Genistein inhibits Nlrp3/caspase-1 signalling to alleviate traumatic brain injury-induced anxiety-like behaviours in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced anxiety is a common but under-investigated disorder, for which neuroinflammation is a significant contributor. Here we aim to investigate the protective effects of genistein, a plant-derived anti-inflammatory drug, against TBI-induced anxiety, and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A rat model of TBI was constructed using the lateral fluid percussion injury method. Genistein at the doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg were used to treat rats at 30 min, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h up to 14 days after TBI. The evaluation of neurological deficit was performed preoperatively, on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after TBI. The elevated plus maze test was carried out to assess anxiety and explorative behaviours, and the open field test was performed to assess locomotive activities. Brain injury was assessed by measuring brain water content and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling staining. Inflammatory responses were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA and protein expression were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: In the behavioural level, genistein treatment alleviated TBI-induced anxiety behaviours and neurological deficit in rats. In the meanwhile, brain oedema was also reduced by genistein treatment, showing alleviating effects of genistein at the pathological level. TUNEL staining also showed reduced apoptosis in rats treated with genistein. Genistein also inhibited Nlrp3/caspase-1 signalling, unveiling the effects of genistein in altering molecular pathways in brains with TBI. CONCLUSION: Genistein alleviates anxiety-like behaviours in TBI rats, which may be mediated via inhibiting Nlrp/caspase-1 signalling pathway.

Effects of Hydrogen Inhalation on Neurological Function Indicators, Oxidative Stress Markers, and E-Cadherin Levels in Patients with Brain Glioma.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of hydrogen therapy on nerve function and tumor progression markers in glioma patients, focusing on the modulation of oxidative stress and cadherin expression to establish its potential as a complementary treatment. Methods: 100 glioma patients were enrolled and divided into two groups using the random number table: routine treatment (50) and hydrogen inhalation plus routine treatment (50). After 2 weeks of treatment, clinical curative effect, levels of nerve function indexes [national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS), central nervous specific protein (S100ß), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)], oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)] and E-cadherin before and after treatment, and occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the overall effect of the hydrogen inhalation group (90.00%) was significantly better than that of the conventional group (72.00%), which was statistically significant (P = .022). In terms of specific biomarkers, post-treatment levels of E-cadherin were elevated to 0.84±0.05 ng/mL in the hydrogen group compared to 0.72±0.06 ng/mL in the routine group. SOD and CAT levels rose to 63.21±5.36 U/L and 8.01±0.54 U/mL, respectively, versus 52.31±5.24 U/L and 5.25±0.59 U/mL in the routine group (P < .05 for both). Conversely, the NIHSS scores decreased significantly to 12.19±2.08 in the hydrogen group, compared to 16.92±2.23 in the routine group. Similarly, S100ß, NSE, GFAP, and MDA levels were found to be lower in the hydrogen group (0.41±0.09 µg/L, 8.24±1.64 ng/mL, 0.71±0.23 pg/mL, and 6.05±1.08 mmol/L respectively) than in the routine group (0.66±0.12 µg/L, 10.67±1.83 ng/mL, 0.93±0.29 pg/mL, and 7.21±1.12 mmol/L respectively) with P < .05 for all comparisons. The total incidence of adverse reactions was slightly lower in the hydrogen group (64.00%) compared to the routine group (68.00%), but this difference was not statistically significant (χ2=0.178, P = .673). Conclusion: Hydrogen inhalation therapy significantly enhances nerve function, reduces local oxidative stress levels, and increases E-cadherin levels in patients with brain glioma, suggesting its potential as an adjunct treatment. The findings underscore the therapy's role in enhancing patient recovery and guiding future research and treatment strategies.

[BIOMECHANICAL STUDY ON LOCKED RECONSTRUCTION PLATE FOR INTERNAL FIXATION OF TRANSVERSE AND POSTERIOR WALL ACETABULAR FRACTURE].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the biomechanical stability of locked reconstruction plate for internal fixation of transverse and posterior wall acetabular fracture so as to provide a reliable basis for clinical application. METHODS: The models of transverse and posterior wall acetabular fracture were established in 16 anti-corrosion acetabular specimens from 8 adult cadavers, which were randomly divided into experimental group and control group (n=8). Fracture was fixed with 10-hole posterior column locked reconstruction plate in the experimental group, and with 10-hole posterior column reconstruction plate combined with anterior column lag screw and posterior wall screws in the control group. Biomechanical testing machine was used for loading of 5/6 donor body mass the specimen in a speed of 15 N/s; the loading time was calculated and vertical loading.The longitudinal and quadrilateral body displacements of fracture were recorded to compare the biomechanical stability was performed. RESULTS: The quadrilateral body displacement of the experimental group[(1.99±0.32) mm] was greater than that of the control group[(1.75±0.22) mm], but there was no significant difference (t=-1.735, P=0.105). The longitudinal displacement[(1.56±049) mm] and the displacement of the posterior wall fracture block[(0.86±0.33) mm] in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group[(1.64±0.51) and (1.01±0.35) mm], showing no significant difference between 2 groups (t=0.293, P=0.772; t=1.516, P=0.154). CONCLUSIONS: For transverse and posterior wall acetabular fracture, application of locked reconstruction plate can provide sufficient biomechanical stability, reduce the risk of screw placement to acetabular joints.