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Objective:To explore the value of machine learning models based on multiple structural MRI features for diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD).Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 60 PD patients (PD group) diagnosed in the Neurology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from November 2017 to August 2019 and 56 normal elderly people (NC group) recruited from the community were retrospectively analyzed. All subjects underwent brain MR imaging. Multiple structural MRI features were extracted from cerebellum, deep nuclei and of brain cortex based on different partition templates. The Mann-Whitney U test, as well as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select the most discriminating features. Finally, logistic regression (LR) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier combined with the 5-fold cross-validation scheme were used to construct the models based on structural features of cerebellum, deep nuclei and cortex, and a combined model based on all features. The receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn, and the diagnostic performance and clinical net benefit of each model were evaluated by the area under curve (AUC) and the decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:In total, four cerebellum (asymmetry index of Lobule Ⅵ volume, asymmetry index of Lobule ⅦB cortical thickness, asymmetry index of total gray matter volume and absolute value of right Lobule Ⅵ gray matter volume), 3 deep nuclei (absolute value of right nucleus accumbens volume, absolute and relative value of total nucleus accumbens volume) and 3 cortex features (local gyration index of left PFm, local fractal dimension of right superior frontal gyrus and sulcal depth of left superior occipital gyrus) were selected as the most discriminating features, and the related models were constructed. In validation set, the AUC of cerebellum, deep nuclei, cortex and combined models for diagnosis of PD based on LR classifier were 0.692, 0.641, 0.747 and 0.816; the AUC of cerebellum, deep nuclei, cortex and combined models for diagnosis of PD based on LDA classifier were 0.726, 0.610, 0.752 and 0.818. The diagnostic efficiency of the combined models based on LR and LDA classifiers were significantly better than those of other models ( P<0.05). The DCA curve demonstrated that the combined models based on LR and LDA classifiers showed the highest clinical net benefit. Conclusion:The combined models with all structural features of cerebellum, deep nuclei and cortex included based on LR and LDA classifiers showed favorable performance and clinical net benefit for diagnosis of PD, which have the potential application value in clinical diagnosis.
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The present study was designed to examine the therapeutic effects of Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) on depression-like behaviors in mice and to explore the potential mechanisms. These results revealed that a single facial injection of BoNT/A induced a rapid and prolonged improvement of depression-like behaviors in naïve and space-restriction-stressed (SRS) mice, reflected by a decreased duration of immobility in behavioral despair tests. BoNT/A significantly increased the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in several brain regions, including the hippocampus and hypothalamus, in SRS mice. BoNT/A increased the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B in the hippocampus, which were significantly decreased in SRS mice. Furthermore, BoNT/A significantly increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, which were decreased in SRS mice. Finally, BoNT/A transiently increased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB), which were suppressed in the hippocampus of SRS mice. Collectively, these results demonstrated that BoNT/A treatment has anti-depressant-like activity in mice, and this is associated with increased 5-HT levels and the activation of BDNF/ERK/CREB pathways in the hippocampus, supporting further investigation of BoNT/A therapy in depression.
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In the original publication, Figure 4G was incorrectly published. The correct version of Figure 4G is presented in this correction. This correction does not affect the conclusions of the paper.
