Neuroregenerafion is a complex topic in neurosci- ence and includes 3 concepts: neurogenesis, neuro- plasticity, and neurorestoration. After injury of the nervous system, axons have the capacity for self-re- pair, re...Neuroregenerafion is a complex topic in neurosci- ence and includes 3 concepts: neurogenesis, neuro- plasticity, and neurorestoration. After injury of the nervous system, axons have the capacity for self-re- pair, regrowth or proliferation. The peripheral ner- vous system is more effective at restoring damaged axons than the central nervous system (CNS). This is because formation of scar tissue in the CNS in- fluences neural regrowth or synthesis of growth-in- hibiting proteins, thereby preventing reconstruction of a neural circuit (Silver and Miller, 2004; Enciu et al., 2011). Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two most common degenerative diseases of the CNS among the elderly.展开更多
To the editor, We read with interest the article, "Facilitating transparency in spinal cord injury studies using data standards and ontol- ogles" by Professor Vance E Lemmon, University of Miami, USA (Lemmon et al...To the editor, We read with interest the article, "Facilitating transparency in spinal cord injury studies using data standards and ontol- ogles" by Professor Vance E Lemmon, University of Miami, USA (Lemmon et al., 2014) and would like to add to the discussion on digital management in spinal cord injury. We have analyzed the advancements in the treatment of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain jury. Encouraging outcomes injury and peripheral nerve in- have been achieved in the area of regulating axon growth in vivo and in vitro. However, such a large amount of information neither provides in-depth insight for other scholars nor provides detailed therapeutic nrotocols for clinical studies.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Many diseases of the common peroneal nerve are a result of sciatic nerve injury. The present study addresses whether anatomical positioning of the sciatic nerve is responsible for these injuries. OBJECTIV...BACKGROUND: Many diseases of the common peroneal nerve are a result of sciatic nerve injury. The present study addresses whether anatomical positioning of the sciatic nerve is responsible for these injuries. OBJECTIVE: To analyze anatomical causes of sciatic nerve and common peroneal nerve injury by studying the relationship between the sciatic nerve and piriformis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Observe and measure repeatedly. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Tianjin Medical College between January and June 2005. MATERIALS: Fifty-two adult cadavers 33 males and 19 females, with a total of 104 hemispheres, and fixed with formaldehyde, were provided by Tianjin Medical College and Tianjin Medical University. METHODS: A posterior cut was made from the lumbosacral region to the upper leg, fully exposing the piriformis and path of the sciatic nerve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Anatomical characteristics of the tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve. (2) According to different areas where the sciatic nerve crosses the piriformis, the study was divided into two types-normal and abnormal. Normal is considered to be when the sciatic nerve passes through the infrapiriform foramen. Remaining pathways are considered to be abnormal. (3) Observe the relationship between the suprapiriform foramen, infrapiriform foramen, as well as the superior and inferior space of piriformis. RESULTS: (1) The nerve tract inside the common peroneal nerve is smaller and thinner, with less connective tissue than the tibial nerve. When pathological changes or variations of the piriformis, or over-abduction of the hip joint, occur, injury to the common peroneal nerve often arises due to blockage and compression. (2) A total of 76 hemispheres (73.08%) were normal, 28 were abnormal (26.92%). The piriformis can be injured, and the sciatic nerve can become compressed, when the hip joint undergoes intorsion, extorsion, or abduction. (3) The structures between the infrapiriform and suprapiriform foramen are where "the first threshold" sciatic nerve projects. The structures between the infrapiriform and suprapiriform gap were "the second threshold". This became the concept of "double threshold". The reduced area caused by pathological changes of "double threshold" may block and compress the sciatic nerve. Because the common peroneal nerve lies on the anterolateral side of the sciatic nerve, injury to the common peroneal nerve is more serious. CONCLUSION: Anatomical characteristics of the common peroneal nerve, as well as variation of the sciatic nerve, piriformis, and the reduced "double threshold", are the main causes of sciatic nerve injury, and are especially common in peroneal nerve injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Synphilin-1 has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduction might induce PD onset. To date, the precise effect of synphilin-1 o...BACKGROUND: Synphilin-1 has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduction might induce PD onset. To date, the precise effect of synphilin-1 on SOD expression remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of synphilin-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) on SOD expression in a rat model of PD. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical School from June to October 2008. MATERIALS: 6-hydroxydopamine was purchased from Wuhan Boster, China. METHODS: A total of 40 male, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to PD, siRNA, siRNA negative control, and control groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rats from the PD, siRNA, and siRNA negative control groups were injected with 6-hydroxydopamine into the right substantia nigra to establish PD models. In addition, synphilin-1 siRNA and siRNA negative control sequences were separately injected into the right substantia nigra of siRNA, and siRNA negative control groups. The control group rats were treated with a mixture of ascorbic acid and normal saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Synphilin-1 and SOD protein and mRNA expression in the substantia nigra was detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Synphilin-1 and SOD protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased in PD and siRNA negative control groups (P 〈 0.05). However, the siRNA group exhibited opposite effects. CONCLUSION: Synphilin-1 resulted in altered SOD expression, which suggested a protective role for synphilin-1 siRNA in an animal model of PD.展开更多
A patient with Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)encephalitis presented with quadriplegia and multiple peripheral neuropathy with axonal lesion,confirmed by electrophysiological examination.The muscle strength ...A patient with Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)encephalitis presented with quadriplegia and multiple peripheral neuropathy with axonal lesion,confirmed by electrophysiological examination.The muscle strength in the limbs of the patient gradually recovered almost completely,accompanied by the reversal of neuroelectrophysiological symptoms,and the improvement of clinical manifestations,including consciousness,respiration and cognitive function.It was revealed that the neuropathy in NMDAR encephalitis involved motor or sensorimotor nerves more than pure sensory nerves.No autoantibodies were detectable,in contrast to other anti-NMDAR overlapping syndromes.Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear,it may be associated with autoimmune generalization.In conclusion,when patients with NMDAR encephalitis present with severe limb paralysis,the possibility of peripheral nerve damage should be considered.展开更多
