1.Scientific basis for acupuncture combined with neural stem cells for repairing spinal cord injury
Xiaomeng HUANG ; Zhilan ZHANG ; Wenya SHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Huilin WEI ; Bing LI ; Yafeng REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4111-4121
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury is a neurological disorder caused by traumatic or non-traumatic events,often leading to severe functional impairment below the injured segment.In recent years,neural stem cell transplantation has been considered to have significant therapeutic potential in regulating the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury,inhibiting excessive proliferation of glial scars,and promoting nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the potential mechanism of action of acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation therapy in inhibiting spinal cord injury-induced secondary injury,and to delve into the scientific basis for its treatment of spinal cord injury. METHODS:PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases were searched using"spinal cord injury,acupuncture,neural stem cells,SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis"as Chinese and English search terms.Totally 96 articles were finally included.The research findings of acupuncture combined with neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury were summarized and analyzed,and the mechanism of this combination therapy in the treatment of secondary injury after spinal cord injury was summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The stromal-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)axis plays a crucial role in neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury.This signaling mechanism not only affects neural stem cell migration,proliferation,and differentiation,but is also a key factor in determining the efficiency of stem cell homing to the injury site.Therefore,the regulation of targeting this axis is of great significance in enhancing the therapeutic effect of spinal cord injury.(2)Acupuncture,as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy,shows unique advantages in the regulation of secondary injury in spinal cord injury.It can effectively reduce secondary injury after spinal cord injury by regulating inflammatory response,inhibiting apoptosis,improving microcirculation,reducing glial scar formation,and counteracting oxidative stress.(3)Acupuncture was also able to influence the expression and function of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis,thereby enhancing the homing and survival ability of neural stem cells and promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.(4)The therapy combining acupuncture and stem cell transplantation is an innovative treatment strategy for spinal cord injury and suitable for repairing neural circuits.It combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of modern biotechnology,providing a new treatment option for spinal cord injury patients.However,this combination therapy is still in the research and exploration stage,and its long-term efficacy and safety need to be further verified.(5)Taken together,acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury has great potential for clinical application,but in-depth research and optimization of treatment options are still needed.In the future,we look forward to further revealing the efficacy mechanism and optimal indications of this therapy through more clinical trials and mechanism studies,so as to bring better hope of recovery and more efficient therapeutic effects to spinal cord injury patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Role and mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor BB in repair of growth plate injury
Hongcheng PENG ; Guoxuan PENG ; Anyi LEI ; Yuan LIN ; Hong SUN ; Xu NING ; Xianwen SHANG ; Jin DENG ; Mingzhi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1497-1503
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:In the initial stage of growth plate injury inflammation,platelet-derived growth factor BB promotes the repair of growth plate injury by promoting mesenchymal progenitor cell infiltration,chondrogenesis,osteogenic response,and regulating bone remodeling. OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the action mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor BB after growth plate injury. METHODS:PubMed,VIP,WanFang,and CNKI databases were used as the literature sources.The search terms were"growth plate injury,bone bridge,platelet-derived growth factor BB,repair"in English and Chinese.Finally,66 articles were screened for this review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Growth plate injury experienced early inflammation,vascular reconstruction,fibroossification,structural remodeling and other pathological processes,accompanied by the crosstalk of chondrocytes,vascular endothelial cells,stem cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts and other cells.Platelet-derived growth factor BB,as an important factor in the early inflammatory response of injury,regulates the injury repair process by mediating a variety of cellular inflammatory responses.Targeting the inflammatory stimulation mediated by platelet-derived growth factor BB may delay the bone bridge formation process by improving the functional activities of osteoclasts,osteoblasts,and chondrocytes,so as to achieve the injury repair of growth plate.Platelet-derived growth factor BB plays an important role in angiogenesis and bone repair tissue formation at the injured site of growth plate and intrachondral bone lengthening function of uninjured growth plate.Inhibition of the coupling effect between angiogenesis initiated by platelet-derived growth factor BB and intrachondral bone formation may achieve the repair of growth plate injury.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats via Inhibiting Pericyte Contraction Based on RHOA/ROCK1 Pathway
