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    18 September 2022, Volume 26 Issue 26 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    Hyperbaric oxygen improves fracture healing by promoting osteoblast proliferation
    Yu Xue, Li Xiaofeng, Shu Kegang, Wu Liwei, Wang Yonglin, Lyu Dingkang, Zhou Anyuan, Liang Chaoxin, Yang Yuan
    2022, 26 (26):  4136-4140.  doi: 10.12307/2022.833
    Abstract ( 1251 )   PDF (2248KB) ( 284 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Most fractures can be healed, 5%-10% of which will develop into nonunion. Clinical trials have confirmed that hyperbaric oxygen can accelerate fracture healing by significantly increasing the partial pressure of arterial oxygen via the blood circulation and promoting metabolism.
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen intervention for different time on the healing of femoral fractures in rabbits. 
    METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were selected to make femoral fracture models and randomly divided into a hyperbaric oxygen treatment group for 1 month, a hyperbaric oxygen treatment group for 2 months, a normoxia treatment group for 1 month, and a normoxia treatment group for 2 months (3 rabbits per group). In the hyperbaric oxygen treatment groups, all animals were placed in a hyperbaric animal cabin for hyperbaric oxygen treatment on the 1st day after modeling. After 1 and 2 months of treatment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of serum osteocalcin and type I collagen C-terminal peptide and hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe fracture healing.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After 1 month of treatment, expression levels of osteocalcin and type I collagen C-terminal peptide in serum showed no significant difference between the hyperbaric oxygen treatment groups and normoxia treatment groups (P > 0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the serum level of type I collagen C-terminal peptide was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and the serum level of osteocalcin was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment group than the normoxia treatment group. After 1 month of treatment, there was no difference in the severity of pathological injury between the hyperbaric oxygen treatment group and normoxia treatment group. Whereas, after 2 months of treatment, pathological injuries were significantly reduced in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment group compared with the normoxia treatment group. To conclude, hyperbaric oxygen treatment for 2 months can effectively increase the expression of osteocalcin, suggesting that it may promote the formation of osteoblasts and accelerate fracture healing. 
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    Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe improves bone metabolism, oxidative stress, and autophagy in osteoporotic rats
    Mi Jianguo, Qiao Rongqin, Liu Shaojin
    2022, 26 (26):  4147-4152.  doi: 10.12307/2022.816
    Abstract ( 636 )   PDF (898KB) ( 227 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the most important initiating factors for osteoporosis. In addition to directly activating classic mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis pathways, oxidative stress can also activate an autophagy signaling pathway. The regulatory mechanism underlying the antioxidant function of osteoblasts in osteoporosis has not been clearly clarified.
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin in osteoporotic rats by improving oxidative stress and autophagy.
    METHODS: Seventy-two 6-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group (n=24) and an operation group (n=48), in which the rat ovaries were removed to make an ovariectomized model. After 3 months, 12 rats were taken from each group for detecting bone mineral density and serum osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide, and osteoprotegerin levels. The remaining 36 rats in the operation group were divided into model group, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe group, alendronate vitamin D3 (II) group, with 12 rats in each group. Drug groups were given intragastric administration of corresponding drugs. Sham operation and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline. After 12 weeks, the rats in each group were sacrificed, and the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femur of the rats was detected by dual energy X-ray method. ELISA method was used to measure serum bone metabolism indexes and oxidative stress indexes. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of LC3, Beclin1, ATG5, and mammalian target of rapamycin in femoral tissue. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Three months after modeling and drug treatment, compared with the sham operation group, the bone mineral density and osteoprotegerin of the model group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the expression of osteocalcin, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide were significantly increased (P < 0.05). After 3 months of drug intervention, compared with the sham operation group, the expression levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression of LC3, Beclin1 and ATG5 was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the mRNA levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and mammalian target of rapamycin as well as the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). After 3 months of drug interventions, compared with the model group, these indicators were all improved in the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe group and alendronate vitamin D3 (II) group (P < 0.05). To conclude, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe can improve postmenopausal osteoporotic bone metabolism, oxidative stress levels and inhibit autophagy, and its mechanism may be involved in the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.
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    Effects of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 on osteogenic activity in the cartilage of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
    Sun Jinpeng, Liu Jun, Bai Yunfeng, Hua Feng, Wang Haoran, Zheng Hongrui, Wu Tao
    2022, 26 (26):  4160-4165.  doi: 10.12307/2022.818
    Abstract ( 542 )   PDF (2341KB) ( 188 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the abnormal expression of leptin and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether SOCS3 regulates the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes through the leptin signaling pathway.
    METHODS: Human spinous chondrocytes were stimulated with 0 (blank control group) and 100 µg/L leptin for 24 hours, and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of type II collagen. The human spinous chondrocytes were cultured in nine groups: a blank control group, a pcDNA3.1-NC transfected group, a pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 transfected group, a siRNA-NC transfected group, a siRNA-SOCS3 transfected group, a leptin+transfected pcDNA3.1-NC group, a leptin+transfected pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 group, a leptin+transfected siRNA-NC group, and a leptin+transfected siRNA-SOCS3 group. After being cultured in an incubator for 24 hours, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of SOCS3, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect the cell inhibition rate.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of type II collagen in chondrocytes s was higher in leptin-stimulated group than the blank control group. Results of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that transfection of pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 could significantly increase the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in chondrocytes, and transfection of siRNA-SOCS3 could significantly reduce the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in chondrocytes. In contrast, transfection of pcDNA3.1-NC and siRNA-NC had no effect on the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in chondrocytes. Leptin pre-stimulation could increase the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in chondrocytes transfected with pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 and siRNA-SOCS3, but it had no effect on the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in chondrocytes transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC and siRNA-NC. Results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that transfection of pcDNA3.1-SOCS3 could inhibit the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes, and transfection of siRNA-SOCS3 could enhance the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes. And leptin pre-stimulation could increase the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC, pcDNA3.1-SOCS3, siRNA-NC, and siRNA-SOCS3. These findings indicate that leptin stimulation can increase the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes, and upregulating the expression of SOCS3 can inhibit the osteogenic activity of chondrocytes through leptin resistance.
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    Regulating the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome-related molecules in dental pulp fibroblasts under inflammation
    Zhang Ansheng, Zhang Haiou, Ni Longxing
    2022, 26 (26):  4107-4112.  doi: 10.12307/2022.810
    Abstract ( 477 )   PDF (2375KB) ( 169 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome is an important inflammatory factor for cellular defense against various pathogens, which has been confirmed to be expressed in dental pulp fibroblasts. However, the mechanisms underlying the transcription regulation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in dental pulp fibroblasts under inflammation remains unclear.
    OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the transcription regulation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in dental pulp fibroblasts under inflammation.
    METHODS: The 4th generation dental pulp fibroblasts were divided into six groups. Group A was cultured normally without any treatment. Group B was simulated with lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours. Group C was treated with a specific inhibitor of Toll-like receptor 4 for 1 hour, and then it was also treated with a mixed solution of Toll-like receptor 4 specific inhibitor and lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours. Group D was treated with a specific inhibitor of myeloid differentiation factor 88 for 1 hour, and then treated with a mixed solution of specific inhibitor of myeloid differentiation factor 88 and lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours. Group E was treated with a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor κB for 1 hour, and then treated with a mixture solution of specific inhibitor of nuclear factor κB and lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours. Group F was treated with a negative control of myeloid differentiation factor 88 specific inhibitor for 1 hour, and then treated with a mixed solution of myeloid differentiation factor 88 specific inhibitor negative control and lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3, Caspase-1 and interleukin 1β. Western bolt was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 and Caspase-1. And enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the release level of interleukin 1β.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with group A, the mRNA expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3, Caspase-1 and interleukin 1β was increased in group B (P < 0.05), while compared with group B, the mRNA expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 and interleukin 1β was decreased in groups C-E (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of Caspase-1 was also decreased in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the protein expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 and Caspase-1 was increased in group B (P < 0.05), while compared with group B, the protein expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 was decreased in groups C-E (P < 0.05), and the protein expression of Caspase-1 was also decreased in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the level of interleukin 1β was increased in group B (P < 0.05), while compared with group B, the levels of interleukin 1β were decreased in groups C-E (P < 0.05). All these findings indicate that lipopolysaccharide upregulates the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 and interleukin 1β in dental pulp fibroblasts through the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway.
