[Improving effect of selenium on spermatogenesis in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced spermatogenic impairment and its underlying mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of selenium on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced spermatogenic impairment (SI) in mice and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: We equally randomized 36 male KM mice into 3 SI model and 3 control groups, the first 3 treated by intraperitoneal injection of CTX at 100 mg/kg (the SI model control group), CTX plus SI model control group, selenium deficient model group (－Se SI), selenium supplemented model group (+Se SI), while latter 3 by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline (the normal control), selenium deficiency control group (－Se control), selenium addition control group (+Se control), respectively, all once a week for 6 successive weeks. Then we observed the histopathological changes in the testes of all the mice by HE staining, obtained the sperm count in the epididymides, determined the expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and SLC7A11 proteins by Western blot and ferroptosis-related genes by RT-qPCR, and examined the changes in the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins and genes in the GC2-spd cells treated with ferroptosis inhibitors and inducers in combination with different concentrations of inorganic sodium selenite (SeS) and organic selenomethionine (SeM). RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, the SI model mice showed significantly decreased testicular and prostatic organ coefficients, reduced spermatogenic layers, increased voids, decreased serum ferritin concentration (P<0.05), and elevated transferrin concentration (P<0.05). The organ coefficients were significantly higher in the +Se SI and +Se control than in the －Se SI and －Se control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with evident pathological improvement of the testis tissue in the +Se controls. The expressions of the GPx4 and solute carrier family 7 members 11（SLC7A11） genes in the testis were dramatically down-regulated in the SI model controls (P<0.01), but up-regulated in the +Se SI and +Se control compared with those in the －Se SI and －Se control group (P<0.01 and P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between their protein expressions. The results of in vitro GC2 spd cell experiments indicated that the GPx4 gene and GPx4 protein levels in the - Se group were significantly lower than those in the normal control group (P<0.05), while the SLC7A11 gene level decreased (P<0.01). Different doses of SeS and SeM significantly increased the GPx4 protein expression compared to the average Se group. Low doses of SeM promoted a significant increase in GPx4 gene levels, while high doses of SeS increased the expression levels of SLC7A11 gene and SLC7A11 protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). The Se group showed a significant decrease in the levels of acsl4 and ptgs2 genes compared to the normal control group. SeM promoted the expression of acsl4, while SeS promoted the expression of ptgs2 and fth1 (P<0.01, P<0.05). The intervention results of GC2 spd showed that the Erastin group had a decrease in ptgs2 compared to the normal control group, while the SeS+Erastin and SeM+Erastin groups had an increase in ptgs2 gene expression compared to the Erastin group. However, the ptgs2 expression of Fer-1 was lower than that of the normal control group, and the ptgs2 gene level of SeS+Fer-1 and SeM+Fer-1 groups was lower than that of Fer-1 group (P<0.05); The gene quantity of GPx4 in the SeM+Erastin and SeM+Fer-1 groups increased compared to the Erastin and Fer-1 groups (P<0.01, P<0.05); SeM+Erastin and SeS+Erastin showed a decrease in SLC7A11 compared to the Erastin group, as well as SeM+Fer-1 and SeS+Fer-1 groups compared to the Fer-1 group, accompanied by an increase in acsl4 and fth1 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Selenium deficiency causes the reduction of the SLC7A11 and GPx4 gene levels, disorder of ferroptosis-related genes and down-regulation of the GPx4 protein expression in the mouse testis and spermatocytes. Selenium can promote the expression of GPx4, up-regulate the level of SLC7A11, and improve spermatogenesis in the testis of the mouse with SI. There are differences between organic SeM and inorganic SeS in regulating the ferroptosis pathway-related genes.

The Role of Phosphorus on Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Electrocatalysis for Ruthenium Phosphides.

