1.Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Brain Protection
Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ke LI ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Yin-Hao WANG ; Zi-Zheng YANG ; Tian-He WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1435-1452
Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.
2.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
3.Clinical trial of dexmedetomidine combined with esketamine in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery
Ya-Qun WANG ; Xi-Shang XIA ; Dong-Xue WANG ; Hui WANG ; Ling WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2013-2017
Objective To observe the effects of dexmedetomidine combined with esketamine on early postoperative pain and cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.Methods The aged spinal surgery patients were divided into control group and treatment group by random number table method.Both groups were anesthetically induced by intramuscular injection of esketamine 3 mg·kg-1,while the control group was anesthetically induced by intravenous injection of propofol 4 mg·kg-1 with constant velocity pump.The treatment group was given 1 μg·kg-1 dexmedetomidine by intravenous pump for 10 min,and then continued pumping at 0.5 μg·kg-1 rate.The changes of vital signs 5 min before surgery(T1),5 min after surgery(T2),at the end of surgery(T3),at the time of recovery(T4),early postoperative pain,cognitive function,the time of the first patient control analgesia(PC A),the cumulative dosage of sufentanil in different time periods within 48 h and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions were observed in the 2 groups.Results 44 patients were included in the control group and 45 patients in the treatment group,respectively.At T2,T3 and T4,the heart rate of treatment group were(82.51±3.05),(80.15±3.21)and(81.51±3.04)beat·min-1,and that of control group were(92.54±3.10),(93.52±3.05)and(88.45±3.51)beat·min-1,respectively.The mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the treatment group were(54.51±3.58),(55.25±3.21)and(60.25±3.24)mmHg;and that of the control group were(73.25±3.54),(70.52±3.20)and(68.51±3.05)mmHg,respectively.The blood oxygen saturation(SPO2)of treatment groups were(98.56±0.38)%,(98.25±0.35)%and(99.02±0.14)%;and the SPO2 of control group were(94.52±0.35)%,(95.25±0.25)%and(96.25±0.32)%,respectively.Visual analogue pain(VAS)scores were(5.69±1.12),(5.02±0.89),(4.52±0.65)and(4.01±0.45)scores at 2,4,6 and 8 h after operation,respectively;the control group were(6.25±1.35),(5.46±1.12),(4.98±0.84)and(4.25±0.52)scores,respectively.24,36 and 72 h after operation,the scores of MMSE in treatment group were 24.25±1.15,26.25±1.14,27.25±0.89 and 28.86±0.62,respectively;the control group were 22.52±1.02,24.25±1.12,26.58±0.87 and 28.78±0.52,respectively.Compared with the control group,there were statistically significant differences in the above indexes of treatment groups(all P<0.05).The adverse drug reactions in the control group were mainly lethargy,respiratory depression,nausea and vomiting,and the adverse drug reactions in the treatment group were mainly lethargy,nausea and vomiting,and the incidence of total adverse drug reactions in the treatment group and the control group was 6.67%and 22.73%,respectively,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine combined with esketamine is safe and effective in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.It can effectively reduce early postoperative pain and quickly restore cognitive function.
4.Salidroside Ameliorates Lung Injury Induced by PM2.5 by Regulating SIRT1-PGC-1α in Mice
Hong Xiao LI ; Mei Yu LIU ; Hui SHAN ; Feng Jin TAN ; Jian ZHOU ; Jin Yuan SONG ; Qi Si LI ; Chen LIU ; Qun Dong XU ; Li YU ; Wei Wan LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(4):367-376
Objective This study aimed to clarify the intervention effect of salidroside(SAL)on lung injury caused by PM2.5 in mice and illuminate the function of SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ axis. Methods Specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the following groups:control group,SAL group,PM2.5 group,SAL+PM2.5 group.On the first day,SAL was given by gavage,and on the second day,PM2.5 suspension was given by intratracheal instillation.The whole experiment consist of a total of 10 cycles,lasting 20 days.At the end of treatment,blood samples and lung tissues were collected and analyzed.Observation of pathological changes in lung tissue using inverted microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The expression of inflammatory,antioxidants,apoptosis,and SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results Exposure to PM2.5 leads to obvious morphological and pathologica changes in the lung of mice.PM2.5 caused a decline in levels of antioxidant-related enzymes and protein expressions of HO-1,Nrf2,SOD2,SIRT1 and PGC-1ɑ,and an increase in the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,Bax,caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3.However,SAL reversed the aforementioned changes caused by PM2.5 by activating the SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway. Conclusion SAL can activate SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ to ameliorate PM2.5-induced lung injury.
