The effect and mechanism of patchouli alcohol on cognitive dysfunction in AD mice induced by Aß1-42 oligomers through AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progressively impairs long-term and working memory. The function and mechanism of PA(Patchouli alcohol) in improving AD in the external treatment of encephalopathy remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of PA on AD using an Aß1-42 induced AD mouse model with LPS(Lipopolysaccharide) stimulation of BV2 microglial cells. Additionally, we aimed to explore the potential mechanism of PA in enhancing autophagy and reducing neuroinflammation through the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)/mTOR (Mammaliam target of rapamycin) signaling pathway. The Morris water maze was used to assess cognitive function, and cortical and hippocampal tissues were collected for further analysis of the corresponding signaling pathways and inflammatory changes through biological experiments. Our research findings demonstrate that PA has a significant positive impact on cognitive and memory impairments in mice that have been induced with Aß1-42-induced AD. Additionally, PA was also found to revert the activation of microglia induced by LPS. These effects may be attributed to the reduction of neuroinflammation and enhancement of the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway. Therefore, PA may serve as an effective therapeutic option to prevent or delay the progression of AD-associated memory dysfunction.

The relationship between irregular menstrual cycle and bone stress injuries in female athletes

Background andobjectives: Emerging evidence suggests that irregular menstrual cycles may be linked to an increased prevalence of bone stress injuries among female athletes, but the relationship in this specific population requires further exploration. This study aims to investigate the correlation between irregular menstrual cycles and bone stress injuries in female athletes, distinguishing between those with and without such injuries. Non-pregnant female athletes aged 20 years and older were included in this analysis. Information on menstrual cycle regularity and bone stress injuries was collected through detailed health questionnaires. Additionally, dietary habits, specifically dietary fiber intake—which has been associated with general health outcomes—were assessed using two 24-hour recalls from the NHANES database. Demographic and health characteristics between athletes with regular and irregular menstrual cycles were compared using SPSS software. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the impact of menstrual irregularities on the incidence of bone stress injuries. Results indicated that female athletes with irregular menstrual cycles exhibited a higher incidence of bone stress injuries compared to their counterparts with regular cycles. The study highlights the need for targeted health strategies to address menstrual irregularities in female athletes to reduce the risk of bone stress injuries and promote overall bone health. (AU)

Sarsasapogenin blocks ox-LDL-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through suppressing STIM1 expression.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a pathological vascular disorder responsible for the majority of cardiovascular deaths. Sarsasapogenin (Sar) is a natural steroidal compound which has been extensively applied to multiple human diseases due to its pharmacological properties. In the present paper, the impacts of Sar on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its possible action mechanism were investigated. Methods: Firstly, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) estimated the viability of VSMCs following treatment with ascending doses of Sar. Then, VSMCs were treated by ox-LDL to stimulate an in vitro cell model of AS. CCK-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assays were used to assess cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were applied to measure the migratory and invasive capacities, respectively. The expression of proliferation-, metastasis-, and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)/Orai signaling-associated proteins was measured by western blot. Results: The experimental data illuminated that Sar treatment noticeably protected against ox-LDL-elicited VSMCs proliferation, migration, and invasion. Besides, Sar lowered the elevated STIM1 and Orai expression in ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. Further, STIM1 elevation partially abrogated the impacts of Sar on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of VSMCs challenged with ox-LDL. Conclusions: In conclusion, Sar might reduce STIM1 expression to impede the aggressive phenotypes of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs.