1.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
2.Effects of emodin on inflammatory response in preeclampsia rats by regulating AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Fen CHEN ; Fei-Fei YUAN ; Wei LI ; Hong-Li XI ; Hong-Yan GUO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2068-2072
Objective To explore the effect of emodin on inflammatory response in preeclampsia(PE)rats by regulating the AMP activated protein kinase(AMPK)/thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway.Methods PE rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of L-arginine methyl ester(100 mg·kg-1).Sixty female rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,emodin group(40 mg·kg-1 emodin),Compound B10 group(100 mg·kg-1 Compound B10),emodin+Compound B10 group(40 mg·kg-1 emodin+100 mg·kg-1 Compound B10),with 12 rats in each group.The control group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of 0.9%NaCl.The 24 h urine was collected,and the total urinary protein content was determined by Coomassie brilliant blue method.The protein levels of AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.Results The total urinary protein levels of control group,model group,emodin group,Compound B10 group and emodin+Compound B10 group were(54.34±6.26),(136.37±15.43),(76.38±8.61),(215.39±25.14)and(110.93±13.92)g·L-1,respectively;urine volume were(10.59±0.92),(15.38±1.49),(11.51±1.13),(21.49±2.50)and(14.71±1.49)mL,respectively;AMPK protein levels were 0.63±0.06,1.57±0.18,0.81±0.09,2.34±0.23 and 1.38±0.15,respectively;TXNIP protein levels were 0.33±0.04,0.79±0.08,0.49±0.10,1.13±0.12 and 0.82±0.09,respectively;NLRP3 protein levels were 0.46±0.05,0.83±0.09,0.56±0.07,1.25±0.14 and 0.78±0.08,respectively.The above indexes:Model group was compared with control group,emodin group and Compound B10 group,emodin+Compound B10 group was compared with emodin group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Emodin may alleviate inflammatory reaction in PE rats by inhibiting AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 signal axis,thereby improving placental injury.
3.Stability study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells formulation in large-scale production
Wang-long CHU ; Tong-jing LI ; Yan SHANGGUAN ; Fang-tao HE ; Jian-fu WU ; Xiu-ping ZENG ; Tao GUO ; Qing-fang WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Zhen-zhong ZHONG ; Xiao LIANG ; Jun-yuan HU ; Mu-yun LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):743-750
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been widely used in regenerative medicine, but there is limited research on the stability of UC-MSCs formulation during production. This study aims to assess the stability of the cell stock solution and intermediate product throughout the production process, as well as the final product following reconstitution, in order to offer guidance for the manufacturing process and serve as a reference for formulation reconstitution methods. Three batches of cell formulation were produced and stored under low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) during cell stock solution and intermediate product stages. The storage time intervals for cell stock solution were 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, while for intermediate products, the intervals were 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. The evaluation items included visual inspection, viable cell concentration, cell viability, cell surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, and sterility. Additionally, dilution and culture stability studies were performed after reconstitution of the cell product. The reconstitution diluents included 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 2% human serum albumin, with dilution ratios of 10-fold and 40-fold. The storage time intervals after dilution were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The reconstitution culture media included DMEM medium, DMEM + 2% platelet lysate, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and the culture duration was 24 h. The evaluation items were viable cell concentration and cell viability. The results showed that the cell stock solution remained stable for up to 6 h under both low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) conditions, while the intermediate product remained stable for up to 3 h under the same conditions. After formulation reconstitution, using sodium chloride injection diluted with 1% or 2% human serum albumin maintained a viability of over 80% within 4 h. It was observed that different dilution factors had an impact on cell viability. After formulation reconstitution, cultivation in medium with 2% platelet lysate resulted in a cell viability of over 80% after 24 h. In conclusion, the stability of cell stock solution within 6 h and intermediate product within 3 h meets the requirements. The addition of 1% or 2% human serum albumin in the reconstitution diluent can better protect the post-reconstitution cell viability.
4.Analysis of urinary iodine level in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients
Xiaodie Li ; Yongxia Xu ; Fen Wang ; Wenlu Guo ; Wei Jia ; Xuefeng Wang ; Lang Lang ; Defa Zhu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(1):144-148
Objective :
To analyze the difference of urinary iodine level in Hashimoto thyroiditis ( HT) patients, and to explore the possible relationship between urinary iodine level and HT under different iodine nutritional sta- tus,so as to provide some references for reasonable iodine intake in HT patients.
