1.Horticultural Therapy Combined with Intradermal Needling for Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder of Liver Depression Transforming into Fire Syndrome Under Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Psychological Therapy:Clinical Observation of 60 Cases
Wanyun ZHANG ; Jiayi YAN ; Qingyi QIU ; Yumei PENG ; Xiaoling ZHONG ; Jinwen ZHANG ; Rundong TANG ; Miao WU ; Dan HU ; Guang SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):50-58
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of horticultural therapy involving the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs (mint and lily potted plants) combined with intradermal needling therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, and to explore the possible mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 180 patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome were randomly divided into three groups, horticultural therapy group, intradermal needling group, and horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, with 60 patients in each. All groups received basic treatment including basic psychological therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The horticultural therapy group received horticultural therapy in addition to the basic treatment; the intradermal needling group received intradermal needling therapy once a week for 8 weeks in addition to the basic treatment; the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group received both horticultural therapy and intradermal needling therapy, following the same procedures and duration. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were measured before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) baseline levels were recorded before treatment, and MEP amplitude ratios were compared after 1 week and 8 weeks of treatment. Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between serum ACTH and CORT levels, MEP amplitude, and anxiety. ResultsIn the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group, HAMA, SAS and PSQI scores after 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment were lower than baseline scores (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, these scores showed a significant decline starting after 2 weeks treatment and continuing through 8 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). The HAMA, SAS, and PSQI scores in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum CORT and ACTH levels in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than baseline levels (P<0.05) and were also lower than those in the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group at the same time point (P<0.01). When comparing the level after 8 weeks treatment to that after 1 week treatment, under PAS10 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the intradermal needling group decreased at 30 minutes, while in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio decreased at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.001); under PAS25 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the horticultural therapy group increased at 20 minutes, and in the intradermal needle group at 10 minutes (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio increased significantly at all time points after treatment (P<0.001). The cure rate in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group (74.14%, 43/58) was significantly higher than that in the horticultural therapy group (30.00%, 18/60) and the intradermal needling group (48.28%, 28/58, P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that serum ACTH and CORT levels were positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.488, P<0.01; r = 0.428, P<0.01). Following PAS10 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.458, P<0.01), whereas after PAS25 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was negatively correlated with HAMA scores (r = -0.562, P<0.01). ConclusionHorticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling treatment, under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, demonstrates significant clinical effectiveness in patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the reduction of cortical excitability.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
3.Trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019
QIU Fengqian ; ZHAO Junfeng ; CHEN Weihua ; DU Juan ; JI Yunfang ; GAO Shuna ; MENG Jie ; HE Lihua ; CHEN Bo ; ZHANG Yan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):143-147
Objective:
To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality from 2002 to 2019, so as to provide the evidence for formulating lung cancer prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality among residents in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019 were collected through the Shanghai Cancer Registration and Reporting Management System. The crude incidence and mortality of lung cancer was calculated, and standardized by the data from the Chinese Fifth National Population Census in 2000 (Chinese-standardized rate) and the Segi's world standard population in 1960 (world-standardized rate). The trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer among residents by age and gender were evaluated using annual percent change (APC).
Results:
A total of 12 965 cases of lung cancer were reported in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019, and the crude incidence rate was 80.66/105, the Chinese-standardized incidence rate was 34.54/105, and the world-standardized incidence rate was 31.30/105, all showing upward trends (APC=4.588%, 2.933% and 3.247%, all P<0.05). A total of 10 102 deaths of lung cancer were reported, and the crude mortality rate was 62.30/105, showing an upward trend (APC=0.959%, P<0.05); the Chinese-standardized mortality was 25.93/105, and the world-standardized mortality was 22.05/105, both showing downward trends (APC=-1.282% and -1.263%, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (101.39/105 vs. 60.52/105, 85.45/105 vs. 39.87/105, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer showed upward trends with age (both P<0.05), reaching their peaks in the age groups of 80-<85 years (341.37/105) and 85 years or above (355.97/105), respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence of lung cancer showed an upward trend, while the mortality showed a downward trend in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019. Elderly men were the high-risk group for lung cancer incidence and mortality.
4.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
5.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
6.Right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection for palliative treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect in children: A single-center retrospective study
Shuai ZHANG ; Jianrui MA ; Hailong QIU ; Xinjian YAN ; Wen XIE ; Qiushi REN ; Juemin YU ; Tianyu CHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xiaohua LI ; Furong LIU ; Shusheng WEN ; Jian ZHUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Jianzheng CEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):366-371
Objective To compare the benefits and drawbacks of primary patch expansion versus pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection in patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PA/VSD who underwent primary right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection surgery at our center between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection: a pericardial tube group and a patch expansion group. Clinical data and imaging findings were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 51 patients were included in the study, comprising 31 males and 20 females, with a median age of 12.57 (4.57, 49.67) months. The pericardial tube group included 19 patients with a median age of 17.17 (7.33, 49.67) months, while the patch expansion group consisted of 32 patients with a median age of 8.58 (3.57, 52.72) months. In both groups, the diameter of pulmonary artery, McGoon index, and Nakata index significantly increased after treatment (P<0.001). However, the pericardial tube group exhibited a longer extracorporeal circulation time (P<0.001). The reoperation rate was notably high, with 74.51% of patients requiring further surgical intervention, including 26 (81.25%) patients in the patch expansion group and 12 (63.16%) patients in the pericardial tube group. No statistical differences were observed in long-term cure rates or mortality between the two groups (P>0.005). Conclusion In patients with PA/VSD, both patch expansion and pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection serve as effective initial palliative treatment strategies that promote pulmonary vessel development and provide a favorable foundation for subsequent radical operations. However, compared to the pericardial tube approach, the patch expansion technique is simpler to perform and preserves some intrinsic potential for pulmonary artery development, making it the preferred procedure.
