Eucommia granules activate Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, and improve oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial injury in preeclampsia rats.

PURPOSE: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related complication. Eucommia is effective in the treatment of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, but the specific effects and possible mechanisms of Eucommia granules (EG) in PE remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of EG in PE rats. METHODS: Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 6): the control group, the model group, the low-dose group, the medium-dose group, and the high-dose group of EG. The PE model was established by subcutaneous injection of levonitroarginine methyl ester. Saline was given to the blank and model groups, and the Eucommia granules were given by gavage to the remaining groups. Blood pressure and urinary protein were detected. The body length and weight of the pups and the weight of the placenta were recorded. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), placental growth factor (PIGF), and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFIt-1) were measured in the placenta. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related protein expression was detected using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the PE rats treated with EG had lower blood pressure and urinary protein. The length and weight of the pups and placental weight were increased. Inflammation and necrosis in the placental tissue was improved. SOD level increased, MDA content and sFIt-1/PIGF ratio decreased, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related protein expression level increased. Moreover, the results of EG on PE rats increased with higher doses of EG. CONCLUSIONS: EG may activate the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular endothelial injury in PE rats, thereby improving the perinatal prognosis of preeclamptic rats. EG may inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular endothelial injury through activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in preeclampsia rats, thereby improving perinatal outcomes in PE rats.

[Buyang Huanwu Decoction promotes arteriogenesis after hindlimb ischemia in mice by activating PDGF signaling pathway].

This study aims to investigate the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on blood flow recovery and arteriogenesis after hindlimb ischemia in mice via the platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) signaling pathway. Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomized into model(clean water, 10 mL·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), beraprost sodium(positive control, 18 µg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose(10, 20, and 40 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1), respectively) Buyang Huanwu Decoction groups(n=8). The hindlimb ischemia model was established by femoral artery ligation. The mice were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage daily for 14 days after ligation. For laser Doppler perfusion imaging, the mice were anesthetized and measured under a Periscan PSI imager. The density of capillary and arterio-le in the ischemic gastrocnemius was measured using immunofluorescence staining of the frozen tissue sections. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of PDGF subunit B(PDGFB), phosphorylated mitogen extracellular kinase(p-MEK), MEK, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK), and ERK. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA level of PDGFB. The Buyang Huanwu Decoction-containing serum was used to treat the vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) in hypoxia at doses of 10% and 20%. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs was assessed in vitro. The results showed that compared with the model group, beraprost sodium and Buyang Huanwu Decoction enhanced the blood flow recovery, increased the capillary and arteriole density, and up-regulated the protein levels of PDGFB, p-MEK, p-ERK, and mRNA levels of PDGFB, with the medium-dose Buyang Huanwu Decoction demonstrating the most significant effect. The 10% Buyang Huanwu Decoction-containing serum enhanced the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Our findings demonstrate that Buyang Huanwu Decoction up-regulates PDGFB transcription and activates PDGF signaling pathway to promote arteriogenesis and blood flow recovery in ischemic gastrocnemius.

[Professor LI De-hua's experience in treating facial nerve injury after total parotidectomy with blade needle based on jingjin theory].

The paper summarizes the academic thought and clinical experience of professor LI De-hua in treatment of facial nerve injury after total parotidectomy with blade needle based on jingjin (muscle region of meridian, sinew/fascia) theory. This disease is located at muscle regions of hand-/foot-three yang meridians; and the sinew/fascia adhesion is its basic pathogenesis, manifested by "transversely-distributed collaterals" and "knotted tendons". In treatment, the knotted tendons are taken as the points. Using the relaxation technique of blade needle, the lesions of sinews/fascia are dissected and removed to release the stimulation or compression to the nerves and vessels so that the normal function of sinews/fascia can be restored.

Effects of a low-sodium diet in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) is one of the most common types of primary aldosteronism (PA), an important cause of hypertension. Although high dietary sodium is a major risk factor for hypertension, there is no consensus on the recommended dietary sodium intake for IHA. Objective: This study investigated the effect of a low-sodium diet on hemodynamic variables and relevant disease biomarkers in IHA patients, with the aim of providing a useful reference for clinical treatment. Methods: Fifty IHA patients were evenly randomized into two groups and provided, after a 7-day run-in period (100 mmol/d sodium), either a low-sodium diet (50 mmol/d sodium) or a normal sodium diet (100 mmol/d sodium) for an additional 7 days. After the 14-day intervention (conducted without potassium supplementation), changes in blood pressure (BP) and serum potassium were evaluated in both groups. Results: After the dietary intervention, the low sodium group exhibited, compared to the normal sodium group, decreased BP (SBP: 121.8 ± 12.8 vs. 129.9 ± 12.1 mmHg, p < 0.05; DBP: 82.6 ± 7.6 vs. 86.4 ± 8.2 mmHg, p < 0.05; MAP: 95.7 ± 8.8 vs. 100.9 ± 8.4 mmHg, p < 0.05) and increased serum potassium levels (3.38 ± 0.33 vs. 3.07 ± 0.27 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The low sodium group showed also better control of both BP and serum potassium: BP <140/90 mmHg in 70.0% of total patients (76.0% vs. 64.0%, in the low and normal sodium groups, respectively; p > 0.05), BP <130/85 mmHg in 38.0% of total patients (56.0% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.05), BP <120/80 mmHg in 28.0% of total patients (44.0% vs. 12.0%, p < 0.05); serum potassium ≥3.5 mmol/L in 22.0% of total patients (32.0% vs. 12.0% in the low and normal sodium groups, respectively; p = 0.088). There were differences between the controlled BP group (<120/80 mmHg) and the non-controlled BP group (≥120/80 mmHg) in gender, BP at baseline, and type of diet (low vs. normal sodium). Female gender and low-sodium diet were protective factors for BP control. Conclusions: A low-sodium diet is effective in lowering BP and elevating serum potassium in IHA patients. Female patients on a low-sodium diet are more likely to achieve BP control (<120/80 mmHg). We advocate a dietary sodium intake of 50 mmol/d for IHA patients. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT05649631.

Muscle co-contraction and pre-activation in knee and ankle joint during a typical Tai Chi brush-knee twist-step.

This study aimed to investigate the co-contraction and pre-activation of agonistic and antagonistic muscles in experienced Tai Chi (TC) practitioners during normal walking (NW) and brush-knee twist-step (BKTS). The electromyographic activities of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscles were collected during BKTS and NW in 28 TC practitioners. The pre-activation of knee and ankle joints before initial landing of left foot, and the co-contraction of knee and ankle joint in double-stance phase I (DSI), single-stance phase (SS), double-stance phase II (DSII), and swing phase (SW) were calculated during BKTS and NW. Ankle co-contraction significantly increased during DSI and SS in BKTS movements than compared with that in NW. For DSI and SW, SS and DSII, and DSII and SW, a significant difference was found in BKTS. The pre-activation of knee joint significantly decreased in BKTS and NW. This study indicated greater ankle joint muscle co-contraction in DSI and SS of stance phase and lower knee joint muscle co-contraction and pre-activation than in NW in BKTS movement. In addition, greater ankle joint muscle co-contraction was observed in the DSI, SS, and DSII of stance phase than those of swing phase in BKTS movement.

Investigate the metabolic profile and potential active compounds of Fructus Corni in the treatment of heart failure by applying ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and network pharmacology.

Fructus Corni has been reported to contain a wide variety of pharmacological effects and previous studies had revealed that Fructus Corni might protect the cardiac indices. However, the all-encompassing metabolic profile of Fructus Corni has not been well illuminated. In this research, high-sensitivity ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was adopted to identify the metabolic profile after oral administration of Fructus Corni extract, especially the metabolic characterization of serum and heart, for which the targets and signaling pathways about heart failure were hunted through compound-target-disease-pathway intersection network. Ultimately, 37 ingredients were identified in Fructus Corni extract, and 22 prototypes and 134 metabolites that were identified in serum, heart, feces, and urine were tentatively characterized, which contained iridoids, flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, and others. Additionally, 10 putative key compounds including four prototypes and six phase I metabolites were screened by network pharmacology and molecular docking, among which, secoxyloganin (P7), loganin (P14), cornuside III (P17) and cornuside (P20) were the absorbed compounds to represent the potential active ingredients of Fructus Corni engaged in heart failure condition. In general, this method provided the combined strategy to preliminarily settle the complex of Fructus Corni's metabolic profiling and anti-heart failure pharmacologic activities.

