1.Effect of 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants on the health of first permanent molars
LIU Jing, WEI Yonglan, QIAN Wen, HE Xiaoling, QIN Wenlong, WANG Liang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):100-103
Objective:
To assess the effect of 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants on the health of first permanent molars, so as to provide evidence for optimizing caries prevention strategies among children.
Methods:
In March 2025, a cluster random sampling method was used to conduct oral examinations on 965 students aged 12 from Chengdu s 2021 Comprehensive Intervention Program for Pediatric Oral Diseases. Data from the Comprehensive Intervention System for Children s Oral Diseases were referenced. Participants were divided into a sealed group ( n =755) and an unsealed group ( n =210) based on whether they had received sealants on their first permanent molars. Chi square test or analysis of variance were used to compare indicators such as caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (DMFT increment) between the two groups
Results:
The sealed group showed significantly lower caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (33.38%, 17.65%, 0.59±1.00) compared to the unsealed group (43.81%, 24.70%, 0.87±1.22)( χ 2/F =7.79, 18.26, 9.55, all P <0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the filled teeth ratio between the two groups (20.38% , 20.16%; χ 2=0.01, P =0.94). In girls, the sealed group exhibited significantly lower caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (36.78%, 20.99%, 0.69± 1.10 ) than the unsealed group (57.55%, 33.52%, 1.15±1.29) ( χ 2/F =14.42, 23.76, 10.92, all P <0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between boys in the sealed (30.47%, 14.85%, 0.50±0.89) and unsealed groups (29.81%, 16.18%, 0.59± 1.08) ( χ 2/F =0.02, 0.41, 0.74, all P >0.05). Boys had significantly lower new caries detection rates and new caries means than girls in both groups ( χ 2/F =16.20, 6.94; 29.93, 11.84, all P <0.05). In urban areas, the sealed group had lower new caries detection rates and new caries means (19.37%, 0.68±1.04) than the unsealed group (24.66%, 0.90±1.20) ( χ 2/F =6.86, 3.94, both P <0.05). In suburban areas, all indicators for the sealed group (24.71%, 13.77%, 0.42±0.87) were significantly lower than those for the unsealed group (38.81%, 24.77%, 0.82±1.28) ( χ 2/F =5.28, 15.36, 6.00, all P <0.05). Indicators from specialized dental institutions (11.25%, 4.81%, 0.16±0.56) were significantly lower than those from county level or above general hospitals (33.33%, 19.11%, 0.38±1.00) and primary healthcare institutions (37.59%, 19.24%, 0.67±1.05) ( χ 2/F =20.99, 34.31, 21.08 , all P <0.01).
Conclusions
The 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants effectively reduce the caries incidence in first permanent molars, particularly showing significant effectiveness in girls and suburban children. Intervention strategies should be optimized according to gender.
2.Establishment of a new predictive model for esophagogastric variceal rebleeding in liver cirrhosis based on clinical features
Wen GUO ; Xuyulin YANG ; Run GAO ; Yaxin CHEN ; Kun YIN ; Qian LI ; Manli CUI ; Mingxin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):101-110
ObjectiveTo establish a new noninvasive, simple, and convenient clinical predictive model by identifying independent predictive factors for rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), and to provide a basis for individualized risk assessment and development of clinical intervention strategies. MethodsCirrhotic patients with EGVB who were diagnosed and treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University from September 2018 to October 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and according to whether the patient experienced rebleeding within 1 year after endoscopic therapy, they were divided into rebleeding group with 93 patients and non-rebleeding group with 84 patients. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Logistic model was established based on the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the accuracy of the model. R software was used to visualize the model by plotting a nomogram, and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation of the model. ResultsThe multivariate analysis showed that red blood cell count (RBC), cholinesterase (ChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (Alb), thrombin time (TT), portal vein trunk diameter, sequential therapy, and primary prevention were independent predictive factors for rebleeding. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a logistic model was established as logit(P)=-0.805-1.978×(RBC)+0.001×(ChE)-0.020×(ALP)-0.314×(Alb)+0.567×(TT)+0.428×(portal vein trunk diameter)-2.303×[sequential therapy (yes=1, no=0)]-2.368×[primary prevention (yes=1, no=0)]. The logistic model (AUC=0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.893—0.964, P<0.001) had a better performance in predicting rebleeding than MELD score (AUC=0.603, 95%CI: 0.520—0.687, P=0.003), Child-Pugh class (AUC=0.650, 95%CI: 0.578—0.722, P=0.001), and FIB-4 index (AUC=0.587, 95%CI: 0.503—0.671, P=0.045). The model had an optimal cut-off value of 0.607, a sensitivity of 0.817, and a specificity of 0.817. Internal validation confirmed that the model had good predictive performance and accuracy. ConclusionSequential therapy, implementation of primary prevention, an increase in RBC, and an increase in Alb are protective factors against rebleeding, while prolonged TT and widened main portal vein diameter are risk factors. The logistic model based on these independent predictive factors can predict rebleeding and thus holds promise for clinical application.