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Objective@#To explore the curative effect and safety of botulintum toxin A (BTX-A) on depressive disorder in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD).@*Methods@#Forty-two cases of PD with depression prospectively recruited in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from August 2016 to November 2018 were divided into two groups: 28 patients in BTX-A group (administered with 100 U BTX-A injection on patients′ eyebrow, forehead, bilateral lateral canthus and temporal region at 20 loci), 14 patients in sertraline (control) group (administered with 50-100 (55.36±14.47) mg/d sertraline). The scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) after treatment for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks were compared with the scores of each emotional rating scale for baseline respectively. Meanwhile, the differences in the scores of each emotional scale between the two treatment groups were compared. In addition, the remission rates of depression and anxiety (defined as HAMD, HAMA scores<7) at each follow-up time point between the two groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTX-A in the treatment of PD patients with depression.@*Results@#The scores of HAMD, HAMA, SDS, SAS in the BTX-A group and the sertraline group reduced compared to baseline after treatment (at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks). The scores of HAMD and SDS in the BTX-A group (HAMD scores: F=12.930, P<0.01; SDS scores: F=5.022, P=0.001) and those in the sertraline group (HAMD scores: F=2.883, P=0.030; SDS scores: F=3.427, P=0.013) were significantly lower compared to baseline, but there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of HAMD and SDS between the two groups (P>0.05). HAMD score showed that the remission rate of depression in the BTX-A group (17.9% (5/28), 35.7% (10/28)) was higher than that of the sertraline group (2/14, 4/14) at the 2nd and 4th weeks. At the 8th and 12th weeks, the remission rate of depression in the sertraline group (7/14, 9/14) was higher than that of the BTX-A group (46.4% (13/28), 53.6% (15/28)). There was no statistically significant difference in remission rate of depression between the two groups at each follow-up time point (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between males and females in the BTX-A group (P>0.05). Two of the 28 patients in the BTX-A group had frown muscle stiffness, which lasted for two weeks and improved in one month. Two patients in the sertraline group had headache and dizziness, and two patients had dry mouth and nausea, which improved after two weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P=0.197).@*Conclusion@#BTX-A intraocular facial muscle injection can significantly improve the depressive symptoms of PD patients, and the effect lasts for a long time, with low incidence of side effects and high safety, which can be considered as a safe and effective new method for PD patients with depressive symptoms.
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Objective To explore the curative effect and safety of botulintum toxin A (BTX?A) on depressive disorder in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD). Methods Forty?two cases of PD with depression prospectively recruited in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from August 2016 to November 2018 were divided into two groups: 28 patients in BTX?A group (administered with 100 U BTX?A injection on patients′eyebrow, forehead, bilateral lateral canthus and temporal region at 20 loci), 14 patients in sertraline (control) group (administered with 50-100 (55.36±14.47) mg/d sertraline). The scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self?rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Self?rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) after treatment for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks were compared with the scores of each emotional rating scale for baseline respectively. Meanwhile, the differences in the scores of each emotional scale between the two treatment groups were compared. In addition, the remission rates of depression and anxiety (defined as HAMD, HAMA scores<7) at each follow?up time point between the two groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTX?A in the treatment of PD patients with depression. Results The scores of HAMD, HAMA, SDS, SAS in the BTX?A group and the sertraline group reduced compared to baseline after treatment (at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks). The scores of HAMD and SDS in the BTX?A group (HAMD scores: F=12.930, P<0.01; SDS scores: F=5.022, P=0.001) and those in the sertraline group (HAMD scores: F=2.883, P=0.030; SDS scores:F=3.427, P=0.013) were significantly lower compared to baseline, but there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of HAMD and SDS between the two groups (P>0.05). HAMD score showed that the remission rate of depression in the BTX?A group (17.9% (5/28), 35.7% (10/28)) was higher than that of the sertraline group (2/14, 4/14) at the 2nd and 4th weeks. At the 8th and 12th weeks, the remission rate of depression in the sertraline group (7/14, 9/14) was higher than that of the BTX?A group (46.4% (13/28), 53.6% (15/28)). There was no statistically significant difference in remission rate of depression between the two groups at each follow?up time point (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between males and females in the BTX?A group (P>0.05). Two of the 28 patients in the BTX?A group had frown muscle stiffness, which lasted for two weeks and improved in one month. Two patients in the sertraline group had headache and dizziness, and two patients had dry mouth and nausea, which improved after two weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P=0.197). Conclusion BTX?A intraocular facial muscle injection can significantly improve the depressive symptoms of PD patients, and the effect lasts for a long time, with low incidence of side effects and high safety, which can be considered as a safe and effective new method for PD patients with depressive symptoms.
