OBJECTIVES: To investigate the subcellular localization and biological functions of transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240). METHODS: NCBI BLAST and TMHMM bioinformatics software were used for protein sequence analysis and prediction of transmembrane domain of TMEM240. Brain tissues from male C57BL/6 mice (18-20 days old) were examined for distribution of TMEM240 using in situ hybridization, and qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect TMEM240 expression in different mouse tissues and in cortical neurons at different time points (n=3). In the in vitro experiment, HepG2 and Neuro-2a cells were transfected with plasmids for overexpression of TMEM240, and subcellular localization of TMEM240 was analyzed using cell imaging. In primary cultures of cortical neurons isolated from C57BL/6 mice, TMEM240 expression and its biological functions were investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Human and mouse TMEM240 proteins share a 97.69% similarity in the protein sequences, and both are transmembrane proteins with two transmembrane domains. TMEM240 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in mouse brain tissues and cortical neurons. In isolated mouse cortical neurons, TMEM240 expression reached the peak level after primary culture for 9 days and distributed in scattered spots within the cells. In HepG2 cells, TMEM240 was characterized as intracellular membrane structures and showed 80% colocalization with peroxisomes. In Neuro-2a cells, TMEM240 overexpression caused significant enhancement of the expressions of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor β (ARHGDIB) at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS TMEM240 is a novel intracellular subcellular structure specifically expressed in neurons with significant potential for targeted cellular function regulation.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Peroxisomes/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Male ; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Brain/metabolism*

BACKGROUND:Recent studies have shown that Du Meridian electroacupuncture has a unique effect on alleviating spinal cord injury,but the underlying mechanisms require further clarification.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects and the associated action mechanisms of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis after cervical spinal cord injury in rats.METHODS:One hundred SD rats were randomly divided into sham,model,Du Meridian electroacupuncture,RSL3,and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups.The sham group underwent only laminectomy.The other four groups were subjected to cervical spinal cord injury by the Allen method.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture after cervical spinal cord injury.The RSL3 group received intraperitoneal injections of glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL3 after cervical spinal cord injury.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 group received both electroacupuncture and RSL3 intervention after cervical spinal cord injury.Samples were collected on postoperative days 7 and 28 to assess motor function,histological morphology,neuronal survival,glial scar formation,oxidative stress levels,Fe2+content,glutathione peroxidase 4,and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Finally,90 rats completed the follow-up experiment,with 18 rats in each group.(2)FLS and BBB scores were significantly higher in the Du Meridian electroacupuncture group compared with the model and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the model group,Du Meridian electroacupuncture improved cervical spinal cord tissue morphology and mitochondrial ultrastructure,while these effects were inhibited by RSL3.(4)Du Meridian electroacupuncture increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2,glutathione peroxidase 4,glutathione,and superoxide dismutase(P＜0.05)and reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein,long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4,reactive oxygen species,malondialdehyde,and Fe2+compared with the model group(P＜0.05).However,RSL3 reversed the inhibitory effects of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis,lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.(5)The results suggest that Du Meridian electroacupuncture inhibits ferroptosis by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 axis,thereby reducing secondary neuronal damage and glial scar formation after cervical spinal cord injury and improving neurological function.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4） axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury （SCI）. MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups： sham operation group， model group， low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group （12.5 g·kg^-1）， high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group （25 g·kg^-1）， and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group （25 g·kg^-1 + 5 g·kg^-1 RSL3）. The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan （BBB） scale. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Nissl， and Luxol fast blue （LFB） staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein （MBP）， GPX4， and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）. Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group， the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores （P<0.01）， severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue， and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition， the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells （P<0.01）， reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 （P<0.01）， lower levels of GSH and SOD （P<0.01）， and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 （P<0.01）. Moreover， compared to the sham operation group， the model group had elevated levels of ROS， MDA， and tissue iron content （P<0.01）， along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group， the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores （P<0.05， P<0.01） and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage， reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration， increased neuronal survival， and more intact myelin structures. Additionally， mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group， the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 （P<0.01） and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01） compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally， the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS， MDA， and tissue iron content （P<0.01） and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels （P<0.01） compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis， reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress， and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture-related therapies in treating postoperative pain in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) from their inception to January 15, 2025. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and overall efficacy rate. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software.ResultsA total of 35 randomized controlled trials involving 2860 patients were included. The data analysis revealed that, in terms of improving VAS and ODI scores, the top three effective therapies were Fu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, and acupotomy. For the overall efficacy rates in pain treatment, the top three therapies were wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and Fu's subcutaneous needling. Based on the combined results across the three outcome measures, Fu's subcutaneous needling was found to be the most effective in relieving pain and improving lumbar function.ConclusionFu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and acupotomy were all effective in treating postoperative pain post-PKP/PVP and improving lumbar function. However, further high-quality, large-sample studies are required to confirm these findings.

