EH Group Research Articles

Z-Guggulsterone Relieves Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting the Expression of Astrocytes and Proinflammatory Cytokines in the Spinal Dorsal Horn.

ObjectiveThe study objective was to investigate whether Z-guggulsterone can relieve neuropathic pain in sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) mice by inhibiting the expression of astrocytes and proinflammatory cytokines in the spinal dorsal horn.MethodsNeuropathic pain was induced and assessed in CCI mice. Z-guggulsterone was administered multiple times via intraperitoneal injection. Pain behaviour assessments were made by conducting paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) tests. The expression level of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the spinal dorsal horn was observed by immunofluorescence. The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the spinal cord were measured by ELISA. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA or two-way ANOVA.ResultsThe PWMT and TWL were higher on the 5th, 7th, 10th and 14th days after CCI, the expression level of GFAP in the spinal dorsal horn was lower, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the spinal cord were lower in the CCI+Z-GS-L, CCI+Z-GS-M and CCI+Z-GS-H groups than in the CCI+Veh group in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).ConclusionZ-guggulsterone can relieve neurological pain in CCI mice, which may be related to the inhibition of astrocytes and proinflammatory cytokines in the spinal dorsal horn.

Behavior of implant and abutment sets of three different connections during the non-axial load application: An in vitro experimental study using a radiographic method

During the masticatory cycle, loads of different intensities and directions are received by the dental structures and/or implants, which can cause micromovements at the junction between the abutment and implant. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the behavior of three different implant connections subjected to different load values using a digital radiography system. Additionally, the torque values for removing the abutment screws were also measured and compared. Ninety sets of implant and abutment (IA) were used, divided into three groups according to the type of connection (n =30 per group): EH group, external hexagon type connection; IH group, internal hexagon connection; and, MT group, Morse taper connection. MT group showed the better vertical misfit behavior at the three intensity of load applied, in comparison with EH and IH groups. In the analysis of torque maintenance (detorque test), MT group showed higher values of detorque when compared with the measured values of EH and IH groups (p <0.001). The IA sets of EH and IH groups showed a microgap in all levels of applied loads, unlike the MT group this event was not observed. In the detorque test, MT group increase in the torque values when compared to the initial torque applied, unlike EH and IH groups showed a decrease in the initially torque applied in all conditions tested. A positive correlation was detected between the misfit and detorque values.

Role of the p38MAPK signaling pathway in hippocampal neuron autophagy in rats with chronic intermittent hypoxia.

This study explored the role of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in hippocampal neuron autophagy in rats with chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided to normoxic control (CON), CIH (optimal modeling time was determined prior by measuring the expression of several proteins after 2-, 4-, and 6-wk intermittent hypoxia), solvent (CIH+Veh), or p38MAPK inhibitor (CIH+SB203580) groups. DMSO and SB203580 were injected intraperitoneally 30 min before hypoxia in CIH+Veh and CIH+SB203580 group rats, respectively. Rat learning and memory were evaluated via the Morris water maze test. Ultrastructural changes in the hippocampal CA1 region autophagic vesicles and neurons were observed under transmission electron and light microscopy. Hippocampal microtubule-associated proteins were detected by western blot. Morris water maze test showed that CIH+SB203580 group rats spent significantly more time on the platform quadrant and crossed the platform more times than CIH+Veh group rats (P < 0.01). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed greater rat cell damage in the CIH+SB group than in the CIH and CIH+Veh groups. Western blot analysis showed that CIH+SB group rats had significantly lower p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK, LC3I, and p62 expression and higher beclin-1 expression than CIH+Veh group rats (P < 0.01). Electron microscopy showed that CIH+SB203580 group rats had several small hippocampal neuron autophagic vesicles. On immunofluorescence analyses, it showed a higher LC3II expression in CIH+SB203580 group rats than in CIH+Veh group rats (P < 0.01). These results indicate that inhibition of the CIH p38MAPK signaling pathway can activate autophagy and protect hippocampal neurons in rats.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The pathophysiological processes related to autophagy obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are unclear. This study clarified that the inhibition of the p38MAPK signaling pathway could further activate autophagy in hippocampal nerve cells, thus reducing nerve cell injury.