Transition metal/p-block compounds are regarded as the most essential materials for electrochemical energy converting systems involving various electrocatalysis. Understanding the role of p-block element on the interaction of key intermediates and interfacial water molecule orientation at the polarized catalyst-electrolyte interface during the electrocatalysis is important for rational designing advanced p-block modified metal electrocatalysts. Herein, taking a sequence of ruthenium phosphides (including Ru2P, RuP and RuP2) as model catalysts, we establish a volcanic-relation between P-proportion and alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity. The dominant role of P for regulating hydroxyl binding energy is validated by active sites poisoning experiments, pH-dependent infection-point behavior, in situ surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, in which P could tailor the d-band structure of Ru, optimize the hydroxyl adsorption sites across the Ru-P moieties, thereby leading to improved proportion of strongly hydrogen-bonded water and facilitated proton-coupled electron transfer process, which are responsible for the enhanced alkaline HOR performance.

Anti-Photodamage Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharide on UVB-Damaged HaCaT Cells.

UVB radiation is known to induce photodamage to the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, elicit cutaneous inflammation, and accelerate the aging process. Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is an edible medicinal and nutritional fungus. One of its constituents, Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP), has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, which suggests potential effects that protect against photodamage. In this study, a UVB-induced photodamage HaCaT model was established to investigate the potential reparative effects of ABP and its two constituents (A1 and A2). Firstly, two purified polysaccharides, A1 and A2, were obtained by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography, and their physical properties and chemical structures were studied. A1 and A2 exhibited a network-like microstructure, with molecular weights of 1.5 × 104 Da and 6.5 × 104 Da, respectively. The effects of A1 and A2 on cell proliferation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inflammatory factors were also explored. The results show that A1 and A2 significantly promoted cell proliferation, enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and increased the relative content of filaggrin (FLG) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). The down-regulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway was found to play a role in the response to photodamage. These findings underscore the potential of ABP to ameliorate UVB-induced skin damage.

Identification of a novel LFNG variant in a Chinese fetus with spondylocostal dysostosis and a systematic review.

Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO) encompasses a group of skeletal disorders characterized by multiple segmentation defects in the vertebrae and ribs. SCDO has a complex genetic etiology. This study aimed to analyze and identify pathogenic variants in a fetus with SCDO. Copy number variant sequencing and whole exome sequencing were performed on a Chinese fetus with SCDO, followed by bioinformatics analyses, in vitro functional assays and a systematic review on the reported SCDO cases with LFNG pathogenic variants. Ultrasound examinations in utero exhibited that the fetus had vertebral malformation, scoliosis and tethered cord, but rib malformation was not evident. We found a novel homozygous variant (c.1078 C > T, p.R360C) within the last exon of LFNG. The variant was predicted to cause loss of function of LFNG by in silico prediction tools, which was confirmed by an in vitro assay of LFNG enzyme activity. The systematic review listed a total of 20 variants of LFNG in SCDO. The mutational spectrum spans across all exons of LFNG except the last one. This study reported the first Chinese case of LFNG-related SCDO, revealing the prenatal phenotypes and expanding the mutational spectrum of the disorder.

Effect of Facet on Local Electron Density of Oxygen Vacancy in Catalysts for Nitrogen Electro-Reduction.

Oxygen-vacancy (Ov) engineering is an effective strategy to manipulate the electronic configuration of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). The influence of the stable facet on the electronic configuration of Ov is widely studied, however, the effect of the reactive facet on the local electron density of Ov is unveiled. In this work, an eNRR electrode R(111)-TiO2/HGO is provided with a high proportion exposed reactive facet (111) of rutile-TiO2 (denoted as R(111)-TiO2) nanocrystals with Ov anchored in hierarchically porous graphite oxide (HGO) nanofilms. The R(111)-TiO2/HGO exhibits excellent eNRR performance with an NH3 yield rate of 20.68 µg h-1 cm-2, which is ≈20 times the control electrode with the most stable facet (110) exposed (R(110)-TiO2/HGO). The experimental data and theoretical simulations reveal that the crystal facet (111) has a positive effect on regulating the local electron density around the oxygen vacancy and the two adjacent Ti-sites, promoting the π-back-donation, minimizing the eNRR barrier, and transforming the rate determination step to *NNH→*NNHH. This work illuminates the effect of crystal facet on the performance of eNRR, and offers a novel strategy to design efficient eNRR catalysts.

