Combined metabolome and transcriptome reveal HmF6'H1 regulating simple coumarin accumulation against powdery mildew infection in Heracleum moellendorffii Hance.

BACKGROUND: Powdery mildew, caused by Eeysiphe heraclei, seriously threatens Heracleum moellendorffii Hance. Plant secondary metabolites are essential to many activities and are necessary for defense against biotic stress. In order to clarify the functions of these metabolites in response to the pathogen, our work concentrated on the variations in the accumulation of secondary metabolites in H. moellendorffii during E. heraclei infection. RESULTS: Following E. heraclei infection, a significant upregulation of coumarin metabolites-particularly simple coumarins and associated genes was detected by RNA-seq and UPLC-MS/MS association analysis. Identifying HmF6'H1, a Feruloyl CoA 6'-hydroxylase pivotal in the biosynthesis of the coumarin basic skeleton through ortho-hydroxylation, was a significant outcome. The cytoplasmic HmF6'H1 protein was shown to be able to catalyze the ortho-hydroxylation of p-coumaroyl-CoA and caffeoyl-CoA, resulting in the formation of umbelliferone and esculetin, respectively. Over-expression of the HmF6'H1 gene resulted in increased levels of simple coumarins, inhibiting the biosynthesis of furanocoumarins and pyranocoumarins by suppressing PT gene expression, enhancing H. moellendorffii resistance to powdery mildew. CONCLUSIONS: These results established HmF6'H1 as a resistance gene aiding H. moellendorffii in combatting E. heraclei infection, offering additional evidence of feruloyl-CoA 6'-hydroxylase role in catalyzing various types of simple coumarins. Therefore, this work contributes to our understanding of the function of simple coumarins in plants' defense against powdery mildew infection.

Impulse oscillometry in the diagnosis of cough variant asthma in children.

BACKGROUND: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is one of the most common causes of chronic cough in children worldwide. The diagnosis of CVA in children remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of impulse oscillometry (IOS) pulmonary function in children with CVA. METHODS: This study included children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with CVA who underwent IOS pulmonary function and bronchodilation (BD) tests. A control group of healthy children was matched. Pre- and post-BD IOS parameters were recorded and presented as mean ± standard deviation or median. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the discriminatory potential of the IOS parameters for diagnosing CVA. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients with CVA and 65 control subjects were included. The baseline IOS parameters in the CVA group, except X5%pred, were significantly greater compared to the control group. After inhalation of salbutamol sulfate, all IOS parameters improved significantly in the CVA group. However, Z5%pred, R5%pred, and R20%pred remained greater in the CVA group compared to the control group. The improvement rates of IOS parameters in the CVA group significantly surpassed those in the control group. The ROC curve results for pre-BD IOS parameters and the improvement rate during the BD test showed that the combinations of pre-Z5%pred+△Z5% and pre-R5%pred+△R5% achieved the highest AUC value of 0.920 and 0.898, respectively. The AUC values of these combined parameters surpassed those of individual ones. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that children with CVA exhibit greater IOS parameters compared to healthy children. The changes in IOS parameters during the BD test provided valuable diagnostic information for CVA, and the combination of various parameters can help pediatricians accurately identify CVA in children.