СОСТОЯНИИ СИСТЕМЫ СИНТЕЗА ОКСИДА АЗОТА ПРИ КОМОРБИДНОМ ТЕЧЕНИЕ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМЫ И ГИПЕРТОНИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ

Comorbidity is a common condition in medical practice. The presence of comorbid conditions in a patient makes a great contribution to the course and prognosis of the underlying disease, as well as the development of complications [12]. At the same time, diseases occurring with broncho-obstructive syndrome and arterial hypertension syndrome are widespread throughout the world [13, 14]. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of endothelial dysfunction associated with impaired nitric oxide synthesis, based on the state of the NO/NOS/ADMA system and genetic polymorphisms of the nitric oxide synthetase gene in patients with bronchial asthma combined with essential hypertension. Materials and methods Three groups of patients, 96 people each, were formed, corresponding in age and gender structure with a diagnosis of bronchial asthma (BA group), essential hypertension (EH group) and their joint course (BA+EH group). Serum concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, genetic polymorphisms of nitric oxide synthase (synthases NOS3 786T/C and NOS3 894G/T) were determined. To determine the role of other factors in increasing the concentration of ADMA and SDMA, multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: according to the results of the study, for a group of patients with a combination of bronchial asthma and hypertension, there are increased levels of ADMA and SDMA, the T allele NOS3 786C/T is more common in hypertension, in multiple linear regression significant factors in increasing ADMA are the presence of hypertension, bronchial asthma, body mass index and glomerular filtration rate, for SDMA - the presence of hypertension, asthma and glomerular filtration rate. Conclusions: The comorbidity of bronchial asthma and arterial hypertension is associated with an increased serum concentration of ADMA and SDMA. The presence of the TT genotype of the NOS3 786C/T polymorphism is associated with an increased incidence of arterial hypertension in patients with asthma.

Correlation between classical transient receptor potential channel 1 gene polymorphism and microalbuminuria in patients with primary hypertension

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the correlation between transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) gene polymorphism and microalbuminuria in patients with primary hypertension. Methods: A total of 468 patients with primary hypertension were admitted to the Department of Hypertension of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from April 2015 to November 2017. According to microalbuminuria, the patients were divided into two groups: high urinary albumin group (EH+mALB group, n = 71) and normal urinary microalbuminuria group (EH group, n = 397). The Sequenom detection technology was used for genotyping the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of the TRPC1 gene, such as rs1382688, rs3821647, rs7638459, rs953239, and rs7621642. Results: (1) No significant differences were detected in gender, smoking history, drinking history, family history, course of hypertension, fasting blood glucose, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, vitamin D, homocysteine, and cystatin C between the two groups (P > .05). However, age, body mass index (BMI), 24-h mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and 24-h average pulse pressure were statistically significant (P < .05). (2) No significant difference was detected in the distribution frequency of the polymorphisms of the TRPC1 gene between the two groups (P > .05), while the genotype, allele, and recessive model of rs7638459 differed significantly difference (P < .05). (3) Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI and rs7638459 CC genotype were the risk factors of increased microalbuminuria in patients with primary hypertension. Conclusion: TRPC1 gene polymorphism is associated with increased microalbuminuria in patients with primary hypertension. The CC genotype of rs7638459 may increase the risk of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension, while BMI and rs7638459 CC genotype may be the risk factors of increased microalbuminuria in patients with primary hypertension.

Inhibition of ferroptosis-like cell death attenuates neuropathic pain reactions induced by peripheral nerve injury in rats.

Relationships between iron-dependent ferroptosis and nerve system diseases have been recently revealed. However, the role of ferroptosis in neuropathic pain (NeP) remains to be elucidated. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether ferroptosis in spinal cord contributes to NeP induced by a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats received CCI or sham surgery, and were randomly assigned to the following four groups: sham group; CCI+LIP group; CCI+Veh group; and CCI group. Liproxstatin-1 or corn oil were separately injected intraperitoneally for three consecutive days after surgery in the CCI+LIP or CCI+Veh group. The mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities were tested after surgery. Biochemical and morphological changes related to ferroptosis in the spinal cord were also assessed. These included iron content, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and anti-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) expression, lipid peroxidation assays, as well as mitochondrial morphology. CCI-induced NeP was followed by iron accumulation, increased lipid peroxidation and dysregulation of ACSL4 and GPX4. Moreover transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of aberrant morphological changes on mitochondrial, such as mitochondria shrinkage and membrane rupture. Furthermore, the administration of liproxstatin-1 on CCI rats attenuated hypersensitivities, lowered the iron level, decreased spinal lipid peroxidation, restored the dysregulations in GPX4 and ACSL4 levels, and protected against CCI induced morphological changes in mitochondria. Our findings indicated the involvement of ferroptosis in CCI induced NeP, and point to ferroptosis inhibitors such as liproxstatin-1 as potential therapies for hypersensitivity induced by peripheral nerve injury. The spinal ferroptosis-like cell death was involved in the development of neuropathic pain resulted from peripheral nerve injury, and inhibition of ferroptosis by liproxstatin-1 could alleviate mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities. This knowledge suggested that ferroptosis could represent a potential therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.

