Intervention of NF-Κb Signaling Pathway and Preventing Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction as Well as Neuronal Apoptosis

Background: The Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) model was constructed by resection of the left hepatic lobe in aged mice to determine the behavioral effects of the POCD model in aged mice and the relationship between NF-κB and POCD in apoptosis and autophagy. Provide a theoretical basis for POCD prevention and treatment. Methods: This study was carried out in Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Zhejiang, China, from Jun 2019 to Dec 2020. The POCD model was constructed after resection of the left extrahepatic lobe in aged mice and randomly divided into 6 groups: sham operation group, operation group (normal saline control group, solvent group, YC-1 group, PDTC group and 3-MA group). Related indicators of behavioral changes, neuronal inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and autophagy were examined. Results: The escape latency of the aged mice in the surgical group was significantly prolonged at three time points compared with the control group, and the number of insertions decreased significantly. Microglia are activated and the inflammatory response is increased, whereas PDTC has an inhibitory effect. It was demonstrated that apoptosis and necrosis of neurons can be induced by the NF-κb pathway, and autophagy can be promoted, whereas autophagy occurs before apoptosis. Conclusion: Activation of NF-κb pathway in neurons after POCD causes neuronal apoptosis and autophagy, and cognitive impairment occurs. PDTC, a NF-κb pathway inhibitor, can effectively reduce neuronal apoptosis induced by secondary brain injury after POCD. Necrosis, to protect the brain tissue.

Effects of unilateral/bilateral amputation of the ischiocavernosus muscle in male rats on erectile function and conception

Background The ischiocavernosus muscle (ICM) encompasses a pair of short pinnate muscles attached to the pelvic ring. The ICM begins at the ischial tuberosity and ends at the crus of the penis while covering the surface of the crus. According to the traditional view, the contraction of the ICM plays an auxiliary role in penile erection. However, we have previously shown that the ICM plays an important role in penile erection through an indirect method of diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by ICM injury by observing the infertility of paired female rats. Since intracavernosal pressure (ICP) is the current gold standard for diagnosing ED, this study aimed to amputate unilaterally/bilaterally the ICM to establish an ED model by detecting the ICP, recording the infertility of matching female rats, and comparing the two methods. Results Forty sexually mature adult male rats were selected and randomly divided into the following groups: the control group (n = 10), sham operation group (n = 10), unilateral ischiocavernosus muscle (Uni-ICM) amputation group (n = 10), and bilateral ischiocavernosus muscle (Bi-ICM) amputation group (n = 10). Eighty female reproductive rats were randomly assigned to the above groups at a ratio of 2:1. We evaluated the time to conception for the paired female rats and the effects of unilateral/bilateral severing of the ICM on erectile function. The results showed that the baseline and maximum intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in the control group, sham operation group, Uni-ICM amputation group, and Bi-ICM amputation group were 17.44±2.50 mmHg and 93.51±10.78 mmHg, 17.81±2.81 mmHg and 95.07±10.40 mmHg, 16.73±2.11 mmHg and 83.49±12.38 mmHg, and 14.78±2.78 mmHg and 33.57±6.72 mmHg, respectively, immediately postsurgery. The max ICP in the Bi-ICM amputation group was lower than that in the remaining three groups (all P<0.05). The pregnancy rates were 100, 100, 90, and 0% in the control group, sham operation group, Uni-ICM amputation group, and the Bi-ICM amputation group, respectively. The pregnancy rate in the Bi-ICM amputation group was significantly lower than that in the remaining groups (all P<0.05). The time to conception was approximately 7–10 days later in the Uni-ICM amputation group than in the control and sham groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions Male rats undergoing Bi-ICM amputation may develop permanent ED, which affects their fertility. In contrast, rats undergoing Uni-ICM amputation may experience transient ED.

