OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) on hippocampal neuronal ferritinophagy mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)/ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) signaling pathway in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture for VD. METHODS: A total of 60 male rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group (12 rats), a sham surgery group (12 rats) and a modeling group (36 rats). In the modeling group, the modified 4-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The 24 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at left and right "Sishencong" (EX-HN1), and bilateral "Fengchi" (GB20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min a time, once daily for 21 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test before modeling, after modeling and after intervention, as well as the novel object recognition test after intervention. After intervention, the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus was observed by Nissl staining; the iron deposition was observed by Prussian blue staining; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining; the levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by the colorimetric assay, TBA method, and WST-1 method, respectively; the positive expression of NCOA4, FTH1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expression of NCOA4, FTH1, GPX4, and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham surgery group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of platform crossings reduced (P<0.01), the recognition index (RI) was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons displayed a blurred laminar structure, disorganized cellular arrangement, and the number of Nissl bodies was decreased (P<0.01); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were increased (P<0.01), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the escape latency was shortened and the number of platform crossings was increased (P<0.01), the RI was increased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons exhibited more regular morphology, better-organized cellular structure, and the number of Nissl bodies was increased (P<0.05); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus reduced (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) can improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the hippocampal NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferritinophagy, and alleviation of oxidative stress damage.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Dementia, Vascular/genetics* ; Male ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Memory ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/genetics* ; Ferritins/genetics* ; Learning ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) on learning and memory impairment in vascular dementia (VD) rats by observing the influences on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway and the excitotoxicity induced by hippocampal calcium overload. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats of SPF grade were selected and randomized into a normal group (6 rats), a sham-operation group (6 rats) and an operation group (20 rats). VD model was established with the modified Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method. Twelve rats after successfully modeled were assigned randomly into a model group and an EA group, 6 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was delivered at bilateral "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1), with the continuous wave, the frequency of 2 Hz and the electric current of 1 mA. Stimulation intensity was adjusted depending on the slightly trembling of rat head. EA was given once daily, 30 min each time; and EA intervention was delivered for 21 days continuously. Using Morris water maze test, the learning and memory function was assessed. The neuronal morphology in the hippocampal CA1 was observed with HE staining; the level of glutamate (GLU) in serum and hippocampal tissue, as well as the activity of calcium pump (Ca²⁺-ATP) in the hippocampus were detected using colorimetric method. The protein expression of NMDAR, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ), phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (p-CaMKⅡ), phosphorylated cyclic phosphoradenosine effector element binding proteins (p-CREB), CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampal CA1 was detected using immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of NMDAR, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue was detected using Western blot method. RESULTS: Compared to the sham-operation group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged and the platform crossing times of rats were reduced (P<0.01), the hippocampal neuron structure was damaged to different degrees, the structure in hippocampal CA1 was loosened, the arrangement disorganized, with clear grid-like structure; the neuronal morphology was irregular, pyknosis and even dissolution occurred, glial cells increased, blood capillary was dilated and the inflammatory cells were infiltrated and scattered. The level of GLU in the serum and hippocampal tissue and the protein expression of hippocampal NMDAR were elevated (P<0.01), the activity of Ca²⁺-ATP and the protein expression of CaMKⅡ, p-CaMKⅡ, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05); and the ratio of p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ and that of p-CREB/CREB were dropped (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, in the EA group, the escape latency was shortened and the platform crossing times of rats rose (P<0.01), the arrangement was improved in the hippocampal CA1, the neuronal morphology was intact, the nucleoli were clear relatively and the pyknosis or dissolution were attenuated, the numbers of glial cells reduced relatively, the dilation of blood capillary was alleviated. The level of GLU in the serum and hippocampal tissue and the protein expression of NMDAR were reduced in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.01), the activity of Ca²⁺-ATP and the protein expression of CaMKⅡ, p-CaMKⅡ, CREB, p-CREB and BDNF were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01); and the ratio of p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ and that of p-CREB/CREB increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA at "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) can attenuate learning and memory impairment in VD rats, which may be obtained by reducing GLU level in hippocampal tissue, inhibiting hippocampal excitotoxicity, mediating protein expression related to the NMDAR/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway, and maintaining neuronal survival and growth.
Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Learning ; Memory ; Signal Transduction ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism* ; Memory Disorders/therapy* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism* ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism* ; Dementia, Vascular/therapy*

