Richard M. Millis

By Vasavi R. Gorantla, Sabyasachi Maity and Richard M. Millis

Previous studies have shown that environmental enrichment increases neurogenesis and reverses learning and memory deficits in rats with kainate-induced seizures. We tested the hypothesis that exploring a wooden pyramid for 3h/d augments neurogenesis and attenuates the learning and memory deficits following chemical lesioning of the hippocampus and motor cortex with kainic acid (KA). A pyramid exploration intervention (PEI) was created by subjecting rats to residing in a pyramidal wooden structure of 3 h/d for 30 d. We also compared the effects on neurogenesis for PEI to those for aerobic (swimming) exercise (EX) and environmental enrichment via exploration of a rectangular-shaped wooden cage. Following KA seizures, the PEI increased brain neurogenesis. Differences in measures of neurogenesis were not significantly different than those for EX and EE. Aerobic (swimming) exercise and novel environment exposures appear to increase neural plasticity and may be considered a complementary treatment for epilepsy.

Part of the book: Epilepsy

By Richard M. Millis, Merin Chandanathil, Ayoola Awosika, Fidelis Nwachukwu, Ravindrasingh Rajput, Sheetal Naik and Kishan Kadur

Previous studies have shown that quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) provides measures of brain wave voltage and symmetry within each of the standard bandwidths. These qEEG measures are neurophysiological correlates of brain wave signatures for various aspects of cognition and behavior and are susceptible to neurofeedback training for improving human performance. Using exam scores and an individualized self-inventory (ISI) of psychosocial interactions, we provide unique data for probing behavioral and cognitive performance of medical students. Increments in voltage within the standard theta (4–7 Hz) and beta (15–20 Hz) frequencies and decrements in the theta–beta ratio (TBR) suggest improvements in attentional control. Associations between right-sided frontal alpha asymmetry (fAA) and ISI scores for negative self-perceptions suggest a novel qEEG signature for emotional balance. These findings suggest that changes in qEEG voltages and asymmetries may be predictive of improvements in attentional control, cognitive performance, and psychosocial skills, as well as serving as surrogate markers for neurofeedback training-related changes in neuroplasticity.

Part of the book: Neurophysiology

By Ayoola Awosika, Adekunle E. Omole, Uzochukwu Adabanya, Nikhilesh Anand and Richard M. Millis

Statins remain the most efficient hypolipidemic agent and their use is pivotal in primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment of cardiovascular disease, reducing both morbidity and mortality. Statins target 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, the “committed and rate limiting step” in hepatic production of cholesterol. Genetic predilections for hypercholesterolemia are known to be responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Environmental or lifestyle factors such as dietary fat and carbohydrate may also contribute to cardiovascular disease mortality by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Besides lipid-lowering, statins have pleiotropic effects which may contribute to their protection against cardiovascular and several other diseases wherein hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor. Evidence is emerging that the clinical outcomes of many diseases are improved when modifications of environmental or lifestyle factors play integral roles in treatment and preventive prescriptions. This chapter is, therefore, intended to inform physicians and other health care professionals about the environment-gene interactions underlying the main and pleiotropic effects of statins which may be employed to improve the efficacy of statin therapies.

Part of the book: Statins