There is currently no treatment for effectively slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, so early prevention is very important. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids can improve memory impairment. The pr...There is currently no treatment for effectively slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, so early prevention is very important. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids can improve memory impairment. The present study investigated the effects of myricetin, a member of the flavonoids, on intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced neuronal loss and memory impairment in rat models of Alzheimer's disease. Myricetin at 5 or 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into rats over 21 days. Control rats were treated with 10 m L/kg saline. Behavioral test(the shuttle box test) was performed on day 22 to examine learning and memory in rats. Immediately after that, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphological change in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons. Myricetin greatly increased the number of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons and improved learning and memory impairments in rats with Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that myricetin is beneficial for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Long term suppression of succinate dehydrogenase by selective inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid has been used in rodents to model Huntington's disease where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damages are primary p...Long term suppression of succinate dehydrogenase by selective inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid has been used in rodents to model Huntington's disease where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damages are primary pathological hallmarks for neuronal damage. Improvements in learning and memory abilities, recovery of energy levels, and reduction of excitotoxicity damage can be achieved through activation of Adenyl cyclase enzyme by a specific phytochemical forskolin. In this study, intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg 3-nitropropionic acid for 15 days in rats notably reduced body weight, worsened motor cocordination(grip strength, beam crossing task, locomotor activity), resulted in learning and memory deficits, greatly increased acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, nitrite, and malondialdehyde levels, obviously decreased adenosine triphosphate, succinate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus. Intragastric administration of forskolin at 10, 20, 30 mg/kg dose-dependently reversed these behavioral, biochemical and pathological changes caused by 3-nitropropionic acid. These results suggest that forskolin exhibits neuroprotective effects on 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease-like neurodegeneration.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic ...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic patterns could aid in diagnosis and provide an avenue for monitoring disease progression.Use of the m SOD1 G93 A mouse model provides control of the confounding environmental factors and genetic heterogeneity seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,while investigating underlying disease-induced changes.In the present study,we performed a longitudinal behavioral assessment paradigm and identified an early hindlimb symptom,resembling the common gait abnormality foot drop,along with an accompanying forelimb compensatory mechanism in the m SOD1 G93 A mouse.Following these initial changes,m SOD1 mice displayed a temporary hindlimb compensatory mechanism resembling an exaggerated steppage gait.As the disease progressed,these compensatory mechanisms were not sufficient to sustain fundamental locomotor parameters and more severe deficits appeared.We next applied these initial findings to investigate the inherent variability in B6 SJL m SOD1 G93 A survival.We identified four behavioral variables that,when combined in a cluster analysis,identified two subpopulations with different disease progression rates:a fast progression group and a slow progression group.This behavioral assessment paradigm,with its analytical approaches,provides a method for monitoring disease progression and detecting m SOD1 subgroups with different disease severities.This affords researchers an opportunity to search for genetic modifiers or other factors that likely enhance or slow disease progression.Such factors are possible therapeutic targets with the potential to slow disease progression and provide insight into the underlying pathology and disease mechanisms.展开更多
Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease(AD) cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis...Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease(AD) cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD.While brain lesions are a major feature of AD,retinal pathological changes also occur in patients.In this study,we investigated the temporal changes in β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1) expression in the retina and brain to determine whether it could serve as a suitable biomarker for early monitoring of AD.APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,3,6 and 8 months of age,were used as an experimental group,and age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type mice served as the control group.In the Morris water maze test,there were no significant differences in escape latency or in the number of crossings in the target area among mice of different ages.Compared with wild-type mice,no changes in learning or memory abilities were detected in transgenic mice at 3 months of age.However,compared with wild-type mice,the escape latency was significantly increased in transgenic mice at 6 months,starting on day 3,and at 8 months,starting on day 2,during Morris water maze training.In addition,the number of crossings of the target area was significantly decreased in transgenic mice.The learning and memory abilities of transgenic mice were further worsened at 8 months of age.Immunohistochemical staining revealed no BACE1 plaques in wild-type mice at 3,6 or 8 months or in transgenic mice at 3 months,but they were clearly found in the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of transgenic mice at 6 and 8 months.BACE1 expression was not detected in the retina of wild-type mice at 3 months,but weak BACE1 expression was detected in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer at 6 and 8 months.In transgenic mice,BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer was increased at 3 months,and BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer was significantly increased at 6 and 8 months,compared with age-matched wild-type mice.Taken together,these results indicate that changes in BACE1 expression appear earlier in the retina than in the brain and precede behavioral deficits.Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of BACE1 in the retina is an early pathological change in APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,and that BACE1 might have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD in humans.展开更多
Bushen Tiansui decoction is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines:Herba Epimedii,Radix Polygoni multiflori,Plastrum testudinis,Fossilia Ossis Mastodi,Radix Polygalae,and Rhizoma Acorus tatarinowii.Because Bus...Bushen Tiansui decoction is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines:Herba Epimedii,Radix Polygoni multiflori,Plastrum testudinis,Fossilia Ossis Mastodi,Radix Polygalae,and Rhizoma Acorus tatarinowii.Because Bushen Tiansui decoction is effective against amyloid beta(Aβ) toxicity,we hypothesized that it would reduce hippocampal synaptic damage and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.To test this hypothesis,we used a previously established animal model of Alzheimer's disease,that is,microinjection of aggregated Aβ25–35 into the bilateral brain ventricles of Sprague-Dawley rats.We found that long-term(28 days) oral administration of Bushen Tiansui decoction(0.563,1.688,and 3.375 g/m L;4 m L/day) prevented synaptic loss in the hippocampus and increased the expression levels of synaptic proteins,including postsynaptic density protein 95,the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2 B subunit,and Shank1.These results suggested that Bushen Tiansui decoction can protect synapses by maintaining the expression of these synaptic proteins.Bushen Tiansui decoction also ameliorated measures reflecting spatial learning and memory deficits that were observed in the Morris water maze(i.e.,increased the number of platform crossings and the amount of time spent in the target quadrant and decreased escape latency) following intraventricular injections of aggregated Aβ25–35 compared with those measures in untreated Aβ_(25–35)-injected rats.Overall,these results provided evidence that further studies on the prevention and treatment of dementia with this traditional Chinese medicine are warranted.展开更多
In this study, we investigated the effect of an antibody against E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 1(SIAH-1) in PC12 cells. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+) treatment increased α-synuclein, E1 and S...In this study, we investigated the effect of an antibody against E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 1(SIAH-1) in PC12 cells. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+) treatment increased α-synuclein, E1 and SIAH-1 protein levels in PC12 cells, and it reduced cell viability; however, there was no significant change in light chain 3 expression. Treatment with an SIAH-1 antibody decreased m RNA expression levels of α-synuclein, light chain 3 and SIAH-1, but increased E1 m RNA expression. It also increased cell viability. Combined treatment with MPP+ and rapamycin reduced SIAH-1 and α-synuclein levels. Treatment with SIAH-1 antibody alone diminished α-synuclein immunoreactivity in PC12 cells, and reduced the colocalization of α-synuclein and light chain 3. These findings suggest that the SIAH-1 antibody reduces the monoubiquitination and aggregation of α-synuclein, promoting its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Consequently, SIAH-1 may be a potential new therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease.展开更多
The Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway was shown to participate in the process of retinal development and angiogenesis. However, the function of the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway in retinopathy ...The Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway was shown to participate in the process of retinal development and angiogenesis. However, the function of the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway in retinopathy of prematurity requires further study. Retinopathy of prematurity was induced in 5-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to hyperoxia for 7 days, and then returned to room air. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot revealed that Delta-like ligand 4 levels decreased at postnatal day 12 and increased at postnatal day 17 in retinopathy of prematurity rats. Flat-mounted adenosine diphosphatase stained retina and hematoxylin-eosin stained retinal tissue slices showed that the clock hour scores and the nuclei counts in retinopathy of prematurity rats were significantly different compared to normal control rats. After retinopathy of prematurity rats were intravitreally injected with Delta-like ligand 4 monoclonal antibody to inhibit the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway, there was a significant increase in the severity of retinal neovascularization (clock hours) in the intravitreally injected eyes. The nuclei count was highly correlated with the clock hour score. These results suggest that Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling plays an essential role in the process of physiological and pathological angiogenesis in the retina.展开更多
Astragali Radix has a wide application in the nerve system diseases because of its obvious nerve cell protection and recovery effects.Astragali Radix has good clinical effects both in acute and chronic cerebrovascular...Astragali Radix has a wide application in the nerve system diseases because of its obvious nerve cell protection and recovery effects.Astragali Radix has good clinical effects both in acute and chronic cerebrovascular diseases and neurological degenerative diseases.This paper reviews the experimental and clinical research status of Astragali Radix on nerve system and nerve system diseases,which may promote its experimental research and clinical application.展开更多
Tetrandrine is one of the major active ingredients in Menispermaceae Stephania tetrandra S.Moore,and has specific therapeutic effects in ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Its use in vascular dementia has not been studi...Tetrandrine is one of the major active ingredients in Menispermaceae Stephania tetrandra S.Moore,and has specific therapeutic effects in ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Its use in vascular dementia has not been studied fully.Here,we investigated whether tetrandrine would improve behavioral and cellular impairments in a two-vessel occlusion rat model of chronic vascular dementia.Eight weeks after model establishment,rats were injected intraperitoneally with 10 or 30 mg/kg tetrandrine every other day for 4 weeks.Behavioral assessment in the Morris water maze showed that model rats had longer escape latencies in training trials,and spent less time swimming in the target quadrant in probe trials,than sham-operated rats.However,rats that had received tetrandrine showed shorter escape latencies and longer target quadrant swimming time than untreated model rats.Hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining revealed less neuronal necrosis and pathological damage,and more living cells,in the hippocampus of rats treated with tetrandrine than in untreated model rats.Western blot assay showed that interleukin-1β expression,and phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate 2B receptor at tyrosine 1472,were lower in model rats that received tetrandrine than in those that did not.The present findings suggest that tetrandrine may be neuroprotective in chronic vascular dementia by reducing interleukin-1β expression,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B phosphorylation at tyrosine 1472,and neuronal necrosis.展开更多
Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used to investigate the effects of acupuncture on neural activity. However, most functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have focused on acute changes in bra...Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used to investigate the effects of acupuncture on neural activity. However, most functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have focused on acute changes in brain activation induced by acupuncture. Thus, the time course of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture remains unclear. In this study, 32 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into two groups, where they received either Tiaoshen Yizhi acupuncture or sham acupoint acupuncture. The needles were either twirled at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints, including Sishencong(EX-HN1), Yintang(EX-HN3), Neiguan(PC6), Taixi(KI3), Fenglong(ST40), and Taichong(LR3), or at related sham acupoints at a depth of approximately 15 mm, an angle of ± 60°, and a rate of approximately 120 times per minute. Acupuncture was conducted for 4 consecutive weeks, five times per week, on weekdays. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging indicated that connections between cognition-related regions such as the insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, inferior parietal lobule, and anterior cingulate cortex increased after acupuncture at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints. The insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus acted as central brain hubs. Patients in the Tiaoshen Yizhi group exhibited improved cognitive performance after acupuncture. In the sham acupoint acupuncture group, connections between brain regions were dispersed, and we found no differences in cognitive function following the treatment. These results indicate that acupuncture at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints can regulate brain networks by increasing connectivity between cognition-related regions, thereby improving cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.展开更多
