1.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
4.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
5.Chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate impairs proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells via oxidative stress
Yaxin HAN ; Longfei FENG ; Zhijun ZHOU ; Xiuli CHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):684-690
Background Chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate Cl-PFAES, trade name F-53B, a novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), has been shown to induce multi-organ toxicity in humans and cross the blood-brain barrier. However, its toxic effects and underlying mechanisms on neural stem cells (NSCs) remain unclear. Objective To investigate the impact of F-53B on NSCs proliferation and differentiation through oxidative stress and explore its potential molecular mechanisms in associations with mitochondrial function damage and the expression of autophagy-related gene (PINK1/Parkin). Methods Primary NSCs isolated from neonatal C57BL/6 mice were used as a model and exposed to F-53B at concentrations of 0, 33, or 100 μmol·L−1 for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, while proliferation was evaluated by the 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe differentiation phenotypes. Intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using dihydroethidium (DHE) and MitoSOX probes, respectively. Mitochondrial morphology was observed using MitoTracker Green. ATP level was measured with a commercial kit. Additionally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to quantify the expression of PINK1 and Parkin genes. Results Exposure to 100 μmol·L⁻¹ F-53B significantly reduced cell viability to 93.6% of the control group (P<0.01), and decreased the proportion of EdU⁺ cells (P<0.01), indicating proliferation inhibition. The differentiation analysis showed a reduction in neuronal generation, axonal shortening, and an increase in astrocytes. The 100 μmol·L−1 F-53B exposure elevated intracellular ROS to 122% (P<0.01) and mitochondrial ROS (MitoROS) to 135% (P<0.001) of the control levels, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. The ATP levels after the F-53B exposure decreased to 62.4% relative to the control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PINK1 and Par after the F-53B exposure were notably reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion F-53B may induce oxidative stress, thereby disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function while inhibiting the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway, ultimately leading to impaired neural stem cell proliferation and abnormal differentiation. This study provides new insights into the neurotoxicity mechanisms of F-53B.
6.Summary of best evidence for the management of arteriovenous fistula buttonhole puncture in hemodialysis patients
Pan WANG ; Junnan XIAO ; Yuxiao XIA ; Xiuli FENG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1427-1434
Objective To summarize the best evidence of the management cycle of arteriovenous fistula buttonhole puncture,and to provide evidence-based support for the standardized management of arteriovenous fistula buttonhole puncture method in clinical practice.Methods Establishing evidence-based nursing issues,according to the"6s Evidence Model",computer searches were conducted on domestic and foreign databases,guideline websites,and professional association websites for relevant literature on arteriovenous fistula button-hole puncture in hemodialysis patients.The search period was from the establishment of the database to De-cember 31,2023.The guidelines were independently evaluated by four nursing staff who had received system-atic evidence-based nursing training,and other types of literature were independently evaluated by two person-nel.The JBI evidence grading system was applied to extract,evaluate,and grade evidence.Results Through literature search,a total of 15 articles were included,including 5 decision-making articles,5 guidelines,1 expert opinion article,3 expert consensus articles,and 1 systematic review article.Twenty-one best pieces of evidence had been summarized from seven aspects:puncture method selection,tunnel establishment,scab removal treatment,blunt needle insertion,puncture personnel training,infection prevention,and counseling and educa-tion.Conclusion This study summarizes the best evidence of the arteriovenous fistula buttonhole puncture management cycle,and provides a basis for clinically standardized the management of arteriovenous fistula buttonhole puncture.
