Expression and clinical application of serum cystatin C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in AD and VD patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of cystatin C(Cys C)and high-density lipopro-tein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD)and vascular dementia(VD),and their clinical application.Methods A total of 40 AD patients(AD group)and 40 VD patients(VD group)admitted to Jinhua Second Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled,and another 40 healthy individuals who taking physical examination in the hospital during the same period were subjected as control group.According to Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)score,the AD patients were divided into mild(22 cases)and moderate to severe(18 cases)AD groups,and the VD patients were into mild(MoCA score 18-26,24 cases)and moderate to severe(MoCA score＜17,16 cases)VD group.Serum levels of Cys C and HDL-C were detected in all the participants,and the diagnostic efficacy of serum Cys C and HDL-C level for AD and VD was analyzed with ROC curve analysis.Results The serum levels of TC,TG,LDL-C and Cys C were significantly higher,and that of HDL-C was obviously lower in the AD and VD groups than the control group(P＜0.05).The Cys C level in the moderate to severe AD group and the moderate to severe VD group was higher than that in the mild AD group and the mild VD group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in HDL-C level among moder-ate to severe AD group,moderate to severe VD group,mild AD group and mild VD group(P＞0.05).The AUC value for the combined Cvs C and HDL-C for diagnosis of AD and VD were 0.980(95％CI:0.943-1.000)and 0.951(95％CI:0.905-0.996),respectively.Conclusion Detec-ting serum Cys C and HDL-C levels is simple and convenient.There are significant differences in their serum levels in the patients with AD and VD when compared with healthy population,which may become reference indicators for screening AD and VD.

Study on medication law of TCM compounds with national patents for treatment of vascular dementia / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the prescription and medication law of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD) based on patent database.Methods:TCM compounds with patents about VD were retrieved from Chinese patent announcement website of the State Intellectual Property Office and CNKI. The retrieval time was from the establishment to the databases to 31 st, March 2022. The frequency, clusteringand association analysis were carried out with the help of TCM inheritance auxiliary platform (V2.5). The medication law was analyzed. Results:154 TCM compound patents for the treatment of vascular dementia were screened, involving 227 kinds of Chinese materia medica. Among them, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (44 times, 28.57%) was used more frequently, and the common medicinal pair was Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma- Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (17 times, 11.03%). The medicinal property was mainly warm, the taste was mainly sweet, and the meridian was mainly liver meridian. Those with high confidence based on association rules were " Corni Fructus -Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma" (0.90), " Corni Fructus -Rehmannize Radix et Praeparata" (0.90). Based on the complex network, it was concluded that the core drugs were 14 groups such as " Rehmannize Radix et Praeparata- Cistanches Herba- Corni Fructus". The new prescriptions extracted by entropy cluster analysis included 7 groups such as " Rehmannize Radix et Praeparata, Cistanches Herba, Corni Fructus and Asparagi Radix". Conclusion:The treatment of VD by TCM compounds with national patents is mainly based on tonifying deficiency, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, eliminating phlegm and dampness, expelling wind and dredging collaterals, opening orifices and resuscitation, which can provide reference for clinical practice and new drug research and development.

Study on medication law of TCM compounds for treatment of blood stasis type vascular dementia / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the medication law and core Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds in the treatment of blood stasis vascular dementia (VD) based on data mining.Methods:The literature about TCM treatment for blood stasis VD was retrieved from the databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM from January 2000 to November 2021. Microsoft Office Excel 2019, SPSS Modeler 18.0, SPSS Statistics 25.0, R X64 4.1.2, and Origin 2021 were used to perform medication frequency analysis, frequency analysis of four properties and five tastes of TCM, association rules, clustering analysis, factor analysis and data visualization.Results:A total of 196 articles were included, with 196 TCM prescriptions, involving 200 kinds of Chinese materia medica. High-frequency drugs were for Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Carthami Flos. The medicinal properties were mainly warm, mild and cold, the tastes were mainly sweet, bitter and pungent, and the meridians were mainly liver meridian, spleen meridian and heart meridian. A total of 19 association rules were obtained from the analysis of association rules for 2 kinds of Chinese materia medica, and the rules of the representative were Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma- Polygalae Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma- Carthami Flos, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma- Curcumae Radix. A total of 4 categories were extracted through clustering analysis. Factor analysis extracted a total of 8 common factors. Conclusion:The core pathogenesis of blood stasis VD is blood stasis blocking brain collaterals, and there were also pathological factors such as qi deficiency, yin deficiency, phlegm turbidity and so on. The basic treatment is promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, and different methods of promoting blood circulation and drugs are selected. The methods of strengthening spleen and reducing phlegm, nourishing yin and blood, inducing resuscitation, tonifying the kidney and spleen, regulating qi, promoting collaterals and so on can also be used based on syndromes and symptoms of the patients.

Study on mechanism of Yangxue Qingnao Granule for the treatment of vascular dementia disease based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Yangxue Qingnao Granule for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics.Methods:The active components and potential targets of Yangxue Qingnao Granule in the treatment of VaD were obtained from TCMSP database, BATMAN-TCM database, GEO database and OMIM database, etc. The heatmap was visualized by using the pheatmap packages in R. Cytoscape 3.8.2 software and the CytoNCA plugin were utilized to build a network of "Chinese materia medica-active component-potential target". CytoNCA plug-in was used to analyze PPI network topology. Metascape was used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, AutoDock Vina 1.5.6 software was applied to construct molecular docking between the active components and potential core targets. Resuls A total of 135 active components of Yangxue Qingnao Granule were screened and 186 potential targets of Yangxue Qingnao Granule against VaD were obtained. GO function enrichment analysis found protein kinase binding, transcription factor binding and other biological functions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, etc. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of Yangxue Qingnao Granule had good binding activity with the potential targets. Conclusion:Yangxue Qingnao Granule has the characteristics of multi-targets and multi- pathways in the treatment of VaD. It may play a therapeutic role in VaD by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and reducing inflammatory response.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

In recent years, the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has received increasing attention. The mechanism underlying the relationship between the two diseases remains unclear, which may be associated with neuroinflamation, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular disease, gut microbiota imbalance, and insulin resistance. This article reviews the correlation and potential mechanisms between NAFLD and VCI, with the aim of providing reference for further exploration of their correlation.

Vascular dementia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular dementia is a severe cognitive impairment syndrome that can seriously affect the normal life of patients. In the context of the increasingly serious aging of the population, the incidence rate of vascular dementia remains high. However, the pathogenesis of vascular dementia has not yet been fully elucidated, and there are no specific therapeutic drugs or standard treatment methods available. Therefore, this article reviews the risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment of vascular dementia, in order to provide reference for its treatment and rehabilitation.

Diagnóstico do comprometimento cognitivo vascular: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia / Diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment: recommendations of the scientific department of cognitive neurology and aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology

RESUMO Desde a publicação das últimas recomendações para o diagnóstico e tratamento da Demência Vascular pela Academia Brasileira de Neurologia em 2011, avanços significativos ocorreram na terminologia e critérios diagnósticos. O presente manuscrito é resultado do consenso entre especialistas indicados pelo Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (2020-2022). O objetivo foi atualizar as recomendações práticas para a identificação, classificação e diagnóstico do Comprometimento Cognitivo Vascular (CCV). As buscas foram realizadas nas plataformas MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo e LILACS. As recomendações buscam fornecer uma ampla revisão sobre o tema, então sintetizar as evidências para o diagnóstico do CCV não apenas para neurologistas, mas também para outros profissionais de saúde envolvidos na avaliação e nos cuidados ao paciente com CCV, considerando as diferentes realidades dos níveis de atenção à saúde (primário, secundário e terciário) no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Since the publication of the latest recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Vascular Dementia by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology in 2011, significant advances on the terminology and diagnostic criteria have been made. This manuscript is the result of a consensus among experts appointed by the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (2020-2022). We aimed to update practical recommendations for the identification, classification, and diagnosis of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI). Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, and LILACS databases. This guideline provides a comprehensive review and then synthesizes the main practical guidelines for the diagnosis of VCI not only for neurologists but also for other professionals involved in the assessment and care of patients with VCI, considering the different levels of health care (primary, secondary and tertiary) in Brazil.

Genetic investigation of dementias in clinical practice / Investigação genética das demências na prática clínica

Abstract Background: The field of neurodegenerative dementia genetics has advanced significantly over the past two decades, but there are still more to be discovered (such as the gene mutation in some familial forms of dementia). Objective: to provide a brief review of the most recent discoveries regarding monogenic dementia, and covering the most frequent genetic diseases that can cause dementia (neurodegenerative or not). Methods: a review of the literature will be carried out. Results: neurodegenerative dementias, vascular dementias and leukoencephalopathies caused by single pathogenic variants are presented. Conclusion: The spectrum of clinical presentations for most of the genes discussed is wide, and hence genetic testing in clinic should try to cover as many genes as possible.

