ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The expression pattern of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits are commonly altered in patients with schizophrenia, which may lead to nerve excitation/inhibition problems, affecting cognition, emotion, and behavior. AIM: To explore GABA receptor expression and its relationship with schizophrenia and to provide insights into more effective treatments. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 126 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital and 126 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period. The expression levels of the GABA receptor subunits were detected using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The recognized cognitive battery tool, the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, was used to evaluate the scores for various dimensions of cognitive function. The correlation between GABA receptor subunit downregulation and schizophrenia was also analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences in GABA receptor subunit levels were found between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found between the case and control groups in terms of cognitive function measures, including attention/alertness and learning ability (P < 0.05). Specifically, as the expression levels of GABRA1 (α1 subunit gene), GABRB2 (ß2 subunit gene), GABRD (δ subunit), and GABRE (ε subunit) decreased, the severity of the patients' condition increased gradually, indicating a positive correlation between the downregulation of these 4 receptor subunits and schizophrenia (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of GABRA5 (α5 subunit gene) and GABRA6 (α6 subunit gene) showed no significant correlation with schizophrenia (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Downregulation of the GABA receptor subunits is positively correlated with schizophrenia. In other words, when GABA receptor subunits are downregulated in patients, cognitive impairment becomes more severe.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effective treatment for chronic ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer and reveal the universality and severity of radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The TRAM flap, the local expanded flap or the delayed skin flap were applied to repair the ulcer wounds in 16 patients. Electromyogram examinations were used to evaluate the radiation lesions of the brachial plexus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the flaps survived successfully with satisfactory results except one, which sustained partial necrosis due to infection. Ten patients underwent regular electromyogram examinations, seven of them were found to have radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Radiation ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer is often concomitant with brachial plexus neuropathy. These injuries presented a chronically progressive and irreversible course. Application of the flaps that have adequate blood supply can reconstruct the wounds effectively.</p>
