1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Ischemic Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Proteomics
Qiuyan ZHANG ; Ying LI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Longxiao HU ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):52-61
ObjectiveTo explore the optimal construction method and the biological basis for establishing a mouse model of ischemic heart disease(IHD) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO). MethodsA total of 144 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into three normal groups and nine model groups according to body mass, with 12 mice in each group. The model groups 1, 4, and 7 were administered ISO via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for four consecutive days, the model groups 2, 5, and 8 received ISO at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 for seven consecutive days, while the model groups 3, 6, and 9 were given ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. The normal groups were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. After the modeling process, body mass, 24-hour food and water intake, grip strength, and spontaneous activity of the mice were measured. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, the serum levels of norepinephrine(NE), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in myocardial tissue was measured by biochemical analysis, while histopathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. An orthogonal experimental design was applied for intuitive analysis and variance analysis to screen the optimal modeling conditions of the mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. A data-dependent acquisition(DDA) proteomic technique was employed to quantitatively detect differentially expressed proteins in myocardial tissue between the optimal model group and the normal group. And bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying the Qi and Yin deficiency model of IHD. ResultsOrthogonal results showed that the injection cycle had a great influence on model establishment, and the optimal modeling condition was identified as intraperitoneal injection of ISO at 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. Under this condition, compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated significant reductions in body mass, food intake, water intake, grip strength, total distance and average speed of exercise, ejection fraction(EF), fractional shortening(FS), serum levels of NE and cGMP, and myocardial ATP content(P<0.01), while immobility time, cAMP level, and the cAMP/cGMP value were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining results revealed that myocardial tissue in the model group had disordered cell arrangement, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fiber rupture, and fibrous tissue proliferation. Proteomic analysis identified 141 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the normal group, with 52 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the cellular components(CC) were mainly related to mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membrane, the biological processes(BP) were associated with complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, suggesting that the potential functional pathways involved the complement and coagulation cascade, as well as porphyrin metabolism. ConclusionContinuous intraperitoneal injection of ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1 for 14 days successfully establishes a mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to the regulation of iron ions by complement C3, C5 and Cp, and plays a role in the regulation through the BP of complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, and the signaling pathways of the complement and coagulation cascade and porphyrin metabolism.
3.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
4.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Ischemic Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Proteomics
Qiuyan ZHANG ; Ying LI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Longxiao HU ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):52-61
ObjectiveTo explore the optimal construction method and the biological basis for establishing a mouse model of ischemic heart disease(IHD) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO). MethodsA total of 144 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into three normal groups and nine model groups according to body mass, with 12 mice in each group. The model groups 1, 4, and 7 were administered ISO via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for four consecutive days, the model groups 2, 5, and 8 received ISO at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 for seven consecutive days, while the model groups 3, 6, and 9 were given ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. The normal groups were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. After the modeling process, body mass, 24-hour food and water intake, grip strength, and spontaneous activity of the mice were measured. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, the serum levels of norepinephrine(NE), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in myocardial tissue was measured by biochemical analysis, while histopathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. An orthogonal experimental design was applied for intuitive analysis and variance analysis to screen the optimal modeling conditions of the mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. A data-dependent acquisition(DDA) proteomic technique was employed to quantitatively detect differentially expressed proteins in myocardial tissue between the optimal model group and the normal group. And bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying the Qi and Yin deficiency model of IHD. ResultsOrthogonal results showed that the injection cycle had a great influence on model establishment, and the optimal modeling condition was identified as intraperitoneal injection of ISO at 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. Under this condition, compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated significant reductions in body mass, food intake, water intake, grip strength, total distance and average speed of exercise, ejection fraction(EF), fractional shortening(FS), serum levels of NE and cGMP, and myocardial ATP content(P<0.01), while immobility time, cAMP level, and the cAMP/cGMP value were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining results revealed that myocardial tissue in the model group had disordered cell arrangement, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fiber rupture, and fibrous tissue proliferation. Proteomic analysis identified 141 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the normal group, with 52 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the cellular components(CC) were mainly related to mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membrane, the biological processes(BP) were associated with complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, suggesting that the potential functional pathways involved the complement and coagulation cascade, as well as porphyrin metabolism. ConclusionContinuous intraperitoneal injection of ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1 for 14 days successfully establishes a mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to the regulation of iron ions by complement C3, C5 and Cp, and plays a role in the regulation through the BP of complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, and the signaling pathways of the complement and coagulation cascade and porphyrin metabolism.