RESUMO Antecedentes: O campo da genética das demências neurodegenerativas avançou significativamente nas últimas duas décadas, mas ainda há mais a ser descoberto (como a mutação genética em algumas formas familiares de demência). Objetivo: fornecer uma breve revisão das descobertas mais recentes sobre demência monogênica, e abrangendo as doenças genéticas mais frequentes que podem causar demência (neurodegenerativa ou não). Métodos: será realizada uma revisão da literatura. Resultados: são apresentadas demências neurodegenerativas, demências vasculares e leucoencefalopatias causadas por variantes patogênicas únicas. Conclusão: O espectro de apresentações clínicas para a maioria dos genes discutidos é amplo e, portanto, os testes genéticos na clínica devem tentar cobrir o maior número possível de genes.

Incidence, prevalence and risk factors of post-stroke dementia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Post-stroke dementia (PSD) includes all types of dementia after stroke, which may be the result of cumulative effects of cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and white matter changes. The incidence and prevalence of PSD are high. Its risk factors are mainly vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. Other risk factors also include various imaging phenotypes of cerebrovascular disease, such as white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, and brain atrophy. The clinical evaluation of PSD should be conducted at least 3-6 months after the onset of stroke. The prevention of PSD should focus on controlling vascular risk factors and preventing stroke.

Effects of electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam on peripheral blood heme oxidase-1, soluble apoptotic molecules and cognitive function in patients with senile vascular dementia / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam on peripheral blood heme oxidase-1 (HO-1), soluble apoptotic molecules and cognitive function in patients with senile vascular dementia (VaD).Methods:One hundred and fourteen elderly patients with VaD from May 2018 to May 2020 in Xingtai Third Hospital were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. Both groups were given conventional treatment. On this basis, the control group was given oxiracetam, and the observation group was given electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam. The treatment effects after treated for 1 month was compared between the two groups. The levels of serum HO-1, soluble apoptotic molecules sFas, sFasL before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Cognitive function evaluated by Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The scores of Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS), Ability of Daily Living (ADL) before and after treatment and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After treated for 1 month, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 93.0%(53/57) vs. 77.2%(44/57), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treated for 1 month, the level of serum HO-1 in the two groups was higher than that before treatment, and the level of serum HO-1 in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: (30.21 ± 4.05) μg/L vs. (24.19 ± 3.47) μg/L, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum sFas and sFasL in two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and the levels of serum sFas and sFasL in the observation group were lower than those the control group after treatment: (81.57 ± 16.23) ng/L vs. (118.49 ± 25.09) ng/L, (135.47 ± 24.41) ng/L vs. (200.71 ± 30.29) ng/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treated for 1 month, the CSS scores in the observation group was lower than the control group: (13.48 ± 2.15) scores vs. (17.22 ± 3.02) scores; the WMS, MMSE, and ADL scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: (97.75 ± 10.27) scores vs. (88.43 ± 9.16) scores, (23.82 ± 2.50) scores vs. (21.38 ± 2.19) scores, (60.16 ± 6.24) scores vs. (51.29 ± 5.52) scores, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam has a significant effect in the treatment of elderly patients with VaD. It can significantly improve vascular endothelial function, regulate apoptosis factors, strengthen cognitive function, promote recovery of nerve function and daily living ability without increasing adverse reactions.