7.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Activation of Hippocampal Microglia Cells in Rat Model of Juvenile Depression
Jiayi SHI ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Feng QIU ; Chang LEI ; Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Dong YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Pengxiao GUO ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):46-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Baihuan Xiaoyao Decoction (Xiaoyaosan added with Lilii Bulbus and Albiziae Cortex) in alleviating depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats by regulating the polarization of microglia. MethodSixty juvenile SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, fluoxetine, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.36, 10.71, 21.42 g·kg-1, respectively) Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction groups. The rat model of juvenile depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to examine the sucrose preference of rats. Forced swimming test (FST) was carried out to measure the immobility time of rats. The open field test (OFT) was conducted to measure the total distance, the central distance, the number of horizontal crossings, and the frequency of rearing. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to measure the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, the polarization marker of M1 microglia) and CD206 (the polarization marker of M2 microglia). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD206, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of iNOS and CD206 in the hippocampus. The levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model rats showed a reduction in sucrose preference (P<0.05), an increase in immobility time (P<0.05), decreased motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and weakened learning and spatial memory (P<0.05). In addition, the model rats showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction increased the sucrose preference value (P<0.05), shortened the immobility time (P<0.01), increased the motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and improved the learning and spatial memory (P<0.01). Furthermore, the decoction down-regulated the positive expression and protein level of iNOS, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted the positive expression of CD206, and elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.01) in the hippocampus of the high dose group. Moreover, the high-dose Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction group had higher sucrose preference value (P<0.01), shorter immobility time (P<0.01), longer central distance (P<0.01), stronger learning and spatial memory (P<0.01), higher positive expression and protein level of iNOS (P<0.01), lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower positive expression and mRNA level of iNOS (P<0.05), and higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the fluoxetine group. ConclusionBaihuan Xiaoyao decoction can improve the depression-like behavior of juvenile rats by inhibiting the M1 polarization and promoting the M2 polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.
8.Clinical and neurophysiological analysis of neuralgic amyotrophy
Mingxia ZHU ; Hongyue MA ; Xiuli LI ; Jingyu MOU ; Hongjing LIU ; Jing CHEN ; Guangju QI ; Xinhong FENG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(12):1353-1361
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and neurophysiological features of patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) and explore their neurological function status.Methods:Clinical data and neurophysiological findings of 90 patients diagnosed with NA at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from September 2016 to January 2024 were collected and their clinical phenotypes and neurophysiological characteristics were systematically summarized and analyzed.Results:Among the 90 patients, males accounted for 60.0% (54 cases) and females accounted for 40.0% (36 cases). The duration of the disease was 12 (3, 36) months (ranged from 1 week to 5 years). The onset age of the patients was 58 (30, 70) (21-87) years. Unilateral involvement was noted in 94.4% (85/90) of patients, exhibiting a left-to-right ratio of 1∶1.3, while only 5.6% (5/90) had bilateral involvement. The majority of patients demonstrated a monophasic clinical course with a recurrence rate of just 2.2% (2/90). The primary clinical manifestations included upper limb pain in 70.0% (63/90) of patients, which progressed to muscle weakness and atrophy within 1 day to 1 month, whereas 30.0% (27/90) of patients without significant pain symptoms. Lesions predominantly affected the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, which accounted for 64.4% (58/90) of patients. Distal nerve injuries in the upper limb were observed in 14.4% (13/90) of patients, with 6.7% (6/90) demonstrating isolated anterior interosseous nerve involvement and another 6.7% (6/90) exhibiting isolated posterior interosseous nerve involvement; 1 case had concurrent anterior and posterior interosseous nerve damage. Additionally, 1 case presented with bilateral phrenic nerve involvement, and another patient had isolated posterior tibial nerve injury. Electrophysiological evaluations of patients with NA revealed that axonal damage to motor nerve fibers was a hallmark feature of the condition. Among patients undergoing motor nerve conduction studies, 68.8% (55/80) exhibited decreased compound muscle action potential amplitude, and 31.3% (25/80) had prolonged latency. Sensory nerve conduction was normal in 60.0% (48/80) of patients, while abnormalities included prolonged latency in 15.0% (12/80), reduced amplitude in 12.5% (10/80), slowed conduction velocity in 8.8% (7/80), and absent waveforms in 3.8% (3/80) of patients. The rates of abnormal nerve conduction findings in motor nerves were the highest in the suprascapular nerve (70.6%, 36/51), followed by the axillary nerve (58.3%, 35/60), musculocutaneous nerve (50.7%, 35/69), long thoracic nerve (6/17), and both anterior and posterior interosseous nerves (7.5%, 6/80 each). In sensory nerves, abnormalities were predominantly noted in the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (30.0%, 12/40). Needle electromyography demonstrated neurogenic damage, most frequently affecting the infraspinatus muscle (69.2%, 18/26), biceps brachii (68.1%, 49/72), and deltoid muscle (65.3%, 47/72). The positive rate of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) for NA was 62.1% (41/66), among which 63.4% (26/41) showed localized swelling of the brachial plexus, 51.2% (21/41) exhibited T 2 hyperintensity, and 4.9% (2/41) demonstrated denervated changes in the muscles. The positive rate of ultrasound for NA was 71.1% (59/83), with 91.5% (54/59) showing nerve swelling and 8.5% (5/59) exhibiting hourglass constriction .Conclusions:NA is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by spontaneous pain, limb weakness, and (or) muscle atrophy primarily. Its clinical phenotype predominantly involves damage to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, which can also manifest as isolated mononeuropathy. Neurophysiological findings most commonly reveal the neurogenic damage to the muscles innervated by the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, mainly characterized by the axonal damage to the motor nerves, and pure motor nerve damage may also be observed. MRN and neuroultrasound can assist in qualitative diagnosis.
