ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A （JuA） on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment （VCI） and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group （n=10）， a blank control group （n=10）， and a modeling group （n=30）. The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation （2-VO） for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization， the VCI rats were randomized into model， JuA （20 mg·kg^-¹）， and donepezil （0.45 mg·kg^-¹） groups. After 4 weeks of gavage， the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）， cAMP response element-binding protein （CREB）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， Bcl-2， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.01）， neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region （P<0.01）， up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01）， and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2， as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01） and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities， neuron count， and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons， and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats， 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank， model， low-dose （3.51 g·kg^-1） Sishenwan， high-dose （7.02 g·kg^-1） Sishenwan， and Peifeikang （0.54 g·kg^-1） groups， with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally， and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage （1 g·mL^-1， 10 mL·kg^-1） for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed， the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage， and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration， the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta （TGF-β）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-22 （IL-22）. Immumohistochemical staining （IHC） was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats， and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs） in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure， neat glands， and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group， the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure， irregular arrangement of glands， and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group， the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure， regular arrangement of glands， and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group， the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β， IL-10， and IL-22 in the serum （P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue （P<0.01）， and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β， IL-10， and IL-22 in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum （P<0.01）. High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents （P<0.05）， and decreased the content of butyric acid （P<0.05）. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group， Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae， Muribaculaceae， Akkermansiaceae， Ligilactobacillus， UBA3282， Akkermansia， and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae， Desulfovibrionaceae， Lactobacillus， Romboutsia， and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation， increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa， and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs， and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats， 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank， model， low-dose （3.51 g·kg^-1） Sishenwan， high-dose （7.02 g·kg^-1） Sishenwan， and Peifeikang （0.54 g·kg^-1） groups， with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally， and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage （1 g·mL^-1， 10 mL·kg^-1） for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed， the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage， and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration， the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta （TGF-β）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-22 （IL-22）. Immumohistochemical staining （IHC） was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats， and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs） in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure， neat glands， and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group， the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure， irregular arrangement of glands， and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group， the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure， regular arrangement of glands， and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group， the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β， IL-10， and IL-22 in the serum （P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue （P<0.01）， and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β， IL-10， and IL-22 in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum （P<0.01）. High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents （P<0.05）， and decreased the content of butyric acid （P<0.05）. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group， Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae， Muribaculaceae， Akkermansiaceae， Ligilactobacillus， UBA3282， Akkermansia， and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae， Desulfovibrionaceae， Lactobacillus， Romboutsia， and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation， increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa， and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs， and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (n=33, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (n=33, 4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), 30 min per session, maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃. The sham moxibustion group received simulated moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the simulated moxibustion was applied at the same acupoints, with the same session length, but with a maintained skin temperature of (37±1) ℃. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity-related physical indicators (waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index [BMI]), constitution evaluation indicators (phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score, symptom score), the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the incidence of adverse events were measured before and after treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score and symptom score, IWQOL-Lite, and both anxiety and depression subscale scores of HADS after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.001). These improvements were significantly greater in the moxibustion group than those in the sham moxibustion group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). One patient in the moxibustion group experienced a mild burn that resolved with routine care; the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.0% (1/33) in the moxibustion group and 0% (0/33) in the sham moxibustion group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of lifestyle intervention, moxibustion effectively improves obesity-related physical indicators, enhances quality of life, alleviates anxiety and depression, and improves the phlegm-dampness constitution in patients with central obesity. These benefits persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Obesity, Abdominal/psychology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; Quality of Life ; Young Adult ; Body Mass Index

Five novel nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins E-H and J (1-4 and 7), two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins I and K (5 and 8), and a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, peniroqueforin L (9), along with four known compounds (6 and 10-12), were isolated and characterized from fungus Penicillium roqueforti (P. roqueforti). The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The anti-multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer activity of these compounds was evaluated using SW620/Ad300 cells. Notably, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of paclitaxel (PTX) combined with 1 in SW620/Ad300 cells was 50.36 nmol·L^-1, which was 65-fold more potent than PTX alone (IC₅₀ 3.26 μmol·L^-1). Subsequent molecular docking studies revealed an affinity between compound 1 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), suggesting that this nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid (1) could serve as a potential lead for MDR reversal in cancer cells through P-gp inhibition.