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Objective To evaluate the imaging features of nigrosome-1 in Parkinson's disease (PD) with a 3 T scanner by susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI),and to explore its clinical relevance.Methods Thirty-two patients with primary PD diagnosed by neurologists were collected.Healthy controls matched to their age and gender were recruited during the same period (n=20).All subjects underwent routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sensitive weighted imaging (SWI).The SWI images of the subjects were evaluated to evaluate nigrosome-1 by blinded investigators.Then,the correlation between imaging features and clinical data was analyzed.Results In the PD group,21 cases of bilateral "absent swallow-tail sign",five cases of bilateral "indecisive swallow-tail sign",five cases of "absent swallow-tail sign" on one side and "indecisive swallow-tail sign" on the other side,and one case of bilateral "clear swallow-tail sign" were found.The course of the "absent swallow-tail sign" group (56 (54) months) was significantly longer than the "non-absent swallow-tail sign" group (18 (18) months;U=-2.47,P=0.01).The Hoehn-Yahr stage was significantly higher in the "absent swallow-tail sign" group (2.0 (0.5)) than in the "non-absent swallow-tail sign" group (1.5 (0.5),U=-2.21,P=0.03).There was also a statistically significant difference in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score (24 (8),13 (14)) between the two groups (U=-2.91,P=0.01).However,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the Hamilton Depression Scale score (5 (2) vs 5 (7),U=-0.10,P=0.94) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale score (3.0 (2.5) vs 3.0 (3.0),U=-0.02,P=1.00).Conclusion The images of nigrosome-1 by SWI are closely related to the severity of the condition and motor symptoms of patients with PD,which can reflect the severity of the disease.
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Objective To observe the digestive system related symptoms in patients with early-middle stage Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy subjects,and investigate the incidence of the symptoms and the influencing factors.Methods One hundred and eight PD patients with early and middle stage (Hoehn-Yahr staging 1-3) were admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital and followed up for a long time.A questionnaire,including seven items of digestive system related symptoms selected from the PD Non-Motor Symptom Scale and the Scale for Outcomes in PD for Autonomic Symptoms (taste abnormalities,swallowing disorders,salivation,easy or early satiety,constipation,loose stools,fecal incontinence),and additional five items of digestive system related symptoms (loss of appetite,dry mouth,oral pain,nausea,vomiting),totally 12 items,was used in a survey on PD patients.Seventy-six healthy subjects in the physical examination center of the hospital served as control group,and conducted the same questionnaire survey.Results There was no statistically significant difference in age,gender,height,weight,body mass index (BMI) between the PD and control groups.In 108 PD patients,dry mouth accounted for 64 cases (59.26％),constipation 53 cases (49.07％) and taste abnormalities 40 cases (37.04％),followed by loss of appetite 35 cases (32.41％) and early satiety 26 cases (24.07％),swallowing disorders 20 cases (18.52％),nausea 11 cases (10.19％),salivation 10 cases (9.26％),oral pain seven cases (6.48％),vomiting four cases (3.70％),loose stools one case (0.87％).In 76 controls,taste abnormalities accounted for 13 cases (17.11％),early satiety six cases (7.89％),loss of appetite six cases (7.89％),nausea five cases (6.58％),salivation three cases (3.95％),oral pain one case (1.32％),and the rest zero.The incidence of constipation (x2=52.390,P＜0.01),dry mouth (x2=69.050,P＜0.01),early satiety (x2=8.128,P=0.004),loss of appetite (x2=16.010,P＜0.01),taste abnormalities (x2=8.642,P=0.003) and swallowing disorders (x2=15.790,P＜0.01) showed statistically significant difference between the two groups.Analysis of the influencing factors showed that male had an effect on constipation (95％CI 1.371-7.495,OR=3.205),early satiety (95％CI 4.227-282.913,OR=34.582),taste abnormalities (95％CI 6.620-88.942,OR=24.260) and swallowing disorders (95％CI 2.784-88.475,OR=22.906),while other factors such as age,body mass index,disease duration and motor symptom types had no effect on the occurrence of digestive system related symptoms.Conclusions Digestive system related symptoms in patients with PD include dry mouth,constipation,taste abnormalities,loss of appetite,early satiety,and swallowing disorders,which may be their unique symptoms.Male is a risk factor for taste abnormalities,swallowing disorders,early satiety and constipation.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in peritoneal dialysis patients and analyze the related risk factors.Methods This study was a cross-sectional study.The patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis from January 2017 to December 2017 in the Peritoneal Dialysis Center of the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University were selected as the study subjects.RLS was screened for peritoneal dialysis patients by epidemiological field investigation based on the RLS diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Leg Syndrome Research Group in 2014.Clinical data and laboratory examinations of selected patients were collected and the differences of clinical indicators between RLS and non-RLS patients were compared.The risk factors related to RLS were analyzed by logistic regression.Results Seventy-six cases of RLS were screened out from 396 PD patients.The prevalence of RLS was 19.2％.Compared with non-RLS group,RLS group patients had longer dialysis age,less 24 hours urine volume,and elevated blood intact Parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) (all P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in primary disease ratio,sex,age,body mass index,blood pressure,hemoglobin,creatinine,urea nitrogen,uric acid,ferritin,serum iron,transferrin saturation,blood calcium,blood phosphorus,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein,high density lipoprotein,eGFR,Kt/V,Ccr between RLS and non-RLS group patients (all P ＞ 0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long dialysis age (OR=1.010,95％CI 1.001-1.018,P=0.022) and high blood AKP (OR=1.005,95％CI 1.001-1.010,P=0.021) were independent risk factors for RLS in peritoneal dialysis patients (both P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The prevalence of RLS is high in peritoneal dialysis patients.Long dialysis age and high blood AKP are independent risk factors for RLS.
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Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A for injection in the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity (dosage was 200 U,or 240 U if combined with thumb spasticity).Methods The study was a multi-center,stratified block randomized,double-blind,placebocontrolled trial.All the qualificd subjects were from 15 clinical centers from September 2014 to February 2016.They were randomized (2∶1) to injections of botulinum toxin type A made in China (200-240 U;n =118) or placebo (n =60) in pivotal phase after informed consent signed.The study was divided into two stages.The pivotal trial phase included a one-week screening,12-week double-blind treatment,followed by an expanded phase which included six-week open-label treatment.The tone of the wrist,finger,thumb flexors was assessed at baseline and at weeks 0,1,4,6,8,12,16 and 18 using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS),disability in activities of daily living was rated using the Disability Assessment Scale and impaction on pain,muscle tone and deformity was assessed using the Global Assessment Scale.The primary endpoint was the score difference between botulinum toxin type A and placebo groups in the tone of the wrist flexor using MAS at six weeks compared to baseline.Results Muscle tone MAS score in the wrist flexor of botulinum toxin type A and placebo groups at six weeks changed-1.00 (-2.00,-1.00) and 0.00 (-0.50,0.00) respectively from baseline.Botulinum toxin type A was significantly superior to placebo for the primary endpoint (Z =6.618,P ＜ 0.01).The safety measurement showed 10 subjects who received botulinum toxin type A had 13 adverse reactions,with an incidence of 8.47％ (10/118),and three subjects who received placebo had three adverse reactions,with an incidence of 5.00％ (3/60) during the pivotal trial phase.All adverse reactions were mild to moderate,none serious.There was no significant difference in adverse reactions incidence between the botulinum toxin type A and the placebo groups.During the expanded phase three subjects had four adverse reactions and the incidence was 1.95％.All adverse reactions were mild,none serious.Conclusion Botulinum toxin type A was found to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity.Clinical Trial Registration:China Drug Trials,CTR20131191
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Objective To discuss the neuroimaging characteristics of transcranial ultrasound in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with or without depression.Methods Transcranial sonography (TCS) was performed in PD patients with depression (PDD +,n =50),PD patients without depression (PDD-,n =50),depression patients (D,n =50) and healthy controls (n =50),who were enrolled in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2010 to July 2016.The differences of the neuroimaging characteristics of TCS in brainstem raphe (BR) and substantia nigra (SN) in four groups were analyzed.According to the degree of depression,PDD + and D groups were divided into three subgroups:mild,moderate and severe depression,and the differences of echo characteristics in BR were analyzed among the subgroups.Results The rate of abnormal BR echogenicity was significantly higher in PDD + (78.0％,39/50) and D (82.0％,41/50) groups than that in PDD-(18.0％,9/50) and healthy control (10.0％,5/50) groups (x2 =87.80,P ＜0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference among the subgroups (PDD + group,P =0.98;D group,P =0.57).The rate of SN hyperechogenicity was significantly higher in PDD + (80.0％,40/50) and PDD-(86.0％,43/50) groups than that in D (8.0％,4/50) and healthy control (10.0％,5/50) groups (x2 =110.07,P＜ 0.01).Conclusion The echogenicity changes of BR and SN on TCS could provide some useful neuroimaging information for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PDD-from PDD +.