A long-term survival rat model of spinal cord ischemia injury: Thoracic aortic occlusion combined with aortic bypass circulation

Objective This study aims to investigate the methods for rat spinal cord ischemia injury models with a high long-term survival rate. Methods The rats were divided into three groups: the treatment group, the control group, and the sham operation group. The treatment group had a blocked thoracic aorta (landing zone 3 by Ishimaru – T11) + aortic bypass circulation for 20 min. In the control group, the thoracic aorta at the landing zone 3 was blocked for 20 min. In the sham operation group, only thoracotomy without thoracic aortic occlusion was performed. The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of the thoracic aorta and caudal artery before and after thoracic aortic occlusion was monitored intraoperatively. Spinal cord function was monitored by a transcranial motor evoked potential (Tc-MEP) during the operation. Spinal cord function was evaluated by the BBB scale (Basso, Beattie, & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale) scores at multiple postoperative time points. The spinal cord sections of the rats were observed for 7 days after surgery, and the survival curves were analyzed for 28 days after surgery. Results After aortic occlusion, the MABP of thoracic aorta decreased to 6% of that before occlusion, and the MABP of caudal artery decreased to 63% of that before occlusion in the treatment group. In the control group, the MABP of both thoracic aorta and caudal artery decreased to 19% of that before occlusion. The Tc-MEP waveform of the treatment group disappeared after 6 min, and that of the control group disappeared after 8 min until the end of surgery. There was no change in the Tc-MEP waveform in the sham operation group. The BBB score of the treatment group decreased more obviously than the control group, and there was a significant difference. There was no decrease in the sham group. Spinal cord sections showed a large number of degeneration and necrosis of neurons, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and proliferation of surrounding glial cells in the treatment group. In the control group, multiple neurons were necrotic. The histology of the sham operation group was normal. The 28-day survival rate of the treatment group was 73.3%, which was higher than the control group (40.0%), and there was a significant difference ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Thoracic aortic occlusion combined with aortic bypass is an effective modeling method for rats with accurate modeling effects and high long-term survival rates.

Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Neurological Function, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 and Nogo-A Expression in Stroke Rats

To investigate BMSCs’ effect on neurological function, TGF-β1 and Nogo-A expression in stroke rats. Rats were assigned into sham operation group, ischemia group (MACO rat model) and BMSCs group (BMSCs transplantation) followed by analysis of neurological function, brain pathological changes, cerebral infarction volume, TGF-β1 and Nogo-A level by Western blot. Compared with sham operation group, the score of rats was significantly elevated in ischemic group and decreased in BMSCs group (P <0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, ischemic group showed significantly increased cerebral infarction area (P <0.05) and BMSCs group had a significant decreased water level and brain infarct volume (P < 0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, ischemic group had more edema in the nerve cells with serious vacuole, uneven cytoplasm staining and reduced number of neurons, which were all significantly improved in BMSCs group. Compared to sham group, ischemic group showed significantly reduced TGF-β1 and increased Nogo-A level (P <0.05), which were all reversed in BMSCs group (P <0.05). BMSCs transplantation can significantly improve the nerve function of stroke rats, promote TGF-β1 secretion and inhibit Nogo-A expression.

Resveratrol on the Inflammatory Environment of Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells

Our study assesses the mechanism of Sirt-1 signaling pathway and inflammation changes after spinal cord injury (SCI). SD rats were assigned into Sham group and SCI group. The Sham group only received bites off the corresponding vertebral lamina without the blow operation. The Western Blot method was used to detect Sirt-1 level, ELISA analyzed IL-1β and IL-6 level in the spinal cord tissues along with measuring Sirt-1 and TNF-α level by immunofluorescence staining. Sirt-1 changed with the time after SCI and was significantly higher than sham operation group at 1 day after injury, reaching the highest level at 3 days followed by a decrease. IL-1β and IL-6 after SCI was significantly higher than sham operation group at 1 day after injury. Immunofluorescence double staining showed that Sirt-1 and TNF-α expression in spinal cord tissue after injury were upregulated. The expression of Sirt-1 changed with time after SCI, and was consistent with the trend of changes in inflammatory factors. In conclusion, Sirt-1 is related to the changes of inflammatory factors after SCI, indicating that Sirt-1 may be involved in inflammation after SCI.

