1.Construction of a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Junli CHEN ; Han ZHANG ; Yefan ZHANG ; Yanqiu ZHANG ; Runguo GAO ; Qianqian GAO ; Weiqin CAI ; Haiyan LI ; Lihong JI ; Zhiwei DONG ; Qi JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo develop a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to formulate detailed application specifications, and to fully leverage the initiative of communities and families under limited resource conditions, for achieving community-based early detection and early intervention for older adults with MCI. MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify pertinent publications. Corpus-based research methodologies were employed to extract, refine, integrate and synthesize management elements, thereby establishing the specific content and service processes for each stage of the management model. Utilizing the 5W2H analytical framework, essential elements such as management stakeholders, target populations, content and methods for each stage were delineated. The model and its application guidelines were finalized through expert consultation and demonstration. ResultsAn expert evaluation of the management model yielded mean scores of 4.84, 4.32 and 4.84 for acceptability, feasibility and systematicity, respectively. By integrating the identified core elements with expert ratings and feedback, the final iteration of the community-family management model for older adults with MCI was formulated. This model comprised of five stages: screening and identification, comprehensive assessment, intervention planning, monitoring and referral pathways to ensure implementation, and enhanced support for communities, family members and caregivers. Additionally, it included 18 specific application guidelines. ConclusionThe proposed management model may theoretically help delay cognitive decline, improve cognitive function and potentially promote reversal from MCI to normal cognition. It may also enhance the awareness and coping capacity of older adults and their families, strengthen community healthcare professionals' ability to early identify and manage MCI.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
4.Shaoyao Gancaotang Alleviates High-fat Diet-aggravated Colitis in Mice by Suppressing Ferroptosis Through SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Juan SHI ; Lianyin GAO ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Jing JI ; Chongyang MA ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Tian XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):53-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang (SYGCT) on high-fat diet (HFD)-aggravated colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice and decipher the potential mechanism. MethodsForty male C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD for 14 days, followed by gavage of 2%DSS for 7 days for the modeling of HFD-aggravated colitis. The mice were randomly allocated into control, model (HFD-aggravated colitis), low-dose (5.2 g·kg-1) SYGCT, high-dose (10.4 g·kg-1) SYGCT, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, positive control, 50 mg·kg-1) groups. Body mass changes and disease activity index (DAI) scores were recorded. The colon length was measured. Pathological changes in the colon tissue were observed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of Occludin, Claudin3, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited diarrhea, bloody stools, increased DAI scores (P<0.01), colon shortening (P<0.01), severe colonic pathological damage, and reduced expression of tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes between the high-dose SYGCT group and the model group were significantly enriched in the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Compared with the model group, SYGCT treatment alleviated diarrhea and bloody stools, reduced DAI scores (P<0.01), increased the colon length (P<0.01), mitigated colonic pathological damage, and upregulated the expression of Occludin and Claudin3 (P<0.01), as well as proteins (SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1) associated with the inhibition of ferroptosis (P<0.05). ConclusionSYGCT significantly ameliorates HFD-aggravated DSS-induced colitis by suppressing ferroptosis via activation of the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
5.Immunoregulatory effect of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma and targeted therapeutic strategies
Shaohua GUO ; Chengzheng JIA ; Ruiying YU ; Chenxu LIU ; Xiang LI ; Huifan JI ; Yanhang GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2229-2235
Metabolic reprogramming is a key characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma, and abnormal fatty acid metabolism is closely associated with tumor immune escape. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma, focusing on key enzymes and their transcriptional regulatory networks within de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways. This article also analyzes the metabolic heterogeneity between β-catenin-mutant hepatocellular carcinoma and AXIN1-mutant hepatocellular carcinoma and their therapeutic implications, summarizes the multidimensional mechanisms by which the lipid microenvironment regulates immune cell function, and reviews the targeted therapeutic strategies for different molecular subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma.
6.rTMS Improves Cognitive Function and Brain Network Connectivity in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Gui-Zhi XU ; Lin LIU ; Miao-Miao GUO ; Tian WANG ; Jiao-Jiao GAO ; Yong JI ; Pan WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2131-2145
ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neurocognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the neurobiological mechanisms linking synaptic pathology, neural oscillatory dynamics, and brain network reorganization remain unclear. This investigation seeks to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of rTMS as a non-invasive neuromodulatory intervention through a multimodal framework integrating clinical assessments, molecular profiling, and neurophysiological monitoring. MethodsIn this prospective double-blind trial, 12 AD patients underwent a 14-day protocol of 20 Hz rTMS, with comprehensive multimodal assessments performed pre- and post-intervention. Cognitive functioning was quantified using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), while daily living capacities and neuropsychiatric profiles were respectively evaluated through the activities of daily living (ADL) scale and combined neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI)-Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD). Peripheral blood biomarkers, specifically Aβ1-40 and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), were analyzed to investigate the effects of rTMS on molecular metabolism. Spectral power analysis was employed to investigate rTMS-induced modulations of neural rhythms in AD patients, while brain network analyses incorporating topological properties were conducted to examine stimulus-driven network reorganization. Furthermore, systematic assessment of correlations between cognitive scale scores, blood biomarkers, and network characteristics was performed to elucidate cross-modal therapeutic associations. ResultsClinically, MMSE and MOCA scores improved significantly (P<0.05). Biomarker showed that Aβ1-40 level increased (P<0.05), contrasting with p-tau181 reduction. Moreover, the levels of Aβ1-40 were positively correlated with MMSE and MOCA scores. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant modulations in oscillatory power, characterized by pronounced reductions in delta (P<0.05) and theta bands (P<0.05), while concurrent enhancements were observed in alpha, beta, and gamma band activities (all P<0.05). Network analysis revealed frequency-specific reorganization: clustering coefficients were significantly decreased in delta, theta, and alpha bands (P<0.05), while global efficiency improvement was exclusively detected in the delta band (P<0.05). The alpha band demonstrated concurrent increases in average nodal degree (P<0.05) and characteristic path length reduction (P<0.05). Further research findings indicate that the changes in the clinical scale HAMD scores before and after rTMS stimulation are negatively correlated with the changes in the blood biomarkers Aβ1-40 and p-tau181. Additionally, the changes in the clinical scales MMSE and MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the changes in the node degree of the alpha frequency band and negatively correlated with the clustering coefficient of the delta frequency band. However, the changes in MMSE scores are positively correlated with the changes in global efficiency of both the delta and alpha frequency bands. Conclusion20 Hz rTMS targeting dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) significantly improves cognitive function and enhances the metabolic clearance of β-amyloid and tau proteins in AD patients. This neurotherapeutic effect is mechanistically associated with rTMS-mediated frequency-selective neuromodulation, which enhances the connectivity of oscillatory networks through improved neuronal synchronization and optimized topological organization of functional brain networks. These findings not only support the efficacy of rTMS as an adjunctive therapy for AD but also underscore the importance of employing multiple assessment methods—including clinical scales, blood biomarkers, and EEG——in understanding and monitoring the progression of AD. This research provides a significant theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for further exploration of rTMS applications in AD treatment.
7.Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue Capsules
Yuhang MENG ; Jinghua GAO ; Minshan FENG ; Quan JI ; Jin JIN ; Ting CHENG ; Yongyao LI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):177-183
The Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue capsules systematically expound the development methods and evidence-based basis of this consensus. In view of the weak clinical application evidence and ambiguous indications of Dieda Huoxue capsules, the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Wangjing Hospital took the lead and collaborated with 33 experts from 28 medical institutions nationwide. They strictly followed the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline-making norms and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence-grading system and completed the compilation through multidisciplinary cooperation. The workflow included constructing clinical questions (19 items were screened by the nominal group technique), retrieving evidence (from Chinese and English databases and grey literature), assessing safety (integrating drug monitoring data and clinical investigations), and forming recommendations and consensus suggestions (3 recommendations were reached via the GRADE grid method, and 16 consensus suggestions were reached by the majority vote rule). The results indicate that the consensus clearly states that this medicine (Dieda Huoxue capsules) is applicable to conditions like traumatic injury, blood stasis-induced pain, and sudden lumbar sprains. The recommended dose is 6 capsules each time, twice a day. Combining oral administration with external application can enhance the efficacy, and elderly patients should take the medicine at intervals. Safety monitoring suggests that it should be used with caution in people with a bleeding tendency and those with an allergic constitution. The compilation process involved three rounds of reviews by internal and external experts. Literature analysis, the Delphi method, and clinical applicability tests were employed to ensure methodological rigor. The compilation instructions comprehensively present key aspects such as project approval and registration, conflict-of-interest statements, and evidence evaluation through 12 appendices, providing methodological support for the clinical translation of the consensus. In the future, it will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism.
8.Chaihu and Longgu Mulitang Regulates ERK/CREB Signaling Pathway to Ameliorate Hippocampal Nerve Injury in Mouse Model of Depression
Shiyu JI ; Li WANG ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Yingzhe GAO ; Zefeng ZHANG ; Siyu CHEN ; Guangjing XIE ; Ping WANG ; Panpan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu and Longgu Mulitang (CLMT) on hippocampal neural damage in the mouse model of depression via the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal control, model, low/medium/high-dose (2.89, 5.78, and 11.56 g·kg-1, respectively) CLMT, and paroxetine (10 mg·kg-1) groups. A depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with social isolation. Behavioral tests were carried out to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were performed to assess hippocampal morphology and neuronal damage. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1). Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of ERK and CREB. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of ERK/CREB pathway proteins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the interactions between CLMT components and target proteins. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed decreased sucrose preference (P0.01), increased tail-suspension immobility time (P0.01), decreased activity in the central region of the open field test (P0.01), and decreased activity in the middle and open-arm region of the elevated plus maze test (P0.01). The hippocampal area in the model group showed wrinkled cells and a reduction in the number of cells, neurons with reduced sizes and Nissl bodies, enhanced fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 (P0.01), and down-regulated expression of phosphorylated (p)-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF (P0.05, P0.01) and mRNA levels of ERK and CREB (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the CLMT group showed increased body weight (P0.05, P0.01), restored cell morphology, with only a small number of ruptured cells, normal neuronal structure and morphology with obvious nuclei and abundant Nissl bodies, weakened fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 (P0.05, P0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of ERK and CREB (P0.05, P0.01) and protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue (P0.05, P0.01). The results of molecular docking indicated that nine active ingredients in CLMT had good binding affinity with ERK and CREB. ConclusionCLMT may ameliorate the hippocampal nerve injury in the mouse model of depression by regulating the ERK/CREB pathway.
9.Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis.
Jianheng HAO ; Boya CHANG ; Jia REN ; Zhen GAO ; Yanlin ZHANG ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):71-81
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice, and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function.
METHODS:
Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups, the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg•kg-1•d-1) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling, the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture, once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed, and the body mass was recorded before modeling, after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention, the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated, and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA, the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE, the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy, the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining, the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C), apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the mice were in listless spirits, had shaggy hairs, the reduced appetite and movement, and weight loss in the model group (P<0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability were declined (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH were dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal, the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased, the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost, and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (P<0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (P<0.01), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the general condition of mice was improved, the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability increased (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH rose (P<0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated, the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (P<0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (P<0.05), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
"Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Asthenozoospermia/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Sperm Motility
;
Testosterone/blood*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics*
;
Caspase 3/genetics*
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Reproduction
;
Cytochromes c/genetics*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics*
;
Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1/genetics*
10.Population screening for acupuncture treatment of neck pain: a machine learning study.
Zhen GAO ; Mengjie CUI ; Haijun WANG ; Cheng XU ; Nixuan GU ; Laixi JI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(4):405-412
OBJECTIVE:
To screen the population for acupuncture treatment of neck pain, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology and based on machine learning algorithms.
METHODS:
Eighty patients with neck pain were recruited. Using FPX25 handheld pressure algometer, the tender points were detected in the areas with high-frequent onset of neck pain and high degree of acupoint sensitization. Acupuncture was delivered at 4 tender points with the lowest pain threshold, once every two days; and the treatment was given 3 times a week and for 2 consecutive weeks. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of the brain before treatment was taken as a predictive feature to construct support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) models to predict the responses of neck pain patients to acupuncture treatment. A longitudinal analysis of the ALFF features was performed before and after treatment to reveal the potential biological markers of the reactivity to the acupuncture therapy.
RESULTS:
The SVM model could successfully distinguish high responders (48 cases) and low responders (32 cases) to acupuncture treatment, and its accuracy rate reached 82.5%. Based on the SVM model, the ALFF values of 4 brain regions were identified as the consistent predictive features, including the right middle temporal gyrus, the right superior occipital gyrus, and the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus. In the patients with high acupuncture response, the ALFF value in the left posterior cingulate gyrus decreased after treatment (P<0.05), whereas in the patients with low acupuncture response, the ALFF value in the right superior occipital gyrus increased after treatment (P<0.01). The longitudinal functional connectivity (FC) analysis found that compared with those before treatment, the high responders showed the enhanced FC after treatment between the left posterior cingulate gyrus and various regions, including the bilateral Crus1 of the cerebellum, the right insula, the bilateral angular gyrus, the left medial superior frontal gyrus, and the left middle cingulate gyrus (GRF: corrected, voxel level: P<0.05, mass level: P<0.05). In contrast, the low responders exhibited the enhanced FC between the left posterior cingulate gyrus and the left Crus2 of the cerebellum, the left middle temporal gyrus, the right posterior cingulate gyrus, and the left angular gyrus; besides, FC was reduced in low responders between the left posterior cingulate gyrus and the right supramarginal gyrus (GRF: corrected, voxel level: P<0.05, mass level: P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study validates the practicality of pre-treatment ALFF feature prediction for acupuncture efficacy on neck pain. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture on neck pain is potentially associated with its impact on the default mode network, and then, alter the pain perception and emotional regulation.
Humans
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Neck Pain/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Machine Learning
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Young Adult
;
Brain/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Aged


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