Objective To explore the effects of the Otago Exercise Program(OEP)on activities of daily living,muscle strength,balance,and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia,to compare OEP with conventional exercise training,and to provide a basis for clinical rehabilitation programs for older adults with sarcopenia.Methods In this randomized controlled trial,120 older adults clinically diagnosed with sarcopenia were enrolled.The participants were randomly assigned to the OEP intervention group(experimental group)and the conventional exercise intervention group(control group),with 60 in each group.The experimental group underwent 12 weeks of OEP training,three times a week,with each session lasting 45 minutes.The control group underwent conventional exercise training following the same schedule.The Modified Barthel Index was used as the primary outcome measure to assess activities of daily living.Secondary outcome measures included muscle strength,gait stability,dynamic balance,and physical function status,evaluated using grip strength,6-meter walking speed,the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT),and the Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Results A total of 120 older adults with sarcopenia were included.The mean age of the participants was(80.17±8.48)years.Baseline data before treatment showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups.Both groups completed the treatment within 12 weeks without experiencing any adverse events.The baseline data for the experimental group were as follows,MBI at(67.00±22.76)points,hand grip strength at(15.29±4.94)kg,gait speed at(0.61±0.26)m/s,TUGT time at(15.05±6.74)s,and SPPB score at(6.17±1.40)points,while the corresponding post-intervention findings were as follows,(78.72±15.83)points,(17.67±5.83)kg,(0.77±0.28)m/s,(13.49±6.16)s,and(9.25±1.71)points,respectively.The experimental group showed improvements in all measures from baseline to post-intervention(P＜0.05 for all measures).As for the control group,the baseline data for the corresponding measures were as follows,(67.20±22.12)points,(15.00±5.35)kg,(0.58±0.23)m/s,(17.29±6.90)s,and(6.00±1.24)points,respectively.The post-intervention findings increased to(71.13±20.28)points,(15.47±5.72)kg,(0.64±0.28)m/s,(16.50±6.99)s,and(6.73±1.61)points,respectively,but the changes were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Furthermore,an intergroup comparison of intervention effects(post-intervention minus preintervention)revealed significant differences in mean changes from baseline.The experimental group demonstrated improvements of(+11.72±6.32)points in modified Barthel Index,(+11.72±6.32)kg in grip strength,(+0.16±0.09)m/s in gait speed,(—1.56±1.32)s in TUGT time,and(—1.56±1.32)points in SPPB score.In contrast,the control group showed smaller changes of(+3.93±5.65)points,(+0.47±1.37)kg,(+0.06±0.07)m/s,(—0.79±1.54)s,and(+0.73±1.12)points,respectively(all P＜0.05).Intergroup comparisons revealed superior outcomes in the experimental group across all measures.Conclusion OEP significantly enhances activities of daily living,improves muscle strength,balance,and physical function in older adults,and is more effective than conventional rehabilitation exercise programs,making it suitable for extensive clinical application.

