Acupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia: An overview of systematic reviews

Objective: To overview the systematic reviews of acupuncture for Post-stroke Dysphagia. Methods: The Chinese and English databases were searched for the systematic reviews of dysphagia after acupuncture treatment. The retrieval time was until October 30, 2019. The final literature was evaluated for bias risk, methodology quality and evidence quality by using ROBIS tool, AMSTER-2 scale and GRADE method. Results: 9 systematic reviews and 36 outcomes were included. ROBIS bias risk assessment results show that all the studies are high bias risk;AMSTER-2 methodology quality assessment results show that all the systems are of very low quality;GRADE grading shows that there are only 7 intermediate evidences in 36 clinical evidences, the rest are low-level evidences or very low-level evidences, and there are multiple intermediate evidences in the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. In addition, acupuncture can significantly improve the scores of all kinds of swallowing function related scales, such as Tengdao food intake swallowing function grade, swallowing disorder specific quality of life score, standard swallowing function evaluation scale, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low. Conclusion: Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It can improve the scores of various swallowing function scales and has high safety. However, the risk of systematic evaluation bias is high, the quality of methodology is low, and the level of clinical evidence is low as a whole. In the future, the relevant research design should be more rigorous, and the research report should be written in strict accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Treatment of Post-stroke Dysphagia by VitalStim Therapy Coupled with Conventional Swallowing Training

To investigate the effects of VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training on recovery of post-stroke dysphagia,a total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly and evenly divided into three groups：conventional swallowing therapy group,VitalStim therapy group,and VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing therapy group.Prior to and after the treatment,signals of surface electromyography（sEMG） of swallowing muscles were detected,swallowing function was evaluated by using the Standardized Swallowing Assessment（SSA） and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study（VFSS） tests,and swallowing-related quality of life（SWAL-QOL） was evaluated using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire.There were significant differences in sEMG value,SSA,VFSS,and SWAL-QOL scores in each group between prior to and after treatment.After 4-week treatment,sEMG value,SSA,VFSS and SWAL-QOL scores were significantly greater in the VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing training group than in the conventional swallowing training group and VitalStim therapy group,but no significant difference existed between conventional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim therapy group.It was concluded that VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training was conducive to recovery of post-stroke dysphagia.

Analysis of Adaptation Process of Evidence-Based Interventions by Taking Post-Stroke Dysphagia Screening As an Example--Based on a Series of Empirical Studies

Background:Evidence-based interventions(EBIs)are frequently adapted or modified during the implementation process to meet the needs of the target context,public health professionals,or health practitioners.However,little is known about how the EBIs of the same clinical problem at a different time(sustainability)and a different setting(scalability)should be adapted to facilitate implementation.To address this gap,this research aims to analyze the adaptations process of EBIs by taking post-stroke dysphagia screening as an example based on a series of empirical studies.Methods:We reviewed three best practice implementation projects of post-stroke dysphagia identification and management in China's Mainland,and conducted a comparative analysis of three projects of dysphagia screening practical decision-making according to core elements of evidence-based nursing(EBN).Results:We identified the core elements of EBN that influence decision-making in each best practice implementation project.The decision-making of screening time and tool for dysphagia in the three projects varied.Project 1:Post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Water Swallow Test(WST)before the first intake of liquid or food.Project 2:A sustainability study based on project 1,post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Standardized Swallowing Assessment(SSA)before the first intake of liquid or food,within 24 hours of admission.Project 3:A community scalability study based on project 2,post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Water Swallow Test(WST)before the first intake of liquid or food,within 24 hours after referral.Conclusions:Adaption of EBIs needs to fully consider the best available external evidence from systematic research,clinical expertise,patient preferences,as well as context.