Effects and mechanisms of Xuezhikang on preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in diabetic rats

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanisms of Xuezhikang on preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to establish a diabetes model in 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After 4 weeks of modeling, 24 diabetic rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham group, CIN group, CIN+vehicle (Veh) group and Xuezhikang group. All animals were sacrificed at 24 hours after administration of contrast. Blood and kidney tissues were collected to detect biochemical, inflammation-related, oxidative stress-related and pathological indicators. Results: After administration of contrast agent, the renal function-related indicators were decreased in Xuezhikang group compared with CIN+Veh group [serum creatinine (SCr): (59.3±3.3) μmol/L vs (73.2±4.1) μmol/L; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): (13.8±0.5) mmol/L vs (16.3±0.6) mmol/L; serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL): (41.4±2.0) ng/ml vs (54.9±4.4) ng/ml; urinary kidney injury moleculer-1 (uKIM-1): (11.1±0.5) ng/ml vs (16.6±0.5) ng/ml] (all P<0.05). Histological analysis showed that the severity of renal tubule dilatation, brush border loss and renal tubular cell necrosis in Xuezhikang group was better than that of CIN+Veh group. Additionally, the oxidative stress-related indicators of Xuezhikang group improved compared with those of CIN+Veh group [malondialdehyde (MDA): (12.1±0.7) nmol/mg vs (15.5±0.8) nmol/mg, superoxide dismutase (SOD): (35.0±2.2) U/mg vs (23.7±3.4) U/mg, renal nitrite: (1.7±0.1) nmol/mg vs (1.2±0.1) nmol/mg, all P<0.05]. Meanwhile, Xuezhikang pretreatment downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The current study suggests that Xuezhikang protects against CIN in diabetic rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

The Diagnostic Value of Captopril Challenge Test for Primary Aldosteronism

To investigate the diagnostic value of different captopril challenge test (CCT) diagnostic criteria for diagnosing primary aldosteronism (PA). We collected the clinical data of 184 patients with hypertension retrospectively in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the post-CCT efficacy of aldosterone renin activity ratio (ARR), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA) and PAC suppression rate for PA diagnosis. This study included 125 cases of primary aldehyde (PA group) and 59 cases of essential hypertension (EH group), and there were 38 normal renin primary hypertension (NREH group) and 21 low renin primary hypertension (LREH group) in EH group. The post-CCT PAC suppression rate (median (P 25, P 75)) of EH and PA group were 0.190 (0.083, 0.351) and 0.125 (0.024, 0.237), respectively. Compared with the NREH group, the basic and post-CCT PRA of LREH group were lower ( P<0.001), and there were no significant differences compared with the PA group ( P>0.05). We found significant overlap of post-CCT PRA and ARR between PA group and LREH group, while the overlap of post-CCT PAC between the two groups was small. In differential diagnosis of PA and EH, the areas under ROC curve of the post-CCT ARR, PAC, PRA and PAC suppression rate were 0.860 (95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.800-0.907), 0.881 (95% CI: 0.825-0.924), 0.771 (95% CI: 0.703-0.831) and 0.632 (95% CI: 0.558-0.701), respectively. There was no significant difference between the first two indexes ( Z=0.443, P=0.658), and both of them were higher than the latter two ( P<0.05). The optimal post-CCT cut-off values for ARR and PAC in differential diagnosis of PA and EH were 19.24 ng·dL -1 with a sensitivity of 78.4% and a specificity of 88.1%, and 32.47 (ng·dL -1)/(ng·mL -1·h -1) with a sensitivity of 84.17% and a specificity of 72.41%. Both ARR and PAC have higher diagnostic value than the post-CCT PAC suppression rate, post-CCT PAC is especially suitable as a confirmatory testing criterion of PA.

The associations of low birth weight with primary hypertension in later life: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate of the study the role of LBW on EH in children and by studying the existing published literature.Materials and Methods:A comprehensive literature search for original studies was conducted in Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase until July 2019. The search used all of the main keywords and its synonyms include essential hypertension, primary hypertension, essential arterial hypertension, idiopathic hypertension, spontaneous hypertension; child, childhood, children, pediatric, pediatrics, infant, infancy, newborn, neonatal, adolescence, teenagers; and BW, newborn weight, neonatal weight, BW.Results:Twelve articles were eligible for the final evaluation. Due to the difference among studies in the report, studies were divided into two-part. The first part, articles were reported in the LBW and NBW groups (interested outcome were SBP and DBP), and the second part was composed as the EH and NR groups (interested outcome were LBW and NBW). In the first part, SMD for SBP was -1.09 with 95% CI (-1.91,-0.26), and was statistically significant (Z=2.58, P=0.010). As well, SMD for DBP was -0.68 with 95% CI (-1.32,-0.05) statistically significant (Z=2.10, P=0.036). In the second part, SMD for SBP was 0.77 with 95% CI (-0.85, 2.39), and was statistically significant (Z=0.93, P=0.352). Subgroup analysis was performed on the pre-term and full- term babies. SMD for SBP was -0.08 with 95% CI (-0.51, 0.35) in the pre-term, and the full-term was -2.07 with 95% CI (-3.47, -0.67). As well, SMD for DBP was -0.02 with 95% CI (-0.20, 0.17) in the preterm, and the term was -1.35 with 95% CI (-1.57, -1.13).Conclusion:Although findings of the correlation between BW and EHTN have conflicted. To our knowledge, this is the first report that attempts to a conclusion.

Clinical characteristics of 30 COVID-19 patients with epilepsy: A retrospective study in Wuhan

ObjectiveThis study aims to present the clinical characteristics of 30 hospitalized cases with epileptic seizures and coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). MethodsThis is a retrospective observational research study. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records in 1550 patients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, who were hospitalized in Wuhan Central Hospital, China, from 1 January to 31 April 2020. 30 COVID-19 patients with the diagnosis of epilepsy were enrolled. The clinical characteristics, complications, treatments, and clinical outcomes of 30 cases were collected and analyzed. ResultOf 30 patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy and COVID-19, 13 patients (43.4%) had new-onset epileptic seizures without an epilepsy history(new-onset seizure group, NS group), ten patients(33.3%) had an epilepsy history with a recurrent epileptic seizure (recurrent seizure group, RS group) and seven patients(23.3%) had an epilepsy history but no seizure during the course of COVID-19 (epilepsy history group, EH group). Patients in the RS group had a larger number of other-neurological-disease histories than those in the NS and EH groups (7/10[70%] VS 1/13 [7.7%] VS 1/7[14.3%]); the difference between the RS group and NS group is significant (P < 0.05). Patients in the NE and RS groups suffered more severe/critical COVID-19 infection than patients in the EH group (10/13[76.9%] VS 6/10[60%] VS 1/7[14.3%]); the difference between the NS group and EH group is significant (P < 0.05). 36.7% of patients had one to five neurological complications, and 46.4% of patients had 6–10 neurological complications. The complications in patients with seizures (in the RS and NS groups) seem to be more than those without seizures (in the EH group), but it did not reach statistical significance. The proportion of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) treatment before admission was higher in the EH group than in the RE group(7/7 [100%] VS 2/10 [20%], P < 0.05). The mortality of 30 patients with epilepsy and COVID-19 was 36.67%. The mortality of the NS group(38.5%) and the RS group(50%) were a little higher than in the EH group(14.3%). None of the convalescent patients had a recurrent seizure, and there were no more deaths in the 3-month follow-up after discharge. ConclusionsCOVID-19 patients with recurrent epileptic seizures had more underlying neurological diseases than patients who had an epilepsy history but without a seizure. Patients with new-onset and recurrent epileptic seizures suffered more severe/critical COVID-19, which may lead to a worse prognosis. If patients with epilepsy history continue using AEDs during COVID-19 pandemics, the risk of recurrent seizure may be reduced, and a good prognosis for patients with epilepsy history could be expected.

Periodontal conditions of essential hypertension attendees to a general hospital in Hong Kong.