Objective To investigate the comprehensive intervention effects of transfer energy capacitive and resistive(TECAR)therapy combined with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate(HMB)nutritional supplementation in older patients with sarcopenic obesity(SO).Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial,enrolling 140 older patients who met the Asian diagnostic criteria for SO.Participants were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including a double-placebo group(Group A),TECAR+placebo group(Group B),sham TECAR+HMB group(Group C),and TECAR+HMB group(Group D),with 35 patients in each group.The intervention lasted 12 weeks.The primary outcome measure was the total score of the Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Secondary outcome indicators included the modified Barthel Index(MBI),scores of the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form(MNA-SF),handgrip strength,body mass,and body mass index(BMI).A two-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to assess the interaction effects between TECAR and HMB.Results After the intervention,Group D(TECAR+HMB)demonstrated significant improvements across all metrics.The SPPB total score increased from 6.29±1.34 to 8.06±1.51(P<0.001),with notable enhancements in walking speed(2.71±0.86 vs.1.97±0.82),chair stand(2.60±0.55 vs.2.11±0.47),and balance(2.74±0.74 vs.2.20±0.76).MBI improved from 71.74±14.41 to 79.91±10.52(P<0.001).Handgrip strength increased from(13.65±5.05)kg to(15.72±4.89)kg(P=0.001).Body mass decreased from(81.78±9.02)kg to(76.95±9.89)kg(P<0.001),and BMI reduced from(30.14±1.68)kg/m2 to(28.34±2.33)kg/m2(P<0.001).Interaction analysis revealed significant synergistic effects between TECAR and HMB in improving the SPPB total scores(F=16.374,P<0.001,η2=0.107)and reducing BMI(F=14.328,P<0.001,η2=0.095).Conclusion TECAR therapy combined with HMB supplementation significantly enhances physical function,activities of daily living,and body composition in elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity,demonstrating a synergistic effect.

BACKGROUND:Recent studies have shown that Du Meridian electroacupuncture has a unique effect on alleviating spinal cord injury,but the underlying mechanisms require further clarification.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects and the associated action mechanisms of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis after cervical spinal cord injury in rats.METHODS:One hundred SD rats were randomly divided into sham,model,Du Meridian electroacupuncture,RSL3,and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups.The sham group underwent only laminectomy.The other four groups were subjected to cervical spinal cord injury by the Allen method.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture after cervical spinal cord injury.The RSL3 group received intraperitoneal injections of glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL3 after cervical spinal cord injury.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 group received both electroacupuncture and RSL3 intervention after cervical spinal cord injury.Samples were collected on postoperative days 7 and 28 to assess motor function,histological morphology,neuronal survival,glial scar formation,oxidative stress levels,Fe2+content,glutathione peroxidase 4,and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Finally,90 rats completed the follow-up experiment,with 18 rats in each group.(2)FLS and BBB scores were significantly higher in the Du Meridian electroacupuncture group compared with the model and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the model group,Du Meridian electroacupuncture improved cervical spinal cord tissue morphology and mitochondrial ultrastructure,while these effects were inhibited by RSL3.(4)Du Meridian electroacupuncture increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2,glutathione peroxidase 4,glutathione,and superoxide dismutase(P＜0.05)and reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein,long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4,reactive oxygen species,malondialdehyde,and Fe2+compared with the model group(P＜0.05).However,RSL3 reversed the inhibitory effects of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis,lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.(5)The results suggest that Du Meridian electroacupuncture inhibits ferroptosis by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 axis,thereby reducing secondary neuronal damage and glial scar formation after cervical spinal cord injury and improving neurological function.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical status of long-term oral anticoagulant management in patients with atrial fibrillation, and to analyze the obstacles and promoting factors in the implementation of evidence, so as to provide evidence for clinical transformation.