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    Effects of interleukin-10 on alveolar bone remodeling under orthodontic force in a high glucose condition
    Han Yu, Li Wenjing, Wu Jie, Cui Zhanqin
    2022, 26 (26):  4180-4185.  doi: 10.12307/2022.821
    Abstract ( 507 )   PDF (2535KB) ( 257 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment can change the levels of various cytokines in periodontal tissue, which promotes bone resorption on the tooth pressure side and bone formation on the tooth tension side. Changes in high glucose level and other inflammatory factor levels in diabetic patients induce an imbalance in bone metabolism where absorbed bone tissue is more than that formed.
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of interleukin-10 and mechanical stimulation on the expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells under high glucose environment, and to explore the effect of interleukin-10 on bone remodeling of alveolar bone in diabetic patients under orthodontic force. 
    METHODS: Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured by tissue explant method. According to the mechanical stimulation the cells received, the cells were divided into stress group (A, B, C, D subgroups) and tension group (E, F, G, H subgroups). Both stress and tension groups included four subgroups (low-glucose DMEM group, low-glucose DMEM group+interleukin-10 group, high-glucose DMEM group, high-glucose DMEM+interleukin-10 group). Cell supernatant was collected at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after culture. The expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in the supernatant were detected by ELISA. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Pressure could decrease the expression of osteoprotegerin and increase the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells, and decreased their ratio. High glucose could promote this process, while the effect of interleukin-10 was opposite to that of high glucose. Tension could increase the expression of osteoprotegerin, decrease the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells, and increase their ratio. High glucose could inhibit this process, and interleukin-10 had an effect that was opposite to high glucose. To conclude, high glucose environment can reduce the expression of osteoprotegerin, increase the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells, and decrease their ratio under mechanical stimulation. Whereas, interleukin-10 can antagonize the effect of high glucose. 
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    Effect of electroacupuncture on glial fibrillary acidic protein expression at the injured site in a rat model of spinal cord injury
    Tang Fuyu, Zhou Binbin, Wei Weibing, Zhang Hongsheng
    2022, 26 (26):  4113-4117.  doi: 10.12307/2022.811
    Abstract ( 609 )   PDF (3964KB) ( 226 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Glial fibrillary acidic protein is an intermediate filament overexpression protein, which is the most commonly used specific marker protein for astrocytes. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating spinal cord injury. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture at Du Meridian and Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming has a certain therapeutic effect on nerve regeneration and repair after spinal cord injury.  
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the injured part of spinal cord injury rats after electroacupuncture stimulation, and to further investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on nerve regeneration in rats with spinal cord injury.
    METHODS: A total of 120 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=24 per groups): a Du Meridian electroacupuncture group, a Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming electroacupuncture group, a mixed electroacupuncture group, a model control group, and a sham operation group. T10 spinal cord hemisection models were prepared in all the groups except for the sham operation group. After modeling, each group was randomly subdivided into four subgroups (n=6 per group): a 3-day group, a 7-day group, a 14-day group, and a 21-day group. The sham operation group and the model control group were not given an intervention, and the three electroacupuncture groups were given a corresponding electroacupuncture intervention. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells in the injured area. PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the sham operation group, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein after injury was increased first and then decreased significantly in the model control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was significantly reduced in the Du Meridian electroacupuncture group and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05). The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the mixed electroacupuncture group was lower than that in the Du Meridian electroacupuncture group and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming electroacupuncture group, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). To conclude, electroacupuncture stimulation can reduce the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and astrocytes in the injured area, thereby inhibiting the formation of glial scars.
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    Effect of aging on the ultrastructure of common iliac artery in rats
    Dong Liping, Luo Jia, Li Guangyi, Yuan Heng
    2022, 26 (26):  4123-4126.  doi: 10.12307/2022.813
    Abstract ( 544 )   PDF (3143KB) ( 171 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in the structure and function of multiple organs. The structure and function of arterial vessels are impaired during the aging process.  
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of aging on the ultrastructure of arterial wall. 
    METHODS: Five adult Sprague-Dawley rats and five aged Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. The common iliac artery of the rats was taken under anesthesia and fixed in glutaraldehyde, and the ultrasonography of the intima and media of the common iliac artery was observed using a transmission electron microscope. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The connection between endothelial cells of the common iliac artery in adult rats was normal, while there was a relatively large gap between endothelial cells of the common iliac artery in aged rats. Smooth muscle cells of the common iliac artery in adult rats exhibited a contractile phenotype, and there were many elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix; in aged rats, smooth muscle cells presented with a synthetic phenotype, and the number of collagen fibers in the common iliac artery was significantly increased. Dead endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, characterized by chromatin degradation and cell lysis, were observed in the common iliac artery of aged rats, whilst  no cell death was observed in adult rats. These findings indicate that the intima of the common iliac artery is thickened, smooth muscle cells present with a synthetic phenotype, the number of elastic fibers is reduced and the number of collagen fibers is increased in aged rats compared with adult rats.
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    Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli on gastrointestinal motility in adjuvant arthritis rats
    Li Jia, Li Baicun, Cai Guowei, Li Jing
    2022, 26 (26):  4141-4146.  doi: 10.12307/2022.815
    Abstract ( 590 )   PDF (3288KB) ( 808 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Insufficient gastrointestinal motility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been gradually concerned. As a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, whether acupuncture can improve insufficient gastrointestinal motility is worthy of further exploration. 
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at Zusanli (ST 36) on gastrointestinal motility in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis. 
    METHODS: A total of 60 clean and healthy 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, acupuncture group, moxibustion group, and acupuncture plus moxibustion group, with 12 rats in each group. Adjuvant arthritis models were established in the latter four groups using Freund’s complete adjuvant. The acupuncture group, moxibustion group, and acupuncture plus moxibustion group were treated with acupuncture, moxibustion or both at Zusanli on the 1st day of modeling, for 15 minutes per day, for 14 continuous days. At the end of the corresponding treatment, all rats were measured for plantar circumference. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the knee joint. The number of peristaltic waves in the rat intestine was measured by the method of colonic peristaltic wave. The first black stool discharge time was observed after gavage with activated carbon suspension, to calculate the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate. The contraction degree of jejunum smooth muscle strips of rats was detected by an in vitro perfusion device, and the distribution of jejunal nerve fibers were observed by immunofluorescence staining. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli, sacroiliac joint swelling in rats was significantly reduced, cartilage destruction and inflammatory cells decreased, the number of intestinal peristaltic waves was increased, the total gastrointestinal activated carbon discharge time was shortened, gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were improved, the contraction of the jejunal smooth muscle strip increased, and the amount of jejunal nerve fibers decreased. The combination of acupuncture and moxibustion achieved the best results. To conclude, acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli can prevent and treat bowel dysfunction in adjuvant arthritis rats, and acupuncture combined with moxibustion method is better than acupuncture or moxibustion used alone.
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    Exercise effects on myocardial type I, III collagen and angiotensin II/transforming growth factor beta1/Smad2 pathway in diabetic myocardial fibrosis rats
    Liu Ya, Liu Xia, Deng Penghui, Ji Wei, Li Jianping
    2022, 26 (26):  4173-4179.  doi: 10.12307/2022.820
    Abstract ( 837 )   PDF (2456KB) ( 540 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Recent studies have found that exercise can improve myocardial fibrosis in type II diabetic rats.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory role of angiotensin II/transforming growth factor β1/Smad2 signaling pathway and its downstream factors in the process of diabetic myocardial fibrosis through swimming exercises in an animal model of diabetic myocardial fibrosis. 
    METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: a blank control group (n=10) and a diabetes model group (n=30). Rats in the blank control group were raised under a normal diet, and rats in the diabetes model group were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet and treated with a single injection of 1% streptozotocin to establish a diabetic model. After successful modeling, 15 rats were randomly selected from the diabetes model group as a diabetes exercise group. Rats in the diabetes exercise group were subjected to non-weight bearing swimming, 60 minutes per day, 6 days per week. After training for 8 weeks, the fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels of rats were tested. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological changes of myocardial cells. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in the myocardial interstitium. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze the content of type I and III collagen fibers in myocardial tissue. Reverse transcription PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of angiotensin II, type I collagen fiber, type III collagen fiber, transforming growth factor β1, and Smad2.
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the blank control group, the fasting blood glucose level and insulin resistance index were increased in the diabetes model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the diabetes model group, the fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index were decreased in the diabetes exercise group (P < 0.05). Results of hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining showed that disordered arrangement of myocardial cells, widened intercellular space, inflammatory cell infiltration, and obvious myocardial fibrosis in the diabetic model group. Whereas the arrangement of myocardial cells was still in order, the intercellular space was basically normal, and myocardial fibrosis was significantly relieved in the diabetic exercise group compared with the diabetic model group. The content of type I collagen fibers in rat myocardial tissue was increased in the diabetic model group compared with the blank control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the content of type I and III collagen fibers in rat myocardial tissue between the diabetic model group and the diabetic exercise group (P > 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the mRNA expression of type I collagen fibers and transforming growth factor β1 in rat myocardial tissue was increased in the diabetic model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the diabetic model group, the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen fibers and transforming growth factor β1 in rat myocardial tissue was decreased in the diabetic exercise group (P < 0.01). To conclude, swimming can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of diabetic myocardial fibrosis, which may be related to the inhibition of the angiotensin II/transforming growth factor β1/Smad2 pathway.
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    Analgesic effect and mechanism of pivot meridian hyperthermia in a rat model of neuropathological pain
    Qin Qin, Xia Tian, Li Yuefa, Zhang Lingling, Qin Haixia
    2022, 26 (26):  4199-4204.  doi: 10.12307/2022.824
    Abstract ( 701 )   PDF (1928KB) ( 288 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Pivot meridian hyperthermia is an external treatment method guided by the central meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Studies have shown that it may have a better effect on neuropathic pain, but the specific efficacy evidence and mechanism of action are still unclear. 
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesic effect of pivot meridian hyperthermia in a rat model of neuropathological pain and its mechanism based on behavior indicators and molecular biological indicators. 
    METHODS: Eighty male healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model control group, a hyperthermia group, and a TCM hyperthermia group, with 20 rats in each group. In the last three groups, the L5 spinal nerve was ligated to prepare the rat model of neuropathic pain. In the hyperthermia group, cotton pads soaked in 45°C saline were used to heat the gall bladder meridian circulation parts of the rats’ bilateral feet. In the TCM hyperthermia group, cotton pads soaked in 45°C Chinese medicinal solution were applied to heat the gall bladder meridian circulation parts of the rats’ bilateral feet. Treatment in each group was performed once a day. Behavior testing was started after 15 minutes of each hot compress, to measure paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency. The expression levels of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and Toll-like receptor 4 protein in rat spinal cord tissue were detected after 14 days of continuous treatment. 
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the model control group, paw withdrawal mechanical threshold was significantly higher and paw withdrawal thermal latency was significantly lower in the hyperthermia and TCM hyperthermia groups at 7 and 14 days of treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the TCM hyperthermia group showed better efficacy than the hyperthermia group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, the expression levels of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and Toll-like receptor 4 protein were significantly lower in the hyperthermia and TCM hyperthermia groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the hyperthermia and TCM hyperthermia groups (P > 0.05). To conclude, pivot meridian hyperthermia has a significant analgesic effect in neuropathological pain rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting vesicular glutamate transporter 2/Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathways.
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    Transcriptome sequencing of the uterine in a mouse model of vitamin D deficiency
    Chen Xia, Shang Yuwei, Wang Linxiao, Shi Yichao, Liu Huijun, Sun Huiting
    2022, 26 (26):  4101-4106.  doi: 10.12307/2022.809
    Abstract ( 626 )   PDF (1952KB) ( 196 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: It has been recently discovered that vitamin D receptor is widely distributed in the female reproductive system such as the ovary and uterus, which is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion and gestational diabetes mellitus, but its specific mechanism is still unclear.  
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential differentially expressed miRNAs and related regulatory networks via a whole transcriptome analysis of the uterine tissue of vitamin D-deficient mice.
    METHODS: Eighteen female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups: a vitamin D deficiency group and a normal control group. Mice in the vitamin D deficiency group were fed with vitamin D deficiency diet, and mice in the normal control group were fed with vitamin D sufficiency diet. The body mass of the mice was recorded every week. After 8 weeks, the serum levels of 25,(OH)D3 and hormones in the mice were tested. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect mouse uterine tissue. Uterine tissue samples of two groups were collected for transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses of gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes.  
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no difference in body mass between the two groups. Compared with the normal control group, the levels of 25,(OH)D3 and estradiol in mouse serum were significantly reduced, and the testosterone level was significantly increased in the vitamin D deficiency group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of uterine tissue showed a reduction in the endometrial folds of mice in the vitamin D deficiency group. Twenty-five differentially expressed miRNAs were screened out by transcriptome sequencing, of which 9 were up-regulated (such as miR-541-5p and miR-205-5p) and 16 were down-regulated (such as miR-378d and miR-708-5p). At the same time, vitamin D deficient mice showed significantly differences in multiple gene ontology enrichment categories, such as developmental process, cell composition, tissue or biogenesis. In addition, the functional enrichment results of Kyoto genes and genomes encyclopedia showed that differentially expressed genes were mostly related to biochemical metabolic pathways and signal transduction pathways. Differentially expressed genes in these enrichment pathways mainly affected PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, gonadotropin releasing hormone signaling pathway, and oocyte meiosis pathway, all of which were closely related to the regulation of the reproductive system. To conclude, vitamin D deficiency can lead to poor uterine implantation conditions in female mice, which is related to multiple signaling pathways, such as insulin regulation, in mouse reproductive system.
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    Preventive and therapeutic effects of naringin on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via regulating microglial polarization
    Zeng Chunrong, Liu Menglan, Xie Yang, Li Zuoxiao
    2022, 26 (26):  4127-4135.  doi: 10.12307/2022.814
    Abstract ( 798 )   PDF (2780KB) ( 408 )   Save
    BACKGROUND: Microglia M1/M2 phenotypic imbalance plays an important role in the progression of many neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, and regulating microglia phenotypic transformation is a target of immunotherapy.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of naringin on microglial polarization in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice via STAT1 pathway and autophagy. 
    METHODS: Fifty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: blank control group, model group and low-, medium- and high-dose naringin groups (n=10 per group). In the latter four groups, animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis were established. The naringin groups were intraperitoneally injected with 10, 20, 40 mg/(kg·d) naringin for 10 consecutive days. Simultaneously, the blank control and model groups were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of saline. Disease conditions in each mouse were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Lux fast blue staining were used to observe the pathological changes of spinal cord tissue. Immunofluorescence method was used to observe the expression of Iba-1 and LC3 protein in spinal cord tissue. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein levels of STAT1, Beclin1, p62, LC3, CD16, CD206, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and Arg-1 in the spinal cord. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to detect the mRNA level