Stress, Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype and Atherosclerosis: Novel Insight into Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Transition in Atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our work is to establish more distinct association between specific stress and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypes to alleviate atherosclerotic plaque burden and delay atherosclerosis (AS) progression. RECENT FINDING: In recent years, VSMCs phenotypic transition has received significant interests. Different stresses were found to be associated with VSMCs phenotypic transition. However, the explicit correlation between VSMCs phenotype and specific stress has not been elucidated clearly yet. We discover that VSMCs phenotypic transition, which is widely involved in the progression of AS, is associated with specific stress. We discuss approaches targeting stresses to intervene VSMCs phenotypic transition, which may contribute to develop innovative therapies for AS.

A bibliometric analysis of HIV nursing research between 1999 and 2022.

AIM: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nursing has become more prominent with the increase in chronic HIV infections. This study examined articles related to HIV nursing to determine how the profession has developed and its future direction. DESIGN: A bibliometric analysis was conducted. METHODS: HIV nursing-related articles published in the Web of Science core collection between 1999 and 2022 were searched. VOSviewer was used to identify the contributions of countries, institutions and authors in HIV-related care. Collaborative maps, hot topics and keywords trends were analysed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. RESULTS: A total of 1513 publications were extracted. An increase in articles published between 1999 and 2012 was observed. After 2012, the increase in the number of publications was relatively stable. Since 2016, a downward trend in the number of publications has occurred. The USA, South Africa and the UK were the leading contributors to publications related to HIV nursing. The focus of the HIV nursing research has gradually shifted from "HIV infection", "risk factors", and "transmission routes" to "social support", "depression", and "public health". The result shows that increased collaboration among countries/regions can improve the development of HIV nursing and effectively reduce the global HIV infection rate. The mental health of patients has become a research centre in the field of HIV nursing. This study provides direction in clinical practice and future research areas in this field.

A transferrin receptor targeting dual-modal MR/NIR fluorescent imaging probe for glioblastoma diagnosis.

The prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains challenging, primarily due to the lack of a precise, effective imaging technique for comprehensively characterization. Addressing GBM diagnostic challenges, our study introduces an innovative dual-modal imaging that merges near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method employs superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with NIR fluorescent dyes, specifically Cyanine 7, and targeted peptides. This synthetic probe facilitates MRI functionality through superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, provides NIR imaging capability via Cyanine 7 and enhances tumor targeting trough peptide interactions, offering a comprehensive diagnostic tool for GBM. Notably, the probe traverses the blood-brain barrier, targeting GBM in vivo via peptides, producing clear and discernible images in both modalities. Cytotoxicity and histopathology assessments confirm the probe's favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that the dual-modal MR\NIR fluorescent imaging probe could revolutionize GBM prognosis and survival rates, which can also be extended to other tumors type.

Alcalase-hydrolyzed insoluble soybean meal hydrolysate aggregates: Structure, bioactivity, function properties, and influences on the stability of oil-in-water emulsions.

We studied the influences of hydrolysis time on the structure, functional properties, and emulsion stability of insoluble soybean meal hydrolysate aggregates (ISMHAs). We assume that the ISMHAs produced by soybean meal can be used as emulsifiers to prepare stable emulsions. The molecular weights of these ISMHAs were below 53 kDa. After hydrolysis, a decrease in α-helices and an increase in random coils indicated that the soybean meal proteins were unfolding. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity, UV absorption, and surface hydrophobicity of ISMHAs increased. These results would contribute to their antioxidant activity and functional properties. Additionally, the 90-min ISMHA sample exhibited the highest ABTS+• scavenging activity (80.02 ± 4.55 %), foaming stability (52.92 ± 8.06 %), and emulsifying properties (emulsifying activity index of 97.09 m2/g; emulsifying stability index of 371.47 min). The 90-min ISMHA emulsion exhibited the smallest particle size and excellent storage stability. Soybean meal peptide by-product emulsifier has potential for sustainable application.

The Design of a Fiber-Coupling Micro-Lens Array for an M × N Wavelength-Selective Switch.

