1.Research and Application of Scalp Surface Laplacian Technique
Rui-Xin LUO ; Si-Ying GUO ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yu-He ZHAO ; Chun-Hou ZHENG ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):425-438
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.
2.Apelin-13 alleviates systemic inflammatory bone loss by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization
Wentao WANG ; Zhenyang HOU ; Yijun WANG ; Yaozeng XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1548-1555
BACKGROUND:Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,Apelin-13 plays an effective role in the treatment of common clinical diseases such as neuroinflammation,cardiovascular injury and pneumonia.However,there is no relevant basic research on whether Apelin-13 also has a good effect in the treatment of inflammatory bone loss. OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Apelin-13 on inflammatory bone loss,in order to find potential drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bone loss. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells were divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group.The control group was only added with DMEM complete medium;lipopolysaccharide group was added with lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)induced inflammation DMEM medium;and the treatment group was added with 10 nmol/L Apelin-13+lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation DMEM medium.Then,24 hours after lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation,western blot was used to detect the marker proteins inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD86 of M1 macrophages,and cell immunofluorescence was extracted to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase.Finally,the same amount of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL;50 ng/ml)was added to the control group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group to induce osteoclasts.The results of osteoclast induction were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining after 6 days of induction.(2)In vivo experiment:Eighteen male C57bl/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham group,lipopolysaccharide group and treatment group.The sham group received intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL of PBS;the lipopolysaccharide group was injected with 0.1 mL of PBS diluent containing lipopolysaccharide(5 mg/kg);and the treatment group was injected with 0.1 mL of PBS diluent containing lipopolysaccharide(5 mg/kg)+Apelin-13(100 μg/kg).After 7 days of continuous intraperitoneal injection,the mice in each group were killed on the 8th day,and two femurs of each mouse were collected.Half of them were scanned by micro-CT and analyzed by bone mineral density,and the other half were stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Western blot results showed that the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD86 in the lipopolysaccharide group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and Apelin-13 could significantly inhibit the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide.Cell immunofluorescence results also showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the treatment group was lower than that in the lipopolysaccharide group.Besides,tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining results showed that Apelin-13 inhibited the abnormal activation and bone resorption of lipopolysaccharide induced osteoclasts.(2)In vivo experiment:The results of micro-CT showed that systemic inflammation led to significant bone loss in the distal femur,while Apelin-13 could significantly inhibit bone loss in vivo.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results also showed that Apelin-13 could effectively alleviate inflammation induced bone loss in the distal femur of mice.To conclude,Apelin-13 can alleviate bone loss induced by systemic inflammation by inhibiting M1 polarization of macrophages,inhibiting abnormal activation of osteoclasts and bone resorption.
3.Decompression mechanism of symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous
Chunlin ZHANG ; Zhaohua HOU ; Xu YAN ; Yan JIANG ; Su FU ; Yongming NING ; Dongzhe LI ; Chao DONG ; Xiaokang LIU ; Yongkui WANG ; Zhengming CAO ; Tengyue YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1810-1819
BACKGROUND:Traditional surgery for lumbar disc herniation involves extensive excision of tissue surrounding the nerve for decompression and removal of protruding lumbar intervertebral discs,which poses various risks and complications such as nerve damage causing paralysis,lumbar instability,herniation recurrence,intervertebral space infection,and adjacent vertebral diseases. OBJECTIVE:To propose the symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous technique for lumbar spine symmetrically decompression,showing the induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous phenomenon and early clinical efficacy,and then analyze its decompression mechanism. METHODS:214 patients with lumbar disc herniation at Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study.Among them,81 patients received conservative treatment as the control group,and 133 patients received symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous treatment as the trial group.Before surgery,immediately after surgery(7-14 days),and early after surgery(over 1 year),MRI images were used to measure the volume changes of lumbar disc herniation.CT images were used to measure the posterior displacement distance of the lumbar spinous process ligament complex,as well as the width and height of the lateral recess.Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were used to evaluate the patient's neurological function recovery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Control group:81 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated conservatively,with a total of 171 herniated lumbar discs.The average follow-up time was(22.7±23.1)months.The first and second MRI measurements of 171 herniated lumbar discs showed herniated lumbar disc volumes of(551.6±257.9)mm3 and(792.2±330.4)mm3,respectively,with an average volume increase rate of(53.2±44.4)%,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.001).Out of 171 herniated lumbar discs,4 experienced natural shrinkage,with an absorption ratio of 2.3%(4/171)and an absorption rate of(24.5±9.9)%.