1.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
2.Research progress on the effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on diabetes mellitus.
Qi CHEN ; Chuan-Fen LI ; Wen JING
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):62-74
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become one of the most serious and common chronic diseases around the world, leading to various complications and a reduction in life expectancy. Increased sedentary behavior (SB) and decreased physical activity (PA) are important contributors to the rising prevalence of DM. This article reviews the research progress on the pathogenesis of DM, the effects of SB and PA on the risk of DM, aiming to explore the influence of different PA intensities, amounts, frequencies, durations and types on the incidence of DM. Research has shown that blood glucose levels tend to increase with the prolongation of SB. Within a certain range, PA intensity and amount are negatively correlated with the risk of DM; Performing PA for more than 3 days per week maintains normal glucose tolerance and lower blood pressure; Engaging in 150-300 min of moderate-intensity exercise or 75-150 min of high-intensity exercise per week reduces the risk of DM; PA during leisure time reduces the risk of DM, while PA during work increases the risk of DM; Both aerobic training and resistance training reduce the risk of DM, and the combination of the two training methods produces better benefits; Various types of exercises, such as cycling, soccer, aerobics, yoga and tai chi, all reduce the risk of DM. In summary, prolonged SB increases the risk of DM, while appropriate PA reduces the risk of DM. As the intensity, amount, and frequency of PA increase, the effect of reducing DM risk becomes more significant. Different exercise methods have different effects on reducing DM risk.
Humans
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Sedentary Behavior
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Exercise/physiology*
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Diabetes Mellitus/prevention & control*
3.Relationship between Preoperative CONUT Score and Cognitive Impairment and Short-Term Prognosis after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Wen-wen FENG ; Fen-fen ZHOU ; Cong-cong CHEN ; Yan BIAN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1855-1861,1912
Objective:To observe the relationship between preoperative controlling nutritional status(CONUT)score and cognitive impairment,as well as short-term prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:187 patients with AIS who were admitted to Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2023 to May 2024 were selected,they were divided into non cognitive impairment group(n=106)and cognitive impairment group(n=81)based on whether cognitive impairment occurred,they were divided into poor prognosis group(n=58 cases)and good prognosis group(n=129 cases)according to the prognosis.Preoperative CONUT scores of patients with AIS for different cognitive impairments and prognoses were compared,correlation was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation,influencing factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model.Results:Preoperative CONUT score in the cognitive impairment group was higher than that in the non cognitive impairment group(P<0.05).Preoperative CONUT score in the poor prognosis group was higher than that in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Spearman rank correlation test results showed that,preoperative CONUT score was positively correlated with cognitive impairment and short-term prognosis after IVT(P<0.05).Cognitive impairment were associated with age,concomitant hypertension,baseline national institutes of health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3[25-(OH)2D3](P<0.05).Age increase,concomitant hypertension,baseline NIHSS score increase,25-(OH)2D3 decrease,preoperative CONUT score increase were risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with AIS(P<0.05).Conclusion:Preoperative CONUT score increase is positively correlated with cognitive impairment and short-term prognosis after IVT.Meanwhile,age increase,concomitant hypertension,baseline NIHSS score increase,25-(OH)2D3 decrease,preoperative CONUT score increase are risk factors for cognitive impairment in patient with AIS.
4.Study on the Relationship between the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis and Anxiety,Quality of Life and Nutritional Status
Fen-fen ZHOU ; Wen-wen FENG ; Cong-cong CHEN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1593-1600
Objective:To observe the relationship between the severity of acute pancreatitis(AP)and anxiety,quality of life and nutritional status.Methods:157 AP patients who were admitted to Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2021 to May 2024 were included,they were divided into severe AP(SAP)group(n=68)and non-SAP(NSAP)group(n=89)according to the severity of the disease.The geriatric nutritional risk index(GNRI),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and short form-36 healthsurvey(SF-36)were compared between SAP group and NSAP group.Spearman was used to analyze the correlation between the severity of AP patients with anxiety,quality of life and nutritional status.General data of AP patients were collected,and the influencing factors of SAP occurrence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis.Results:SAS scores in SAP group was higher than that in NSAP group,and GNRI and SF-36 scores were lower than those in NSAP group(P<0.05).The severity of AP patients was positively correlated with SAS scores,but negatively correlated with GNRI and SF-36 scores(P<0.05).There were significant differences in age,length of stay,white blood cell count(WBC),blood amylase,serum albumin(HAS),lymphocyte count,blood calcium,urea nitrogen(BUN),D-dimer,fibrinogen,neutrophil count,alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transferase(AST),platelet count,procalcitonin(PCT),total bilirubin(DBIL),interleukin-6(IL-6),prothrombin time,and acute pancreatitis severity Bedside index(BISAP)scores in SAP group and NSAP group(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that,high age,high PCT,high DBIL,high BISAP score,low GNRI,low SF-36 score and high SAS score were risk factors for AP patients of SAP occurrence,and high blood calcium was protective factor(P<0.05).Conclusion:The severity of AP is associated with anxiety,malnutrition and low quality of life.High age,high PCT,high DBIL,high BISAP score,low GNRI,low SF-36 score and high SAS score are the risk factors for AP patients of SAP occurrence,and high blood calcium is the protective factor.