Saponins of Paris polyphylla for the Improvement of Acne: Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Effects.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a recurring nature that seriously impacts patients' quality of life. Currently, antibiotic resistance has made it less effective in treating acne. However, Paris polyphylla (P. polyphylla) is a valuable medicinal plant with a wide range of chemical components. Of these, P. polyphylla saponins modulate the effects in vivo and in vitro through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. Acne is primarily associated with inflammatory reactions, abnormal sebum function, micro-ecological disorders, hair follicle hyperkeratosis, and, in some patients, immune function. Therefore, the role of P. polyphylla saponins and their values in treating acne is worthy of investigation. Overall, this review first describes the distribution and characteristics of P. polyphylla and the pathogenesis of acne. Then, the potential mechanisms of P. polyphylla saponins in treating acne are listed in detail (reduction in the inflammatory response, antibacterial action, modulation of immune response and antioxidant effects, etc.). In addition, a brief description of the chemical composition of P. polyphylla saponins and its available extraction methods are described. We hope this review can serve as a quick and detailed reference for future studies on their potential acne treatment.

Spatio-temporal detection of agricultural disaster vulnerability in the world and implications for developing climate-resilient agriculture.

Drought and floods seriously affect agriculture across the world. It is of great importance to lower down the agricultural vulnerability to disasters to build climate-resilient agriculture. The paper aims to investigate the spatio-temporal changes of agricultural vulnerability to drought and floods in the world in the period 2003-2019. Research results show that (1) the agricultural vulnerability to drought and floods is at a low level across the globe owning to the dual effects of decreasing exposure and increasing adaptability; (2) the northern parts of United States, northeastern parts of China, and the border between Russia and Kazakhstan are identified as most vulnerable areas to drought and floods; and (3) spatio-temporal mismatch of precipitation is the main factor to cause floods and drought while better adaption is beneficial to minimize the adverse effects of disasters. Based on analysis on the drivers and spatial patterns of drought and floods risk in all dimensions, tailored measures and policies are put forwards to make adaptive strategies of agriculture to climate change.

Preparation, characterization and drug release properties of pH sensitive Zingiber officinale polysaccharide hydrogel beads.

The aim of this study was to prepare a drug carrier that could deliver oral insulin to the intestine. A hydrogel beads composed of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Zingiber offtcinale polysaccharide (ZOP) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by ionic gel method as insulin carrier. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TGA) showed that the hydrogel was formed by metal ion coordination between ZOP and CMC and Fe3+, and CS was coated on the surface of the hydrogel ball in the form of non covalent bond. The results showed that the swelling process of hydrogel spheres has significant pH sensitivity. In addition, the hydrogel beads successfully coated insulin, and the drug loading rate (DL) of (ZOP/CMC-Fe3+)@CS could reach 69.43 ± 7.32 mg/g, and the entrapment efficiency (EE) could reach 66.94 ± 7.43 %. In vitro release experiments, the release rate of (CMC/ZOP-Fe3+)@CS in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h was <20 %, and the cumulative release rate of insulin after 9 h in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) reached over 90 %. The results showed that the hydrogel beads prepared in this work could be used as a potential carrier for delivering oral insulin.

Heteroatom Doping Promoting CoP for Driving Water Splitting.

CoP nanomaterials have been extensively regarded as one of the most promising electrocatalysts for overall water splitting due to their unique bifunctionality. Although the great promise for future applications, some important issues should also be addressed. Heteroatom doping has been widely acknowledged as a potential strategy for improving the electrocatalytic performance of CoP and narrowing the gap between experimental study and industrial applications. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of heteroatom-doped CoP electrocatalysts for water splitting. Aiming to provide guidance for the future development of more effective CoP-based electrocatalysts, we herein organize a comprehensive review of this interesting field, with the special focus on the effects of heteroatom doping on the catalytic performance of CoP. Additionally, many heteroatom-doped CoP electrocatalysts for water splitting are also discussed, and the structure-activity relationship is also manifested. Finally, a systematic conclusion and outlook is well organized to provide direction for the future development of this interesting field.

Biomimetic nanoplatform with selectively positioned indocyanine green for accurate sentinel lymph node imaging.