Effect of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Osteogenesis/Adipogenesis via β-Catenin/The Transcription Factor T Cell Factor 1 (TCF1)/Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2)

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have self-renewal potential. Sirt1 regulates cell differentiation and apoptosis. However, Sirt1’s effect on BMSCs osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation has not been fully elucidated. SD rats were randomly divided into Osteoporosis (OP) group and sham operation group. OP rat BMSCs were isolated and assigned into control group, NC group and Sirt1 siRNA group followed by analysis of Sirt1 level by Real-time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, expression of OC, OPN and FABP4 level by real time PCR, and β-Catenin/TCF1/Runx2 protein expression by Western blot. In OP group, Sirt1 expression was significantly increased and BMSCs proliferation was decreased along with reduced OC and OPN mRNA expression, increased FABP4 expression and reduced β-Catenin/TCF1/Runx2 expression compared with sham operation group (P < 0.05). In Sirt1 siRNA group, Sirt1 expression was significantly reduced, BMSCs proliferation was increased, OC and OPN mRNA expression was increased, FABP4 expression was decreased, and β-Catenin/TCF1/Runx2 expression was increased compared to OP group (P < 0.05). Sirt1 is increased in osteoporosis. Down-regulating Sirt1 in osteoporotic BMSCs can regulate β-Catenin/TCF1/Runx2 signaling and promote BMSCs osteogenic differentiation and inhibit adipogenic differentiation.

Yiqi Dingxuan Yin improves cerebral ischaemic injury in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting angiogenesis

Background Clinically, Yiqi Dingxuan Yin promotes nerve function recovery and improves nerve function defect symptoms; however, the underlying molecular pathways remain unknown. In this study, we established a rat model of cerebral ischaemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The effects of Yiqi Dingxuan Yin on the neurological function and local neuron morphology were compared with those of butylphthalide, which is used to treat ischemic stroke, and the possible mechanisms of action were explored. Methods Of 97 healthy adult male Sprague‒Dawley rats, 20 were randomly assigned to the sham operation group. The remaining rats underwent MCAO. Model generation was successful in 60 rats, which were randomly divided into a model group, butylphthalide group, and Yiqi Dingxuan Yin group (n = 20/group) administered distilled water, butylphthalide capsule, and Yiqi Dingxuan Yin, respectively. Zea-Longa scores were used to assess the neurological function of the rats at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of brain sections was used to observe morphological changes in the rat hippocampus. Apoptosis of nerve cells was detected using TUNEL staining. The expression levels of erythropoietin/erythropoietin receptor (EPO/EPOR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B (BDNF/TrkB) protein in the ischaemic brain tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry. Results The apoptosis rate, and EPO/EPOR, VEGF, and BDNF/TrkB expression levels were higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). Among MCAO groups, the nerve function deficit score and cell apoptosis rate were lower (P < 0.05), whereas the EPO/EPOR, VEGF, and BDNF/TrkB protein expression levels were higher (P < 0.05) in both the butylphthalide and Yiqi Dingxuan Yin groups than in the model group. Conclusions Yiqi Dingxuan Yin can improve the neural function and morphology of neurons after cerebral ischaemia injury in rats, with a more significant effect at 14 days. This may be related to the upregulation of EPO/EPOR, VEGF, and BDNF/TrkB protein expression, which may promote angiogenesis to improve cerebral blood flow and oxygen supply, thereby protecting the form and function of neurons and promoting the restoration of impaired neural function.

