Hippocampal gene expression in a rat model of depression after electroacupuncture at the Baihui and Yintang acupoints

Preliminary basic research and clinical findings have demonstrated that electroacupuncture ther- apy exhibits positive effects in ameliorating depression. However, most studies of the underlying mechanism are at the single gene level; there are few reports regarding the mechanism at the whole-genome level. Using a rat genomic gene-chip, we profiled hippocampal gene expression changes in rats after electroacupuncture therapy. Electroacupuncture therapy alleviated depres- sion-related manifestations in the model rats. Using gene-chip analysis, we demonstrated that electroacupuncture at Baihui （DU20） and Yintang （EX-HN3） regulates the expression of 21 genes. Real-time PCR showed that the genes Vgf, lgf2, Trnp32, Loc500373, Hifla, Folrl, Nrnb, and Rtn were upregulated or downregulated in depression and that their expression tended to nor- malize after electroacupuncture therapy. These results indicate that electroacupuncture at Baihui and Yintang modulates depression by regulating the expression of particular genes.

Antidepressant effect of electroacupuncture regulates signal targeting in the brain and increases brain- derived neurotrophic factor levels

Electroacupuncture improves depressive behavior faster and with fewer adverse effects than antidepressant medication. However, the antidepressant mechanism of electroacupuncture remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model of chronic unpredicted mild stress, and then treated these rats with electroacupuncture at Yintang （EX-HN3） and Baihui （DU20） with sparse waves at 2 Hz and 0.6 mA for 30 minutes, once a day. We found increased horizontal and vertical activity, and decreased immobility time, at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Moreover, levels of neurotransmitters （5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and y-aminobutyric acid） and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-related proteins （TrkB, protein kinase A, and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein） were increased in the hippocampus. Similarly, protein kinase A and TrkB mRNA levels were increased, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase lI levels decreased. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture increases phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels by regulating multiple targets in the cyclic adenosine rnonophosphate response element binding protein signal- ing pathway, thereby promoting nerve regeneration, and exerting an antidepressive effect.

Effect of electroacupuncture on glial fibrillary acidic protein and nerve growth factor in the hippocampus of rats with hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombus

Electroacupuncture(EA)has been shown to reduce blood lipid level and improve cerebral ischemia in rats with hyperlipemia complicated by cerebral ischemia.However,there are few studies on the results and mechanism of the effect of EA in reducing blood lipid level or promoting neural repair after stroke in hyperlipidemic subjects.In this study,EA was applied to a rat model of hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombosis and the condition of neurons and astrocytes after hippocampal injury was assessed.Except for the normal group,rats in other groups were fed a high-fat diet throughout the whole experiment.Hyperlipidemia models were established in rats fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.Middle cerebral artery thrombus models were induced by pasting 50%FeCl3 filter paper on the left middle cerebral artery for 20 minutes on day 50 as the model group.EA1 group rats received EA at bilateral ST40(Fenglong)for 7 days before the thrombosis.Rats in the EA1 and EA2 groups received EA at GV20(Baihui)and bilateral ST40 for 14 days after model establishment.Neuronal health was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining in the brain.Hyperlipidemia was assessed by biochemical methods that measured total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein in blood sera.Behavioral analysis was used to confirm the establishment of the model.Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and nerve growth factor in the hippocampal CA1 region.The results demonstrated that,compared with the model group,blood lipid levels significantly decreased,glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity was significantly weakened and nerve growth factor immunoreactivity was significantly enhanced in the EA1 and EA2 groups.The repair effect was superior in the EA1 group than in the EA2 group.These findings confirm that EA can reduce blood lipid,inhibit glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and promote nerve growth factor expression in the hippocampal CA1 region after hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombosis.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Animal Use and Management Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,China(approval No.BUCM-3-2018022802-1002)on April 12,2018.

Electroacupuncture regulates the stress-injury-repair chain of events after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Inflammation after stroke is the main cause of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cascading events after injury can lead to cell death. Heat shock protein 70 and other endogenous injury-signaling molecules are released by damaged cells, which can lead to systemic stress reactions. Protecting the brain through repair begins with the stress-injury-repair signaling chain. This study aimed to verify whether acupuncture acts through this chain to facilitate effective treatment of ischemic stroke. Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by Zea Longa＇s method, and injury sites were identified by assessing neurological function, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Electroacupuncture at acupoints Baihui（DU20） and Zusanli（ST36） was performed in the model rats with dilatational waves, delivered for 20 minutes a day at 2–100 Hz and an amplitude of 2 m A. We analyzed the blood serum from the rats and found that inflammatory cytokines affected the levels of adrenotrophin and heat shock protein 70, each of which followed a similar bimodal curve. Specifically, electroacupuncture lowered the peak levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and heat shock protein 70. Thus, electroacupuncture was able to inhibit excessive stress, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of neurons, which facilitated healing of ischemic stroke.

Electroacupuncture pretreatment exhibits antidepressive effects by regulating hippocampal proteomics in rats with chronic restraint stress

The clinical effect of electroacupuncture on depression is widely recognized. However, the signal transduction pathways and target proteins involved remain unclear. In the present study, rat models of chronic restraint stress were used to explore the mechanism by which electroacupuncture alleviates depression. Rats were randomly divided into control, model, and electroacupuncture groups. Chronic restraint stress was induced in the model and electroacupuncture groups by restraining rats for 28 days. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture pretreatment at Baihui（GV20） and Yintang（GV29） acupoints was performed daily（1 m A, 2 Hz, discontinuous wave, 20 minutes） prior to restraint for 28 days. Open field tests and body weight measurements were carried out to evaluate the depressive symptoms at specific time points. On day 28, the crossing number, rearing number, and body weights of the model group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Behavior test results indicated that rat models of depressive-like symptoms were successfully established by chronic restraint stress combined with solitary raising. On day 28, an isobaric tag for a relative and absolute quantitation-based quantitative proteomic approach was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins in hippocampal samples obtained from the model and electroacupuncture groups. The potential function of these differential proteins was predicted through the use of the Cluster of Orthologous Groups of proteins（COG） database. Twenty-seven differential proteins（uncharacteristic proteins expected） were selected from the model and electroacupuncture groups. In addition to unknown protein functions, COG are mainly concentrated in general prediction function, mechanism of signal transduction, amino acid transport and metabolism groups. This suggests that electroacupuncture improved depressive-like symptoms by regulating differential proteins, and most of these related proteins exist in nerve cells.

Combined effects of electroacupuncture and anti-depression drugs on the hippocampus and frontal lobe

Electroacupuncture （EA） has been clinically used to treat depression and has resulted in favorable effects in China. However, results from animal studies and pathology do not reflect the influence of electroacupuncture treatment on in vivo physiological functions. To thoroughly and dynamically observe pathological changes during depression, the present study established EA ＋ fluoxetine and fluoxetine groups to observe depression in patients. 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy was utilized to determine the correlation between hippocampal frontal lobe metabolite changes and mental disorder scale. Results revealed significantly increased N-acetylaspartate （NAA）/creatine （Cr） in the bilateral hippocampus and right frontal lobe of depression patients treated with EA compared with fluoxetine. Changes in NAA/Cr in bilateral hippocampus and right frontal lobe in both groups, before and after treatment, negatively correlated with severity and curative effects. Choline/Cr changes in the bilateral frontal lobes of both groups were significant before and after treatment, but negatively correlated with curative effects. Choline/Cr changes in the bilateral hippocampus were significant in the EA ＋ fluoxetine group before and after treatment, but negatively correlated with severity and the curative effects of depression. These results demonstrate abnormal biochemical metabolism in bilateral frontal lobes and hippocampus of depression patients, and show that EA significantly altered biochemical indices in the frontal lobes and hippocampus compared with fluoxetine.

Effect of electroacupuncture at distal-proximal acupoint combinations on spinal interleukin-1 beta in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Objective:Pain from herniated disc is a common type of neuropathic pain.This study investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at distal-proximal combinations of acupoints in the rat model of neuropathic pain modulates spinal interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to induce acupuncture analgesia and possibly serve as a pain-relief modality for herniated disc.Methods:A rat model of neuropathic pain was established.Rats were randomly divided into normal,model,sham,EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.EA 1 rats were needled at bilateral ExB2,BL25,BL40,and BL60 acupoints.EA 2 rats Were needled at bilateral BL40 and BL60.EA 3 rats were needled at bilateral L5 Ex-B2 and BL25.EA stimulation was administered once daily over 7 days.Mechanical withdrawal threshold from noxious mechanical stimulation was measured 1 day preoperatively and at 3,5,and7 days postoperatively.After 7 days of intervention,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-1β in the spinal cord.Results:Mechanical withdrawal threshold of rats in the model group decreased at 3 days postoperatively when compared with the normal group (P < 0.01),lasting 7 days postoperatively.Mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups were elevated over the model group (P < 0.05;P < 0.01).No obvious differences were found between EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.ELISA demonstrated an increase in IL-1β in the spinal cord of rats in the model group compared with the normal group (P < 0.01).EA treatment attenuated the increase in spinal IL-1β in the model group.Expression of spinal IL-1β was significantly lower in EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.Conclusion:EA at distal + proximal acupoints,distal points,as well as proximal points attenuated upregulation of spinal IL-1β,alleviated the extent of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity,and promoted mechanical withdrawal threshold,resulting in EA analgesia.

