Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on symptoms of dementia in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. / é«˜åŽ‹æ°§å¯¹æ€¥æ€§ä¸€æ°§åŒ–ç¢³ä¸­æ¯’è¿Ÿå‘æ€§è„‘ç— æ‚£è€ ç—´å‘†ç—‡çŠ¶çš„å½±å“ï¼ˆè‹±æ–‡ï¼‰.

OBJECTIVES: Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is the most severe complication of carbon monoxide poisoning, which seriously endangers patients' quality of life. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) on improving dementia symptoms in patients with DEACMP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on DEACMP patients, who visited Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from June 2014 to June 2020. Among them, patients who received conventional drug treatment combined with HBO2 treatment were included in an HBO2 group, while those who only received conventional drug treatment were included in a control group. HBO2 was administered once daily. Patients in the HBO2 group received 6 courses of treatment, with each course consisting of 10 sessions. The Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS) was used to diagnose dementia, and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was used to grade the severity of dementia for DEACMP. The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Section (ADAS-Cog), the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change-Plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC-Plus) were performed to assess cognitive function, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), behavioral and psychological symptoms, and overall function. The study further analyzed the results of objective examinations related to patients' dementia symptoms, including magnetic resonance imaging detection of white matter lesions and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). The changes of the above indicators before and after treatment, as well as the differences between the 2 groups after treatment were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the HDS score and CDR grading between the 2 groups before treatment (both P>0.05). After treatment, the score of ADAS-Cog, FAQ, NPI, and CIBIC Plus grading of the 2 groups were significantly improved, and the improvement of the above indicators in the HBO2 group was greater than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The effective rate of the HBO2 group in treating DEACMP was significantly higher than that of the control group (89.47% vs 65.87%, P<0.05). The objective examination results (white matter lesions and abnormal EEG) showed that the recovery of patients in the HBO2 group was better than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperbaric oxygen can significantly relieve the symptoms of dementia in patients with DEACMP.

A Study of Heat Shock Protein 90 and Serum CCL21 Expression in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the significance of heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90) and serum chemokine ligand 21 (CCL-21) in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: From June 2021 to June 2022, the study enrolled 100 women undergoing obstetric examinations and delivering in our hospital; 50 PE patients undergoing routine obstetric examinations and delivering during the same period were enrolled in the research group; according to the severity, they were divided into mild PE and severe PE groups, while 50 healthy pregnant women undergoing obstetric examinations and delivering in our hospital during the same period were enrolled in the control group. In a subsequent analysis, serum levels of CCL-21 and HSP90 were compared between the two groups, and the correlation among CCL-21, HSP 90, and PE severity was analyzed. Results: An overall total of 50 patients with PE were enrolled in the study, which included 32 patients with mild PE and 18 patients with severe PE. Patients with severe PE had lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), HSP 90, and CCL21 index levels than those with mild PE; MAP, HSP 90, and CCL21 in the severe PE group were higher than those in the mild PE group, but the difference was not statistically significant; In the research group, MAP was weakly correlated with HSP90 concentration and CCL21 concentration, with correlation coefficients of 0.33 and 0.30, respectively, and the correlation analysis was significant. Conclusion: Patients with PE showed significantly increased serum concentrations of HSP90 and CCL-21, but a significant difference did not exist between mild and severe PE. In addition, there was a weak relationship between HSP90 and CCL-21 concentrations in PE patients and MAP, suggesting that HSP90 and CCL-21 play an instrumental role in the pathogenesis of PE, although more studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms.

Correlation of Serum Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 21 and Heat Shock Protein 90 with Preeclampsia.

Objective: The study aimed to explore the correlation of serum chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 21 (CCL21) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: Between June 2021 and June 2022, 50 pregnant women with PE were included in the PE group, and 50 healthy pregnant women were included in the control group. The serum levels of CCL21 and Hsp90 were compared between the two groups. Results: PE patients showed significantly higher levels of CCL21 and Hsp90 than healthy pregnant women (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between CCL21 and Hsp90 levels (r > 0, (P < 0.05)). Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that high expression of CCL21 and Hsp90 were influencing factors for PE (OR >1, (P < 0.05)). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves of Hsp90 and CCL21 levels for predicting PE were 0.895 and 0.864, respectively, suggesting a good predictive value. Conclusion: Serum CCL21 and Hsp90 show great potential as disease markers for PE prediction. Further trials are, however, required prior to clinical promotion.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of effects of acupuncture on pain and function in non-specific low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) through systematic review of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Studies were identified in electronic databases from their inception to February 2018, and were grouped according to the control interventions. The outcomes of interest were pain intensity and disability. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias criteria and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) checklist. The review was reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS: 25 trials (n=7587 participants) were identified and included in a meta-analysis. The results showed that acupuncture was more effective at inducing pain relief than: no treatment (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.69, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.38); sham acupuncture in the immediate term (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.18), short term (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.77 to -0.17), and intermediate term (SMD -0.17, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.05); and usual care in the short term (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.81 to -0.33) and intermediate term (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.77 to -0.10). Also, adjunctive acupuncture with usual care was more effective than usual care alone at all time points studied. With regard to functional improvement, the analysis showed a significant difference between acupuncture and no treatment (SMD -0.94, 95% CI -1.57 to -0.30), whereas the other control therapies could not be assessed. CONCLUSION: We draw a cautious conclusion that acupuncture appears to be effective for NSLBP and that acupuncture may be an important supplement to usual care in the management of NSLBP.

Changes in regional cerebral blood flow with Chaihu-Shugan-San in the treatment of major depression.

BACKGROUND: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) is a well-known Chinese traditional prescription used for depression. OBJECTIVE: To observe the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes in patients with major depression and to investigate rCBF and clinical response to CHSGS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 unmedicated patients with major depression and 12 healthy comparison subjects underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. A total of 33 unmedicated patients with major depression all met the diagnostic criteria of stagnation of liver qi of traditional Chinese medicine and were divided into two groups: CHSGS group (n = 20) and fluoxetine group (n = 13). SPECT imaging was restudied in posttreatment. RESULTS: SPECT detected abnormalities in all (100.0%) patients both in CHSGS group and fluoxetine group. All healthy subjects were normal results. The depressed patients showed rCBF decreased in the multiple regions. The semiquantitative values of bilateral frontal and left temporal lobes both in CHSGS group and fluoxetine group were lower than that in healthy group (P < 0.05). Reexamined SPECT after 8 weeks treatment with CHSGS showed the consistency between the increase in perfusion defects and the improvement of clinical cerebral symptoms. The semiquantitative values increased in posttreatment, when compared with pretreatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SPECT represents a sensitive tool to detect the major depressive disorder, which show the rCBF decreased. rCBF perfusion defects can be reversed and clinical symptoms can be improved by CHSGS treatment. CHSGS treatment is effective, well-tolerated, and safe for depression. By semiquantitative analysis, SPECT can objectively detect rCBF changes that is useful for guiding treatment.

The effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San and its components on the expression of ERK5 in the hippocampus of depressed rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) is a well-known, Chinese traditional medicine used to treat depression. Little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of CSS. The main aims of the this study were to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and its components and further explore the CSS׳s effect upon signal transduction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) expressions in the hippocampus of rats with depression induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: Normal; Model; CSS; Component I; Component II; and Fluoxetine. Antidepressant-like effects of CSS and two of its constituents, Components I and II in aqueous extract, were assessed using rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) by measuring weight change, observing the open-field test and measuring sucrose water consumption. Antidepressant mechanism were examined by measuring the effect of CSS, and two of its constituents, on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) expression, phosphorylation-ERK5 (p-ERK5), and ERK5 mRNA in the hippocampus by using western blotting and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three preparations were prepared: (1) an aqueous extract of CSS (5.9 g/kg·d); (2) Component I (3.3 g/kg·d); and (3) Component II (2.6 g/kg·d). During the 28-day CUMS, the three preparations were intragastrically administered all three preparations. Simultaneously a parallel positive fluoxetine control group was given fluoxetine hydrochloride (1.8mg/kg·d). Normal and Model groups were intragastrically administered with a isovolumic distilled water (4.5 ml/kg·d). RESULTS: Depressed rats had decreased weight gain; decreased locomotor activity as measured by the open field test; and reduced sucrose consumption. The rats׳ hippocampus ERK5 activation was significantly suppressed. CSS reduced the incidence of depressive-like behaviors and increased ERK5 activation in depressed rats at the same rate as fluoxetine. Component I, and II, each had only a partial effect on the depression indicators measured. CONCLUSIONS: CSS aqueous extract has antidepressant-like effects on CUMS-induced depression model rats. The antidepressant effect of CSS is greater than that of either the two separate components measured. CSS׳s antidepressant mechanism may be mediated by reversing the stress-induced disruption of ERK5 activity.