Periodontal infection may induce systemic vascular/endothelial dysfunction signifying a potential link between hypertension and periodontitis. A convenience sample of 204 adults attending a university teaching hospital without (C: control) or with essential hypertension [EH; n=102, duration (mean±SD) 11.4±6.9years] was surveyed in this cross sectional study. Patients with concomitant systemic conditions were excluded. Dental history, oral hygiene habits and blood pressure were recorded. Plaque score (Pl%), bleeding on probing (BOP%), probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were noted and periodontitis severity was determined according to AAP/CDC case definition guidelines. Both groups exhibited poor oral hygiene. EH group had higher mean full-mouth PAL/PPD (3.16/2.73 vs. 2.51/2.40, P<0.001). 51.0%/30.4% of the EH/C participants had severe periodontitis (P<0.001). Regression analysis indicated systolic blood pressure, age, smoking and BOP% were associated with more severe periodontitis (r2 =0.207, P<0.05) while BOP%, PAL and fewer missing teeth were associated with worse mean PPD (r2 =0.612, P<0.05). Within the limitations of this study, the majority of hospital attendees surveyed exhibited poor plaque control, while periodontitis severity was found to be associated with EH, and smoking.

The Value of Serum Potassium and Ratio of Sodium to Potassium after Saline Infusion Test in Differential Diagnosis of Primary Hyperaldosteronism

To explore the electrolyte characteristics between different types of primary aldosteronism (PA), especially the value of serum potassium and the ratio of sodium to potassium after saline infusion test (SIT) in differential diagnosis of PA. The clinical data was collected from 135 patients who received screening for the causes of hypertension from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2018 in West China Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: essential hypertension group (EH group, 34 patients) and primary aldosteronism group (PA group, 101 patients). PA patients were divided into aldosterone-producing adenoma group (APA group, 60 patients) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism group (IHA group, 41 patients). To analyze the value of serum potassium and the ratio of sodium to potassium after SIT in the differential diagnosis of PA with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Compared with EH group, the serum potassium level of APA group was lower either before or after SIT ( P<0.01). The ratio of sodium to potassium before and after SIT in APA group were higher than that in EH group ( P<0.05). There were no differences between APA group and IHA group in the level of serum potassium and the ratio of sodium to potassium before SIT. The level of serum potassium after SIT in APA group was lower than that in IHA group ( P<0.01), and the ratio of sodium to potassium was higher ( P<0.05). The area under ROC curve ( AUC) of serum potassium level and the ratio of sodium to potassium after SIT were 0.641 and 0.646, respectively, while the AUC of aldosterone level was 0.788. The optimal cut-off value of serum sodium level was 3.56 mmol/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 46.7% and 85.4%. The optimal cut-off value of ratio of sodium to potassium was 39.09, with 53.3% and 80.5% in sensitivity and specificity. The serum potassium and the ratio of sodium to potassium after SIT has limited diagnostic value for its low sensitivity in differential diagnosis of PA.

Proteinase Activated Receptor 4 in the Jejunum of Healthy Horses and of Horses With Epiploic Hernia.

Proteinase activated receptor 4 (PAR4) in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in the regulation of inflammation and pain pathways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR4 in the jejunum of healthy horses and in the pathologic tracts from horses undergoing surgery for herniation of the small intestine through the epiploic foramen. Eight healthy horses (Group H) and eight horses with epiploic hernia (Group EH) were included; the jejunum samples were collected at the slaughter or intraoperatively after enterectomy, respectively. To evaluate PAR4 expression in sections of the jejunum, immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. Immunohistochemistry of PAR4 in the jejunum of the healthy horses showed that receptors are predominantly expressed in the immune cell population scattered throughout the lamina propria of the mucosa and in the submucosa. Quantitative PCR data demonstrated that PAR4 mRNA was detectable in all of the samples analyzed without any difference between the H and the EH groups, however the PAR4 protein level was significantly lower in the jejunums of the EH horses. In the Group EH horses, PAR4 immunoreactivity was mainly expressed in the mast cells and was extensively distributed in the sierosa. In the lamina propria of mucosa of Group EH, leukocytes were less abundant than in Group H. In this study, the distribution and expression of PAR4 in the jejunums of the healthy horses and in those with spontaneous occurring epiploic hernia was demonstrated.

Systemic Injection of Thalidomide Prevent and Attenuate Neuropathic Pain and Alleviate Neuroinflammatory Response in the Spinal Dorsal Horn.

