Remifentanil Down-regulates GIRK2 Expression in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion and Spinal Dorsal Horn / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the expression and distribution of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit 2 （GIRK2） in the dorsal root ganglion （DRG） and spinal cord dorsal horn of rats with remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. MethodsHyperalgesia was induced by intravenous infusion of remifentanil 4 μg/kg/min for 2 h in adult male SD rats. At 6th hour and on days 1， 3 and 5 following remifentanil treatment， we used immunofluorescence to examine the changes in the GIRK2 distribution and expression. Immunoblotting was used to detect GIRK2 expression of the total protein and membrane protein in DRG and spinal dorsal horn of rats. Behavioral testing was applied to evaluate the effect of intrathecal injection of GIRK2-specific agonist ML297 on thermal nociceptive threshold on day 1 after remifentanil infusion. Resultsmmunofluorescence results showed that GIRK2 was mainly co-localized with IB4-positive small neurons in DRG and nerve fibers in spinal dorsal horn. GIRK2 expression was significantly downregulated following remifentanil treatment. Immunoblotting results revealed that on day 1 following intravenous infusion of remifentanil， compared with those in the control group， GIRK2 expression levels of the total protein and membrane protein in DRG （0.47 ± 0.10 vs. 1.01 ± 0.17， P < 0.001； 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 1.06 ± 0.12， P < 0.001） and spinal dorsal horn （0.52 ± 0.09 vs. 1.10 ± 0.08， P < 0.001； 0.54 ± 0.10 vs. 1.01 ± 0.13， P < 0.001） were all significantly decreased. The behavioral results showed that intrathecal ML297 effect on thermal withdrawal latency was significantly reduced following remifentanil treatment （P < 0.001）. ConclusionsRemifentanil might induce hyperalgesia via down-regulating GIRK2 expression in rat DRG and spinal cord dorsal horn.

Effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and local field potential of sensory and motor cortices in mice with stress cardiomyopathy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on cardiac function and local field potential (LFP) in sensory and motor cortices in mice with stress cardiomyopathy (SC), and to explore the possible mechanism of EA in improving SC.@*METHODS@#Twenty-seven female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an EA group, 9 mice in each group. In the model group and the EA group, SC model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (ISO) for 14 days. At the same time of modeling, EA was applied at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Shenmen" (HT 7) in the EA group, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz, 15 min each time, once a day for 14 days. After intervention, the total movement distance, the number of crossing grid and the number of crossing central grid of open field test within 5 minutes were observed; the left ventricular function indexes (left ventricular diameter of end-diastole [LVIDd], left ventricular diameter of end-systole [LVIDs], left ventricular volume of end-diastole [LVEDV], left ventricular volume of end-systole [LVESV], ejection fraction [EF] and fraction shortening [FS]) were detected by echocardiography; the changes in ST-segment amplitude and PR interval of electrocardiogram were observed; the morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by HE staining; the serum levels of cortisol (CORT), cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were detected by ELISA; the changes of LFP in sensory and motor cortices were recorded by Plexon multi-channel acquisition system.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the total movement distance, the number of crossing grid and the number of crossing central grid of open field test were decreased (P<0.05); LVIDd, LVIDs, LVEDV and LVESV were increased (P<0.05), EF and FS were decreased (P<0.05); ST-segment amplitude was increased (P<0.05) and PR interval was prolonged (P<0.05); irregular myocardial fiber arrangement, interstitial edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed; the serum levels of CORT, cTnT and BNP were increased (P<0.05); in the sensory cortex, the ratios of delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands were increased (P<0.05), the maximum energy spectrum of theta and beta frequency bands was increased (P<0.05), the power spectral density (PSD) of delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands was increased (P<0.05); in the motor cortex, the ratios of delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands were increased (P<0.05), the maximum energy spectrum as well as PSD of delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands were increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, in the EA group, the total movement distance, the number of crossing grid and the number of crossing central grid of open field test were increased (P<0.05); LVIDd, LVIDs, LVEDV and LVESV were decreased (P<0.05), EF and FS were increased (P<0.05); ST-segment amplitude was decreased (P<0.05), and the PR interval was shortened (P<0.05); myocardial fiber injury and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced; the serum levels of CORT, cTnT and BNP were decreased (P<0.05); in the sensory cortex, the ratios of theta, alpha and beta frequency bands were decreased (P<0.05), the ratio of gamma frequency band was increased (P<0.05), the maximum energy spectrum of theta frequency band as well as the PSD of theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands were decreased (P<0.05); in the motor cortex, the ratios of theta, alpha and beta frequency bands were decreased (P<0.05) and the ratio of gamma frequency band was increased (P<0.05), the maximum energy spectrum of delta frequency band was increased (P<0.05), the maximum energy spectrum of theta frequency band as well as the PSD of theta and gamma frequency bands were decreased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA can improve cardiac function in mice with stress cardiomyopathy, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of local field potentials in sensory and motor cortices.