7.Impact of milk and egg supplementation on body composition and bone mineral density of rural primary school students in Yunnan Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1401-1405
Objective:
To investigate the impact of milk and egg supplementation on body composition and bone mineral density of rural primary school students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a reference for developing targeted nutritional intervention strategies.
Methods:
In December 2023, a cluster sampling method was adopted to select students from grades one to three in four primary schools each from Jinggu and Shidian countys of Yunnan Province, as the intervention group (662 students). Additionally, two boarding primary schools were selected from each county based on the principle of matching scale and student numbers as the control group (455 students). Starting from April 2023, the intervention group received 200 mL milk and 50 g eggs during the break on school days for 8 months, while the control group maintained their usual diet behavior. Body composition was measured by using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and distal radial bone mineral density was assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in April and December 2023. The intervention effects were analyzed by using a difference in-differences approach.
Results:
The final measurements of body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass and fat free mass of the intervention group and the control group of primary school students were significantly higher than the baseline values, and the net effect of milk and egg intervention on these body composition indicators was not statistically significant ( P >0.05, both before and after adjustment). In contrast, bone mineral density increased significantly by 0.02 g/cm 2 in the intervention group. The net intervention effect on bone mineral density was statistically significant ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04), and remained significant after model adjustment ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04) (both P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant effects of the intervention among girls ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04), day students ( β=0.04, 95%CI =0.01-0.07), and students with normal nutritional status ( β=0.02, 95%CI =0.00-0.04) (all P <0.05). No significant effect of milk and egg supplementation was observed on body composition indicators (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Milk and egg supplementation can improve bone mineral density among rural primary school students in Yunnan Province. It is recommended that rural school aged children should increase intake of milk and eggs to support growth and development.
8.Bioequivalence study of compound lidocaine cream in healthy Chinese subjects
Meng-Qi CHANG ; Yu-Qi SUN ; Qiu-Jin XU ; Xi-Xi QIAN ; Ying-Chun ZHAO ; Yan CAO ; Liu WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dong-Liang YU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1321-1326
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the test formulation of compound lidocaine cream and reference formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine cream in Chinese healthy subjects and to evaluate whether there is bioequivalence between the two formulations.Methods A single-center,single-dose,randomized,open-label,two-period,two-sequence,crossover design was used.This study included 40 healthy subjects,and in each period,test formulation or reference formulation 60 g was applied to the skin in front of both thighs(200 cm2 each side,a total of 400 cm2)under fasting conditions,and the drug was left on for at least 5 h after application.The concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine in plasma were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using WinNonlin 8.0 software to evaluate the bioequivalence of the two formulations.Results After the application of the test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream on both thighs of the subjects,the pharmacokinetic parameters of lidocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(167.27±91.33)and(156.13±66.86)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 651.78±685.09)and(1 636.69±617.23)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0-∞ were(1 669.85±684.65)and(1 654.37±618.30)ng·mL-1·h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 104.49%,101.88%and 101.89%,respectively,with 90%confidence intervals of 98.18%-111.20%,97.80%-106.13%and 97.87%-106.07%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.The pharmacokinetic parameters of prilocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(95.66±48.84)and(87.52±39.16)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(790.86±263.99)and(774.14±256.42)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0_m were(807.27±264.67)and(792.84±254.06)ng·mL-1 h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 107.34%,103.55%and 102.98%,respectively with 90%confidence intervals of 101.69%-113.31%,99.94%-107.30%and 99.65%-106.43%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.Conclusion The test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream are bioequivalent.
9.Analysis of the current situation and related factors in physical exercise behaviors among high school students in Taizhou City
ZHANG Yan, DING Hairong, XUE Hao, QIU Dayong, ZHANG Zihao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(7):965-968
Objective:
To analyze the current situation and related factors of physical exercise behavior among high school students, so as to provide theoretical basis for improving their health level.
Methods:
In May 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 17 high schools in the jurisdiction of Taizhou City. A total of 3 402 high school students were selected by class to conduct a survey on the prevalence and related factors of physical exercise behavior by Chinese Sports Activity Level Scale. And binary Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors.
Results:
Among the surveyed high school students, the rate of poor physical exercise behavior reached 53.4%. The rates of poor physical exercise behavior varied within the group in terms of gender, urban and rural areas, whether they were only children, maternal education, parental emotions, parental exercise habits, parenting styles, family income and academic performance were statistically significant (χ2=12.38, 11.73, 742.71, 28.86, 24.38, 39.98, 71.92, 33.34, 176.97, P<0.01). High school students of grade 3, female students, parents with low education, parents who occasionally and never exercise, intergenerational discipline, low family income, and average academic performance were the tendency factors for poor physical exercise behavior(OR=1.39, 1.18, 1.62, 1.30, 1.36, 2.21, 1.53, 1.46, 1.52, P<0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of poor physical exercise behavior among high school students in Taizhou City is relatively high and is affected by various factors such as age, gender, academic performance, and family background. It should actively reduce the impact of unfavorable factors, promote high school students to participate in physical exercise, and improve the health level of high school students.
10.Electroacupuncture Promotes Functional Recovery after Facial Nerve Injury in Rats by Regulating Autophagy via GDNF and PI3K/mTOR Signaling Pathway.
Jun-Peng YAO ; Xiu-Mei FENG ; Lu WANG ; Yan-Qiu LI ; Zi-Yue ZHU ; Xiang-Yun YAN ; Yu-Qing YANG ; Ying LI ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):251-259
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR.
RESULTS:
The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.
Rats
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Male
;
Animals
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism*
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Facial Nerve Injuries/therapy*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Beclin-1
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Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
;
Signal Transduction
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Autophagy
;
Mammals/metabolism*


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