Microcurrent Therapy Mitigates Neuronal Damage and Cognitive Decline in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant challenge due to its multifaceted nature, characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuroinflammation. Though AD is an extensively researched topic, effective pharmacological interventions remain elusive, prompting explorations into non-pharmacological approaches. Microcurrent (MC) therapy, which utilizes imperceptible currents, has emerged as a potent clinical protocol. While previous studies have focused on its therapeutic effects, this study investigates the impact of MC on neuronal damage and neuroinflammation in an AD mouse model, specifically addressing potential side effects. Utilizing 5xFAD transgenic mice, we examined the effects of MC therapy on neuronal integrity and inflammation. Our findings suggest that MC therapy attenuates memory impairment and reduces neurodegeneration, as evidenced by improved performance in memory tests and the preservation of the neuronal structure. Additionally, MC therapy significantly decreases amyloid-beta (Aß) plaque deposition and inhibits apoptosis, indicating its potential to mitigate AD pathology. This study determined that glial activation is effectively reduced by using MC therapy to suppress the TLR4-MyD88-NFκB pathway, which consequently causes the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 to decrease, thus implicating TLR4 in neurodegenerative disease-related neuroinflammation. Furthermore, while our study did not observe significant adverse effects, a further clinical trial into potential side effects and neuroinflammatory responses associated with MC therapy is warranted.

Comparison of Muscle Regeneration Effects at Different Melittin Concentrations in Rabbit Atrophied Muscle.

This research aimed to explore the healing impacts of Melittin treatment on gastrocnemius muscle wasting caused by immobilization with a cast in rabbits. Twenty-four rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups. The procedures included different injections: 0.2 mL of normal saline to Group 1 (G1-NS); 4 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 2 (G2-4 µg/kg Melittin); 20 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 3 (G3-20 µg/kg Melittin); and 100 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 4 (G4-100 µg/kg Melittin). Ultrasound was used to guide the injections into the rabbits' atrophied calf muscles following two weeks of immobilization via casting. Clinical measurements, including the length of the calf, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the tibial nerve, and the gastrocnemius muscle thickness, were assessed. Additionally, cross-sectional slices of gastrocnemius muscle fibers were examined, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed following two weeks of therapy. The mean regenerative changes, as indicated by clinical parameters, in Group 4 were significantly more pronounced than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers and immunohistochemical indicators in Group 4 exceeded those in the remaining groups (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis also showed a more significant presence of anti-inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines in Group 4 compared to the others (p < 0.05). Melittin therapy at a higher dosage can more efficiently activate regeneration in atrophied gastrocnemius muscle compared to lower doses of Melittin or normal saline.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Shock Wave Therapy Sequence Efficacy in Regenerating Immobilized Rabbit Calf Muscles.

This study primarily aimed to investigate the combined effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) sequences on the regenerative processes in atrophied animal muscles. Thirty male New Zealand rabbits, aged 12 weeks, were divided into five groups: normal saline (Group 1), PDRN (Group 2), ESWT (Group 3), PDRN injection before ESWT (Group 4), and PDRN injection after ESWT (Group 5). After 2 weeks of cast immobilization, the respective treatments were administered to the atrophied calf muscles. Radial ESWT was performed twice weekly. Calf circumference, tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle thickness after 2 weeks of treatment were evaluated. Histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as Western blot analysis, were conducted 2 weeks post-treatment. Staining intensity and extent were assessed using semi-quantitative scores. Groups 4 and 5 demonstrated significantly greater calf muscle circumference, GCM muscle thickness, tibial nerve CMAP, and GCM muscle fiber cross-sectional area (type I, type II, and total) than the remaining three groups (p < 0.05), while they did not differ significantly in these parameters. Groups 2 and 3 showed higher values for all the mentioned parameters than Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 4 had the greatest ratio of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in the GCM muscle fibers compared to the other four groups (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis revealed significantly higher expression of angiogenesis cytokines in Groups 4 and 5 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The combination of ESWT and PDRN injection demonstrated superior regenerative efficacy for atrophied calf muscle tissue in rabbit models compared to these techniques alone or saline. In particular, administering ESWT after PDRN injection yielded the most favorable outcomes in specific parameters.

Efficacy of cranial microcurrent stimulation in patients with tension-type headache: A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of cranial microcurrent stimulation (CMS) in patients with tension-type headaches (TTH). METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, randomised, double-blinded and sham-controlled trial. A total of 22 patients with tension-type headache were selected as our study participants and randomly assigned into two groups: CMS group (n = 11) and Sham group (n = 11). To each of the participants, a sham or a true portable CMS stimulation device (CMS; intensity, 25 µA; frequency, 8 Hz) to wear was distributed, and 20-minute daily treatment was provided using the device for 2 weeks. In CMS group, treatment was given by means of electrodes clipped to the ear, whereas, in Sham group, sham treatment was provided by CMS without current. The measurements of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT6), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD7) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were performed at pre-treatment (baseline), week 1 and 2 of treatment and two weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: In CMS group, VAS of maximal headache and VAS of current headache, HIT6, PHQ9 and GAD7 significantly decreased by two weeks post-CMS therapy, but not in Sham group (P < .05). Scores of HADS-A (anxiety), HADS-D (depression) and HADS-T (total) significantly decreased by 2 weeks post-CMS therapy in CMS group, but not in Sham group (P < .05). Changes in scores of PHQ9 and GAD7, HADS-A, HADS-D and HADS-T in CMS group were significantly greater than in Sham group by 2 weeks post-CMS therapy (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CMS, as an adjunctive treatment for patients with TTH, is safe and analgesic as well as reducing depression or anxiety.

Therapeutic effect of microcurrent on calf muscle atrophy in immobilized rabbit.

INTRODUCTION: Immobilization causes significant muscle loss. In this study we assessed the regenerative effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) atrophy induced by immobilization by cast (IC) in rabbits. METHODS: Fifteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups: IC (group 1); IC and free re-ambulation for 2 weeks after cast removal (CR) (group 2); and IC and MES for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). We evaluated clinical parameters (calf circumference, compound muscle action potential of tibial nerve, and thickness of GCM by ultrasound), histomorphometric data (muscle composition and cross-sectional area), and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Mean atrophic changes in clinical parameters in group 3 were significantly less than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Histomophometric and immunohistochemical parameters in group 3 were significantly greater than those in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: MES prevents muscle atrophy and facilitates regeneration of muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 270-276, 2018.

Usefulness of ultrasound assessment of median nerve mobility in carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral compression neuropathy of the upper extremity. Recently, dynamic ultrasound (US) imaging has shown differences in median nerve mobility between the affected and unaffected sides in CTS. PURPOSE: The present study was performed to compare the median nerve mobility between patients with CTS and healthy individuals, and to correlate median nerve mobility with the severity of CTS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 101 patients (128 wrists) with CTS and 43 healthy individuals (70 wrists) were evaluated. Electrodiagnostic studies were initially conducted to determine the neurophysiological grading scale (NGS). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and the grade of median nerve mobility were measured using US. RESULTS: The mean grade of median nerve mobility in the CTS group (1.9) was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.6; P < 0.001). There were significant negative correlations between the grade of median nerve mobility and distal motor latency of the median nerve (r = -0.218, P = 0.015), NGS (r = -0.207, P = 0.020) and CSA of the median nerve (r = -0.196, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The grade of median nerve mobility was negatively correlated with the severity of CTS. US assessment of median nerve mobility may be useful in diagnosing and determining the severity of CTS.

Do the Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Arthrography, and Ultrasonography Reflect Clinical Impairment in Patients With Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (US) findings in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC) of the shoulder and their clinical presentation as well as functional impairment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Institutional practice. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=75) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral IAC. INTERVENTIONS: Contrast-enhanced MRI, single-contrast arthrography, and US were performed in all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The thickness of the axillary recess, coracohumeral ligament (CHL), and enhanced portion in the rotator cuff interval was measured using MRI. Arthrography was used to calculate the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria. US was used to measure the thickness of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) and CHL, and the IGHL ratio and CHL ratio were calculated by comparing those of the unaffected side. RESULTS: None of the MRI parameters was correlated with clinical assessment scores. The total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria was negatively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion (P<.05), shoulder forward flexion (P<.05), and abduction (P<.05). The total Constant-Murley score was well correlated with the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria (P<.05). The total shoulder joint space capacity was positively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion (P<.05) and shoulder forward flexion (P<.05). The IGHL thickness, IGHL ratio, CHL thickness, and CHL ratio were negatively correlated with shoulder external rotation (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of arthrography and US in patients with IAC of the shoulder were correlated with clinical assessment scores, whereas all measuring parameters on MRI were not. US is recommended as the preferred option for diagnosing IAC of the shoulder because it is noninvasive, reflects the clinical features of IAC, and provides anatomical accuracy.

Effect of Sipjeondaebo-Tang on the Pharmacokinetics of S-1, an Anticancer Agent, in Rats Evaluated by Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling.

S-1 (TS-1®) is an oral fluoropyrimidine anticancer agent containing tegafur, oteracil, and gimeracil. Sipjeondaebo-tang (SDT) is a traditional oriental herbal medicine that has potential to alleviate chemotherapy-related adverse effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of SDT on the pharmacokinetics of S-1. Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with a single dose or repeated doses of SDT for seven consecutive days (1200 mg/kg/day). After the completion of pretreatment with SDT, S-1 was orally administered and plasma concentrations of tegafur, its active metabolite 5-FU, and gimeracil were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to evaluate the effect of SDT on pharmacokinetics of tegafur and 5-FU. Although a single dose of SDT did not have any significant effect, the absorption rate of tegafur decreased, and the plasma levels of 5-FU reduced significantly in rats pretreated with SDT for seven days in parallel to the decreased gimeracil concentrations. Population pharmacokinetic modeling also showed the enhanced elimination of 5-FU in the SDT-pretreated group. Repeated doses of SDT may inhibit the absorption of gimeracil, an inhibitor of 5-FU metabolism, resulting in enhanced elimination of 5-FU and decrease its plasma level.

Alterations in Pharmacokinetics of Gemcitabine and Erlotinib by Concurrent Administration of Hyangsayukgunja-Tang, a Gastroprotective Herbal Medicine.

Gemcitabine and erlotinib are the chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of various cancers and their combination is being accepted as a first-line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. Hyangsayukgunja-tang (HYT) is a traditional oriental medicine used in various digestive disorders and potentially helpful to treat gastrointestinal adverse effects related to chemotherapy. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of HYT on the pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine and erlotinib given simultaneously in rats. Rats were pretreated with HYT at an oral dose of 1200 mg/kg/day once daily for a single day or 14 consecutive days. Immediately after pretreatment with HYT, gemcitabine and erlotinib were administered by intravenous injection (10 mg/kg) and oral administration (20 mg/kg), respectively. The effects of HYT on pharmacokinetics of the two drugs were estimated by non-compartmental analysis and pharmacokinetic modeling. The pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine and erlotinib were not altered by single dose HYT pretreatment. However, the plasma levels of OSI-420 and OSI-413, active metabolites of erlotinib, were significantly decreased in the multiple dose HYT pretreatment group. The pharmacokinetic model estimated increased systemic clearances of OSI-420 and OSI-413 by multiple doses of HYT. These data suggest that HYT may affect the elimination of OSI-420 and OSI-413.

Distribution of Platelet-rich Plasma after Ultrasound-Guided Injection for Chronic Elbow Tendinopathies.

Characteristics of the spreads of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are not widely known despite commonly use. This study aims to evaluate whether PRP stays within the injected area by using ultrasonography, to improve understanding of the spreads of intratendinous injected PRP. Thirty-nine patients (15 males, 24 females; mean age, 49.3 years), who had symptoms on their elbows (> 6 months) and diagnosed as lateral (25 elbows) or medial (14 elbows) tendinopathies of elbow, were included. The severity of tendon pathology was assessed by ultrasonography as tear or no tear. Immediately after ultrasound-guided PRP injection, ultrasound images were evaluated to assess the area of PRP distribution, which was defined as the presence of fluid or microbubbles. Ultrasound revealed that 13 elbows had tendon tear and 26 had no tear, respectively. Post-injection ultrasound confirmed the injected PRP was within the tendon in all cases. The mean distance of distribution from the injection site was 12.6 mm (5.0-26.0 mm). There was no difference in the distance of PRP distribution between tendon tear and no tear. Injected PRP spread to soft tissue outside the tendon in 20 of 39 cases. Intra-articular extension of PRP was observed in 5 cases. Although PRP remained intratendinous after the injection in all cases, some portion tended to spread outside from the injection site in a short space of time. Postinjection ultrasonographic imaging has a value for observing the spreading patterns of intratendinous PRP injection.

Sonographic Analysis of Changes in Skull Shape After Cranial Molding Helmet Therapy in Infants With Deformational Plagiocephaly.

