1.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
4.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
5.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Activation of Hippocampal Microglia Cells in Rat Model of Juvenile Depression
Jiayi SHI ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Feng QIU ; Chang LEI ; Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Dong YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Pengxiao GUO ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):46-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Baihuan Xiaoyao Decoction (Xiaoyaosan added with Lilii Bulbus and Albiziae Cortex) in alleviating depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats by regulating the polarization of microglia. MethodSixty juvenile SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, fluoxetine, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.36, 10.71, 21.42 g·kg-1, respectively) Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction groups. The rat model of juvenile depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to examine the sucrose preference of rats. Forced swimming test (FST) was carried out to measure the immobility time of rats. The open field test (OFT) was conducted to measure the total distance, the central distance, the number of horizontal crossings, and the frequency of rearing. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to measure the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, the polarization marker of M1 microglia) and CD206 (the polarization marker of M2 microglia). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD206, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of iNOS and CD206 in the hippocampus. The levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model rats showed a reduction in sucrose preference (P<0.05), an increase in immobility time (P<0.05), decreased motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and weakened learning and spatial memory (P<0.05). In addition, the model rats showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction increased the sucrose preference value (P<0.05), shortened the immobility time (P<0.01), increased the motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and improved the learning and spatial memory (P<0.01). Furthermore, the decoction down-regulated the positive expression and protein level of iNOS, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted the positive expression of CD206, and elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.01) in the hippocampus of the high dose group. Moreover, the high-dose Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction group had higher sucrose preference value (P<0.01), shorter immobility time (P<0.01), longer central distance (P<0.01), stronger learning and spatial memory (P<0.01), higher positive expression and protein level of iNOS (P<0.01), lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower positive expression and mRNA level of iNOS (P<0.05), and higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the fluoxetine group. ConclusionBaihuan Xiaoyao decoction can improve the depression-like behavior of juvenile rats by inhibiting the M1 polarization and promoting the M2 polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.
6.Clinical features of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy and related risk factors
Di WU ; Dahua DAI ; Wenmei LIANG ; Bao FU ; Xiaoyun FU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(5):1009-1015
Objective To investigate the clinical features and maternal and fetal outcomes of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy(APIP)and the risk factors for disease aggravation,and to establish a predictive model.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 52 APIP patients who were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022,and according to disease severity,they were divided into mild acute pancreatitis(MAP)group with 32 patients,moderate-severe acute pancreatitis(MSAP)group with 8 patients,and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)group with 12 patients.The logistic regression analysis was performed for the clinical data of each group,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the value of risk factors in predicting the severity of APIP.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparision between two groups.The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups,and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for further comparision between two groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.Results Of all patients in terms of etiology,26(50%)had hyperlipidemic pancreatitis,20(38.4%)had biliary pancreatitis,and 6(11.5%)had idiopathic pancreatitis.In terms of gestational week,1 patient(1.9%)was in early pregnancy,25(48.1%)were in mid-pregnancy,and 26(50.0%)were in late pregnancy.A total of 10 patients(19.2%)had acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS),among whom 9(90%)required respiratory support.There were significant differences between the patients with different severities of APIP in aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,blood urea nitrogen,blood glucose,C-reactive protein(CRP),international normalized ratio(INR),pneumonia,ARDS,sepsis,hepatic insufficiency,and coagulation dysfunction(all P<0.05).The univariate analysis showed that the severity of APIP was associated with blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,CRP,and pneumonia(all P<0.05),and pneumonia was a risk factor for the aggravation of APIP(odds ratio=18.938,95%confidence interval:1.020—351.747,P=0.048).CRP,blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,and INR used in combination had a larger area under the ROC curve than each index used alone(0.954 vs 0.778/0.796/0.721/0.801).Conclusion Pneumonia is a risk factor for the aggravation of APIP,and the combination of CRP,blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,and INR can be used to predict the severity of APIP.
7.Relationship between loneliness and internet use,physical health in the elderly
Yixuan WU ; Dan TANG ; Dahua WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(5):426-432
Objective:To explorethe relationship between internet use and loneliness among the elderly,as well as the moderating role of physical health.Methods:Data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Sur-vey(CLASS2018)were analyzed,including 8 260 older adults.Loneliness was measured withthe UCLA Loneliness Scale-3-item short version(UCLA-3),Internet use was measured with whether or not participants used the internet and for what purposes(Latent class analysis identified three types of internet users,namely multi-functional use group,communication group,and information acquisition group),and physical health was assessed with activities of daily living and chronic disease status.Results:Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the elderly who used the internet had significantly lower scores on the loneliness scale than those who did not use the internet(β=-0.08).Multi-functional use group had significantly lower loneliness scores than information acquisition group and communication group(β=0.06,0.12).Two-way ANOVA found that physical health moderated the association be-tween internet use,internet use type,and loneliness(Ps<0.05).Conclusion:Internet use helps the elderly to allevi-ate loneliness,and the use of multiple Internet functions has a cumulative effect on reducing loneliness.However,the relationship between internet use and loneliness among the elderly may vary depending on their physical health status.
8.Effect and Mechanism of Qixian Tongluo Formula on Contralateral Corticospinal Tract Remodeling and Motor Functional Recovery in Rats with Cerebral Infarction
Shengqiang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Bo LI ; Yanjun CHEN ; Jia HUANG ; Qi WANG ; Wen ZENG ; Lingjuan TAN ; Yihui DENG ; Fang LIU
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(9):1319-1328
Objective To observe the effect of Qixian Tongluo Formula on contralateral corticospinal tract(CST)remodeling and motor functional recovery in rats with cerebral infarction,and to explore its potential molecular mechanism from the perspective of regulating factors related to never remodeling.Methods The rat middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model was established by silk thread ligation.Fifty model rats were randomly divided into model group,citicoline group(0.054 g·kg-1),Qixian Tongluo Formula low-,medium-and high-dose(7.83,15.66,31.32 g·kg-1)groups,and sham operation group,with 10 rats in each group.The intervention administration was started on the 3rd day after operation once a day for 26 consecutive days.On the 3rd,14th and 28th day after operation,the gross motor function was evaluated by Longa score,and the fine motor function was evaluated by beam-walking test(BWT)score.The contralateral motor cortex was injected with the nerve tracer biotin dextran amine(BDA)on the 14 th day after operation to anterogradely trace the CST.On the 28th day after operation,the expression of axonal growth associated protein-43(GAP-43)and BDA positive fibers in the contralateral motor cortex and cervical spinal cord were detected by immunohistochemistry.The co-localization areas of BDA positive fibers and presynaptic marker protein vesicular glutamate transporter 1(VGLUT1)in the cervical spinal cord gray matter were detected by immunofluorescence.The expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF),nerve growth factor(NGF)and nerve remodeling-associated inhibitory factor[Nogo-A,oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein(OMgp)and myelin-associated glycoprotein(MAG)]in the contralateral motor cortex were detected by Western Blot.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between Longa score or BWT score and BDA/VGLUT1 co-localization area,respectively.Results Compared with the sham operation group,rats in the model group had obvious symptoms of motor function deficits,and the Longa scores were significantly increased(P<0.01)and the BWT scores were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01)at each time point.The expression of GAP-43 in the contralateral motor cortex and cervical spinal cord was up-regulated(P<0.05),the number of edge-crossing fibers from the posterior funiculus in cervical cord was increased(P<0.05),the co-localization area of BDA/VGLUT1 in the gray matter of the cervical spinal cord was increased(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,GDNF and NGF in the contralateral motor cortex were up-regulated(P<0.05),while the expressions of Nogo-A,OMgp and MAG were down-regulated(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the Longa scores in each administration group on the 14th and 28th day after MCAO operation were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the BWT scores were significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of GAP-43 in the contralateral motor cortex and cervical spinal cord was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01).The number of edge-crossing fibers from the posterior funiculus in cervical cord was significantly increased(P<0.01),the co-localization area of BDA/VGLUT1 in the gray matter of the cervical spinal cord was significantly increased(P<0.01).The expressions of BDNF,GDNF and NGF in the contralateral motor cortex were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01,P<0.05),while the expressions of Nogo-A,OMgp and MAG were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05),and the most significant effect was observed in the high dose group.The Longa score was negatively correlated with the co-localization area of BDA/VGLUT1(r=-0.89,P<0.01),and the BWT score was positively correlated with the co-localization area of BDA/VGLUT1(r=0.84,P<0.01).Conclusion Qixian Tongluo Formula can improve motor function through promoting contralateral CST remodeling in MCAO rats after cerebral infarction,and the molecular mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of nerve remodeling-associated factor in the contralateral motor cortex.
9.Research progress on neurocutaneous syndrome
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2024;41(11):1051-1056
Neurocutaneous syndrome is a multi-system disease involving the nervous system and skin,with onset in various forms and typically in infancy,which are difficult to cure with a poor prognosis.The etiology of neurocutaneous syn-drome is complex,mostly caused by gene mutations,including heritable mutations and occasionally non-hereditary postzy-gotic somatic mutations.Cases of different types of neurocutaneous syndrome have been reported,such as Sturge-Weber syndrome,tuberous sclerosis,and neurofibromatosis.Specific medications are lacking among current therapeutic ap-proaches including symptomatic treatment,drug therapy,chemoradiotherapy,surgery,and physical therapy.With the in-creasing understanding of the pathogenesis and progress in drug research and development,new drugs could be on the hori-zon.Remarkable evidence in the field of genetic diseases suggests that gene therapy may hold promise as a treatment for neurocutaneous syndrome through fixing the pathogenic gene defects.Considering the lack of systematic review on the rare and diverse conditions,we summarize relevant studies to provide a reference for clinical workers in the diagnosis and treat-ment of neurocutaneous syndrome.
10.Tonic Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections Against Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: An Overview of Systematic Reviews/Meta-analyses
Shanshan ZENG ; Le XIE ; Dahua WU ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(6):137-146
ObjectiveTo re-evaluate the systematic reviews/Meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of tonic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections against cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) and provide evidence support for clinical practice and decision-making. MethodTCM injections of different varieties were obtained after searching the three major drug catalogues. Seven Chinese and English databases were searched from database inception to March 13,2022,for the relevant SRs/MAs. The methodological quality,risk of bias,reporting quality,and quality of evidence were assessed by Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2),the Risk of Bias in Systematic Review (ROBIS),the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020),and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation (GRADE). In addition,the literature overlap matrix was established to calculate the corrected covered area (CCA) and evaluate the rate of overlaps of the original literature. ResultFive types of TCM injections and 18 SRs/MAs were included. AMSTAR 2 evaluation showed that the methodological quality of 18 SRs/MAs was extremely low,and 14 SRs/MAs had a high risk of bias assessed by ROBIS. The quality evaluation results reported by the PRISMA 2020 showed that the scores of the studies included ranged from 19.5 to 28.5,with 10 being of medium quality and eight of low quality. The evaluation with the GRADE system demonstrated that one outcome was moderate-quality evidence,15 outcomes were low-quality evidence,and 41 outcomes were very low-quality evidence. The CCA of the included SRs/MAs was 0.263,indicating a low rate of overlaps of the original literature. ConclusionTonic TCM injections are effective and safe in the treatment of CIS,but this conclusion should be treated with caution because of the low quality of methodology,reports,and evidence in published SRs/MAs. It is recommended to improve the study design,obtain clinical evidence of higher quality,and conduct systematic evaluations in strict accordance with procedures to standardize the reporting of research results.

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