Objective: To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points. Methods: This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3. Results: In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.

Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes （Exo） intervened by Naozhenning （NZN） on injury of neuron cells HT22 induced by microglia BV-2 cells. METHODS Wistar rats were selected to prepare peripheral blood- derived Exo intervened by NZN （66.83 g/kg）， referred to as NZN-Exo； peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by normal saline and piracetam （PLXT， 1.62 g/kg） were prepared using the same method， denoted as KB-Exo and PLXT-Exo respectively， and all Exo were subsequently identified. Meanwhile， BV-2 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide （LPS） to prepare LPS- stimulated supernatant， and non-LPS-stimulated supernatant was prepared following the same protocol. HT22 cells were divided into four groups: KB-Exo group （treated with non-LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo）， model group （treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo）， PLXT-Exo group （treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+PLXT-Exo）， and NZN-Exo group （treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+NZN-Exo）， with the concentration of the corresponding Exo in all groups being 50 μg/mL. After 24 hours of culture， the proliferation of HT22 cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay and EdU assay； the apoptosis of HT22 cells was detected； the microstructure of HT22 cells was observed； the contents of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-10， nuclear factor-κB （NF- κB）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in HT22 cells were measured， as well as the expression levels of TNF-α， NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3）， Caspase-1， B-cell lymphoma-2（ Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. RESULTS KB-Exo， PLXT-Exo and NZN-Exo were successfully prepared， and all Exo exhibited typical cup-shaped contours and membrane-enclosed characteristics. Compared with KB-Exo group， model group showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates （detected by CCK-8 and EdU）， intracellular IL-10 levels， and Bcl-2 protein expression levels （P＜0.05）； while the cell apoptosis rate， intracellular levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， and NF-κB， as well as the expression levels of NLRP3， TNF-α， Caspase-1， and Bax proteins were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Additionally， in the model group， the cells showed volume swelling， incomplete cell membrane， nucleolar rupture， significant swelling and deformation of mitochondria， and severe vacuolization. Compared with model group， the above quantitative indicators in the PLXT-Exo group and NZN-Exo group were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）， with large and round cell nuclei， intact nuclear membranes， and reduced mitochondrial vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by naozhenning can alleviate the injury of neuronal cells HT22 by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on myocardial transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and typeⅠcollagen myocardial collagen fibers (CollagenⅠ) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion for ameliorating myocardial fibrosis and improving cardiac function in CHF. METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=40). The CHF model was established in the modeling group by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=9), a moxibustion group (n=8), a rapamycin (RAPA) group (n=9), and a moxibustion+RAPA group (n=9). In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Feishu"(BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15), 15 min at each point in each intervention, once daily, for 4 consecutive weeks. In the RAPA group, RAPA solution was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/kg, once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. In the moxibustion+RAPA group, RAPA solution was administered intraperitoneally after moxibustion. Ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) were measured after modeling and intervention. After intervention, morphology of cardiac muscle was observed using HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Total iron content in myocardial tissue was detected using a colorimetric method. Western blot and qPCR were adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, FSP1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the EF and FS values decreased (P<0.01); necrosis, edema, degeneration, and arrangement disorder were presented in cardiomyocytes; inflammatory cells were obviously infiltrated, the structure of myocardial fibers was disarranged, the collagen fibers were obviously deposited and fibrosis increased (P<0.01); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue were elevated (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 were reduced (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed that EF and FS increased (P<0.01); myocardial cell morphology was improved, and myocardial fibrosis was alleviated (P<0.01); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue decreased (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the myocardial fibrosis was increased (P<0.05); the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01), while protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 decreased (P<0.01) in the RAPA group. When compared with the RAPA group and the moxibustion + RAPA group, EF and FS were elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05); myocardial cells were improved in morphology, the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue decreased (P<0.01), while protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 increased (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group. In comparison with the moxibustion + RAPA group, the RAPA group showed the decrease in EF and FS (P<0.01), the worsened myocardial fibrosis (P<0.01), the increase in the total iron content and the protein and mRNA expression of TfR1, ANP, and CollagenⅠ in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and the decrease in the protein and mRNA expression of FSP1 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15) can slow down the process of myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats. The mechanism of moxibustion may be related to inhibiting ferroptosis through regulating autophagy.
Animals ; Rats ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Moxibustion ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Receptors, Transferrin/genetics* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Antigens, CD/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15) on the circular RNA of exon 2-5 of the Pan3 gene (circPAN3), forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B19kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), and explore the potential mechanisms of moxibustion in alleviating myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: Ten rats of 60 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into a normal group. The remaining rats underwent left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation to establish the CHF model. Forty successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, a rapamycin (RAPA) group, and a moxibustion+RAPA group, with 10 rats in each group. The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at bilateral "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15), 30 min per session. The RAPA group received intraperitoneal injection of the autophagy activator RAPA (1 mg/kg). The moxibustion+RAPA group first received RAPA injection, followed by mild moxibustion at bilateral "Feishu" (BL13) and "Xinshu" (BL15). All interventions were administered once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. After the intervention, cardiac ultrasound was used to measure ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS). Serum placental growth factor (PLGF) level was determined by ELISA. Myocardial tissue morphology and collagen volume were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression levels of circPAN3, FOXO3, and BNIP3 mRNA in myocardial tissue were detected by real-time PCR, while FOXO3 and BNIP3 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited myocardial cell disorder, severe fibrosis, and increased collagen volume (P<0.01), along with significantly decreased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and the serum PLGF level, as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed reduced myocardial fibrosis, decreased collagen volume (P<0.01), increased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and decreased serum PLGF level as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the RAPA group showed further deterioration in these parameters (P<0.01). Compared with the RAPA group, the moxibustion+RAPA group exhibited alleviation of myocardial fibrosis, reduced collagen volume (P<0.01), increased EF, FS, and circPAN3 mRNA expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01), and decreased serum PLGF level as well as FOXO3 and BNIP3 mRNA and protein expression in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Moxibustion could alleviate myocardial fibrosis in CHF rats, possibly through upregulation of myocardial circPAN3 expression, downregulation of FOXO3 and BNIP3 expression, and inhibition of excessive myocardial autophagy.
Animals ; Moxibustion ; Heart Failure/metabolism* ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Myocardium/pathology* ; RNA, Circular/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Fibrosis/genetics* ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Mitochondrial Proteins

Mutations in the IARS1 gene are rare in clinical practice， and up to now， only ten cases with detailed clinical and genetic data have been recorded in the literature. This article reports a case of growth retardation， intellectual developmental disorder， hypotonia， and hepatopathy （GRIDHH） associated with single heterozygous mutations in the IARS1 gene and summarizes the clinical and genetic features of GRIDHH， thereby expanding the genetic spectrum of GRIDHH.

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a crucial risk factor influencing an unfavorable prognosis in specific cancers. Fundamental research illuminates our understanding of tumor behavior and identifies valuable therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the exploration of fundamental theories and the validation of clinical therapies hinge on preclinical experiments. Preclinical models, in this context, serve as the conduit connecting fundamental theories to clinical outcomes. In vivo models established in animals offer a valuable platform for comprehensively observing interactions between tumor cells and organisms. Using various experimental animals, including mice, diverse methods, such as carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis, tumor cell line or human tumor transplantation, genetic engineering, and humanization, have been used effectively to construct numerous models for tumor LNM. Carcinogen-induced models simulate the entire process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Transplantation models, using human tumor cell lines or patient-derived tumors, offer a research platform closely mirroring the histology and clinical behavior of human tumors. Genetically engineered models have been used to delve into the mechanisms of primary tumorigenesis within an intact microenvironment. Humanized models are used to overcome barriers between human and murine immune systems. Beyond mouse models, various other animal models have unique advantages and limitations, all contributing to exploring LNM. This review summarizes existing in vitro and animal preclinical models, identifies current bottlenecks in preclinical research, and offers an outlook on forthcoming preclinical models.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Line, Tumor

Research shows that epileptic seizures are essentially due to abnormal functions of neural circuits. Optogenetics regulates neural circuits by specifically expressing light-sensitive proteins in target neurons, which has now become an important tool in the research of temporal lobe epilepsy. Studies have shown that optogenetics focuses on brain regions such as the hippocampus, medial septal nucleus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia in studying temporal lobe epilepsy. This article reviews the research progress of optogenetics in exploring the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of temporal lobe epilepsy, aiming to provide new ideas for temporal lobe epilepsy treatment.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of 5 children with developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 17 (DEE17) caused by GNAO1 gene variants confirmed by whole-exome sequencing and analyze the features of their genetic variants. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 5 children diagnosed with GNAO1-related DEE17 in the Department of Neurology, Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to October 2024. Their clinical features, genetic testing results, neuroimaging findings, electroencephalogram (EEG) results, and treatment regimens were summarized. Follow-up was performed via telephone or outpatient visits. Results:Among the 5 diagnosed children (3 males, 2 females), the age of onset ranged from 2 days to 2 years, and the age at diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 6 years. Four children presented with seizures in the neonatal or infantile period, manifesting as hypotonia, developmental delay, and seizure types including generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and epileptic spasms. One child had a later onset at 2 years, presenting with language delay, intellectual disability, and involuntary movements, followed by seizures at 6 years, including focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Genetic testing revealed de novo heterozygous missense variants in GNAO1 in all 5 cases: c.119G>C (p.G40A), c.808A>C (p.N270H), c.808A>G (p.N270D), c.118G>C (p.G40R), and c.17G>T (p.S6I). Among these variants, c.119G>C and c.17G>T were previously unreported pathogenic variants. Neuroimaging showed nonspecific changes in 3 children (widened frontal-temporal subarachnoid space, delayed myelination) and abnormal white matter signals in 2 cases. Long-term video-EEG revealed abnormal discharges and background slowing in all cases: multifocal discharges in 4 cases and focal epileptiform discharges (left mid-temporal) in 1 case. Clinical seizures were captured in 3 cases: 1 with a burst-suppression pattern and 2 with hypsarrhythmia. All patients received 3 or more antiseizure medications. Four cases (cases 1-4) responded well to topiramate combination therapy, with 2 cases (cases 1, 2) achieving complete seizure freedom and 2 cases (cases 3, 4) experiencing more than a 50% reduction in seizures. One child (case 3) achieved seizure control with an adjunctive ketogenic diet. The late-onset case (case 5) required a combination of levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and valproate for seizure management. Conclusions:GNAO1 variants can lead to DEE17 with diverse seizure types, often requiring multiple antiseizure medications, among which topiramate is effective. Early-onset cases typically present with seizures and developmental delay, while late-onset cases may exhibit language delay, intellectual disability, movement disorders, and refractory epilepsy. Genetic testing should be performed early for timely diagnosis.