OBJECTIVES: -The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in skull shape on sonography after cranial molding helmet therapy in infants with deformational plagiocephaly. METHODS: -Twenty-six infants who were treated with cranial molding helmet therapy were recruited. Caliper and sonographic measurements were performed. The lateral length of the affected and unaffected sides of the skull and cranial vault asymmetry index were measured with calipers. The occipital angle, defined as the angle between lines projected along the lambdoid sutures of the skull, was calculated by sonography. The occipital angle difference and occipital angle ratio were also measured. All caliper and sonographic measurements were performed in each infant twice before and twice after treatment. RESULTS: -The study group included 12 male and 14 female infants with a mean age ± SD of 6.2 ± 3.5 months. The mean treatment duration was 6.0 ± 2.5 months. The difference in lateral length before and after helmet therapy was significantly greater on the affected skull than the unaffected skull (16.7 ± 12.7 versus 9.0 ± 13.4 mm; P < .01). The difference in the occipital angle before and after helmet therapy was significantly greater on the affected skull than the unaffected skull (-5.7° ± 7.3° versus 4.2° ± 7.9°; P < .01). The cranial vault asymmetry index and occipital angle ratio were significantly reduced after helmet therapy (cranial vault asymmetry index, 9.3% ± 2.3% versus 3.5% ± 3.0%; occipital angle ratio, 1.07 ± 0.05 versus 1.01 ± 0.01; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: -These results suggest that occipital angle measurements using sonography, combined with cephalometry, could provide a better understanding of the therapeutic effects of cranial molding helmet therapy in infants with deformational plagiocephaly.

Anatomic Differences in the Sacral Hiatus During Caudal Epidural Injection Using Ultrasound Guidance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to clarify differences in the anatomic structure of the sacral hiatus and angle of needle insertion during caudal epidural steroid injection using ultrasound guidance in patients according to sex and age. METHODS: A total of 237 patients with low back pain with or without sciatica were included. Sonograms of the sacral hiatus were obtained, and caudal epidural steroid injection using ultrasound guidance was performed in all patients. The intercornual distance, diameter of the sacral canal, thickness of the sacrococcygeal ligament, optimal angle for needle insertion, and actual angle of needle insertion were measured. RESULTS: Between men and women, significant differences were observed for the intercornual distance (17.7 versus 16.5 mm; P< .01) and thickness of the sacrococcygeal ligament (4.3 versus 3.9 mm; P = .02). In all patients, the thickness of the sacrococcygeal ligament (r= 0.28) and diameter of the sacral canal (r= 0.40) were positively correlated with the optimal angle for needle insertion (P < .01). In women, the thickness of the sacrococcygeal ligament (r = -0.24), diameter of the sacral canal (r = -0.27), optimal angle for needle insertion (r = -0.29), and actual angle of needle insertion (r = -0.18) were negatively correlated with age. In men, only the diameter of the sacral canal was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.30). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the sacral hiatus has anatomic differences between patients of different sexes and ages. Understanding these differences, especially in women, may improve the safety and reliability of caudal epidural steroid injection.

Utility of Sonoelastography in Differentiating Ruptured From Unruptured Epidermal Cysts and Implications for Patient Care.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of sonoelastographic features between ruptured and unruptured epidermal cysts. METHODS: We performed a prospective survey of 27 patients with clinically suspected epidermal cysts diagnosed by excisional biopsy with prebiopsy sonography and real-time sonoelastography. We statistically evaluated the correlation between elastographic and histopathologic features. To measure the relative hardness on elastography, the Rinside/Routside ratio was used to show the ratio of the elasticity inside and outside the cyst, where the random value R was defined as the median red pixel intensity/(median red pixel intensity + median green pixel intensity + median blue pixel intensity). RESULTS: Only 24 of the 27 patients were enrolled. Among the 24 diagnosed epidermal cysts, 13 were unruptured cysts, and 11 were ruptured cysts based on histopathologic examination. There was no correlation between sonographically and histopathologically measured cyst diameters. The Rinside/Routside ratio was significantly higher in unruptured cysts than ruptured cysts (mean ± SD, 1.16 ± 0.15 versus 1.04 ± 0.13; P = .047). All values below the cutoff point were considered to indicate ruptured cysts, and the cutoff value was set to 1.0919, which afforded sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time sonoelastography is able to detect differences in tissue elasticity between ruptured and unruptured epidermal cysts. This study shows the utility of real-time sonoelastography, which has important implications for treatment planning.

