Phenylalanine hydroxylase variants interact with the co-chaperone DNAJC12.

DNAJC12, a type III member of the HSP40/DNAJ family, has been identified as the specific co-chaperone of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and the other aromatic amino acid hydroxylases. DNAJ proteins work together with molecular chaperones of the HSP70 family to assist in proper folding and maintenance of intracellular stability of their clients. Autosomal recessive mutations in DNAJC12 were found to reduce PAH levels, leading to hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in patients without mutations in PAH. In this work, we investigated the interaction of normal wild-type DNAJC12 with mutant PAH in cells expressing several PAH variants associated with HPA in humans, as well as in the Enu1/1 mouse model, homozygous for the V106A-Pah variant, which leads to severe protein instability, accelerated PAH degradation and mild HPA. We found that mutant PAH exhibits increased ubiquitination, instability, and aggregation compared with normal PAH. In mouse liver lysates, we showed that DNAJC12 interacts with monoubiquitin-tagged PAH. This form represented a major fraction of PAH in the Enu1/1 but was also present in liver of wild-type PAH mice. Our results support a role of DNAJC12 in the processing of misfolded ubiquitinated PAH by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome/autophagy systems and add to the evidence that the DNAJ proteins are important players both for proper folding and degradation of their clients.

Surgical management of 142 cases of split cord malformations associated with osseous divide.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the key surgical points in treating split cord malformations associated with osseous divide and scoliosis (SCM-OD-S). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical options and methods of a total of 142 SCM-OD-S cases were retrospectively analyzed, and the surgical precautions and imaging diagnosis were also discussed. RESULTS: The 142 patients were performed osseous divide resection plus dural sac molding, which achieved good results and no serious complication such as spinal cord and nerve injury occurred; certain symptoms such as urination-defecation disorders, muscle strength subsidence, Pes Cavus, and toe movement disorder in partial patients achieved various degrees of relief, and it also created good conditions for next-step treatment against scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of SCM-OD mainly depended on imaging inspection, routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with computed tomography (CT) 3D reconstruction, which can comprehensively evaluate the types and features of diastematomyelia as well as other concomitant diseases. SCM alone needed no treatment, but surgery will be the only means of treating SCM-OD. Intraoperatively removing osseous divide step-by-step, as well as carefully freeing the spinal cord and remodeling the dural sac, can lay good foundations for relieving tethered cord, improving neurological symptoms, and further scoliosis orthomorphia, thus particularly exhibiting importance for the growth and development of adolescents.

Coenzyme Q10 prevents peripheral neuropathy and attenuates neuron loss in the db-/db- mouse, a type 2 diabetes model.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here we studied some phenotypic features of a well-established animal model of type 2 diabetes, the leptin receptor-deficient db(-)/db(-) mouse, and also the effect of long-term (6 mo) treatment with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an endogenous antioxidant. Diabetic mice at 8 mo of age exhibited loss of sensation, hypoalgesia (an increase in mechanical threshold), and decreases in mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and sciatic nerve conduction velocity. All these changes were virtually completely absent after the 6-mo, daily CoQ10 treatment in db(-)/db(-) mice when started at 7 wk of age. There was a 33% neuronal loss in the lumbar 5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of the db(-)/db(-) mouse versus controls at 8 mo of age, which was significantly attenuated by CoQ10. There was no difference in neuron number in 5/6-wk-old mice between diabetic and control mice. We observed a strong down-regulation of phospholipase C (PLC) ß3 in the DRGs of diabetic mice at 8 mo of age, a key molecule in pain signaling, and this effect was also blocked by the 6-mo CoQ10 treatment. Many of the phenotypic, neurochemical regulations encountered in lumbar DRGs in standard models of peripheral nerve injury were not observed in diabetic mice at 8 mo of age. These results suggest that reactive oxygen species and reduced PLCß3 expression may contribute to the sensory deficits in the late-stage diabetic db(-)/db(-) mouse, and that early long-term administration of the antioxidant CoQ10 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes neuropathy.

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits 1 and 2 are down-regulated in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and spinal cord after peripheral axotomy.

