Therapeutic effect and psychological impact of aspirin plus edaravone on patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Cerebral infarction(CI)is characterized by a high prevalence,disability,and mortality.Timely or improper treatment greatly affects patient prognosis.AIM To explore the drug efficacy of aspirin plus edaravone and to explore their effect on quality of life(QOL),anxiety and depression in CI patients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the records of 124 CI patients treated between June 2019 and February 2021 who were assigned to an observation group(OG)(combination therapy of aspirin and edaravone,65 patients)or a control group(CG)(aspirin monotherapy,59 patients).The therapeutic effects,pre-and posttreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,activities of daily living,degree of cognitive impairment,protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and S-100B,occurrence of adverse reactions,and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),interleukin(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αwere evaluated,detected and compared between the two groups.Finally,posttreatment QOL,anxiety,and depression were assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Scale,Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS),and Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),respectively.RESULTS Compared with the CG,the OG had markedly better therapeutic effects,greater improvements in activities of daily living,and better alleviation in cognitive dysfunction after treatment,as well as lower posttreatment NIHSS scores and serum NSE,GFAP,S-100B,hs-CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels;the OG was similar to the CG in terms of adverse reactions but was better than the CG in terms of posttreatment QOL;and the OG also had lower SDS and SAS scores than the CG after treatment.CONCLUSION Aspirin plus edaravone had a good curative effect on CI.It can reverse cranial nerve damage in patients,improve neurological function and prognosis,and alleviate inflammation,anxiety,and depression;thus,it is considered safe and worthy of clinical application.

Clinical value of precise rehabilitation nursing in management of cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Cerebral infarction,previously referred to as cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke,refers to the localized brain tissue experiencing ischemic necrosis or softening due to disorders in brain blood supply,ischemia,and hypoxia.The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management is a continuous,fixed,orderly,and efficient nursing model aimed at standardizing the clinical nursing process,reducing the wastage of medical resources,and improving the quality of medical services.AIM To analyze the value of a precise rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS Patients(n=124)admitted to our hospital with cerebral infarction between November 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled as the study subjects.The random number table method was used to divide them into a conventional nursing intervention group(n=61)and a model nursing intervention group(n=63).Changes in the nursing index for the two groups were compared after conventional nursing intervention and precise rehabilitation intervention nursing for chronic disease management.RESULTS Compared with the conventional intervention group,the model intervention group had a shorter time to clinical symptom relief(P<0.05),lower Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores,a lower incidence of total complications(P<0.05),a higher disease knowledge mastery rate,higher safety and quality,and a higher overall nursing satisfaction rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management improves the clinical symptoms of patients with cerebral infarction,reducing the incidence of total complications and improving the clinical outcome of patients,and is worthy of application in clinical practice.

The Effect of Different Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Time Windows on Neurological Function and Prognosis in Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective:To observe the effects of different hyperbaric oxygen treatment time windows on the prognosis and neurological function of acute cerebral infarction.Method:160 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to Xiangyang Central Hospital in Hubei Province were randomly divided into four groups,each with 40 cases,using a random number table method.According to the 2017 guidelines for the treatment of cerebral infarction,the control group received routine treatment for acute cerebral infarction;On the basis of the control group,patients in Group A received hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 48 hours of onset;Group B patients receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 3-6 days of onset;Group C patients receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 7-12 days of onset.Observe the efficacy,recurrence,and neurological function recovery of four groups of patients after treatment.Result:There was no statistically significant difference in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Barthel Index(BI)scores among the four groups before treatment(P>0.05).There were statistically significant differences in NIHSS and BI scores between 14 and 30 days after treatment and before treatment(F=16.352,27.261,11.899,28.326,P<0.05).At 14 and 30 days after treatment,the NIHSS score in Group A decreased compared to the control group,Group B,and Group C,while the BI score increased compared to the control group,Group B,and Group C,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in NIHSS and BI scores between Group C and the control group after treatment(P>0.05).After 30 days of treatment,the total effective rate of Group A was higher than that of the control group and Group C,and the difference was statistically significant(X2=6.135,P<0.05).The one-year recurrence rate of Group A and Group B is lower than that of Group C and the control group,and the difference is statistically significant(X2=8.331,P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions among the four groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Patients with acute cerebral infarction who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 48 hours can improve neurological function and reduce the recurrence rate.The efficacy of receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 7-12 days of onset is equivalent to that of not receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Analysis of the Effect of Limb Rehabilitation Therapy Combined with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Muscle Activity in Patients with Upper Limb Dysfunction After Cerebral Infarction

Objective:To analyze the effect of limb rehabilitation therapy combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on muscle activity in patients with upper limb dysfunction after cerebral infarction(CI).Methods:320 patients with upper limb dysfunction after CI were selected,all of whom were treated in our hospital between June 2021 and June 2023.They were randomly grouped according to the lottery method into the control group(limb rehabilitation therapy,160 cases)and the intervention group(transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy+limb rehabilitation therapy,160 cases).The upper limb function scores,neuro-electrophysiological indicators,daily living ability scores,and quality of life scores of the two groups were compared.Results:Compared with the control group,upper limb function scores and daily living ability scores in the intervention group were higher after treatment,and the neuro-electrophysiological indicators of the intervention group were lower after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy combined with limb rehabilitation therapy has significant effects in patients with upper limb dysfunction after CI and is worthy of promotion and application.

The Prognostic Value of Red Cell Distribution Width in Critically Ill Cerebral Infarction Patients:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:Red blood cell distribution width(RDW)has been utilized as a prognostic indicator for mortality risk assessment in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients.Nevertheless,the prognostic significance of RDW in critically ill patients with cerebral infarction is yet to be investigated.The objective of this study is to examine the association between RDW and the risk of all-cause mortality in cerebral infarction patients admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU).Method:A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV 2.2(MIMIC-IV)intensive care dataset for data analysis.The main results were the all-cause mortality rates at 3 and 12 months of follow-up.Cumulative curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method,and Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the relationship between RDW and mortality rates in critically ill cerebral infarction patients.Results:The findings indicate that RDW serves as a significant prognostic factor for mortality risk in critically ill stroke patients,specifically at the 3 and 12-month follow-up periods.The observed correlation between increasing RDW levels and higher mortality rates among cerebral infarction patients further supports the potential utility of RDW as a predictive indicator.Conclusion:RDW emerges as an independent predictor of mortality risk during the 3 and 12-month follow-up periods for critically ill patients with cerebral infarction.

Application of a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Rehabilitation nursing is considered an indispensable part of the cerebral infarction treatment system.The hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model can provide continuous nursing services across hospitals,communities,and families for patients.AIM To explore the application of a hospital–community–family rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,88 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into a study(n=44)and a control(n=44)group using a simple random number table.The control group received routine nursing and motor imagery therapy.The study group was given hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing based on the control group.Motor function(FMA),balance ability(BBS),activities of daily living(BI),quality of life(SS-QOL),activation status of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortical area to the affected side,and nursing satisfaction were evaluated before and after intervention in both groups.RESULTS Before intervention,FMA and BBS were similar(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,FMA and BBS were significantly higher in the study than in the control group(both P<0.05).Before intervention,BI and SS-QOL scores were not different between the study and control group(P>0.05).However,after 6months’intervention,BI and SS-QOL were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).Before intervention,activation frequency and volume were similar between the study and the control group(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,the activation frequency and volume were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).The reliability,empathy,reactivity,assurance,and tangibles scores for quality of nursing service were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model and motor imagery therapy enhances the motor function and balance ability of patients with cerebral infarction,improving their quality of life.

A Case of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis Complicated by Acute Cerebral Infarction and Acute Myelitis

Background: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in liver cirrhosis combined with acute cerebral infarction is uncommon in clinical work, and then combined with acute myelitis is even rarer and more complex, which poses a greater challenge to clinical diagnosis and treatment. This paper reports a case of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in liver cirrhosis complicated by acute cerebral infarction and acute myelitis, which be hoped to provide a reference for clinical work. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical information of a 68-year-old female admitted to the Digestive Medical Department with acute gastrointestinal bleeding and appeared limb movement disorder on the third day. Results: The patient was eventually diagnosed with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in liver cirrhosis complicated by acute cerebral infarction and acute myelitis. Conclusions: When patients with liver cirrhosis have abnormal neurological symptoms, in addition to liver cirrhosis-related complications, doctors need to consider cerebrovascular diseases and myelitis.

Edaravone administration and its potential association with a new clinical syndrome in cerebral infarction patients:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Edaravone is a widely used treatment for patients with cerebral infarction and,in most cases,edaravone-induced side effects are mild.However,edaravone-related adverse reactions have been receiving increasing attention.CASE SUMMARY We treated three patients with acute cerebral infarction who died following treatment with edaravone.Edaravone is a widely used treatment for patients with cerebral infarction and,in most cases,edaravone-induced side effects are mild.However,edaravone-related adverse reactions have been receiving increasing attention.CONCLUSION Our cases highlight the importance of educating clinicians regarding the new edaravone-induced clinical syndromes of cerebral infarction as potentially fatal adverse drug reactions.Considering that no laboratory or confirmatory test exists to diagnose edaravone-induced death from cerebral infarction,clinicians’knowledge is the key element in recognizing this phenomenon.

Analysis of mental health status and related factors in patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Acute cerebral infarction(ACI)is characterized by a high incidence of morbidity,disability,recurrence,death and heavy economic burden,and has become a disease of concern in global researchers.As ACI has serious effects on patients’physical status,life and economy,often causing anxiety,depression and other psychological problems,these problems can lead to the aggravation of physical symptoms;thus,it is very important to understand the factors affecting the mental health of these patients.AIM To understand the elements that affect the mental health of patients who have suffered an ACI.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among patients with ACI admitted to three tertiary hospitals(Quanzhou First Hospital,Fuqing City Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University,and the 900 Hospital of the Joint Service Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army of China)in Fujian Province from January 2022 to December 2022 using the convenience sampling method.ACI inpatients who met the inclusion criteria were selected.Informed consent was obtained from the patients before the investigation,and a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted using a unified scale.The questionnaire included a general situation questionnaire,Zung’s self-rating depression scale and Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale.All questionnaires were checked by two researchers and then the data were input and sorted using Excel software.The general situation of patients with ACI was analyzed by descriptive statistics,the influence of variables on mental health by the independent sample t test and variance analysis,and the influencing factors on psychological distress were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression.RESULTS The average age of the 220 patients with ACI was 68.64±10.74 years,including 142 males and 78 females.Most of the patients were between 60 and 74 years old,the majority had high school or technical secondary school education,most lived with their spouse,and most lived in cities.The majority of patients had a personal income of 3001 to 5000 RMB yuan per month.The new rural cooperative medical insurance system had the largest number of participants.Most stroke patients were cared for by their spouses and of these patients,52.3%had previously smoked.Univariate analysis showed that gender,age,residence,course of disease,number of previous chronic diseases and smoking history were the main factors affecting the anxiety scores of patients with ACI.Age,living conditions,monthly income,course of disease and knowledge of disease were the primary variables influencing the depression score in patients with ACI.The findings of multivariate analysis revealed that the course of disease and gender were the most important factors influencing patients’anxiety scores,and the course of disease was also the most important factor influencing patients’depression scores.CONCLUSION Long disease course and female patients with ACI were more likely to have psychological problems such as a high incidence of emotional disorders.These groups require more attention and counseling.

Efficacy and Safety of Ginkgo Biloba Tincture(银杏叶酊) Combined with Conventional Medication in the Treatment of Cerebral Infarction: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective:To analyze the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with conventional medication in the treatment of cerebral infarction by systematic evaluation.Methods:Searched the randomized controlled trials of Ginkgo biloba tincture in treating cerebral infarction.English literatures were searched from PubMed,EMbase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science,and Chinese literatures were searched from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP)and Wanfang Medical Database.At the same time,we searched dissertations,conference papers,and found relevant unpublished research results reports.Literature quality was evaluated using a"bias risk assessment tool"and Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software(from the Cochrane Collaboration).A total of 29 literatures were retrieved,and finally 4 literatures meeting the standards were included.There were 455 samples involved,including 244 cases in the experimental group and 211 cases in the control group.Results:①Effectiveness analysis:The total effective rate of Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with routine treatment was better than that of the control group[RR=1.26,95%CI(1.07,1.47),P=0.005].The hematocrit of Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with conventional treatment was significantly better than that of conventional treatment alone(P<0.05),The neurological deficits of Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with routine therapy was significantly improved(P<0.05).After Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with conventional therapy,the scores of mini-mental state examination(MMSE),activity daily living scale(ADL)and MOSSF-36 quality of life scale were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.05).②Safety analysis:3 articles reported the safety of medication.There was no obvious change in blood routine,liver and kidney function results and no adverse reactions in the experimental group and the control group.Conclusion:The above results indicated that Ginkgo biloba tincture combined with conventional treatment can improve the total effective rate of patients with cerebral infarction,and it is safe and has no adverse reactions.However,the number of literatures included in this study is small,and the quality of controlled trials is not good.It is still necessary to adopt clinical controlled trials with reasonable design,outcome indicators in line with international social norms and large sample content to further improve the evidence level of clinical research.

Value of Tongue Color Combined with Sublingual Microcirculation in Predicting the Severity of Mild to Moderate Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective:To explore the value of tongue color combined with sublingual microcirculation in predicting the severity of mild to moderate acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods:From January to December 2022,90 patients with ACI were admitted to the Department of Neurology of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.According to the NHISS score on the 5th day of admission,the patients were divided into mild group(35 cases)and moderate group(55 cases).The changes of tongue color and arterial lactate on the 5th day of admission were observed and monitored.Side-stream dark field imaging(SDF)was used to determine the total vascular density(TVD),perfused vascular density(PVD),perfused vascular ratio(PPV)and microvascular flow index(MFI).The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors for the severity of ACI,and the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)to evaluate their values in predicting ACI severity.Results:There was no significant difference in lactate between the two groups(P>0.05),and the frequency of red tongue in the mild group was higher,and the frequency of red tongue in the moderate group was significantly higher in the dark tongue group(P<0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PVD and PPV were independent risk factors for the severity of mild to moderate ACI(P<0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that an area under the curve of 0.832 was achieved by the combination of PVD and PPV,which was larger than that of a single factor.Conclusion:Tongue color combined with sublingual microcirculation can be combined to predict the severity of mild to moderate ACI.

Genetic pathways in cerebral palsy:a review of the implications for precision diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms

Ce rebral palsy is a diagnostic term utilized to describe a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture.Patients with cerebral palsy are often only capable of limited activity,resulting from non-progressive disturbances in the fetal or neonatal brain.These disturbances severely impact the child’s daily life and impose a substantial economic burden on the family.Although cerebral palsy encompasses various brain injuries leading to similar clinical outcomes,the unde rstanding of its etiological pathways remains incomplete owing to its complexity and heterogeneity.This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the genetic factors influencing cerebral palsy development.It is now widely acknowledged that genetic mutations and alterations play a pivotal role in cerebral palsy development,which can be further influenced by environmental fa ctors.Des pite continuous research endeavors,the underlying fa ctors contributing to cerebral palsy remain are still elusive.However,significant progress has been made in genetic research that has markedly enhanced our comprehension of the genetic factors underlying cerebral palsy development.Moreove r,these genetic factors have been categorized based on the identified gene mutations in patients through clinical genotyping,including thrombosis,angiogenesis,mitochondrial and oxidative phosphorylation function,neuronal migration,and cellular autophagy.Furthermore,exploring targeted genotypes holds potential for precision treatment.In conclusion,advancements in genetic research have substantially improved our understanding of the genetic causes underlying cerebral palsy.These breakthroughs have the potential to pave the way for new treatments and therapies,consequently shaping the future of cerebral palsy research and its clinical management.The investigation of cerebral palsy genetics holds the potential to significantly advance treatments and management strategies.By elucidating the underlying cellular mechanisms,we can develop to rgeted interventions to optimize outcomes.A continued collaboration between researchers and clinicians is imperative to comprehensively unravel the intricate genetic etiology of cerebral palsy.

Cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease induced by hypertension

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for the progression of cognitive impairment caused by cerebral small vessel disease,the most common cerebrovascular disease.Howeve r,the causal relationship between hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease remains unclear.Hypertension has substantial negative impacts on brain health and is recognized as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.Chronic hypertension and lifestyle factors are associated with risks for stro ke and dementia,and cerebral small vessel disease can cause dementia and stroke.Hypertension is the main driver of cerebral small vessel disease,which changes the structure and function of cerebral vessels via various mechanisms and leads to lacunar infarction,leukoaraiosis,white matter lesions,and intracerebral hemorrhage,ultimately res ulting in cognitive decline and demonstrating that the brain is the to rget organ of hypertension.This review updates our understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertensioninduced cerebral small vessel disease and the res ulting changes in brain structure and function and declines in cognitive ability.We also discuss drugs to treat cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment.

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging following major ozonated autohemotherapy for treatment of acute cerebral infarction

Major ozonated autohemotherapy has been shown to promote recovery of upper limb motor function in patients with acute cerebral infarction, but whether naajor ozonated autohelnotherapy affects remote in）ury remains poorly understood. Here, we assumed that major ozonated autohemotherapy contributes to recovery of clinical function, possibly by reducing remote injury after acute cerebral infarction. Sixty acute cerebral infarction patients aged 30-80 years were equally and randomly allocated to ozone treatment and control groups. Patients in the ozone treatment group received medical treatment and major ozonated autohemotherapy （47 mg/L, 100 mL ozone） for 10 ± 2 days. Patients in the control group received medical treatment only. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin scale score, and reduced degree of fractional anisotropy values of brain magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging were remarkably decreased, brain function improved, clinical efficiency significantly increased, and no obvious adverse reactions detected in the ozone treatment group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that major ozonated autohemotherapy promotes recovery of neurological function in acute cerebral infarction patients by reducing re,note injury, and additionally, exhibits high safety.

Influences of blood lipids on the occurrence and prognosis of hemorrhagic transformation after acute cerebral infarction: a case-control study of 732 patients

Background: To study the influence of blood lipid levels on hemorrhagic transformation(HT) and prognosis after acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods: Patients with ACI within 72 h of symptoms onset between January 1 st, 2015, and December 31 st, 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into group A(without HT) and group B(HT). The outcomes were assessed after 3 months of disease onset using the modified Rankin Scale(m RS). An m RS score of 0–2 points indicated excellent prognosis, and an m RS score of 3–6 points indicated poor prognosis.Results: A total of 732 patients conformed to the inclusion criteria, including 628 in group A and 104 in group B. The incidence of HT was 14.2%, and the median onset time was 2 d(interquartile range, 1–7 d). The percentages of patients with large infarct size and cortex involvement in group B were 80.8% and 79.8%, respectively, which were both significantly higher than those in group A(28.7 and 33.4%, respectively). The incidence rate of atrial fibrillation(AF) in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(39.4% vs. 13.9%, P<0.001). The adjusted multivariate analysis results showed that large infarct size, cortex involvement and AF were independent risk factors of HT, while total cholesterol(TC) was a protective factor of HT(OR=0.359, 95% CI 0.136–0.944, P=0.038). With every 1 mmol/L reduction in normal TC levels, the risk of HT increased by 64.1%. The mortality and morbidity at 3 months in group B(21.2% and 76.7%, respectively) were both significantly higher than those in group A(8.0% and 42.8%, respectively). The adjusted multivariate analysis results showed that large infarct size(OR=12.178, 95% CI 5.390–27.516, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor of long-term unfavorable outcomes, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) was a protective factor(OR=0.538, 95% CI 0.300–0.964, P=0.037). With every 1 mmol/L reduction in normal LDL-C levels, the risk of an unfavorable outcome increased by 46.2%. Major therapies, including intravenous recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator(r TPA), intensive lipid-lowering statins and anti-platelets, were not significantly related to either HT or long-term, post-ACI poor prognosis.Conclusions: For patients with large infarct sizes, especially those with cortex involvement, AF, or lower levels of TC, the risk of HT might increase after ACI. The risk of a long-term unfavorable outcome in these patients might increase with a reduction in LDL-C.

Over-expression of VEGF in Marrow Stromal Cells Promotes Angiogenesis in Rats with Cerebral Infarction via the Synergistic Effects of VEGF and Ang-2

This study explored whether the transplantation of modified marrow stromal cells (MSCs) has angiogenic effects in a left middle cerebral artery occlusion infarction/reperfusion (MCAO I/R) rat model and preliminarily examined the mechanism of angiogenesis following cerebral infarction.MSCs were isolated by using a direct adherent method and cultured.Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was transfected into MSCs by employing the liposome transfection.The transfection efficiency was measured by the optical density method.The protein expression of VEGF gene before and after transfection was measured by Western blotting.SD rat model of transient occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery was established by using an approach of intra-luminal occlusion.Tetrazolium (TTC) and HE staining were performed to observe the cerebral infarction.ELISAs were used to measure the levels of VEGF in the rat cerebral tissues.The expression patterns of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and CD34 in cells surrounding the area of infarction were immunohistochemistrically oserved.Ang-2 protein expression in the tissue surrounding the area of infarction was measured by Western blotting.VEGF expression in the MSCs increased after transfection at a rate of approximately 28%±3.4%.ELISA showed that the expression of VEGF in the cerebral tissue was significantly increased after induction of infarction,peaking on the 4th day and decreasing to the levels of the sham surgery group (normal) within 7 to 10 days.The VEGF level was significantly higher at each time point in the VEGF-MSC and MSC groups compared to the model group.Moreover,the VEGF level was higher in the VEGF-MSC group than in the MSC group and stayed relatively high until the 10th day.The immunohistochemical results showed that 10 days after the infarction,the number of Ang-2 and CD34-expressing cells in the area surrounding the infarction was significantly higher in the VEGF-MSC group and the MSC group compared to the model group.Moreover,the VEGF level was higher in the VEGF-MSC group than the MSC group.A similar trend in Ang-2 protein expression was revealed by Western blotting.In the MCAO rat model transfected with modified MSCs over-expressing VEGF,compared to the MSC transplantation group,the concentration of VEGF was significantly increased in the brain tissue after cerebral infarction.In addition,the level of Ang-2 was up-regulated,with angiogenesis promoted,the blood supply to the areas surrounding the cerebral infarction increased,and neurological function improved.We are led to speculate that the synergistic effects of VEGF and Ang-2 may be responsible for the angiogenesis following cerebral infarction.

Relationship between the -455G/A and -148C/T polymorphisms in the beta-fibrinogen gene and cerebral infarction in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese populations

We sought to investigate the correlation between the -455G/A and -148C/T polymorphisms of the β-fibrinogen gene and plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with cerebral infarction and in healthy subjects among the Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese populations, by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme digestion analysis. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the distributions of the -455G/A genotype and allele frequency between the Uygurs and the Han. Plasma fibrinogen levels in cerebral infarction patients among the Uygurs and the Han were higher than those among healthy subjects. In particular, the frequencies of the -455G/A AA and -148C/T TT genotypes were significantly higher than in healthy subjects. Individuals carrying the A or T allele had a higher incidence of cerebral infarction compared with those carrying the G or C allele. Our experimental findings indicate that the -148C/T and -455G/A polymorphisms are associated with cerebral infarction in Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese subjects. The susceptibility- conferring alleles are -148T and -455A, and the susceptibility-conferring genotype is -455G/A ＋ AA.

Neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in focal cerebral infarction: relationship with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor

Neuroprotection by ischemic preconditioning has been confirmed by many studies, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we performed cerebral ischemic pre- conditioning in rats by simulating a transient ischemic attack twice （each a 20-minute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery） before inducing focal cerebral infarction （2 hour occlusion-reper- fusion in the same artery）. We also explored the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. Seven days after ocdusion-reperfusion, tetrazolium chloride staining and immunohistochemistry revealed that the infarct volume was significantly smaller in the group that underwent preconditioning than in the model group. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was considerably greater in the hippocampal CA3 region of preconditioned rats than model rats. Our results suggest that the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on focal cerebral infarction are associated with upregulation of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor.

Efficacy of cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin in patients with acute cerebral infarction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study

Cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin(CEGI)injection is a compound preparation formed by a combination of muscle extract from hea lthy rabbits and brain gangliosides from cattle,and it is generally used as a neuroprotectant in the treatment of central and peripheral nerve injuries.However,there is still a need for high-level clinical evidence from large samples to support the use of CEGI.We therefore carried out a prospective,multicenter,randomized,double-blind,parallel-group,placebo-controlled study in which we recruited 319 patients with acute cerebral infarction from 16 centers in China from October 2013 to May 2016.The patients were randomized at a 3:1 ratio into CEGI(n=239;155 male,84 female;61.2±9.2 years old)and placebo(n=80;46 male,34 female;63.2±8.28 years old)groups.All patients were given standard care once daily for 14 days,including a 200 mg aspirin enteric-coated tablet and 20 mg atorvastatin calcium,both taken orally,and intravenous infusion of 250–500 mL 0.9%sodium chloride containing 40 mg sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate.Based on conventional treatment,patients in the CEGI and placebo groups were given 12 mL CEGI or 12 mL sterile water,respectively,in an intravenous drip of 250 mL 0.9%sodium chloride(2 mL/min)once daily for 14 days.According to baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores,patients in the two groups were divided into mild and moderate subgroups.Based on the modified Rankin Scale results,the rate of patients with good outcomes in the CEGI group was higher than that in the placebo group,and the rate of disability in the CEGI group was lower than that in the placebo group on day 90 after treatment.In the CEGI group,neurological deficits were decreased on days 14 and 90 after treatment,as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Barthel Index.Subgroup analysis revealed that CEGI led to more significant improvements in moderate stroke patients.No drug-related adverse events occurred in the CEGI or placebo groups.In conclusion,CEGI may be a safe and effective treatment for acute cerebral infarction patients,especially for moderate stroke patients.This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Peking University Third Hospital,China(approval No.2013-068-2)on May 20,2013,and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration No.ChiCTR1800017937).

Hypoxic preconditioning stimulates angiogenesis in ischemic penumbra after acute cerebral infarction

Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning on acute cerebral infarction, but the mechanisms underlying this protection remain unclear. To investigate the protective mechanisms of hypoxic preconditioning in relation to its effects on angiogenesis, we in- duced a photochemical model of cerebral infarction in an inbred line of mice （BALB/c）. Mice were then exposed to hypoxic preconditioning 30 minutes prior to model establishment. Results showed significantly increased vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 expression in the ischemic penumbra at 24 and 72 hours post infarction, mainly in neurons and vascular endothelial cells. Hypoxic preconditioning increased vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 expression in the ischemic penumbra and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was positively related to that of CD31. Moreover, hypoxic preconditioning reduced the infarct volume and improved neu- rological function in mice. These findings indicate that the protective role of hypoxic preconditioning in acute cerebral infarction may possibly be due to an increase in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31 in the ischemic penumbra, which promoted angiogenesis.