The M × N port wavelength-selective switch (WSS) is a crucial device used for Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexors and optical switching nodes in optical communication systems. The primary function of an M × N port WSS is to simultaneously transmit and switch multiple input optical signals from input fiber ports to output fiber ports through spatial light coupling. The port array module in a WSS that is responsible for coupling the spatial beam with the fiber determines the important parameters of the M × N port WSS, such as the number of input/output ports and insertion loss. In this paper, VirtualLab Fusion software 2023.1 (Build 1.558), as a powerful physical optics simulation tool, is used to design and optimize a silicon micro-lens array that can achieve the high-precision coupling of a fiber array with a pitch of 1143 µm. Finally, the designed micro-lens is manufactured and experimentally demonstrates its good beam focusing ability with a 3 dB insertion loss. The designed micro-lens array coupling system, which delivers 28 focused spots of approximately 1mm in size (the beam has a 1/e2 diameter) after transmitting a distance of around 300 mm, effectively extends the number of WSS ports. This design method of the micro-lens array significantly amplifies the port count of the M × N port wavelength-selective switch, effectively expanding it to encompass an impressive 28 × 28 ports.

Identification of Circulating Plasma Proteins as a Mediator of Hypertension-Driven Cardiac Remodeling: A Mediation Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: This study focused on circulating plasma protein profiles to identify mediators of hypertension-driven myocardial remodeling and heart failure. METHODS: A Mendelian randomization design was used to investigate the causal impact of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure on 82 cardiac magnetic resonance traits and heart failure risk. Mediation analyses were also conducted to identify potential plasma proteins mediating these effects. RESULTS: Genetically proxied higher SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure were causally associated with increased left ventricular myocardial mass and alterations in global myocardial wall thickness at end diastole. Elevated SBP and DBP were linked to increased regional myocardial radial strain of the left ventricle (basal anterior, mid, and apical walls), while higher SBP was associated with reduced circumferential strain in specific left ventricular segments (apical, mid-anteroseptal, mid-inferoseptal, and mid-inferolateral walls). Specific plasma proteins mediated the impact of blood pressure on cardiac remodeling, with FGF5 (fibroblast growth factor 5) contributing 2.96% (P=0.024) and 4.15% (P=0.046) to the total effect of SBP and DBP on myocardial wall thickness at end diastole in the apical anterior segment and leptin explaining 15.21% (P=0.042) and 23.24% (P=0.022) of the total effect of SBP and DBP on radial strain in the mid-anteroseptal segment. Additionally, FGF5 was the only mediator, explaining 4.19% (P=0.013) and 4.54% (P=0.032) of the total effect of SBP and DBP on heart failure susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: This mediation Mendelian randomization study provides evidence supporting specific circulating plasma proteins as mediators of hypertension-driven cardiac remodeling and heart failure.

Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries.

Craniomaxillofacial bone serves a variety of functions. However, the increasing number of cases of craniomaxillofacial bone injury and the use of selective rare implants make the treatment difficult, and the cure rate is low. If such a bone injury is not properly treated, it can lead to a slew of complications that can seriously disrupt a patient's daily life. For example, premature closure of cranial sutures or skull fractures can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can lead to headaches, vomiting, and even brain hernia. At present, implant placement is one of the most common approaches to repair craniomaxillofacial bone injury or abnormal closure, especially with biomedical metallic implants. This review analyzes the research progress in the design and development of degradable and non-degradable metallic implants in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The mechanical properties, corrosion behaviours, as well as in vitro and in vivo performances of these materials are summarized. The challenges and future research directions of metallic biomaterials used in craniomaxillofacial surgery are also identified.

Improving the biological activity, functional properties, and emulsion stability of soybean meal hydrolysate via covalent conjugation with polyphenol.