BACKGROUND: Increased nociceptive neuronal excitability underlies chronic pain conditions. Various ion channels, including sodium, calcium and potassium channels have pivotal roles in the control of neuronal excitability. The members of the family of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, GIRK1-4, have been implicated in modulating excitability. Here, we investigated the expression and distribution of GIRK1 and GIRK2 in normal and injured dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal cord of rats. RESULTS: We found that ~70% of the DRG neurons expressed GIRK1, while only <10% expressed GIRK2. The neurochemical profiles of GIRK1- and GIRK2-immunoreactive neurons were characterized using the neuronal markers calcitonin gene-related peptide, isolectin-B4 and neurofilament-200, and the calcium-binding proteins calbindin D28k, calretinin, parvalbumin and secretagogin. Both GIRK subunits were expressed in DRG neurons with nociceptive characteristics. However, while GIRK1 was widely expressed in several sensory neuronal subtypes, GIRK2 was detected mainly in a group of small C-fiber neurons. In the spinal dorsal horn, GIRK1- and -2-positive cell bodies and processes were mainly observed in lamina II, but also in superficial and deeper layers. Abundant GIRK1-, but not GIRK2-like immunoreactivity, was found in the ventral horn (laminae VI-X). Fourteen days after axotomy, GIRK1 and GIRK2 were down-regulated in DRG neurons at the mRNA and protein levels. Both after axotomy and rhizotomy there was a reduction of GIRK1- and -2-positive processes in the dorsal horn, suggesting a presynaptic localization of these potassium channels. Furthermore, nerve ligation caused accumulation of both subunits on both sides of the lesion, providing evidence for anterograde and retrograde fast axonal transport. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that reduced GIRK function is associated with increased neuronal excitability and causes sensory disturbances in post-injury conditions, including neuropathic pain.

Somatostatin and its 2A receptor in dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of mouse and human: expression, trafficking and possible role in pain.

BACKGROUND: Somatostatin (SST) and some of its receptor subtypes have been implicated in pain signaling at the spinal level. In this study we have investigated the role of SST and its sst2A receptor (sst2A) in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal cord. RESULTS: SST and sst2A protein and sst2 transcript were found in both mouse and human DRGs, sst2A-immunoreactive (IR) cell bodies and processes in lamina II in mouse and human spinal dorsal horn, and sst2A-IR nerve terminals in mouse skin. The receptor protein was associated with the cell membrane. Following peripheral nerve injury sst2A-like immunoreactivity (LI) was decreased, and SST-LI increased in DRGs. sst2A-LI accumulated on the proximal and, more strongly, on the distal side of a sciatic nerve ligation. Fluorescence-labeled SST administered to a hind paw was internalized and retrogradely transported, indicating that a SST-sst2A complex may represent a retrograde signal. Internalization of sst2A was seen in DRG neurons after systemic treatment with the sst2 agonist octreotide (Oct), and in dorsal horn and DRG neurons after intrathecal administration. Some DRG neurons co-expressed sst2A and the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor on the cell membrane, and systemic Oct caused co-internalization, hypothetically a sign of receptor heterodimerization. Oct treatment attenuated the reduction of pain threshold in a neuropathic pain model, in parallel suppressing the activation of p38 MAPK in the DRGs CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight a significant and complex role of the SST system in pain signaling. The fact that the sst2A system is found also in human DRGs and spinal cord, suggests that sst2A may represent a potential pharmacologic target for treatment of neuropathic pain.

Doping hydroxylated cationic lipid into PEGylated cerasome boosts in vivo siRNA transfection efficacy.

The therapeutic application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) requires safe nanocarriers for specific and efficient delivery in vivo. Herein, PEGylated cationic cerasomes (PCCs) were fabricated by doping a cationic lipid with a hydroxyl group into nanohybrid cerasomes. Multiple properties of PCCs provide a solution to many of the limitations associated with current platforms for the delivery of siRNA. The polyorganosiloxane surface imparts PCCs with higher morphological stability than conventional liposomes. The PEGylation of the cationic cerasome could protect the cerasome nanoparticles from agglomeration and macrophage capture, reduce protein absorption, and consequently prolong the blood circulating time and enhance the siRNA delivery efficiency. In addition, incorporation of the lipid containing a hydroxyl group further facilitates endosome release. Moreover, PCCs were further used to transport siRNA into the cytosol primarily via endocytosis. When applied to systemic administration, PCCs have demonstrated effective delivery into the liver and preferential uptake by hepatocytes in mice, thereby leading to high siRNA gene-silencing activity. All these results show potential therapeutic applications of PCCs-mediated delivery of siRNA for liver diseases.

