Dual roles of the amygdala-hippocampus circuit in the regulation of rapid eye movement sleep and depression symptoms by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with insomnia

To the editor:It is commonly reported that people with insomnia often experience comorbid emotional disorders,such as mood and anxiety disorders.12 A study found that fragmented rapid eye movement(REM)sleep in individuals with insomnia is associated with higher Beck Depression Inventory(BDI)scores.3 REM sleep architecture disruption is a typical symptom of insomnia.

Comparisons of transcranial alternating current stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment therapy for insomnia:a pilot study

To the editor:Insomnia disorder has a serious and widespread detrimental effect on humans with comorbidity with other mental or physical health problems.In recent years,noninvasive brain stimulation(NIBS)techniques,especially transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)and transcranial electrical stimulation,have been increasingly used for the treatment of brain diseases,including insomnia disorder.

Clinical Application of Sex Hormone in Different Physiological Periods in the Diagnosis of Infertility Patients

Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.

Advances in Studies of Chiglitazar Sodium,a Novel PPAR Pan-Agonist,for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chiglitazar sodium is a new peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)pan-agonist with independent intellectual property rights in China.It can treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and regulate metabolism by modestly activating PPARα,PPARγ,and PPARδto improve insulin sensitivity,regulate blood glucose,and promote fatty acid oxidation and utilization.Chiglitazar sodium has a significant insulin-sensitizing effect and is advantageous in reducing fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels,particularly at the 48 mg dose in patients with concomitant high triglycerides in terms of blood glucose and triglyceride level control.

Development and validation of a new prognostic model for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND Cirrhotic patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)in the intensive care unit(ICU)have a poor but variable prognoses.Accurate prognosis evaluation can guide the rational management of patients with ACLF.However,existing prognostic scores for ACLF in the ICU environment lack sufficient accuracy.AIM To develop a new prognostic model for patients with ACLF in ICU.METHODS Data from 938 ACLF patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care(MIMIC)database were used to develop a new prognostic model(MIMIC ACLF)for ACLF.Discrimination,calibration and clinical utility of MIMIC ACLF were assessed by area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC),calibration curve and decision curve analysis(DCA),respectively.MIMIC ACLF was then externally validated in a multiple-center cohort,the Electronic Intensive Care Collaborative Research Database and a single-center cohort from the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China.RESULTS The MIMIC ACLF score was determined using nine variables:ln(age)×2.2+ln(white blood cell count)×0.22-ln(mean arterial pressure)×2.7+respiratory failure×0.6+renal failure×0.51+cerebral failure×0.31+ln(total bilirubin)×0.44+ln(internationalized normal ratio)×0.59+ln(serum potassium)×0.59.In MIMIC cohort,the AUROC(0.81/0.79)for MIMIC ACLF for 28/90-day ACLF mortality were significantly greater than those of Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF(0.76/0.74),Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD;0.73/0.71)and MELD-Na(0.72/0.70)(all P<0.001).The consistency between actual and predicted 28/90-day survival rates of patients according to MIMIC ACLF score was excellent and superior to that of existing scores.The net benefit of MIMIC ACLF was greater than that achieved using existing scores within the 50%threshold probability.The superior predictive accuracy and clinical utility of MIMIC ACLF were validated in the external cohorts.CONCLUSION We developed and validated a new prognostic model with satisfactory accuracy for cirrhotic patients with ACLF hospitalized in the ICU.The model-based risk stratification and online calculator might facilitate the rational management of patients with ACLF.

Upregulated lncRNA PRNT promotes progression and oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells by regulating HIPK2 transcription

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer and a significant cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Resistance to chemotherapy,especially during CRC treatment,leads to reduced effectiveness of drugs and poor patient outcomes.Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)have been implicated in various pathophysiological processes of tumor cells,including chemotherapy resistance,yet the roles of many lncRNAs in CRC remain unclear.AIM To identify and analyze the lncRNAs involved in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms influencing this resistance.METHODS Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE42387 and GSE30011 were reanalyzed to identify lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with oxaliplatin resistance.Various bioinformatics tools were employed to elucidate molecular mechanisms.The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs were assessed via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Functional assays,including MTT,wound healing,and Transwell,were conducted to investigate the functional implications of lncRNA alterations.Interactions between lncRNAs and trans-cription factors were examined using RIP and luciferase reporter assays,while Western blotting was used to confirm downstream pathways.Additionally,a xenograft mouse model was utilized to study the in vivo effects of lncRNAs on chemotherapy resistance.RESULTS LncRNA prion protein testis specific(PRNT)was found to be upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell lines and negatively correlated with homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2(HIPK2)expression.PRNT was demonstrated to sponge transcription factor zinc finger protein 184(ZNF184),which in turn could regulate HIPK2 expression.Altered expression of PRNT influenced CRC cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin,with overexpression leading to decreased sensitivity and decreased expression reducing resistance.Both RIP and luciferase reporter assays indicated that ZNF184 and HIPK2 are targets of PRNT.The PRNT/ZNF184/HIPK2 axis was implicated in promoting CRC progression and oxaliplatin resistance both in vitro and in vivo.CONCLUSION The study concludes that PRNT is upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells and modulates the expression of HIPK2 by sponging ZNF184.This regulatory mechanism enhances CRC progression and resistance to oxaliplatin,positioning PRNT as a promising therapeutic target for CRC patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Comprehensive analysis of the role of immune-related PANoptosis lncRNA model in renal clear cell carcinoma based on RNA transcriptome and single-cell sequencing

The high immune infiltration and heterogeneity of the microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)result in the variability of prognosis and clinical response.While PANoptosis has strong immunogenicity and is worthy of further study.In this study,data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to obtain immune-related PANoptosis lncRNAs with prognostic value.Subsequently,the role of these lncRNAs in cancer immunity,progression and the therapeutic response was analyzed,and a new prediction model was constructed.Additionally,we further explored the biological value of PANoptosis-related lncRNAs using single-cell data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.PANoptosis-associated lncRNAs were significantly associated with clinical outcome,immune infiltration,antigen presentation and treatment response in ccRCC.Notably,the risk model,which is based on these immune-related PANoptosis lncRNAs,showed good predictive performance.Subsequent studies on LINC00944 and LINC02611 revealed their high expression in ccRCC and significant correlation with cancer cell migration and invasion.Single-cell sequencing further validated these results and revealed the potential association between LINC00944 and T-cell infiltration and programmed cell death.In conclusion,this study identified the role of immune-related PANoptosis lncRNAs in ccRCC and provided a new risk stratification approach.Furthermore,it highlights the potential of LINC00944 as a prognostic biomarker.

Down-regulation of the Smad signaling by circZBTB46 via the Smad2-PDLIM5 axis to inhibit type I collagen expression

BACKGROUND Abnormal type I collagen(COL1)expression is associated with the development of many cardiovascular diseases.The TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway and circRNAs have been shown to regulate COL1 gene expression,but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood.METHODS Gain-and loss-of-function experiments were prformed to study the effect of circZBTB46 on the expression of alpha 2 chain of type I collagen(COL1A2).Co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to observe the interaction between two proteins.RNA immunoprecipitation assay and biotin pull-down assay were performed to observe the interaction of circZBTB46 with PDLIM5.RESULTS In this study,we investigated the role of circZBTB46 in regulating COL1A2 expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).We found that circZBTB46 is expressed in VSMCs and that TGF-beta inhibits circZBTB46 formation by downregulating KLF4 expression through activation of the Smad signaling pathway.CircZBTB46 inhibits the expression of COL1A2 induced by TGF-beta.Mechanistically,circZBTB46 mediates the interaction between Smad2 and PDLIM5,resulting in the inhibition of Smad signaling and the subsequent downregulation of COL1A2 expression.Furthermore,we found that the expression of TGFbeta and COL1A2 is decreased,while circZBTB46 expression is increased in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues,indicating that circZBTB46-mediated regulation of TGF-beta/Smad signaling and COL1A2 synthesis in VSMCs plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis and aneurysm development.CONCLUSIONS CircZBTB46 was identified as a novel inhibitor of COL1 synthesis in VSMCs,highlighting the importance of circZBTB46 and PDLIM5 in regulating TGF-beta/Smad signaling and COL1A2 expression.

TL1A Promotes Fibrogenesis in Colonic Fibroblasts via the TGF-β1/Smad3 Signaling Pathway

Objective Intestinal fibrosis is a refractory complication of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Tumor necrosis factor ligand-related molecule-1A(TL1A)is important for IBD-related intestinal fibrosis in a dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced experimental colitis model.This study aimed to explore the effects of TL1A on human colonic fibroblasts.Methods A trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)-induced experimental colitis model of LCK-CD2-TL1A-GFP transgenic(Tg)or wild-type(WT)mice was established to determine the effect and mechanism of TL1A on intestinal fibrosis.The human colonic fibroblast CCD-18Co cell line was treated concurrently with TL1A and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC)supernatant.The proliferation and activation of CCD-18Co cells were detected by BrdU assays,flow cytometry,immunocytochemistry and Western blotting.Collagen metabolism was tested by Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Results The level of collagen metabolism in the TNBS+ethyl alcohol(EtOH)/Tg group was greater than that in the TNBS+EtOH/WT group.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and p-Smad3 in the TNBS+EtOH/Tg group were upregulated as compared with those in the TNBS+EtOH/WT group.The proliferation of CCD-18Co cells was promoted by the addition of human PBMC supernatant supplemented with 20 ng/mL TL1A,and the addition of human PBMC supernatant and TL1A increased CCD-18Co proliferation by 24.4%at 24 h.TL1A promoted cell activation and increased the levels of COL1A2,COL3A1,and TIMP-1 in CCD-18Co cells.Treatment of CCD-18Co cells with TL1A increased the expression of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3.Conclusion TL1A promotes TGF-β1-mediated intestinal fibroblast activation,proliferation,and collagen deposition and is likely related to an increase in the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Effect of improving prehospital hypotension and hypoxemia on the prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury

Objective:to investigate the effect of improving prehospital hypotension and hypoxemia on the prognosis of different subgroups of patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods:medical staff were trained about the prehospital first aid for 2 months to fully master the methods of improving prehospital hypotension and hypoxemia,then the prognosis of TBI patients pre-and post-training for 12 months was collected and recorded.The prognostic differences of different TBI subgroups were discussed through data analysis.Results:after the training,the proportion of prehospital hypotension and hypoxemia in TBI patients decreased by 77%(8.5%vs.1.9%)and 63%(9.9%vs.3.6%,P<0.05),respectively.However,only the prognosis of moderate and severe TBI patients was improved,the proportion of patients with"good prognosis^increased by 14%(61.4%vs.70.5%,respectively)and 62%(35.6%vs.58%),and no significant effect showed in mild and critical TBI patients.Conclusion:reducing the incidence of prehospital hypoxemia and hypotension can improve the prognosis of moderate and severe TBI patients,while no significant effect on mild and critical TBI patients.

In vivo hepatic differentiation potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis/cirrhosis

AIM To investigate the hepatic differentiation potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells(h UC-MSCs) and to evaluate their therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.METHODS A CCl4-induced liver fibrotic/cirrhotic rat model was used to assess the effect of h UC-MSCs. Histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E), Masson trichrome and Sirius red staining. The liver biochemical profile was measured using a Beckman Coulter analyzer. Expression analysis was performed using immunofluorescent staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time PCR.RESULTS We demonstrated that the infused h UC-MSCs could differentiate into hepatocytes in vivo. Functionally, the transplantation of h UC-MSCs to CCl4-treated rats improved liver transaminases and synthetic function, reduced liver histopathology and reversed hepatobiliary fibrosis. The reversal of hepatobiliary fibrosis was likely due to the reduced activation state of hepatic stellate cells, decreased collagen deposition, and enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling via the up-regulation of MMP-13 and down-regulation of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION Transplanted h UC-MSCs could differentiate into functional hepatocytes that improved both the biochemical and histopathologic changes in a CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model. h UC-MSCs may offer therapeutic opportunities for treating hepatobiliary diseases, including cirrhosis.

Therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor on cerebral infarction in dogs using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

A model of focal cerebral ischemic infarction was established in dogs through middle cerebral artery occlusion of the right side.Thirty minutes after occlusion,models were injected with nerve growth factor adjacent to the infarct locus.The therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor against cerebral infarction was assessed using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio,a quantitative index of diffusion-weighted MRI.At 6 hours,24 hours,7 days and 3 months after modeling,the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio was significantly reduced after treatment with nerve growth factor. Hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,electron microscopy and neurological function scores showed that infarct defects were slightly reduced and neurological function significantly improved after nerve growth factor treatment.This result was consistent with diffusion-weighted MRI measurements.Experimental findings indicate that nerve growth factor can protect against cerebral infarction,and that the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.

Novel application of multispectral refraction topography in the observation of myopic control effect by orthokeratology lens in adolescents

BACKGROUND Myopia,as one of the common ocular diseases,often occurs in adolescence.In addition to the harm from itself,it may also lead to serious complications.Thus,prevention and control of myopia are attracting more and more attention.Previous research revealed that single-focal glasses and orthokeratology lenses(OK lenses)played an important part in slowing down myopia and preventing high myopia.AIM To compare the clinical effects of OK lenses and frame glasses against the increase of diopter in adolescent myopia and further explore the mechanism of the OK lens.METHODS Changes in diopter and axial length were collected among 70 adolescent myopia patients(124 eyes)wearing OK lenses for 1 year(group A)and 59 adolescent myopia patients(113 eyes)wearing frame glasses(group B).Refractive states of their retina were inspected through multispectral refraction topography.The obtained hyperopic defocus was analyzed for the mechanism of OK lenses on slowing down the increase of myopic diopter by delaying the increase of ocular axis length and reducing the near hyperopia defocus.RESULTS Teenagers in groups A and B were divided into low myopia(0 D--3.00 D)and moderate myopia(-3.25 D--6.00 D),without statistical differences among gender and age.After 1-year treatment,the increase of diopter and axis length and changes of retinal hyperopic defocus amount of group A were significantly less than those of group B.According to the multiple linear analysis,the retinal defocus in the upper,lower,nasal,and temporal directions had almost the same effect on the total defocus.The amount of peripheral retinal defocus(15°-53°)in group A was significantly lower than that in group B.CONCLUSION Multispectral refraction topography is progressive and instructive in clinical prevention and control of myopia.

Value of cystatin C in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation

Backgroud Recent studies have demonstrated that cystatin C is a valuable risk marker for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.Therefore,we hypothesized that the pre-ablation cystatin C level was associated with post-ablation atrial fibrillation(AF)recurrence.Methods 207 patients were enrolled and completed in this prospective observational study.Patients with AF scheduled for receive radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)therapy were screened for the study.Before ablation therapy,electrocardiogram,24 h holter monitor,transesophageal echocardiography,serum cystatin C,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,creatinine levels,and routine blood examinations were examined.After ablation,patients were followed up every week for the first month,and then at 2,3,6,9,and 12 months.Thereafter,patients came back to out-patient clinic every six months regularly.Electrocardiogram or 24 h holter monitor were repeated if the patient experienced palpitations or every six months.AF recurrence was defined as atrial flbrillation/atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia lasting≥30 seconds within three months after therapy.Results Compared to patients with no AF recurrence,patients with recurrence had longer AF history(P=0.007),more early recurrence(P=0.000),a larger left atrium(P=0.004),and higher pre-ablation cystatin C levels(P=0.000).Multivariate regression analysis revealed that cystatin C and left atria(LA)diameter were risk factors for AF recurrence.After adjusting for LA diameter,the risk of AF recurrence increased 30%with every milligram cystatin C elevation(95%CI:1.117-1.523).Conclusions Pre-ablation cystatin C levels were associated with AF recurrence after RFCA therapy,an optimal cut-off value of 1.190 mg/L(sensitivity=0.576;specificity=0.851).

Effects of posterior corneal astigmatism on the accuracy of AcrySof toric intraocular lens astigmatism correction

AIM：To evaluate the effects of posterior corneal surface measurements on the accuracy of total estimated corneal astigmatism.METHODS：Fifty-seven patients with toric intraocular lens（IOL） implantation and posterior corneal astigmatism exceeding 0.5 diopter were enrolled in this retrospective study.The keratometric astigmatism（KA） and total corneal astigmatism（TA） were measured using a Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera to assess the outcomes of AcrySof IOL implantation.Toric lOLs were evaluated in 26 eyes using KA measurements and in 31 eyes using TA measurements.Preoperative corneal astigmatism and postoperative refractive astigmatism were recorded for statistical analysis.The cylindrical power of toric lOLs was estimated in all eyes.RESULTS：In all cases,the difference of toric IOL astigmatism magnitude between KA and TA measurements for the estimation of preoperative corneal astigmatism was statistically significant.Of a total of 57 cases,the 50.88%decreased from Tn to Tn-1 and 10.53%decreased from Tn to Tn-2.In all cases,5.26%increased from Tn to Tn＋1.The mean postoperative astigmatism within the TA group was significantly lower than that in the KA group.CONCLUSION：The accuracy of total corneal astigmatism calculations and the efficacy of toric IOL correction can be enhanced by measuring both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using a Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera.

Effects of nicorandil on myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention:study design and protocol for the randomized controlled trial

Previous studies have shown that nicorandil has a protective effect on cardiomyocytes.However,there is no study to investigate whether perioperative intravenous nicorandil can further reduce the myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)compared to the current standard of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)regimen.The CHANGE(China-Administration of Nicorandil Group)study is a multicenter,prospective,randomized,double-blind and parallel-controlled clinical study of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in China,aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous nicorandil in ameliorating the myocardial infarct size in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and provide evidence-based support for myocardial protection strategies of STEMI patients.

Scanning pattern of diffusion tensor tractography and an analysis of the morphology and function of spinal nerve roots

Radiculopathy, commonly induced by intervertebral disk bulging or protrusion, is presently diag- nosed in accordance with clinical symptoms because there is no objective quantitative diagnostic criterion. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor tractography revealed the characterization of anisotropic diffusion and displayed the anatomic form of nerve root fibers. This study included 18 cases with intervertebral disc degeneration-induced unilateral radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging was creatively used to reveal the scanning pattern of fiber tracking of the spinal nerve root. A scoring system of nerve root morphology was used to quantitatively assess nerve root morphology and functional alteration after intervertebral disc de- generation. Results showed that after fiber tracking, compared with unaffected nerve root, fiber bundles gathered together and interrupted at the affected side. No significant alteration was de- tected in the number of fiber bundles, but the cross-sectional area of nerve root fibers was reduced. These results suggest that diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging-based tractography can be used to quantitatively evaluate nerve root function according to the area and morphology of fiber bundles of nerve roots.

Glycation of high-density lipoprotein triggers oxidative stress and promotes the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background In type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, high-density lipoprotein （HDL） impairs its anti-atherogenic properties and even develops to a pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic phenotype because of abnormal compositions and modifications. In this study, we ex- amined the effects and the related mechanisms of glycation of HDL on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Methods ＆ Results Glycated HDL （G-HDL） was modified with D-glucose （25 mmol/L） in vitro. Diabetic HDL （D-HDL） was isolated from T2DM patients. Rat VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aortas. Human VSMCs were obtained from ScienCell Research Laboratories. Alpha-actin was detected through immunofiuorescence. VSMC proliferation was assayed by Cell Count. VSMC migration was determined by transwell chamber and scratch-wound assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） was detected based on ROS-medi- ated 2＇,7＇-dichlorofluorescein （DCFH-DA） fluorescence. Compared to native HDL （N-HDL）, G-HDL remarkably promoted VSMC prolif- eration and migration in the dose and time-dependent manners. In addition, G-HDL enhanced ROS generation in VSMCs. However, the ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine, efficiently decreased ROS production and subsequently inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs induced by G-HDL. Similarly, D-HDL from T2DM patients also promoted ROS release and VSMC proliferation and migration. Conclusions HDL either glycated in vitro or isolated from T2DM patients triggered VSMC proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress. These results might partly interpret the higher morbidity of cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients.

Auditory deprivation modifies the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B in the rat auditory cortex

The development and plasticity of central auditory system can be influenced by the change of peripheral neuronal activity. However, the molecular mechanism participating in the process remains elusive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) binding with its functional receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B(TrkB) has multiple effects on neurons. Here we used a rat model of auditory deprivation by bilateral cochlear ablation, to investigate the changes in expression of BDNF and Trk B in the auditory cortex after auditory deprivation that occurred during the critical period for the development of central auditory system. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RTqPCR) and immunohistochemistry methods were adopted to detect the m RNA and protein expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the auditory cortex at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery, respectively. The change in the expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNAs and proteins followed similar trend. In the bilateral cochlear ablation groups, the BDNF-TrkB expression level initially decreased at 2 weeks but increased at 4 weeks followed by the reduction at 6 and 8 weeks after cochlear removal, as compared to the age-matched sham control groups. In conclusion, the BDNF-TrkB signaling is involved in the plasticity of auditory cortex in an activity-dependent manner.

Expert consensus of the Chinese Association for the Study of Pain on ion channel drugs for neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain(NPP)is a kind of pain caused by disease or damage impacting the somatosensory system.Ion channel drugs are the main treatment for NPP;however,their irregular usage leads to unsatisfactory pain relief.To regulate the treatment of NPP with ion channel drugs in clinical practice,the Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized first-line pain management experts from China to write an expert consensus as the reference for the use of ion channels drugs.Here,we reviewed the mechanism and characteristics of sodium and calcium channel drugs,and developed recommendations for the therapeutic principles and clinical practice for carbamazepine,oxcarbazepine,lidocaine,bulleyaconitine A,pregabalin,and gabapentin.We hope this guideline provides guidance to clinicians and patients on the use of ion channel drugs for the management of NPP.