OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of "olfactory three needles" on cognition, learning and memory abilities, as well as hippocampal microglia (MG) phagocytic activity in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and explore the mechanisms of acupuncture in regulating MG activation and improving remyelination, so as to ameliorate VD. METHODS: Among 38 SD rats meeting experimental requirements, 9 rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operation group, and the remaining rats underwent permanent bilateral common carotid artery ligation to establish VD model. Eighteen successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, with 9 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was performed at "olfactory three needles" ("Yintang" [GV24⁺] and bilateral "Yingxiang" [LI20]), at disperse-dense wave, the frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and the current intensity of 1 mA, for 15 min per intervention, once daily. One course was composed of 7 days, and 2 courses were required, with the interval of 2 days. The novel object recognition test was employed to assess the cognition of rats, and the Morris water maze was adopted to observe learning and memory abilities. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining was performed to evaluate myelin sheath loss in the hippocampus, the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) and proteolipid protein (PLP) in the hippocampus; and the immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expression of PLP, sex determining region Y-box 10 (SOX10), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)⁺ TREM2⁺ and Iba1⁺ lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1)⁺ in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the rats in the model group exhibited the prolonged escape latency on day 3 and 4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), the increase of the total distance traveling (P<0.01) and the decrease of the recognition index (RI) and platform crossing frequency (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the rats in the EA group showed the shortened escape latency on day 3 and 4 (P<0.05), the decrease of total distance traveling (P<0.01) and the increase of RI and platform crossing frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared with the sham-operation group, the rats of the model group presented uneven staining, sparse arrangement of myelin sheath fibers, unclear contours, and prominent vacuole-like changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. When compared with the model group, the EA group showed more dense staining, the increase of myelin sheath fibers with more orderly alignment, and fewer vacuolar changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group exhibited the increase of TREM2 protein expression and the decrease of PLP protein expression in the hippocampus (P<0.01), whereas the EA group showed the up-regulation of TREM2 and PLP protein expression when compared with the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The positive expression of the hippocampal PLP, SOX10, and Iba1⁺LAMP1⁺ in the model group was reduced in comparison with the sham-operation group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the positive expression of Iba1⁺ TREM2⁺ was elevated (P<0.05). In the EA group, the positive expression of PLP, SOX10, Iba1⁺TREM2⁺, and Iba1⁺ LAMP1⁺ was higher compared with that in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Olfactory three needles" can improve the learning and memory, and cognitive functions of VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the up-regulation of TREM2 and LAMP1 to adjust MG phagocytic activity and intracellular degradation, and promote remyelination.
Animals ; Dementia, Vascular/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Remyelination ; Memory ; Hippocampus/cytology* ; Cognition ; Electroacupuncture ; Needles

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel, dispersing lung, and suppressing reflux for gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC). METHODS: A total of 120 GERC patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (60 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (60 cases, 1 case was eliminated). The observation group received acupoint thread-embedding treatment at positive response points of governor vessel. If no such points were detected, the following acupoints were used: Dazhui (GV14), Fenghu (Extra), Shendao (GV11), Lingtai (GV10), and Zhiyang (GV9). Treatment was administered once every two weeks. The control group received oral rabeprazole enteric capsules at 20 mg twice daily. All the treatment was given for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using cough symptom score, reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) score, and Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) score before and after treatment in the two groups. Clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups showed decreased cough symptom scores and the each item scores and total scores of RDQ (P<0.001), and increased LCQ scores (P<0.001) compare with those before treatment. The observation group exhibited lower cough symptom score and chest pain, reflux and total score of RDQ, and higher LCQ score compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 94.9% (56/59), which was higher than 84.7% (50/59) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel, dispersing lung, and suppressing reflux could effectively alleviate cough and reflux symptoms in patients with GERC and improve their quality of life.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Cough/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Lung/physiopathology* ; Meridians

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS. METHODS: This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n  = 42) and wild type groups ( n  = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study. CONCLUSION: ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients. REGISTRATION NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans ; Crotonates/adverse effects* ; Toluidines/adverse effects* ; Nitriles ; Hydroxybutyrates ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics* ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics* ; East Asian People

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) constitute a vast and diverse family of bioactive peptides. These peptides, synthesized by ribosomes and subsequently modified by various tailoring enzymes, possess a wide chemical space. Among these modifications, radical S-adenosylmethionine (rSAM) enzymes employ unique radical chemistry to introduce a variety of novel peptide structures, which are crucial for their activity. This review examines the major types of modifications in RiPPs catalyzed by rSAM enzymes, incorporating recent advancements in protein structure analysis techniques and computational methods. Additionally, it elucidates the diverse catalytic mechanisms and substrate selectivity of these enzymes through an analysis of the latest crystal structures.
Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; S-Adenosylmethionine/chemistry* ; Ribosomes/metabolism* ; Peptides/metabolism* ; Biological Products/metabolism* ; Humans

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling. Here, we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), expressed by sensory nerves, in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) model. Firstly, bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM, coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold. Sema3A, rather than nerve growth factor (NGF), highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM. Moreover, in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) within 24 hours. Furthermore, exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload. Mechanistically, Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway, maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion. Therefore, Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation, both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.
Humans ; Bone Remodeling ; Cell Differentiation ; Osteogenesis ; Semaphorin-3A/pharmacology* ; Trigeminal Ganglion/metabolism*

BACKGROUND:Human placental mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the development of pulmonary fibrosis,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect and related mechanism of human placental mesenchymal stem cells on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in human embryonic lung fibroblasts(MRC-5). METHODS:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different mass concentrations of silica on the proliferation of MRC-5 at different time points.Immunofluorescence staining was used to screen out the best stimulating mass concentration and time of silica for subsequent experiments.MRC-5 cells were divided into blank group,silica group,and silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group.In the blank group,cells were not treated.In the silica group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours.In the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours and then co-cultured with human placental mesenchymal stem cells for 24 hours.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in cells of each group.Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of pulmonary fibrosis-related proteins and TGF-β1/Smad 3 signaling pathway-related proteins in cells of each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results suggested that 100 μg/mL silica was the best mass concentration and time to stimulate MRC-5 cells for 48 hours.(2)Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group was significantly lower than that in the silica group.(3)Western blot assay results showed that compared with the silica group,the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,collagen type I,N-cadherin,fibronectin,transforming growth factor-β1,p-Smad3,and Smad3 in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group were decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was increased.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The results showed that human placental mesenchymal stem cells had a significant therapeutic effect on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Human placental mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.