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Objective To investigate the changes of multifocal electroretinogram ( mf-ERG ) in patients with Parkinson′s disease.Methods Forty-five Parkinson′s disease patients ( 70 eyes ) and 35 normal controls (60 eyes) enrolled in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from February 2015 to February 2016 received mf-ERG examination and general ophthalmology examinations including best corrected vision acuity, slit-lamp test, fundus examination, intraocular pressure and vision field test. Results The amplitude density of P 1 wave in Parkinson′s disease patients was dramatically decreased in ring 1, ring 2 and ring 5 compared with the normal controls (amplitude density of P1 in ring 1:(100.58 ± 41.19) nV/deg2 vs (138.10 ±17.16) nV/deg2,t=5.086,P<0.01; amplitude density of P1 in ring 2:(21.93 ±7.46) nV/deg2 vs (37.56 ±9.39) nV/deg2, t=9.844, P<0.01; amplitude density of P1 in ring 5:(7.07 ±3.04) nV/deg2 vs (10.22 ±3.68) nV/deg2 ,t=4.924, P<0.01).The latency of P1 wave in ring 1, ring 3 in Parkinson′s disease patients was significantly higher than the control group (latency of P1 wave in ring 1:(42.72 ±8.09) ms vs (37.90 ±5.95) ms, t=-3.155, P<0.01;latency of P1 wave in ring 3:(41.20 ±7.63) ms vs (37.80 ±4.59) ms, t=-2.995, P<0.01).The implicit time of N1 wave in ring 1 in Parkinson′s disease patients was delayed , which had statistically significant difference compared with the normal controls ((21.92 ±7.87) ms vs (19.04 ±4.19) ms, t=-2.012, P=0.046).However, in the amplitude of N1 wave, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups . Conclusions The vision function has already decreased in Parkinson′s disease patients , even before the vision acuity is normal .The mf-ERG test can find the changes of vision function in Parkinson′s disease patients, which are the decrease of amplitude density of P 1 , the latency of implicit times of P 1 wave and N1 wave in some regions of the retina .
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Objective To observe the macular morphology and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in Parkinson's disease (PD) evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods A total of 37 patients (74 eyes) with PD were in the PD group, 32 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects (64 eyes) in the control group. All subjects underwent SD-OCT examination with 5 line scanning, macular cube 512×128 scanning and optic disc volume 200×200 scanning. The retinal thickness, central foveal thickness (CFT), macular volume and thickness of circumpapillary, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal of RNFL between two groups were comparatively analyzed. The relationship between SD-OCT parameters and age, disease duration, scores of Hoehn-Yahr and unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) in PD patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Both of the retinal thickness and macular volume in PD group were significantly reduced than those in control group (t=?2.546,?3.410;P=0.012, 0.001). There was no difference of CFT (t=?0.463, P=0.644) and the thickness of circumpapillary (t=?1.645, P=0.102), superior (t=?0.775, P=0.439), inferior (t=?1.844, P=0.067), nasal (t=?0.344, P=0.732) and temporal (t=?0.541, P=0.590) of RNFL between two groups. The retinal thickness, macular volume, CFT and the thickness of circumpapillary, superior, inferior, nasal, temporal of RNFL had no relationship with age, disease duration and scores of Hoehn-Yahr and UPDRS in PD patients (P>0.05). Conclusions In PD patients, the retinal thickness and macular volume are decreased, however, the circumpapillary RNFL have no obvious alterations.
