Ultrashort wave diathermy inhibits pulmonary inflammation in mice with acute lung injury in a HSP70 independent way: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by pulmonary inflammation. Ultrashort wave diathermy (USWD) has been shown to be effective at in inhibiting ALI inflammation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that USWD generates a therapeutic thermal environment that aligns with the temperature required for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), an endogenous protective substance. In this study, we examined the correlation between HSP70 and USWD in alleviating lung inflammation in ALI. METHODS: Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, model, USWD intervention (LU) 1, 2, and 3, and USWD preintervention (UL) 1, 2, and 3 groups (n = 6 in each group). The mice were pretreated with LPS to induce ALI. The UL1, 2, and 3 groups received USWD treatment before LPS infusion, while the LU1, 2, and 3 groups received USWD treatment after LPS infusion. Lung function and structure, inflammatory factor levels and HSP70 protein expression levels were detected. RESULTS: USWD effectively improved lung structure and function, and significantly reduced IL-1ß, IL-10, TGF-ß1, and TNF-α levels in both the USWD preintervention and intervention groups. However, HSP70 expression did not significantly differ across the experimental groups although the expression of TLR4 was significantly decreased, suggesting that USWD may have anti-inflammatory effects through multiple signaling pathways or that the experimental conditions should be restricted. CONCLUSIONS: Both USWD intervention and preintervention effectively reduced the inflammatory response, alleviated lung injury symptoms, and played a protective role in LPS-pretreated ALI mice. HSP70 was potentially regulated by USWD in this process, but further studies are urgently needed to elucidate the correlation and mechanism.

Ultrashort wave alleviates oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury via up-regulation of SPCA1 expression in N2a cells. / è¶ çŸ­æ³¢é€šè¿‡ä¸Šè°ƒSPCA1的表达减轻N2a细胞氧糖剥夺复氧后的损伤.

OBJECTIVES: Application of ultrashort wave (USW) to rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury could inhibit the decrease of expression of secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SPCA1), an important participant in Golgi stress, reduce the damage of Golgi apparatus and the apoptosis of neuronal cells, thereby alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aims to investigate the effect of USW on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury and the expression of SPCA1 at the cellular level. METHODS: N2a cells were randomly divided into a control (Con) group, an OGD/R group, and an USW group. The cells in the Con group were cultured without exposure to OGD. The cells in the OGD/R group were treated with OGD/R. The cells in the USW group were treated with USW after OGD/R. Cell morphology was observed under the inverted phase-contrast optical microscope, cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and SPCA1 expression was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Most of the cells in the Con group showed spindle shape with a clear outline and good adhesion. In the OGD/R group, cells were wrinkled, with blurred outline, poor adhesion, and lots of suspended dead cells appeared; compared with the OGD/R group, the cell morphology and adherence were improved, with clearer outlines and fewer dead cells in the USW group. Compared with the Con group, the OGD/R group showed decreased cell activity, increased apoptotic rate, and down-regulating SPCA1 expression with significant differences (all P<0.001); compared with the OGD/R group, the USW group showed increased cell activity, decreased apoptotic rate, and up-regulating SPCA1 expression with significant differences (P<0.01 or P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: USW alleviates the injury of cellular OGD/R, and its protective effect may be related to its up-regulation of SPCA1 expression.

Effects of ultrashort wave diathermy on skin wounds in rabbit ears.

PURPOSE: Ultrashort wave diathermy (USWD) is commonly used in diseases associated with osteoarticular and soft tissue injuries. However, while accelerating wound healing and preventing joint stiffness, there have been few reports on whether it leads to excessive hypertrophic scarring. The aim was to investigate the effects of different doses of USWD on hypertrophic scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rabbit model of hypertrophic scars was used to determine which dose of USWD reduced scar hyperplasia. The scar thickness was calculated using Sirius red staining. All protein expression levels were determined by western blotting, including fibrosis, collagen deposition, and neoangiogenesis related proteins. Subsequently, flow cytometry and ELISAs were used to determine the proportions of macrophage and inflammatory levels. RESULTS: The wounds with USWD in histopathology showed the dermis was more markedly thickened in the 120 mA group, whereas the wounds with the 60 mA were less raised, comparing with the 0 mA; all detected protein levels were increased significantly, the 120 mA group comparing with the others, including heat shock, fibrosis, and neoangiogenesis, whereas the collagen deposition relative protein levels were decreased, the 60 mA group comparing with Sham group; Finally, in the proportion of macrophages and inflammatory levels the 120 mA group were the highest, and the group Sham was lower than group 60 mA. CONCLUSIONS: In hypertrophic scars, the 60 mA USWD could relieve scar formation and inflammatory reactions; however, higher doses could result in opposite consequences.

mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis mediated ultrashort wave regulation of autophagy to alleviate diabetic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is closely related to autophagy and inflammation. The mTOR/unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling axis is involved in the regulation of autophagy. Ultrashort wave (USW) therapy has been extensively studied in inflammatory diseases. However, the therapeutic effect of USW on DKD and the role of the mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis in USW interventions remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of USW on DKD rats and the role of the mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis in USW interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A DKD rat model was established using a high-fat diet (HFD)/sugar diet and streptozocin (STZ) induction. The optimal duration of USW intervention was determined using different USW treatments. The levels of metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis associated with kidney injury in rats were measured. Western blot analysis was performed on the related indexes of autophagy and the mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis. RESULTS: In DKD rats, microalbuminuria (MAU), glucose (GLU), creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels decreased after the USW intervention. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 decreased in the USW group compared to the model group. The IL-10 and arginase (Arg-1) levels were increased in the USW group. The content of fibrosis-related indexes (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibronectin (FN), type IV collagen, and type I collagen) decreased in the urine of the DKD rats. After USW treatment, LC3B and Beclin1 levels increased, while the level of p62 decreased. The levels of nephrin, podocin and synaptopodin increased. Ultrashort wave could reduce p-mTOR/mTOR ratios and increase ULK1 expression. After the overexpression of ULK1, the levels of LC3B and Beclin1 were higher in the overexpression (oe)-ULK1 group than in the oe-negative control (NC) group, while the level of p62 decreased. After mTOR activation, LC3B and ULK1 expression decreased, while CRE, BUN, MAU, and GLU levels increased. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrashort wave alleviated kidney injury induced by the HFD/sugar diet and STZ. The USW intervention reversed the decreased autophagy levels in the DKD rats. The mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis mediated USW to promote autophagy.

Ultrashort wave alleviates oxygen -glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury via up -regulation of SPCA1 expression in N2a cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Application of ultrashort wave (USW) to rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury could inhibit the decrease of expression of secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SPCA1), an important participant in Golgi stress, reduce the damage of Golgi apparatus and the apoptosis of neuronal cells, thereby alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aims to investigate the effect of USW on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury and the expression of SPCA1 at the cellular level.@*METHODS@#N2a cells were randomly divided into a control (Con) group, an OGD/R group, and an USW group. The cells in the Con group were cultured without exposure to OGD. The cells in the OGD/R group were treated with OGD/R. The cells in the USW group were treated with USW after OGD/R. Cell morphology was observed under the inverted phase-contrast optical microscope, cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and SPCA1 expression was detected by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Most of the cells in the Con group showed spindle shape with a clear outline and good adhesion. In the OGD/R group, cells were wrinkled, with blurred outline, poor adhesion, and lots of suspended dead cells appeared; compared with the OGD/R group, the cell morphology and adherence were improved, with clearer outlines and fewer dead cells in the USW group. Compared with the Con group, the OGD/R group showed decreased cell activity, increased apoptotic rate, and down-regulating SPCA1 expression with significant differences (all P<0.001); compared with the OGD/R group, the USW group showed increased cell activity, decreased apoptotic rate, and up-regulating SPCA1 expression with significant differences (P<0.01 or P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#USW alleviates the injury of cellular OGD/R, and its protective effect may be related to its up-regulation of SPCA1 expression.

Effects of HeNe laser combined with ultrashort wave therapy on pain factors and anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of HeNe laser combined with ultrashort wave therapy on pain factors, anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:Using prospective research methods, 108 patients with chronic KOA in Xicheng District Xichang′an Street Community Health Service Center from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected as the research objects, and randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 54 cases in each group. The control group was given shortwave treatment, while the observation group was given HeNe laser combined with ultra-short wave treatment. The clinical efficacy, levels of pain factors, anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors and knee function were compared between the two groups, and the pain factors including prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2), substance P (SP), dopamine (DA); the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors including transforming growth factor β1 protein (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-stimulating gene (TSG-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results:The total effective rate of observation group was significantly higher than that of control group: 92.59% (50/54) vs. 75.93% (41/54), P<0.05. After treatment, the levels of PGE 2, SP, DA, TGF-β1, TSG-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group: (2.50 ± 0.29) ng/L vs. (2.85 ± 0.32) ng/L, (1.55 ± 0.35) ng/L vs. (1.73 ± 0.36) ng/L, (12.46 ± 1.82) g/L vs. (15.25±2.20) g/L, (12.46 ± 2.06) μg/L vs. (15.58 ± 2.89) μg/L, (6.02 ± 0.89) ng/L vs. (6.84 ± 0.92) ng/L, (13.64 ± 2.92) ng/L vs. (16.50 ± 3.15) ng/L, (38.82 ± 7.15) ng/L vs. (47.05 ± 8.53) ng/L, (21.92 ± 4.19) ng/L vs. (25.41 ± 5.08) ng/L, (26.49 ± 6.74) ng/L vs. (31.53 ± 7.95) ng/L, P<0.05. After treatment, the levels of PGE2, SP, DA, TGF-β1, TSG-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The excellent rate of knee function in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group: 87.04% (47/54) vs. 64.81% (35/54), P<0.05. Conclusions:For patients with chronic KOA, HeNe laser combined with ultrashort wave therapy has better clinical efficacy, which can relieve pain, regulate the imbalance of body factors and improve the function of knee joint.

Changes in serum inflammatory factors in acute gouty arthritis patients treated using ultrashort wave combined with loxoprofen sodium.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of ultrashort wave combined with loxoprofen sodium on serum inflammatory factors in patients with acute gouty arthritis. METHODS: Records of patients with acute gouty arthritis who were treated in The Fourth Hospital of Changsha from May 2018 to September 2020, were reviewed. Of them, 77 cases were selected and divided into two groups based on the received treatment. The control group (n=39) was treated with loxoprofen sodium, and the treatment group (n=38) was treated with an ultrashort wave combined with loxoprofen sodium, for 10 continuous days. The clinical efficacy of the treatment in two groups was analyzed. RESULTS: After treatment, the quality of life of patients in both groups was improved (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the VAS score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05), the improvement of symptoms and signs of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Serum CRP and ESR levels in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the serum IL-1 ß, IL-8, TNF-a and MMP-3 levels of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of the treatment group (94.87%) was higher than that of the control group (87.18%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions occurred in all patients during the treatment. CONCLUSION: An ultrashort wave combined with loxoprofen sodium in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis can reduce the inflammatory reaction, improve the degree of joint pain and swelling, improve the curative effect, and do not increase the adverse reactions. The results may be related to the regulation of IL-1 ß, IL-8, TNF-a and MMP-3.

Preventive effect and possible mechanisms of ultrashort wave diathermy on myogenic contracture in a rabbit model.