Methods :
A total of 101 hospi- talized HT patients were selected as HT group and divided into 3 groups according to thyroid function : HT group with hyperthyroidism (41 cases) .There were 25 cases in HT group with normal thyroid function.There were 35 cases in HT combined with hypothyroidism group.In addition,30 healthy subjects were selected as control group. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) ,triiodothyronine(T3 ) ,thyroxine (T4 ) ,thyroid peroxidase an- tibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (ATG) were detected by chemiluminescence assay.The size and mor- phological structure of thyroid organs were examined by ultrasonography.Urinary iodine was determined by catalytic spectrophotometry with arsenic and cerium.The nutritional status of iodine was classified into iodine deficiency ( < 100 μg/ L) ,iodine adequacy( 100 -199 μg/ L) ,iodine adequacy (200 -299 μg/ L) and iodine excess ( ≥ 300 μg/ L) .Non-parametric test was used to compare urinary iodine level between HT group and control group,one- way ANOVA and t test were used to compare urinary iodine level between HT group and control group ,and Spearman correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between urinary iodine level and T3 ,T4 ,TSH, ATG and TPOAb under different iodine nutrition status.
Results :
Compared with control group,ATG and TPOAb levels in HT group increased (P<0. 001) ,and urinary iodine levels increased (P<0. 05) ,with statistical signifi- cance.Compared with the control group in different thyroid function states,only the HT group with hypothyroidism increased the urinary iodine level (P<0. 01) ,and the difference was statistically significant.Spearman correlation analysis showed that urine iodine level was positively correlated with ATG and TPOAb levels in iodine excess condi- tion (P<0. 05) ,and urine iodine level was positively correlated with TSH level in iodine sufficient condition and iodine excess condition in HT patients (P<0. 05) .
Conclusion
The urinary iodine level of HT patients was high- er than that of normal people.When the urinary iodine level of residents is ≥ 300 μg/ L,iodine intake is prone to HT.When the urinary iodine level of HT patients is ≥ 200 μg/ L,iodine consumption is prone to hypothyroidism, and iodine intake should be limited.
5.Chinese Medicine Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma-related Signaling Pathways: A Review
Chun YU ; Fen GAO ; Lanlan ZHENG ; Cai GUO ; Yanfang HE ; Jiaojiao XIE ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):232-243
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor in the digestive tract, the formation mechanism of which remains to be fully elucidated. Although surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have achieved significant results in the treatment of HCC, these methods are accompanied by a considerable number of adverse reactions and complications. In recent years, Chinese medicine has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and both basic experiments and clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, which exerts therapeutic effects via multiple components and multiple targets. However, the pathogenesis of HCC is exceptionally complex and not fully understood, which means that studies remain to be carried out regarding the specific mechanism of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating HCC. Network pharmacology and molecular biology can be employed to decipher the mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can regulate various pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathways. Chinese medicine can exhibit its anti-HCC effects by inducing cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, and blocking the cell cycle via the above pathways. However, the specific mechanisms remain to be systematically studied. This study comprehensively reviews the regulatory effects of Chinese medicine on HCC-related signaling pathways to reveal the molecular mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the treatment of HCC. This view holds the promise of providing new targets, new perspectives, and new therapies for HCC treatment and advancing the modernization and development of Chinese medicine.
6.Therapeutic effect of cardiac rehabilitation based on traditional exercise on heart failure:a Meta-a-nalysis
Jun-Ru XING ; Yan YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Jiang-Fen CAO ; Ru-Nan GUO
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(1):6-10
Objective:To explore therapeutic effect of cardiac rehabilitation based on traditional exercise on heart failure(HF).Methods:We searched databases including CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,Pubmed and Cochrane library for literature about application of cardiac rehabilitation exercise based on traditional exercises in HF patients before Mar 2023.Literature were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,while article quality assessment and da-ta extraction were performed,and RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform Meta analysis.Results:Meta analysis indicated that compared with control group,there were significant increase in LVEF[MD=4.51,95%CI(1.70,7.33),P=0.002]and 6 min walking distance[6MWD,MD=51.90,95%CI(39.24,64.57),P=0.001],and sig-nificant reductions in left ventricular end-systolic diameter[MD=-1.64,95%CI(-3.18,-0.11),P=0.040],left ventricular end-diastolic diameter[MD=-2.49,95%C1(-3.28,-1.69),P=0.001],score of Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire[MD=-6.89,95%CI(-8.64,-5.33),P=0.001]and level of N-ter-minal pro-brain natriuretic peptide[MD=-151.46,95%CI(-208.21,-94.70),P=0.001]in observation group.Conclusion:Cardiac rehabilitation based on traditional exercise can significantly improve heart function,in-crease 6 min walking distance and improve quality of life in patients with heart failure.
