Electroacupuncture of scalp acupoint alleviates cerebral ischemic inflammatory injury by down-regulating RORγt and promoting balance of IL-17A+Th17/FOXP3+Treg in MCAO rats

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of scalp acupoint (Dingnieqian-xiexian, MS6) on expression of retinoid-related orphan receptor γT (ROR γ t), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-10, transfor-ming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17A+ Thelper cells(Th) 17 and forkhead transcription factor P3 (FOXP3)+ regulatory T cells (Treg) differentiation of ischemic cortex in ischemic stroke rats, so as to explore its molecular mechanisms underlying relief of inflammatory injury of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly assigned to sham operation, model, EA, inhibitor, agonist and EA+agonist groups, with 15 rats in each group. The ischemic stroke model was established by occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery according to Longa's methods. For rats of the EA group and EA+agonist group, EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral MS6 for 30 min, once daily for 7 days. Rats of the inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of solution of SR1001 (RORγt inhibitor) (2.5 mg/mL, 10 mg/kg), once daily for 7 days. Rats of the agonist and EA+agonist groups received intraperitoneal injection of solution of SR1078 (RORγt agonist) (5 mg/mL, 5 mg/kg) before EA, once daily for 7 days. Rats of the sham operation and model groups were grabbed and fixed in the same way with the other groups. The Zea-longa's score, modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the neurobehavioral score were assessed before and after the intervention. At the end of experiments, the ischemic cortex tissue was collected. The 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction. The expression of RORγt mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR；the protein expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were detected by Western blot；the immunoactivity of IL-6 and IL-21 were detected by immunohistochemistry；the fluorescence areas of IL-17A+Th17 and FOXP3+Treg cells were measured by immunofluorescence and their ratio was calculated in the tissue of ischemic cortex.

RESULTS

Relevant to the sham operation group, the model group had a significant increase in the Zea-Longa's score, mNSS score, neurobehavioral score, cerebral infarct volume, expression levels of RORγt mRNA and protein, IL-17A protein, IL-6 and IL-21 immunoactivity, IL-17A+Th17 immunofluorescence intensity, and the ratio of IL-17A+Th17/FOXP3+Treg (P<0.01), and an obvious decrease in the expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10 proteins and FOXP3+Treg immunofluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In contrast to the model group, both EA and inhibitor groups had a significant decrease in the Zea-Longa's score, mNSS score, neurobehavioral score, cerebral infarct volume, expression levels of RORγt mRNA and protein, IL-17A protein, IL-6 and IL-21 immunoactivity, IL-17A+Th17 immunofluorescence intensity, and the ratio of IL-17A+Th17/FOXP3+Treg (P<0.01, P<0.05), and a marked increase in the expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10 proteins and FOXP3+Treg immunofluorescence intensity (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the above indicators of the agonist group were all reversed (P<0.01, P<0.05). Comparison between the agonist and EA+agonist groups showed that the Zea-Longa's score, mNSS score, neurobehavioral score, cerebral infarct volume, expression levels of RORγt mRNA and protein, IL-17A protein, IL-6 and IL-21 immunoactivity, IL-17A+Th17 immunofluorescence intensity, and the ratio of IL-17A+Th17/FOXP3+Treg were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-10 proteins and FOXP3+Treg immunofluorescence intensity were obviously higher (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the EA+agonist group than in the agonist group, suggesting that EA intervention can effectively weaken the effects of RORγt agonist.

CONCLUSIONS

EA of scalp acupoint MS6 can effectively improve the neurological function, behavior reaction and reduce cerebral infarct volume in ischemic stroke rats, which may be associated with its functions in down-regulating the expression of RORγt and promoting the balance of IL-17A+Th17/FOXP3+Treg to alleviate inflammatory injury after ischemic stroke.

[Effects of electro-scalp acupuncture on inflammatory response and microglial polarization in the ischemic cortex of rats with ischemic stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of electro-scalp acupuncture （ESA） on the expression of microglial markers CD206 and CD32, as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex of rats with ischemic stroke, and to explore the mechanisms of ESA on alleviating inflammatory damage of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Sixty 7-week-old male SD rats were randomly selected, with 15 rats assigned to a sham surgery group. The remaining rats were treated with suture method to establish rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats with successful model were randomly divided into a model group, a VitD3 group, and an ESA group, with 15 rats in each group. In the ESA group, ESA was performed bilaterally at the "top-temporal anterior oblique line" with disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, and an intensity of 1 mA. Each session lasted for 30 min, once daily, for a total of 7 days. The VitD3 group were treated with intragastric administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-VitD3) solution (3 ng/100 g), once daily for 7 days. The neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores were assessed before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the brain infarct volume was evaluated using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Immunofluorescence double staining was performed to detect the protein expression of CD32 and CD206 in the ischemic cortex. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham surgery group, the model group showed increased neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores (P<0.01), increased brain infarct volume (P<0.01), increased protein expression of CD32, IL-6, and IL-1β in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01), and decreased protein expression of CD206 and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the ESA group and the VitD3 group showed decreased neurological deficit scores and neurobehavioral scores (P<0.01), reduced brain infarct volume (P<0.01), decreased protein expression of CD32, IL-6, and IL-1β in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01), and increased protein expression of CD206 and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01). Compared with the VitD3 group, the ESA group had lower neurological deficit score (P<0.05), larger brain infarct volume (P< 0.05), and lower protein expression of CD32, CD206, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the ischemic cortex (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ESA could improve neurological function in MCAO rats, and its mechanism may be related to promoting microglial M1-to-M2 polarization and alleviating inflammatory damage.

[Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies among inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients, SARS-CoV-2 natural infection cases, and breakthrough cases]

Between August and September, 2021, this study included 605 SARS-CoV-2 natural infection cases and 589 SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases from Nanjing and Yangzhou, as well as 690 inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients from Changzhou, China. In SARS-CoV-2 natural infection cases, the age range was 19-91 years (median age: 66 year), and the medians(Q₁,Q₃) of IgG titers were 0.19 (0.06-1.31), 3.70 (0.76-69.48), 15.31 (2.59-82.16), 4.41 (0.99-31.74), 2.31 (0.75-13.83), 2.28 (0.68-9.94) and 2.80 (1.00-9.53) at one to seven weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. In SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases, the age range was 18-76 years (median age: 45 year), and the medians(Q₁,Q₃)of IgG titers were 1.93 (0.34-26.67), 38.87 (7.90-121.0), 75.09 (11.85-123.70), 21.97 (5.20-95.58), 13.97 (3.47-46.82), 9.56 (2.48-33.38) and 4.38 (1.87-11.00) at one to seven weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. In inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients, the age range was 18-87 years (median age: 47 years), and the medians(Q₁,Q₃)of IgG titers were 16.22 (15.84-33.42), 5.35 (2.96-13.23), 3.30 (2.18-6.18), 3.14 (1.16-5.70), 2.77 (1.50-4.52), 2.72 (1.76-4.36), 2.01 (1.27-3.51) and 1.94 (1.35-3.09) at one to eight months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. The results suggested that IgG antibodies increased gradually within two weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, then declined gradually at three to seven weeks in SARS-CoV-2 natural infection cases. In SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases, IgG antibodies increased rapidly within two weeks, then declined gradually at three to seven weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, IgG antibodies decreased rapidly within three months, then decreased gradually and remained at a low level within three months after immunization.

[Association between metabolic risk factors and the hepatitis B reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers in Jiangsu province: a cohort study]

Objective: To analyze the impact of metabolic risk factors on the epidemiological characteristics of the reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) and provide effective intervention measures to standardize the management of chronic hepatitis B infections. Methods: Based on the chronic hepatitis B infection cohort established in 2010 in Jiangsu province, six follow-up visits from 2012 to 2020 were conducted to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the hepatitis B reactivation of IHC and the impact of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperglycemia. Results: From 2012 to 2020, 2 527 IHC and 17 730 person-years were observed during a median follow-up period of 7.0 person-years. Ninety-eight cases of hepatitis B reactivation, with a cumulative reaction rate, was 3.9%, and the incidence density was 5.53/1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that age and baseline HBV DNA were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Compared with the patients ≥60 years, 40-49 age group (aHR=2.16, 95%CI:1.20-3.90) and 20-29 age group (aHR=5.48, 95%CI:2.07-14.48) were significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Compared with the HBV DNA negative patients at baseline, the risk of hepatitis B reactivation was higher in the group with low HBV DNA level 100-1 999 IU/ml (aHR=1.67, 95%CI:1.11-2.52). Stratification analysis results showed that compared with those without metabolic risk factors, in the ≥50 age group, patients with ≥2 metabolic risk factors showed adjusted HR of 2.73 (95%CI:1.08-6.96). Conclusions: The risk of hepatitis B being reactive is the persistent existence of IHC in communities in Jiangsu province, especially young adults, low-level HBV DNA carriers, and IHC with ≥2 metabolic risk factors. Follow-up for these IHC should be strengthened to reduce the risk of disease progression by antiviral treatment at the right time.

[Epidemiological characteristics of HBeAg reversion in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg seroconversion in Jiangsu province, 2012-2014]

Objective: To understand characteristics and influencing factors of reversion of HBeAg in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion, and provide epidemiological evidence for the regular management of chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among the chronic hepatitis B patients with sero-conversion of HBeAg in Jiangsu province. Association between participants' demographics, ALT, HBV DNA and incidence of HBeAg reversion was analyzed by Cox regression model. HBV DNA changing trend between patients with HBeAg reversion and patients with persistent HBeAg sero-conversion was compared by repeated measure data variance analysis. Results: In 2012, there were 5 068 HBeAg seroconverted chronic hepatitis B patients aged (51.9 ± 12.8) years enrolled. By 2014, HBeAg had reversed in 121 cases with the rate of 1.3/100 person-years. The probability of HBeAg reversion decreased with the age of the patients. By Cox regression analysis, HBV DNA level was an important influencing factor for the progress of HBeAg reversion. The patients with HBV DNA≥200 000 IU/ml had a higher HBeAg reversion rate DNA (3.8/100 person-years) than those with HBV DNA <2 000 IU/ml (1.1 person-years) (HR=3.44, 95% CI: 1.91-6.20, P=0.000). Compared with the persistent HBeAg sero-conversion group, HBV DNA and ALT showed a more dramatic increase in the HBeAg reversion group (P=0.000). Conclusions: There was a certain HBeAg reversion rate in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion. Younger chronic CHB patients with HBeAg sero-conversion and those with higher HBV DNA lever had higher HBeAg reversion rate. Following up and management of chronic CHB patients with HBeAg sero-conversion is important and helpful for the control of hepatitis B.

[A cohort study on the epidemiological characteristics of HBeAg sero-clearance in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients in Jiangsu province from 2012 to 2014]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors related to HBeAg sero-clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients so as to provide evidence for regular management on chronic HBV patients. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among HBeAg positive chronic HBV patients in Jiangsu province. Association between the characteristics and incidence of HBeAg sero-clearance was analyzed by Cox regression method. The changing trend on HBV DNA between patients with HBeAg sero-clearance and those with persistent HBeAg positive status was compared by repeated measure data variance analysis method. Results: In 2012, there were 721 HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients aged (45.2 ± 14.2) years enrolled in this study. By 2014, the follow-up observation period was 1 058 person-years, and 393 cases had lost their HBeAg status, with the rate as 37.2/100 person-years. The HBeAg sero-clearance rate was 32.4/100 person-years in hepatitis B patients who received antiviral treatment. The probability of HBeAg clearance in HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients aged ≥60 year (62.0/100 person-years) was higher than those of aged <20 year (7.0/100 person-years). The rate of HBeAg sero-clearance in HBeAg positive patients with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/ml (75.8/100 person-years) was higher than those whose HBV DNA were ≥200 000 IU/ml (16.1/100 person-years). By Cox regression analysis, the HBV DNA level was an important influencing factor on the progress of HBeAg sero-clearance. Patients with HBV DNA levle as ≥200 000 IU/ml, had a lower HBeAg clearance rate (HR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.13-0.23, P<0.001). Compared to the persistent HBeAg positive group, HBV DNA showed a more dramatic fall in the HBeAg-lost group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of HBeAg sero-clearance among HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients was correlated with age and HBV DNA status of the patients that called for comprehensive management and intervention programs to develop for the HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients with different characteristics.

[Prognosis and related risk factors for 465 subjects infected with hepatitis C virus in Danyang, Jiangsu province]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and viral load of persons infected with HCV and the risk factors for severe outcomes. Methods: Medical testing and questionnaire survey were conducted on 465 cases who were infected with HCV, 20-30 years back. HCV RNA, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin, globulin and bilirubin were tested for these subjects. Factors as demography, tobacco and alcohol consumption, SNP of rs7453920 and rs2856718 on HLA-DQ gene of subjects with HCV RNA, were analyzed by multiple logistic regression method to explore the risk factors for severe outcomes among the patients. Result: Totally, 465 subjects had symptoms as hypodynamic (15.70%, 73/465), digestive system (17.63%, 82/465), and arthrodynia (10.32%, 48/465). HCV RNA was positive in 68.60% (319/465) of the subjects with median viral load as 76.01×10(4) copies/ml (min-max: 592 copies/ml -1.08×10(10) copies/ml). Totally, 11.83% (55/465) of the cases appeared having liver inflammation by routine ultrasound exams. ALT and AST was seen higher than 80 (IU/L) in 12.70% (59/465) and 11.18% (52/465) of the subjects, separately. Factors as being male (OR =2.298, 95%CI: 1.247-4.238), GA genotype compared with AA type in rs2856718 (OR=1.716, 95%CI: 1.070-2.752), alcohol intake ≥7 times per-week (OR=2.966, 95% CI: 0.979-8.988) etc., were independently related to HCV RNA sustained positivity. Factors as: being male (OR=1.694, 95%CI: 0.975-2.942), in 50-59 years age group (OR=2.414, 95%CI: 1.156-5.042), having other liver diseases (OR=2.592, 95% CI: 1.105-6.079) and carrying positive HCV RNA (OR=3.479, 95% CI: 1.648-7.343) etc. were independent risk factors for abnormal liver function. Conclusion: High rates of carrying sustained positive HCV RNA and abnormal liver function appeared in subjects who got the HCV infection 20-30 years ago. Factors as being male, in old age, being frequent alcohol taker, GA genotype in rs2856718 and with other liver diseases etc. were related to higher risk for developing severe outcomes.

Marbling effects on quality characteristics of pork loin chops: consumer purchase intent, visual and sensory characteristics

These studies evaluated whether consumers detect differences among pork loin chops with low (1.05% fat), medium (2.33%) and high (3.46%) amounts of marbling when visually evaluated, when prepared under controlled conditions, and when prepared at home. Highly marbled chops appeared lighter colored, less lean, had less acceptable appearance, and were less likely to be purchased than leaner chops; they were juicier, more tender, oily and flavorful than leaner chops. These results indicate a disparity between purchase intent based on visual evaluation, and quality attributes of the cooked product. When evaluated at home, consumers rated the chops they chose (40% low, 40% medium marbled) as more tender, juicy and flavorful than chops they evaluated "blind" on-site suggesting that additional factors have a significant impact on stated purchase intent.

A model study on mode of bonding of cisplatin with DNA

The interaction of cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] with nucleosides, as constituents of DNA, was studied by spectrophotometric, 13C NMR and CNDO/2 methods. The apparent stability constants of the complexes formed and the initial rate of formation were determined. The sites of binding of nucleoside (or nucleotide) with Cisplatin were ascertained and the electronic structure of the model coordination compounds of Cisplatin and guanine was calculated by MO approach. On the basis of the obtained results, the mechanism of the antitumour action of Cisplatin was discussed, and a new possible mode of bonding of Cisplatin with DNA was proposed.