OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP)ethanol extract on motor dysfunction in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Eighty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, levodopa group (positive control group), low-dose GP group, and high-dose GP group, with 16 mice per group. The PD model was induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra pars reticulata of the mice. Two weeks after 6-hydroxydopamine, positive control group received intraperitoneal injection of levodopa 10 mg·kg^－1·d^－1, while low-dose GP and high-dose GP groups received GP extract 100 or 200 mg·kg^－1·d^－1 orally for three weeks. After a 3-week-treatment, the effects of GP on motor dysfunction in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD were assessed using open field and CatWalk gait tests, while the effects on muscle strength were evaluated by forelimb grip strength. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons. The levels of dopamine and serotonin in the midbrain were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins such as p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p-p38 and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway proteins such as B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved-cysteine aspartic acid specific protease (caspase)-3. RESULTS: Behavioral experiments showed that GP significantly improved the spontaneous activity and motor coordination of PD mice (P<0.05). The forelimb grip strength was also increased by GP treatment (P<0.05), compared to the PD model group. In addition, compared with the model group, the number of TH-positive neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata region, the levels of dopamine and serotonin in midbrain and the expression of p-ERK1/2 were significantly increased by GP treatment (all P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-p38 and p-JNK1/2, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that GP might increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the midbrain and promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata by regulating the expression of phosphorylation of MAPK family proteins and the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, thereby ameliorating motor deficits in PD mice.
Animals ; Mice ; Male ; Gynostemma/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Parkinson Disease/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Neurons/pathology*

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical outcome of lateral cervical incision via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach(SMIA)in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.Methods The clinical data of 64 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent unilateral parathyroid surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital,School of Medicine of Zhejiang University from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into lateral cervical incision via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach group(SMIA group)and linea alba cervicalis approach group(LACA group)based on the surgical incision and access route.The differences in clinical features,surgery-related outcomes and postoperative functions of the anterior cervical region were compared between the two groups.The EQ-5D-5L scale was used to assess the subjective feeling of postoperative neck discomfort,while the Hollander Wound Assessment Scale was used to assess the clinical outcome of incision healing.Results There were no statistical differences between the two groups of patients in terms of age,gender,intraoperative bleeding,parathyroid hormone or blood calcium levels before and after surgery(P＞0.05).The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SMIA group than in the LACA group[(39.77±5.69)min vs.(54.41±4.66)min].There was a statistical difference between the two groups in functional protection of the anterior cervical region at 1 month and 12 months after surgery(1 month,84.67±3.74 vs.79.47±5.38,P＜0.001;12 months,93.80±2.52 vs.89.94±2.39,P＜0.001),and the SMIA group was better than the LACA group.The Hollander Incision Assessment Scale scores of the SMIA group were better than those of the LACA group at 6 months and 12 months after surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(6 months,1.93±0.58 vs.2.41±0.66,P=0.003;12 months,1.03±0.67 vs.1.74±0.62,P＜0.001).Conclusion Parathyroidectomy via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach through lateral cervical incision is a simple,safe and effective surgical procedure,which makes it easier to search for parathyroid lesions and shortens the surgical time compared with the traditional incision,and has obvious advantages in the protection of anterior cervical region function.

Objective:To construct a mouse asthma model induced by mugwort pollen and to explore endotyping,providing methods for subsequent precision treatment.Methods:BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with mugwort pollen extract(MPE)to sensitize,following MPE intranasal challenge to construct MPE allergic asthma murine model.Mice were randomly divided into PBS sensitization and PBS challenge(P-P),MPE sensitization and PBS challenge(M-P),MPE sensitization and MPE challenge model(M-M)groups.24 h after final challenge,mice were performed to examine airway responsiveness;bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was harvested for cell counting and statistical classification of inflammatory cells through flow cytometry analysis.Pulmonary slides were collected for pathological examination,including HE,PAS,Masson and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining.ELISA was used to detect levels of IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-17A in lung tissue and serum,as well as serum total IgE and MPE-specific IgE,IgG1,IgG2a levels.Results:Pathological examination showed higher airway reactivity,more inflammatory cells infiltration around airway,obvious goblet metaplasia,thickening of airway smooth muscles and dramatical fibrin deposition around airway in model group.Total cell numbers of BALF were increased from<1×105 cells/ml in P-P group to>5×105 cells/ml in model group,in which eosinophils were predominant cellular type,levels of IL-4,IL-13,IL-17A in lung and IL-5,IL-13 levels in serum were significantly increased,as well as significant increasing levels of total IgE and MPE-specific IgE,IgG1,IgG2a.Conclusion:MPE-sensitized and challenged mice induces typical eosinophilic asthma featured with elevated eosinophils,as well as secretion of inflammatory factors of type 2 and type 17,IgE,IgG1 and IgG2a subtypes soars to high levels.

The traditional Chinese medicine Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., also known as Aralia mandshurica, has the effect of "tonifying Qi and calming the mind, strengthening the essence and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling wind and invigorating blood circulation". It is used in the treatment of neurasthenia, Yang deficiency and Qi deficiency, kidney Qi deficiency, spleen Yang deficiency, water-dampness stagnation, thirst, and bruises. Aralia elata saponins are the main components for the pharmacological effects. From the perspective of modern pharmacological science, Aralia elata has a wide range of effects, including anti-myocardial ischaemia and alleviation of secondary myocardium ischemic reperfusion injury by regulating ionic homeostasis, anti-tumor activity by inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis and enhancing immunity, hypoglycemia and lipid lowering effects by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepato-protective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects. The studies on pharmacological mechanisms of Aralia elata will be conducive to its development and application in the future. This article reviews the research progress of Aralia elata domestically and internationally in the last two decades and proposes new directions for further research.
Aralia ; Yang Deficiency ; Apoptosis ; Saponins/pharmacology* ; Myocardial Ischemia

Objective:To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2) in mice lung ischemia/reperfusion injury (LIRI).Methods:Thirty-six healthy male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups according to the random number method ( n = 6): normal control group, and LIRI 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours group. Mice LIRI models were established by clamping the left hilum. The wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of left lung tissue was measured. Lung injury was observed and evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and electron microscopy. The levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-18) in lung tissue were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of TREM2 and caspase-1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The protein expressions of TREM2, caspase-1, Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) were determined by Western blotting. Results:At 2 hours after LIRI, lung injury began to appear, the lung ultrastructure changed, and the lung injury score increased; at 6 hours, the degree of lung injury was the most serious; after 12 hours, the lung injury gradually reduced and the lung injury score gradually decreased. Compared with the normal control group, lung W/D ratio and lung injury score of LIRI 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours groups were significantly higher, the differences were statistically significant (lung W/D ratio: 7.06±0.52, 8.34±0.17, 6.42±0.35, 5.34±0.25, 5.59±0.45 vs. 4.69±0.23; lung injury score: 5.50±0.54, 9.75±0.89, 5.88±0.84, 3.63±0.74, 4.13±0.64 vs. 1.13±0.35, all P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly increased at 2 hours after LIRI, reached a peak at 6 hours [IL-1β (ng/L): 502.76±12.25 vs. 56.50±8.07, IL-18 (ng/L): 414.02±10.75 vs. 81.63±5.29, both P < 0.05], then decreased gradually, and were still significantly higher than the normal control group at 48 hours. The PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression of TREM2 was significantly lower than that in the normal control group at 2 hours after LIRI, and reached a valley at 6 hours [TREM2 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.47±0.05 vs. 1.02±0.05, TREM2/GAPDH: 0.23±0.13 vs. 0.48±0.17, both P < 0.05], then gradually increased, and reached the peak at 24 hours [TREM2 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 3.98±0.15 vs. 1.02±0.05, TREM2/GAPDH: 0.71±0.17 vs. 0.48±0.17, both P < 0.05]. The trend of expression of caspase-1 and GSDMD were opposite to that of TREM2, which increased at first and then decreased, and reached a peak at 6 hours after reperfusion [caspase-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 2.20±0.13 vs. 1.01±0.02, caspase-1/GAPDH: 0.64±0.02 vs. 0.20±0.06, GSDMD/GAPDH: 1.23±0.01 vs. 0.87±0.02, all P < 0.05]. Conclusions:TREM2 might be involved in LIRI in mice. The mechanism may be related to the effect of TREM2 on caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis.

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have become one of the central components of the healthcare system and continuous efforts are made to bring innovative antibody therapeutics to patients in need. It is equally critical to acquire sufficient knowledge of their molecular structure and biological functions to ensure the efficacy and safety by incorporating new detection approaches since new challenges like individual differences and resistance are presented. Conventional techniques for determining antibody disposition including plasma drug concentration measurements using LC-MS or ELISA, and tissue dis-tribution using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence are now complemented with molecular imaging modalities like positron emission tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging to obtain more dynamic information, while methods for characterization of antibody's interaction with the target antigen as well as visualization of its cellular and intercellular behavior are still under development. Recent progress in detecting therapeutic antibodies, in particular, the development of methods suitable for illustrating the molecular dynamics, is described here.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhuang’s Moxibustion plus acupuncture in treating spastic paralysis due to craniocerebral injury.Method Ninety-two patients with spastic paralysis due to craniocerebral injury were randomized into a treatment group of 60 cases and a control group of 32 cases. The control group was intervened by conventional internal medicine and rehabilitation, while the treatment group was intervened by Zhuang’s moxibustion plus acupuncture in addition to the intervention given to the control group. The modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was adopted to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Result The total effective rate was 75.0% in the treatment group versus 65.6% in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusion Zhuang’s moxibustion plus acupuncture is an effective approach in treating spastic paralysis due to craniocerebral injury.

Objective To investigate the role of Toll-like receptor9 (TLR9)-myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signal pathway in alveolar macrophages in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).Methods 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to three groups (with 10 rats in each group).Group A was the control group,with spontaneous respiration after tracheostomy.Rats in group B received mechanical ventilation for 4 hours with normal tidal volume (VT) 7 ml/kg after tracheostomy,and group C rats received mechanical ventilation with VT 40 ml/kg for 4 hours.After termination of ventilation,examination with transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the ultrastructure changes in alveolar epithelial cell type Ⅱ (AEC Ⅱ) of the lung.Lung wet/dry ratios (W/D) and total protein concentration,the concentration of interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1 β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined.The protein and mRNA expressions of TLR9,MyD88 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in alveolar macrophages were assayed by Western Blot and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results The ultrastructure of AEC Ⅱ in the group A and group B was almost normal,whereas the chromatin of the nuclei,the lamellar corpuscles in the cytoplasm,the cell membrane and the microvilli of the AEC Ⅱ in the group C showed injurious changes in various degrees.When the group C was compared with the group A and the group B,it was shown that the W/D ratios (5.54 ± 0.17 vs.4.58 ± 0.17,4.69 ± 0.16) and total protein concentration (g/L:6.33 ± 0.61 vs.0.45 ± 0.05,0.47 ± 0.04),IL-6 (μg/L:1.989 ± 0.103 vs.1.033 ± 0.061,1.010 ± 0.069) and IL-lβ (ng/L:2.79 ±0.25 vs.1.05 ±0.15,1.23 ±0.22) in BALF,the protein expressions of TLR9,MyD88 and NF-κB [TLR9 (A value):0.770 ±0.042 vs.0.300 ±0.027,0.310 ±0.037; MyD88 (A value):0.950 ±0.091 vs.0.560 ±0.082,0.580±0.084; NF-κB(A value):1.020 ±0.076 vs.0.740 ±0.052,0.700 ±0.076] in alveolar macrophages were all increased significantly,and all of which showed significant difference (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The mRNA levels of TLR9,MyD88 and NF-κB in alveolar macrophages in the group B were (1.13 ± 0.32),(1.18 ± 0.33),and (1.11 ± 0.22) folds of those of the group A,respectively,but there were no significant differences (all P＞0.05).While the mRNA levels of TLR9,MyD88 and NF-κB of alveolar macrophages in the group C were (8.66 ± 0.69),(6.41 ± 0.53) and (5.29 ± 0.71) folds of those of the group A,respectively,and all of them showed significant difference (all P＜0.01).Conclusion TLR9-MyD88 signaling in alveolar macrophages plays a role in pathogenesis of VILI.

Objective To understand the status of infection and epidemic trend of Dengue fever and Chikungunya in Guangdong.Methods Retrospective survey and literature review were used to obtain data on the incidence,etiology of Dengue and Chikungunya.Serological survey was conducted to detect the specific-antibodies in healthy individuals for both Dengue virus (DENV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV).Results Three epidemics of Dengue fever were observed during 1990-2012,with the annual incidence rates as 9.75/100 000 in 1995,1.76/100 000 in 2002 and 1.25/100 000 in 2006,respectively.The predominant epidemic strains appeared to be DENV-2 and DENV-4 during 1990-1994.Since 1995,DENV-1 had become the predominant transmission strain which lasted for almost 13 years.Co-existence of multiple serotypes of DENV started in 2009.Of the 7 718 sera from healthy population during 2003-2012,180 specimens were detected positive for specific DENV-IgG antibody,ended with a sero-prevalence rate of 2.33％.All 2 132 sera in 2012 were detected negative for CHIKV-IgG antibody.Conclusion The overall exposure level to Dengue was considered to be low in Guangdong province.However,the predominant transmission mode caused by DENV-1 had been gradually changed into the co-existence of multiple serotypes with the endemic signs appeared in some part of the areas.Chikungunya was a newly emerging disease in Guangdong since local people were lack of basic immunity barrier.Surveillance and control programs thus seemed important.