Acupoint catgut embedding attenuates oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in chronic cerebral ischemia by inhibiting the Ang II/AT1R/NOX axis.

Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is a common neurological disorder, characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) represents a modern acupuncture form that has shown neuroprotective effects; nevertheless, its effects on CCI and the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the therapeutic action of ACE in CCI-induced cognitive impairment and its mechanisms. The cognitive function of CCI rats was determined using Morris water maze test, and histopathological changes in the brain were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. To further explore the molecular mechanisms, the expression levels of oxidative stress markers and the Ang II/AT1R/NOX axis-associated molecules in the hippocampus were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Here, we observed that ACE treatment alleviated cognitive dysfunction and histopathological injury in CCI rats. Intriguingly, candesartan (an AT1R blocker) enhanced the beneficial effects of ACE on ameliorating cognitive impairment in CCI rats. Mechanistically, ACE treatment blocked the Ang II/AT1R/NOX pathway and subsequently suppressed oxidative stress, thus mitigating cognitive impairment in CCI. Our findings first reveal that ACE treatment could suppress cognitive impairment in CCI, which might be partly due to the suppression of Ang II/AT1R/NOX axis.

The Impact of Progressive Rehabilitation Nursing on Physical Rehabilitation and Quality of Life in Patients with Cerebral Infarction.

Aim: Cerebral infarction, a common type of stroke, results from a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to a myriad of challenges and complications for patients. Among these complications, decreased muscle strength is a prominent issue that can have profound implications for patients' overall well-being and functional independence. Decreased muscle strength in cerebral infarction often manifests as weakness, loss of mobility, and impaired ability to perform activities; the psychological impact of these physical limitations can lead to anxiety and depression, further exacerbating the patient's condition. To investigate the effect of progressive rehabilitation nursing on the physical rehabilitation and quality of life of patients with cerebral infarction, to provide valuable insights and guidance for enhancing the functional recovery of individuals affected by cerebral infarction. Design: 100 cerebral infarction patients combined with decreased muscle strength admitted to our hospital between October 2019 and October 2020 were randomly selected as the study subjects for prospective analysis. Methods: They were divided into a control group (n = 50) and an experimental group (n = 50) using the random number table method. Patients in the control group underwent rehabilitation treatment, while patients in the experimental group underwent progressive rehabilitation nursing intervention guided by quality nursing intervention. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) motor function score, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) neurological function score, Barthel Index (BI), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, nursing efficiency and the incidence rate of adverse mood after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of nursing were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: The FMA and BI index scores of patients in the experimental group were notably higher than those in the control group, and the comparison was statistically significant (P < .05); The NIHSS, SAS and SDS scores of patients in the experimental group were notably lower than those of the control group, and the results of the comparison were statistically significant (P < .05); The nursing efficiency and nursing satisfaction of patients in the experimental group was remarkably higher, and the results of the comparison were statistically significant (P < .05); The incidence of bad mood in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of nursing, and the incidence rate of adverse mood in the experimental group was improved with time, that is, 1>2>3 weeks in descending order (P < .05). Patient or Public Contribution: Progressive rehabilitation nursing not only enhances muscle strength and restores their physical functions to a certain extent while reducing the incidence of adverse reactions and physical function but also mitigates the risk of adverse mood states. Ultimately, it contributes to an improved overall quality of life and psychological well-being of patients affected by cerebral infarction.