Global centennial research and the internationalization of acupuncture and moxibustion: in the perspective of SCI database (1921-2020) / 中国针灸

The paper retrieves and analyzes SCI articles on acupuncture-moxibustion published in the world from 1921 to 2020. It is found that the overall growth of SCI articles on acupuncture-moxibustion in both China and global countries is increasing, and the proportion of publication amount in China is increased gradually. It is believed that the articles on acupuncture-moxibustion researches from 1921 to 2020 in the world collected in SCI database indicate three stages, i.e. scattered publication, internationalization and great contribution on acupuncture-moxibustion in TCM. The paper investigates the first SCI article on acupuncture-moxibustion in the world and in China respectively and analyzes the main disciplines, research institutions and journal distribution, as well as the highly cited articles in the global countries. It is proposed that acupuncture-moxibustion research in China should reflect the academic ideological characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion in TCM, develop the interdisciplinary research and deepen the cooperation with high-level scientific institutions so as to improve the international academic influence of acupuncture-moxibustion in TCM.

Evaluation of the retinal imaging quality of two kinds of diffractive multifocal intraocular lens by using two-channel technique / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To evaluate the retinal image of two types of aspheric diffractive multifocal intraocular lens(IOL).<p>METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Totally 155 cases of simple cataract who received phacoemulsification combined with IOLs implantation from October 2017 to October 2019. They were divided into three groups according to the types of IOL: Aspheric Bifocal Diffractive Group: 54 patients(54 eyes); Aspheric Trifocal Diffractive Group: 54 patients(54 eyes); Aspheric Monofocal Group: 47 patients(47 eyes). All patients were evaluated postoperatively at 6mo. Double-pass visual quality analysis system was used to evaluate OSI, MTF cutoff, Strehl Ratio, OV 100%, OV 20% and OV 9% respectively. Uncorrected distance visual acuity(5m), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(80cm), uncorrected near visual acuity(40cm), corrected distance visual acuity, distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity, distance-corrected near visual acuity were measured and compared among three groups. Visual function-14 was also assessed.<p>RESULTS:Both of bifocal and trifocal groups had similar MTF cutoff(<i>P</i>=0.445), OV 100%, OV 20% and OV 9%(OV 100%: <i>P</i>=0.974; OV20%: <i>P</i>=0.713; OV 9%: <i>P</i>=0.947). Monofocal group had better MTF cutoff(<i>P</i>=0.007), OV 100%(<i>P</i>=0.001), OV 20%(<i>P</i>=0.002)and OV 9%(<i>P</i>=0.011)than bifocal. Besides, monofocal group had better MTF cutoff(<i>P</i>=0.043), OV 100%(<i>P</i>=0.012), OV 20%(<i>P</i>=0.043)and OV 9%(<i>P</i>=0.029)than trifocal group. There was no difference among all groups in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity(<i>P</i>=0.054, 0.180). There was difference in distance-corrected intermediate(<i>H</i>=91.292, <i>P</i><0.01)and distance-corrected near visual acuity(<i>H</i>=91.292, <i>P</i><0.01). Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was better in trifocal group than bifocal(<i>P</i><0.01)and monofocal group(<i>P</i><0.01). Distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity was better in trifocal group than bifocal(<i>P</i><0.01)and monofocal group(<i>P</i><0.01). Both of bifocal and trifocal groups have similar uncorrected near visual acuity(<i>P</i>=0.428)and distance-corrected near visual acuity(<i>P</i>=0.519), which was better than monofocal group(<i>P</i><0.01). In terms of VF-14, score in bifocal and trifocal groups are significantly higher than the monofocal group(<i>P</i><0.01). There was no difference in bifocal and trifocal groups(<i>P</i>=0.055).<p>CONCLUSION: Bfocal and trifocal diffractive IOL can provide similar retinal image. Trifocal IOL can provide better itermediate visual acuity.