[Comparison of different preparation methods of tanshinoneporous silica solid dispersion].

Porous silica was used as a carrier to prepare tanshinone solid dispersions (SDs). sThe effect of the spray drying method or the solvent method on the drug dissolution of SD was studied. The structure characteristics of SDs was analyzed by SEM, DSC,XPRD and FTIR. And in vitro dissolution was also investigated. The results showed that drugs were highly dispersed into SDs prepared by spray drying method and the solvent method in amorphous form. In addition, the results of the dissolution tested in vitro exhibited that the tanshinone I and tanshinone II A, accumulated dissolutions of SDs prepared using solvent achieved 80. 9% ,84. 6% and 86. 2% ,88. 7% within 45,60 min, respectively. And SDs prepared using spray-drying method were 92.7% ,95. 3% and 95. 8%, 97. 1% within 45,60 min, respectively. The tanshinone SDs were prepared successfully by spray drying method and solvent method. The SDs prepared by spray drying method was more conducive to improving the dissolution.

[Relationship between symptom stratification and syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine for depressive episode].

On the basis of medical literature review and clinical research experience, the authors analyzed the reasons for low recognition rate of depression and poor progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation of depression in this paper and put forward that depressive episode symptoms and the corresponding common terminology classification of Chinese and Western medicine should be the breakthrough points. Through symptom stratification and combination, as well as distinguishing between primary and secondary symptoms, the comprehensive integrative medicine clinical assessment of depression was explored so as to further obtain expert consensus and provide a methodology reference for the TCM differentiation of depression and the research of etiology and pathogenesis.

Effect of Chaihu Shugan San and its components on expression of ERK1/2 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the antidepressant effect and mechanism of Chaihu Shugan San (CHSGS) composition, a compound traditional Chinese herb medicine and its components. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, model control group, a CHSGS group, a component I group, a component II group and a fluoxetine control group. The depression model was replicated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and single house for 28 d. Behavioral scores of the rats were detected by Open-field test and sucrose solution consumption test, and ERK1/2 mRNA expression in the hippocampus tissue was assayed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. RESULTS: ERK1/2 mRNA expression was down-regulated in the depression model group compared with the normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ERK1/2 mRNA expression in the CHSGS group and fluoxetine group was both up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and only ERK1 mRNA expression in the component I group was up-regulated (P<0.05). No significant difference existed between the component II group and the model group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Isolated-living condition and chronic mild unpredictable stress can down-regulate the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA in the hippocampus tissue. CHSGS may exert an antidepressant effect through increasing the expression of ERK1/2 mRNA in the hippocampus, component I may play an important role in its antidepression effect, while compatibility of the use of component II can enhance the antidepressant efficacy.

[Effects of Chaihu Shugan San on behavior and plasma levels of corticotropin releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan San (CHSGS), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on behavior and plasma levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, untreated group, fluoxetine group and CHSGS group. Except the normal control group, rats were singly housed and exposed to an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor for continuous 4 weeks to induce depression. Since the fifteenth day, rats were intragastrically administered with equal volume agents respectively for 2 weeks [normal saline for the normal control group and the untreated group, fluoxetine (1.8 mg/kg) for the fluoxetine group and CHSGS (5.9 g/kg) for the CHSGS group]. Behavioral scores of rats were detected by open-field test and sucrose preference test, and the plasma levels of CRH and ACTH in different groups were detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, body weights of the rats in the untreated group were significantly decreased. Scores of crossing, rears and grooming in open-field test were reduced significantly. Pure water consumption in sucrose preference test was increased significantly. The levels of plasma CRH and ACTH were significantly increased. The depressive behaviors of the rats were improved significantly and the levels of plasma CRH and ACTH were obviously reduced in the CHSGS group. CONCLUSION: Chronic mild unpredicted mild stress can affect the neuroendocrine and behavior and cause depression in rats. CHSGS can regulate HPA hyperactivity of rats caused by chronic stress and has antidepressive effects.

[Differential proteomic analysis of thalamus in rats with diffuse axonal injury].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the differential expression of protein of thalamus in rats with diffuse axonal injury. METHODS: Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=10) and a trauma group (n=15). Total proteins of brain trauma tissue and normal brain tissue were extracted separately, and then proteins were separated by two dimensional gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. The differentially expressed protein spots were identified with biospectrometry. Images were analyzed by PDQuest 7.0. RESULTS: The distribution of protein spots in the trauma group was similar to that of the normal group, the matching rate was 95%, and the repeatability was good. Proteins were mainly displayed at pI 3-8, with relative molecular mass 14.4-75.0 kD. Compared with the normal group, 16 spots of proteins increased and 18 spots of proteins decreased in the trauma group. CONCLUSION: There is some difference in protein expression between the normal group and the trauma group. Brain trauma may lead to changes of proteins in the thalamus.

[Acupuncture at points of the liver and gallbladder meridians for treatment of migraine: a multi-center randomized and controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine. METHODS: Multi-central, randomized and controlled trial was used and 253 cases of migraine were divided into an acupuncture group and a western medicine group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Channels with Taichong (LR 3), Yang-lingquan (GB 34), Fengchi (GB 20), Ququan (LR 8) selected as main points, and the western medicine group with oral administration of Flunarizine tablets for 4 therapeutic courses. The total therapeutic effects 3 and 6 months after the treatment, the scores of various symptoms of migraine before and after treatment, and the stability of therapeutic effect in one-year following-up survey were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, mean times and duration of the headache attack were significantly improved in the two groups (all P < 0.01) with the acupuncture group better than the western medicine group (P < 0.05). The total effective rates for stopping pain after treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the acupuncture group were 93.0%, 93.0% and 87.7%, respectively, which were better than 85.6%, 86.5% and 69.2% in the western medication group (all P < 0.01). One year later, the stability of the therapeutic effect in the acupuncture group was better than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05); the adverse reaction and the compliance in the acupuncture group were significantly superior to those in the western medicine group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine is safe, effective, and with stable long-term therapeutic effect.

Steroidal glycosides from Dregea sinensis var. corrugata screened by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The MS fragmentation behavior of the C-21 steroidal glycosides from Dregea sinensis var. corrugata was investigated by positive and negative ion electrospray ionization MS using a multistage tandem mass spectrometer equipped with an ion trap analyzer. The mass fragmentation patterns of steroidal glycosides substituted with an orthoacetate group were summarized, and the fragmentation patterns were applied to the online structure identification of the steroidal glycosides in the extract. Eighteen new C-21 steroidal glycosides were identified by means of HPLC-HRESIMS and HPLC-DAD-ESIMS(n). Three new compounds (1, 4, and 7) were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESIMS(n), and their structures were elucidated by use of 1D and 2D NMR methods. The structures identified by MS are fully consistent with those elucidated by NMR data. The present study shows that HPLC-DAD-ESIMS(n) can be used as an effective tool to rapidly identify compounds and guide the isolation of target compounds from crude plant extracts.

Acupuncture at points of the liver and gallbladder meridians for treatment of migraine: a multi-center randomized and controlled study / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multi-central, randomized and controlled trial was used and 253 cases of migraine were divided into an acupuncture group and a western medicine group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Channels with Taichong (LR 3), Yang-lingquan (GB 34), Fengchi (GB 20), Ququan (LR 8) selected as main points, and the western medicine group with oral administration of Flunarizine tablets for 4 therapeutic courses. The total therapeutic effects 3 and 6 months after the treatment, the scores of various symptoms of migraine before and after treatment, and the stability of therapeutic effect in one-year following-up survey were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, mean times and duration of the headache attack were significantly improved in the two groups (all P < 0.01) with the acupuncture group better than the western medicine group (P < 0.05). The total effective rates for stopping pain after treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the acupuncture group were 93.0%, 93.0% and 87.7%, respectively, which were better than 85.6%, 86.5% and 69.2% in the western medication group (all P < 0.01). One year later, the stability of the therapeutic effect in the acupuncture group was better than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05); the adverse reaction and the compliance in the acupuncture group were significantly superior to those in the western medicine group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine is safe, effective, and with stable long-term therapeutic effect.</p>