The purpose of this study was to determine the preventive effect of ultrashort wave diathermy on immobilization-induced myogenic contracture and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Forty-two rabbits were randomly assigned into control (Group C), immobilization (Group I, which was further divided into one week, Group I-1; two weeks, Group I-2; and four weeks, Group I-4, subgroups by the length of immobilization) and ultrashort wave prevention (Group U, which was further divided into one week, Group U-1; two weeks, Group U-2; and four weeks, Group U-4, by time of treatment) groups. Intervention effects were assessed by evaluating rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA), knee range of motion, and the protein levels for myogenic differentiation (MyoD) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx-1) in the rectus femoris. Compared with those of Group C, in Groups I and U, total contracture, myogenic contracture, MyoD and MAFbx-1 levels were significantly elevated, and CSA was significantly smaller (p < 0.05). Compared with those of Group I at each time point, MyoD levels were significantly elevated, MAFbx-1 levels were significantly lower, CSA was significantly larger, and myogenic contracture was significantly alleviated in Group U (p < 0.05). In the early stages of contracture, ultrashort wave diathermy reduces muscle atrophy and delays the process of myogenic contracture during joint immobilization; the mechanism of this may be explained as increased expression of MyoD triggered by suppression of the MAFbx-1-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Effect of Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with ultrashort wave therapy on pain and inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with ultrashort wave therapy on pain, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis included in this study were randomly divided into the control group (n=59) and the experimental group (n=59). The patients in the control group were treated with Shujin Xiaotong capsules, and the patients in the experimental group were treated with Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with ultrashort wave therapy. The knee motion before and after treatment, pain and curative effect were evaluated by the Lysholm Scale, Mc-Gee Scale and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score, respectively. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to observe the blood flow in the synovium of knee joint. Serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators were measured using corresponding kits. The quality of life of the patients was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the scores of the Lysholm, Mc-Gee and JOA, synovial blood flow signal distribution, levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide as well as quality of life of patients between the two groups before treatment (all P>0.05). After treatment, the scores of Lysholm, JOA and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF as well as levels of superoxide dismutase in both groups were improved, while the scores of Mc-Gee as well as levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the proportion of synovial blood flow signal distribution and quality of life of patients in the experimental group were higher, while the levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were lower (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with physical ultrashort wave therapy can significantly reduce serum inflammation cytokines and hs-CRP expression and pain, as well as improve serum oxidative stress levels, knee joint function and quality of life in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of Ultrashort Wave Therapy on Inflammation and Macrophage Polarization after Acute Lung Injury in Rats.

Acute lung injury (ALI) features dysregulated pulmonary inflammation. Ultrashort waves (USWs) exert anti-inflammatory effects but no studies have evaluated their activity in ALI. Herein, we used an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI model to investigate whether the anti-inflammatory activity of USWs is mediated by altering the polarization of M1 to M2 macrophages. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, untreated ALI, and ALI treated with USW groups (n = 8 in each group). ALI was induced by intratracheal LPS instillation. Rats in the USW group were treated for 15 min at 0, 4, and 8 h after a single LPS intratracheal instillation. Histopathologic examination, wet/dry lung weight ratio, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the degree of lung injury and to determine macrophage phenotypes. Histopathologic examination disclosed attenuation of ALI, with reduced alveolar hemorrhage and neutrophilic infiltration in the USW group. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were significantly decreased after USW therapy. Moreover, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß were significantly decreased in the USW group, whereas the mRNA expression of Arginase 1 (Arg1) and the protein expression of mannose receptor significantly increased in comparison with the untreated ALI group. We conclude that USW therapy may attenuate inflammation in LPS-induced ALI through the modulation of macrophage polarization. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Effects of ultrashort wave on inflammatory response in rats with acute lung injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Ultrashort wave can inhibit the inflammatory response and is often used in symptomatic treatment of pulmonary infection. Uncontrolled inflammatory response is an important pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Inhibiting inflammation is an important strategy for controlling acute lung injury. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of ultrashort wave on inflammatory response and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rats with acute lung injury. METHODS: Twenty-four 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, acute lung injury group (model group) and ultrashort wave group (n=8 per group). Rats in the acute lung injury group and the ultrashort wave group were given intratracheal lipopolysaccharide to replicate the acute lung injury model. Rats in the control group were given intratracheal infusion of the same amount of normal saline. In the ultrashort wave group, rats were given ultrashort wave intervention immediately, 4 and 8 hours after lipopolysaccharide infusion, once for 15 minutes. Experimental animals were sacrificed 24 hours after intratracheal infusion of lipopolysaccharide or normal saline. The lung tissues of rats were compared by hematoxylin-eosin staining, lung histopathological semi-quantitative score and lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D). Serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by ELISA, and mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The study protocol was approved by the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University, approved No.202002100009. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Lung W/D ratio in the acute lung injury group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01), whereas the ratio in the ultrashort wave group was lower than that in the acute lung injury group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Pathological manifestations: In the model group, the lung tissue structure was obviously damaged, with different sizes of alveolar septa, the alveolar wall was incomplete, thickened and fractured, a large number of neutrophils were seen in the lung interstitium, and some red blood cells were exudated. In the ultrashort wave group, compared with the model group, the alveolar structure was relatively complete and clear, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and red blood cell exudation from the lung interstitium were reduced. Semi-quantitative histopathological score of the lung was significantly higher in the model group than the control group (P < 0.01), but significantly reduced in the ultrashort wave group compared with the model group (P < 0.01). Serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.01). After ultrashort wave exposure, the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β significantly decreased compared to the model group (both P < 0.05). After ultrashort wave exposure, the mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly decreased compared to the model group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). To conclude, ultrashort wave may inhibit the inflammatory response of the lung tissue in rats with acute lung injury by down-regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β.