Dural arteriovenous fistula with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: This paper analyzed the cases of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) in the diagnosis and treatment process. CASE PRESENTATION: One case involving dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) from the 306th Hospital of PLA was retrospectively analyzed. The patient consulted the doctor due to lower limb sensory and motor disorders while exhibiting symptoms of urinary dysfunction. A computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), necessitating surgical treatment. The patient was referred to our hospital for an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a spinal angiography to obtain a confirmed diagnosis for spinal arteriovenous fistula, after which they underwent surgical fistula resection. The invasive intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) resection proceeded smoothly but did not ease the patient's symptoms. However, postoperative symptoms were partially relieved by the lumbar open spinal dural arteriovenous fistula adminstration. CONCLUSIONS: Since not enough is understood about these two diseases, the rate of misdiagnosis is significantly increased. Early diagnosis and treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) can play a positive role during the recovery from neural function damage.

[Application of femoral I.D.E.A.L localization in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with single bundle anterior cruciate ligament].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of femoral I.D.E.A.L localization in single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: From January 2019 to October 2022, 122 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury were treated with ACLR, including 83 males and 39 females. The age ranged from 23 to 43 years old, with an average of (32.19 ±8.55) years old. The course of disease ranged from 1 week to 6 months. According to the different surgical schemes, the patients were divided into two groups, namely the traditional group, which adopted the over-the-top femoral lateral positioning scheme, including 64 patients. The I.D.E.A.L group adopted the I.D.E.A.L femoral lateral positioning scheme, including 58 patients. The patient has pain and dysfunction of knee joint before operation. MRI of knee joint indicates anterior cruciate ligament injury. The visual analogue scale(VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC) scoring system and Lysholm scoring system were used to evaluate the knee joint function of the patient. KT-2000 was used to detect the recovery of knee joint after operation and to count the postoperative complications. RESULTS: The wounds healed well after operation. One hundred and twenty-tow patients were followed up for 15 to 46 months, with an average of (25.45±9.22) months. The knee joint stability of patients after operation was significantly increased. The VAS at 1 day and 1 week after operation of patients in the I.D.E.A.L group was significantly lower than that in the traditional group(P<0.05). The IKDC score and Lysholm score of patients in the I.D.E.A.L group were significantly higher than those in the traditional group(P<0.05). In the traditional group, there were 6 cases of short-term (<1 month) complications and 19 cases of long-term (≥1 month)complicatios. In the I.D.E.A.L group, there were 3 cases of short-term complications and 7cases of long-term complications(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and femoral I.D.E.A.L positioning can achieve better early postoperative effect and reduce early postoperative pain.

Secretagogin is expressed in sensory CGRP neurons and in spinal cord of mouse and complements other calcium-binding proteins, with a note on rat and human.

BACKGROUND: Secretagogin (Scgn), a member of the EF-hand calcium-binding protein (CaBP) superfamily, has recently been found in subsets of developing and adult neurons. Here, we have analyzed the expression of Scgn in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and trigeminal ganglia (TGs), and in spinal cord of mouse at the mRNA and protein levels, and in comparison to the well-known CaBPs, calbindin D-28k, parvalbumin and calretinin. Rat DRGs, TGs and spinal cord, as well as human DRGs and spinal cord were used to reveal phylogenetic variations. RESULTS: We found Scgn mRNA expressed in mouse and human DRGs and in mouse ventral spinal cord. Our immunohistochemical data showed a complementary distribution of Scgn and the three CaBPs in mouse DRG neurons and spinal cord. Scgn was expressed in ~7% of all mouse DRG neuron profiles, mainly small ones and almost exclusively co-localized with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This co-localization was also seen in human, but not in rat DRGs. Scgn could be detected in the mouse sciatic nerve and accumulated proximal to its constriction. In mouse spinal cord, Scgn-positive neuronal cell bodies and fibers were found in gray matter, especially in the dorsal horn, with particularly high concentrations of fibers in the superficial laminae, as well as in cell bodies in inner lamina II and in some other laminae. A dense Scgn-positive fiber network and some small cell bodies were also found in the superficial dorsal horn of humans. In the ventral horn, a small number of neurons were Scgn-positive in mouse but not rat, confirming mRNA distribution. Both in mouse and rat, a subset of TG neurons contained Scgn. Dorsal rhizotomy strongly reduced Scgn fiber staining in the dorsal horn. Peripheral axotomy did not clearly affect Scgn expression in DRGs, dorsal horn or ventral horn neurons in mouse. CONCLUSIONS: Scgn is a CaBP expressed in a subpopulation of nociceptive DRG neurons and their processes in the dorsal horn of mouse, human and rat, the former two co-expressing CGRP, as well as in dorsal horn neurons in all three species. Functional implications of these findings include the cellular refinement of sensory information, in particular during the processing of pain.

Phospholipase C{beta}3 in mouse and human dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord is a possible target for treatment of neuropathic pain.

Treatment of neuropathic pain is a major clinical problem. This study shows expression of phospholipase ss3 (PLCss3) in mouse and human DRG neurons, mainly in small ones and mostly with a nonpeptidergic phenotype. After spared nerve injury, the pain threshold was strongly reduced, and systemic treatment of such animals with the unselective PLC inhibitor U73122 caused a rapid and long-lasting (48-h) increase in pain threshold. Thus, inhibition of PLC may provide a way to treat neuropathic pain.

The Pah-R261Q mouse reveals oxidative stress associated with amyloid-like hepatic aggregation of mutant phenylalanine hydroxylase.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by autosomal recessive variants in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), leading to systemic accumulation of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) that may reach neurotoxic levels. A homozygous Pah-R261Q mouse, with a highly prevalent misfolding variant in humans, reveals the expected hepatic PAH activity decrease, systemic L-Phe increase, L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan decrease, and tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive hyperphenylalaninemia. Pah-R261Q mice also present unexpected traits, including altered lipid metabolism, reduction of liver tetrahydrobiopterin content, and a metabolic profile indicative of oxidative stress. Pah-R261Q hepatic tissue exhibits large ubiquitin-positive, amyloid-like oligomeric aggregates of mutant PAH that colocalize with selective autophagy markers. Together, these findings reveal that PKU, customarily considered a loss-of-function disorder, can also have toxic gain-of-function contribution from protein misfolding and aggregation. The proteostasis defect and concomitant oxidative stress may explain the prevalence of comorbid conditions in adult PKU patients, placing this mouse model in an advantageous position for the discovery of mutation-specific biomarkers and therapies.

G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Subunit 3 is Upregulated in Rat DRGs and Spinal Cord After Peripheral Nerve Injury.

BACKGROUND: G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability. Four GIRK subunits (GIRK1-4) are expressed in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Recently, we have characterized the expression of GIRK1 and -2, and both are downregulated in rat DRGs and spinal cord after a complete sciatic nerve transection (axotomy). Here, we aimed to study the neurochemical characteristics of GIRK3, and its regulation in rat DRGs and spinal cord induced by nerve injury. METHODS: A sciatic nerve axotomy was performed to study the influences of injury on GIRK3 expression in DRGs and spinal cord. A dorsal root rhizotomy and a sciatic nerve crush were employed to study the axonal transport of GIRK3 protein, respectively. Immunohistochemistry analysis was employed for investigating the neurochemical characteristics of GIRK3. RESULTS: In control DRGs, ~18% of neuron profiles (NPs) were GIRK3-positive (+), and ~41%, ~48% and ~45% of GIRK3+ NPs were CGRP+, IB4+ and NF200+, respectively. GIRK3-like immunoreactivity was observed in glabrous skin of hind paws and axons originating from DRG neurons. Fourteen days after axotomy, more than one-third of DRG NPs were GIRK3+, and among these ~51% and ~56% coexpressed galanin and neuropeptide Y, respectively. In control animals, a small group of interneurons found in the dorsal horn was GIRK3+. In addition, GIRK3+ processes could be observed in superficial laminae of spinal dorsal horn. After nerve injury, the intensity of GIRK3-like immunoreactivity in the superficial layers was increased. Evidence based on rhizotomy and sciatic nerve crush indicated both anterograde and retrograde transport of GIRK3. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that GIRK3 is expressed in sensory neurons and spinal cord. GIRK3 has both anterograde and retrograde axonal transport. GIRK3 expression can be regulated by peripheral nerve injury.

Expression and regulation of FRMD6 in mouse DRG neurons and spinal cord after nerve injury.

FRMD6, a member of the group of FERM-domain proteins, is involved both in communication between cells, interactions with extracellular matrix, cellular apoptotic and regenerative mechanisms. FRMD6 was first discovered in the rodent sciatic nerve, and in the present immunohistochemical study we investigated the distribution of FRMD6 in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), sciatic nerve and spinal cord following sciatic nerve injury. FRMD6-immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm, nucleus or both, and in a majority of DRG neurons. FRMD6-immunoreactivity co-existed with several well-known neuronal markers, including calcitonin gene-related peptide, isolectin B4 and neurofilament 200 in mouse DRGs. After peripheral nerve injury, the FRMD6 mRNA levels and the overall percentage of FRMD6-positive neuron profiles (NPs) were decreased in ipsilateral lumbar DRGs, the latter mainly affecting small size neurons with cytoplasmic localization. Conversely, the proportion of NPs with nuclear FRMD6-immunoreactivity was significantly increased. In the sciatic nerve, FRMD6-immunoreactivity was observed in non-neuronal cells and in axons, and accumulated proximally to a ligation of the nerve. In the spinal cord FRMD6-immunoreactivity was detected in neurons in both dorsal and ventral horns, and was upregulated in ipsilateral dorsal horn after peripheral nerve axotomy. Our results demonstrate that FRMD6 is strictly regulated by peripheral nerve injury at the spinal level.

A preliminary study on DRGs and spinal cord of a galanin receptor 2-EGFP transgenic mouse.

The neuropeptide galanin functions via three G-protein coupled receptors, Gal1-3-R. Both Gal1-R and 2-R are involved in pain signaling at the spinal level. Here a Gal2-R-EGFP transgenic (TG) mouse was generated and studied in pain tests and by characterizing Gal2-R expression in both sensory ganglia and spinal cord. After peripheral spared nerve injury, mechanical allodynia developed and was ipsilaterally similar between wild type (WT) and TG mice. A Gal2-R-EGFP-positive signal was primarily observed in small and medium-sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and in spinal interneurons and processes. No significant difference in size distribution of DRG neuronal profiles was found between TG and WT mice. Both percentage and fluorescence intensity of Gal2-R-EGFP-positive neuronal profiles were overall significantly upregulated in ipsilateral DRGs as compared to contralateral DRGs. There was an ipsilateral reduction in substance P-positive and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive neuronal profiles, and this reduction was more pronounced in TG as compared to WT mice. Moreover, Gal2-R-EGFP partly co-localized with three pain-related neuropeptides, CGRP, neuropeptide Y and galanin, both in intact and injured DRGs, and with galanin also in local neurons in the superficial dorsal horn. Taken together, the present results provide novel information on the localization and phenotype of DRG and spinal neurons expressing the second galanin receptor, Gal2-R, and on phenotypic changes following peripheral nerve injury. Gal2-R may also be involved in autoreceptor signaling.

Expression of p-Akt in sensory neurons and spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury.

Akt has been implicated in pro-survival and anti-apoptotic activities in many cell types, including dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal motor neurons. In this immunohistochemical study we have monitored phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) levels in adult mouse DRGs and spinal cord following unilateral peripheral sciatic nerve transection (axotomy) or carrageenan-induced inflammation. In control animals around half of the lumbar DRG neuron profiles (NPs), mainly small and medium-sized ones, were p-Akt immunoreactive (IR), and of these around 50% expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide and/or isolectin IB4. Two weeks after axotomy, the number of p-Akt-positive NPs was only slightly reduced, but p-Akt immunofluorescence intensity was strongly increased. One third of the ipsilateral p-Akt-IR NPs was galanin positive, but virtually without colocalization with neuropeptide Y. Furthermore, p-Akt-like immunoreactivity significantly increased in intensity in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn after axotomy and expanded into deeper layers. Carrageenan-induced peripheral inflammation increased the number of p-Akt-IR NPs after 1 h. Both axotomy and inflammation caused a clear increase in nuclear p-Akt-like immunoreactivity in DRG neurons. Our findings support a role for Akt as a key signaling molecule in sensory neurons and spinal cord after peripheral injury.

Characteristics of osseous septum of split cord malformation in patients presenting with scoliosis: a retrospective study of 48 cases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The coexistence of scoliosis and split cord malformation (SCM) is often encountered. The characteristics of the osseous septum of SCM are still unknown to us. Here we try to delineate the configuration and nature of the osseous septa. The correlation between scoliosis and SCM is also discussed. METHODS: 48 patients hospitalized for scoliosis were studied. SCM was subsequently identified in all of the patients. These patients underwent operations and were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The figuration, component, location and nature of osseous septa are described. 47 of the 48 SCMs (98%) were type I. Only 1 case was type II. 43 patients (90%) had 1 osseous septum. The other 5 patients (10%) had 2 osseous septa at different levels. 41 septa (78%) were mainly made of cortical bone, another 6 septa (11%) were mainly made of cancellous bone, while the other 6 (11%) were bone together with soft tissues. The prominent central blood vessels were found in 19 cases (36%). 10 osseous septa (19%) were derived from neural arches. 15 osseous septa (28%) were from both vertebral bodies and neural arches. CONCLUSION: We assumed that SCM might contribute to the progress of scoliosis. It is recommended that removal of the spur be carried out before corrective surgery on the spine.