5.Phenylethanoid glycosides from Verbenae Herba
Jie LI ; Dan-Yang DONG ; Cai-Ying PENG ; Qin YANG ; Jian-Qun LIU ; Ji-Cheng SHU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):137-142
AIM To study the phenylethanoid glycosides from Verbenae Herba.METHODS The 80%ethanol extract from Verbenae Herba was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,TLC and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Nine compounds were isolated and identified as verbofficoside A(1),cistanoside D(2),epimeredinoside A(3),verbascoside(4),isoverbascoside(5),cistanoside C(6),cistanoside F(7),decaffeoylacteoside(8),jionoside C(9).CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new compound.Compounds 3 and 6-9 are isolated from this plant for the first time.
6.Effects of esketamine combined with sufentanil on postoperative analgesia and depression after hip arthroplasty
Jun-Jun HE ; Hong WANG ; Yuan-Yuan HU ; Lan XU ; Jing-Jing WU ; Qun CHEN ; Zhi-Peng DONG ; Li-Li ZHONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(3):268-271
Objective To evaluate the effects of ketamine combined with sufentanil on postoperative analgesia and depression in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.Methods A total of 60 patients who underwent elective hip arthroplasty were selected and divided into the S group,the SK1 group and the SK2 group according to the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia regimen,with 20 cases in each group.Patients in the S group were received 2 μg/kg of sufentanil for postoperative analgesia,patients in the SK1 group were received 1 mg/kg of esketamine and 2 μg/kg of sufentanil for postoperative analgesia,and patients in the SK2 group were received 2 mg/kg of esketamine and 2 μg/kg of sufentanil for postoperative analgesia.At 1,4,24,and 48 hours after surgery,the analgesic effect of patients was evaluated using the numeric rating scale(NRS),and the sedation effect of patients was evaluated using the Ramsay sedation score.Depression of patients before and 48 hours after surgery was assessed by self-rating depression scale(SDS).The adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting,dizziness and headache,respiratory depression,and mental symptoms within 48 hours after surgery of patients were recorded.Results The NRS scores 1,4,and 24 hours after surgery of patients in the SK1 group and the SK2 group were lower than those in the S group(P<0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in the NRS scores 48 hours after surgery of patients among the three groups(P>0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in the NRS scores at different postoperative points of patients between the SK1 and SK2 groups(P>0.05).The SDS scores 48 hours after surgery of patients in each group were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the Ramsay scores at different postoperative points of patients among the three groups(P>0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions 48 hours after surgery in the SK2 group was higher than those in the S group and the SK1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion Using 1 mg/kg of esketamine combined with 2 μg/kg of sufentanil after hip arthroplasty has a good analgesic effect without obvious increase of adverse reactions or significant effect on improving depression of patients.
7.Effect mechanism of andrographolide on neuropathic pain in rats
Tianhua CHEN ; Qun JIANG ; Hang DONG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(20):2488-2492
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect mechanism of andrographolide (Andro) on neuropathic pain (NP) in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly separated into sham operation group, model group, Andro low-dose (1 mg/kg), Andro medium-dose (5 mg/kg) and Andro high-dose (10 mg/kg) groups, and sodium ferulic acid (150 mg/kg) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group, other groups used the chronic sciatic nerve compression injury method to induce NP model. After modeling, each group was given relevant dose of Andro intrathecally or sodium ferulate intragastrically. The sham operation group and model group were given a constant volume of normal saline once a day for 14 consecutive days. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats were detected in each group after 7 and 14 days of administration. After the last medication, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and substance P (SP) in rats were detected in each group, and the pathological morphology of spinal cord tissue was observed. mRNA and protein expressions of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1), growth arrest specific protein 6 (Gas6), and Axl in spinal cord tissue were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, MWT and TWL after 7 and 14 days of the administration, the mRNA and protein expressions of Gas6 and Axl after the last medication were all increased significantly in administration groups (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 and SP, mRNA and protein expressions of Iba-1 were all decreased significantly (P<0.05); pathological injuries such as the disordered arrangement of spinal cord neurons and dilation and congestion of capillaries had been alleviated to varying degrees. Compared with sodium ferulic acid group, there was no statistically significant difference in the above indicators in the Andro high-dose group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Andro may inhibit inflammatory response by activating the Gas6/Axl signaling axis, thereby alleviating NP.