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Through the evidence-based nursing method, guided by the Ottawa Model, the review indicators and review methods were developed based on the best evidence. The clinical status review of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria in the Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University was conducted from August to November 2022 using a convenience sampling method, and based on the results of the review, an analysis of obstacles and promoting factors was carried out to develop a clinical response.Results:This study included 100 patients with atrial fibrillation, 60 males and 40 females, aged (70.14 ± 10.39) years. Totally 26 best items were included, and 24 review indicators were developed, among which only 4 indicators had a compliance rate of 100% , 2 indicators had a compliance rate of >60% , 5 indicators had a compliance rate of <60% , and 13 indicators had a compliance rate of 0. According to the results of the review, a comprehensive and systematic analysis was conducted from the three dimensions of system, practitioners, patients and family members. For each dimension, obstacles and promoting factors were analyzed in depth from evidence-based change, potential adopters and practical environment.Conclusions:There is a gap between the best evidence and clinical status of long-term oral anticoagulant management in patients with atrial fibrillation. In-depth analysis of obstacle factors, formulate countermeasures, and promote the efficient implementation of evidence in clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical status of long-term oral anticoagulant management in patients with atrial fibrillation, and to analyze the obstacles and promoting factors in the implementation of evidence, so as to provide evidence for clinical transformation.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Through the evidence-based nursing method, guided by the Ottawa Model, the review indicators and review methods were developed based on the best evidence. The clinical status review of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria in the Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University was conducted from August to November 2022 using a convenience sampling method, and based on the results of the review, an analysis of obstacles and promoting factors was carried out to develop a clinical response.Results:This study included 100 patients with atrial fibrillation, 60 males and 40 females, aged (70.14 ± 10.39) years. Totally 26 best items were included, and 24 review indicators were developed, among which only 4 indicators had a compliance rate of 100% , 2 indicators had a compliance rate of >60% , 5 indicators had a compliance rate of <60% , and 13 indicators had a compliance rate of 0. According to the results of the review, a comprehensive and systematic analysis was conducted from the three dimensions of system, practitioners, patients and family members. For each dimension, obstacles and promoting factors were analyzed in depth from evidence-based change, potential adopters and practical environment.Conclusions:There is a gap between the best evidence and clinical status of long-term oral anticoagulant management in patients with atrial fibrillation. In-depth analysis of obstacle factors, formulate countermeasures, and promote the efficient implementation of evidence in clinical practice.

Objective:To summarize and analyze the acupoint selection law of acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of schizophrenia using data mining techniques and network visualization technology.Methods:The literature related to the treatment of schizophrenia through acupuncture and moxibustion was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed and Web of Science from the establishment of the databases to December 31, 2022. A database was established using Excel 2013 software and frequency analysis of acupoints was conducted; the Apriori algorithm was used to analyze the association law of acupoints; SPSS Statistics 25.0 and SPSS Modeler 18.0 software were used for acupoint clustering analysis to explore the acupoint selection law.Results:A total of 133 articles were included, involving 133 acupuncture prescriptions and 158 acupoints, with a total frequency of 1131 times. The most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20) (71 times), Zusanli (ST36) (51 times), Neiguan (PC6) (45 times). Commonly used meridians were Governor Vessel, and stomach meridian, etc. According to the analysis of association rules, 108 association rules of acupoints were obtained, and common compatibility of acupoints was Baihui (GV20)-Yintang (GV24)-Zusanli (ST36), Baihui (GV20)-Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20)-Yintang (GV24), Daling (PC7)-Laogong (PC8), etc. Four major clusters were obtained through clustering analysis of commonly used acupoints.Conclusion:Modern acupuncture and moxibustion is mainly used to regulate yin and yang and balance qi and blood in the treatment of schizophrenia. The acupoint selection is based on Baihui-Yintang-Neiguan-Hegu acupoint prescription, and other acupoints are added according to concurrent syndromes, which can not only give full play to the synergistic effect of acupoints, but also promote the recovery of motor and sensory functions.