Effects of non-caloric ultrashort wave on the expression of CoQ10 and C1GALT1C1 in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. / æ— çƒ­é‡è¶ çŸ­æ³¢å¯¹è„‘ç¼ºè¡€å†çŒæ³¨æŸä¼¤å¤§é¼ æ—©æœŸCoQ10和C1GALT1C1表达的影响.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and ß1,3-galactosyl transferase specific chaperone 1 (C1GALT1C1) in brain of rats with ischemic injury at different time points and to explore the protective mechanism of ultrashort wave (USW) on ischemic brain injury. METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10 per group): a sham group (control group) and 4 experimental group (ischemia for 2 h). The 4 experimental groups were set as a model 1 d group, a USW 1 d group, a model 3 d group and a USW 3 d group, respectively. Five rats were randomly selected for 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) staining in each experimental group, and the remaining 5 rats were subjected to Western blotting and real-time PCR. The percentage of cerebral infarction volume and the relative expression level of CoQ10 and C1GALT1C1 in the brain were examined and compared. RESULTS: The infarct volume percentage after TTC staining was zero in the sham group. With the progress of disease and USW therapy, the infarct volume percentage was decreased in the experimental groups (all P<0.05); Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the relative expression level of CoQ10 in the sham group was the highest, while in the experimental groups, the content of CoQ10 showed a upward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all P<0.05). The relative expression level of C1GALT1C1 in the sham group was the lowest, but in the experimental groups, they showed a downward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Non-caloric USW therapy may upregulate the expression of CoQ10 to suppress the expression of C1GALT1C1 in rats, leading to alleviating cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.

Effect of ultrashort wave treatment on joint dysfunction and muscle atrophy in a rabbit model of extending knee joint contracture: Enhanced expression of myogenic differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ultrashort wave treatment on joint dysfunction and muscle atrophy in a rabbit model of extending knee joint contracture. METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups. In group C, the left knee joint was not fixed. In group I-8, the left knee joint was only fixed for eight weeks. In groups R-1, R-2, and R-4, the left knee joint was fixed for eight weeks before the rabbits underwent one, two, and four weeks of self-recovery, respectively. In groups T-1, T-2, and T-4, the left knee joint was fixed for eight weeks before the rabbits underwent one, two, and four weeks of ultrashort wave treatment, respectively. The degree of total contracture and myogenic contracture were measured, the cross-sectional area (CSA) and protein levels for myogenic differentiation (MyoD) of the rectus femoris were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a tendency toward a reduced degree of total and myogenic contracture, and also a tendency toward an increased CSA of the rectus femoris and increased protein levels for MyoD after both self-recovery and ultrashort wave treatment. The ultrashort wave was more effective than self-recovery in reducing the total and myogenic contracture, and increasing the CSA and MyoD protein levels of the rectus femoris. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrashort wave treatment may ameliorate joint dysfunction and muscle atrophy by upregulating the expression of MyoD protein in a rabbit model of extending knee joint contracture.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Low-Dose Ultrashort Wave Therapy Accelerates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

Finding treatments that accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration, prolongation, and functional recovery remains a challenging task. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous growth factors and active proteins, and low-dose ultrashort waves (USWs) stimulate the formation of nerve-nourishing vessels, which are powerful for nerve regeneration. The goal of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections combined with low-dose USWs radiation on peripheral nerve regeneration in a crush injury model. Fifty rabbits were equally and randomly divided into normal control, model, USW, PRP, and PRP+USW groups. The neurological function, electrophysiological recovery, and histological and morphological evaluation of regenerated nerves, as well as a targeted muscle recovery assessment, were performed to investigate the regenerative effect of PRP combined with USW therapy. Our results showed that the PRP+USW group had the better early axonal regeneration and displayed the earliest positive compound muscle action potential among the treatment groups. At postintervention week 12, a histological evaluation showed similar expression of the S-100 protein in the PRP+USW and normal control groups. Moreover, the morphological assessment revealed a significant increase in the myelinated nerve fiber density and diameter and myelin sheath thickness compared with the USW and PRP groups. The morphometry of the target muscles indicated the lowest reduction in the percent volume in the PRP+USW group, and an ultrasound examination of the targeted muscle showed the best improvement in stiffness and perfusion parameters at 12 weeks after crush injury. Thus, serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections combined with low-dose USW radiation exert a synergistic effect on accelerating functional axon recovery and decreasing atrophy of the target muscles in a crush injury model. Impact Statement This research describes that the application of platelet-rich plasma combined with low-dose ultrashort waves treatment exert a synergistic effect on accelerating peripheral nerve regeneration. With the extensive use of platelet-rich plasma and physical factors in regenerative medicine or clinical rehabilitation medicine, our findings may help establish effective strategies for repairing peripheral nerve injury.

Effects of Ultrashort Wave on Inflammatory of Acute Lung Injury and Related Signaling Pathway in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effects of ultrashort wave (USW) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury (ALI) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in rats. Methods:Twenty-four three-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 8), ALI group (n = 8) and USW group (n = 8). The ALI and USW groups were instilled with LPS to induce ALI, and the USW group was treated with ultrashort wave 0, four and eight hours after instillation, 15 minutes a time. Twenty-four hours after instillation, the lung tissue of the rats was measured the wet/dry mass ratio (W/D), and observed under HE staining. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were detected with ELISA. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β in the lung tissue were detected with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results:W/D increased in ALI group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05), and it decreased in USW group without significance compared with that of ALI group (P > 0.05). Lung injury score increased in ALI group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05), and it decreased in USW group compared with that of ALI group (P < 0.05); as well as the serum IL-1β and IL-18, and mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β. Conclusion:USW can alleviate the inflammatory of acute lung injury, which may associate with inhibiting of NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Effects of non-caloric ultrashort wave on the expression of CoQ10 and C1GALT1C1 in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To examine the changes of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and β-galactosyl transferase specific chaperone 1 (C1GALT1C1) in brain of rats with ischemic injury at different time points and to explore the protective mechanism of ultrashort wave (USW) on ischemic brain injury.@*METHODS@#Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (=10 per group): a sham group (control group) and 4 experimental group (ischemia for 2 h). The 4 experimental groups were set as a model 1 d group, a USW 1 d group, a model 3 d group and a USW 3 d group, respectively. Five rats were randomly selected for 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) staining in each experimental group, and the remaining 5 rats were subjected to Western blotting and real-time PCR. The percentage of cerebral infarction volume and the relative expression level of CoQ10 and C1GALT1C1 in the brain were examined and compared.@*RESULTS@#The infarct volume percentage after TTC staining was zero in the sham group. With the progress of disease and USW therapy, the infarct volume percentage was decreased in the experimental groups (all <0.05); Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the relative expression level of CoQ10 in the sham group was the highest, while in the experimental groups, the content of CoQ10 showed a upward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all <0.05). The relative expression level of C1GALT1C1 in the sham group was the lowest, but in the experimental groups, they showed a downward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Non-caloric USW therapy may upregulate the expression of CoQ10 to suppress the expression of C1GALT1C1 in rats, leading to alleviating cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.