The status of draining lymph nodes (LNs) is critical for determining the treatment and prognosis of cancer that spreads through the lymphatic system. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been widely used in sentinel LN (SLN) biopsy technology and has shown favorable effects. However, this too has its own limitations, such as fluorescence instability and diffusion imaging. In this study, we developed macrophage cell membrane-camouflaged ICG-loaded biomimetic nanoparticles (M@F127-ICG) for accurate SLN imaging. ICG selectively positioned at the hydrophobic-hydrophilic interfaces of pluronic F127 micelles protected itself from quenching in aqueous solution, thereby maintaining fluorescence stability and improving fluorescence intensity. In addition, to further improve the aggregation in SLN, the micellar surface was coated with a layer of biomimetic macrophage cell membrane to target LN-resident macrophages. In vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated that M@F127-ICG significantly enhanced the fluorescence signal and improved the imaging efficiency of SLN. Thus, selectively positioning ICG in the biomimetic nanoplatform enhanced the fluorescence intensity and stability, providing a novel tracer for timely and accurate SLN imaging.

Ethanolic Extract from Seed Residues of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Damage and Prevents Apoptosis in Murine Cell and Aging Animal Models.

Hippophae rhamnoides L. has been widely used in research and application for almost two decades. While significant progress was achieved in the examination of its fruits and seeds, the exploration and utilization of its by-products have received relatively less attention. This study aims to address this research gap by investigating the effects and underlying mechanisms of sea buckthorn seed residues both in vitro and in vivo. The primary objective of this study is to assess the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract from sea buckthorn seed residues (HYD-SBSR) to prevent cell apoptosis and mitigate oxidative stress damage. To achieve this, an H2O2-induced B16F10 cell model and a D-galactose-induced mouse model were used. The H2O2-induced oxidative stress model using B16F10 cells was utilized to evaluate the cellular protective and reparative effects of HYD-SBSR. The results demonstrated the cytoprotective effects of HYD-SBSR, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis rates and enhanced resistance to oxidative stress alongside moderate cell repair properties. Furthermore, this study investigated the impact of HYD-SBSR on antioxidant enzymes and peroxides in mice to elucidate its reparative potential in vivo. The findings revealed that HYD-SBSR exhibited remarkable antioxidant performance, particularly at low concentrations, significantly enhancing antioxidant capacity under oxidative stress conditions. To delve into the mechanisms underlying HYD-SBSR, a comprehensive proteomics analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Additionally, a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and an Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway cluster analysis were performed to elucidate the functional roles of these DEPs. The outcomes highlighted crucial mechanistic pathways associated with HYD-SBSR, including the PPAR signaling pathway, fat digestion and absorption, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism. The research findings indicated that HYD-SBSR, as a health food supplement, exhibits favorable effects by promoting healthy lipid metabolism, contributing to the sustainable and environmentally friendly production of sea buckthorn and paving the way for future investigations and applications in the field of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical research.

The effect of acupuncture on lateral habenular nucleus and intestinal microflora in depression model rats.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a severe emotional condition that significantly affects the quality of life. Acupuncture exerts preventive effects on depression in rats with post-chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Methods The study involved chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model mice to administer acupuncture as a preventative measure to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture's antidepressant and observe the effect of acupuncture on impact via the Lateral Habenula (LHb) and Gut-Liver-Brain Axis. The researcher investigated molecules correlating with a nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway and assessed inflammation in the LHb and liver. In addition, 16 S rDNA bioinformatics study revealed the quantity and variety of gut microbiota. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), CUMS, CUMS + acupuncture (AP), CUMS + fluoxetine (FX) and CUMS + N(G) -nitro -L- arginine methyl ester (LNAME) group. Except for the CON group, other rats were exposed to CUMS condition for 28 days. Simultaneously, manual acupuncture (at Fengfu and Shangxing acupoints, once every other day) and fluoxetine gavage (2.1 mg/kg, 0.21 mg/mL, daily) were conducted to the groups of AP and FX, respectively, after stressors. Rats in LNAME group were treated with LNAME normal saline (10 mg/kg, 1 mg/mL, i.p.) solution. Behavioural tests and biological detection methods were conducted sequentially to evaluate depressionlike phenotype in rats. RESULTS: The results showed CUMS induced depression-like behaviours, hyper-activation of NO/cGMP signaling pathway, inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. These changes could be prevented and ameliorated by acupuncture to varying extents. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture prevented and attenuated depression-like phenotype induced by CUMS, possibly via regulating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and thus improving inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In addition, these can be evidence of the existence of the gut-liver-brain axis.

