Effect of areca on contraction of colonic muscle strips in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of areca on the contractile activity of isolated colonic muscle strips in rats and mechanism involved. METHODS: Each strip (LMPC, longitudinal muscle of proximal colon; CMPC, circular muscle of proximal colon; LMDC, longitudinal muscle of distal colon; CMDC, circular muscle of distal colon.) was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution (37 degrees C), bubbled continuously with 950 mL.L(-1) O(2) and 50 mL.L(-1) CO(2). The mean contractile amplitude (A), the resting tension (T), and the contractile frequency (F) were simultaneously recorded on recorders. RESULTS: Areca dose dependently increased the mean contractile amplitude, the resting tension of proximal and distal colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). It also partly increased the contractile frequency of colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). The effects were partly inhibited by atropine (the resting tension of LMPC decreased from 0.44 +/- 0.12 to 0.17 +/- 0.03; the resting tension of LMDC decreased from 0.71 +/- 0.14 to 0.03 +/- 0.01; the mean contractile amplitude of LMPC increased from -45.8 +/- 7.2 to -30.5 +/- 2.9; the motility index of CMDC decreased from 86.6 +/- 17.3 to 32.8 +/- 9.3; P【0.05 vs areca), but the effects were not inhibited by hexamethonium (P】0.05). CONCLUSION: Areca stimulated the motility of isolated colonic smooth muscle strips in rats. The stimulation of areca might be relevant with M receptor partly.

Early electrical field stimulation prevents the loss of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons and muscle atrophy following spinal cord injury

Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation（EFS） with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury（SCI）. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T_（10）. SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov＇s motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.

Overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 protects smooth muscle cells against oxidative injury and inhibits cell proliferation

To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation, we established an in vitro transfection of human HO-1 gene into rat VSMC mediated by a retroviral vector. The results showed that the profound expression of HO-1 protein as well as HO activity was 1.8- and 2.0-fold increased respectively in the transfected cells compared to the non-transfected ones. The treatment of VSMC with different concentrations of H2O2 led to the remarkable cell damage as indicated by survival rate and LDH leakage. However, the resistance of the HO-1 transfected VSMC against H2O2 was significantly raised. This protective effect was dramatically diminished when the transfected VSMC were pretreated with ZnPP-IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, for 24 h. In addition, we found that the growth potential of the transfected cells was significantly inhibited directly by increased activity of HO-1, and this effect might be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK. These results suggest that the overexpression of introduced hHO-1 is potentially able to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis, partially due to its cellular protection against oxidative injury and to its inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation.

Heat shock protein 90 is a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating skeletal muscle abnormalities in Parkinson's disease

Previous studies have confirmed that heat shock protein 90 overexpression can lead to dopami- nergic neuronal death. This study was designed to further investigate what effects are produced by heat shock protein 90 after endurance exercise training. Immunohistochemistry results showed that exercise training significantly inhibited heat shock protein 90 overexpression in the soleus and gastrocnemius in Parkinson＇s disease rats, which is a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating skeletal muscle abnormalities in Parkinso^s disease.

Real-time surface electromyography in Parkinson's disease patients during exercise-induced muscle fatigue

To explore the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced local muscle fatigue in patients with idiopathic Parkinson＇s disease （PD）,we used surface electromyography to record myoelectric signals from the tibialis anterior muscle during isometric contraction-induced fatigue until exhaustion.The results revealed no significant differences between patients with idiopathic PD and healthy controls in maximum voluntary contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle.The basic characteristics of surface electromyography were also similar between the two groups.The duration of isometric contraction at 50% maximum voluntary contraction was shortened in PD patients.In addition,PD patients exhibited a stronger increase in mean square amplitude,but a weaker decrease in median frequency and mean power frequency compared with healthy controls during isometric contraction.The skeletal muscles of PD patients revealed specificity of surface electromyography findings,indicating increased fatigability compared with healthy controls.

