Auricular Electroacupuncture Reduced Inflammation-Related Epilepsy Accompanied by Altered TRPA1, pPKCα, pPKCε, and pERk1/2 Signaling Pathways in Kainic Acid-Treated Rats

Background. Inflammation is often considered to play a crucial role in epilepsy by affecting iron status and metabolism. In this study, we investigated the curative effect of auricular acupuncture and somatic acupuncture on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy in rats.Methods. We established an epileptic seizure model in rats by KA (12 mg, ip). The 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at auricular and applied atZusanliandShangjuxu(ST36-ST37) acupoints for 20 min for 3 days/week for 6 weeks beginning on the day following the KA injection.Results. The electrophysiological results indicated that neuron overexcitation occurred in the KA-treated rats. This phenomenon could be reversed among either the auricular EA or ST36-ST37 EA treatment, but not in the sham-control rats. The Western blot results revealed that TRPA1, but not TRPV4, was upregulated by injecting KA and could be attenuated by administering auricular or ST36-ST37 EA, but not in the sham group. In addition, potentiation of TRPA1 was accompanied by increased PKCαand reduced PKCε. Furthermore, pERK1/2, which is indicated in inflammation, was also increased by KA. Furthermore, the aforementioned mechanisms could be reversed by administering auricular EA and could be partially reversed by ST36-ST37 EA.Conclusions. These results indicate a novel mechanism for treating inflammation-associated epilepsy and can be translated into clinical therapy.

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Relationship Between the Pyroptosis Pathway and Epilepsy: A Bioinformatic Analysis

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.782739 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Lu Xia ◽

Lu Liu ◽

Qiang Wang ◽

Jing Ding ◽

Xin Wang

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Kainic Acid ◽

Sham Group ◽

Differentially Expressed Gene ◽

Bioinformatic Analysis ◽

Go Annotation ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Anti Epileptic Drug

PurposeThis study aimed to analyse the correlation between the pyroptosis pathway and epilepsy using bioinformatics analysis technology. We analyzed the expression of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin E (GSDME), the key molecules of pyroptosis, in kainic acid-induced epileptic mice.MethodsWeighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a signed co-expression network from expression data to screen gene sets closely related to epilepsy. The correlation between the module and epilepsy was verified through module conservative analysis, gene ontology (GO) annotation analysis, and correlation analysis with known epilepsy genes. We obtained currently recognized pyroptosis-related molecules through literature review, and correlation analysis was used to evaluate their correlation with epilepsy. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was used to analyse expression changes of pyroptosis-related molecules at the transcriptome level, compared to the sham group. We subsequently established a kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (SE) model in mice and validated the mRNA and protein expression of GSDMD and GSDME, the key molecules of pyroptosis, by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB).ResultsUsing WGCNA, module conservative analysis, and correlation analysis with known epilepsy genes, we screened out a module (a gene set of interest) closely related to epilepsy that was prominently enriched in immune and inflammatory-related biological processes. Correlation analysis results suggest that pyroptosis-related molecules are closely related to this module, but have no obvious correlation with others. DEG analysis of molecules associated with pyroptosis suggests that most of the pyroptosis-related molecules had significantly increased expression after SE, such as IL1b, Casp1, Casp4, Pycard, Gsdmd, Nlrp3, Aim2, Mefv, Tlr2, Tlr3, and Tlr4. qRT-PCR and WB analysis confirmed that the mRNA and protein levels of GSDMD in the mouse hippocampus were significantly upregulated after SE. The mRNA expression of GSDME was not different between the epilepsy group and sham group. However, the WB results showed that the expression of full-length GSDME was decreased and GSDME-N-terminus were significantly increased after SE.ConclusionsOur study highlights that the pyroptosis pathway may be closely related to epilepsy. GSDMD and GSDME, the key executive molecules of pyroptosis, will help to understand the pathogenesis of epilepsy and aid in discovering new targets for anti-epileptic drug treatments.

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Dexmedetomidine Suppressing Apoptosis to Release Rats’ Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Journal of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ◽

10.1166/jbt.2021.2734 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1536-1542

Author(s):

Zhao Hai-Fan ◽

Li Chong ◽

Hu Zhi-Duo ◽

Chen Hong ◽

Jiang Tao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Blot ◽

Liver Tissue ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Sham Group ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Pathological State ◽

Inhibitory Effects ◽

Hepatic Ischemia ◽

Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion

Purpose: Explore the dexmedetomidine’s therapeutic impact on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the related principle. Methods: The work established the rats’ liver I/R model. Liver tissues’ pathological state from each rat was evaluated by HE staining. ELISA was utilized to confirm the activity of MDA and SOD in the liver tissue, AST in the serum, and the ALT’s concentration. The apoptotic state of liver tissue was detected by TUNEL assay. Bcl-2, Caspase-3, HO-1, and BAX’s expressions of each rat’s liver tissue had been confirmed through immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results: Rats’ liver injury from I/R group and DEX+A group was rat’s liver tissue had been confirmed through immunohistochemistry and western blot. severer than that from Sham group in terms of HE staining and ELISA. The injured tissue has been improved by the introduction of Dexmedetomidine. The TUNEL, Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot results indicated that the high apoptotic rate in I/R model was inhibited using Dexmedetomidine. However, the inhibitory effects were reversed by the co-administration of Atipamezole. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine suppressed apoptosis to alleviate rats’ hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injuries.

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Cysticercosis in epileptic patients of Mulungu do Morro Northeastern Brazil

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2000000400004 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 58 (3A) ◽

pp. 621-624 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

IRENIO GOMES ◽

MARIELZA VEIGA ◽

DOLORES CORREA ◽

ANTONIO MEZA-LUCAS ◽

OLGA MATA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Blot ◽

Epileptic Seizure ◽

Arid Region ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Ambulatory Clinic ◽

Capture Elisa ◽

Epileptic Patients ◽

Specific Fraction

With the aim to study the magnitude of infection by the metacestode of Taenia solium in a population of epileptic patients in the arid region of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, we examined 200 consecutive cases who attended an ambulatory clinic in the disctrict of Mulungu do Morro. Sixty-six of the patients had a diagnosis of epilepsy. From them 10 (15.2%) presented antibodies against a specific fraction of antigens in Western blot, and 4 (6.0%) had circulating parasite products, as tested by capture ELISA. Only 1 case was positive for antibodies and antigens. We found that the frequency of seropositivity was related to the time without epileptic seizure. We conclude that cysticercosis is endemic in the region of Mulungu do Morro and that it is related to a benign form of epilepsy.

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The effects of acute responsive high frequency stimulation of the subiculum on the intra‐hippocampal kainic acid seizure model in rats

Brain and Behavior ◽

10.1002/brb3.70 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 532-540 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

L. Huang ◽

G. Luijtelaar

Keyword(s):

Kainic Acid ◽

High Frequency ◽

High Frequency Stimulation ◽

Frequency Stimulation ◽

Seizure Model ◽

Stimulation Of

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Commentary: Kainic acid-induced seizure model

Pathophysiology ◽

10.1016/0928-4680(94)90619-x ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 301

Author(s):

Akitane Mori

Keyword(s):

Kainic Acid ◽

Seizure Model

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Effect of neuronal precursor cells derived from medial ganglionic eminence in an acute epileptic seizure model

Epilepsia ◽

10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02614.x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 51 ◽

pp. 71-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Maria E. Calcagnotto ◽

Lorena P. Ruiz ◽

Miriam M. Blanco ◽

Jair G. Santos-Junior ◽

Maria F. Valente ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epileptic Seizure ◽

Precursor Cells ◽

Medial Ganglionic Eminence ◽

Ganglionic Eminence ◽

Neuronal Precursor ◽

Neuronal Precursor Cells ◽

Seizure Model

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Abstract WP298: Matrix Metalloproteinases Are Involved In The Regulation Of Angiogenesis After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.awp298 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Qi-Ting Liu ◽

Han-Jin Cui ◽

Jie-Kun Luo ◽

Yuan Lin ◽

TAO TANG

Keyword(s):

Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Western Blot ◽

Sham Group ◽

Treated Group ◽

Barrier Dysfunction ◽

Mmp Inhibitor ◽

Neurological Severity Score ◽

Mmp9 Expression ◽

The Times

Background and purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most devastating subtypes of stroke. And our previous work has demonstrated that ICH induces angiogenesis, accompanied by up-regulation of pro-angiogenic factors. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can cause blood-brain barrier dysfunction by degrading the extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) around the vessels after ICH, but opening a way for the prolonging newborn vessels is a key step for their functional structure, therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate whether MMPs are involved in the process of angiogenesis after ICH. Methods: Thirty Kunming mice were randomly divided into sham group, ICH group and doxycycline (DOX)-treated group. And then 5 mice were randomly selected for Western Blot to detect the expression of MMP9, and the other five for the immunohistochemistry to detect vWF. ICH model was induced by injection collagenase type VII into right globus pallidus stereotaxically, and DOX, a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, was injected by intraperitoneally at 7 days after ICH induction. Neurological severity score (NSS), corner turn test and foot-fault test were used to investigate the neurological function. And vWF-positive vessels were counted around the hematoma. Results: At 7 days, there is no difference between the two ICH-induced groups in NSS, corner turn test, foot-fault test; while at 14 days, the NSS in ICH group is significantly lower than that of DOX-treated group ( P <0.05), and the times for right-turn and foot-fault in ICH group are notably fewer than those of DOX-treated group ( P <0.05); At 14d, the number of vWF-postive microvessel in ICH group was significantly larger than that of DOX-treated group ( P <0.01), and Western Blot revealed that DOX decreased MMP9 expression remarkably( P <0.01). Conclusion: Matrix metalloproteinases were involved in the regulation of angiogenesis after ICH.

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Investigation of the Development of Hypersensitivity and Hyperalgesia After Repeated Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rats: An Experimental Study

Aesthetic Surgery Journal ◽

10.1093/asj/sjz113 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (10) ◽

pp. 1139-1145 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bilsev Ince ◽

Mehmet Emin Cem Yıldırım ◽

Ibrahim Kilinc ◽

Pembe Oltulu ◽

Mehmet Dadaci

Keyword(s):

Sham Group ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Growth Hormones ◽

Sham Control ◽

Treatment Development ◽

Sham Treatment ◽

Experimental Animals ◽

Skin Biopsies ◽

Repeated Applications ◽

Von Frey Filaments

AbstractBackgroundHyperalgesia, defined as hypersensitivity to pain, refers to sensitization of nociceptors to normal levels of pain.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether hyperalgesia occurs due to the development of sensitization following repeated applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and to ascertain the mechanism responsible for inducing hyperalgesia.MethodsThis study, performed between 2016 and 2017, involved 32 rats. A 2 cm × 2 cm area was shaved on the back of 10 experimental and 10 sham control animals. In the experimental animals this area was divided into 4 equal squares of 1 cm × 1 cm, and these squares were numbered 1 (no treatment; only the needle was inserted), 2 (0.2 mL, saline), 3 (0.2 mL, nonactivated PRP), and 4 (0.2 mL, activated PRP). The response of the animals to painful stimuli in these areas was investigated with Von Frey filaments, immediately before application and 4 weeks after the last application. Skin biopsies were taken, and growth factors were evaluated pathologically and biochemically.ResultsHyperalgesia developed in all 4 areas of each experimental rat but not in the sham group. However, areas 3 and 4 had smaller Von Frey g values than areas 1 and 2. When growth hormones were assessed histopathologically and biochemically, nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were found to be higher in areas 3 and 4 than in areas 1 and 2 and the sham group.ConclusionsBoth nonactivated and activated PRP resulted in greater hypersensitivity than saline and sham treatment. Development of hyperalgesia may be associated with an increase in NGF as well as increased inflammatory mediators.

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Dexmedetomidine Ameliorate CLP-Induced Rat Intestinal Injury via Inhibition of Inflammation

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2015/918361 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Yanqing Chen ◽

Liyan Miao ◽

Yusheng Yao ◽

Weilan Wu ◽

Xiaodan Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Western Blot ◽

Sham Group ◽

Intestinal Injury ◽

The Other ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Sd Rats ◽

Additional Group ◽

Lactate Levels

The aim was to verify that dexmedetomidine (DEX) can attenuate CLP-induced intestinal injury via inhibition of inflammation. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into Sham group and the other three CLP model groups, in terms of different treatments: placebo, DEX, and yohimbine plus DEX (DEX + YOH) groups. Pathology examination was conducted with HE stain. To identify differences among groups, the levels of DAO, and D-lactate in serum were measured by spectrophotometry, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum and organ were measured by ELISA. The expressions of occludin and TLR4 in tissue were detected by Western blot. The survival rate of an additional group of animals within 7 d was recorded. In DEX group, mortality was lower, histology change was minor, DAO, and D-lactate levels were reduced, and occludin expression was increased; the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TLR4 were also decreased in DEX group. These results indicated that acute intestinal injury induced by CLP was mitigated by DEX treatment. However, these effects of DEX were significantly attenuated by yohimbine in DEX + YOH group. Our study indicated the protective effects of DEX on CLP-induced injury, which may be associated with the inhibition of inflammation via modulating TLR4 pathway and can be blocked by yohimbine.

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