Expression of Slit and Robo During Remodeling of Corticospinal Tract in Cervical Spinal Cord in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats

Background: Slits and Robos were associated with the generation of axons of corticospinal tract during the corticospinal tract (CST) remodeling after the cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). However, little is known about the mechanism of CST remodeling. In this study, we detected the expression of Slits and Robos in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats to investigate the roles of Slits and Robos in the CIS. Methods: MCAO model was established using modified Zea Longa method. Beam walking test (BWT) was conducted to evaluate the motor function. The images of the track of cortical spinal cord beam on day 7, 14 and 21 were observed by anterograde CST tracing. Biopinylated dextan amine (BDA) was used to mark CST anterogradely. Expression of GAP-43 mRNA and GAP-43 protein in cervical spinal cord was detected by Real-Time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The expression of Slit1, Slit2 and Robo1 in cervical spinal cord was detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results: The scores in the model group were significantly reduced compared to sham-operation group on day 7 (P<0.001), 14 (P<0.001) and 21 (P<0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in the score on day 7, 14 and 21 of the sham-operation groups (P>0.05). In contrast, significant increase was noticed in the scores in model group, presenting a time-dependent manner. More CST staining fibers could be observed at the degenerative side in the model group compared with that of the sham-operation group on day 21. GAP-43 mRNA expression in the model group showed significant increase compared to that of sham-operation group on day 14 (P=0.015) and 21 days (P=0.002). The expression of GAP-43 protein in model group showed significant increase compared to that of sham-operation group on day 14 (P=0.022) and day 21 (P=0.008), respectively. The expression of Slit1 and Slit2 showed increase on day 14 and day 21, while the expression of Robo1 showed significant decrease in MCAO rats.Conclusion: Up-regulation of Slit1 and Slit2 and the downregulation of Robo1 may be related to the axons of CST midline crossing in spinal cord of MCAO rat during the spontaneous recovery of impaired motor function.

Research on Action of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSC) Modified by Toll-Like Receptor for Myocardial Function of Rats with Myocardial Infarction (MI)

MI could affect myocardial function seriously. The action and mechanism of BSMC modified by the transplantation of Toll-like receptor on myocardial function of rats with MI was studied. The sixty SD rats were divided into sham-operation group and model group randomly. The isolated and cultivated BMSC was divided into three groups such as group with added by TLR4 agonist, group with added by TLR-4 antagonist as TAK-242, group with only BMSC. The model of rats with MT was established in model group. BMSC in different group was transplanted into rats respectively. The cardiac function of rats in sham-operation group and model group was observed. The distribution condition of surface molecule in BMSC was detected by FCM. There was expression CD44 (+), CD54 (+), CD90 (+), no expression CD34 (−) from results. It could indicated that BMSCs with high purity was cultivated successfully. The high MT expression was affected by TLR-4 generally which could also illustrate the degree of deformation and necrosis of cardiac muscle cell, could be enhanced in established rat model because of negative regulatory action. The zone of MI in rats could be amplified by TLR-4. The cytobiological function of BMSC could be adjusted by TLR-4 through the transplantation of TLR-4 after there was MI in rats. The cytobiological function of BMSC could be adjusted by TLR-4 through modification of the transplantation of TLT-4 in rats after there was MI in rats. The BMSCs modified by high TLR-4 expression had negative regulatory action on the treatment on MI.

Investigation of heart rate variability of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting using the statistical signal characterization method

BACKGROUND: Autonomic function can be estimated non-invasively using heart rate variability (HRV). HRV of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is investigated in time-domain and frequency-domain before and after CABG to study the effect of operation on the status of patients. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of CABG surgery on patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) before operation, and to monitor the status of patients on day 6 and day 30 after the CABG operation. METHODS: The statistical signal characterization (SSC) technique is used in this work in order to derive different morphology-based parameters to indirectly describe time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters in 24 patients undergoing CABG operation, before the operation (Group 1: G1), 6 days after operation (Group 2: G2) and 30 days after operation (Group 3: G3). The data is obtained from the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman. RESULTS: The SSC parameters Mean(mt) and Mean(dt) are reduced in all 24 patients and in 23 out of 24 patients in G2 compared to G1 (6-days after operation compared with before operation), respectively. Comparing G3 to G1 the reduction in Mean(mt) and Mean(dt) is noted in 18 of the 24 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The parameters Mean(mt) and Mean(dt) are successful parameters to follow the HRV for patients undergoing CABG surgery. A relation between those SSC parameters and the HRV time-domain and frequency-domain parameters is investigated in this paper to understand the physiological behavior of the patients.