The use of by-products as functional components in food production is gaining popularity. This study investigated the structure, biological activity, interaction force, and emulsion stability of soybean meal hydrolysate (SMHs) after covalent conjugation with proanthocyanidin (PC), epigallocatechin (EGCG), gallic acid (GA), and caffeic acid (CA). SDS-PAGE confirmed the formation of SMHs-polyphenol conjugates. Structural analysis indicates unfolding and disordered-structure formation. This transformation directly influenced the antioxidant activity and emulsification of SMHs. The antioxidant and emulsifying properties of all covalent complexes were superior to SMHs, in order of SMHs-PC, SMHs-EGCG, SMHs-GA, and SMHs-CA. Among, SMHs-PC conjugates displayed the highest antioxidant activity (ABTS•+ and DPPH radical scavenging capacities of 89.33% and 52.71%, respectively), total polyphenol content (235.10 mg/g), and emulsification activity (EAI) and stability (ESI) values (109.27 m2/g and 135.05 min, respectively). Moreover, SMHs-PC emulsion showed the smallest particle size (467.20 nm), highest viscosity (520.19 Pa.s), highest protein adsorption (94.33%), and lowest release rate of free fatty acids (FFAs) (18.61%) after digestion. These results provided valuable information for the use of modified SMHs as emulsifiers, which is a promising approach for increasing the value of soybean meal.

Purification and identification of xanthine oxidase inhibitory peptides from enzymatic hydrolysate of α-lactalbumin and bovine colostrum casein.

The development of food-derived Xanthine Oxidase (XO) inhibitors is critical to the treatment of hyperuricemia and oxidative stress-related disease. Few studies report on milk protein hydrolysates' XO inhibitory activity, with the mechanism of their interaction remaining elusive. Here, different commercial enzymes were used to hydrolyze α-lactalbumin and bovine colostrum casein. The two proteins hydrolyzed by alkaline protease exhibited the most potent XO inhibitory activity (bovine casein: IC50 = 0.13 mg mL-1; α-lactalbumin: IC50 = 0.28 mg mL-1). Eight potential XO inhibitory peptides including VYPFPGPI, GPVRGPFPIIV, VYPFPGPIPN, VYPFPGPIHN, QLKRFSFRSFIWR, LVYPFPGPIHN, AVFPSIVGR, and GFININSLR (IC50 of 4.67-8.02 mM) were purified and identified from alkaline protease hydrolysates by using gel filtration, LC-MS/MS and PeptideRanker. The most important role of inhibiting activity of peptides is linked to hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding based on the results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The enzymatic hydrolysate of α-lactalbumin and bovine colostrum casein could be a competitive candidates for hyperuricemia-resisting functional food.

Global trends in depression among patients living with HIV: A bibliometric analysis.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related depression has seriously affected the quality of life and treatment outcomes of patients living with HIV (PLWH), which has become a hot topic in recent years. This study aims to discover the main keywords, predict frontier topics, and give meaningful suggestions for researchers by bibliometric analysis. Methods: Publications between 1999 and 2022 on depression in HIV/AIDS were searched in the Web of Science core collection. Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer were utilized to key contributors (e.g., authors, journals, institutions, and countries). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the knowledge evolution, collaborative maps, hot topics, and keywords trends in this field. Results: In total, 8,190 publications were included in the final analysis. From 1999 to 2021, the number of published articles roughly presents a steadily increasing trend. The United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were three key contributing countries/regions to this field. University Calif San Francisco (United States), University Calif Los Angeles (United States), and Johns Hopkins University (United States) were three key contributing institutions. Safren, Steven A. was the most productive and highest cited author. AIDS Care was the top prolific journal. Antiretroviral therapy and adherence, men has sex with men, mental health, substance abuse, stigma, and Sub-Saharan Africa were the central topics regarding the depression-related research in HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis reported the publication trend, major contributing countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and mapped the knowledge network of depression-related research on HIV/AIDS. In this field, topics such as "adherence," "mental health," "substance abuse," "stigma," "men who have sex with men" and "South Africa" have attracted considerable attention.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We summarize the evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people living with dementia(PlwD). A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov. Up to August 20, 2022. Six studies met our eligibility criteria. Light therapy, the therapeutic pet-type robotic seal(PRAO), and slow-stroke back massage(SSBM) are non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in PlwD.PARO increased night-time sleep duration (p < 0.05). The benefit of SSBM for sleep disturbances in PlwD is unclear (p > 0.05). Although there is a lack of evidence for the effect of light therapy on sleep disturbances in PlwD (p > 0.05), light therapy reduced sleep disturbance (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI:1.25, 0.48), increased sleep efficiency (MD = 3.77; 95% CI:-0.23, 7.78), and also reduced depression (MD = -2.49; 95% CI: -2.92, -2.06). More large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed and consider combining multiple non-pharmacological measures for sleep interventions in PlwD.

A Narrative Review of Nutritional Therapy for Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Underwent Surgery.

Background: Patients with gastrointestinal cancer often suffer from malnutrition during tumor progression. Malnutrition is associated with postoperative complications and decreased quality of life. Supporting cancer patients with proper nutrition is vital for improving their prognoses.Method: Google scholar and PubMed database searches were performed. Selection criteria included gastrointestinal cancer, surgery, ω - 3 fatty acids, randomized clinical trials from 2007 to August 2022.Conclusion: Nutritional therapy includes nutritional counseling, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and oral nutritional supplements. Immune nutrients like glutamine and ω-3 fatty acid have been demonstrated with benefits in reducing inflammatory responses and postoperative complications, regulating immune function and improving prognosis.

Generating Talking Face With Controllable Eye Movements by Disentangled Blinking Feature.

In virtual reality, talking face generation is committed to using voice and face images to generate real face speech videos to improve the communication experience in the case of limited user information exchange. In a real video, blinking is an action often accompanied by speech, and it is also one of the indispensable actions in real face speech videos. However, the current methods either do not pay attention to the generation of eye movements, or cannot control the blinking in the generated results. To this end, this article proposes a novel system which produces vivid talking face with controllable eye blinks driven by the joint features including identity feature, audio feature, and blink feature. In order to disentangle the blinking action, we designed three independent features to individually drive the main components in the generated frame, namely the facial appearance, mouth movements, and eye movements. Through the adversarial training of the identity encoder, we filter out the information of the eye state from the identity feature, thereby strengthening the independence of the blinking feature. We introduced the blink score as the leading information of the blink feature, and through training, the value can be consistent with human perception to form a complete and independent control of the eyes. Experimental results on multiple datasets show that our method can not only reproduce real talking faces, but also ensure that the blinking pattern and time are fully controllable.

Progress in the application of molecular imaging in psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatric disorders have always attracted a lot of attention from researchers due to the difficulties in their diagnoses and treatments. Molecular imaging, as an emerging technology, has played an important role in the researchers of various diseases. In recent years, molecular imaging techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy, nuclear medicine imaging, and fluorescence imaging have been widely used in the study of psychiatric disorders. This review will briefly summarize the progression of molecular imaging in psychiatric disorders.

Cecum microbiome and metabolism characteristics of Silky Fowl and White Leghorn chicken in late laying stages.

Cecal microflora plays a key role in the production performance and immune function of chickens. White Leghorn (WL) is a well-known commercial layer line chicken with high egg production rate. In contrast, Silky Fowl (SF), a Chinese native chicken variety, has a low egg production rate, but good immune performance. This study analyzed the composition of cecal microbiota, metabolism, and gene expression in intestinal tissue of these varieties and the correlations among them. Significant differences were observed in the cecal microbes: Bacteroides was significantly enriched in WL, whereas Veillonellaceae and Parabacteroides were significantly enriched in SF. Carbohydrate biosynthesis and metabolism pathways were significantly upregulated in WL cecum, which might provide more energy to the host, leading to persistently high levels of egg production. The higher Parabacteroides abundance in SF increased volicitin content, enhanced α-linolenic acid metabolism, and significantly negatively correlated with metabolites of propanoate metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. Genes related to lipid metabolism, immunity, and melanogenesis were significantly upregulated in the SF cecum, regulating lipid metabolism, and participating in the immune response, while genes related to glucose metabolism and bile acid metabolism were expressed at higher levels in WL, benefiting energy support. This study provided a mechanism for intestinal microorganisms and metabolic pathways to regulate chicken egg-laying performance and immunity.

Transcriptomic diversification of granulosa cells during follicular development between White Leghorn and Silky Fowl hens.

Egg production rate in chicken is related to the continuity of follicle development. In this study, we found that the numbers of white prehierarchical, dominant, and yellow preovulatory follicles in the high-yielding layer breed, White Leghorn (WL), were significantly higher than those in the low egg-yielding variety, Silky Fowl (SF). The proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role in follicle maturation. Histological observation revealed a large number of melanocytes in the outer granulosa layer of follicles in SF but not in WL. Finally, RNA-sequencing was used to analyze the gene expression profiles and pathways of the GC layer in the follicles in both WL and SF hens. Transcriptome analysis of prehierarchical GCs (phGCs) and preovulatory GCs (poGCs) between WL and SF showed that steroid hormone-, oxytocin synthesis-, tight junction-, and endocytosis-related genes were expressed at higher levels in WL phGCs than in SF phGCs, whereas the insulin signaling pathway- and vascular smooth muscle contraction-related genes were upregulated in SF phGCs. Fatty acid synthesis, calcium signaling, and Wnt signaling pathway-related genes were expressed at higher levels in WL poGCs than in SF poGCs; however, adrenergic signaling, cGMP-PKG, and melanogenesis-related genes were upregulated in SF poGCs. These results indicate that genes that promote GC proliferation and secretion of various sex hormones are more active in WL than in SF hens. The upregulated signaling pathways in SF help in providing energy to GCs and for angiogenesis and melanogenesis. In vitro experiments confirmed that both the proliferation of poGCs and synthesis of reproductive hormones were higher in WL than in SF hens.

[Effects of Straw Returning and Biochar Application on Summer Maize Yield and Soil N2O Emission in Guanzhong Plain].

Here, we investigated the effects of straw returning combined with biochar application on summer maize yield and soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, based on a field location trial in the Guanzhong Plain from 2019 to 2020. The soil N2O emission rates were monitored using the static chamber-chromatography method. A comprehensive analysis of summer maize yields, soil N2O emissions, and soil labile nitrogen components was conducted to clarify the effects of straw returning combined with biochar application on improving soil fertility, increasing summer maize yield, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The three treatments were no straw returning (S0), straw returning (S), and straw returning combined with biochar application (SB). The results showed that the peak of N2O emissions from each treatment occurred 10 d after the straw return, and the rate of soil N2O emissions remained at a low level after 30 d of straw return. The rate of soil N2O emissions showed highly significant positive correlations (P<0.05) with ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), inorganic nitrogen (SIN), microbial nitrogen (MBN), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) contents. S significantly increased summer maize yield, cumulative N2O emissions, yield-scaled N2O intensity, and total nitrogen (TN) content by 7.4%-13%, 65.8%-132.2%, 54.6%-103%, and 27.8%-33%, respectively, compared to those in S0. Although the trend for SB to increase summer maize yield (2.5%-3.3%) compared to that in S was not significant (P>0.05), SB significantly reduced cumulative N2O emissions and yield-scaled N2O intensity by 24.0%-27.3% and 26.4%-29.2%, respectively, compared to that in S. SB significantly reduced the rate of soil N2O emissions by 45.1%-69.6% at the peak of N2O emissions compared to that in S. Biochar application mitigated soil N2O emissions induced by straw return and had a peak-shaving effect. SB significantly increased soil total N by 9.1%-12.2% compared to that in S. Combining summer maize yield, soil N2O emissions, and TN content, SB not only improved soil fertility and summer maize yield but also reduced yield-scaled N2O intensity, making it a suitable management practice that can be replicated to balance crop yield and environmental friendliness.

Soil microbial nitrogen-cycling gene abundances in response to crop diversification: A meta-analysis.

Single planting structure has a significant impact on the maintenance of nitrogen in managed ecosystems. Although the effect of crop diversity on soil nitrogen-cycling microbes is mainly related to the influence of environmental factors, there is a lack of quantitative research. This study aims to determine the effect of diversified cropping mode on the abundance of functional genes in the soil nitrogen cycle based on the quantitative integration of a meta-analysis database containing 189 observation data pairs. The results show that the soil nifH (nitrogenase coding gene), nirS and nirK (nitrite reductase coding gene), and narG (nitrate reductase coding gene) abundances are positively affected by the diversity of plant species, whereas the amoA (ammonia monooxygenase coding gene) and nosZ (nitrous oxide reductase coding gene) show no response. Diversification duration and ecosystem type are important factors that regulate soil nitrogen fixation and nitrification gene abundances. Denitrification genes are mainly affected by categorical variables such as the planting pattern, soil layer, application species, duration, and soil texture. Among them, the long-term continuous diversification is mainly manifested in the reduction of soil nifH and increase of nirK abundances. Soil organic carbon and nitrogen linearly affect the responses of nifH, amoA, nirS, and nirK. Therefore, to maintain the soil ecological function, diversity of planting patterns needs to be applied flexibly by regulating the abundance of nitrogen-cycling genes. Our study draws conclusions in order to provide theoretical references for the sustainability of nitrogen and improvement of management measures in the process of terrestrial managed ecosystem diversification.

Does Cage Position Affect the Risk of Cage Subsidence After Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Osteoporotic Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of different cage positions with stand-alone (SA) methods and bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) in the osteoporotic lumbar spine after oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). METHODS: A finite element model of an intact L3-L5 lumbar spine was constructed. After validation, an osteoporosis model (OP) was constructed by assigning osteoporotic material properties. SA models (SA1, SA2, SA3) and BPSF models (BPSF1, BPSF2, BPSF3) in which a cage was placed in the anterior, middle, and posterior third of the L5 superior endplate (SEP) were constructed at the L4-L5 segment of the OP. The L4-L5 range of motion (ROM), the stress of the L5 SEP, the stress of the cage, and the stress of fixation were compared among the different models. RESULTS: According to the degree of ROM of L4-L5, the stress of the L5 SEP and the stress of the cage for most physiological motions, the SA and BPSF models were ranked as follows: SA2 < SA1 < SA3, BPSF2 < BPSF1 < BPSF3. In BPSF2, the stress of fixation was minimal in most motions. At the same cage position, the ROM of L4-L5, the stress of the L5 SEP, and the stress of the cage in the BPSF models were significantly reduced compared with those in SA models; compared with SA2, BPSF2 had a maximum reduction of 83.24%, 70.71%, and 73.52% in these parameters, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Placing the cage in the middle third of the L5 SEP for OLIF could reduce the maximum stresses of the L5 SEP, the cage, and the fixation, which may reduce the risk of postoperative cage subsidence, endplate collapse, and fixation fracture in the osteoporotic lumbar spine. Compared with SA OLIF, BPSF could provide sufficient stability for the surgical segment and may reduce the incidence of the aforementioned complications.

Acetazolamide Alleviate Cerebral Edema Induced by Ischemic Stroke Through Inhibiting the Expression of AQP4 mRNA.

OBJECTIVE: We want to investigate the effect of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on cerebral edema induced by ischemic stroke in rats and explore whether inhibiting the expression of AQP4 through acetazolamide (AZA) could attenuate brain edema and protect cerebral function. METHODS: The Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham + saline group, sham + AZA group, AZA intervention group, and nonintervention group. Each group was divided into five subgroups according to the time of cerebral ischemia (6 h, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days). The model of cerebral infarction in rats was adopted by means of the bilateral carotid arteries ligation (2-VO) method. The rats in intervention group were given intraperitoneal injection of AZA (35 mg/kg/day). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed for pathological analysis of the infarcted area. The brain water content was calculated to evaluate the degree of brain edema. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of AQP4 in the brain were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: Significant cerebral pathological damages were found in ischemic stroke rats. The brain water content, protein, and mRNA expression of AQP4 of the intervention and nonintervention groups were markedly higher than those of the sham groups. By contrast, AZA administration reduced the brain water content, whereas improved cerebral dysfunction was induced by ischemic stroke. Moreover, AZA obviously reduced the protein and mRNA expression of AQP4 after ischemic stroke in rats' brains. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of AQP4 was closely related to cerebral edema induced by ischemic stroke. Decreasing the expression of AQP4 mRNA by AZA administration can effectively relieve cerebral edema and decrease cerebral pathological damage.