Progress of medicinal plants and their active metabolites in ischemia-reperfusion injury of stroke: a novel therapeutic strategy based on regulation of crosstalk between mitophagy and ferroptosis.

The death of cells can occur through various pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, mitophagy, pyroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and disulfide-driven necrosis. Increasing evidence suggests that mitophagy and ferroptosis play crucial regulatory roles in the development of stroke. In recent years, the incidence of stroke has been gradually increasing, posing a significant threat to human health. Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for only 15% of all strokes, while ischemic stroke is the predominant type, representing 85% of all stroke cases. Ischemic stroke refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by local ischemic-hypoxic necrosis of brain tissue due to various cerebrovascular disorders, leading to rapid onset of corresponding neurological deficits. Currently, specific therapeutic approaches targeting the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic brain tissue injury mainly include intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular intervention. Despite some clinical efficacy, these approaches inevitably lead to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, exploration of treatment options for ischemic stroke remains a challenging task. In light of this background, advancements in targeted therapy for cerebrovascular diseases through mitophagy and ferroptosis offer a new direction for the treatment of such diseases. In this review, we summarize the progress of mitophagy and ferroptosis in regulating ischemia-reperfusion injury in stroke and emphasize their potential molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis. Importantly, we systematically elucidate the role of medicinal plants and their active metabolites in targeting mitophagy and ferroptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury in stroke, providing new insights and perspectives for the clinical development of therapeutic drugs for these diseases.

Luteolin Inhibits Lung Cancer Cell Migration by Negatively Regulating TWIST1 and MMP2 Through Upregulation of miR-106a-5p.

BACKGROUND: Luteolin, a common dietary flavonoid found in plants, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, its exact mechanisms of action in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still not fully understood, particularly its role in regulating broader genomic networks and specific gene targets. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in NSCLC treated with luteolin, using A549 cells as a model system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: miRNA profiling was conducted on luteolin-treated A549 cells using Exiqon microarrays, with validation of selected miRNAs by qRT-PCR. Bioinformatic analysis identified the regulatory roles of miRNAs in biological processes and pathways following luteolin treatment. Computational algorithms were employed to identify potential target genes. A549 cells were transfected with miR-106a-5p mimic and inhibitor or their corresponding controls. The expression levels of 2 genes, twist basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 (TWIST1) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), and cell migration were assessed. RESULTS: miRNA profiling identified 341 miRNAs, with 18 exhibiting significantly altered expression (P < 0.05). Subsequent qRT-PCR analysis confirmed altered expression of 6 selected miRNAs. KEGG and GO analyses revealed significant alterations in pathways and biological processes crucial for tumor biology. TWIST1 and MMP2, which both contain conserved miR-106a-5p binding sites, exhibited an inverse correlation with the expression levels of miR-106a-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed TWIST1 and MMP2 as direct targets of miR-106a-5p. Luteolin treatment led to a reduction in A549 cell migration, and this reduction was further amplified by the overexpression of miR-106a-5p. CONCLUSION: Luteolin inhibits A549 cell migration by modulating the miRNA landscape, shedding light on its mechanisms and laying the foundation for miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for NSCLC.

Clinical practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal disorder with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (2023).

Postoperative gastrointestinal disorder (POGD) was a common complication after surgery under anesthesia. Strategies in combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine showed some distinct effects but standardized clinical practice guidelines were not available. Thus, a multidisciplinary expert team from various professional bodies including the Perioperative and Anesthesia Professional Committees of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine (CAIM), jointly with Gansu Province Clinical Research Center of Integrative Anesthesiology/Anesthesia and Pain Medical Center of Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation/Chinese Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Center/Gansu Provincial Center for Medical Guideline Industry Technology/Evidence-based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, was established to develop evidence-based guidelines. Clinical questions (7 background and 12 clinical questions) were identified through literature reviews and expert consensus meetings. Based on systematic reviews/meta-analyses, evidence quality was analyzed and the advantages and disadvantages of interventional measures were weighed with input from patients' preferences. Finally, 20 recommendations were developed through the Delphi-based consensus meetings. These recommendations included disease definitions, etiologies, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and perioperative prevention and treatment.

Effect of electroacupuncture on brain-gut oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease mice. / ç”µé’ˆå¯¹å¸•é‡‘æ£®ç— å°é¼ è„‘è‚ æ°§åŒ–åº”æ¿€çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior, oxidative stress factors in colon and substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) mice, so as to explore the mechanism of EA in treating PD. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank, model and EA groups, with 12 mice in each group. The PD mouse model was established by continuous gavage of rotenone for 4 weeks. Mice in the EA group received EA (2 Hz/15 Hz) at "Baihui" (GV20), "Quchi" (LI11) and "Zusanli" (ST36) for 20 min, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. After intervention, gait analysis was used to evaluate the motor ability and motor coordination. Ink propulsion rate was used to evaluate the intestinal transport function. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the colon was detected by flow cytometry. The contents of total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in colon and substantia nigra were detected by ELISA. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in substantia nigra was detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the average speed, step rate, normal step ratio, distance between the front and hind feet, stride length, swing speed and maximum intensity of the maximum contact area of mice in the model group were decreased (P<0.000 1, P<0.01, P<0.001), the maximum change rate of gait was increased (P<0.001) in the model group. The intestinal propulsion rate, the activities of GSH-Px and SOD in the colon and substantia nigra, and the positive expression of Nrf2 in substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.000 1, P<0.01, P<0.05), while the fluorescence intensity of ROS in the colon, the contents of MDA in colon and substantia nigra were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the average speed, step rate, normal step ratio, distance between the front and hind feet, stride length, swing speed, and maximum intensity of the maximum contact area of the mice in the EA group were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.000 1), the maximum change rate of gait was decreased (P<0.01). The intestinal propulsion rate, the activities of GSH-Px and SOD in the colon and substantia nigra, the positive expression of Nrf2 in substantia nigra were increased (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.000 1), while the ROS fluorescence intensity in the colon, the MDA contents in the colon and substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA can improve the movement disorder, gait disorder and intestinal motor function of PD mice, and protect dopaminergic neurons from damage, which may be related to its effect in antagonistic brain-gut oxidative stress.

Rules of acupoint selection in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with acupuncture-moxibustion based on complex network analysis. / åŸºäºŽå¤æ‚ç½‘ç»œåˆ†æžé’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—ç‚Žæ€§è‚ ç— çš„é€‰ç©´è§„å¾‹.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on complex network technology and provide the reliable evidences for acupoint selection in treatment of this disease with acupuncture and moxibustion. METHODS: The clinical studies on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of IBD were searched from the databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Embase. The studies were screened and the acupoint prescriptions were extracted to set up the database of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for IBD. Using Microsoft Excel 2021 software, the use times of acupoint, the use frequency (%) of acupoint, meridian tropism and the use of special point were imported. With SPSS Modeler 18.0 software adopted, the association rules were analyzed on the acupoint prescriptions. The acupoint co-occurrence network diagram, k-core network diagram, and community analysis diagram were drawn by Gephi 0.9.5 software. RESULTS: A total of 156 studies were included, composed of 175 acupoint prescriptions, 75 acupoints, with 1 378 use times in total and around 8 acupoints in one prescription. Regarding the top use frequency, Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongwan (CV12) and Pishu (BL20) were listed. The top meridians involved were the foot-yangming stomach meridian, the foot-taiyang bladder meridian and the Conception Vessel. The front-mu point had been used with the highest frequency among the special points. ST36 and ST25 were a pair of points with the highest frequency in treatment. The k-core hierarchical analysis was adopted to optimize acupoint prescriptions, and 22 core acupoints were obtained, i.e. ST25, ST36, CV4, CV12, BL20, Dachangshu (BL25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Shenshu (BL23), Qihai (CV6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Mingmen (GV4), Xingjian (LR2), Yinlingquan (SP9), Neiting (ST44), Taichong (LR3), Xiajuxu (ST39), Shuifen (CV9), Shenque (CV8), Ganshu (BL18), Weishu (BL21), Hegu (LI4) and Quchi(LI11), which were classified into three core acupoint groups by community analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Through complex network analysis, it is found that the local acupoints on the chest and abdomen are generally selected in treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion for IBD, the combination of the nearby and distal points is considered simulta-neously, and the acupoint prescription is modified according to syndrome/pattern differentiation；and among special points, the front-mu point is widely used in treatment. All of these rules provide the ideas for the acupoint selection of acupuncture-moxibustion in treatment of IBD.

Design of a Novel Lysine Isopeptide 1018KI11 with Potent Antimicrobial Activity as a Safe and Stable Food Preservative Candidate.

Antimicrobial peptides are potent food additive candidates, but most of them are sensitive to proteases, which limits their application. Therefore, we substituted arginine for lysine and introduced a lysine isopeptide bond to peptide IDR-1018 in order to improve its enzymatic stability. Subsequently, the protease stability and antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of the novel peptides (1018K2-1018KI11) were investigated. The data revealed that the antienzymatic potential of 1018KI11 to bromelain and papain increased by 2-8 folds and 16 folds, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1018KI11 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC43300 and Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC25922 was reduced 2-fold compared to 1018K11. Mechanism exploration suggested that 1018KI11 was more effective than 1018K11 in disrupting the cell barrier and damaging genomic DNA. Additionally, 1018KI11 at certain concentration conditions (2-64 µg/mL) reduced biofilm development of MRSA ATCC43300 by 4.9-85.9%. These data indicated that novel peptide 1018KI11 is a potential food preservative candidate.

Associations between rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal flora, with special emphasis on RA pathologic mechanisms to treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. Individuals at risk for RA and people with RA develop intestinal dysbiosis. The changes in intestinal flora composition in preclinical and confirmed RA patients suggest that intestinal flora imbalance may play an important role in the induction and persistence of RA. METHODS: Based on the current research on the interaction between RA and intestinal microbiota, intestinal microbiota metabolites and intestinal barrier changes. This paper systematically summarized the changes in intestinal microbiota in RA patients, the metabolites of intestinal flora, and the influence mechanism of intestinal barrier on RA, and further discussed the influence of drugs for RA on intestinal flora and its mechanism of action. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, α diversity analysis of intestinal flora showed no significant difference, ß diversity analysis showed significant differences. The intestinal flora produces bioactive metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and aromatic amino acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Abnormal intestinal flora leads to impaired barrier function and mucosal immune dysfunction, promoting the development of inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and chemical drugs can also alleviate RA by regulating intestinal flora, intestinal flora metabolites, and intestinal barrier. Intestinal flora is closely related to the pathogenesis of RA and may become potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of RA. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal flora and its metabolites play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as RA, and are expected to become a new target for clinical diagnosis and treatment, providing a new idea for targeted treatment of RA.

A biodegradable semiconducting polymer phototherapeutic agent for safe cancer phototherapy.

Combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) not only effectively reduce the hypoxic resistance to PDT, but also overcome the heat shock effect to PTT. However, the residual phototherapeutic agents still produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage normal tissue under sunlight after treatment, which induces undesirable side effects to limit their biomedical application. Herein, a facile strategy is proposed to construct a biodegradable semiconducting polymer p-DTT, which is constructed by thieno[3,2-b]thiophene modified diketopyrrolopyrrole and (E)-1,2-bis(5-(trimethylstannyl)thiophen-2-yl)ethene moieties, to avoid the post-treatment side effects of phototherapy. Additionally, p-DTT exhibits strong photoacoustic (PA) for imaging, as well as good ROS production capacity and high photothermal conversion efficiency for synergistic PDT and PTT, which has been confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo results. After phototherapy, p-DTT could be gradually oxidized and degraded by endogenous ClO-, and subsequently lose ROS production and photothermal conversion capacities, which can guarantee the post-treatment safety, and address above key limitation of traditional phototherapy.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms of BR Negative Regulatory Factor StBIN2 Maintaining Tuber Dormancy.

Potato is an important food crop. After harvest, these tubers will undergo a period of dormancy. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a new class of plant hormones that regulate plant growth and seed germination. In this study, 500 nM of BR was able to break the dormancy of tubers. Additionally, exogenous BR also upregulated BR signal transduction genes, except for StBIN2. StBIN2 is a negative regulator of BR, but its specific role in tuber dormancy remains unclear. Transgenic methods were used to regulate the expression level of StBIN2 in tubers. It was demonstrated that the overexpression of StBIN2 significantly prolonged tuber dormancy while silencing StBIN2 led to premature sprouting. To further investigate the effect of StBIN2 on tuber dormancy, RNA-Seq was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in OE-StBIN2, RNAi-StBIN2, and WT tubers. The results showed that StBIN2 upregulated the expression of ABA signal transduction genes but inhibited the expression of lignin synthesis key genes. Meanwhile, it was also found that StBIN2 physically interacted with StSnRK2.2 and StCCJ9. These results indicate that StBIN2 maintains tuber dormancy by mediating ABA signal transduction and lignin synthesis. The findings of this study will help us better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying potato tuber dormancy and provide theoretical support for the development of new varieties using related genes.

Electroacupuncture pretreatment preserves telomerase reverse transcriptase function and alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients often exhibit postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), a postsurgical decline in memory and executive function. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both pathological characteristics of the aged brain, contribute to this decline. This study posits that electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation, an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory modality, may enhance telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) function, the catalytic subunit of telomerase known for its protective properties against cellular senescence and oxidative damage, to alleviate POCD in aged mice. METHODS: The animal POCD model was created by subjecting aged mice to abdominal surgery, followed by EA pretreatment at the Baihui acupoint (GV20). Postoperative cognitive function was gauged using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Hippocampal TERT mRNA levels and telomerase activity were determined through qPCR and a Telomerase PCR ELISA kit, respectively. Oxidative stress was assessed through superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Iba-1 immunostaining determined the quantity of hippocampal microglia. Additionally, western blotting assessed TERT, autophagy markers, and proinflammatory cytokines at the protein level. RESULTS: Abdominal surgery in aged mice significantly decreased telomerase activity and TERT mRNA and protein levels, but increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and decreased autophagy in the hippocampus. EA-pretreated mice demonstrated improved postoperative cognitive performance, enhanced telomerase activity, increased TERT protein expression, improved TERT mitochondrial localization, and reduced oxidative damage, autophagy dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. The neuroprotective benefits of EA pretreatment were diminished following TERT knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the significance of TERT function preservation in alleviating surgery-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice. A novel neuroprotective mechanism of EA stimulation is highlighted, whereby modulation of TERT and telomerase activity reduces oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Consequently, maintaining TERT function via EA treatment could serve as an effective strategy for managing POCD in elderly patients.

Dangui Huoxue Preparation (DHP) Ameliorates Skin Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Vasculopathy in the Bleomycin-Induced Murine Model of Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vasculopathy with poor prognosis. Dangui Huoxue Preparation (DHP) is a clinically effective traditional Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of SSc in the hospital. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DHP in the treatment of SSc. SSc mice models are induced by bleomycin (BLM). Tissues of DHP group, normal control group, and positive control drug Sanqi Tongshu Capsule (STC) group are collected for inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy. Also, the human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) stimulated with TGF-ß1 are analyzed for in vitro study. The expression levels of MCP-1, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-10, Fizz1, iNOS, and IL12p40, and the mRNA levels of Col1a1, Col1a2, Col3a1, and Col5a1 are significantly decreased in all DHP groups and STC group compare with those in the BLM group. The main drug of DHP inhibits the proliferation and migration of HDF, reduces Ctgf, Itgb3, Itgb5 expression, and also inhibits the Smad3 pathway. In conclusion, DHP can ameliorate SSc skin inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy, possibly suppressing the TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway through extracellular and intracellular mechanisms.

2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid, a Novel SA Derivative, Controls Plant Immunity via UGT95B17-Mediated Glucosylation: A Case Study in Camellia Sinensis.

The plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays critical roles in plant innate immunity. Several SA derivatives and associated modification are identified, whereas the range and modes of action of SA-related metabolites remain elusive. Here, the study discovered 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-DHBA) and its glycosylated form as native SA derivatives in plants whose accumulation is largely induced by SA application and Ps. camelliae-sinensis (Pcs) infection. CsSH1, a 4/5-hydroxylase, catalyzes the hydroxylation of SA to 2,4-DHBA, and UDP-glucosyltransferase UGT95B17 catalyzes the formation of 2,4-DHBA glucoside. Down-regulation reduced the accumulation of 2,4-DHBA glucosides and enhanced the sensitivity of tea plants to Pcs. Conversely, overexpression of UGT95B17 increased plant disease resistance. The exogenous application of 2,4-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA, as well as the accumulation of DHBA and plant resistance comparison, indicate that 2,4-DHBA functions as a potentially bioactive molecule and is stored mainly as a glucose conjugate in tea plants, differs from the mechanism described in Arabidopsis. When 2,4-DHBA is applied exogenously, UGT95B17-silenced tea plants accumulated more 2,4-DHBA than SA and showed induced resistance to Pcs infection. These results indicate that 2,4-DHBA glucosylation positively regulates disease resistance and highlight the role of 2,4-DHBA as potentially bioactive molecule in the establishment of basal resistance in tea plants.

Vegetable oils: Classification, quality analysis, nutritional value and lipidomics applications.

Lipids are widespread in nature and play a pivotal role as a source of energy and nutrition for the human body. Vegetable oils (VOs) constitute a significant category in the food industry, containing various lipid components that have garnered attention for being natural, environmentally friendly and health-promoting. The review presented the classification of raw materials (RMs) from oil crops and quality analysis techniques of VOs, with the aim of improving comprehension and facilitating in-depth research of VOs. Brief descriptions were provided for four categories of VOs, and quality analysis techniques for both RMs and VOs were generalized. Furthermore, this study discussed the applications of lipidomics technology in component analysis, processing and utilization, quality determination, as well as nutritional function assessment of VOs. Through reviewing RMs and quality analysis techniques of VOs, this study aims to encourage further refinement and development in the processing and utilization of VOs, offering valuable references for theoretical and applied research in food chemistry and food science.

[Preparation of vitexin albumin nanoparticles and its pharmacokinetic study].

This study aims to prepare vitexin albumin nanoparticles(VT-BSA-NPs) to alleviate the low bioavailability of vitexin(VT) in vivo due to its poor water solubility. VT micro powders were prepared by the antisolvent crystallization method, and the morphology, size, and physicochemical properties of VT micro powders were studied. The results showed that the VT micro powder had a particle size of(187.13±7.15) nm, an approximate spherical morphology, and a uniform size distribution. Compared with VT, the chemical structure of VT micro powders has not changed. VT-BSA-NPs were prepared from VT micro powders by desolvation-crosslinking curing method. The preparation process was screened by single factor test and orthogonal test, and the quality evaluation of the optimal prescription particle size, PDI, Zeta potential, EE, and morphology was performed. The results showed that the average particle size of VT-BSA-NPs was(124.33±0.47) nm; the PDI was 0.184±0.012; the Zeta potential was(-48.83±2.20) mV, and the encapsulation rate was 83.43%±0.39%, all of which met the formulation-related requirements. The morphological results showed that the VT-BSA-NPs were approximately spherical in appearance, regular in shape, and without adhesion on the surface. In vitro release results showed a significantly reduced release rate of VT-BSA-NPs compared with VT, indicating a good sustained release effect. LC-MS/MS was used to establish an analytical method for in vivo analysis of VT and study the plasma pharmacokinetics of VT-BSA-NPs in rats. The results showed that the specificity of the analytical method was good, and the extraction recovery was more than 90%. Compared with VT and VT micro powders, VT-BSA-NPs could significantly increase AUC, MRT, and t_(1/2), which was beneficial to improve the bioavailability of VT.

Effect of electroacupuncture on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by ferroptosis in mice with Parkinson's disease. / ç”µé’ˆå¯¹å¸•é‡‘æ£®ç— å°é¼ é“æ­»äº¡è¯±å¯¼çš„æ°§åŒ–åº”æ¿€åŠç»†èƒžå‡‹äº¡çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ferroptosis and apoptosis-related proteins in the substantia nigra of midbrain in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD), so as to explore its possible mechanisms in the treatment of PD. METHODS: Twenty-four C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank, model and EA groups, with 8 mice in each group. The PD model was established by continuous gavage of rotenone for 4 weeks. EA was applied at "Baihui" (GV20), "Quchi" (LI11) and "Zusanli" (ST36) for 20 min, once a day for 14 days, with 2-day rest after every 5-day treatment. The open field test was used to evaluate the residence time in the central area, ave-rage movement speed, and total distance of the open field. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression le-vels of divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1), membrane ferroportin 1 (FPN1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), proapoptotic protein Bax, and anti apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the substantia nigra. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the morphological changes of neurons and the positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra of mice. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of modeling, compared with the blank group, the residence time in the central area, average speed and total distance of open field were significantly lower (P<0.000 1, P<0.01, P<0.001)；the protein expression levels of DMT1 and Bax in the substantia nigra were increased (P<0.001, P<0.000 1), while the protein expression levels of FPN1, GPX4 and Bcl-2, and the optical density of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.000 1, P<0.001) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the residence time in the central area, average speed, and total distance of the EA group were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05)；the protein expression levels of DMT1 and Bax in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), while the protein expression levels of FPN1, GPX4, and Bcl-2, and the optical density of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra were increased (P<0.000 1, P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA has a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of midbrain in PD model mice, which may be related with its effect in regulating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by ferroptosis.

Olfactory Three-Needle Electroacupuncture Improved Synaptic Plasticity and Gut Microbiota of SAMP8 Mice by Stimulating Olfactory Nerve.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of olfactory three-needle (OTN) electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of the olfactory system on cognitive dysfunction, synaptic plasticity, and the gut microbiota in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. METHODS: Thirty-six SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the SAMP8 (P8), SAMP8+OTN (P8-OT), and SAMP8+nerve transection+OTN (P8-N-OT) groups according to a random number table (n=12 per group), and 12 accelerated senescence-resistant (SAMR1) mice were used as the control (R1) group. EA was performed at the Yintang (GV 29) and bilateral Yingxiang (LI 20) acupoints of SAMP8 mice for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze test, transmission electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Nissl staining, Golgi staining, Western blot, and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the P8 group, OTN improved the cognitive behavior of SAMP8 mice, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, increased neuronal activity, and attenuated hippocampal synaptic dysfunction (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of synaptic plasticity-related proteins N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1), NMDAR2B, synaptophysin (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD95) in hippocampus were increased by OTN treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, OTN greatly enhanced the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/cAMP-response element binding (CREB) signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling compared with the P8 group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, the neuroprotective effect of OTN was attenuated by olfactory nerve truncation. Compared with the P8 group, OTN had a very limited effect on the fecal microbial structure and composition of SAMP8 mice, while specifically increased the genera Oscillospira and Sutterella (P<0.05). Interestingly, the P8-N-OT group showed an abnormal fecal microbiota with higher microbial α-diversity, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and pathogenic bacteria (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: OTN improved cognitive deficits and hippocampal synaptic plasticity by stimulating the olfactory nerve and activating the BDNF/CREB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Although the gut microbiota was not the main therapeutic target of OTN for Alzheimer's disease, the olfactory nerve was essential to maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiota.

StBIN2 Positively Regulates Potato Formation through Hormone and Sugar Signaling.

Potato is an important food crop worldwide. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are widely involved in plant growth and development, and BIN2 (brassinosteroid insensitive 2) is the negative regulator of their signal transduction. However, the function of BIN2 in the formation of potato tubers remains unclear. In this study, transgenic methods were used to regulate the expression level of StBIN2 in plants, and tuber related phenotypes were analyzed. The overexpression of StBIN2 significantly increased the number of potatoes formed per plant and the weight of potatoes in transgenic plants. In order to further explore the effect of StBIN2 on the formation of potato tubers, this study analyzed BRs, ABA hormone signal transduction, sucrose starch synthase activity, the expression levels of related genes, and interacting proteins. The results show that the overexpression of StBIN2 enhanced the downstream transmission of ABA signals. At the same time, the enzyme activity of the sugar transporter and the expression of synthetic genes were increased in potato plants overexpressing StBIN2, which also demonstrated the upregulation of sucrose and the expression of the starch synthesis gene. Apparently, StBIN2 affected the conversion and utilization of key substances such as glucose, sucrose, and starch in the process of potato formation so as to provide a material basis and energy preparation for forming potatoes. In addition, StBIN2 also promoted the expression of the tuber formation factors StSP6A and StS6K. Altogether, this investigation enriches the study on the mechanism through which StBIN2 regulates potato tuber formation and provides a theoretical basis for achieving a high and stable yield of potato.

Anatomical Analysis of the Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion and Spinal Ganglion and its Physiological Significance in the Pathogenesis of Cervical Vertigo.

Objective: Investigating the anatomical connections between cervical sympathetic ganglia and spinal ganglia in rabbits and assessing the role of Neuropeptide Y in the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo. Method: Part 1: 32 adult healthy male New Zealand white rabbits (whose skin is very sensitive, so rabbits are generally used for stimulation experiments) were randomly divided into the upper cervical sympathetic ganglia (SCSG) stimulation group and the lower cervical sympathetic ganglia (ICSG) stimulation group, with 16 rabbits in each group. The two groups were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 8 rabbits in each group. The cervical ganglia of each group of white rabbits were injected with 4% FluoroGold solution and observed under a section microscope. Part 2: Sixty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control (n = 12), SCSG stimulation group (n = 12), SCSG sham surgery control (n = 12), ICSG stimulation group (n = 12), and ICSG sham surgery control group (n = 12). The SCSG group and ICSG group were subjected to electrical stimulation (i.e. 30.0Hz, 10.0V, 5-minute pulse width of 0.5 ms square wave pulse), and specimens were made. The expression of NPY was detected using immunohistochemical methods. Result: Neuropeptide Y was weakly expressed in all cervical ganglia (C1-C8). Compared with the sham surgery group, the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion stimulation group showed an increase in Neuropeptide Y positive cells in C2, C3, C4, and C5, with C2 and C3 showing the most significant increase. The number of C6, C7, and C8 Neuropeptide Y positive cells in the 3 C、3D and 4B, lower cervical sympathetic ganglion stimulated groups was higher than in the sham sham-operated group, and C6 and C7 significantly increased. Neuropeptide Y is like immunoreactive neurons in the cervical spinal ganglia, and the immunoreactive products are small brown particles distributed in the cytoplasm after electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic ganglia. The Neuropeptide Y content in the corresponding segment of the cervical spinal ganglia is significantly increased compared to the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: In New Zealand white rabbits, nerve fibers are interconnected between the cervical sympathetic ganglion and the cervical spinal ganglion, and this neural fiber connection has a certain segmental nature, providing experimental basis for the existence of the cervical spinal cord external nerve reflex arc and elucidating the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo in terms of neural anatomy. By using neuroelectrophysiological methods, it has been confirmed that electrical stimulation in the cervical spinal ganglia can reach the corresponding cervical sympathetic ganglia on the same side through a certain conduction pathway, providing experimental basis in neuroelectrophysiology for the existence of the cervical extraspinal nerve reflex arc and elucidating the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo. NPY may be involved in the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis of cervical vertigo.

Effect of mild moxibustion with moxa stick and infrared mild moxibustion on skin blood perfusion at Waiguan (TE 5). / è‰¾æ¡æ¸©å’Œç¸ä¸Žçº¢å¤–çº¿æ¸©å’Œç¸å¯¹å¤–å ³ç©´çš®è‚¤è¡€æµçŒæ³¨é‡çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the changes of skin blood flow perfusion at Waiguan (TE 5) caused by mild moxibustion with moxa stick and infrared mild moxibustion using laser speckle contrast imaging technology, and to compare the microcirculatory effect during and after both moxibustion methods and explore the dose-response relationship of moxibustion. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy participants were treated with mild moxibustion with moxa stick and infrared mild moxibustion at left Waiguan (TE 5). The record started when the skin temperature reached (44±1) °C, and both moxibustion methods were provided within this temperature range. The 20-minute moxibustion process was divided into four stages (5, 10, 15, and 20 min) using interpolation method, and each participant completed eight interventions with a minimum 24-hour interval between different interventions. The skin surface temperature of the left Waiguan (TE 5) was monitored when both moxibustion interventions were given for 10 min using a TES1306 thermocouple thermometer. The skin microcirculatory blood perfusion units (MBPU) of left Waiguan (TE 5) was measured using a PSIN-01087 laser speckle blood flow imager 1 min before moxibustion, at 5, 10, 15, 20 min during moxibustion and continuously for 20 min after moxibustion in each intervention. RESULTS: The skin surface temperature of the left Waiguan (TE 5) remained within the range of (44±1) °C during both moxibustion methods, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Compared with that before moxibustion, the MBPU of the left Waiguan (TE 5) was increased significantly at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min of both moxibustion methods (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with moxibustion for 10, 15 and 20 min, the MBPU of the left Waiguan (TE 5) of moxibustion for 5 min was lower in both moxibustion methods (P<0.01). For both moxibustion methods with the same moxibustion course, the MBPU of the left Waiguan (TE 5) 20 min after intervention was significantly higher than that at 1 min before moxibustion (P<0.001), and there was no significant difference in MBPU between 1 min before moxibustion and 20 min after moxibustion among different groups (P>0.05). Within the same moxibustion method, the MBPU of the left Waiguan (TE 5) 20 min after moxibustion with the intervention of 5 min was lower compared to that of 10, 15, and 20 min of moxibustion (P<0.001), with no significant differences between 10, 15, and 20 min of moxibustion (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When controlling the skin temperature at Waiguan (TE 5) within (44±1) °C, infrared mild moxibustion has similar effects on skin microcirculatory blood perfusion as traditional mild moxibustion with moxa sticks. From a dose-response perspective, microcirculation reached a stable state after 10 min of moxibustion, and moxibustion interventions lasting for more than 10 min shows better therapeutic effects.

Distribution of and Temporal Variation in Volatiles in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Flowers during the Opening Stages.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers emit a large amount of volatiles that attract pollinators. However, few studies have characterized temporal and spatial variation in tea floral volatiles. To investigate the distribution of volatiles within tea flowers and their variation among opening stages, volatile components from different parts of tea flowers and different opening stages were collected by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 51 volatile compounds of eight chemical classes were identified in the tea flowers. Volatile compounds were most abundant in tea flowers of the Shuchazao cultivar. Acetophenone, 1-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethanol, and benzyl alcohol were the most abundant volatiles. Terpenes were common in the sepals, and benzoids were common in the stamens. The fatty acid derivatives were mainly distributed in the pistils and receptacles and were less abundant in the petals, sepals, and stamens. During the opening phase of tea flowers, the volatile content increased 12-fold, which mainly stemmed from the increase in benzoids. These results enhance our understanding of the formation of volatiles in tea flowers.