Background and objectiveThalidomide (Tha) has been shown to exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether Tha can alleviate spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Tha on the SNL-induced NP and further explore the potential analgesic mechanisms of Tha.MethodsThe effects of Tha on SNL-induced mechanical allodynia were assessed by pain behavioral testing. The expressions of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the microglia marker Iba1 in the spinal dorsal horn were evaluated by immunofluorescence histochemistry. Protein expressions of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the spinal dorsal horn were tested by Western blot assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or two-way ANOVA.ResultsBy the pretreatment with a single intraperitoneal injection, the PWMT in SNL+Tha group was significantly increased from day 1 to day 2 after SNL (P < 0.05 compared with SNL+Veh group). By the posttreatment with a single intraperitoneal injection, the PWMT in SNL+Tha group was also significantly increased from day 3 to day 4 after SNL (P < 0.05 compared with SNL+Veh group). By the posttreatment with multiple intraperitoneal injection, both the PWMT and the PWTL in SNL+Tha group were similarly significantly increased from day 3 to day 14 after SNL (P < 0.05 compared with SNL+Veh group). Furthermore, the GFAP and Iba1 expressions and TNF-α levels of the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn in SNL+Tha group were significantly weaker from day 3 to day 14 after SNL than those in SNL+Veh group (P < 0.05).ConclusionTha can significantly alleviate NP induced by SNL. The analgesic mechanism may be related to inhibition of astrocyte and microglia activation as well as down-regulation of TNF-α levels in the spinal dorsal horn.

Immunohistochemical analysis of histone H3 acetylation in the trigeminal root entry zone in an animal model of trigeminal neuralgia.

The trigeminal root entry zone (TREZ) is a transitional zone between the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), adjacent to the brainstem. Microvascular compression of the TREZ has been considered to be the primary etiology in most cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but whether epigenetic regulation is involved in the pathogenesis of TN is still unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the epigenetic regulation of histone H3 acetylation in the TREZ in an animal model of TN. An animal model of TN was established, and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a TN group with trigeminal nerve root compression, sham operation group, TN+HDACi group (TN plus selective histone deacetylase inhibitor injection into the TREZ), or TN+Veh group (TN plus vehicle injection into the TREZ). To measure the length of the central portion of the TREZ from the junction of the trigeminal nerve root entering the pons to the interface of the dome-shaped CNS-PNS transitional zone, immunofluorescent staining of glia and glial nuclei was performed using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody and DAPI, respectively. To investigate the acetylation of histone H3 within the TREZ in a TN animal model group and a sham operation group, localization of histone H3K9, H3K18, and H3K27 acetylation was examined via immunohistochemical staining methods. Measurements of the CNS-PNS transitional zone in the TREZ revealed that the average length from the junction of the trigeminal nerve root connecting the pons to the glial fringe of the TREZ in the TN group was longer than that in the sham operation group (p < 0.05) and that the interface gradually migrated distally. Cells that stained positive for acetylated histone H3K9, H3K18, and H3K27 were distributed around both sides of the border of the CNS-PNS junction in the TREZ. The ratio of immunoreactive H3K9-, H3K18- and H3K27-positive cells in the TN group was obviously higher than that in the sham operation group on postoperative days 7, 14, 21, and 28 (p < 0.05). These results suggested that chronic compression of the trigeminal nerve root may be involved in the pathogenesis of TN in an animal model by influencing the plasticity of the CNS-PNS transitional zone and the level of histone acetylation in the TREZ.

Endurance Training Counteracts the High-Fat Diet-Induced Profiling Changes of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Skeletal Muscle of Middle-Aged Rats.

PurposeTo investigate the effects of endurance training on the content of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their distribution among lipid classes in skeletal muscle in middle aged, high-fat diet fed rats.MethodThirty 10-month old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to four groups. Two groups of rats remained sedentary and were fed chow diet (C group), or high-fat diet (H group), respectively. The other two groups of rats were subjected to endurance training while maintaining their chow diet (EC group), or high-fat diet (EH group). After 16 weeks endurance training and/or diet intervention, the content of ω-3 PUFAs and ω-3 PUFA-containing lipids in rat soleus muscle were analyzed by lipidomics.ResultsRats fed a high-fat diet exhibited decreased overall amount of ω-3 PUFAs in soleus muscle, while endurance training preserved the total amount of ω-3 PUFAs. Both the endurance training and high-fat diet alone changed the profiles of ω-3 PUFAs in different lipid classes. Specifically, the amount of triacylglycerol (TG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) containing ω-3 PUFAs in soleus muscle was increased by endurance training, but the amount of lysophosphatidylenthanol (LPE), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), lysophosphatidylserine (LPS), cardiolipin (CL), phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) was decreased. The high-fat diet induced a decrease of ω-3 PUFAs in TG, LPE, LPS, CL, platelet activating factor (PAF), PC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylserine (PS), and an increase in LPC, LPI, PA, and PG. In addition, the effects of the endurance training on ω-3 PUFAs in skeletal muscle was also evident in high-fat diets fed rats, which counteracts the profiling changes caused by high-fat diet feeding.ConclusionThe beneficial effects of endurance training on skeletal muscle may be achieved to some extent through recovering the content of ω-3 PUFAs that has been decreased by high-fat diet feeding.

Clinical Research on the Aortic Elasticity in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Hypertension.

To investigate the characteristics of aortic elasticity in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) patients with hypertension using dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). Subjects were divided into four groups: 31 with hypertension (EH group), 28 with DM1 (DM1 group), 30 with hypertension and DM1 (DM1 + EH group), and 30 healthy volunteers (control group, CG). ECG-gated DSCT was used to measure the cross-sectional area of the aorta in diastole and systole and calculate the aortic elasticity (D). Analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Compared with the CG, aortic elasticity (D) in the DM1 group patients was not significantly decreased. Compared with the EH group, the DM1 + EH group showed no significant change. The aortic elasticity (D) in the EH and DM1 + EH groups was significantly lower than that in the CG and DM1 group. DM1 slightly affects the aortic elasticity of the descending aorta, whereas hypertension exerts the main effect.

Effects of early long-chain n-3HUFA programming on growth, antioxidant response and lipid metabolism of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt)

The effects of early LC n-3HUFA programming on growth performance, antioxidant response and lipid metabolism on Siberian sturgeon were studied. Two groups of diets with high or low levels of LC n-3HUFA for larvae by microcapsule processing (diet E1 and E2 with 34.6 and 6.5 g/kg) and for grow-up by extrusion (diet J1 and J2 with 34.4 and 7.8 g/kg) were prepared respectively. During the early programming period (8–32 days post-hatching, dph), larval fish were divided into 2 groups, and named group EH (fed diet E1) and EL (fed diet E2), then both groups were fed diet J1 during 33 - 55dph (the intermediate period), then fed diet J2 from 56dph to 77dph (the adaptability period). The results showed that the specific growth rate of group EH was significantly higher than that of group EL during 8-32dph, but the survival rate between the two groups was no difference. During the 33–55dph, although the final body weight of EL group was still lower, a higher complementary SGR was observed in this group. By the end of 77dph, growth performance of the two groups was no difference anymore. Both groups of fish kept antioxidant homeostasis during all feeding stages. The whole-body EPA and DHA levels of the EL group were significantly lower than those of the EH Group at 77dph. At 18dph, a high mortality was observed for both of groups, and simultaneously, except the dull reaction of the gene expression of ELOVL5, which engages for the EPA and DHA synthesis, other tested genes related to fatty acid synthesis, desaturation and elongation (FASN, FADS1/2, ELOVL6) in fish experienced low dietary LC n-3HUFA were positively up-regulated. Fish of EL group also significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of genes related lipolysis/β-oxidation (PPARα, HL and LPL), which could be related to the higher energy-supply efficient of 18:1n-9 in soy oil. In conclusion, LC n-3HUFA is essential for early ontogenesis of Siberian sturgeon, but it had a minor influence on growth and lipid metabolism in later life, which could be related to the progressively elaborated HUFA synthesis capability in grow-up Siberian sturgeon.

3T MRI evaluation of regional catecholamine-producing tumor-induced myocardial injury.

ObjectiveRegional differences in cardiac magnetic resonance, which can reveal catecholamine-induced myocardial injury in patients with pheochromocytoma, have not yet been assessed using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated these differences using myocardial T1-mapping and strain analysis.Design and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 16 patients newly diagnosed with catecholamine-producing tumors (CPT group) and 16 patients with essential hypertension (EH group), who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging between May 2016 and March 2018. We acquired 3T magnetic resonance cine and native T1-mapping images and performed feature-tracking-based strain analysis in the former.ResultsGlobal cardiac function, morphology, global strain and peak strain rate were similar, but end-diastolic wall thickness differed between groups (CPT vs EH: 10.5 ± 1.7 vs 12.6 ± 2.8 mm; P < 0.05). Basal, but not apical, circumferential strain was significantly higher in the CPT than the EH group (19.4 ± 3.2 vs 16.8 ± 3.6 %; P < 0.05). Native T1 values were significantly higher in CPT than in EH patients, in both the basal septum (1307 ± 48 vs 1241 ± 45 ms; P < 0.01) and the apical septum (1377 ± 59 vs 1265 ± 58 ms; P < 0.01) mid-walls. In the CPT, but not in the EH group, native T1 values in the apical wall were significantly higher than those in the basal wall (P < 0.01).Conclusion3T magnetic resonance-based T1-mapping can sensitively detect subclinical catecholamine-induced myocardial injury; the influence of catecholamines may be greater in the apical than in the basal wall.

Effects of electroacupuncture on cochlear morphology and expression of aquaporins in rats with AVP-induced endolymphatic hydrops

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of EA on EH and the regulation of AQP2 and AQP7 protein expression in rats. MethodsTwenty-four rats were allocated randomly to four groups of blank group, EH group, EH + tolvaptan group and EH + EA group (n = 6 per group). EH rat model was established by intraperitoneally injection of arginine vasopressin (AVP). EA was administered at acupoints “Baihui (百会 GV 20)” and “Tinggong (听宫 SI 19)”. Rats in the EH + tolvaptan group and EH + EA group were treated with tolvaptan and EA, respectively, after EH establishment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to measure the cochlear hydrops degree, and then the ratio of scala media (SM) area to SM + scala vestibuli (SV) area (R value) was calculated. Immunohistochemical method was used to observe AQP2/AQP7 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall after treatment. Results①There was no endolymphatic hydrops in the blank group. Reissner’ s membrane was extended markedly and bulged into SV in cochleae of the EH group and endolymphatic hydrops was noted. Statistical analysis revealed that R value in the EH group showed a significant increase compared with that in the blank group (0.42 ± 0.02 vs. 0.31 ± 0.05, P = 0.000). The distension of Reissner's membrane was less obvious in the EH + tolvaptan group and EH + EA group when compared with the EH group. R value in the EH + tolvaptan group and the EH + EA group was significantly less than that in EH group (0.32 ±0.04 vs. 0.42 ± 0.02, P = 0.001;0.35 ± 0.05 vs. 0.42 ± 0.02, P = 0.012). The degree of the hydrops in the EH + EA group was not different from that in the EH + tolvaptan group (0.35 ± 0.05 vs. 0.32 ±0.04, P = 1.000). ②The AQP2 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH group was significantly increased when compared with the blank group (12.74 ± 5.18 vs. 5.92 ± 1.52, P = 0.014). The AQP2 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH + tolvaptan group and EH + EA group were all lower than that of the EH group (6.52 ± 2.73 vs. 12.74 ± 5.18, P = 0.029;6.95 ± 3.10 vs. 12.74 ± 5.18, P = 0.047). The AQP2 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH + EA group was not different from that in the EH + tolvaptan group (6.95 ± 3.10 vs. 6.52 ± 2.73, P = 1.000). ③The AQP7 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH group was significantly increased when compared with the blank group (30.32 ± 6.39 vs 16.64 ± 3.21, P = 0.000). The AQP7 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH + tolvaptan group and EH + EA group were all lower than that of the EH group (18.32 ± 2.45 vs. 30.32 ± 6.39, P = 0.001;19.54 ± 4.61 vs. 30.32 ± 6.39, P = 0.003). The AQP7 protein expression in the rat cochlear lateral wall of EH + EA group was not different from that in the EH + tolvaptan group (19.54 ± 4.61 vs. 18.32 ± 2.45, P = 1.000). ConclusionsThese results indicate that repeated EA stimulation exerted the same effects as tolvaptan application on AQPs levels and subsequent aquaretic effects. And dehydrating effect of EA on the inner ear might be associated with its down-regulation of both AQP2 and AQP7 protein expression, thereby provide a potential molecular mechanism involved in the treatment of Meniere's disease by EA.