Abnormal fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in MOG-lgG optic neuritis patients: a resting-state functional MRI study.

Optic neuritis (ON) is a general term for inflammation of any part of the optic nerve resulting from demyelination or infection. The number of patients with MOG-lgG antibody-related optic neuritis is increasing recently. Our study uses the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method to compare the activity of specific brain regions in MOG-lgG ON patients and healthy controls (HCs). We selected a total of 21 MOG-lgG ON patients and 21 HCs were included in the study. All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The independent-samples t-test was used to compare demographic data and average fALFF values between groups. The specificity and sensitivity of fALFF values for distinguishing between MOG-lgG ON patients and HCs were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between fALFF values and clinical characteristics in MOG-lgG ON patients. Our results showed that fALFF values of the right cerebellum and left middle cingulum were lower whereas those of bilateral inferior temporal lobes, right gyrus rectus, and the left superior and right middle frontal lobes of MOG-lgG ON patients were higher than those of HCs (P < 0.05). The average fALFF value of the left superior frontal lobe in MOG-lgG ON patients was positively correlated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (HADS) (r = 0.6004; P < 0.05) and duration of MOG-lgG ON (r = 6487; P < 0.05). Thus, patients with MOG-lgG ON have abnormal activity in the brain regions related to vision. Changes in fALFF value can reflect functional sequelae of MOG-lgG ON, including abnormal anxiety or depressive emotional changes.

Effect of Acupuncture at Baihui and Renzhong on Glucose Transporter 1,3 in Acute Cerebral Ischemia Rat Model / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of early-stage acupuncture therapy on local glucose metabolism in model rats with cerebral ischemia. Methods Eighty three-month-old SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,namely normal group,model group,2-h acupuncture group and 24-h acupuncture group,20 rats in each group. Craniotomy was used to establish the rat model of acute cerebral ischemia. Acupuncture treatment was carried out on acupoint of Baihui(GV20)and Renzhong(DU26)with reducing method,needle twirling and rotating frequency being 120 times per minute,once every other 4 min and for one min,and the total needling time for 30 min. Rats in 2-h acupuncture group were given acupuncture 2 h after the successful modeling,and once again after 24 h,two times in total;rats in 24-h acupuncture group were given acupuncture only for one time 24 h after successful modeling. At the end of treatment,the rat neurological function was scored,and the infarction area was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC)staining. The protein expression levels of glucose transporter(GLUT)1 and 3 in ischemic brain tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the normal group, the scores of neurological function in the model group were increased;TTC staining results showed that the left hemisphere was swollen,and the infarct volume was significantly larger than that of the contralateral side;immunohistochemical results showed that the GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression levels in the ischemic brain tissue were increased(P < 0.01). Compared with the model group,2-h acupuncture group and 24-h acupuncture group could effectively improve the cerebral ischemia, reduce the neurological function indexes and infarction area showed by TTC staining,and increase the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in ischemic brain tissue significantly (P<0.05). And the therapeutic effect of 2-h acupuncture group was superior to that of 24-h acupuncture group(P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can effectively improve cerebral ischemia in rats with acute cerebral ischemia. Acupuncture can improve the energy metabolism of ischemic brain tissue by up-regulating the protein expression of cerebral GLUT1 and GLUT3 and by increasing the blood-brain barrier transport efficiency for glucose,thus to promote glucose metabolism and provide energy for ischemic brain tissue to relieve relatively inadequate energy, and to protect against cerebral ischemic injury. Early acupuncture intervention exerts a positive effect on regulating energy metabolism of rats with cerebral ischemia.

[Relations between self-discrimination of MSM and sexual behavior and psychological factors].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the self-discrimination experience of MSM and its relationship with sexual behavior and psychological factors. METHODS: By respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, a call-for action and anonymous self-administration questionnaire investigation was carried out in Mianyang city on experience of self-discriminations, sexual partners and behaviors and depression symptom, etc. The first 12 qualified people were designated as the "root" in the whole investigation from different MSM subgroups. Every "root" would get 3 recruit cards after their own investigation, then cards could be promoted to another 3 qualified people who were willing to accept questionnaires. And this process would go on till the sample size was accomplished. χ(2) test, rank correlation and contingency coefficient would be applied for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 201 persons were investigated. Within the past 6 months, 59.2% (119/201) persons felt they did harm to their family or made the family down as gays, 79.6% (160/201) had to disguise their real sexual orientation in avoidance of being discriminated, 39.3% (79/201) were humiliated for having gay sex. It showed correlation between humiliation or harm to family and frequency to disco balls/night clubs (r = 0.196, χ(2) = 7.95, P < 0.05), concerts or theaters (r = 0.201, χ(2) = 8.423, P < 0.05) with MSM friends, HIV health consultancy (r = 0.231, χ(2) = 11.329, P < 0.05), experiences of one night stands (r(s) = 0.183, µ = 2.588, P < 0.05), detection of depression (r(s) = 0.241, µ = 15.717, P < 0.05) and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.310, µ = 23.112, P < 0.05), the corresponding behavior report rates of who experienced 3-4 times were 66.7% (11/33), 52.9% (18/34), 41.2% (14/34), 17.6% (6/34), 44.1% (15/34), 44.7% (10/24). Statistical significance was found between the relations of humiliation for gay sex and frequency into concerts or theaters (r = 0.195, χ(2) = 7.933, P < 0.05) with MSM friends, experiences of one night stands (r(s) = 0.145, µ = 2.051, P < 0.05), man-man anal sex (r = 0.165, χ(2) = 10.823, P < 0.05), numbers of female sexual partners (r = 0.265, χ(2) = 11.422, P < 0.05), protectiveness of female sexual behavior in the past 6 months (r = 0.513, χ(2) = 7.442, P < 0.05), detection of depression (r(s) = 0.152, µ = 13.034, P < 0.05) and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.259, µ = 21.190, P < 0.05), the corresponding behavior report rates of who experienced 3-4 times were 22.7% (5/22), 9.1% (2/22), 13.6% (3/22), 91.6% (2/22), 66.7% (2/3), 57.1% (4/7), 33.3% (19/57). It has statistical significance between the relations of disguising their real sexual orientation in avoidance of being discriminated and the frequency of show up in the cybercafé (r = 0.272, χ(2) = 15.932, P < 0.05), involvement of HIV test (r = 0.232, χ(2) = 11.446, P < 0.05), and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.373, µ = 28.868, P < 0.05). It was found that increasing of discrimination was connected to entrance into gay-welcome places, acceptance of HIV consultancy and tests, posting gay information among MSM friends and hold of many sexual partners. Meanwhile, the pressure was rising when depression was checked out. CONCLUSION: Self-discrimination was prevalent among MSM, which had brought critical influence on the individual behavior, MSM psychological health and prevalence of AIDS.

Hepatocyte growth factor prevents advanced glycation end products-induced injury and oxidative stress through a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in human endothelial cells.

AIMS: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) trigger an oxidative reaction which then accelerates endothelial cell apoptosis; this is a critical event in the process of diabetic vascular complications. We previously demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protects human endothelial cells against AGE-induced injury. The present study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling in the action of HGF. MAIN METHODS: HUVECs were treated with AGEs in the presence or absence of HGF. For detection of apoptosis, the morphological Acridine Orange staining, flow cytometry, and caspase-3 activity assay were used. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using flow cytometry and fluorescence immune analysis. The activation of MAPK and Akt was assayed by Western blot. KEY FINDINGS: HGF exerted its prosurvival effect by inhibiting the overproduction of intracellular ROS and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, induced by AGEs. HGF-induced survival correlated with Akt activity and was inhibited by the specific PI3K inhibitor. ERK also was activated by HGF and rescued cells from apoptosis, although the cytoprotective effect was less marked than for PI3K/Akt. HGF-mediated survival was independent of JNK and p38MAPK pathways. Furthermore, blocking the PI3K and Akt activities with PI3K inhibitors or transfection of HUVECs with the dominant-negative p85 or Akt effectively abolished the inhibition of the intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial damage. SIGNIFICANCE: Our studies suggest that HGF, via PI3K/Akt signaling, prevents AGE-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress through the inhibition of mitochondrial damage in HUVECs.

[Intervention trial on HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men based on venues and peer network].

OBJECTIVE: To determine feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention on HIV/AIDS among MSM based on venues and peer network. METHODS: The intervention trial was conducted in Mianyang and Yibin in Sichuan province, where the cultural and social environment were similar. These two cities have no HIV/AIDS intervention conducted yet before this study. The intervention was conducted in Mianyang, while Yibin was regarded as control, in which education materials related HIV/AIDS and VCT service were available. Intervention in Mianyang included MSM venue intervention distributing the education materials, condom and promoting HIV-test and STIs clinic referral by 40 MSM as Popular Opinion Leaders who received the knowledge and intervention skill training.Meanwhile, Popular Opinion Leader intervention was implemented in MSM peer network to advocate safe sex. After 6-month intervention the survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of intervention. RESULTS: The scores of knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy of condom use was 1.293 (95%CI: 0.657 - 1.292, P < 0.05) and 1.556 (95%CI: 0.656 - 2.456, P < 0.05) higher in post-intervention than in pre-intervention which was (12.42 +/- 0.232) and (10.25 +/- 0.327) respectively in Mianyang, while no significant changing in Yibin during the time. Score of knowledge related HIV/STDs increase 0.577 (95%CI: -0.173 - 1.327, P > 0.05) in post-intervention compared with (10.40 +/- 0.412) in pre-intervention and score of self-efficacy of condom use decreased 0.362 from 9.86 +/- 0.547 in pre-intervention (95%CI: -1.458 - 0.534, P > 0.05). In the six months prior to survey, the rate of unprotected sexual intercourse with male casual sexual partners in last 3 times decreased to 11.0% (22/200) (OR(adjusted) = 0.472, 95%CI: 0.265 - 0.841, P < 0.05) from 19.5% (39/200) baseline in Manyang, while in Yibin that increased to 19.0% (38/200) from 17.5% (35/200) in baseline (OR(adjusted) = 1.153, 95%CI: 0.660 - 2.014, P > 0.05). The rate of HIV-test increased significantly from 9.0% (18/200) to 22.0% (44/200) (OR = 2.852, 95%CI: 1.583 - 5.138, P < 0.05) in intervention city and Accordingly in the control, that was 24.5% (29/200) in baseline and 24.0% (28/200) in post-intervention (OR = 0.960, 95%CI: 0.548 - 1.682, P > 0.05). No difference was found in number of male sexual partner pre- and post-intervention both in intervention and control city. CONCLUSION: The intervention based on MSM venues and peer network among MSM is feasible and can increase knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy and as well as condom use and HIV testing.

Expanding expression of the 5-lipoxygenase/leukotriene B4 pathway in atherosclerotic lesions of diabetic patients promotes plaque instability.

Emerging evidence now indicates that the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. The expression of 5-LO by activated macrophages in symptomatic plaques leads to leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) accumulation and enhanced synthesis and release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that can promote plaque rupture. However, the role of 5-LO pathway in diabetic vascular disease has not been previously reported. Thus, the present study was designed to analyze the expression of 5-LO in carotid plaques of diabetic patients and to investigate the possible role of 5-LO pathway in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaques from 60 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic group. Plaques were analyzed for 5-LO, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by immunohistochemical, Western blot, and densitometric analyses, whereas zymography was used to detect MMP activity. Immunocytochemistry was also used to identify CD68+macrophages, CD3+T-lymphocytes, and HLA-DR+inflammatory cells. LTB(4) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 5-LO showed abundant immunoreactivity in human atherosclerotic carotid lesions, and was colocalized with macrophage infiltrates in atherosclerotic intima. 5-LO expression was higher in diabetic compared with non-diabetic plaques and was associated with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Follow-up analyze with zymography assay revealed MMP activity was elevated in diabetic compared with non-diabetic plaques. Notably, in contrast to non-diabetic plaques, LTB(4) levels were significantly increased in diabetic plaques by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results suggest that overexpression of 5-LO and LTB(4) in atherosclerotic plaques possibly promote MMP-induced plaque rupture in diabetes. Hence, anti-LTs may be useful, not only in reducing atherogenesis, but also in the prevention and treatment of acute atherothrombotic events in diabetic patients.