Clinical observation of acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia

Background:Post-stroke dysphagia is one of the common clinical symptoms in the rehabilitation department of primary hospitals,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their families.Majority of medical workers have comprehensively studied post-stroke dysphagia as it easily induces inhalation pneumonia,asphyxia,and many other complications.At present,many methods for post-stroke dysphagia have been proved to be effective.With regard to comprehensive treatment effect,patient compliance,technology promotion difficulty,grassroots hospital operability,and other factors,we found that acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation is a good method worthy of promotion.Methods:A total of 130 patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into nerve electrical stimulation group(n=41),acupoint injection group(n=40),and comprehensive treatment group(nerve electrical stimulation plus acupoint injection,n=49).The therapeutic effect in each group was evaluated before treatment and 20 days after treatment using the improved water swallow test,video fluoroscopic swallowing study,and standardized swallowing assessment.Results:After 20 days of treatment,significant differences were noted in each group.The scores of improved water swallow test decreased from 4.10±0.74 to 2.12±0.95 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,4.00±0.78 to 2.28±1.04 in the acupoint injection group,and 4.16±0.77 to 1.73±0.79 in the comprehensive treatment group;video fluoroscopic swallowing study scores increased from 3.71±2.16 to 5.05±2.111 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,3.80±1.94 to 5.20±1.942 in the acupoint injection group,and 3.73±2.22 to 6.24±2.21 in the comprehensive treatment group;and standardized swallowing assessment scores of the three groups also decreased from 35.13±3.38 to 28.17±3.42,34.66±3.46,and 34.48±3.26 to 26.39±3.86,respectively.The overall scores of each group after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment(P<0.05),indicating that both nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection were effective for post-stroke dysphagia;the scores of nerve electrical stimulation group and acupoint injection group were similar,but those of the comprehensive treatment group were significantly better than the single treatments(P<0.05).It shows that the two treatment methods have synergistic effect,and combined treatments have more benefits.Conclusion:Nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection have a synergistic therapeutic effect on post-stroke dysphagia.The combined treatment is more beneficial to patients with post-stroke dysphagia than the single treatments.

“Tong Guan Li Qiao” Acupuncture Therapy on Post-Stroke Dysphagia

The differences between the“Tong Guan Li Qiao”acupuncture therapy and the conventional and current other acupuncture methods for poststroke dysphagia are as follows:first,it adheres to the basic idea of "Xing Nao Kai Qiao"acupuncture therapy in selecting and combining acupoints,centers on the brain,and combines the dysphagia symptoms of the mouth,tongue,and throat-related orifices with the root cause of"brain";second,thereare strictand standard requirements intheacupuncture operation,that is,manipulation quantification.In addition to standardized twirling,lifting,and thrusting,the techniques of deep needling on the acupoints in the neck region,blood-letting puncturing at the posterior wallof the pharynx,and theneedling sensation of"like a fishbone getting stuck in the throat"are all unique.

Therapeutic efficacy of swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia

Objective To seek a better therapy for treating post-stroke dysphagia. Methods Patients with stroke and swallowing disorders were randomly divided into ordinary acupuncture group （group A, 58 cases） and swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture group （group B, 62 cases）. Two-group patients were given the same basic internal medical treatment. In addition, group A was given normal acupuncture treatment with the choice of local points： Junjin （金津 EX-HN 12）, Yuye（玉液 EX-HN 23）, Fengchi （风池 GB 20）, Yifeng （翳风 TE 17）, Lianquan （廉泉 CV 23）, Wangu （完骨 GB 12）. Group B was given swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture： GB 20, Fengfu （风夜 GV 16）, TE 17, Yiming （翳明 EX-HN 14）, Yamen （哑门 GV 15）, Tianrong（天容 SI 17）, Tianchuang （天窗 SI 16）, CV 23, the uniform reinforcing-reducing manipulation was used; EX- HN 12, EX-HN 13, the piercing and blood-letting method （1-2 mL blood） was used; at the same time, the swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy device was used to electrically stimulate the nerves and muscles in the throat and neck at specific output pulse current （50-100 Hz）. Treatment was made twice a day, 30 minutes each time. Two weeks after the treatment, the patients were assessed in symptoms improvement and clinical efficacy. Results The total effective rate in group B was 91.4% and 75.8% in group A; in the total efficiency comparison in both groups, χ^2=5.232, P〈0.05. The difference in improvement of symptoms with post-stroke dysphagia treated with above mentioned combination treatment was statistically significant between both groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion The above mentioned swallowing neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture treatment has a better clinical effect when compared with ordinary acupuncture.

Clinical Study on Tongyan Spray(通咽喷雾剂) for Post-Stroke Dysphagia Patients:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective： To observe the effectiveness and safety of Tongyan Spray （通咽喷雾剂） composed of Chinese medicine for post-stroke dysphagia patients. Method： One hundred and twenty-two post-stroke dysphagia patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group （61 cases） and the control group （61 cases）. Basic treatment was given to both groups, with Tongyan Spray additionally used in oropharynx for the treatment group, and the placebo used for the control group. After 28-day treatment, the clinical effect and safety were evaluated according to the standard swallowing assessment （SSA） scale. Results： One patient dropped out in each group, and 120 patients reached the final analysis of the study. The total effective rate for the treatment group was 71.7% （43/60）, higher than 46.7% （28/60） in the control group （P〈0.05）, and the improvement on SSA scores of the two groups were significantly different after treatment （P〈0.05）. For grade 1 dysphagia patients （completely depending on nasogastric tube）, the effective rate of the treatment group was 40.9% （9/22）, and 12.5% （2/16） of the control group, without significant difference （P〉0.05）, while the improvement of SSA score was significantly different between the two groups after treatment （P〈0.05）. For grade 2-3 dysphagia patients （oral and nasogastric tube feeding）, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 89.5% （34/38）, higher than 59.1% （26/44） in the control group （P〈0.05）, and also the improvement on SSA scores was significantly different between the two groups after treatment （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Tongyan Spray was an effective and safe method for post-stroke dysphagia patients.

Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture Combining Standard Swallowing Training for Post-stroke Dysphagia:A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective： To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combining standard swallowing training for patients with dysphagia after stroke. Methods： A total of 105 consecutively admitted patients with post-stroke dysphagia in the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine were included： 50 patients from the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation received standard swallowing training and acupuncture treatment （acupuncture group）; 55 patients from the Department of Neurology received standard swallowing training only （control group）. Participants in both groups received 5-day therapy per week for a 4-week period. The primary outcome measures included the scores of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study （VFSS） and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment （SSA）; the secondary outcome measure was the Royal Brisbane Hospital Outcome Measure for Swallowing （RBHOMS）, all of which were assessed before and after the 4-week treatment. Results： A total of 98 subjects completed the study （45 in the acupuncture group and 53 in the control group）. Significant differences were seen in VFSS, SSA and RBHOMS scores in each group after 4-week treatment as compared with before treatment （P〈0.01）. Comparison between the groups after 4-week treatment showed that the VFSS （P=0.007） and SSA scores （P=0.000） were more significantly improved in the acupuncture group than the control group. However, there was no statistical difference （P=0.710） between the acupuncture and the control groups in RBHOMS scores. Conclusions： Acupuncture combined with the standard swallowing training was an effective therapy for post-stroke dysphagia, and acupuncture therapy is worth further investigation in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.

Acupuncture Treatment for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: An Update Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective： To explore the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with post-stroke dysphagia by an update meta-analysis. Methods： Potentially eligible RCTs aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture vs. non-acupuncture treatments, such as rehabilitation training or routine medication on the swallowing difficulty after stroke were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and other database from the earliest record to June 2016. Patient demographics, regimens for acupuncture, type of controls, methods of randomization, and measurements of the clinical symptoms of dysphagia were retrieved. The relative risk （RR） and 95% confidence interval （CI） of effective rate of dysphagia was calculated after intervention performed following admission. Subgroup analyses and a meta- regression analysis were performed to describe the heterogeneity. Results： Twenty-nine RCTs comprising 2,190 patients were included. The included studies had a medium quality grade based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials （CONSORT） and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture （STRICTA） checklist. Acupuncture therapy provided a higher effective rate compared with non- acupuncture treatments [RR=1.33, 95% confidence interval （CI）, 1.25 to 1.43]. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses suggested that acupuncture intensity and measurement method were main sources of heterogeneity and resulted in a significant difference for pooled effect size. No severe adverse events were documented in these RCTs. Conclusions： Our meta-analysis provides a new evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treatment to post-stroke dysphagia in short-term compared with rehabilitation or medication. More high-quality and large-scale research studies are needed.

Relieving throat and opening orifice acupuncture therapy for the post-stroke dysphagia

Objectives: To observe the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice on dysphagia due to different brain infarct sites.Methods: According to the random number table, 128 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were divided into group A(63 cases, intervention with deglutition training and acupuncture) and group B(65 cases,intervention with simple deglutition training). The conventional treatment and deglutition rehabilitation training in neurology department were used in the two groups. In group B, according to patient's condition, the rehabilitation trainings, such as respiration and neck movement range were used selectively.In group A, on the base of deglutition training, acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice was supplemented. The acupoints included Sìshéncōng(四神聪EX HN 1),Bāihuì(百会GV 20), Tàiyang(太阳EX-HN5) bilateral, Fēngchi(风池GB 20) bilateral and Shésānzhēn(舌三针).Electrostimulator was attached on EX-HN 1, bilateral GB 20 and Shesanzhen(舌三针). Needles were retained for 30 min in each treatment. The treatment was given once a day, 5 treatments a week and the treatment for 3 weeks as 1 course. After 6 weeks of treatment, the deglutition ability scale developed by Fujishima Ichiro was adopted to determine the therapeutic effects and observe the score increase for dysphagia related to brain infarct sites before and after treatment.Results: In assessment after 6-week treatment, the improvements of deglutition ability were different corresponding to different brain infarct sites in group A. Specially, the improvements in the patients with dysphagia related to cerebral hemisphere infarction in group A were better than group B(8.68 ±1.12 vs7.32 ±0.91, P<0.05), followed by the improvements in the patients with dysphagia related to internal capsule/basal ganglia/diencephalon infarction(6.53 ±0.65 vs 6.36 ±0.84, P>0.05). Regarding the therapeutic effects in comparison of the two groups, the total effective rates in dysphagia related to cerebral hemisphere infarction were different between the two groups significantly(96.67% vs 82.75%, P< 0.05), as well as in the patients related to internal capsule/basal ganglia/diencephalon infarction(88.89% vs 66.67%,P<0.05). The therapeutic effects were not different in the patients related to cerebral stem and cerebella infarction between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion: The acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice combined with deglutition training achieves the satisfactory therapeutic effects on dysphagia induced by cortical infarction in stroke.However, a large sample and multicentral clinical trial with this therapy is needed for a further argument so that this therapy is likely promoted in clinical practice in future.

Electroencephalogram findings in 10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Post-stroke epilepsy is a common and easily overlooked complication of acute cerebrovascular disease.Long-term seizures can seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients.Electroencephalogram(EEG)is the simplest way to diagnose epilepsy,and plays an important role in predicting seizures and guiding medication.AIM To explore the EEG characteristics of patients with post-stroke epilepsy and improve the detection rate of inter-seizure epileptiform discharges.METHODS From January 2017 to June 2020,10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy in our hospital were included.The clinical,imaging,and EEG characteristics were collected.The stroke location,seizure type,and ictal and interictal EEG manifestations of the patients with post-stroke epilepsy were then retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In all 10 patients,epileptiform waves occurred in the side opposite to the stroke lesion during the interictal stage;these manifested as sharp wave,sharp-wave complex,or spike discharges in the anterior head lead of the side opposite to the lesion.CONCLUSION In EEG,epileptiform waves can occur in the side opposite to the stroke lesion in patients with post-stroke epilepsy.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