Efficacy of Xiaoshuan Changrong Capsules combined with donepezil hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia and their effects on serum cytokines and oxidative stress / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Xiaoshuan Changrong Capsules combined with donepezil hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia and their effects on serum cytokines and oxidative stress. Methods:A total of 102 patients with vascular dementia who received treatment in Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, China between January 2019 and January 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and observation groups, with 51 patients per group. The control group was treated by oral donepezil hydrochloride. The observation group was given oral Xiaoshuan Changrong Capsules combined with oral donepezil hydrochloride. All patients were treated for 12 weeks. Efficacy was compared between the two groups. The Clinical Dementia Rating score, the Mini-Mental State Examination score, and serum levels of interleukin 6, insulin-like growth factor-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were compared between before and after treatment. Results:Total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.20% (46/51) vs. 70.59% (36/51), χ 2 = 6.22, P < 0.05]. At 12 weeks after treatment, the Clinical Dementia Rating score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.34 ± 0.27) points vs. (1.89 ± 0.31) points, t = 9.55, P < 0.05]. At 12 weeks after treatment, the Mini-Mental State Examination score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(25.45 ± 1.98) points vs. (22.32 ± 2.10) points, t = 7.74, P < 0.05]. At 12 weeks after treatment, interleukin-6, insulin-like growth factor-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the observation group were (31.28 ± 7.35) ng/L, (0.34 ± 0.08) ng/L and (9.46 ± 2.27) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(46.43 ± 6.28) ng/L, (0.48 ± 0.07) ng/L, (20.98 ± 3.56) ng/L, t = 11.19, 9.40, 19.48, all P < 0.05]. At 12 weeks after treatment, superoxide dismutase in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(98.91 ± 7.25) U/L vs. (86.59 ± 5.63) U/L, t = 9.58, P < 0.05] . At 12 weeks after treatment, malondialdehyde in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.25 ± 0.50) mmol/L vs. (4.81 ± 0.35) mmol/L, t = 18.25, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Xiaoshuan Changrong Capsules combined with donepezil hydrochloride is highly effective on vascular dementia. It can reduce cellular inflammatory response and improve oxidative stress response. This study is of great innovation and science.

Correlation between serum VEGF level and white matter hyperintensity and cognitive dysfunction in patients with cerebral small vessel disease / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and white matter high signal and non-dementia vascular cognitive dysfunction in patients with cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD).Methods:Total 106 patients with CSVD who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from April 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled.They were divided into vascular cognitive impairment no dementia group (VCIND group, n=47) and no vascular cognitive impairment group (N-VCI group, n=59)according to mini-mental assessment scale (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale and activity of daily living scale (ADL). Serum VEGF levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The baseline data, serum VEGF levels, MoCA score and Fazekas score were compared between the two groups.The correlation between serum VEGF level and white matter high signal and cognitive function was analyzed.SPSS 19.0 software was used for data processing.The statistical methods were t-test, Chi square test, nonparametric test, Logistic regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. Results:There were significant differences in serum VEGF level((464.18±114.58)pg/mL, (414.17±45.80)pg/mL, F=22.880), MoCA score((13.07±6.48), (20.17±4.06), F=17.920) and Fazekas score (4(3, 5), 3(1, 3), Z=-4.189)between the two groups (all P<0.05). The level of VEGF( β=0.008, OR=1.008, 95% CI=1.001-1.015, P<0.05) was the influencing factor of cognitive function in patients with CSVD .The level of VEGF was negatively correlated with the total score of MoCA, attention and calculation power, and orientation ability ( r=-0.345, -0.373, -0.445, all P<0.05) and it was positively correlated with the total Fazekas score and the Fazekas score of paraventricular and deep white matter ( r=0.392, 0.495, 0.302, all P<0.05). There was a linear trend between the high signal grade of paraventricular and deep white matter and VCIND (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Serum VEGF level is correlated with cognitive function and white matter hyperintensity in patients with CSVD.The increase of VEGF level may be a factor reflecting cognitive dysfunction.In addition, with the increase of white matter hyperintensity level, the risk of VCIND in CSVD is increased.

Role of positron emission tomography in etiological evaluation of patients with dementia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Dementia is a syndrome mainly characterized by acquired cognitive impairment, which is mainly manifested by the decrease of cognitive functions such as understanding, orientation, and visuospatial ability. Due to different intervention methods for different types of dementia, differential diagnosis is extremely important. Positron emission tomography (PET) can reflect the changes of brain function from multiple angles through different tracers, providing imaging basis for the differential diagnosis of dementia. This article reviews the characteristics of PET in patients with different types of dementia in order to provide ideas for the differential diagnosis of patients with different types of dementia.

