The most important difference between systematic review and traditional narrative review lies in their respective quality, namely the degree of bias control. Generally speaking, the sources of bias include the process of literature searching, study selection, data extraction and original studies. A systematic review may greatly reduce bias, as it takes effective steps such as developing search strategies, undertaking funnel plot analysis, using established criteria for study selection, and assessment of the methodology quality of studies. All these help to control, identify and, describe the possible bias.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) on cognitive dysfunction in immature epileptic rats. MethodsImmature epileptic rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride-pilocarpine (li-pilo). Racine classification standard modified by Becker was used to evaluate behavior of epileptic seizure, and the survival rats within RacineⅣmagnitude were selected in the experiment. The function of learning and memory of epileptic rats when they were adult was assessed using Morris water maze experiment, and their independent exploratory behavior was evaluated by the open-field test. Field potential was recorded by electrophysiological technology to detecte whether hippocampal LTP was essential of cognitive dysfunction. ResultsThe function of learning and memory was significantly impaired when compared with controls(n=8, t=10.86, P < 0.05;n=8, t=9.98, P < 0.05). In addition, independent exploratory behavior was significantly reduced when compared with controls(n=8, t=12.89, P < 0.05). Besides, CA1 hippocampal LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation presented the significant inhibition in epileptic rats with cognitive dysfunction when compared with controls(Slope:n=8, t=13.32, P < 0.05;Amplitude:n=8, t=20.02, P < 0.05). ConclusionInhibition of CA1 hippocampal LTP may be implicated in cognitive dysfunction of epileptic rats.