Inhibitory Effect of S100A11 on Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction and Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Objective S100A11 is a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family and has intracellular and extracellular regulatory activities.We previously reported that S100A11 was differentially expressed in the respiratory tracts of asthmatic rats as compared with normal controls.Here,we aimed to analyze the potential of S100A11 to regulate both allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness(AHR)as well as acetylcholine(ACh)-induced hypercontractility of airway smooth muscle(ASM)and contraction of ASM cells(ASMCs).Methods Purified recombinant rat S100A11 protein(rS100A11)was administered to OVA-sensitized and challenged rats and then the AHR of animals was measured.The relaxation effects of rS100A11 on ASM were detected using isolated tracheal rings and primary ASMCs.The expression levels of un-phosphorylated myosin light chain(MLC)and phosphorylated MLC in ASMCs were analyzed using Western blotting.Results Treatment with rS100A11 attenuated AHR in the rats.ASM contraction assays showed that rS100A11 reduced the contractile responses of isolated tracheal rings and primary ASMCs treated with ACh.In addition,rS100A11 markedly decreased the ACh-induced phosphorylation of the myosin light chain in ASMCs.Moreover,rS100A11 also suppressed the contractile response of tracheal rings in calcium-free buffer medium.Conclusion These results indicate that S100A11 protein can relieve AHR by relaxing ASM independently of extracellular calcium.Our data support the idea that S100A11 is a potential therapeutic target for reducing airway resistance in asthma patients.

Model-based assessment of muscle forces and strain distribution in the femur of Cabot’s Tragopans(Tragopan caboti)

The hindlimbs play a crucial role in bird locomotion,making the biomechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system in these limbs a focal point for researchers studying avian behaviour.However,a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical performance within the long bones of hindlimbs during locomotion remains lacking.In the present study,the strain and deformation of the femur of Cabot’s Tragopans(Tragopan caboti)were estimated.We employed inverse simulation to calculate the force and moment of femoral muscles during mid-stance terrestrial locomotion and conducted finite element analysis to calculate femoral strain.Results showed that during mid-stance,the femur experiences combined deformation primarily characterized by torsion,bending,and compression.It emphasises the importance of considering the influence of varying loads on bone adaptation when investigating bone form-function relationships.Muscles were found to play a significant role in offsetting joint loads on the femur,subsequently reducing the deformation and overall strain on the bone.This reduction enhances femoral safety during locomotion,allowing birds to meet mechanical demands while maintaining a lightweight bone structure.Notably,the M.iliotrochantericus caudalis significantly reduces torsional deformation of the proximal femur,protecting the vulnerable femoral neck from high fracture risk induced by rotation load.Given that the femur torsion during terrestrial locomotion in birds is associated with changes in hindlimb posture due to their adaptation to flight,the characteristics of M.iliotrochantericus caudalis may provide insight into the locomotor evolution of theropods and the origin of avian flight.

Reply: Anomalous Muscles in Carpal Tunnel Associated with Neurovascular Variation: Case Report and Brief Review

Gantzer’s muscle is an additional muscle in the forearm. We studied the incidence and the morphology of Gantzer’s muscle and its relation with neurovascular structures. However, unlike the previous suggestion by Eid et al., there is no significant difference in the frequency of the variations of these nerves whether Gantzer’s muscle is present or not.

Anomalous muscles in carpal tunnel associated with neurovascular variations: Case report and brief review

Anomalous muscles in carpal tunnel (CT) may cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and may be also associated with neurovascular abnormalities, altering the diagnosis and surgical interventions for CTS. The authors report a case of bilateral Gantzer’s muscles (GMs) inserted into the tendons of flexor digitorum profundus within the CTs in an old male cadaver. The left GM was associated with enlarged lumbrical muscles in the CT and bifid median nerve (MN) communicating with ulnar nerve in the hand. The right GM was associated with perforation of MN branches in the hand by superficial palmar arch. This unreported coexistence of anomalous GMs and the associated neurovascular variations may have clinical relevance to etiology, diagnosis and treatment of CTS.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may be a viable treatment modality in cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy(CP)describes a group of disorders affecting movement,balance,and posture.Disturbances in motor functions constitute the main body of CP symptoms.These symptoms surface in early childhood and patients are affected for the rest of their lives.Currently,treatment involves various pharmacotherapies for different types of CP,including antiepileptics for epilepsy and Botox A for focal spasticity.However,none of these methods can provide full symptom relief.This has prompted researchers to look for new treatment modalities,one of which is mesenchymal stem cell therapy(MSCT).Despite being a promising tool and offering a wide array of possibilities,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)still need to be investigated for their efficacy and safety.AIM To analyze the efficacy and safety of MSCT in CP patients.METHODS Our sample consists of four CP patients who cannot stand or walk without external support.All of these cases received allogeneic MSCT six times as 1×106/kg intrathecally,intravenously,and intramuscularly using umbilical cord-derived MSCs(UC-MSC).We monitored and assessed the patients pre-and post-treatment using the Wee Functional Independence Measure(WeeFIM),Gross Motor Function Classification System(GMFCS),and Manual Ability Classification Scale(MACS)instruments.We utilized the Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS)to measure spasticity.RESULTS We found significant improvements in MAS scores after the intervention on both sides.Two months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;four months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;12 months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046.However,there was no significant difference in motor functions based on WeeFIM results(P>0.05).GMFCS and MACS scores differed significantly at 12 months after the intervention(P=0.046,P=0.046).Finally,there was no significant change in cognitive functions(P>0.05).CONCLUSION In light of our findings,we believe that UC-MSC therapy has a positive effect on spasticity,and it partially improves motor functions.

经会阴三维超声联合SWE评估分娩方式对初产妇肛提肌的影响

目的探讨经会阴三维超声联合剪切波弹性成像技术(shear wave elastography,SWE)在评估分娩方式对初产妇肛提肌形态及功能影响中的应用价值,为早期诊断盆底功能障碍性疾病(pelvic floor disorders,PFD)提供新方法。方法选取在笔者医院分娩后6~8周复查的92例初产妇为产后组,根据其分娩方式分为经阴道分娩组(n=45)和剖宫产组(n=47),选取同期健康未育女性作为对照组(n=43)。采用经会阴三维超声联合SWE进行检查,比较各组间不同状态下肛提肌裂孔形态参数及弹性参数的差异。结果经阴道分娩组在静息、最大缩肛及最大Valsalva状态下肛提肌裂孔面积(levator ani hiatus area,LHA)均大于剖宫产组和对照组,剖宫产组大于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);经阴道分娩组在静息及最大缩肛状态下弹性参数较对照组、剖宫产组均减小,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);而剖宫产组与对照组弹性参数比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);最大Valsalva状态与静息状态下LHA差值(ΔA′)与双侧PR杨氏模量值收缩前后的差值(ΔE)呈显著负相关(左侧r=-0.444,P=0.008;右侧r=-0.488,P=0.002)。结论经会阴三维超声联合SWE可定量评估肛提肌的形态及功能,为PFD的早期诊断提供依据。

Application of real-time shear wave elastography to Achilles tendon hardness evaluation in older adults

BACKGROUND Real-time shear wave elastography(SWE)is a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure tissue stiffness by generating and tracking shear waves in real time.This advanced ultrasound-based method provides quantitative information regarding tissue elasticity,offering valuable insights into the mechanical properties of biological tissues.However,the application of real-time SWE in the musculoskeletal system and sports medicine has not been extensively studied.AIM To explore the practical value of real-time SWE for assessing Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.METHODS A total of 60 participants were enrolled in the present study,and differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons were compared among the following categories:(1)Age:55-60,60-65,and 65-70-years-old;(2)Sex:Male and female;(3)Laterality:Left and right sides;(4)Tendon state:Relaxed and tense state;and(5)Tendon segment:Proximal,middle,and distal.RESULTS There were no significant differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons when comparing by age or sex(P>0.05).There were,however,significant differences when comparing by tendon side,state,or segment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Real-time SWE plays a significant role compared to other examination methods in the evaluation of Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.

基于T-S模糊建模的气动肌肉拮抗关节预测角度控制

目的:为了提升气动肌肉拮抗关节的控制精度。方法:提出了一种用于气动肌肉拮抗关节角度跟踪的T-S模糊模型预测控制方法。建立了拮抗关节的T-S模糊模型,并对模型进行了离散化处理;基于离散后的T-S模糊模型,设计了拮抗关节的模型预测控制器,通过特征值法验证了系统的稳定性。结果:仿真实验表明,T-S模糊模型预测控制器跟踪±15°和±10°的角度时,相对于传统模型预测控制,平均绝对误差分别降低了29.05%和44.11%。结论:设计的T-S模糊模型预测控制器提高了气动肌肉拮抗关节的控制精度。

用毗邻肌、筋膜瓣预防Frey′s综合征

目的 探讨在腮腺切除手术的同时 ,用残余的腮腺咬肌筋膜和胸锁乳突肌瓣修复与重建腮腺咬肌筋膜屏障 ,是否能够有效预防味觉出汗综合征的发生。方法 通过对 2 1例在腮腺切除术中保留、重建腮腺咬肌筋膜的患者进行术后随访 ,并采用咀嚼维生素C片诱导及碘———淀粉试验检测 ,观察术后味觉出汗综合征的发病率。结果 在调查的 2 1例患者中 ,仅有 2例病人发现有潮红和出汗现象 ,较传统腮腺切除术的发病率明显降低。结论 切除腮腺时 ,用毗邻肌筋膜瓣预防Frey′s综合征不仅有显著效果 ,而且还能纠正面侧部的凹陷畸形。

Wiltse肌间隙入路与常规入路治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床比较

目的:探讨经Wiltse肌间隙入路治疗胸腰椎骨折的可行性。方法:回顾性分析48例胸腰椎骨折患者的病历资料,经常规手术入路行后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术者25例为对照组(A组);经Wiltse肌间隙入路行椎弓根螺钉内固定者23例为观察组(B组)。比较2组患者的手术时间、切口长度、术中出血量、引流量、术后疼痛视觉摸拟评分、Cobb’s角及术后日本骨科协会评分。结果:A组患者的手术时间、出血量、引流量术后VAS评分均大于B组[(80.04±9.650)min,(60.48±6.374)min,t=8.210,P=0.000;(280.40±56.60)mL,(180.43±60.11)mL,t=5.934,P=0.000;(161.60±44.31)mL,(120.00±28.28)mL,t=3.838,P=0.000;(5.792±1.444),(3.087±1.203),t=3.838,P=0.000];2组患者的切口长度、术后JOA评分及手术前后Cobb’s角比较,差异均无统计学意义[(10.40±1.49)cm,(10.33±1.49)cm,t=0.171,P=0.865;(27.280±1.487),(26.348±1.921),t=1.889,P=0.065;(22.060±4.887),(22.870±5.513),t=-0.539,P=0.592;(6.204±1.737),(6.844±1.359),t=-1.412,P=0.165]。结论:与常规手术入路相比,经Wiltse肌间隙入路内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折具有手术时间短、出血量少及术后疼痛程度低的优点,值得推广。

横纹肌细胞培养液对S-180细胞生长抑制作用的体外实验研究

目的:观察横纹肌细胞微环境对肿瘤细胞生长的影响,探讨横纹肌内转移瘤罕见这一现象的发生机制。方法:采用酶解法原代培养新生Wistar大鼠心肌细胞和骨骼肌细胞,形态学和免疫酶染色方法检测横纹肌α-肌动蛋白进行细胞鉴定,免疫酶染色法进行细胞纯度鉴定,MTT法分析比较骨骼肌和心肌细胞细胞培养液对S-180细胞和正常肾小球系膜细胞的体外生长抑制作用,并运用胰酶消化法,热灭活法初步探讨横纹肌细胞培养液中抑瘤物质的理化性质。结果:S-180细胞与CMCM、MMCM共同培养后,细胞存活率明显下降,与DMEM相比差异均具有显著性(P<0.05),MCs细胞的细胞存活率无明显影响(P>0.05)。DDP对S-180细胞和MCs细胞均具有显著性抑制作用(P<0.05)。心肌细胞培养液和骨骼肌细胞培养液经胰酶消化后抑制活性仍然存在(P<0.05),经热灭活后活性消失(P>0.05)。结论:新生大鼠横纹肌细胞培养液对S-180细胞的增殖有明显的抑制作用;而对正常细胞的增殖无明显影响,与顺铂的抑制作用明显不同。横纹肌细胞培养液中有可能存在一种抑瘤物质,可能是横纹肌转移瘤罕见的关键因素。

PP^(60c-Src)在血管紧张素II诱导的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞信息转导中的作用(英文)

目的:本研究通过观察c -Src在AngII对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶(MAPK)的激活和c -Fos蛋白表达中的影响,以进一步阐明AngII促VSMC增殖的细胞内信息转导机制。方法:原代和传代培养SD大鼠主动脉VSMC ,以脂质体包裹反义c -Src寡脱氧核苷酸(oligodeoxynucleotides,ODNs)转染培养的VSMC以抑制c -Src蛋白表达和激酶活性。以未转染的VSMC为对照,观察10 -7mol/LAngII刺激对转染的VSMC的MAPK活性和c -Fos蛋白表达的影响。蛋白免疫沉淀和酶自身磷酸化率法测定c -Src激酶活性;髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP)底物磷酸化率测定MAPK激酶活性;Westernblotting免疫印迹法测定c-Src和c -Fos蛋白表达情况。结果:转染不同浓度反义c-SrcODNs的VSMC ,c -Src蛋白含量呈浓度依赖性降低,c-Src激酶活性也显著抑制,以AngII刺激经转染反义c -SrcODNs的VSMC ,c -Src激酶活性增幅仅为对照组的8 .7% ;MAPK活性仅为对照的1 .6 % ;c -Fos蛋白表达的增幅为对照组的30 .0 %。结论:AngII可诱导VSMCc -Src激活和细胞内信息转导,且AngII引起的MAPK和c -fos的激活依赖于c-Src的激活,提示c -Src是AngII促血管平滑肌细胞增殖的重要信息分子。

5-氟脲嘧啶和赖诺普利诱导合成型平滑肌凋亡及c-fos、c-myc、p53基因表达的研究

目的 :探讨 5 -氟脲嘧啶 ( 5 - Fu)、赖诺普利诱导培养的合成型平滑肌细胞凋亡的作用及相关基因的表达。方法 :以 5 - Fu以及赖诺普利分别作用于培养的合成型平滑肌。以流式细胞仪检测药物作用后的细胞凋亡发生率 ,以原位杂交法检测 c- myc,c-fos和 p5 3基因的 m RNA表达。结果 :5 - Fu可诱导培养细胞出现明显的凋亡 ( 4 0μmol/ L组的凋亡诱导率达 71.2 4 % )而赖诺普利可明显地抑制细胞凋亡发生 ,12 .5 μmol/ L 的剂量即可使细胞凋亡从 15 .75 %下降至 0 .0 3 %以下。原位杂交实验显示 ,5 - Fu组p5 3表达增强 ,而 c- fos表达抑制 ;赖诺普利组 p5 3表达抑制 ,而 c- fos呈强阳性表达。结论 :5 - Fu可强烈地诱导培养的合成型平滑肌细胞凋亡 ,而赖诺普利抑制培养细胞的凋亡。 5 - Fu诱导凋亡的作用是 p5

谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4基因转染人血管平滑肌细胞及对改善硝酸甘油耐药性的作用

目的谷胱甘肽-S转移酶是一类具有拮抗氧化应激损伤的酶,谷胱甘肽-S转移酶对于人血管平滑肌细胞的硝酸甘油耐药性是否具有改善作用尚无报道。本研究探讨谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4基因转染人胎主动脉平滑肌细胞,观察谷胱甘肽-S转移酶是否能够改善硝酸甘油耐药性。方法建立稳定人谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4转染的人胎主动脉平滑肌细胞株,进行Western blot、免疫组织化学、MTT细胞毒理学以及一氧化氮检测。结果与野生型和空载体转染的人胎主动脉平滑肌细胞组相比,过表达人谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4的人胎主动脉平滑肌细胞在硝酸甘油作用24h后明显抵抗硝酸甘油造成的细胞损伤(P<0.05);经硝酸甘油耐药性方案诱导后,人谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4转染的人胎主动脉平滑肌细胞组产生的一氧化氮含量高于其他两组(P<0.01)。结论本研究发现经谷胱甘肽-S转移酶A4-4基因转染的人血管平滑肌细胞可抵抗硝酸甘油作用所致的损伤,并可能具有改善硝酸甘油耐药性的作用。