Clinical efficacy and safety of Butylphthalide combined with Donepezil in the treatment of vascular dementia / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Butylphthalide combined with Donepezil in the treatment of vascular dementia.Methods:A total of 214 patients with vascular dementia admitted to our hospital from December 2018 to December 2020 were divided into control(n=107)treated with Donepezil tablets, and study group(n=107)treated with Butylphthalide capsule plus Donepezil tablets in a multicenter single-blind randomized control trial.Clinical efficacy, dementia degree, cognitive function, behavioral ability, homocysteine(Hcy), brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and neuron-specific enolatase(NSE)expression were compared between the two groups before versus after 24 weeks of treatment.And their safety was also evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was statistically significantly higher in study group than in the control group(93.46% and 80.37%, χ2=8.054, P<0.05). The scores of Hasegawa Dementia Scale(HDS), mini mental state examination scale(MMSE)and blessed Behavior Scale(BBS)in the treatment group before treatment were(17.2±2.4)points, (19.0±2.2)points and(25.1±1.8)points respectively; After 24 weeks of treatment, the scores in the treatment group were(27.4±2.8)points, (26.8±1.9)points and(14.2±2.7)points respectively; Before treatment, the scores in control group were(17.4±2.0)points, (18.6±2.1)points and(25.4±1.7)points respectively; After 24 weeks of treatment, the scores in control group were(21.8±3.3)points, (22.3±1.6)points and(19.5±2.3)points respectively.Hcy, BDNF, GFAP and NSE in the treatment group before treatment were(34.5±4.3)μmol/L、(3.5±0.4)μg/L、(13.2±0.8)μg/L and(18.9±1.7)μg/L; After 24 weeks of treatment, the scores in treatment group were(15.9±2.9)μg/L respectively μmol/L、(5.3±0.3)μg/L、(9.7±0.6)μg/L and(18.9±1.7)μg/L; Before treatment, the scores in control group were(35.3±4.4)μmol/L、(3.4±0.4)μg/L、(13.1±0.9)μg/L and(19.2±1.3)μg/L; After 24 weeks of treatment, the scores in control group was(23.3±4.9)μmol/L、(4.5±0.4)μg/L、(10.8±0.7)μg/L and(14.3±2.1)μg/L respectively.Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the expression of HDS scale, MMSE score, BBS score, Hcy, BDNF, GFAP and NSE between the two groups of patients with vascular dementia( t=0.662, 1.360, 1.253, 1.345, 1.829, 0.859, 1.450, all P>0.05); After treatment 24 weeks, the ADAS-Cog score, BBS score, Hcy, GFAP and NSE expressions of the two groups of vascular dementia patients were lower than that before treatment, while the HDS scale score, MMSE score and BDNF expression were higher than that before treatment(in treatment group: t=34.746, 31.273, 36.204, 36.289, 28.610, 27.256, 37.239; in control group: t=21.339, 18.849, 20.866, 20.522, 11.795, 14.497, 20.115, all P<0.05), the differences were statistically significant; After treatment for 24 weeks, the BBS score, Hcy, GFAP and NSE expression in the treatment group were lower than in control group, while the HDS scale score, MMSE score and BDNF expression were higher than in control group( t=15.457, 11.623, 16.551, 12.342, 13.385, 18.740, 11.547, all P<0.05), the differences were statistically significant.In the control group, there were 2 cases of mild gastrointestinal reaction and 3 cases of dizziness, with the incidence of 4.67%; Slight gastrointestinal reaction occurred in 4 cases and dizziness in 5 cases in the treatment group, with an incidence of 8.41%.There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups( χ2=1.223, P>0.05). Conclusions:Butylphthalide soft capsules combined with Donepezil hydrochloride tablets have significant clinical effects on patients with vascular dementia, effectively reduce the degree of dementia, and improve the cognitive function and behavioral ability of patients, with good security.Therefore, it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Pay attention to the relationship between cognitive reserve and vascular cognitive impairment / 中华神经科杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), one of the most common causes of cognitive impairment, severely influences the lifetime and daily life abilities in the elder population. Cognitive reserve (CR) can compensate the damage caused by aging and brain pathology. The risk factors of CR include intelligence quality, education, occupation achievement, leisure activities, bilingualism, traumatic brain injury and vascular risk factors. Single proxy indicator and questionnaire composed of several different proxy indicators have been developed to measure CR. Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire is the most commonly used scale of CR. CR is not only associated with the severity of post-stroke cognitive impairment, but also the rapid cognitive recovery early after stroke. CR also plays a great role in the cognitive impairment related to small cerebral vessel diseases. Many problems on CR exist among the clinical application and clinical research, such as the underlying biological mechanisms, excessively emphasizing socioeconomic indicators in the CR questionnaire and unclear weighting score of single indicators in the CR questionnaire. More attention should be paid to mechanism research and relationship between CR and VCI.