Identification and analysis of CYP450 and UGT supergene family members from the transcriptome of Aralia elata (Miq.) seem reveal candidate genes for triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) gene superfamily have been shown to play essential roles in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis. However, the systematic identification of CYP450s and UGTs has not been reported in Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem, a highly valued medicinal plant. RESULTS: In the present study, we conducted the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the leaves, stems, and roots of A. elata, yielding 66,713 total unigenes. Following annotation and KEGG pathway analysis, we were able to identify 64 unigenes related to triterpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, 254 CYP450s and 122 UGTs, respectively. A total of 150 CYP450s and 92 UGTs encoding > 300 amino acid proteins were utilized for phylogenetic and tissue-specific expression analyses. This allowed us to cluster 150 CYP450s into 9 clans and 40 families, and then these CYP450 proteins were further grouped into two primary branches: A-type (53%) and non-A-type (47%). A phylogenetic analysis of 92 UGTs and other plant UGTs led to clustering into 16 groups (A-P). We further assessed the expression patterns of these CYP450 and UGT genes across A. elata tissues, with 23 CYP450 and 16 UGT members being selected for qRT-PCR validation, respectively. From these data, we identified CYP716A295 and CYP716A296 as the candidate genes most likely to be associated with oleanolic acid synthesis, while CYP72A763 and CYP72A776 were identified as being the most likely to play roles in hederagenin biosynthesis. We also selected five unigenes as the best candidates for oleanolic acid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Finally, we assessed the subcellular localization of three CYP450 proteins within Arabidopsis protoplasts, highlighting the fact that they localize to the endoplasmic reticulum. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a systematic analysis of the CYP450 and UGT gene family in A. elata and provides a foundation for further functional characterization of these two multigene families.

Double Roles of Macrophages in Human Neuroimmune Diseases and Their Animal Models.

Macrophages are important immune cells of the innate immune system that are involved in organ-specific homeostasis and contribute to both pathology and resolution of diseases including infections, cancer, obesity, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune disorders. Multiple lines of evidence point to macrophages as a remarkably heterogeneous cell type. Different phenotypes of macrophages exert either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory roles depending on the cytokines and other mediators that they are exposed to in the local microenvironment. Proinflammatory macrophages secrete detrimental molecules to induce disease development, while anti-inflammatory macrophages produce beneficial mediators to promote disease recovery. The conversion of the phenotypes of macrophages can regulate the initiation, development, and recovery of autoimmune diseases. Human neuroimmune diseases majorly include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), myasthenia gravis (MG), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of these neuroimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the double roles of macrophage in neuroimmune diseases and their animal models to further explore the mechanisms of macrophages involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, which may provide a potential therapeutic approach for these disorders in the future.

Circulating Memory T Follicular Helper Cells in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica/Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the potential role of memory T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in patients with neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMO/NMOSD). METHODS: The percentages of different subsets of circulating memory Tfh cells in 25 NMO/NMOSD patients before and after treatment as well as in 17 healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry. The levels of IL-21 and AQP4 Ab in plasma and CSF were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The percentages and numbers of circulating memory Tfh cells, ICOS(+), CCR7(-), CCR7(-)ICOS(+), CCR7(+), CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells, and the levels of IL-21 in plasma and CSF were significantly increased in NMO/NMOSD patients. The percentages of CCR7(-) and CCR7(-)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with ARR, plasma IL-21, and AQP4 Ab levels. The percentages of CCR7(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with CSF white blood cell counts, proteins, and IL-21 levels. Treatment with corticosteroids significantly reduced the numbers of CCR7(-)ICOS(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells as well as plasma IL-21 levels in patients with partial remission. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that circulating memory Tfh cells may participate in the relapse and development of NMO/NMOSD and may serve as a new therapeutic target.

Follicular Helper CD4+ T Cells in Human Neuroautoimmune Diseases and Their Animal Models.

Follicular helper CD4(+) T (TFH) cells play a fundamental role in humoral immunity deriving from their ability to provide help for germinal center (GC) formation, B cell differentiation into plasma cells and memory cells, and antibody production in secondary lymphoid tissues. TFH cells can be identified by a combination of markers, including the chemokine receptor CXCR5, costimulatory molecules ICOS and PD-1, transcription repressor Bcl-6, and cytokine IL-21. It is difficult and impossible to get access to secondary lymphoid tissues in humans, so studies are usually performed with human peripheral blood samples as circulating counterparts of tissue TFH cells. A balance of TFH cell generation and function is critical for protective antibody response, whereas overactivation of TFH cells or overexpression of TFH-associated molecules may result in autoimmune diseases. Emerging data have shown that TFH cells and TFH-associated molecules may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuroautoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO)/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), and myasthenia gravis (MG). This review summarizes the features of TFH cells, including their development, function, and roles as well as TFH-associated molecules in neuroautoimmune diseases and their animal models.

A rare case of critical illness polyneuropathy and literature review.

A 40- year-old Male was admitted to the first hospital of Jilin University with the complaint of 4 days of fever and headache and aggravation of weakness in his lower extremities accompanied with dysuria and disturbance of consciousness for one day. He had tachycardia, tachypnea and elevated white blood cell counts. General status of the patient got better day by day, while weakness and pain in his lower extremities had developed and gradually quadriplegia arose. When intensive care unit history, weaning difficulty from mechanical ventilator, clinical manifestations in intensive care unit associated with SIRS, symmetrical paresis pronounced in distal lower extremities, absence of deep tendon reflexes, evidence of distal sensory impairment, presence of electrophysiologic results indicating axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy and muscle and nerve biopsy results were taken into consideration, he was diagnosed as critical illness polyneuropathy.

Analysis of Erect-Panicle Japonica Rice in Northern China: Yield, Quality Status, and Quality Improvement Directions.

China is the only country that extensively cultivates the indica and japonica rice varieties, with the largest japonica rice production area being in northeast China. A study of the relationship between the yield and quality of japonica rice and the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on this relationship is important. In this paper, we aimed to assess the current yield and quality of japonica rice in northeast China. We selected erect-panicle varieties as the test materials. Field experiments were conducted using different nitrogen fertilizer levels for two consecutive years to analyze the rice varieties' yield, quality, interrelationship, and nitrogen fertilizer response. The average yield following high- and low-nitrogen treatments exceeded 10,000.00 kg/hm2, with a maximum of 12,285.63 kg/hm2. The high-yield-high-nitrogen treatment group had more panicles, a higher seed-setting rate, and a higher 1000-grain weight than the other groups. The high-yield-low-nitrogen group had a higher number of panicles and seed-setting rate than the other groups. The low-yield-high-nitrogen group had a lower number of whole grains, grain length-to-width ratio, and taste value than the other groups. The low-yield-low-nitrogen group had fewer primary branches than the other groups; excluding the primary branch-setting rate and 1000-grain weight, the values of the other panicle traits of the group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. The high-nitrogen-high-flavor group had lower panicle and spikelet numbers and higher spikelet fertility rates than the other groups. The low-nitrogen-high-flavor group had higher spikelet fertility rates and 1000-grain weight than the other groups. Compared to the other groups, the low-nitrogen-high-flavor group had a higher head rice yield, and the high-nitrogen-high-flavor group had a lower chalkiness rate. The main goal of the breeding and cultivation of high-yield and high-quality erect-panicle japonica rice in northern China is to achieve "dual high, dual low, and one high and one low" conditions, signifying a high yield with high or low nitrogen levels, low protein and amylose contents, high head rice rates, and low chalkiness. This study provides a new technique for enhancing the taste of northern erect-panicle japonica rice to promote the sustainable, high-yield, and high-quality development of japonica rice in northern China.

