Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on Proliferation and Differentiation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). One hundred rats were included and randomly divided into the sham-operation (SO) group, model (MO) group, EA group, and preacupuncture stimulation (PAS) group, with 25 rats in each group. All the rats in the SO group had their spinal cord of thoracic segment T10 exposed but without SCI. In the remaining three groups, the modified Allen's weight dropping method was adopted to make SCI models. Those in the SO group and the MO group did not receive any treatment. Those in the EA group were treated with EA after the modelling was completed, which stopped when the samples were collected at each time point. The spinal cord tissue of rats was subjected to immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the expressions of neurofilament nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score of the MO group was much lower than that of the SO group on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days after surgery (P < 0.05). The BBB scores of the EA group and PAS group were notably higher than that of the MO group (P < 0.05). The number of nestin-, GFAP-, and MAP-2-positive cells was significantly increased in rat tissues after spinal cord injury. On the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days postoperatively, the numbers of nestin-positive cells in the EA and PAS groups were considerably higher than those in the MO group (P < 0.01). However, the numbers of GFAP-positive cells in the EA and PAS groups were considerably decreased compared with those in the MO group (P < 0.01). The positive rate of MAP-2 in the model group was significantly increased compared to that in the sham-operation group (P < 0.001). The positive rates of MAP-2 in the EA group and PAS group were significantly higher than those in the MO group (P < 0.01). After spinal cord injury, EA could activate the proliferation of endogenous NSCs and promote their differentiation into neuronal cells. Consequently, injuries were repaired, and functions were rehabilitated.

Electroacupuncture-Regulated miR-34a-3p/PDCD6 Axis Promotes Post-Spinal Cord Injury Recovery in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Settings.

Electroacupuncture (EA) could enhance neuroregeneration and posttraumatic conditions; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain ambiguous. PDCD6 (programmed cell death 6) is an established proapoptotic regulator which is responsible for motoneuronal death. However, its potential regulatory role in post-spinal cord injury (SCI) regeneration has remained largely unknown. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the involvement of PDCD6 post-SCI recovery and the underlying mechanisms. In our study, based on bioinformatics prediction, we found that miR-34a-3p might be an upstream regulator miRNA for PDCD6, which was subsequently validated through combined utilization of the qRT-PCR, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter system. Our in vitro results showed that miR-34a-3p might promote the in vitro differentiation of neural stem cell (NSC) through suppressing PDCD6 and regulating other important neural markers such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), MAP1/2 (MAP kinase kinases 1/2), myelin basic protein (MBP), ßIII-tubulin Class III ß-tubulin (ßIII tubulin), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Notably, in the post-SCI rat model, exogenous miR-34a-3p agomir obviously inhibited the expression of PDCD6 at the protein level and promoted neuronal proliferation, motoneurons regeneration, and axonal myelination. The restorations at cellular level might contribute to the improved hindlimbs functions of post-SCI rats, which was manifested by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor test. The impact of miR-34a-3p was further promoted by EA treatment in vivo. Conclusively, this paper argues that a miR-34a-3p/PDCD6 axis might be a candidate therapeutic target for treating SCI and that the therapeutic effect of EA is driven through this pathway.

NF-κB 1-induced LINC00665 regulates inflammation and apoptosis of neurons caused by spinal cord injury by targeting miR-34a-5p.

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has high disability rate and low cure rate, which frustrates the patients and brings a heavy burden to their families. This study aimed to explore whether NF-κB1 could induce the expression of LINC00665 and form a feedback loop with miR-34a-5p to regulate inflammation and apoptosis of neurons. Results: Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring was decreased, damage for spinal cord tissue was aggravated and neuron number was decreased in SCI rats. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 in serum and the expression of LINC00665 and NF-κB1 in spinal cord tissues were all increased in SCI rats. After LPS induction, PC12 cell viability was decreased. The expression of LINC00665 and NF-κB1 in LPS-induced PC12 cells was increased, which was partially reversed by BAY11-7082 (NF-κB inhibitor). Inhibition of LINC00665 improved cell viability, suppressed apoptosis and inflammation and down-regulated the NF-κB1 expression in LPS-induced PC12 cells. Furthermore, miR-34a-5p expression was decreased in LPS-induced PC12 cells, which could be promoted by inhibition of LINC00665. miR-34a-5p inhibitor restrained the effect of inhibition of LINC00665 on NF-κB1 expression in LPS-induced PC12 cells. Conclusion: inhibition of LINC00665 improved cell viability, suppressed apoptosis and inflammation in LPS-induced PC12 cells, and the NF-κB1/LINC00665/miR-34a-5ploop might be a useful therapeutic target in SCI treatment.

Exploration of potential therapeutic targets for stroke based on the GEO database.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze non-coding RNA sequencing results, screen differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and predict lncRNA target genes. It further clarifies the potential functions of lncRNAs, thus exploring potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for stroke. METHODS: LncRNA sequencing data of blood samples from stroke patients and healthy subjects (GSE102541 and GSE140275) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This study used R software and related R packages to conduct a batch correction and differential analysis of sequencing results. It also screened differentially expressed lncRNAs and visualized the correlations between significantly different lncRNAs. Target genes of differential lncRNAs were predicted by the StarBase database. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of related target genes was performed using the DAVID database. Principal component analysis was performed based on the expression levels of lncRNAs with the most significant differences in stroke blood samples. RESULTS: A total of 239 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out in this study, of which 146 were upregulated and 93 were downregulated. According to |log2FC| values from highest to lowest, the top 10 lncRNAs with the most significant differences were selected. The upregulated lncRNAs were LINC02334, TARID, MRGPRF-AS1, CAI2, LINC00189, TUG1, and RNF5P1. The downregulated lncRNAs included AC005180.2, ADAMTS9-AS1, and AC036108.3. TARID was strongly correlated with MRGPRF-AS1. Meanwhile, LINC02334 was strongly correlated with TUG1. CAI2, LINC00189, and RNF5P1 were at the core of the correlation network and may therefore be the critical lncRNAs in stroke pathogenesis. GO functional enrichment results indicated that genes were significantly enriched in muscle contraction, RNA polymerase II promoter transcription regulation, muscle structure composition, focal adhesion, endothelial cell chemotaxis, actin, actin cytoskeleton, actin filament binding, blood lipid regulation, smooth muscle contraction regulation, skeletal muscle cell differentiation, and other functions. Principal component analysis showed that the 10 lncRNAs with significant differences could significantly distinguish stroke blood samples from healthy control blood samples, and could characterize the essential characteristics of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: LINC02334, TARID, MRGPRF-AS1, CAI2, LINC00189, TUG1, RNF5P1, AC005180.2, ADAMTS9-AS1, and AC036108.3 play an essential role in the pathogenesis of stroke, and may be potential therapeutic targets.

[Value of transesophageal atrial pacing in neonates with tachyarrhythmia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of transesophageal atrial pacing (TEAP) in neonates with tachyarrhythmia. METHODS: The clinical data of 26 neonates with tachyarrhythmia who underwent TEAP electrophysiological examination or cardioversion were collected. RESULTS: Of the 26 neonates, 15(58%) were diagnosed with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, 3(12%) were diagnosed with sinus tachycardia, 3(12%) were diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, 2(8%) were diagnosed with fast/slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, 2(8%) were diagnosed with atrial tachycardia, and 1(4%) was diagnosed with sinus tachycardia with ventricular preexcitation. Overdrive suppression was performed for 22 neonates, among whom 18 achieved successful cardioversion, and 2 with atrial tachycardia and 2 with ventricular tachycardia failed to restore sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: TEAP is helpful to the diagnosis of tachyarrhythmia in neonates and can bring about a high rate of cardioversion success.

[Unintentional injuries in children: an analysis of 924 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the causes of unintentional injuries in children and to provide reference for reducing the incidence of unintentional injuries in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 924 children with unintentional injuries who were hospitalized in Zhongshan Boai Hospital from January 2008 to December 2010. RESULTS: Of the 924 cases, 26.4% suffered falls, which was the most common cause of injuries, 15.7% suffered burns and scalds, 14.0% were injured by foreign bodies, and 13.1% were injured in traffic accidents. Unintentional injuries occurred mainly among children aged 0-3 years (67%). The proportion of cases in summer (July to September) was significantly higher than in any other season (P < 0.05), and burns were the common causes of injuries in summer. Home was the most common place where unintentional injuries occurred (36.9%). The incidence of traffic accidents was significantly higher in non-local children than in local children (P < 0.001). As for the parents' educational levels, the children whose parents had an education level below junior middle school accounted for the highest proportion of all cases of unintentional injury (45.5%). Injuried cases in rural areas accounted for a significantly higher percentage than in urban areas (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Falls are the principal cause of unintentional injuries in children. Young children (0-3 years) are most vulnerable to unintentional injuries. Unintentional injuries mostly occur at home. The incidence of traffic accidents is higher in non-local children than in local children. Parents' education levels are associated with the incidence of unintentional injuries. In order to reduce the incidence of unintentional injuries in children, preventive measures must be carried out, and safety education should be enhanced in consideration of children's age, sex and family background.

[Clinical application of urodynamic study in patients with neurogenic bladder by pelvic fracture postoperative].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of urodynamic study in patients with neurogenic bladder by pelvic fracture postoperative. METHODS: Postoperative 12 cases with pelvic fracture resulted in uroschesis, there were 8 males and 4 females,and age from 26 to 70 years with an average of 46.5 years. Urodynamic study was done in patients at 1 d,1,3 weeks after operation and compared with 12 cases normal subjects. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between urodynamic parameter (including residual urine volume of bladder, max free flow, urethral closing pressure in filling end and so on) and course of disease. The residual urine volume of bladder and urethral closing pressure in filling end increased of urodynamic tests in all patients with uroschesis as compared with the normal subjects (P < 0.05); but max free flow decreased at 1 d, 1, 3 weeks after operation (P < 0.05). In the patients with uroschesis, residual urine volume of bladder markedly increased (P < 0.05) and urethral closing pressure in filling end markedly depressed (P < 0.05) at 1 week after operation than other time (at 1 d, 3 weeks after operation), but max free flow had not significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Urodynamic study might evaluate regenerate the degree of neurogenic bladder by pelvic fracture postoperative and predict the prognosis of the neurogenic bladder.