Yinlian WEN ; Jinfeng SHANG ; Bohong WANG ; Wanting WEI ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Guijinfeng HUANG ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):159-167
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Naoxintong capsules on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats based on the changes of pericytes mediated by Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) pathway. MethodsNinety rats (15 rats for each group) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive control group receiving Ginkgo biloba extract (21.6 mg·kg-1), and groups receiving Naoxintong capsules at low, medium, and high doses of 55, 110, and 220 mg·kg-1 (NXT-L, NXT-M, and NXT-H groups), respectively. Except for those in the sham operation group, all rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) to establish the experiment model. Nerve function was assessed using a neurological function score. Cerebral blood flow was detected using a laser speckle contrast imager, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated using 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining, while pericyte morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Blood-brain barrier destruction was observed by Evans blue staining. Albumin and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured using assay kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tight junction protein (ZO-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited decreased neurological function scores, higher percentage reduction in blood flow, and increased cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01). Additionally, cortical neuronal nucleus shrinkage, edema, a decreased number of Nissl bodies, reduced pericyte area, elevated albumin content in the cortex (P<0.05), and increased ischemic modified albumin levels (P<0.01) were observed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were decreased. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed improved neurological function scores, lower percentage reduction in blood flow, reduced cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01), alleviated cortical histological changes, increased number of Nissl bodies, expanded pericyte area, decreased albumin content in the cortex, and reduced ischemia-modified albumin levels (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were decreased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were increased. Among the treatment groups, the NXT-M group showed the most pronounced improvement in cerebral I/R injury. ConclusionNaoxintong capsules can restore cerebral blood supply, reduce microcirculation disturbance, and protect blood-brain barrier in rats with I/R injury. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the RHOA/ROCK1 signaling pathway and reduced pericyte contraction. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats via Inhibiting Pericyte Contraction Based on RHOA/ROCK1 Pathway
Yinlian WEN ; Jinfeng SHANG ; Bohong WANG ; Wanting WEI ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Guijinfeng HUANG ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):159-167
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Naoxintong capsules on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats based on the changes of pericytes mediated by Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) pathway. MethodsNinety rats (15 rats for each group) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive control group receiving Ginkgo biloba extract (21.6 mg·kg-1), and groups receiving Naoxintong capsules at low, medium, and high doses of 55, 110, and 220 mg·kg-1 (NXT-L, NXT-M, and NXT-H groups), respectively. Except for those in the sham operation group, all rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) to establish the experiment model. Nerve function was assessed using a neurological function score. Cerebral blood flow was detected using a laser speckle contrast imager, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated using 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining, while pericyte morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Blood-brain barrier destruction was observed by Evans blue staining. Albumin and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured using assay kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tight junction protein (ZO-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited decreased neurological function scores, higher percentage reduction in blood flow, and increased cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01). Additionally, cortical neuronal nucleus shrinkage, edema, a decreased number of Nissl bodies, reduced pericyte area, elevated albumin content in the cortex (P<0.05), and increased ischemic modified albumin levels (P<0.01) were observed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were decreased. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed improved neurological function scores, lower percentage reduction in blood flow, reduced cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01), alleviated cortical histological changes, increased number of Nissl bodies, expanded pericyte area, decreased albumin content in the cortex, and reduced ischemia-modified albumin levels (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were decreased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were increased. Among the treatment groups, the NXT-M group showed the most pronounced improvement in cerebral I/R injury. ConclusionNaoxintong capsules can restore cerebral blood supply, reduce microcirculation disturbance, and protect blood-brain barrier in rats with I/R injury. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the RHOA/ROCK1 signaling pathway and reduced pericyte contraction. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
		                        		
		                        			 Background:
