Fastigial nucleus electrostimulation promotes axonal regeneration after experimental stroke via cAMP/PKA pathway.

Axon regeneration after cerebral ischemia in mammals is inadequate to restore function, illustrating the need to design better strategies for improving outcomes. Improvement of axon regeneration has been achieved through fastigial nucleus electrostimulation (FNS) in animal researches. However, the mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain poorly understood. Increasing the levels of the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) enhances axon regeneration, making it an excellent candidate molecule that has therapeutic potential. In the present study, we examined the expression of cAMP signaling in ischemic brain tissues following focal cerebral ischemia. Adult rats were subjected to ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). A dipolar electrode was placed into the cerebellum to stimulate the cerebellar fastigial nucleus for 1 h after ischemia. Neurological deficits and the expressions of cAMP, PKA (protein kinase A) and ROCK (Rho-kinase) were determined. Axonal regeneration was measured by upregulation of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). The data indicated that FNS significantly enhanced axonal regeneration and motor function recovery after cerebral ischemia. FNS also significantly increased cAMP and PKA levels after ischemic brain injury. All the beneficial effects of FNS were blocked by Rp-cAMP, an antagonist of PKA. Our research suggested that the axonal regeneration conferred by FNS was likely achieved via the regulation of cAMP/PKA pathway.

Epidemiology of esophageal cancer in Yanting - regional report of a national screening programme in China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Yanting in Sichuan Province is one of the highest risk areas of esophageal cancer (EC) in the world. We here summarize the epidemiology of EC in Yanting using data from the national screening programme during 2006-2011. METHODS: Random cluster sampling was used to select a proportion of natural villages from six towns in Yanting, and residents aged 40-69 years old were invited for screening. Participants were screened using endoscopy with iodine staining and then confirmed by histological examinations. RESULTS: The overall detection rates of low-grade hyperplasia (LH), moderate hyperplasia (MH), high-grade hyperplasia (HH), carcinoma in situ (CIS), intramucosal carcinoma (IC) and invasive carcinoma (INC) were 5.33%, 1.28%, 0.68% , 0.15% , 0.06% and 0.29%, respectively. The detection rates of LH, MH, HH and INC increased with age, reaching the peak among those aged 60-65 years, and the prevalences of LH and MH were higher among men than among women. In addition, the detection rates of hyperplasia were much higher in mountainous than in hilly areas. CONCLUSIONS: Among the high risk population, there are a great number of people with early-stage EC or precancerous conditions who do not have presenting symptoms. In particular, the elderly, men, or those living in mountainous areas are the most vulnerable population. It is therefore important to reinforce health education and screening services among such high risk populations.

[Results of a screening program on high incidence area of esophageal cancer in Yanting Sichuan from 2006 to 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of esophageal cancer and various lesions of esophagus in high risk areas through a screening program for early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Random cluster sampling method was used to select some portions of a natural village as screening object in the high risk areas of esophageal cancer, from 2006 to 2011. Endoscope iodine staining and index biopsy screening methods were used on people with high risk and followed by pathological exams for confirmation. RESULTS: The detection rates regarding mild esophageal hyperplasia, moderate and severe esophageal hyperplasia were 5.33% (803/15 065), 1.28% (193/15 065), 0.68% (102/15 065) respectively while the detection rates on carcinoma in situ, intramucosal carcinoma and invasive cancer were 0.15% (22/15 065), 0.06% (9/15 065), 0.29% (43/15 065) respectively. The detection rate in male esophageal hyperplasia was higher than in female. People younger than 65 years old, the detection rates on mild, moderate or severe esophageal hyperplasia and invasive cancer showed an increase with age, with the 60-year-olds group reaching the highest. The detection rates on the above said diseases were 7.72% (198/2565), 2.07% (53/2565), 1.29% (33/2565), 0.51% (13/2565) respectively. The detection rates on mild, moderate or severe esophageal hyperplasia varied in different years and with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) but did not show any obvious trend of changing. Geographical distribution of mild esophageal hyperplasia, moderate esophageal hyperplasia, severe esophageal hyperplasia also significantly varied in different villages (P < 0.001). The highest detection rate in the mountainous villages was seen the highest while the detection rate of village from hilly areas was the lowest. CONCLUSION: There were considerable numbers of patients with precancerous lesions in the general population from the high risk areas. The detection rate of esophageal cancer in the mountain residents was higher than the rate in the hilly areas. Men and the elderly were the key populations calling for esophageal cancer prevention programs to be carried out.