Early screening for post-stroke depression and its effect on functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression(PSD)is a common and debilitating condition affecting stroke survivors,significantly impacting their recovery and overall quality of life.AIM To assess the effects of early PSD screening on functional outcomes,quality of life,and mortality.METHODS From an initial pool of 1065 articles,6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis.Functional outcomes were measured using the functional independence measure(FIM).RESULTS The analysis revealed a significant improvement in FIM scores for a PSD scree-ning group compared to controls[standardized mean difference(SMD)=8.90,95%confidence interval(CI):4.65-13.15,P<0.01].Quality of life was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale,with the screening group showing significantly higher scores(SMD=20.83,95%CI:15.27-26.38,P<0.01).Mortality analysis indicated a reduction in five-year mortality rates for the PSD screening group.CONCLUSION Early PSD screening enhances functional recovery,improves quality of life,and reduces mortality rates in stroke survivors.Thus,integrating PSD screening into routine stroke care improves long-term outcomes for patients.

Application of Cluster Nursing Among Post-Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

Objective:To explore the effect of cluster nursing care among post-stroke patients.Methods:Post-stroke patients with dysphagia(n=72)were randomly divided into two groups:experimental(or intervention)(n=36)the control(n=36).Patients in the experimental group were given cluster care,including swallowing assessment,safe eating guide,swallowing rehabilitation,the establishment of cluster prevention strategy and health education to patients and caregivers.Patients in the control group were given conventional nursing care,and the score of swallowing function,the prevalence of aspiration pneumonia and nursing care satisfactory level in both groups were assessed before and after the intervention.Results:The swallowing function of patients in the two groups were improved after intervention,but patients in the experimental group showed significantly higher improvement than the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the satisfactory level of nursing management was higher in the experimental group than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Cluster nursing(CN)practice has significantly improved the swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia,reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and enhanced the satisfaction of nursing care.

CLINICAL STUDY ON THE TREATMENT OF POST-STROKE DEPRESSION WITH ELECTROACUPUNCTURE OF “NIWAN BAZHEN” POINTS

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture （EA） of ＂Niwan Bazhen＂ points in the treatment of post-stroke depression. Methods A total of 66 post-stroke depression patients were randomized into treatment group （EA＋oral administration of Prozac-20, n =31 ） and control group （o- ral administration of Prozac-20, 20 mg/d, 28 days altogether, n =30）. For patients of treatment group, EA （2/100 Hz, a tolerable stimulation strength） was applied to ＂Niwan Bazhen＂ points [Baihui （百会 GV20）, etc. ] for 30 min, once daily, （except weekends） continuously for one month. Halmiton Rating Scale （HAMD） for Depression and Chinese Scale for Stroke （CSS） were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Results After the treatment, of the 30 and 31 cases in control and treatment groups, 4 and 6 were cured, 10 and 14 experienced marked improvement.in their symptoms, 6 and 7 had an improvement, 6 and 4 failed, with the cure＋ markedly effective rates being 46.7% and 64.5% respectively. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group （ P〈0.05）. The decreased values of both HAMD and C,,SS of treatment group were remarkably lower than those of control group （P〈0.01,0.05） . Conclusion EA of ＂Niwan Bazhen＂ points is an effective remedy for post-stroke depression.

Central post-stroke pain due to injury of the spinothalamic tract in patients with cerebral infarction： a diffusion tensor tractography imaging study

Many studies using diffusion tensor tractography（DTT） have demonstrated that injury of the spinothalamic tract（STT） is the pathogenetic mechanism of central post-stroke pain（CPSP） in intracerebral hemorrhage; however, there is no DTT study reporting the pathogenetic mechanism of CPSP in cerebral infarction. In this study, we investigated injury of the STT in patients with CPSP following cerebral infarction, using DTT. Five patients with CPSP following cerebral infarction and eight age-and sex-matched healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. STT was examined using DTT. Among DTT parameters of the affected STT, fractional anisotropy and tract volume were decreased by more than two standard deviations in two patients（patients 1 and 2） and three patients（patients 3, 4, and 5）, respectively, compared with those of the control subjects, while mean diffusivity value was increased by more than two standard deviations in one patient（patient 2）. Regarding DTT configuration, all affected STTs passed through adjacent part of the infarct and three STTs showed narrowing. These findings suggest that injury of the STT might be a pathogenetic etiology of CPSP in patients with cerebral infarction.

miR-137, a new target for post-stroke depression?

