Objective To investigate the influence of electroacupuncturing Neiguan points on mitochondrial Ca2+release and cardiomyocyte apoptosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. Methods 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and a treatment group(10 in each group). In the treatment group, after eight weeks electroacupuncture Neiguan point treating diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats, the myocardium was quickly removed,mitochondrial was extracted,dual-beam UV spectrophotometer was adopted to detecting Ca2+transportation by testing Ca2+indicator A Ⅲ absorbance, and Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxy-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Results Ca2+ indicator A Ⅲ absorbance detection(0.051±0.014) and cardiomyocyte apoptosis(0.49±0.36)were more depressed in the treatment group than in the model group[(0.077±0.025), (0.53±0.04)], there were significantly different(P<0.05) Conclusion Effect of Electroacupuncturing Neiguan points decreased myocardial apoptosis index in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be related to the reduction of mitochondrial Ca2+influx.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common condition that results in syncope among children and adolescents.It primarily manifests as a range of chronic orthostatic intolerance symptoms, accompanied by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing, significantly impacting the learning and quality of life in young individuals.POTS demonstrates diversity and heterogeneity in clinical symptoms, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and associated complications.Consequently, relying on experience to treatment often fails to achieve desired clinical outcomes.Delving deeper into potential clinical biomarkers capable of predicting POTS treatment efficacy and implementing individualized treatment approaches are crucial for enhancing patient prognosis and quality of life.This review provided a comprehensive exploration of the latest research findings on biomarkers for predicting POTS clinical outcomes, aiming to offer perspectives and approaches for the clinical treatment of pediatric POTS.

The experiment was designed to investigate the function of SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) mutant (D443N) by constructing an eukaryotic expressive vector using a smooth muscle specific promoter SM22 (pGL3-SM22-SCAP(D443N)). SM22 promoter (pSM22) was amplified from genome DNA of mice by nested PCR, and then cloned into pMD-T vector. The SM22 promoter fragment released from the vector by Kpn I and Hind III digestion was sub-cloned into pGL3-control-Luc vector, to form pGL3-SM22-Luc. The activity of pSM22 in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was tested using Dual-Luciferase Reporter System. SCAP(D443) mutant amplified from plasmid pTK-HSV-SCAP(D443N) and pSM22 from mice liver were cloned into pGL3-control vector to construct pGL3-SM22-SCAP(D443N) which was transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) to test SCAP(D443) expression by real-time PCR and Western blot. The sequence and construction of pGL3-SM22-SCAP(D443N) were correct. SM22 promoter activity initiated the expression of luciferase in VSMCs and also drove SCAP(D443) expression in transfected CHO cells. The pGL3-SM22-SCAP(D443N) eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed and the recombinant vector provides a powerful approach in investigating the function and regulation of SCAP and also in producing vascular smooth muscle specific SCAP transgenic mice.
Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Membrane Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; physiology ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Microfilament Proteins ; genetics ; Muscle Proteins ; genetics ; Mutant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective: Studies on duration of untreated psychosis are common in patients with schizophrenia, but few studies have investigated the relationship between duration of untreated illness (DUI) and suicide, especially in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Therefore, we intended to investigate the relationship between DUI and suicide and clinical correlates in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 1,555 Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia were enrolled in this study. DUI was measured in years, reflecting the prolonged untreated periods observed in this population. Clinical correlates were assessed, including symptoms, cognitive functioning, and body mass index. Suicidal ideation and attempts were also examined. Statistical analyses, including multivariate models, were employed to investigate the associations between DUI and clinical correlates while controlling for potential confounders. Results: The study revealed a significant proportion (23.3%) of patients with chronic schizophrenia in China received their first treatment after a 4-year delay, with the longest untreated duration reaching 39 years. Patients with longer DUI exhibited more severe negative symptoms, lower immediate memory scores, a higher likelihood of being overweight, and surprisingly, a reduced likelihood of suicidal ideation and attempts. Each additional year of untreated illness was associated with a 3% decrease in the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Conclusion The findings underscore the prevalence of extended untreated periods in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia and highlight the impact of DUI on negative symptoms, cognitive function, and body weight. Intriguingly, a longer DUI was associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.