been well accepted by physicians and pharmacists. It appears to be having a positive impact on physician awareness of using oral medications when appropriate. This study may be used as a template for the introduction of further pharmacist-led early IV to oral switch-over initiatives.

Biography:

She holds a diploma of state ingenerate in plant ecology at the age of 24 years. She carried out advanced training and training in the field of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, in durum wheat lab markers assisted (experimentation in the field and laboratory) at the ICARDA, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo Syria, after she pursued her studies in genetic improvement, Plant and Environment (stress abiotic), for obtaining her Master's degree in the University of Constantine with collaboration ICARDA, and now a Ph.D. student.

Abstract:

Drought is a global propagation problem with negative effects on durum wheat production in rainfed ecosystems. Therefore, adequate and effective selection criteria are needed to help develop new varieties that are better adapted to an unpredictable climate. Several drought tolerance indices based on mathematical relationships between yield under irrigated conditions and drought have been proposed to characterize, detect and evaluate the response of population in stressed and unstressed environments. To evaluate the effectiveness of several indices for the identification of durum wheat genotypes combining drought tolerance and high yield potential, the drought indices stress susceptibility index (SSI) and stress tolerance index (STI) used in plant breeding were calculated based on the combination between (Ys) and (Yp) under two contrasting environments (stressed and unstressed). A durum wheat population of 249 lines, selected for their wide variability in responses to water stress and grain yield, were grown in different contrasting environments (irrigated and rainfed) during two growing seasons. Principal components analysis showed associations between drought tolerance indices and grain yield, most of them caused by differences between environments. The results indicated that there was a positive and significant correlation between (Yp), (Ys) and (STI). The SSI index showed a negative correlation with the yield (Ys) under stress environment. These indices can be considered as suitable criteria for the selection of drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes under moderate stress in a Mediterranean environment.