Platelet-rich plasma limits the nerve injury caused by 10% dextrose in the rabbit median nerve.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in a rabbit model of dextrose-induced median nerve injury. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) were divided randomly into 3 groups. Three different regimens (group 1: 0.1 ml saline; group 2: 10% dextrose with PRP; group 3: 10% dextrose with saline) were injected within the carpal tunnel. Electrophysiological and histological findings were evaluated 12 weeks after the injection. RESULTS: The mean median motor latency in group 3 was significantly longer than that in groups 1 and 2. The cross-sectional area of the median nerve and subsynovial connective tissue thickness in group 3 were significantly larger than those in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: PRP injection may be effective in controlling median nerve injury, as demonstrated by improvement in electrophysiological and histological findings 12 weeks after dextrose injection.

Efficacy of microcurrent therapy in infants with congenital muscular torticollis involving the entire sternocleidomastoid muscle: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a combination of therapeutic exercise and ultrasound with or without additional microcurrent therapy in infants with congenital muscular torticollis involving the entire sternocleidomastoid muscle. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: An outpatient rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary university hospital. SUBJECTS: Infants (n = 20) with congenital muscular torticollis involving the entire sternocleidomastoid muscle. INTERVENTIONS: Group 1 comprised 10 infants who received therapeutic exercise with ultrasound alone and Group 2 comprised 10 infants who received the same treatment with microcurrent therapy. MAIN MEASURES: Passive cervical rotational range of motion was measured at before treatment and one, two, three, and six months after initial treatment. Thickness, cross-sectional area, and red pixel intensity on colour histograms, which were all assessed before treatment and at three months after initial treatment. Additionally, the duration of treatment was measured. RESULTS: The mean passive cervical rotational range of motion measured at three months posttreatment was significantly greater in Group 2 (101.1°) than that in Group 1 (86.4°), and the thickness, cross-sectional area, and red pixel intensity of the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle were all less in Group 2 (7.8 mm, 100.3 mm(2), and 126.1, respectively) than those in Group 1 (9.6 mm, 121.5 mm2, and 140.5, respectively). The mean duration of treatment was significantly shorter in Group 2 (2.6 months) than in Group 1 (6.3 months). CONCLUSIONS: Microcurrent therapy may increase the efficacy of therapeutic exercise with ultrasound for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis involving the entire sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Clinical Impairments and Rotator Cuff Tendon Pathology in Primary and Intrinsic Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the differences in clinical impairments between patients with primary and intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis and confirm rotator cuff tendon pathology in intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis. DESIGN: This study included 130 patients with unilateral adhesive capsulitis in freezing or frozen stages. Clinical impairment was evaluated using visual analog scale score, shoulder passive range of motion, Cyriax stage, and Constant-Murley score. Plain radiography, ultrasonography, single-contrast arthrography, and intravenous gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Among 130 patients, 77 patients were diagnosed as primary adhesive capsulitis and 53 patients as intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis. Among intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis patients, 44 rotator cuff tendon tears, 6 calcific tendinitis, and 3 rotator cuff tendon tears with calcific tendinitis were observed. No significant intergroup difference was observed in all clinical parameters, including shoulder passive range of motion, visual analog scale, Cyriax stage, and Constant-Murley score. The prevalence of subacromial subdeltoid bursitis was significantly higher in intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis compared with primary adhesive capsulitis. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in all clinical parameters investigated between patients with primary and intrinsic secondary adhesive capsulitis caused by rotator cuff tendon pathology.

Microcurrent therapy as the nonpharmacological new protocol against Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses an increasing global health challenge and is marked by gradual cognitive deterioration, memory impairment, and neuroinflammation. Innovative therapeutic approaches as non-pharmacological protocol are urgently needed with side effect risk of drugs. Microcurrent therapy, a non-invasive modality involving low-level electrical currents, has emerged as a potential solution to address AD's complex pathogenesis. This study investigates the optimal application of microcurrent therapy as a clinical protocol for AD, utilizing a comprehensive approach that integrates behavioral assessments and neuroinflammation evaluation in a mouse model of dementia. Methods and results: The results reveal that microcurrent therapy holds promise in ameliorating memory impairment and reducing neuroinflammation in AD. Behavioral assessments, including the Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR) and Radial Arm Maze Test (RAM), demonstrated improved cognitive function following microcurrent therapy. Furthermore, microcurrent therapy inhibited expression of neuroinflammatory proteins, including ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in current-treated group. Mechanistic insights suggest that microcurrent therapy may modulate neuroinflammation through the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the prospect of microcurrent therapy as a safe and efficacious non-pharmacological strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), providing optimism to the countless individuals impacted by this debilitating ailment. These results contribute to the developments of an innovative clinical protocol for AD and recovery from neurological injury, underscoring the significance of investigating unconventional therapeutic approaches for addressing this complex condition.

Microcurrent wave alleviates mouse intracranial arterial dolichoectasia development.

Intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE) is associated with the interaction of hypertension and inflammation, and microcurrent can be effective in hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation in a mouse IADE model. This study randomly categorized 20 mice into five groups: group 1-C (healthy control), group 2-D (IADE model), group 3-M + D (microcurrent administration before nephrectomy and until brain surgery), group 4-D + M (microcurrent administration for 4 weeks following brain surgery), and group 5-M (microcurrent administration for 4 weeks). Cerebral artery diameter and thickness and cerebral arterial wall extracellular matrix components were assessed. Among the five groups, group 2-D showed significantly higher cerebral arterial wall diameter (117.79 ± 17.05 µm) and proportion of collagen (42.46 ± 14.12%) and significantly lower arterial wall thickness (9.31 ± 2.26 µm) and proportion of smooth muscle cell (SMC) and elastin in the cerebral arterial wall (SMC: 38.05 ± 10.32%, elastin: 11.11 ± 6.97%). Additionally, group 4-D + M exhibited a non-significantly lower diameter (100.28 ± 25.99 µm) and higher thickness (12.82 ± 5.17 µm). Group 5-M demonstrated no evidence of toxicity in the liver and brain. The pilot study revealed that microcurrent is effective in preventing IADE development, although these beneficial effects warrant further investigation.

Differences in lateral ankle ligaments between affected and unaffected legs in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the architectural alterations of the lateral ankle ligaments in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS: Eight children (5 male and 3 female; mean age ± SD, 5.2 ± 2.7 years) with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were recruited. A modified Ashworth scale and passive ankle dorsiflexion angle were evaluated. Sonograms of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament were obtained to measure ligament thickness, and the anterior talofibular/calcaneofibular ligament thickness ratio was calculated. Two sonographic measurements were taken to check for intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficients of the repeated anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament thickness measurements in the unaffected/affected legs were 0.960/0.945 and 0.922/0.933, respectively. The anterior talofibular ligament thickness in the affected legs was significantly greater than that in the unaffected legs (2.50 ± 0.35 versus 1.40 ± 0.28 mm; P = .011), but the calcaneofibular ligament thickness in the affected legs was significantly less than that in the unaffected legs (0.80 ± 0.18 versus 1.28 ± 0.31 mm; P = .021). The anterior talofibular/calcaneofibular ligament thickness ratio in the affected legs was significantly greater than that in unaffected legs (2.10 ± 0.81 versus 1.03 ± 0.13; P = .012). The ratio was positively correlated with the modified Ashworth scale and age but negatively correlated with the passive ankle dorsiflexion angle in the affected legs. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an increased anterior talofibular ligament thickness and a decreased calcaneofibular ligament thickness in the affected legs compared with the unaffected legs. These architectural features of the lateral ankle ligaments may contribute to the equinovarus deformity of the ankle together with spastic leg muscles in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Efficacy of Intensive Inpatient Therapy in Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis Involving the Entire Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.

The efficacy and frequency of physiotherapy in the prognosis of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) that involves the entire sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle continues to be unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of intensive inpatient therapy given to infants with CMT that involves the whole SCM using clinical measurements and ultrasound (US). This study included 54 infants (27 boys and 27 girls; mean corrected age of 18.57 days) evaluated for CMT at our outpatient clinic from January 2014 to May 2021. The included patients were divided into three groups (groups 1, 2, and 3). Patients in group 1 underwent outpatient treatment 12 times. Patients in groups 2 and 3 underwent therapeutic exercise followed by US diathermy with microcurrent twice daily for 1 or 2 weeks, respectively. Passive range of motion of the cervical rotation (PCRROM) and SCM thickness were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Among the three groups, the demographic data at baseline were not significantly different, SCM thickness and PCRROM were significantly decreased/increased at post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05), mean PCRROM change was significantly greater in group 3 (p < 0.05), and mean SCM thickness reduction between pre-treatment and 3 months post-treatment was significantly greater in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, intensive inpatient therapeutic exercise and US diathermy with microcurrent may enhance the prognosis of CMT involving the entire SCM muscle.