The effects of early treadmill training combined with ultrashort wave irradiation on functional recovery from spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of early-stage training combined with the ultrashort wave therapy on the functional recovery of rats after a spinal cord injury, and to observe the expression of aquaporin protein-4 (AQP-4) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).@*Methods@#Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats had spinal cord injury (SCI) induced using the modified Allen′s method. After successful modeling, 40 were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a control group, an ultrashort wave group, a treadmill group and a combined group, each of 8. Motor function in their hind limbs was evaluated 4 weeks after the operation using BBB scoring. GFAP and AQP-4 immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the integral optical density (IOD) of the protein expression.@*Results@#The average BBB score of the sham operation group was 21, while the other four groups averages were all less than 1 on the 1st day after the operation. They gradually increased with time, and by 4 weeks the increases were significant. Compared with the control group at the same time point, the average BBB scores of the treadmill and the combined groups were significantly higher. Compared with the ultrashort wave group, the average BBB score of the treadmill group was higher after 4 weeks, and the combined group′s average was significantly higher at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the operation. Four weeks after the SCI modeling, the average AQP-4 IOD and GFAP IOD levels of the ultrashort wave group, the treadmill group and the combined group were lower than that of the control group, while the average AQP-4 and GFAP IOD levels of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the ultrashort wave group. Compared with the treadmill group, the combined group had a significantly lower average GFAP level.@*Conclusions@#Both treadmill training and ultrashort wave treatment promote motor function recovery after a spinal cord injury. The mechanism may be related to downregulation of AQP-4 and GFAP expression at the injured site. Combining the two treatments gives better effects.

The effects of early treadmill training combined with ultrashort wave irradiation on functional recovery from spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of early-stage training combined with the ultrashort wave therapy on the functional recovery of rats after a spinal cord injury, and to observe the expression of aquaporin pro-tein-4 ( AQP-4) and glial fibrillary acidic protein ( GFAP ) . Methods Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats had spinal cord injury ( SCI) induced using the modified Allen's method. After successful modeling, 40 were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a control group, an ultrashort wave group, a treadmill group and a combined group, each of 8. Motor function in their hind limbs was evaluated 4 weeks after the operation using BBB scoring. GFAP and AQP-4 immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the integral optical density ( IOD) of the protein expres-sion. Results The average BBB score of the sham operation group was 21, while the other four groups averages were all less than 1 on the 1st day after the operation. They gradually increased with time, and by 4 weeks the increa-ses were significant. Compared with the control group at the same time point, the average BBB scores of the treadmill and the combined groups were significantly higher. Compared with the ultrashort wave group, the average BBB score of the treadmill group was higher after 4 weeks, and the combined group's average was significantly higher at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the operation. Four weeks after the SCI modeling, the average AQP-4 IOD and GFAP IOD levels of the ultrashort wave group, the treadmill group and the combined group were lower than that of the control group, while the average AQP-4 and GFAP IOD levels of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the ultrashort wave group. Compared with the treadmill group, the combined group had a significantly lower average GFAP level. Conclusions Both treadmill training and ultrashort wave treatment promote motor function recovery after a spinal cord injury. The mechanism may be related to downregulation of AQP-4 and GFAP expression at the injured site. Combining the two treatments gives better effects.

Effect of Ultrashort Wave on Macrophage Polarization and Inflammatory Response after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To explore the effect of ultrashort wave on macrophage polarization and inflammation response after spinal cord injury in rats. Methods A total of 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group and ultrashort wave group, with 32 rats in each group. The spinal cord injury model was established by modified Allen's method in the model group and the ultrashort wave group. The ultrashort wave group received ultrashort wave since the first day after modeling. BBB score was applied to evaluate the locomotion recovery. HE staining was used to as-sess the injury area, while immunochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blotting were applied to measure the mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results Compared with the model group, the BBB score increased (P<0.05), the expression of iNOS and TNF-α de-creased, and the expression of Arg-1 increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Ultrashort wave therapy may promote macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, inhibit inflammatory re-sponse and promote recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.