Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate improves cognitive impairment via regulating Aß transportation in AD transgenic mouse model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a most common neurodegenerative disease. Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate (STS) has been reported to ameliorate AD pathology. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, AD transgenic mouse model (APP/PS1) was used to explore the potential mechanism of STS against AD. Morris water maze and Y-maze tests showed that administration of STS improved learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice. STS reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, while improved the activity of superoxide dismutase in both hippocampus and cortex in APP/PS1 mice. STS inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase, while improved the activity of choline acetyltransferase in APP/PS1 mice. In addition, STS elevated the protein expressions of neurotrophic factors and synapse-related proteins in both the hippocampus and cortex in APP/PS1 mice. At last, STS improved the protein expressions of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). These results indicated that the potential mechanism of STS on AD might be related to Aß transportation function via GLUT1/LRP1 pathway. HIGHLIGHTS: STS improves cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice. STS ameliorates the oxidative stress damage and improves the cholinergic system. STS protects against neuronal dysfunction and enhances the synaptic plasticity. STS mediates the Aß transportation of BMECs.

[Assessment and management of difficult airways in neonates with Pierre Robin sequence].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the difficult airways preoperatively in neonates with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). METHODS: A total of 18 newborn PRS with difficult intubation were evaluated with the assessment grade. The scores were based upon clinical observation, weight gain, airway obstruction and Cormack-Lehane classification. RESULTS: A total of 14 neonates (77%) had medium (n = 8) and severe (n = 6) airway obstruction. And 89% (n = 16) failed to display glottis and unsuccessful tracheal intubation (50%). CONCLUSION: The assessment practice of clinical observation, weight gain, airway obstruction and Cormack-Lehane classification may help to identify the difficult airways in neonates with PRS.