5.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
6.Non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and related factors
Honghui WEI ; Ying ZHANG ; Ningning SUN ; Yue WANG ; Yang LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):211-216
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, significantly affecting their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with adolescent NSSI is crucial for prevention. Previous studies have identified mobile phone dependence as a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. However, as a key form of mobile phone dependence, the evidence regarding the impact of mobile phone social media dependence on adolescent NSSI behavior remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and its associated factors on adolescent NSSI behavior, so as to provide references for intervention strategies targeting NSSI in adolescents. MethodsA total of 100 adolescents diagnosed with NSSI according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and receiving treatment at Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study group. Concurrently, 100 age- and sex-matched students from Hangzhou were recruited as the control group. Assessments were conducted using Ottawa Self-injury Inventory(OSI) Function Subscale and Addiction Features Subscale, Adolescents Self-Harm Scale(ASHS), and Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing NSSI behaviors. ResultsThe research group had a total of 99 patients (99.00%) who completed the study, while the control group consisted of 97 (97.00%) adolescents who finished this research.The study group had statistically significantly higher total scores on the Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire, as well as higher scores on the conflict and withdrawal dimensions, compared with control group(t=-3.061, -2.874, -2.368, P<0.05 or 0.01). The study group also scored significantly higher on the OSI Function Subscale for internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation-seeking factors, as well as on the OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores, compared to the control group(t=-22.249, -8.854, -17.968, -10.591, -20.157, P<0.01). OSI Function Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.321, P<0.01), and OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.282, P<0.01). ASHS scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.145, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compulsivity (β=0.416, P<0.01) and conflict (β=0.256, P<0.05) were significant predictors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. ConclusionAdolescent NSSI behaviors are associated with mobile phone social media dependence. The compulsivity and conflict dimension of mobile phone social media dependence are influencing factors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. The higher level of the compulsivity and conflict are associated with an increased risk of the NSSI behaviors in adolescents. [Funde by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project in 2022 (number, 2022KY704]
7.Analysis of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid detection in blood products in China
Yue WANG ; Xiaobei ZHENG ; Qin GONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yuanxiu LUO ; Dandan YANG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Zheng JIANG ; Gan PENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Bingbing KE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):950-957
Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.
8.Analysis of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid detection in blood products in China
Yue WANG ; Xiaobei ZHENG ; Qin GONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yuanxiu LUO ; Dandan YANG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Zheng JIANG ; Gan PENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Bingbing KE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):950-957
Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.
9.Electroacupuncture Promotes Functional Recovery after Facial Nerve Injury in Rats by Regulating Autophagy via GDNF and PI3K/mTOR Signaling Pathway.
Jun-Peng YAO ; Xiu-Mei FENG ; Lu WANG ; Yan-Qiu LI ; Zi-Yue ZHU ; Xiang-Yun YAN ; Yu-Qing YANG ; Ying LI ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):251-259
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR.
RESULTS:
The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.
Rats
;
Male
;
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism*
;
Facial Nerve Injuries/therapy*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Beclin-1
;
Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
;
Signal Transduction
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Autophagy
;
Mammals/metabolism*
10. Quercetin plays a neuroprotective role in inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis by mediating JNK signaling pathway
Si-Fan YAO ; Xin ZHANG ; Yue-Ying DAI ; Li-Xia SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):256-262
Aim To study the mechanism of quereetin (Que) inhibiting mitochondrial damage induced by Aβ

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