Penicillium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Molecular Structure ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation

OBJECTIVE：To inv estigate the effects of 4-hydroxy-2（3H）-benzoxazolone on inflammatory and apoptosis signaling pathways in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）model rats. METHODS ：SD rats were divided into normal control group（10 rats）and modeling group （50 rats）. Normal control group was given basic diet ，and modeling group were given high-fat diet to induce NAFLD model. After modeling ，the rats were divided into normal control group ，model group ，silibinin group （26.25 mg/kg），and 4-hydroxy-2（3H）-benzoxazolone high-dose ，medium-dose and low-dose groups （100，50，25 mg/kg），with 8 rats in each group. Normal control group and modeling group were given 0.6％ CMC-Na intragastrically ，and other groups were given relevant medicine 10 mL/kg intragastrically ，once a day ，for consecutive 4 weeks. After last medication ，the serum levels of albumin（ALB），total protein （TP），globulin（GLB），ALB/GLB and free fatty acid （FFA）were detected ；TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of rat hepatocytes. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation level of inflammatory signaling pathway related proteins [Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4），myeloid differentiation factor 88（MyD88）， nuclear factor-κB p65（NF-κB p65），NF-κB inhibitor protein（IκBα）] in liver tissue as well as the expression of apoptosis signaling pathway related proteins [B cell lymphoma 2（Bcl-2），Bax，caspase-3]. RESULTS ：Compared with model group ，serum levels of TP （except for low-dose group ），GLB and FFA ，the protein expression of TLR 4（except for low-dose group ），MyD88 （except for medium-dose group ）and caspase- 3，the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and IκBα protein were decreased significantly（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The ratio of A LB/GLB in serum and the ratio of Bcl- 2/Bax in liver tissue were significantly increased（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），and the phenomenon of hepatocyte apoptosis was improved. CONCLUSIONS ：4-hydroxy-2 （3H）-benzoxazolone can ameliorate NAFLD in rats ，and the mechanism may be associated with inhibiting the expression TLR 4/ MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins in liver tissues.

Objective Comparison of the levator ani muscles in three-dimensional (3D) MRI-based models in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse at rest to analyze the morphological characteristics of levator ani muscles in women with POP. Methods Twenty-five women with POP and 22 women with normal pelvic support were selected from Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Axial, sagittal, and coronal T2-weighted pelvic magnetic resonance scans were obtained with the women in the supine position.The 3D models were reconstructed from the source images. Morphological changes was compared within the two groups of levator ani muscles, and the 3D models were measured to determine the levator ani muscle volume (LVOL), levator plate angle (LPA), levator hiatus width (LH-W) and length (LH-L), distance between symphysis and levator sling muscle (LSG). Results There were no puborectalis avulsions in control, in POP, 3 cases of avulsions just in left, 3 cases of avulsions just in right, 7 cases in bilateral. The shape of iliococcygeus were all dome-shaped in control, 11 cases were U-shaped and 14 cases were dome-shaped in POP. The shape of levator hiatus were 7 cases of U-shape, 12 cases of V-shape, 3 cases of irregular in control; 5 cases of U-shape, 4 cases of V-shape, 16 cases of irregular in POP. POP versus control: LH-L: (68.0 ± 8.9) versus (61.6 ± 7.2) mm (P<0.05); LH-W: (41.4 ± 3.9) versus (38.0 ± 3.2) mm (P<0.05); LSG-L: (29.6 ± 7.4) versus (24.6 ± 3.7) mm (P<0.05); LSG-R: (28.4 ± 6.8) versus (23.9 ± 3.2) mm (P<0.05); LPA: (51.0 ± 11.3)° versus (40.6 ± 6.3)° (P<0.05); LVOL: (23.7 ± 5.8) versus (24.6 ± 5.0) cm3 (P>0.05). Conclusions It is possible to assess the morphologic changes of levator ani by using 3D MRI models objectively, our 3D data demonstrate larger in LVOL, LPA, LH-W, LH-L, LSG, and the changes in shape. It is helpful to diagnose and assess the specific situation of patients POP in clinic.