Spirometry in the diagnosis of cough variant asthma in children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of spirometry, particularly focusing on small airway parameters, in children with cough variant asthma (CVA). METHODS: This study included children aged 5-12 years with a diagnosis of CVA. Pre- and postbronchodilation spirometry parameters, including FEV1 %pred, FVC%pred, FEV1 /FVC%pred, PEF%pred, FEF25 %pred, FEF50 %pred, FEF75 %pred, MMEF%pred, were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the discriminatory potential of these spirometry parameters for CVA. A prediction model based on logistic regression (LR) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients with CVA and 73 control subjects were included. Baseline spirometry parameters in the CVA group, except for FVC%pred, were significantly lower compared to the control group. After inhalation of salbutamol sulfate, all parameters showed significant improvement in the CVA group. However, these parameters, except for FEV1 %pred and FVC%pred, remained lower in the CVA group compared to the control group. The improvement rate of each parameter in the CVA group, except for ∆ FVC%, was significantly higher than that in the control group. △ MMEF% achieved the highest AUC of 0.797 with a threshold value of 16.09%, followed by △ FEF75 % (0.792), △ FEV1 % (0.756), and △ FEF50 % (0.747) with threshold values of 19.01%, 4.48%, and 19.4%, respectively. The clinical prediction model included four variables (age, △ FEF25 %, △ FEF75 %, and △ MMEF%) and demonstrated excellent performance distinguishing patients with and without CVA (AUC = 0.850). In the CVA group, the △ FEV1 % showed a positive correlation with small airway parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that children with CVA exhibit lower pulmonary function parameters compared to healthy children. Changes in small airway parameters during bronchodilator tests can be valuable in diagnosing CVA, and the LR prediction model incorporating age and several pulmonary parameters can assist physicians in accurately identifying CVA in clinical practice.

Sugar Transporter HmSWEET8 Cooperates with HmSTP1 to Enhance Powdery Mildew Susceptibility in Heracleum moellendorffii Hance.

The powdery mildew caused by Eeysiphe heraclei is a serious concern in Heracleum moellendorffii Hance. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms underlying sugar efflux from host cells to the fungus during the plant-fungus interaction showed great significance. The study successfully cloned HmSWEET8 and HmSTP1 genes based on RNA-seq technology. The complementation assays in yeast EBY.VW4000 found HmSWEET8 and HmSTP1 transporting hexose. Over-expressing or silencing HmSWEET8 in H. moellendorffii leaves increased or decreased powdery mildew susceptibility by changing glucose concentration in infective sites. Meanwhile, over-expressing HmSTP1 in H. moellendorffii leaves also increased powdery mildew susceptibility by elevating the glucose content of infective areas. Additionally, HmSTP1 expression was up-regulated obviously in HmSWEET8 over-expressed plants and inhibited significantly in HmSWEET8 silenced plants. Co-expressing HmSWEET8 and HmSTP1 genes significantly increased powdery mildew susceptibility compared with over-expressed HmSWEET8 or HmSTP1 plants alone. The results demonstrated that HmSTP1 may assist with HmSWEET8 to promote E. heraclei infection. Consequently, the infection caused by E. heraclei resulted in the activation of HmSWEET8, leading to an increased transfer of glucose to the apoplasmic spaces at the sites of infection, then, HmSTP1 facilitated the transport of glucose into host cells, promoting powdery mildew infection.

The impact of V30A mutation on transthyretin protein structural stability and cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells.

Single point mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene may cause a hereditary neurodegenerative disease termed familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) due to accelerated deposition of amyloid fibrils, resulting in peripheral and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Recently, we found a Chinese FAP family involving a TTR V30A mutation. To understand the pathogenic mechanisms of this V30A TTR, we investigated the effects of this mutation on TTR quaternary and tertiary structural stabilities and cytotoxicities against neuroblastoma cells along with the most common variant V30M TTR and the wild-type (WT) TTR. Our results showed that the V30A mutation impaired the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of the TTR protein by increasing the extent and rate of tetramer dissociation and unfolded monomer and amyloid fibril formation, even to a greater extent than the V30M mutation under several experimental conditions. Further, an obviously cytotoxic effect of the V30A TTR on the human neuroblastoma cell line, IMR-32, was observed. The V30A TTR induced apoptosis and autophagy concomitant with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA double-strand breaks, reflected in the induction of phosphor-H2A.X. These results suggest that the V30A mutation in the TTR gene promotes the formation of unfolded monomers and amyloid fibrils, which potentially contribute to the increased neurotoxicity and the pathology associated with this FAP family.

Alterations of signaling pathways in muscle tissues of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, manifests as progressive weakening of muscles. The diagnosis and prognosis of ALS are often unclear, so useful biomarkers are needed. METHODS: Total proteins were extracted from muscle samples from 36 ALS, 17 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and 36 normal individuals. The expression levels of 134 proteins and phosphoproteins were assessed using protein pathway array analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen proteins were differentially expressed between ALS and normal muscle, and 9 proteins were differentially expressed between ALS and SMA muscle. The low-level expression of Akt and Factor XIIIB correlates with unfavorable survival, and the risk score calculated based on these proteins predicts the survival of each individual patient. CONCLUSIONS: Some proteins could be selected as clinically useful biomarkers. Specifically, Akt and Factor XIIIB were found to be promising biomarkers for estimating prognosis in ALS.

Analysis of mitochondrial haplogroups associated with TTR Val30Ala familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy in Chinese patients.

Extracellular deposition of abnormal transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils leads to familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), an inherited autsomal dominant disease. A large number of protein variants, each caused by a different point mutation in the TTR gene have been identified, including TTR Val30Ala. Since the age of onset, organ involvement, and disease progression are highly variable in FAP, even among individuals with the same TTR genetic variation. it is likely that other genetic and environmental factors influence FAP disease phenotype. One study has found a relationship between mitochondrial haplogroups and age of onset of FAP. In this study, we wondered whether certain mitochondrial haplogroups were associated with the cases of TTR Val30Ala FAP in a Chinese population. Mitochondrial haplogroup analysis was performed on a group of patients and their relatives and on a group of healthy controls. All FAP probands were unrelated in their maternal lineages. The chi-squared test for independence found no difference in mitochondrial haplogroup distribution between FAP and control groups. This is the first study reporting frequency and distribution of different haplogroups in FAP in a Chinese population. Although the study group was small, TTR Val30Ala FAP in China seems unrelated to mitochondrial haplogroup.

Functionalization of cellulosic hydrogels with Cu2O@CuO nanospheres: Toward antifouling applications.

Immobilizing metal oxide nanoparticles onto polymer substrate could endow antibacterial performance and enhance mechanical property. In-situ strategy is extensively used to better control loading percentage, uniform distribution and particle size of nanoparticles. However, it still remains challenge in depositing stable bicomponents copper oxide nanoparticles on non-adhesive surface of cellulose hydrogel in high density. In this study, Cu2O@CuO nanospheres were in-situ deposited onto cellulose hydrogels via liquid phase reduction. Particularly, sodium hydroxide in the cellulose hydrogel severed as the precipitant, which not only save the usage of chemicals, but also enhanced binding between nanoparticles and the hydrogel. Furthermore, Cu2O@CuO nanospheres demonstrate biocidal antifouling performance against Escherichia coli by releasing biocide. After hydrolysis of precipitation layer, the exposed cellulose hydrogel exhibits fouling-resistant property for Chlorella Vulgaris due to the hydration layer on its surface. Such composites hold great promise in antifouling coatings and other applications.

Hemorrhagic transformation induced by acute hyperglycemia in a rat model of transient focal ischemia.

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major factor limiting the use of tissue plasminogen activator for stroke. HT has been found in animals undergoing transient focal cerebral ischemia with hyperglycemia. This study examined the incidence rate, location and content of HT.Rats were divided into two groups: the hyperglycemic group and normoglycemic group. Rats received an injection of 50% glucose (6 ml/kg, i.p.) or an equivalent volume of saline 15 min before 2-h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) with reperfusion. Rats were killed 4, 8 or 24 h later and used for blood-brain barrier permeability, hemoglobin content, brain edema, and infarct volume measurements. Mortality and HT incidence rates were also evaluated. We found that all hyperglycemic rats had HT, and two out of six normoglycemic rats had HT 24 h after tMCAO. Hyperglycemic rats had more severe Evans blue leakage (p<0.05) and brain edema (p<0.05) in the ipsilateral hemisphere. However, infarct volumes were the same in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic rats. In conclusion, acute hyperglycemia reliably and consistently resulted in hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. The model is useful for experimental assessment of new therapies for HT.