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Objective To observe the effects of Curcumin on the cellular apoptosis of rat retinal vascular endothelial cells (RRVEC) induced by high glucose. Methods Generation 4 cultured RRVEC were used in this experiment, and identified with anti-vWF factor antibody by immunochemistry and immunofluorescence. The RRVEC were divided into control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (30 mmol/L glucose), and treatment group (30 mmol/L glucose+30 μmol/L Curcumin), respectively. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis. The expression intensity and location of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 in the cells of the three groups were detected by immunochemistory. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein was detected by Western blot test. Results Immunostaining showed that RRVEC were positive for vWF factor. The flow cytometry showed that the cellular ROS level in treatment group was higher than that in the control group (t=8.677, P=0.000), but less than that in the high glucose group (t=40.957, P=0.000). Compared with the high glucose group, the cellular ROS level in the treatment group was decreased significantly (t=6.568, P=0.000). The cellular apoptosis were significantly different among the three groups (F=325.137, P=0.000). Compared with the high glucose group, the cellular apoptosis in the treatment group was decreased significantly (t=12.818, P=0.000). Immunochemistry showed that NF-κB p65 was expressed strongly in the cellular nuclei and cytoplasm in the high glucose group than that in the control group and the treatment group with the significant differences (t=8.322, P=0.000). Western blot results demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 of RRVEC and Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased (t=4.362, 6.449; P=0.005, 0.001) and Bax increased (t=3.813, P=0.009)in the high glucose group, with statistically significant differences. Compared with the high glucose group, the expression of NF-κB and Bax decreased (t=2.577, 3.059; P=0.042, 0.022) and Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased significantly (t=3.831, P=0.009) in the treatment group. Conclusion Curcumin could suppress the cellular apoptosis of RRVEC induced by high glucose. The mechanism of Curcumin protecting RRVEC may be via regulating NF-κB signal pathway.
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Objective To observe the effects of Curcumin on the cellular apoptosis of rat retinal vascular endothelial cells (RRVEC) induced by high glucose. Methods Generation 4 cultured RRVEC were used in this experiment, and identified with anti-vWF factor antibody by immunochemistry and immunofluorescence. The RRVEC were divided into control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (30 mmol/L glucose), and treatment group (30 mmol/L glucose+30 μmol/L Curcumin), respectively. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis. The expression intensity and location of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 in the cells of the three groups were detected by immunochemistory. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein was detected by Western blot test. Results Immunostaining showed that RRVEC were positive for vWF factor. The flow cytometry showed that the cellular ROS level in treatment group was higher than that in the control group (t=8.677, P=0.000), but less than that in the high glucose group (t=40.957, P=0.000). Compared with the high glucose group, the cellular ROS level in the treatment group was decreased significantly (t=6.568, P=0.000). The cellular apoptosis were significantly different among the three groups (F=325.137, P=0.000). Compared with the high glucose group, the cellular apoptosis in the treatment group was decreased significantly (t=12.818, P=0.000). Immunochemistry showed that NF-κB p65 was expressed strongly in the cellular nuclei and cytoplasm in the high glucose group than that in the control group and the treatment group with the significant differences (t=8.322, P=0.000). Western blot results demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 of RRVEC and Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased (t=4.362, 6.449; P=0.005, 0.001) and Bax increased (t=3.813, P=0.009)in the high glucose group, with statistically significant differences. Compared with the high glucose group, the expression of NF-κB and Bax decreased (t=2.577, 3.059; P=0.042, 0.022) and Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased significantly (t=3.831, P=0.009) in the treatment group. Conclusion Curcumin could suppress the cellular apoptosis of RRVEC induced by high glucose. The mechanism of Curcumin protecting RRVEC may be via regulating NF-κB signal pathway.