Caveolin-1: oxidative stress target in tumor cells / 生理学报

Aberrant oxidative metabolism in cells is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Overproduction of reactive species promotes carcinogenesis by inducing genetic mutations and activating oncogenic pathways, and thus, antioxidant therapy is considered as an important strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a constituent protein of caveolae, is involved in not only the formation of the caveolae, vesicular transport, maintaining cholesterol homeostasis directly, but also many cellular physiological and pathological processes including growth, regulation of mitochondrial antioxidant level, apoptosis and carcinomas by interacting with a lot of signaling molecules through caveolin scaffolding domain. Cav-1 has also been shown to mediate tumor genesis and progression through oxidative stress modulation, while Cav-1-targeted treatment could scavenge the reactive species. Intracellular reactive species could modulate the expression, degradation, post-translational modifications and membrane trafficking of Cav-1. More importantly, emerging evidence has indicated that multiple antioxidants could exert antitumor activities in cancer cells by modulating the signaling of Cav-1. This paper reviewed the research progresses on the roles of Cav-1 and oxidative stress in tumorigenesis and development, and would provide new insights on designing strategies for cancer prevention or treatment.

Effects of combined treatment with triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inflammatory factors in SNL rats / 医学研究生学报

Objective　Both triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency can effectively alleviate neuropathic pain (NP). This study aims to investigate the effects of combined treatment with triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inflammatory factors by establishing a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat NP model, thus providing a new idea for NP therapy.　Methods　A rat NP model of SNL was established, and sham surgery group, model group, triptolide group, pulsed radio frequency group and combined treatment group were set up. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of rats in each group was measured at preoperative (Day 1) and postoperative (Days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14) time points. Spinal dorsal root ganglion was collected 3, 7 and 14 days after the surgery, and mRNA expression levels of Wnt-3α and β-catenin were detected by RT-PCR, protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 by Western blot, and relative expression levels of GAP-43 by immunohistochemical staining.　Results　The MWT of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (7.38±0.08, 9.31±0.23, 8.46±0.30) were lower than that of the combined treatment group (11.65±0.19), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Wnt-3α, β-catenin, iNOS mRNA and COX-2 mRNA after the combined treatment were significantly lower than those of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of GAP-43 after the combined treatment (1.23±0.02) was significantly higher than that of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (1.01±0.02, 0.94±0.03, 0.79±0.01), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).　Conclusion　The effects of the combined treatment is significantly better than that of triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency alone, as the combination has a stronger relieving effect on nerve inflammation and promotes the regeneration of nerve cells.

Silence of STIM1 attenuates the proliferation and migration of EPCs after vascular injury and its mechanism

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1) knockdown on the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) after vascular injury and its mechanism.@*METHODS@#The rat bone marrow derived EPCs were divided into three groups: adenovirus negative control (group NSC), rat STIM1 adenovirus vector transfection group (group si/rSTIM1) and rat &human recombinant STIM1 adenovirus transfection group (group si/rSTIM1+hSTIM1). The STIM1 expressions in each group were detected by reverse transcription PCR after transfection; the cell proliferation was tested by [(3)H] thymidine incorporation assay ((3)H-TdR); Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry; the cells' migration activity was detected by Boyden assay; Calcium ion concentration was detected by using laser confocal method.@*RESULTS@#48 h later after transfection, the expression level of STIM1 in si/rSTIM1 cells was significantly lower than that in NSC group (0.21 ± 0.12 vs 1.01 ± 0.01, P<0.05); EPCs that stayed in G1 phase in si/rSTIM1 group [(93.31 ± 0.24)%] were significantly more than that in NSC group [(78.03 ± 0.34)%, P<0.05]; EPCs' migration activity in si/rSTIM1 group (10.03±0.33) was significantly lower than that in NSC group: (32.11 ± 0.54, P<0.05); EPCs calcium ion concentration changes in EPCs in si/rSTIM1 group (38.03 ± 0.13) was significantly lower than that in NSC group (98.11 ± 0.34, P<0.05). While there was no significant difference between si/rSTIM1+hSTIM1 group and NSC group on the four indexes above.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Silence of STIM1 attenuates EPCs proliferation and migration after vascular injury, by mediating the calcium ion concentration in EPCs.