Tyrosine hydroxylase is a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. Change in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the nigrostriatal system is closely related to the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease. Verbas...Tyrosine hydroxylase is a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. Change in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the nigrostriatal system is closely related to the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease. Verbascoside, an extract from Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata has been shown to be clinically effective in treating Parkinson's disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is hypothesized that the effects of verbascoside on Parkinson's disease are related to tyrosine hydroxylase expression change in the nigrostriatal system. Rat models of Parkinson's disease were established and verbascoside(60 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once a day. After 6 weeks of verbascoside treatment, rat rotational behavior was alleviated; tyrosine hydroxylase m RNA and protein expression and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the rat right substantia nigra were significantly higher than the Parkinson's model group. These findings suggest that the mechanism by which verbascoside treats Parkinson's disease is related to the regeneration of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra.展开更多
Several studies have investigated the protective functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in retinitis pigmentosa. However, a BDNF-based therapy for retinitis pigmentosa is not yet available. To develop ...Several studies have investigated the protective functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in retinitis pigmentosa. However, a BDNF-based therapy for retinitis pigmentosa is not yet available. To develop an efficient treatment for fundus disease, an eukaryotic expression plasmid was generated and used to transfect human 293 T cells to assess the expression and bioactivity of BDNF on acute retinal pigment epithelial-19(ARPE-19) cells, a human retinal epithelial cell line. After 96 hours of co-culture in a Transwell chamber, ARPE-19 cells exposed to BDNF secreted by 293 T cells were more viable than ARPE-19 cells not exposed to secreted BDNF. Western blot assay showed that Bax levels were downregulated and that Bcl-2 levels were upregulated in human ARPE-19 cells exposed to BDNF. Furthermore, 293 T cells transfected with the BDNF gene steadily secreted the protein. The powerful anti-apoptotic function of this BDNF may be useful for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative diseases.展开更多
Tiantai No.1, a Chinese medicine predominantly composed of powdered Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Radix Ginseng, and Ginkgo leaf at a ratio of 2:1:2 and dissolved in pure water, is neuroprotective in animal models of various ...Tiantai No.1, a Chinese medicine predominantly composed of powdered Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Radix Ginseng, and Ginkgo leaf at a ratio of 2:1:2 and dissolved in pure water, is neuroprotective in animal models of various cognitive disorders, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We administered Tiantai No.1 intragastrically to senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8(SAMP8) mice(a model of Alzheimer's disease) at doses of 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks and evaluated their behavior in the Morris water maze and expression of Alzheimer's disease-related proteins in the brain. Tiantai No.1 shortened the escape latency in the water maze training trials, and increased swimming time in the target quadrant during the spatial probe test, indicating that Tiantai No.1 improved learning and memory in SAMP8 mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Tiantai No.1 restored the proliferation potential of Ki67-positive cells in the hippocampus. In addition, mice that had received Tiantai No.1 had fewer astrocytes, and less accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau. These results suggest that Tiantai No.1 is neuroprotective in the SAMP8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and acts by restoring neuronal number and proliferation potential in the hippocampus, decreasing astrocyte infiltration, and reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.展开更多
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A(CMT1A) is caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22(PMP22) gene on chromosome 17. It is the most common inherited demyelinating neuropathy. Type 2 diabetes melli...Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A(CMT1A) is caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22(PMP22) gene on chromosome 17. It is the most common inherited demyelinating neuropathy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that frequently causes predominantly sensory neuropathy. In this study, we report the occurrence of CMT1 A in a Chinese family affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this family, seven individuals had duplication of the PMP22 gene, although only four had clinical features of polyneuropathy. All CMT1 A patients with a clinical phenotype also presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The other three individuals had no signs of CMT1 A or type 2 diabetes mellitus. We believe that there may be a genetic link between these two diseases.展开更多
Buyanghuanwu decoction has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In this study,rats were intragastrically given Buyanghuanwu decoction,15 m L/k...Buyanghuanwu decoction has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In this study,rats were intragastrically given Buyanghuanwu decoction,15 m L/kg,for 3 days.A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion.In rats administered Buyanghuanwu decoction,infarct volume was reduced,serum vascular endothelial growth factor and integrin αvβ3 levels were increased,and brain tissue vascular endothelial growth factor and CD34 expression levels were increased compared with untreated animals.These effects of Buyanghuanwu decoction were partially suppressed by an angiogenesis inhibitor(administered through the lateral ventricle for 7 consecutive days).These data suggest that Buyanghuanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis,improves cerebral circulation,and enhances brain tissue repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
文摘Neuroregenerafion is a complex topic in neurosci- ence and includes 3 concepts: neurogenesis, neuro- plasticity, and neurorestoration. After injury of the nervous system, axons have the capacity for self-re- pair, regrowth or proliferation. The peripheral ner- vous system is more effective at restoring damaged axons than the central nervous system (CNS). This is because formation of scar tissue in the CNS in- fluences neural regrowth or synthesis of growth-in- hibiting proteins, thereby preventing reconstruction of a neural circuit (Silver and Miller, 2004; Enciu et al., 2011). Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two most common degenerative diseases of the CNS among the elderly.