[Effectiveness of suture anchor fixation combined with Nice knot strapping via longitudinal patellar drilling in treatment of patellar inferior pole fracture].

Objective: To investigate effectiveness of suture anchor fixation combined with Nice knot strapping via longitudinal patellar drilling in the treatment of patellar inferior pole fractures. Methods: A clinical data of 37 patients with unilateral patellar inferior pole fracture who met the selection criteria between June 2017 and June 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 17 cases were treated with the suture anchor fixation combined with Nice knot strapping via longitudinal patellar drilling (group A), and 20 cases were treated with the traditional Kirschner wire tension band technique (group B). There was no significant difference in terms of gender, age, body mass index, fracture side, combined medical disease, and preoperative hemoglobin between the two groups ( P>0.05). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, fracture healing time, knee range of motion, and knee function Bostman score (range of motion, pain, daily work, muscle atrophy, walking aids, knee effusion, soft leg, and stair climbing) and grading were recorded in both groups at last follow-up. Results: There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 1-2 years, with an average of 1.7 years. X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures in group A healed, while 2 cases in group B did not heal. There was no significant difference in bone healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the knee range of motion, the range of motion score of Bostman score, total score and effectiveness grading in group A were significantly better than those in group B ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the other items of Bostman scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). During follow-up, 2 cases of internal fixation failure and 1 case of internal fixator irritation occurred in group B, and no complication related to internal fixation occurred in group A. The occurrence of complications was significantly lower in group A than in group B ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional Kirschner wire tension band technique, the suture anchor combined with Nice knot strapping via longitudinal patellar drilling for the patellar inferior pole fractures has the advantages of simple operation, reliable fixation, early flexion and extension activity, and better functional recovery of knee joint.

Acupuncture Alleviates CUMS-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors by Restoring Prefrontal Cortex Neuroplasticity.

Purpose: To explore the therapeutic efficiency of acupuncture and the related molecular mechanism of neural plasticity in depression. Methods: Chronic unpredictable mild stress- (CUMS-) induced rats were established for the depression animal model. There were a total of four rat groups, including the control group, the CUMS group, the CUMS+acupuncture group, and the CUMS+fluoxetine group. The acupuncture group and the fluoxetine group were given a 3-week treatment after the modeling intervention. The researcher performed the open-field, elevated plus maze, and sucrose preference tests to evaluate depressive behaviors. The number of nerve cells, dendrites' length, and the prefrontal cortex's spine density were detected using Golgi staining. The prefrontal cortex expression, such as BDNF, PSD95, SYN, and PKMZ protein, was detected using the western blot and RT-PCR. Results: Acupuncture could alleviate depressive-like behaviors and promote the recovery of the neural plasticity functions in the prefrontal cortex, showing the increasing cell numbers, prolonging the length of the dendrites, and enhancing the spine density. The neural plasticity-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex, including BDNF, PSD95, SYN, and PKMZ, were all downregulated in the CUMS-induced group; however, these effects could be partly reversed after being treated by acupuncture and fluoxetine (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture can ameliorate depressive-like behaviors by promoting the recovery of neural plasticity functions and neural plasticity-related protein upregulation in the prefrontal cortex of CUMS-induced depressed rats. Our study provides new insights into the antidepressant approach, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of acupuncture involved in depression treatment.

Celastrol-loaded biomimetic nanodrug ameliorates APAP-induced liver injury through modulating macrophage polarization.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major concern in clinical treatment as well as postmarketing surveillance, showing an urgent requirement for the development of protective medications. Celastrol (Cel), a highly active natural product extracted from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii, has a potential liver protective activity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the further application of Cel to DILI remains a challenge because of its short half-life, low solubility, and toxic side effects. Herein, we developed a Cel-loaded biomimetic nanodrug based on erythrocyte membrane vesicles (EMV) for protecting the liver from acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. The Cel-loaded EMV (C-EMV) with lower cytotoxicity had a well-sustained release effect and exhibited excellent ability for liver accumulation under physiological and pathological conditions. By suppressing the inflammatory response of pro-inflammatory macrophage M1 polarization while stimulating anti-inflammatory macrophage M2 polarization, C-EMV could significantly alleviate the primary pathological manifestations related to liver injury, including aberrant elevation of biochemical indicators, histopathological alterations, neutrophil infiltration as well as hepatocyte DNA fragmentation. The macrophage depletion experiment further demonstrated that the protective effect of C-EMV on APAP-induced liver injury appeared to be dependent on hepatic macrophages. Therefore, C-EMV as a biomimetic nanodrug exhibits great potential for attenuating the progress of DILI, providing a new approach to protecting the liver from DILI as well as other liver inflammatory diseases through a targeted nanodelivery system. KEY MESSAGES: EMV biomimetic nanocarrier has good monodispersity and sustained-release property. EMV biomimetic nanocarrier displays excellent liver-targeting capability under physiological and pathological conditions. C-EMV biomimetic nanodrug with lower cytotoxicity regulates macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo. C-EMV biomimetic nanodrug can significantly alleviate APAP-induced liver injury. The protective effect of C-EMV on APAP-induced liver injury is dependent on hepatic macrophages.

The effects of acupuncture on depression by regulating BDNF-related balance via lateral habenular nucleus BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in rats.

Depression is a major mental disease worldwide, causing dysfunction of Lateral Habenular (LHb). As a non-invasive alternative, acupuncture (AP) has been widely used to treat depression in clinic, yet few basic studies have been focused on the effects and mechanism of acupuncture on synaptic plasticity in LHb. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the antidepressant effect of acupuncture. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), AP, fluoxetine (FLX), acupoint catgut embedding (ACE), sham-ACE groups (n = 9/group). Rats were given a 28-day treatment at the Shangxing (GV23) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints with acupuncture, ACE, sham-ACE or fluoxetine (2.1 mg/kg). The results showed that AP, FLX and ACE suppressed the behavioral deficits, increased the level of the 5-hydroxytryptamine and FNDC5/IRISIN in serum, also reduced the expression of pro-BDNF impacted by CUMS. Both AP and FLX ameliorated the %area of IBA-1, GFAP, BrdU and DCX in the LHb and increased the expression of BDNF/TrkB/CREB, with non-significant difference between the two groups These findings suggest that AP therapy relieves depression-related manifestations in depressed rats, suggesting a potential mechanism via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway in LHb.

Microrna-206 induces hypoxic necrosis of femoral head by inhibiting VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The most common form of non-traumatic necrosis of the femoral head is anoxic necrosis of the femoral head, which is a metabolic disease, mainly involving young and middle-aged people. Apoptosis and its related signal regulation pathway play an important role in the occurrence and development of hypoxic necrosis of the femoral head. In order to investigate the possible pathological manifestations of miR-206 and VEGF/PI3K/AKT signal pathway genes and their interactions in hypoxic necrosis of the femoral head, this paper intended to systematically study the expression and regulation mechanism of miR-206 and VEGF/PI3K/AKT signal pathway genes. The interaction between miR-206 and VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its regulation on apoptosis, differentiation and proliferation of human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19 (SV40 transfer of human osteoblasts) were studied by double luciferase reporter gene analysis, overexpression and inhibition of miR-206, and gene silencing of VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. After 24 h and 48 h of intervention with MicroRNA 206 on osteoblasts, it was found that the fluorescence intensity of caspase-3 was higher than that of 0 h group (p < 0.05). This paper has provided an important research basis for the research of femoral head necrosis and the development of new diagnosis and therapeutic drugs for this kind of disease. It also has provided a reference for the further promotion of the chemotherapy drug delivery system.