9.To investigate the expression of lncRNA H19 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with osteoporosis
Teng YANG ; Na WANG ; Xiuli FENG ; Tongyu ZHANG ; Zhichen ZHENG ; Guofeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(5):364-368
Objective Exploring the clinical application value of long chain non-coding RNA(lncRNA)H19 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with osteoporosis(OP).Methods A total of 176 patients with T2DM admitted to the Department of Endocrinology of the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang City from December 2022 to June 2023 were selected.They were divided into OP group(n=100)and simple T2DM group(n=76)according to the results of bone mineral density(BMD)determination by dual-energy X-ray.General data and biochemical indicators were compared between the two groups.The correlation between lncRNA H19 and other clinical indicators was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis and the influencing factors for T2DM with OP were analyzed by logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of lncRNA H19 in T2DM with OP.Results Compared with T2DM group,the proportion of females,age,HbA1c,TC and TGF-β1 were higher(P<0.05),while BMI,SUA,BMD and lncRNA H19 were lower in OP group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that lncRNA H19 expression level was positively correlated with BMI,SUA and BMD(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with age,HbA1c and TGF-β1(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that age,BMI,TC,TGF-β1 and lncRNA H19 were the influencing factors for T2DM combined with OP(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of lncRNA H19 in the diagnosis of T2DM with OP was 0.839,the sensitivity was 76.3%,and the specificity was 86.0%.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age,TGF-β1 and OP were the influencing factors for lncRNA H19(P<0.05).Conclusion LncRNA H19 expression decreased in PBMCs in patients with T2DM with OP,which may participate in the occurrence and development of T2DM with OP through glucose metabolism and lncRNA H19/TGF-β1 pathway.
10.Effects of upper limb exergames on functional recovery in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment
Xiuli LI ; Shan LI ; Mengchen FENG ; Fubiao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2023;29(1):98-103
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of upper limb exergames on cognitive function, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment. MethodsFrom August, 2020 to November, 2021, 50 troke patients with mild cognitive impairment in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly allocated to control group (n = 25) and experimental group (n = 25). Both groups received traditional occupational therapy. Additional functional occupational therapy was provided to the control group, and upper limb exergames were provided to the experimental group, for four weeks. They were assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after the treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of MoCA, FMA-UE and MBI improved in both groups (|t| > 3.354, |Z| > 4.379, P < 0.01), and the scores increased in five MoCA cognitive domains in the control group (except map naming and abstract thinking) (|Z| > 2.000, P < 0.05) and in six MoCA cognitive domains in the experimental group (except map naming) (|Z| > 2.646, P < 0.01). After treatment, the scores of MoCA, MoCA five cognitive domains (except map naming and abstract thinking) and FMA-UE were better in the experiment group than in the control group(|Z| > 1.982, t = 3.565, P < 0.05). ConclusionUpper limb exergames can facilitate the recovery of cognitive function, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment.

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