7.Pharmacokinetics study of dapoxetine tablets in Chinese healthy subjects and the effects of food on its
Ping ZHAO ; Fen ZHOU ; Jun GUO ; Ling WANG ; Qian SUN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(18):2734-2738
Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in healthy Chinese subjects,and to assess the impact of food on dapoxetine pharmacokinetics.Methods A single-center,open-lable,two-period,randomized parallel study was conducted.A total of 22 healthy adult male subjects were enrolled and administered a single 30 mg oral dose of dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets,both under fasting and fed condition.Venous blood samples were collected at different time points,and dapoxetine concentrations in human plasma were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Phoenix WinNonlin 6.3 software,and statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS 19.0 software.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in fasting and fed were as follows:Cmax were(230.71±88.91)and(216.27±58.32)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(1 054.99±442.11)and(1 292.56±534.49)ng·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(1 175.03±510.58)and(1 447.42±656.25)ng·h·mL-1;tmax were(1.23±0.59)and(2.40±0.90)h;t1/2 were(15.95±6.13)and(16.21±6.34)h.Comparisons between the fasting and fed states,showed statistically significant differences in AUC0-t,AUC0-∞ and tmax(all P<0.05),but not in Cmax and t1/2(all P>0.05).The incidence of adverse events was 31.82%in the fasting state and 22.73%in the fed state,with no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion Dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets were rapidly absorbed and eliminated in both fasting and fed states,with good safety;food slowed the absorption rate of dapoxetine and increaseed its overall exposure.
8.The clinical value of red blood cell volume distribution width coefficient of variation and serum IL-11 and IL-31 in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease
Xin-Long GUO ; Zhi-Wei ZHAO ; Gui-Fen PANG ; Lin-Ying YANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(11):1295-1301
Objective To explore the clinical value of red blood cell volume distribution width coefficient of variation(RDW-CV),serum interleukin-11(IL-11)and interleukin-31(IL-31)in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease(ILD).Methods Prospectively selected 46 ILD patients admitted to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from November 2022 to October 2023 were set as ILD group,40 patients with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP)as CAP group,and 35 healthy examiners as control group.The ILD group was further divided into idiopathic interstitial pneumonia(IIP)subgroup(n=30)and connective tissue disease-related ILD(CTD-ILD)subgroup(n=16)based on clinical diagnosis.General and clinical data of each group were recorded,and RDW-CV and serum IL-11 and IL-31 levels were detected in each group.The ILD group was tested for alveolar arterial oxygen pressure difference(AaDO2)and arterial blood oxygen pressure(PaO2),and calculated the oxygenation index(OI).The correlation between the levels of RDW-CV,IL-11 and IL-31 and the severity of ILD were analyzed to explore the value of the above indicators in the clinical diagnosis of ILD and the differential diagnosis of different types of ILD.Results Compared with control group,there was no statistically significant difference in general information such as age,gender,smoking history,and complications between the ILD and CAP groups(P>0.05);RDW-CV,absolute values of neutrophil count(NEUT),and serum IL-11 and IL-31 levels in ILD group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with CAP group,the levels of RDW-CV and serum IL-11,IL-31 in ILD group were increased,while the level of serum C-reactive protein(CRP)was decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Correlation analysis results showed that RDW-CV and serum IL-31 in ILD patients were negatively correlated with OI(P<0.05),and positively correlated with AaDO2(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curves(AUC)of RDW-CV and serum IL-11,IL-31 single and combined applications for diagnosing ILD were 0.770,0.666,0.646,and 0.854,respectively(P<0.05).The AUC of serum IL-11 for differential diagnosis of CTD-ILD and IIP was 0.727(95%CI 0.580-0.874),with sensitivity of 62.5%and specificity of 73.3%(P<0.05).Conclusions RDW-CV and serum IL-31 have certain value in assessing the severity of ILD.RDW-CV and serum IL-11 and IL-31 have certain value in the diagnosis of ILD.Serum IL-11 has certain value in the differential diagnosis between CTD-ILD and IIP.
