The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a pivotal role in orchestrating higher-order emotional and cognitive processes, a function that depends on the precise modulation of synaptic activity. Although pharmacological studies have demonstrated that dopamine signaling through dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) in the PFC is essential for these functions, the cell-type-specific and molecular mechanisms underlying the neuromodulatory effects remain elusive. Using cell-type-specific knockout mice and patch-clamp recordings, we investigated the regulatory role of DRD1 on neurons and astrocytes in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, we explored the mechanisms by which DRD1 on astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity at the cellular level, as well as emotional and cognitive functions at the behavioral level, through two-photon imaging, microdialysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome sequencing, and behavioral testing. We found that conditional knockout of the Drd1 in astrocytes (CKO^AST) increased glutamatergic synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas Drd1 deletion in pyramidal neurons did not affect synaptic transmission. The elevated level of d-serine in the mPFC of CKO^AST mice increased glutamatergic transmission and LTP through NMDA receptors. In addition, CKO^AST mice exhibited abnormal emotional and cognitive function. Notably, these behavioral changes in CKO^AST mice could be reversed through the administration of d-serine degrease to the mPFC. These results highlight the critical role of the astrocytic DRD1 in modulating mPFC synaptic transmission and plasticity, as well as higher brain functions through d-serine, and may shed light on the treatment of mental disorders.

There is a rapid development of 3D visualization (3DV) technology in the medical field nowadays. The 3DV model of the liver established by original CT and/or MRI imaging data can provide information on the complex structure of the liver in a variety of modes and help surgeons to perform better preoperative evaluation and individualized planning, so as to realize optimal protective liver resection and finally help patients get the best benefits. This article reviews the research advances in 3DV technology and precision surgery for liver tumors.

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibitory effect of 10-gingerol on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and the role of Src/STAT3 signaling pathway in mediating the effect.

METHODSSYBYL-X2.1 software was used to simulate the interaction between 10-gingerol and Src. HepG2 cells treated with 10-gingerol at 1, 3, 10 or μol/L for 24 h were assessed for cell viability using MTT assay, and EdU staining was used to detect the cell proliferation and calculate the number of positive cells. The expressions of p-Src and p-STAT3 were detected using Western blotting, and the mRNA expressions of the target genes of STAT3 (cyclin D1 and CMCC) were detected using qPCR.

RESULTS10-gingerol was capable of forming hydrogen bond with such Src residues as TRY-340, MET-341, MET-314, ASP-404, and ILE-336. MTT assay showed that 10-gingerol at 3 and 10 μmol/L significantly lowered the viability of HepG2 cells ( < 0.001). Treatment with 1, 3, and 10 μmol/L 10-gingerol significantly reduces the number of EdU-positive HepG 2 cells ( < 0.001). Western blotting showed that 10-gingerol at 3 and 10 μmol/L significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of Src and STAT3 in HepG2 cells ( < 0.01). 10-gingerol at 1, 3, and 10 μmol/L significantly decreased the mRNA expressions of cyclin D1 and CMCC as shown by qPCR ( < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS10-gingerol can dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells and suppress the activation of Src and STAT3.

Objective To compare the pharmacological actions of Liandai Tablet(LT) and its main active components on apoptosis of gastric cancer cells and DNA damage. Methods Effects of Liandai Tablet(LT) and its main active components,berberine and indirubin,on growth and apoptosis of gastric cancer cell strain MGC_803 were explored and their effects on DNA damage were also studied. Results LT serum in high and low dosages and berberine could inhibit the growth of MGC_803 as compared with the control group,and typical morphological features of apoptosis were found in the MGC_803 by methyl green pyronin stain assay.But indirubin at various concentrations showed no obvious inhibitory effects. Agarose gel electrophoresis assay revealed that the MGC_803 cell DNA was split into large fragments when treated with berberine. Conclusion LT serum exerts a similar inhibitory effect on the growth and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells as compared with berberine.The effects of LT at various serum concentrations on MGC_803 DNA was less than that of berberine,and indirubin at the given concentration had no this effect.