CpG methyltransferase induced down-regulation of claudin-7, -8 and its effects on proliferation and apoptosis of human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the regulatory effect of CpG methyltransferase (M.SssI) on expression of claudin-7 and claudin-8, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation of human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HT-29 cells were treated with M.SssI (50 U/ml) for 24 hours. The methylation status of claudin-7 and claudin-8 gene promoters was assayed by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Real-time PCR with SYBR green I technique was used to detect the relative expression of claudin-7 and -8 mRNA, and claudin-7 and claudin-8 proteins were tested by cell immunofluorescence and Western blotting, while the effect on cell apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33342 fluorescence and flow cytometry. Inhibition of cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The amounts of methylated claudin-7 and claudin-8 gene CpGs were 25, 10 in the M.SssI group, 9 and 5 in the PBS group, 0 and 3 in the 5-azacytidine group, respectively. Compared with the PBS group, Claudin-7 and -8 were significantly reduced by M.SssI (P < 0.05), but increased by 5-azacytidine (P < 0.05) at both mRNA and protein levels. Hoechst 33342 staining revealed that HT-29 cells treated with PBS and 5-azacytidine were not significantly different, showing even blue fluorescence, round shape and same cell volume. But the M.SssI group presented more apoptotic cells with intensive white fluorescence intensity. Cytometry indicated that early apoptotic index of the M.SssI group was increased by 84.7%, compared with that of the PBS group (P = 0.002). Measurement of MTT optical density demonstrated that cell growth of the M.SssI group was significantly lower than that of the PBS group (P = 0.002), with an inhibition rate of 32.1%, whereas the proliferation of 5-azacytidine group was similar to that of the PBS group (P = 0.084).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our findings suggest that M.SssI can down-regulate claudin-7, -8 mRNA and proteins in the human colon cancer HT-29 cells by up-regulating methylation status of claudin-7 and -8 gene promoters, and finally induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of the tumor cells.</p>

Caries-related factors for preschool children / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the significance of variables such as saliva mutans streptococci, oral hygiene, dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and socio-economic status in assessing the level of caries risk for preschool children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The case-control study was used. Among 1018 children at the age of 4 and 5, 204 children with dmft > or = 6 were included in caries group and 237 children in caries free group. Saliva mutans streptococci, saliva flow rate and buffer capacity, and debris index were tested for all children. Their mothers finished the standardized questionnaire for information about dietary and oral hygiene habits of the children, breast and bottle feeding history and socio-economic status.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Logistic regression analysis showed that the saliva mutans streptococci (OR = 3.019), debris index (OR = 2.263), frequency of consumption of snacks and sweets (OR = 1.729), frequency of intake of soft drinks (OR = 1.496) and use of sweetened food in nursing bottle (OR = 2.255) were significant factors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High level of saliva mutans streptococci, bad oral hygiene, frequent intake of sweet food, and sugar contents in nursing bottle were the important risk factors for dental caries on primary teeth.</p>

Effect of IgY solution on dental plaque / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of the IgY solution on dental plaque and mutans Streptococci in plaque and in saliva.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A double-blind study was used. 44 school children at the third grade in test group used the IgY solution for 21 days; 41 children in control group used the placebo. The plaque index, the plaque weight, the level of mutans streptococci in saliva and in plaque were tested for all children.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plaque weight in test group was (46.4 +/- 31.2) mg at baseline, and (36.6 +/- 25.6) mg at the end of the study (P = 0.007). The IgY solution reduced 21.1% plaque weight. Statistically significant differences for other indices were not shown in this study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 0.1% IgY solution reduces the mass of plaque on the tooth surfaces.</p>