9.Clinical analysis of children with anomalous origin of coronary artery over ten years in a single center
Jieliang LIN ; Meng ZHANG ; Fen LI ; Lijun FU ; Wei GAO ; Tingliang LIU ; Ying GUO ; Yumin ZHONG ; Jie SHEN
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(10):757-760
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of different types of anomalous origin of the coronary artery.Methods:A case-series study was conducted.Based on the clinical data of children diagnosed with anomalous origin of the coronary artery at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2013 to January 2023, the diseases of different types of anomalous origin of the coronary artery were summarized.Results:A total of 177 children with anomalous origin of the coronary artery were treated.Among them, 122 children developed the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), including 54 males and 68 females, with a median age of 1.2 years; 6 children developed the anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA), including 3 males and 3 females, with a median age of 4.3 years; 9 children developed the anomalous left coronary artery from the right coronary sinus (ALCA), including 6 males and 3 females, with a median age of 9.5 years; 40 children developed the anomalous right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus (ARCA), including 24 males and 16 females, with a median age of 7.7 years.Most children diagnosed with ALCAPA had onset within 1 year of age, with chronic heart failure as the main manifestation, and young children were often accompanied by severe mitral regurgitation.A total of 111 children underwent surgery, and 11 children died.Six children with ARCAPA had no obvious clinical symptoms and were treated by operation according to the principle of double coronary circulation after diagnosis.Nine children with ALCA started with syncope, chest pain or abdominal pain after exercise.Eight of the children underwent surgical treatment, including 1 who received a heart transplant.Of the 40 children with ARCA, 23 children had clinical manifestations, with chest tightness, syncope, and chest pain after exercise as chief complaints; 16 children were tested positive for treadmill exercise before surgery; and a total of 13 children received surgical treatment.Conclusions:Different types of anomalous origin of the coronary artery vary in severity.The clinical manifestations of the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery are generally serious, and most of such patients have the risk of cardiac insufficiency or sudden death.Once diagnosed, surgical treatment should be performed timely.The clinical manifestations of the anomalous origin of the right coronary artery are relatively mild, and only a few may have serious consequences, which are usually treated according to the principle of individualization or double coronary circulation.
10.Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography monitoring results of hospitalized neonates in plateau areas
Xiao-Fen ZHAO ; Guo-Qiang CHENG ; Peng-Na ZHAO ; Mei ZHAO ; Shuang-Yan ZHU ; Yang-Fang LI ; Wen-Hao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(8):817-822
Objective To investigate the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography(aEEG)monitoring results of hospitalized neonates in plateau areas.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 5 945 neonates who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology,Kunming Children's Hospital,and received aEEG monitoring from January 2020 to December 2022.According to the aEEG monitoring results,they were divided into a normal aEEG group and an abnormal aEEG group.The incidence rate of aEEG abnormalities was analyzed in neonates with various systemic diseases,as well as the manifestations of aEEG abnormalities and the consistency between aEEG abnormalities and clinical abnormalities.Results Among the 5 945 neonates,the aEEG abnormality rate was 19.28%(1 146/5 945),with an abnormality rate of 29.58%(906/3 063)in critically ill neonates and 8.33%(240/2 882)in non-critically ill neonates(P<0.05).The children with inherited metabolic diseases showed the highest aEEG abnormality rate of 60.77%(79/130),followed by those with central nervous system disorders[42.22%(76/180)]and preterm infants[35.53%(108/304)].Compared with the normal aEEG group,the abnormal aEEG group had significantly lower age and gestational age,as well as a significantly lower birth weight of preterm infants(P<0.05).Among the 1 146 neonates with aEEG abnormalities,the main types of aEEG abnormalities were sleep cycle disorders in 597 neonates(52.09%),background activity abnormalities in 294 neonates(25.65%),and epileptiform activity in 255 neonates(22.25%),and there were 902 neonates(78.71%)with abnormal clinical manifestations.The sensitivity and specificity of aEEG monitoring for brain function abnormalities were 33.51%and 92.50%,respectively.Conclusions In plateau areas,there is a relatively high rate of aEEG abnormalities among hospitalized neonates,particularly in critically ill neonates and those with smaller gestational ages and younger ages,suggesting a high risk of brain injury.Therefore,routine aEEG monitoring for the hospitalized neonates can help with the early detection of brain function abnormalities,the decision-making in treatment,and the formulation of brain protection strategies.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail