Hippocampal mitophagy contributes to spatial memory via maintaining neurogenesis during the development of mice.

BACKGROUND: Impaired mitochondrial dynamics have been identified as a significant contributing factor to reduced neurogenesis under pathological conditions. However, the relationship among mitochondrial dynamics, neurogenesis, and spatial memory during normal development remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the role of mitophagy in spatial memory mediated by neurogenesis during development. METHODS: Adolescent and adult male mice were used to assess spatial memory performance. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to evaluate levels of neurogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics were assessed through western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. Pharmacological interventions further validated the causal relationship among mitophagy, neurogenesis, and behavioral performance during development. RESULTS: The study revealed differences in spatial memory between adolescent and adult mice. Diminished neurogenesis, accompanied by reduced mitophagy, was observed in the hippocampus of adult mice compared to adolescent subjects. Pharmacological induction of mitophagy in adult mice with UMI-77 resulted in enhanced neurogenesis and prolonged spatial memory retention. Conversely, inhibition of mitophagy with Mdivi-1 in adolescent mice led to reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and impaired spatial memory. CONCLUSION: The observed decline in spatial memory in adult mice is associated with decreased mitophagy, which affects neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. This underscores the therapeutic potential of enhancing mitophagy to counteract age- or disease-related cognitive decline.

First human case report of Crohn's disease with coexistent acute appendicitis treated by endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy.

Background: The coexistence of Crohn's disease (CD) and acute appendicitis (AA) is rare. In this situation, therapeutic experience is lacking and the strategy is paradoxical and intractable. Appendectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of AA whereas a nonsurgical approach is recommended for CD. Case summary: A 17-year-old boy was hospitalized for right lower abdominal pain with fever of 3 days. He had the CD for 8 years. Two years ago, he underwent surgery for anal fistula with the complication of CD. His temperature was elevated at 38.3°C at admission. On physical examination, there was McBurney tenderness with mild rebound tenderness. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that the appendix was notably enlarged and dilated at 6.34 cm long and 2.76 cm wide. These findings were suggestive of uncomplicated AA in this patient with active CD. Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) was performed. The patient had complete pain relief immediately after the procedure without tenderness in the right lower abdomen. During 18 mo follow-up, he had no more attacks in his right lower abdomen. Conclusion: ERAT was effective and safe in a CD patient with coexisting AA. Such cases can avoid surgery and its-related complications.

Case Report: A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an 11-year-old female after COVID-19 inactivated vaccine.

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), also known as pediatric inflammatory, multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2, is a rare but serious complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children that typically occurs 2-6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathophysiology of MIS-C is unknown. MIS-C, first recognized in April 2020, is characterized by fever, systemic inflammation, and multi-system organ involvement. Post-vaccination adverse effects have increased with COVID-19 vaccinations, and MIS linked to immunization with COVID-19 vaccines has also been observed. Case Report: An 11-year-old Chinese girl presented with a high-grade fever, rash, and dry cough for 2 days. She had her 2nd SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination dose five days before hospital admission. On day 3 & 4, she experienced bilateral conjunctivitis, hypotension (66/47 mmHg), and a high CRP level. She was diagnosed with MIS-C. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating intensive care unit admission. The patient's symptoms improved after intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, and oral aspirin therapy. She was discharged from the hospital after 16 days as her general condition, and laboratory biomarkers returned to normal. Conclusion: Inactivated Covid-19 vaccination might trigger MIS-C. Further research is needed to evaluate whether a correlation exists between COVID-19 vaccination and MIS-C development.