5.Research progress on role of tRNA-derived small RNA in neuropsychiatric disorders
Shuai CHU ; Ting-ting WU ; Qing-xiao HONG ; Wei-sheng CHEN ; Wen-hua ZHOU ; Hui-fen LIU ; Hai-hang YU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):219-225
Transfer-RNA derived small RNA(tsRNA),a re-cently discovered class of non-coding RNA,is produced by ma-ture tRNA or tRNA precursor through the mediation of specific endonucleases.By regulating gene expression at the transcrip-tional and post transcriptional levels and acting as an epigenetic regulator,tsRNA plays an important role in the physiological and pathological processes of many organisms.Therefore,it has gradually become a research hotspot in biomedicine and attracted widespread attention.Moreover,there is increasing evidence that tsRNA is involved in the occurrence and development of many neuropsychiatric diseases through participating in stress re-sponse,cell proliferation and apoptosis,neural development,synaptic plasticity,neuroinflammation and immune regulation,epigenetic regulation,RNA processing,and protein translation regulation.This article mainly discusses the generation,classifi-cation and biological functions of tsRNA,and elaborates on the role and possible mechanisms of tsRNA in neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders,thereby further revealing the poten-tial of tsRNA as a reliable biomarker and therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders.
6.Study on the Relationship between the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis and Anxiety,Quality of Life and Nutritional Status
Fen-fen ZHOU ; Wen-wen FENG ; Cong-cong CHEN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1593-1600
Objective:To observe the relationship between the severity of acute pancreatitis(AP)and anxiety,quality of life and nutritional status.Methods:157 AP patients who were admitted to Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2021 to May 2024 were included,they were divided into severe AP(SAP)group(n=68)and non-SAP(NSAP)group(n=89)according to the severity of the disease.The geriatric nutritional risk index(GNRI),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and short form-36 healthsurvey(SF-36)were compared between SAP group and NSAP group.Spearman was used to analyze the correlation between the severity of AP patients with anxiety,quality of life and nutritional status.General data of AP patients were collected,and the influencing factors of SAP occurrence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis.Results:SAS scores in SAP group was higher than that in NSAP group,and GNRI and SF-36 scores were lower than those in NSAP group(P<0.05).The severity of AP patients was positively correlated with SAS scores,but negatively correlated with GNRI and SF-36 scores(P<0.05).There were significant differences in age,length of stay,white blood cell count(WBC),blood amylase,serum albumin(HAS),lymphocyte count,blood calcium,urea nitrogen(BUN),D-dimer,fibrinogen,neutrophil count,alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transferase(AST),platelet count,procalcitonin(PCT),total bilirubin(DBIL),interleukin-6(IL-6),prothrombin time,and acute pancreatitis severity Bedside index(BISAP)scores in SAP group and NSAP group(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that,high age,high PCT,high DBIL,high BISAP score,low GNRI,low SF-36 score and high SAS score were risk factors for AP patients of SAP occurrence,and high blood calcium was protective factor(P<0.05).Conclusion:The severity of AP is associated with anxiety,malnutrition and low quality of life.High age,high PCT,high DBIL,high BISAP score,low GNRI,low SF-36 score and high SAS score are the risk factors for AP patients of SAP occurrence,and high blood calcium is the protective factor.
7.Relationship between Preoperative CONUT Score and Cognitive Impairment and Short-Term Prognosis after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Wen-wen FENG ; Fen-fen ZHOU ; Cong-cong CHEN ; Yan BIAN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1855-1861,1912
Objective:To observe the relationship between preoperative controlling nutritional status(CONUT)score and cognitive impairment,as well as short-term prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:187 patients with AIS who were admitted to Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2023 to May 2024 were selected,they were divided into non cognitive impairment group(n=106)and cognitive impairment group(n=81)based on whether cognitive impairment occurred,they were divided into poor prognosis group(n=58 cases)and good prognosis group(n=129 cases)according to the prognosis.Preoperative CONUT scores of patients with AIS for different cognitive impairments and prognoses were compared,correlation was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation,influencing factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model.Results:Preoperative CONUT score in the cognitive impairment group was higher than that in the non cognitive impairment group(P<0.05).Preoperative CONUT score in the poor prognosis group was higher than that in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Spearman rank correlation test results showed that,preoperative CONUT score was positively correlated with cognitive impairment and short-term prognosis after IVT(P<0.05).Cognitive impairment were associated with age,concomitant hypertension,baseline national institutes of health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3[25-(OH)2D3](P<0.05).Age increase,concomitant hypertension,baseline NIHSS score increase,25-(OH)2D3 decrease,preoperative CONUT score increase were risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with AIS(P<0.05).Conclusion:Preoperative CONUT score increase is positively correlated with cognitive impairment and short-term prognosis after IVT.Meanwhile,age increase,concomitant hypertension,baseline NIHSS score increase,25-(OH)2D3 decrease,preoperative CONUT score increase are risk factors for cognitive impairment in patient with AIS.
8.Research progress on role of tRNA-derived small RNA in neuropsychiatric disorders
Shuai CHU ; Ting-ting WU ; Qing-xiao HONG ; Wei-sheng CHEN ; Wen-hua ZHOU ; Hui-fen LIU ; Hai-hang YU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):219-225
Transfer-RNA derived small RNA(tsRNA),a re-cently discovered class of non-coding RNA,is produced by ma-ture tRNA or tRNA precursor through the mediation of specific endonucleases.By regulating gene expression at the transcrip-tional and post transcriptional levels and acting as an epigenetic regulator,tsRNA plays an important role in the physiological and pathological processes of many organisms.Therefore,it has gradually become a research hotspot in biomedicine and attracted widespread attention.Moreover,there is increasing evidence that tsRNA is involved in the occurrence and development of many neuropsychiatric diseases through participating in stress re-sponse,cell proliferation and apoptosis,neural development,synaptic plasticity,neuroinflammation and immune regulation,epigenetic regulation,RNA processing,and protein translation regulation.This article mainly discusses the generation,classifi-cation and biological functions of tsRNA,and elaborates on the role and possible mechanisms of tsRNA in neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders,thereby further revealing the poten-tial of tsRNA as a reliable biomarker and therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders.
9.Comprehensive intervention combined with cognitive psychological care based on quality chain for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Wen-Zhen SHI ; Hong-Yun CHEN ; Fen WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(4):331-335
Objective:To investigate the application effect of comprehensive intervention combined with cognitive psychological care based on the quality chain in patients with BPH.Methods:We prospectively selected 110 cases of BPH treated in our hospital from January 2022 to March 2023 and equally randomized them into groups A and B,the former given routine intervention,while the latter comprehensive intervention combined with cognitive psychological care based on the quality chain in addition.We analyzed the results of intervention,the patients'scores on Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS),improvement of clinical indicators,self-efficacy,disease awareness and treatment compliance,and compared the data obtained between the two groups of patients.Results:The effectiveness of intervention was significantly better in group B than in A(96.36%vs 65.45%,χ2=17.009,P<0.05).Compared with the baseline,the SAS and SDS scores were remarkably improved in the two groups after inter-vention(P<0.05),even more significantly in group B than in A(P<0.05).Group B also showed a markedly shorter duration of bladder spasm,lower frequency of bladder spasm per day,shorter urethral catheterization time and postoperative hospital stay,better e-motion control and health management,more regular schedule,higher disease knowledge awareness,and better treatment compliance than group A(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive intervention combined with cognitive psychological care based on the quality chain is significantly effective in improving BPH patients'clinical indicators,disease awareness and treatment compliance,re-ducing their depression and anxiety,and enhancing their self-efficacy management.
10.Clinical Efficacy of Bushen Yij ing Decoction for the Treatment of Xerophthalmia of Kidney Yang Deficiency Type and the Analysis of Th1/Th17 Cytokines
Wen-Jing HU ; Ting-Ting HU ; Zhang-Qing HE ; Wen-Fen CHEN ; De-Li ZENG ; Jun ZENG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(5):1213-1219
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Bushen Yijing Decoction for the treatment of xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type and to observe its effect on serum Th1/Th17 cytokines.Methods From January 2021 to January 2023,a total of 96 patients with xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type were selected as the study objects.According to the treatment methods,the patients were divided into observation group and control group,with 48 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops externally,and the observation group was given oral use of Bushen Yijing Decoction together with Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops externally.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 21 days.The changes of tear film break-up time(BUT),corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,SchirmerⅠtest(SIT)value,serum Th1/Th17 cytokines,Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire scores,and 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)score in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 21 days of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 95.83%(46/48),and that of the control group was 70.83%(34/48).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the ocular surface function indicators of BUT and SIT values in the two groups were higher and the FL values were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The increase of BUT and SIT values and the decrease of FL values in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of serum cytokines of interleukin 17(IL-17),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-17,TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the questionnaire scores of OSDI in the two groups were lower and the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).The decrease of OSDI scores and the increase of NEI-VFQ-25 scores in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.01).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 4.17%(2/48),and that in the control group was 8.33%(4/48).There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Bushen Yijing Decoction can enhance the clinical efficacy of xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type,and the decoction is effective on alleviating the eye discomforts,improving the ocular surface function of patients,regulating the levels of Th1/Th17 cytokines,and relieving the inflammatory response without inducing severe adverse reactions while with high safety.

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