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Objective To assess the features of transcranial sonography (TCS) in Parkinson disease (PD) and Alzheimer disease (AD).Methods Totally 38 PD patients (PD group),28 AD patients (AD group) and 26 controls (control group)underwent TCS.The echogenicity of the substantia nigra,widths of third ventricle and parameters of middle cerebral artery among the three groups were analyzed.Results The ratio of hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra in PD group (31/38,81.58％) were higher than those in AD group (8/28,28.57％) and control group (3/26,11.54％;x2 =18.74,30.41,both P＜0.001),and there was no significant difference in hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra between AD group and control group (x2 =2.41,P=0.120).The widths of third ventricle in AD group ([0.82±0.14]cm) were wider than those in PD group ([0.63±±0.16]cm) and control group ([0.56±0.16]cm,both P＜0.001),and there was no significant difference in widths of third ventricle between PD group and control group (P=0.098).The mean velocities in bilateral middle cerebral artery in AD group were lower than that of in PD group and in control group (all P＜0.05).The pulsatility index in right middle cerebral artery in AD group were greater than that in PD group and control group (both P＜0.05).Conclusion According to the changes of echogenicity of substantia nigra,widths of third ventricle and parameters of middle cerebral artery,TCS may provide some useful information for diagnosis of PD and AD.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in elderly patients with primary intractable trigeminal neuralgia.Methods 27 elderly patients with primary intractable trigeminal neuralgia were treated with BTX-A local multiple point injection.The efficacy was assessed by visual analog scores (VAS) before and 1 week,2 weeks,1 month,3 months and 6 months after the treatment.Results VAS scores was (9.2±1.1),(5.8±3.0),(3.6± 2.3),(2.3±2.3),(3.2±2.9) and (4.6±3.2) before and 1 week,2 weeks,1 month,3 months and 6 months after BTX-A treatment respectively.VAS score was gradually decreased,reached the lowest at 1 month after BTX-A injection,and then was gradually increased.There were significant differences in VAS scores between between pre-and post-treatment (P＜0.05).The efficiency was 37.0％,85.2％,92.6％,70.4％ and 59.3％ at 1 week,2 weeks,1 month,3 months and 6 months after the treatment respectively.There were significant differences in efficacy between different time points after the treatment (all P＜0.05).3 patients had the transient numbness of mouth askew and incomplete eyelid closure and recovered spontaneously after 4-8 weeks.No severe adverse effects were found in the other 27 patients.Conclusions BTX-A is safe and effective in the treatment of primary intractable trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a facial nerve disorder characterized by episodic involuntary ipsilateral facial muscle contraction. Information on Chinese patients with HFS has not been well-characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feature and the treatment status of HFS across China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study including 1003 primary HFS patients had been carried out in 15 movement disorder clinics in China in 2012. The investigated information was acquired from questionnaires and medical records including demographic data, site of onset, aggravating and relieving factors, treatments prior to the investigation, etc.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In this study, the ratio of male to female was 1.0:1.8, the mean age at onset was (46.6 ± 11.5) years. About 1.0% patients were bilaterally affected. The most often site of initial onset was the orbicularis oculi muscle. The most often affected sites were orbicularis oculi, zygomatic, and orbicularis oris muscles. Stress/anxiety and relaxation were most often aggravating and relieving factors, respectively; 2.3% patients had family history, 28.4% cases were combined with hypertension, and 1.4% patients were with trigeminal neuralgia. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection was the most commonly used treatment, followed by acupuncture and oral medication. BTX-A maintained the highest repeat treatment ratio (68.7%), while 98.4% patients gave up acupuncture. The mean latency of BTX-A effect was (5.0 ± 4.7) days, the mean total duration of the effect was (19.5 ± 11.7) weeks, and 95.9% patients developed improvements no worse than moderate in both severity and function. The most common side effect was droopy mouth.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The onset age of HFS in China is earlier than that in western countries. The most often used two treatments are BTX-A injection and acupuncture, while the latter kept the poor repeat treatment ratio because of dissatisfactory therapeutic effect.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Botulinum Toxins, Type A , Therapeutic Uses , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hemifacial Spasm , Diagnosis , Drug Therapy , Neuromuscular Agents , Therapeutic UsesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: 6-hydroxydopamine, as an endogenous toxic factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, participates in oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine resists oxidation and removes free radicals effectively.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine in bone marrow stromal cells and the antagonistic effect of N-acetylcysteine on it. METHODS: Bone marrow stromal cells of Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in vitro. Bone marrow stromal cells of passage 3 were treated with 6-hydroxydopamine with the final concentrations of 0,0.05,0.1g/L and N-acetylcysteine with the final concentrations of 0, 0.075,0.3,1.2,4.8g/L, respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MTT assay showed that 6-hydroxydopamine (0.05 and 0.1 g/L) significantly decreased the viability of bone marrow stromal cells. This toxic effect of 6-hydroxydopamine was significantly inhibited by 0.3 g/L N-acetylcysteine. It suggests that antioxidant N-acetylcysteine may affect the toxic action of 6-hydroxydopamine.