Effects of shading on triterpene saponin accumulation and related gene expression of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem.

Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem is widely used as a medicinal plant and functional food in China. In this study, A. elata plants were exposed to full sunlight (CK), 40% shading (LS), 60% shading (MS), and >80% shading (ES) condition to investigate the effects of shading treatments on growth, stress levels, antioxidant enzymes activity, araloside content and related gene expression. The greatest growth and leaf biomass were achieved in 40% shading, and leaf biomass per plant increased by 16.09% compared to the non-shading treatment. Furthermore, the lowest reactive oxide species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation resulting from increasing antioxidant enzyme activity were also observed in LS treatment. Overall, shading percentage negatively regulated the expression of key enzymes (squalene synthase, SS; squalene epoxidase, SE and ß-amyrin synthase, bAS) involved in the saponin biosynthesis, resulting in the greatest yields of total and four selected aralosides in A. elata leaves were achieved in sunlight group. However, the greatest yield of total saponin in the leaves was observed in the 40% shading group due to higher leaf biomass. The results suggest that optimizing the field growing conditions would be important for obtaining the greatest yield of bioactive components. Total saponin and selected aralosides also have a significant correlation with ROS production and antioxidant enzyme activity, these indicated the increased yield of these saponins may be part of a defense response. The study concludes that the production of saponin was the interaction of oxidative stress and photosynthesis.

Clinical and electrophysiological features of the 2007 Guillain-Barré syndrome epidemic in northeast China.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) generally presents sporadically. Epidemics of GBS are unusual. We reviewed the medical records of 26 patients hospitalized for GBS during the 2007 GBS epidemic in northeast China. The objective was to determine whether there were clinical and electrophysiological characteristics. All patients had drunk unboiled water, and the illness was preceded by diarrhea in 19 (73%) patients. Only 1 patient had a Campylobacter jejuni infection, whereas 14 (54%) patients exhibited features of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). The most common electrophysiological findings in early GBS included decreased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (62%), abnormal F waves (73%), and abnormal H reflexes (62%). This epidemic of GBS appears to have been associated with consumption of contaminated water. The main subtype was AMAN, which was associated with a longer duration of illness and a worse prognosis. Electrodiagnostic evaluations are helpful for diagnosis in the primary stages of GBS.

Clinical study on the visceral differentiation-based acupuncture therapy for insomnia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of acupuncture for insomnia on the basis of visceral differentiation. METHODS: Seventy cases of insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The former was treated by acupuncture based on visceral differentiation and the latter by the routine acupuncture therapy. RESULTS: The clinical effects were significantly better in the treatment group than that of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The visceral differentiation-based acupuncture therapy may enhance the therapeutic effects for insomnia patients.

Cerebrolysin improves sciatic nerve dysfunction in a mouse model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

To examine the effects of Cerebrolysin on the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we first established a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus by administering a high-glucose, high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Mice defined as diabetic in this model were then treated with 1.80, 5.39 or 8.98 mL/kg of Cerebrolysin via intraperitoneal injections for 10 consecutive days. Our results demonstrated that the number, diameter and area of myelinated nerve fibers increased in the sciatic nerves of these mice after administration of Cerebrolysin. The results of several behavioral tests showed that Cerebrolysin dose-dependently increased the slope angle in the inclined plane test (indicating an improved ability to maintain body position), prolonged tail-flick latency and foot-licking time (indicating enhanced sensitivity to thermal and chemical pain, respectively, and reduced pain thresholds), and increased an index of sciatic nerve function in diabetic mice compared with those behavioral results in untreated diabetic mice. Taken together, the anatomical and functional results suggest that Cerebrolysin ameliorated peripheral neuropathy in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.