Effects of electroacupuncture with different frequencies on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and JNK signaling pathway in rats with vascular dementia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with three frequencies (100 Hz, 2 Hz, and 2 Hz/100 Hz) on the apoptosis of neurons and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia (VD), and explore the mechanism of EA intervention for VD. Methods: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a model group, a sham operation group, a 100 Hz EA group, a 2 Hz EA group, and a 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, with ten rats in each group. The VD model rats were established by repeated ischemia-reperfusion of bilateral common carotid arteries. The rats in the EA groups received EA intervention at Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14), Geshu (BL17) and Zusanli (ST36), once a day for 14 d. Afterward, Morris water maze was used to examine the learning and memory performances of the rats in each group, hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the histomorphological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling to test the apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region, and Western blot to detect the protein expression levels of JNK, phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), Caspase-8, and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus tissue. Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency of the model group in water maze test was prolonged; the number of crossing the original platform was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons were severely damaged and the number of surviving neurons was decreased (P<0.01), whereas the number of apoptotic neurons was increased (P<0.01); the protein expression levels of JNK, p-JNK, Caspase-8, and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of each EA group was significantly shortened; the number of crossing the original platform was significantly increased (P<0.01); the damage of hippocampal neurons was alleviated, the number of surviving neurons was increased (P<0.01), and the number of apoptotic neurons was decreased (P<0.01); the protein expression levels of JNK, p-JNK, Caspase-8, and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus were decreased (P<0.01). The results in the 2 Hz EA group and the 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group were superior to those in the 100 Hz EA group. Conclusion: EA with the three frequencies (100 Hz, 2 Hz, and 2 Hz/100 Hz) can improve the learning and memory performances in VD rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion, its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and the regulation of the related protein expression of JNK signaling pathway, and the intervention effects of EA with 2 Hz and 2 Hz/100 Hz are more significant.

Influence of Tuina plus oxiracetam on serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in mild vascular dementia patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) plus oxiracetam in treating mild vascular dementia (VD) and seek its underlying mechanism. Methods: Ninety-six patients with mild VD were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 47 cases in the observation group and 49 cases in the control group. The control group received oral oxiracetam capsules for treatment, and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment. Before and after treatment, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was adopted to assess the patient's cognitive function; the activities of daily living (ADL) scale was used to evaluate their ability to conduct daily activities; changes in the serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators were also detected. Results: After treatment, the serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in both groups (P<0.05) and was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased in both groups (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 declined in both groups (P<0.05) and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the levels of systolic velocity (Vs) and mean velocity (Vm) of the middle cerebral artery elevated, and the pulsatility index (PI) dropped in patients in the two groups, showing significant intra-group differences (P<0.05); the levels of Vs and Vm in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the PI was lower in the observation group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (P<0.05). The MMSE and ADL scores increased in both groups after the intervention (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of mild VD, Tuina plus oxiracetam can improve the cerebral blood supply, ADL, and cognitive function; the mechanism may be associated with the reduction of oxidative stress damages and inflammatory reactions.

Evaluation and diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a syndrome from mild cognitive impairment to dementia caused by various vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular diseases. Early detection and definite diagnosis can significantly improve the outcomes of patients with VCI. This article reviews the evaluation and diagnosis of VCI.

Role of microglia in vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a clinical syndrome with impairment of at least one cognitive domain caused by vascular risk factors or cerebrovascular diseases, and its pathogenesis is not completely clear so far. Microglia are innate immune cells in the brain. They participate in many processes such as neuroinflammation, synaptic pruning, myelin regeneration, neurogenesis and connection. They are associated with the occurrence and development of various neurological diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and autism. Recent studies have shown that microglia play an important role in the development of VCI. This article reviews the role of microglia in VCI.

Apolipoprotein E genotypes and vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment is the only cognitive impairment disease that can be intervened at present. In recent years, the research on its genetic factors has attracted much attention. Among them, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and its genotypes are closely associated with lipid metabolism, β-amyloid aggregation and deposition, the changes of brain structure and function, and are closely correlated with the pathogenesis of dementia. This article discusses some possible mechanisms of ApoE and its genotypes affecting cognitive function, in order to provide reference for the management of cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.