Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Learning-memory Function and NLRP3 Pathway in Sleep-deprived Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Suanzaoren Tang in improving learning-memory of sleep-deprived rats based on Nod-like receptor 3 （NLRP3） inflammatome pathway. Method:The rats were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， Eszolam group（5.4×10^-4 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low-dose Suanzaoren Tang group（4.59 g·kg^-1·d^-1）and high-dose Suanzaoren Tang group （18.36 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. In addition to normal control group， other groups were used to constructed sleep-deprived model， which was concurrent with 30-day continuous drug administration. Water maze was used to evaluate the learning-memory function of rats； The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， apoptosis-related speckle proteins （ASC）， aspartic acid-specific cysteine protease-1 （Caspase-1）， interleukin-1（IL-1） and IL-18 in the hippocampus of rats were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. Result:Compared with control group， the incubation period of the platform， the total distance of swimming and the duration of first reaching the platform in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the number of platform crossings and the target quadrant time were decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the incubation period， total swimming distance and the duration of first reaching the platform in low-dose Suanzaoren Tang group and high-dose Suanzaoren Tang group were decreased to different degrees （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the number of platform crossings and the target quadrant time were increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01），but with no significant change in estazolam group. Compared with normal control group， mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-18 in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-1<italic>β</italic> and IL-18 in the hippocampus of the rats in low-dose Suanzaoren Tang group and high-dose Suanzaoren Tang group were all decreased to different degrees （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-1<italic>β</italic> and IL-18 in the hippocampus of Suanzaoren group also decreased， but with no significant change. Conclusion:Suanzaoren Tang can improve the learning-memory function of sleep-deprived rats， and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammatome pathway in hippocampus and the alleviation of neuroinflammation.

A Novel Surgical Technique for Augmented Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontics: Bone Grafting With Periosteum.

PURPOSE: To introduce grafting fixed with the periosteum (dumpling technique) as an alternative surgical technique for augmented corticotomy-assisted orthodontics in the lower anterior region and evaluate the preliminary outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (9 women, 2 men; mean age, 21.4 yr) with a thin alveolus or alveolar defect in the lower anterior region by clinical and radiographic examination underwent an augmented corticotomy using the new dumpling technique. Cone-beam computerized tomography was used to evaluate morphologic changes of the lower anterior ridge before treatment (T0) and 1 week (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the bone-augmentation procedure. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni multiple-comparison test was used to compare variables at each time point. RESULTS: No severe postsurgical complications occurred in any patient. The mean alveolar bone thickness of the labial plate increased from T0 to T1 (P < .001) and decreased from T1 to T2 (P < .001). However, compared with T0, there was still a significant increase in horizontal bone thickness at T2 (P < .05). The vertical alveolar bone level increased from T0 to T1 (P < .001) and was maintained from T1 to T2 (P > .05). No significant differences were found in root length of the lower anterior teeth at these 3 time points (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, the dumpling technique for augmented corticotomy-assisted surgical orthodontics showed alveolar bone augmentation by increasing the vertical alveolar height and the horizontal bone thickness in the labial aspect of the anterior mandibular area. However, long-term follow-up is necessary.