3.Characteristic analysis of nanogel composite system and its application strategies in visualization of diagnostic imaging and therapy
Qian ZHANG ; Fuxia WANG ; Wen WANG ; Kun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):480-488
BACKGROUND:Nanogels can combine the properties of nanoparticles and hydrogels,which have multiple advantages and can play a great role in clinical translation.OJECTIVE:To summarize the self-and cross-linking properties of nanogels,the diagnostic and therapeutic integration strategies they played in a variety of imaging processes,in conjunction with their functional visualization and application properties.METHODS:By searching PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and Wanfang databases,English and Chinese search terms were"nanogel,nanohydrogel,imaging,magnetic resonance imaging,fluorescence imaging,ultrasound imaging,photoacoustic imaging,multimodal imaging,therapy,treatment."According to the inclusion criteria,78 articles were finally selected for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The preparation process of nanogels is significantly affected by their multiple properties and cross-linking mechanisms.Optimization of these properties and mechanisms can help to improve their structural performance and accelerate the translation of their clinical applications.With the trend of integrated diagnosis and treatment,functional visualization of nanogels can effectively image tumors with the help of magnetic resonance imaging,fluorescence imaging,ultrasonography,photoacoustic imaging,and multimodal imaging,which can be of key value in the treatment strategies of various diseases.These findings not only pave the way for improving the preparation methods of nanogels,but also create a robust groundwork for hastening their clinical translation.
4.Statistical approaches to causal inference in environmental epidemiology: Methodological introductions and R implementations
Guiming ZHU ; Wanying LIU ; Yanchao WEN ; Simin HE ; Qian GAO ; Tong WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):253-260
Environmental pollution is a significant public health challenge worldwide, and investigating the causal relationship between environmental exposure and population health outcomes is a key objective of environmental epidemiology research. In recent years, the complexity of environmental exposures has increasingly come to the forefront, making it challenging for observational studies that dominate environmental epidemiology to accurately estimate causal effects. Causal inference methods are particularly advantageous in controlling for confounding factors, thus holding great potential in environmental epidemiology research. Researchers can use appropriate causal inference methods to simulate the process of randomization, providing strong support for revealing the causal relationship between environmental exposure and health outcomes. However, there is a lack of reviews on the application of causal inference methods in environmental epidemiology studies in China. Therefore, this study introduced the basic principles of common causal inference statistical methods in environmental epidemiology, summarized the applicable conditions, advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and provided R software implementation codes for these methods, aiming to offer guidance for optimizing research design and practicing causal inference statistical methods.
5.Characteristic analysis of nanogel composite system and its application strategies in visualization of diagnostic imaging and therapy
Qian ZHANG ; Fuxia WANG ; Wen WANG ; Kun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):480-488
BACKGROUND:Nanogels can combine the properties of nanoparticles and hydrogels,which have multiple advantages and can play a great role in clinical translation.OJECTIVE:To summarize the self-and cross-linking properties of nanogels,the diagnostic and therapeutic integration strategies they played in a variety of imaging processes,in conjunction with their functional visualization and application properties.METHODS:By searching PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and Wanfang databases,English and Chinese search terms were"nanogel,nanohydrogel,imaging,magnetic resonance imaging,fluorescence imaging,ultrasound imaging,photoacoustic imaging,multimodal imaging,therapy,treatment."According to the inclusion criteria,78 articles were finally selected for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The preparation process of nanogels is significantly affected by their multiple properties and cross-linking mechanisms.Optimization of these properties and mechanisms can help to improve their structural performance and accelerate the translation of their clinical applications.With the trend of integrated diagnosis and treatment,functional visualization of nanogels can effectively image tumors with the help of magnetic resonance imaging,fluorescence imaging,ultrasonography,photoacoustic imaging,and multimodal imaging,which can be of key value in the treatment strategies of various diseases.These findings not only pave the way for improving the preparation methods of nanogels,but also create a robust groundwork for hastening their clinical translation.