8.Nanozyme-based Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Shi-Qun CHEN ; Yi-Li WANG ; Zuo-Hong CHEN ; Hao WANG ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):2905-2920
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the structure and function of spinal cord caused by external trauma. This damage results in the loss of sensation, movement, or autonomous functions, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis and impact the patients’ independence and quality of life. Studying drugs related to spinal cord injuries and their mechanisms of action will help enhance patients’ quality of life and alleviate social and economic burdens. Traumatic spinal cord injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries. It leads to ongoing neurodegeneration, inflammation, and scarring, necessitating continuous intervention to reduce the cascading effects of secondary injuries. Regenerative repair of SCI has been one of the most challenging problems in medicine. It is characterized by the involvement of microglia, phagocytes (including neutrophils and monocytes), and antigen-presenting cells of the central nervous system, such as dendritic cells. These inflammatory mediators contribute to axonal demyelination and degeneration, leading to severe nerve damage. Currently, there has been little progress in the clinical treatment of SCI. Current clinical modalities, such as surgical interventions and hormone shock therapies, have not yielded specific pharmacotherapeutic options, hindering significant functional recovery. The current treatment methods are ineffective in alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses caused by spinal cord injury. They also do not offer neural protection, resulting in ongoing neurofunctional degradation. Intravenous injection of methylprednisolone through the arm has been used as a treatment option for spinal cord injury. Recent studies have shown that the potential side effects of the drug, such as blood clots and pneumonia, outweigh its benefits. Methylprednisolone is no longer recommended for the routine treatment of spinal cord injury. In recent years, significant progress has been made in spinal cord injury intervention through the use of nanotechnology and biomaterials. Nanozymes can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of spinal cord injury by catalyzing the clearance of free radicals similar to enzymes and suppressing inflammatory responses. Nanozymes can reduce the degree of fibrosis, promote neuron survival and angiogenesis, and provide favorable conditions for tissue regeneration. Through in vitro and in vivo toxicology experiments, it was found that the nanozyme demonstrates good biocompatibility and safety. It did not cause any significant changes in body weight, hematological indicators, or histopathology. These findings indicate the potential for its clinical applications. Based on current research results and discoveries, nanozymes have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. There are numerous potential research directions and application areas that are worthy of further exploration and development. Although there have been preliminary studies on the catalytic performance of nanozymes, further research is needed to thoroughly investigate their catalytic mechanisms. Further exploration of the interaction between nanozymes and substrates, reaction kinetics, and factors affecting catalytic activity will help to better understand their mechanism of action in the field of biocatalysis.
9.Analysis of correlation between colorectal adenoma and serum lipid level
Qun LIANG ; Su-Dong LIU ; Rui-Qiang WENG ; Xiao-Dong GU ; Bo-Ying LIU
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(2):122-125,134
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum lipid profiles and colorectal adenomas,and to benefit the prevention of colorectal cancer.Methods This study retrospectively analyzes the serum lipid profiles and clinical parameters of 2,960 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal adenomas,and 3,156 individuals without colorectal adenomas in Meizhou People's Hospital from May 2018 to May 2020.The association between serum lipid profiles and colorectal adenoma was evaluated by Logistic regression analysis.Results It was observed that the serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and apoliprotein B(ApoB)were significantly elevated in patients with colorectal adenomas.Dyslipidemia was more prevalent in adenoma cases than in controls.The Logistic regression analysis suggested that serum TC and TG levels were positively associated with the occurrence of colorectal adenomas.Conclusion Elevated serum TG and TC levels are independent risk factors for adenoma,and adenoma patients with elevated serum TG and TC levels may be more likely to develop high-risk adenoma.
10.In vitro expression and functional analyses of the mutants p.R243Q,p.R241C and p.Y356X of the human phenylalanine hydroxylase
Yong-Hong PANG ; Xiang-Yu GAO ; Zhen-Ya YUAN ; Hui HUANG ; Zeng-Qin WANG ; Lei PENG ; Yi-Qun LI ; Jie LIU ; Dong LIU ; Gui-Rong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):188-193
Objective To study the in vitro expression of three phenylalanine hydroxylase(PAH)mutants(p.R243Q,p.R241C,and p.Y356X)and determine their pathogenicity.Methods Bioinformatics techniques were used to predict the impact of PAH mutants on the structure and function of PAH protein.Corresponding mutant plasmids of PAH were constructed and expressed in HEK293T cells.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of the three PAH mutants,and their protein levels were assessed using Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Bioinformatics analysis predicted that all three mutants were pathogenic.The mRNA expression levels of the p.R243Q and p.R241C mutants in HEK293T cells were similar to the mRNA expression level of the wild-type control(P>0.05),while the mRNA expression level of the p.Y356X mutant significantly decreased(P<0.05).The PAH protein expression levels of all three mutants were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type control(P<0.05).The extracellular concentration of PAH protein was reduced in the p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants compared to the wild-type control(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the p.R243Q mutant and the wild type control(P>0.05).Conclusions p.R243Q,p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants lead to reduced expression levels of PAH protein in eukaryotic cells,with p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants also affecting the function of PAH protein.These three PAH mutants are to be pathogenic.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):188-193]

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