Shufeng Jiedu capsule ameliorates olfactory dysfunction via the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC) has been widely used as a conventional Chinese pharmaceutical agent for various upper respiratory infections, including acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome and allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its mechanism in AR remains unclear. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to decipher the antiallergic inflammatory effect of SFJDC in an AR model with olfactory dysfunction. Specifically, we wanted to explore whether SFJDC can improve the olfactory abnormality in AR mice and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB). METHODS: To address the above issues, we constructed an AR model using C57BL/6 mice, which were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection. SFJDC (0.045 or 0.18 g/kg) was delivered by gavage administration 1 h prior to the intraperitoneal injection of OVA. The control mice received saline alone. Then, the animals were assessed according to the presence of nasal symptoms and nasal inflammation, and a buried food test was used to evaluate olfactory function. The levels of proteins involved in the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway in the OE and OB were investigated by western blotting and fluorescence staining. RESULTS: After OVA induction of AR and drug administration, we found that SFJDC significantly ameliorated the nasal symptoms and allergic inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa superior to cetirizine. A behavioural test indicated that the mice with AR had olfactory dysfunction, and SFJDC can ameliorate this behavior deficiency. Meanwhile, SFJDC clearly reduced the neuroinflammation level in OE tissue. In addition, SFJDC increased p-mTOR and decreased p-AMPK, beclin1, LC3 and cleaved caspase-3 levels in the OE. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to antibacterial and antiviral activities, SFJDC has marked anti-inflammatory effects in AR mice. Its mechanism of action in the nasal cavity involves inhibition of upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of autophagy and apoptosis levels and regulation of autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway in the OE tissue of AR mice. Hence, SFJDC is a promising drug for AR, and clinical trials should further validate the therapeutic impact of SFJDC on AR with olfactory dysfunction.

Exploring the effects of peripheral sensibility on visuospatial and postural capacities during goal-directed movements in long-term Tai Chi practitioners.

Background: Falls are directly related to visuospatial ability and postural stability. Perturbations of upper body movements pose a challenge to older adults and may cause falls. This study investigated visuospatial ability and postural stability during goal-directed upper body movements between the Tai Chi and control groups and tried to connect them with their sensations. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven older adults were recruited to perform the touch (TT) and blind touch (BTT) tasks. The target positioning error (TPE), ankle proprioception, tactile sensation, time to stabilization (TTS), and maximum displacement (Dmax) of the center of pressure trajectory were compared between the groups during the tasks. The relationships of visuospatial ability and postural stability to proprioception and tactile sensation were investigated. Results: Dmax in the mediolateral (DmaxML) direction decreased during BTT compared to TT among the Tai Chi group but not the control group. Compared to the control group, less Dmax in the anterio-posterior (DmaxAP) direction, and shorter TTS in AP/ML (TTSAP/TTSML) directions were observed among the Tai Chi group. Compared to TT, DmaxAP decreased during the BTT. The Tai Chi group had less TPE in the vertical (TPEV) direction and in three-dimensional space. Among the Tai Chi group, TPEV, TTSML, and DmaxAP were correlated to their proprioception during plantarflexion; TTSAP was correlated to tactile sensation at the great toe during the TT and BTT; DmaxAP was correlated to tactile sensation at the great toe during the TT. Among the control group, TTSML was correlated to ankle proprioception during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion during the BTT. Conclusion: Long-term Tai Chi practitioners exhibited superior visuospatial ability and postural stability during goal-directed upper body movements, which was associated with sensitive proprioception and tactile sensation.

Explore the Potential Ingredients for Detoxification of Honey-Fired Licorice (ZGC) Based on the Metabolic Profile by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Licorice is well known for its ability to reduce the toxicity of the whole prescription in traditional Chinese medicine theory. However, honey-fired licorice (ZGC for short), which is made of licorice after being stir-fried with honey water, is more commonly used for clinical practice. The metabolism in vivo and detoxification-related compounds of ZGC have not been fully elucidated. In this work, the chemical constituents in ZGC and its metabolic profile in rats were both identified by high ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential detoxifying ingredients of ZGC. As a result, a total of 115 chemical compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in ZGC aqueous extract, and 232 xenobiotics (70 prototypes and 162 metabolites) were identified in serum, heart, liver, kidneys, feces, and urine. Furthermore, 41 compounds absorbed in serum, heart, liver, and kidneys were employed for exploring the detoxification of ZGC by network pharmacology. Ultimately, 13 compounds (five prototypes including P5, P24, P30, P41 and P44, and 8 phase Ⅰ metabolites including M23, M47, M53, M93, M100, M106, M118, and M134) and nine targets were anticipated to be potential mediums regulating detoxification actions. The network pharmacology analysis had shown that the ZGC could detoxify mainly through regulating the related targets of cytochrome P450 and glutathione. In summary, this study would help reveal potential active ingredients in vivo for detoxification of ZGC and provided practical evidence for explaining the theory of traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology.

[Tianma Gouteng Decoction regulates MFN2 expression to delay vascular aging in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

We studied the effect of Tianma Gouteng Decoction on vascular aging in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) to explore the molecular mechanism of the decoction in improving arterial vascular aging by regulating the expression of mitofusin 2(MFN2).Twenty 64-weeks-old SHRs were randomly assigned into the aging group and the treatment group(Tianma Gouteng Decoction 5.48 mg·kg~(-1)).Wistar-Kyoto(WKY) rats of 64 weeks old were taken as the normal group and SHR rats of 14 weeks old as the young group.The intervention with Tianma Gouteng Decoction lasted for 12 weeks.We then employed HE staining and Masson staining to observe the morphology of thoracic aorta under an electron microscope and measured the malondialdehyde(MDA) content, superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, respiratory chain complex Ⅲ level, and thioredoxin peroxidase(TPX) activity.The vascular aging was detected via the biomarker senescence-associated beta-galactosidase(SA-ß-Gal).The expression levels of MFN2 and aging marker proteins silent information regulator 1(SIRT1), Klotho, p21, and p53 in thoracic aorta were detected by immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot.Compared with the young group and the normal group, the aging group had risen blood pressure, lumen stenosis caused by thickened intima of blood vessels, decreased SOD and TPX activities, increased MDA and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ levels, down-regulated expression of MFN2, SIRT1, and Klotho, and up-regulated expression of p21 and p53(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The treatment with Tianma Gouteng Decoction significantly lowered blood pressure, mitigated vascular intimal thickening, increased SOD and TPX activities, and decreased MDA and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ levels, thus alleviating vascular aging.At the same time, the decoction up-regulated the expression of MFN2, SIRT1, and Klotho, while down-regulated that of p21 and p53(P<0.01 or P<0.05).In summary, Tianma Gouteng Decoction can significantly delay the vascular aging in hypertension.Specifically, it may up-regulate the expression of MFN2 and regulate the expression of aging-related proteins to alleviate oxidative stress.

Effects of Tai Chi on the neuromuscular function of the patients with functional ankle instability: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ankle instability limits physical activities and undermines a person's quality of life. Tai Chi's health benefits have been reported in different population groups. However, the effects of Tai Chi on neuromuscular function among young adults with functional ankle instability (FAI) remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on young adults with FAI. METHODS: This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors. A total of 104 young adults with FAI will be recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants in the simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STCEP) group will receive a 12-week Tai Chi training. The participants in the control group will receive a low-intensity exercise program and health education for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Primary outcome measures will include the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, kinematics/kinetics data, electromyography during single-leg landing tasks, and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Secondary outcome measures will include the total time of Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT), ankle muscle strength, and ankle proprioception. DISCUSSION: This study will investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the neuromuscular function of patients with FAI, as indicated by ankle joint biomechanics, ankle proprioception, balance, ankle muscle strength, and ankle muscle activation. Results will demonstrate that Tai Chi can be an effective exercise for young adults with FAI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100044089 . Registered on 10 March 2021.

TOB1 Blocks Intestinal Mucosal Inflammation Through Inducing ID2-Mediated Suppression of Th1/Th17 Cell Immune Responses in IBD.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: TOB1 is an anti-proliferative protein of Tob/BTG family and typically involved in the tumorigenesis and T cell activation. Although TOB1 is associated with T helper 17 cell-related autoimmunity, its role in modulating T cell-mediated immune responses in IBD remains poorly understood. Here, we explored its expression and the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: TOB1 and ID2 expression in IBD patients was examined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. IBD CD4+ T cells were transfected with lentivirus expressing TOB1, ID2, TOB1 short hairpin RNA and ID2 short hairpin RNA, respectively, and Tob1-/-CD4+ T cells were transfected with lentivirus expressing Id2. Experimental colitis was established in Tob1-/- mice by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema and in Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with Tob1-/-CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells to further explore the role of Tob1 in intestinal mucosal inflammation. Splenic CD4+ T cells of Tob1-/- mice were sorted to determine transcriptome differences by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: TOB1 expression was decreased in inflamed mucosa and peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of IBD patients compared with healthy subjects. Overexpression of TOB1 downregulated IBD CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th1/Th17 cells compared with control subjects. Severe colitis was observed in Tob1-/- mice through trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema or in Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with Tob1-/-CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells, compared with control animals. RNA sequencing analysis revealed ID2 as functional target of TOB1 to inhibit IBD CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1/Th17 cells. Mechanistically, TOB1 was associated with Smad4/5 to induce ID2 expression and restrain Th1/Th17 cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: TOB1 restrains intestinal mucosal inflammation through suppressing Th1/Th17 cell-mediated immune responses via the Smad4/5-ID2 pathway. It may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of human IBD.

Detection of an anti-angina therapeutic module in the effective population treated by a multi-target drug Danhong injection: a randomized trial.

It's a challenge for detecting the therapeutic targets of a polypharmacological drug from variations in the responsed networks in the differentiated populations with complex diseases, as stable coronary heart disease. Here, in an adaptive, 31-center, randomized, double-blind trial involving 920 patients with moderate symptomatic stable angina treated by 14-day Danhong injection(DHI), a kind of polypharmacological drug with high quality control, or placebo (0.9% saline), with 76-day following-up, we firstly confirmed that DHI could increase the proportion of patients with clinically significant changes on angina-frequency assessed by Seattle Angina Questionnaire (ΔSAQ-AF ≥ 20) (12.78% at Day 30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.86-19.71%, P = 0.0003, 13.82% at Day 60, 95% CI 6.82-20.82%, P = 0.0001 and 8.95% at Day 90, 95% CI 2.06-15.85%, P = 0.01). We also found that there were no significant differences in new-onset major vascular events (P = 0.8502) and serious adverse events (P = 0.9105) between DHI and placebo. After performing the RNA sequencing in 62 selected patients, we developed a systemic modular approach to identify differentially expressed modules (DEMs) of DHI with the Zsummary value less than 0 compared with the control group, calculated by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and sketched out the basic framework on a modular map with 25 functional modules targeted by DHI. Furthermore, the effective therapeutic module (ETM), defined as the highest correlation value with the phenotype alteration (ΔSAQ-AF, the change in SAQ-AF at Day 30 from baseline) calculated by WGCNA, was identified in the population with the best effect (ΔSAQ-AF ≥ 40), which is related to anticoagulation and regulation of cholesterol metabolism. We assessed the modular flexibility of this ETM using the global topological D value based on Euclidean distance, which is correlated with phenotype alteration (r2: 0.8204, P = 0.019) by linear regression. Our study identified the anti-angina therapeutic module in the effective population treated by the multi-target drug. Modular methods facilitate the discovery of network pharmacological mechanisms and the advancement of precision medicine. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01681316).

Effects of Eight Methods and Five Steps of Tai Chi Practice on Balance Control Among Older Adults.

The team developed the newly compiled eight methods and five steps of Tai Chi (EMFSTC), which includes introductory routines to Tai Chi characterized by simple structures. This study examined the effectiveness of EMFSTC practice on balance control. A total of 31 participants were randomly assigned to EMFSTC (n = 15, age = 66.4 ± 1.7 years, received 16-week EMFSTC practice) or control (n = 16, age = 66.7 ± 1.8 years, received no practice) groups. Significant group by training interactions were observed. After EMFSTC practice, balance control improved, as indicated by decreased root mean square and mean velocity of center of pressure, proprioception threshold during knee extension, and plantar tactile sensitivity threshold at the arch. EMFSCT can be an effective rehabilitation modality to improve balance control among older adults.

Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside Ameliorated TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats via Regulating Th17/Treg Balance in Intestinal Mucosa.

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TWP), a derivative from a Chinese traditional herb, on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, in a model for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in rats. METHODS: TWP was administrated to Wistar rats during TNBS-induced colitis to determine its therapeutic effect on active inflammation using the Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells were isolated from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and incubated with TWP to verify its immune regulation mechanism by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Intragastric administration of TWP attenuated the severity of intestinal inflammation in TNBS-induced rat colitis, characterized by decreased DAI, histopathological scores, and expression of IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, and IL-17A in intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, TWP reduced IL-17A+CD4+ T-cells, while enhanced Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ T-cells in peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and spleen in rat colitis. Downstream signaling including ROR-γt, STAT3, and HIF1α expression in intestinal mucosa were suppressed by TWP. In addition, incubation with TWP suppressed IL-17A+CD4+ T-cell differentiation, while it promoted Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ T-cell differentiation in CD4+ T-cells isolated from UC patients. CONCLUSION: TWP successfully ameliorated experimental rat colitis via regulating innate immune responses as well as Th17/Treg balance in intestinal mucosa, peripheral blood, MLN, and spleen. Moreover, the differentiation of peripheral blood CD4+ T-cell isolated from patients with UC was modulated by TWP. TWP may act as an optional complementary and alternative medicine for IBD.

MR T1 mapping for quantifying brain manganese deposition in type C hepatic encephalopathy rats.

To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) T1 mapping for quantifying brain manganese (Mn) deposition in type C hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) rats and to investigate the mechanism of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) therapy. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into normal control group (NC, n = 6) and CHE groups (n = 24). Thioacetamide (TAA) was used for modeling CHE rats. CHE groups were further divided into 4 subgroups: TAA group, MgSO4 low dose (Mg-L) group, MgSO4 high dose (Mg-H) group and deionized water (DW) group (n = 6 for each group). TAA, Mg-L, Mg-H and DW groups were received intraperitoneal injections of 250 mg TAA/kg, twice a week for 8 weeks. Mg-L and Mg-H groups were orally received MgSO4 of 124 and 248 mg/kg daily, respectively, for another 8 weeks (without TAA). MR T1 mapping was performed in NC, TAA, Mg-L, Mg-H and DW groups at various time points. T1 value and Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum were evaluated. Morris water maze (MWM) and narrow beat test (NBT) were utilized to evaluate rats' learning, memory and motor ability. Contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and calcium-binding adaptor 1 protein (Iba1) were evaluated. Reduced T1 values in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively); increased Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (all P < 0.05); reduced times of head contacting with region of interest (ROI), reduced times of entrance into the target quadrant (both P < 0.05); increased NBT total time (P < 0.05); increased brain contents of IL-6 (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P < 0.01) and over-expression of Iba1 were found in TAA group compared to NC group. After treated by MgSO4, increased T1 value and reduced Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (all P < 0.01); increased times of head contacting with ROI, increased times of entrance into the target quadrant (both P < 0.05); reduced NBT total time (P < 0.01); reduced brain content of IL-6, TNF-α (both P < 0.05) and reduced expression of Iba1 were found. T1 values were negatively correlated with Mn contents in basal ganglia (r = - 0.834, P < 0.01), hippocampus (r = - 0.739, P < 0.05), cortex (r = - 0.801, P < 0.05) and cerebellum (r = - 0.788, P < 0.05). T1 mapping could quantify brain Mn deposition in CHE rats. MgSO4 could improve cognition and motor ability of CHE rats by reducing brain Mn deposition, alleviating neurological inflammation and achieve the effective therapy for CHE. Mn may participate in the pathogenesis of CHE through neuroinflammation.

Effects of a 16-week Tai Chi intervention on cutaneous sensitivity and proprioception among older adults with and without sensory loss.

This study investigated the effects of a 16-week Tai Chi (TC) intervention on cutaneous sensitivity and proprioception among older adults with and without sensory loss. Thirty-six older adults were divided into sensory loss and control groups, and they underwent a 16-week TC intervention. Significant interactions were detected in heel cutaneous sensitivity (p = 0.046, F = 4.419) and knee flexion (p = 0.043, F = 4.580), extension (p = 0.027, F = 5.529) and ankle plantar-flexion proprioception (p = 0.037, F = 4.860). The post hoc test indicated that in the sensory loss group, heel cutaneous sensitivity threshold (p = 0.034) and knee flexion (p = 0.004), extension (p = 0.002) and ankle plantar-flexion (p = 0.023) proprioception threshold decreased at week 17, whereas in the control group, knee flexion (p = 0.029) proprioception threshold decreased at week 17. TC intervention improved cutaneous sensitivity at more sites and proprioception in more joints among the older adults with sensory loss. TC intervention is a good option for older adults to exercise, and it is more effective among older adults with sensory loss.

Tai Chi practitioners have lower fall risks under dual-task conditions during stair descending.

Stairs are among the most hazardous locations, and stair descending contributes to a high risk of falls among the elderly under dual-task (DT) conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the practitioners of Tai Chi (TC), one type of mind-body exercise, have lower fall risks under DT conditions during stair descending, compared with their no-exercise (NE) counterparts. Fifteen TC practitioners with at least 10 years of experience in TC and fifteen NE participants were recruited in this study. They were asked to descend a six-step staircase under single-task (ST) and DT conditions. An eight-camera motion analysis system and two force plates were used for data collection. Results showed group by DT interactions in walking velocity (p = 0.016) and center of mass-center of pressure inclination angle (COM-COP IA) in the anteroposterior directions (p = 0.026). Group effects observed with foot clearance (p = 0.031), trunk (p = 0.041) and head (p = 0.002) tilt angles, and COM-COP IA in the mediolateral (p = 0.006) directions. Significant DT effects only detected in foot clearance (p = 0.004). Although both groups of participants adopted a more cautious gait strategy under the dual-task condition, the TC practitioners were less influenced by the DT paradigm than their NE counterparts. Our observations indicated that TC practitioners have lower fall risks under DT conditions during stair descending.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed novel potential therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine (Pinggan-Qianyang decoction) on vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Both experimental and clinical studies have revealed satisfactory effects with the traditional Chinese formula Pinggan Qianyang decoction (PGQYD) for improving vascular remodeling caused by essential hypertension. The present study explored various therapeutic targets of PGQYD using mRNA transcriptomics. METHODS: In this study, rats were randomly divided into three groups: Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; normal control), spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and PGQYD-treated rat groups. After 12 weeks of PGQYD treatment, behavioral tests were employed and the morphology of thoracic aortas were examined with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining and electron microscopy. The mRNA expression profiles were identified with RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time PCR to validate changes in gene expression observed with microarray analysis. The gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were carried out to predict gene function and gene co-expressions. Pathway networks were constructed to identify the hub biomarkers, which were further validated by western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: After PGQYD treatment, the behavioral tests and histological and morphological findings of vascular remodeling were obviously meliorated compared with the SHR group. In the rat thoracic aorta tissues, 626 mRNAs with an exact match were identified. A total of 129 of mRNAs (fold change > 1.3 and P-value < 0.05) were significantly changed in the SHR group compared to the WKY group. Among them, 16 mRNAs were markedly regulated by PGQYD treatment and validated with quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, target prediction and bioinformatics analyses revealed that these mRNAs could play therapeutic roles through biological processes for regulating cell metabolic processes (such as glycation biology), biological adhesions, rhythmic processes, and cell autophagy. The cellular signaling pathways involved in autophagy may be AGE-RAGE/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study provides novel insights for future investigations to explore the mechanisms by which PGQYD may effectively inhibit vascular remodeling by activating the AGE-RAGE/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway in cell autophagy biology.

Evaluation on curative effects of combined acupuncture plus physical therapy for treating idiopathic facial paralysis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present study primarily aims to evaluate how effective acupuncture combined with physical therapy for the treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched (1946 to September 2020), the EMBASE data were also searched (January 1946 to September 2020), moreover, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was searched (all years), and finally, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was also included in the searching of electronic databases. The searching of publications did not include any language constraints. The titles and abstracts were scrutinized by a pair of authors to identify relevant studies. The efficacy of the association in the combination of acupuncture and physical therapy as a method of treatment for idiopathic facial paralysis was evaluated according to the pooled risk ratio (RR), mean differences (MD), or standardized mean difference (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A pair of authors conducted an autonomous risk assessment of the bias that would be introduced when the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool is used. A pair of authors autonomously extracted data with the aid of a customized data extraction form. The RevMan 5.3 statistical analysis software was utilized for conducting the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The final results will be presented in a scientific journal that will be peer-reviewed. CONCLUSION: It is expected that the proposed systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture combined with physical therapy for treating idiopathic facial paralysis will provide reliable evidence for clinical application. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RPCSE (https://osf.io/rpcse/).