Neurosurgery medical robot Remebot for the treatment of 17 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the minimally invasive surgical approach and therapeutic effects of using the medical neurosurgery robot Remebot to treat hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). METHODS: Clinical data for 17 HICH patients were analyzed retrospectively. Hematoma evacuation and tube drainage using Remebot frameless stereotaxic techniques were performed for all patients, and urokinase was injected into the hematomas after the operations. RESULTS: Robot-assisted stereotactic techniques can accurately guide hematoma punctures, and no deaths occurred among these patients. The average positioning error was 1.28 ± 0.49 mm. The average drainage duration was 3.4 days. The 3-month postoperative follow-up revealed improved neurological functions and quality of life for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The medical neurosurgery robot Remebot is minimally invasive, has high positional accuracy, and facilitates surgical planning according to the shape of the hematoma. Therefore, robot-assisted surgery using Remebot represents a safe and effective treatment method for hematoma evacuation and tube drainage in HICH patients.

Neuropeptide tyrosine and pain.

Research during the past two decades supports a complex role for neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and two of its associated receptors, the Y1 receptor and the Y2 receptor, in the modulation of pain, in addition to regeneration and survival mechanisms at the spinal level. Thus, NPY has been shown to both cause and reduce pain, in addition to having biphasic effects. Recent research has focused on the distribution of the spinal NPY-mediated system. Here, we propose various possible scenarios for the role of NPY in pain processing, based on its actions at different sites (axon versus cell body), through different receptors (Y1 receptor versus Y2 receptor) and/or types of neuron (ganglion neurons and intraganglionic cross-excitation versus interneurons versus projection neurons).

Interferonregulatoryfactor-8(IRF-8) regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in chondrocytes.

Low levels of inflammation-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) play a crucial role in articular cartilage matrix destruction in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8), an important member in the IRF family, plays a key role in regulating the inflammation-related signaling pathway. The aim of this study is to investigate the physiological roles of IRF-8 in the pathological progression of OA. We found that IRF-8 was expressed in human primary chondrocytes. Interestingly, the expression of IRF-8 was upregulated in OA chondrocytes. In addition, IRF-8 was increased in response to interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) treatment, mediated by the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) pathway. Overexpression of IRF-8 in human chondrocytes by transduction with lentiviral-IRF-8 exacerbated IL-1ß-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in human chondrocytes. In contrast, knockdown of IRF-8 inhibited IL-1ß-induced expression of MMP-13. Importantly, IRF-8 could bind to the promoter of MMP-13 and stimulate its activity. Additionally, overexpression of IRF-8 exacerbated IL-1ß-induced degradation of type II collagen. However, silencing IRF-8 abrogated the degradation of type II collagen. Taken together, our findings identified a novel function of IRF-8 in regulating articular cartilage matrix destruction by promoting the expression of MMP-13.

[Expression characteristics of Piezo1 protein in stress models of human degenerative chondrocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression characteristics of new mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 protein in stress models of human degenerative chondrocytes. METHODS: The stress stimulation model of human degenerative chondrocytes in vitro was constructed. Multi-channel cell stretch stress loading system FX-4000T was used to treat chondrocytes. According to the results of pre-test, the loading frequency of 0.5 Hz and the cell elongation of 20% were loaded. According to cell processing time, it was divided into 0 h, 2 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h mechanical stress group. The RT-PCR and Western-blot were used to test the expression of the Piezo1, also the Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to test the intensity of the fluorescence of the Piezo1. RESULTS: (1)The result of the RT-PCR showed that the expression of the Piezo1 in the 2 h group was higher than the 0 h group(F=13.917, q=0.037 1, P<0.05). The expression of the piezo1 in the 24 h group was the highest. While the expression of the piezo1 in the 48 h group was lower than the expression of the piezo1 in the 24 h group(F=13.917, q=0.049 5, P<0.05). (2)The result of the Western-blot showed that the 2 h group was higher than the 0 h group(F=19.341, q=0.037 1, P<0.05). The expression of the 24 h had the highest expression which was higher than the 48 h group(F=19.341, q=0.017 7, P<0.05). (3)The Piezo1 protein was extensively expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the nucleus pulposus cells. And with the increase of stress processing time, the fluorescence intensity of the protein also increased. CONCLUSIONS: In human degeneration cartilage cells, the new mechanio sensitive ion channel Piezo1 protein has a trace expression. After loading periodic mechanical tensile force, the expression of Piezo1 protein increases with time dependence.