Semi-Supervised Learning with Generative Adversarial Networks on Digital Signal Modulation Classification

Deep Learning(DL)is such a powerful tool that we have seen tremendous success in areas such as Computer Vision,Speech Recognition,and Natural Language Processing.Since Automated Modulation Classification(AMC)is an important part in Cognitive Radio Networks,we try to explore its potential in solving signal modulation recognition problem.It cannot be overlooked that DL model is a complex model,thus making them prone to over-fitting.DL model requires many training data to combat with over-fitting,but adding high quality labels to training data manually is not always cheap and accessible,especially in real-time system,which may counter unprecedented data in dataset.Semi-supervised Learning is a way to exploit unlabeled data effectively to reduce over-fitting in DL.In this paper,we extend Generative Adversarial Networks(GANs)to the semi-supervised learning will show it is a method can be used to create a more dataefficient classifier.

Hippocampal activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase,protein kinase B,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in a chronic stress rat model of depression

Recent studies have shown that varied stress stimuli activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）, protein kinase B （Akt）, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38） signal transduction pathway, and also regulate various apoptotic cascades. JNK and p38 promote apoptosis, but Akt protects against apoptosis, in hippocampal neurons. However, changes in the transduction pathway in different regions of brain tissues in a chronic stress rat model of depression remain poorly understood. Results from this study showed that JNK phosphorylation levels were significantly greater in the stress group hippocampus compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. No significant difference in JNK phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat cerebral cortex between stress and control groups, and no significant difference in Akt and p38 phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex between stress and control groups （P 〉 0.05）. These results suggested that the JNK signal pathway is activated by JNK phosphorylation and participates in pathophysiological changes in rat models of depression.

Antidepressant Effect of Shenwei Ningyu Tablets on Rat Chronic Stress Model and Mouse Tail Suspension Model

[Objectives]To explore the antidepressant effect of Shenwei Ningyu Tablet,a new antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine,on rat chronic stress depression model and mouse tail suspension models.[Methods]Rat chronic stress model:except for the normal group,the rats in other groups were given corresponding chronic stress,and administered by gavage 1 h before modeling,for a total of 21 d.The changes of each indicator before and after the experiment were observed through the body weight change,the sugar water test,and open field test.The relevant hormone levels were detected by radioimmunoassay.Mouse tail suspension depression model:after continuous administration for 7 d,the activity times was recorded with the mouse automatic recorder,and the mouse immobility time was recorded after tail suspension,to explore the effects of each administration group on the tail suspension immobility time of mice.[Results]Chronic stress depression model:21 d after modeling,compared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight,sucrose preference index,and horizontal and vertical movement scores(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-dose Shenwei Ningyu Tablets group had significant differences in the sugar water test,horizontal and vertical movement scores(P<0.05).In addition,all three dose groups of Shenwei Ningyu Tablets could effectively reduce the content of CRF in chronic stress model rats,and the low dose group could significantly reduce the ACTH level in model rats(P<0.05).Mouse tail suspension depression model:the immobility time after tail suspension in each administration group was significantly different from that in the model group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Shenwei Ningyu Tablets has a certain anti-depression effect on both the rat chronic stress depression model and the mouse tail suspension depression model.

Large-scale real-world radio signal recognition with deep learning

In the past ten years, many high-quality datasets have been released to support the rapid development of deep learning in the fields of computer vision, voice, and natural language processing. Nowadays, deep learning has become a key research component of the Sixth-Generation wireless systems(6G) with numerous regulatory and defense applications. In order to facilitate the application of deep learning in radio signal recognition, in this work, a large-scale real-world radio signal dataset is created based on a special aeronautical monitoring system-Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast(ADS-B). This paper makes two main contributions. First, an automatic data collection and labeling system is designed to capture over-the-air ADS-B signals in the open and real-world scenario without human participation. Through data cleaning and sorting, a high-quality dataset of ADS-B signals is created for radio signal recognition. Second, we conduct an in-depth study on the performance of deep learning models using the new dataset, as well as comparison with a recognition benchmark using machine learning and deep learning methods.Finally, we conclude this paper with a discussion of open problems in this area.