(2)Trial group:133 patients with lumbar disc herniation had a total of 285 herniated lumbar discs.(1)Immediately after surgery:All patients were followed up immediately after surgery.229 out of 285 herniated lumbar discs experienced retraction,with an absorption ratio of 80.3%(229/285)and an average absorption rate of(21.5±20.9)%,with significant and complete absorption accounting for 6.5%.There were a total of 70 herniated lumbar discs in the upper lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 85.7%(60/70),an average absorption rate of(23.1±19.5)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 86.6%.There were 215 herniated lumbar discs in the lower lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 78.6%(169/215),an average absorption rate of(21.0±21.3)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 83.2%.Significant and complete absorption of the upper and lower lumbar vertebrae accounted for 5.7%and 6.5%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The average distance of posterior displacement of the spinous process ligament complex immediately after surgery was(5.2±2.8)mm.There were no significant differences in the width and height of the left and right lateral recess before and immediately after surgery(P>0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score immediately after surgery increased from(10.1±3.4)before surgery to(17.0±4.8),and the immediate effective rate after surgery reached 95.6%.(2)Early postoperative period:Among them,46 patients completed the early postoperative follow-up.There were 101 herniated lumbar discs,with an absorption ratio of 94%(95/101)and an average absorption rate of(36.9±23.7)%.Significant and complete absorption accounted for 30.6%,with a maximum absorption rate of 100%.Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 remained unchanged in volume,with a volume invariance rate of 2.97%(3/101).Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 had an increased volume of herniated lumbar discs,with an increase ratio of 2.97%(3/101)and an increase rate of(18.5±18.4)%.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from preoperative(9.3±5.1)to(23.5±4.0),with an excellent and good rate of 93.4%.(3)The early postoperative lumbar disc herniation absorption ratios of the control group and trial group were 2.3%and 85.9%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).(4)Complications:There were two cases of incision exudation and delayed healing in the trial group.After conservative treatment such as dressing change,no nerve injury or death occurred in the incision healing,and no cases underwent a second surgery.(5)It is concluded that symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous is a new method for treating lumbar disc herniation that can avoid extensive excision of the"ring"nerve and achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy.It does not damage the lumbar facet joints or alter the basic anatomical structure of the lateral recess,fully preserves the herniated lumbar discs,and can induce significant or even complete induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous.Symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous provides a new basis and method for the clinical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.
4.Evaluation of Proficiency Validation Results for Air Change Rate Testing in Laboratory Animal Facilities
Wei LIU ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Fengtian HOU ; Zhongkan XU ; Liying MA
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):87-95
Objective By organizing and implementing a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing, this study aims to explore proficiency testing approaches in laboratory animal facilities, assess the current status of relevant laboratories regarding standard application and test capabilities, standardize air change rate testing methods, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Methods From September to November 2023, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) organized a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing in laboratory animal facilities (Plan Number: NIFDC-PT-417). The proficiency testing was conducted on-site and consisted of two parts: a written test and practical operation. The written test was open-book. True/false questions focused on participants' understanding of specific clauses in relevant standards, while application-based questions assessed their ability to handle data processing in simulated testing scenarios. The practical operation was conducted according to the relevant criteria of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). Two laboratory animal rooms were prepared as proficiency testing samples using a sample splitting approach. These rooms underwent uniformity and stability testing according to CNAS requirements and were approved. Participating laboratories were required to conduct three tests on each of the two laboratory animal rooms, complete the testing and calculation of air change rate within the specified timeframe, and submit their test result reports and original records. Results A total of 27 laboratories registered and participated in the proficiency testing. All participating laboratories submitted their results within the designated timeframe, and the outcomes of all tested laboratories were rated as satisfactory. Conclusion This proficiency validation program objectively and scientifically evaluates the air change rate testing capabilities of selected domestic laboratories, effectively promoting the overall improvement of testing capabilities in the industry. It provides technical support for regulatory authorities to standardize testing institutions and offers reliable references for the purchase of testing services. Through this activity, it was identified that some laboratories need to further enhance their calibration of instruments and the utilization of calibration results. Future efforts should focus on refining related standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of testing.