6.Follow up analysis of tuberculosis incidence risk and risk factors among middle school students in Chongqing
ZHANG Wen, SU Qian, LIAO Wenping, ZHANG Liyi, XIN Yu, L Juan, LUO Jie, SHI Lin, FAN Jun, SHI Yaling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1351-1354
Objective:
To understand the incidence risk and risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) among middle school students in Chongqing, so as to provide a basis for formulating TB prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2022, 32 181 middle school students were selected as the study cohort from 15 administrative districts in Chongqing by using the stratified cluster random sampling method. All cohort members were screened with the tuberculin skin test (TST), and relevant information was collected from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. On the basis of active screening, the follow up data of the participants were compared with the National Tuberculosis Management Information System to obtain the incidence status of the study subjects. The Log rank test was used to compare the TB incidence rates among students with different characteristics, and a Cox proportional hazards model was established to analyze the incidence risk and risk factors of TB.
Results:
The TST screening rate of the cohort members was 93.0%. During the 2 year follow up period, a total of 36 TB cases occurred, with a cumulative incidence rate of 111.87/100 000 and an incidence density of 55.95/100 000. Among them, the cumulative incidence rate of students from public schools (170.44/ 100 000 ) was higher than that of students from private schools (41.16/100 000), the cumulative incidence rate of students in schools located in high epidemic areas (153.95/100 000) was higher than that in medium epidemic areas (69.00/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=11.49, 4.73, both P <0.05). The Log-rank test for different TST results showed that the difference in TB comulative incidence rate between students with strongly positive TST results (216.55/ 100 000 ) and those with negative TST results (81.40/100 000) was statistically significant ( χ 2=5.85, P <0.05). Univariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the risk of TB was lower in students from private schools ( HR=0.25, 95% CI = 0.10-0.59) and students in medium epidemic areas ( HR=0.46, 95%CI =0.23-0.94); whereas the risk of TB was increased in students with strongly positive TST results ( HR=1.39, 95%CI =1.05-1.84) (all P <0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of TB in students from private schools was lower than that of students from public schools ( HR=0.23, 95%CI=0.08-0.62, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The annual average incidence rate of TB among middle school students in Chongqing is at a relatively high level. It is necessary to strengthen the management and intervention for student groups, including those in public schools, those in schools located in high epidemic areas, and those with strongly positive TST results, so as to reduce the incidence rate of TB.
7.Sishenwan Restores Intestinal Barrier in Rat Model of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Due to Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Short-chain Fatty Acids
Qian ZHANG ; Siqi LI ; HUYUNLIAN ; Na WEN ; Chaoqun HUANG ; Binbin LIU ; Chengxia SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats, 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-dose (3.51 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, high-dose (7.02 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, and Peifeikang (0.54 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally, and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage (1 g·mL-1, 10 mL·kg-1) for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed, the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage, and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration, the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-22 (IL-22). Immumohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure, neat glands, and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group, the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure, irregular arrangement of glands, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure, regular arrangement of glands, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group, the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.01), and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum (P<0.01). High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents (P<0.05), and decreased the content of butyric acid (P<0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group, Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Ligilactobacillus, UBA3282, Akkermansia, and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation, increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa, and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs, and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.
8.Sishenwan Restores Intestinal Barrier in Rat Model of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Due to Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Short-chain Fatty Acids
Qian ZHANG ; Siqi LI ; HUYUNLIAN ; Na WEN ; Chaoqun HUANG ; Binbin LIU ; Chengxia SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats, 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-dose (3.51 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, high-dose (7.02 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, and Peifeikang (0.54 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally, and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage (1 g·mL-1, 10 mL·kg-1) for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed, the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage, and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration, the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-22 (IL-22). Immumohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure, neat glands, and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group, the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure, irregular arrangement of glands, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure, regular arrangement of glands, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group, the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.01), and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum (P<0.01). High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents (P<0.05), and decreased the content of butyric acid (P<0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group, Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Ligilactobacillus, UBA3282, Akkermansia, and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation, increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa, and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs, and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.
9.Association between time to first cigarette and expiratory airflow limitation
YUAN Yun ; QIAN Wen ; YU Zhimiao ; WEI Yonglan ; WANG Liang ; HAN Mingming
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):922-926
Objective:
To explore the association between time to first cigarette (TTFC) and expiratory airflow limitation, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and control of pulmonary function decline.
