OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), tissue morphology, and the expression of Fc epsilon RI (FcεRI) pathway proteins spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and membrane spanning 4-domain A2 (MS4A2) in rat model of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and to explore the potential mechanism by which this therapy alleviates pain sensitization. METHODS: Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and a moxibustion group, with 13 rats in each group. The PHN model was established in the model and moxibustion groups by intraperitoneal injection of resiniferatoxin. In the moxibustion group, bilateral L₄-L₆ "Jiaji" (EX-B2) points were treated with point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread from day 7 post-modeling, with two cones per acupoint per session, every other day for a total of 10 sessions. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before modeling and on days 1, 4, 7, 13, 19, and 25 after modeling. After intervention, HE staining was used to observe DRG morphology. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze DEGs in DRG and conduct bioinformatics analysis. The expression of Syk and MS4A2 mRNA and proteins in the FcεRI pathway in DRG was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased MWT (P<0.05) and increased TWL (P<0.05); histopathological analysis revealed neuronal atrophy, nuclear displacement, and intracellular vacuoles, with a slightly loose arrangement; the RNA-Seq identified 3,207 DEGs (1,997 upregulated and 1,210 downregulated); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Syk and MS4A2 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed increased MWT (P<0.05) and decreased TWL (P<0.05), with relatively normal neuronal morphology; the RNA-Seq identified 426 DEGs (250 upregulated and 176 downregulated); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Syk and MS4A2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Venn diagram analysis identified 156 DEGs that showed a reversal in expression trends after treatment, including Syk and MS4A2, which are associated with pain sensitization. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily enriched in the FcεRI pathway. CONCLUSION Point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread could alleviate pain sensitization in PHN rats, possibly by inhibiting the FcεRI signaling pathway and downregulating the expression of Syk and MS4A2.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Moxibustion ; Neuralgia, Postherpetic/physiopathology* ; Syk Kinase/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.

Objective    To evaluate whether long frozen elephant trunk (FET) increases the risk of spinal cord injury in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Methods    From 2018 to 2019, 172 patients with acute type A aortic dissection were treated in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. They were divided into two groups according to the length of FET: patients treated with stents of 100 mm in length were enrolled into a short FET group, and those with stents of 150 mm in length into a long FET group. There were 124 patients in the short FET group, including 108 (87.1%) males and 16 (12.9%) females with a mean age of 51.8±7.9 years. There were 48 patients in the long FET group, including 44 (91.7%) males and 4 (8.3%) females with a mean age of 50.6±9.7 years. The clinical data and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Results    The mean distal stent graft was at the level of T 8.5±0.7 in the long FET group, and at the level of T 6.8±0.6 in the short FET group (P=0.001). Sixteen patients died after operation in the two groups, including 13 (10.5%) in the short FET group and 3 (6.2%) in the long FET group (P=0.561). There were 7 patients of spinal cord injury in the two groups, including 6 (4.8%) in the short FET group and 1 (2.2%) in the long FET group (P=0.675). There was no statistical difference in other complications between the two groups. The follow-up time was 16.7 (1-30) months. During the follow-up, 2 patients died in the long FET group and 5 died in the short FET group. No new spinal cord injury or distal reintervention occurred during the follow-up. Conclusion    Long FET does not increase the incidence of spinal cord injury in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