文摘To the editor, We read with interest the article, "Facilitating transparency in spinal cord injury studies using data standards and ontol- ogles" by Professor Vance E Lemmon, University of Miami, USA (Lemmon et al., 2014) and would like to add to the discussion on digital management in spinal cord injury. We have analyzed the advancements in the treatment of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain jury. Encouraging outcomes injury and peripheral nerve in- have been achieved in the area of regulating axon growth in vivo and in vitro. However, such a large amount of information neither provides in-depth insight for other scholars nor provides detailed therapeutic nrotocols for clinical studies.
文摘BACKGROUND: Many diseases of the common peroneal nerve are a result of sciatic nerve injury. The present study addresses whether anatomical positioning of the sciatic nerve is responsible for these injuries. OBJECTIVE: To analyze anatomical causes of sciatic nerve and common peroneal nerve injury by studying the relationship between the sciatic nerve and piriformis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Observe and measure repeatedly. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Tianjin Medical College between January and June 2005. MATERIALS: Fifty-two adult cadavers 33 males and 19 females, with a total of 104 hemispheres, and fixed with formaldehyde, were provided by Tianjin Medical College and Tianjin Medical University. METHODS: A posterior cut was made from the lumbosacral region to the upper leg, fully exposing the piriformis and path of the sciatic nerve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Anatomical characteristics of the tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve. (2) According to different areas where the sciatic nerve crosses the piriformis, the study was divided into two types-normal and abnormal. Normal is considered to be when the sciatic nerve passes through the infrapiriform foramen. Remaining pathways are considered to be abnormal. (3) Observe the relationship between the suprapiriform foramen, infrapiriform foramen, as well as the superior and inferior space of piriformis. RESULTS: (1) The nerve tract inside the common peroneal nerve is smaller and thinner, with less connective tissue than the tibial nerve. When pathological changes or variations of the piriformis, or over-abduction of the hip joint, occur, injury to the common peroneal nerve often arises due to blockage and compression. (2) A total of 76 hemispheres (73.08%) were normal, 28 were abnormal (26.92%). The piriformis can be injured, and the sciatic nerve can become compressed, when the hip joint undergoes intorsion, extorsion, or abduction. (3) The structures between the infrapiriform and suprapiriform foramen are where "the first threshold" sciatic nerve projects. The structures between the infrapiriform and suprapiriform gap were "the second threshold". This became the concept of "double threshold". The reduced area caused by pathological changes of "double threshold" may block and compress the sciatic nerve. Because the common peroneal nerve lies on the anterolateral side of the sciatic nerve, injury to the common peroneal nerve is more serious. CONCLUSION: Anatomical characteristics of the common peroneal nerve, as well as variation of the sciatic nerve, piriformis, and the reduced "double threshold", are the main causes of sciatic nerve injury, and are especially common in peroneal nerve injury.
基金the Young and Middle-Aged Scientists Research Foundation of Shandong Province, No. 200503021
文摘BACKGROUND: Synphilin-1 has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduction might induce PD onset. To date, the precise effect of synphilin-1 on SOD expression remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of synphilin-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) on SOD expression in a rat model of PD. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical School from June to October 2008. MATERIALS: 6-hydroxydopamine was purchased from Wuhan Boster, China. METHODS: A total of 40 male, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to PD, siRNA, siRNA negative control, and control groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rats from the PD, siRNA, and siRNA negative control groups were injected with 6-hydroxydopamine into the right substantia nigra to establish PD models. In addition, synphilin-1 siRNA and siRNA negative control sequences were separately injected into the right substantia nigra of siRNA, and siRNA negative control groups. The control group rats were treated with a mixture of ascorbic acid and normal saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Synphilin-1 and SOD protein and mRNA expression in the substantia nigra was detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Synphilin-1 and SOD protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased in PD and siRNA negative control groups (P 〈 0.05). However, the siRNA group exhibited opposite effects. CONCLUSION: Synphilin-1 resulted in altered SOD expression, which suggested a protective role for synphilin-1 siRNA in an animal model of PD.
文摘A patient with Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)encephalitis presented with quadriplegia and multiple peripheral neuropathy with axonal lesion,confirmed by electrophysiological examination.The muscle strength in the limbs of the patient gradually recovered almost completely,accompanied by the reversal of neuroelectrophysiological symptoms,and the improvement of clinical manifestations,including consciousness,respiration and cognitive function.It was revealed that the neuropathy in NMDAR encephalitis involved motor or sensorimotor nerves more than pure sensory nerves.No autoantibodies were detectable,in contrast to other anti-NMDAR overlapping syndromes.Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear,it may be associated with autoimmune generalization.In conclusion,when patients with NMDAR encephalitis present with severe limb paralysis,the possibility of peripheral nerve damage should be considered.
基金funded by the Department of Biology,Faculty of Science,Arak University,Iran,No.38156-8-8349
文摘There is currently no treatment for effectively slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, so early prevention is very important. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids can improve memory impairment. The present study investigated the effects of myricetin, a member of the flavonoids, on intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced neuronal loss and memory impairment in rat models of Alzheimer's disease. Myricetin at 5 or 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into rats over 21 days. Control rats were treated with 10 m L/kg saline. Behavioral test(the shuttle box test) was performed on day 22 to examine learning and memory in rats. Immediately after that, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphological change in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons. Myricetin greatly increased the number of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons and improved learning and memory impairments in rats with Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that myricetin is beneficial for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
文摘Long term suppression of succinate dehydrogenase by selective inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid has been used in rodents to model Huntington's disease where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damages are primary pathological hallmarks for neuronal damage. Improvements in learning and memory abilities, recovery of energy levels, and reduction of excitotoxicity damage can be achieved through activation of Adenyl cyclase enzyme by a specific phytochemical forskolin. In this study, intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg 3-nitropropionic acid for 15 days in rats notably reduced body weight, worsened motor cocordination(grip strength, beam crossing task, locomotor activity), resulted in learning and memory deficits, greatly increased acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, nitrite, and malondialdehyde levels, obviously decreased adenosine triphosphate, succinate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus. Intragastric administration of forskolin at 10, 20, 30 mg/kg dose-dependently reversed these behavioral, biochemical and pathological changes caused by 3-nitropropionic acid. These results suggest that forskolin exhibits neuroprotective effects on 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease-like neurodegeneration.
基金supported by a grant from National Institute of Health(NIH)Grant No.NS040433
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic patterns could aid in diagnosis and provide an avenue for monitoring disease progression.Use of the m SOD1 G93 A mouse model provides control of the confounding environmental factors and genetic heterogeneity seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,while investigating underlying disease-induced changes.In the present study,we performed a longitudinal behavioral assessment paradigm and identified an early hindlimb symptom,resembling the common gait abnormality foot drop,along with an accompanying forelimb compensatory mechanism in the m SOD1 G93 A mouse.Following these initial changes,m SOD1 mice displayed a temporary hindlimb compensatory mechanism resembling an exaggerated steppage gait.As the disease progressed,these compensatory mechanisms were not sufficient to sustain fundamental locomotor parameters and more severe deficits appeared.We next applied these initial findings to investigate the inherent variability in B6 SJL m SOD1 G93 A survival.We identified four behavioral variables that,when combined in a cluster analysis,identified two subpopulations with different disease progression rates:a fast progression group and a slow progression group.This behavioral assessment paradigm,with its analytical approaches,provides a method for monitoring disease progression and detecting m SOD1 subgroups with different disease severities.This affords researchers an opportunity to search for genetic modifiers or other factors that likely enhance or slow disease progression.Such factors are possible therapeutic targets with the potential to slow disease progression and provide insight into the underlying pathology and disease mechanisms.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(to JFH,DC,JBT),No.81371011,81400399,81471107a grant from the Project of Innovation-driven Plan of Central South University(to DC),No.2015CXS022+2 种基金a grant from the National Key Technologies Research and Development Program of China(to JFH),No.2012BAK14B03Fundamental Research Funds of Central South University of China(to HW),No.2010QZZD022Graduate Thesis Innovation Foundation of Central South University of China(to LL),No.2011ssxt106
文摘Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers,the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease(AD) cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation.Therefore,it is crucial to identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD.While brain lesions are a major feature of AD,retinal pathological changes also occur in patients.In this study,we investigated the temporal changes in β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1) expression in the retina and brain to determine whether it could serve as a suitable biomarker for early monitoring of AD.APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,3,6 and 8 months of age,were used as an experimental group,and age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type mice served as the control group.In the Morris water maze test,there were no significant differences in escape latency or in the number of crossings in the target area among mice of different ages.Compared with wild-type mice,no changes in learning or memory abilities were detected in transgenic mice at 3 months of age.However,compared with wild-type mice,the escape latency was significantly increased in transgenic mice at 6 months,starting on day 3,and at 8 months,starting on day 2,during Morris water maze training.In addition,the number of crossings of the target area was significantly decreased in transgenic mice.The learning and memory abilities of transgenic mice were further worsened at 8 months of age.Immunohistochemical staining revealed no BACE1 plaques in wild-type mice at 3,6 or 8 months or in transgenic mice at 3 months,but they were clearly found in the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of transgenic mice at 6 and 8 months.BACE1 expression was not detected in the retina of wild-type mice at 3 months,but weak BACE1 expression was detected in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer at 6 and 8 months.In transgenic mice,BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer was increased at 3 months,and BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer was significantly increased at 6 and 8 months,compared with age-matched wild-type mice.Taken together,these results indicate that changes in BACE1 expression appear earlier in the retina than in the brain and precede behavioral deficits.Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of BACE1 in the retina is an early pathological change in APP/PS-1 transgenic mice,and that BACE1 might have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD in humans.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81373705the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province in China,No.13JJ3030
文摘Bushen Tiansui decoction is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines:Herba Epimedii,Radix Polygoni multiflori,Plastrum testudinis,Fossilia Ossis Mastodi,Radix Polygalae,and Rhizoma Acorus tatarinowii.Because Bushen Tiansui decoction is effective against amyloid beta(Aβ) toxicity,we hypothesized that it would reduce hippocampal synaptic damage and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.To test this hypothesis,we used a previously established animal model of Alzheimer's disease,that is,microinjection of aggregated Aβ25–35 into the bilateral brain ventricles of Sprague-Dawley rats.We found that long-term(28 days) oral administration of Bushen Tiansui decoction(0.563,1.688,and 3.375 g/m L;4 m L/day) prevented synaptic loss in the hippocampus and increased the expression levels of synaptic proteins,including postsynaptic density protein 95,the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2 B subunit,and Shank1.These results suggested that Bushen Tiansui decoction can protect synapses by maintaining the expression of these synaptic proteins.Bushen Tiansui decoction also ameliorated measures reflecting spatial learning and memory deficits that were observed in the Morris water maze(i.e.,increased the number of platform crossings and the amount of time spent in the target quadrant and decreased escape latency) following intraventricular injections of aggregated Aβ25–35 compared with those measures in untreated Aβ_(25–35)-injected rats.Overall,these results provided evidence that further studies on the prevention and treatment of dementia with this traditional Chinese medicine are warranted.
基金supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.1630the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province in China,No.BK2011402+1 种基金the Jiangsu Province Postdoctoral Research Foundation in China,No.1301174Cthe Jiangsu Province Health Department Foundation in China,No.H201361
文摘In this study, we investigated the effect of an antibody against E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 1(SIAH-1) in PC12 cells. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+) treatment increased α-synuclein, E1 and SIAH-1 protein levels in PC12 cells, and it reduced cell viability; however, there was no significant change in light chain 3 expression. Treatment with an SIAH-1 antibody decreased m RNA expression levels of α-synuclein, light chain 3 and SIAH-1, but increased E1 m RNA expression. It also increased cell viability. Combined treatment with MPP+ and rapamycin reduced SIAH-1 and α-synuclein levels. Treatment with SIAH-1 antibody alone diminished α-synuclein immunoreactivity in PC12 cells, and reduced the colocalization of α-synuclein and light chain 3. These findings suggest that the SIAH-1 antibody reduces the monoubiquitination and aggregation of α-synuclein, promoting its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Consequently, SIAH-1 may be a potential new therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease.
文摘The Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway was shown to participate in the process of retinal development and angiogenesis. However, the function of the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway in retinopathy of prematurity requires further study. Retinopathy of prematurity was induced in 5-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to hyperoxia for 7 days, and then returned to room air. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot revealed that Delta-like ligand 4 levels decreased at postnatal day 12 and increased at postnatal day 17 in retinopathy of prematurity rats. Flat-mounted adenosine diphosphatase stained retina and hematoxylin-eosin stained retinal tissue slices showed that the clock hour scores and the nuclei counts in retinopathy of prematurity rats were significantly different compared to normal control rats. After retinopathy of prematurity rats were intravitreally injected with Delta-like ligand 4 monoclonal antibody to inhibit the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling pathway, there was a significant increase in the severity of retinal neovascularization (clock hours) in the intravitreally injected eyes. The nuclei count was highly correlated with the clock hour score. These results suggest that Delta-like ligand 4/Notch signaling plays an essential role in the process of physiological and pathological angiogenesis in the retina.
文摘Astragali Radix has a wide application in the nerve system diseases because of its obvious nerve cell protection and recovery effects.Astragali Radix has good clinical effects both in acute and chronic cerebrovascular diseases and neurological degenerative diseases.This paper reviews the experimental and clinical research status of Astragali Radix on nerve system and nerve system diseases,which may promote its experimental research and clinical application.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81070886
文摘Tetrandrine is one of the major active ingredients in Menispermaceae Stephania tetrandra S.Moore,and has specific therapeutic effects in ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Its use in vascular dementia has not been studied fully.Here,we investigated whether tetrandrine would improve behavioral and cellular impairments in a two-vessel occlusion rat model of chronic vascular dementia.Eight weeks after model establishment,rats were injected intraperitoneally with 10 or 30 mg/kg tetrandrine every other day for 4 weeks.Behavioral assessment in the Morris water maze showed that model rats had longer escape latencies in training trials,and spent less time swimming in the target quadrant in probe trials,than sham-operated rats.However,rats that had received tetrandrine showed shorter escape latencies and longer target quadrant swimming time than untreated model rats.Hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining revealed less neuronal necrosis and pathological damage,and more living cells,in the hippocampus of rats treated with tetrandrine than in untreated model rats.Western blot assay showed that interleukin-1β expression,and phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate 2B receptor at tyrosine 1472,were lower in model rats that received tetrandrine than in those that did not.The present findings suggest that tetrandrine may be neuroprotective in chronic vascular dementia by reducing interleukin-1β expression,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B phosphorylation at tyrosine 1472,and neuronal necrosis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81173354a grant from the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangdong Province of China,No.2013B021800099a grant from the Science and Technology Plan Project of Shenzhen City of China,No.JCYJ20150402152005642
文摘Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used to investigate the effects of acupuncture on neural activity. However, most functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have focused on acute changes in brain activation induced by acupuncture. Thus, the time course of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture remains unclear. In this study, 32 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into two groups, where they received either Tiaoshen Yizhi acupuncture or sham acupoint acupuncture. The needles were either twirled at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints, including Sishencong(EX-HN1), Yintang(EX-HN3), Neiguan(PC6), Taixi(KI3), Fenglong(ST40), and Taichong(LR3), or at related sham acupoints at a depth of approximately 15 mm, an angle of ± 60°, and a rate of approximately 120 times per minute. Acupuncture was conducted for 4 consecutive weeks, five times per week, on weekdays. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging indicated that connections between cognition-related regions such as the insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, inferior parietal lobule, and anterior cingulate cortex increased after acupuncture at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints. The insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus acted as central brain hubs. Patients in the Tiaoshen Yizhi group exhibited improved cognitive performance after acupuncture. In the sham acupoint acupuncture group, connections between brain regions were dispersed, and we found no differences in cognitive function following the treatment. These results indicate that acupuncture at Tiaoshen Yizhi acupoints can regulate brain networks by increasing connectivity between cognition-related regions, thereby improving cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
基金supported by a grant from Science and Technology Support Traditional Chinese Drug Research and Development Project of Shanghai of China,No.12401900302Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau of China,No.2012J009A+2 种基金a grant from Annual Research Budget of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China in 2013,No.2013JW25the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.3067268430973722
文摘Tyrosine hydroxylase is a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. Change in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the nigrostriatal system is closely related to the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease. Verbascoside, an extract from Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata has been shown to be clinically effective in treating Parkinson's disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is hypothesized that the effects of verbascoside on Parkinson's disease are related to tyrosine hydroxylase expression change in the nigrostriatal system. Rat models of Parkinson's disease were established and verbascoside(60 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once a day. After 6 weeks of verbascoside treatment, rat rotational behavior was alleviated; tyrosine hydroxylase m RNA and protein expression and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the rat right substantia nigra were significantly higher than the Parkinson's model group. These findings suggest that the mechanism by which verbascoside treats Parkinson's disease is related to the regeneration of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81271046the Joint Program of Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation(category B)Beijing Educational Committee(key project),No.KZ201510025025
文摘Several studies have investigated the protective functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in retinitis pigmentosa. However, a BDNF-based therapy for retinitis pigmentosa is not yet available. To develop an efficient treatment for fundus disease, an eukaryotic expression plasmid was generated and used to transfect human 293 T cells to assess the expression and bioactivity of BDNF on acute retinal pigment epithelial-19(ARPE-19) cells, a human retinal epithelial cell line. After 96 hours of co-culture in a Transwell chamber, ARPE-19 cells exposed to BDNF secreted by 293 T cells were more viable than ARPE-19 cells not exposed to secreted BDNF. Western blot assay showed that Bax levels were downregulated and that Bcl-2 levels were upregulated in human ARPE-19 cells exposed to BDNF. Furthermore, 293 T cells transfected with the BDNF gene steadily secreted the protein. The powerful anti-apoptotic function of this BDNF may be useful for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative diseases.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81473742the Guangdong Science and Technology Foundation,No.2013B021800101the Shenzhen Major Project of Science and Technology Planning,No.JCYJ20130401115231337
文摘Tiantai No.1, a Chinese medicine predominantly composed of powdered Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Radix Ginseng, and Ginkgo leaf at a ratio of 2:1:2 and dissolved in pure water, is neuroprotective in animal models of various cognitive disorders, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We administered Tiantai No.1 intragastrically to senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8(SAMP8) mice(a model of Alzheimer's disease) at doses of 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks and evaluated their behavior in the Morris water maze and expression of Alzheimer's disease-related proteins in the brain. Tiantai No.1 shortened the escape latency in the water maze training trials, and increased swimming time in the target quadrant during the spatial probe test, indicating that Tiantai No.1 improved learning and memory in SAMP8 mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Tiantai No.1 restored the proliferation potential of Ki67-positive cells in the hippocampus. In addition, mice that had received Tiantai No.1 had fewer astrocytes, and less accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau. These results suggest that Tiantai No.1 is neuroprotective in the SAMP8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and acts by restoring neuronal number and proliferation potential in the hippocampus, decreasing astrocyte infiltration, and reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.
文摘Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A(CMT1A) is caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22(PMP22) gene on chromosome 17. It is the most common inherited demyelinating neuropathy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that frequently causes predominantly sensory neuropathy. In this study, we report the occurrence of CMT1 A in a Chinese family affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this family, seven individuals had duplication of the PMP22 gene, although only four had clinical features of polyneuropathy. All CMT1 A patients with a clinical phenotype also presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The other three individuals had no signs of CMT1 A or type 2 diabetes mellitus. We believe that there may be a genetic link between these two diseases.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81072799
文摘Buyanghuanwu decoction has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In this study,rats were intragastrically given Buyanghuanwu decoction,15 m L/kg,for 3 days.A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion.In rats administered Buyanghuanwu decoction,infarct volume was reduced,serum vascular endothelial growth factor and integrin αvβ3 levels were increased,and brain tissue vascular endothelial growth factor and CD34 expression levels were increased compared with untreated animals.These effects of Buyanghuanwu decoction were partially suppressed by an angiogenesis inhibitor(administered through the lateral ventricle for 7 consecutive days).These data suggest that Buyanghuanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis,improves cerebral circulation,and enhances brain tissue repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.