Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of TGP on PS rats and determine the impact on the Ste20-like proline/alanine-rich kinase/Na+-K+-Cl cotransport(SPAK/NKCC1)signaling pathway.Methods After PS model was successfully established in 60 male SD rats(7 weeks old),they were randomly divided into model group,low-and high-dose TGP groups,high-dose TGP+negative control group,and high-dose TGP+WNK3 overexpression group,with 12 rats in each group.Another 12 healthy rats served as the control group.After modeling,50 or 200 mg/kg TGP was given to the rats of corresponding groups intragastrically,the overexpression plasmids of WNK3 were given to the rats from the high-dose TGP+WNK3 overexpression group through tail vein injection,and same volume of normal saline was given to the control group.All of these agents were administrated once per day for 7 consecutive days.ELISA was applied to de-tect serum levels of IL-6,IL-1β,MDA and SOD.HE staining was applied to detect the pathological morphology of the substantia nigra region in brain tissue.TUNEL staining was used to observe neuronal apoptosis.Immunohistochemistry was conducted to measure the expression of α-synucle-in(α-syn),and Western blotting for the expression of Bax,Bcl-2 and SPAK/NKCC1 signaling pathway related proteins(WNK3,p-SPAK,SPAK,p-NKCC1 and NKCC1).Results Compared with the model group,the pathological damage of neurons in substantia nigra was reduced in low-and high dose TGP groups,reduced contents of IL-6,IL-1β and MDA,lower neuronal apoptotic rate,and declined expression of Bax,α-syn,WNK3,p-SPAK/SPAK,and p-NKCC1/NKCC1,but raised SOD content and Bcl-2 expression level(88.39±8.96 U/mg,119.57±12.01 U/mg vs 60.28±6.14 U/mg,P＜0.05;0.57±0.06,0.82±0.09 vs 0.38±0.04,P＜0.05).The intervention with WNK3 overexpression resulted in more severe pathological damage to neurons in the sub-stantia nigra,increased contents of IL-6,IL-1β and MDA,higher neuronal apoptotic rate,enhanced expression of Bax,α-syn,WNK3,p-SPAK/SPAK,and p-NKCC1/NKCC1,and reduced SOD con-tent and Bcl-2 expression level when compared with the high-dose TGP+negative control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion TGP exerts neuroprotective effects on PS rats,and its mechanism is re-lated to the inhibition of the SPAK/NKCC1 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of TGP on PS rats and determine the impact on the Ste20-like proline/alanine-rich kinase/Na+-K+-Cl cotransport(SPAK/NKCC1)signaling pathway.Methods After PS model was successfully established in 60 male SD rats(7 weeks old),they were randomly divided into model group,low-and high-dose TGP groups,high-dose TGP+negative control group,and high-dose TGP+WNK3 overexpression group,with 12 rats in each group.Another 12 healthy rats served as the control group.After modeling,50 or 200 mg/kg TGP was given to the rats of corresponding groups intragastrically,the overexpression plasmids of WNK3 were given to the rats from the high-dose TGP+WNK3 overexpression group through tail vein injection,and same volume of normal saline was given to the control group.All of these agents were administrated once per day for 7 consecutive days.ELISA was applied to de-tect serum levels of IL-6,IL-1β,MDA and SOD.HE staining was applied to detect the pathological morphology of the substantia nigra region in brain tissue.TUNEL staining was used to observe neuronal apoptosis.Immunohistochemistry was conducted to measure the expression of α-synucle-in(α-syn),and Western blotting for the expression of Bax,Bcl-2 and SPAK/NKCC1 signaling pathway related proteins(WNK3,p-SPAK,SPAK,p-NKCC1 and NKCC1).Results Compared with the model group,the pathological damage of neurons in substantia nigra was reduced in low-and high dose TGP groups,reduced contents of IL-6,IL-1β and MDA,lower neuronal apoptotic rate,and declined expression of Bax,α-syn,WNK3,p-SPAK/SPAK,and p-NKCC1/NKCC1,but raised SOD content and Bcl-2 expression level(88.39±8.96 U/mg,119.57±12.01 U/mg vs 60.28±6.14 U/mg,P＜0.05;0.57±0.06,0.82±0.09 vs 0.38±0.04,P＜0.05).The intervention with WNK3 overexpression resulted in more severe pathological damage to neurons in the sub-stantia nigra,increased contents of IL-6,IL-1β and MDA,higher neuronal apoptotic rate,enhanced expression of Bax,α-syn,WNK3,p-SPAK/SPAK,and p-NKCC1/NKCC1,and reduced SOD con-tent and Bcl-2 expression level when compared with the high-dose TGP+negative control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion TGP exerts neuroprotective effects on PS rats,and its mechanism is re-lated to the inhibition of the SPAK/NKCC1 signaling pathway.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that 3 morphological types of atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) exist in the craniovertebral junction and are associated with type II basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-occipital instability. However, the actual biomechanical effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate biomechanical differences among AOJ types I, II, and III, and provide further evidence of atlanto-occipital instability in type II BI. Methods: Models of bilateral AOJ containing various AOJ types were created, including I-I, I-II, II-II, II-III, and III-III models, with increasing AOJ dysplasia across models. Then, 1.5 Nm torque simulated cervical motions. The range of motion (ROM), ligament and joint stress, and basion-dental interval (BDI) were analyzed. Results: The C0–1 ROM and accompanying rotational ROM increased progressively from model I-I to model III-III, with the ROM of model III-III showing increases between 27.3% and 123.8% indicating ultra-mobility and instability. In contrast, the C1–2 ROM changes were minimal. Meanwhile, the stress distribution pattern was disrupted; in particular, the C1 superior facet stress was concentrated centrally and decreased substantially across the models. The stress on the C0–1 capsule ligament decreased during cervical flexion and increased during bending and rotating loading. In addition, BDI gradually decreased across the models. Further analysis revealed that the dens showed an increase of 110.1% superiorly and 11.4% posteriorly, indicating an increased risk of spinal cord impingement. Conclusion Progressive AOJ incongruity critically disrupts supportive tissue loading, enabling incremental atlanto-occipital instability. AOJ dysplasia plays a key biomechanical role in the pathogenesis of type II BI.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that 3 morphological types of atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) exist in the craniovertebral junction and are associated with type II basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-occipital instability. However, the actual biomechanical effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate biomechanical differences among AOJ types I, II, and III, and provide further evidence of atlanto-occipital instability in type II BI. Methods: Models of bilateral AOJ containing various AOJ types were created, including I-I, I-II, II-II, II-III, and III-III models, with increasing AOJ dysplasia across models. Then, 1.5 Nm torque simulated cervical motions. The range of motion (ROM), ligament and joint stress, and basion-dental interval (BDI) were analyzed. Results: The C0–1 ROM and accompanying rotational ROM increased progressively from model I-I to model III-III, with the ROM of model III-III showing increases between 27.3% and 123.8% indicating ultra-mobility and instability. In contrast, the C1–2 ROM changes were minimal. Meanwhile, the stress distribution pattern was disrupted; in particular, the C1 superior facet stress was concentrated centrally and decreased substantially across the models. The stress on the C0–1 capsule ligament decreased during cervical flexion and increased during bending and rotating loading. In addition, BDI gradually decreased across the models. Further analysis revealed that the dens showed an increase of 110.1% superiorly and 11.4% posteriorly, indicating an increased risk of spinal cord impingement. Conclusion Progressive AOJ incongruity critically disrupts supportive tissue loading, enabling incremental atlanto-occipital instability. AOJ dysplasia plays a key biomechanical role in the pathogenesis of type II BI.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that 3 morphological types of atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) exist in the craniovertebral junction and are associated with type II basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-occipital instability. However, the actual biomechanical effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate biomechanical differences among AOJ types I, II, and III, and provide further evidence of atlanto-occipital instability in type II BI. Methods: Models of bilateral AOJ containing various AOJ types were created, including I-I, I-II, II-II, II-III, and III-III models, with increasing AOJ dysplasia across models. Then, 1.5 Nm torque simulated cervical motions. The range of motion (ROM), ligament and joint stress, and basion-dental interval (BDI) were analyzed. Results: The C0–1 ROM and accompanying rotational ROM increased progressively from model I-I to model III-III, with the ROM of model III-III showing increases between 27.3% and 123.8% indicating ultra-mobility and instability. In contrast, the C1–2 ROM changes were minimal. Meanwhile, the stress distribution pattern was disrupted; in particular, the C1 superior facet stress was concentrated centrally and decreased substantially across the models. The stress on the C0–1 capsule ligament decreased during cervical flexion and increased during bending and rotating loading. In addition, BDI gradually decreased across the models. Further analysis revealed that the dens showed an increase of 110.1% superiorly and 11.4% posteriorly, indicating an increased risk of spinal cord impingement. Conclusion Progressive AOJ incongruity critically disrupts supportive tissue loading, enabling incremental atlanto-occipital instability. AOJ dysplasia plays a key biomechanical role in the pathogenesis of type II BI.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that 3 morphological types of atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) exist in the craniovertebral junction and are associated with type II basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-occipital instability. However, the actual biomechanical effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate biomechanical differences among AOJ types I, II, and III, and provide further evidence of atlanto-occipital instability in type II BI. Methods: Models of bilateral AOJ containing various AOJ types were created, including I-I, I-II, II-II, II-III, and III-III models, with increasing AOJ dysplasia across models. Then, 1.5 Nm torque simulated cervical motions. The range of motion (ROM), ligament and joint stress, and basion-dental interval (BDI) were analyzed. Results: The C0–1 ROM and accompanying rotational ROM increased progressively from model I-I to model III-III, with the ROM of model III-III showing increases between 27.3% and 123.8% indicating ultra-mobility and instability. In contrast, the C1–2 ROM changes were minimal. Meanwhile, the stress distribution pattern was disrupted; in particular, the C1 superior facet stress was concentrated centrally and decreased substantially across the models. The stress on the C0–1 capsule ligament decreased during cervical flexion and increased during bending and rotating loading. In addition, BDI gradually decreased across the models. Further analysis revealed that the dens showed an increase of 110.1% superiorly and 11.4% posteriorly, indicating an increased risk of spinal cord impingement. Conclusion Progressive AOJ incongruity critically disrupts supportive tissue loading, enabling incremental atlanto-occipital instability. AOJ dysplasia plays a key biomechanical role in the pathogenesis of type II BI.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that 3 morphological types of atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) exist in the craniovertebral junction and are associated with type II basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-occipital instability. However, the actual biomechanical effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate biomechanical differences among AOJ types I, II, and III, and provide further evidence of atlanto-occipital instability in type II BI. Methods: Models of bilateral AOJ containing various AOJ types were created, including I-I, I-II, II-II, II-III, and III-III models, with increasing AOJ dysplasia across models. Then, 1.5 Nm torque simulated cervical motions. The range of motion (ROM), ligament and joint stress, and basion-dental interval (BDI) were analyzed. Results: The C0–1 ROM and accompanying rotational ROM increased progressively from model I-I to model III-III, with the ROM of model III-III showing increases between 27.3% and 123.8% indicating ultra-mobility and instability. In contrast, the C1–2 ROM changes were minimal. Meanwhile, the stress distribution pattern was disrupted; in particular, the C1 superior facet stress was concentrated centrally and decreased substantially across the models. The stress on the C0–1 capsule ligament decreased during cervical flexion and increased during bending and rotating loading. In addition, BDI gradually decreased across the models. Further analysis revealed that the dens showed an increase of 110.1% superiorly and 11.4% posteriorly, indicating an increased risk of spinal cord impingement. Conclusion Progressive AOJ incongruity critically disrupts supportive tissue loading, enabling incremental atlanto-occipital instability. AOJ dysplasia plays a key biomechanical role in the pathogenesis of type II BI.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Wendan Decoction combined with amlodipine tablets in treating hypertensive patients with phlegm-damp constitution, and the impact on patients' constitution and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods Totally 126 patients were randomly divided into two groups, 63 cases in each group. The treatment group was given modified Wendan Decoction combined with amlodipine tablets, while the control group received amlodipine tablets, for 12 weeks. The blood pressures, TCM phlegm-damp scores, and serum VEGF levels in both groups were observed before and after treatment. Antihypertensive effect between the two groups was compared. Results TCM phlegm-damp scores decreased significantly in the treatment group after treatment (P<0.01), while that was not significant in the control group (P>0.05). The treatment group was superior to the control group (P<0.01). The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and serum VEGF level significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01), and the indicators of treatment group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total efficiency of treatment group and control group were 92.1%(58/63) and 76.2%(48/63), respectively, the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Modified Wendan Decoction combined with amlodipine tablets can significantly improve biased constitution in hypertension patients with phlegm-damp constitution, lower serum VEGF level, and improve endothelial function, with good antihypertensive effect.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of metoprolol on elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF)and its influence on serum interleukin-12 (IL-12)and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)levels.Methods A total of 86 patients with CHF served as study objects and ran-domly divided into observation group and control group,43 cases for each.Routine medicines were given to control group while observational group added with metoprolol for 12 weeks.Clinical effica-cy and changes of serum IL-12 and BNP levels were observed.Results Total response rate in obser-vation group was 93.02%,evidently higher than in control group (P <0.01),and there were sig-nificant differences before and after treatment and between two groups in blood pressure,heart rate and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)(P <0.01).Conclusion Basic therapies concomitant with metoprolol have better clinical efficacy than single application of basic therapies,and can more effectively regulate serum IL-12 and BNP expressions and improve the internal environment of body of elderly patients with CHF.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of metoprolol on elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF)and its influence on serum interleukin-12 (IL-12)and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)levels.Methods A total of 86 patients with CHF served as study objects and ran-domly divided into observation group and control group,43 cases for each.Routine medicines were given to control group while observational group added with metoprolol for 12 weeks.Clinical effica-cy and changes of serum IL-12 and BNP levels were observed.Results Total response rate in obser-vation group was 93.02%,evidently higher than in control group (P <0.01),and there were sig-nificant differences before and after treatment and between two groups in blood pressure,heart rate and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)(P <0.01).Conclusion Basic therapies concomitant with metoprolol have better clinical efficacy than single application of basic therapies,and can more effectively regulate serum IL-12 and BNP expressions and improve the internal environment of body of elderly patients with CHF.