[ ABSTRACT] AIM: To investigate the role of TNF-αand NF-κB in the mechanism of neuropathic pain due to chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion ( CCD) .METHODS:Based on the CCD model, von Frey filaments were used to quantify behavior test.The expression changes of TNF-αand NF-κB were determined by Western blotting, and the cor-relation between the expression of TNF-αand the 50%paw withdrawal threshold was also analyzed.Moreover, the location of TNF-αin dorsal root ganglion ( DRG) was observed with immunofluorescence double staining.RESULTS: We found 50%paw withdrawal threshold of CCD decreased at the first day after operation.The mechanical allodynia was the most ob-vious at postoperative 7~14 d and lasted longer than 35 d.The expression of TNF-αand NF-κB increased significantly in DRG after operation (P<0.01), especially at 7~14 d, and then restored gradually.Moreover, there was a correlation between the protein expression of TNF-αand the changes of neuropathic behavior ( P<0.05 ) .CONCLUSION: TNF-αand NF-κB are involved in the mechanism of mechanical allodynia after chronically compressed DRG.

Objective: To study the feasibility of the determination paracetamol in Gangmaoqing by HPLC. Methods: The paracetamol contents of the different samples of Ganmaoqing Tablets were determined by the dead stop titration and HPLC, respectively. Results: The dead stop titration was complex and the error was larger. Whereas HPLC was simple, quick with a good seperation and small error.Conclusion: HPLC is accurate and reliable and reproducible for the determination of paracetamol in Ganmaoqing Tablets.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of ozone on nigra oxidative stress and apoptosis-related protein expression in rats with Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods Thirty-two adult male SD rats aged 2-3 months and weighted 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8):PD group,PD+ozone 20 group (given ozone 20 mg/L),PD+ozone 50 group (given ozone 50 mg/L) and control group; rats in the former three groups were given right striatum injection of 15 μg 6-OHDA to induce PD models,and rats in the control group were given the same volume of normal saline; four weeks after PD inducement,mixed gases of 5.0 mL of oxygen and ozone (20 mg/L and 50 mg/L,1 mg/kg) were given to rats in the PD+ozone 20 group and PD+ozone 50 group,respectively,for 15 d.Then,tissues were obtained from nigra; the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by using chromometry; the protein expressions of B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were detected by using Western blotting.Results As compared with those in the control group,the GSH-Px activity was significantly decreased and the MDA content was significantly increased in PD group,PD+ozone 20 group and PD+ozone 50 group (P＜0.05); the GSH-Px activity (6.98±0.60 vs 9.37±0.41、10.04±0.59) was significantly increased and the MDA content(2.31±0.54 vs 1.85±0.29、1.79±0.39) was significantly decreased in PD+ozone 20 group and PD+ozone 50 group as compared with those in the PD group (P＜0.05).Western blotting indicated no significant differences of protein expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 among the four groups (P＞0.05).Conclusion Ozone can improve antioxidation capability of rats with PD by increasing the activity of GSH-PX,while it does not affect the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2.

Objective To explore the risk factors of depression and anxiety in adult patients with epilepsy and their relationship with quality of life.Methods From May 2022 to January 2023,patients diagnosed with epilepsy(aged≥18 years)in the department of neurology of our hospital were collected.General demographic data and disease-related information were recorded.Quality of life,depression and anxiety scales were measured in all patients.SPSS26.0 software was used for multiple linear regression analysis,multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis,rank sum test,Pearson correlation analysis,etc.Results Among the 111 patients,49.5%had depression and 43.2%had anxiety.Depression score and anxiety score were correlated with attack type,attack frequency,quality of life and right temporal lobe,and there was a significant negative correlation between life quality score and anxiety and depression score(P<0.01).Seizure frequency,seizure type and right temporal lobe were common risk factors for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy(P<0.05).Conclusion Epileptic depression and anxiety were affected by seizure frequency and seizure type,and this bad mood further affected the quality of life of patients.No clear link has been found between the lateralization of seizures and the presence of depression and anxiety states,and further research is needed.

By gene sequencing methods, such as targeted sequencing, whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), about 1,000 epilepsy-related genes have been identified recently; and ion channel related genes are the most common genes being studied; about 25% single-gene inherited epilepsy is associated with ion channel gene variants. This article reviews the value of ion channel genes in epilepsy treatment so as to improve the understanding of epilepsy related ion channel genes and further optimize the treatment strategy of epilepsy.

Objective To observe the efficacy and side effect of Chinese style modified Atkins diet as add-on therapy in Chinese patients with intractable epilepsy to provide an easier operational choice for these patients.Methods A prospective study was performed on the clinical data of 15 patients with intractable epilepsy,admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to May 2013.On the basis of Johns Hopkins hospital operation method,other three measures were added:recommending calories and protein restriction,guaranteeing lowest fat intake,and choosing 1 g carbohydrate as one serving.All the patients were implemented with this method on the base of drugs.The efficacy,retention rate and side effect after this diet were observed.Results These patients were followed-up for 6 months to 3 years.Three patients (20％) had no attack,4 (26％) had reduced onset of ＞90％ attacks,6 (40％) had reduced 50％ -90％ of their attacks,and the other two did not enjoy good effect.The retention rate at 6 months was 66％; 33％ patients (5/15) had elevated blood lipids (including triglyceride and cholesterol).Conclusion As compared with ketogenic diet,Chinese style modified Atkins diet achieves similar effect,enjoying higher retention rate and fewer side effect,which is worth for clinical promotion.