Expression of miR-137 is downregulated in brain tissue from patients with depression and suicidal behavior, and is also downregulated in peripheral blood from stroke patients. However, it is not yet known if miR-137 acts as a bridge between stroke and depression. To test this, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic mild stress to establish a post-stroke depression model in rats. Compared with controls, we found significantly lower miR-137 levels in the brain and peripheral blood from post-stroke depression rats. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles upregulated miR-137 levels, and improved behavioral changes in post-stroke depression rats. Luciferase assays showed miR-137 bound to the 3＇UTR of Grin2A, regulating Grin2A expression in a neuronal cell line. Grin2A gene overexpression in the brain of post-stroke depression rats, no- ticeably suppressed the inhibitory effect of miR-137 on post-stroke depression. Overall, our results show that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to Grin2A mRNA, thereby exerting an inhibitory effect on post-stroke depression. Our results offer a new therapeutic direction for post-stroke depression.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms increase the risk of post-stroke depression

Recent reports have shown that apolipoprotein E （APOE） polymorphisms are involved in neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether APOE affects post-stroke depression. Accordingly, we hypothesized that APOE polymorphisms modify the risk of post-stroke depression. Here, we performed a hospital-based case-control study （including 76 cerebral infarction cases with post-stroke depression, 88 cerebral infarction cases without post-stroke depression, and 109 controls without any evidence of post-stroke depression or cerebral infarction） to determine possible association between APOE rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphisms and risk of post-stroke depression. Our findings show no difference among the groups with regards genotype distribution of the rs7412 polymorphism. In contrast, APOE genotypes with rs429358-C alleles increased the risk of post-stroke depression. Further, the rs429358 polymorphism was associated with significantly decreased regional cerebral blood flow values in the left temporal lobe of post-stroke depression cases. Additionally, the rs429358 polymorphism was not only associated with depression severity, but with increasing serum levels of total cholesterol. These resuits suggest that the APOE rs429358 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing post-stroke depression, and that APOE rs429358-C allele genotypes may be detrimental to recovery of nerve function after stoke. Indeed, these findings provide clinical data for future post-stroke depression gene interventions.

Electroacupuncture at the Wangu (GB 12) acupoint suppresses expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of rats with post-stroke depression

Electroacupuncture was performed at the Wangu （GB 12） acupoint, whose position is similar to the cerebellar fastigial nucleus in rats with post-stroke depression. Results showed that the expression of nuclear factor-κB and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β decreased. Simultaneously, the extent of edema in the hippocampus and frontal lobe decreased, and the morphology of the nerve cells recovered to near normal. In addition, fluoxetine treatment displayed a similar effect on post-stroke depression as electroacupuncture at GB 12 acupoint. The results indicate that electroacupuncture at GB 12 acupoint can reduce the levels of cytokines in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of rats with post-stroke depression, and thus provide a neuroprotective effect on post-stroke depression.

The effects of Xingnao Jieyu capsules on post-stroke depression are similar to those of fluoxetine

The Xingnao Jieyu capsule has been shown to effectively relieve neurologic impairments and les- sen depression. It remains poorly understood whether this capsule can be used to treat post-stroke depression. Thus, in the present study, we established a rat model of post-stroke depression using left middle cerebral artery occlusions in combination of chronic unpredictable stress and solitary housing during development. Experimental rats received intragastric perfusion with 0.82, 0.41, and 0.20 g/kg Xingnao Jieyu capsules separately dissolved in 2 mL distilled water. Fluoxetine served as a positive control. The treatment was conducted over 28 days. Sugar water consumption test, open-field test, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated that intragastric perfusion with various doses of Xingnao Jieyu capsules increased sugar water consumption, voluntary behaviors and synaptotagmin mRNA and protein expression in rats with post-stroke depression. These therapeutic effects were similar to those of fluoxetine. These results indicate that Xingnao Jieyu capsules upregulate synaptotagmin expression in hip pocampi of rats with post-stroke depression, and exert antidepressant effects.