Differential proteomic analysis of thalamus in rats with diffuse axonal injury / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the differential expression of protein of thalamus in rats with diffuse axonal injury.@*METHODS@#Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=10) and a trauma group (n=15). Total proteins of brain trauma tissue and normal brain tissue were extracted separately, and then proteins were separated by two dimensional gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. The differentially expressed protein spots were identified with biospectrometry. Images were analyzed by PDQuest 7.0.@*RESULTS@#The distribution of protein spots in the trauma group was similar to that of the normal group, the matching rate was 95%, and the repeatability was good. Proteins were mainly displayed at pI 3-8, with relative molecular mass 14.4-75.0 kD. Compared with the normal group, 16 spots of proteins increased and 18 spots of proteins decreased in the trauma group.@*CONCLUSION@#There is some difference in protein expression between the normal group and the trauma group. Brain trauma may lead to changes of proteins in the thalamus.

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture treatment of 30 cases of chronic hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the methods and therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on hepatitis B. METHODS: 60 hospitalized cases of mild or moderate hepatitis B were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). EA was applied at the points selected according to the differentiation of symptoms and signs. The treatment was given once daily for 30 minutes, and 2 weeks of treatments constituted a therapeutic course, with 2-3 courses on average in the treatment group. Conventional treatment for liver protection was given in the control group. RESULTS: As compared with the control group, the duration of the treatment for recovery of the hepatic functions was significantly shorter, and the IL-8 level significantly lower in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: In treating hepatitis B, EA is effective in improving symptoms, recovering hepatic functions, and regulating immune functions to certain extent.

[Studies on chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Adenanthera pavanina].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Adenanthera pavanina. METHOD: Various chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify the constituents. The structures were elucidated by chemical evidence and spectroscopic methods. RESULT: Nine compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the stems and leaves of A. pavanina and their structures were elucidated as aridanin (1), 3-[(2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-16alpha-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2), (+)-pinitol (3), sucrose (4), (-)-butin (5), apigenin (6), isoliquiritigenin 4-methyl ether (7), oleanolic acid (8), daucosterol (9). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Evidence from studies with N-ethyl-maleimide and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate that AP-1 and CREB are involved in the glucocorticoid activation of TRH gene expression in hypothalamic cultures.

To determine whether c-fos/c-jun (AP-1) and CREB mediate glucocorticoid stimulated TRH gene regulation, we investigated the effect of N-ethyl-maleimide (NEM), an alkylating agent, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on this process. NEM decreased while TPA increased TRH levels in rat hypothalamic culture, changes similar to their effects on CREB and Fos/Jun proteins in the AtT20 cell line. This suggests that glucocorticoid stimulation of TRH gene expression may be regulated by the AP-1 complex and CREB pathway.

Interaction between human topoisomerase I and a novel RING finger/arginine-serine protein.

The N-terminus of human topoisomerase I participates in the binding of this enzyme to helicases and other proteins. Using the N-terminal 250 amino acids of human topoisomerase I and a yeast two-hybrid/ in vitro binding screen, a novel arginine-serine-rich peptide was identified as a human topoisomerase I-binding protein. The corresponding full-length protein, named topors, contains a consensus RING zinc finger domain and nuclear localization signals in addition to the arginine-serine-rich region. The RING finger domain of topors is homologous to a similar domain in a family of viral proteins that are involved in the regulation of viral transcription. When expressed in HeLa cells as a green fluorescent protein fusion, topors localizes in the nucleus in a punctate pattern and co-immunoprecipitates with topoisomerase I. These data suggest that topors is involved in trans-cription, possibly recruiting topoisomerase I to RNA polymerase II transcriptional complexes.