OBJECTIVE To establish the correlation evaluation and quality evaluation method of HPLC fingerprint grade of color sorting Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, and provide technical basis for the grade standard of color sorting Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. METHODS The chromatographic column was SVEA C18(250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm); mobile phase was acetonitrile(A)- 0.2% formic acid aqueous solution(B); gradient elution; injection volume was 10 μL; detection wave length was 245 nm; volume flow rate was 0.5 mL·min-1; column temperature was 38 ℃. The common peak determination and similarity evaluation of HPLC chromatogram data were carried out by using the Similarity Evaluation System of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprints(Version 2012); the color sorting grade evaluation was carried out by CA, PCA and PLS-DA. The first part of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition was used to measure the quality control indicators, and the data were analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS A total of 28 common peaks were identified in the fingerprints, and 7 components were identified. The similarity of 24 batches of color sorting grade samples was 0.936-0.968. CA and PCA divided 28 batches of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos samples into 4 categories, which were basically consistent with the classification of color sorting, and PLS-DA achieved a discrimination result that was very consistent with the classification of color sorting. The color sorting grade was negatively correlated with the diameter, flowering rate, damage rate, and luteolin content of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. The color sorting grade was positively correlated with chlorogenic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid and 4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid. There was a clear correlation between the color sorting of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and established fingerprint overall. There were differences in the quality of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in the color sorting grade. Based on the sensory indicators of diameter, flowering rate, and damage rate, the content, diameter, flowering rate, and damage rate of luteolin showed a trend from high to low, ranging from third grade>second grade>first grade>special grade. The content of three phenolic acids showed a trend from high to low, ranging from special grade>first grade>second grade>third grade. Among the special grade, the content of three phenolic acids was the highest. CONCLUSION Combining the content of luteolin and phenolic acids as evaluation and control indicators for color selection grade is feasible and scientific, which can achieve intelligent color sorting grade production of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos grade.

Although the mTOR-4E-BP1 signaling pathway is implicated in aging and aging-related disorders, the role of 4E-BP1 in regulating human stem cell homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of 4E-BP1 decreases along with the senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genetic inactivation of 4E-BP1 in hMSCs compromises mitochondrial respiration, increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accelerates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the absence of 4E-BP1 destabilizes proteins in mitochondrial respiration complexes, especially several key subunits of complex III including UQCRC2. Ectopic expression of 4E-BP1 attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities and alleviates cellular senescence in 4E-BP1-deficient hMSCs as well as in physiologically aged hMSCs. These f indings together demonstrate that 4E-BP1 functions as a geroprotector to mitigate human stem cell senescence and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly for the mitochondrial respiration complex III, thus providing a new potential target to counteract human stem cell senescence.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology* ; Cellular Senescence ; Homeostasis ; Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism* ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Electron Transport Complex III/metabolism* ; Humans ; Cells, Cultured

Humans ; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2/metabolism* ; Multiprotein Complexes/metabolism* ; Neural Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Rapamycin-Insensitive Companion of mTOR Protein/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*

Animals ; Chloroquine/pharmacology* ; Longevity ; Rats

Objective:To study the combined use of endoscopic balloon dilation with endoscopic biliary brushings in diagnosis of bile duct strictures.Methods:A prospective single center study was conducted at the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All patients with suspected malignant bile duct strictures shown on CT or MRI imaging from January 2018 to January 2020 were reviewed. All patients gave informed consent to the endascopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. Their clinical and follow-up data were analyzed. All patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilation of bile duct strictures. Before and after balloon dilation, biliary brush cytology was performed, and the results were used to classify the patients into the control group and the experimental group. Pathological examination of the brush cytology samples was carried out by a single chief pathologist. Presence of cancer cells or significant heterogeneous cells indicated a positive brush cytology test. Negative patients who still highly consider cholangiocarcinoma and agree to surgery and whose gross specimen is confirmed to be malignant after surgery should be considered as false negative by brush examination; it is difficult to judge that patients with cholangiocarcinoma have progress after 2 months of follow-up should be considered as false negative by brush examination. Any progression of disease indicated that the brush test was wrong and the test was again classified as false negative. Only when there was no progression of strictures was the possibility of a benign biliary stricture being considered. The advantage test (McNemar test) was used to analyze the difference between the two diagnostic methods.Results:Of 39 patients who were included in this study, there were 26 males and 13 females, with an age of (68.0 ± 5.2) years. Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed by histopathology, surgery or at 2 months follow-up in 35 patients. In the control group, 17 patients had a positive brush test (sensitivity rate was 48.6%, 17/35). In the experimental group, 26 patients had a positive brush test (sensitivity rate was 74.2%, 26/35). In addition, 2 patients in the control group had a positive brush test, while in the experimental group, a negative brush test. A total of 28 patients were positive in the two groups. The sensitivity rate of the brush test was 80.0% (28/35). There were significant differences between the two groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Endoscopic balloon dilation combined with endoscopic biliary brushings improved the sensitivity of pathological diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, and endoscopic biliary brushings before and after balloon dilation improved the sensitivity of diagnosis.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of tegafur combined with apatinib mesylate in treatment of advanced gastric cancer.Methods:The databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI and WanFang data were searched by computer, and the relevant randomized controlled trials were searched. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to May 2018. After literatures were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data were extracted and the quality of the included studies were evaluated, meta analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:There were 7 studies included in total. Tegafur combined with apatinib mesylate could achieve higher complete remission rate ( RR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.04-3.86, P = 0.04), partial remission rate ( RR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.03, P = 0.04), and lower inefficiencies rate ( RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.53, P = 0.008), but the incidence of adverse reactions such as hypertension was also increased. Conclusion:Tegafur combined with apatinib mesylate in treatment of advanced gastric cancer can achieve better clinical efficacy, but at the same time it can increase the incidence of adverse reactions.