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ObjectiveTo determine the validity of transcranial sonography (TCS) in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET). MethodsTCS was performed in 100 patients with PD, 33 patients with ET and 100 normal controls in a blind manner. The echo signal intensity of the substantia nigra was classified into grade Ⅰ-Ⅴ for semi-quantitative analysis.When the echo intensity was gradeⅢ or more,it was deemed as abnormal and the area of the substantia nigra hyperechogenicity would be measured and its ratio to the area of the whole midbrain ( S/M ) would be calculated. Results ( 1 ) Semi-quantitative analysis: the ratio of the persons whose echo intensity of the substantia nigra was grade Ⅲ or more was greater (76. 00％ ,76/100) in PD than ET (9. 09％, 3/33) and normal controls ( 13.00％, 13/100; x2 = 130. 622, P ＜0. 01 ). However, there was no difference between ET and controls. (2) Quantitative analysis: the median and quartile range of the area of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and S/M were greater in PD patients ( O. 54 ( 0. 57 ), 11.03 ( 9. 00 ) ) than ET ( 0. 00(0.04), 0.00(1.55),H= 42.39,42.19, both P＜0. 01, respectively) and normal controls (0.00(0. 00), 0. 00 (0. 00 ), H = 121.86,121.47, both P ＜ 0. 01, respectively), and there was no difference between ET and controls. (3) Using the area of hyperechogenicity ≥0. 20 cm2 or S/M ≥ 7％ as a cut off for predicting PD, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 85.39％, 78. 38％ and 81.50％ or 86. 02％,81.31％ and 83.50％ ,respectively. But there was no significant difference for the accuracy (Z = 0. 683,P ＞ 0. 05). ConclusionTCS might find the specific hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra in PD patients,providing useful information to distinguish PD from ET.
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Objective To explore the MRI features of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) for providing early evidence in differential diagnosis. Methods The MRI features of 24 patients with MSA, 30 patients with PD and 30 healthy people as controls were retrospectively analyzed. Abnormal intensity in MRI included the hot-cross bun sign and the slitlike changes. The atrophies of brain included cerebellar, middle cerebellar peduncles, medulla oblongata and pon. Cerebral ventricle dilatation included fourth ventricle and cisterna pontis. The midbrain area, pons area and middle cerebellar peduncles width were measured. Results All patients with MSA had at least one of the features observed on MR images, and there were some differences in the subtypes of MSA. The high sensitive features were the atrophies of middle cerebellar peduncles (79.2%), the atrophies of pons (79.2%) and the hot-cross bun sign (75.0%). The parameters with high specificity and high positive predictive value were hot-cross bun sign (both 100%), the slit-like sign (both 100%), the atrophies of middle cerebellar peduncles (93.3% and 90.1%), and the atrophies of pons (96.7% and 95.0%). MSA group had the statistically significantly decreased values of pons area, midbrain area and middle cerebellar peduncles width [(288. 7±75. 4) mm2, (127.8±25.8) mm2 and (10. 7±2.8) mm, respectively], as compared with PD group [(477. 5 ± 54. 3) mm2, (145.9±21.6) mm2 and (16.2±1.3) mm, respectively] and healthy group [(454. 5±36. 8) mm2 , (146.4±17.4) mm2 and (16.7±1.2) mm, respectively] (all P ＜0. 05). Conclusions The routine MRI is helpful in differential diagnosis between MSA and PD and has some values in diagnosing the subtypes of MSA.