The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of idebenone (IDE) combined with borneol (BO) against Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, wild-type AB zebrafish and transgenic Tg ( vmat2: GFP) zebrafish with green fluorescence labeled dopamine neurons were used to establish the PD model with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP). Following drug treatment, the behavioral performance and dopamine neuron morphology of zebrafish were evaluated, and regulation of dopamine signaling pathway-related genes was determined using RT-qPCR. The results showed that IDE combined with BO improved the behavioral disorders of zebrafish such as bradykinesia and shortening movement distance, also effectively reversed the damage of MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurons. At the same time, the expression of dopamine synthesis and transportation-related genes was up-regulated, and the normal function of the signal transduction pathway was restored. The combination showed a better therapeutic effect compared to the IDE monotherapy group. This study reveals the protective mechanism of IDE combined with BO on the central nervous system for the first time, which provides an important experimental basis and theoretical reference for clinical combination strategy in PD treatment.
Animals ; Zebrafish ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Dopamine/metabolism* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Camphanes/pharmacology* ; Ubiquinone/pharmacology* ; Parkinson Disease/drug therapy* ; Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism*

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of morusin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury in mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thirty-two male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control, LPS, low-dose morusin (morusin-L, 10 mg/kg), and high-dose morusin (morusin-H, 20 mg/kg) groups. The mice in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or normal saline via continuous gavage daily for 16 consecutive days. Except for control group, which received an equal volume of normal saline, other groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) 2 h after the last gavage to establish the acute liver injury model. Serum and liver tissues were collected for subsequent analysis 6 h after LPS injection. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were detected with biochemical methods. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing was performed to assess the composition of intestinal flora, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was applied for multi-level species discrimination, and Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed. The liver tissues of mice with acute liver injury were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and then enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway was conducted. The expression levels of selected genes was validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to examine the expression levels of IL-6, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Results: Morusin significantly reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001), while alleviating the hepatic pathological damage in mice. Based on efficacy comparisons, morusin-H group was selected for subsequent microbiome and transcriptome analyses. Microbiome analysis revealed that morusin-H effectively mitigated LPS-induced gut dysbiosis and restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota balance (P < 0.01). At the genus level, morusin-H significantly reduced the abundances of norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Desulfovibrio, Parabacteroides, and Muribaculum (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001). At the phylum, family, and genus levels, our findings indicated that morusin-H treatment caused a significant decrease in the abundance of Desulfobacterota, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Desulfovibrio (P < 0.01). Importantly, the abundance of Desulfovibrio was positively correlated with the levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Transcriptomic and molecular analyses showed that the therapeutic mechanism of morusin-H involved suppression of the IL-17/TNF signaling pathways and downregulating the mRNA levels of Tlr2, Tlr3, Myd88, Il6, and Cxcl10 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001), as well as the protein levels of key inflammatory mediators (IL-6, MYD88, and TLR2) (P < 0.001). Conclusion Morusin demonstrates protective effects against LPS-induced acute liver injury, likely through modulation of gut microbiota and suppression of pro-inflammatory factor expression. These findings indicate that morusin exerts its effects through the "microbiota-inflammation-liver" axis, providing a theoretical basis for its use as a multi-target plant-based drug in the treatment of metabolic inflammation-related liver diseases.

Objective:To investigate the effect of mitochondrial division of GABAergic neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata(SNr)on motor dysfunction in mice with acute hepatic encephalopathy(AHE).Methods:AHE mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide(TAA).The changes of liver lobules in AHE mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and blood ammonia in AHE mice were detected by biochemical detection kit.Then,the motor function of AHE mice was observed by rod fatigue test,elevated cross maze test and open field test.Furthermore,the changes of mitochondrial area,perimeter,roundness and other morphological indicators in SNr of AHE mice were ob-served and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.The expression of mitochondrial division and fusion related molecules in SNr of AHE mice was observed by Western Blot.Then,the expression of mitochondrial dynamic related protein 1(DRP1)in SNr of AHE mice was targeted by AAV virus.The mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),ATP and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in SNr were detected by fluorescence enzyme marker,and the changes of motor function of mice were observed.Results:Compared with the control group,the motor function of AHE mice was signifi-cantly decreased,the mitochondrial division of SNr was significantly enhanced,and the expression of mitochondrial divi-sion related proteins was significantly increased.The MMP in SNr of AHE mice was significantly decreased,the ATP of cells was decreased,and the ROS was increased.After targeted inhibition of DRP1 expression in SNr of AHE mice,the movement was improved;further observation found that after the mitochondrial division in SNr of AHE mice was inhibi-ted,the MMP was significantly increased,the ATP of cells was increased,and the ROS was decreased,which demon-strated that the mitochondrial function was significantly improved.Conclusion:Targeted inhibition of mitochondrial di-vision of GABAergic neurons in SNr of AHE mice can improve mitochondrial morphology and function,thus alleviating their movement disorders.

Objective:To investigate the precipitating and aggravating factors in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS) compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:This study was conducted from January 2015 to November 2021, using a cross-sectional survey research method, based on references to develop a patient-reported "onset and exacerbation triggers questionnaire", and surveyed patients with FMS and RA at the same time, and counted the types and proportions of onset and exacerbation triggers in the two groups of patients and used the chi-square test to make comparisons between the groups.Results:A total of 415 patients with FMS and 200 patients with RA participated the survey. 146 patients with FMS (35.2%) and 38 patients with RA (19.0%) reported morbidity triggers. Experiencing physical injury (71, 17.1%), wind-cold/cold-dampness (30 patients, 7.2%), mental stress (26, 6.2%), and exercise fatigue (10 patients, 2.4%) were the common morbidity triggers for FMS. More FMS patients reported to have experienced physical injuries and mental stress before the onset of the disease compared to RA patients [8.2%(17/200), χ2=5.41, P=0.020; 1.5%(3/200), χ2=6.82, P=0.009]. Exacerbation triggers were reported by 319 patients with FMS (76.9%) and 137 patients with RA (68.5%), in the order of weather changes (219 patients, 52.7%), physical labor (192 patients, 46.2%), mood swings (147 patients, 35.4%), sleep deprivation (145 patients, 34.9%), and mental stress (130 patients, 31.3%). The proportion of FMS patients with symptom exacerbation due to physical labor [46.2%(192/415)], mood swings[35.4%(147/415)], sleep deprivation[34.9%(145/415)], mental stress[31.3%(130/415)], and infection [9.3%(39/415)] was significantly higher than that of RA patients [35.0%(70/200), χ2=7.00, P=0.008; 19.5%(39/200), χ2=16.22, P<0.001; 13.5%(27/200), χ2=30.79, P<0.001; 17.5%(35/200), χ2=13.14, P<0.001; 3.0%(6/200), χ2=8.15, P=0.004). Conclusion:More than a third of FMS patients reported precipitating factors, and nearly four fifths FMS patients reported at least one aggravating trigger. FMS patients are likely to be more sensitive to environmental changes and perceived stress than RA patients.

Objective:To investigate the changes of mitochondria in the substantia nigra pars reticulata(SNr)in a mouse model of acute hepatic encephalopathy(AHE),and the effects of mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi-1 on the motor function and mitochondrial function of SNr in AHE mice.Methods:The mouse model of AHE was established by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide(TAA)and treated with Mdivi-1.The changes of serum aspartate aminotrans-ferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and blood ammonia were detected by biochemical detection kits.Open field test,rotor-rod fatigue test and elevated plus maze test were performed to observe the motor function of AHE mice.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and ATP of SNr were detected by commercial kits.Results:Compared with the control group,the levels of AST,ALT and blood ammonia in AHE mice were increased.The total movement distance of the mice in the open field was reduced,and the movement time of the rotor-rod fatigue test and the elevated plus maze test were shortened.In SNr,mitochondria became smaller and rounder,mitochondrial fission increased,MMP decreased,cellular ROS increased,and ATP production decreased.After treat-ment with Mdivi-1,the levels of AST,ALT and blood ammonia in AHE mice were decreased.In the open field,the total movement distance of mice increased,the movement time of rotorrod fatigue test and elevated plus maze test increased,the mitochondria of SNr were larger,with decreased roundness,decreased mitochondrial division,increased MMP,decreased cellular ROS,and increased ATP production.Conclusion:Mdivi-1 can improve movement disorders in AHE mice by repairing mitochondrial in the SNr.

Aceruloplasminemia(ACP)is a rare,adult-onset autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ceruloplasmin(CP)deficiency and iron metabolism disorders,with typical clinical manifestations of the triad of"neurological symptoms,diabetes,and retinopathy".Cranial MRI shows widely symmetrical T2-weighted imaging(T2WI)hypointensity in the basal ganglia,thalamus,dentate nucleus,and cortex.The diagnosis of ACP depends on genetic testing.Iron chelators were the main treatment,and some patients had unsatisfactory improvement in neurological symptoms.Clinicians should improve the recognition of ACP.Early diagnosis and treatment are helpful for the recovery of the disease.

Objective:To develop a questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practice of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among physical examination population, and to verify its reliability and validity.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. Based on the theory of knowledge, attitude and practice, the first draft of the questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practice of Hp infection in physical examination population was designed by means of retrospective literature research, qualitative interview, discussion in the research group. The structure and items of the questionnaire were consulted and revised by the expert consultation method (Delphi method). Through pre investigation of 186 physical examination personnel from May to June in 2021, the final version of the "knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on Helicobacter pylori infection among physical examination population" was formed after adjustment and verification of the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Results:The questionnaire of knowledge, attitude and practice of Hp infection in physical examination population included 3 dimensions and 28 items, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 56.271%. The content validity index of each item level of the questionnaire was 0.75-1.00, and the content validity index of the total questionnaire was 0.94. The Cronbach alpha of knowledge, attitude and practice dimensions in this questionnaire were 0.862, 0.901 and 0.798 respectively. The overall Cronbach alpha of the questionnaire was 0.890, and the half reliability was 0.698. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was 0.919, and the test-retest reliability of each dimension was 0.924, 0.917 and 0.845.Conclusions:The questionnaire has good reliability and validity, and can be used to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of Hp infection in physical examination population.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features,therapeutic methods,therapeutic efficacy,and prognostic characteristics of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:We collected data from 134 older patients with AML treated at Peking University International Hospital between January 2015 and February 2023.White blood cell count,bone marrow primitive cell count,cytogen-etic and molecular characteristics,and European LeukemiaNet(ELN)risk stratification at initial diagnosis were retrospectively ana-lyzed.Patients were assigned into two groups according to treatment plan―high-intensity chemotherapy and low-dose treatment―to determine whether intensive chemotherapy would yield survival benefits during treatment and the factors affecting survival.Results:Among 36 patients treated with high-intensity chemotherapy,22(61.1%)achieved complete response(CR);among 90 treated with low-intensity therapy,46(51.1%)achieved CR;and among 19 treated with azacitidine(AZA)+ venecra(VEN),14(73.7%)achieved CR.Medi-an overall survival(OS)was 15 months for high-intensity chemotherapy and 14.5 months for low-intensity treatment(P=0.226).According to ELN risk stratification,patients in the low,medium,and high risk groups exhibited OS of 18,14,and 9 months,respectively(P=0.009).OS for high-intensity chemotherapy and low-dose therapy was 22 and 15 months in the low-risk group(P=0.745),9 and 15 months in the medium-risk group(P=0.783),and 9 and 8 months in the high-risk group(P=0.739),respectively.Patients in the intensive chemotherapy group(n=36)had an OS of 15 and 17 months(P=0.689)compared with AZA+VEN treatment(n=19).The prognosis of six patients with TP53 mutation was significantly worse than those without the mutation,and the median OS was 2 months and 14 months,respectively(P=0.004).One-and 3-year survival rates for the low-,medium-and high-risk groups were 79%,53%,and 44%,and 41%,20%,and 3%,respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that high peripheral blood white blood cell count(P=0.034),ELN risk stratification(P=0.002),and complications(P=0.017)were correlated with OS,while treatment intensity,age,sex,and bone marrow primitive cell count were not significantly correlated with OS.Conclusions:High-intensity chemotherapy did not yield a significant survival benefit in older patients with AML;however,this result needs to be confirmed in patients at low risk.Patients with TP53 mutations had a poor prognosis.Multivariate analyses revealed that baseline mo-lecular characteristics,leukocyte count,and comorbidities were more important than treatment intensity in predicting survival among older patients with AML.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of iron deposition in the substantia nigral (SN) subregions on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and the change of swallow tail sign (STS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) of different disease stages.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 53 patients with RRMS (case group) diagnosed at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The case group was divided into 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup, and >10 years subgroup according to the disease duration; another 37 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group during the same period. All subjects underwent MRI and QSM reconstruction. First, the SN was divided into four subregions: rostral anterior-SN (aSNr), rostral posterior-SN (pSNr), caudal anterior-SN (aSNc), and caudal posterior-SN (pSNc) on the QSM, and the quantitative susceptibility value (QSV) of each subregion was measured, and then the STS of the SN was observed and scored on the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) generated by post-processing. ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the QSV of each subregion of SN among the groups, and the probability of abnormal STS was compared using the χ 2 test. Spearman′s test was used to analyze the correlation between the QSV of each subregion of SN and the STS score. Results:The differences in QSV of aSNr, pSNr, aSNc, and pSNc were statistically significant among the 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup,>10 years subgroup of RRMS patients and the control group ( P<0.05). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in 0-5 years subgroup was higher than those in the control group ( P was 0.039, 0.008, 0.039, respectively). The QSV of aSNr, aSNc, and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup were higher than those in the 0-5 years subgroup ( P was <0.001, 0.020, 0.015, respectively). The QSV of the aSNc, pSNc in >10 years subgroup were lower than those in the 6-10 years subgroup ( P=0.037, 0.006). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr in >10 years subgroup were higher than those in the control group ( P was <0.001, 0.001). There were 7 cases of abnormal STS in the 0-5 years subgroup, 11 cases in the 6-10 years subgroup, 12 cases in >10 years subgroup, and 9 cases in the control subgroup, and there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of abnormal STS among the subgroups of the RRMS patients and the control subgroup (χ 2=16.20, P=0.011). Both the scores of STS in the 6-10 years subgroup and >10 years group were positively correlated with the QSV in pSNc ( r s=0.65, P=0.006; r s=0.48, P=0.045). Conclusions:In RRMS patients, SN iron deposition is concentrated on aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in the 0-5 years subgroup and on aSNr, aSNc and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup. The QSVs of all SN subregions have a downward trend in >10 years subgroup compared with that in the 6-10 years subgroup. Both the QSVs of the pSNc in the 6-10 years group and >10 years group are positively related to STS scores. These help explore the potential progression pattern of SN iron deposition in RRMS patients and the cause of abnormal STS in RRMS patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the multi-target cerebral cortex after stroke on functional recovery of the upper limb of the hemiplegic side. MethodsFrom November, 2019 to August, 2020, 40 stroke patients in Gansu Provine Hospital Rehabilitation Center were included and randomly divided into single-target stimulation group (n = 20) and multiple-target stimulation group (n = 20). Both groups underwent basic neurorehabilitation drug therapy and conventional rehabilitation exercises. The single-target stimulation group received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) (iTBS mode) only in the primary motor cortex (M1) of the affected side. The multi-target stimulation group received rTMS (iTBS mode) in the cerebellar cortex of the healthy brain and M1 of the affected side, once a day, six days a week, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the latency and amplitude of somatosensory-evoked potentials N20 were compared. ResultsNo serious adverse reaction occurred during treatment. After treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, MBI and ARAT, and the amplitude and latency of N20 improved in both groups (|t| > 3.478, |Z| > 2.243, P < 0.05); and the scores of FMA-UE and ARAT, and the amplitude of N20 were better in the multiple-target stimulation group than in the single-target stimulation group (t > 2.939, Z = -2.697, P < 0.01). ConclusionMulti-target stimulation is superior to single-target stimulation for improving upper limb motor function and N20 amplitude in the hemiplegics after stroke.