Objective To investigate the effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on injury of rat hippocampus neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration (OGD/R) and explore its mechanism.Methods Hippocampus neurons were isolated from embryonic day 16-18 (E16-18) rat embryos.Hippocampus was immediately removed and digested with 0.25％ trypsin.The neurons were isolated and cultured at 37 ℃ for 7 days and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was detected by immunohistochemical staining method to identify neurons.At 8th day,the neurons were placed in deoxygenated glucose-free medium and exposed to 95％ N2-5％ CO2 in an air tight chamber for 1 hour,and then replaced the glucose-free medium with original medium,and returned the cultures to a standard incubator in 5％ CO2 at 37 ℃ and incubated for another 24 h.The neurons were divided into 3 groups:group Ⅰ control; group Ⅱ OGD/R,and group ⅢOGD + NaHS,the latter was further divided into 5 subgroups:groups Ⅲ1-5 with 25,50,100,200,400 μmol/L NaHS added,respectively.Then cell viability was quantified by MTT method,the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected,apoptosis was measured by Annexin V FITC/PI Apoptosis Kits,and RT-PCR was used to assay HIF-1 α mRNA in neurons in all groups.Results Compared with control group,the LDH level,apoptosis and expression of HIF-1α mRNA in group Ⅱ were significantly increased,the cell viability was significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.01).There were no significant differences in the LDH level,apoptosis and expression of HIF-1 α mRNA and the cell viability between group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ1 (P ＞ 0.05).Compared with group Ⅱ,the LDH level,apoptosis and expression of HIF-1α mRNA in group Ⅲ2-4 were significantly increased,the cell viability was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with group Ⅱ,the LDH level,apoptosis and expression of HIF-1 α mRNA in the group Ⅲ 5 were significantly decreased,the cell viability was significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions H2S of low concentration has no significant effects on injury of rat hippocampus neurons induced by OGD/R.H2S of moderate doses can protect rat hippocampus neurons from OGD/R injury and H2S of high concentration can aggravate injury.The expression of HIF-1α mRNA in rat hippocampus neurons was increased after OGD/R,and the protective role of H2S is associated with increase in the expression of HIF-1α mRNA.

Objective To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rat models.Methods Forty-five male SD rats were randomly into sham group (n =15),CPR group (n =15) and NaHS group (n =15).Rats of CPR group and NaHS group were operated to induce cardiac arrest by transcutaneous electrical stimulation to epicardium.In NaHS group,NaHS (5 mg/kg) was administrated via the femoral venous line 1 min before CPR.Hemodynamic variables were monitored and obtained continuously.Survival rats were sacrificed at 24 h after restoration of spontaneous circulation and the hearts were removed for analysis by RT-PCR and TUNEL assays.Blood samples were collected and plasma content of cTnT was detected.Results Compared with the CPR group,animals treated with NaHS had improved left ventricular function (P ＜0.01),lower plasma cTnT levels (P ＜0.05) and decreased apoptosis index (P ＜ 0.01) 24 h after ROSC.The expressions of Caspase-3 mRNA,Bax mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in CPR group and NaHS group were higher compared with the control group (P ＜0.01).The NaHS group had lower expressions of Caspase-3 mRNA and Bax mRNA (P ＜0.01),but higher expression of Bcl-2 mRNA (P ＜0.05) compared with the CPR group.Conclusions Exogenous (H2S) regulated the expressions of Caspase-3,Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA,thereby preventing apoptosis of cardiomyocytes,inhibiting cTnT release and improving left ventricular function 24 h after CPR.

Objective To investigate the effects of hydrogen sulfide on sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats.Methods Male SD rats were randomly ( random number) divided into 4 groups:control group ( Ⅰ group),sepsis group ( Ⅱ group),sepsis + NaHS group (Ⅲ group),sepsis + PAG group (Ⅳ group). Cecal ligation and puncture technique was used in Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ group. Hemodynamic was observed,and H2S synthesis,CSE (cystathionine-r-lyase) mRNA,MPO activity and the level of TNF-α,IL-1β were determined.The morphological changes and infiltration of inflammatory cells in myocardium were also observed.Results Compared with Ⅰ group,H2S synthesis,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,the activity of MPO increased ( P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01 ),and the expression of CSE-mRNA increased,and blood pressure of rats decreased significantly in Ⅱ group.Compared with Ⅱ group,H2S synthesis,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and the activity of MPO increased (P ＜ 0.05),the expression of CSE mRNA did not change noticeably ( P ＞ 0.05),and blood pressure of rats decreased more significantly in Ⅲ group.Compared with Ⅱ group, H2S level decreased,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and the activity of MPO decreased significantly,the expression of CSE mRNA decreased and blood pressure of rats decreased in Ⅵ group (P ＜0.05).Histopathological changes of myocardium were aggravated in the following severity order: Ⅰ ＜ Ⅳ ＜＜ Ⅲ.Conclusions CSE/H2S system of the myocardium was upregulated in sepsis rats.Hydrogen sulfide could raise the levels of MPO,TNF-α,IL-1β,aggravating myocardial injury. Contrarily,the inhibitor of H2S could counteract it.

Based on the framework and approaches of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and psychometry,the theory and methods of the development and standardization of functioning and disability measurement for stroke were reviewed.

Objective To investigate the changes of the expression of HIF-1α (hypoxia induciblefactor-1a) mRNA in myocardium of rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the intervention effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on it. Method Forty five male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group ( n = 15 ), cardiopulmonary resuscitation group ( CPR group, n = 15 ) and NaHS + CPR group (n = 15 ) . Rats of control group were anesthetized and intubated without asphyxia and cardiac arrest. The rats of CPR group and NaHS + CPR group were operated to induce cardiac arrest by asphyxiation. In the rats of NaHS + CPR group, NaHS in dose of 50 ug/kg was administrated via the femoral venous line 1 minute before CPR. Hemodynamic was monitored continuously. The expression of HIF - lα mRNA in myocardium of rats in each group was determined by using RT-PCR and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the myocardium of rats in each group was assayed by using a patent reagent box 6 h after CPR. The histopathological changes of myocardium were also observed. The t- test was used for statistical analysis. Results There was no statistically significant difference in hemodynamic changes between CPR group and CPR + NaHS group ( P ＞ 0. 05 ) . When compared with the control group, the activity of MPO and the expression of HIF-1α mRNA in CPR group and CPR + NaHS group were both increased, and those increased in CPR + NaHS group was more significant (P ＜ 0. 05) . When compared with CPR group, the expression of HIF-1α mRNA in CPR + NaHS group was higher, however, the activity of MPO in CPR + NaHS group was lower ( P ＜ 0. 05) . There were various histopathological changes of myocardium of rats found in CPR group and CPR + NaHS group, and the damage of myocardium of rats in CPR group was more obvious than that in CPR + NaHS group. Conclusions The expression of HIF-1α mRNA in myocardium of rats was increased after CPR. Exogenous hydrogen sulfide can protect myocardium cells from resuscitation-perfusion injury, and the protection is associated with increase in expression of HIF 1 αmRNA.

To investigate the interaction and involvement of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H(2)S donor, on hippocampus of rats suffering from sepsis-associated encephalopathy, rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group, CLP group, CLP+NaHS group and CLP+aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, an inhibitor of H(2)S formation) group. The four groups were observed at 3, 6, 9, 12 h after treatment. We examined hippocampal H(2)S synthesis and the expression of cystathionine-β-synthetase (CBS), a major enzyme involved in the H(2)S synthesis in hippocampus. CBS expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were determined in hippocampus by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neuronal damage was studied by histological examination of hippocampus. In CLP group, H(2)S synthesis was significantly increased in hippocampus compared with sham group and it peaked 3 h after CLP (P<0.05). Sepsis also resulted in a significantly upregulated CBS mRNA in hippocampus. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampus were substantially elevated at each time point of measurement (P<0.05), and they also reached a peak value at about 3 h. Administration of NaHS significantly aggravated sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation, as evidenced by TNF-α and IL-1β activity and histological changes in hippocampus. In septic rats pretreated with AOAA, sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation was reduced. It is concluded that the rats subjected to sepsis may suffer from brain injury and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines are responsible for the process. Furthermore, administration of H(2)S can increase injurious effects and treatment with AOAA can protect the brain from injury.

To investigate the interaction and involvement of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS),a H2S donor,on hippocampus of rats suffering from sepsis-associated encephalopathy,rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis.Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:Sham group,CLP group,CLP+NaHS group and CLP+aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA,an inhibitor of H2S formation) group.The four groups were observed at 3,6,9,12 h after treatment.We examined hippocampal H2S synthesis and the expression of cystathionine-β-synthetase (CBS),a major enzyme involved in the H2S synthesis in hippocampus.CBS expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-1β) were determined in hippocampus by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Neuronal damage was studied by histological examination of hippocampus.In CLP group,H2S synthesis was significantly increased in hippocampus compared with sham group and it peaked 3 h after CLP (P＜0.05).Sepsis also resulted in a significantly upregulated CBS mRNA in hippocampus.The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampus were substantially elevated at each time point of measurement (P＜0.05),and they also reached a peak value at about 3 h.Administration of NaHS significantly aggravated sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation,as evidenced by TNF-α and IL-1β activity and histological changes in hippocampus.In septic rats pretreated with AOAA,sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation was reduced.It is concluded that the rats subjected to sepsis may suffer from brain injury and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines are responsible for the process.Furthermore,administration of H2S can increase injurious effects and treatment with AOAA can protect the brain from injury.