Methods:
Based on the baseline survey of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC), the demographic, lifestyle behavior, smoking behavior, and TTFC data of permanent residents aged 30 to 79 years in Chengdu City were collected from 2018 to 2019. The TTFC was divided into ≤5, 6-30, 31-60, and >60 minutes. Expiratory airflow limitation was determined when the proportion of the measured peak expiratory flow to the predicted value was less than 80%. The association between TTFC and expiratory airflow limitation was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration, average daily smoking volume, and the habit of deep inhalation into the lungs.
Results:
A total of 6 766 residents were investigated, among whom 6 402 were males, accounting for 94.62%. The median age was 52 (interquartile range, 19) years. A total of 2 468 residents were detected with expiratory airflow limitation, with a detection rate of 36.48%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle behavior, smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration, average daily smoking volume, and the habit of deep inhalation into the lungs, TTFC ≤5 minutes (OR=1.203, 95%CI: 1.035-1.397) and 6-30 minutes (OR=1.174, 95%CI: 1.002-1.374) were associated with an increased risk of expiratory airflow limitation. Subgroup analyses showed that there was no interaction between smoking behavior and TTFC on the risk of expiratory airflow limitation (all P>0.05).
Conclusion
A shorter TTFC is associated with an increased risk of expiratory airflow limitation among residents aged 30 to 79 years, and the association is not affected by snoking behaviors such as smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration and average daily smoking volume.
10.Effects of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on depression-like behavior and Endophilin A1/ROS pathway in hippocampal tissue of CUMS model rats.
Ling ZOU ; Xiaoge SONG ; Yanbiao ZHAO ; Tingting QIAN ; Yifan CHU ; Wen PAN ; Haoran CHU ; Shaojie YANG ; Meixiang SUN ; Peiyang SUN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1281-1289
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture (for unblocking the obstruction in the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) on depression-like behavior and the hippocampal Endophilin A1/reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats, and explore the mechanism of this therapy for depression.
METHODS:
Forty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=36). In the modeling group, CUMS was performed to establish depression model. The successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (referred to as the acupuncture group), and a fluoxetine group, with 12 rats in each group. In the acupuncture group, "Baihui" (GV20), "Shenting" (GV24), "Shuigou" (GV26) and "Dazhui" (GV14) were stimulated with acupuncture. This intervention measure was delivered once a day, continuously for 6 days; it was discontinued on day 7 and was completed in 28 days. In the fluoxetine group, intragastric administration was done with fluoxetine solution (2.1 mg/kg), once a day, and for 28 consecutive days. Before and after modeling, and after intervention completion, the body mass, sucrose preference rate and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment were observed in each group. After intervention, using HE staining, the hippocampal neuron morphology was observed; using Nissl staining, the hippocampal Nissl body number was counted. The hippocampal mitochondria was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal was determined using flow cytometry. With Western blot method, the protein expression of Endophilin A1, growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal was detected; and with RT-qPCR method, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF was recorded. Using the immunofluorescence, the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, GAP-43, and BDNF in hippocampal tissue was determined.
RESULTS:
Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass, sucrose preference rate, and the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure was unclear, the matrix was relatively loose, and the number of Nissl body decreased (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure was disarranged, the outer membrane was ruptured, mitochondrial cristae was irregular or missed; the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue increased (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and its average fluorescence intensity decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group and the fluoxetine group showed the increase in body mass, sucrose preference rate, the total distance of movement and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the open field experiment (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hippocampal neuronal structure became relatively clear, the matrix was relatively dense, and the number of Nissl body was elevated (P<0.01); mitochondrial structure got normal and disarranged slightly, the average fluorescence intensity of ROS in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1 in hippocampal tissue were reduced (P<0.01), while the protein and mRNA expression of GAP-43 and BDNF and the average fluorescence intensity rose (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the fluoxetine group, the acupuncture group presented the increase in the average fluorescence intensity of ROS, the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of Endophilin A1, the protein expression of GAP-43 and the mRNA expression of BDNF (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the decrease of the protein expression and the average fluorescence intensity of BDNF, the mRNA expression of Endophilin A1, and the average fluorescence intensity of GAP-43 (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Tongdu tiaoshen acupuncture alleviates depression-like behaviors in CUMS model rats and protects hippocampal neurons, which may be related to suppressing Endophilin A1/ROS signaling pathway and attenuating oxidative stress reactions.
Animals
;
Male
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Depression/psychology*
;
Humans
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Acupuncture Points


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail