Effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on the learning and memory function and hippocampal microangiogenesis in vascular dementia rats / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the effect of catgut implantation at acupoint(CIAA)on the learning and memory function,hippocampal microangiogenesis,and the mRNA and protein expression of angiopoietin-1(Ang-1)/vascular endothelialgrowth factor(VEGF)and its receptor TEK tyrosine kinase(TIE2)/VEGF receptor 2(VEGFR2)in rats with vascular dementia(VD).To explore the mechanism of catgut implantation at acupoint in preventing and treating VD.Methods Using a random number table,VD rats were divided into a model group,a nimodipine group,and an catgut implantation at acupoint group,and a sham operation group was set up,with 10 rats in each group.On the 7th day after surgery,the treatment groups were given catgut implantation at acupoint and nimodipine gastric lavage for 21 days.After treatment,Morris water maze behavioral test was performed.HE staining was used to observe hippocampal CA1 tissue.CD34 immunohistochemical staining was used to detect hippocampal microvascular density(MVD).Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 in the hippocampus.Results Compared with the model group,the average escape latency of the other groups was significantly shortened,and the target quadrant residence time was significantly prolonged(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the number of nucleolus and well-formed pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA1 area of the catgut implantation at acupoint group and the nimodipine group increased in varying degrees,and they were arranged more closely,with only a few cells scattered and swollen.In the sham surgery group,a few CD34 positive cells were scattered.The treatment groups had more closely distributed CD34 positive cells with significant staining compared to the model group.The MVD of the model group was significantly higher than that of the sham surgery group(P<0.01).Both nimodipine group and catgut implantation at acupoint group had higher MVD than the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the sham surgery group,the mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,both nimodipine group and catgut implantation at acupoint group had higher mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Catgut implantation at acupoint can improve the learning and memory abilities in VD rats,promote hippocampal microvascular angiogenesis,which may be related to the up-regulation of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 mRNA and protein expression.

Correlation between spinous process deviation and lumbar disc herniation in young patients / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the relationship between spinous process deviation and lumbar disc herniation in young patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2015 to January 2022, 30 treated young (under the age of 30) patients with lumbar disc herniation were included as the young group. In addition 30 middle-aged patients (quinquagenarian group) with lumbar disc herniation and 30 patients with non-degenerative spinal diseases (young non-degenerative group) were selected as control groups. The angle of the spinous process deviation was measured on CT and statistically analyzed by various groups. All the data were measured twice and the average value was taken and recorded.@*RESULTS@#The average angle of spinous process deviation in the degenerative lumbar vertebra of young patients were (3.89±3.77) degrees, similar to the (3.72±2.98) degrees of quinquagenarian patients(P=0.851). The average angle of s spinous process deviation young non-degenerative group were (2.20±2.28) degrees, significantly less than young group(P=0.040). The spinous process deviation angle of the superior vertebral of the degenerative lumbar in the young group was (4.10±3.44) degrees, which similar to the (3.47±2.87) degrees in the quinquagenarian group (P=0.447). A total of 19 young patients had the opposite deviation direction of the spinous process of the degenerative lumbar vertebra and upper vertebra, while only 7 quinquagenarian patients had this condition(P=0.02). The type of lumbar disc herniation in young patients had no significant relationship with the direction of spinous process deflection of the degenerative or upper lumbar vertebra (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Spinous process deviation is a risk factor of young lumbar disc herniation patients. If the deviation directions of adjacent lumbar spinous processes are opposite, it will increase the incidence of lumbar disc herniation in young patients. There was no significant correlation between the type of disc herniation and the deviation direction of the spinous process of the degenerative or upper lumbar vertebra. People with such anatomical variation can strengthen the stability of spine and prevent lumbar disc herniation through reasonable exercise.

Quantitative study of 3.0T MRI on the thickness of knee joint cartilage in healthy young people / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore 3.0T MRI accurate measurement of knee cartilage thickness in healthy youth provides reliable anatomical parameters for quantitative diagnosis of osteoarthritis and accurate osteotomy of joint replacement.@*METHODS@#From January 2013 to December 2013, 30 healthy young volunteers including 14 males and 16 females with an average age of (25.8±2.4) years old ranging from 22 to 33 years were recruited in Changchun, Jilin Province, and a 3.0T MRI scan was performed on the bilateral knee joints of each volunteer. The cartilage thickness was measured on the lateral femoral condyle (LFC), medial femoral condyle (MFC), lateral tibial plateau (LTP) and medial tibial plateau (MTP).@*RESULTS@#In four regions of the knee joint:LFC, MFC, LTP and MTP, whether young men or women, there was no significant difference in cartilage thickness between the left and right knee joints (P>0.05). There were significant differences in knee cartilage thickness between healthy young men and women (P<0.05). In the same sex group, LFC cartilage thickness was thinner in the middle, thicker in front and rear;MFC cartilage thickness was the thinnest in front and gradually thickening from the front to the rear; LTP cartilage thickness was thickest in the middle, second in the rear and thinnest in the front;MTP cartilage thickness was the thinnest in the front, was relatively uniform in the middle and rear and thicker than that in the front.@*CONCLUSION@#In Northeast China, among healthy adults aged 22 to 33, gender difference may be an important factor in the difference of cartilage thickness in various regions of the knee joint. Regardless of whether male or female healthy young people, the cartilage thickness of the entire knee joint is unevenly distributed, but there is no significant difference in cartilage thickness in the same area between the left and right knee joints.

Mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating the ligand pathway of tyrosine kinase receptor in improving vascular dementia / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the potential mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B2/erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor-interacting B2/big mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(EphB2/EphrinB2/BMK1) signaling pathway to improve neural damage in vascular dementia rats. Methods Eighty SD male adult rats were randomly divided into a sham surgery group, a model group, a non acupoint electroacupuncture group, a nimodipine group, and an electroacupuncture three needle group. The vascular dementia rat model was made by the modified Pulsinelli four vessel occlusion method. After grouping, the rats in each group were subjected to water maze test, HE staining, Nissl staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 area, and the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 area was detected by immunohistochemistry; Detection of EphB2 and BMK1 protein expression in rat hippocampal CA1 region was detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency of vascular dementia rats treated with electroacupuncture and nimodipine decreased (P0.05). Compared with the nimodipine group, the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats in the electroacupuncture Zhisanzhen group significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in vascular dementia rats by increasing the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, thereby improving the learning and memory of vascular dementia rats.

Predictive value of quantitative flow ratio after percutaneous coronary intervention in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events 3 years after surgery in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive value of quantitative flow ratio(QFR)on the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)3 years after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction.Methods This study included 139 patients with non-acute myocardial infarction who underwent PCI from January 2020 to June 2020 in the cardiac catheterization room of our hospital,all of them underwent post-PCI target vessel QFR measurements,and the incidence of MACE was followed up 3 years after PCI.The cut-off value of QFR was calculated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,according to which patients were divided into QFR＞0.95 group and QFR≤0.95 group,and patients were divided into MACE group and non-MACE group depending on whether MACE occurs.The independent influencing factors of post-PCI QFR in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction were investigated by univariate and multifactorial linear regression analysis.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the predictive value of post-PCI QFR in the occurrence of MACE 3 years after PCI in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction.The long-term prognosis of patients with QFR＞0.95 and those with QFR≤0.95 was compared by drawing the survival curve of no-MACE event.Results ROC curve analysis showed that post-PCI QFR predicted the occurrence of MACE 3 years after surgery in non-acute myocardial infarction patients with statistical significance(AUC 0.666,95％CI 0.556-0.777,P=0.003),and the cut-off value of MACE was 0.95.The sensitivity and specificity were 75.00％and 51.30％for the diagnosis of MACE with QFR≤0.95.Patients were divided into QFR≤0.95 group(n=74)and QFR＞0.95 group(n=65)according to the cut-off value.Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the maximum area stenosis rate after PCI was an independent factor for post-PCI QFR(P＜0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that body mass index(BMI),post-PCI QFR,three-vessel lesions and post-PCI QFR groups were independent influencing factors of no-MACE lifetime.The no-MACE survival curve showed that the long-term prognosis of patients in the QFR＞0.95 group was significantly better than that in the QFR≤0.95 group(x2=5.272,P=0.022).Conclusions The optimal cut-off value of post-PCI QFR for predicting the occurrence of MACE 3 years after PCI in non-acute myocardial infarction patients was 0.95,and patients with QFR≤0.95 had worse long-term prognosis,and BMI,three-vessel lesions,and post-PCI QFR≤0.95 were independent risk factors for the occurrence of MACE 3 years in non-acute myocardial infarction patients after PCI.

The p21-activated kinases in neural cytoskeletal remodeling and related neurological disorders

The serine/threonine p21-activated kinases (PAKs), as main effectors of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac, represent a group of important molecular switches linking the complex cytoskeletal networks to broad neural activity. PAKs show wide expression in the brain, but they differ in specific cell types, brain regions, and developmental stages. PAKs play an essential and differential role in controlling neural cytoskeletal remodeling and are related to the development and fate of neurons as well as the structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines. PAK-mediated actin signaling and interacting functional networks represent a common pathway frequently affected in multiple neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Considering specific small-molecule agonists and inhibitors for PAKs have been developed in cancer treatment, comprehensive knowledge about the role of PAKs in neural cytoskeletal remodeling will promote our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, which may also represent potential therapeutic targets of these diseases.

Application of ureteral access sheath in the operation of middle and lower ureteral calculi in patients with massive benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the effectiveness and safety of application of the ureteral access sheath in the treatment of middle or lower ureteral calculi in patients with large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia above grade Ⅲ, which is expected to avoid the simultaneous or staged treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia via eliminate the difficult angle and resistance of ureteroscopy caused by severe prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: From April 2018 to December 2020, the clinical data of 27 patients with massive benign prostatic hyperplasia above grade Ⅲ and middle and lower ureteral calculi treated with indwelling ureteral access sheath plus ureteroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy at Department of Urology, Zhejiang Quhua Hospital were retrospectively analyzed and followed up. All the patients were male, aged (69.7±12.8) years (range: 55 to 87 years). Prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasound was (94.8±16.2) cm3 (range: 85 to 186 cm3). The ureteral access sheath was indwelled in advance, and then the semirigid ureteroscopy was introduced through the working channel of the sheath. Holmium laser lithotripsy was performed, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Urinary abdominal plain X-ray or CT urography were performed at 1-and 2-month postopaerative to evaluate the residual stones and clinical efficacy. Results: The ureteral access sheath was placed and holmium laser lithotripsy under a semirigid ureteroscopy was performed successfully in all the 27 patients. In 2 patients, a second session of auxiliary procedure was required due to the large load of preoperative stones and residual stones after surgery, among whom 1 patient received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and 1 patient underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy plus ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The stone free rate at 1-and 2-month postoperative were 92.6% (25/27) and 100% (27/27), respectively. There were no severe complications such as ureteral avulsion and perforation, perirenal hematoma, septic shock, severe hematuria, urinary retention, iatrogenic ureteral stricture occurred during and after the surgery. The ureteral calculus was wrapped by polyps heavily in 1 patient, he was diagnosed as ureteral stenosis 1 month postoperative, receiving laparoscopic resection of ureteral stricture plus anastomosis 3 months postoperative. Conclusions: In the operations of middle and lower ureteral calculi in patients with large-volume prostatic hyperplasia above grade Ⅲ, the ureteral access sheath can be placed first to effectively eliminate the difficult angle and resistance of ureteroscopy caused by severe prostatic hyperplasia, and then semirigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy can be safely performed. It could avoid the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia at the same time or by stages.

Electroacupuncture Attenuates Immune-Inflammatory Response in Hippocampus of Rats with Vascular Dementia by Inhibiting TLR4/MyD88 Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates cognitive impairment by suppressing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway, which triggers immune-inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia (VaD).@*METHODS@#The experiments were conducted in 3 parts and in total the Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups by a random number table, including sham, four-vessel occlusion (4-VO), 4-VO+EA, 4-VO+non-EA, sham+EA, 4-VO+lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 4-VO+LPS+EA, and 4-VO+TAK-242 groups. The VaD model was established by the 4-VO method. Seven days later, rats were treated with EA at 5 acupoints of Baihui (DV 20), Danzhong (RN 17), Geshu (BL 17), Qihai (RN 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once per day for 3 consecutive weeks. Lymphocyte subsets, lymphocyte transformation rates, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) were measured to assess immune function and inflammation in VaD rats. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of nerve cells in the hippocampus. The levels of TLR4, MyD88, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected after EA treatment. TLR4/MyD88 signaling and cognitive function were also assessed after intracerebroventricular injection of TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 or TLR4 agonist LPS with or without EA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the 4-VO group, EA notably improved immune function of rats in the 4-VO+EA group, inhibited the protein and mRNA expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 in the hippocampus of rats, reduced the expressions of serum IL-6 and TNF-α (all P0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA attenuated cognitive impairment associated with immune inflammation by inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. Thus, EA may be a promising alternative therapy for the treatment of VaD.

Anti-depressant components and mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the anti-depressant components of Rehmanniae Radix and its action mechanism based on network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. The main components of Rehmanniae Radix were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS), and the related targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. Following the collection of depression-related targets from GeneCards, OMIM and TTD, a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed using STRING. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed by Metascape. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to construct the networks of "components-targets-disease" and "components-targets-pathways", based on which the key targets and their corresponding components were obtained and then preliminarily verified by molecular docking. Rehmanniae Radix contained 85 components including iridoids, ionones, and phenylethanoid glycosides. The results of network analysis showed that the main anti-depressant components of Rehmanniae Radix were catalpol, melittoside, genameside C, gardoside, 6-O-p-coumaroyl ajugol, genipin-1-gentiobioside, jiocarotenoside A1, neo-rehmannioside, rehmannioside C, jionoside C, jionoside D, verbascoside, rehmannioside, cistanoside F, and leucosceptoside A, corresponding to the following 16 core anti-depression targets: AKT1, ALB, IL6, APP, MAPK1, CXCL8, VEGFA, TNF, HSP90 AA1, SIRT1, CNR1, CTNNB1, OPRM1, DRD2, ESR1, and SLC6 A4. As revealed by molecular docking, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobicity might be the main action forms. The key anti-depression targets of Rehmanniae Radix were concentrated in 24 signaling pathways, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, neurodegenerative disease-multiple diseases pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, serotonergic synapse, and Alzheimer's disease.

Mechanism of antiplatelet aggregation of active fraction from sorghum roots / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the mechanism of anti-plate- let aggregation of sorghum root active parts. Methods The effects of active fraction (WEAE-M 30%) from sorghum roots on platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin and adenosine diphosphate were investigated in vitro. Western blot, enzyme-linked immunoas-say, flow cytometry and fluorescence techniques were used to explore the mechanism of the antiplatelet aggregation effect of WEAE-M 30% . Results WEAE-M 30% had a significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by the three agonists mentioned above. The inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by collagen was the most significant, with an inhibitory rate of (72. 91 ±2. 42)%. It was found that WEAE-M 30% had a significant inhibitory effect on the collagen- mediated platelet (IPVI signaling pathway protein Src, MAPK signaling pathway protein p38 and ERK phosphorylation. It also significantly inhibited the levels of ATP, P-selection and Ca2+ in platelets. Conclusions It is suggested that the mechanism of WE-AE-M 30% antiplatelet aggregation may be related to the inhibition of platelet activation pathway GPV1, MAPK and the release of typical platelet representative particles.

Application of two occupational health risk assessment methods in enterprises with 1-bromopropane production and utilization / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To compare the applicability of two risk assessment methods for occupational health risk assessment in enterprises with 1-bromopropane(1-BP) production and utilization. METHODS: Three enterprises with 1-BP production and utilization were selected as the research subjects by a typical sampling method. The exposure concentration of time-weighted average of 1-BP-exposed in worker was detected. The non-carcinogenic health risk of 1-BP was assessed using the USA Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) inhalation risk(EPA assessment model) and the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore(MOM assessment model), and the results were compared. RESULTS: When the EPA method was used for the assessment, the risk assessment results of the four posts in the manufacturing enterprises were all negligible. In the enterprises that use 1-BP, the posts of cleaning machine B and clamping were of medium risk and the other four posts were of low risk based on the occupational exposure limit(OEL) in China used as the reference exposure concentration(RfC). When the 24-hour minimal risk level of USA Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry was used as the RfC, the posts of cleaning machine B and clamping were of extreme high risk; the posts in cleaning machine A and checking were of high risk; the post in the cleaning machine D was of medium risk and the post of cleaning machine C was of low risk. When the MOM assessment model was used for evaluation, the four posts were of low risk in the 1-BP production enterprises. In the enterprises that use 1-BP, the posts of cleaning machine B and clamping were of high risk; the posts of cleaning machine A, cleaning machine D and checking were of medium risk; and the post of cleaning machine C was of low risk. CONCLUSION: When the OEL value is used for risk assessment, the MOM assessment method is more suitable than the EPA assessment method to assess occupational health risks of 1-BP.

Research progression in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

Osteoarthritis(OA) is one of the most common joint diseases. As Chinese society enters the age of aging, the incidence of OA has been soar year by year, and research on its pathogenesis has been continuously valued by researchers. Studies have found that inflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were responsible for the construction of OA inflammatory networks. It was also found that the overexpression of proteases, mainly matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), was the direct cause of OA cartilage deficiency. What's more, signaling pathways such as stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and Wnt, chondrocytic senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), chondrocyte apoptosis and autophagy, and estrogen all play significant roles in OA pathogenesis. This paper extensively reviews the research literature relevant to the pathogenesis of OA in recent years, and systematically expounds the pathogenesis of OA from two aspects:molecular level and cell level. At the end of the paper, we discussed and predicted some potential directions in the future clinical diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Effect of targeting vascular endothelial growth factor by microRNA-126 on neuronal damage in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by microRNA-126 (miR-126) on neuronal damage in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods Newborn 7 days old SD male rats were randomly divided into four group, sham operation group (group A), HIE group (group B), HIE+negative control group (group C), and HIE+miR-126 overexpression group (group D), eighteen in each group. After modeling, neurological deficit score and brain water content were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of CAI area in hippocampus of brain in each group. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-126 and VEGF. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of VEGF in CAI area in hippocampus of brain. Double luciferase target experiment was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-126 and VEGF gene. Flow cytometry was used to detect neuron apoptosis in hippocampus. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of cleaved-Caspase-3 protein in brain tissue of rats in each group. Results There was no neurobehavioral damage in group A, the neurobehavioral score was 0, and the brain tissue was not damaged; the neurobehavioral scores in group B and group C were (2. 50±0. 55) and (2. 33±0. 82) respectively, and the brain tissue damage was obvious; the neurobehavioral score in group D was ( 1. 50 ±0. 55), and the damage of brain tissue was improved. Compared with the group A, the neurobehavioral score (P<0. 05) and brain water content of group B and group C increased significantly (P<0. 05); Compared with the group B, the neurobehavioral score (P<0. 05) and brain water content of group D (P<0. 05) decreased. Compared with the group A, the expression level of miR-126, VEGF mRNA and protein, neuron apoptosis rate and cleaved-Caspase-3 in brain tissue of group B and group C were all significantly lower (P<0. 05). Compared with the group B, the expression level of miR-126, VEGF mRNA and protein, neuron apoptosis rate and cleaved-Caspase-3 in hippocampus of group D were all significantly higher (P<0. 05). The result of luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that miR-126 and VEGF could be targetly binded. Conclusion Overexpression of miR-126 can reduce neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus of brain and improve the development of HIE. The mechanism may be related to the targeted inhibition of VEGF gene expression by miR-126.

Acupoint catgut embedding inhibiting neuroinflammation in vascular dementia rats / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on the expression of inflammatory factor mRNA in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signal pathway of vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the protective mechanism of acupoint catgut embedding on the brain inflammatory response of VD rats. Methods VD model was established by the modified Pulsinelli ' s four vessel blocking method. Totally 148 male rats were randomly divided into VD model group, non acupoint catgut embedding group and acupoint catgut embedding group. On the 7th day after operation, catgut embedding at acupoints and catgut embedding at non acupoints were performed in the two treatment groups respectively, and materials were taken out 15 days later. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of COX-2 and PGE2, and real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interieukin(IL)-6, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), IL-lβ, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 ( MCP-1 ) in rat hippocampus. Results Compared with the sham group, the expressions of COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, ICAM-1, IL-6, MIP-2, IL-lβ and MCP-1 in hippocampus of the other three groups were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of COX-2, PGE2 protein and TNF-α, ICAM-1, IL-6, MIP-2, IL-lβ, MCP-1 mRNA in the hippocampus of the acupoint catgut embedding group and the non acupoint catgut embedding group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion Acupoint catgut embedding can protect the brain from inflammatory injury by down-regulating the expression of related inflammatory factors in COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway and reducing the inflammatory response induced by VD rats.

Optimization of SRAP-PCR System for Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia and Primer Screening / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish the sequence-related amplified polymorphism （SRAP）-polymerase chain reaction （PCR） system for <italic>Valeriana officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia</italic>，so as to lay the theoretical and technical foundations for the breeding of<italic> V. officinalis </italic>var. <italic>latifolia</italic>. Method:Single factor test was applied to investigate the effects of <italic>Taq</italic> Mix dose，Mg²⁺concentration，template DNA concentration，and <italic>Taq </italic>DNA polymerase content on SRAP-PCR amplification of <italic>V. officinalis </italic>var. <italic>latifolia</italic>，based on which the orthogonal experiments were performed to optimize the SRAP-PCR system for <italic>V. officinalis </italic>var. <italic>latifolia</italic>. The effective primers that could be used for genetic diversity studies of <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia </italic>were selected under the optimal reaction condition. Result:The results of the single factor test showed that <italic>Taq </italic>Mix dose within the range of 8-11 μL resulted in better amplification. The addition of a low concentration of Mg²⁺，the medium to low concentrations of template DNA，or the low concentration of <italic>Taq</italic> DNA polymerase enhanced the amplification efficiency or richness. As demonstrated by the orthogonal experiments，the influencing degrees of related factors on SRAP-PCR amplification of <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia </italic>were sorted in a descending order as follows： <italic>Taq</italic> Mix dose><italic>Taq</italic> DNA polymerase content>Mg²⁺ concentration>template DNA concentration. The optimal reaction system for <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia </italic>was determined to consist of 11 μL of <italic>Taq</italic> Mix，30 ng of template DNA，0.025 mmol·L^-1Mg²⁺，1.5 U<italic> </italic>of<italic> Taq </italic>DNA polymerase，5 μmol·L^-1 forward primer，and 5 μmol·L^-1 reverse primer，which was supplemented to 20 μL with ddH₂O. The optimal annealing temperature was 36.8 ℃. A total of 17 pairs of effective primers with high band resolution and polymorphism were selected from 88 primer pairs for SRAP-PCR of <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia</italic>. Conclusion:The established SRAP-PCR system for <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia</italic> is stable， which can be used for genetic diversity studies of <italic>V. officinalis</italic> var. <italic>latifolia</italic>.

A Modified Flexor Tendon Suture Technique Combining Kessler and Loop Lock Flexor Tendon Sutures

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, a novel single knot tenorrhaphy was developed by combining the modified Kessler flexor tendon suture (MK) with the loop lock technique. METHODS: A total of 48 porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were collected and randomly divided into six groups. The tendons were transversely cut and then repaired using six different techniques, the MK method, double knot Kessler-loop lock flexor tendon suture (DK), and single knot Kessler-loop lock flexor tendon suture (SK), each in combination with the epitendinous suture (P), and the same three techniques without P. Furthermore, by performing the load-to-failure tests, the biomechanical properties and the time taken to complete a repair, for each tenorrhaphy, were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to the MK+P method, DK+P was more improved, thereby enhancing the ultimate tensile strength. The SK+P method, which required fewer knots than DK+P, was easier to perform. Moreover, the SK+P repair increased the force at a 2-mm gap formation, while requiring lesser knots than DK+P. CONCLUSION: As opposed to the traditional MK+P method, the SK+P method was improved and exhibited better biomechanical properties, which may facilitate early mobilization after the repair.

Effect of pretreatment of acupuncture on learning-memory ability and related protein of NLRP3 inflammasome in hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease like rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of pretreatment of acupuncture on the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3(NLRP3), Caspase-1, interleukin1β(IL-1β) and the number of activated microglia (MG) in the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease (AD) like rats, so as to explore the mechanism of pretreatment of acupuncture in preventing and treating AD.@*METHODS@#A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 12 rats in each group. The AD like rat model was established by 8-week continuous intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (120 mg·kg@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, the average escape latency was prolonged (@*CONCLUSION@#Pretreatment of acupuncture could prevent and treat the learning-memory dysfunction in AD like rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammatsome related protein and MG activation.

Molecular simulation and spectroscopic studies on the interaction between perfluorohexadecanoic acid and human serum albumin

In the present study, the interaction between Perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA) and human serum albumin (HAS) was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking, dynamic simulation and circular dichroism (CD). The interaction character and the effect on human serum albumin conformation were measured by simulating the physiological condition (pH= 7.4). Experiments and simulation results revealed that PFHxDA molecules and HSA have regular fluorescence quenching, and the quenching mechanism is static quenching and non-radiative energy transfer. Thermodynamic analysis revealed the binding behavior was mainly governed by hydrophobic forces. Specific binding site experiments showed that the binding site of PFHxDA was a site I of HSA. The results from the CD spectrum demonstrated that PFHxDA changed the molecular conformation of HSA, which is consistent with the results obtained by molecular docking and dynamic simulation.

Pimecrolimus increases the melanogenesis and migration of melanocytes in vitro

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentary disorder and is notoriously difficult to be treated. The ultimate goal of vitiligo treatment is to replenish the lost melanocytes by immigration from hair follicle and to restore the normal function of melanogenesis by residual melanocytes. There are two types of topical calcineurin inhibitors called tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, and are recommended as the first-line treatments in vitiligo. Although pimecrolimus is efficacious for the repigmentation of vitiligo, its intrinsic mechanisms have never been investigated in vitro. This research aimed to study the ability of pimecrolimus on stimulating melanogenesis, melanocyte migration and MITF (microphthalmia associated transcription factor) protein expression. Results showed that pimecrolimus at the dosages of 1, 10, 10² nM were neither mitogenic nor cytotoxic to melanocytes. The addition of pimecrolimus at 10, 10² and 10³ nM significantly increased intracellular tyrosinase activity, which was consistent with the elevated content of melanin content at the same concentrations. The peak effect was seen at 72 h in response to 10² nM pimecrolimus. Results of the wound scratch assay and Transwell assays indicate that pimecrolimus is effective in facilitating melanocyte migration on a collagen IV-coated surface. In addition, MITF protein yield reached the highest by pimecrolimus at 10² nM. In brief, pimecrolimus enhances melanin synthesis as well as promotes migration of melanocytes directly, possibly via their effects on MITF protein expression.

Acrylamide-induced Subacute Neurotoxic Effects on the Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum at the Synapse Level in Rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate acrylamide (ACR)-induced subacute neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) at the synapse level in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups, (1) a 30 mg/kg ACR-treated group, (2) a 50 mg/kg ACR-treated group, and (3) a normal saline (NS)-treated control group. Body weight and neurological changes were recorded each day. At the end of the test, cerebral cortex and cerebellum tissues were harvested and viewed using light and electron microscopy. Additionally, the expression of Synapsin I and P-Synapsin I in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 50 mg/kg ACR-treated rats showed a significant reduction in body weight compared with untreated individuals (P < 0.05). Rats exposed to ACR showed a significant increase in gait scores compared with the NS control group (P < 0.05). Histological examination indicated neuronal structural damage in the 50 mg/kg ACR treatment group. The active zone distance (AZD) and the nearest neighbor distance (NND) of synaptic vesicles in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were increased in both the 30 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg ACR treatment groups. The ratio of the distribution of synaptic vesicles in the readily releasable pool (RRP) was decreased. Furthermore, the expression levels of Synapsin I and P-Synapsin I in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were decreased in both the 30 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg ACR treatment groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Subacute ACR exposure contributes to neuropathy in the rat CNS. Functional damage of synaptic proteins and vesicles may be a mechanism of ACR neurotoxicity.</p>