		                        			and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Long-acting Injectable Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) Induced Rabbit Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Ming-Han HSIEH ; Shang-Chien HUANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):166-170
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Rabbit syndrome (RS), characterized by fine, rapid, rhythmic movements along the mouth’s vertical axis, is typically linked to prolonged antipsychotic medication use. Emerging evidence suggests newer antipsychotics’ involvement in RS, prompting investigation into its association with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We report a case of RS observed in a patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and treated with Abilify Maintena, highlighting the importance of vigilance in monitoring adverse effects. The patient, a 53-year-old male, experienced persistent manic episodes despite prior treatments. Upon initiation of Abilify Maintena 400 mg, RS symptoms manifested seven months later, remaining resistant to medication adjustments. This case emphasizes the significance of RS in LAIs-treated patients and emphasizes the need for further research into its mechanisms and optimal management strategies. Additionally, an updated review of RS associated with newer generation antipsychotics is provided to enhance understanding and clinical management. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Long-acting Injectable Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) Induced Rabbit Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Ming-Han HSIEH ; Shang-Chien HUANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):166-170
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Rabbit syndrome (RS), characterized by fine, rapid, rhythmic movements along the mouth’s vertical axis, is typically linked to prolonged antipsychotic medication use. Emerging evidence suggests newer antipsychotics’ involvement in RS, prompting investigation into its association with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We report a case of RS observed in a patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and treated with Abilify Maintena, highlighting the importance of vigilance in monitoring adverse effects. The patient, a 53-year-old male, experienced persistent manic episodes despite prior treatments. Upon initiation of Abilify Maintena 400 mg, RS symptoms manifested seven months later, remaining resistant to medication adjustments. This case emphasizes the significance of RS in LAIs-treated patients and emphasizes the need for further research into its mechanisms and optimal management strategies. Additionally, an updated review of RS associated with newer generation antipsychotics is provided to enhance understanding and clinical management. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Long-acting Injectable Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) Induced Rabbit Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Ming-Han HSIEH ; Shang-Chien HUANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):166-170
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Rabbit syndrome (RS), characterized by fine, rapid, rhythmic movements along the mouth’s vertical axis, is typically linked to prolonged antipsychotic medication use. Emerging evidence suggests newer antipsychotics’ involvement in RS, prompting investigation into its association with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We report a case of RS observed in a patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and treated with Abilify Maintena, highlighting the importance of vigilance in monitoring adverse effects. The patient, a 53-year-old male, experienced persistent manic episodes despite prior treatments. Upon initiation of Abilify Maintena 400 mg, RS symptoms manifested seven months later, remaining resistant to medication adjustments. This case emphasizes the significance of RS in LAIs-treated patients and emphasizes the need for further research into its mechanisms and optimal management strategies. Additionally, an updated review of RS associated with newer generation antipsychotics is provided to enhance understanding and clinical management. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
		                        		
		                        			 Background:
		                        			and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Long-acting Injectable Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) Induced Rabbit Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Ming-Han HSIEH ; Shang-Chien HUANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):166-170
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Rabbit syndrome (RS), characterized by fine, rapid, rhythmic movements along the mouth’s vertical axis, is typically linked to prolonged antipsychotic medication use. Emerging evidence suggests newer antipsychotics’ involvement in RS, prompting investigation into its association with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We report a case of RS observed in a patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and treated with Abilify Maintena, highlighting the importance of vigilance in monitoring adverse effects. The patient, a 53-year-old male, experienced persistent manic episodes despite prior treatments. Upon initiation of Abilify Maintena 400 mg, RS symptoms manifested seven months later, remaining resistant to medication adjustments. This case emphasizes the significance of RS in LAIs-treated patients and emphasizes the need for further research into its mechanisms and optimal management strategies. Additionally, an updated review of RS associated with newer generation antipsychotics is provided to enhance understanding and clinical management. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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