5.Postoperative Stage-based Functional Protection Strategies for Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Lungs Governing Qi"
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei HOU ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):86-93
Lung cancer (LC) is a significant global public health issue, with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However, postoperative multidimensional functional impairments, including respiratory, mucosal, and psychological functions, are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration, but also negatively correlate with prognosis, facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present, postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery, and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi", this study, based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory, innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase, mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase, and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly, stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase, the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi, with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase, the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi, with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase, the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi, with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation, clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM, offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle, stage-based, and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.
6.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
7.Allogeneic intrastromal lenticule implantation combined with corneal collagen cross-linking for moderate to advanced keratoconus
Jing ZHANG ; Jie HOU ; Yahui DONG ; Yulin LEI ; Yafei XU ; Fangfang SUN
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1517-1522
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic intrastromal lenticule implantation combined with corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus.METHODS: A retrospective case series analysis was conducted. A total of 19 patients(20 eyes)with moderate to advanced keratoconus who underwent combined allogeneic intrastromal lenticule implantation and CXL at the Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were included. The uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCVA), thinnest corneal thickness, central corneal epithelial thickness, anterior corneal flat keratometry(Kf), steep keratometry(Ks), and mean keratometry(Km), as well as the first applanation time(A1T), the first applanation length(A1L), the velocity during the first applanation moment(VIN), the second applanation time(A2T), the second applanation length(A2L), the velocity during the second applanation moment(VOUT), highest concavity time(HCT), highest concavity radius(HCR), peak distance(PD), deformation amplitude(DA), stiffness parameter at first applanation(SP-A1), integrated radius(IR), central corneal thickness(CCT), intraocular pressure(IOP), corneal thickness-corrected IOP, biomechanically intraocular pressure IOP(bIOP), and corneal thickness variation rate(ARTH)were compared between the two groups before surgery and at 1 wk, 1, 3 and 6 mo after surgery.RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the surgery without any intraoperative complications. No significant differences were observed between pre-operative and post-operative measurements for UCVA or the corneal biomechanical parameters, including A1L, A2L, PD, A1T, A2T, VIN, VOUT, DA, IOP, and bIOP(all P>0.05). Significant differences were found between pre-operative and post-operative values for corneal thinnest point thickness, central corneal epithelial thickness, Kf, Ks, Km, and the corneal biomechanical parameters, including HCT, HCR, SP-A1, ARTH, IR, and CCT(all P<0.05). The anterior corneal curvature demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decrease post-operatively. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between pre-operative and post-operative values for HCT, HCR, SP-A1, ARTH, IR, and CCT(all P<0.005).CONCLUSION: Allogenic intrastromal lenticule implantation combined with corneal collagen cross-linking demonstrates favorable safety and stability in treating moderate-to-advanced keratoconus. This combined procedure effectively increases corneal thickness and rigidity, resulting in corneas that are more resistant to deformation postoperatively.
8.Precise detection of weak partial D type 15 in the Chinese population: evaluation of their potential impact on blood transfusion safety and development of appropriate response strategies
Xu ZHANG ; Zhuren ZHOU ; Xuying HUANG ; Lichun LI ; Weiwei LI ; Ping HOU ; Xiaofeng LI ; Jianping LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1030-1034
Objective: To investigate the precise detection methods for weak partial D type 15 and evaluate their implications for blood transfusion safety, along with the development of corresponding strategies. Methods: A combination of serological methods, including the microplate method, indirect antiglobulin tube method, and microcolumn gel card method, was employed to identify RhD-negative and RhD variant samples. RhD-negative samples were screened for the presence of RHD genes using whole-blood direct PCR amplification. Subsequently, RhD variant samples and RhD-negative samples containing RHD genes underwent full-coding-region sequencing of the RHD gene to confirm their genotypes. The genotyping results were further correlated with the serological test findings for comprehensive analysis. Results: Among 615 549 first-time healthy blood donors, 3 401 samples with an RhD-negative phenotype and 156 samples with RhD variant were identified. Of the 3 401 RhD-negative samples, 1 054 were found to harbor RHD genes. Gene sequencing analysis of the 156 RhD variants and the 1 054 serological negative samples revealed that 89 samples contained the RHD
15 (c. 845G>A) allele. Conclusion: The integration of serological testing methods and genotyping technologies for the precise determination of RhD blood type plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions.
9.Octanoic acid-rich diet alleviates breast cancerinduced bone pain via the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway
Longjie XU ; Lili HOU ; Chun CAO ; Xiaohua LI
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):138-151
Background:
Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor that has a high tendency to metastasis to the bone, leading to cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Ghrelin can not only stimulate appetite and regulate energy balance, but also alleviate CIBP by inducing NPY expression. Octanoic acid (OA), a type of medium chain fatty acids, provides an energy substrate and promotes acylation of ghrelin. However, it remains to be elucidated whether an OA-rich diet can alleviate CIBP by activating the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway.
Methods:
First, thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham, CIBP, CIBP + OA (20), CIBP + OA (40), CIBP + OA (60) and CIBP + OA (80) groups to investigate the effects of diets with different ratios of OA on CIBP and the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway. Next, a ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) inhibitor was exogenously administered to investigate whether an OA-rich diet alleviated CIBP through increasing the level of acyl-ghrelin and activating the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway.
Results:
An OA-rich diet significantly alleviated nociceptive behaviors and increased the levels of acyl-ghrelin and NPY in a dose-dependent manner in cancer-bearing rats. With the exogenous administration of the GOAT inhibitor, the beneficial effects of an OA-rich diet on the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway and its pain-relieving effects were attenuated.
Conclusions
An OA-rich diet could alleviate CIBP through increasing the level of acyl-ghrelin and activating the acylghrelin/NPY pathway.
10.Octanoic acid-rich diet alleviates breast cancerinduced bone pain via the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway
Longjie XU ; Lili HOU ; Chun CAO ; Xiaohua LI
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):138-151
Background:
Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor that has a high tendency to metastasis to the bone, leading to cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Ghrelin can not only stimulate appetite and regulate energy balance, but also alleviate CIBP by inducing NPY expression. Octanoic acid (OA), a type of medium chain fatty acids, provides an energy substrate and promotes acylation of ghrelin. However, it remains to be elucidated whether an OA-rich diet can alleviate CIBP by activating the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway.
Methods:
First, thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham, CIBP, CIBP + OA (20), CIBP + OA (40), CIBP + OA (60) and CIBP + OA (80) groups to investigate the effects of diets with different ratios of OA on CIBP and the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway. Next, a ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) inhibitor was exogenously administered to investigate whether an OA-rich diet alleviated CIBP through increasing the level of acyl-ghrelin and activating the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway.
Results:
An OA-rich diet significantly alleviated nociceptive behaviors and increased the levels of acyl-ghrelin and NPY in a dose-dependent manner in cancer-bearing rats. With the exogenous administration of the GOAT inhibitor, the beneficial effects of an OA-rich diet on the acyl-ghrelin/NPY pathway and its pain-relieving effects were attenuated.
Conclusions
An OA-rich diet could alleviate CIBP through increasing the level of acyl-ghrelin and activating the acylghrelin/NPY pathway.

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