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between the level of thoracic complete spinal cord injury(SCI) and ambulatory function wearing Reciprocating Gait Orthosis(RGO) through three dimentional gait analysis, and to explore the quantitative indicators of reconstructing walking capacity of thoracic complete SCI patients.Methods10 patients with thoracic complete spinal cord injury of lesion level from T4 to T12 who had experienced RGO gait training for at least 3 months. Three dimentional gait analysis system of Vicon Nexus 1.2 was used to test and examine the gait speed, cadence, stride length, pelvic angle of rotation, hip range of motion(ROM), crutch force, angular velocity of hip flexion and extension phases, etc. Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the relationship between the level of spinal cord injury and the kinematic and kinetic values.ResultsThe mean cadence and stride length were (37.4±2.15) steps/min and (91.6±9.09) cm. The mean hip ROM, angular velocity of hip flexion and extension phases were (42.57 °±5.43 °), (20.88 °±2.18 °)/s and (124.75 °±9.31 °)/s respectively. The gait speed, stride length, peak crutch force, hip ROM, mean crutch force and angular velocity of hip extension phase all had significant pertinence with the level of spinal cord injury.ConclusionThe limitation of hip ROM and excessive load of upper limbs mainly result in ambulatory disorder in higher thoracic complete SCI patients who should be undertaken some rehabilitation training to reduce excessive physiological load in order to improve their ambulatory capacity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of surface tractotomy of trigeminal nerve sensory root (STS) for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). METHOD: Seven patients with TN were operated on using the STS. The six patients were followed up for 4.8-9.8 years. The trigeminal nerve root (TNR) obtained from 30 cadavers were performed microanatomical research using paraffin embedding and hematoxylin-eosin staining technique. RESULT: Clinically, the patients' symptoms, such as face ache, disappeared after the surface nerve fiber bundles of trigeminal nerve sensory root (TNSR) were cut off. Only one patient died of brainstem bleeding on postoperative day 18. Histological examination: The common type of sensory root fibers were arranged parallel for 3-6 mm at its exit of brainstem, and then the glial myelin transformed to Schwann cells. The axon bifurcated from outer layer to middle region, and gradually formed the tiny nerve fiber bundles in the surface layer and the giant nerve fiber bundles in the center of the root. CONCLUSION TN can be radical cured by STS without lesioning of nerve functions. Therefore,this new approach is an effective, advanced surgical technique for TN treatment.
Aged ; Denervation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Trigeminal Nerve ; surgery ; Trigeminal Neuralgia ; surgery

Objective To provide applied anatomic data for relevant operations of blood vessels of perisacral promontory(BVPSP). Methods The composition of BVPSP including origin, course, diameter of the middle sacral vessels, the distance between the sacral promontory and the sacral 1 transverse trunk were observed on 37 adult cadavers. Result The BVPSP is composed of the common and internal iliac vessels, the superior segment of the middle sacral vessels and the sacral 1 transverse trunk. Middle sacral artery comes from abdominal aorta. Middle sacral veins are thin walled without valves. The average diameter of middle sacral artery and vein is 1.02 mm and 2.53 mm respectively. The distance between the sacral 1 transverse trunk and the sacral promontory is 5.75 mm. Conclusion The composition of BVPSP, especially middle sacral veins, plentiful vascular anastomosis are the anatomical basis leading to massive hemorrhage in the relevant operations.